VV December 2016 Issue 97 by Cowichan Valley Voice

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DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE 97 CHRISTMAS FAIRS I 50KM FOOD I LOCAL ART I HOLIDAY PAIRINGS

Issue 97 December 2016 Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Editors Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Proofreader Distribution Diana Pink Mike Andringa Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline December15 16 for JANUARY ISSUE 98 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire. COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next DEADLINE DEC 12 for JAN 2017 Issue 98 Please send event all on one line in this order: Date, Event Title, Time, Location, Cost Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Victor Vesley, Sara Pittman, JD Stevenson, Mark Holford, Carolyn Herriot, Nick Misura, Carol Badman, Pam Stiles, Heather Kaye, Chantey Dayal, Brett Holland, Maki & Emi Ikemura, Linda Dirksengale, Ingemar& Theresa Karlsson, Harry Williams, Fiona McLagan, Catherine Macey, Sonia Ottosen, Ingrid Ball, Christine Brown, Jean Cardino, Chris Manley, Cari Burdett, Shannon Wilson, Sheri Becker, Christine Beattie, Cheryl Galloway, Genevieve Singleton, Alex Palmer, Janice Winfrey, Jennifer Yee Fairweather, Gill Polard, David Yaeger, Debbie Wood, Faye Stefan, Karen Allen, Zoe Lauckner, Sophy Roberge, Helga Feichtinger, Alison Etter, Joanna M. Weston, Sonia Furstenau, Susan Dumas-Ryan, Don Selkirk, Swarn Leung, Richard Neftin, David Suzuki, The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available. Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith, Victoria, Tofino and Parksville

NEW YEAR HOROSCOPE Issue Deadline Dec 12 HOLIDAY BOOKING SPECIAL Book your 2017 ad term by December 31st for 2016 Rates! Please contact Adrienne at 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com for your lst chance at 2016 Rates.

OUR COMMUNITY Company Coming? 5 December Events 6-7 Providence Farm Annual Christmas Craft Fair 9 Christmas Craft Fair Directory 15 A Cow-op Christmas 19 Mindful Gift Experience Guide 26-27 DDBIA Holiday Fashion Finds 28-36 Holiday Celebration of Memories 38 2.3 Family Trust Options 39 Glenora Farm Christmas Fair! 43 Cowichan ValleyYouth Choir 47 Holiday Traditions From Around The World 50 Hospice Love Stories 56 Green Gift Giving Made Simple 57 Shawnigan Lake Update 61 Community Farm Store 64-65 Table Talk 68 December Forecast 70 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Teafarm Open House 8 Local Wine Picks for a 50km Meal 10 The Grain Mill 12 Importance of Terroir 13 Holiday Tea Pairings From Teafarm 17 Cow-Op Profile Rockin’ Risotto 18 Local Sparklers 25 Your New Go-To Stuffing Recipe 60 FARM, HOME & GARDEN 52 Weeks of Gardening Guidance 15 Which Tree? 20 WInter Gardening 44 LOCAL ARTS Ebony & Pearls 11 A Christmas Story Chemainus Theatre 11 6th Annual Winter Solstice Concert 40 Boreal Collective 41 Syrian Artists Come To Cowichan 53 Home Ground 59 BODY, MIND & HEALTH The Anat Baniel Method® (ABM) of NeuroMovement® 22 Temperature Regulation: Are you Really a Hot Sleeper? 36 Let There Be Light 52 Light, Sleep and the Obesity Connection 54 Attunement – Increasing Life Energy 55 The Holidays and Reflexology 57 Breakthrough Counselling and Coaching 58 Yoga For Wellness 68 CHILDREN & FAMILY Santa Lucia Day 48 BEAUTY Keep Fashion Simple 62 A Facial To Remember 63 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE The History of Sleigh Bells 42 Nature Rambles 45 Lucky Dogs...59 David Suzuki 67

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

COMPANY COMING? FUTON FRAMES Love Seat, Double and Queen sizes available

These prime quality frames are made from the finest plantation grown materials and are constructed with traditional woodworking good sense.

Futon Frames starting from $459 Futon Mattresses starting from $269 Futon covers starting from $79

CABINET BEDS

Twin, Double and Queen sizes available

Another space saving alternative. Attractive wooden cabinet with your choice of mattress.

FLIP BEDS Single, Twin, Double and Queen sizes available Three joined sections that fold up quickly for easy storage. Great for camping and overnight guests.

Prices starting from $99

Duncan Foam & Futons

4485 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan 250-746-0702

(in the Crossroads Centre at the corner of Koksilah Road and the Trans Canada Highway beside the Cowichan Bay Fire Department and south of Whippletree Junction) Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 to 5:00; closed Sundays and Holidays

Visions Artists Christmas Show & Sale Paintings, pottery, jewellery and more PORTALS Island Savings Centre 10-5pm (Closed Sun) Runs to 12/17

Seaside Holiday Shopping 8am-4pm Featured locally crafted gifts include mosaic glass, jewellery, carvings, knitting, paintings, quilting, and pottery. Mariners Market & Espresso Bar, Maple Bay Marina Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy A Celtic Family Christmas , 7:30pm, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan,www.cowichanpac.ca, Tickets $45 Community Acupuncture Thursdays w/ Frauke McCashin 12-3 pm RAc, #103-44 Queens Road, Duncan 250-710-3581 $15$45 12/14/21/28 Also 12/8/15/22/29

Ebony & Pearls Exhibit JD STEVENSON Gallery 9768 Willow St. Chemainus runs to January 31st.

THE SECOND HANGER BOUTIQUE CONSIGNMENT

Beverley McKeen and Ray Harvey Duo, 7 - 11pm, River Rock Bar and Grill, Ramada Inn, 140 TCH Duncan, Free

2,3,4

Westholme Tea Farm And Margit Nellemann Clay Annual Open House10Am–6Pm Westholme Tea Farm 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme www.teafarm.ca find the perfect gift, tea + ceramic teaware free

LOVE IT, LIVE IT, LET IT GO.

Traditional Christmas Tea, Bake Sale & Nativity Display 1-4pm Sylvan United Church, 985 Shawinigan- Mill Bay Rd $10/ Child $5/ Family $25 Providence Farm Christmas Craft Fair 10Am - 3Pm Hayrides, vendors, photos w/ Santa, crafts, food and more1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan Free Cowichan Consort presents The Messiah by Handel, 7:30 pm Chr. Reformed Church, 930 Trunk Road, Duncan Adults -$15, Students 17 & under $10 Behind the Lines - collection of contemporary Syrian Art; Duncan United Church; www.cis-iwc.org; Admission by donation runs to 12/3 Traditional Christmas Tea, Bake Sale & Nativity Display Sylvan United Church, 985 Shawinigan Mill Bay Road, Mill Bay

DECEMBER 10

10am-3pm

Christmas Event

TREATS & DRAWS ALL DAY! Arbonne, Epicure, Juice Plus, Professional Professional Make-up Artist Demos 11am & 1pm Cost $5 which will go towards purchase of product.

3541 COBBLE HILL ROAD In the heart of Cobble Hill

250 743-7802

thesecondhanger@shaw.ca

Blue Grouse Open House 12-5pm Enjoy mulled wines, artisan cheese boards, holiday crafts, prizes, holiday music and more. 2182 Lakeside Road Duncan Family Friendly FREE Holiday Door Wreath Workshop w/ Platinum Floral Design Birds Eye Cove Farm 1-3pm 5881 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan tina@ platinumfloraldesigns.com $45 Island Savings Credit Union Christmas Skate & Social, Skating 1:00 pm - 2:20 pm, Activity Zone 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm FREE Island Savings Centre, 250.748.7529 SUNDAY JAZZ Wes Plays Wes Wes Carroll plays Wes Montgomery 2pm 1534 Joan

Avenue Crofton $15

International Volunteer Day (IVD) In recognition of all volunteers locally, nationally and globally, www.un.org/en/ events/volunteerday

St. Nicholas Day - Give in secret to those in need. Traditionally, children leave a shoe out the night before with hay and carrots for the horse of St Nicholas. In appreciation they receive shoes filled with goodies in the morning. Vigil of Rememberance for Gender-based Violence, 5pm @ Sands Funeral Chapel, Duncan. www.cwav.org/event

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Arbutus Ridge Music Club presents Sing We All Noel 4 pmArbutus Ridge Golf Course Clubhouse, Cobble Hill $15 Marjorie 250-743-3500

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Community Acupuncture Wednesdays w/ Frauke McCashin, RAc, 5-8pm#103-44 Queens Road, Duncan 250-710-3581 $15$45 12/14/21/28 Gingerbread Decoration for Children 3-5pm True Grain Bread, 1725 Cowichan Bay Rd Sign Up Required 250 746-7664 Open Mic Jam w/ Beverley McKeen & Gord Bigham 7 - 10pm River Rock Bar and Grill, Ramada Inn, 140 TCH Duncan Free also 12/14/21 Cowichan Hospice’s Annual Christmas Light Up in Memory, Cowichan District Hospital Lobby, 5:30 pm, (250) 701-4242 for more info FREE

Holiday Celebration of Memories, 6:30pm Sands Funeral Chapel, Duncan. www.cwav.org/event Talk and energy healing Attunement Circle w/ Karen Allen and Alison Etter, mezzanine Community Farm Store (5380 Trans Canada Highway)5:30-6:30 PM. FREE All welcome!

Cowichan Camerata String Orchestra concert “A String Noel”, 7:30 pm, Duncan United Church 246 Ingram Str, tickets from orchestra members or at the door, Students $5 Adults $15 Family $30

Traditional Christmas Tea Bake Sale & Nativity Display

Saturday, December 3rd •1:00pm - 4:00pm

Admission: Adult $10.00 I Child $5.00 I Family $25.00 Sylvan United Church, 985 Shawnigan Mill Bay Road, Mill Bay

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

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Inspired Events Last Chance Christmas Fair 10am - 4pm Cobble Hill Hall

The Nutcracker , Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, www. cowichanpac.ca, Tickets $26 / Family Pack (2 adults and 2 children) $84

Second Hanger Christmas Event 10am -3pm Treats and Draws all day (Make Up Demo 11am & 1pm) 3541 Cobble Hill Rd

Met Opera Live in HD: L’Amour de Loin , 9:55am, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, www.cowichanpac. ca, Tickets $29 / eyeGO $5 Yin Yoga with Young Living Essential Oils, 7:15-9:15pm @ Harmony Yoga Centre HarmonyYogaDuncan.com 250.597.1919 $15+tax

10-17

Behind the Lines - collection of contemporary Syrian Art; Brentwood College School, Mill Bay; www. cis-iwc.org; Admission by donation

Auction Sunday La Petite Auction House, 9686 Chemainus Rd, 250701-2902 SUNDAY JAZZ Sky Valley From Saltspring Island 2pm 1534 Joan Avenue Crofton $15 Jon and Roy Holiday Special, 7:30pm, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, www.cowichanpac.ca $27/Sr$25/St$23/$16/eyeGO$5 Chemainus Classical Concerts: “Welcome December” - Cowichan Valley Youth Choir 2pm at Chemainus United Church Tickets $20/$5 adv/ $17 250-748-8383 www.ChemainusClassicalConcerts.ca Emandare Vineyard Christmas Open House, 6798 Norcross Rd. Duncan 11am - 5pm, info@emandarevineyard.com FREE

13&20

Lentil Dahl & Roti 6pm -7 pm Scoops Natural Foods, Whippletree Junction $12 778 422 3310

Break The Sugar Habit w/ Ruth Hayes 6:30pm -8pm Scoops Natural Foods, Whippletree Junction $25 778 422 3310 Gingerbread Decoration for Children 3-5pm True Grain Bread, 1725 Cowichan Bay Rd Sign Up Required 250 746-7664

ShoDai One Hour Chant Fri. Info: peace@viretreats.com

A fabulous value at $15

Boreal Collective Winter Fair Shop Local - over 40 designers with unique & handcrafted gifts just in time for Christmas! Stellar Giveaways, Live Music, Kids Crafting, Food Trucks, Coffee, & Workshops All Day! 10am-7pm 2375 Koksilah Rd, Duncan the HUB Cowichan Station $2 - Kids Free

17&18

Ken Lavigne’s Christmas Musical Roadshow 2:30pm & 7:30pm 12/18 @ 2:30pm Chemainus United Church 9814 Willow St, Chemainus

Glenora Farm Christmas Fair 11am3pm music, food, puppet show, hayrides, family friendly, silent auction and vendors 4766 Waters Rd, Duncan www. glenorafarm.org 6th Annual Winter Solstice Concert, Sylvan United Church, 3PM, 985 Shawnigan LakeMill Bay Rd, Mill Bay $20 Adv/$25 Door Tickets at Ten Old Books, Bucknucks Books Winter Wonderland Skate 1pm - 2:30 pm | 3:15 pm - 4:45 pm, Adults $5 | Child/Youth/ Senior $4 Family $12 | Rentals $3 Island Savings Centre 250.748.7529 Candy Cane Vase Workshop w/Platinum Floral Design Birds Eye Cove Farm 1-3pm 5881 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan tina@platinumfloraldesigns.com $85

Colour the Cowichan Valley adult colouring book on sale for Christmas at these valley locations: James Street Billiards • Peacock Photo on Canada Avenue • Mill Bay Paint & Hardware • Shawnigan House Coffee & Chocolate • Treasured Memories Scrapbooks Stamping and More • Red Balloon Toy Store in Duncan • The Village Chippery in Shawnigan Lake and PORTALS, the CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture and Heritage, in the Island Savings Centre. High quality paper in coil bound book. Drawings by local artists and other community members. All proceeds support the work of the local arts council.

Gingerbread Decoration for Children 3-5pm True Grain Bread, 1725 Cowichan Bay Rd Sign Up Required 250 746-7664

22&23

Waterside New Year’s Eve at Bridgemans Bistro 740 Handy Rd, Mill Bay Call to book (778) 356-3568

Duncan Christmas Nativity Pageant 6:30pm & 7:30pm Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1815 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan Free

Merry Christmas to all our wonderful readers!

New Year’s Eve Celebration 5 pm - 8 pm Island Savings Centre FREE 250.748.7529

New Years Eve - Meditation - 7 PM - Info: peace@viretreats.com Nichiren Peace Center Info: txt./Ph. 250. 710. 7594

“Building furniture while building lives”

Wo o d w o r k s

rom pens to kitchens, the Providence Farm woodworking program is eager to design and craft a one of a kind piece for your home or office. We use a blend of traditional and modern building techniques to meet our high quality standards, so that your furniture can be enjoyed for generations. Our commissions directly fund therapeutic programming, providing our participants with materials, tools and machinery, and high quality artisanal instruction.

Contact: woodwork@providence.bc.ca 250-746-4204 ext.27

GREAT CHRISTMAS IDEAS A

at Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery

s the festive season approaches, December offers countless occasions to celebrate with friends and family and to partake in what our Valley has to offer. At Westholme Tea Farm, we start off with our Annual Open House on the first weekend of the month and welcome the community to share in the warmth of the season.

Image above; Naomi wins Margit Nellemann teapot draw.

International Tea Day

Then mid-month we bring attention to something that is close to our hearts and to what we do.

The staff would like to wish all of our customers a Happy Holiday season and all the best for 2017. GREAT NATURAL GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE! Himalayan Salt Rock Lamps • Tea Lights • Stocking Stuffer Gifts • Hand Made Soaps • Diffusers & Ionizing Misters - Large Range Of Pure Essential Oils • Creekmore Coffee • Denman Island Chocolates • Beeswax Candles • Amber & Hazelwood Jewellery • Gemz Bracelets • Natural Body Products And Bath Products • Natural Beauty, Skin Care & Make Up • Selection of Hostess Fruit & Nut Gift Baskets for Under $10! Come on in and see us at Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery and our knowledgeable staff would be happy to assist you. Village Green Mall, 4-180 Central Avenue, Duncan

250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com

In 2005, a group of tea workers from India got together and created International Tea Day. The idea behind the group (and the day) was to share the plight of tea workers and to shed more light on the industry and its work force. As the tea industry continues to experience tremendous growth, it is important that traditions, quality and meaning are not lost. The living environments are often substandard and the wages extremely low. What is more, the large conventional tea estates spray the fields while the workers are there.

and work environment for thousands of tea pickers worldwide. On Thursday December 15th we invite you to celebrate the day with us at the farm. Enjoy complimentary tea and learn more about our efforts to grow tea here in the Cowichan Valley. In honour of all the amazing tea workers worldwide, ceramic artist Margit Nellemann will be drawing for one of her funky handbuilt clay teapots. Margit has given away a teapot for the past nine years to raise awareness of the working conditions for tea pickers around the world. You can sign up by visiting us at the farm or online at www.teafarm.ca

Now in its eleventh year, the purpose of International Tea Day remains the same. When we as tea consumers are better informed about the origins of our favourite beverage we can demand improved situations and salaries within the industry. When we purchase organic tea we support a healthier living

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

Victor Vesely is a tea maker and owner of Westholme Tea Farm. www.teafarm.ca

Providence Farm Annual Christmas Craft Fair

staff and volunteers. The kids can enjoy the craft area and a photo with Santa while you peruse the hand-made gifts, including stunning wooden bowls, wool and quilted blankets, fresh wreaths and swags, preserves and oh so delicious holiday baking.

Hay rides will take place all day by donation and don’t forget to find the raffle room. tickets $2, draw at 2:30. Multiple baskets.

rovidence Farm’s Annual Christmas Craft Fair returns again on December 3, from 9am to 3pm with many traditional features. Over thirty new and returning vendors, on both floors of the main building offer unique gifts from wreaths to glass ornaments, to teas, body care and candles. Monty and friends will be carolling in the dining room where you can enjoy a home-cooked lunch and dessert.

Finish your day with a short walk to the General Store for a cup of hot apple cider made from Providence Farm apple juice. And a new feature this year - purchase a bag by donation, and fill it from a large selection of Christmas decorations. As always the store is filled with organic produce, coffee and tea, fresh and frozen baked goods, and ice cream.

