Vv august 2013 web by Cowichan Valley Voice

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August 2013 ISSUE 57 COWICHAN VALLEY I FOOD I ARTS I EVENTS I HEALTH I COMMUNITY 1

August EVENTS Send next month’s events by August 12th to events@cowichanvalley.com BEST OF THE COWICHAN VALLEY ART SHOW Traveling juried show of selected works from the Cowichan Valley Fine Art Show 2013. PORTALS, the CVAC Centre for Arts, Culture and Heritage Runs to AUG 14 CHEMAINUS THEATRE FESTIVAL PRESENTS SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN . Come enjoy the timeless classic Singin’ in the Rain, one of Hollywood’s best known and most acclaimed movie musicals. Call the Box Office for tickets and schedule 250-246-9820 9737 Chemainus Rd. until August 25

HAWAIIAN NIGHT, ArtBeat Downtown Chemainus, 5-9pm Tropical Vibe with Keoki and the Ukuladies. Come with your lei, grass skirt, Hawaiian shirt or ukulele and enjoy the music! 250-246-2437

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LADYSMITH DAYS Ladysmith and Transfer Beach -Don’t miss this great celebration with parade starting at 10:15am Saturday along 1st Avenue. Then head to the beach for games, food, face painting, bouncy castles and a giant slide for the kids (and MORE!), plus live entertainment all day and a fireworks finale Sunday night!

MUSIC IN THE VINEYARD Wayne Kozak Trio 1pm- 4pm Amuse in the Vineyard 2915 Cameron Taggart Rd, 250-743-3667

MUNSCH TO SAY KIDZPLAYS AT CHEMAINUS THEATRE FESTIVAL The whole family will love the wacky and wonderful collection of tales from Canada’s great children’s author at Munsch to Say. Stories will include Andrew’s Loose Tooth, We Share Everything and Aaron’s Hair. For tickets and schedule 250-246-9820

MINDFULNESS IN THE LAVENDER: MEDITATION EVENINGS AT DAMALI LABYRINTH August 4, 11, 18, 25 Different meditation facilitator each week, labyrinth, materials, lavender treats. Bring comfy shoes, jacket and chair in a bag. Toonie domations to CV Hospice. www.damali.ca

ABSTRACT PAINTINGS BY TAMMIE HUNTER AND SCULPTURE BY GUS GALBRAITH Imagine That! 251 Craig St. Duncan runs till August 30

SUNDAY PIZZA NIGHTS AT MERRIDALE The Sugar Beetles bring their eclectic rock, folk and country sounds; Every Sunday evening Delicious Brick oven pizza, award-winning ciders and live music. 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, 250-743-4293

INTERMEDIATE MIXED GROUP RIDE WITH CYCLE THERAPY Meet at Cycle Therapy 295 Trunk Road, 5:15pm This will be a more aggressive ride than the Monday night rides, with difficulty and duration set by the participants. 250-5970097

BIONDO JUNIOR GRASS COURT CHAMPIONSHIP South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club, 2290 Cowichan Bay Rd. Aug. 1-5. Open to kids and teens. Players must be members of Tennis BC or another province of Canada Tennis Association. 250-746-7282

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SUNFEST COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL Cowichan Exhibition Grounds Duncan’s legendary family friendly weekend of live country music and good times featuring Alan Jackson. On site camping available; shuttles offered from Duncan and Chemainus areas. 250-710-5868 18TH ANNUAL ISLAND STAR PARTY Bright Angel Park, off Koksilah Road... Get far out with speakers, telescopes, activities and tours of the universe! 250-743-6633

33RD ANNUAL COWICHAN BAY REGATTA Sailing races, huge bbq and beach party Registration and Info 250-656-8843 KIDS DAY AT BC FOREST DISCOVERY CENTRE 10am-4:30pm Special Kids rates Train rides, music, games, crafts and face painting 250-715-1113 2892 Drinkwater Rd Duncan BAMBERTON TOURS: THE GOOD OLD DAZE 11am-5pm Step back to the 1900’s in one of BC’s most important industrial sites. Free guided bus and museum tours, documentary and movie screening. 250-743-9196 1451 Trowse Rd. Mill Bay Duncan-Cowichan Summer Festival presents YOGA IN THE PARK Charles Hoey Park 10:30am - 11:30am Bring your yoga mat and join in the sun salutations. STORYTIME AT THE KIN PARK URBAN FARM 10-11am Meet at Kinsmen Park on Alderlea St, Duncan FREE

FIRST NATIONS CULTURAL AND ARTISAN MARKET Waterwheel Park, Chemainus, 2-6pm Aboriginal cultural event featuring carvings, drums, beadwork, prints and more. Enjoy traditional foods with a modern twist and entertainment! All are welcome.

8&22

GALA WORKOUT AND WINE AT ENRICO VINEYARD AND WINERY Aug. 8- Restorative Yoga, Aug. 22- Belly Dance. Classes $12. 3280 Telegraph Road, Cobble Hill, 250 733-2356 gala.time4me@gmail.com

ARTBEAT CHEMAINUS PRESENTS KIDS NIGHT! Downtown Chemainus, 5-9pm Giant bubbles, hopscotch and fun with clay! Bring teddy and join Busker Bear in the secret garden. Oh! Ogopgo! will keep kids of all ages entertained.

YOUBOU REGATTA Parade at Youbou Hall 10am, Events until 7pm Swimming events, canoe races and family fun 250-749-6742

MOVIES IN THE PARK Crofton Old School Museum Park by Ferry Terminal, 9pm Aug. 10- Yogi Bear, Aug. 24- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Family friendly movies under the stars! Bring a blanket and some popcorn! COWICHAN VALLEY KIDNEY WALK Cowichan Valley Sportsplex, 10am Be a hero! Save lives! Register! The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC Branch is holding its annual Kidney Walk to raise funds and awareness of organ donation. Join in, sponsor a walker, volunteer and/or register to be an organ donor.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK Amphitheatre at Transfer Beach Park, 6pm Live music series Sunday evenings featuring: Aug. 11- Pablo Diemecke (4 Piece String Quartet), Aug. 18Blue Grass Fever (Bluegrass), Aug. 25- Cliff Marcil (Oldies but Goodies) SETS IN THE WEST AT MERRIDALE Upbeat Celtic sounds 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, 250-743-4293 BLUES TUESDAY A great night of live blues with various performers Duncan Garage Showroom 8-11pm 250-748-7246

6&13

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

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

ARTBEAT CHEMAINUS PRESENTS OLD TIME CHEMAINUS COSTUME PARTY Downtown Chemainus, 5-9pm Visit the tickle trunk and get gussied up for a great night of old time costumes and performances by soulful folk singer Chris Ronald and country/ folk singer JoHannah Knight.

RCMP MUSCIAL RIDE Avalon Equestrian Centre. Gates open at 2pm, Preshow 4pm, Ride Performances at 5pm. Seating is festival style, bring a lawnchair or blanket. Advance tickets available at Cowichan Ticket Centre 250-748-7529 TOUCH SOLO PAINTINGS SHOW BY BETH PARTRIDGE PORTALS, the CVAC Centre for Arts, Culture and Heritage 2687 James Street Duncan www.bethpartridge.com KHOWUTZEN WARMLAND INTERTRIBAL POW WOW 5574 River Road Aboriginal cultural event with drumming, vendors, traditional dancing and more. All are welcome.250-748-3157

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14TH ANNUAL SPECIAL WOODSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL Providence Farm, 11am-6pm, Entry by Donation. What the Special Olympics are for athletics, Special Woodstock is for music and the arts. This music festival is comprised of professional musicians supporting non-professional musicians with developmental disabilities on one stage for an Island community family audience. Donations gratefully accepted. 250-732-2942

MARIA MANNA CONCERT - A FUNDRAISER FOR JENEECE PLACE 1-4pm An afternoon of live jazz, delectable cuisine and great wine, all set amongst the back drop of Unsworth Vineyards. Guest will also be treated to canapés and bubbly as well as an auction of local wines. All proceeds to benefit Jeneece place in Victoria. Tickets $75 2915 Cameron Taggart Rd, 250-743-3667 JILLI MARTINI BAND AT MERRIDALE 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, 250-743-4293 CIRCUS EXTRAVAGANZA FAMILY CAMP O.U.R. Ecovillage, Shawnigan Lake Acro Yoga, juggling, dance, hoops and circus arts for kids age 4-12. Family camping available. 250-743-3067

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ARTBEAT CHEMAINUS PRESENTS LUMINAIRE WORKSHOP Downtown Chemainus, 5-9pm Create your own luminaire at this demonstrative workshop to use at the Luminaire parade on the 30th. Live jazz music provided by Douglas Rollo and Sacha Petulli.

104th COBBLE HILL FAIR What’s The Buzz? Cobble Hill Village. Pancake breakfast 7am Fair 8am-5pm

CROFTON ART GROUP SHOW AND SALE 10am-4pm Amazing, unique and diverse art show running until September 14. Watercolours, acrylics and oils; hand painted greeting cards and lovely designed jewellery. Special reception with refreshments Aug. 31, 1-4pm. 1761 Cowichan Bay Rd (beside Rock Cod Cafe),

Weekly Public Events Tuesdays

LADYSMITH FARMERS MARKET Charming local market on 1st Avenue, 3-7pm

Wednesdays

CHEMAINUS WEDNESDAY MARKET Waterwheel Park in Chemainus, Every Wednesday ‘til the end of September, 10am4pm With the continued theme of “Make It, Bake It, Grow It”, this market guarantees some fresh, local finds.

Thursdays

MILL BAY FARMERS MARKET Mill Bay Shopping Centre, Every Thursday 2-7pm Local artisans, farmers and entertainers, delicious food and unique creations 250-743-5683rchill / Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra

Annie Handley AT MERRIDALE Singer/ Songwriter shares her stirring lyrics and mesmerizing voice wielding a rock edge. 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, 250-743-4293 LADYSMITH CAMERA CLUB PRESENTS “HOW TO PRINT LIKE A PRO” Join Saltair-based artist Brad Grigor and learn easy to use tips to create outstanding prints. All welcome. Non-members $5 admission. 7pm, Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Avenue, Ladysmith

Fridays

ARTBEAT CHEMAINUS Downtown Chemainus Fridays throughout August, 5-9pm Doll making, origami, beaded jewellery, mixed media and more. St. Joseph’s School also has art displays and activities.

ARTBEAT CHEMAINUS PRESENTS THE LUMINAIRE PARADE Bring your own luminaire and celebrate summer with this one of a kind parade. Begins at dusk, downtown Chemainus. www.cwbs.classicboats.org for more information. TRAVELING STUDIO ART QUILT ASSOCIATES TEXTILE ART EXHIBIT opens Featuring VI artists Paulette Cornish, Gloria S. Daly, Daphne Greig. Barbara McCaffrey, Pippa Moore, Susan Purney Mark, Carol Seeley Coreen Zerr PORTALS, the CVAC Centre for Arts, Culture and Heritage 2687 James Street Duncan Runs till Sept 17.

Saturdays

DUNCAN FARMERS MARKET City Square Every Saturday 9am-2pm Our huge local market with abundant produce, baking, crafts, jewellry, and more! Fun for the whole family with live music, food vendors and dancing in the square. 250-732-1732 HONEYMOON BAY OUTDOOR MARKET Coffee Mill, Honeymoon Bay, Every Saturday 10am-2pm until Thanksgiving Visit this Frontier-town themed market with lots of character and a wide variety of handcrafted, local and unique offerings 250-749-7772

58TH ANNUAL MAPLE BAY YACHT CLUB REGATTA Observers can watch over 100 boats from Maple Bay beach. To Sept 1st.

