November 2012 Issue 48 by Cowichan Valley Voice

November 2012 Issue 48

FREE COWICHAN VALLEY I FOOD I ART I EVENTS I RECREATION I COMMUNITY 1

Box office 6:30pm Doors 7:00pm Show 7:30pm

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

COWICHAN FEATURE LISTINGS Want to learn how to make your own jewellery? Etc! offers a wide range of classes from introductory classes in Beading, Kumihimo and Bead Weaving to more advanced techniques and workshops. We have a fantastic range of beads and supplies as well as unique gifts. 9747c Willow St, Chemainus 250 324 2227

Call for prices and dates 250 324 2227 New Hours Monday - Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 10 - 4

Memory foam yoga mat PVC Free. Ideal for pre/postnatal yoga, pilates and those who need more support.

Culinary Arts Certificate

Professional Cook Level 1 and Level 2 Apprenticeship Training

Suitable for all types of yoga including, Vinyasa Flow, Power, Bikram, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Gentle and Kundalini.

www.vvitayoga.ca Richard 250 746 9319 Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands Distributor

Metal Artist Brad Allen

With a torch,welder and array of metal finishing tools, Brad creates joyful, nurturing and thought-provoking pieces. - Metal Wall hangings - Free Standing Sculptures

New LOCATION! Providence Farm Classes

Wednesday – Saturday

3 pm – 945 pm

February 4, 2013 – November 22, 2013

Foodsafe Required

Studio located in Duncan by appointment Brad Allen 250 748 0934 www.meddleart.com

Call Student Services At

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

250 746-3509

For Admission Requirements! www.cc.viu.ca

Eat Local, Learn Local!

Lynda Allen 250-748-0934 lyndaallentapstudio@shaw.ca High quality handwoven traditional rugs and carpets made by Tibetan refugees from Nepal.

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

Hand-knotted and made of 100% Tibetan wool in a family run venture that houses workers and educates children to alleviate poverty.

Watch for opening date of the new restaurant in Spring 2013.

Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine

Editors

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

for choosing Valley Voice advertisers FIRST! They help to keep the community informed.

Proofreader Diana Pink Advertising Enquiries Please Call Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 Next Ad Deadline November18th e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire. COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Please upload your information through our website Please include: Date & Event Title IN SUBJECT Be advised that space is limited to up to 2 spots per business, space dependant and is prioritized by 1st sent, 1st printed. Next EVENTS deadline NOV 15th for DEC 2012 Issue. E-mail to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations Valley Voices Bill Jones, Brock Windsor, Rick Dennis, Catherine Fraser, Carnen Waterman, Hilary Huntley, Lara Bruschot, Michelle Schulze, David Suzuki, Cam MacDonald, Allan Caneron, Everett Dixon, Mary Fox, andra Beggs, Bruce Wood, Ramona Froehle-Schacht, Barbara Bowd, Dee Kinnee, Sara Tillie, Tracey Hanson, Neil Newton, Doug McLean, Leslie Goodall, Chuck Thompson, Rick Juliusson, Danette Noble,Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm StoreTania Gardener, Ajay Appelaar, David Coulson, Asrael, Cynthia Montgomery, Sheila Badman, Linda Gale-Dirksen and Jesse, Paulette Tarnawski, Jean Crowder, Sue McKitrick & The Lovely Georgia Nicols. We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/ or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contirbutors. Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith,Victoria, Tofino and from the Victoria International Airport Arrivals Hall. Cover Crackle Bowl by Mary Fox, Image;Teddy McCrea

Contact Adrienne Richards for information about the DEC Gift Guide and Holiday Ad Promotions and specials. Market your business to over 25,000 local readers!

Now Booking DEC ISSUE AD Deadline: NOV 18th 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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

F c b h s h fi c s o m t o t t s

O f p d a a p t b t c a s l c e w a I k s f p i u

I l g

Food in Art Tastes Better

Functional and Sculptural ceramic artist Mary Fox is busy throwing and firing for her annual once-a-year studio sale. Since 1995, customers have been lining up to have first pick of the newest collections. “I only have one sale a year, but it’s a good one. I am busy preparing many wonderful items for the sale.” says Mary. “No one gets in before 11 am, so there’s no need to come more than 10 minutes before the sale starts.” On a practical note, Mary’s functional pottery - mugs, plates, bowls, casserole dishes and serving platters are well designed, well made and well priced works of art themselves. One could easily beautify their everyday table with handmade local crockery for breakfast, lunch and dinner without spending an arm and a leg. “Pursuit of beauty is a constant in my life. It infuses everything I do. When working on vessels created to adorn our tables I derive pleasure from knowing that, through the subtle intimacy that grows from their daily use, these pieces will become treasures in people’s lives,” Mary tells us. If you favour beautiful bowls like myself, Mary offers a great collection of specialty

Above; Bowls from the Mary Fox collection. Left; Freshly made bowls, ready for the kiln.

Rice bowls, Salad bowls, Spout bowls, the popular One Pound bowl (named for its weight when wet) and the Manly bowl - a bowl that can fit a whole meal. In addition there are [also – delete] many shapes, sizes and glazes of serving bowls, mixing bowls and small side bowls. If you like to serve on beautiful platters make sure you come early. Her 12” and 14” platters always sell fast. “All year long, I hide away any slightly flawed pieces, saving them for the studio sale weekend. Functional and decorative seconds will be available at the weekend sale.” Mary tells us, “As I need to make room for all the new work I’m going to create, I also go through the gallery and pick out pieces for clearance. Needless to say, these are all screaming deals! On top of that, everything else in the gallery is 25% off for the weekend. I am prolific so there will be a lot of pieces to choose from.” The sale opens at 11 am on each day and the studio takes cash, cheque, credit cards and debit. If you have never attended her sale it is one of the most exciting artist events of the year. See you there! www.maryfoxpottery.ca

Thank you for choosing Valley Voice advertisers FIRST! They help keep the community informed.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 2012 EVENTS

to 17

Wingﬁeld’s Folly - Solo Actor Comedy - Bonus Show! Chemainus Theatre Festival 1800-565-7738

11 8pm

Eliana Cuevas World-roots-jazz singer Caribbean feel Duncan Garage Showroom 250 748-7246 $18adv/$20

to 19 10am-5pm

Catherine Fraser and Jo Ludwig On View Imagine That! 251 Craig St, Duncan

11 10:45am

Remembrance Day Service in Chemainus Chemainus Cenotaph followed by Chemainus Legion Hall

1,2,3,4 8 - 10:30pm

The Normal Heart - Ladysmith Little Theatre $18/$20 Ladysmith Theatre 4985 Christie Road 250 924-0658

11 2pm

Keating Farm Estate Guided Tour 5250 Miller Road, Duncan 250 737-1401

to 29 10am-5pm

The Tzouhalem Spinners and Weavers Guild Valley Vines to Wines 250-2720 Mill Bay Rd, Mill Bay

14 SVDH

2 7pm

The Griefwalker Stephen Jenkinson CBC ﬁlm Island Savings Center, Cowichan Theatre

Rise up this morning, smile with the rising sun. Three little birds pitch by my doorstep. Singin’ sweet songs of melodies pure and true- Sayin’ this is my message to you...