After your meal, stroll through the beautifully decorated garden to St. Ann’s Building where you will find gifts made by Providence Farm’s talented participants,

HOLIDAY BAKING

by Chef Ashley Lee • BAKED GOODS • SAVOURY BITES • CANAPÉS • CUSTOM PLATTERS Some dates still available for Christmas parties! USING ONLY THE FINEST LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS, WHENEVER POSSIBLE. BAKING & COOKING STRESS ELIMINATED WITH A QUICK CALL! www.justaddbutter.ca I Just add Butter ashleylorilee@gmail.com I phone 250-327-4452

LOCAL holiday PiCKS for a 50km meal Pinot Noir Dive into an adventure with every Rocky Creek Winery meal, as it has a complexity that changes with each meal. It has been slightly oaked in French Oak. Good aromas with hints of spiciness. It has the strawberry, cherry tones and slight plum but also hints of cloves and pepper. Great â&#x20AC;&#x153;catch allâ&#x20AC;? foodie wine. Fantastic with turkey, hams and appys. The pinot noir is a red that is very versatile and goes with everything and showcases our region very well. Suggested pairings Turkey, Smoked Salmon Pate, Stuffed Mushrooms. $25 + tax 2015 Estate Ortega Blue Grouse Estate Winery

Allegro Unsworth Vineyards

Ortega, a cross of Siegerrebe and Muller-Thurgau, is one of the most planted grapes on Vancouver Island. The flavours are clear and bright with a bouquet of pear and elderflower. A light to medium bodied balanced wine with refreshing acidity and flavours of dried apricot, green apples and fresh almonds. Pair this wine with any of your favourite seafood, vegetables, salad or a local salty cheese! $20 + tax

Unsworth Vineyards 2015 Allegro is a unique variety of island grown white varieties. Allegro exhibits generous ripe fruit on the nose and palate with the hallmark Cowichan Valley brightness on the finish. Underlaying notes of delicate herbs and honeysuckle add layers of complexity. It has enough weight to compliment the richness of ham or a heavy turkey gravy but with enough lively mouthfeel to leave you refreshed and ready for another sip. Enjoy the company of loved ones while savouring a delicious local white grown and made with conscious respect for our environment. $20 + tax

Winter Apple merridale ciderworks Winter Apple is a fortified cider. A fresh and velvety sipping drink with an aroma of baked apples and buttery brown sugar. Serve straight in the tradition of fine Port. Pair with cheddar or blue cheese, melons, fruit desserts and dark chocolate. A 375mL bottle is $23 +tax

Stewart Channel by John D. Stevenson

Ebony & Pearls

utside our window we notice winter is walking towards us. Its arrival changes the world. For the season of rest and renewal, ring in this holiday with our soothing gallery atmosphere and jewel box of an art show. Evocatively large and sweetly small new paintings and sculptures have arrived.

and warmth. We invite you to visit us to view and absorb these magical wonders created by our Canadian artists.

The entire JDSTEVENSON Gallery will be filled with treasures to make this season one to remember with love

We are on Facebook, come along and join us. Please visit our website www.jdstevensongallery.com for more information about our artists.

The Ebony & Pearls exhibit will be held from December 2nd to January 31st. The JD STEVENSON Gallery is located at 9768 Willow Street in Chemainus. For winter hours, we are open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00pm.

Potential by Nancyanne Cowell

Eat, Drink and Support Local

in taste, texture and digestion of our milled flours. We always mill to order and suggest that the flour is used within 5 days for optimum taste and nutrition. Imagine milling flour on demand, whether you need a cup for pancakes or 20 cups for a huge batch of dinner buns. Whether you require wheat flour such as Red Fife, Kamut or Spelt or gluten free options like brown rice, quinoa or buckwheat, a kitchen mill means that you can store whole grains in your pantry and grind into a fine or coarse flour as you need it.

with fans that force the flour to flow through quickly (which is important when milling a substantial amount of grain) but also keep the motor and the flour cool, which also helps with slowing down oxidization. That said, either way, using your freshly milled flour immediately is the way to preserve optimum nutrition and taste – otherwise refrigerate or freeze.

for you. If you are interested in learning more about milling your own grain at home, or even trying a freshly milled batch of flour, come in and see us. We can get you started on the healthy road to processing your own flour.

Here at Scoops, we love helping you determine the best appliance

The Grain Mill – The Gift that Keeps on Giving!

hen I got my first grain mill almost 10 years ago it was received as a gift – one that I probably wouldn’t have chosen myself, simply because I had no idea that I needed it! Now, years later, it is an appliance that I cannot live without. We use it almost every day. From cracking grains for cereal and pancakes at breakfast, to making bread and chapattis for lunch and dinner. At Scoops Natural Foods, we have noticed a significant increase in customers asking for freshly milled flour, both wheat and gluten free. This is wonderful news for us as it shows that more people are becoming aware of the health advantages of removing over processed, questionably grown grain from their diets. Instead, replacing it with wholesome Canadian grown, non-GMO, organic grain that is milled right before it is used. Again and again, customers are astounded with the difference

Grain mills are available as stand-alone electric units, as an attachment for your mixer or hand operated units. High speed blenders also work well when milling grain into flour (as long as you don’t over-blend and cause heat transfer). Most grain mills either grind using stones or steel “micronizers”. In the past a stone grinder has always been the preferred method by seasoned millers due to the potential of heat transfer. Stone mills also operate slower then steel micronizers – which slows down the oxidization process of the flour. However, for many of us the cost of stone grinding mills can be quite prohibitive. More economical electric mills using steel micronizers are now fitted

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

Pam Stiles is the owner of Scoops Natural Foods at Whippletree Junction. 778-422-3310

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grapes) reflect the place in which they were grown. All those environmental factors add up to make wine distinctive. It’s why a Pinot Noir grown in California will taste quite different from one grown in France, or one grown in the Cowichan Valley. Cowichan Valley terroir is indeed unique. On a macro scale climate wise we share common elements, but on a more micro scale – every vineyard has it’s own soil types, slopes, aspect, distance to water bodies. Within a region there will be subtle differences in wines, as each vineyard is unique from the next.

Musings From The Vines: Terroir

inter is just around the corner – harvest is finished, wines are stabilizing in their barrels and the production end of the business is slowing down. A great opportunity to talk about one of the least understood terms in the wine world. Terroir. If you’ve heard a winemaker talk about their wines this term has come up – but seldom do they explain what it means and why it is important. It’s almost synonymous with habitat. It’s the sum of all environmental factors which affect the grapes. It includes climate (temperature, rain, sunshine, frost), soils (rocky, gravelly, silty, loamy, clay), geomorphology (slope of the land, mountain, valleys, bodies of water, aspect, elevation), and farming practices. The French appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) is based entirely on the concept of Terroir – that some areas have growing conditions that enable the production of grapes with unique and desirable characteristics and that areas with similar “terroir” should be grouped together to form regional areas. The idea of terroir is that grapes (and wine made from those

I participated in a blind tasting of Pinot Noir some time back, which included Pinot Noir wines from all over the world – including a handful of Cowichan Valley wines. I had a lot of difficulty guessing where most were from, but I had no problem picking out the Cowichan Valley Pinot’s. There was something familiar about them – even though they were different, they all shared some common threads. Acidity, minerality, lower alcohol, and aromas that are typical for our region. Our region produces some exceptional wines – partially due to the terroir – and partially to the skill of the winemakers. Unfortunately our unique terroir is threatened. Many wineries in the Cowichan Valley, including ours, focus on producing only wines made from grapes from this region, but half the wineries supplement their local grapes with grapes purchased from other regions.

Open 7 days a week including Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve day.

Great Foodie Gifts Large Cheese Selection Entertainment Appetizer Platters Gift Baskets Holiday Specialties ie Tourtière, Christmas hams

It’s a concern because it messes with the whole concept of terroir. As you tour through different wineries in the region the common characteristics in the wines should scream out at you as you move from winery to winery. This won’t happen when the offerings include grapes grown in completely different regions. So the public gets confused as to what the local wines should typically taste like. This isn’t new – it was a concern before we started our winery over a decade ago. That’s not the only factor putting our terroir at risk. New farming practices have been developed which wrap entire vineyard rows in plastic wrap for several weeks in early spring. Apart from the environmental cost (while everyone is trying to reduce the use of plastic bags) it effectively puts entire blocks of vineyards into the equivalent of a hot house during the spring. Why? It accelerates the plants development – bud break and flowering happen many weeks earlier then naturally occurs.

Grapes have a much hotter spring season resulting in different flavours and higher alcohol. All of which is great, except that the wines no longer reflect our natural terroir, having spent the spring in the rough equivalent of a California holiday. From a business standpoint I certainly understand the attraction of getting an early start to the season, picking early before the fall rains and increasing the overall ripeness of grapes. But something important is lost in the process, a sense of place – that these grapes were grown here – not in some hothouse. A wine unique to the Cowichan Valley is lost, and something different takes its place. Personally I love the personality that Cowichan Valley wines convey, and hopefully we’ll still be able to taste them long into the future. Mark Holford Owner/ Winemaker at Rocky Creek Winery for the past 9 years

his year, there’s a new way to enjoy a beloved holiday tale – A Christmas Story appears on The Chemainus Theatre Festival stage. The wellknown story of a young boy’s dogged pursuit to fulfill his Christmas wish is a lively adaptation of the popular 1983 movie, and includes all the youthful imagination, humour, nostalgia – and many memorable scenes – that make the film a holiday classic. Find show dates and times at 1-800-565-7738 or chemainustheatre.ca. Director, Ian Farthing, brings the story of Ralphie’s all-consuming Christmas wish to life. The 9-year-old boy’s coveted present is an official Red Ryder carbineaction BB gun, and it seems that nothing will stop him from acquiring the desired toy – including pleas to his

mother, his teacher, and Santa Claus himself, to the constant refrain of “You’ll shoot your eye out!” The play is adapted from the 1983 film of the same name, which was based on the boyhood experiences of author Jean Shepherd. All the well-known movie moments are there to enjoy in a new way – from the metallic schoolyard pole to dad fawning over a leg shaped lamp, a series of decoder pins, an exploding furnace, and more yuletide adventures. The live production also adopts the nostalgic setting, quirky cynicism of adults, imaginative outlook of youth, and the feeling of small-town holiday cheer that makes the story a holiday classic. The cast is a dynamic ensemble of adult and child actors, including: Sarah Carlé as Ralphie’s

Mother, Brian Linds as older Ralph, Stephen Sparks as The Old Man, Melissa Young as Miss Shields, and in the young company: Zebastin Borjeau as Schwartz, Isabel McGregor as Helen, Simon Minkow as Flick, Olivia Robinson as Esther Jane, Brin Slydell as Ralphie Parker, Ben Williams as Scut Farkas, Joshua Williams as Randy. Show enhancements are available, and include: free “talk-backs” with the cast and crew following Wednesday performances (where more information about the play and playwright will be shared); a special show-themed dinner add-on in the contemporary Playbill Dining Room (featuring an impressive hot buffet, fresh salad bar, and tempting desserts). A Christmas Story will delight both long time fans of the film and newcomers alike. It offers a

Live at The Chemainus Theatre Festival silliness to capture children’s attention, and a wonderfully constructed holiday story for grownups to enjoy. Tickets are available now for evening and matinee shows, playing to December 31, 2016, by calling the Box Office at 1-800-565-7738, or online at chemainustheatre.ca.

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

ornamental landscape and organic food garden. An indispensable guide, full of helpful tips and recipes, this highly illustrated book covers everything from soil building to pruning to four-season food growing and seed saving. Available from your local bookstore. Review: ‘An immensely good-hearted gardening guide, compiled by someone who knows her stuff. Its wealth of information is provided within the context of our deepening environmental crisis, but doesn’t lead towards gloomy hopelessness but an empowering realization that the gardener’s seminal work is to begin treating Planet Earth with respect and affection.’ –Des Kennedy, The Globe and Mail

52 Weeks of Local Gardening Guidance

he Garden Path - A 52Week Organic Gardening Guide’ by Carolyn Herriot. Full of seasonally-relevant, practical information, this easy-to-follow, weekly gardening guide can be picked up any day of the year to explain what’s happening in the garden and your role in creating a beautiful, healthy

Available locally at Volume One Books and online from www.harbourpublishing.com.

“Live the Island Dream” Nick Brown

Realtor/Associate Broker Pemberton Holmes 23 Queens Rd, Duncan, BC 250-710-3732 nickbrownrealestate@shaw.ca

SALES & FAIRS WESTHOLME TEA FARM AND MARGIT NELLEMANN CLAY ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE

Friday, Saturday & Sunday December 2, 3 and 4 10 am–6pm FREE Westholme Tea Farm 8350 Richards Trail www.teafarm.ca Westholme, BC Find the perfect gift. Tea + Ceramic Teaware • Farm Grown Cowichan Tea Gift Sets • Tea Accessories and more.

PROVIDENCE FARM CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

AN EXCELLENT LUNCH STOP

FEATURING COWICHAN VALLEY WINES & ISLAND CRAFT BEERS

Sunday, December 3 10am - 3pm FREE 1843 Tzouhalem Road Come enjoy the beautiful setting at Providence Farm - all decked out in Christmas finery. Take a walk down our Candy Cane Lane to shop with the many craft vendors, have lunch in the dining room, have your picture taken with Santa, visit the General Store for a hot apple cider, hayrides and so much more!

BOREAL COLLECTIVE WINTER FAIR

Saturday, December 17 10am-7pm Admission $2 - Kids Free the HUB Cowichan Station 2375 Koksilah Rd, Duncan Shop Local - over 40 designers with unique & handcrafted gifts just in time for Christmas! Stellar Giveaways, Live Music, Kids Crafting, Food Trucks, Coffee, & Workshops All Day!

GLENORA FARM CHRISTMAS FAIR & OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, December 18 11am – 3pm FREE 4766 Waters Rd in Glenora www.glenorafarm.org Come celebrate Christmas season with us! Something for everyone - Children’s Activities, Hayrides, Puppet Show, Music, Café, BBQ, Homemade natural products, Vendors and Silent Auction.

A CHRISTMAS FAIR

Saturday, December 10 10 am – 4pm FREE Cobble Hill Hall 3550 Watson Avenue Artisans, Crafts, Fresh Baked Goods, Fashions, Hand Knits, Jewelry, Home Goods, Baby & Kids Handmade Goods, Food Carts

DAYLINERCAFE.COM CLOSED TUESDAY & WEDNESDAYS

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

HOLIDAY TEA Pairings FROM TEAFARM

SWALLLOW TALE OOLONG + BELMONT CHEESE HAPPY GOAT

Our very own farm grown Canadian oolong style tea with a delightful amber liquor; a lovely smooth cup with a warm buttery finish and notes of honey pairs very well with Belmont, a firm, Swiss alpine style cheese, with grassy, floral notes. Aged for a minimum of 3 months, though flavours are most mature at 6 months or older.

LAPSANG SOUCHONG

+ ROAST DUCK WITH CRISPY POTATOES AND WINTER VEGETABLES This classic pine smoked black tea with its deep, smokey flavour combines wonderfully with the rich, crisp and delicately sweet roasted duck. A delicious option is also to brine the duck in the Lapsang Souchong for a few hours prior to roasting the meat.

KEEMUN MAO FENG

+ RAW CHOCOLATE BROWNIES ART TO EAT

ROOIBOS CHAI rooibos, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, orange peel, cloves, black pepper - Caffeine free

+ PUMPKIN PIE

This beautiful classic black tea offers a smooth body and a rich, warm lingering finish. The liquor is a beautiful dark amber. It pairs amazingly well with the lush cocoa-ey flavours of the Raw Chocolate Brownie

This herbal chai is full of zest and flavour. It offers a nice and lively combination of masala spices that pair very well with a rich, sweet homemade pumpkin pie

PERSIA

MINTY NETTLE

darjeeling, earl grey, ceylon, lavender

stinging nettle, peppermint

+ SHORTBREAD COOKIES ISLAND HIGHLANDER

DIGESTIVE

An aromatic blend of three classic black teas with notes of muscatel, bergamot and a refreshing hint of lavender makes the perfect companion to these rich, buttery shortbread cookies

We are finishing our pairing menu with a healthy herbal digestive. Our excellently aromatic, crisp and very refreshing mint combines perfectly with the earthy and grounding nettle leaf helping your stomach to process this amazing meal.

Christmas at Cedrick’s Coﬀee House

Come along to Cedrick’s Coffee House in Crofton this Christmas. Bring a friend and sit by a warm fireplace with a cup of mulled cider and one of Jane’s famous freshly baked cinnamon buns, or a bowl of home-made soup. Cedrick’s is a registered Community Contribution Society. All our profits are donated to “KIds International” – a local charity dedicated to providing clean water, health care, education and safety for children living in conditions of dire poverty and deprivation. While enjoying our coffees, teas, snacks and meals in a warm welcoming atmosphere, our customers know that they are making a difference to the lives of kids in need. We also have many unique gifts, silk scarves, jewellery from the regions that receive and appreciate our support. Please pay us a visit and know that every dollar you spend will be a gift for someone, somewhere.

From Jane Douglas and the Staﬀ at Cedricks 1610 Joan Avenue, Crofton, BC 250-324-1064

Rockin’ Risotto – The Perfect Christmas The Cow-op.ca online farmers’ market initiative, works closely with local farmers to provide the community with easy access to weekly supplies of fresh and home grown products, with the ultimate goal of promoting local food security and small-scale agricultural viability.

ick Misura returned to his native Cowichan Valley a few years ago with a goal of settling down and enjoying his retirement. However, Nick’s love of cooking, good food and a restlessness to do something fun and creative soon took over. Rockin’ Risotto was born in 2015 and Nick has been converting customers to this delicious side-dish ever since! The idea to make packaged risotto came from Nick’s wife, an active member of the Duncan Farmers’ Market’s board of directors. Together, they started testing and tasting different ingredient mixes to come up with

Mugs for ALL! • Plates • Bowls •Vases • Vessels • Honey Pots • Tea Pots • Urns • Shakers & more!

The Mud Room Clayworks Potter Colleen Underwood 250 710 7329 1725 Cowichan Bay Road

recipes which would later constitute their three well acclaimed mixes: “Cuco”, “Rosie” and “Rippin”. Nick features local ingredients where possible including Cowichan-grown hazelnuts. Another key feature of his risottos is his use of Carnaroli rice. “Carnaroli is the caviar of risotto rice,” Nick explains, Gift adding “this variety makes my blends easy, simple, and fast to cook with that signature creaminess everyone loves.” Risotto originated in Northern Italy. The dish was invented during the 11th century and was mainly a peasant dish, very high in nutrient and energy content. Traditionally reserved for the first-course of a meal, nowadays, risotto has assumed additional roles at the table, appearing as a main course or complementary side dish. Blended and packaged by hand, Nick sells his risottos at the Duncan Farmers’ Market, LifeStyles in Victoria, Russell Farm Market and the Garden Pantry Store. Nick is also a member of the Cow-Op! During the holiday season, his attractive risotto packaging makes the perfect gift for stocking stuffers, a great gift for foody friends and relatives. Order Rockin’ Risottos online at www.cow-op.ca. Located between True Grain Bread and Get Phil’d Up in Cow Bay

Visit us on Ladies Night!