Saturdays & Sundays

LADYSMITH HARBOUR TOURS Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina off Transfer Beach Blvd. By donation. 250-924-2245

Sundays

SOUTH COWICHAN FARMERS MARKET local farmers, producers, crafters and artisans Crossroads Cenre, TCH and Koksilah Road 10am-3pm

www.spicecafeduncan.com

161 Station St. Duncan Look at all the things to do in your community!

Issue 57 AUGUST 2013

Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Editors Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 - 936 Arbutus Avenue, Duncan V9L 5X4 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Copy Editor Maeve Maguire

Calendar Proofreader Distribution Diana Pink Linda Dirksengale Cindy Jolin

Advertising Enquiries Please Call Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 Next Ad Deadline August 12 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire. COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Please upload your information through our website Please include: Date & Event Title IN SUBJECT Be advised that space is limited to up to 2 spots per business, space dependant and is prioritized by 1st sent, 1st printed. EVENTS DEADLINE August 15 for SEPTEMBER 2013 Issue E-mail Date,Time, Location, Event Title and Cost to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Please list event title in subject with the word “EVENT” Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations VALLEY VOICES IN THIS ISSUE Tim Mock, Mark Holford, Silvana Rivadiniera, Faizal Charaina, Mary Ann Watson, Robin Round, Heather Stannard, Delilah Whitling, Alyssa Loucks, David Coulson, Dani Tate-Stratton, Julia Henderson, Robin Millan, Linda Dirksengale, Natalie Wagar, Gloria Collins,Teresa Moore, Brad Grigor, Sherry and Lulu, Kate Rossetto, James Tousignant, Colin Bartlett, Karin Legger, Pat Amos, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store, Rick Dennis, Sue McKitrick & The Lovely Georgia Nicols. We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available. Editorial deadline for September Issue, August 12. Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith,Victoria, Tofino and from the Victoria International Airport Arrivals Hall.

Our Community August Community Calendar 4-5 DBIA Passport To Dining 13 Cobble Hill Fair 17 Charitable Bequests 21 The Power of Money 29 Smart Seniors 31 Community Farm Store Pages 38-40 Websites, Faxes and Verbal Lint by Rick Dennis 44 The Value of Time 45 Cowichan Valley Feature Listings 45 Cowichan Valley Directory 46-47 Local Food and Drink Windhorse Farm Filmed For TV 7 Island Farmhouse Poultry Grilled Chicken with Blackberry 8 Musings From The Vineyard 10 Cowichan Bay Seafood Peruvian Ceviche 12 Alderlea Vineyard 18 Sharing Family Secrets 19 Farm and Garden Edible Garden Tour 12 On The Farm with Sol Farm Duck Eggs are Different 15 Permaculture with Starhawk 34 Home & Design The Man Kitchen 9 The Organic Mattress That Dreams are Made Of 20 Local Arts August Arts News 23 Talking Arts: Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs 24 Local Music 26 Outnumbered! by Sue McKitrick 43 Women’s Monthly Enterprising Women Robin Round 28

BACK TO SCHOOL BW AD SPECIALS! For more information or to request a Fall 2013 Rate Card Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596

adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Family Simplicity Parenting: Boredom 32 KidzPlay at Chemainus Theatre Festival 33 Recreation & Healthy Living Bathing Your Dog Made Easy 16 Cowichan Bay Whale Report 26 Maple Bay Regatta 44 Body, Mind & Soul Meditation Moment 20 Healthy Relationships: Loving Yourself 30 Wild Medicine 35 Georgia Nicols August Horoscopes 44

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

Laurice rounding up 2 day old Calf. Courtesy Mooswa Films Inc

Windhorse Farm welcomes TV Film Crew to Shoot The Cows

t seemed simple enough and what a pleasant distraction from our simple routine. The email described a new food documentary series being produced for Canadian television. It asked if we’d be interested in participating in one of 13 episodes, the one about beef. Hilary Pryor, Executive Producer at May Street Productions had done some Googling and became intrigued that Windhorse Farm produced beef in a less conventional way. Her email was complimentary and told us that our approach to raising beef resonated with the kind of food values they were promoting in the series. We couldn’t resist and a week later welcomed them to the farm. It was spring and everything was

wet, soggy and couldn’t have looked much worse. But they had come to see the beeves and who had clearly won them over! The TV series, entitled Moosemeat & Marmalade is an entertaining exploration of food that reaches across cultures, continents and centuries. Each episode is hosted by one of the two feature chefs; Cree bushman and chef, Art Napoleon, a Peace River native and British gourmet chef, Dan Hayes. The series premise is that one of the chef’s takes the other on a journey that includes hunting or gathering the food to be prepared and served as part of the show. Each episode involves one of the hosts taking the lead in sourcing the ingredients and being lead chef in the preparation of the meal,

while the other asks questions and plays both student and sous-chef in the kitchen. When filming day arrived, we quickly learned that these two chefs were naturals in front of the camera, infusing their natural curiosity and sense of humour into the show. The producers had a full shot list planned, beginning with interviewing Laurice and I about our approach to raising beeves. We answered questions about the Angus breed, why we grass feed and grass finish our herd, how we can truly finish a carcass with fully marbled muscle on only grass, why our grass is so green and sweet without using artificial fertilizers, how we approach our animal husbandry including the use of homeopathic health care, and what it takes to have Windhorse Farm certified organically and by the BCSPCA. The answers to each of the chefs’ questions seemed to provide a segue into the next

topic until the whole interview, which was shot with pasture as a backdrop, felt like an unfolding story about the how’s and why’s of the way we farm. We really enjoyed the intensity and pace of the day working with a professional team that included cameras, audio, and lighting. The highly focused crew kept us and the chefs on task and on topic to capture the whole story. After the initial interviews were completed we were asked to bring the herd back to the barn from their gazing paddock. We apply managed intensive grazing where the herd is on a new paddock of grass each day. Yesterday’s paddock is then rested for 4 to 6 weeks so that it can fully re-grow before being grazed again. With this approach, we are attempting to simulate the action on the grass and soils of the huge grazing herds on the plains of bygone eras. We aim for grazing about 100 to 150 thousand pounds

serving fair trade certified organic island roasted coffee

T (

delicious homemade soups artisan teas

fresh baked goods

specialty coffees

Food to go

At Whippletree Junction

250 597 4490 Compost Segment Courtesy Mooswa Films Inc

of beef per acre per day. With our small herd, this means our beeves are grazing paddocks of about 5000 to 6000 sq ft each day. The cattle had to be brought along our temporary corridor for about 350 metres back to the barn. Even though a close encounter with the film crew was a new experience for them, they behaved themselves and made us look and feel like we’d been at this for a lifetime. The DOP (director of photography), Chris Johnson, was thrilled. A two-day-old bull calf and his mother who had been in a separate paddock, joined the herd. The little fellow quickly became the crowd pleaser and stole the show. Next. Footage around the compost pile.

local • organic • salads • entrees • wheat/gluten free options • certiﬁed fair trade espresso bar • juice bar • delicious desserts • breakfast • mufﬁns cinnamon buns • 14 varieties of bagels • catering and more!

Our approach to growing grass is a combination of the grazing techniques and the application of rich compost and compost teas. We hot compost between 70 and 100 tons of manure and bedding material each year before spreading most of this on our fields. From raw manure, to early stage compost reaching in excess of 135 F, to finished compost ready for spreading. By composting we kill weed seed and create a rich smelling organic product that carries beneficial microorganisms and nutrients.

more than just bagels!

48 Station Street, Downtown Duncan 250 748-1988

quickly – foods like blackstrap molasses. We then suspend the compost inside a fine mesh bag in a tea brewer, a Microbulator™ while it strips out the nutrients and micro organisms into the oxygen-rich water to make compost tea. This tea is promptly spread onto the fields following grazing. By the time we finished explaining the importance of composting and making and spreading compost teas, Chef Dan was becoming a bit impatient. After all, as he put it, “… we came here to get some meat!” Once the cameras and lights were in position, I brought out a fresh, 7 lb untrimmed tenderloin roast. This is what Dan had requested. It had been cut a day earlier, after dry aging for the previous 2+ weeks. I explained that this steer was 31 months old when slaughtered and was very nicely finished. As I unwrapped the roast, Dan and Art fell silent. Dan picked up a sharp 5 inch chef’s knife and shaved off a paper-thin slice. With a glance at Art, he put the meat into his mouth and savoured the taste and texture. A big grin formed on his face and he declared… “I can hardly wait to get this back to the kitchen!”

We start with our best compost and inoculate this with foods that help the beneficial microorganisms multiply

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

Tim Mock of Windhorse Farm in Glenora. www. windhorse organics.ca

DESIGNI NG green The Man Kitchen (or Anything Mostly Cooked outside)

just returned from a month in southern France and what a food adventure that was! What I found unique there is they have full access to natural gas but I was hard pressed to find a gas barbeque. Virtually all outdoor cooking is done in wood fired ovens or covered brick and stone hibachi’s of some sort. More often then not, they are simply cobbled together as the buildings they are often attached to and with an adjacent harvest table, some dappled shade from a fig tree, a grape vine or passion vine, and you have it all. The cooking fuel is most often old grape vine stock. The vines in the region are replanted each fifteen to twenty years or so and with the abundance of the wood covering every square mile, it is no wonder. So the tastes that are brought out in the food cooked this

way are incredible. In the attached photo, I installed this very upscale copper clad wood fired oven for Nick Versteeg, the Cowichan’s popular food and film producer. This one is from Italy and came fully assembled and waterproofed so a base of stone was all that was required to support it’s one ton heft. You may have been fortunate enough to sample Nick’s fabulous breads and desserts at the Duncan Farmers Market last year. I’ve built a number of these from scratch over the years, the first being cast from clay we excavated from the Quesnel River. So if you are thinking of tackling an outdoor oven yourself, here are a few tips. The clay we used was very

dense, of nearly porcelain quality. The Cowichan Valley has many good clay deposits that are similar. We began with a puréed vat of the clay, then let it drain over a canvas sieve until it was stiff but pliable, then added straw for binding. We made a wooden mould by shaping it following the curve of a hanging chain, which always produces a strong arch design for our intended oven. Once built, we applied the clay mixture four inches thick over the mould. It was dry in a week or so and to remove the mould, we simply lit a fire inside and the rest was cooking history. So if the Man Kitchen of your dreams could avail the space and support the weight (don’t try this on your back deck!)

LIVE CRAB • FRESH FISH • LOCAL SPOT PRAWNS • DINE IN • TAKE OUT

Traditional Peruvian Ceviche - Rivadeneira Family Recipe Fish for ceviche should be sushi grade fish. Caught quickly, bled upon capture, gutted soon after and iced thoroughly-The freshest fish possible.

Amount

Fish

Ingredients

1-2 pounds Halibut or Firm White Flesh Fish 12+ Key Limes (do not use lemon) 1 Red Onion, thinly sliced Bunch Fresh Cilantro, Chopped 1 Minced Garlic 1 Hot Pepper (habanero or thai chilis) ﬁnely chopped To Taste Salt and Pepper 1 Crisp Lettuce Head 1 Yam, Boiled Corn on the Cob *A colander and a rectangular glass dish is also required.

Image David Coulson

give this a go. Best to create a metal roof over to protect from the rain and snow.

David Coulson is a local certified Built Green design builder. He has a staff of 25 that have built throughout the Island for over 20 years.

Summer Hours Open 7 Days a Week 10 am to 5:30pm

Preparation Method 1.Thinly slice red onion and place in colander. Sprinkle with a generous covering of salt and sweat onions for 1/2 hour. After the 1/2hr give the onions a good rub using your hands and rinse well, under running cold water. Let the excess water drain. Be sure to rinse the onions super well, or the dish will be too salty. 2. While sweating onions, juice your big bag of key limes. (If you cannot find key limes, regular limes will work. Key limes are best due to their acidity.)Set lime juice aside. 3. Cut fish into 3/4” bite size cubes. Place cut fish into a rectangular glass dish, scattered evenly, so the lime juice can penetrate. 4. Pour lime juice over the fish, ensure you have enough liquid so the fish is sitting in a lime-juice-pool. Dont skimp on the lime juice as it is the key ingredient for cooking the fish. 5. Let fish and lime juice stand together until the exterior of the fish meat changes from glossy to white, stirring occasionally. 6.You can choose to let your fish sit for 10 minutes to up to an 1 hour depending on how you well you like your fish cooked. If marinating for an hour keep fish cool - but not too cold. If you just stir in lime and eat immediately, the result will be a more tender sashimi style very tasty fish. Do not let the fish sit for too long or it will be tough and chewy. 7. Once the fish is ready to your desired doneness, add the minced garlic, chopped hot pepper, salt and pepper and stir. Sprinkle sliced sweated red onions and cilantro over fish. 8.To serve, plate ceviche on a leaf of crisp lettuce with a boiled yam sliced 1” thick and corn on the cob. It is not recommended to keep ceviche as leftovers. Enjoy it fresh!

