Vv january issue 74 2015 web by Cowichan Valley Voice

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2015 JANUARY ISSUE 74 FOOD I MUSIC I EVENTS I COMMUNITY I THE HOROSCOPE ISSUE

January Events ENCHANTED ORCHARD WALKS DOWN CANDY CANE LANE Complimentary Orchard Walks Fri-Sun Starts 5pm 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill Runs to Jan 3

SHAWNIGAN SHIVER Take The Plunge Government Wharf Park editor@ shawniganfocus.ca Registration 11am Swim 12pm $5 Includes Hat Hot Drink & Cookie

COMMUNITY ACCUPUNCTURE With Frauke McCashin RAc 250 710 3581 #103-44 Queens Rd, Duncan 5-8pm Every Wednesday TASTE OF THAILAND WORDLY GOURMET COOKING CLASS Chef May Slawson Owner Of Sai’s Place Spice Café & Resident Chef Gary Faessler Register @ The Worldly Gourmet Kitchen Store 522 1st Ave, Ladysmith 250 245 7307 7-9:30pm $65 Includes Wine Tasting

MBIRA SPIRIT Experience An Ancient Instrument w/ A Magical Sound Duncan Showroom 133 Station St 8pm $12 Adv $15 Door

GREEN PARTY MEETING All Are Welcome Craig St Brew Pub clmmontgomery@shaw.ca 6pm Dinner 6:30 Meeting FREE

TRADITIONAL SQUARE DANCE The Shady Grove Dance Band No Experience or Partner Needed All Welcome Including Children 12+ The Hub Cowichan Station 2375 Koksilah Rd 250 929 8226 7:30-9:30pm $5

RASHOMON & BADLANDS Art Film Night @ Sylvan United Church Rashomon 7pm Badlands 9pm artfilmnightatsylvan@gmail.com Restricted to 18+ 985 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd Bring your own snacks $5

INTRODUCTORY AFRICAN MARIMBA Bopoma Wooden Xylophone Workshop Instruments Provided No Musical Experience Necessary Pre-Registration Required 250 737 1331 11-12:30pm $15

GREG MADILL & THE NIGHTRISE BAND Presented By The Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse Duncan United Church gregmadill.com 246 Ingram St, Duncan Doors open at 7pm Open Stage 7:30pm

ANDREW JANUSSON JAM SESSION PARTY For John Lee The Crofton Hotel & Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 2pm

THREADS OF PASSION 35 A History & Exhibition Of Jan Donaldson’s Past & Present Work 9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250 416 1155 Runs until Jan 17 10-2pm FREE

COMMUNITY ACCUPUNCTURE With Frauke McCashin RAc 250 710 3581 #103-44 Queens Rd, Duncan 12-3pm Every Tuesday 5RHYTHMS CLASS With Shauna Devlin Harmony Yoga Centre Duncan St shaunadevlin.net 6:30-8:15pm $10-15 Sliding Scale Every Tuesday

STEPS TO EASY DETOXIFICATION Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree Junction, Duncan 778 422 3310 6-7pm $30

EARLY ENGLISH GENEALOGY Advanced Class For Those Who’ve Traced Their Family In England Back To The 1700’s w/ Carol Stiles Cowichan Library 2687 James St, Duncan 250 746 7661 3-4:30pm FREE

Harmony Yoga Center shaunadevlin.net 12:30-3:30pm $20 Early Registration $25 Door

FREE CHAKRA YOGA CLASS With Sadie Bartram @ Rivendell Yurt Please Pre-Registe Space Limited sdbartram@gmail.com 6:30-8:00pm MORNING MUSICALE With Pianist Sarah Hagen Enjoy An Intimate Personal Musical Experience Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St, Duncan 10:30am Adults $22 Seniors $20

INTRODUCTION TO MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION Kerry Park Rec Alicia@ wildpeace.ca 7:15-9:15pm FREE

5 Rhythms Workshop Flowing Grounding

LEGO FUN Bring Along Your Construction Skills & Show Off Your Stuff Ages 6+ &

JO DESLIPPE QUARTET Interprets The Great American Songbook With A Twist The Crofton Hotel & Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 2pm

For full design/build service, give us a call

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

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

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IN A WINTER’S GARDEN Instructor Barb Kohlman Register @ VIU Cowichan Campus 250-746-3519 6:309pm

KOMBUCHA MAKING CLASS Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree Junction Duncan 778 422 3310 6-7pm $30 Includes Starter Kit

Start The New Year With Great Skin! Host a Home Facial Party! They’re FUN & FREE! Call Robin at 250-710-1276 We’re at the Duncan Market starting January 10. Their Families Chemainus Library2592 Legion St 3:30-4:30pm FREE

NETWORKING FOR NON PROFITS New Initiative Share Resources Training & Support Sands Reception Room Trunk Rd, Duncan For Info freerangeconsulting. ca/network 9:45am Coffee Networking 10-12pm YIN YOGA Kerry Park Rec Alicia@ wildpeace.ca 5:45-7pm 8 Sessions $90

COWICHAN-MALAHATLANGFORD NDP CANDIDATE NOMINATION Must Be A Member In Good Standing of the NDP To Participate Cowichan Secondary School Gymnasium 2652 James St For Info a.balding@ hotmail.com Registration Opens @ 11:30am BEN DWYER & FRIENDS The Crofton Hotel & Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 2pm

HERBICIDAL MANIACS West Coast Folk Rock Duncan Travelodge 140 TCH 9pm-1am FREE

FRANZ SCHUBERT HIS MUSIC HIS LEGACY Performed by Pianist Bruce Vogt St Michael’s Church, Chemainus 250-7488383 2pm Tickets $20-$15

INTRODUCTION TO SCOTTISH GENEOLOGICAL RECORDS Cowichan Library 2687 James St, Duncan 250 746 7661 3-4:30pm FREE

SACRED CHANT CIRCLE With Sadie Bartram Come Together In Community To Experience The Healing Power Of Sound sdbartram@gmail.com Rivendell Yurt 7-8pm By Donation TIM CROFT TRIO A Touch of Gypsy Jazz The Crofton Hotel & Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 2pm

THE RAILWAY MAN Presented By Reel Alternatives Starring Colin Firth & Nicole Kidman @ Cowichan Theatre James St, Duncan Tickets 7pm $12/$5 Students Benefits CVHospice Services

BECOME A BETTER PHOTOGRAPHER Presented by Award Winning Photographers Inge Riis McDonald & Ken Meisner Hardwich Hall High St @ 3rd Ave Ladysmith LadysmithCamerClub.com 7pm Non Members $5 Drop In Fee

We wish all our customers a Happy & Healthy 2015! Sherry and Lulu 9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-9838 Hours Mon-Sat 930-530 • Sun 12-4 Closed Sat holidays

TASTE OF SPAIN WORDLY GOURMET COOKING CLASS Three Coarse Menu Highlighting Caldo Gallego A Traditional Winter Soup Register @ The Worldly Gourmet Kitchen Store 522 1st Ave Ladysmith 250 245 7307 7-9:30pm $65 Includes Wine Tasting

PIRATES OF PENZANCE Opening Night Presented By South Island Musical Theatre Light Hearted Humor Political Satire & Wonderful Music cowichanmusicalsociety.bc.ca Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St, Duncan 7:30pm Adults $25 Students $10

GREEN PARTY CANDIDATE SELECTION For the CowichanMalahat-Langford Riding Venue TBA clmmontgomery@shaw.ca 7pm

ALL WOMEN COMEDY TOUR Hosted By Diana Kuch Hilarious Women Get The Showroom Roaring w/ Laughter showroomproductions.ca 133 Station St, Duncan 8pm $15 Door $12 Advance

AROUND THE ISLAND FRIENDSHIP IAN & 31 BEETHOVEN Presented By The Vancouver Island Symphony Ian Parker Playing Piano Conducted By Pierre Simard Port Theatre Nanaimo porttheatre.com 7:30pm

FEBRUARY 2 MARGIT NELLEMANN’S SECONDS SALE featuring slightly imperfect functional and decorative clay art reduced up to 82%. 8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan 2pm www.teafarm.ca 250.748.3811

FREE DIGITAL EDITION AVAILABLE NOW

sutton group • west coast realty

250.748.5000 2610 Beverly Street Duncan, BC

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Issue 74 January 2015 Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Editors Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 - 6514 Wicks Road, Duncan BC V9L 5V2 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Proofreader Diana Pink

Distribution Linda Dirksengale Robin Gale

Events Calendar Angela Komljenovic

Advertising Enquiries Please Call Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Or In The South Cowichan Area Please Call Teressa Kathleen 780 880 8308 / email tk@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline JAN15 for FEB ISSUE *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire. COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Please use this format Event Date, Event Title, Location/Address Contact for Tickets OR Website (not both) Time, Cost DEADLINE January 15 for February 2015 Issue 75 E-mail Date, Time, Location, Event Title and Cost to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Please list event title in subject with the word “EVENT” Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Ian & Jeremy Dalwood, Lee Masters, Shannon VanHemert, Mark Holford, Lara Nowlan, Aaron Vaillancourt, David Coulson, Heather Kaye, Ted Wright, Lyn Pascoe, Rick Juliusson, Allan McCulloch, Sophy Roberge, Brenda Kent, Sonia Fursteneau, Catherine Macey, Karen Allen, Oscar Pelta, Asreal Zemenick, Debbie Wood, Heather Ferguson, Judy Baeckmann, Patrick Amos, Jan Donaldson, Cornelia Krikke, Sue Ryan, David Suzuki, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available. Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith,Victoria, Tofino, Parksville and Courtenay.