14 8pm

Brandi Disterheft Jazz Bassist and Juno Winner Duncan Garage Showroom 250 748-7246 $20adv/$25

14 5-7pm

Soul Esxape Esthetics Holiday Shopping Party! 5777 Trans Canada Hwy 250 748-2456 RSVP by Nov 8

15 6 - 9pm

Ladies Night in Cowichan Bay Wine, cheese, giveaways great deals too! Cowichan Bay Waterfront, Cowichan Bay

17 & 18 10am-3pm

Honeymoon Bay Annual Christmas Craft Fair Honeymoon Bay Community Hall

17 10am-3pm

Sunrise School Christmas Fair - enchanting holiday fun Sunrise Waldorf School 4344 Peters Rd. Duncan

2 12:30pm - Senior Men’s Drop In - West Coast Men Support Society 213-80 Station St., Duncan FREE 250 597-2801 2pm 3&4 11am -5pm

Mary Fox Annual Studio Show and Sale FREE 321-3 Avenue, Ladysmith 250 228-4452 maryfox.ca

3 5 -9pm

Wild Mushroom Dinner — Asian Mushroom Feast Deerholme Farm 4830 Stelfox Road, Duncan 250 748-7450

3 9am -4pm

None Gone - None Forgotten’ Day With The Griefwalker For details visit www.ourecovillage.org 250 743-3067

3 - 27 noon4pm Tues-Sun

Small Canvases and Wild World - smartly priced works 610 Oyster Bay Drive www.ladysmithwaterfrontgalley.com

18 7 -8:30 pm

Sacred Chant Circle @ Rivendell Yurt (by donation) for more info sdbartram@gmail.com/250 748-2089

Annual Chemainus Veteran’s Dinner Free for Veterans Chemainus Legion Hall Reserve in advance. 250 246-4532

Palm Court Light Orchestra: Downton Abbey Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St, Duncan 250 748-9964

3&4 10am

Streamkeepers 2 Day Workshop $60 members/$90 non Cowichan Land Trust 250 746-0227 Ages 12 and Up

18 2:30pm

4 9am

Work Party for Ladysmith Festival of Lights Meet at the 49th Parallel Parking Lot, Ladysmith

18 10am -5pm

Nichiren Buddha Society, 10th Annual AGM info on Website: www.VIRetreats.com

4 10am -3pm

Carols Craft Fair FREE North Oyster Community Hall 13467 Cedar Road, Ladysmith

19 7pm

Green Party of BC meeting VIU Cafeteria, Duncan

5-9 various

Free Trial Classes at the Art House - lots to choose from! www.MoonDanceArts.ca Shawnigan Lk Village

21-24,29 & Dec 1 7pm

Neighbourhood Playera presents Blood Relations Bay Film Studios 6759 Consindine Avenue, Maple Bay

5,12,19,26 7-8pm

Make Your Own Holiday Crystal Earrings Etc! 9747c Willow St, Chemainus, 250 324-2227

Lake Cowichan Annual Christmas Craft Fair Youbou Hall,Youbou 250 749-6742

6,13,20 6:30-8pm

Grow Food with Joy 3 Part Gardening Course Shawnigan Lake To register call 250 743-1352

23 7:30pm

Concert for a Winter’s Eve at T Gil Bunch Performing Arts Centre -Brentwood College, Mill Bay 250 743-8756

23 -25

7 8pm

Jane Siberry Returns to the Showroom $40/$45 Door Duncan Garage Showroom 250 748-7246

Out of Hand Artisan Craft Fair - www.outofhand.ca Crystal Gardens 713 Douglas St, Victoria

8 - 14Noon5pm

33rd Annual Christmas Chaos Craft Fair Island Savings Centre 2687 James Street FREE

24 10am - 3pm

Lake Cowichan Annual Christmas Craft Fair Youbou Hall,Youbou 250 749-6742

8 - 27

Teeny Tiny art Works at Portals CVAC Centre 2687 James Street, Duncan

25 2pm

Cowichan Symphony hosts Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir Cowichan Theatre, 250 748-7529

9 7pm

Om Chanti Kirtan An evening of call & response chanting Harmony Yoga 201-111 Station St. Duncan

26 7pm

Reel Alternatives: Salmon Fishing on the Yemen Cowichan Theatre, Benefits CVHospice Services

9 7:30pm

Clubhouse Partay Renovation Blues Band $5 Brenton Golf Course - 2816 Henry Road, Chemainus

27 7pm

Ladysmith Camera Club My Scotland Holiday Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue, Ladysmith

10 10am - 1pm

Beginners Mushroom Identiﬁcation Workshop with Jay Rastogi Wildwood Forest near Ladysmith 250 245-5540

28 5:30pm

Cooking Class Paring food and Wine Thru Canapés Amuse on The Vineyard Amusebistro@shaw.ca $80

10 7pm doors

Cowichan Folk Guild Coffee House Bowker Creek Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St $7

29 6:40pm Start

Ladysmith Festival of Lights 25th Anniversary Along 1st Ave - to 49th Parallel Grocery, Ladysmith

10 10am - 5pm

Crofton Art Group Show & Sale 11507 Joan Ave, Crofton

30 Opening Night

Gift of The Magi - Heartwarming Christmas Musical Chemainus Theatre Festival 1800 565-7738

10 8pm

Lennon, Wes Paul Hip Hop, Rhyming and Rap Duncan Garage Showroom 250 748-7246 $15

30 6:15pm or 7:30pm

A Jazzy Little Christmas Party at Unsworth & Amusé 2915 Cameron Taggart Rd Please Reserve 250 743-3667

10,14,24

10am - Noon

O.U.R. Ecovillage Public Tour $15 or with lunch $24 1565 Baldy Mountain Rd., Shawnigan Lake

Dec 1 10am -2pm

Providence Farm Christmas Festival Clements Centre, 5856 Clements Street Duncan

10 12:30pm - 4pm

Shrinking Your Footprint and Saving Money FREE Cowichan Station Hub 2375 Koksilah Road 250 748-7954

1&2 10am -5pm

Hilary Huntley Trial By Fire Pottery Show and Sale Clements Centre, 5856 Clements Street Duncan

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

a t a o b w T T c C C m i t a b T 1 t C i w d w s d w g

“ w G s a c i

The Griefwalker Friday, November 2nd 7pm Island Savings Center ‘None Gone - None Forgotten - A Day with the Griefwalker Stephen Jenkinson November 3rd 9am to 4pm Ourecovillage.org 250-743-3067

Sent By Angels

The Threshold Singers of The Cowichan Valley

n the Cowichan Valley there is a very special group of angels who sing in the greatest times of need for those who are terminally sick, passing or have passed. They sing at bedsides, funerals, memorials wherever we need them most. They are simply known as the Threshold Singers. This local choir is led by vocal instructor Cari Burdett of Lila Music Centre who first learned of the movement while on a course in California. “I remember the instance, the hairs on my arm stood up and I was still, breathing and thinking wow - this is powerful.” The first Threshold gathering was with 15 singers in 2000 and since that first day 100 Threshold Choirs have been formed in the US and around the world. Founder Kate Munger describes what they do on their website as: volunteers who sing to people who are facing death, grief or are suffering with open hearts and the most giving of beings. “Our first bedside singing was for a member’s husband, Geza, he had dementia and we sang to him in his care home and at his memorial. His wife, continues to sing with us and is a great inspiration. Because

of her we now sing in the dementia ward once a month. We also visit the palliative ward once a month to sing. We are not trying to convert patients into some religion- we just sing, non denominational songs to bring a sense of peace, open heart and a loving embrace.” November marks the one year anniversary of the passing of a very special woman in our community. The day of her memorial was a very sad gathering of friends and family. So many hearts felt broken that day. When it was time to spread her ashes in the sea, we all gathered on a long dock to say our goodbyes with candles, rose petals and tears. Cutting through all the grief and pain of the previous few hours were these beautiful melodic voices. They sang her beautiful name as her mother and father scattered her ashes. I had never known that song could be felt so deeply and be so healing until that day. For more information on this beautiful group of open hearted singers please contact Cari Burdett 250 701 0978 joythroughmusic@shaw.ca www.joythroughmusic.com New singers welcome.