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

ave you ordered groceries from the Cow-op online farmers’ market yet? If not, this is the perfect time to start! With the busy holiday season upon us, you can pre-order your weekly groceries for a quick Thursday pickup at the Cowichan Green Community. The best part? All the groceries you order are from local, sustainable farms and small businesses right here in the Valley. When I first started ordering my groceries from the online Cowop (www.cow-op. A ca), I was surprised at how simple it was, and how many products there were to choose from. There are over 30 local vendors with over 215 food items. All my favourite Duncan Farmer’s Market veggie vendors are there, but I can also purchase organic chicken, eggs, bread, nuts, berries, organic flour and bread, risotto, snacks, and so much more. The website is well organized and easy to navigate. The ordering process is straightforward and user-friendly. Each week you can place your order until midnight on Tuesday, and then pick-up your groceries on Thursday from 3pm-6pm. Each time I pick up my fresh produce and goodies, the Cow-op team is friendly and efficient. But the biggest reason I am a regular customer at the Cow-op is, of course, the fresh and delicious local food my family gets to eat! Eating locally year-round in the Cowichan Valley is quite easy. Our dedicated farmers and processors work year-round to make the most of our MaritimeMediterranean climate and extend the season in a variety of ways. This holiday season, why not consider supporting these local producers from the very region in which you live – what better way to express your gratitude for the abundance we are privy to here in the Cowichan Valley? This year we have a multi-family challenge to create a Christmas Dinner in the spirit of the “100-mile diet”, by choosing

GREAT GIFT IDEAS...

Cow-op Christmas Here is a sample of a complete Cow-op Christmas Feast, with side dishes and dessert included: • Roast Chicken • Sausages • Cabbage salad and greens • Roasted squash • Carrots • Risotto • Brussel Sprouts • Dinner buns • Pies, shortbread • Herbs and spices for cooking • Locally baked Gingerbread house kits ingredients that are produced less than 100kms from home. Using the Cow-op.ca as our guide, we can select our ingredients from local food producers and processors for a truly Cowichangrown feast. Christmas Cow-op gift certificates and many lovely gift items are also available to order. The Cow-op online farmers’ market allows you to order all your local fixings and get your Christmas shopping done in advance for a quick

• BC Beeswax Candles • Cosmetic Gift Sets • Body & Beauty items • Essential Oils and Diffusers • Himalayan Salt Lamps • Wonderful Local Products • Holiday Food and Snacks • Eco Fabric Clothing • Fairtrade and Organic selection of Coffee, Tea, Chocolates, Cocoa • Specialty Food for Special Diets • GIFT CERTIFICATES and more!

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

ARTtoEAT Baking & Holiday Catering by Michelle Plain

Delicious Christmas Baking Sold by the Dozen! • Cranberry Pecan Turtle Bar drizzled with Chocolate • Pistachio Caramel Thumbprints • Home - made Mincemeat Tarts Traditional • Old - Fashioned Shortbread Stars Baking Cost per • Toasted Pecan & Almond Butter Tarts dozen ranges • Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles from $10 - $18 • Dark Chocolate Rum Balls dunked in chocolate • Birds’ Nests with Raspberry Jam rolled in Pecans • Cranberry & White Chocolate Biscotti • Gingerbread Person (individually sold & wrapped pretty) • Sugar & Spice Pecans (sold by 1/2 pounds) • Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coconut Macaroons • Chocolate Dipped Espresso Shortbread Hearts • Chewy Ginger Cookie dipped in White Chocolate

Please place your orders by Dec. 9th

michelle-arttoeat@shaw.ca and easy pickup, either right before Christmas or in the weeks leading up to the holidays, all while avoiding the holiday crowds. Submitted by Linda Dirksengale & Heather Kaye.

250-746-4310

The Cow-op in 4 easy steps: 1. Create account 2. Order groceries 3. Pay with credit card 4. Pick up your groceries

ENVIRONMENTALLY BETTER THAN BURNING!

Nordmann Fir s are down! y when the chip We’re eco-friendl

VICE CHIPPING SER

Storm Clean Up Minor Tree Limbing Complete Clean Up & Haul Away Services We Chip up to 6” in diameter and 12”slabs

www.weechipcowichan.ca

Compiled with thoughts and ideas from Ingemar & Theresa Karlsson, Lakes Road Tree Farm

hristmas planning came to our household when the recent cold snap hit us. Family yearnings to hunt for a tree came to mind and our

investigations took us to the home farm of Ingemar and Theresa Karlsson of Lakes Road Tree Farm. Ingemar was a career forester who went into hobby Christmas tree farming in his retirement. With over 15,000 trees on the property, his love and passion for a beautifully shaped tree inspires him to touch every single one he grows at some point in it’s cycle. Earlybirds draw the tradition into two occassions. One day to choose their tree and mark it, and another to cut it down and take it home. Most of our local Christmas tree farms will let you do this as early as mid November. Ingemar fills me in on how climate change has affected his tree stock this year. Less water in the spring and summer times has caused the trees to grow much slower than in the past. He now plants with a more careful plan, still mixed tree farm forests, but more hearty varieties that can endure the droughts.

I ask Ingmar what his favourite tree is. Without hesitation he shares “The Nordmann Fir”. They are the Cadillac of Christmas trees. “Able to handle the droughts, adapts well to the terroir and local soils. Longest lasting trees indoors with minimal needle drop and most importantly - soft luxurious needles to handle. Walk by one and greet a branch with a caress. Those are some soft needles.

Which Tree for Me?

White Fir Grand Fir For those who love the scents of Christmas the most - The Grand Fir is the tree you are looking for. The most fragrant local tree around, it has good needledrop factor and lasts well indoors. Theresa smiles “People often just ask - where is that tree that smells so wonderful”. In Ontario they were the pines that smelled so nice. Here they are the Grand firs.

classic. One of my own favourites is the White Fir. They have long elegant needles, with swooping branches. “Originally from Arizona and Utah” says Ingemar “ The summer temperatures were hot and dry this year so these trees whitened.” But be forewarned those long frilly

Douglas Fir

Noble Fir Traditionalists who are most interested in shape are often drawn to the Noble Fir, noted best for their symmetry, this tree is often regarded as the

Thoughts from Harry Williams, Old Road Farm

“In years past the majority of trees sold in the Cowichan Valley were Douglas-fir. Christmas tree farmers got inexpensive seedlings from forestry nurseries and sold their trees in bulk but most people still cut wild trees –

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

CHRISTMAS TREE CARE • Upon bringing yout tree home cut off 1/2” to help it better absorb water. •To keep it healthy, water your tree like you do your plants. and if there was a bad side to the tree it was simply placed against the living room wall where no one could see it. “ shares Harry Williams of Old Road Farm “Consumers now have more choice for tree species. This probably started here in Duncan with Ingemar and Theresa Karlsson on Lakes Road growing species in the true fir family such as Noble, Shasta, and Nordmann’s Fir. Buyers are now more demanding about the shape of the tree, expecting it to be “cultured” - meaning wellfilled out and uniformly coneshaped all the way around. But even with a less-than-perfect tree, once you have decorated the tree any imperfections won’t be visible, and the tree will still look beautiful and

bring a wonderful conifer smell into the house. On Old Road Farm we mostly grow cultured “Texada Blue” Douglas-fir and Noble Fir. Noble Fir is the more expensive tree due to its slow growth, beautiful deep green foliage and good needle retention. A shade-tolerant species, we grow it between hazelnut trees. We also sell the prickly Sitka spruce – good for outdoor places where you don’t want people or deer to mess with them! Decorative foliage for wreaths or swags is provided with each tree – usually a bundle of salal, western white pine (lovely blue green needles), cedar, or hemlock boughs.”

250 715 6174 Whichever tree you decide to take home thie year, consider a visit to your neighbourhood tree farm.. Remember to dress

warmly, have fun and savour the experience. By Sheila Badman

Water Well System Services: • Pumps • Water quality testing • Tanks • U/V Treatment • Repairs • Flow testing • Filters • Softeners • System inspection and consultation

Choose Paul to service your system:

• Qualiﬁed technician • Highly experienced and knowledgeable • Insured well pump installer • Flexible hours – day, evening or weekend • Best service rates & reasonable product costs

Call or email for your next scheduled service or water system needs:

Call 250-510-7006 • www.paulswater.com • paul@paulswater.com

The Anat Baniel Method® (ABM) of NeuroMovement® A Neuroplasticity-Based Alternative Rehabilitation approach for Children and Adults

hen Fiona McLagan’s young child regressed developmentally in his second year of life, she and her partner tried desperately to uncover what may have thrown his development off track. Her once sociable, pre-verbal and active baby with excellent eye contact and interest in others had become, over the course of a few months, withdrawn, seemingly in his own world, and very unwell with fevers, eczema, liquid stools which were accompanied by a loss of developmental gains and milestones.

ISLAND ROLFING REALIGN YOUR BODY

• better balance • increase ﬂexibility • improve posture • re alignment • eliminate chronic pain and more DECEMBER SPECIAL 50 % OFF FIRST SINGLE SESSION FOR NEW CLIENTS

BRETT HOLLAND I 250.920.8818 •Release trapped emotions and find health and happiness •Take down your heart - wall and welcome in your hopes and dreams •Achieve self-confidencePioneering reflex inhibition and integration work

Call or Email

First appointment free!

David Yaeger

Certiﬁed Emotion Code Practitioner 250-597-3686 davidyaeger650@gmail.com

With a background in banking, business and finance, Fiona launched into medical research to help her child (including going back to school and completing pre-med coursework). Over the course of a few years, her son was diagnosed with ASD (PDD-NOS), hyper immunity, allergies, mitochondrial dysfunction, absence seizures, Sensory processing disorder, celiac, and eventually, through the large-scale TIDEBC study out of children’s hospital, it was hypothesized by one of the specialists that he may have suffered an auto-immune-induced brain injury. With this realization, Fiona and her partner began to re-focus their research on healing her son’s injury by targeting the Brain and the nervous system, and the neuro-immune connection that was so evident in his

other challenges. Through this process, they were led to the Anat Baniel Method® of NeuroMovement®. Supported by much of the last 30 years of neuroscience research in the area of neuroplasticity (such as Dr Michael Merzenich’s research, out of UCSF), The Anat Baniel Method® is known for its remarkable outcomes in children with special needs (eg. brain trauma, neuro developmental conditions, learning challenges, cerebral palsy, stroke in utero) as well as adults with brain injuries, post stroke rehab challenges, trauma and neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative challenges. It can also assist with children who are having difficulty with reading, writing, attention, math/numbers and other common school-related challenges. After having attended a sold-out ABM for Children with Special Needs workshop in Vancouver two years ago, Fiona began to take her child for ABM lessons with visiting practitioners in Vancouver. Although the lesson series for her son were infrequent (due to limited availability of practitioners), she noted a marked change in different areas of his functionality after each lesson series (eg. self help, gross motor, independence, digestion, social connection,

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

performance. This unique method evolved from the work of famed physicist, Dr Moshe Feldenkrais and from Anat’s study and near-life long collaboration with him. Most recently, their work was featured in CBC’s The Nature of Things, The Brain’s Way of Healing (episode airing October 27th, 2016).

communication and motivation). After much debate, and with encouragement from Anat Baniel herself, Fiona put her medical school plans on hold and entered into the ABM practitioner training programme in the United States, achieving certification to work with adults and most recently, children. She will continue to complete the final mastery programmes in Vitality and Anti-Aging and High Performers (specialty work for athletes and musicians). The Anat Baniel Method® (ABM) is a cuttingedge, science-based NeuroMovement® approach that transforms the lives of children and adults, helping them to overcome pain and limitation. In accessing the remarkable ability of the brain to change itself, this method helps people discover how to enhance learning in a profound and potent way, dramatically enhancing physical, cognitive, emotional and creative

Anat Baniel, in her acclaimed book, Kids Beyond Limits, offers the concept of the Nine Essentials, specific ways in which we can, as parents and as people, maximize our child’s (or our own) potential to grow and be most vital, no matter what our circumstances and challenges. Remarkably, the Cowichan area has three ABM practitioners: Fiona McLagan and Brenda Grenier are certified to work with adults and children; Naomi Zettl currently works with adults. Series of lessons can be coordinated individually or collaboratively with these practitioners. Whether you are in good health or have a limiting diagnosis, the Anat Baniel Method® of NeuroMovement® can give you the tools to move beyond limitations and live life more fully with greater joy and accomplishment. More detailed information can be found at www. anatbanielmethod.com on the many conditions that can be helped through this method. Fiona’s son, now nearly 10, is fully verbal, doing well in many aspects of his second full year at school (at the Sunrise Waldorf School), is highly gifted and is developing

All organic! Cold-Pressed Juices + Juice Cleanses + Smoothies + Elixirs + Raw Food + Bulletproof Coffee

Visit us at 3-5380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan

Hours 7:30-6pm Weekdays, 9-5pm Sat and 11-3pm Sunday www.glowjuicery.ca

meaningful friendships. He continues to receive frequent lessons from Fiona and Brenda locally and travels to California and Vancouver to receive additional intensive series of lessons several

times a year with senior practitioners. Both he and his little brother ask for “movement lessons” from Mum every day. www.prodigymovement.ca

Seaside Shopping The Mariners Market & Espresso Bar at Maple Bay Marina is featuring Seaside Holiday Shopping on December 1st. Shoppers will receive complimentary coffee between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm and are eligible to win a prize. Featured locally crafted gifts include mosaic glass, jewellery, carvings, knitting, paintings, quilting, and pottery. 6145 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan

Blue Grouse Winery Open House Start your holiday shopping at Blue Grouse Winery- we have great Canadian stocking stuffers and wine available for gifts or to just share with family and friends. Blue Grouse opens the doors for its annual open house event. Enjoy mulled wines, artisan cheese boards, holiday crafts, prizes, holiday music and more. Stock up on wine and stocking stuffers for your holiday events or for gift giving this season. The cost is free and family friendly! Sunday December 4t 12-5pm Blue Grouse Estate Winery 2182 Lakeside Road Duncan.

Sunday Jazz We invite everyone to enjoy an afternoon that reflects the traditional celebration of Christmas. Socialize with friends and family, listen to carols, and view nativity scenes, which prompt one to contemplate the original meaning of Christmas. Funds raised will support the life and work of our church, locally and abroad. Sylvan United Church 985 Shawnigan Mill Bay Road, Mill Bay Saturday, December 3rd, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Holiday Workshop Platinum Floral Designs, award winning event florist has teamed up with the stunning Birds Eye Cove Farm to offer holiday inspired workshops. On Dec, 18th, you’ll learn to create your very own holiday Red Rose centerpiece and learn the neccessary skills to create stunning arrangements year after year. During the 2 hour workshop, you’ll be supplied with all tools and materials required. You’ll also learn to forage the right greenery direct from your very own yard. We look forward to inviting you and a guest to get your “Martha Stewart” on! December 18th, 1-3pm, 5881 Genoa Bay Road, Duncan $85 Pre-register: www.platinumfloraldesigns.com

Sunday Jazz Join us as we celebrate the bluesy & joyous music of Wes Montgomery! Featuring: Dakota Hoeppner, keys, Sean Drabitt, bass, John Lee, drums, Wes Carroll, guitar Sunday Jazz Series, December 4, 2pm. Crofton Pub, 1534 Joan Ave $15

The 100 Faces Project Local artist Lesley Fountain gave herself a mission for the

year – to complete 100 paintings of faces by December 31, 2016. Called The 100 Faces Project, the paintings are acrylic and mixed media pieces on canvas or birch board. They range in size from 10 x 10 to 11 x 14. Unsold paintings are on display at Lesley Fountain Studio, Unit #5 Pioneer Square Mall, Mill Bay. Painting #100 is a gift to the lucky winner of a raffle to be drawn on December 24th – enter to win at the studio or on Lesley Fountain Studio on facebook.

New Years Levee Following 14th years of service in the Cowichan Valley, and sharing in the pioneering spirit of building a peace center deep in the forest, the Nichiren Buddhist Community is hosting their first annual New Years Day Levee. New Years Day is one of the biggest spiritual days of the year for Buddhists and sharing with friends and neighbours is part of this tradition. New Years Eve has a quiet meditation that contemplates all that has gone on in the passing year, New Years morning is celebrated with the GanTan Service and an open house/levee in the afternoon from 1 PM - 3 PM... You are invited, come say welcome to 2017 “the Year of Many Treasures” Information: txt/ph: 250.710. 7594

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

Local Sparklers

VINOTECA AT ZANATTA

Katherine’s Sparkle Rocky Creek Winery

We’ve created Katherine’s Sparkle to showcase the wines of our own locally grown grapes. We have taken over vineyards that have small amounts of varietal grapes; sparklings traditionally were made from a set blend of grapes to show a great complex character to the wine. This is a variety of whites from all vineyards but the predominant white is Pinot Gris, Siegerrebe, and Chardonnay. A complex blend of granny smith apples, with stone fruits, citrus, and floral notes.

Allegria Brut Zanatta Winery Loretta became deeply passionate about sparkling wine when she apprenticed at a family winery in Valdobbiadene, Italy. Upon Loretta’s return to the Cowichan Valley she and her family began the licensing process to establish Vigneti Zanatta, and immediately began producing sparkling wine with her first success being Fantasia Brut. Allegria Brut was Zanatta’s second sparkler, first released in 1998. Allegria Brut: Ruby rosé using Pinot Noir with a touch of skin contact. Aromas of raspberries and blueberries that follow through into the finish.

Averill Brut Averill Creek Vineyard Averill Creek Vineyard launched our first sparkling wine, the prosecco-style Charme de L’ile in 2014 and have continued to produce it as part of our regular portfolio each year since. Our Averill Brut is a limited edition, vintage Champagne Method wine which aged nearly 6 years before its release in the summer of 2016. Both of our sparkling wines are composed of a blend of our estate grown Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir. Rich, layered flavours of golden apples, walnuts & vanilla, enhanced by a vibrant mousse & finished with a crisp freshness.

Join us for Lunch Wed - Sun. Dinner on the Weekends. Brunch on Sundays. Event Shuttle Available through

vinoteca.ca

5039 Marshall Rd, Duncan I 250 709 2279

Zak Stolk Violin Maker

25 Years Experience of Lutherie in the Italian Tradition.

Making, repair and restoration of Violins, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, and all manner of Stringed Instruments. 250-749-6563 zakviolins@shaw.ca www.zakviolins.com

For full design/build service, give us a call

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

p 25

ADVENTURE Wilderness Kayaking

250.715.7482 www.wilderness-kayaking.com

Choose a Kayaking gift for a friend, family or treat yourself. We have a variety of experiences: Introduction to Kayaking, Harbour Tours, Rentals, Sales and more. Contact us for the perfect Kayaking gift today!