2015 Ad Rate Cards Available January 1st Febuary AD Deadline: JANUARY 18

Over 25,000 LOCAL readers pick up the Valley Voice monthly. For a 2015 Rate Card please contact us! Contact Adrienne at 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com South Cowichan businesses please call TK at 780 880 8308 TK@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

OUR COMMUNITY January Events 4-5 Eye On Shawnigan 8 20 Years Of Making Resolutions Easy 18 Evergreen School Open House 24 Experience Downtown Duncan 28-30 Elder College 32-33 The Year 2015 from Georgia Nicols 34 2015 Annual Forecasts 35-39, 42-43, 48-52 Community Farm Store Pages 44-47 Science Matters 53 Directory 54-55 LOCAL FOOD& DRINK Cooking With Wine 12 Island Farmhouse Poultry Chicken In White Wine Cream Sauce 13 Cowichan Bay Seafoods Wild Salmon Chowder 14 FARM & GARDEN What Are Those Chickens Up To? 10 Calling All Farmers 11 HOME & LIVING Fixer-Upper Financing 16 Designing Green The Heat Is On 17 Tips For Fixing Drywall 18 Discipline Through Good Intentions 27 Fresh Start For Your Closet 41 LOCAL ARTS Pirates Of Penzance 14 Musical Opportunity For Children 14 Words To Savour 20 Music Events 23 Margit Nelleman’s Seconds Sale 25 Talking Arts 40 BODY, MIND & SOUL Steps To Easy Detoxification 7 Qi Gong Seminar 9 Brainwave Harmonics 20-21 Yoga For Wellness 21 Free Chakra Yoga Class 24 Putting Your Best Face Forward 31 Love Letters To the Future 34 Looking Inwards In January 40 PETS & RECREATION Doggie Park Etiquette 22 Cover Image; Dancing Queen, by Chantey Dayal. Chantey Dayal lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and two daughters amid the flow and seasons of the Cowichan River and Valley, as well as the chaos of carpooling, school lunches, laundry, dishes and art. Chantey has been painting for as long as she can remember, and frankly, what else could she possibly do when told at the age of eight by a palm reader in India “that she would one day be an artist.” Drawing from her East Indian and Armenian bloodlines, Chantey’s work offers the wonder, spirit, and exotica of India as well as the history, melancholy, and boldness of Armenia.

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

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The Fermentation Twins

Steps to Easy Detoxification Workshop Jan 7

ntroducing simple adjustments to your daily routine can quickly enhance your body’s natural ability to detoxify. Learn the benefits of adding green foods, structured water and cleansing herbs when you join Ian and Jeremy Dalwood ‘The Fermentwins’ at Scoops Natural Foods for our one hour class on January 7th. Ian and Jeremy are residents of Mill Bay and share a passion for Holistic Nutrition. Ian is currently studying Holistic Nutrition through the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Both have practical experience involving raw foods, sprouting, fermenting, yoga and meditation. Learn how adding certain foods to your diet BEFORE

you eliminate a particular food group can be key to your success in cleansing your body. Learn how very simple, natural detox techniques can improve your focus, memory and energy levels. Smoothies are a great way to reap the benefits of whole green foods, while adding vital raw foods to your diet. Another key part of detoxing is analysing the water you drink. Not all water is created the same. Natural mountain spring water is an ideal ‘living’ form of water and is one of the best sources of hydration for your body. Learn more at our upcoming class, drop in or call Scoops Natural Foods at 778-422-3310 for more information.

affordable sliding scale fees

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EYE ON Shawnigan I am so very excited to be embarking on this new journey as Area Director for Shawnigan Lake. We are an exceptional community, with so much to celebrate and be thankful for, and I am honoured and humbled to represent Shawnigan at the CVRD Board of Directors.

Happy New Year From Area Director Sonia Furstenau

The essence of Shawnigan is what we experience when we come together as a community. The many groups that work hard to offer events each month of the year help to create community strength and vitality, and give us opportunities to celebrate together. The Shiver Swim, Family Day, the Gathering, Easter, the Village Festival and Triathlon, Shawnigan Adventure, Canada Day, Inspire! Fest, the Scarecrow Trail, Halloween and Christmas in the Village are the threads that run through the seasons and knit us together as a community. In our local businesses, owners greet customers by name, tables are shared and stories are swapped, and trust, hope, and compassion are created and nurtured. As Area Director, I will be a strong advocate for Shawnigan’s future. I will work towards long-term protection of the watershed. I will work to support localized economic development that benefits our community. And I will work above all to continue to nurture all of the elements that make us a strong, forward-thinking community. It is our connections that bring out the best in all of us, and move us towards a very bright and exciting future.

Don’t forget to come down to the 2nd Annual Shawnigan Shiver!

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

working, enthusiastic, wonderful people who are committed to doing their best for our community. I am also committed to this, and I promise to put my energy into creating tangible and long-lasting results. I will be available in the village watershed office (across from Shawnigan Coffee House and Oma’s Bakery) from 10:00 to 11:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I will hold Area Director meetings the first Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Shawnigan Lake Community Centre. I can be reached at sfurstenau@cvrd.bc.ca or at 250-7156763. You can also visit soniafurstenau. ca or facebook.com/soniaforshawnigan for more information and regular updates.

Re opens February 11!

Steak & lobster $24.99

Now booking Valentine’s Day Weekend February 13,14 & 15 2744 Shawnigan Lake Rd (250) 743-1887 www.steeplesrestaurant.ca

I feel incredibly optimistic for our future. Shawnigan is bursting with vibrant, hard-

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

o matter who we are, nearly all of us want to be healthier so we can feel good and enjoy life. There are many paths to greater health and it’s best to pick one and follow it more deeply: either we dig five shallow holes or we dig one deep one. What I have come to cherish about Wild Goose (Dayan) Qigong is how vast and complete is its ‘system’ and how it addresses and heals emotional, mental and physical energies plus the Spiritual aspect of connecting us with Nature, simply by practising and practising beautiful movements which have been passed down for almost two hundred years now. Relax, relax, relax. Learn little by little to get the postures clearer, move from the waist, connect with the acupuncture points to stimulate and smooth the channels of the body and move from the inside out ~ coordinating with our natural breathing. Following these principles, our health and potential will effortlessly unfold as we become more balanced, more energized, more relaxed and calm and more trusting of Nature. I can’t imagine life without this skill. You are welcome to come and join in ongoing classes and/or register for the upcoming 24/25 January seminar taught by Lee Masters, Glenora Hall, Saturday 1~5pm / Sunday 11am~3pm. www.WildGooseQigongCentre. com, 250 748 4060. rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca.

Qi Gong Seminar

10% OFF

ANY WEIGHT LOSS OR CLEANSING PRODUCT WITH THIS AD!

COME TO LYNN’S VITAMIN GALLERY FOR ADVICE ON NATURAL WEIGHT

LOSS & NEW YEAR CLEANSING Come into Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery and see all our products for weight loss and cleansing. Our knowledgeable and helpful staff would be more than happy to assist you to create a personal plan for 2015. • Turn your body into a natural fat burning machine • Learn the science of losing weight and,keeping it off • Improve your health and increase your energy. • Learn about cleansing step by step • Instructions on how to cleanse and detoxify

Did you know?

The 7 channels of elimination are Liver, Colon, Kidneys, Blood, Skin, Lungs, Lymphatic system. Cleansing stimulates these 7 channels of elimination and improves liver function and overall bowel function. www.renewlife.ca

Lynn’s

VITAMIN GALLERY

HEALTH FOOD STORE Village Green Mall, 4-180 Central Avenue, Duncan

250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com

Look what’s NEW! What Are Those Chickens Up to In The Winter?

“S

old Out.” “Sorry, No Eggs.” Or just a disappointingly empty cooler. These are the signs of the annual winter dearth of farmfresh pastured eggs in the Cowichan Valley. Why is this? In a word, daylength. I accidentally discovered this with my first flock, while living on the prairies. We’d purchased four black puffballs in August. By December, the Plymouth Rocks were fully grown, but it was too late in the season to produce eggs. Mid-month, the temperatures dropped to an extended -20 degrees, and my husband was worried that the chickens would freeze their little toes off, so he installed a 100 watt light bulb in their coop, and left it on 24 hours a day to raise the temperature slightly. A week later, we discovered two good-sized eggs in the straw. Even during such a cold spell, the light made that much difference. Chickens sense daylight through their skulls, affecting

their endocrine glands. Fewer than 14 hours of light triggers molting. When they molt, they stop laying. And a molt can last for three frustrating months. Farmers can keep up production by adding artificial light. In climate-controlled industrial chicken barns, chickens never know what time of year it is. Smaller farmers like me, however, with naturally ventilated coops and free-range birds, must work with the girls’ natural rhythms. With two coops, I can split the flock, keeping half laying, and giving the other half spa treatment—special diet, sleeping late, and a new outfit. Then I swap. This time of year, I add 7 hours of light to my henhouses. Hopefully I can keep some of the flock producing, but it’s never like mid-summer. Plus, because the government limits small flocks to 99 birds, it’s a struggle to keep at least 50 birds laying. They are never all cooperating at full

A WEEKEND BRUNCH Every Saturday & Sunday 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Wine & Dine for $69 Every Thursday after 5pm Steak & Lobster for 2 with a bottle of Wine Call and book your Reservation 778-356-3568 740 Handy Road, Mill Bay

www.bridgemans.ca

capacity. And why should they? It’s winter. And that’s why when you see free-range eggs at the roadside stand this time of year, you are really fortunate. There is a lot of effort put into getting those eggs out

there. So give your farmer a high-five.

