VV June 2015 issue 79 web by Cowichan Valley Voice

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2015 JUNE ISSUE 79 COWICHAN I LOCAL EVENTS I ART I COMMUNITY I SPOT PRAWNS

Issue 79 JUNE 2015 Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Editors Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 - 6514 Wicks Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5V2 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Proofreader Diana Pink

Distribution Events Calendar Linda Dirksengale 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 June 15 for July 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 E-mail event info to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com EVENTS DEADLINE June 15 for July 2015 Issue 80 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations.

SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES: Michelle Staples,

Keith Chicquen Dr. Guy McPherson, Elly Driessen, Pam Stiles, Grant M. Waldman, Victor Vesely, Kelvin McCulloch, Nigel Yonge, Joanne Sales, Sandra Beggs, Jean Cardino, Teri Welch, Scott Mahons, Veronical Scott, Yaz Yamaguchi, Christine A Allan, Mark Winfield, Sharon McLeod, Debbie Wood, Alexa Linton, Lhisha Bennett, Sophy Roberge, Stan Farell, Sheila Badman, Tracey Hanson, Kelly Musselwhite, Heather McLeod, Lyn Merryfeather, Lindsay Campa, Rick Dennis, 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 and Parksville. June Cover Image of Cheese and Charcuterie Board courtesy Brad Boisvert, CURE Artisan Meat & Cheese. Photography Sheila Badman

2015 Ad Rate Cards Now Available JULY AD Deadline: JUNE 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 780 356 3388 TK@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

OUR COMMUNITY Walk of Nations 5 June Events 6-7 Responding to Abrupt Climate Change 15 Cowichan Bay Film Maker Survives Earthquake in Nepal 17 Shimmy & Silk A Bellydance Fashion Show 21 Summer Camps 26-27 Experience Downtown Duncan 32-35 CWBS 30th Annual Wooden Boat Festival 41 Bikeworks 43 CWAV Community Picnic 46 Eye on Shawnigan 47 Shawnigan Lake: Leaders in Water Stewardship 52 Community Farm Store Pages 55-58 Websites Emails and Verbal Lint 60 Georgia Nicols June Horoscopes 61 Directory 62-63 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Farm Table Restaurant 8 Merridale Launches New Cowichan Gin & Spirit Line 9 Happy Father’s Day Celebrate with Local Gin 10 Destination Pizza 14 Asian Greens 16 Men’s Health Nutrition from the Bulk Food Section 18 Taste of Tea New White Tea 20 Cowichan Bay Seafoods Recipe 21 Q & A with Scott Mahon of Mad Dog Crabs 35 Hip Hip Hooray for CSA 50-51 New Wednesday Farmer’s Market in Duncan 54 FARM & GARDEN Raising Bees Raises your Spirits 24 Cut Broom in June 25 Pig Tales 59 HOME & LIVING The Art of Working from Home 22 Teri’s TV & Electronic Service 34 Green Living Shoo Fly Don’t Bother Me 52 LOCAL ARTS June Music 13 Women First 23 Sandi Madsen 38 Words to Savour 39 Talking Arts Christine A Allan 40 BODY, MIND & SOUL Father’s Day & Men’s Health Week Call to Men 19 Summer Performance Sandals 30 Locally Made Shaving Creams for Dad 37 Art of Cranialsacral Therapy 39 Doing Your Best in School 43 Yoga for Wellness Constructive Rest 60 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE Ancient Traditions Thriving in Modern Times 23 Teach Your Kids Cycling Etiquette 28 Strength for Golf 36 Local Marine Rescue 42 18th Annual Fast & Furious Boat Building Challenge 42 Lucky Dogs Oh those Paris Heights 44 Putting your Best Hoof Forward 45 How to Go Green when Camping 48 Stove Top Firestop Inexpensive Invisible Invaluable 49

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

from 11 am to 2 pm. Admission and food are free and food will be provided by Cowichan Community Kitchens at their cob oven. This year’s Walk is co-hosted by Social Planning Cowichan, the Cowichan Intercultural Society and Hiiye’yu Lelum (House of Friendship Society).

Walk of Nations Saturday May 30

ll members of the community are invited to attend the 8th annual Walk of the Nations on Saturday May 30th. The Walk will leave VIU at 10:00 am and will end with food and music in Centennial Park. The Walk of the Nations was born from the 2008 North American Indigenous Games and is a celebration of culture and diversity. Explains committee member, Michelle Staples, “Our community has a rich culture. We hope the Walk will create a community filled with understanding, acceptance, respect and compassion.” Nearly 1000 people attended the 2014 Walk of the Nations and organizers hope that this year’s Walk will be even bigger. Everyone is invited to attend and traditional and cultural clothing is encouraged. Participants will gather at VIU at 9:30 am and walk to Centennial Park to enjoy food, music and cultural entertainment

Social Planning Cowichan researches, forms partnerships, creates strategies and informs the Cowichan public about social planning issues. Cowichan Intercultural Society facilitates mutual respect, trust, support, and education in the culturally diverse Cowichan Region. Hiiye’yu Lelum (House of Friendship Society) provides a cultural bridge between the Aboriginal and nonAboriginal cultures in the Cowichan Valley. 8th Annual Walk of the Nations Saturday, May 30, 10 am-2 pm. Starts at the Vancouver Island University (VIU) campus. Finishes at Centennial Park, Government Street, Duncan.

FREE DIGITAL EDITION AVAILABLE NOW

WOMEN FIRST CVAC Celebrating Traditional & Contemporary Female Aboriginal Artists. Artists’ Reception June 5 7-9pm PORTALS The CVAC Centre of Arts Culture & Heritage 2687 James St, Duncan 250 746 1633 Runs to June 20 FREE WOOD CLAY SILVER Wood Turning by Ken Broadland Pottery & Jewelry by Sandi Madsen Imagine That! 251 Craig St, Duncan Runs to June 28

COMMUNITY ACCUPUNCTURE 103-44 Queens Rd, Duncan Frauke McCashin RAc 250 710 3581 Every Tuesday 2 9 16 23 30 12-3pm FREE PADDLING NIGHT Mill Bay Marina Paddle Sports Equipment is Available to use for FREE Sponsored by Blue Dog Kayaking & Mill Bay Rowing & Paddling Club Every Other Tuesday 250 710 7693 HUDSON’S ON FIRST COOKING CLASS Celebrating BC Spot Prawns 3 course dinner and demonstration 6pm. $70/person Reservations 250-597-0066

13 GRAB STICK Master Michael Tse a Martial Arts Form Using a Short Stick Helps Circulation & Joints Glenora Hall Beginners Welcome Register @ WildGooseQigongCentre.com 6-9pm Wed-Fri NICK VERSTEEG DOCUMENTARY FILM NIGHT Seventy-One Years, the Loss and Discovery of Avro Anson L7056 & One Man’s Dream the History of the Malahat Hwy Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 250 748 7529 7pm $9.50 All Proceeds go to Nepal Earthquake Fund COMMUNITY ACCUPUNCTURE 103-44 Queens Rd, Duncan Frauke McCashin RAc 250 710 3581 Every Wednesday 3 10 17 24 5-8pm COWICHAN MEN’S CIRCLE For Men to Experience a Supportive Community West Coast Men’s Support Society & The Mankind Project The Hub 2375 Koksilah Rd 7-10pm

Arrive 10 Minutes Early Wednesdays 3 10 17 24

COWICHAN VALLEY HOSPICE SOCIETY AGM Find out How you Can Get Involved St John’s Anglican Church Corner of First & Jubilee St Duncan 7-8:30 THE REAL THING Shawnigan Players Duncan Showroom 133 Station St laura.lois.faulkner@ gmail.com 6-7:30 $15 ADV $18 Door WHO KILLED THE NEWS LEADER PICTORAL? Town Hall Meeting Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St, Duncan 7pm FREE

4&6

INTRODUCTION TO MELT METHOD 10am 250 597 7875 Somalila Studio 184 Stamps Rd, Duncan

Self version.vicky@gmail.com Lila Music Centre 3228A Gibbons Rd, Duncan 9:30-4pm $40

SHIMMY & SILK A Bellydance Fashion Show Fundraiser for Somenos Transition House Cow Café West Coast Grill in Cowichan Bay miragedanse@shaw.ca 5:30pm $15

DISTILLERY DINNER - Cowichan Gin Release 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill info@merridalecider.com 6pm $59 WORDLY GOURMET TASTE OF BC Cooking Class w/ Chef Gary Faessler & Rocky Creek Winery Register @ 250 245 7307 7-9:30pm $65

LINDSAY FERGUSON Roots & Rhythm Album Release for Chameleon Duncan Showroom 133 Station St 8pm $15 Door $12 Adv

STOWAWAY OLIVE PIZZA OPENING (@Zoe’s) COWICHAN BAY 4-8pm

ARTIST RECEPTION WOMEN FIRST PORTALS 7-9pm 2687 James St Duncan

VIMY COMMUNITY HALL GARAGE SALE & FUNDRAISER Gibbins Rd, Duncan 250 746 6104 8-1pm FREE FIVE ELEMENT SELF HEALING QIGONG Master Michael Tse Seminar Self Massage & Movement to Clear Blockages & Stimulate Acupuncture Points Glenora Hall Beginners Welcome Register @ WildGooseQigongCentre.com 1-5pm

MOON GONG Master Michael Tse Seminar Helps Calm Fire Energy Lowering High Blood Pressure Collecting Yin Energy From the Moon Glenora Hall Beginners Welcome Register @ WildGooseQigongCentre.com 11-3pm NOEDY HD QUARTET Crofton Hotel 1534 Joan Ave 250 324 2245 2pm $10 SUNDAY MUSIC WITH STEW Maple Bay Marina 6145 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan info@ maplebaymarina.com Sundays 7 14 21 28 11-1pm FREE SUNDAY AUCTION La Petite Auction House 9686 Chemainus Rd 250 701 2902 Same Day Viewing 10-1pm Auction 1pm CONSCIOUSLY CONNECTING THROUGH IMPROVISATION Re-finding Your Awesome

COWICHAN LAKE DAYS Saywell Park Lake Cowichan Parade Music Food & Games Fun For The Whole Family cowichanlakedays.com 11-7pm FREE COMMUNITY FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW Workshops Seminars Strawberry Tea Cobble Hill Hall Watson Ave 9-12pm $2 Kids Free MIKONE VINTAGE MARKET Annual Outdoor Market 3810 Silverside Farm & Winery 9-3pm ALL WOMEN COMEDY TOUR Six Women Light up the Stage Duncan Showroom 133 Station St 8pm $12 ADV $15 Door COWICHAN FOLK GUILD COFFEEHOUSE Featuring Don Alder Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St, Duncan 7pm $10 /$5 CFG Members CHEESEMAKING CLASS Fairburn Farm 3310 Jackson Rd, Duncan BC 10-11:30am Mozzarella 1-3pm Havarti $65.00 Per Class A DAY OF FORAGING FOCUSED EVENTS 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill info@ merridalecider.com 11-3pm FREE

RESPONDING TO ABRUPT CLIMATE CHANGE Presentation by Dr. Guy McPherson Island Savings Centre 2687 James St, Duncan 1-3:30pm By Donation Suggested $5-25

For full design/build service, give us a call

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

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



WHEELCHAIR RUGBY TOURNAMENT 16 Teams Play Wheelchair Rugby www. cowichanwheels.org Starts 10am

DIANE BESTWICK Author Reading of And A Bird Sang Cowichan Library 2687 James St, Duncan 3-4pm FREE

CONCEPTS IN TIME Chemainus Classical Concerts Pianist Jo Deslippe St Michael’s Church, Chemainus $20 $15 Adv www. chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca

SUMMER CONCERT Ensemble Laude Women’s Choir brownpapertickets.com Providence Farm Chapel 1843 Tzouhalem Rd 2-3pm $12 ADV $15 Door 12 Under FREE

BOTANICAL BLISS GARDEN TOUR 11-3pm 6119 Lakeview Dr, Duncan (park on Sayward and walk down driveway) 10% off with ad on pg 22

PABLO CARDENAS & FRIENDS Crofton Hotel 1534 Joan Ave 250 324 2245 2pm $10

DOUG FARR QUARTET Crofton Hotel 1534 Joan Ave 250 324 2245 2pm $10

PRIDE Movie Night at the Library Cowichan Library 2687 James St, Duncan 6-8pm FREE

CGC’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Community Potluck Duncan Christian Reformed Church 930 Trunk Rd

18-22

ADULT BEGINNER’S HULA HOOP TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP Spinning Ninny Studio 308 Duncan Street, Duncan. Cost: 15$/drop in class, 60$/week 12:30pm-1:15pm

SATORI WEEKEND RETREAT WITH HORSES @ SPIRIT GATE FARM Camping Available 2541 Herd Rd, Duncan michelle@spiritgate.ca Fri 5-9pm Sat 9-4pm Sun 9-3pm $444 WORDLY GOURMET TASTE OF HONEY Cooking Class w/ Angelo Prosperi-Porta Register @ 250 245 7307 7-9:30 $65 TEA WITH THE DOULAS Come Meet Doulas & Other New & Soon to be Parents in the Cowichan Valley Different Topic Each Month Snacks Provided Children of all Ages Welcome 10-1pm

FARM DANCE UNDER THE STARS 5 Bands Beer & Wine Garden Silent Auction Great Farm Food providence.bc.ca 6-12am $25 Adv $30 Door A TRAVELLING RETREAT Pilgrimage Sampling of Local Peaceful Pathways Register @ pathways2wellness.ca LIFE SPAN DAY RETREAT Nichiren Buddha Society VIRetreats.com 250 710 7594

All Jazz Shows $10 unless stated

Sunday, June 7 • 2-5 pm Noedy HD Quartet

SUNDAY AUCTION La Petite Auction House 9686 Chemainus Rd 250 701 2902 Same Day Viewing 10-1pm Auction 1pm

Cuban born Noedy Hechavarria Duharte saxophone

Sunday, June 14 • 2-5pm Doug Farr Quartet

GROWING COWICHAN- PURVEYORS DINNER Celebrating S.O.L Farm and Ampersand Gin Multi-course dinner with pairings 6:30pm $110/person Details at www.hudsonsonfirst.ca

Hearty jazz standards and latin jazz

Latin Jazz, West Coast Afro-Cuban

COWICHAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE COMMUNITY PICNIC Free Food Entertainment & Family Activities Centennial Park 2nd St Duncan 5-8 pm AGM 6:30 pm FREE cwav.org

FREE YIN YOGA CLASS w/ Nadia Open to All Levels @ Harmony Yoga Centre HarmonyYogaDuncan.com 6-7:30pm

Sunday, June 21• 2-5pm Pablo Cardenas & Friends

Sunday, June 28 2-5pm Wes Carroll - Confabulation

Hip-Hop Rhythms, Modern Harmony Classic Jazz, And The Blues

27&28

ANNUAL WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre Fun Filled Family Festival Activeties for all Ages 1761 Cowichan Bay Rd Sat All Day Sun 10-3pm FREE

1534 Joan Avenue Crofton

27&28 COWICHAN EXHIBITION GARAGE SALE Fundraiser 8am -3pm Cowichan Exhibtion Park To Donate 250 748-0822 27&28 DUNCAN COMIC BOOK EXPO 8am -3pm Cowichan Exhibtion Park For Tables 250 709 5213

Foch Eh Day! Celebrate pre Canada Day with our proudly Canadian wine, Foch Eh! Averill Creek Vineyard 11am - 5pm 6552 North Rd Duncan WES CARROLL CONFABULATION Crofton Hotel 1534 Joan Ave 250 324 2245 2pm $10 GARAGE SALE FUNDRAISER Cowichan Pipes & Drumsl Valley Seniors Organization Centre 198 Government St, Duncan 9-2pm

GREAT FATHER’S DAY PLATTER FROM CURE Can you identify all the delicious offerings on June’s cover image? First winner to correctly answer each of the delicious offerings will receive a $20 gift certificate courtesy CURE Artisan Cheese and Meat in Valley View Centre. Please email your answers to editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com.

he Farm Table restaurant – a partnership started in 2013 between Vancouver Island University’s Culinary Arts program and Providence Farm offers food lovers a culinary experience with a social purpose. Located in Duncan at the foot of Mount Tzouhalem on the 400 acre organic Providence Farm, the restaurant and cooking program offers diners at unique farm-toFarm Table Restaurant table experience. Students engage Continues To Please In in the planting, Third Year Of Operation growing, and harvesting of many of this island – from both of the greens that will find the land and the sea – it their way into the menu, and makes sense that this fresh the majority of the ingredients new concept of a teaching are locally sourced. kitchen and farm-based restaurant would originate in the Cowichan Valley. The Farm In a world where food has Table offers become increasingly precious, food security a significant food lovers concern, and environmental sustainability of growing a culinary importance, The Farm Table experience restaurant is an idea whose time has come. with a social

purpose. With the advent of the 100mile diet and the slow food movement, the farm-to-plate cooking program offered at The Farm Table Restaurant puts VIU on the leading edge of culinary arts training. Students in the Culinary program prepare meals under the guidance and direction of the VIU Chef-instructor. It might be the only restaurant in British Columbia where you can get a three course gourmet meal and a glass of wine for under $25.