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

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

Eat, Drink and Buy Local

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

Musings From The Vineyard

250-743-4011

www.kwdoorsandwindows.com Heritage Homes a Specialtyom Mark Holford Owner/ Winemaker at Rocky Creek Winery for the past

9 years

very so often I get asked about one little line on our bottle labels “sustainable and eco-friendly”. Customers want to know what it means. Is it different than organic, certified organic or just plain regular farming? Does it mean anything at all or just a marketing spin? Just to be clear, at least for us, it’s not a marketing spin. I’m an environmental engineer with 20 years experience. When we designed and built our winery, I spent a lot of time deciding on the most sustainable options for our vineyard. Sustainability in a nutshell is ensuring the best balance between environmental, economic and societal needs to ensure long-

Cowichan Valley Food - As fresh as it will ever be!

Rocky Creek Winery Vines

term success of all three. How are we sustainable? If you look at our vineyard in Cowichan Bay it is completely different than any other vineyard on Vancouver Island. We have high trellising, so that the fruiting zone of our grapes is 5 feet off the ground

Close up of Cab Foch grapes

( a d b a ( t n o w v r r t i a

(much easier on my back!), and the grapes naturally drape downwards into the space between our rows. It’s called a Geneva double curtain (GDC). Our vineyard is trellised this way to grow a new and innovative variety of grape, called Cab-Foch, which is known for being very vigorous. It is also early ripening and extremely disease resistant. The trellising allows the grapes to naturally drape into the rows, which triggers an interesting phenomenon

– when the shoot tips point downwards they send a signal to the plant to slow down shoot growth. Of course the grape plant needs to focus its energy somewhere so it generally puts that into ripening fruit rather than growing long shoots. This style of trellising tames the vigor of the vines and promotes riper fruit. The benefits of this varietal, grown in an unstructured canopy is that these grapes are extremely resistant to powdery mildew and botrytis, common diseases that cause

vineyards to spray. Being a family operated farm, we have very limited labour resources so our whole vineyard has been designed to minimize the summer maintenance. That translates to no spraying, no summer pruning, no shoot placement (tucking) to keep shoots growing straight and vertical. My grapes grow semi-wild, much closer to how Mother Nature intended. I let them grow naturally, instead of bending them to my will. In reality, other than mowing

close to organic as possible and surpass it in many aspects, but I believe the “organic” buzzword loses its meaning unless it’s certified organic. Certified Organic is where standards have to be met and checks/audits are in place to ensure compliance with the standard. I like our term “eco-friendly” – as we operate our vineyard to be as environmentally friendly as possible. We don’t irrigate, we’ve kept the natural ponds and trees on the property, we never use fungicides, and the natural groundcover flourishes under our vines. This list goes on. The

bottom line is I operate a vineyard that I can be proud of. Even if it looks a little messy!

Rocky Creek Winery

the grass between the rows (we do have to duck under this wild canopy on our ride-on mower), we have literally zero maintenance in our estate vineyard all summer long. This lets us focus our energy into other things, like running our tasting room, making wine and tending to our gardens. It also lets us grow the grapes less expensively than typical, so we can pass those savings on to our customers. So do we not call ourselves organic? Well, we operate as

Eat, Drink and Buy Local

LUNCH  BRUNCH  DINNER SIT, SIP, RELAX

Open Tuesday through Sunday call for reservations

250 597-0066 www.HudsonsOnFirst.ca 163 First Street Duncan, BC

4th Annual Edible Garden & Farm Tour – The Cowichan Region’s Edible Art Gallery

magine yourself at an art gallery, overwhelmed with feelings of awe, inspiration, and exhilaration. Taken away by brilliant colours, immaculate brush strokes, and unbelievable talent, you think to yourself, “How can someone create such a masterpiece?” Now imagine yourself in a garden experiencing that same sense of awe as you’re surrounded by a spectrum of colour and light, a diversity of plants, and invigorating scents. If you’re now thinking to yourself, “how can a garden be equated to a piece of art”, we invite you to explore the Cowichan Green Community’s (CGC) 4th annual Edible Garden & Farm Tour. On Saturday, August 17th from 10am-3pm come explore some of the Cowichan Regions most impressive, beautiful, and tastiest edible gardens some of which are hidden away in people’s backyards. With over 10 edible masterpieces to view on this self-guided tour, attendees are given the chance to meet the very hands behind the shovel, and to take away gardening secrets, tips, and techniques for growing their own edible pieces of art. From food

forests to cob greenhouses, these art works will not only be visually striking, but also satisfying for the taste buds. Envision an art gallery where you can capture the magnificence through sight, texture, and taste. “The Edible Garden & Farm Tour is meant to showcase incredible landscapes that are not only unique and visually appealing, but more importantly will inspire the public to start growing their own food,” explains Alyssa Loucks, CGC’s garden tour organizer. “These gardens capture the knowledge and creativity of their designers, which will leave everyone inspired to go home and start digging! Our event has become such a sought after way to spend a Saturday afternoon, that we are also adding in a few unique farms into the mix year that we know people will enjoy!” Tickets start at just $10 for members of CGC; $15 for non-members; and $20 for couples. Kids 13 and under are free. For more information or to buy tickets, please contact Alyssa at 250-748-8506, stop by the office at 360 Duncan Street, or email alyssa@ cowichangreencommunity.org

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

Coming soon! .Passport to Dine in Downtown Duncan!! Be sure to pick up your personal passport from any downtown eatery and most downtown merchants.

Explore the Many Flavours of Downtown Duncan

and enter to win $1000 Downtown Dollars!

avour the many flavours of downtown Duncan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; everything from sophisticated culinary delights at an elegant restaurant to a simple coffee & muffin at a casual cafĂŠ!

Make sure that you have your passport stamped and be eligible to win $1000 Downtown Dollars! There is lots of time to try all the flavours that downtown Duncan has to offer as the final draw will take place on

Eat, Drink and Buy Local!

Friday, November 29th at Christmas Kick Off. (Just in time for Christmas shopping!) Passports will be available in mid August.

on the farm

With

it with you. To insure a quality finished product, there are a couple of important tips to follow to the letter. First, it’s very important to wash your cucumbers carefully, but don’t scrub so vigorously that you damage the skin. I use my finger nail to scrape off the blossom end as it’s essential to remove any lurking enzymes which are food spoilers! Second always use coarse, kosher or pickling salt and third, if you are on well water and it has a lot of mineral content, filter it first.

SOL Farm

Ramona FroehleSchacht of SOL Farm raise vegetables, berries and chickens with her family. www.solfarm.ca

ickled cucumbers, also known as gherkins, bread and butter, kosher dills, or simply pickles, are enjoyed all over the world. Often referred to by their country of origin, for example Polish, Hungarian or Korean pickles, they come in many shapes, sizes and guises. Here on SOL Farm we specialize in growing an excellent variety of pickling cucumber and our favorite, early approach to pickling these spiny green stalwarts of the field is what we fondly refer to as a crock pickle. I make several batches of these each year and they are ready

Time to get your pickle on! Image SOL Farm

to eat in about 2 weeks. What a mouthwatering bonus to cheese sandwiches, or on burgers hot from the bbq!

My recipe has been handed down Weave a rag rug in a day! Perfect mother and through generations on my mother’s side daughter/son, girlfriend, husband and wife of the family and I activity. Children’s classes for the summer! haven’t changed a It’s perfect Leola’s Studio 250-597-0820 thing! the way it is, and I Whippletree Junction will happily share

I use a crock but you can also use a gallon jar. Method: Scald your crock or jar, pop your clean cucumbers in and fill with the following brine which has been boiled: 6 c. water, 3c. white vinegar, 3 T. coarse salt, 1 ½ c. sugar. Place a small plate weighted with a sandwich bag full of water on top of the cukes, making sure they are submerged. Fold a clean tea towel over the works and fasten down with a large elastic band. Leave on your kitchen counter and wait 2 weeks or so. Fabulous pickles couldn’t be easier! We sell our organically grown pickling cukes at the Duncan Farmers market every Saturday or by order to pick up at the farm. Happy pickling!

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

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A Duck Egg Is Not A Chicken Egg dif-er-uhnt 1.not alike in character or quality; not ordinary; unusual; differing; dissimilar: The two are different - A duck egg is not a chicken egg.

uck eggs are unique, unusual, definitely not ordinary – some would say they are buttery which could be due to the yolks having more fat and the whites having more protein; altogether a higher nutrient value than a chicken egg. Cooking with duck eggs doesn’t call for a major revision in technique with a few exceptions - duck eggs and yolks are larger, their shells are much thicker they have a longer shelf life – staying fresher longer than a chicken egg. Duck eggs also have more albumen which gives them more structure when cooked, duck egg whites will whip up higher when beaten and create lighter, higher cakes. Many people who bake gluten free prefer duck eggs for baking as the extra protein creates ‘ flour like’ structure in cakes, pastries and breads. Besides being great to bake with duck eggs are sought by cancer patients. Duck eggs are an alkaline food, chicken eggs are acidic. Cancer cells don’t thrive

in an alkaline environment, so some cancer patients adjust their body’s environment by eating alkaline foods like duck eggs. Many of those allergic to chicken eggs can often use duck eggs instead. Of course, we suggest you consult your physician first. Baking experience has found that by using duck eggs baked goods turn out very moist and fluffy (winning lots of great compliments like “what’s in these brownies?”). Ducks’ eggs are sold at the Community Farm Store. The Good Farm is located in the Cowichan Valley and is home to happy ducks who forage, frolic in their pond and when in season lay the most heavenly, different eggs.

“It’s fresher from here”

Grilled Chicken with Blackberry Sauce One thing we have a lot of on Vancouver Island is blackberries! You can also use frozen blackberries. In the summer I drive my kids crazy by stopping to pick blackberries when we’re out for bike rides (always keep a ziplock bag in my backpack) but I don’t hear anyone complaining when there is frozen blackberries in the freezer and blackberry syrup for pancakes available in the winter!

Amount 6

Ingredients Island Farmhouse chicken breasts, boneless, skinless Olive Oil Blackberries Butter Onion Dry Red Wine Lemon Juice Blackberry Jam, Seedless Pepper Salt

2 Tablespoons of 1 1/2 cups 1 tablespoon 1/2 cup 1/2 cup 1 tablespoon 3 to 4 tablespoons 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon Juice of one lemon whole blackberries for garnish

Method

Press blackberries through sieve to remove seeds and place in small bowl. Heat butter in a small sauté pan or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onions finely chopped onions and cook until tender.

Sai’s Place Spice Cafe

Authentic Thai Street Food Made fresh to order

Vegetarian Friendly and Gluten Free 161 Station St Duncan 250 597 2511

Add the red wine and lemon juice. Bring to a boil; lower heat and simmer until reduced by about 1/2. Combine the blackberry pulp, jam or preserves, pepper, and salt; add to the wine mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Makes about 1 cup. Preheat BBQ. Toss chicken, oil, lemon and salt and pepper in a bowl. Grill chicken until cooked through and arrange on a serving platter, spoon on blackberry sauce and garnish with whole blackberries. 1615 Koksilah Road Cowichan Bay BC 250-746-6163 • www.farmhousepoultry.ca

Curries • Salad Rolls • Noodles • Satays & More! For full menu visit www.spicecafeduncan.com

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

Eat, Drink & Buy Local

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

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 Image courtesy Brad Edwards

Celebrate Agricultural Heritage at the Cobble Hill Fair

he Cowichan Valley is alive with activities during the summer and the crowning jewel for the South Cowichan area is the staging of the 104th Cobble Hill Fair. “What’s the Buzz” is this year’s fair theme. Always an exceptional event, this year’s fair holds all the promise of years gone by with some very interesting twists for those seeking wholesome family fun. Starting with the traditional Rotary Pancake breakfast at 8 am on Saturday, August 24th through the Parade, Sheep Dog demonstrations, antique farm equipment, the very popular horse show and the entertainment stage, there really is something for everyone at the Cobble Hill Fair. The Cobble Hill Fair is an opportunity for South Cowichan residents to celebrate their local heritage

and character while focusing on the area’s agricultural roots. Whether it’s the livestock and 4H displays, home crafts, domestic science, vegetables, fruit, needlework, fine arts, photography or the miniature horse show that interests you, there is something about this fair that brings out laughter and warm smiles to the faces of all who attend. Sit down in the shade and watch the talented home grown entertainment – Magician Donald Dunphy, Kathy White Dancers, Ukelele Ladies, Poets, Mary Egan, Kate and Shayde and The Smiley Family.