Dying alone, in fear, or without a felt sense of support is too often a reality for many. To embrace and celebrate the end of life process, and beyond, is the deep effort behind the Griefwalker’s contribution to our community. “None Gone - None Forgotten” is a community process, based on the life work of Stephen Jenkinson, the Griefwalker. What ever our path in life the Griefwalker takes individuals, groups, and community through the process of embracing death and dying...

and ultimate life - through a different way of seeing the world. Across North America, in hospital and in home, the Griefwalker has worked to have death become a compassionate and more comfortable heart connection for family and friends. Death has become a scary process for many. This has us raise the question as to how we might come together as a community and engage with this intimate aspect of our lives in a different way. A renowned author and guest speaker, he travels to bring a possibility of connection that encompasses everyone from friends, family, Hospice, doctors, nurses, palliative care teams, funeral home staff, spiritual midwives, threshold singers, religious affiliations, administrators, ceremonialists and everyone else we may not have met yet!

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE INEVITABLE? DO YOU HAVE?

• • • • •

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

CALL US TO DISCUSS YOUR PLANS

201 – 64 Station Street Duncan BC V9L 1M4

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

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

Cowichan

EATING

ate fall in the Valley is a time of constant change. Leaves are dropping, days are shortening and the chill of all that rain starts to soak into our bones. Soon we will be starting to cook dinner in the twilight of the day. It’s time to focus our cooking on hearty, easy and tasty dishes. Oysters fit the bill perfectly for me at this time of the year. The easy way is to buy shucked oysters

Oyster Love in containers from your local seafood stores.

On the island, there are two main companies in the shucked oyster business. Mac’s Oysters has produced some of my favourite shucked oysters for over 65 years. The company was a pioneer in the industry and was started back in 1947 by Scottish immigrant Joe McLellan. Fanny Bay

Choose one of Daniel’s famous dishes. No Matter what your taste buds are craving, we have a great meal for you.

Now open for dinner 7 Days a week Open for lunch Thurs to Sunday

Open Wed - Sun 10am - 5pm

Oyster lovers! The Clayoquot Oyster Festival takes place in Tofino, November 14-17 www.oystergala.com

8350 Richards Trail

Oysters is the other big player in the market, located in Union Bay, just south of the Mac’s facility. These two companies grow and process oysters from their own properties as well as products harvested from the Salish Sea and from the Clayaquot Sound areas. With all that shucking going on, you can imagine there are a ton of oyster shells piling up around the facilities. Fanny Bay Oysters recently received a grant from the federal government to begin trials for crushing oyster shells to sell as products in the marketplace. We on the farm are happy to hear this, we feed oyster shells to our chickens (helps create strong egg shells) and we scatter the oyster shells around our garden. Here they provide calcium and act as a deterrent to the local slug population (apparently they don’t like to crawl across the shells). What was once a waste product is

North Cowichan

soon to be an important retail product—now that’s thinking outside the shell. These plumb oyster nuggets are grown to a little bigger size than the traditional oyster for fresh shucking and eating raw, tub oysters are perfect for cooking. Over the years I have experimented with many ways to transform these beauties into great food. The simplest way is to coat the oysters in a starch (cornmeal or breadcrumbs are great) and pan fry the oysters until the crust is browned and the oysters are warmed through. Cooked like this they are great as an appetizer or used as the filling for a sandwich or oyster burger. To offset the richness of the oysters, I like to make a quick salsa to serve as a condiment. My second favourite method is to make a chowder base and add the oysters in just before serving. This makes the best oyster chowder

250 748 3811 www.teafarm.ca

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

around, great for a fall night when the darkness and swirling clouds make you yearn for some comforting food.

Bill Jones is an author, chef and food consultant who can be found at Deerholme.com

Oyster Chowder

Serves 4-6 Recipe courtesy Bill Jones, Deerholme Farm

Amounts

Ingredients

2 Tbsp (30 mL) 1 2 Tbsp (30 mL) 1 cup (250 mL) 1 2 3 Tbsp (45 mL) 4 cups (500 mL 1 tub (16 oz / 475 mL) 1 Tbsp (15 mL) 1 Tbsp (15 mL) to taste

butter onion, diced minced garlic diced potato celery stalk, diced carrots, peeled and diced flour (or potato starch) milk shucked oysters chopped fresh parsley chopped fresh tarragon Fresh parsley for garnish salt and pepper

Method

In a stockpot, heat butter over high heat for 30 seconds. Add onion and garlic, sautĂŠ until onions are soft. Reduce heat to medium and toss in potato, celery and carrot. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook for 5-6 minutes. Sprinkle flour over top of vegetables and stir well to mix. Cook for 2-3 minutes and add the milk. Stir well to dissolve the flour. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Drain the oysters into a sieve over top of the chowder base. Stir in liquid and bring soup back to a boil.Take the oysters and roughly chop into chunks. Add to the soup base and bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat, add herbs and simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm oyster through.Taste soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into soup bowls, garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

“It’s fresher from here”

Oven Baked Honey Dijon and Thyme Chicken Local honey, local white wine, local herbs and vegetables make this hearty baked chicken dish a delicous and fragrant cold weather meal. Serve chicken with rice remembering to generously spoon bubbling sauce over each serving.

Amount

Ingredients

1 1/2 Pounds

Island Farmhouse Chicken Pieces Local Honey Dijon Mustard (plain or grainy) White Wine Canola Oil Red Wine Vinegar Thyme Sliced Red Onion Salt and Pepper

1/2 Cup 1/4 Cup 3 Tablespoons 3 Tablespoons 1 Tablespoon 2 teaspoons 1/2 To Taste

Method

Mix together local honey, dijon, white wine, oil, vinegar, thyme and salt and pepper. Place chicken pieces in a single layer in a glass baking dish and sprinkle with thinly sliced red onion. Pour the marinade over the chicken, cover and refrigerate for1 to 3 hours. Remove chicken from fridge and transfer chicken and marinade to casserole dish. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bake chicken until sauce bubbles. After 10 - 15 minutes turn pieces over and bake for 10 more minutes or until meat is cooked through. Once meat is cooked, through place dish on top rack and broil for 5 more minutes make sure the sauce maintains its bubbling. Serve hot over rice with steamed vegetables or baked squash.

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

8 1/2 Acres farmer Cam MacDonald with one of his large blue hubbard squash

Mutha’ Hubbard!

lue Hubbbards are winter storage squash that can keep for up to 6 months. This year at 8 1/2 acres we grew about 50 of these beauties and they weighed in at 1200 lbs. That’s a Cam MacDonald lot of food energy! The largest grows organic food were over 40 lbs each. We make with his partners at 8 soups, curries, baked squash 1/2 acres and roast the seeds for snacks or to bake in bread.

8 ½ Acres Blue Hubbard Squash Braised With Cumin & Skutz Falls Honey Recipe courtesy Chef Brock Windsor, Stone Soup Inn This recipe is intended to garnish an appetizer or main course. Ingredients 5oz per person - 8 ½ Acres blue hubbard squash 1 oz per person - Island Farms butter Sprinkling of toasted and ground cumin Bay leaf, 1 per person Skutz falls honey, ½ teaspoon per person ½ a SOL Farm vidalia onion per person sea salt and black pepper to taste Method Drop the squash on the ground to break in half, peel and core it and cut large slices 1” thick. Line up in a non-reactive pan so as to limit the amount of empty space, filling some of that space with pieces of SOL farm vidalia onion. Add water to barely cover, then pats of butter broken up and season with salt, pepper, cumin, bay leaf and drizzle the honey over it. Cover with foil and bake in a 325 oven for 30 minutes or until soft. Take the foil off 2/3 of the way through cooking to reduce the liquid. Save the trimmings of the squash for soup. Reheat in the braising liquid.