The menu changes every few weeks, which is necessary for students to learn their craft, and features local fish, meats, cheeses, produce, and wines. And if you go, don’t forget to try the brick oven pizza – it’s incredible. The Farm Table restaurant is opening Wednesday – Friday evenings, 5:30 pm to 9 pm until July 31. For reservations please call 250-597-0599 or visit http://providence.bc.ca/ visit-us/the-farm-table-aculinary-partnership. Submitted by Keith Chicquen

When people think about the rich agricultural history

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

Merridale Launches New Cowichan Gin and Cowichan Spirit Line

n June 12, merridale will release their latest spirit, Cowichan Gin. Merridale’s new handcrafted gin is infused using a combination of traditional gin techniques, made entirely from fruits, and aged in stainless steel tanks for more than 3 years to soften the finish. It features 20 wild and native botanicals foraged from the Cowichan Valley. Local deciduous and coniferous trees, ground cover herbs and roots, and native berries have been sourced for the craft spirit. Many of these botanicals have been hand-picked around the Kinsol Trestle. This historic rail bridge is featured on the Cowichan Gin label in tribute to the many determined community members who worked to have the trestle restored, including merridale’s owner, Janet Docherty. The new gin marks the launch of merridale’s Cowichan spirit line. Merridale will release all

forthcoming spirits under the Cowichan name. As Docherty describes, “The intention is to honour our home and the beautiful valley that holds us by naming the craft spirits produced in our distillery after the Cowichan region.” On Friday, June 12, merridale invites you into their distillery to tell you the story of distilling Cowichan Gin. This exclusive seminar and tasting will be followed by a foragefocused 4-course dinner (set menu). Tickets for this set menu are $59 per person. On Saturday June 13, merridale will hold a day of free foraging focused events to show you how birds, bees, and people can forage for food in the beautiful Cowichan Valley. Meet The Raptors, tour the distillery, learn about native bees from Gord Hutchings, and hear about the power of plant essences from the host of the new online television show, Found and Foraged.

Happy Father’s Day! Celebrate with some local gin Ampersand Distilling Co. Gin Celebrate the spirit of Father’s

Day with Ampersand Gin – created by father-son duo Stephen Schacht & Jeremy Schacht. The distillery is nestled on the lower field of their 5 acre organic farm in the Cowichan Valley. Founded on the idea of bringing things together, Ampersand Distilling Company OPEN TUES TO SAT FROM 11-5PM combines the science and art of distillation with

Merridale Cowichan Gin T

great ingredients. Their unique custom designed and built stills produce spirits of the highest quality, made from organic ingredients and pure spring water. Ampersand Gin is their signature spirit, an instant classic designed to punctuate your favourite gin cocktail. www.ampersanddistilling.com

he world of spirits is limited only by the creativity of the distiller and the ingredients available. Gin provides a broad range of opportunity for the distiller to create, much like we do with our cider. The only requirement for a spirit to be called gin is that it must contain juniper. The Cowichan Valley offers a huge variety of botanicals that beg to be used in our Cowichan Gin. In fact, there are so many options that we may have to make more than one kind of gin! The distiller also has at least three different methods to introduce the botanicals to the process. In our Cowichan Gin, we have used a little bit of all three. Our goal is to make a balanced and gentle gin that offers a broad range of options for the cocktail maker to enjoy. The complexity and smoothness of the gin comes from the more than 20 botanicals used in the process. Merridale’s Cowichan Gin will be available on location at merridale June 12.www. merridalecider.com

h w P L i m w s f t C a p

Averill Creek Features Marechal Foch

och Eh Day! Celebrate pre Canada Day with our proudly Canadian wine, Foch Eh! Marechal Foch is an early ripening, hybrid varietal that is well suited to Vancouver Island’s cool climate. Unoaked, uncomplicated &

fabulously fruity, it’s made from 100% Marechal Foch and is perfect for the patio! www.averillcreek.ca Averill Creek Vineyard Sunday, June 28th, 11am to 5pm 6552 North Road Duncan

Unsworth Releases New Prosecco

sparkler with as much style as the vessel it’s housed in, freshness is key when it comes to Unsworth’s Prosecco style Charme De L’ile - a trait that distinguishes it from Champagne and most other quality sparkling wines. The process is a secondary, bubble-producing fermentation in a sealed tank. This wine resembles Champagne but the result is a lively beverage, tasting of pear, green apple and citrus

with notes of stone, meant to be consumed within a year of bottling.

Eat, Drink and Support Local

SEA BURGERS

TURKEY BURGERS

Let’s Get “Kraken” 12 golden crispy calamari, smoked paprika, fresh cilantro, lettuce, tomato, pickle, white trufﬂe tartar sauce

Gobble Gobble 14 traditional stufﬁng, cranberry, lettuce, tomato, gravy – a three napkin burger!

In Cod We Trust 12 crispy cod tail, avocado, pickled shallots, lettuce, tomato, roasted garlic aioli Fish & Chip Burger 11 beer battered cod, house slaw, white trufﬂe tartar sauce Golden Oppor-TUNA-ty 12 lightly grilled tuna steak, roasted red peppers, grilled pineapple, lettuce, red onion, chipotle aioli Deadliest Catch 12 lightly grilled tuna steak, bacon, pickled shallots, lettuce, tomato, house-made hot sauce, white trufﬂe tartar sauce

VEGGIE BURGERS

Fowl Play 14 hummus, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickled shallot, chipotle aioli

Vancouver Island’s

BIGGEST GOURMET BURGER MENU BEEF BURGERS

Burger Next Door 13 bacon, cheddar, crispy fried onions, lettuce, tomato, pickle, house aioli

Nacho Average Veggie Burger 11 garden vegetarian patty, cheddar, house-made guacamole, salsa, lettuce, tomato, chipotle aioli

Mushroom & Swiss Burger 13 garlic sautéed mushrooms, swiss cheese,lettuce, tomato, pickle, house aioli

Keener Burger 11 house-made quinoa patty, hummus, sweet corn bruschetta, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, roasted garlic aioli

Big Kahuna 16 bourbon bbq sauce, bacon, swiss cheese, grilled pineapple, avocado, pickled shallots, lettuce, tomato, chipotle aioli. “This is a tasty burger!” – pulp ﬁction

CHICKEN BURGERS That’s a Blue Jay! 12 golden crispy breast, blue cheese, lettuce, tomato, house-made hot sauce, ranch The Ragin’ Cajun 12 grilled cajun breast, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, chipotle aioli Chicken or The Egg? 12 grilled cajun breast, fried egg, avocado, pickled shallots, lettuce, tomato, chipotle aioli Out of The Pan Into The Fryer 12 golden crispy chicken breast, salsa, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, garlic aioli What The Cluck? 12 grilled breast, bacon, smokey maple glaze, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, roasted garlic aioli

California Dreamin’ 14 swiss cheese, roasted red peppers, avocado, red onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ranch good “on such a winters day” Leaning Tower of Cheesa 15 cheddar, swiss, blue cheese, crispy onions, lettuce, tomato, pickle, house aioli Brown Chicken Brown Cow 13 fried egg, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickle, house aioli (I’m too sexy for this barn)

Party Fowl 13 bourbon bbq sauce, cheddar, roasted red peppers lettuce, tomato, chipotle aioli

LAMB BURGERS Lamb-Burgini 13 hummus, cucumber, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, sour cream “0 to full… what a rush!” National Lambpoon 12 bourbon bbq sauce, crispy onions, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickle, roasted garlic aioli – Mary HAD a little lamb Assa-lamb-ualaykum (not halal) 12 curried patty, bacon, swiss cheese, roasted red peppers, coconut, lettuce, tomato, pickle, roasted garlic aioli Double Stack Heart Attack 17 Duncan’s Ofﬁcial Biggest Burger two house-made AAA patties, bacon, cheddar, crispy fried onion, lettuce, tomato, pickle, house aioli

DOUBLE STACK HEART ATTACK CHALLENGE!!!

Finish two Double Stack Heart Attacks with a side of fries and your meal is on the house!!! if not…$27 (house rules apply, like….no bathroom breaks)

$1 add ons… bacon, fried egg,

sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onion, crispy onion, bourbon bbq sauce roasted red peppers, hummus, avocado, corn bruschetta, pineapple, cheddar, swiss, blue cheese

Red Bullet 13 suicide hot sauce, jalapeño peppers, swiss cheese, sweet corn bruschetta, lettuce, chipotle aioli

Travelodge Silver Bridge Inn 140 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan

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

june music Pablo Cardenos Sunday Jazz Series

Lindsay Ferguson Canadian Lindsay Ferguson showcases her third record “Chameleon”. She lives between Bern, Switzerland and Wakefield, Quebec. “Her music and lyrics pick you up like big safe arms and bring you in close and tight. Just like a hug from the person who has your heart.” - Chelsea Miller; Radio 96.5 fm June 12, Duncan Showroom, 8pm $15 door ($12 advance).

Pablo Luis Cardenas is a pianist with the ability to play in a multitude of styles each with enthusiasm, skill and finesse. He has a charisma and charm that both intrigues and entertains his audience. This talented musician from Matanzas, Cuba was destined for a life in music after his hands first touched a piano at the age of five. When Pablo was just seven years old began his studies at the Conservatory of Music in Matanzas and went on to complete his music diploma in classical and jazz at the National School of Music in Havana. Pablo has performed Classical recitals in the most important theatres of Cuba including the famous Amadeo Roldan Theatre and Federico Garcia Lorca. His his own jazz project combines jazz, fusion, Latin jazz, traditional and contemporary Cuban styles. Crofton Pub, Sunday, June 21 2-5pm. $10

Farm Dance Under The Stars at Providence Farm 5 bands on the main stage, beer and wine garden, 50/50 draw and silent auction, great farm food including wood fired oven pizza. Tickets available at the Providence Farm General Store, Providence Farm reception office, Ten Old Books (Duncan Garage), Sports Traders or online at www.providence. bc.ca Farm Dance under the Stars Saturday June 20th 6pm until midnight Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan 250 746-4204.

JOIN US FOR

LUNCH + DINNER

OPEN

7 DAYS A WEEK

look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

theoldﬁrehouse.ca

“It’s fresher from here” Marinated Farm House Poultry Chicken For The BBQ Recipe Courtesy Chef Brad Boisvert, CURE Artisan Meat & Cheese

Ingredients Island Farmhouse Chicken Breast, skin on Olive oil Apple cider Vinegar Lemon juice Lovage fresh chopped * Beer mustard * Preserve lemon, minced Salt and Pepper

Amounts 4 x 6oz 2/3 cup 1/4 cup 1 tablespoon 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons to taste

Method In a bowl mix all ingredients but the chicken. Add the chicken to marinate. Let marinate 4 hours and up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.

ince making the Cowichan Valley their home last Summer, Tin Yan and Antoine (of Sprouts Pop Up) have been thinking of ways they could contribute to the vibrant food scene. Having made the move from Australia where Antoine ran Loafer Bread- an organic sourdough bakery, the two thought a little pizzeria is just the thing the Slow Food town of Cowichan Bay could use.

Destination Pizza

Enter Stowaway Olive, a popup pizzeria that will be open Friday to Sunday evenings at Zoe’s Espresso Bar from June 5. Inspired by the simplicity of the Italian approach to pizzas, you’ll find lightly topped, thin crust pizzas that encourage individual flavours to shine through. There will be traditional favourites such as margherita, as well as other fantastic flavour combinations from around the world. Don’t be surprised if you find kimchi on your pizza! The menu will be created from what is fresh and in season from week to week, celebrating the abundance of amazing local produce in the valley.

The pizza bases will be made with freshly milled flour from True Grain. There will be an emphasis on using ancient grain varieties like spelt and khorasan, and the doughs will be naturally leavened with long fermentation times. This combination will make for delicious crusts that are full of flavour and are much easier to digest, compared to the usual yeasted bases that are made with conventional flour and short fermentation times. Stowaway Olive encourages everyone to eat in, enjoy the seaside village vibes and even catch a surprise act from local musicians. Make the journey to Cowichan Bay for a pizza experience not to be missed! For weekly specials and the latest happenings go to www.fb.com/stowawayolive Stowaway Olive: Fri to Sun, 4 - 8pm (GF friendly)

Grill chicken on medium high heat for approximately 8 minutes on each side or until chicken is done. Chicken must be cooked until internal temperature reaches 165 F. Rest chicken for 10 minutes before serving. Goes great with local nugget potatoes and asparagus. *Beer mustard and preserve lemons can be purchased at Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese located in Valley View Centre.

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

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

nthropogenic climate change resulting from emissions of greenhouse gases is a familiar concept. Carbon dioxide produced by industrial activity typically is portrayed as a driver of the climatechange problem, a notion derived from considerable evidence. We have a predicament, not a problem. And carbon dioxide has been joined by atmospheric methane as a mechanism underlying global climate change. Finally, and worst of all, abrupt climate change has been triggered. This is not your grandfather’s climate change. It’s the stuff of nightmares, and it’s happened several times in the planetary past. Methane is far more powerful a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. It’s been ignored by media, governments, and major assessments published by numerous organizations. Atmospheric methane is the proverbial elephant in the planetary room, and it’s poised to cause Earth to warm beyond

a point habitable by humans in the near future. Because we rely upon habitat for our survival, it appears even our cleverness cannot get us out of this trap. Already, the gradual rate of climate change is outstripping the ability of native plants and animals to keep up with ongoing changes by a factor of 10,000. Food and water shortages are accelerating around the globe, and we’ve only recently entered the domain of abrupt climate change. We depend completely upon plants for our survival. Land plants cannot keep up with ongoing, gradual changes at regional and local levels. Phytoplankton in the ocean -- the base of the marine food web -- are rapidly declining. Humans are clever, but we will not survive without food. Questions arise: What to do? How do we face the existential abyss? I encourage two pursuits: excellence and love. Even if all the dire information regarding climate change is incorrect, I doubt we can do better than those two pursuits.

Saturdays 10am -2pm

Honeymoon Bay OUTDOOR MARKET

May 9 – Oct. 10

Something for everyone!

Follow the signs to Honeymoon Bay, where we MAKE IT,

BAKE IT, GROW IT, SEW IT or CREATE IT for you.

Come celebrate our 9th year as your favourite “Frontier Town” Market.

Responding To Abrupt Climate Change Presentation by Dr. Guy McPherson, Sunday June 14th 1-3:30pm, Island Savings Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan By donation, Suggested $5-25

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

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

Wilted Greens with Tahini Dressing Recipe Courtesy 8 1/2 Acres

In a large pot boil 2-3 inches of water with ½ tsp. of salt. Roughly chop 8 ½ acres Asian greens and place in pot with a lid. Steam for 1 minute then strain. Drizzle (or smother) with dressing and enjoy! In a food processor or blender mix: 1-2 garlic cloves, 1” peeled ginger, 2/3 c. tahini, 1tbsp. tamari, 6 tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tbsp honey, ¼ cup water and salt to taste.

ost of us are used to the regular brassicas, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, but there are so many more varieties as to boggle the mind! Mustards are one sub-set of the brassica family that should not be overlooked. For many, Mustard is simply a tangy, yellow spread, but for those in the know Mustards are wonderful greens that add spice and crunch to your dinner. Mustards are rich in vitamins and minerals and are enjoyed around the world, no more so than in many East Asian countries where vegetable consumption is much higher than here in the west. Coloured Mustards such as Komatsuna, Dragon’s Tongue and Red Mizuna add visual appeal and richness to your plate while Green Mustards like Kobutakana, Tokyo Bekana and Mizuna give texture and smooth out the flavours. Growing vegetables without the use of chemicals means that bugs like them too! If you find some small holes in your

Asian Greens

mustards, not to worry - it just means the flea beetles have been to visit ! Eat ‘em raw, fry ‘em, steam ‘em or toss them in your soup – any way they’re a taste sensation. Go on, try ‘em. You won’t be disappointed. See you at the Duncan Saturday Market or Wednesday Cowichan Market 4-6:30pm!

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

Submitted by Mike & Talyn –owners / operators 8 and a 1/2 Acres. fb:8andahalfacres

Nick at Mount Everest Base Camp

Cowichan Bay Film Maker survives Earthquake in Nepal

ick Versteeg was in Nepal when the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck on April 25. He and his wife Elly had been in Nepal for several weeks, but his wife left 10 days earlier since Nick moved on to film a project for the Duncan Rotary. Nick and his trekking partner Ivan Bacica had just returned from Everest Base Camp when the earthquake hit and where 19 people lost their lives. That day, Nick was in Namche Bazar, a small mountain village, but the hub for all Everest trekkers. He had to run for his life leaving his camera and all the footage of six weeks behind. Fortunately it was retrieved under an amount of dust so he will be able to make a short video on this experience. On Wednesday, June 3, Nick Versteeg will be showing

two of his documentaries “Seventy-One Years, the Loss and Discovery of Avro Anson L7056” about the war plane that was lost 71 years ago and discovered around Port Renfrew in October 2013. The other documentary, a more humorous one, is One Man’s Dream, the history of the Malahat Hwy. Nick will start the evening on June 3 with a 15-minute presentation and images on his experience in Nepal. All the net proceeds of the evening will go directly to the village of Khumjung where he was filming a dental camp for a week with dentist Jeff Phillips from Seattle. Event: Wednesday, June 3 at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, at 7:00 pm. Tickets $9.50 per person, available at the ticket office, 250-748-7529

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

FIND us LOCALLY at Spinning Ninny 306 Duncan St, Duncan SPECIAL EVENTS in victoria June 20 - fernfest in the squARE June 21 - car free day Festival Douglas St 12-6pm

Men’s Health – Nutrition from the Bulk Food Section

t’s no secret that natural, organic foods are better for both men and women. This month, as we celebrate the men in our lives, we want to focus on how a few changes and additions to the average man’s diet can have a positive impact on overall health. The following foods are all available in our organic bulk food section, which is great if you just want to try a small amount to see how you like it. I have included some ideas on how to add them to your diet. Pumpkin Seeds – are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, magnesium and zinc, which benefit heart and prostate health as well as boost the immunity system. Add these to muffins, salads and granola. Real Cinnamon – helps control blood sugar lowering the risk of heart disease. Sprinkle on oatmeal or desserts.