Dedicated volunteers from the Shawnigan Cobble Hill Farmers’ Institute and Agricultural Society, which is in its 99th year, donate countless hours to stage this Old Fashion Country Fair that is held in the centre of Cobble Hill’s village. Those who work on the fair are an inspiration. Every year these organizers strive to make the current fair better than the last and year after year they consistently achieve that goal. You’re welcome to join us as a volunteer. Helping hands are always appreciated.

Excellent, timely transportation to the venue is provided by the fair’s shuttle buses so park at the Christian Church, 3791 Cobble Hill Road - across from Silverside Farm and hop on board for a fun day at the fair.

As you wander the grounds enjoying the day with family, friends and neighbours, consider pausing for a moment to silently thank the pioneer families who 104 years ago brought this excellent experience to our community. Mark your calendar, gather your family, bring your friends and enjoy the fair! For more information on the Cobble Hill Fair pick up a catalogue, visit the website at www.cobblehillfair.ca or email to schfias.secretary@gmail. com.

Cobble Hill Fair Schedule Pancake Breakfast 7:00 am Parade 9:30 am Official Opening 10:00 am Hall Exhibits Open 10:00 am Stage Entertainment 10:30-4:30pm Cobble Hill Horse Show 8:30 am Miniature Horse Show 10:30 am Women’s Institute Tea 11:30 am SPCA Pet Show 12:30 pm Scarecrow Competition 1:00 pm Poetry Contest TBA Sheep Dog Demo TBA

Large or small we feed them all. Hours of operation Sun 10 - 4pm Mon - Sat 8:30am - 6pm

2800 Roberts Rd. Duncan (250) 746-5101, Fax (250) 597-0312

100% Fresh

100% Locally Owned and Operated

ancouver Island winegrowing pioneer, Roger Dosman of Alderlea Vineyards deserves the title, not because he was the first to grow grapes here, which he wasn’t, and not because he was the first to produce serious red wine, which he was, but because he was the first to produce consistently good wine, red and white, from year to year, even in a bad vintage. By doing so he helped establish Vancouver Island as a valid wine producing area, what Blue Mountain did for the Okanagan.

The device is nothing more than a three foot roll of clear plastic cling wrap packaging material which is then mounted on a roller attached to the back of the tractor. It’s used to cling wrap the lower part of the vines, much like you’d saran wrap last night’s meatloaf before putting it in the fridge. This happens in April and the vines only remain wrapped for two to three weeks. “It creates a little tent, keeping the buds warm and giving the late ripening varieties a head start.” In a comparison of vines that had been cling wrapped, and vines that had not, the difference was obvious. Over lunch I asked Roger what it takes to grow good grapes on Vancouver Island. As expected he listed site selection as number one. South, southwest facing,” he said. “And stay away from the ocean.”

Nothing in his past suggests he should be capable of doing this. Far from it. Roger has no background in farming, nor is there evidence of him even growing a potted plant, although according to family history he once watered one, but only because his wife Nancy was away that weekend. Nevertheless, when it comes to wine, Dosman doesn’t seem to make a bad one, and believe me; I’ve tried them all. Certainly his Pinot Gris, done in more an old world style than a new, is a perennial Pinot Gris title shot hopeful. And his Marechal Foch, (which he calls Clarinet) along with Quail’s Gate’s, has been instrumental in making an honest grape out of what used to be an overly acidic, funky hybrid. His new baby is Sauvignon Blanc of which he expects 50 cases out of the upcoming vintage and maybe 200 the year after that. To help with this grape, which is not an earlier ripener, he has a new contraption, which I’ll call “the Cling-o-Matic” since I can’t remember the real name.

Then we started talking about caterpillars, the machine not the insect, and make it a D9 because that’s what you’ll need to rip through four feet or so of glacial compaction to give the roots a chance to get deep enough. “A necessary step that some fail to take,” Dosman said. When pressed further he got a dreamy look on his face—and this might be what separates a winegrower from the rest of us—and summed it up with, “You’ve got to learn to think like a grape.” So I gave it a try. “Let’s see, I get to spend my entirely life staked out in the hot sun, then as a reward for reaching maturity, I get thrown in a crusher.” Nope, the Zen- like approach wasn’t working for me. As the Bacchus was refilled the second time, I reflected on its superb quality; just the right amount of acid balancing the exact amount of fruit. This is a crisp, clean, dry Italian styled Bacchus, not the fruity, perfumy ones we expect from British Columbia. It’s the perfect white wine to enjoy before, with, or instead of dinner, or better still on your deck.

A Unique Taste Experience Awaits You...Alderlea Vineyards As the wine flowed and sobriety waned, it occurred to me that the Bacchus was so good Dosman should declare it his signature wine. Tear out all the other grapes, plant nothing else, and become the world’s first Bacchus only winery. That way Duncan could get known as, not just the home of the world’s largest hockey stick, but also home of the perfect white wine. And that’s why I rarely drink at lunch. Whenever I do, my judgment goes right out the window. Throw out the Pinot Gris and Marechal Foch? You’ve got to be joking. For the record, any wine I get at lunch, by definition is good. The only lunch wine I didn’t appreciate was a glass of Chateau Swampwater when

seated on a terrace, overlooking the city dump, on a rainy day in November, just after my dog died, my wife left and my beloved Renault 5 was diagnosed with a terminal rust addiction.) Now for the good news, bad news routine. Bad being last year’s whites are sold out, you’ll have to wait until next vintage. The good news is the supply of red is good, and thanks to decent weather, the upcoming vintage shows great promise. The vineyard is located on Stamps Road and can be reached at 250 746-7122. By appointment only. Delbert is the ex-proprietor of the Mahle House Restaurant where he was chief bottle washer.

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

Chemainus Health Food

Saltspring Soapworks

Eliza Hemingway Art & Antiques 9756C Willow Street 250 416-0363

* Utopia Bakery

9748 Willow Street 250 324-2226 Handmade Soaps, Natural Body Care

9738 Willow Street 250 246-9838 Natural Grocery, Vitamins, Hemp Fashions

Sharing Family Secrets

favourite destination for many regular market goers is Faizal Charania’s food cart. Known locally as Depot Dawgs its motto is “an environmentally friendly, socially conscious mobile food alternative”. Faizal and his wife Nani are celebrating the recent birth of their first child with a new line of condiments called “ Nani’s Secret” all made right here in the Cowichan Valley. Try Nani’s Chili Garlic Sauce a favourite recipe shown exclusively on her mother’s cooking show in Pakistan. Homemade Sauerkraut made from cabbage grown on Makaria Farm and Lemon Relish a recipe handed down from Nani’s grandmother. With sustainability always in the Charania’s minds, the lemon relish is produced from the peels of the fresh pressed lemonade served on Saturdays in Duncan City Square.

just been approved for sale! Chutney Surprise, a fruitand-nut chutney, Red Hot Nani a hot sauce for those who like things spicy , and a homemade rhubarb chutney, name TBA. Each of these

A-9780 Willow Street 250 246-9992 Artisan Bread and European Pastries

Etc.

9747 Willow Street 250 324-2227 Beads and Beading Classes

See You Soon!

We Accept Chemainus Dollars

Come to Chemainus; where the people are friendly and the parking is free! Enjoy shopping, excellent eateries, live music, professional theatre and special events. condiments are produced using a fermenting process common to food items originating in South Asia. Depot Dawgs can be found at the Saturday Market in Duncan but is also available to cater events, festivals, birthday parties and more. For more info call Faizal at 250 732-5250 or email at depotdawgs@gmail.com.

COME FOR A DAY OR MAKE IT A GETAWAY.

On the heels of those delicious sauces, 3 more have

o you know what’s inside your mattress? When clients began asking about natural bed alternatives, Merit Furniture owner, Roger Kapila searched far and wide for solutions. What he found impressed him. An employee owned organic mattress company dedicated to purity, comfort, integrity and value. “As I learned what toxic chemicals wind up in mattresses, it became my life’s work to create a healthful, comfortable alternative.” says Savvy Rest mattress company founder Michael Penny Inspired by insomnia, ironically at its worst while he was working for a futon company. What he’d learned about materials and practices in the mattress industry was keeping him awake. There are 3 components to his mattresses. Wool, organic cotton and certified organic natural latex. Sound like your dream wardrobe? How about for the mattress of your dreams. Why wool? Wool is uniquely comforting to lie on. A natural insulator, it helps your body feel cozier in the winter and cooler in the summer. Wool doesn’t develop hot or cold spots, so you’ll shift and turn less while sleeping.

retardants. This is especially beneficial for infant and childrens’ beds. The certified organic wool batting used in Savvy Rest mattresses are free of synthetic chemicals throughout the processing. The sheep graze in organic pasture, the wool is cleaned without bleach or solvents, and the garneting and carding are done without chemical additives. Choosing organic cotton really makes a difference. Conventional cotton production has a devastating environmental impact. Thirty percent of the world’s pesticides are used to grow it, and enormous quantities of chlorine, toxic dyes and finishing chemicals are used to process it. It is important to understand the difference between cotton fiber and cotton fabric. Fibers are strands of material made from cotton, polyester, wool, or silk. Cotton fiber is used extensively in mattresses because it is very cheap to produce. Strands of the fiber trap air, creating loft, which can give a mattress a comfy feeling—at first.

Wool fibers have microscopic scales on each strand that wick away moisture and prevent a “clammy” feel. Used in a mattress casing wool promotes a comfortable sleeping climate.

Have you ever sat down on an old futon? Mattresses filled with cotton fiber, organic or not, will harden. They also tend to take body impressions, some severe enough that you may eventually feel as though you’re lying in a gully. Cotton fiber also attracts moisture, which causes it to compress or pack down.

Another key benefit of wool in mattresses is that it is naturally slow to ignite. The wool batting quilted inside the casing allows these natural mattresses to meet federal fire safety requirements with no chemical flame

Cotton fabric is different. It is made from spun thread, not loose fiber, and it will not compress. The woven fabric used in these mattress casings and bedding are soft, breathable and comfortable next to your skin.

MEDITATION, Thursdays 7PM “To seek enlightenment, carry water, harvest vegetables, chop wood; finding enlightenment carry water, harvest vegetables, chop wood” old Buddhist saying Nichiren Buddha Society & Peace Center Phone: 250. 710. 7594

Savvy Rest Mattress

They’ve Finally Found An Organic Mattress That Dreams Are Made Of Natural Latex A group of farmers with small holdings in Kerala, southern India, have come together to have their rubber trees certified organic according to USDA standards. This has been a painstaking process that Coco Latex, our Dunlop supplier, has been proud to support. The farmers use methane digesters to power their homesteads, and only organic fertilizer is used on the young trees. No chemical pesticides or herbicides are allowed. Natural latex foam is made from rubber tree sap, which is also called rubber serum. After the serum is collected, the trees’ bark heals rapidly. Rubber trees can yield latex for as long as 30 years. When the trees are harvested, the land is replanted. Rubberwood is one of the hardest and most recommended furniture woods,

3 Layers of Natural Latex Foam

according to the Sustainable Furnishings Council. After many (many) years, natural latex will simply biodegrade. Conceivably, you could even put it in a compost pile. True natural latex, without synthetic latex or fillers blended in, is simply natural foam rubber. Unlike most other foams, natural latex breathes, which discourages buildup of moisture and heat in the mattress interior. Latex does not transfer motion the way most innersprings do, so you can say “goodnight” to bouncing in your partner’s wake. Most natural latex mattresses last as long as two or three conventional mattresses, while keeping their shape and wonderful resilience. Tthese healthier mattresses come in a range of affordability and variety including pet beds, crib mattresses and childrens’ options. Come lie down and see what dreams are made of. www.meritduncan.ca 107 Ingram Street, Duncan (250) 746–5527

7 Retreats for Learning and Realization Buddha In the Park, Three Day Retreat, Sept. 13 - 14 - 15 Schedule outline, register onLine Check out all the Retreats: www.VIRetreats.com

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

CHARITABLE BEQUESTS

y world standards Canadians are generous givers. Collectively we reported giving nearly $8.5 billion to charities in 2011, that was an average $1,482 per tax filer. By contributing to organizations and groups that support causes dear to your heart, you can contribute to the well-being of fellow citizens or advance principles and values that you believe in.