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

Walkabout The Salt Spring Market A

pples were the original temptation. And why not; crisp, sweet or tart they are deeply satisfying, the perfect snack. What is better than the simple perfection of an apple with a piece of good old cheddar? Environmentally friendly as well, no packagingjust hand a kid an apple. My favourite grilled sandwich in the world is good quality whole wheat bread, old cheddar or Moonstruck White Grace cheese, thinly sliced tart apples and a bit of grain mustard. Pan fried in a bit of butter it is absolute comfort food. Apples represent something else as well. When we think about our food supply and eating locally, apples are the perfect choice. In virtually any place in Canada one can find local apples

at this time of year. Here on Salt Spring, formerly the apple capital of BC we have a wide variety of apples. The same apple that is good for sauce is not always good for pies. Bramley apples, one of my favourites are perfect for pies and crisps. For savoury dishes, I make a warm bacon & apple vinaigrette for pan fried trout that is glorious. Or try simply placing tart peeled apples around pork while it is roasting for a spectacular accompaniment. However you slice it apples are one of my favourite ingredients to work with in the kitchen. Bruce Wood is chef/ owner of Bruce’s Kitchen in Ganges on beautiful Salt Spring Island. www.bruceskitchen.ca

Apple Maple Pudding Recipe courtesy Bruce Wood, Bruce’s Kitchen, Salt Spring Island This is a glorious warm winter dessert. I have also served it in the summer and mixed in one cup of fresh wild blueberries. It is best enjoyed warm from the oven with a dollop of soft whipped crème. 4 apples peeled, cored and sliced ½ tsp. cinnamon 1 cup maple sirop 3 tbsp. unsalted butter + 2 tbsp. unsalted butter for the batter 1 tsp. vanilla 1 egg 2 tsp. lemon juice 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/2cup raisins 1 tsp. baking powder Pre heat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish. Toss the apples with 1/2 cup of the maple sirop and the cinnamon and place in the baking dish. Beat the egg with 2 tbsp. melted butter, the vanilla, maple sirop & lemon juice. Fold in the flour & baking powder. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet and fold together gently. Pour the batter over the apples. Bake the pudding for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve hot with soft whipped crème.

Rod Beattie, actor. Photo by Terry Manzo

Wingfields Folly Chemainus Theatre Festival Runs to November 17 1 800 565 7738 In a bonus season production, The Chemainus Theatre Festival welcomes award-winning Canadian actor and comedian

Rod Beattie for his third Festival appearance. Presenting the animated solo show, Wingfield’s Folly, Beattie turns the economic trials of curmudgeonly farmer Walt Wingfield into a clever tale of love versus ambition. Wingfield’s Folly is the third in a series of seven plays written by Dan Needles. Originally written as a collection of letters to the editor, the tale is a hilarious look into the life of stockbrokerturned-farmer, Walt Wingfield, who is trying everything to eke out a living in small town Ontario. In a search for comfort amid economic struggle, Walt is desperate to overcome two profitfree years of farming. However, he has finally pinpointed the source of his financial problems and has devised the ultimate solution to gain financial freedom.

For info 250-709-5239 mpaylor@noisymime.net Or visit our website at www.noisymime.net

craft

A Local chef’s favourite secret weapon. Venturi Schulze Verjus. Verjus (green juice, sometimes called Verjuice) is a pure, unfermented grape juice pressed from unripe or semi-ripe fruit. Used since the Middle Ages as an alternative to lemon or lime, it is enjoying renewed popularity as a versatile, vibrant condiment. Prepare a salad dressing or a delicious sauce, deglaze a pan, create a sorbet, a cocktail, or a multitude of culinary delights.

Mushroom Soup

by Michelle Schulze,Venturi Schulze Vineyards

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter (divided) 1/2 cup diced onion 1 pound mixed mushrooms (I use mostly wild cauliflower mushroom, with 6 button mushrooms and handful enoki mushrooms) 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp flour 2 cups milk 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup chicken stock 1/2 cup Venturi-Schulze Verjus 1/4 cup Venturi-Schulze Brandenburg No.3 wine (optional) 1/4 cup Madeira (fortified Portuguese wine) 1/4 cup sour cream pinch of red pepper flakes dash of green Tabasco sauce salt & pepper more verjus to taste 2 tsp fresh chopped dill Melt 1/4 cup butter in heavy large saucepan. Add onions and cook over medium low heat until translucent. Slice mixed mushrooms thinly, then coarsely chop and put them in a large Ziploc bag. Add flour to bag and shake to coat mushrooms. Add the rest of the butter to the onions. Increase heat slightly and add mushroom/flour mixture. Cook mushrooms, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Do not burn. Add milk, heavy cream and stock. Stir. Add verjus, No.3 and Madeira. Stir. Add sour cream. Stir. Add red pepper flakes, Tabasco. Simmer the soup slowly, over low heat for 30 minutes. Do not boil. Add salt and pepper to taste and more verjus to suit your palate. Add chopped dill and serve in bowls with crusty bread on the side. Can be made ahead of time. Tastes even better the next day.

Available from Cherry Point Vineyards, The Worldly Gourmet, The Community Farm Store Ingredients: Health & Apple Cafe

Go to www.CowichanValleyArtisans.com for more information about Vetnuri Schulze Vineyards, or find a brochure for the Cowichan Valley Artisans’ year-round studio tour, available at the Duncan Garage, 101 330 Duncan Street and at Experience Cycling, 482 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan.

rosettastonekitchenware.com 250.709.0720

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

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

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

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

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

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

Tafelmusik

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

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

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

Tafelmusik November 25 2pm Cowichan Theatre 250 748 7529

xplore the fusion of arts, science and culture in the 17th and 18th centuries in this imaginative concert commemorating Galileo’s first public demonstration of the telescope. Tafelmusik musicians perform the music by memory to a backdrop of high-definition images from the Hubble telescope and Canadian astronomers. The Galileo Project: Music of the Spheres features poetic narration, choreography, and music by Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Bach and Handel. One of Tafelmusik’s most successful international exports, The Galileo Project has been seen in Australia and New Zealand, China (in Mandarin), Malaysia, Mexico (in Spanish), Canada and the United States. The musicians participate on many levels, whether as core members, soloists, or contributors to the exceptionally creative programming ideas that bring Tafelmusik concerts to life and make them fully relevant in a 21st century context.

A PERFECT GIFT FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING How about a chauffered wine tour.

ifts of experience are thoughtful. In contrast to the consumerism of material gifts, experiential gifts are of more benefit to everyone involved, not just the gift recipient themselves. A great local gift idea for the person who has everything is a Cowichan Valley wine tour. Tour goers leave the keys at home, can be picked up by a chauffeur or be guided through the countryside on a bicycle and have the opportunity to sample a variety of locally grown wines. These guided tours give participants the opportunity to gain a better understanding of our local wine industry from growing to production to tasting... many of our small vineyards will even offer tours of their vines or cellars to enhance the whole wine experience.There are a number of companies that specialize in Cowichan Valley wine tours.