ARTS Cottage Paint Workshop

Embellish Home Decor 115 Kenneth St., Downtown Duncan 250 746 9808

Workshop teaches 6 different techniques in a fun environment. Participants will learn a wonderful system of paints, waxes and glazesm and will also complete a small project provided. Class fee $125

Raindog Camera Sessions 250 701 2528 michaelandringa@gmail.com

For those who are not only looking to capture life’s memorable moments but also be part of them, professional photographer Michael Andringa offers an informal and candid photo session with you and your loved ones. Gift certificates available.

BEAUTY & SPA AhZenya Body & Skincare

Now located in Downtown Duncan 105 -80 Station St, Duncan 250 510 8700

Give the gift of vibrance. Personalized facial including microdermabrasion scrub & upper body massage . Gift includes a complimentary parafin wax hand treatment and free skin care consultation. December special 20% off.

Skintastic Facials by Jane 1485 Fisher Rd, Cobble Hill Contact Jane 250-514-2223

A gift of youthful skin . Cold laser treatment touted for its rejuvenation and anti-aging results with no downtime. Treat your loved one to a facial treatment revered by celebrities world wide. December specials.

Trillium Natural Spa

Lake Cowichan 250 749-4505 www.trilliumnaturalspa.com

Organic Day Spa, Handmade Organic Beauty Products, Monthly Specials, Gift Certificates, Health Tips and Recipes!

Y A ID

L OF O H

LIST

MINDFULGift

EXPERIENCES

Experiences are gifts to help each other live in the moment. These types of gifts can be more rewarding, educational and are often unforgettable. Here are a selection of great gift experiences that can be found in and around the Cowichan Valley to gift to those you care for.

CULINARY

T 2 w

P f t m

Cure Meat and Cheese

5-1400 Cowichan Bay Road, Valley View Centre, Cowichan Bay 250-929-2873(CURE)

Great Foodie Gifts, Gift baskets, Meat and cheese platters, Cheese of the month club membership Gift certificates.

Hudsons On First

163 First St, Duncan 250 597 0066 www.hudsonsonfirst.ca

Gift certificates available for cooking classes, monthly special events, our lunch, brunch, dinner and lounge. Visit our website for details.

Unsworth Restaurant CSR

2915 Cameron-Taggert Rd, Mill Bay 250 929 2292 Ext 1 www.unsworthvineyards.com

6 w

Community Supported Restaurant provides five, three-course dinners with option of wine pairing through to April 28, 2017.

F p f

www.cow-op.ca

360 Duncan St., Duncan Heather Kaye marketmanager@cow-op.ca www.cow-op.ca The region’s first online farmers’ market...farm to plate, with a click!’ Order direct from over 30 local farms.

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

w 2 C

A N i C

FITNESS Paulina Kee Yoga

Classes at The Hub Cowichan Station paulinakee@gmail.com

For people feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and overtired, I offer a gentle hatha yoga class that aims to calm the mind by freeing deep tension in the body and relaxing the nervous system. Gift certificates available.

HOME Clean Choice Eco Cleaning Services Tracey Hanson, Cobble Hill, 250-929-8381 www.cleanchoicecleaners.com

Professional, eco-friendly cleaning services for residential and commercial properties in the South Cowichan Valley. A great gift idea for new moms and busy households.

ONE OF A KIND Cari Burdett - Singing Telegram for Charity www.cariburdett.com/shop 250 710 4174

Local singer/songwriter, Cari Burdett will bring your personalized message or poem to life through song. Receive a video or recording in time for Christmas! By donation. The money will go to local charity.

Christy Greenwood Sessions

170 Craig Street, Matraea Centre 250-710-4501

Nurture your wellness with massage therapy, medicine sessions, bodymind treatments, Reiki and Rewilding Dance Journeys.

FLOATHOUSE VICTORIA

662 Herald St, Victoria www.floathousevictoria.com

Floating is todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most advanced and scientifically proven way of eliminating stress, tension and fatigue from your life.

SPIRITUALITY

Ananda Ayurveda- Asrael Zemenick www.ayurvedicbliss.com 250 597 3973 Cowichan Bay, BC

Ayurvedic Life Transformations Nourish your soul with a uniquely tailored exploration into the heart of the self. Ayurvedic Coaching, Counselling, Yoga Therapies and Bodywork

Holiday Fashion Finds

‘T

is the season of parties, gatherings and merry celebrations, which all call for varying degrees of sparkle and glamour. Here’s what some of our one-of-a-kind downtown boutiques had to say about their offerings for this year’s festive fashion: Shades Whether it’s for a special party, a night out with friends or that perfect gift – at Shades we have it all. Top Canadian designers Joseph Ribkoff & Frank Lyman

provide amazing choices, in dresses, pants, tops and jackets with a classic twist and always stunning. Our other lines include Marble, Pretty & Lisette – all with pieces you can mix & match to your hearts content. Need something to finish off your holiday outfit? Our jewellery collection at Shades can provide that bit of sparkle and our one-of-a-kind scarves that elegant touch. Stop by and let us help you find the perfect holiday outfits.

Fabrications Fabrications This holiday season is all about the luxe look, but with a twist! We welcome back velour, stretch lace, cashmere, faux suede and sateen in all the rich, saturated colours of winter, but with comfort in mind. The term ‘athleisure’ is the fashion industry name for feeling like you’re in your comfies, but you’re actually stepping out onto the town. Ted Baker and White Stuff from the UK as well as all your favourite from. If it’s a formal affair, European brands will delight and you’ve always wanted an you with their beautiful, expertly tailored well-made elegant and comfortable suit, this is the place to go. collections. If it’s holiday casual you’re looking for, Outlooks carries Outlooks Menswear Duncan sweaters, vests, jeans as Let’s not forget about all the well as many different styles well-dressed men out there of boots and shoes for the who like to be put-together sharply dressed man. and stylish for the holidays too. Outlooks Menswear Cardino Shoes Duncan is your “Go To” Tired of dressing up and shop in downtown Duncan having to take your shoes off for the guy who wants to at the door? Or entertaining “get dressed” for the season! in slippers only? ARA is At Outlooks you will find a lovely little low-heeled, a great selection of classic comfort shoe perfect for the suits, blazers, colourful shirts, busy entertainment season casual slacks and to finish wherever the party is. off your festive look – lots of funky socks to choose Of course this is but a

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

Cardino Shoes

sampling of what Downtown Duncan has to offer for holiday (or year-round) fashion. With over a dozen clothing stores within a few square blocks, this is destination shopping - close to home. Visit Archer & Arrow, Eclectic Avenue, Golden Hanger, Lele Fashions, Magnolia, Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Prudence, Salts, Spinning Ninny, The Garment District and Wall Street for even more festive

fashion ideas. This season let the friendly and helpful staff at any of our fabulous shops help you look your sparkling best and enjoy the holidays in style!

For A Unique Shopping Experience

DDBIA: Tell us a little bit about yourself – where you’re from and what brings you to the Valley. SC: I’m from up north…waay up north, but I’m an annual visitor to your beautiful part of the world.

DDBIA: We haven’t seen you in awhile Santa – tell us a little about what you’ve been up to? SC: Well, me and the missus – Mrs. Santa Claus of course – spent the first few months of the year relaxing from our busy winter schedule, then we set to work on some workshop maintenance and then started planning for the upcoming Christmas season. DDBIA: Next to Christmas, what’s your favourite day of the year? SC: Why, it’s Downtown Duncan’s Christmas Kick-off of course! It’s nice to get a break from the sleigh and hitch a ride on the vintage fire truck and I love getting to visit with all the great children from the Cowichan Valley.

Q & A with Santa Claus

DDBIA: You’re quite a traveller and have been all around the world – what makes certain places stand out for you. SC: To my mind, it’s a combination of natural beauty and friendly people – and you lucky folks seem to have the market cornered on both of those. DDBIA: Any particular considerations to take into account when popping by Duncan on Christmas Eve? SC: Well, the reindeer and I do have to be mindful of the totems

downtown when we’re landing and parking the sleigh. DDBIA: Have you ever found the time to wander about our fair downtown and explore the shops? SC: Not as much as I’d like, but I am very impressed with the elves at the Red Balloon Toyshop and the good work they do there. I’d hire them in a second at the North Pole if they ever wanted to relocate. DDBIA: What’s your favourite thing about Downtown Duncan? SC: The sense of community and the wonderful one-of-a-kind gifts that can be found in all the local shops. DDBIA & SC: Merry Christmas everyone!

yarn, accessories & unique handcrafts

Ingrid‛s Yarn

133 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

weekly promotions now on

www.facebook.com/IngridsYarnandNeedlework

250-709-9699 ingridsyarn@shaw.ca open Sundays until Christmas Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Julie Ziegler, O2-J Wellness

02-J Wellness

t O2-J Wellness, it’s about taking the mind, body and spirit into consideration, with a focus on total relaxation. We have various services available and each service has the added wellness of an oxygen treatment. As we all know, our air is polluted with harmful substances, which can lead to many health issues. Breathing oxygen during a service at O2-J Wellness has several benefits; it adds to the experience of relaxation, calms the nervous system, encourages proper breathing, improves metabolism, circulation and enhances lymphatic drainage. O2-J Wellness offers a pure form of oxygen that can reduce toxins and acidity in the body. Massage is a great way to relax and we have several different forms of massage available. Swedish Relaxation Massage is a full body massage that increases blood circulation, improves mental and physical relaxation and is great for decreasing stress and muscle tension. Hot Jade Stone Massage takes relaxation to another level, provides relief to stiff and sore muscles and is great for the chilly days of winter.

Reflexology is another amazing service that reaches back to Ancient Egypt times. This is the art of stimulating pressure points on the feet that correspond to different body organs and systems. Reflexology is an extremely relaxing way to relieve stress and is effective for maintaining general health and wellbeing.

Pathways of Connection Hellerwork & Somatic Counselling • Freedom from Chronic Pain & Injury • Expanded Energy Vitality and Aliveness • Creating New Connections & Pathways Embodying Heart Mind and Spirit

Melissa Brown www.pathwaysofconnection.com I 250-661-1687

Embracing wellness, family and community

A newer, and increasingly popular, service is the Oxygen Facial. This refreshing cell 170 Craig St. boosting treatment stimulates Duncan, B.C. collagen and elastin growth, 1 844 MATRAEA targetsr osacea and acne and (628 7232) leaves skin soft, smooth, www.matcentre.ca hydrated and youthful. This is a truly decadent service that also www.matraea.com includes a scalp, arm and hand massage.

Acupuncture Birth Shop Counselling Massage Midwifery Naturopathy Tax Accounting LIFT Resource Centre

The other service available at O2-J Wellness is Reiki. This soothing and relaxing treatment consists of the practitioner placing hands in various positions on the body to channel Universal Life Force energy and offers balance of the mind, body and emotions. Healing can occur when the body is in a state of relaxation – so book an appointment to experience great energy and amazing results. We are excited to offer the following special: book any service and receive another service for half price.

JOIN US FOR

O2-J Wellness, Upstairs in The Garage, 330 Duncan St. 250-510-1175

LUNCH + DINNER

OPEN Tuesday to Saturday

look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

www.theoldﬁrehouse.ca

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

t’s that time of year when searching for the perfect gift can be fun… or sometimes discouraging. Here’s a list of a few of the books we recommend this Christmas season to help make it a little easier.

Find us at 306 Duncan St. nestled bet ween the Duncan Garage and Rayʻs Antiques, One of a kind, Clothing, Accessories and gifts for the whole family. Each piece is handcrafted with love by artists from around the corner and across BC. For more info or to register call 778-455-4888

ISLAND MOTHER PRE NATAL CLASSES Private Prenatal Classes also available

ROBIN is now accepting Birth doula clients for WINTER 2017 www.islandmother.com

Wenjack by Joseph Boyden. A powerful and poignant look into the last moments of Charlie Wenjack, an Ojibway residential school run-away trying to find his way home.

Book Picks for St. Nick’s

Other-Wordly: words both strange and lovely from around the world by YeeLum Mak. A gem for word nerds; an illustrated collection of words and definitions of unexpected things- like for the sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees, and for the look shared between two people who each wish the other would speak first. The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate- Discoveries from A Secret World by Peter Wohlleben and Tim Flannery. This international bestseller takes us on a guided tour of a secret world in which wilderness trees talk to each other, exchange nutrients, and even experience mutual sexual attraction. Readers will never be able to look at a walk in the woods in the same way again.

birthday gift from one of Canada’s most iconic authors. Urquhart chooses 50 artifacts (including a Nobel Peace Prize medal, a Beothuk legging, a famous skull, a literary cherry tree, an Innu tea doll, a Massey-Harris tractor, among others), all beautifully illustrated. The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield. Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Hadfield, this will encourage readers to dream the impossible. The Poet’s Dog by Patricia MacLachlan. From a Newbery Medal winner comes this poignant story about two children, a poet, and a gifted dog, and how they help each other survive loss and recapture love. Come into Volume One Bookstore and check out our diverse collection of books to make your Christmas shopping easy!

A Number of Things: Stories of Canada Told Through Fifty Objects by Jane Urquhart. A lyrical 150th

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

Yarn Trends For Winter

he last few years have seen a surge in people becoming creative with yarn. Delicate lacework with yarn as fine as thread or arm knitting with super chunky yarn and everything in between has been used to create fashionable clothing and accessories, cosy shawls and blankets and whimsical figures and toys. Needle felting is another fibre craft often enjoyed by the whole family. Computerization of the yarn dyeing process has allowed a single ball of yarn to create intricate designs, leading to an ever growing number of sock knitting addicts. Socks can be knit two at a time on a long circular needle, doing away with the dreaded 2nd sock syndrome. They can also be knit toe up or cuff down with many different heel options. Sheep’s wool, often blended with other natural or synthetic fibres, remains a strong favourite because of its versatility. Wool and synthetics have “memory” which means it holds its shape and is less likely to stretch, an important feature when making making

sweaters. The warmth and softness of alpaca and llama blend yarns have made them very popular for socks, mitts, hats and other accessories. Cashmere, silk and kid mohair are luxury options when you’re ready to splurge on that special project. It’s been wonderful to see so many young people of both genders taking up knitting and crochet. They tend to choose bulky yarns and whip up hats, cowls, scarves and other accessories in record time.

Holiday Baking Now Available! ORGANIC & GLUTEN-FREE PIES, CAKES, BREADS, ROLLS & FRUIT CAKES

The health and therapeutic benefits of knit and crochet have also been recognized, with several mainstream articles being written in recent months. Sticks and string brought together to create something special from the heart.

Submitted by Ingrid Ball, ‘owner Ingrid’s Yarn.

Open 7 days a week to nourish you during shopping with warm, delicious & organic home made food.

ise Brown Cosmetics has been bringing their brand of beauty to Vancouver Island and beyond since 2010. The focus has always been ecologically sustainable practices combined with an exceptional standard of excellence and luxury. For Christine, a background in horticulture set the stage to working with the various elements of nature and the earth. “My own love of luxury products combined with this passion for the earth is the driver when creating my products. With the process being part of the pleasure, creating and manufacturing my own products as well as having the opportunity to work one on one with the end user is a gratifying combination.” shares founder Christine Brown. “I’ve created completely natural mineral cosmetics without the use of chemicals, synthetics or fillers. There are no “gimmick” ingredients to complicate the formula thus requiring additional ingredients such as stabilizers or preservatives. Because they are so pure, all you see is beautiful skin. There is never any masking heaviness or accentuation of age, yet coverage is achieved with a simple layering technique. Beautifully simple. Simply beautiful.”

Come see us today for specials on pampering gifts for your loved ones.

250 510 8700

There is a complete line of loose powder, pressed powder and hydrating cream foundations, BB cream, eye liner, eye shadow, brow powders, mascara, lipstick, lip gloss and lip stain, loose powder and pressed powder blush, cream blush and loose powder and pressed bronzer. Foundations, blushes, bronzer and eye shadows are made in both matte and radiant finishes. Every product in the store is made in-store. Christine’s own favourite is her pressed foundation. “I make it in shades to perfectly match almost any skin tone, and in both matte and radiant finishes. Made with only seven all natural ingredients, it’s squeaky clean and good for your skin while managing to look and feel luxurious. It’s so fun to apply this powder to half the face and see the reaction! I hear comments all the time about the luxury feel and finish of this powder, the finish is a soft but uncontrived airbrushing. Customers come from all over the island for this as well as the organic skin care line. TIPS FOR HOLIDAY MAKE UP The key to getting your make-up just right for the celebrations of the season is to have a flawless face: moisturize like crazy, apply foundation and contouring to match your skin tone, step outside your comfort zone with colours and applications but remember, unless you’re going clubbing, keep it real for a gorgeous, natural look. Reds, plums and berry coloured lipstick pair well with dressing

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

#105 80 Station Street - Please use Craig St entrance

Lise Brown Cosmetics

t o a e n

Natural Make Up Has Never Looked So Good up for the holidays. SIREN is a perfect clear red, MAKE MINE PLUM suits most skin tones and BERRY RICH is reminiscent of rich cranberry sauce. For those who prefer a more nude and natural lip, ROSE KISS and ROMANCE add just a hint of pink blush to the lip. For a bold but elegant statement sweep a line of black eyeliner along the lash line. Lise Brown pure pigment eye colours create a more natural and “stay in place” liner than pencils and are super easy to control. Switch out from black to DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, a mysterious and slightly luminous smoky black shot with very dark purple. Add a matte neutral lid colour to the eye lid - SUEDE, LINEN and TWIG work well

with this look - or amp it up with luminous CHAMPAGNE or TEMPTRESS. When it comes to getting party ready, blush is your non negotiable beauty tool. The object here is not to fool anyone into thinking that you’re “blushing” - not something we 60 somethings do much of anymore. Blush applied properly, in the right place and the right intensity for the occasion, can be a girl’s true best friend, taking a look from ordinary to outstanding. It’s easy to amp up the look using complimentary light and dark shades. Lise Brown Cosmetics 25 Canada Avenue in downtown Duncan.