A charitable bequest is a gift made in your Will to a charitable beneficiary. There are basically four types of bequests: 1.A specific bequest is a lump sum amount or specific property which will be paid out or transferred before any residual gifts in your Will. 2.A residual bequest is a portion or percentage of the residue of the Estate. 3.A contingent bequest names a charity as an alternate beneficiary in case the terms of the original bequests cannot be met. 4.A bequest subject to a trust is created when the Will establishes a testamentary trust that is funded at death. Often this will provide for a life interest to a named beneficiary and a future gift to charity. A bequest made in a Will is revocable and can be amended or revoked at any time by the donor as long as they are mentally capable. Although some bequests can be very complex others can be

Are You Prepared For The Inevitable?

Do You Have? • • • • • as simple as giving a lump sum in your Will which will be paid out before the residual estate. A lawyer can prepare a new Will or Codicil to your existing Will to provide for a charitable bequest. The charity must be named correctly; it is important to contact the headquarters of the charity so that the correct official name and address is used in the Will. The bequest can be a general gift to the charity or directed to some specific purpose. Some donors let the charity use the funds according to their most urgent needs. However, others may prefer to direct the funds to the charity’s endowment fund or to specific programs. Contacting the organization itself will help you decided what you wish to do. If you want your bequest to go the local chapter of the charity you should state that in the Will. For tax purposes, on death all property is treated as though it was disposed of immediately before death. This means that at death 50 percent of any capital gains on appreciated assets or investments (except your personal residence) becomes taxable income. This will include any recreational property you may own. With respect to RRSPs, if there is no opportunity to roll over the RRSPs to a spouse, the entire value of the deceased’s RRSPs become taxable income at death. So, for many estates, there could be considerable tax

A Will An Enduring Power of Attorney A Medical Representation Agreement An Advance Medical Directive (Living Will) An Estate Plan (that deals with jointly owned property, corporate property, trusts, registered accounts, life insurance, income tax and probate fees)

R. Brian McDaniel – bmcd@mcdancolaw.com Julia E. Henderson – jeh@mcdancolaw.com

Call Us To Discuss Your Plans 201 – 64 Station Street Duncan BC V9L 1M4

Tel: 250-748-6633 Fax: 250-748-1496

www.mcdancolaw.com

implications on death. Charitable bequests can offer tax savings opportunities. Under the Income Tax Act, an individual who has made a charitable gift by Will is deemed to have made the gift immediately before death. Where the Will has a charitable bequest, the charity issues a receipt for the amount of the gift. The executor of the Will can use the receipt to obtain tax credits to offset income (including from RRSPs and capital gains) from the current year and the previous tax year.

It is important that the charity you donate to is registered with the Canadian Revenue Agency, as only then will it be able to issue tax receipts to its donors. If you are considering leaving something to a charity in your Will you should obtain legal and financial advice so that the terms of your Will fulfill your wishes. Julia Henderson is a lawyer with McDaniel & Company contact her at 250-748-663 or by e-mail at jeh@ mcdancolaw.com

Your One Stop Source for Computer Help in the Cowichan Valley Computer Consulting | Software Sales Computer Repair and Maintenance Computer Training

Phone: 250-929-1199 E-mail: ian@sentinelridgeconsulting.com Web: www.sentinelridgeconsulting.com

Were Once Just a Dream in Somebody’s Head, Lesley Fountain

august arts news

New Works by Lesley Fountain in Cowichan Bay Fronting the ocean in the heart of Cowichan Bay, Pipi Tustian and Lesley Fountain have created a unique new business that performs triple duty as an art gallery, working artist’s studio, and workshop space. In addition to the artwork of Lesley and Pipi, Tangerine Dream Gallery and Studio features more than twenty other local artists and artisans. It is a lifelong dream come true, times two for these local artists; to have a place to create, show their work, and exhibit the work of others. One of the goals of the studio is to assist emerging artists by offering “pairing up” shows, where their work is exhibited with an established artist. On August 1st, the gallery is launching their summertime “Paint in your Pocket” kit. For just $20 you can purchase a painting kit that includes everthing you need to get creative on the go. Drop in, pick up a kit, then find your spot by the Bay that inspires you. Come back and show them what you have created. For August the gallery will be showcasing new work by artist and instructor Lesley Fountain. “To paint intuitively is to let go of the need to direct the painting, and instead welcome what “appears” on the canvas” says Lesley. Lesley’s paintings are vibrant and colourful, with dreamlike imagery of birds, flowers and buildings, and words or snippets of quotes embedded in the paint. Also on show is the work of Wendy Oppelt, a Victoria artist who creates luscious textured paintings that then have a high gloss finish applied to make them really pop.

Painter Beverly McCormack at ArtBeat

ArtBeat Fridays in Chemainus The excitement continues unabated at ArtBeat in Chemainus every Friday evening in August 5pm to 9pm with new themes, artists, musicians, performers and more activities for everyone. As dusk comes earlier through the month, ArtBeat will light up Chemainus with a “Luminaire Parade” for its closing night August 30. Everyone is invited to bring their luminaire and join the parade. The other theme nights for August are: August 2 - Hawaiian Night with Tropical Vibe and Keoki. August 9 Kid’s Night. Giant bubbles and fun with clay. August 16 - Old Time Chemainus Costume Party Dress up in Old Time costume! August 23 – Luminaire Workshop An up-to-date schedule can be found on the ArtBeat web site, www.ArtBeatChemainus.com.

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

photography shown with vibrant colour that captures the textures of worn out old machinery. Touch runs from August 17th to August 27th at the Portals Gallery, 2687 James Street, Duncan. Opening reception is Thursday, August 22nd from 7pm-9pm. A portion of all art sales will be donated to an animal rescue organization.

Thetis Island Arts Soiree

Arts Soiree & Auction On Thetis Island Come and savour a fabulous dinner created by Thetis Island chef Anne Dickie. Bid on a variety of paintings, sketches, sculptures, glasswork, fibre, woodwork, and even some original art. Enjoy silent and live auctions, dinner music by North Vancouver artist Michael Chalmers and after-dinner dancing featuring Vancouver Island musician Andy McCormack. The event supports short-term medical treatment and care for Thetis Island residents, education at all levels from primary school to life-long learning, and services for our seniors. Tickets $25 adults / $8 children. Call 250-416-0013 or e-mail ellenrush@ gmail.com. Getting to Thetis Island BC car ferry leaves from the Chemainus terminal . · Ferry leaves Chemainus at 5 pm. It’s about 25 minutes to Thetis. - Ferries return to Chemainus at 6:50; 8:10 and 9:15 pm.

An acrylic painting by Beth Partridge

Touch by Beth Partridge Solo Painting Show Beth Partridge’s upcoming exhibition uses the title Touch to encompass a range of paintings and photography that have evolved from observations of “connections”. Whether it be connections between people, between animals and humans, or connections between people and their environment. Touch also examines the connection we have with art: using our hands to create art, and the “gallery of art” where we must resist the urge to touch the art!

Hands are used as the subject for one of the series of art works being shown. The paintings focus Getting to Forbes Hall, Thetis Island It is on tactility and about a 15-minute walk from the Ferry or consist of thick, about 3 minutes by car. There is parking textured acrylic at the Hall. Turn left at the Ferry kiosk paint. There and left again at North Cove Road. It’s will also be a about ¼ of a mile to Forbes Hall. series of abstract

Restore Your Health

We've just won an international award for our Wild Hip Face Cream! Come try a sample at the Duncan Market this Saturday 9 – 2pm Also available on line at

www.botanicbliss.com or 250-710-1276

Yoga Bolsters, Mats & Props

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Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture & Diet Therapy

Dr. Fei Yang 250-733-2917

NEW LOCATION! #102 - 80 Station Street, Duncan Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm 778 422 1316

First Sign in 1994.

Talking Arts • Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs are responsible for every operational aspect of the of the co-operative. Over the years, there have been twenty-two. Currently there are 5 working Members. At one (thankfully) brief period there was only two. There have been 4 Presidents and the average tenure of

n 1994 twelve Cowichan Valley artists with a common objective in mind began meeting to discuss how they could open a permanent storefront to showcase and sell their work. Assisted by a bookkeeper, the meetings began early in that year and persisted for many weeks. Dozens of ideas and scenarios were discussed and debated. So many meetings ensued that a few of the artists quit attending, some did not agree with the ideas that were being formulated and others simply “got sick of all the discussions and just wanted to get started”. The 12 original artists dwindled to six. Eventually the meetings concluded and the original dream became reality when Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs opened its door for the first time in August of 1994. The effort and persistence of that original group laid the foundation for a truly unique artists’ co-operative that has endured for two decades. The original location at 261 Craig Street did not offer the elbow room needed when the co-operative grew. So, 1999 Imagine That moved to slightly larger premises and finally to our current location at 251 Craig. The backbone of the Imagine That! has always been the Members who

a Member is 4 ½ years. Margot Page and Robin Millan have both broken that record having been with Imagine That! for 18 and 15 years respectively. Eva Trinczek is next with 8 ½ years. Clare Carver and Sandra Greenaway complete our current group, having joined in 2009 and 2010. And remember that bookkeeper who attended all those meetings with the original group – well, he’s still with us. Our roster of consignment artists typically is around 100 and we are proud to display and sell the work of so many. Interior of Imagine That! Artisans in 1994.

261 Craig St Imagine That! Artisans in 1994.

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

Imagine That! Artisans 2012

The mediums are as varied as the artists, and include pottery, fabric / textiles, paintings, photography, woodwork, enamelling, jewellery, hand painted furniture, soapstone carvings, papier mache and leaded and fused glass. We provide a much admired storefront to our many customers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from the very faithful ones who have been with us since the beginning to those who are still discovering us. We are happy to know that we are a favourite for locals and tourists alike. We invite all to come in and help celebrate the beginning of our 20th year in downtown Duncan. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be offering regular chances to win Gift Certificates to be redeemed in the shop and will be giving back to our Community by helping support the Cowichan Valley Food Bank. Look for more information and details in the shop and on our website www.imaginethatartisans.com.

NOW OFFERING MANICURES, PEDICURES AND BROW SHAPING

Submitted by Robin Millan

Group Image; Imagine That! Artisans members Robin Millan, Margot Page, Sandy Greenaway, Clare Carver And Eva Trinczek

Excellent FrameWorks and the E. J. Hughes Gallery Art for your empty walls. Gifts for yourself and others. We can print your photos on canvas. We want to frame your art for you. 28 station St downtown duncan 250-746-7112

Music... Coming Soon

The Sugar Beetles

The HiFi from Victoria

The HiFI... A New Orleans Inspired Funk Band Aug 25 Aug 4 Tap Your Toes to The Sugar Beetles Merridale Ciderworks Eclectic blend of roots, country, folk, rock, bluegrass, swing, blues....original music with selected covers blended with stellar musicianship and harmonies. The Sugar Beetles are what happens when three very different musicians combine their musical genres and backgrounds to form a sound that works, all for the love of music. Pizza Night at Merridale Ciderworks, 1230 Merridale Rd. For reservations 250-743-4293

The HiFi, Victoria’s sensational international touring quartet, highlights the August lineup at Jazz at the Crofton Hotel with its high-energy brand of music from the likes of Sam Cooke, The Meters and Professor Longhair. Featuring, from left, trombonist Nick LaRiviere, left,bassist Ryan Tandy, drummer Damian Graham and special guest pianist Art Booker, the group will perform Aug. 25 from 2 to 5 pm. at the Crofton Hotel Pub, 1534 Joan Ave. in Crofton.

Rifflandia Festival in Victoria is coming! Maria Manna at Amuse Fundraiser for Janeece Place Aug 18 Maria Manna is currently recording a CD, producing and performing for Ladies of Jazz, Ladies of Gospel and Women of Blues. On August 18 Maria Manna has teamed up with the award wining local restaurant Amuse on the Vineyard for an afternoon of live jazz, delectable cuisine and great wine, all set amongst the back drop of Unsworth Vineyards. Guests will also be treated to canapés and bubbly as well an auction of local wines. All proceeds to benefit Jeneece place in Victoria. www. mariamanna.com 1-4pm Amuse on The Vinyeard, 2915 Cameron Taggart Rd For tickets call 250 743 3667.

Sunday August 4 • 2-5 pm The John Lee Trio Sunday August 11 • 2-5 pm The Connor Stewart Quartet Sunday August 18• 2-5pm The Ben Dwyer Trio Sunday August 25• 2-5pm HiFi Quartet Nick LaRiviere, Ryan Tandy, Damian Graham and Art Booker.