Gift certificates for wine tours from

Encore Limousine Service

Doug McLean of Encore Limosuine based in the Cowichan Valley was the first company to offer limo chauffered wine tours in the Cowichan Valley. Different from the many multi passenger van tours that are offered, Encore offers passengers a luxury experience in either a 6 passenger or 9 passenger super stretch luxury limousine. The company usually leaves the vineyard choices to the clients with a break for lunch at a destination of their choice. Leslie Goodall owner of Vancouver Island Wine Tours offers both full day and afternoon tours â&#x20AC;&#x153;The full day tour visits four wineries including pick up and drop off at central downtown locations in Duncan & Victoria, tasting charges at all locations and a vineyard tour.â&#x20AC;? Blue Grouse Winery, Rocky Creek Winery, Zanatta Winery, Glenterra Vineyards, Silverside Fruit Winery, Venturi-Schulze Vineyard, Enrico Winery & Merridale Cidery are typically the wineries they visit but they are always happy to customize tours. Tours usually operate early in the spring up until the end of harvest time in October, Leslie tells us that tours can be organized year round with advance notice.

make excellent Christmas gifts and can be used anytime Winter, Spring or Summer season!

(250) 710-3927 encorelimousineservice@shaw.ca www.encorelimo.ca

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

If outdoor adventure is more their thing, Anne Sheridan owner and operator of Switch Bridge Tours offers wine lovers bike adventures through the Cowichan Valley vineyards. The tours take 6 - 7 hours and begins in Brentwood Bay, Cyclists bike to two wineries to sip and sample before heading off for lunch in beautiful Cowichan Bay. After lunch there is a visit to one more

W P V i

winery before returning to the Mill Bay ferry. A final stop on a seaside patio completes the tour. “We usually limit our tours to 12 cyclists with two guides but can accommodate groups of 36 with a minimum two weeks advance notice.” says Anne “Our electric bikes make this tour accessible to all. When thinking about joining an activity many people worry about being able to keep up with a group or are uncertain about their ability to climb the hills, for these reasons many avoid these types of tours. With the Elite Electric Bike, anyone who has ridden a bicycle within the last couple of years will have a great day cruising the beautiful country roads of the Cowichan Valley.”

Elite Electric Bike Tours

• Cowichan Valley Wine Tour • Salt Spring Island Tour

Stumped on which wine tour experience to give? Don’t fret, all these tour companies offer gift certificates good for use during any time of the year. Cheers to that!

1 866.383.1466 switchbridgetours@shaw.ca www.switchbridgetours.com

We’re Open! For dinner every weekend • Local • Affordable • Intimate

Don’t Miss Special Coupon Offer Below! Local Spirits: Kinsol Cocktail ~ stir with ice and strain merridale frizz 30 ml noilly prat (dry vermouth) 30 ml aperol 15 ml cinnamon syrup 7.5 ml fernet branca (375 ml format) 2.5 ml signature merridale cocktail made by Janice Mansfield at “Art of the Cocktail”

fall special with the presentation of this coupon one can dine for $19.99 ~ 3 courses Friday or Saturday night from 5pm

merridale ciderworks • 250.743.4293 visit www. merridalecider.com for sample menus and reservations

*No cash value-expires Nov.30-one coupon per person-not redeemable with other discounts-weekends only

hy, when so many people oppose the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project, would government and industry resort to such extreme measures to push it through? The problems with the plan to run pipelines from the Alberta tar sands across northern B.C. to load unrefined, diluted bitumen onto supertankers for export to China and elsewhere are wellknown: threats to streams, rivers, lakes and land from pipeline leaks; the danger of contaminated ocean ecosystems from tanker spills; rapid expansion of the tar sands; and the climate change implications of continued wasteful use of fossil fuels. The benefits aren’t as apparent. Some short-term and fewer longterm jobs, possibly for foreign workers, and increased profits for the oil industry – including

Chemainus Health Food

9738 Willow Street 250 246-9838 Natural Grocery, Vitamins, Hemp Fashions Eliza Hemingway Art & Antiques 9756C Willow Street 250 416-0363 Etc.

9747 Willow Street 250 324-2227 Beads and Beading Classes

state-owned Chinese companies – are all we’re being offered in exchange for giving up our resources, interests and future, putting ecosystems at risk, and forfeiting due democratic process. Our government is ramming through another omnibus budget bill, and is set to sign a deal with China, both of which seem aimed at facilitating the pipeline and other resource-extraction projects. Its first budget bill gutted environmental protection laws, especially those that might obstruct pipeline plans. It also limited input from the public and charitable organizations, and included measures to crack down on charities that engage in political advocacy. The recent 457-page omnibus budget bill goes even further. Among other changes, it

* Toad Hall Emporium

9738 A Willow Street 250 246-4400 CLOSED FOR RETIREMENT Saltspring Soapworks

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

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

See You Soon! *

We Accept Chemainus Dollars

Come to Chemainus; where the people are friendly and the parking is free! Enjoy shopping, excellent eateries, live music, professional theatre and special events. Come for a day or make it a getaway.

revises the Navigable Waters Protection Act (renamed the Navigation Protection Act) to substantially reduce waterways that must be considered for protection and exempt pipelines from regulations. Meanwhile, the government is set to sign a 31-year deal on October 31 that will give China’s government significant control over Canada’s resources and even over Canadians’ rights to question projects like Northern Gateway. The Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement would allow China to sue Canada, outside of our China Deal and Budget borders and behind Sacrifice Democracy To closed doors, if the pipeline deal were Short-Term Goals blocked or China’s interests in our investors to do your dirty work resource industry hindered; for for you.” example, if the B.C. government were to stop Northern Gateway. In other words, as the world It also gives the Chinese staterecognizes the already extreme owned companies “the right to and increasing consequences of full protection and security from global warming and shifts from public opposition”, as well as the wastefully burning fossil fuels right to use Chinese labour and to conservation and renewable materials on projects in which it energy, tar sands bitumen may has invested. soon become uneconomical. The goal is to dig it up, sell it and According to author and burn it as quickly as possible investigative journalist Andrew while there’s still money to be Nikiforuk, writing for the Tyee, made. It’s cynical and suicidal, “The deal does not require but it’s the kind of thinking that provincial consent. It comes is increasingly common among without any risk-benefit analysis. those who see the economy as And it can be ratified into law the highest priority – over human without parliamentary debate.” health and the air, water, soil and biodiverse ecosystems that keep Why would anyone want to sell us alive. out our interests, democratic processes and future like this? What can we do? Prof. Van And why would we put up with Harten has written to provincial it? On the first question, Gus governments urging them to Van Harten, an international ask the federal government to investment law professor at “stop the rushed ratification” of Osgoode Hall Law School, told the China deal. We should all Desmog Blog we must consider demand that our leaders put the the possibility that government interests of Canadians now and and industry know that changes into the future ahead of shortin attitudes about fossil fuel sighted and destructive industrial extraction “may lead to new ambitions. The budget bill and regulations on the oil patch, trade deal are not democratic in in that, climate can’t just be content or implementation. We wished away forever, and that need to take back democracy. governments might take steps to regulate the oil patch in ways Written with contributions that investors wouldn’t like.” from David Suzuki Foundation He continues, “If you bring in a Communications Manager Ian lot of Chinese investments, and Hanington. you sign the Canada investment deal, you kind of get the Chinese

Science Matters with David Suzuki

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

Hypno Baby Birthing™

ypno-Baby Birthing™ is a course specially designed by a doctor, nurse and hypnotherapist to empower a woman to have the birth that they desire. It complements all primary maternity care, whether it be with a medical doctor, midwife, doula, or other trained personnel. The course offers a means of returning to a truly natural birth, with less intervention, better pain control and a drug-free, holistic approach. Any fears or anxiety that the mother may have about the process are addressed before the birth, thus leaving them to have the calm, tranquil, joyful experience to lovingly carry and give birth to a baby. It is open to all women whether it is their first or a subsequent pregnancy or if they are planning a vaginal or cesarean delivery. It can be applied in any environment - for home births or in the hospital. Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist Danette Rodger (Noble), of Cowichan Valley Hypnotherapy offers

both group and private Hypno-Baby Birthing™ classes to expectant mothers and their birth partners. She guides clients through hypnosis for childbirth and Hypno-Anesthesia. HypnoBaby Birthing™ is also designed to aid in fertility (men and women), and to help cope with any postpartum issues, as well as keeping the family unit together, once the baby arrives. The classes are designed as 2 hours, once a week, for 4 weeks. It is optimal to begin in the second trimester, but even one class before birthing is beneficial to the mother and will aid the birth process. The knowledge of self-hypnosis and the skills and techniques learned will aid the mother through the birth, and in other areas of her life. Hypno-Baby Birthing™ is a registered Trademark of the Hypnotism Training Institute of Alberta, Sherwood Park, Alberta. It was designed by Dr. David J.L. Brown, M.D., Beth Smolyk, RN., and Anny Slegten, CCHt., since 2004. *Danette Rodger (Noble) is a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master/ Teacher and a Faculty Member of the Hypnotism Training Institute of Alberta, Certified to teach Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. From her private practice in Chemainus, she offers sessions in Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy and Reiki.