M m y W t i s M a

C i o m a w g s w O g d s

M p i f c H i c l t d s c

Insoles And Outer Soles For Comfort And Stability

e are frequently asked by customers to find the perfect shoe. We carry lots of technically great footwear and we do our best for everyone, but sometimes it’s not the shoe, it’s the foot! Materials used in shoe manufacturing in the past 10 years have improved greatly. We have benefited from this technology as far as footwear is concerned, so there is something for everyone. Materials and Construction assist in making a shoe a fit. Construction of a shoe base is important. A rocker bottom on the shoe assists the foot to move freely, a bit like having a spring in your foot. Light– weight outer soles are also a good thing unless you need something heavier outside/ walking/working footwear. Outer soles with treads are good, as are heavier, high density soles. A good base to start with. Molded insoles suit some people, and others find the insoles in the wrong place for their feet. So, different companies do different things. High density foam injected into the shoe base adds cushioning, as does cork and latex rubber formulas, making them fit like a glove. What we do find though, is that these shoes need to be walked in a couple of days to truly start to

relax and fit to your foot. A lot of times we hear that the shoe isn’t immediately comfortable. It shouldn’t be painful but a shoe also needs to get used to your foot and the materials need to be worn in order to relax them so they will mold to the foot. Warmth, moisture and wearing a shoe is the best way to break in a shoe. Full grain leather uppers need a few days of wearing to break down the tightness, thereby giving you support and comfort. A few days of breaking in a shoe is going to be a better shoe than the one that is immediately comfortable and has zero support. Materials used in shoes has changed a lot. Otholite is a soft, light-weight, antimicrobial material that’s made with open cell foam, allowing air to circulate and providing amazing cushioning. Latex rubber outersoles are good as are Latex rubber and cork molded insoles. Again, these need time to get used to your foot too. Many people will wear a shoe much longer than they should. I compare shoes to tires and its not uncommon to hear someone praising their old shoes for the comfort at the same time as having aches and pains. Also, once the treads on the car tires are done one changes the tires! Obvious comparison. Change your shoes. Change your attitude. Submitted by Jean Cardino

n almost every conversation I have with couples, there’s always one person of the two who regularly wakes up really hot or sweaty, getting pulled out of a deep sleep because they’re too warm. They do the “blanket dance”, incessantly kicking them off and then pulling them back on again. So often customers say “I’m just a really hot sleeper,” and I am here to tell you that in most cases this just isn’t true. It was a while ago, when reflecting on my own inability to handle any form of polyester or synthetic clothing, that I came to the realization that we have a population of people who don’t have any idea that it’s actually the bedding they are using that is causing so many of their sleep problems. We need to ask ourselves, “where is the breathability?” This is a case of “we just don’t know what we don’t know.” Our mattresses and bedding are the culprits. Can you imagine what a positive impact it would have on your sleep if you or your partner could stop overheating?

Temperature Regulation: Are you Really a Hot Sleeper? A large majority of the customers we see sleep on some type of mattress with memory foam, soy or convoluted foams. These are synthetically produced. Add that the majority of mattress tickings are made with polyester and you realize that these materials don’t allow your heat to dissipate. They push your heat right back at you. You’re probably starting to get the point, but there is more. Next, we buy a mattress pad that is cotton, with polyester fill, followed by sheets that are cotton/poly or 800 thread count; more and more insulation, which means more heat! And the cherry on the top is a down comforter. Loved by many

and understood by few. Down comforters completely insulate and don’t allow your heat to circulate. Comfy, but not the best for our warmer climate. Alaska or camping maybe, but definitely not for the hot sleeper. Our bodies don’t do well in our sleep cycles while we are sweating. If you are being woken up because of unnatural heat sources, you are not getting the deep sleep you need. Add to this the natural circumstances that make people warm, a normal part of the aging process, and the chances of getting quality sleep are close to nil. Temperature regulation is one Resthouse’s specialties. It’s a

must and is one of the most important parts of your sleep system. Get your temperature figured out and your sleep will improve. We focus on simple materials. The three main components in our products are wool, organic cotton and latex rubber, which all dramatically help to keep your sleep system temperate. My favourite purchase since we started Resthouse has been my Eco-wool comforter. I used to use down and would be hot and cold at night, and just thought that this was normal. I do not get hot anymore and I even bought an extra warm comforter. The other beautiful thing is Dawn

had a different requirement, so we have a comforter that is extra warm on one side and medium on the other. Yes, you heard me right. Dual weight comforters. No one compromises! A simple good starting point and a cost effective way to see improvement, is to change your mattress pad. The mattress pad is what you put over your mattress to protect it from sweat or spills. With all of the synthetics and memory foams being used, it can be like sleeping on a plastic bag. Putting a natural barrier between you and your mattress can make a huge difference. A more immediate and dreamy option is a wool mattress topper. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like changing your mattress, as it adds softness and a really substantial barrier from your

mattress. As you feel the results and your temperature gets more regulated, you can start thinking about building your new sleep system, one piece at a time. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be hot sleepers. Looking at sleep from a different angle, and frankly all angles, is essential to a productive life. Sleep is the ultimate healer and should be recognized as such. It is the ultimate in self care and needs to be given as much attention as the food and exercise we choose to give our body. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and sweet dreams from the Resthouse team.

COWICHAN BUSINESS

Sands Funeral Chapel

Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan by Arbor Memorial

Janice Winfrey Funeral Director

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

c T

Holiday Celebration of Memories

ands Funeral Chapel has been hosting an annual Holiday Celebration of Memories in their chapel for over 10 years. It is a non denominational service, and everyone in the community is welcome to celebrate and remember those who have passed. “This time of year can be extremely difficult for families and friends who have lost loved ones. says Janice Winfrey, of Sands Funeral Chapel “ It is a chance to celebrate their memory.” Several people have been coming to the event every year since it began.

COMMERCIAL / INVESTMENT SALES & LEASING 250 589 0969 I ewph@shaw.ca 23 Queens Road I Duncan I BC I V9L 2W1

• ESTABLISHED 1887 •

Upon arrival, guests are given a candle at the beginning of the service that will be lit during the ceremony in honour of their loved ones. A special reading will be shared by Cowichan Valley Hospice Society and for those attending who also wish to speak, sing or pray there is an opportunity to share. “We always have live music. There is a harpist this year who will be playing as guests arrive and also after the ceremony. We will also have a choir singing musical selections during the program as well

as leading us in Silent Night as we each light a candle in honour of lost loved ones.” The service typically runs 2025 minutes and immediately following the service refreshments are served to all those in attendance. “People are always encouraged to share memories. We find that at the end of the service during the reception when we all come together it is a significant time for mutual reflection.” shares Janice “One of the worst feelings you will experience following the death of a loved one is that of being alone. It may help to know that you are not alone so come light a candle in tribute to the loved one you miss, and help fill the room with the light and warmth of happy memories. Holiday Celebration of Memories, Thursday, December 8 6:30pm 187 Trunk Rd, Duncan. Please RSVP to 250 746 5212 or by email sandsduncan@ arbormemorial.com

Submitted by Janice Winfrey

L s s i b e a p t e w t p t

W o a p n c w t d I T s h o u p t s

FOR BUSINESS

#301- 394 Duncan Street Duncan, BC V9L 3W4 250 748-1426 Fax: 250 748 2805 PO Box 1396 #101-626 First Avenue Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A9 250 245-1429 Fax: 250 245-1421

1-800-818-5703 www.palmerleslie.ca

2.3 Family Trust Options

ne area of tax planning for incorporated shareholders can include setting up a Family Trust. Let’s look at a straight-forward situation where the owners are spouses, and have one child (who is 18 years old) and a profitable business. Currently, the owners each declare $88,000 of wages and leave a further $35,500 of profit in the company. To send their child to university, it is estimated to cost $22,000. We will assume a corporate income tax rate of 13.5% and a marginal personal income tax rate for the two owners of 38%. Without a Family Trust, the owners would need to draw out additional wages of $35,500 and pay taxes on this of $13,500 to net out $22,000 to pay for their child to attend university. There would be no corporate income taxes owing here, as wages are deductible for the company. If the owners set up a Family Trust which owns common shares of the company, they have an option to pay dividends of $22,000 out of the company up to the Trust. The Trust then pays this as a dividend out to the beneficiary, the child, for the same amount.

To pay out $22,000 to the Trust, the company has to pay corporate taxes on its profits first. This would require $25,500 of profits, which would pay $3,500 of corporate income taxes to net out the $22,000 dividend. The student, due to the low dividend tax rates and tuition tax credits, should not be taxable at all. Net result? In the first option, the couple pay a total of $13,500 in taxes. In the second, the couple pay a total of $3,500 of taxes. In both situations, the child is paid $22,000 and pays no taxes. Of course, there is an upfront cost to set up the Family Trust and a smaller ongoing cost, but this should be easily offset by the potential savings when it is utilized to put a child through university. Remember, these savings can be had repeatedly every year your child attends, plus if you have more children you can easily generate a savings multiplier.

We meet weekly, Tuesdays at 8:30am Sands Funeral Chapel Conference room, 187 Trunk Road, Duncan

We recommend you meet with us if you want to review your current situation to see if this could work for you, and talk to your corporate lawyer.

Interested in growing your business? Meet us next Tuesday! RSVP to Lyn Bull, lyn.bforbnetworks@gmail.com or Susan Quackenbush Cheerscowichan@gmail.com

Submitted by Alex Palmer

Dave Shortill

“Saving Friends and Family since 1987” Insurance • Savings • Advice Call for free financial check up

250-732-5355

• • • • •

Website Design & Development Social Media Solutions Search Engine Optimization Internet Marketing & PPC Consulting & Training

250-732-2937

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

1- 855-622-5932

RT HEA lage e h l in t y Vi atedhan Ba c o L owic of C

DECEMBER FEATURES

Seasonal Hot Drinks and Baked Treats

WINTER HOURS WEEKDAYS 7:30-5pm

WEEKENDS

8-5pm Closed TUESDAYS

•ALL DAY BREAKFAST •HEARTY HOT SOUPS •Hot Drinks •Nasi Goreng •Jamaican Patties

Delicious food made fresh right HERE!

6th Annual Winter Solstice Concert

ari Burdett, Sara Marreiros and friends are returning this year to present the 6th Annual Winter Solstice Concert. This beautiful Cowichan Valley tradition is a family-fun event that weaves together eclectic music with movement and voice, providing warmth and peace on the longest night of the year. This years event will be visiting Mill Bay and Victoria. “Every year we offer an array of different songs and 2016 will not disappoint!” explains Burdett. The show will offer Christmas favourites, some gorgeous folk and jazz songs performed a cappella, and a fun collection of 50s classics with a twist. It will be a joyful offering of exceptional winter acoustic music.

The line-up for 2016 includes internationally acclaimed musicians Richard Moody (violin), Adrian Dolan (piano, accordion, guitar), Anne Schaefer (piano, guitar, vocals), Alex Rempel (bass, vocals), vocalists Sara Marreiros and Cari Burdett, and dancer Marisa Jackson. December 18 3:00pm 6th Annual Winter Solstice Concert Sylvan United Church - 985 Shawnigan Mill Bay Rd, Mill Bay, $20 advance | $25 at the door December 21 7:30PM Oak Bay United Church 1355 Mitchell St, Oak Bay Victoria Doors open at 7PM Tickets: $20 Advance | $25 at the door Available at Ivy’s Bookstore www.cariburdett.com/solstice

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

(New Service) Jan Stock - Intuitive Massage Therapist Dalyce Crossley of December Studio Art

Boreal Collective

riends, families, holiday shoppers and supporters of the arts are invited for an alternative holiday experience. Slow down, connect with makers and designers of beautiful, unique, locally produced quality goods and support the local handmade economy. Boreal Collective is a small collective of women, a collaborative project between two well-established designers and event hosts based in the Cowichan Valley. We have a passion for handmade and sustainable alternatives and are dedicated to supporting local artists. Our seasonal event, the Boreal Collective Winter Fair 2016, will showcase 40 unique local makers and designers from around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, bringing a fantastic cross-section of talented creatives, innovative designers, live music, delicious food and unique workshops to the

Cowichan Valley for a seasonal event that will be unlike anything ever seen here before. Come and enjoy a relaxed festive atmosphere, shop quality handcrafted gifts that are made to last, sink your hands into a holiday project in one of our many DIY workshops, linger in conversation with local designers of quality goods, engage your children in fun family oriented crafts, enjoy live music in two vendor halls, relish in delicious food and drink and connect with an exceptionally creative community. Two vendor halls full of gorgeous gifts, a full day of DIY workshops, live music all day, fantastic food truck eats, vintage lever-pulled espresso cart, fabulous door prizes from our talented vendors, children’s holiday activities and more. Everyone welcome! Saturday December 17, 10am - 7pm The Hub at Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Rd, Cobble Hill

Upcoming EVENTS Saturday, December 17

Trufﬂe Dinner (Food Bank Fundraiser) Saturday, December 3

Terrines and Pates Cooking Class

For full details visit www.deerholme.com BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450

Book your table for New Years Eve! Call the bistro for details. OPEN MON - FRI 11:30am / SAT & SUN 10am MILL BAY MARINA • 740 HANDY RD • 778-356-3568 www.bridgemans.ca

hese days, the sound of jingle bells is a sure sign of Christmastime, but have you ever wondered where that tradition came from? Horse bells date back some 3,000 years, and have served a few different functions throughout history. Medieval war horses were often adorned with a single bell on their rump, which was believed to bring good luck and protect against injury, disease, and evil. These bells carried deep significance: they would be intricately engraved with the family coat of arms, inscriptions, or symbols, they might be plated in gold or silver, and they implied much about the family’s affluence and status.

Horse bells saw their real heyday in the 1800s when the horse and carriage ruled the roads, both in Europe and in North America. They served a dual purpose of communication and safety. The sound of bells warned others in the area that a horse-drawn vehicle was approaching. A horse pulling a sleigh through the snow makes very little sound, and could be very difficult to see approaching – impossible in a blizzard or a thick fog. Many regions therefore came to require by law the use of bells on sleighs in order to prevent accidents and reduce chaos and confusion. As sleighing became a popular recreational activity and winter sport, in addition to a prevalent mode of transportation, great care was taken in the turnout of the hitch. The horses were meticulously groomed; the harness spotlessly polished

The History of Sleigh Bells and adorned in lavish decorations, including carefully chosen bells of different shapes and sizes. Bells were an important part of a family’s identity. Every family’s bells sounded different, so you could easily recognize who was coming by their jingle.

disappeared as well. Their significance mostly forgotten, the tradition of sleigh bells is now memorialized in a few famous songs, and widely romanticized as part of the Christmas spirit.

Bells served a very similar purpose on wheeled vehicles in the towns. Aristocrats could register their bell tones; others would recognize the tone and know to pull aside for them. Horsedrawn vendors were easily recognized by their customers as they made their way through town – much like hearing the ice cream truck today. In busy logging yards, the yardmen credited logs to the correct teamster according to the chime of his horses’ bells.

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‘Tis The Season... to be coming to the Glenora Farm Christmas Fair!

he holiday season is coming and preparations are underway for the much anticipated 15th annual Christmas Fair at Glenora Farm. Cookies are baking, decorations are going up, and all the craft rooms are operating in top gear producing an abundance of Glenora Farm’s high quality handmade items. Glenora Farm is a community on a 97-acre farm for adults with special needs and their live-in caregivers. It is a community of caring, teaching, and life-sharing. We’ve have lots of new things happening at the Farm and the fair is a great chance to catch up on what we’ve been doing. The fair offers something for everyone including loads of children’s activities: opportunities to decorate beeswax candles, make silk paper window stars and angels from wool, attend puppet shows, and of course visit our Cookie Cave, where a Christmas angel helps each child choose their own cookie inside a colourful, twinkling cave. And no Christmas Fair would be complete without Bo’s popular hayrides! Vendors offering handmade artisanal gifts will be in The Big House and our Harvest Hall which will house not

only vendors, but also the remarkable Silent and Pick a Prize auctions. From the Farm itself we will sell a range of high quality goods made in our craft workshops and kitchens. Woven products from the weavery, felted creations, herb products, and hand-dipped beeswax candles. Eat at our special little cafe in the woods serving homemade sweet and savoury treats, soup, hot drinks and other great tasting foods. Delight in our farm-raised beef sausages off the BBQ served in a True Grain Bread bun and slather it with organic condiments. Experience beeswax candle dipping in the warm honey scented candle workshop. The seasonal music program of live talent, our resident Bell Ensemble, and the ever popular Christmas Carol sing-along will complete your miraculous day. Come and meet some of the people at Glenora Farm and make your Christmas memories. We look forward to creating them with you. Glenora Christmas Fair Open House, Sunday, December 18 11am - 3pm 4766 Waters Rd, Duncan Free

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that will die down to their roots in heavy frosts, so fare best protected under poly tunnels or cold frames. I use the delicious Hollyhock salad dressing (available online) to perk them up and get my daily n August we sowed rows of dose of vitamin B12 from winter-hardy food seeds and nutritional yeast. The first hard frost will make leafy transplanted a variety of greens even sweeter, as brassicas in the garden, cells convert starches to and now we are reaping the sugars, which act as an benefits. Dinners are planned anti-freeze to protect cells around what’s growing against frost. Parsley fares outdoors and surprisingly there’s a good choice to be had. well outdoors, where the flavour of this vitamin-C Winter vegetables are easy to rich herb intensifies with grow, there’s no watering, no cold weather. Cilantro greens weeding and no pests to fight also fare well in light frosts. off. Timing is everything, as it’s important to get them in the I value this heavy-metal cleansing herb for its many ground in time for roots to mature enough culinary uses, however there so the plant can withstand cold are many people for whom cilantro tastes metallic and is weather. unpalatable!

Carolyn Herriot is author of The Zero Mile Diet and The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook Available at your local bookstore. She grows and saves seeds of IncrEdibles! in Yellow Point. www.incredibles.vision

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We have winter squash, apples, garlic, potatoes and onions in storage, which make nutritious meals and warming soups throughout winter. Having lots of garlic in your system tops up the immune system to get you through winter in good health, so I add garlic to meals regularly! There’s a plethora of leafy greens to choose from collards, kale, mustard greens, chard and spinach, which provide vitamins and minerals and lots of fiber, which keeps you regular and feeds the gut microbiome. My favourite way to eat greens is to shred them and splash these with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then lightly sauté them until they have wilted. Where I live we are still awaiting the first hard frost, so I am still able to harvest a variety of crispy field lettuces for juicy salads. Lettuces are tender leafy greens

Starchy root crops, high in warming carbohydrates, make great roasted vegetables when drizzled with olive oil and baked in the oven for 30 minutes. Once a week carrots, beets, potatoes and turnips are roasted with cloves of garlic and sprigs of rosemary, because roasted vegetables are so handy to have around for wraps and toppings for grains. Sunchokes, aka Jerusalem artichokes, provide muddy tubers that can be dug as needed throughout winter. These are surprisingly tasty when roasted, or grated raw

The Winter Food Garden into coleslaw with carrots and cabbage. Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower plants grow big and leafy over winter, but wait until the soil warms up in spring to produce their heads. If you planted leeks in May you’ll be harvesting tender leeks all winter and you can enjoy leeks thinly-sliced in green salads or lightly steamed with butter! We are fortunate enough to live in an area with a mild temperate winter that allows food to grow year round. Considering the escalating cost of organic produce and the miles food travels it makes sense (and savings) to grow a winter food garden. It also makes you feel more food secure, a good thing when things go crazy!