Shannon VanHemert’s IslandShire. com FarmShare guarantees shareholders eggs all winter long.

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Calling All Farmers

re you a local food producer looking to sell directly to your Island community? Are you looking for a low-cost way to advertise your farm business? Two great options are soon to be available for getting more local Cowichan-grown fare onto more plates in 2015.

1. Now going into its sixth edition, the Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Cowichan Food Map is a print and online map showcasing local farms and other food producers in our region. Farm listings include the food and farm products available, farm gate hours, and purchasing information. Each spring, 10,000 copies of the Food Map are printed and distributed throughout the region. Registration forms and payment must be submitted before March 15, 2015. Pick up a registration form at Cowichan Green Community (CGC), 360 Duncan Street, or register online at: www.cowichan greencommunity.org/ foodmap

2. There’s a new way to get your yummy foods to local market. The new Cowichan farmers co-op is launching the “Cow-op.ca” online marketplace in 2015. An initiative of Cowichan Valley Cooperative Marketplace TASTINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY in partnership with FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY CGC, Cow-Op.ca will allow local food lovers to shop direct from local farms online every week. Come learn about it, share your ideas, and join up at the Cow-op’s first AGM: January 29th, 5-7:00 at The Station (360 Duncan St, beside Duncan Garage). It’s a potluck dinner so bring your favourite dish to to let us know you’re coming, share. email info@cow-op.ca or Anyone who grows, eats, or visit: www.cow-op.ca. believes in local food is warmly welcome. For more info or

FOR EXPERIENCE, NOMINATE HILARY ABBOTT

“I’m ready, let’s WIN this together!”

NOMINATION DATE JAN 25 ENSURE A STRONG CAPABLE NDP CANDIDATE CONTINUES TO REPRESENT THE RESIDENTS OF COWICHAN-MALAHAT-LANGFORD Hilary Abbott

WWW.HILARYABBOTT.CA

250-715-8565

Eat, Drink and Support Local

@HILARYNDP

s many of you know, wine is a pretty essential ingredient in many kitchens. Cooking with wine can add depths of flavour to a variety of dishes. Two of the main ways it is used is as a sauce, or as the cooking liquid, or as often both - when the cooking liquid is thickened and turned into a sauce! As applied to all cooking, you want to make sure you use high quality ingredients, this includes the wine. This doesn’t always mean expensive, but bad wine will not easily be made into great sauce.

For example - I use a bottle of our Pinot Noir as the cooking liquid in our Burgundy Beef Stew. The beef is simmered in the red wine for hours and hours. When cooking Beurre Blanc, I use a bottle of Ortega or Pinot Gristo make this delicious a white wine / butter sauce. Essentially reduce (boil down) an entire bottle to a couple of tablespoons of concentrated liquid and then whisk in butter. Perhaps not the most diet-friendly sauce, but amazingly tasty and it takes on the flavour of the wine really well. For BBQ sauce, we cook with a bottle of our Wild Blackberry as the base. In this case the fruity component adds a lot to the actual taste of the sauce. Wine is often used to deglaze a pan after you’ve fried onions and garlic, and maybe seared the outside of your meat, adding a cup of wine to the pan helps liberate all of the caramelized bits that would otherwise get left behind (and they are the tastiest) and all of it goes into the sauce... We post our favourite recipes

Cooking With Wine on our website rockycreekwinery. ca and change them seasonally, so many of these recipes can be found there. When choosing which wine to use here are a few tips: • First white wines are typically used in white sauces, reds in dark gravies. • Make sure the wine won’t overwhelm the taste of the dish a delicate beurre blanc needs a lighter white, a spicy bold sauce can handle a wine with big flavour • In many cases the wine I use will be one that I would pair with the dish afterwards (and vise versa). So if I’m cooking seafood, I’ll grab Pinot Gris, for steak, I’ll grab our bigger red blend (On The Mark). In general, the type

of wine you would pair with the food would be a good choice for inside of it as well. And most importantly... don’t forget a glass for the cook! (another good reason to select only high quality ingredients).

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

Mark Holford Owner/ Winemaker at Rocky Creek Winery for the past 9 years

“It’s fresher from here”

Chicken in White Wine Cream Sauce with Wild Mushrooms Recipe Courtesy Winemaster Mark Holford, Rocky Creek Winery, Cowichan Bay

Ingredients

Amount

Island Farmhouse Poultry 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs Olive Oil 1 Tbsp Onion, thinly sliced ½ Garlic, thinly sliced 2 cloves Mushrooms, halved 454 g Wild mushrooms, dried 100g Rocky Creek Pinot Gris 375 mL Heavy Cream 80 mL Chicken Broth 250 mL Basil Leaves, fresh 2 Tbsp

Method

If you are using dried mushrooms, rehydrate them following directions on the package. Heat olive oil in large (30cm) frying pan (deep frying pan with a lid) over medium-high heat and brown chicken thighs on both sides. Remove chicken (set aside) and reserve two tablespoons of drippings for frying the onions and garlic. Cook onion with garlic in reserved drippings, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in Pinot Gris, heavy cream and Chicken Broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced/thickened, about 10 minutes. Return chicken to frying pan and simmer, covered, until chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 20 minutes. Stir in basil right at the end. Pair with Pinot Gris or Pinot Noir

1615 Koksilah Road Cowichan Bay BC 250-746-6163 • www.farmhousepoultry.ca Chicken available from Country Grocer, 49th Parallel, Duncan Butcher, Chemainus Foods, Crofton Foods and Thrifty Foods

COWICHAN FEATURE LISTINGS Lynda Allen 250-748-0934

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

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

Pirates of Penzance Presented by The South Island Musical Theatre Society

Penzance. On his 21st birthday, Frederic (a pirate apprentice) meets Mabel, the beautiful daughter of Major-General Stanley, and the two young people fall instantly in love. Along the way, Frederic’s fellow pirates decide to set their romantic sights on Major-General Stanley´s other daughters, much to their father´s dismay. Arguably one of Gilbert & Sullivan´s most popular operettas, the South Island Musical Theatre Society´s production of The Pirates of Penzance will keep

hat is a poor fellow to do when, instead of being apprenticed to a pilot, he is mistakenly apprenticed to a pirate? And to make matters worse, just when he thinks his apprenticeship will end on his 21stbirthday, his unfortunate fate of being born on February 29 (and having a birthday only during leap years) means he has 63 more years of service ahead of him! This is just part of young Frederic´s tale in Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of

A Musical Opportunity for Children

usic plays such an important role in education and upbringing. When children’s activities are integrated with song and rhythms at an early age, their developmental skills increase tremendously. Singing throughout the day can be a fun and beneficial way to teach children about the world around them. It can help them identify seasons and different aspects of nature, it can assist with day-today tasks such as getting dressed, mealtimes, brushing teeth, daily

upsets, and bedtimes, or it can simply be a tool to help children transition between all of different parts of their day. Music isn’t only for the children, though. Parenting can be a very tough job that offers countless moments of frustration, miscommunication, and chaos. Introducing songs and rhymes not only offers a calming outlet for children, it can help parents ease through daily transitions as well. By redirecting the voice from

you both chuckling and toe-tapping with its lighthearted humour, political satire and wonderful music, including such well known songs as “Oh, Better Far to Live and Die (I Am a Pirate King)”, “Poor Wandering One”, and the often-parodied “I Am The Very Model of A Modern Major-General”. Keep your eyes and ears open for some present day updating of this classic, and get ready to be wowed by this young and extremely talented cast of local actors. Tickets $32 / $27 from a SIMTS stern words to a fun and playful song you can make all of the difference to a families dynamic and provide a nourishing home environment. Music can bring whole communities together, but those communities begin with family. Children are encouraged and nurtured by their families coming together and offering examples of positive relationships and interactions with the world around them. Including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in your children’s songs and rhymes will not only further their development

LIVE CRAB • FRESH FISH • LOCAL SHELL FISH AND MORE!

Hearty Wild Salmon Chowder Amount 1 pound 4 Tablespoons 1 Tablespoon 1 1 1 1 rib 2 Cloves 3 Tablespoons 6 Cups 1 4 cubed 2 Cups 1/2 cup 2 Tablespoons 1 cup 1 Cup To Taste

“Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.” – Sara Dessen, Just Listen Cowichan Valley’s Lila Music Centre offers a Parent and Child music class every Tuesday morning from 9:15am-10:15am. www.joythroughmusic.com

Winter Hours Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 - 6pm Closed Mondays

Melt butter and oil in a large saucepan over medium - low heat and saute onion, fennel, and garlic to soften. Stir in the flour and then add stock, simmer to thicken. Add bay leaf, herbs and peeled potatoes ensuring that potatoes are covered. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes are tender. Add salmon and remaining vegetables. Simmer for 10 more minutes till flavours are all well blended.

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

but is also a great way to grow and foster even stronger family bonds.