Danette Noble, Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist •Private sessions - Hypnosis & Reiki •Training in Self-Hypnosis, Reiki & Hypno-Baby Birthing • Now located in a tranquil setting in South Chemainus, BC

Cowichan Valley Hypnotherapy 250 709 7380

By appointment only, please call Danette or visit www.cowichanvalleyhypno.com for more information

Shopping Party S OU L Holiday Wednesday, Nov. 14 E S CAPE

ESTHETICS

5pm - 7pm

Est. Since 2006

Fantastic Door Prizes

Wine tastings with Unsworth Vineyard Refreshments from Power Lunch Book in for complimentary: · 15 minute Micro with Maxine · 15 minute Clarisonic Cleansing Treatment · 15 minute Eminence make up application

10% OFF ALL PRODUCTS (only during the party)

Please RSVP by Nov. 8.

Special Guest: Carla Godin BCRPA Certiﬁed Personal Trainer Activate Your Fitness!

THE ORIGINAL HUNGARIAN ORGANIC SKINCARE LINE IN NORTH AMERICA

The first and only Green Spa in the Cowichan Valley.

#4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca

Enterprising

Women

Ninny in Cowichan Bay Syearspinning was opened by Lara Bruschot 3 ago. A mosaic and jewelry artist herself, she felt inspired to open the store after meeting many talented artists at markets and felt that everyone needed a full time venue to showcase their wares - including herself. The term “Spinning Ninny” is best described as “ the whirlwind in ones mind when filled with numerous creative ideas” Lara explains.

Her seaside store is a lively, animated spot. Everything in the shop is handmade by a local artist or designer and everyone that comes to the shop will always find something unique, stylish or novel to love. “ I believe it’s important to know what you are buying, where it’s from and who made it, says Lara proud to be able to tell her customers about each designer and their products personally. Her favourite customers are the kind that appreciate fine details, quality materials and good craftsmanship. One of the most common comments from customers is “every time I look around I see something new” and it’s true! She especially enjoys being able to report back to the artists the many comments about them being clever. It’s such a real confidence booster for the artists and designers to get positive feedback. Lara also appreciates customers with a good sense of humour and loves it when people laugh in the store while investigating a novelty item, like her hand held felted moustache disguises on a stick. New for winter are cozy screen printed Shawls and scarves, sweaters and warm tunics made with boiled wool, for men there is a new selection of hoodies and shirts, and for babies clothes made from Spinning Ninny bamboo. Come in to check 1725 Cowichan Bay Rd the newest bestsellers - unique teeny tiny dishes made by 250-597-1444 Blackbird Studios. Nov 15th is www.spinningninny.ca Ladies Night in Cowichan Bay.

Buy 3 Oil Changes Get 2 free! Save your money for shoes!

2752 Beverly Street Duncan www.myoilcheck.ca 18

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

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There’s No Such Thing as “Waste” Cooking Oil

Shrinking Your Footprint and Saving Money

ome on, we all do it. Late at night, when the kids are fast asleep, don’t we all love to secretly fry up some home-fries with (gasp!) more than one tablespoon of oil? Maybe you’ve even tried the newest culinary take on the holiday tradition: deep-frying a turkey! Rick Juliusson FreeRange Consulting Sustainable funding * Effective operations * Achievable vision

After licking your fingers, what do you do with all that leftover cooking oil? Down the drain it pollutes water and causes expensive clogs in the sewage or septic pipes. In the compost it slows down the composting process. Either way, it’s wasting a valuable resource that can be turned into biofuel. Cowichan Energy Alternatives (CEA) has partnered with local governments to finally provide a slick way to boost your greasy carbon karma. Collection bins have been installed in several public locations to deposit your waste cooking oil. Once collected, it is recycled into environmentally friendly biofuel. This month, CEA will make the ceremonial first deposits in shiny new bins at: • Cowichan Bay in front of Pier 66 store. • Duncan in the Merit Furniture For every litre of parking lot. fossil fuel we replace • Ladysmith at the public works with locally-made biofuel, yard. we reduce carbon • At all three CVRD wasteemissions by nearly 3 kg. transfer stations. Next time the kids ask for fish and chips, put the leftover oil into a tightly sealed plastic container—the plastic bottle the cooking oil came in is ideal—and deposit it at any of the above collection bins. Please just make sure not to use glass or anything that will burst open at the bottom of the bin. They say that one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure. Here in the creative Cowichan Valley, one family’s waste cooking oil is another family’s biofuel. Don’t waste that waste!

NOV 10 • 12:30pm to 4pm • FREE

Home Energy-Saving Options Workshop Sponsored by:

cowichan

Schedule of Workshop Events

party

12.30 to 1pm Energy Saving Contractor Booths 1pm

Moderator and Introduction: Kerry Davis, Candidate, Cowichan Green Party

1:05pm

Renewable energy systems - Val Russell, student of Al Gore & teacher at Dwight School Canada. Her slide presentation will focus on global advances in renewable energy.

1:30pm

Home Energy Audits – Ian Gartshore of Shore Energy Solutions

2 -2:30pm

Intermission / Refreshments

2:30pm

Overview of Renewable Energy Technologies for Cowichan – Wes Hyde of Viridian Energy, a local energy cooperative

2:45pm

Bulk Order of Solar Heating Panels – Don Skerick of Veridian Energy

3-3:30pm

Q & A sessions – speakers will discuss issues with the audience

After 3:30pm Tour of HUB geothermal system Energy Saving Contractor Booths

2375 Koksilah Road For more information: Contact Peter Nix 250-748-7954 (peternix@shaw.ca)

Image; Residential oil bins. Rick Julliuson

‘SAFERhome’ project on Wilmot – FIRST to be certified on Vancouver Island

e are thrilled to announce that our project on Wilmot Road in Duncan has recently received SAFERhome certification. This is our first home to receive certification and is also the first project on Vancouver Island to be certified. We believe the SAFERhome 19 point criteria is simply a smart way of building, not only making homes a better real estate investment but most importantly enhancing homeowners lifestyles both now and for the future. Seniors have a lot to benefit from this type of home as

they can gracefully age into it without the need for a costly care facility prematurely. Young families can enjoy the benefits as they could invite their aging parents to join them under one roof and enjoy the benefits of three (even four) generations of sharing.