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Nature Rambles Hul’q’umi’num’ (our local language) words are in bold. Genevieve Singleton, nature nut and nature interpreter, twinflower4@gmail. com

Some of nature’s most exquisite handiwork is on a miniature scale, as anyone knows who has applied a magnifying glass to a snowflake. Rachel Carson

he best gift you can give yourself and others this holiday season is getting outside! Studies show that being outdoors helps lessen stress, lowers blood pressure, improves physical health and self-esteem, and creates a lasting love for nature among many other attributes. In these days of some children and adults having so much screen time it is particularly important to get that breath of fresh air. Expressing gratitude is also an important part of the holidays, usually expressed for a gift gaily wrapped in gift wrap. Take a “wonder wander” outside and look for wrappings that you might not first think of, i.e. p’uli’, bark. Take a tree, any tree, walk around it, look up, smell the bark, stand under it and contemplate the countless gifts one simple tree gives us. A few things are oxygen

for breathing, shade in the sun, protection in the rain, maple syrup from our Bigleaf maple, nitrogen from the root nodules of alder, wood for building, wood for our fireplace, and paper for this magazine. The list is endless. Visit a specific species, Xpey’, the Western red cedar, the tree of life, every bit of it used in some way in the past and presently, roots for baskets and ropes, bark for clothing, wood for canoe and houses and so much more, Stand with that tree, thank it for its gift. Take a few minutes every day to express gratitude to nature. It does not need to be complicated and need not involve a big outing. Drops of rain hanging on a branch, the shape of a leaf in a puddle, the call of a bird, and looking at the shape of a cloud from your office window. Make nature part of your home. Change your table centre piece with nature items. If children at home, make corners in house to have objects from nature that they collect. I find adults surreptitiously enjoy this too! I even have a wee spot in my car where I have a few special nature treasures lined up. This reminds us of our connection to the land and is proven to be calming. Practise gratitude on contemplating a few things you used your senses for in dinner conversation or before falling asleep.

Sea Lions by Eric Marshall

Fun things to do in winter: These activities are meant as much for adults, as children!! Learn to identify your trees and shrubs in winter without leaves. Return in the spring to confirm your guess Look for S-hwuw-qun’, Trumpeter swans, who have come to visit us for the winter. Go view the sea lions at the government dock in Cowichan Bay. We have two species: Ts’axulus, the California sea lion, which makes a barking call and is smaller and darker coloured than the Shees, Steller sea lion. Shees makes a roaring call and is the more common one in the Cowichan Estuary. See how much of your festive meals you can make from local food. Help out on the Christmas Bird count, January 1, contact me for information at twinflower4@gmail.com. Visit the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre, 1845 Cowichan Bay Road, and investigate the fascinating touch tank. www.cowichanestuary.ca

Try some different walks on the wild side! Looks for tracks in muddy areas, beaches and if we get snow. Act like different kinds of animals on a nature walk. Slink like a cougar, put up your arms on your head to be an elk… Go for a colour walk, looking for colours in winter. Do a nature scavenger hunt as a new Christmas or Boxing Day tradition. Look for salmon in our rivers and tributaries. Go for a teeny tiny walk, look at everything on a tree trunk with a magnifying glass.

Thanks to Emily Doyle-Yamaguchi, Lorna Lawson, Tim Kulchyski, and Paul Ruszel for help with this article.

Nature gifts:

Make nature decorations, but be careful that you are being environmentally friendly by not using toxic spray paint, etc. Remember not to gather cones and branches in provincial parks. Make a bird feeder out of rolling large pine cones in shortening or lard and then roll in black sunflower seeds. Make short term feeders from milk cartons. Please do not use seed mixes with millet, since it is not eaten by our birds and falls onto grounds attracting rodents. Black sunflower seeds are the best. Make a bucket full of nature activities for a family: http://nurtureinnature.com.au/bucketlist-VitaminN/ Join one of many groups and clubs in town working to protect nature. www.naturecowichan.net/wp/

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

he Cowichan Valley Youth Choirs, under the masterful guidance of director Sheila Johnson, have been delighting Valley audiences since 2002. Sheila also directs an adult choir, the Concenti Singers, which she and her late husband founded in 1983. Both choirs have won awards at the Provincial Music Festival and have represented BC at the National competitions. Strangely enough, one of the names we initially considered, for our adult choir, was “Valley Voices”…and here we are now, interviewing for the Valley Voice! Can you tell us about how you became a choir director? In my early 20s, I started teaching in London, in a girls’ high school. It was in a rough area of London, but they had a wonderful music program. I was accompanying the school choir, and then suddenly I found myself landed with the junior choir. I had never thought of being a choir director but here I was, and I was absorbing everything.

After 3 years, the director left and I became head of department and inherited the school choir, and that’s how it all started. Then I came to Canada, from London straight to Shawnigan Lake, in one shot - and I’ve been directing choirs here in the Cowichan Valley ever since. That’s a long time ago, but I won’t tell you how long! How do you think children should start singing? A choral setting is a really good starting place for children, to bring out their head tone. To be able to stand with a whole group of other people and perform, it certainly helps with their self confidence. It’s a great social thing but it’s also a very good discipline; when you’re in a choir, you have to stay with everybody and you have to watch the conductor, which some people find far more difficult than others! What do you think are the strengths of the Youth Choirs? The fact that they turn up every Thursday prepared to put their energy into it, is just wonderful. I love to see the looks on their faces when they realize how well they are singing. Working with young people is really energizing, though it is exhausting at the same time, and that certainly

Sheryl Jardine REALTOR®

Welcome December! The Cowichan Valley Youth Choirs Sing In the Season comes home to me after three hours of rehearsing every Thursday! What’s fun about the Youth Choirs’ Christmas concerts is that the music is not all “Christmas” music. Well, one of the reasons is that, if we do Christmas songs, we have to start practicing them in September, and that’s too early for children. So some pieces will be about Christmas, or winter, and some pieces are a complete contrast.

You know, the thing is, what is the point of music if it doesn’t touch your soul? I feel that very strongly, no matter what kind of music it is, it has to touch your soul. The Cowichan Valley Youth Choirs perform 2:00 pm Sunday December 11, as part of the “Chemainus Classical Concerts” series. Chemainus United Church, 9814 Willow St chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca tickets $20 at the door, $17 in advance, $5 youth under 18 call 250.748.8383 to reserve

The seasonal feeling is there, though - it is moving and magical hearing all those clear young voices singing in harmony.

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estivals play an important part in Waldorf education. They allow us to follow instinctively the rhythms of the seasons, and therefore the rhythms of our own bodies as we adjust to the changing light, temperature, and feeling in the air. Festivals are a cultural celebration, which mark the passing of time. When we celebrate together in this way, we have an opportunity for contribution, shared consciousness, and to create unity in our community life. Every December at Sunrise Waldorf School, we celebrate the festival of Santa Lucia. Our grade eight students will bake special saffron buns, and walk the halls of our school singing the traditional songs that marks this festival. They will visit each of the classrooms and offer their song and food to the younger students and teachers. What makes this festival so visually stunning is the crown of lit candles that is worn by the eldest girl in the eighth grade class, as her classmates (also adorned with special hats and white gowns) walk behind her

in procession and song. Santa Lucia, Thy light is glowing All through the darkest night, comfort bestowing Dreams float on wings of night, Comes then the morning light Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia Through silent winter gloom, Thy song comes winging to Waken the Earth anew, Glad carols bringing, Come thou, oh queen of Night, Wearing thy crown so bright, Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia Santa Lucia, Christmas foretelling, Fill hearts with hope and cheer, Dark fear dispelling, Bring to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s call, Peace and goodwill to all, Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia Lucia Day is on December 13th and celebrates the life of Saint Lucy and light for the longest night of the year (under the old Gregorian calendar this was the Winter Solstice). Some stories say Lucia was known as a medieval saint who brought

Christmas Day. There are advent calendars for every taste. The one in the picture has numbers on the doors of a European village. Some calendars are even in 3-D! Choose from calendars in various sizes, Advent Calendars For Kids including small ones with ount down to Christmas envelopes for sending to with an advent calendar; favourite young relatives and a must-have before December friends. 1st! A treasured ritual in many families, advent Calendar shown is available calendars allow children to at Volume One Books. open a door to reveal a secret Submitted by Sonia Ottosen, picture every day, building Volume One Books anticipation right up until

Santa Lucia Day December 13 food and drink to a province of Sweden during a period of famine. Other stories point out the Sicilian origins of Lucy and tell about how she brought food to the poor souls living in the catacombs. In all stories, Santa Lucia is seen as a symbol of hope and light during the darkest of Winter. This festival is yet another example of how we can

mark the Christmas season with reverence. It is a way to make simple offerings that fill us with the feeling of togetherness, the smell of delicious treats, the feeling of coming together in song, and the celebration and warmth of light.

Submitted by Chantey Dayal, Sunrise Waldorf School

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

nina came to the Cowichan from Israel in 1985, settling on her own perch of paradise in Chemainus where she still lives today, operating the Seaside Yoga Studio. As a newcomer to Canada, Pnina missed her food & culture she left behind in Israel, and when she discovered the Multicultural Women’s Group, she said it was a “life saver.” “For me, the best thing about coming to Canada was connecting with other cultures, sharing food and our passions,” and to Pnina, this is why she wholeheartedly loves Canada and the Cowichan in particular. For Pnina, this time of year means celebrating Hanukkah by lighting her menorah each night of the eight day “festival of lights,” sharing food and laughter with friends and family, and by giving a gift to loved ones on the final night. In Judaism, Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materiality. Lighting the menorah recalls the story of a small group of Jews defeating a mighty Greek army and reclaiming the Holy Temple – they sought light but had only enough fuel for one night; miraculously the fuel lasted eight nights. Pnina’s face

lights up at the prospect of cooking potato latkes once again this year!

anna’s path to the Cowichan began in Germany and included extended stops in the Kootenays as well as Edmonton, before she discovered a true “home” on Vancouver Island, and in particular the community of Duncan. A sense of community, a vibrant arts community, and the general warmth of the people in the Warmland brought Hanna and her husband Helmut to Duncan many times before they finally settled here full-time in 2014. Active in local choirs, dancing groups, and volunteer organizations, Hanna has quickly become an integral part of our community including with the Cowichan Intercultural Society through our Community Connections and Home Away From Home programs. An integral part of Christmas celebrations for Hanna is the period of Advent. Beginning four weeks before Christmas, Germans count down the days until Christmas using various calendars/wreaths – Hanna describes lighting candles on an ‘Advent Kranz’ - a ring of fir branches that has four candles on it, one candle is lit at the beginning of each week leading up to Christmas. Food is a rich part of the German tradition, and Hanna looks forward to preparing Gruenkohl mit Pinkel yearly, which is a traditional German plate of warm kale, sausage and bacon.

Holiday Traditions From Around The World

‘Majik’ Fountain was a successful internet builder in the Silicon Valley before the tech bubble burst. He and his family moved to the Cowichan Valley for its natural beauty, quality of life and community. Since arriving to Cowichan, Majik has met many people that he has in common with former friends, colleagues, and college alumni. He has also been working with former Cowichan Intercultural Society board member and entrepreneur – Gifty Serbeh Dunn – and other philanthropists to equip medical professionals in Ghana with remote ultrasound technology used in prenatal care. Majik’s childhood was during the tumultuous period of the American Black Civil Rights Movement, a time when the African Diaspora was in juxtaposition with the African traditions that were lost and the colonial

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traditions placed upon them. The Diaspora recognized that African-American children needed a celebration of their culture, their traditions and their diversity – to feel valued and respected. Out of the 60’s African Diaspora movement came Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, in an important time of the year for its children to create unity, community and harmony. During Kwanzaa, children are encouraged to make a gift from African culture, like batik into clothing, for a member of their family. These gifts create a symbol of their culture and community.

The Nguzo Saba of the seven days of Kwanzaa: Day 1. Umoja means unity. Day 2. Kujichagulia means self-determination. Day 3. Ujima means working together. Day 4. Ujamaa means supporting each other. Day 5. Nia means purpose. Day 6. Kuumba means creativity. Day 7. Imani means faith, especially faith in ourselves. These principles are what are badly needed, especially by children of the non-dominant culture to boost their sense of selfworth. Usually the gifts are given all at once and set them out on their days. The founder of Kwanzaa was Dr. Maulana Karenga

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A somewhat whimsical but somehow pertinent holiday greeting used by African-Americans is “Happy Kwanz-Mis-Ka” a combination of Kwanzaa, Christmas and Hanukah salutations. About the Cowichan Intercultural Society The Cowichan Intercultural Society (CIS) is spearheading the movement to welcome and support refugees to the community. CIS is the leading immigrant and refugee aid organization in the region. We facilitate mutual respect, trust, support and education in the culturally diverse Cowichan Valley. Our vision is of an inclusive and welcoming community, where every person feels valued and has a sense of belonging. Learn more at www.cis-iwc.org Submitted by Jennifer Yee Fairweather Intercultural Partnership Network Coordinator

seasons, we know that the sunlight will come back again, and the time of light in each day will be longer.

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Many people seem to be living in an internal darkness these days. However, contrary to nature’s dependable rhythm of light and dark, the people who live in darkness may or may not see a light or grow to open themselves to light again.

What causes the absence of light in people? Hurt, pain, unexpressed emotions, heartache and heartbreak can be a few of the elements of inner darkness. We are all 1534 Joan Avenue Crofton familiar with these All shows are $15 at the door. emotions and how they make us feel. They are obstacles e are coming into to us feeling light, seeing the season of lights, although as we look out of our the light, allowing the light. Light is the true reality, both windows we see increasing in nature and within people. darkness. The days appear to Darkness is simply the be shorter. The time of the absence of light. absence of light is near.

As we go through the four

Can these emotions be

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Let There Be Light released? Absolutely yes, they can. In 2007, Dr. Bradley Nelson published a book called The Emotion Code. In it, he outlines a way that trapped emotions can be discovered and released. Not only does that process make us feel better, it can also reduce our physical pain. Dr. Nelson estimates that 80% of the pain that people feel is emotional. What I have found in doing this work is that it takes courage to choose to allow healing. It has been said

that what we human beings are most afraid of is not our dark side; rather, we are most afraid of being our light – our inner brilliant light. In this season of nature’s darkness, I invite you all to take heart and be courageous. Be willing to allow your trapped emotions to be released, and to experience the release and radiance of your true inner light. David Yaeger is a certified Emotion Code practitioner. He moved to the Cowichan Valley in 2013.

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Behind the Lines Syrian Artists Come To Cowichan

year since the Canadian government committed to welcoming Syrian refugees into our communities, are we any more knowledgeable about the diverse and rich culture of this war torn land? For the first time on Vancouver Island, a collection of contemporary Syrian art Behind the Lines will be on display. Penticton Art Gallery Curator Paul Crawford brings “powerful, raw, and striking” images from nineteen Syrian artists to the heart of Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley. Exhibit visitors will have the opportunity to see the conflict in Syria from a Syrian perspective, while contributing to the well-being of the artists (most still live in Syria) and their communities. In strokes of colour and imagery that “is a testament to the capacity of the human spirit”, the exhibit draws viewers into Syria in a way that few other media can. Each work speaks eloquently, containing and reflecting the

JODIE MCDONALD, MSW RSW 250-580-2252 jodie@livingandbreathing.ca

passion of the artists creating them. Contacted by a small group coordinated by the Cowichan Intercultural Society, Mr. Crawford shares the exhibit at no cost, hoping the artists might connect with others in the world beyond the bombs. The Faculty of Social Sciences, Vancouver Island University, has arranged for Mr. Crawford to speak about the exhibit and the artists on November 28, while other partners (including VIU Faculty Association) have offered to help defray travel costs and provide space for the exhibit without charge. Admission to the exhibit is by donation.

Julia Allen

MA Masters Counselling Psychology Registered Clinical Counsellor

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Please come down and let your eyes inform your heart of what the mind can sometimes not fully comprehend…Syria… today…as narrated by the young hands of her artists. Duncan Show Runs to Dec 3 Behind the Lines - collection of contemporary Syrian Art; Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St, Duncan Mill Bay Show Dec 10 - 17 Behind the Lines - collection of contemporary Syrian Art; Brentwood College School, 2735 Mt Baker Rd, Mill Bay www.cis-iwc.org Admission by donation for both shows.

IBP INTEGRATIVE BODY PSYCHOTHERAPISTS COUNSELLING AND HEALING BREATHWORK

SYBILLE WEBB, MEd 250-715-6957 sybillewebb@shaw.ca

leep. It’s the great rejuvenator and healer. We avoid it, crave it, luxuriate in it, and in today’s world seem to always be trying to catch up on it. Simple question, do any of us get enough sleep? For the average North American the answer is NO. In the early 1900’s before electricity people typically slept 9-10 hours per night. Now with the ability to have endless light, our biology is almost constantly turned on to daytime. It’s not just electric lights that are stimulating a daytime response in the body, it’s also all the devices we use for entertainment, from late night TV, computers, to the bedtime e-readers that are all sending light directly into our eyes. We are a population that stays up later because we have light and tend to sleep only 5-7 hours per night. What effect does this have on our bodies?

This endless light we are subjected to adversely affects our hormones. Melatonin is the most common hormone that many people are aware of that gets out of balance and without it we have difficulty sleeping. Melatonin is stimulated in the body while light is waning and reaches its peak in the darkness. If there is too much light, the body does not produce melatonin. Other hormones are also affected by too much light and not enough darkness: prolactin, insulin, serotonin, and dopamine as examples. This constant light we have now registers in our bodies as the endless summer. Evolutionary biology indicates that by having never ending light we are stimulating our bodies to eat carbohydrates for the long winter ahead. These carbohydrates are stored

Light, Sleep and the Obesity Connection in the body as fat to keep us fed and insulated in the harsh days of winter cold. As mammals, we are hardwired to store fat to protect ourselves from potential starvation in winter. The problem is that we are on an endless cycle of summer and the body is craving and storing carbs for the winter that never comes. The outcome of this imbalance in our sleep and the endless summer is slowly creating diseases and stimulation to overeat carbohydrates. Without proper sleep the

body’s hormones remain out of balance and we are subjected to greater possibilities of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, infertility and depression. How to counter these effects? Quite simply, lower your lights at night; do not use electronic devices late in the evening and sleep with the cycles of nature. When it is dark outside, go to bed! Faye Stefan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Heilkunstler and Homeopath Dynamicpathways.biz

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Attunement – Increasing Life Energy

ttunement is a little known, but very powerful healing modality and spiritual practice that increases one’s experience of indwelling Source. It sees the human body as a dynamic, selfhealing expression of a deeper spiritual Self. The practice of attunement today has developed out of work begun in 1929 by Lloyd Arthur Meeker. Attunement acknowledges that each of us is a combination of Human, a physical substance drawn from the earth, and Being, an invisible, animating life force. Inherent in Being is a well-spring of energy and purpose, yet the connection with our Beingness has been clouded by various experiences including stress, conflict and disease. Attunement is a process of clarifying and deepening our connection with Being so that a more vivid experience of personal oneness is known. This experience is characterized by wholeness, peace and abundant personal power. The core technique of attunement is the sharing of a radiant energy

current through the hands of the attunement practitioner. During an attunement, the hands of the practitioner are held over (usually not touching) areas of the body. The practitioner uses his or her sensitivity to energetically work with the vibrational field of the client and to assist in activating a free flow of life energy between physical and spiritual dimensions. The endocrine system is given specific emphasis. Attunement notes the relationship between the endocrine glands and the energy centers known as chakras: each of the endocrine glands relates to a specific chakra. Balancing the energy flow through these gateways, organs, body systems and energy meridians helps to bring health and well being on a deep and fundamental level. A practitioner may use attunement in conjunction with other complimentary modalities to support a client’s experience. The more attunement is experienced, the more it is lived. A person’s consciousness becomes more highly attuned to an inner wellspring - a healthful radiance. The actions of daily living then spring more naturally from the deeper, life affirming rhythms of Self. The hands of the practitioner are doing more than simply balancing energy. They are the hands of love, guiding one through the internal landscape to a still place, an inner sanctuary, where the Authentic Self may safely grow, flourish and manifest in living. Karen Allen and Alison Etter will offer a FREE talk, demo and attunement circle

Sarah Sinray, MSc., RCC Professional, down-to-earth, evidence-based counselling 6-week Mindfulness Meditation for Inner Calm Workshop Jan. 25 - Mar. 1st | 6:30-8:30pm. See website for more details.