Method

Ingredients Wild Salmon, cubed Butter Olive Oil Onion, cubed Fennel Bulb Carrot, chopped Celery, chopped Garlic, minced Flour Chicken, Fish or Vegetable Stock Bay Leaf Red Potatoes, cubed Corn Kernels Chopped Parsley Chopped Dill Heavy Cream Grated Cheddar Salt and Pepper

member. Tickets opening night only: fri jan 30th $25 / students $10 (250) 748-7529

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the cream, grated cheddar and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot with fresh baked baguette or buns.

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

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

Fixer-upper Financing

ny buyer who has purchased a home with less than 20% down is wellfamiliar with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). By their own account, CMHC insures 45% percent of residential mortgages in Canada, totalling over $557 billion. For the majority of these purchases, the premium paid for, “insurance against default”, feels inconsequential to the transaction. This is likely because many buyers were never made aware of one of the great features that CMHC offers. Nearly every homebuyer has a list of “must-haves” that is inevitably trimmed once they begin to explore homes in their price range. Many potential deals are overlooked because of glaring problems or deficiencies requiring too much money to repair. This is where CMHC’s “Purchase-Plus Improvements Program” shines. Quite simply, “Purchase-Plus” allows a borrower to include the cost of planned renovations

in their upfront financing. Initially, a quote from a licensed contractor is submitted to the lender (in some cases, a buyer who intends on doing the work themselves can submit a worklist for approval). The lender may order an appraisal to determine that the planned cost of improvements will actually be reflected in the “as-improved” value . Once approved, the extra money is advanced to the lawyer at the time of closing and held in trust until the work is complete. At this point, an inspection confirms the work was done and the money is released to the borrower in order to pay off the incurred cost of improvements.

there should be a short-term plan for achieving this. The clear benefit of “PurchasePlus” is that it allows every buyer to look at a much wider range of properties than they might have otherwise. Critically, houses with old roofs, dated bathrooms/ kitchens, or older heating/ cooling systems are all eligible for upgrades using mortgage financing instead of higher interest loans, lines-of-credit and credit cards. Every realtor and

mortgage broker worth their salt should be aware of this program and be touting the benefits of purchase-plus financing to homebuyers looking for “deals” and not “deal-breakers”. Aaron Vaillancourt is a mortgage broker with 11 years experience helping homeowners get the best terms on their financing. engagemortgages. com

The best part about this program is that there are no additional fees or rate-premiums payable. It should be noted that the maximum amount of upgrades a borrower can include is 10% of the purchase price (to a maximum of $40,000). Additionally, buyers are expected to carry the cost of the renovation until completion and the money is released from the lawyer, so

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

DESIGNI NG green THE HEAT IS ON!

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he holidays are over but we can still talk about thermal massing. This is the kind we store in the floor and not around our belt so relax. In-floor heating or hydronic heating as it is commonly referred, is becoming a more popular heating option again amongst the active lifestyle crowd and in bathrooms for the spa lovers. Frank Lloyd Wright incorporated hydronic heating into nearly every home outside of the warmer climes of California going back to the late 1800’s. Taking advantage of his sprawling

red tinted concrete slabs, he ran steel piping throughout. This caused grief after many decades as the steel corroded so now we employ Pex piping, a very flexible plastic that often comes reinforced in many ways ensuring many years of continued use and for a fraction of the cost and minimal installation times. Taking advantage of the thermal massing created by a large extensive concrete slab is like having a warm blanket underfoot that stores the heat for hours on end after being energized. This holds temperatures even and by being in contact, offers great comfort for those on the go who want a constant reliable heat. This works nicely on rancher or one level homes but increasingly can be added to two level homes to offer dry warmth on the main and allow the heat to circulate upwards warming the floors above. With in-slab heating, temperatures only need to reach levels below body temperature or the high 80’s or slightly above 27 to 28 Celsius. So energy costs are less as the cost of creating

#4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca The ﬁrst and only Green Spa in the Cowichan Valley. that increased temperature is lower than say radiators that require temperatures above 130 Fahrenheit or mid 50’s Celsius. With the popularity of polished concrete and decorative terrazzo finishes, the heat and floor finish combine to save the homeowner thousands if planned correctly from the beginning. Another long term advantage to this durable and low maintenance heat source is the piping can be energized by whatever fuel device is most cost competitive in the future. Whether it be electric, gas, wood, hydrogen or geothermal and now even air to water heat pumps (electric again but highly efficient). Even supplemented by solar, the distribution stays in place forever, one simply changes out the source if required. For renovations, one can add electric coils over wood flooring and add ceramic or stone tiles over to create the direct contact with heat. These are very popular in baths and for smaller isolated areas but not recommended for whole house systems

because of operating costs. I recommend the full gauge wired floors over any convenient matt systems that can be fragile over the long term. There are also various firms offering pex piping systems imbedded into preformed plywood or high density foam subfloors. More costly but friendly when using hardwood floor surfaces. Remember, hydronic heat requires an air exchange to keep air moving so an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) should be coupled with the system but this can be seen to replace any bathroom fans in your plans. Winter is not over yet so there is still time to consider. David Coulson is a local certified Built Green design builder. He has a staff of 25 that have built throughout the Island for over 20 years.

Image Top; Coulson Design Studio floor. Heated slate and heated concrete terrazzo. Photo credit Donna Burdulea. 2nd photo combi’ boiler providing heat and domestic hot water. Photo David Couslon

Ask Allen

Allen McCulloch is a BCIT graduate, professsional renovating contractor with over 40 years experience. Ask Allen for professional tips and tricks for repairs around the home and office.

Tips For Fixing Drywall At Home Paul fom Chemainus asked me what are some tips on drywall repairing of nail pops, cracks, and small holes in his walls. I told him the cracks and nail pops are from the house drying out after framing and then settling. The holes are from his kids. First remove all loose drywall, cut out nail pops scrape the cracks until there is only solid drywall, even if a large void is created. Take a multi purpose drywall mud, add water and mix making a smoother substance to work into the voids and bumpy areas. Repeat mudding 3 times, scraping off any lines between coats and finally sand with a 120 grit sand paper for a final smooth finish. Light sanding only, please. As for the holes cut out the loose drywall side to side and top and bottom. It’s not necessary to cut the drywall to the solid studs that the house was framed with. Check for wires and push them back, also push back any insulation if its an exterior wall. Now cut a piece of plywood four inches longer than the opening. Screw a three inch screw partially into the lower half of the plywood but not all the way and use this as a handle. Insert plywood into opening and pull plywood onto the back side of the drywall two inches above hole and two inches below. Now screw through the drywall into the plywood and suck the plywood tight to the back side of the opening, top and bottom.. have drywall screws dimpled into paper of drywall so the screw is not sticking out. Cut a piece of the same thickness of drywall a little bit smaller than the opening and screw this onto plywood so that the finished surface is flush to the wall. To tape and mud seams follow the same procedure as above but here we want to mud the seam heavy and wide so the tape will have a wet backing everywhere...rip a piece of drywall tape and after mudding the seam place onto drywall mud and then use a three inch trowel at a 45 degree angle to press the tape to the wall and ooze out the wet drywall mud that can later be reused. Make sure there’s lots of mud, we don’t want any dry areas behind the paper after it dries. Apply three coats of mud each one being a bit wider, feathered out to blend into the wall area. Scrape any ridges off with a trowel between coats and sand as before, very lightly. Don’t sand heavily at paper area. You’re ready now to prime and paint your wall. If you’d like some help please call me and we can work together on your projects. Remember ASK ALLEN 2502165976 or email allen_2004@ consultant.com.

Return to a clean home and workplace.

20 Years of Making Resolutions Easy

“N

ew year’s resolutions.” Feel that tightening in your gut? That impending sense of guilt for another year’s resolutions already fading into distant memory? Here at Island Return It we have been helping people realize their resolutions the easy way for 20 years. That’s right, 2015 marks our 20th anniversary of providing hassle free recycling services to the people of the Cowichan Valley, SaltSpring Island and beyond! Here’s the trick: simply by recycling with us you can instantly take care of the following resolutions: Do more for the environment: Kind of a “gimme” here, we are talking about recycling after all. Support local business: Our head office has been located in Duncan for the past 20 years, and we’re here to stay. Do more for the community: Island Return It has always been committed to the local community. Just by recycling with us you help support lots of charitable organizations on Salt Spring Island, Cowichan Capitals, Thunderbird Basketball,

Cowichan Green Community, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley and Cowichan Sportsplex. Just to name a few! We have also helped local teams raise over $95,000 annually through our bottle drive program. Get more exercise: Go and lug your old, giant TV down from the attic, or up from the basement, haul it into our recycling centre and tell me you didn’t just get a ton of exercise. Now repeat with all your old small appliances, beverage containers, and electronics. Sounds like we just invented a new workout routine (Duncan location only). Thank you for making us a vital part of this community for the past 20 years. We are committed to continuing our reputation for excellent service, impeccable facilities, and community involvement. Keep it simple this year and just make one resolution: recycle with us and cover all of your bases. Let’s go for another 20 years together...for our community, and for our planet. Sophy Roberge is the

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

Marketing Manager for Island Return It Recycling Centres.

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Brainwave Harmonics: Using the power of the brain to heal from the inside out.