Here are a few quick points about SAFERhome standards: • are within the existing Provincial and National Building Codes but give the homeowner more than the accepted minimum building standard • homes are built to the only measurable ‘Universal’ standard in the world. A small example would be plugs are all at 18” off the

DESIGNI NG green Safer Homes

floor for easy access and all switches are 42” for easy memory. • improves the physical safety of the home for the whole family, young children to aging parents; for example through minimal interior and exterior thresholds and wider hallways • allows homeowners the ability to adapt their homes as the needs of the family changes; allows for aging-in-place solutions; for example the home is prewired for electrical options in the future ie: chair lifts, auto door openers for caregivers. Also removable cabinet boxes below sinks for wheelchair access later. • offers ‘one-level living’ in any multi-level design; for example wider staircases(for an add on chair lift) or an elevator option is planned for the future in stacked closets Remove the closets up and down in ten years and install an elevator in it’s place. Fast and economical. • when incorporated into the design phase a SAFERhome is not expensive especially when the benefits and increased value in the home are

considered Most of the above add little cost when done now. The cost later is often prohibitive • SAFERhomes is affiliated with notable partners such as the Homeowner Protection Office and BC Housing. To learn more about the program go to: www. saferhomesociety.com The SAFERhome standards are a ‘smart’ choice, whether it be a new home, a complete renovation or even a partial renovation. The standards are measurable and tangible, and simply create a more comfortable home. The design is ‘Universal’ which works for all people, and makes a home ‘look better, work better and worth more’. We are certain that our client will be very happy and comfortable in her new home and at ease with the knowledge that her home can be adapted if her needs change. We are looking forward to our next SAFERhome project! David Coulson is a local certified Built Green design builder. He has a staff of 25 that have built throughout the island for over 20 years.

For full design/build service, give us a call

 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com  20

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

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Shrinking Your Footprint and Saving Money

id you know that the price of electricity is going up? BC’s Energy Minister recently announced that our Hydro rates will increase by 17% over three years, instead of the 30% requested by BC Hydro. In any case, there is no doubt that electricity rates will go up, up, up and never down! The Green Party of BC is sponsoring a workshop on Saturday, Nov. 10, 12:30 - 4:00 at the Cowichan Station Hub, to enable you to learn how to shrink your carbon footprint and save money at the same time. Kerry Davis, the Green Party candidate in the next provincial election, will host the event.

Workshop participants will be able to connect with local green energy contractors. Val Russell, science teacher at Dwight School Canada, recently returned from picking Al Gore’s brain, will summarize worldwide advances in renewable technology Speakers will describe what technologies are available and practical in the Cowichan Valley. Definitely, the largest savings will come from installing a heat pump. The electric heat that warms your

abode eats 30 – 40% of your Hydro bill, on average! With the latest heat pumps now available, most of the energy for heating comes from the external environment and only a fraction from electricity. The new air-to-air, ductless technology is more affordable, as well, as no holes need to be dug in the ground, nor ducts installed through walls. To make it even easier on your wallet, the BC Gov’t will rebate up to $1600! Solar hot water is another good way to save money and environmental impact. You will have the opportunity to find out if it’s right for you and can sign-up for a bulk-buy at a reduced rate. Credit must be given to Peter Nix for putting this all together and to Grant Waldman and Annik Moyal-Waldman for being the project’s original catalysts. For more info:Call Peter Nix at 250 748 7954

What Would Ms Polly Do? What’s In A Toy? The best toys are open ended.

A toy that has one function is soon put aside because the child is limited by the narrow uses the toy has to offer. But, an open item may be a tool of the child’s imagination and have many uses. A few simple toys free the imagination to explore to expand an idea and to make jolly good fun. So save your money parents. We realize, often a large box is more appealing to children than the grand toy that came in the box. What is already in the home that has play value? Pots, pans and a variety of wooden spoons from the kitchen cupboard offer experiences for a baby and a toddler. A long pair of socks worn on the hands and over the arms and a short skipping rope and the preschooler is expressive dancing or a four footed balancing, bending buddy. Too many toys at one time clog the scene and hinder play. A face cloth and a bar of soap in the bath do not clutter the bathtub. The feel of warm water, of floating soap and of sinking face cloth may amuse a kindergarten child until the water is too cool to stay in the tub any longer.The best open ended toys can be used at least three different ways and the unfinished nature encourages the mind to make the toy everything. Paulette is an Educator of Parents and Children in the Waldorf Philosophy. She lives in Victoria.

NOV Art Classes at Sacred Mountain Studio

Making Gifts from clay and paper that are personal, creative and useful with Nan Goodship

November 1, 8, 15, 22 (Thurs) 7pm to 9:30pm

Drawing Creative Formas a way of Centering with Peter Spohn November 5, 12, 19, 26 7pm to 9pm

1529 Khenipsen Rd Duncan, British Columbia

250-746-4130 To Register

www.sacredmountainstudio.ca

hen it’s cold in the Cowichan Valley this dynamic heritage tomato growing couple Ramona Froehle-Schacht and Stephen Schacht of SOL Farm puts together one of the most impressive professional artisan fairs on the island. For 24 years Ramona and her husband Stephen have offered artisans a 3 day venue to showcase local, handmade works. “Our mandate for the Out of Hand Artisan Fair, has always Ladies NIght in been to stay Cowichan Bay at the top of Thursday November 15 the curve, 6-9pm showcasing the best Admission by Donation handmade, T Gil Bunch Performing contemporary Arts Centre work that is reflective of the current trends and needs of our Brentwood College, Mill Bay community. says Ramona Froehle Schacht coordinator of the Out 250 743-8756 of Hand Craft Fair in Victoria. “The artisans who participate make Visit these great lady-owned uniquely beautiful, functional everyday objects that we can use in our shops in the Bay for a special daily lives. Just as people make the conscious choice to buy their food from local sources, they can choose to buy their gifts and clothing Ladies Night! Join Spinning from local designer/producers.” Ninny, Radway, Out of the

Where did you get that bag?

Blue and Zoe’s Cafe for a great night of browsing, shopping, art and good cheer. Also special holiday deals, discounts and prizes! Complimentary wine and cheese will be served to all who come down.

The artisan food section of the fair is in itself a big draw. “It’s where many of our customers go first, visiting each booth for tastings and buying a great range of tasty consumables to add to your pantry, for stocking stuffers or hostess gifts.” Recent expansions to the fashion area gives this year’s young designers an opportunity to market their clothes and accessories in a busy well-established venue “Our clientele are looking to express themselves with more individual flair, and love the fact that many of the designers we bring in use recycled/repurposed fabrics when designing their clothing and accessories. Part of our success over the past 30 years is the fact that we evolve with the times. Younger women are looking for hip clothing for themselves and their babies and prefer to purchase greener and local. We like to present the alternatives that are out there.” says Ramona. Image above; The Hilda Bag. Designer Cheyenne Goh, of Rumah Kampung repurposes men’s suits found in thrift stores and makes gorgeous bags for laptops, kindles, I Pads and more.

Out Of Hand Artisan Fair November 23 - 25 Crystal Gardens 713 Douglas Street Victoria www.outofhand.ca

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

Crystal Resonance Healing and Replenishing The Earth, Watercolour on paper 16” X 20”

Catherine Fraser 5412 Gore-Langton Rd Duncan www.members.shaw.ca/ catherinefraserart 250-748-2067 Studio visits by appointment

ith a repertoire of over 25 solo shows, Catherine Fraser’s artworks are in collections around the world. Pieces from her most recent show Hebredian OverturesIona Series, which debuted in Ashland, Oregon will be on view at Imagine That Artisans this November. “This show represents my experiences from a trip to Findhorn and Iona, Scotland. Imagined from energetic experiences, the Blue Peace Portal images 1 and 2 encapsulate the island of Iona and walkabouts to the Abbey.” One may recognize imagery of the Alpha and the Omega entwined around the blue peace portal. This piece was inspired after conversations with a local

Blue Peace Portal 1 Watercolour on paper 16” X 20” Blue Peace Portal 2 Watercolour on paper 16” X 20”

Scottish woman who spoke about despair, hope, love and peace. Catherine describes “The watercolour Crystal Resonance Healing and Replenishing The Earth was created after hearing crystal bowls being played in the Oran Chapel and at Fingel’s Cave on the island of Staffa. The bowls played a sound that seemed to radiate out to infinity.”