Goji Berries – are an antioxidant power house, cleansing cells while boosting the ability of your body to fight disease. Add to yogurt, cereals and trail mixes. Almonds and other raw nuts - are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to lower the risk of chronic illness like heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Grab a handful to snack on between meals. Turmeric – assists in digesting fats and simulating the production of bile. It can also act as a natural form of detox for your liver. Add a small amount to main or side dishes, or add a tsp to a cup of warm milk with a drizzle of honey. Quinoa – is considered an ideal protein. Which, amongst other numerous benefits, is great for healthy hair and skin. Simply boil these tiny seeds as you would

rice, use as a side dish or in a salad. Lentils – are high in phytooestrogens and helps balance testosterone, preventing excess levels circulating in the blood. Make a lentil soup or dahl once a week. For more information on these, and many more, nutritional health boosting foods, visit us as Scoops Natural Foods at Whippletree Junction, on Trans Canada Highway, Duncan. Pam Stiles is the owner of Scoops Natural Foods at Whippletree Junction. (250) 715-6888

For those men who aren’t shaving these days due to the current beard craze, Robin has also just launched her new Beard Oil to use to condition facial hair and skin. It contains five skin healing herbs from her extensive gardens and comes in three delicious essential oil scents – WOO, WOW and WOOD. Botanical Bliss can be found at the Duncan Market on Saturdays 9 – 2, and at botanicbliss.com or 250-710-1276.

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

A Father’s Day & Men’s Health Week Call To Men!

he West Coast Men’s Support Society (WCM) has been serving the Cowichan Valley and beyond for 6 years. We have supported well over 100 men, women, couples, and youth with one-on-one and group based services. We are based in the Merchant Building (the old Eaton’s Building) on Station Street in downtown Duncan. It has been an awesome location for us since we are one floor below Work BC where many men go to seek vocational assistance; and end up being referred to us for bio-psycho-social assistance. Because WCM is a non-profit society, we are able to serve everyone no matter their economic status. We work as an advocate for individuals who require a voice at various government offices. We will accompany people to court who require moral support. We support male youth in our local school system through either group based or one-on-one sessions. We have been delivering an annual adventure weekend for male youth that has changed

many young men’s lives. We have a very comprehensive website (www.westcoastmen. org) that offers many links to supportive resources (legal, medical, family, etc.). It is the hope of WCM that men take responsibility for their well being. Whether men are feeling depressed, angry, sad, and are isolating themselves, we are here to help. Whether men are dealing with a separation or divorce and/or custody related challenges, we can provide you with input based on our experience. Please reach out and ask WCM for help. This is why we are here. Please call us at 250-597-2801. We wish all fathers, brothers, uncles and grandfathers a very Happy Father’s Day!! We hope that you will take care of yourselves and those who you care about. We look forward to connecting with you very soon. Grant M. Waldman, Executive Director/ Wellness Coach West Coast Men’s Support Society

Return to a clean home and workplace.

Giving you back the luxury of time and a naturally clean home to enjoy it in! Providing professional, eco friendly cleaning services.

250 929 8381 www.cleanchoicecleaners.com Licensed - Insured - Bonded

Home Cleaning Gift Certiﬁcates available for Family & Friends!

Helping Men, Families and Community to create Full, Healthier Lives!

250 597-2801 www.westcoastmen.org

F Taste of Tea: New White Tea

hite tea is one of five categories of tea that comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is the least processed of all teas, minimally oxidized (up to 15%) and dehydrated without any manipulation. The result is a smooth, almost sweet tasting cup, void of the astringency other types of tea often demonstrate.

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. 250-749-6563

Violin

zakviolins@shaw.ca www.zakviolins.com

The processing of white tea dates back centuries to Fujian province in China. The original and most exquisite white tea is produced from the fresh and plump bud of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is the white, hairy down of the bud that has given white tea its name. These buds are meticulously handpicked in the spring and processed into the very fine tea known as Silver Needle. It can take up to 10,000 buds to generate 1 kilo of white Silver Needle tea. Other types of white tea include the first two leaves along with the bud. This type of white tea is known as Bai

Mu Dan, or White Peony, and produces a mild and very enjoyable cup. In recent years, the popularity of white tea has risen dramatically and as a consequence white tea is now also being manufactured in many other parts of the tea producing world. Our five year old tea plants are now coming into maturity for harvesting tea and we are very excited about the release of our first tea later this year. We will of course feature a Cowichan grown white. Visit the farm and/or find us at the Duncan Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market on Saturdays as we will also be selling fresh tea leaves for culinary use. Local tea is very much a reality and we are excited to be sharing it with the Cowichan Valley and beyond.

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

Margit and Victor grow tea culture in the Cowichan Valley. www.teafarm.ca

w e h t a w c t k b

H a D s t T S t b

Shimmy and Silk - A Bellydance Fashion Show

or many years, thousands of dancers all over the world have been trying to elevate bellydance to a much higher standard, and show the general public that this is a true art form. The moment we step out of our bellydance community it is easy to see that the general public still knows almost nothing about bellydance as an art form. How can we let people know about World Bellydance Day and at the same time do something fun that gives back to the community? The answer is to be part of Shimmy Mob, a flash mob type event, with a multitude of benefits for all involved.

Our primary objective is to raise donations and awareness. Funds raised via Shimmy Mob will be donated to Abused Women and Children shelters throughout the world.

Last month over 2300 dancers from all over the world participated in Shimmy Mob; danced to the same music, did the same choreography wearing matching t-shirts and raised funds for their chosen local charities. On Wednesday, June 10th the Cowichan Valley Shimmy Mob team presents it’s big fundraising event for Somenos Transition House. Shimmy and Silk - A Belly Dance Fashion Show At The Cow Bay Cafe West Coast Grill in Cowichan Bay. Only 60 presale tickets available. $15 per person. Tickets available from Shimmy Mob team members; at Danse Oriental; Dallis at Buckerfields and at Curves Duncan Some tickets available at the door. Reservations from 5:30,

Handcrafted Hula Hoops, Poi, Play Gear, Animal Ears, CLASSES and more! Gear for adults and kids!

Hoop & Poi Classes for fun & fitness!

Dara DeBin (250) 634-3272

www.LoveandFlow.net

seating is limited so reserve early!! 250-597-4353 Fish and Chips special and regular menu available Explore the sounds, the movements and the costumes of various belly dance styles.

LIVE CRAB • FRESH FISH • LOCAL SPOT PRAWNS AND MORE! Poached Sockeye Salmon with Mixed Spring Greens and New Potatoes By Gary Faessler-Local chef, food and wine writer, stylist and photographer

Ingredients and Amounts

Fish 3 lb. sockeye salmon steaks 1 medium onion slice 2 bay leaves 10 whole black peppercorns 2 whole allspice 1/4 cup table salt

Salad Mix of spring greens (arugula, watercress, butter, lettuce, escarole, dandelion greens) 14 oz. new potatoes ½ cucumber cut into ribbons with a vegetable peeler

Dressing 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil Juice of one lemon 1 tsp. ﬁnely grated fresh lemon zest 1/2 tsp. sugar 2 Tbs. Fresh dill ﬁnely chopped

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

Live drummer! Silent Auction We are gratefully accepting donations of cash and items for our silent auction. (email Chris at cooncreek@shaw.ca if you would like to help!)

Spring Hours Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 am to 6pm

Method In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and allspice to a boil, then stir in salt. Turn off heat, add the salmon and cover pot with lid and let stand undisturbed until ﬁsh just separates from bones, about 10 minutes. Transfer salmon to a shallow dish with a slotted spoon and let stand until cool enough to handle. In the meantime, boil the potatoes in a pot of water for about 10 minutes, drain then plunge into cold water. In a large salad bowl add the spring greens, new potatoes, and cucumber. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and set aside. Carefully remove ﬂesh from each salmon steak in pieces as large as possible, discarding skin and bones. Toss the salad with the dressing, divide between four plates and serve with the salmon on top.

1751 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay 250-748-0020 Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas St, 778-433-4385 E-mail: info@cowichanbayseafood.com

Ken Broadland

The Art Of Working From Home

If you would like to sign up for an annual subscription of The Valley Voice (12 isssues for $36), or please email distribution@ cowichanvalleyvoice.com or call Linda at 778-936-0028.

Out of town for the summer?

Botanical Bliss Garden Tour

otanical Bliss will host its 2015 Garden Tour on Sunday June 14, 11 am – 3 pm at 6119 Lakeview Drive, Duncan. Come tour our herbal garden, meet over 50 herbs and learn their history and uses. Guided and self-guided tours available. Chartered Herbalist Robin Round will demo herbal medicine making at 1 pm. Cooling herbal teas provided. Everyone is welcome and the event is FREE! Come rain or shine. 10% off purchases over $30 with our ad in this issue! Contact: 250-710-1276.

woodworkers, winemakers and furniture makers. The work they produce is of the finest quality and can be found in collections around the world. As you’ll discover during their Open Studio Weekend Tour, June 5th, 6th and 7th, each creates their art in Peggy Brackett home-based outbuildings, workshops and studios. In few years ago, Microsoft the case of vintner Venturisurveyed 4,000 workers Schulze, their workplace is a in various industries to see 15-acre back yard. Furniture what benefits they perceived maker and new member, from working out of their Live Edge Design is the only home. Here are their top 10 member who doesn’t work at responses in reverse order: home, however they’re so busy their Duncan Benefits from Working at Home shop might as well be 10) Environmentally friendly (23%) home! 9) More time with family (29%) This particular art tour 8) Less stressful environment (38%) allows you to travel to 7) Quieter atmosphere (43%) the members’ studios 6) Eliminate long commute (44%) to meet and interact 5) Less distractions (44%) with the artists in the 4) More productive (45%) very places where 3) Avoid traffic (47%) they make their magic 2) Save gas (55%) happen. The Cowichan 1) Work/home balance (60%) Artisans Open Studio Weekend Tour: June With this in mind, it’s not 5th, 6th and 7th at homesurprising that nine out based studios throughout the of ten members of the Cowichan Valley. For more Cowichan Artisans work on the tour and The Cowichan from their home, right here Artisans, visit them at in the Cowichan Valley. If www.cowichanartisans.com you’re unfamiliar with the Nigel Yonge is a Cowichan Artisans, they are copywriter and a highly talented collective creative director professional painters, potters, with Taiji Brand jewelers, glassworkers, Group. www.taiji.ca

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

Angela Marston courtesy Alcheringa Gallery.

Reception will be held on Friday June 5th, between 7 – 9pm. Drop by for an evening celebration with artists in attendance. Refreshments will be served. PORTALS, the CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture and Heritage, 2687 James Street, Duncan, is inside the Island Savings Centre, next to the public library. For more information call 250-746-1633. Show runs June 1 - 20.

Women First - Celebrating Traditional and Contemporary Female Aboriginal Artists The Cowichan Valley Arts Council is proud to present ‘Women First’, an all female show celebrating the artwork of Aboriginal Artists. Featured artists include two mother and daughter groups: Jane Marston, Angela Marston, Karen Marston and Marlene Tommy and Sophia M. George. Suzan Kostiuck and Brenda Pon are also featured artists. Traditional and contemporary art forms will include original paintings and prints, mixed media, beadwork, carving, photography and knitting. An Artists’

Ancient Traditions, Thriving In Modern Times Labyrinth Pilgrimages; something very special and unique has emerged amongst the magnificent landscapes of our island. Vancouver Island now has more than 65 labyrinths, the highest density in the world of these peaceful pathways. Pilgrimages are made to similar havens around the world, when people focused

on well- being travel to that region to renew themselves in mind, body and spirit. Pilgrimages are journeys of personal meaning having a secular, spiritual or religious purpose such as: the Camino in Spain, Machu Picchu in Peru, Sedona in Arizona or Mecca in Arabia. Oceanside Pathways 2 Wellness, Vancouver Island Labyrinths and Cheers Cowichan are collaborating to offer a “first” on our island; a traveling “retreat”, walking labyrinths in beautiful settings both in the Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo/Parksville region. Helpful for those experiencing stress or transition-recently retired, newly divorced, health or job loss, taking stock, shifting gears… seeking peace of mind, relaxation, compassion and connection. This pilgrimage experience will seamlessly incorporate current research from the fields of wellness, neuroscience and contemplative science. The current “labyrinth” pilgrimage serenity retreat being offered is. Solstice: June 20 to 21 (register by June 1). To register and for itinerary details go to www. pathways2wellness.ca. Join us for these unique labyrinth journeys! Flexible options available. We also create private pilgrimages for groups of 6 or more. Bus transportation is provided by cheerscowichan.com For more information contact: Holly Carnegie Letcher BSc. (O.T.), Veriditas Certified Labyrinth Facilitator, pathways2wellness@ bell.net, www.pathways2wellness.ca or Patricia Lyster B.A., M.ED 2plyster@gmail.com Vancouverislandlabyrinths.com

have discovered the secret world behind beekeeping and I want to tell you about it. When we think about raising bees in our back yard, the first thing that might come to mind is the idea of getting stung. Then the mind builds on the idea, conjuring up all kinds of things that might go wrong. Next thing you know, the idea of beekeeping flies out the window. But it isn’t so. Raising honey bees will raise your spirits and improve your life. Here is what really happens. Friendship. To keep bees, you have to learn about the bees’ life cycle, their behavior and their needs. You have to do the right thing for the bees at the right time. You have to care for them properly and this is important. Beekeepers know how to do this and they really want to help you. You will meet these caring people, share your interest with them and learn from them. Your new friendships will raise your spirits. Toys. To keep bees you will have to buy some new toys, the supers, frames, a bee suit and some other bits. It costs about $400 to get started. You don’t have to buy everything all at once but you will need to have everything by the middle of the summer. The things you buy are quite satisfying, made from wood and bees wax, you put them together almost like children’s blocks. Or you can buy the boxes and frames pre-assembled. Your brand new bee hive boxes will raise your spirits as you anticipate what’s to come.

Carpentry. If you like carpentry or wood finishing you can dress up your bee boxes. You can build specialty boxes, observation hives, boxes for creating new colonies. You can be artistic, creative or just git ‘er done. No matter what your level of carpentry skill, a little bit of woodworking will complement your interest in keeping bees. Hobbies helping hobbies, how about that? Your first bees. The day you bring your first bees home and gently set them into their new home is the day your journey of caring and participating in a miracle of nature really begins. It’s so exciting. The next day, and every other week or so, you will visit your bees for a few minutes to see what’s going on and to help them with their needs. With each visit you will be fascinated to watch as your bees furnish their home, fly off to collect pollen, raise thousands more bees and make honey. Your spirits will be lifted, over and over again. The flowers. Bees will travel three kilometres or more from their hive to find the pollen and nectar they need. The flowers and trees around your home will suddenly become much more interesting to you. And you might even start planting more trees and flowers especially for your bees. Remember Johnny Appleseed, he was probably a beekeeper.

neighbour’s Image above; A new, developing trees are going hive established a month ago. to produce far more blossoms and fruit because of your bees. How great is that? The fragrance. When August rolls around and you go down to see your bees, as soon as you lift the lid you will be greeted with the delicious fragrance of real, pure honey. Flowery, warm and sweet, matter what you do, there will the essence be more honey next year for as of every blossom and flower long as you tend to your bees’ in your neighborhood gets simple needs. concentrated inside your bee So, hidden behind the fear hive for you to savour, a gift of a bee sting is a world of from your bees to you. Your friendship, joyful activity and spirits will soar. natural wonders waiting to be The taste of honey. The taste of discovered. In the two years since I started, I have never honey made by your very own bees is the ultimate reward. The been stung. On one occasion a busy bee got right inside my bees bring so many other gifts helmet but I was able to coax it that it is hard to believe there is out before it noticed me. I love honey too. Jar after jar can be enjoyed all winter. You can give my bees. They raise my spirits and improve my life, big time! it to friends and family, cook

Raising Bees Raises Your Spirits

with it, sell it, donate it. No

Submitted by Kelvin McCulloch

Fruit trees. Your bees will pollinate all the fruit trees in your area. If there weren’t enough bees in your area before, your apple trees, plum trees, cherry trees and all your

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

TIME TO PLANT! www.dinternursery.ca

Great selection of quality plants, your ONE STOP for all gardening needs.