Ninety North Nocturne Comes now the Northern night nickering in the noony gloom hidden in the stubblefields attended by staunch and bobbing crows glossy black draculoids coming and going taking off and landing from the skeletal trees in the unfathomable mystery of their esoteric order visible day-points on the invisible night-skin of a pagan god, in the mentholated hyperborean winds we are left seeking warmth, wounded and cold and lost in this boreal light with its baleful kindness, its willingness, its cool and friendly difficulty

Fraser River Squirrel Saga Damp, the young River god passes, stirs the skeletal trees, rustles the dry and fallen leaves crows buck and wing beyond the crown of the bare poplar that leans above the god-wind dappled river a juvenile raccoon pauses in the bobbing ivy sniffing the luminous scent of the River god’s gossamer garment, a squall of caws erupts, excitement among the glossy black crows, a hefty black squirrel darts beneath a Volvo scampers up, into the nice big Swedish engine compartment chews delicious injector wires, makes a nest of chewed wires, dried leaves, riverbank flotsam and jetsam Oscar Pelta is a poet bluesman and genuine ragman, living and working in Duncan

GOLDA’S LITERACY NUGGETS Outside of a dog, a book is Man’s best friend; inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read. Groucho Marx

info@gopesto.com I www.gopesto.com

y first encounter with Brainwave Optimization took place at Valentus Clinic in Oak Bay in 2012 where I completed eight sessions over a period of four days. I didn’t expect anything dramatic. I had suffered off and on from depression most of my life and had always been shy and sensitive, but my life was currently well balanced and my state of mind good. Nonetheless, my curiosity urged me to experience this intriguing technology firsthand. What occurred inspired me to bring this tool for transformation to the Cowichan Valley. It all began with an assessment of my brainwaves followed by a personalized plan fine-tuned throughout the process. Twice daily I sat in a zero gravity chair while the technologist attached sensors to my scalp with special paste. The sensors relayed my brainwave activity to a computer which translated my brain’s electrical information into sounds that I listened to through earbuds. The sounds guided my brain to self-regulate by mirroring back its optimal functioning. The experience was very relaxing

taking me at times to a very deep meditative space. I had no idea the profound change about to take place. After all, how can anyone compare themselves to the future? During my sessions, colours became more vivid and the constant tension in my right jaw uncoiled like a spring letting go. In the weeks that followed my sessions, I said to my partner, “Oh I don’t think I’ve changed that much, I don’t really notice.” Oh, yes, you have!” he replied. This is so often the experience of my clients. Family and friend notice first. Changes that occurred were almost imperceptible, but as time went on I noticed subtle shifts. The most profound is that my anxiety vanished. Never having panic attacks I didn’t realize that I had anxiety! But after it left, I knew. Brainwave Optimization has released me from a low grade anxiety that persisted

•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

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

secr almost around the clock. I had lived with the sensation for so long that I became unaware of its presence. It was only by its absence that I became aware of it, and was surprised to discover how clear and open my days felt. The anxiety had undermined my entire life. Soon I noticed waking each day from a vastly improved sleep, to a sense of happiness bubbling up from within - for no apparent reason! I learned that happiness just “Is”. Happiness feels like a natural birthright not relying on anything external. My confidence increased, my vision improved, my personal relationships enhanced, and my creativity blossomed. My vision for human potential has clearly shifted. Brainwave Optimization, a non-invasive technology that facilitates deep relaxation

using the power of the brain, is available in Duncan at Brainwave Harmonics. Research confirms that brain function drives much of what limits us - whether cognitive and learning challenges, emotional issues, sleep difficulties, addictive or obsessive tendencies. Brainwave Optimization works because of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity describes the brain’s ability to change - and to continue to develop even as we age. Brainwave Optimization helps transform old patterns held in suspense for years, creating new neural pathways. Karen Allen, owner of Brainwave Harmonics, is a Brainwave Optimization™ technologist.

yoga for wellness

into the sweet, spacious slowness of nature. January is a wonderful time to listen to your deepest self, when it comes to your yoga practice. Notice if you are forcing yoga to happen in a certain way, instead of experiencing it as a movement from within. As we listen to our bodies, and sense our deeper needs we can direct our energy towards creating harmony between our inner and outer worlds. Yoga is not just exercise, as we let go of our agenda of what it means to us, and instead allow it to move through us, we can find truth in who we are and know what we truly need for balance.

In Ayurveda, winter is Vata season, a time where balance comes from tuning

Winter brings restoration, rejuvenation and deeper experience of what lies within. Take the time to slow down, and settle in. You may try to explore a more mindful physical practice, paying

Tuning In To The Natural Rhythms oga. Union. Spirit And Body. A beautiful gift that allows us to remember that we are part of natural cycle of life, and that we are much more than our minds or our bodies.

Asrael Zemenick is a member of the Forest Yogini Collective, and an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yoga Teacher in Cowichan Bay. www.anandaayurveda.com

attention to what is going on in the more subtle regions of your being. It would also be a wonderful time to work with deepening your pranayama practice or to start meditating. Let go of any need to push or to force. If we allow ourselves to pay attention to the natural rhythms of the universe, we can experience ourselves. In this we may discover that what we need is directly in tune with nature, and that what we need is already present.

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Bucknuck Books 250-929-2665 Used books and Local authors Fitness Valley Health and Fitness 250-743-0511 Full service gym/classes Spa and Wellness Reiki Wellness 250 743-8122 Reiki, Foot Detox, Infrared, Acupuncture, Reﬂexology Monet Spa 250-743-6114 Professional Spa services for parties, groups or individuals.

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

We Welcome New Patients!

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

Doggy Park Etiquette

og parks are a blessing for us. Areas where dogs and their people can congregate and interact are necessary for your pet’s physical and emotional health. The privilege comes with some responsibility, though. Most dog park rules are about safety for everybody. A small off-leash park is not a place to bring your toddler, for instance. Please also don’t bring treats; it is distracting for most dogs and fights can start over your desire to please everybody. Toys are the same. A dog park is where dogs can play with other dogs and toys can become possessions to fight over. Allow your dog to sniff through the fence before entering if it looks sketchy inside. Discomfort is not the same as fear and I think helping your dog through discomfort creates confidence. Take your time. Dogs should not wear collars without a quick release snap; this is because rough-housing can result in another dog’s jaw getting stuck under the collar and panic ensues. In most situations it is safer to unleash your dog when you enter the park. A dog on leash can be snappy, not because she is protecting you as much as that she cannot escape from oncoming dogs and is

hampered from protecting herself. This can also occur if you insist on holding your little dog or picking her up every time she feels uncomfortable. It is considered poor form

to let your dog pee on the furniture. Humping, (although the “dominance” theory has been debunked) is discouraged because weaker dogs can be hurt by being mounted. Again, safety first. Without being a helicopter parent do keep an eye on the situation. The dog park isn’t a place to drop your dog so you can catch up on your smartphone. Watching dogs play together is one of the wonderful things about a dog park, enjoy it. Every dog has a person and every person has a different idea about what is acceptable behaviour in your dog, so be patient and kind. Also, disciplining someone else’s dog almost never goes well with the other person; be diplomatic and compassionate. Let’s all enjoy our off-leash dog parks and keep them safe and fun for everybody. Debbie Wood is currently studying animal naturopathic health and is certified through the American Council of Animal Naturopathy www.luckydogubath.ca

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

music events Introductory African Marimba (wooden xylophone) Workshop January 4 Bopoma workshops are a fun opportunity to sample a little of what we have to offer. Even if you’ve never played an instrument, you can do it too! No prior musical experience is necessary and all instruments are provided. Introductory African marimba (wooden xylophone) workshop, 11:00am -12:30pm. Instruments provided, no musical experience necessary. $15, at Bopoma pre-registration required - 250-737-1331.

form or another. Whether playing electric guitar and drums in a rock band, playing assorted 8 stringed things, plus the bodhran with the Ecclestons, or as now, playing ukes, zouks and mandos with the Nightrise Band, music has always been a driving force in Greg’s life. The songs have to come out, and Greg is surely living the dream these days with his son Jevan joining him on guitars and vocals and song writing. Also joining Greg is his long time good friend, and local Cowichan Bay boy, Cam Stiles on acoustic bass and vocals. The trio will be performing songs from Greg’s first solo release NIGHTRISE as well as some tunes from his upcoming new recording. Greg and the Nightrise Band are very much looking forward to starting off the new year with a gig at the Cowichan Folk Guild. Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse on Saturday January 10 Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St.Doors open at 7 PM. Open Stage starts at 7:30 PM. Admission $10 or $5 for CFG members gregmadill.com

Greg Madill has been playing music around Vancouver Island for some 25 years in one

Sunday, Jan 4 • 2-5 pm Andrew Janusson “Jam Session Party” for John Lee Sunday, Jan 11 • 2-5 pm Jo Deslippe Quartet Sunday, Jan 18 • 2-5 pm Tim Croft Trio - a touch of Gypsy Jazz

Sunday, Jan 25 • 2-5 pm Ben Dwyer & Friends

1534 Joan Avenue Crofton

Jo Deslippe Quartet Performs at Crofton Jazz Series

Cowichan Folk Guild Coffee House Presents Greg Madill & the Nightrise Band

All Jazz Shows $10 unless stated

If you missed the sold-out Jo Wright & Friends fundraising concert that raised over $3,500 for the Cowichan Food Bank, you have another chance to hear this talented pianist/vocalist. Jo Deslippe (formerly Jo Wright) brings the Jo Deslippe Quartet to the Crofton Jazz Series Jan. 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Crofton Hotel Pub. From Cole Porter and Harold Arlen to the Beatles and even Glen Campbell, Deslippe brings a fresh, new twist to your favourite

melodies. Jo Deslippe shares the stage with saxophonist Devan Bailey, double bassist John Robertson and drummer Ron Joiner, who complement her innovative piano stylings and rich, warm vocals. The Duncan-based jazz and classical pianist moved here four years ago from Stratford, Ont., where she played for the Stratford Festival for 20 years and performed in several jazz bands. The jazz series runs Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. at the pub, the Jo Deslippe Quartet to the Crofton Jazz Series January 11,from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Crofton Hotel Pub1534 Joan Ave. in Crofton, a stone’s throw from the Saltspring Island ferry terminal. Musicians are invited to sit in for a jam session during the final hour. Admission is $10. For information, call 250-324-2245 or visit http://croftonhotel.ca/entertainment.