Rifflandia Music Festival in Victoria

Maria Manna at Amuse

On A Sunday Afternoon $10

The sixth-annual Rifflandia Festival will transform the city of Victoria, featuring a truly diverse line up of artists across numerous stages, all within walking distance in the city’s beautiful and historic downtown core. This year’s line up includes Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Big Boi, Death From Above 1979, Wavves and many, many more! Royal Athletic Park will

1534 Joan Avenue Crofton

return as the festival’s flagship venue, featuring multiple stages, food vendors, art installations, a cinema area and more. Join us for four days of music, art, food and fun this September! Visit Rifflandia.com for the line up and full event details.

Drum Lessons with Allan Cameron

Specializing in Rock, Funk, Latin & Jazz Drumset and Afro-Cuban Percussion. Now accepting students for the fall.

250 737 1757 atlasfunk@gmail.com

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

3 T w l t s s T t w d

R o t o s w i o J t d w t i J

T b a p e o i m i s

WHALE REPORT FROM COWICHAN BAY The Minke Hunters

Transient Orca Spyhop in the Salish Sea. Simon Pidcock

inke whales grow to a maximum length of 30ft and weight of 10 tons. They are slender whales with a prominent dorsal fin located on the rear third of the body. Due to the minke’s sleek body they can travel at speeds in excess of 30km/h. There are three areas within the San Juan Islands that we see minke whales almost daily.

next 12 hours. Typically these whales travel approximately 50 nautical miles in a 12-hour period. Recently we had a group The transient orcas hunt like of 7-8 female and juvenile a pack of wolves or a pride of transient orca whales lions, once they have made or Bigg’s killer whales their kill it is shared amongst successfully hunt a minke the entire family. On my whale at Hein bank, which evening tour with them I had is 8 nautical miles southwest one of the mature females of the southern tip of San spyhop with a very large chunk Juan Island. This is only of minke whale flesh hanging the third time this has been out of her mouth. We left them documented in our local as the sun was setting and they waters. The first minke kill were still staying in the same took place in Ganges Harbour area. in 2002 and the second in the Juan de Fuca Strait in 2003. The transient orcas never cease to amaze me. Their strength The Orcas were found just and raw power is unbelievable. before 10am actively hunting We managed to identify the two and diving on an unknown families traveling together as prey. Shortly after the the T034’s and the T037’s. It encounter started a massive was another wonderful day on oil slick appeared which the Salish Sea. indicated that the whales had Simon Pidcock made a kill. What’s amazing is Owner/ is the orcas then stayed in the Operator of Ocean Ecoventures in same place feeding for the Cowichan Bay

Enterprising

Women

An environmental and social justice activist for most of her life, Robin Round decided to become an herbalist in response to the corporate takeover of healing. “Common plants that grow in our gardens, forests and fields can help us in ways we have forgotten or rejected. Over eighty per cent of the world’s population relies directly on herbs for healing and I believe it’s time we rejoined them.” shares Robin. After she became a Chartered Herbalist through Dominion Herbal College in Burnaby, she began as Klondike Apothecary in Whitehorse, Yukon. In 2011 she formed Botanical Bliss a Duncan-based herbal products and services company with over 40 herbal products including skin ointments, facial crème and lotion, massage bars and oils, castille soap, pure essential oil blends, body & room sprays, lip balms, after-bite sticks and more! All her products contain wellloved plants grown without chemical inputs on Robin’s property on Lakeview Drive in Duncan. She uses NO petroleum, parabens, artificial scent or colour, phthalates etc in any of her products and tests only on human animals.

Healing Herbs wild oregano

Oil of Oregano is the essential oil derived from pressing the leaves of the wild oregano (Origanum Vulgare ) which grows very well in Mediterranean climates. It had antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiinflammatory properties. The active ingredients are carvacol and thymol, these are what help to boost immunity, it can be used in place of antibiotics such as peniccilin in many cases. it is always diluted with another oil most commonly olive oil or hemp oil It can be used topically on the skin on rashes, or fungal infections (eg. Althletes foot) although we wouldnt reccommend to put it on open wounds as it will be quite uncomfortable. It is usually taken orally either under the tongue (and followed by water!) or some people prefer to mix in juice or water as its flavor is quite strong and “hot”. Becuase of this it is also available in

Sponsored by Oilcheck

capsule form which is much easier to take or can be given to younger people that may find it to strong to take. We do recomment to take a probiotic as the oil will also affect good bacteria as as harmful (just like an antibiotic does)

Recently, Robin’s Wild Hip Face Cream won 2nd Prize at the 11th International Herb Symposium, beating 25 competitors in the Lotions & Creams Category of the Herbal Products Contest. The three day symposium held in Boston, Massachusetts, attracted over 850 herbalists, naturopathic doctors, medical practitioners and veterinarians from all over the world. “I am deeply honoured by this award from my peers,” said Robin “It has taken four years to create this very special cream, Botanical Bliss and I feel truly rewarded.” Visit her at the Duncan Saturday www.botanicalbliss.com Market (9-2 downtown) and try 250 710 1276 sample the winning cream!

At Chemainus Health Food Store we carry a few different brands of Oil of Oregano in both capsule and liquid forms, one of our favorites is Hedd Wynn Essentials which is wonderful quality as well as being local.... all the way from Denman Island! www. heddwynnesstentials.com Sherry Mattin and Lulu Vegh are partners at Chemainus Health Food store in the quaint town of Chemainus on Vancouver Island.

Community

rjround@gmail.com

50 Shades of Green The Power of Money

have come to realize that our food choices are just one of many we make every day that can have either a positive or negative impact on us, our communities and, in fact, the whole world. We make many choices every day but one that we have in common is how we spend our money. Some of us have more, some of us have less, but we all have some and we use the money we have in trade for goods and services that we need or want. That is, quite frankly, all that money is good for and all that it was ever intended to be for – hauling around gold got to be a bit cumbersome. Us regular folk often feel

disempowered – we feel that we don’t have an ability to make an impact, to create change, to do much good in the world. This belief is a grave underestimation or our true power. The choices we make every day on how and where we spend our money can, and has, created significant and positive change, no matter if we have much or little. Just think back to when canned fruit went from being processed with sugar syrup. It was consumer pressure – pressure in the form of reduced sales - that caused Del Monte and the like to ditch the syrup and start using pear juice. We often make our buying choices on price alone, for that is the only thing that impacts us on a personal level immediately. We forget that our choices often result in costs to ourselves, our community and our global neighbours in the form of “externalities”. An example, choosing conventional produce instead of organic. We may not have to reach as deeply into our pockets

at the checkout that day but what about the potential increased health care costs, climate change due to the use of petroleum based fertilizer, health care costs due to pesticides and lower nutrition. Not only are some of these externalized costs going to fall on others but they eventually fall on us too, not to mention our children and theirs. So, the next time you open your wallet, imagine this. No matter how small the transaction, handing over your money is like tossing a small pebble into a pond – it may seem to create a small splash but it results in ever expanding and repeating ripples.

Karin Lengger, BSc., MEM is passionate about building resilient communities and has worked and volunteered extensively to further this interest.

First Nation Cultural & Artisan Market Waterwheel Park, Chemainus Aug 8 & 22 2 -6 pm

Come and celebrate and share in First Nations culture and the Spirit of becoming friends. Aug 22- Dedication ceremony of Youth Art Mural, featuring artist Charlene George. Drumming & dancing with Cowichan Spirit Drummers and Quwutsun Dance Group Artists set up your table for free. Traditional foods with a modern twist-for sale For more information contact Anne Crocker, Cowichan Neighbourhood House or email cnhaoffice@shaw.ca; 250-246-3203 FREE

S L OU

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

INTEGRATED COMMUNITY HEALTH

Lindsay J. Campa, BA

Dr. Daisey Kent MSc ND

ne of the most common themes I see in my practice is a lack of self-love. Over and over, I hear people judging themselves with harshness. They accuse themselves of being too much of something and not enough of something else. Ultimately, and unfortunately, people commonly see themselves as unworthy of love and happiness. The Dalai Lama was once asked about how to improve low self-esteem. He had to ask the meaning of the term, as in his Tibetan culture, no such concept exists. He explained that in his society,

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Naturopathic Doctor (250)510-1910

Tobi Jane Panter AHG, R.Ac., RHN Acupuncturist, Nutritionist, Herbalist (250)715-4030

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Chemainus BIA Ambassadors The Chemainus Business Improvement Association proudly announces the launch of the, Downtown Chemainus Ambassador program on August 1st. Dedicated volunteers Ambassadors will welcome visitors to Chemainus, provide information, answer questions and give directions, promote local businesses and activities, answer questions about the murals, encourage longer stays and return visits; and, encourage visits to the

Chemainus Visitor Centre. The Chemainus Ambassador program will emulate the Victoria Ambassador program which has been a huge success for over 15 years. If you are interested in volunteering for the Chemainus Downtown Ambassador program, please contact: Marlie Kelsey, Ambassador Program Coordinator, Chemainus Business Improvement Association, (250) 246-5265.

Health and Well Being

every person is accepted and deemed worthy of belonging. By contrast, in our culture, we are taught that we must earn our worthiness, and if we aren’t good enough, there is something wrong with us. Experiences of trauma and loss can devastate a person’s sense of worth. When a person experiences neglect, abuse, shock, and/or loss, he/she develops coping or survival strategies in order to carry on. These strategies (such as addictions, “shutting down,” violence, and numbing) are all misguided attempts to bring regulation back to the nervous system. The sad part is that we tend to beat ourselves up because we view these survival strategies as “bad,” which in turn fuels more maladaptive coping strategies, and keeps a person feeling stuck in an unfulfilling life. The good news is that it is possible to re-train the nervous system, to integrate trauma and loss, and get back into the flow of life. When you heal from trauma and learn how to cope with life in a healthy way, you naturally feel better about yourself, and you reestablish the most important healthy relationship in your life—the one you have with yourself.

Smart Seniors

mart cell phones and tablets are rapidly becoming part of many seniors’ everyday activities, sometimes by their own initiative, and sometimes with the encouragement of family. Apple products such as the iPad and iPhone, and Samsung products such as the family of Galaxy Tablets and Samsung S2-4 phones are two very popular product lines. While smart phones and tablets can be very useful, they can be frustrating to folks who don’t have the time or previous technology experience to ‘tame’ the device for their use. With a little thought prior to purchase, and a planned approach for using the device after purchase, the experience can be exciting rather than frustrating. All the devices, no matter which product line, have three common basic categories of use: organization, communication, and entertainment/creativity. Calendars, reminder and note applications can simplify daily, weekly,

monthly, yearly routines with a little time invested in entering the information. Email, messaging, and video conferencing applications provide easy access to friends, family, acquaintances and business connections once you invest time in updating a contact or address book. Entertainment activities range for photography, reading, music, videos, and games. When you are ready to buy a device, keep in mind it is for you and not your friends or family! Consider these three questions to help narrow your choice: Which of the 3 categories of activities do you see using a tablet or smart phone to augment or replace a current routine? Where do you see using the table or smart phone? Who or where can you find support and how easy are they to access? Then take the time in the stores to hold each of the devices, and see how your fingers feel on the ‘buttons’ and icons. Don’t be rushed! Once purchased, reflect on your answers to the questions above and make a plan to incorporate the device into your routines step by step. Don’t be surprised to find it takes more than a week or two to add a feature into your routines. Don’t be bashful about asking for a bit of coaching! Smart Seniors

Flying Daily.

Simplicity Parenting: Using the

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

Mom, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m bored!

ong summer days provide wonderful downtime for children. But it can also be a time when children become bored and look to parents for something to do. Rather than always responding with an organized activity, craft (or giving in to the TV on a beautiful day), let them be bored for a few minutes! According to author and educator Kim John Payne, boredom is a real gift. It is a precursor to creativity and imaginative play; both integral to learning.

1877 Herd Road Duncan 250-746-0372 Open 11am - 4:30pm

Boredom provides children with an opportunity to problem solve and gives their brains space for innovation. This is no small thing! The average child now has 12 hours/week more structured time than a generation ago. Subsequently, children have less and less time for creative free play. Studies are showing that this trend for highly structured environments for children is becoming problematic,

www.pnwraptors.com 32

Family

because unstructured work environments that require innovative thinking are increasingly becoming the norm. So when your children come to you feeling bored, Kim suggests simply saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh dearâ&#x20AC;? and nothing else. This is surprisingly effective! (At our house, I warmly invite my children to help me clean the kitchen.) Your children will complain at first, but hold your ground kindly. Your resolve through a few minutes of whining will be well rewarded. Now when my children tell me they are bored, I look forward to seeing what creative activity they will come up with! By not always giving our children the answer, we can provide them with an important opportunity for learning and self discovery. Linda is a certified Simplicity Parenting Facilitator, living in the Cowichan Valley.