June 14, 20 & 27 • 10am

Master Gardening Clinic Bring your

gardening questions for a detailed explanation.

VEGETABLE SAVER!

Protek Insect Netting is a lightweight solution to protect your vegetables from insects such as carrot rust ﬂy, cabbage looper and other ﬂying pests. It is UV resistant and light enough to lay directly on the plants. The netting is 2 m (6’6”) wide and is sold by the foot at Dinter Nursery.

Serving local gardeners since 1973

250 748 2023

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

cotch broom is spreading everywhere – tragically taking over places where our native plants and grasses and young trees had thrived. But some communities are successfully turning the tide. You can too. The best time to cut broom is in full bloom (April – May) because the plant’s energy is above ground producing flowers. If cut at ground level, in bloom, the stressed plant will die in summer’s dry heat. And no seeds! But this year, the seedpods formed 2 weeks earlier than usual because of the warm winter. So people ask, “I missed my chance to Cut Broom in Bloom. Can I still cut broom?” Yes. Broom plants cut in June will still die – especially in this dry heat. But think before you cut - How can I keep these seeds from spreading or sprouting? It helps to understand the plant. How does broom spread so quickly and densely? The SEEDS! Broom does not spread from the roots, like blackberry or knotweed. Broom roots die easily, which is why you don’t need to pull them. But the seeds are prolific and remain alive and ready to sprout for decades! Don’t give them a chance!

Broom seeds love bare soil and sunlight - so protect your ground cover. Grass, salal, Oregon grape, wild rose, kale, anything. Best of all – keep and plant trees! Don’t disturb the soil.

Cut Broom in June

Broombusters stop community cuts when seed pods form. But there are still places and ways to continue to cut broom, especially on your own property, in thickets, and in the wilds. Be wise, but often around the edges of fields and meadows, and along trails, you can “Cut and Drop.” Small amounts of broom can be left where they fall, or stacked under bordering trees and brush. Broom can also be piled on top of itself, in an already infested area. Cut the broom into smaller lengths to shrink faster. You can burn it next fall when rains return.

Leave the little ones for now. Using long handled loppers, cut at ground level if the stem is as big as a finger. If the plant is BIG (over 1½ inches), it will die if you just cut off all manageable branches. When you “Cut and Drop”, the seed pods will still turn into seeds, but they will not spread to new areas. And the plants are gone! The important thing is: don’t drag broom branches with seedpods across clear areas! And remember, broom is a fire hazard alive or dead. Don’t make piles near places where people pass. Good luck! Broombusters is here to help you succeed! “Cut the Bloomin’ Broom!” Joanne Sales is a blueberry farmer, writer & founder of Broombusters now in the Cowichan Valley.

C p f t C w D e s w c

Theatre•Dance•Music•Swim

NEW

SUMMER

CAMPS

SUMMER WONDERLAND ADVENTURES July 27- 31st, 10 am - 4pm Children 8-12yrs old

EXPLORE YOUR heArt CREATIVELY

August 10-14 10am- 4pm Youth 13-18yrs old

Summer Wonderland Lila Music Centre is hosting three exciting summer workshop events bringing together a magical creative diversity including singing, acting improvisation, dance, yoga, music, song writing, games, swimming and more for all ages. The workshops will be lead by several people each bringing a wealth of creativity. They will happen simultaneously allowing people to flow and grow through their heArts in the moment. Exploration into the abundance of you. “Summer Wonderland Adventures” July 27- 31st, 10 am - 4pm Children 8-12yrs old.

CONSCIOUSLY CONNECT Weekend for Adults August 15-16 10am - 4 pm

song writing, music, improv theatre, vocal improv Anne Schaefer (music/song writing),Cari Burdett (song/ vocal improv), Victoria Scott (theatre) & Paulina Kee (yoga) BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

WOOD CAMPS

WOODWORKING CLASSES WITH MASSIMO PINTUS

Ages 10 and up Dates and times to be announced Lila Music Centre

3228A GIBBINS RD, DUNCAN

250 701 0978

www.joythroughmusic.com

Creative Dance

Nurture and enrich your child’s creativity with fun, vibrant, and energetic creative dance classes offered at Lila Music Centre this summer for ages 3 to 6 years. The class, inspired by the seasons, children’s stories, songs, and familiar or imagined settings provides an opportunity for your child to have fun while exploring their own self expression through dance. It is a supportive and welcoming environment that encourages creativity and stimulates the imagination. In class, we will spend time with dragons and fairies and take our ponies for a jaunt through an enchanted forest. We will grow, shrink, freeze and melt. And of course, get exercise, develop motor skills and deepen our self-awareness. Runs for 4 sessions Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.Ages 3 to 4, 9:15 am- 10 am, Age 5 to 6, 10:15 am -11 am visit joythoughmusic.com for session dates.

Mothes Summer Camp For the 5th year now Mothes Camps will be offering their popular summer camps for children ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 14 – this year at the HUB in Cowichan Station. Camp 1 runs from July 6th – July 17th, Camp 2 from July 27th – August 7th, both Monday through Friday, 9am. to 4 pm. The core of our camps is a strong Waldorf Rhythm of breathing in and breathing out throughout the day – action-packed times alternate with quiet times in a healthy way. We offer a wide variety of activities such as (team) games, sports, arts and crafts, singing, teambuilding challenges and ropes courses, and we go on explorer day trips to the river and to different beaches. Our experience in curative and remedial education enables us to successfully lead and guide diverse, multi-age groups. For more info or to register please contact us at 250 597-2217.

Urban Farm Cowichan Green Community is bringing back KinPark Kid’s Camp for another awesome, fun-filled summer! This summer will be full of more gardening and farming fun full of games, sports, crafts, and even children’s yoga at our KinPark Youth Urban Farm on Alderlea Street in Duncan. Camp will be running from July 6th August 28th, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.

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

Children attending camp will also take part in greenhouse gardening, harvesting fresh berries and veggies, and learning how to cook these edibles at Cowichan Green Community’s commercial kitchen. We will also visit the spray park downtown Duncan, and the Cowichan Aquatic Centre every Friday for swimming. Registration is starting now! For more info please visit our website cowichangreen community.org or call us at 250-748-8506.

Adventure Kayak Coastal Bliss Adventures will be running their popular Day – camps for children 9 – 12 years. The camps are based in Cowichan Bay and run Tuesday – Friday July 14 – 17, July 21 – 24 and Aug 11 – 14. Activities include water sports such as kayaking using sea kayaks, river kayaks (on flatwater), canoes and stand-up paddle boards. Children also spend an afternoon at the Cowichan Bowman club doing archery, do sword fencing, go on a nature walk and explore the intertidal zone, and participate in circus activities such as high stilt walking and juggling. Our multi-day youth kayak camp for teens 12 – 16 years runs August 19 – 21. We paddle to Wallace Island, north of Salt Spring Island, where we set up a base camp and explore the surrounding islands and waterways. Kayaking, camping and summer fun with friends is the focus for this program.www.coastalbliss.ca, 1 800 896 9525

Marine Biology With Cowichan Bay in our backyard, we will explore the amazing diversity of the estuary with activities such as mud digs, beach seines, games, crafts, and maybe a little ice cream too! Kids will have the opportunity to explore our touch tank seaquaria and use microscopes to take

Kids Kayaking & Adventure Programs a closer look at what’s living right next door! This year we are excited to offer a Marine Biology Leadership camp for youth aged 12-18 who are interested in leadership in the marine biology and/ or child and youth care field. First aid training is provided. Youth will then have opportunity to volunteer with our camps throughout the summer. Camps run from 9 am - 3:30 pm. Visit www. cowichanestuary.ca for session times.

4 Day Programs

Tuesday – Friday 8:30 – 3pm Ages 9-12 yr olds • July/Aug 2015

July 14 – 17

July 21– 24

Aug 11– 14 Coastal Bliss Kid’s Summer Kayaking and Adventure Camps 4 Day Program Cost: $228 + GST

Musical Theatre Chalkboard Theatre is a non-profit society committed to both producing innovative professional theatre, and providing quality educational programs for youth. Our focus for summer camp is to give students a taste of training in all the elements of musical theatre - acting, singing and dancing - and have a tonne of fun. In just 5 days they will learn 5-6 songs, dialogue, and cheoregraphy, followed by a performance on Saturday for family and friends. July 6-11, 2015 -Disney Villains. Move over Princesses, the Villains of Disney are taking over! This camp will feature songs made famous by some of Disney’s most dastardly villains. Aug 31-Sept 5, 2015 - Kids on Broadway. This camp will feature music sung by kids and teens in Broadway shows. QMS Fine Arts Building, Monday-Friday 9-4, ages 8-13 Saturday afternoon show $250/week includes t-shirt www.chalkboardtheatre. com or call Cathy Schmidt(250) 746-6897

Activities will include: Kayaking, archery, circus activities, and nature walks. *Prerequisite:Comfortable in and around water & Able to swim 25m.

Youth Overnight Kayaking Camp Programs for 12 – 16 year olds

Aug 19– 21 3 Days (2 nights + trip prep evening) Cost: $285 + GST

Our Teen Kayaking Camp explores the Gulf Islands with 3 days paddling and 2 nights camping. Participants will learn and develop many skills while making new friends and having fun. (Max:12 teens per group) *Prerequisite: Average swimming ability.

FOR MORE INFO 1 800 896 9525

coastalbliss@shaw.ca

www.coastalbliss.ca 27

Summer Creative Dance Classes for Children with Paulina Kee

An opportunity for children to play and explore movement with their imagination

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays Session A July 7,8, 9 Session B July 14,15,16 Session C August 18, 19, 20 Session D August 25, 26, 27

Ages 3/4 9:15 am-10 am Ages 5/6 10:15 am-11 am

3 classes for $40, 6 classes for $70 or $15 drop-in

No one turned away for lack of funds.

For more information 250 597 0313 I paulinakee@gmail.com

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

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

ne of the best family group rides of the year is coming up on June 21st. The Cowichan Valley Ride Don’t Hide begins with an 8:30am registration at Glenora Trailhead Park with the ride commencing at 10am. This is a ride for cyclists of all levels that offers a 10 or 26 km course on the Cowichan Valley Trail. This year there is even a 1 km course for families with little littles. Cycle Therapy Bikes will have a crew on the route to help out if anyone has a mechanical failure or a flat. After the ride participants will enjoy a free BBQ lunch with prizes, activities and live entertainment. If you want to have some family fun on Father’s day…check it out! There are some basics you may wish to teach your young cyclist before you head out on this ride. For example, kids should ALWAYS wear a helmet…sized to fit properly…worn done up! Lead by example and wear your helmet too! In fact on this ride it’s mandatory. So…the unofficial rules of cycling etiquette for kids are be polite with everyone you meet. Nod your head or say hello to

Teach Your Kids Cycling Etiquette other cyclists. They may feel tired or discouraged and a nod or kind word from you might be all that’s needed to encourage them keep pedaling. Keep to the right side of the trail so that if someone wants to pass you they can do so safely on the left. Ring your bike bell or call hello when you are about to pass someone. It lets them know you are behind them and want to pass them. Remember to try and pass them on their left. Be thoughtful if you find you need to stop and keep to the far right side of the trail and out of the way of other cyclists. And have fun! See you on the trail! Sandra Beggs owns and operates Cycle Therapy in Duncan. wwwcycletherapy.ca

Maple Bay Yacht Club CANSail SAILING LESSONS Courses run in July and August 0830 - 1530 Daily Our instructors are fully trained and certified by the Canadian Yachting Association. They also hold certification in first aid, National Coaching Certification, power boat operation, boat rescue/life saving, & VHF operator’s license.

DATE

OPTI COURSES

LASER & 420’S

June 29-July 3 July 6-10

CANSail 1 CANSail 2

CANSail 3 CANSail 3

July 13-17

Opti Advanced

CANSail 1

CANSail 4

July 20-24 July 27-31 Aug 3-7 Aug 10-14 Aug 17-21 Aug 24-28

CANSail 1 CANSail 2 CANSail 1 CANSail 2 CANSail 1 Opti Race

CANSail 2 CANSail 1 CANSail 2 CANSail 1 CANSail 2 CANSail 1

CANSail 4 CANSail 3 CANSail 3 CANSail 4 CANSail 4 RACE CLINIC

To Register: Maple Bay Yacht Club 250 746 4521 Beginners and experienced sailors of all ages welcome.

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

Leadership Camp

Comic Expo

he 2nd Duncan Comic Expo is a fan based show featuring local comic book illustrators, artists, comic collectors, video games, vinyl records, & more! In memory of Leonard Nimoy, anyone wearing Star Trek attire can get a free comic! Katrina Espetveidt founded the Duncan Comic Expo in June 2014 during a meeting with comic collectors of the Cowichan Valley Comic Club. Having worked at a local comic book store before it shut down she realized that there was a huge love of comics and all things collectible in the Cowichan Valley. She decided to bring the love of comics back to Duncan in the form of a Comic Expo with the help of members of the comic

club! The first show was small but so successful that they have out grown the original room and have moved the show into a separate building! Katrina’s love for comics go back to when she was 11 and her Dad would bring comics home for her to read. She later went to Capilano University where she took illustration and design courses and during the summers she would work at the local comic book store where she met her fiancé who also had a love for comics. Together, with members of the Cowichan Valley Comic Club they will be hosting the next show this June we hope to see you there! Admission is free! This is a two-day event June 27th & 28th from 8 am to 3 pm. Cowichan Exhibition Grounds!

Marine Biology Camps Come explore! Learn about the plants and animals of the estuarine habitat through fun hands-on activities, including beach seines, mud digs, bird surveys, swimming, games, and crafts!

AGES 5 - 7: AGES 7 - 12: July 13 - 17 July 20 - 24 July 27 - 31 Aug 10 - 14 Aug 17 - 21 LEADERSHIP, 12-18 YRS: July 6 - 10

All camps run 9am—3:30 pm $175 per camp

Leadership Camp for Teens $100

To register visit:cowichanestuary.eventbrite.ca 1845 Cowichan Bay Rd, 250-746-0227 www.cowichanestuary.ca

Dramatic Arts • Musical Theatre • Camps We provide innovative professional theatre, and quality drama educational programs for youth.

Summer Camp

July 6 - 11 / August 31 - September 5 Registration Opens May 15

REGISTRATION FOR NEXT YEAR’S SHOW

The Wizard of Oz opens in June.

For more information please call 250-746-6897 For more programs visit www.chalkboardtheatre.com

Come to Chemainus and see what we have! We carry the FULL line of Coconut Bliss ice cream including the 4 great new ﬂavours.. 9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-9838 Hours Mon-Sat 930-530 • Sun 12-4 Closed Stat holidays

Guess what’s new at Lynn’s.

Form Follows Function - Summer Performance Sandals

ith every new season comes a whole new selection of footwear all designed for different purposes. Many women are looking for a shoe that pretty much covers our activities of daily living as well as being stylish.

Since 1967, Dr. Hauschka Skin Care, has offered revolutionary approach based on the understanding that beauty results from skin health.

“People need two kinds of beautyinner and outer” Elisabeth Sigmund

Dr. Hauschka natural skin care products respect the skin’s natural rhythms, working with these processes to restore balance and bring about lasting beauty. Dr. Hauschka believes that when individuals feel healthy and balanced, they are better able to care for others and the planet on which they live. Dr. Rudolf Hauschka’s mission? “To support the healing of humanity and the earth.”

Dr. Hauschka products contain medicinal plant extracts and natural ingredients that are, as far as possible, obtained from certiﬁed organic or Demeter cultivation under fair trade conditions. Sustainability, sow and harvest, respect and protect, today and tomorrow , bear responsibility every step of the way.

Fortunately the shoe industry in the past few years has got a lot smarter when it comes to what to wear and when to wear it. This summer we have a great selection of outdoor, hiking, biking, garden friendly shoes and sandals that are designed for gentle or rugged, outdoor use. Ecco

Ecco shoes are exceptionally comfortable and stylish. Their leathers are all soft and with leather linings conform to the foot like a second skin. They are ethically dyed using vegetable based dyes. They have a system of direct injection molded sole so they conform to your foot and are extremely light weight and supple but have a good shock absorber system that takes the hit of the heel strike instead of your joints taking the hit. Favourites are Yucatan – you can take it anywere, it has three straps for adjustment to any foot shape and are water friendly. I can walk forever in these sandals and definitely a winner in the performance category. Merrell

Come on in and see us at Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery and our knowable staff would be happy to assist you.

Lynn’s

VITAMIN GALLERY

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

250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com

New for us this year, and already a favourite. The anatomical biomechanical differences between women’s and men’s feet was the key element in the production of Keen for women.