Junior K Grade 7

Student and staff at Evergreen Independent School

January 19th 6pm - 8pm January 20th 10am - 12noon

.com Jennifer Shelley

•

hirty-one years ago, a small group of parents in Cobble Hill were looking for an alternative learning environment for their children. Ideas were shared, plans were made, and Evergreen Independent School was established. This small community school currently enrolls 108 students. Registrations are being accepted for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7, as well as for the Evergreen Explorers, a new and tremendously popular Friday morning program for 3 year olds. There are many unique aspects of Evergreen that attract families. Small class sizes, innovative teaching, and multi-grade classrooms enhance individual learning and create positive socialization across the grade levels. The parents and teachers of

250 710 5674

Specializing in young children’s movement, ballet and hip hop Artistic Director Leah Burley

warmlanddance@gmail.com http://warmlanddance.wix.com/cowichan

Free Chakra Yoga Class

In support of the growth and resolutions that come with the New Year, Sadie is excited to offer a free Chakra Yoga

Evergreen Independent School are committed to a philosophy that develops the full potential of each child. Find out more about Evergreen’s inspired learning environment from parents, students, and teachers at the 2015 Open House on Monday January 19th (6-8pm) and Tuesday January 20th (10am – noon). Take a tour, have some refreshments, and explore the possibilities!

Evergreen Independent School’s Open House JK to Grade 7

Mon Jan 19th 6pm-8pm Tues Jan 20th 10am-noon

3515 Watson Ave www.evergreenbc.net 250-243-2433

Class. The vision In support of the growth and resolutions that come with the New Year, Sadie is excited to offer a free Chakra Yoga Class. The vision for the class is to provide a space for people to set their intention for the year, supported and guided through breath, movement and sound. Monday, January 12th, 6:30-8pm @ Rivendell Yurt Space is limited, so please pre-regsiter with Sadie at sdbartram@gmail.com 250-748-2089

Ongoing Knitting and Weaving Workshops. Drop In and See!

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

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

M S i d u s t l W

Margit Nellemann’s Seconds Sale

Margit Nellemann’s Annual Seconds Sale features slightly imperfect functional and decorative clay art reduced up to 82%. Included in the sale will be everything from teacups to plates, bowls to lamps, and vases to teapots. Wear a Tutu and get 22% off

regularly priced and specially marked pieces. Yes. Seriously. Have some fun... you won’t be the only one! This season opening event is on Monday 02.02 @ 2pm. 8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan. For more information go to www.teafarm.ca or call 250.748.3811.

Wild Goose Qigong Seminar Taught by Sifu Lee Masters

SATURDAY & SUNDAY January 24 & 25, 2015

Come and learn movements from this beautiful traditional Chinese skill to relax more deeply, increase the health of your internal organs, smooth your energy channels and strengthen your immune system. Saturday 1~5pm / Sunday 11am~3pm 250 748 4060 rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca

Glenora Hall

3660 Glenora Road, Duncan www.wildgooseqigongcentre.com 250 748 4060

Restore Your Health with

Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture & Diet Therapy

Dr. Fei Yang 250-733-2917

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Dr.Nathan M. Gagne,´ BSc, ND Join us for a relaxing ZEN EXPERIENCE Welcome New Stylist

Nikki Fellows • Full Hair and Esthetics Services • Professional hair colour and products • Natural Sugaring Hair Removal • Onsite Gel Nail Artist

Naturopathic Physician Mind/Body, Physical & Herbal Medicine Acupuncture • Homeopathy Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling

Medicine Garden Wellness Centre 28 Roberts St. Ladysmith, BC phone: (250) 246-3232 email: ngagne@ndnet.ccnm.edu

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

Discipline Through Good Intentions

have never been a fan of lofty New Year’s resolutions, only to be broken and forgotten, or later used to beat myself up for not sticking to them. There is a powerful parenting alternative, however, which is key to how I discipline my kids. First, let’s look at an adult example. I may decide that I don’t want to yell at the kids, and I can give you a dozen reasons why I don’t want to. What is meant to temper our impulses is our good intentions: I’m frustrated with my kids, but I know yelling doesn’t help, and I want to be kind and respectful in my parenting. This mix of feelings—on the one hand, frustration, and on the other hand, my parenting values I care deeply about—is the key to self-control. With this mix I can hold my tongue most of the time, but when I’m worn down and exhausted, I may try not to yell, but out it comes. If I can feel my sadness and disappointment instead at not being the kind of parent I want to be in that moment, I can find my resilience and resolve to keep trying. This gives me the best chance at parenting in line with my values. Soliciting good intentions can also be a very powerful parenting tool for discipline, getting the child’s hands on the steering wheel of life and giving them a sense of responsibility. If a child isn’t aiming for something, they’ll have a hard time getting there--whether it’s to clean up

their room, get good marks, not hit their sister, get dressed by themselves or get to bed on time. Working with good intentions gets them pointing in the right direction, and sets the stage for change to begin from the inside out. It is crucial that you choose a time of good connection with the child to solicit good intentions. This is not something to use in the middle of an incident! You want to be in a position of influence, where they are following your lead. Then you can ask them, “Can I count on you to do this? To call for help when you feel like hitting your sister?” Even if you get a yes, it doesn’t mean they’ll be able to do it right away or every time. Some parents will get frustrated with this, and say they are concerned with results – and that good intentions are not enough. This is a powerful parenting practice but this kind of development requires patience! Your job is as a coach. You can find out what’s getting in the way of them following through with their intentions—are they like the adult who was too tired and too frustrated? We all fall short of our intentions sometimes! This is when we can prime their mixed feelings—the key to impulse control—about how they didn’t want to hit their sister, but they were so frustrated they forgot to call you. Ideally, we want to draw out their sadness about falling short of what they wanted to do, which will also help them build their resilience. Be aware that very young

Buddhist Philosophy of life, offering the virtues of inner self, happiness, purity and eternal meanings” Support Nichiren Buddha Society at www.begiving.ca/charities

children may promise you the moon, but won’t be able to deliver until they are at least 5-7 years old. Soliciting good intentions does not yield immediate results, but it is usually much more effective than nagging, and delivers

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

Weekly Meditation Thursdays, VIU Cowichan Campus, 7PM, Rm: 210 Info at www.VIRetreats.com or call 250. 710. 7594

Health & Wellness in the Heart of Cowichan…

here’s something about January with its newness – a new month, a new year and even a new calendar (and if you haven’t got one yet, check out the 2015 E.J. Hughes at Excellent Frameworks) that makes us want to recalibrate. With the cheer and noise of the holidays behind us, we take the time to slow down, breathe, and focus on finding (or regaining) some balance in our lives.

Here are a selection of some of the many Downtown Duncan businesses & organizations that are here to help you renew and rejuvenate after a busy year, so you can embrace the new year healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

115 Kenneth Street, Downtown Duncan tel: 250-746-9809

For your Body: Everybody and every body could benefit from a visit to one of our many Downtown wellness practitioners providing a variety of services including Christy Greenwood, Matraea Centre somatics, massage intuitive coaching, and even pasttherapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, life readings. reflexology & reiki. • Chandler Family Massage Therapy • Cowichan Valley Holistic Centre • Duncan Wellness Centre • Wellspring Natural Health Clinic • Christy Greenwood, Matraea Centre For your Mind: Perhaps you have some issues that are weighing on you, that you could use some help with, or are looking for more balance and less stress in your life. If so, the following businesses have wonderful people available to assist and support you in varying modalities including counseling, hypnotherapy,

• Barbara Adelborg • Inner Light Healing • Harmony Life Services • Hummingbird Healing Matraea Centre • Time to Heal Treatment and Workshop Facility For your Spirit: If you are seeking to practice or renew your faith with others, there St. John’s Anglican Church

Harmony Yoga, Duncan St

are four places of worship in Downtown Duncan that warmly welcome you to join them for their regular services, as well as a variety of events and programs including study sessions, fellowship groups, and book clubs. • City Gate Church • Cowichan Centre for Peaceful Community • St. John’s Anglican Church • Duncan United Church And for something to benefit body, mind, & spirit simultaneously - there is yoga. “Yoga doesn’t take time, it gives time” – Ganga White. Check out both our wonderful Downtown

Duncan Yoga studios for their great variety of times and classes. For your Body, Mind, and Spirit: • Bikram Yoga Cowichan Valley • Harmony Yoga Most of these organizations and businesses have great websites with an amazing amount of helpful information - so if you like, you can take the time to surf before you dive into doing wonderful things for your body, mind, and spirit…then make your way to Downtown Duncan for a wonderful year of health and wellness.

hoodies I skirts I tops I dresses I accessories I childrens I & more

FIND us LOCALLY at Spinning Ninny 306 Duncan St, Duncan

Come on in and enjoy a nutritious smoothie from our NEW smoothie Bar

Q&A with DBIA & Garage Café Q & A with the Duncan BIA and Susan Minette - owner of the fabulous (and recently expanded) Duncan Garage Bakery and Café DBIA: What was the motivation to expand the cafe now? SM: With the growth that the café has seen in the last 12 years (in both staff and lineups), we needed a larger kitchen to accommodate the daily quantity of food and baking needed. So, when the Community Farm Store made plans to move to a larger location, it was the perfect opportunity to move into that wonderful space and finally have room to serve all the nutritious, delicious, home-made comfort food the community has come to expect from us. DBIA: What do you feel the cafe offers to the downtown core?