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Faye Stefan MA, RCC, DHHP Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certiﬁed Homeopathic Practitioner

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Dynamicpathways.biz | fstefan59@gmail.com | 250-815-5029

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ove stories are at the heart of hospice stories.

For Geoff Norris, his love story began in England during the second World War, when he saw a Canadian woman he’d met before, standing at a railway station. “…I went five stations past my stop and saw her home… the best move I ever made.” They were married, moved to Canada, and raised two children. Allan Scott was living in Victoria and at the time, didn’t know his love story had begun with getting to know his neighbours, who

would later become his parents-in-law. When he met their daughter, Gillian, he proposed to her in a way that reflected his profound love and dedication: with a friend parachuting into their backyard, delivering a note, “Will you marry me?” Life has a way of bringing people together, and for both Geoff and Allan, life was just beginning. Many years later, the two found themselves at Cowichan Hospice, learning to process the profound grief that came from losing their wives. Both utilized wellness

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Hospice Love Stories treatments through hospice’s Care Clinic, as did Allan’s wife before she passed, and later came to find support in the shared experiences of people in the grief support group. “You would hear experiences of other people and you could relate to them,” says Geoff, and Allan agreed, “… Sometimes I felt strong, other times I didn’t, and you would hear these stories from other people...” The support they found in the grief group continues through their friendship today. They attend events together, go for coffee regularly, and Geoff has even offered to babysit Allan’s dog, Barney. “We support each other, and Geoff and I did that all the way along. When we were driving for coffee, sometimes I know we would tear up, and we laughed too – everything. All different emotions,” says Allan.

As grief does not follow a prescribed timeline, Cowichan Hospice provides support to individuals at any stage in their grief journey. Our one-to-one support, wellness treatments, and support groups are offered free of charge and are available to anyone living in the Cowichan region. To learn more about Cowichan Hospice and our services, please visit our website at www.cowichanhospice.org or give us a call at 250-7014242. Mark your calendars! Join Cowichan Hospice and the Cowichan District Hospital for the 2016 Tree Lighting Ceremony at the hospital on Wednesday, December 7th. The ceremony begins with music in the lobby at 5:30pm followed by the light up at 6:00 pm.

Submitted by Zoe Lauckner, Cowichan Valley Hospice Society

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The Holidays and Reflexology

Green Gift Giving Made Simple

quick internet search will reveal that there is no shortage of “green gift” guides out there. Some of which have some pretty great ideas, and some of which leave a little to be desired (or a lot!). Trying to wade through all of the trendy suggestions can make your head spin. Instead, may we suggest keeping it simple this year? And we’re not talking Martha Stewart-esque simple-but-notactually-simple DIY mega projects either. Just...simple, and kind to the planet. Though it sounds cliche these days, time is still one of the most appreciated gifts that you can give someone. Take a friend out for coffee. Build an epic blanket fort for your niece or nephew. Invite a bunch of people over for a holiday movie night. It doesn’t have to be over the top to bring joy to those you love. Similarly, buying an experience for someone instead of an unnecessary gadget can go a long way towards lessening your holiday impact on the environment. And what do you know, people love it! Give your friend something to look forward to by buying them a day’s kayak rental. Or maybe tickets to a concert or sporting event. Of course, it wouldn’t be a holiday gift guide without suggesting the dreaded DIY projects. Did you know that you can make some very

simple items that people will actually like? You can make a big batch of natural homemade laundry soap in short time with just a few ingredients. Mason jar beeswax candles are another super simple option that’s sure to please. Do a quick internet search for “upcycling” and you’ll be treated to a host of ideas for turning old worn out items into something new and useful. And now it’s time for the best idea of all...FOOD! Cookies, fudge, toffee, brittle. The possibilities are endless. But here’s the thing - you don’t need to give people a massive pile of treats. A few choice morsels are just as satisfying, and even more appreciated once the holidays are over. Don’t forget about savoury treats too. Some spiced cashews are sure to be a hit. Throughout the holiday season, don’t forget to minimize your waste any way that you can. We would love to be a part of your “green” Christmas this year, so make sure to bring in your worn out lights, your festive drink bottles and cans, and any old electronics that Santa may be replacing with something new.

ervous systems go into overload when the holidays approach. A holiday is meant to be a day of festivity or recreation. It is supposed to be a time of rest, fun, relaxation and recovery. While that sounds great – it doesn’t sound much like most of our realities! Instead, the holidays can bring on even more stress, fatigue, pressure, and indigestion! So, how can we better “deal” with this Holiday season? The scientific theory behind this practice is that certain regions of your feet are connected via your nervous system to other parts of your body, and a reflexologist can use these regions to access the corresponding body parts. The tips of your toes, for example, might be used to trigger a response in your head. The chest region can be accessed through the ball of the foot, your heel is connected to your lower back and intestines. And the arch can be used to bring healing to many of the organs in your lower torso. The sensitive, trained hands of a qualified reflexologist will detect imbalances in the feet, indicating that there are depletions or blockages in the energy channels through the body. By applying pressure to these points with thumbs or fingers, the reflexologist can stimulate the flow of energy to all parts, clearing blockages and helping the body to achieve its own state of balance and good

health, without any adverse sideeffects. People who undergo reflexology treatments generally find them to be effective and very comforting and the treatments themselves are non-invasive and pain-free. It is most commonly used for treating stress, PMS, digestive problems, migraines/headaches, insomnia, and back pain. Utilized by many cancer and surgery patients to improve their circulation and promote healing, it is also effective as a postoperative or complementary therapy. Reflexology is a wonderful tool used to restore equilibrium among the body’s main systems, as well as allowing you to feel relaxed and confident in reaching your goals this Holiday season, whether they be hosting a family gathering, maintaining your weight or simply “making it through”! Learn how applying pressure to points on your feet can help improve health, relax the mind and invite a feeling of peacefulness. Call Helga to book an appointment and give your feet a treat for the holidays!

Helga Feichtinger is a Certified Reflexologist Indian Head Massage Practitioner 250-732-7988

Happy Holidays from all of us at Island Return It!

Sophy Roberge is the Marketing Manager for Island Return It Recycling Centres.

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Breakthrough Counselling in Chemainus, is a place of healing, first and foremost. Sole proprietor, Alison Etter, is holistic, compassionate and dedicated to supporting people to emerge from pain and trauma to discover their innate joy and wisdom.

hen a long career in public education lost its luster due to provincial politics, Alison Etter found a new passion in counselling and the therapeutic process. She trained with Clearmind International a number of years ago, emerging with a diploma in Transpersonal Psychology, and became a Registered Professional Counsellor. Part of the Clearmind Practitioners’ Training Program entails an intense self exploration healing process. The training was a turning point in her life. “I had been involved with self improvement and spirituality for a good portion of my life, but here the rubber met the road. Authentic connections brought me face to face with myself. The mask crumbled and I discovered what it means to be real.” Alison moved to Chemainus from the Sunshine Coast a year and a half ago, carefully choosing a home which would accommodate a beautiful workspace, including a counselling office and a large meditation/healing area as well as a large organic mandala garden and very private backyard. Breakthrough Counselling is a place where Alison’s talents and passions intersect. Some clients choose to also attend Mindfulness Meditations, held bi-weekly, in order to learn to still the mind chatter that plagues them. Others discover that attunements augment therapy beautifully and

allow them to find transcendence from the issues they are facing, and a deep stillness and relaxation. Attunement is an energetic healing modality that Alison has practiced for over forty years. She also brings three decades of teaching experience to her CVRD Anxiety and Depression class. Here students learn to regulate their out-of-kilter nervous systems as well as ways to deal with unruly thoughts and emotions in an effective manner. In January, she will also be teaming up with a nutritionist and a yoga instructor to offer a ‘Mindfulness for Women’ class through the CVRD. Mindfulness has been shown in recent research to be as effective as medication for anxiety and depression. A counselling session with Alison is a deeply bonded experience. She is an excellent listener. Clients are able to find clarity on issues as diverse as grief, trauma, anxiety, depression and selfimage. But more than clarity, they find a safe, compassionate container and a guide who has been through the muck and mire and come out the other side. “I have so much compassion for people’s stories and experiences. That compassion has been carved out of my own pain. Every time I can support one person to sidestep their stuck places, I find my joy.” Alison Etter, RPC, RTC, Med Therapist and Life Optimization Coach, Breakthrough Counselling in Chemainus 250-324-3040

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

Lucky Dogs... LADY TANA Debbie Wood is a certified Small Animal Naturopath and can be reached at 250597-7DOG.

ady Tana dreamed about cheese. While sleeping on her soft warm bed, she dreamed of slices, and chunks, and wheels of cheese. While strolling with her human through the damp forest she thought about which cheese would pair with each stick she sniffed. She would sigh every time the cold kitchen box would be opened by her human and no cheese emerged. It struck her as ludicrous that the human had access to all the cheeses of the world, yet ate so little. Clearly her human had a screw loose. Her human was kind in most other ways; providing delicious raw meat and bones twice a day and taking her for a scamper every day. Sometimes they would sit in the fast running metal box so Lady Tana could poke her nose out the window and

read the air at top speeds. These were fine distractions, but her thoughts were never far from her beloved cheese and she wished hard for her human to come to her senses. She knew that every seven years there was a winter celebration that involved receiving things she sometimes wanted. A large stick would be planted pointing up in the big room, (an odd thing indeed, but Lady Tana no longer wondered at the odd things her human did.) Bringing a giant stick into the house was a start to civility, but apparently, this stick off the I-may-chew list. Under the stick in boxes and bags Lady Tana could smell the usual things. A new piece of slow-down equipment that would be tied around her neck, Yuck. Some of the obvious toys smelled interesting, but once Lady Tana killed them and they stopped squeaking, they would be boring. She could smell no cheese, again. And so, one night when the winter festival was happening, the house she shared with her human was especially quiet and Lady Tana wished very hard for cheese. She would go from her bed to her human’s bed and back again, unable to get comfortable wishing for cheese. Eventually she fell into her usual cheese dreams and twitched her feet while dreaming of chasing a wheel of cheddar down a hill. Her human woke before her in the morning and

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scratched Lady Tana behind the ears. There was a smell in the air. Lady Tana sat up and sniffed deeper. Could it be? Had she wished so hard that it came true? She jumped off the bed and took the shortest route to the big stick in the house following her nose and that amazing smell. It was true. There was cheese. A lot of cheese. Next to the giant stick was a wheel of cheese the size of Lady Tana’s bed. Lady Tana was so happy she peed a little and looked up at her human in disbelief. “Go ahead” she was told. That was all Lady Tana needed to hear. In a very short time she went from licking at the sides of her cheese wheel to nibbling

the edges and soon was sitting proudly on top of her amazing wheel of cheese chewing off mouthfuls. She napped on top of her wheel and water had to be brought for her. The bliss of eating cheese carried her through for several days. All the cheese she could eat every day. Only on the third day did she venture outside and dare to leave her cheese unattended, but when she came back inside she had more room in her tummy for more cheese. Nothing bad ever happened because of the cheese and no lessons were learned. Lady Tana’s story is one of joy. Just sheer joy. She wishes the same for all of you. May you all have a friend in cheeses.

Joanna M. Weston: Lives in Shawnigan Lake; her books are listed on her blog: www.1960willowtree. wordpress.com/

e lived in Cowichan Station, south of Duncan, for sixteen years and loved the rolling hills, the valley of the Neel Creek, the play of sun and cloud on the landscape. After we left, moving south to Shawnigan Lake, it seemed only natural that the setting of my next middle reader should be Cowichan Station. It felt right for me and for the family who came into being: Ma and Pa and their five children, one adopted from Russia. The publisher’s first comment

after reading the book was that the place seemed more important than the characters, so I wrote Cowichan Station into the background, brought the people forward, and enhanced the plot. I hadn’t realized how much I had loved living there. The area used to have a post office/ general store and, long ago, an hotel. The train station still exists though rabbits spend more time there than passengers or trains. The mystery of Frame and Ranger’s sort-of uncle’s death centers on the area and community who live there (in the book). There’s a riding stable, a swimming hole, there are farms, and his partnership with Lift Cannabis, Cody has been able to bring awareness to serious issues affecting Canadian vets such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which is a chronic condition that affects roughly 10% of war zone Veterans—including war-service Veterans and peacekeeping forces.

Your New Go-To Stuffing Recipe Cody Lindsay is a Victoria area Veteran who has dedicated his life to supporting other Veterans through information and resources concerning medical cannabis and healthy eating. He is not just a former military man but also a certified Red Seal Chef as well as a member of the Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks. Through his website, thewellnesssoldier.com

On his website you will find strain information and reviews, information on popular products such as the Herbalizer vaporizer, along with write ups on the benefits of meditation, Veteran’s programs, fitness tips, and healthy eating. Cody has generously agreed to share his Cranberry and Sage Stuffing recipe with Valley Voice readers. Note: The basic recipe is straight forward and does not call for any cannabis

and, of course, the Koksilah River with its sturdy wooden bridge. Twelveyear-old Frame loves animals, is painfully shy. She and her slightly older brother Ranger decide to solve the mystery and rescue a starving dog, all of which involves the police gets the children into trouble with Pa, Ma, and the neighbours. I loved writing the book, enjoyed the family, and drive

Home Ground through Cowichan Station often just to keep memories alive.

Cranberry and Sage Stuffing courtesy Chef Cody Lindsey

Ingredients

2 Celery Stalks ½ Cup Dried Cranberries 1 Loaf of Bread ½ Yellow Onion 1 Pound of Bacon ½ Cup Butter 2-3 Carrots Salt and Pepper 60 ml Sage 1 Cup Turkey Stock(Chicken stock could be substitute) 60 ml Crushed Unsalted Cashews

Directions for Cranberry and Sage Stuffing:

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the bread to desired shape. Small dice all vegetables, set aside. Chop bacon and cook to ¾ doneness. Add vegetables to bacon and cook until tender, season with salt and pepper. Add cranberries to mixture. Then add the butter and turkey stock and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and add sage to the mixture. In a large bowl add bread and liquid mixture and mix together. (Do not overmix) Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add to oven ready serving ware and put in oven for 25 minutes. Serve, Eat Well, and Be Happy. infusions. If, however you are cooking for someone who is a medical cannabis patient you can replace the regular butter for cannabis infused butter, a recipe for that is available at

thewellnesssoldier.com. Gill Polard is a communications and marketing professional specializing in medical cannabis.

directing the company to proceed with the review. And the company has steadfastly refused to do so. This resulted in the Minister herself issuing two letters – one in October and one in November – both stating that she is considering canceling the permit. Image Laura Colpitts

Shawnigan Lake Residents Update

n Shawnigan, the roller coaster ride continues. It’s been four and a half years since a pair of quarry owners and their engineers proposed to open a contaminated landfill in our watershed – and throughout the entire time, the community has been abundantly clear: we do not accept this risk, and we will not stand down until it’s gone. After the BC Supreme Court determined in March that a contaminated landfill is not a permitted use at the Stebbings Rd quarry, we were overjoyed. Then, eight months later the BC Court of Appeal overturned that decision, reversing the win for the CVRD and the Shawnigan community. The CVRD Board will have to determine next steps – at this time, no decisions have been made about whether to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court of Canada. But while that outcome has delivered a blow to the

community, other avenues are starting to look more promising. Dedicated community members have been carefully documenting the operations at the landfill for the last year – ever since the noncontact water breach last November 13th. And the evidence they’ve gathered has painted a disquieting picture. There have been issues with water management, ongoing non-compliance, and flagrant disregard for the conditions of the permit. And it seems that finally the Minister of Environment is acknowledging that this facility does pose a risk to our environment and our water. Over the course of the last year, the Ministry of Environment staff have directed the company to produce reports on the noncontact and contact water management at the site. Letters were issued from Ministry staff in November, June, and August – each time

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The company has been given yet another deadline to produce the reports – December 20th – however it seems that the Ministry of Environment is finally realizing what we have said all along: this is an inappropriate location for a contaminated landfill, the activity poses a risk to our drinking water, and the operators have demonstrated that they cannot be relied upon to remain in compliance with the permit.

issued a memo on November 3rd stating that he would have his decision on the Judicial Review of the Environmental Appeal Board decision on or before December 15th. We hope, of course, for a very good Christmas in Shawnigan. We hope that the Ministry of Environment will see that it has a duty to the citizens of Shawnigan to protect our watershed. We hope Justice Sewell will see that this permit should never have been issued in the first place. But no matter what happens, we will remain united and steadfast in our resolve – this story is not over until the permit is canceled, the soil that’s been deposited is removed, and our watershed is protected.

While we await the outcome of this latest development, we also await the decision from the Shawnigan Residents Association BC Supreme Court case. Justice Sewell

Sonia Furstenau is the CVRD Director for Shawnigan Lake, and the BC Green Party candidate for Cowichan Valley.

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hristmas is around the corner! What will you wear to your Christmas party? To Christmas dinner? (yes you will need to get out if your comfy pyjamas). I have said it before and I will say it again. If you are not interested in blowing your budget just keep your clothing choices simple. It’s always interesting to me how people think I am always “put together!” I dress very simply and consider myself a very lazy dresser. “Really” you say? Absolutely! I do not stray very far from my basic colour. In my case it is black. Most of my wardrobe mixes and matches and that keeps things simple. Black boots with my black leggings with a tunic top! I see many women dressing the exact same way. Once you get into too much pattern in your clothing you will simply be frustrated and even possibly be wasting your money. KEEP IT SIMPLE! If black is your basic colour then everything you buy should work with it. Scarves are still a very important fashion accessory. Jazz your outfits up with them. Cute hats, jewelry and scarves are your equivalent of your accessories in your home.