They have a unique midsole that provides support and cushioning as well as a corrective positioning that help the wearer go further with exceptional comfort. Very lightweight yet deceptively supportive! Keen

When the question was asked back in 2003 ‘Can a sandal protect the toes?’ The little shoe with the big toe bumper was produced and it caught on. Not only has it caught on it has become a go to shoe for the person who hikes, bikes, boats and everything else in between. From a very functional look the sandal has lightened up a lot to the current ‘Rose’ sandal that is every bit as useful, safe, protective and not so heavy on the foot. This is a sandal we have now in 6 ways, it’s always a go to for water sports as the toes really are protected and you have a comfortable walking shoe underneath. Chaco

Outdoor, lightweight, performance sandals. Lighter on the foot, more flexible than some and an all day ‘get wet, walk on water’ kind of sandal. Design feature includes what they call spines either side of the heel so the heel cannot slide off the sole of the shoe if it’s in water. Ideal for immersion in water and when you don’t want to lose your heel over the edge of the sandal. Cardino’s Shoes 165 Craig Street, Duncan

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

Are You A Hip Dad Or A Traditional Dad?

veryone knows that dads come in all shapes and sizes and with different sensibilities too. Some dads are the traditional Ward Cleaver type, but with seismic cultural shifts in the role of fathers over the last few generations – a new modern breed of patriarch has been spawned. Behold the modern dad – who can now be found just about anywhere on the yoga mat, doing their daughter’s hair before the big dance show, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, shuttling

kids around, or maybe having some manscaping done at the salon. So in honour of the recent changes in the job description for “father” the Downtown Duncan merchants bring you modern as well as traditional suggestions for the perennial gifts we seem to bestow on Pops year after year. Necktie: Traditional: Keep him comfortable in his tried-and-true style at Martin’s Men’s and Boy’s Store or Outlook’s for Men. A well-fitted suit makes the man and a classic necktie

never goes out of style. Modern: If you want to encourage dad to venture out of his fashion comfort zone, pick out a fun and stylish update from either of those same two shops - Outlooks for Men or Martin’s. Maybe some crazy, colourful socks or a funky patterned shirt will nudge him out of the bland zone or maybe something serious like a “dad jean” intervention is required – either way the experts at these stores can definitely help. Then head to Area 51 to trade in his generic (and 15 year old!) runners for a great pair of board shoes or update his old fishing hat for a cool new bucket hat. After-shave: Traditional: Go into Pharmasave on Craig Street and stock him up with his dependable

Bucky’s Sportshop

favourites…Old Spice or Hai Karate anyone? Modern: Check out the amazing Stone Bay products at Saltspring Soapworks for a modern spin on an old-school shave. Try their Shave Cream, Shave Soap, and their AfterShave Balm and show him what a little pampering feels like. Personal Grooming: Traditional: Treat your Dad (and yourself) with a visit to

It’s impossible to feel sad while riding a bike *BIKES & BIKE RENTALS * BIKE FITTING * KIDS BIKES * SCOOTERS* 360 DUNCAN ST, DUNCAN I 250 597 0097 I WWW.CYCLETHERAPY.CA

Miles at Outlooks For Men

the Barber Shop and maybe enjoy a luxurious hot shave. We have three Barbershops located in Downtown Duncan: City Square Barber, Jubilee Barber Shop and Olde Towne Barber. Modern: Introduce your Dad to the world of hair salons and maybe a little colour treatment if he’s interested? We have over half a dozen salons in the downtown core. Or what about an appointment for some “Gentlemen’s Care” at Matisse Day Spa, where he can choose from a manicure, sports pedicure, pore-cleansing facial, back treatment, sports massage or hot stone massage? Does your dad even know these wonderful ministrations exist? Isn’t it time he did? Sports-related paraphernalia: Traditional: When was the last time you worked on a model, went fishing, or for a bike ride with your dad? Maybe it’s

time to head to Scott’s Toys & Hobbies for one of the many trains and models they stock and break out the glue again! Or rent a couple of bikes from Cycle Therapy and head for the highways and byways (if it’s been awhile be warned that banana seats are passé… we wouldn’t want you to be disappointed). And for all things bait and tackle – there’s no place like Bucky’s Sport Shop – an angler’s dream shop. Modern: Share a yoga or meditation class at Harmony Yoga or Bikram Yoga where they have many different styles and classes of yoga to suit everyone. Go ahead do something different and downward dog with dad! So whether your dad is oldschool or trendy – let the fabulous shops and services of Downtown Duncan help you celebrate Father’s Day in style!

alking into Terry’s TV & Electronic Service and looking around the unassuming repair shop with it’s packed shelves of turntables, transistor radios, tube tv’s and all manner of electrical bits and bobs to keep aforementioned items running is like stepping back in time - back to a time when people had things repaired instead of replaced with the latest and greatest.

Terry’s TV and Electronic Service

Terry Welch became an electronics technician in the UK and has been operating this little gem at 256B Evans St. since 1995. To say he is both old-school and salt-of-the earth would be understatements. In the 30 minutes I spent at his shop he helped two customers in and out with their dropoffs and pick-ups, fielded 2 phone calls as politely and engagingly as possible, told the story of how earlier that day he connected an elderly blind woman with an old model JVC TV (so she wouldn’t have to learn how to use a new remote now that she has lost her sight) and courteously and personably (using their first names) helped several other customers who came in with assorted electronica and questions. Yet, Terry admits business has changed and that he doesn’t understand why someone would rather spend

$500 on a new TV than have the old one repaired for $150 – true story. “Where’s the math in that?” he asks. Good question. Oh, and then there’s the charitable work he and his wife Anne do when they travel to Huatulco, Mexico several times a year bringing with them things like wheelchairs, medical supplies, toys and soccer balls to give to the Mexican people, who as Terry says, “will literally give you the shirt off their back”. Terry, himself, is this same kind of guy. So if you are in the mood to be environmentally responsible, support a small independent business and to experience old-fashioned and amazing customer service - step back in time and bring your items into Terry to work his fix-it magic. You’ll be happy you did. Terry’s T V Electronic Service 256 Evans St, Duncan, 250 715-1455

M b C g

H d t S a

T D y y t w f A b y n w i t C u s

D b W t a F

H D c “

Q & A with Scott Mahon of Mad Dog Crabs

he Duncan BIA had a recent chat with Scott Mahon about balancing life as business owner of Mad Dog Crabs and dad to two teenage girls. Happy Father’s Day! You are dad to 2 daughters – what are their names and ages? Sammie age 17 and Madison age 16. The decision to begin Mad Dog Crabs was a result of your growing family – can you tell us a little more about that decision and how that’s worked out for you and your family? After running a commercial boat for many years with young children, we found the need to be closer to home and with schools becoming more important making the decision to open a business within the Cowichan Valley and give up the open seas for the city seemed the next logical step. Do the girls help out with the business now? Why yes, they do. Both of them work at the main store as well as the shack at the Old Farm Market. How does that work out? Do they ever have any complaints about you as the “boss”☺

It’s fantastic for us being a full family-run business and living and working in a house of girls, you can guess how that word “boss” goes. What is your favourite thing about being a father? Watching them grow into successful young women.

Leave The Cooking to us!

What have your girls taught you? That there is, in fact, crying in fishing! What is the most important thing that you as Dad can give/teach to your girls? That they can achieve anything as long as they are prepared to work hard and honestly.

serving DElicious Vegetarian Organic All Day Father’s Day Brunch! 9am - 3pm

Do you foresee the family business being passed along? With one heading off to university in the fall for her teaching degree and the other one still undecided we will see… Anything else you’d like to share about your “dad” experience? I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, most dads don’t get the opportunity to spend this much time with their daughters. I feel lucky…very lucky. .

Strength For Golf

ne of the key elements to better golf is to improve your strength & flexibility. Ideally, you have been attending regular yoga, pilates, spinning and/or boot-camp classes or have hit the gym over the winter to improve your strength & conditioning. However, if you have yet to include a physical exercise regime to your improvement plan for golf, then here are a few motivational reasons on why it is very important. BALANCE. I believe it is the foundation of every successful golf swing. Having worked with many students, I’ve witnessed balance, or a lack there of, as the number one influence on ball flight. The cause is often tight or weak muscles and/or restricted joint complexes (lack of flexibility). STATIC BALANCE. The athletic nature of the golf swing demands that we start from a stable platform to ensure we maintain balance throughout the swing. Static balance is constructed at Set-Up, where we establish our Hold, Aim and Posture. The most common fault I witness is, “sitting on the bar stool” (see picture). The centre of gravity (small circle on vertical line) is outside the POOR base of POSTURE – support Bar Stool (box made by feet). This is often caused by too much knee bend. Also, you will feel like you are reaching for the golf ball, in a weaker or disconnected position with arms away from your core.

DYNAMIC BALANCE. A solid static balance is the prerequisite to maintaining balance in motion, i.e. dynamic balance. The most common in-swing fault regarding balance is LOSS OF SPINE ANGLE. This causes two typical miss hits that are opposite of one another - the block to the right and a hook to the left. Having these two misses, one to the right and one to the left, can be disastrous in regards to your ability to trust your swing. The ability to stabilize your spine angle during the swing is directly proportional to the strength and stability of your core musculature (abs and glutes). Morale of the story, INCREASE YOUR CORE STRENGTH! The PHYSICAL ELEMENT of a great golf performance cannot be argued, just look at our young professional tour players these days and you will see fitness as a foundation to success. Training Tasks: 1. Email jodyjacksongolf@ gmail.com for a copy of ATHLETIC SET UP handout 2. Research Loss of Posture via www.mytpi.com

GOOD POSTURE – C of G over Base of Support

Jody Jackson is a LPGA Teaching Professional at Cowichan Golf and Country Club. jodyjacksongolf. com

Locally made Shaving creams & SOAPS for dad Carmanah is a hand made castille shaving soap made with olive oil, coconut butter, shea butter and pure essential oils. It contains NO palm oil, a common ingredient in natural soap, which is causing massive deforestation and orangutan habitat loss in Malaysia. The soap is very mild and is especially good for dry, itchy, irritated, or sensitive skin. “Carmanah soap was inspired by my first trip to the Carmanah Valley in May”, says Robin, “It contains Spruce, a tonic to the nervous system and Vetiver a powerfully grounding and centering essential oil that

BOTANICAL BLISS Carmanah Shave Soap connects you to the Earth. It is as magic as that beautiful valley.”Botanical Bliss can be found at the Duncan Market on Saturdays 9 – 2, and at botanicbliss.com.

SALT SPRING SOAPWORKS Stone Bay Shave Cream

We first started making our Stone Bay Shave Cream about 26 years ago.when natural Mens care was unheard of, but growing in demand. Our light, all natural blend is formulated with Aloe Vera, Beeswax and Argan Kernel Oil to generate a rich, lubricating lather which softens the beard for a close, comfortable shave, Ruscus Aculeatus Root extract, Clary Sage and Neroli oils sooth and protect from nicks cuts and irritation, leaving your skin feeling smooth, soothed and moisturized. saltspring soapworks.com

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

DRAGONFLY DREAMING Kinsol Everlasting True Shave Bar Many years ago, my Cowichan herbal teacher, dear late Theresa Thorne, used to collect the flowers of Pearly Everlasting with me in the forests at my parents’ home not far from the Kinsol Trestle. She would tell me stories about how the Old People used to use it to clean and soften their hands. So I put it in this soap, and find that the lather is so amazing that it has become our most popular unscented shaving soap. Kinsol Everlasting was developed some fifteen years ago for fellows with sensitive skin. It is scent free, moisturizing and nonirritating. It is available in bars - guys tell me they just rub it on their wet face and the lather is dense enough to shave away - or in handydandy mugs for the chap who prefers to use a brush. dragonflydreaming.com

Located between True Grain Bread and Zoe’s Espresso in Cow Bay

The Mud Room Clayworks Potter Colleen Underwood Handmade 250 710 7329 Father’s Day Gifts! 1725 Cowichan Bay Road

Heartwood Studio

Ken Broadland Woodturning

Pottery by Sandi Madsen

Specializing in salad bowls & servers made from local woods

Showing in the big window at Imagine That! through June

5846 Curry Rd, Duncan (off Gibbins) 250-746-5480

www.heartwoodstudio.ca

Sandi Madsen On Show at Imagine That! Duncan

hat is creativity? For artist Sandi Madsen it is the ability to bring form to an idea. “You have to be able to imagine what’s beyond, to be flexible, solving problems along the way, to think outside of the box,” she said.

is the hallmark of good craftsmanship, from the materials used right through to every detail of production. I want the person who has my art to feel the same sense of pride owning it as I felt making it”.

“I’ve always been creative as long as I can remember. As a child I wrote stories and acted them out. I loved making people laugh.” As Sandi grew older she worked in many media including piano, writing, sewing, pottery and more recently making silver jewelry.

Sandi achieves a great deal of personal satisfaction and enjoyment from her creations. “I’ve always been interested in things that nurture and support people. I hope that people gravitate to my work because it brings them joy and that they will take pleasure in sharing it with their family and friends.”

Sandi works from her home in Victoria. “I am slowly taking over the basement,” she laughs. A small room serves as her sewing and jewellery making space. Her kiln and pottery equipment are in the carport.

Be sure to drop in to Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs co-operative in City Square, Duncan to see Sandi’s exceptional pottery and silver jewellery on display for the month of June.

A stickler for quality, Sandi refuses to sell anything that does not meet her personal standards. “Quality

“Hearing the Buddha’s wisdom we rejoice, our whole body ﬁlled with joy” Nichiren Buddha Society

Written by Veronica Scott

LifeSpan Kundalini Saturday 20th June Info: www.VIRetreats.com 2015 Retreats 250. 710. 7594

raniosacral therapy was developed by an American osteopathic physician about eighty five years ago. It is a gentle, hands-on technique, practiced by many therapists around the world – including bodyworkers, physiotherapists and some dentists as well. The basic idea is that continuous cerebrospinal fluid fluctuations cause our bones to move in subtle, rhythmic ways. Any restrictions to or distortions in this movement (e.g. caused by injury or tension) disrupts our body’s natural processes, and causes imbalance. The aim of a therapist is to detect such obstructions, to support their release, and the restoration of full motion. Craniosacral therapy has become a highly effective tool for stress disorders, pain and neurological conditions such as headaches, tinnitus, and TMJ syndrome, among other ailments. Another dimension of the therapy is its ability to bring profound stillness to the body and mind. Although the pressure applied is merely the weight of a dime, it can tap into a depth of our consciousness – somewhere that’s very old in us. That can explain how conditions

Herbal Puzzle Poem

Art of Craniosacral Therapy such as learning disabilities, A.D.D., developmental delays, and autism have also benefitted from this wonderful therapy. Yaz practices craniosacral therapy and shiatsu on Salt Spring, and in Duncan. His new Duncan office is in The Community Farm Store at 5380 Trans Canada Hwy. Tel: 250 538 7093, Email: yazyamaguchi@gmail.com Yaz Yamaguchi practices shiatsu and craniosacral therapy in Duncan.

You’ll find it potted somewhere in the house. These cold latitudes make of it a sun-seeking wanderer, escorted from window to equator-facing window, its spindly stems holding valiantly in managed soil. You pinch the twinned, petal-like leaves to see if the spring colour, (like that seen on some saris), is possible and scent answers a whispered prayer, clearing the air. But that’s not so when its smell shoulders through the house on manufacture day in next-door’s commercial kitchen; hustles up to the quiet bedroom at top of the stairs. Then it yells its name – that of a British monarch or, said another way, some kind of carcinoma. Then, it disturbs with possibilities, wooes with hungry dreamsRadha longing for Krishna in south Asia, ripe, sun-warmed tomatoes, buttery roasted garlic cloves, thyme-covered hills, white -hot Mediterranean walls, salt-water skin, a pair of lovers, tasting. Judith Belton is a writer and gardener in Mill Bay.

GOLDA’S LITERACY NUGGETS “Learning to read after so long is like walking into light from darkness.” A young woman of Jahan Shah, Afghanistan

info@gopesto.com I www.gopesto.com

her art and shows her work locally and internationally. Many of her pieces are in private collections in Canada and the USA, including an environmental piece in the private collection of Leonardo DiCaprio. Christine is also a photographer and writer.

Christine A. Allan 3134 Cook St. Chemainus BC 250-246-2910 kcallan@telus.net www.christineaallan.com

www.chrisallanartgallery.com

hristine A. Allan was born in Winnipeg Manitoba in 1957, moved to Vancouver BC in the 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and has lived in a number of BC communities with her RCMP husband and two children. She studied Archaeology and Art History at Simon Fraser University and Fine Art at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, but she feels her art education really began while living in a remote First Nations community on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Her work is inspired by her studies and her respect and love of nature, but it is also inspired by the psychological need to express emotions. Christine has won awards for

I was raised in an emotionally charged environment where words where not used effectively to express feelings. My work is a reflection of the need to express myself, it is about the innate need to create, to say something about how we feel about the world that words cannot. Although I love to paint horses, butterflies, and people, creating art for me is not always about creating recognizable images. It is about expressing feelings in texture and colour. Some of my work is influenced by artists of the early part of the 1900â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, others by the work of Leonardo da Vinci. While all of my work is influenced by nature in one way or the other, some of my pieces are inspired by my desire to protect the environment and animal habitats. I donate a portion of the sales of these pieces to the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. I love to experiment with various mediums, but in most cases I use layers of various media, starting with gesso, then using layers of watercolour, acrylics, gouache, metallic and iridescent paints, sometimes adding other

Chasing Butterflies, Christine Allan

Talking Arts Christine A Allan elements like metal leaf, rocks or crystals. Through art I have overcome many obstacles in my life. I hope to encourage others to do the same. Being creative is an irrepressible urge of the

human race. I believe this powerful creative impulse can lead to happiness, health, and longevity. Showing June 1st-30th at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Gallery.