One of a kind, Clothing, Accessories and gifts. Imagination Station Workshops, projects and activities! 306 Duncan St. nestled bet ween the Duncan Garage and Rayʻs Antiques. 778-455-4888

SM: The Café offers a casual, funky and comfortable space for the community to meet. Whether a quick coffee-to-go or sitting and enjoying a full meal from our breakfast and lunch menu – all our food is vegetarian or vegan and as farm-to-table as possible. It’s great food using great ingredients with a huge splash of love. DBIA: What do you like best

about being downtown? SM: We love our location downtown! The restored Duncan Garage has lots of character with a Granville Market ambience. Being centrally located in the downtown core with ample parking makes it easy for our customers to find us and allows us to participate in the many Downtown Duncan business activities that make this city a thriving hub. DBIA: Any advice for people wanting to eat healthier after the holidays and year-round? SM: Once January arrives and you are back on track, enjoy the way your body feels when fed healthy and nutritious food!!! Think of this time as an evolution and take baby steps towards a lifestyle change. Relax and enjoy the process of re-defining healthy living Eat more alkaline foods such as parsley, kale, beets, lemons etc, which reduces inflammation, balances PH, and controls blood sugar Set realistic goals and don’t stress (stress is worse than a few extra pounds!) Start your new year off right with a visit to the Duncan Garage and Bakery Café!

t i d M Y a h t u a b h b e A m u a m f fl o c T p a v s a t p s

Putting your Best Face Forward in 2015!

t’s January again and if repairing skin damage that has happened over time is something you’d like to do this year - we at Viva Medical Aesthetics can help. Your skin is unique to you and so we all need a little help deciding on what are the appropriate products to use for daily maintenance and what treatments may best repair the damage that has been done over the years by toxins (most notably sun exposure and smoking). Appropriate daily home maintenance is critical with use of cleansers, moisturizers and repair creams/peels/ masks. What is appropriate for one skin type may totally flare difficult problems for others. – so proper advice is crucial. Treatments for rosacea, pigmentation, melasma, acne and aging skin are now very possible with the use of specialized procedures. We are fortunate at Viva Medical to have a wide array of procedures available to assist such as Glycolic and Lactic

Acid peels which are a simple cost effective way to address exfoliation and give your skin a ‘brighter’ look. Hydrafacial MD is a new procedure that employs both exfoliative procedures combined with infusion of both Glycolic and Salicylic Acid followed by peptide infusion. This treatment is simple and your skin will radiate following. For a deeper treatment now is the ideal time to do a photofacial, which lightens browns, clears reds and is ideal for those with rosacea and brown spots caused by sun damage. For a deeper treatment addressing pore size, fine lines and texture we have had great results with Sublative, which addresses pore size, fine lines and ‘sagginess’ under the eyes. Botox and Fillers can be used effectively to treat forehead lines and correct the volume loss we see in our cheeks and lips as we age. These products, combined with skin treatments can produce real results that are noticeable. Our aim at Viva Medical is to assist with you becoming a more radiant you. We provide customized treatment plans after an initial consultation with myself. We would love to see you in the New Year…towards a happier healthier you.

Beautiful skin is Timeless

• Filler • Botox™ • Soft Tissue Filler • Laser Hair Removal • Rosacea Treatments • Photofacials

• Spray Tans • HydraFacials • Acne Treatments • Mineral Makeup • Latisse ™

WWW.VIVAMEDICALAESTHETICS.COM

#4 -177 FOURTH ST, DUNCAN 250 746 6512

Elder College

lder College: what a concept. Put people over 50 who want to keep on learning new things together with volunteers who are eager to teach them. Since the late 1980’s when a group of retired people in North Vancouver came up with the idea, versions of this program have sprouted in several communities in B.C. Ours in the Cowichan Valley began in 1994. Since 2000 it has been based out of the Island Savings Centre. Over the years I had attended several programs – entertaining video presentations on people’s travel adventures; informative sessions on things like Mason bees. But I had never given much thought to how this all comes about. When I joined the Elder College Advisory Committee last year, I discovered a group of people not only prepared to give courses themselves but able to find others to do this as well. It’s the latter that has proved to be particularly interesting and fun! I’ve helped to organize classes on subjects as diverse as bicycle maintenance and the importance of funeral preplanning: the first because of my own interest and the

second because a woman able to give such a talk overheard me when I was in a local yarn shop negotiating a knitting course. Other committee members are having the same serendipitous experiences, with the result that the Spring 2015 program offers 77 different courses. You can find a full list of the courses at www.islandnet. com/eldercollege, and in the yellow Elder College flyer available in places like the public library and recreation centres. If you are interested in learning something that isn’t listed, or you have something you could teach others, use the web site to let the committee know. Membership is $5 (Fall to Spring) and allows members to take as many courses (offered at minimal cost) as they choose. Register in person or by phone at any of the Cowichan Valley Recreation Centres. Submitted by Judy Baeckmann, Elder College Committee member, Image Eric Marshall

education, publishing, the media, medicine and how we deal with foreign countries.

Dear Great Great Great Great Great Grandchild I write you now amidst the great turning As more and more people are realizing War is not a path to peace There is no path to peace The path is peace Seers and sages throughout the ages Echoing what time always tells The only real and lasting peace will arise when we withdraw the projection of our own shadows upon one another Meanwhile, Very big business Stirring up war Calling our Sons into slaughter Our Daughters to whore

Making a killing with the same old hook, line, tug and reel… Same old trigger into black or white reptilian fear Same old distorted rite of passage All designed to distract us from an (unprecedented?) arrival into deeper states of balance, harmony, flow, health, and happiness. Dear Great Great Great Great Great Grandchild As the new year dawns, I pray that we all find the clarity of insight to walk with deepening wisdom; and the grace to live in deepening kindness with one another, the more-than-human world, and, most crucially, ourselves. Dear Great Great Great Great Great Grandchild It is with you in mind that I commit to bearing deeper smiles than frowns this coming year. Patrick Amos, M.A. And am wishing the same is a natural builder and designer . for everyone. Shiinzen Clayworks Happy New Year Folks. 250 748 2089

Delicious East Indian Cuisine

Butter Chicken Curry Chicken Vegetarian Specialties Chana Masala Pakoras Samosas

The Daily Grind Dine in or Take Out 3218 Sherman Road • 250-709-2299

The Year 2015

ince 2012, difficult planetary aspects between Pluto and Uranus have created unpredictable, catastrophic events affecting countries, weather systems, aviation, accidents and political protests. There are seven times during the interval from 2012 until March 2015 that these occur. But after March, these untoward events will subside. Of course, life will always have unpredictable events and tragedy; but there will be a noticeable lessening of these threats. Furthermore, once Jupiter enters Virgo in August, the economy and general well-being of both Canada and the United States will improve. Specifically, legislation regarding healthrelated issues as well as the environment will be encouraging. Meanwhile, this year, the planet Saturn will be in Sagittarius and remain there for the next two years. The last time Saturn was in Sagittarius was from 1986-1988, and before that in 1927-1929. Saturn rules the law courts and the legal infrastructure of society; and Sagittarius is concerned with the laws that govern higher

This planetary combination will result in legislation about education, immigration, the media (including the Internet), medicine and law enforcement. Sagittarius aspires to ideals in truth, freedom, openmindedness, spirituality and education, which means a new kind of idealism will permeate legal decisions. Meanwhile, the three Mercury retrogrades that occur this year will all take place in Air signs, and Air signs are intellectual. This is a further indication of innovative breakthroughs and inventions, particularly in electronics, computers and the high-tech industry. Ultimately, there will be more stable economic growth especially after August for both Canada and the United States. I don’t believe in a Pollyanna way that we are always progressing to bigger and better things. But this year will see a lessening of difficult situations and a strong encouragement and progress in laws that better society. Jupiter in Virgo will help to restore Canada’s reputation, which has suffered globally in terms of freedom of expression and our overall “nice guy” image. I think we will once again regain much of the respect we have lost not only in the eyes of other countries, but in the individual self-respect of Canadians.

an Donaldson has been immersing herself as a craftsperson for over 35 years. At her studio in Chemainus, she currently has a show that takes the viewer back in time to her early days as a quilter to the present. As she put the exhibition together she indulged in a wander down memory lane. Her journey began in rural Quebec. Jan was living on a farm doing her “back to the land“ thing and loving it, but was bored with her marriage. “I didn’t speak the language and looked at my skills and decided to become a quilter to get out of my marriage and to be able to still live on the farm.” I was just drawn to stitchery.” Jan shares. That same year she got accepted into the “Salon des Metiers Du Art” in Montreal, one of the biggest art shows in North America. “I was on my way! though I didn’t sell a lot at the show, a couple of months