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Did you buy yourself a pencil or a-line skirt yet? We all need at least one. A great fitting pair of dress pants. Jeans that fit well. An evening dress in case you are going out for New Years? Two cute tops and your set for the season. If you are shopping consignment or thrift just always have your list of needs with you. Although the price may be better than retail, as retail can be marked up as much as 400%?- having a list will help keep you focused when shopping.

Keep Fashion Simple Ensure your clothing fits and flatters your body. Buying items too small or too large will not flatter. Leggings with tunic tops or long sweaters can be worn by anyone of any size. Ask yourself “Do you feel good in your clothing?” Need some help? Come in and see me at The Second Hanger at 3541 Cobble Hill Road. We can have our very own private shopping party. I can teach you to dress lazy and look great! Enjoy spending time with your family and friends this Christmas. We all know that is more important than anything. Wishing you all a very safe, healthy and joyous season. Shop locally all year and continue to see your favourite small businesses prosper! Thank you! Check out Mega Mondays until Christmas 9-1 25-75% off everything but Lululemon! Follow us on Facebook as we often take photos of our latest items coming in. Susan Dumas-Ryan The Second Hanger Consignment Store Arbonne independent consultant 250-514-6376

ARE YOU READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS? FACIALS, PEDICURES, MANICURES, WAXING, TINTING

Pampering in Cobble Hill

n a cold, wet winter day I arrived at The Old School House, Cobble Hill. I had an appointment at Contours Aesthetic Studio on the Upper level of this interesting Old Heritage building, which stands back from the main road.

my face between procedures opened up the pores and helped the absorption of the products. It was pure luxury. An hour and a half later I was in another zone, relaxed, light hearted and walking on air as I left the studio. It had been a very special treat.

Kelly Wakelyn was there with a warm welcome and ushered me into the bright, light treatment room for my facial, using her non toxic Sea Flora products, it was beauty from under the sea.

Kelly is a well trained and experienced in beauty therapy. Her Cobble Hill Studio is a credit to her (previously she worked in Shawnigan Lake ) and her lovely sunny personality, gentle, kind and understanding. She allowed my underlying claustrophobic fears to be soothed away, and I shall certainly return another day.

Very quickly I was lying so comfortably on the treatment couch, electric blankets and a warm cosy cover were blissful. I closed my eyes and gave myself up to the wonderful pampering from Kelly’s light and gentle touch. Soft west coast music was playing as I drifted away, I could have been lounging on a warm sunny beach in the Carribbean! I felt so content. My face and neck were thoroughly cleansed, exfoliated, toned and massaged with wild organic seaweed enriched lotions and creams. Finally a face mask gently and deeply penetrating the skin. Hot towels over

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I wish Kelly every success in her Cobble Hill sanctuary, it is unique and very busy for all beauty treatments. Appointments are necessary. May you enjoy your facial as much as I did.

UK grandmother Carol Badman loves spending time drawing Zentangles and playing golf.

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

Submitted by Don Skelkirk, Viridian Energy Co op.

ave you ever wondered how the Khmer people built the ancient temples at Angkor Wat in Cambodia? Was solar power used? Probably not but it is intriguing to know how it was built with rudimentary tools. Did you know Angkor Wat is the fourth most visited tourist site in the world? Today solar is creeping into the lives of the poor in Cambodia. Because their use of electricity is so low they can easily meet their demand with a small 60 watt module connected to a 12 volt battery and a small inverter. Kamworks is the company selling the small compact solar systems. They have teamed up with a financial institution that arranges the financing. The people pay ten dollars a month until the system is paid off in two years. I was fortunate enough to teach an introductory solar PV course last winter to four students at Grace House charity in Siem Reap Cambodia. I learned quite humbly how little electrical is used by an ordinary Cambodian family when I gave the students a weekend assignment to total all the electrical loads in their houses. The plan was

to show them how to calculate the size of solar system they needed to power their house. Monday morning was an eye opener for me when the first student reported she had one light bulb and a fan, the second student had three light bulbs and a fan. Needless to say the lesson plan had to quickly change. The lesson for Canadian families is that if you conserve and cut back on as much electricity use as possible then it is much easier to power a house with solar modules. We are now paying $0.137 per Kilowatt/hr and rising fast for tier two electricity. By taking advantage of the BC Hydro net metering program it’s an opportunity to offset that cost. I have seen my own solar system give me an effective rate of return of 5.5% after one year of operation. Cambodia is a country of rich and poor and very little middle class. There is more solar used by the poor than the rich mainly because their electrical consumption very low and they either don’t have the money for State power or there is no State power in their neighbourhood. Electrical prices were about $0.22 per Kilowatt/ hr. It seems the rich can afford the electricity and don’t care about climate change and conservation.

Solar Energy in Cambodia has many more sunshine hours than we have in BC. If it is economically feasible to install solar PV in BC, then why would Cambodia invest in a large mega project?

it into bio-diesel. Glycerin is a by-product of the process which they use to produce hand soap. The soap is then distributed free to other NGO’s working with children.

In January of this year I was again fortunate to return to Siem Reap to do some more volunteer work. This time I worked with a nonprofit organization called Naga Earth and helped them optimize the electrical controls. Naga Earth takes used cooking oil and turns

If you ever feel the need to volunteer some help to other people, Cambodia is a very poor country, they can use the help and very much appreciate the help. This has been a very rewarding experience and we have made lifelong friends.

The Lower Sesan 2 dam project in Cambodia is comparable to BC Hydro’s white elephant Site C dam. When we can produce solar PV a lot cheaper than building these mega projects things don’t add up economically. Cambodia

ROWAN HAMILTON MEDICAL HERBALIST

Diploma in Phytotherapy, MNIMH, SCS, DTCM

at a healing place...

250 510 0062

Cowichan Valley

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

We can’t dig our way out Of the fossil fuels pit.

’ve often thought politicians inhabit a parallel universe. Maybe it’s just widespread cognitive dissonance, coupled with a lack of imagination, that compels them to engage in so much contradictory behaviour. Trying to appease so many varying interests isn’t easy. Rather than focusing on shortterm economic and corporate priorities, though, politicians should first consider the longterm health and well-being of the people they’re elected to represent. When it comes to climate change and fossil fuels, many aren’t living up to that. We celebrate the federal government’s decision to implement nation-wide carbon pricing, even though what’s proposed won’t, without additional measures like regulations, get us to our commitments under the Paris Agreement, which is also inadequate for keeping global warming from catastrophic levels. A government could be forgiven for going slow on a measure opposed by some industrial sectors, provinces and citizens, but it’s difficult to take a government seriously when it approves or supports expanding fossil fuel infrastructure and development while the world continues to break warming records, with increasingly dire consequences. A massive B.C. “carbon bomb” LNG project in the midst of critical salmon-rearing territory, in defiance of many area First Nations’ wishes.

Likely approval of at least one more bitumen pipeline to support expanded oil sands development. A provincial government that pretty much says, “We’ll support federal efforts to fight climate change if you support our efforts to fuel it.” None of this makes sense. As a report from non-profit Oil Change International and 14 other groups concludes, “The potential carbon emissions from the oil, gas, and coal in the world’s currently operating fields and mines would take us beyond 2°C of warming,” and “The reserves in currently operating oil and gas fields alone, even with no coal, would take the world beyond 1.5°C.” That’s without any new development! That leaves us with three choices: managed decline, stranded assets or climate chaos. The first, which the report recommends, means no new fossil fuel infrastructure, existing supplies become depleted and replaced with clean alternatives and employees redeployed to latter. As the report’s authors point out, “This does not mean stopping using all fossil fuels overnight. Governments and companies should conduct a managed decline of the fossil fuel industry and ensure a just transition for the workers and communities that depend on it.” Stranded assets means, “Companies continue to develop new fields and mines, governments are eventually successful in restricting emissions, and the resulting reduction in demand causes many extraction assets to become uneconomic and shut down, causing destruction of capital and large job losses.” Under the third scenario, we keep digging, mining, fracking, building, transporting, selling and burning until we’re well beyond the 2 C threshold, resulting in “economic and human catastrophe.” Sadly, in Canada and globally, we’ve chosen the second option,

and in some cases, the third. Subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, the most profitable industry ever, continue despite a 2009 G20 commitment to phase them out. Canada alone promotes the industry to the tune of about $3.3 billion a year in tax breaks and handouts, not including provincial incentives. Politicians say they care about climate while arguing we need more bitumen, natural gas and coal to fuel growing economies and human populations, and more pipelines to get “product” to tidewater and overseas markets. Saskatchewan has Canada’s best wind and solar resources, but the government focuses on expensive and unreliable schemes like carbon capture and storage while arguing against carbon pricing and other tools to cut emissions. It’s all a form of denial. Conserving energy, shifting to cleaner sources, reducing automobile use by improving transit and bike and pedestrian infrastructure, protecting and restoring carbon sinks such as forests and wetlands, and

getting a handle on agricultural emissions are all possible, and would create numerous jobs and economic opportunities. Most national governments have committed to the 2015 Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 2 C above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational goal of 1.5 C. We’re already nearing the latter, with growing consequences, including increasing extreme weather events, water and food shortages, migration crises and extinctions. We must conserve energy, quickly phase out coal power and continue to develop renewable resources. As Oil Change International says, “If you’re in a hole, stop digging.”

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and cofounder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Senior Editor Ian Hanington.

Table Talk By Richard Neftin

The Perfect Gift idea

YOGA FOR WELLNESS

TADASANA: THE MOUNTAIN “If you are a rock, stand up like a mountain.” —Trevor Hall (from the song “Standing Rock”) “Beneath every victim there awaits the inner warrior who is waiting to be reclaimed. The inner warrior is that aspect of oneself that honours and respects oneself in equal proportion to honouring and respecting others.” —Angeles Arrien The water protectors at Standing Rock are a shining example of what it means to take a stand for something we care about. I practice Mountain pose in the spirit of solidarity with all peoples fighting for human, animal, land, and water rights. By practicing a standing meditation such as Tadasana, we can develop our capacity to stay present, embodied, empowered, and respectful in life’s most challenging moments. Begin by choosing a place to stand. Position your feet so they are more than hip-width apart. Spread your toes and angle your feet slightly inwards. Bend your knees and find a comfortable stance. Consider the bowl of your pelvis.

Try tipping it forward and back, and side to side, until you find its neutral position. Gently engage your pelvic floor muscles at only 5% capacity. Feel how your feet, legs, and pelvis can support your upper body to come into its alignment. Roll your shoulders up and back a few times and let the shoulder blades slide down your back. Arms are by your side, with palms facing your legs or turned forward. Gaze straight ahead and gently glide your chin back to align the neck. Sense the top of your head, then bring your awareness back to your feet. Keep adjusting your weight until you feel balanced.

As a long leaning member of the Odour of Bards and Druids, I consider every Christmas holiday season what might be the perfect gift idea, and even managed to make some of it. It is the ‘Best of the West Coast Soap’, and you can order it online on the website I intend to complete soon (there’s a bit of a rush on this since it was announced that there is a crack in the Earth’s magnetic shield and the Light That Shall Not Be Named may creep in.) My soap is made from Oil of Grouse, Essence of Spotted Owl, the bark of Fir and Cedar, wild onion stalk and carrot root. The whole thing is then smoked on the same grill with salmon fillets. It is heartily abrasive, but a person comes out smelling like a well-milled 2 x4. Don’t be fooled because it looks like a small surloin...it is refreshing. On the other hand, this fellow also suggests purchasing one or both of his short-story books in case the soap idea wasn’t what the doctor ordered. My first is called “I Frame No Hypothesis”, and the second, out just last year and already selling like chilled latkes, is called “Until Further Notice”. They are literary-accessible, hardly monotonous, and a blending of science and politics, fiction and fact , sociology and biography. The asking price is wallet-friendly. If one is stuck for an gift idea, and I always am, one can make their own or just ask me for one of my books if you spot me in your area. I keep a few in the back of my car; a car which always seems to find a parking spot in a mechanics garage.

Standing with your feet planted firmly on the ground, become still, quiet, and aware. You may ask yourself: Where do I stand? What do I stand for? Where do I go from here? Where do I have difficulty saying no? Stay in the pose for a few breaths, or for as long as 15 minutes. This can be a complete practice unto itself.

Swarn Leung is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice at the Matraea Centre. She is a grateful member of the Forest Yogini Collective. www.innerlighthealingarts.com

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

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) This is a strong month because the Sun is in your fellow Fire sign. This happens four months before your birthday and four months after; and it always gives you a boost of energy! Generally, it makes you want to use this energy for pleasure and a fun vacation. Nevertheless, because things will flow more smoothly, you will accomplish a lot. But do plan to squeeze in some travel time because you are eager to expand your world to get more stimulation and variety. Bon voyage! Taurus (April 20-May 20) Depending on the details of your personal life, you feel the need to do some soulsearching. You’re not satisfied with superficial explanations. You want to experience life on a feeling level. (Does this make sense?) For many of you, something might have occurred that prompts this serious self inquiry. Meanwhile, you will focus on shared property, inheritances and the property and finances you hold jointly with others, especially spouses and business partners. Make plans to get out of town. Gemini (May 21-June 20) This is the only time all year when the Sun is opposite your sign in your chart, which means you will be more tired than usual and will need more sleep. Accept this and get more rest or you will be grouchy. In addition, you want to travel and get out of town. Meanwhile, the world is generous to you now, which is why you will receive gifts, goodies and favours from others, including loans or mortgages. The next four weeks are one of the best partying months in years! (No wonder you need more sleep.)

Cancer (June 21-July 22) So much be done this month! “Shops must be visited. Money must be spent.” Roll up your sleeves and get ready. You want to be efficient. You want to be practical. You want to catch up on loose ends and clean up messy areas. You want to be so effective you know you’re getting the most bang for your buck. This is why you will make To Do lists and survey your realm both at work and at home. Relations with partners and close friends are warm and friendly; nevertheless, disputes about shared property or shared responsibilities might arise. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Grab your dancing shoes and anything with sequins because this month you’re ready to party! Please note: This year you feel exceptionally social. You’re eager to schmooze. You want to see people and you want to be seen. Fortunately, relations with coworkers are warm and friendly. Unfortunately, with Mars opposite your sign, relations with partners and close friends are testy. But why ruin your fun? Buy something glamorous to wear. Enjoy the season; and be patient with those closest to you. After all, life is short – and fat. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Many of you will explore chances to boost your income now because you have marvellous opportunities to earn more money in the next 12 months. You are also prepared to work hard because of the placement of Mars in your chart. But all is not “work and no play” – au contraire! Venus makes you want to party, explore romance and enjoy the arts and all kinds of social diversions. Meanwhile, your strongest focus is on home and family. Get your rest because this month, you’re busier than a mosquito at a nudist colony.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) December is a jam-packed social calendar. Make plans. Make lists. Write appointments down in your calendar so you can see what you’re doing at a glance. Expect short trips out of town, plus visits, and conversations with others, and increased reading, writing and studying, and of course, shopping, planning for the holidays, and schmoozing and having fun with your friends (because after all, one has to live) gasp. Tweak your home and entertain friends and family. Buy something exciting to wear. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Like many other signs, you are entering a busy month. Increased activity and chaos on the home front will be distracting. Just cope as best you can and minimize family disputes. Fortunately, fair Venus will make all your words sweet making December shine for those who write, sell, market, teach and act. Nevertheless, your focus is on money, cash flow and earnings because you have excellent moneymaking ideas. Write them down because when Jupiter enters your sign in Oct. 2017, you’ll be off to the races! Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) The Sun is in your sign this month recharging your batteries for the rest of the year. The Sun will also attract important people and favourable circumstances to you, which means this is an excellent window of opportunity. Make the most of it. Venus will help you to boost your earnings. You will enjoy buying beautiful goodies for yourself and loved ones. Meanwhile, fiery Mars charges your communications with others so that you will mean what you say and say what you mean! Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Until Dec. 8 it’s an excellent time to buy wardrobe items. Do this because you are a sign who needs respect and

DECEMBER FORECAST status. When you feel you are properly dressed for an occasion, you are more confident and you have more poise. This is important because appearances are everything, especially in today’s society, which tends to put style above substance. Mars will help you work hard to earn money; and yes, you’ll be spending it In fact, December is the ideal time to plan what you want for your new year ahead. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This is a popular! Enjoy the friendship of others, particularly with clubs, groups and associations. This is important to you because Aquarius is the sign of friendship. (You enjoy talking to like-minded people who share your aspirations and values.) Fortunately, you will have lots of energy in the coming month because fiery Mars is in your sign until Dec. 20. Try to get more physical exercise. Meanwhile, younger people will seek out your guidance and advice. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This is the only time all year when the Sun is at the top of your chart acting like a spotlight on you – in fact, a spotlight that is flattering. This means others, especially bosses, parents and VIPs, admire you and see you as attractive and capable (even if you don’t do anything different). Think of it as a smoke-and-mirrors illusion. The next four weeks will also be very social for you. In particular, you will enjoy the company of artistic, creative people. Appreciate this good fortune because it doesn’t always come your way. www.georgianicols.com

Interested in contributing to the Valley Voice? E-mail us at editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES

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.

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Contact Adrienne Richards for more info 250 510 6596 or by phone to adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Deadline December 12 for January 2017 Issue 98 Accounting Services

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Choose us to promote your business and services. Over 30,000 readers! Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com for a HOLIDAY 2016 Rate Card. Fences & Roofing

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

Health and Healing Acute or Chronic conditions • Substance dependency • Facial Rejuvenation • MSP & extended health coverage if applicable

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Landscaping

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Experienced day cook needed 2-3 days a week for bistro lunches. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please send resume to: gailirwin@shaw.ca Horoscope

Landscape Design & Build

Introducing practices in landscape design and build incorporating the “Seven Principles of Xeriscape” Contact Mike Leslie @ (250) 246-0281 • www.ecobalancecontracting.ca

Natural Beauty

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Pet Care Debbie Wood Certified Animal Naturopath Carnivore Nutritionist

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Cowichan’s Exclusive Boarding Resort for Cats

That Cat Hotel 250-749-3728 www.ThatCatHotel.ca PUPPY Extended Stays or Just A Day PATCH Lots of Love & Attention On a Fenced Acreage Your Dog’s Best Friend while you are Away.

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Websites

Wordpress Site Set Up RICHARD BADMAN

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• Website Design • Social Media • Online Marketing 250-732-2937

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