La Petite Auction House Auction Sunday JUNE 7 and 21

Early viewings Wed - Fri 11am- 3pm Plus viewings on Sat before the auction 11am- 3pm. SAME DAY viewing from 10am -1pm. To consign email dawngeddie@gmail.com

Auction begins at 1pm

9686 Chemainus Rd, 250-701-2902 40

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

here will be plenty of fun to be had while celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre’s Annual Wooden Boat Festival on June 27 & 28. Whether you choose to enjoy the live entertainment; a tasty pancake breakfast Saturday morning; face painting; children’s boat building; a delicious Salmon BBQ on Saturday evening; steam bending, knot tying, and steam engine demonstrations; voting for your favourites among the boats displayed; filling up on samples during the muchloved Clam Chowder Contest; watching the water races; perusing the silent auction; wine tasting; or any of the other great events planned, the 30th Annual Wooden Boat Festival is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our local maritime heritage while spending time with family and friends. This year the festival is proud to feature “Grail Dancer”, an extraordinary 61’ traditional schooner based upon the hull lines of an 1866 schooner

Personalized Cleanse Program REFRESH & REJUVENATE YOUR ENERGY FOR THE YEAR

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Feeling better and connected with your body Dr. Fei Yang( Dr.TCM, Reg, Ac)

Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre’s 30th Annual Wooden Boat Festival named “Emma C. Berry”. Taking almost 20 years to construct, she was built on Thetis Island out of local Douglas fir and yellow-cedar. Festival goers will have the opportunity to step aboard and see the fine workmanship for themselves. Come and enjoy all that the festival has to offer. Complete festival details, including a schedule of events and boat registration forms, are available at www. classicboats.org.

Denise McLean

CERTIFIED LIFELINE™ PRACTITIONER Activate the subconscious mind and have a direct impact on genetic expressions affecting the health of your body and the relationships in your life.

Infinite Love & Gratitude

250-732-0247

azstarplays@yahoo.ca

By Appointment in Cobble Hill

as a heart attack. Our boat (a Titan 249 Rigid Hull Inflatable) carries a wide variety of equipment to enable us to do everything that may be needed – searching, towing, de-watering, first aid, etc. Our crew have to live within 15 minutes of our base in Mill Bay, so they are all local people who tend to have marine experience and know the area well. It takes 12-18 months training for new crew members to become well-versed in all aspects of marine search and rescue. This includes in-unit training, both on-the-water and theory plus intensive SAR and Transport Canada courses at our base in Victoria. Members put in a lot of time training and on-call, but it is it is very rewarding to know that their efforts help people in distress or danger. We need volunteers for various roles ranging from active search and rescue crew to shore-based SAR prevention, maintenance, and fundraising roles. If you are interested see www.rcmsar.com or email station34@rcmsar.com

Local Marine Rescue

oyal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) Station 34 is based in Mill Bay and covers the area from Maple Bay down to the Saanich Inlet and around the south side of Saltspring Island. It is one of over 40 RCM-SAR stations up and down the BC coast, with a primary goal of saving lives on the water. RCM-SAR is a non-profit organisation funded by donations from individuals, companies, and community grants. We are a key part of the marine search and rescue system in BC, on-call 24 hours a day every day of the year. We respond to a wide range of emergencies for pleasure boats, commercial craft and float planes. This can be anything from a boat on fire or sinking, searching for a person in the water, or a medical emergency such

Mark Winfield is a coxswain with the Mill Bay marine rescue unit

Rob’s Lighthouse Eatery & Art Gallery Fresh, friendly, affordable and pet-friendly! OpenED Daily 8am-6pm Heated patio or take out

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

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

ake a splash participating in the 18th Annual Fast & Furious Boat Building Challenge. This friendly competition takes place on the second day of the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre’s 30th Annual Wooden Boat Festival, Sunday 28 June. Guaranteed to be highly entertaining, this team-building challenge is open to anyone in the community and is a memorable way to kick-off the summer with family, friends and co-workers. Teams of two to four people are given four hours to build a functional boat from scratch, with up to $100 in environmentallyfriendly building materials of their choosing, while judges walk around evaluating categories such as most original design and best costumes. Two members from each team will participate in the friendly three-part water portion of the competition: a paddling leg and sailing leg followed by a ‘get back to shore however you can’ leg. Sink or swim, you will undoubtedly benefit as a team and have much fun in the process. The winning team with the highest overall points wins 50% of all registration fees.

18th Annual Fast & Furious Boat Building Challenge Proceeds from the event go towards the maintenance of the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre’s buildings and exhibits, programs, and activities. Let your imagination run wild. Register your team today by calling 250.746.4955 or emailing cwbs@classicboats.org. More information can be found at www.classicboats.org.

Submitted by Sharon McLeod

Cheese Making at Fairburn Farm Ever wanted to learn how to make your own cheese? Join Paula Maddison at Fairburn Farmstay and Guesthouse, Saturday June 13th, and learn how easy it is to make cheeses at home! Morning session : Hand stretched Mozzarella cheese! 10-11:30am, $65. Includes ingredients and instructions

to create 4lbs of mozzarella at home. Afternoon session: Havarti 1-3pm $65 includes instructions and mini kits that are available for sale. Contact Maryann at info@fairburnfarm.bc.ca or 250-746-4637

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

Bikeworks

he U-Fix-It BikeWorks and ArtWorks is a youth outreach program disguised as a bikeshop and art studio. While we work on building bikes and creating art, we really are working on building healthy children and youth, and creating a vibrant caring beautiful community. We are a team committed to recycling bikes, and repurposing art and craft supplies, and to helping young people think outside the X-Box. For young people the chance to work hands on with the support of peers and helpful adults can be a new opportunity to find success and connection, two of the most important things in growing into a health happy adult.

This year The U-Fix-It BikeWorks and ArtWorks turns 10 years old, and our dingy, messy, frescoed ceiling art and bike centre is going strong. Young people who have gone into adult life have come by and talked about how the shops saved their lives. This is a testimonial not just to the shops but to the Cowichan community that supports us through the donation of bikes and art/ craft supplies. If it was once a bike, or on a bike, we welcome it. What we cant use, we recycle. Coming up on June 21st is our biggest fundraising event: Ride Don’t Hide, a 28km ride on the trans Canada trail. It is a fun event for all ages and bike riding abilities. We are fundraising to build a BikeShop on Wheels, to take to different communities and events in the valley. We are riding to defeat stigma around mental health. For more information come by the BikeWorks or contact Dave Ehle at (250) 746-5521.

Ongoing classes in weaving, spinning, needle felting, knitting and dyeing

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

Tips To Doing Your Best in School

ongratulations! You finished another school year! Did you do your best? If not, how will you improve next year? While you may acknowledge that you didn’t fulfill your potential this year, do you know how to improve? Based on ten years of tutoring and teaching experience, I have found that the following steps are a very effective way to learn math and science, both now and in the future: Turn off your cell phone. Seriously, turn it off. Give yourself the benefit of focused, uninterrupted study time. Set aside one to two hours of time, five to six days per week, to do your homework. Put this on your schedule. Make sure that you, your friends and family take your homework schedule just as seriously as any other commitment. Avoid using a calculator. Generations of students before you have learned without a calculator and so can you! Take the time to build your mental “muscle” by exercising it during homework. If it makes you more comfortable, you may use a calculator on tests.

Seek extra help. When you are confused about a topic, first try figuring it out on your own, and then, if you can’t, ask for clarification from your teacher or tutor. Be bold. Your teacher is there to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Review. Do questions like the ones on your test or exam. When it comes to math and science, you don’t need to memorize your notes; doing practice questions is the best way to study. I studied Biochemistry at Queen’s University and am a full-time, professional tutor. During tutoring, I focus on student comprehension and retention of material. If you would like extra help to prepare for exams please contact me: Tutor Pro, 1769 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake , 250-900-5157, tutorpro.net

Lhisha Bennett is the owner of Tutor Pro in Shawnigan Lake

Lucky Dog U Bath

Lucky Dogs...

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U Bath or P WE Bath

250 597-7DOG www.luckydogubath.ca Friendly Neighbourhood Painting Helping you improve your space Serving the Cowichan Valley

Specializing in Residential Interior and Exterior Services

Eric Stiwich 250.709.2680

ericstiwich@gmail.com

All proﬁts made at Cedrick’s Coffee House in Crofton will be used to support education, healthcare, medical services and clean drinking water for thousands of children facing challenging conditions through the Kids International Development Society

A New Riding Arenaat CTRA! The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding welcomes everyone to help them celebrate the grand opening of the new riding arena! This grand opening will coincide with CTRA’s annual celebration picnic and will be held at the CTRA facility on Providence Farm (1843 Tzouhalem Road) on Saturday June 20th from 2 - 4

pm. This event will feature games for the whole family (including beach volleyball in the new arena!), great food (featuring the famous chili cook off!), as well as lots of other entertainment. This is a great reason to visit the farm, meet some new friends, and mingle with the CTRA therapy horses. Admission is free.

arasites are everywhere. They are in our dogs and on our dogs. Parasites have their own agenda and are here to stay. Dogs would naturally be constantly migrating and dropping off parasite eggs as they went, but now we have them staying one place and we need to be diligent about keeping parasites in check. Parasites include fleas, ticks, lice, mites, internal worms, and some people even include bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and their ilk in the parasite list. It is never in a parasite’s best interest to kill its host and will strive keep a balance. The host is also fighting to keep a balance. It is your dog’s immune system that keeps all parasites in check. Chances are that your healthy dog has a parasite or two in her and on her. The mange mite is perfect example. This mite is on every dog all the time, but we only notice when they flourish and your dog gets “mangy”. Mange is only seen on dogs with compromised immune systems. Fleas and internal parasites work the same way; a large population is indicative of poor health and a weak immune system. Our first and best line of defense against an overgrowth of parasites is to provide a healthy host. Provide adequate exercise, species appropriate food, and as chemical free surroundings as possible and you’re most

of the way there. When fleas and worms do get a foothold, there are several chemical free options and I recommend using as many as you need to. Diatomaceous earth is your new best friend and can be used on, in, and around your pets for killing fleas and worms. There are essential oils and herbs that will act as deterrents, and you must vacuum and launder diligently. Beneficial nematodes in the yard and boric acid on the carpets are also parts of your weaponry. Do your research and keep track on a calendar if it helps; fleas take hold when we become lax. Last year I started to see a lot of dogs that were on the Veterinarian prescribed flea products still having fleas, so we know the little creeps are building a tolerance to those. You can safely use any of the chemical free options I mentioned with your Program/Advantage/ Revolution as added ammunition. (Remember that the chemical options will suppress your pet’s immune system...) Debbie Wood is currently studying animal naturopathic health and is certified through the American Council of Animal Naturopathy www.luckydogubath.ca

y t b i a Y m a j i w l b a

F h m n h c f i i i t o w s s s b o a r

H s t

T k b f o w S

Putting your Best Hoof Forward The Three Essentials to a Great Ride! Alexa Linton and her animals help women find their spark! www.alexalinton.com

orseback riding is not for the faint of heart. In fact, if you’ve met a rider or two in your travels, you’ll know we tend to be a breed all our own. Perhaps it’s all that hanging out with an animal that’s ten times our size! Yes, we’re a little head strong and maybe slightly opinionated, but all in all we are fantastic (and I am just a little biased!). This article is for all the riders out there, whether you’re just beginning or a life-long lover of horses and what brings many of us back for more, a great ride. For those who are not overly horse saavy, it might be worth mentioning that a great ride is not a given when it comes to horses. In fact, sometimes they can feel downright elusive! The fact that what you are straddling is a thousand pound being with its own thoughts, opinions, instincts and history can often throw a wrench into your dreams of a peaceful wander through the woods or a perfect round in the show ring. And it goes without saying that picking a fight with such a powerful personality can be a losing battle. So, how does one create a relationship where a great ride becomes the norm rather than a miracle? Here are three simple essentials to start taking your rides from so-so to so-good! 1)Get healthy This is a pretty obvious one I know. But, very often it is a big part of what separates us from the equine partnership of our dreams! After twelve years working with horses as an Equine Sport Therapist, I’ve realized

that pretty much every horse I work on has a little something here or a little something there that is out of balance and limiting them in some way. And that pretty much every rider is the same. Sometimes, it’s a large something, such as a very painful mis-alignment in the spine, a pelvis that is out of balance, a past trauma or a digestive system that is definitely not firing on all cylinders. All of these imbalances can cause discomfort in the body and stress in the mind, not to mention some pretty interesting things happening under saddle. Interesting things like resistance, bucking, spooking, anxiety, jigging and all sorts of other creative ways to avoid pressure and further discomfort. If your rides start going south, take it as an indication that you or your horse might need a little attention to address any imbalances before you forge onwards! It might be time to book an appointment for one or both of you with your favourite wellness professional. The more healthy both of you can be the better your rides!

get a little too serious, I take a minute to remind myself how lucky I am to be up hanging out with my mare Diva having this incredible experience. How cool that I get to do this! I’ll even stop for a second and take a few big deep breaths and drop into my sense of gratitude. This redirects my focus onto having fun with this great big hairy best friend of mine. You’ll be amazed at how much more relaxed you feel and how much happier your horse becomes. As we gallop headlong into riding season, enjoy your adventures and remember to breathe, unwind and connect. Your horses will thank you for it!

Life and Leadership Coaching… Inspired by Horses

2) Get grounded and centered. I’ve found this one out the hard way a few times! Having your horse performing airs above the ground when you didn’t ask for them is not a lot of fun. Now, before I get in the saddle I take inventory. How am I feeling? What’s going on for me? Am I breathing? Am I present? Am I grounded? Taking a minute to center and ground your feet before hopping into the saddle can make a world of difference in your connection and your ride. My favourite way to to get connected easily is to take a few deep breaths and imagine I’m a tree with great big roots heading down into the earth and creating stability and strength. Your horse will feel the difference and feel so much safer and more willing to work with you.

Insight Horsemanship - bridging horsemanship with mindfulness practice • Equine Facilitated • Learning workshops for Leadership, Communication, Team-building • Equine Behaviour Consulting • Youth Empowerment Programs • Meditation Retreats • Community Events • Farm Weddings

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Helping animals and people find balance.

3) Have fun! Yes, riding can feel very serious sometimes. But at those times, it’s worth remembering why you started riding in the first place! For me it was the absolute love of horses and riding and the delight at being on their backs. When I

Rachel Allen Tellington TTouch

250 882 4198

Reiki Practitioner Animal Communicator

BeingsInBalance@gmail.com

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t’s a summer picnic in the heart of Duncan to celebrate 35 years of community support in promoting the well-being of women, children, youth and families in our Valley. “Since 1980 Cowichan Women Against Violence has been providing advocacy and support to the women and children of the Cowichan Valley who have experienced violence,” says Executive Director Jane Sterk “From our early years CWAV Society has grown to providing service to approximately 1000 women and their children per year. The support of the community has contributed to our success.” The Theme of our event is “Speaking Truth”. We’ll touch on the stories, lives, insights and opportunities that are part of the heartbeat of CWAV. In recognition and celebration of the community support that is vital to our success, we invite friends, community members, partners, supporters and businesses to attend our Community Picnic and Annual General Meeting. Enjoy free food, entertainment by The

CWAV Community Picnic June 24

Twisted Vine String Band, family fun and activities! Festivities start at 5 pm, food will be served at 5:30 and the business meeting will commence at 6:30 pm. Hear about the accomplishments of CWAV over the past year. Join us on Wednesday June 24th from 5-8 pm at Centennial Park on 2nd Street in Duncan. Find out more by visiting our website www.cwav.org or calling us at 250-748-7000 Submitted by Lynne Woollam

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

EYE ON Shawnigan Easter Seals 24 Hour Camp Challenge. Starting a New Adventure

Hot Days are a Village specialty with ice cream cones! Hungry racers will also find breakfast, lunch and supper too!