After leaving Quebec, Jan moved to Toronto, opened a shop and began to design and create childrens’ wear. “I created a very whimsical and unique line.” Jan recalls.”Then I started making the ladies and mens lines too.” Presently, Jan is working on various projects; musicians stage wear; a ladies line of vests and jackets and a collection

Looking Inwards in January

anuary is a perfect time to dive deep - into our inner-selves. The natural cycle of short days, cold weather, and dormant growth, signals inner stillness and inner exploration. Make space to be aligned with this cycle. In the Five Elements Tradition, this part of our yearly cycle is the time of new-beginnings. It’s the time we can blend with the great mystery of love and we can decide to trust it’s wisdom. Now is also the time we have an opportunity to become consciously aware of and ‘face’ our fears and phobias. This ultimately moves us towards a more stable foundation and an integrated ‘self’. Come mid-summer, we will be at the polar opposite, time of year. Then we will find ourselves fully expressing with others, being social and

later I sold 2 of my quilt designs to “Better Homes and Garden” an American magazine, then Chatelaine. I even sold a couple of wall hangings to the Canadian Government for use as Official Gifts. One went to Princess Anne.” she smiles. During this time Jan was also offered a TV Series that taught quilting to viewers. “Jan Donaldson’s Quilted World ran for 3 seasons and was viewed by Canadians all across the nation.

expansive. The more we allow ourselves to sink into the wisdom and fear of the current season, the greater our summer expression and ultimate autumn harvest will be. What can we do now? This time of year is suited to such activities as contemplation, silent retreat, personal mandala making, and free-form journaling. In order to do this, we need to be comfortable in the energetic space that comes before thinking. Practice being comfortable in the space before thought. Most of us are afraid that if we stop thinking, nothing will be left. Actually, on the other side of thinking is a vast expanse of beauty and potential. With fewer external distractions, soulful reflection, and communion in community, are more accessible. This is a time of

Talking Arts Jan Donaldson of hand stitched quilted wall hangings of sunsets and her trees. Hand stitched of course. “I’ve been so lucky to be able to make my living from something that I love so much and meeting the most wonderful people through it. I travel to music festivals to sell in the summer and set up at music venues all year. As well as out of my studio/showroom in Chemainus, I set up in Nanaimo on Sundays ‘newest beginnings’. Consider taking a course in something that interests you, something about which you have always wanted to know more about but have not yet explored. Consider being part of an informal weekly gathering to support the growth or development of a new skill or talent. This January, I encourage you

for the Nanaimo Blues Jam to sell my clothing there. I’ve always thought outside the box for places to sell.” Currently Jan Donaldson is celebrating 35 years in business with “Threads of Passion 35” in her Studio/ Showroom, 9738 Willow St, Chemainus, info 250-4161155. Meet and greet the artist special event Saturday, January 10 from 2 to 8pm for a special event. Show runs to January 17.

to nurture your own inner light, then notice the light in others, and come together, in small ways to let a brighter light shine. Cornelia J Krikke, Transformative Practices Studio She teaches Eden Energy Medicine, and other skills. cjkrikke@ gmail.com

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 ALSO offering Instruments. instrument making classes.

Mandolin & Violin.

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

A New Beginning and A Fresh Start for Your Closet!

rganizing my own closet this month has been an eye opener. I have a closet full of clothing yet find myself thinking “I have nothing to wear!” If this sounds familiar to you it’s time for us to get cleaning and organizing. Here are a few tips as you begin to clean out your closet: 1. Does the item fit? 2. Have I worn it in the last year? 3. Will I wear it again? 4. Is it in style? (If that is important to you?) 5. Does it require repair? 6. Does it make me feel amazing?

Book some time and invite a friend that you trust to assist with your closet clean out. Go through every item in your closet and have a few bins or boxes nearby. Sort your items into “Keep” “Consign” “Toss” placing the items you love on your bed. Arrange your items into categories: jeans, pants, skirts, tops etc. You should see a theme emerge once you have placed all your favourites on the bed. Next time you are in a retail environment consider what was on your bed that you

loved. Create outfits with the items you love! What do you really need to add to your items on the bed? Anything that you did not place on the bed you are not in love with. It is time to send these items on their way. Check in with your local consignment store and ask them what they are accepting. You may just be able to earn a little cash for those unwanted items. Cleaning out your closet feels amazing and allows those key pieces to be front and centre in your closet. The secret to keeping your closet pared down is to keep only items which fit well and you feel great in!!

Calling all Artists! The Cowichan Valley Arts Council (CVAC) is busy preparing for the 45th annual Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show – one of Vancouver Island’s largest, open art exhibitions and sales, held at the Island Savings Centre. The Show will be Open to the Public from Wednesday April 29th through to Sunday May 3rd, 2015 CVAC is proud to provide this wonderful opportunity for artists and artisans to showcase their work. Final deadline for entry is Saturday April 11th, from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. All students, emerging and professional artists and artisans, aged 16 or older and who are members in good standing with CVAC, are eligible to enter 1 piece of original artwork that has not been previously shown in any other venue and this show is first come first served, up to 150 pieces. SUBMISSION INFORMATION is available at PORTALS,

the Centre for Arts, Culture and Heritage, located in the Island Savings Recreation Centre, and on the CVAC website www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca.

In-person registration will take place during the “CVFAS Registration Window” held Wednesday April 8th to Saturday April 11th, 2015 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at PORTALS – The CVAC Centre of Arts, Heritage and Culture. No mailed in registration forms will be accepted.

I am off to clean my closet! How about you? Call us @The Second Hanger and ask us what we are accepting now! 250-743-7802 Wishing you Health and Happiness! Sue Ryan is the owner of The Second Hanger in Pioneer Square Mall, Mill Bay.

THE SECOND HANGER BOUTIQUE CONSIGNMENT

Accepting quality, fashionable and designer clothing for premium consignment. We’re moving!

Beginning Jan 15 visit us at...

3541 COBBLE HILL ROAD, In the heart of Cobble Hill

250 743-7802 thesecondhanger@shaw.ca

separate us from nature to help us understand and enjoy it. Smartphones, the Internet and accessible research technologies deinstitutionalize science and get the inner scientist in all of us outside to contribute to a broader understanding of a variety of topics, from backyard birds to flower-blooming times.

SCIENCE MATTERS with David Suzuki

We Can All Be 21St-Century Scientists

ur ancestors may not have called themselves “citizen scientists” or organized to collect data for scientific inquiry, but they were keen observers of the natural world. Their survival often depended on being able to tease apart nature’s complexity — where to find game and when to sow seeds, collect berries and prepare for winter or bad weather. But our modern, technologyobsessed lives increasingly divorce us from nature, with consequences for our health and well-being. Numerous studies now remind us of what we know intuitively: Spending time in nature makes us feel better — helping with depression, attention deficit disorder, recall and memory, problemsolving and creativity. People who spend more time outside are also physically healthier. Enter citizen science — using the same technologies that

in particular hot spots, saving both human and wildlife.

The David Suzuki Foundation started engaging citizens in research following the 2011 meltdown of Japan’s Fukushima nuclear reactor, partnering with various organizations and universities, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, to Science relies on observation. set up a volunteer network to sample seawater from sites As more people examine natural phenomena and record along B.C.’s Pacific coast. and share information, we gain This will help scientists understand the ongoing spread better understanding of the of radiation across the Pacific world. An increasing number and its evolving impacts on of scientific inquiries now the ocean. Volunteers from 14 depend on contributions from communities are collecting ordinary people to help them seawater samples over three answer important questions. years. The radioactive plume The National Audubon Society has not yet reached North has been enlisting volunteers to America, but we’ll know when monitor birds during its annual it does, thanks to ordinary Christmas bird count for more people providing extraordinary than 100 years, but it’s not the coverage across the region. oldest citizen science program. NatureWatch, another uniquely It was predated by a couple Canadian citizen science started in the 1880s: a survey project, was also recently asking lighthouse keepers to launched. It has four programs. identify and count birds that Frog Watch participants collect struck their lighthouses and data on amphibians, valuable another that looked at bird indicators of changes in our migration. air, land and water. PlantWatch records flowering times for Citizens now have many select species, helping track opportunities to partake in the effects of climate change. a wide range of scientific And WormWatch monitors discovery. earthworms and soil health. Take roadkill. The Humane This winter, you can volunteer Society estimates that more for the organization’s IceWatch than a million animals are and contribute to the scientific killed every year on U.S. understanding of global highways. Collisions with large animals are tragic for all warming. By analyzing citizen records, scientists have found involved and cost insurance companies millions of dollars a year. The insurance industry is working on an innovative partnership with the University of California’s Roadkill Observation System to enlist citizens in efforts to identify and protect wildlife corridors

that the freeze-thaw cycles of northern water bodies are changing. However, since climate change is not consistent across the country and large gaps exist in the current monitoring network, scientists require critical data from many more regions. By recording yearly ice events — the freeze and thaw dates of lakes and rivers — you’ll help monitor the effects of climate change on Canadian ecosystems. You can also join RinkWatch, an initiative by geographers at Wilfrid Laurier University asking citizens to track skateable days on local outdoor rinks. Canada has hundreds of citizen science programs. Although never a substitute for or rationale to cut science spending, these programs amplify and fill gaps in government- and universityled science. There’s something for every individual, every interest and every region of the country. We all have mighty powers of observation. Citizen science is a way to encourage us all to get outside, hone our senses, and undertake meaningful activity to monitor and maintain our environment, improve scientific literacy and, best of all, be happier and healthier. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Science and Policy Director Mara Kerry Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.