KidzPlay Program Celebrates Robert Munsch Stories in English, French and Coast Salish Languages

hemainus Theatre Festival kicks off its 2013 Discovery programming with the KidzPlay; Munsch To Say! Classic tales such as Andrew’s Loose Tooth, We Share Everything and Aaron’s Hair, from acclaimed Canadian author Robert Munsch, are brought to the stage in this wacky and wonderful production that celebrates the many words and languages of our region – from English to French to Coast Salish. Chemainus Theatre Festival’s Artistic Director, Mark DuMez, has worked closely with members of the Coast Salish community to explore the different languages, sounds, gestures and pictures that we use to communicate across British Columbia. “It’s been an exciting community collaboration and to be part of the language preservation efforts which are integral to this project,” states DuMez. “There’s a commonality around the Salish Sea for those of us who live in this region. I want the audience to be captivated by learning new words in the language of our neighbours through storytelling and feel connected to each other.” Florence James, Penelakut Elder and Vancouver Island University Cowichan Campus Elder-In-Residence, provides Hul’q’umi’num dialect training to the cast for this production. James is currently involved in the Robert Munsch Project translating classic stories into print and interactive Hul’q’umi’num audio book as part of School District 79’s First Nation Preservation Project.

“I was so pleased when I found out that (Chemainus Theatre Festival) wanted to do this play,” explains James. “The language comes alive on stage! To have non-Natives learn and speak our language, they are like role models to me. This new generation has beautiful hearts and they will be the change that we need to keep our language and culture alive in the future.” Also contributing to the play is local singer-songwriter, and story-teller, Ed Peekeekoot. Twice nominated as the BC Country Music Association’s “Instrumentalist of the Year” and a nomination for “Best Country CD” from the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards, Peekeekoot wrote an original piece for the play entitled “The Salish Sea”. Don’t miss this opportunity to step into the wacky world of Munsch To Say! this summer from July 20 to August 25. Tickets are only $12 (including taxes) for all ages. Or buy a family pack, buy 3 and get one free! Show dates and times: Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:00 am and Tuesdays and Fridays at 2:00 pm. The Chemainus Theatre is proud to present Discovery Programs; live, professional theatre for youth and families alike and is devoted to providing a venue for youth and families to participate in and experience the joy of the theatrical art form. Each season energetic shows are produced that serve audiences ages four to one hundred and four. www. chemainustheatrefestival.ca/ education.html

Family

Social Permaculture with Starhawk and Charles Williams Knowing the challenges, how do we ensure our interactions are mutually beneficial and our interpersonal relationships also respect the environment around us? A challenging set of questions, but one that internationallyacclaimed writer, lecturer, activist, and spiritualist Starhawk tackles in her work and writings. One of the world’s most acclaimed voices in ecofeminism and an influential environmental activist, Starhawk travels extensively around the world giving lectures and workshops on many topics, including the connections between permaculture and people—social permaculture.

rom our earliest interactions, every relationship we enter into is ripe with potential pitfalls. From power imbalances to miscommunicated expectations or underexplained thoughts and emotions, it’s a wonder any of us have any well-functioning relationships at all!

In a five-day social permaculture intensive, Starhawk and co-facilitator Charles Williams will explore how to structure groups for maximum health, how to share power fairly, improve communication skills, mediate conflicts, and facilitate group processes. They will also share tools for decision-making and constructive critique. The course balances process work with time outdoors and insights from both permaculture and magic will help participants learn to be more effective and joyful as they work together to regenerate our world. Starhawk’s latest book, The Empowerment Manual: A Guide for Collaborative Groups, will be the foundation text. Co-facilitator Charles is a certified permaculture teacher with over two decades of experience stewarding land

Health & Well Being

across the US. He is a talented facilitator and conflict mediator who has worked with many groups of all sizes and styles. Together, they will help participants onto a path of increased communication and improved relationships with themselves, others, and the natural and spiritual worlds around them. Social Permaculture with Starhawk and Charles Williams at O.U.R. Ecovillage runs August 13–17. A limited number of skill-trade bursaries are available—contact OUR for more information. If you are from a Transition Town initiative, government, or related organization, contact OUR with a proposal to Starhawk for group tuition pricing. Additionally, those who become a ‘sustainer’ contribute $10–$20 a month on an ongoing basis towards the running costs of the non-profit, and receive 10–20% off all courses—including this one—for themselves and their families. To learn more or register: www.ourecovillage.org, or 250-743-3067.

Wild Medicine

s a boy, growing up in the suburbs, one of my chores was to mow the lawn and then drag a waxy bar across it to kill the dandelion weeds. My skin always burned after playing on the freshly treated lawn, but the packaging assured us that it was: ‘Safe for children and pets.’ – right next to the words: ‘Contains 2-4D.’ Ahhh the1970s. In recent years I have come to love the dent-de-lion plant, and now regularly ingest every part of it as medicinal food. Witnessing the sea of yellow flowers in our fields every Spring brings me a deep sense of com-fort. Abundance. Another amazing plant that I have come a long way to love is tobacco. Long regarded by indigenousminded folks as a sacred, sentient being for its capacity to amplify and communicate one’s intentions through and across realms… tobacco now receives the most vehement of condemnations from mainstream medical authorities. Why the cultural dissonance? When tobacco plants are cultivated by uncaring workers in a profit driven corporation, laced with addictive chemicals, sold (nevertheless) with a damning message on the package, and smoked by people feeling bad about themselves… tobacco, like any poorly cared for sentient being, causes trouble. By contrast when tobacco is cherished as a seed, planted with reverent song, tended, harvested and carried with loving respect, offered at no cost with profound compassion, and ingested or offered to the

earth with careful intention… we experience an entirely different effect. Whether a plant is a medicine or a poison is contingent upon our relationship with it. At one end of the spectrum we find gentle medicine people quietly serving anyone who genuinely seeks their assistance. Many of these people routinely manifest (supposed) miracle cures, regardless of income/ compensation. At the other end of the spectrum we find people who seek only power/ profit and couldn’t care less about the effect of their actions/products upon others. When engaged care-fully, tobacco is a medicine. When ‘used’ carelessly, tobacco is a poison. In between these polarities, of course, is a broad grey-scale of mixedminded intentions… all of which sustains a fair measure chronic dis-ease upon which our sizeable medical industry thrives. Viewed through this lens of perception, the deeper nature of ‘drug abuse’ becomes more apparent, and we are better able to discern between the healers and the dealers – whatever their profile, label or guise. Patrick Amos, M.A. is a natural building educator, and student of indigenous medicines living in Glenora.

Health &Well Being

On a Journey of Discovery

our experience, my experience, each separately experienced, yet each essential in developing our own understanding of who we are and why we are here. What follows is an invitation, join me on a journey of discovery – the one within. Here’s a practice from David Spangler, cofounder of the Lorian Association. David is a gifted intuitive, author and teacher devoted to empowering and inspiring others to recognize and claim their larger purpose. He offers this exercise to help “see” differently. It’s an experience of consciously stepping outside and entering into the flow of life not from your head, but from your heart. Stepping outside my house, I stop and notice what’s around me. I begin with dominant features. First, I tune into the strong presences – the waters and islands off Chemainus (as I love paddling, this awareness comes easily.) Looking west I imagine a line connecting me and Mt. Brenton. Returning, I notice other points – Askew Creek Park, the big cedar in my back yard, and the open field next door. Closer to home, I notice the fragrance of the flowers, the bird songs, my garden and the ground under my feet; I add myself, and the

felt-sense of my home and community. To complete, I imagine a stream of loving gratitude going out from my heart to the water, the islands, the mountain and I see the blessing return, passing through all the other points I’ve noticed, blessing them, completing the circle. This doesn’t have to take long, only a minute or so with practice. Remember, it’s an exercise in seeing yourself and the world around you differently, through the “eyes” of your heart. I invite you to give it a try, notice what you notice and drop me an email if you’d like to share your experience or have questions.

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

James Tousignant, Ph.D. Stillwater Reflections Helping you find your own way home, through the way of your heart.

cyclists making it a stress-free ride.

My Favourite Rides Involve Lakes

y favourite ride these days is around Shawnigan Lake. True…the road is a rough one, making it almost as bad as riding on cobblestone, but it’s gorgeous and fun and makes for a great work out. Luckily my Trek Domane’s IsoSpeed de-coupler makes even the Shawnigan Lake road feel comfortable. To increase the challenge one can always ride a little further on the Shawnigan Lake Road and look for the big hill on Stebbings. That will put the hurt on and make stopping in at Moziro Coffee Roaster afterwards a well-earned reward. I’ve always found the drivers in Shawnigan respectful and patient with

I asked Alex Miller, one of the dedicated cyclists who joins in most of the Cycle Therapy group rides, about his favourite ride and he said that the Meades Creek Road ride, was his personal favorite. That ride heads out of Duncan on the Old Lake Cowichan Road. It’s a lovely ride with a few interesting hills heading west through the countryside towards Lake Cowichan. When they hit Lake Cowichan the group jumps onto South Shore Road. Just before crossing the bridge they turn right onto Shore Road, which turns into North Shore Road which eventually veers to the left becoming Meades Creek Road. They stay on Meades until hitting Youbou Road. At the corner of Meades and Youbou they turn right and ride south until turning right again onto North Shore Road. Then they head back the way they came. It’s a challenging ride but one that most cyclists could easily do. The beauty of this ride is that you can always stop for refreshments at Jakes at the Lake if you want to split the ride up a bit. See you on the road.

Sandra Beggs owns and operates Cycle Therapy in Duncan. wwwcycletherapy.ca

p l j a I h o g s t b b T s j e s

Community Farm Store Pages

Bathing Your Dog The Easy Way

love my big dog. I love his loyalty, his playfulness, and his complete lack of judgment about what I wear. But he does occasionally get that stinky dog thing. Being a big fella, bathing Jackson at home is backbreaking and messy. Taking him to the groomer seems a little over the top for just a wash and dry so was I ever happy to see that a self serve dog wash opened up in

Duncan. I dropped in on Sunday afternoon at Lucky Dog U-Bath and was greeted by two relaxed resident dogs and the very helpful owner, Debbie. I was offered my choice of shampoos, even organic! While Jackson sniffed around the store, Debbie showed me how the neck loops hold Jackson securely in the tub so I have my hands free to scrub him down. There are three private bathtubs at waist height with stairs for the dog. Debbie helped me get Jackson into the tub. I was given a waterproof apron and fresh towels. Not long into the

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bath, Debbie popped in and clipped Jackson’s nails and swabbed his ears out with loving efficiency. After a final rinse I used a doggie blow dryer on Jackson. I’d never used one, but without heat, it blew the water and loose hair out of Big J’s coat. There was hair everywhere! After he was finished that, I could use any of the brushes or clippers that were offered up.

Now, although Jackson may never love getting a bath, using a self serve place like Lucky Dog makes it fast and painless. And best of all, you get to leave the mess with them! All included, only $25 and no appointment? I’m sold on the u-bath idea. Lucky Dog U Bath is located at 1059 Canada Ave, Duncan. For info call 250-597-7364

Pet Sketching with Artist Simon Warne

rtBeat in Chemainus hosts UK artist Simon Warne. For just $40 Simon will sketch your pet from a supplied photograph in an hour. Arrive early to avoid disappointment Can’t make a Friday? Photos can be dropped off at Crafty Cuppa 9750 Chemainus Rd at any time too. For more info or

other commissioned sketches call Simon at 250 533 9081

Custom Carpentry by Doug Marsh

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

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

FREE CONSULTATIONS Duncan: 250 737-1852 41

Valleyview

Centre

So much to oďŹ&#x20AC;er!