Rachel Allen 250 882 4198

Reiki Practitioner Animal Communicator

ore fun! More adventure! The new Easter Seals 24 Hour Camp Challenge has a new format, new location, new activities and a fresh new vibe. It builds on the legacy of the wildly successful 24 Hour Relay, which has raised over $9 million for children with disabilities, providing an unmatched summer camp experience to assist them and their families. When the new 24 Hour Camp Challenge legacy begins on June 6 and 7 at Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan, will you be there to help kick it off? Join us for 12 hours of engaging camp challenges followed by 12 hours of optional overnight camping fun. Some of our daytime activities will include a scavenger hunt, games in the outdoor pool, lake activities, a volleyball tournament, an All Camp Challenge and much more! When we move into the nighttime activities we will switch gears to bingo, a poker tournament, glo in the dark bocce and campfire activities. “The 24 Hour Camp Challenge is fun for the whole family, for

a great cause,” says President and CEO Stephen Miller. “Bring out your friends, family and colleagues for a real adventure. All funds raised from this will go towards Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan, so you can see up close the good you are doing.” Camp Shawnigan provides a safe, fun environment for children and youth with disabilities. Camp activities help build the confidence and independence of participants who get to try activities they may never have attempted before, from water polo and wheelchair basketball to canoeing, leadership training and more; all on beautiful Shawnigan Lake! 24 Hour Camp Challenge participants raise at least $100 per teammate over the age of 13. Teammates 12 and

under must raise $24 per team member. Participants can register their teams online at www. victoria.24 hourcampchallenge. com

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

To stay up to date with 24 Hour Camp Challenge news and event information follow us on Twitter at @24EasterSeals and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ VancouverIsland 24HourCamp Challenge.

ith the May long weekend behind us, camping season is now in full swing! Here on the west coast, we love our camping almost as much as we love NOT freezing through the winter. Camping is often a way for us to reconnect with nature and disconnect from the constant busy-ness of our daily lives. Unfortunately, camping can quickly become a way to do further harm to the environment instead. There are a definitely some great ways to mitigate this impact, a few of which we’ll look at below. Reduce your waste: The first step to living green is to reduce what you produce in the first place. For camping, this can mean steering away from too many pre-packaged food items. Instead, pre-make food at home and bring in reusable containers. Bringing reusable dishes and utensils is an easy way to reduce waste

of disposable items. Compile a “camping kit” of dishes that you bring with you each time. Try to repair torn or damaged camping equipment before simply replacing items. Most tents come with a “repair kit” for a reason! Make a recycling plan: Some campsites have recycling bins, but many still don’t. Come with a plan to remove all of your recyclables yourself just in case. The simplest way is to organize your recyclables just as you would at home. Mixed materials can be collected together and added to your recycling at home. If any materials need to be recycled separately, just bring separate bags/containers for each (glass, styrofoam, etc). Make sure to wash out any food containers extra carefully so as not to attract unwanted wildlife, and consider storing the recyclables in your vehicle. Propane tanks can be

How To Go “Green” When Camping recycled at many municipal depots, so whatever you do, don’t throw them out! Collect all beverage containers and return for refund for next year’s camping fund (at your nearest Island Return It location, of course). Finally, when your flashlight inevitably reaches the end of it’s life right when you’re stumbling to the outhouse in the middle of the night...bring it in to Island Return It to recycle responsibly for free. Buy eco-friendly: When buying gear, look at used items as an option, or explore the growing world of gear made from recycled materials. Use only ecofriendly, biodegradable detergents and bug repellent. LED lamps and flashlights

are also a great way to reduce electricity use and invest in a product that will last for much longer. There are of course many other ways to go green while camping this summer, but even following these simple steps can help ensure that our wilderness stays pristine for people to enjoy for generations to come. Island Return It is opening a new location in Cobble Hill. Stay tuned for more information. Sophy Roberge is the Marketing Manager for Island Return It Recycling Centres.

www.blacksheeppainting.ca 48

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

ooking fires remain the number one cause of residential structure fires, with unattended cooking cited as the leading cause of these fires. StoveTop FireStop® automatic fire suppressor is the first line of defense against stovetop fires and is recommended by fire chiefs and fire prevention experts nationwide! StoveTop FireStop Facts • A 12-ounce automatic fire suppressor • Mounts using an industrial magnet under the vent hood of a stove • Reacts automatically when flames reach it • Fire suppressing powder automatically releases onto the fire • Alerts with a 146 decibel “POP” sound • Deploys in seconds

Frequently Asked Questions: Q: What if StoveTop FireStop activates while I’m cooking? A: You do not have to worry about false activations from normal cooking heat or smoke. StoveTop FireStop will only open when a sustained flame comes in direct contact with the underside of the device. Q: Will this product work for other applications such as putting out chimney fires, Christmas tree fires, or automobile engine fires? A: No. StoveTop FireStop is strictly designed and tested for residential stovetop fires. Q: Is Stovetop FireStop a proven product? A: StoveTop FireStop has been manufactured for over 40 years and independently

Blue Tree Creative

By Bonnie Tytel

StoveTop FireStop®: Inexpensive, Invisible, Invaluable

• Requires no tools to install • Never has to be inspected or repaired • Customers report an average of 99% reduction in fire claims How it works: When a grease fire or other type of cooking fire occurs and a sustained flame comes in direct contact with StoveTop FireStop, the device automatically activates to release a fire-suppressing powder directly onto the fire. Even if you are in another room, a loud pop will alert you that the device has activated. Your burners should then be turned off to prevent re-ignition. The primary smothering agent is a proven, effective, non-toxic powder that can be cleaned up with a vacuum and a damp cloth.

Custom made wood signs starting at $25 Hand painted on pallet wood or cedar bluetreecreative@gmail.com I 250-507-6922 FB: Blue Tree Creative by Bonnie Tytel

tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Washington, D.C. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), every year cooking-related fires cause an estimated • 222,135 reported home structure fire • 12,344,000 (55.3%) unreported

home fires • 7,891 injuries • $362 million in direct property damage Local contact: Stan at Ex-tinguish Safety Products 250-246-6690 . Submitted by Stan Farell

BUYING OR SELLING REAL ESTATE?

sutton group • west coast realty

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Gates, Fences, Sheds, Garden Beds, Tables, Shelving, Arbours, Pergolas, Chicken Coops, Greenhouses and more!

Hip, Hip Hooray

t took me many years to understand what locavores were referring to when they used the term “CSA”. Moving here from Tofino where farming and growing food was practically impossible except for the

Tatlo Road Farm

Tatlo Road Farm offers a weekly Wednesday box July 1 - October 14 (16 weeks total) with 8-10 various vegetables, a reflection of what’s in season! All their produce is Certified Organic and include a range of vegetables as well as recipes and a farm update. There are two sizes to choose from: $25/week ($400/ season), and $18.75/week ($300/ season) You also have the option of including organics eggs in your box. Pick up locations in Duncan, Crofton, and Chemainus. Tatlo Road Farm 7871 Tatlo Rd West, Crofton, 250 246-2323 tatloroadfarm.com.

very determined - the term rarely flew by us. When we moved to the south island area, it would come up more frequently in conversation, but still it felt like just another acronym like NDP or PTA. It means something when you are part of the group, but if not

Island Shire is a small diverse farm growing products as nature intended—chemical and antibiotic free! Our Omnivore’s Delight FarmShare includes veggies plus protein. You get 3-4 vegetables each week so you’re not overwhelmed. Weekly free-range eggs. Six broiler chickens during the season, plus 2 stewing hens. And flowers! It’s a FarmShare with variety, all grown on the same farm. Half-shares are available this year. For new members run time is June October - 20 weeks. Island Shire Farm 1967 Koksilah Rd, Cowichan Bay, 250 597-7575 islandshire@gmail.com islandshire.com.

- nothing. When I finally truly discovered what a CSA was and Community Supported Agriculture meant it was with great surprise. People like you and I can invest in a share of a local farmer’s crop for the coming season. In return we, the buyer receives a box share

of fresh grown vegetables, herbs, berries and sometimes even eggs, meat, fish and flowers!

Every farm offers different boxes and even the same farm will offer a different box variety from year to year. available. Night Song Farm, 3490 Glenora Rd, Glenora, 250 748-2791, nightsongfarm.ca.

Night Song Farm

Green Fire Farm is a 40 acre family farm located just north of the Cowichan River on Fairbridge silt loam soils. Our focus is on cultivating both food and farmers. We grow a diversity of great tasting, seasonal vegetables and raise happy, healthy pigs and heritage laying hens. The

grow hundreds of varieties of beautiful blooms and stunning foliage and use these to create vibrant bouquets that change over the course of the season. Focal flowers include tulips & daffodils in the early spring; peonies & ranunculus in late spring & early summer; lilies, dahlias, hydrangea and specialty chrysanthemums in summer & fall; and Green Fire Farm of course, a myriad of gorgeous filler main season produce box for Island Shire Farm flowers throughout. All our CSA will feature artisanal flowers are grown using salads with heirloom greens, certified organic fertilizer specialty tomatoes, cucumbers, and composted manure and more. Our principal and manual removal of farmer, DeLisa Lewis, has undesirable insects, so more than 15 years of certified they are safe to smell and organic growing experience, a touch! Arrangements are PhD in soils and agroecology, delivered in a vase. Cost and 7 years experience is $22+tax per bouquet teaching new farmers. Our including delivery to most CSA members will be first in Night Song Farm is located Cowichan Valley locations. line for our limited quantities in Glenora and offers a Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly of delicious eggs and pork cutflower bouquet CSA from bouquet; subscriptions and enjoy a direct connection April through October. We

t i G 3

for What the heck? How could something so wonderful, so visionary and so appreciated be limited to 3 basic letters? CSA’s help to keep our farming community thriving and healthy. It keeps travel distance low ensuring your food is fresher than anything to where and how their food is grown. Green Fire Farm, Gibbins Rd, Duncan 250 715 3734 greenfirefarm.ca.

Zoma Farm

Zoma Farm Using organic principles and companion planting, Zoma Farm’s holistic approach encourages small scale farming, local community, healthy living and inspiring seasonal recipes. Beginning June 1st, Zoma Farm is proud to bring you the most inspiring seasonal fruit, veg, herbs, preserves, teas and baked goods. If you love the idea of a rainbow filled box delivered to your door each week, sign up for a Zoma Farm CSA Box June-October $25/week Zoma Farm 250-929-8744 zomafarm.wordpress.com Makaria Farm’s vegetable CSA program runs for 20 weeks, June-October. Our members receive 8 different items each week, all grown organically. We grow a wide

out of the grocery store, and enables those of us with not-so green thumbs feel good about supporting the farmers. A basic share box can be a welcome challenge for even the most creative of cooks with introductions to fascinating variety of popular crops, from carrots and broccoli to salad greens and strawberries. We give our members only clean, high quality vegetables. Members can have their shares delivered to their home or workplace for an additional $3/week, or can pick up their shares at our farm (at no cost). When three or more members sign up for delivery to the same address, delivery is free. Deliveries within the downtown Duncan area and adjacent North Cowichan neighbourhoods are made by bicycle thanks to our partnership with the fabulous Cowichan Recyclists. We accommodate away-dates and pro-rate mid-season sign ups. Makaria Farm

Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to eat good food. We’d love to grow for

roots and shoots that have never passed your palette. Check out the selection of local weekly, monthly and bimonthly CSA offerings you this year. June 9 - October 20 (20 weeks) $21/week + $3/week delivery/$420 + $60 Makaria Farm 4715 Bench Rd, Cowichan Station 250 597-3276, makariafarm.com Alderlea Farm provides certified organic/biodynamic CSA for 24 weeks in 3 share sizes. Biodynamic farms don’t use artificial pesticides or fertilizers, so you never have to worry about toxic chemicals in your food. Instead, we pay attention to the natural properties of the landscape and cultivate a complete, balanced ecosystem. At Alderlea Farm we find the land is happiest, healthiest, and most beautiful when we encourage its natural mix of meadow, stream and forest.Vegetable Varieties Spring: broccoli, carrots, radish, chinese cabbage, turnips, beets, lettuce, spinach, chard, kale, onions, parsley, herbs. Summer: broccoli, lettuce, green beans, beets cucumbers, zucchini, chard, basil, tomatoes, potatoes, celery, herbs. Fall:

below. It will be hard to pick just one! Submitted by Sheila Badman

lettuce mix, spinach, carrots, daikon, beets, potatoes, cucumber, parsley, butternut squash, kale, garlic, turnips, brussels sprouts. The food we grow is for people we know. We choose varieties that taste exquisite right after harvest, and we pick them at their peak vitality, right before you get here. Alderlea Farm & Cafe, 3390 Glenora Rd, Glenora, alderleafarm.com

Alderlea Farm & Cafe

Green Living

Shoo Fly Don’t Bother Me Have you ever

seen a house or store front with a little baggie full of water and pennies hanging above their doors or windows? I started noticing these a couple of years ago, when I asked about them I was told they would keep flies from coming inside. What? No way! How? The theory is that because flies have large complex eyes, light refracts through the water causing many little prisms and it confuses or at least deters the flies. I’m not clear on the importance of the pennies, some say they look like eyes so the flies assume it’s a bigger flying insect, others say they help the light refraction. Here is the method; small baggie filled halfway with water, put 4-6 pennies in the bag, hang above exterior doorways with a couple of pushpins through the top of the baggie in such a way that it hangs down into the doorway without impeding the door from closing. Voila, no more flies in your house.

Fruit flies are next to arrive in the season. A small bowl of apple cider vinegar with a squirt of liquid dish soap in it will catch them by the dozens. Place it next to your compost container in the kitchen or fruit bowl. They are attracted to the fruitiness in the vinegar but the soap coats their wings and they can’t fly away so they drown. Not so humane but effective.

To keep wasps away from patios and other outdoor spaces take a brown paper lunch bag, blow it up so it looks full, tie the top closed and hang it up. It mimics the appearance of a wasp nest and many species of wasps will stay away due to territory issues. You can also purchase paper wasp nests at most hardware or outdoors stores that are lifelike and affordable. Effective mosquito traps are easy to make too. Take a plastic 2 liter bottle, cut it in half horizontally, mix 1 cup water, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 gram of yeast and put the mixture in the bottom half of the bottle. Next, take the top half of the bottle with the top down and place it upside down in the bottom half, like a funnel. The yeast creates carbon dioxide which attracts mosquitos, they fly down the funnel and can’t find their way back out. Replace the mixture every 2 weeks. Enjoy the summer weather with a few less unwanted guests! Tracey Hanson local mompreneur and owner/operator Clean Choice EcoFriendly Cleaning Services cleanchoicecleaners. com

The Community of Shawnigan Lake Leaders in Water Stewardship!

or more than three years concerned residents of Shawnigan Lake have unanimously voiced “no thank you” to the Ministry of Environment over the issuance of a contaminated soil permit, which places our drinking water at risk. In fact, 15,399 signatures were presented to MLA Bill Routley at the legislature on May 13, 2015 where 1000 residents gathered to demonstrate opposition. Indeed, a powerfully ironic burden has been imposed upon the community: we have been placed in a position of having to fight for the protection of our drinking water. Yet this crisis, this implausible situation, has galvanized our quiet community of just over 8000. We remain unified and we are prepared to fight until the right thing is done. Senior government has the authority to rescind the contaminated soil permit issued to South Island Aggregates (SIA). The citizens of Shawnigan Lake will accept nothing less. Why? Because it is the ecologically, economically, socially, politically, and morally right thing to do. The permit, along with its many conditions, approves the reception of industrial level contaminated soil – 100,000 tons per year for fifty years to be precise – into the headwaters of the community’s drinking water supply, Shawnigan Lake, a mere five kilometers away. The qualified environmental professionals – Active Earth

– admitted publically they had never engineered such a facility before and their assurances that a seventy-five meter impermeable bedrock floor would NEVER allow leaching into the main aquifer feeding the lake left the community skeptical rather than reassured. Undoubtedly, this was a bad idea, a very bad idea and more than 300 citizens rejected the proposal in the public consultation process. Regardless, the statutory decision maker approved the permit, without having once stepped foot on the property. Next came the appeal to which the Shawnigan Residents Association and a few citizens lead the charge. Testimony was heard from both sides through thirty-one days of Environmental Appeal Board Hearings, the longest in the province’s history, yet ultimately and unbelievably, the Board rejected our appeal, which to those paying attention, overwhelmingly defied logic. On the basis of probabilities, the risk to the water was deemed acceptable; however, further conditions were placed upon the proponents, not the least of which are to regularly monitor and sample any discharge water incurred from the site. These conditions are, by law, to be self-monitored. Further, all discharge must be treated to meet drinking water standards. Although the liners used to contain the contaminants have a thirtyfive year lifespan, the reported

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and processes of the very government in which we, as an electoral area, are politically reliant.

seventy-five meter bedrock was reduced to fractured limestone, and the proponents will blast aggregate at the same time as receiving and containing contaminants such as phenols, chlorides, glycols, benzene, MTBE, toluene, VPH’s (volatile petroleum hydrocarbons), ethyl benzene, dioxins, xylene, PAH’s (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), styrene, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and furans, the risk was determined acceptable. To be clear, there is no gain to the community, yet its citizens are expected to accept full and indefinite liability of a process that will fail…in time… Honourable Minister Mary Polak’s words remain consistent. She repeatedly declares that permit conditions are legally binding and if companies wish to operate under a permit, they need to abide by the conditions of the permit. If any violations of the legally binding permit occur, then the Ministry of Environment will enforce those conditions. This is of little comfort and exemplifies a reactionary rather than a precautionary principle. And again the community responds, “no thank you”. On May 20, 2015, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and the Shawnigan Residents Association (SRA)

made a public announcement indicating they had both submitted petitions to B.C.’s Supreme Court for the purpose of continuing the fight against SIA’s contaminated waste facility. The CVRD purports that neither the Ministry of Environment nor the Ministry of Mines have authority to authorize the contaminated soil permit given that doing so is in contravention to the F1 zoned (Forestry) property under the CVRD’s Zoning Bylaws. Further, the SRA is seeking a judicial review to both set aside the March 20, 2014 Environmental Appeals Board Hearing decision as well as revoke the contaminated soil permit granted to SIA. It is a terrible shame that Shawnigan Lake citizens have been forced to absorb an enormous energy and expense in their fight. This energy could and ought to have been contributed to the economic invigoration of our community rather than upholding the environmental mandates declared by senior government. That said, and as this fight continues, the Shawnigan Basin Society (SBS) progresses toward the goal of restoring and maintaining the integrity of the source water area that supports Shawnigan Lake in order to provide clean and abundant water to the community in perpetuity. With approximately $100,000 worth of scientific

data and analysis near completion, the SBS steadily moves toward implementing its objectives. And a further irony appears: local efforts to conserve, restore, and protect the Shawnigan Lake Basin are being undermined both by the issuance of this permit and by the ideologies, objectives,

The community of Shawnigan Lake is fighting and will continue to fight for the protection of its clean drinking water. Quite simply, permitting a contaminated waste facility in a drinking water watershed in which thousands depend for their water supply is wrong! This is not a NIMBY or unnecessary outcry. On the contrary! This fight is about the viability of livelihoods, about the economic stability of our investments, about doing what is right, and about leaving an appropriate legacy for our children and grandchildren. This fight is about everything we are - now, tomorrow, and long into our future… Kelly Musselwhite Executive Director, Shawnigan Basin Society and Shawnigan Lake resident of 10 years.

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Community Event New Wednesday Farmers’ Market In Duncan! Come celebrate the opening day of Duncan’s new mid-week farmers’ market on Wednesday, June 3, from 4-6:30pm. The Cowichan Farmers Market will run every Wednesday until late October. Watch for our market tents in the field between Beverly Corners and the Cowichan Aquatic Centre, adjacent to the TransCanada Highway. Drivers can access the market and our ample parking from the roundabout off of University Way. The Cowichan Farmers Market was created by local vendors who will offer a one-stop-shop selection of everything from farm-fresh vegetables and meat to local cheeses, baked goods and treats to coffee, juice and tea. The market’s goal is to help local farmers and food producers make a living doing what they love by providing a fun, convenient way for these businesses to sell their products directly to local customers.

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The CFM will feature free entertainment and a festive gathering place for friends and family. Pick up dinner at one of our fabulous mobile food vendors, then sit and enjoy the music. We hope our new market will be a weekly attraction for everyone in our community. Please mark your calendar for June 3, and come see what we have to offer! For more information: cowichanfarmersmarket.ca Submitted by Heather McLeod

Book Launch When Nathalie Chambers and her husband, David, first took over Madrona Farm, 27 acres on southern Vancouver Island with a deep history, they never thought their smallscale agricultural business would blossom into an international political act. As pressures from heirs, land developers and industrial farmers grew alongside their rows of organically produced food, the Chambers took action. Considered by many to be revolutionary and by some to be rebellious, their story opened many eyes to the future of food. Saving Farmland introduces readers to stories of lost farmland and bees saving lives. It shows how sustainability, ecosystems and biodiversity transcend the paradox of our own, manmade losses. Saving Farmland describes overcoming obstacles, choosing models, identifying vital farmland, building community and fundraising. Concluding stories of commonly shared land, international trusts, regained farmland and several heroes provide ongoing inspiration. The book shows a way to protect farmland in the absence of political policyor the ALR (which has been dismantled). So it is a way to remove farmland out of private ownership and place it into trust with a land trust. This practical book teems with fascinating history and facts. Saving Farmland will help us all support local farming and sustainable land development so we can indulge in good eating—forever. Author signing and book launch June 30, Bolen Books 1644 Hillside Ave. (Hillside Centre), Victoria 7pm

P i c p s e

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

named Mollison. Mollison seemed bored. Just outside the pen were luscious grass, flowers, and water. I just knew he would love to explore, if only I could figure out a way to get her own joke. I was him out. How do you walk hooked. a pig? I studied the pigs’ “Can I see them cigar-shaped bodies. Would now?” a harness work? I found some “Don’t see why not. soft cotton rope and enticed They’re just behind Mollison with some craisins. the barn. See that He loved them and munched path…?” Through away as I gently worked the window she the rope behind his ears and pointed a stubby around his shoulders. As finger at a pebbled soon as the treats ran out, he walkway. “Head whirled around to see what down there and take was on his back, kicking and a sharp right. Ya bucking like a tiny rodeo can’t miss them.” horse. My boots crunched When Mollison had settled a on the gravel as I bit I then headed behind the turned my barn to see the pigs. I decided right attention They had probably to getting then that I would heard me coming him out. make it my and when I looked I lay on over the fence they the hard mission to show turned to face me. ground these little pigs They’re afraid of holding me! I absorbed this a craisin kindness. realization with in the shock and sadness, palm of thinking of the happy pigs I my hand. Every time he had known on the ranch. I took a treat, I scuffled my decided right then that I would body backward a few inches. make it my mission to show It seemed like a slow and these little pigs kindness. agonizing eternity, but finally On the third day after my he was past the confines of arrival, after the work in the the pen. garden was done for the day, I was late for the sharing I went to visit the pigs. They circle and cursed myself for scampered away as I looked falling asleep after dinner. over the enclosure and when The woman from the kitchen they reached the end of the was teaching stick carving. I pen, they whirled around to pushed the heavy door open, present a united front. I was hoping to slip in unnoticed. left looking down the barrels “Oh, hi Brenda,” she sang out of three little snouts. I had as she saw me, “we haven’t learned that they were only really started yet. Grab a stick 4 months old but they were from along the wall there.” already about the size of One gangly stick remained. Labrador retrievers. I guessed I stole a look around and it they might weigh around 60 seemed that all the other sticks to 75 pounds each. were around a foot or so long. Over the course of a few I assumed that no one wanted weeks I began to get to know the tall funny-looking one each of the little pigs. I came that was left. Later, feeling to recognize them by their disappointed, I tried to sleep, slightly different markings but after an hour, I turned the and their personalities. The light back on and picked up a smallest and most inquisitive I

Pig Tales is a new series of pig stories from around the Valley inspired by our local farmers and friends who have shared their captivating, informative and often hilarious experiences with pigs. If you have a short story to share about a drift of piglets, a sounder of pigs or even just one notable pig please email us at editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com. Wordcount 500 - 750 words.

s my battered little Toyota rounded the corner on the bumpy dirt driveway of the community farm and I caught a glimpse of the sun just coming up behind the trees, my breath caught in my chest and tears came to my eyes. The car shuddered to a stop outside the visitor’s centre. The woman at the reception desk gave me a map of the land, drew a line to the building where I would be staying, and told me there was still some breakfast in the dining hall. I could smell garlic and onions and I hurried over to the small building and gathered a steaming tray of savoury eggs. As I sat with my feast, I studied the map. My eyes were drawn to an area simply marked ‘pigs’. I had worked with pigs on a ranch in Alberta. I loved everything about them: their surprising butterscotch smell, the feel of their hard rough hide under my hand, and the grunts of delight as I scratched them on their rumps or behind their ears. My reverie was interrupted by a woman who came to the table for my dishes. “What kind of pigs do you have here?” I asked. “I think they’re called Berkshires…cute as anything. Mostly black and hairy. There’s three of them…three little pigs.” She laughed at

Pig Tales magazine on pigs I found in the common room. It fell open to a picture of a large boar in a show ring. The man with the pig had nothing but a walking stick in his hands. The pig had no harness or any other controlling device. I looked again at my gangly stick. The hairs on my arms stood up as I realized the knob on the end was in the shape of a pig’s head. I fell asleep thinking of Mollison frolicking on the hillside and me with nothing but my gangly stick to guide him. I could hardly wait for the next outing! It was much easier the next time to get Mollison out of the pen. He was beginning to trust me. But would he run away and I be held responsible? My fears evaporated like morning mist. He responded really well to me directing him. I just touched him with the stick on the soft spot under the curve of his jaw. It took three more days but eventually all three pigs were out of the pen enjoying the beauty of that land. As I think back to my first few weeks at the community farm and Mollison’s first ventures into the outside world, I remember the sharing circle, and how I thought I got the gangly stick by mistake. Although everyone else had nice neat little sticks that they carved into artistic-looking works of art, what I got was perfect for walking a pig. When I look at it I think especially of those first few times Mollison was brave enough to cross over to the other side, and I am reminded that nothing happens by mistake. Written by Lyn Merryfeather as told by Brenda Bernhardt, DVM

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT By Rick Dennis IT’S HIS BAG, MAN: Ever resourceful and idiosycratic entrepreneur Longevity John Falkner recently gave me a bagful of tracks. Literally. The paper bag , marked “LIVE MUSIC INSIDE: HANDLE WITH CARE, contains a CD with songs written by artists from all over Canada “recorded, produced, engineered, designed, printed and manufactured entirely in-house at Duncan Showroom by Ted Cadillac.” The CD is tabbed “LIVE at the Duncan Show Room Volume 1: The Canadians”. With 15 tracks to choose from, it is hard to pick highlights but I gotta say I liked Nanaimo guitarist Eric Harper’s delicate picking on his “Untitled” instrumental; Kitchener, Ontario performer Bill Durst’s gravelly vocals on “All the Blues In the World”; Duncan singer/songwriter Tanya Gillespie’s inspirational acoustic folk (“Listen”); Maritimers Rube & Rake’s “Defeat” with its delicately picked folk/country arrangement; the passion of Chemainus singer/ songwriter Ryan McMahon on “Underdog.” (Ryan’s website describes his music as “rock as folk can get before it starts to roll.”) and the haunting harmonies and lyrical violin playing of Alberta multi-instrumentalists The Doll Sisters. There is also a bonus track: Duncan’s Schayde Dame singing the Adele track “Melt My Heart to Stone” from an upcoming CD “Volume 3: Covers”. For more info (and upcoming concerts) log onto showroomproductions.ca. CDs are for sale at the Showroom: $20 cheap . THANKS TO: Former Victoria Times-Colonist features editor and professional musician Ron Joiner (I saw him playing drums on a recent set by Susannah Adams) for keeping me posted on weekly jazz acts at the Crofton Hotel. I use the info on my weekly Jazz ‘n’ Blues Cruise (Fridays 3pm-6pm on cicv.streamon.fm.) While I’m at it, I should also throw in a plug for my weekly jazz podcast for Gulf Island Radio, which began life in Crofton last July and is now based on Saltspring. To access the weekly podcast GIR CEO David Gordon recommends putting http://www.spreaker.com/show/rick-dennis-allthat-jazz into your browser.

any of us have a difficult time taking rest when we need it. (I know I do!). Even If we are tired or injured, “the art of doing nothing” may not come easily. So when we have an injury and want to ‘do something’ about it, I suggest trying this pose. When we take Constructive Rest, effectively we are Supporting the body and the healing process by gearing down our current operating system. One of the benefits of this pose is the Resting of the Psoas muscle. Research in Yoga Therapy has shown that there is a direct connection to the Psoas and our Sympathetic Nervous System and how the body holds Stress. It may be clear to some of us that our lives are on ‘overdrive’, thereby ‘exhausting’ the Nervous System and the Psoas Muscle. (This muscle is a very powerful muscle, that when ‘overworked’ or tired, can cause Back pain and other issues in the body.) The key is nourishing rest, not seeking a stretch for the muscle. Yoga Therapy is all about shifting gears and focusing on Rest as the first step in our recovery process.

yoga for wellness

Constructive Rest

Constructive Rest Pose (This is a great beginning pose, say in a short series of 4 or 5 gentle poses. When I am healing from an injury, I plan to spend about 5 minutes in this pose, and if time allows, 5 mins in 3 more poses). Begin by lying on your back. Be sure the head is supported with a folded blanket or small pillow, so that the front and

back of the neck feel soft and long. Bring the feet about as wide as a yoga mat and see how the low back feels, it may be that it will be more comfortable for the low back if the knees fall in and rest on each other in the middle. Feel the connection of the feet on the ground or earth. Feel the big toe and baby toes on the ground. Feel the inner knees connecting, and the thigh bones resting into the hip sockets. (Gravity is doing this for us). The pelvis is supported and see if you can sense the back of the pelvis (sacrum) as it is supported by the floor. Place hands onto your lower belly, lower rib cage, or on the floor beside you. Begin to notice your body as it is breathing. Can you sense which parts of your body are moving with the breath? Now feel the tops of the shoulders (the shoulder blades) as they are supported by the floor. Feel the back of the skull on the floor beneath you. Notice the effect of working with gravity and how the body naturally can release towards the earth. What is happening in your jaw? See if you can invite softness to the jaw and muscles in the face. Soften the ears, and the muscles around the eyes. When you are ready to come out of the pose, roll onto one side and rest there before getting up.

Lindsay Campa is an RMT living in Duncan with over a decade of Yoga teaching experience. She is currently practicing the Yoga of Motherhood. :) www.thehealingbody.ca

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) Siblings and relatives from your past have been coming out of the woodwork lately, which is one reason the tempo of your life is moving fast this month. You’re busy with errands, short trips and increased reading and writing! But heads up -- in addition to all this busyness, you will still be threatened with transportation breakdowns and mixed-up communications. Yowsers! Guard against snap judgments, which you might regret later. Good month for writing. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Your focus on money and possessions is strong this month. Meanwhile, retrograde Mercury will still create glitches, delays and late payments. For example, cheques in the mail will be late. However, this same Mercury retrograde will help you finish old business related to financial matters that have been lingering. You will also feel passionately about something now, perhaps connected with siblings and relatives. Continue to look for ways to benefit from real estate or to improve your home. Gemini (May 21-June 20) The Sun is in your sign this month boosting your energy and attracting important people and favourable circumstances to you. Yes! Itís your turn to do your thing! However, retrograde Mercury draws ex-partners back into your life or old business related to ex-partners. You have strong feelings about some kind of financial issue. Fortunately, optimism and hope come easily to you. Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn’t permanent. Cancer (June 21-July 22) This month you’re keeping everything on the low low because both the Sun and retrograde Mercury are ‘hiding’ in your chart. This will help you with research of any kind. However, this is a great time to buy wardrobe goodies because you like what you see

in the mirror. Cancer people love good quality and they appreciate vintage clothing, which you naturally get on sale. (You’re careful with your money.) Look for ways to boost your income because you can do this. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This is a popular month. Enjoy seeing others, especially younger people, some of whom are from your past. This is a good month to think about goals. Where do you want to be a year from now? What should you do to begin to go in that direction? You are creative sign but many of you are so caught up in the demands of life, you forget how to express your creative talents. In the next two years, you will make more money. Think about how you want to do that, so that you are steering this process. Ideas? Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This month the Sun is at the top of your chart casting a flattering spotlight on you. This is why others are impressed with you, asking you to take on increased responsibilities or do something special. Say yes because you don’t have to do anything to dazzle them. (Good lighting is everything.) Enjoy this high viz. month, which is really a subtle preparation for something wonderful to come. Get ready for one of the luckiest years of your life which will begin in August! Yahoo! Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This month, you want to travel because you’re eager for adventure and a chance to learn something new. Unfortunately, retrograde Mercury will play havoc with your travel plans. You can travel somewhere new and expect delays, snafus, cancellations and errors, but hey, you’re someplace new and exciting! Or you can travel someplace you’ve already been before. Traditionally, this works easier with a Mercury retrograde situation. The open road is yours. Of course, sometimes the road less travelled is less travelled for a reason. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This is an intense month because the Sun is in the ‘home’ of Scorpio, which means every issue you deal

with will be intense and black-and-white. Retrograde Mercury is in your ìhomeî as well, causing confusion and delays. Fortunately, it will also help you finish details regarding inheritances, taxes, debt and shared property. Use this energy to swiftly facilitate this. You might feel obsessed about travelling somewhere. Hmmm, no halfway measures here. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) The Sun is opposite your sign this month, which means it’s as far away from you as it ever gets. Since the Sun is your source of energy - you will need more sleep. (Go to bed.) Retrograde Mercury will still stir up contact with expartners and old friends. This could be useful for closure or clarification about old issues, especially inheritances or shared property. Continue to look for opportunities to travel or explore publishing, the media, medicine the law and higher education. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This month you will do everything in your power to get better organized both at home and at work. However, your desire to get better organized will be hampered by retrograde Mercury, which will trigger misplaced papers, confused communications, transportation delays and silly, goofy mistakes. Maddening, yes - but no job is too small to botch. Meanwhile, look for

ways to improve your health. Examine your diet. What about exercise? (To me, outdoors is where the car is.) Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Lucky you! A lovely, playful month ahead awaits. Admittedly, many of you will encounter old flames from the past; and you will be forced to deal with glitches and cancellations regarding social occasions. Nevertheless, this is still a great time for vacations, parties, the arts, movies, sports events, playful times with children and yes, romance, romance, romance. Grab every chance to express your artistic talents. Just the doing of it is what will please you because we are verbs not nouns. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Home, family and your domestic world are your top priority this month. And to add further to this, relatives and family you havenít seen for a while are camped on your doorstep. (Always put your mother-in-law in a good hotel.) Or perhaps, you will visit your parents or a childhood home? Many of you will focus on home repairs now as well. Nevertheless, there is always room for dreamy romance in the life of a Pisces, isnít there? Passionate love affairs will occur for many. Meanwhile, look for ways to improve your job.

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