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, Craniosacral

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

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

Robâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lighthouse Eatery & Art Gallery Fresh, friendly, affordable and pet-friendly! OpenED Daily 8am-6pm Heated patio or take out

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

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

Attracting Birds With Water

e forget sometimes the importance of water, considering how much rain we get and what we are surrounded by. With the hot weather of summer now here finding a supply of water can be difficult as the puddles and pools of water dry up. Songbirds require water all year whether it is freezing or evaporating and providing a source of fresh water is an easy way to attract birds to your backyard. Providing water can be done with a beautiful birdbath or as simple as a shallow tray or garbage can lid. What birds need is a shallow, gently sloped dish that they can wade into the water. Songbirds do not jump into water like a duck and are also unable to swim like one. If the birdbath is to deep or steep try adding a few rocks to the birdbath and create a small shallow pool or gentle slope for the birds to access the water. Locate a birdbath in an open area about 8 feet away from shrubs or trees so the birds can see the water supply and also predators that may be lurking. Also place the birdbath where you can see it and enjoy the birds. To help the birds find your source of water it is best to have the water moving as the sound and the visual of water moving attracts the birds. A birdbath dripper can be attached to a garden hose and adjusted to produce a small drip of water into the birdbath which is enough sound for the birds to hear and helps to keep the water fresh and the birdbath full. Another

option is to provide a shower for the birds. A mister can be attached to a garden hose and adjusted to provide a fine mist over the end of a tree branch or railing. Birds will perch under the mist and bath. The mister allows all birds to bath and drink easily including hummingbirds. Birdbaths need to be cleaned regularly and I suggest at least a couple of times a week with a mixture of 1 part bleach, or a substitute, and 9 parts water. I use this mixture for cleaning all my birding stuff, feeders, trays birdbaths and deck railings. Frequent cleaning keeps the water fresh and healthy for the birds. During the summer months and also the freezing winter months, a fresh water supply is an easy way to attract songbirds to your backyard for you to enjoy. Good birding! Colin Bartlett is a birder and proprietor of The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store in Nanaimo, 250-390-3669,

A E m d d t s v a D c fl p h o

T T h b m r P o d d o m S r y i m d

G I s y p e a e t y a w t e t t m

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

putting effort out to boost your earnings.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Expect to enjoy a happy month ahead! Your main drive now is to be yourself. Ta da! Grab every opportunity to party with others. Enjoy sports events. Slip away on a vacation. Embrace the arts and express your creativity. Delight in playful times with children. And above all, flirt, flirt, flirt because the romantic part of your chart is now super hyped! Enjoy good times with others and just be yourself.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Money isn’t everything (but it sure keeps the kids in touch). Money, earnings, cash flow and possessions are your focus this month. Ka-ching! With lucky Jupiter in your sign until the summer of 2014, this is a fortunate time for you. Jupiter will attract favourable circumstances and important people to you but it does not necessarily mean you’ll make more money. Not yet. (Expect your boost in earnings from 2014-2015.) Nevertheless, this month, you’re thinking about what you value, what you own and what is truly worthwhile.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This month your focus shifts to home and family. You could be involved with a parent more than usual. Family reunions might take place. Perhaps relatives are surfing on our sofa. Nevertheless, despite these family distractions, you want to hide or cocoon at home. (“Where’s my baby blue blanket?”) Some of you will also explore real-estate situations, either for yourself or for speculation. This is a time for introspection and memoires about the “bad old days.”

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) The Sun is in your sign for the first time in 11 months boosting your energy for the rest of the year. You’ll be quick to take charge of anything that you’re involved in, which could put you at odds with others. Oh well. No matter. This month your primary duty is to yourself. Do whatever you need to do to boost your confidence and feel fabulous. The stronger you feel, the more you can help others later. (We don’t see things as they are – we see things as we are.)

Gemini (May 21-June 20) It’s a busy month! Your schedule is ambitious plus you might have a short trip planned. You’re talking to everyone, especially siblings and relatives, plus running errands trying to be all things to all people. On top of this, you’re reading, studying and writing more. Not to worry because the energy of the Sun will help you. Enjoy entertaining at home and tweaking your digs to make them attractive. You’re full of money-making ideas and

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This month, it behooves you to hide in the wings. Your birthday is approaching, which means your year is ending. That makes this the perfect month to ponder what you want your new year to be all about. Identify some goals. Write them down. Instead of living by just reacting to whatever happens, give yourself guidelines to steer your life in the direction you want to go. People with goals know where they’re going – it’s that simple.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You’re moving into a marvellous, popular time during the next month. Invitations will pour in and you will feel loved and adored! You like to schmooze with others, and enjoy nice restaurants, comfortable living rooms with overstuffed chairs and fine wine, bars, lounges, sports events and thoughtprovoking conferences. You want it all. This is not the month to go it alone. Join forces with others socially or professionally. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) The Sun is at high noon in your chart this month acting like a spotlight on you. This powerful lighting is flattering, which is why people in authority will ask you to take on more responsibilities. Say yes because you won’t have to do anything special to impress others. It’s in the cards. This is the perfect month to take stock. Examine your life. Where are you headed? Don’t pretend to be anything you are not. Just be yourself. The energy of the Sun will carry you through whatever you do. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month you want to travel, discover, learn new things and experience exciting adventure. And hey, this is just who you are! In other words, you want to do the things you enjoy doing best. Furthermore, they’re second nature to you. Therefore, travel anywhere if you can. Sign up for a course. Talk to people from different countries and cultures. Do anything that expands your experience of life because you are hungry for more. Romance with a boss is likely. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You’re prepared to work at becoming better at something this month. Furthermore, you’ll be

August intense in your approach to do this, possibly obsessed! (You do have perfectionist tendencies.) In addition, you have a desire to experience life passionately at a gut level – not superficially. So your impulse for change might also embrace some deep self-inquiry or introspection. “Who am I?” (“Hmm, where’s my ID?”) Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This month is the only time all year when the Sun is as far away from your sign as it ever gets. Since the Sun is your source of energy, this means you’ll need more sleep. Factoid. Respect this and get more rest. The other strong influence of this opposing Sun is it focuses your attention on partnerships and close friendships. You might find yourself in conflict with others or, conversely, you might feel a deeper appreciation of these people. Could be anything. But you will examine these relationships. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) You’re keen to improve your health and get better organized in the coming month. You’re determined to get in better shape privately and professionally. You want it all! Many of you will focus on new dietary regimes or exercise plans and you’ll feel good about yourself! Whatever you tackle, give yourself the right tools (paint, cleaning supplies, shelving, file folders) to do a bang-up job. After all, if you’re going to put out the effort, you want fantastic results. www.georgianicols.com

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT By Rick Dennis A “SPECIAL” DAY … It’s always a pleasure to

co-host Special Woodstock with Shelley Vaags. (This year’s event is Aug. 18 at Providence Farm. Admission by donation.) It was Shelley who came up with the idea and had the dedication and vision to carry it through. Of course, Shelley would be the first to tell you she couldn’t do it without the help of the Vancouver Island Lions Club who sponsor the event and pitch in to help run the shindig. Shelley currently plays with sister Shannon and brothers Jeff and Todd in the Smiley Family Band (all four siblings are former members of retro rockers The Timebenders.) Rick Scott will be back again. In addition to being one third of legendary BC trio Pied Pumkin and a Juno nominated children’s music performer, Rick is the Goodwill Ambassador for Down Syndrome Research Foundation. The guests of honor have a gift for appreciating music on a purely instinctive level. Bobbing to the beat in their wheelchairs or dancing in front of the stage, they respond to any genre of music with the same unadulterated joy. But what makes this concert so unique is that some of the performers are from the special needs community themselves. “I am thrilled with the response we have received from the island community,” Shelley says, “We have managed without much marketing to become a well known festival. Our children have grown up with this festival and have always known and recognize that we are all special and we all have abilities and disabilities. It is what makes us unique and yet ultimately the same.” For more info and a complete list of performers (there are three stages) log on to www. specialwoodstock.ca There is truly nothing like it anywhere else. Now in its 14th year, it is one of those events that makes the Cowichan Valley such a special place to live.

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

Sailing Spectacle Labour Day Weekend at Maple Bay

aple Bay will be a sea of sails on Labour Day weekend as up to 100 boats compete in the 58th annual Maple Bay Yacht Club Regatta. Head to the beach by the government wharf to take in the spectacle on Aug. 31 through Sept. 1. It’s a firstclass competition involving sailors from throughout the Pacific Northwest who compete in eight divisions, with everything from junior sailing dinghies to 40- to 50foot boats and a new division this year for the Melges class. “The regatta is one of the best on the West Coast involving sailors from throughout the Pacific Northwest, many of whom have been competing for years,” said Fleet Captain Jay Rozen. Nanaimo Yacht Club member Bill Allan, who has only missed one regatta in the last 46 years, calls it “one of life’s markers. “Growing up, it capped the end of summer just before we all headed back to school,” he says. Allan started coming when he was just 10 years old and remembers many a time when the wind died en route to the club and his boat ran out of fuel half way before he even got to Maple Bay. “We’d end up getting to the club at 1:30 a.m. but get up bright an early to take part in the race. “For kids, it was a magical time. The club was smaller then and we’d raft eight boats deep in the bay. When it rained, we would be out dancing in our boots. And there were always some romantic intrigues with the visiting girls,” he says “As kids, we got up to all manner

Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine

Image Fred Demchuck

of antics. One night, eight of us dragged a huge anchor off the lawn down to the dock and five others dragged the chain and we tied it to a Martin 242.” Rozen, calls racing “addictive. It’s a total body rush when you push your crew and your boat right to the limit, and the boat is doing things you only dreamed of. It’s a real high.” “The club has put a new emphasis on its juniors program in the last few years,” says Commodore George Marshall. “We have a new clubhouse just for them and summer sailing classes that include weekly social events. “We’re introducing sailing lessons to local schools. We’ve also created an endowment fund and this year, for the first time, we will fund one-week sailing classes free to five students.” It’s all part of the club’s commitment to encourage the development of yachting and foster sportsmanship in the yachting community, Marshall said. For more information, visit the club’s website at www.mbyc.bc.ca. Submitted by Gloria Collins

The Value of Shared Time

here is something inspiring about life at the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre and the daily spirit of volunteerism. While the folks who give their time reflect many different lifestyles and incomes, they share a common passion. As the sign in the workshop states:’… there is nothing - absolutely nothing, half so worth doing as ~ simply messing around in boats! ~ a quote spoken by Ratty in ‘Wind in the Willows’.

COWICHAN FEATURE LISTINGS

spaces are good for health, economics and establishing vibrant places for people to gather. Volunteer time also means grant dollars, as it shows community investment.

Want to learn how to make your own jewellery?

You never know whose path you will cross in community spaces or the things you will learn while volunteering. There are many fantastic nonprofits in the Cowichan Valley that would be grateful for your help and support. Your efforts will make a difference.

Call for prices and dates 250 324 2227 New Hours Monday - Saturday 10 - 5 and Sunday 11 - 4

At the Maritime Centre, some people put their volunteer energy into the If your passion happens to be shop, at special events, boat maritime life and boats, give restoration projects, on the the Cowichan Bay Maritime Board of Directors.. the list Centre a call at 250-746-4955 is endless. These peoples’ or email cwbs@classicboats. work adds to the heritage org. and legacy left for those that follow. It also offers a welcoming space for Photo Tony Owen visitors from around the World to visit and learn. Maritime life on the West Coast has been a vital part of our history, survival and a source of enchantment. For whatever Submitted by Kate Rossetto motivates people to General Manager volunteer, their hours make Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre an important difference every day. Thriving community

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

Donations Gratefully Accepted

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

Etc! offers a wide range of classes from introductory classes in Beading, Kumihimo and Bead Weaving to more advanced techniques and workshops. We have a fantastic range of beads and supplies as well as unique gifts. 9747c Willow St, Chemainus 250 324 2227

High quality handwoven traditional rugs and carpets made by Tibetan refugees from Nepal. Hand-knotted and made of 100% Tibetan wool in a family run venture that houses workers and educates children to alleviate poverty.

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

Metal Artist Brad Allen

With a torch,welder and array of metal finishing tools, Brad creates joyful, nurturing and thought-provoking pieces. - Metal Wall hangings - Free Standing Sculptures Studio located in Duncan by appointment Brad Allen 250 748 0934 www.meddleart.com Our mission is to inspire, motivate and most of all...to have fun! We offer encouraging, experienced tap dance instruction for beginners to advanced of all ages.

Lynda Allen 250-748-0934 lyndaallentapstudio@shaw.ca Contact Adrienne Richards for more information and a Summer 2013 Rate Card 250 510 6596

adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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

For those who like to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

Valley Voice Magazine readers directory a great way to discover local services and businesses. 2 sizes of ad space are available to suit every business message and budget. Affordable, stylish and straight to the point. Contact Adrienne Richards for more info 250 510 6596 or by e-mail at adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com