Talking Arts • Catherine Fraser

rebirth interest me as well as spiritual matters.” Catherine tells us. A variety of mediums are used to create her pieces; watercolors, acrylics, pastels, and mixed media on paper or canvas. Images are representational and abstract, painted in the outdoors and in the studio. “I like to work on one veil painting a year where

I weave hundreds of layers of watercolor on paper and wait for images to appear. This is a meditative way to paint.” she shares. Catherine Fraser’s work will be on view at Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs, 251 Craig Street in Duncan to November 19.

A holistic viewpoint and diverse experiences move Catherine Fraser to create. Creativity is woven throughout her life as a nurse, art therapist and painter. “I am interested in creativity and different ways of knowing (aesthetic and personal). Cycles of nature, birth, life, death and

Holiday

Guide

SHOPPERS for

MINDFUL LIVING

An easy guide to help you decide where to go for mindful gifts, food and services this holiday season.

Music Artisans, Craft & Clothing Imagine That! Artisans’

251 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan 250-748-6776 www.imaginethatartisans.com Beautifully stocked with locally made original art and craft pieces, featuring works in clay, glass, wood, metal and fibre. Everything purchased here supports a local artisan and this wonderful artists collective.

Etc!

9747c Willow St, Chemainus 250-324-2227 Open 7 days a week in November and December Offering a fantastic range of beads and beading supplies as well as classes. Unique gifts for every member of the family including pets. Gift Certificates.

Chemainus Theatre Gallery Gift Shop

9737 Chemainus Road, Chemainus 250-246-9806 Ext. 4 www.chemainustheatre.ca Experience local arts beyond the stage in the Gallery Gift Shop. A wide variety of unique and imaginative items by BC artisans offer new creations to discover and bring home.

Spinning Ninny Boutique

1725 Cowichan Bay Road, Cowichan Bay www.spinningninny.ca 250-597-1444 A unique Boutique with an eclectic collaboration of creativity and style. Everything is Handcrafted by local designers with love Jewelry, Hand Felted Art, Mosaics, Pottery and Teas. Gift Certifcates Available.

Cowichan Symphony Society

Tafelmusik – Baroque Orchestra Presentation “The Galileo Project – Music of the Spheres” Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250-748-7529 www.CowichanSymphonySociety.ca Explore the fusion of arts, science and culture in the 17th and 18th centuries in this fully staged, imaginative concert commemorating Galileo’s first public demonstration of the telescope.

Organic Spa Services Soul Escape Esthetics

4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy Duncan 250 748 2056 www.soulescape.ca Offering a full range of certified organic and biodynamic skincare and spa treatments including Facials, Massage, Pedicures, manicures, services for Young Ladies (age 4-12) and Diabetic footcare. Holiday Gift Certificates available.

Toys The Red Balloon Toy Shop

85 Station Street, Duncan 250 748-5545 The best toyshop in the whole wide world for games, puzzles, crafts, science, dolls, special needs toys, dress-up, dinosaurs, puppets, kites. We carry Lego, Playmobile and more!

Bamboletta Dolls

1759 Cowichan Bay Road (Unit G) Cowichan Bay www.bamboletta.com One of a kind, all natural, skillfully handcrafted dolls made with high quality ‘ingredients’ and lots of love right here in the Cowichan Valley. New store opens December 1st!

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

Theatre & Dining

Meats

The Chemainus Theatre Festival and Playbill Dining Room

Windhorse Farm

9737 Chemainus Road, Chemainus Box office at 1-800-565-7738 www.chemainustheatre.ca Theatre with heart and soul â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what makes the Chemainus Theatre Festival Experience so alive, appealing and exciting. Book your theatre package today. Gift certificates available in any denomination.

3900 Rowe Road, Glenora 250 748-2585 www.windhorseorganics.ca Come to Windhorse Farm for healthy and delicious grass-fed/finished angus beef. We are Certified Organic by IOPA and certified by the BC SPCA. Our beef is sold by the cut - phone or check the website for availability.

Cowichan Valley Meat Market

Seafood Cowichan Bay Seafood

1751 Cowichan Bay Road, Cowichan Bay 250 748-0020 www.cowichanbayseafood.com Proudly offering seafood that meets the criteria of the Sea Choice program, offering sustainable and local seafood products and gourmet groceries.

Tea and Coffee Teafarm

8350 Richards Traill, North Cowichan 250-748-3811 www.teafarm.ca Open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm for all your tea needs. Choose from a wide selection of organic loose leaf teas and accessories, local honey, beautiful bees wax candles and more.

Moziro Roasters

1761 B Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake 250.733.2245 www.moziro.com Locally roasted coffee and handmade chocolate. Family owned and operated. Moziro is happy to carry 100% direct trade beans - this means all of their beans are sold direct to them from farmers in Africa.

5191 Koksilah Road, South of Duncan 250 746-8732 Offering grain fed beef, pork, lamb and veal from Westholme Farms...All animals are fed home grown forage with no added hormones, and no animal by-products. Westholme Farms operates its own feedmill. There are also a variety of fresh and frozen products, spices, deli items, meat pies and more in store. Open 7 days a week from 7:30am - 7pm.

The Duncan Butcher

430 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan 250 748-6377 www.duncanbutchershop.com Organic beef, chicken , free run buffalo and venison, hormone free none medicated beef, pork, chicken, turkeys and house made sausage, pepperoni, hams, bacons, sausage rolls, smokies, garlic coils, meat loafs and more!

Health Food & Grocery Chemainus Health Food Store

9738 Willow Street, Chemainus 250 246-9838 We have a huge selection of natural, organic, local and ecofriendly gifts, as well as organic groceries and food for specialty diets. We also carry a large selction of ecofriendly clothing in soy, bamboo, hemp and cotton.

Holiday Helpers Clean Choice Cleaners

250-929-8381 www.cleanchoicecleaners.com Providing professional, eco-friendly cleaning services for residential and commercial properties in the South Cowichan Valley. Holiday and special occasion clean up services available. Give the gift of clean liviing! Gift Certificates available in all amounts.

Christmas Fair

Saturday, November 17th 10am-3pm. Sunrise Waldorf School 4344 Peters Rd. Duncan 250.743.7253 If you have not been to a Sunrise School Christmas Fair yet, mark your calendars now! This event is a truly delightful tradition that eases the whole family into the Christmas season - with the true magic and meaning of the holidays. Come early and enjoy a full day of dipping beeswax candles, painting a silk scarf, making a wreath or candle holder, and other festive crafts. Younger children can explore the Enchanted Garden, where tiny gnomes and jewels are found hiding amongst the twinkling Christmas lights. Older children can try clay sculpturing. Find a crumbly treasure in the Cookie Cave. If you need a rest, step into the magic of “Float the Boat”, a world of candlelight and quiet stillness. The whole family will be entertained by live music and

puppet plays, while enjoying the feast of delicious home-cooked food and baked goods available. Be sure to visit the popular Vendor’s Marketplace, where each year local artisans and craftmakers sell their gourmet foods, natural clothing, wooden toys, dolls, games, handmade jewelry, hats, socks, tree ornaments, and other delights. This is an amazing family friendly celebration of Christmas and community. All ages welcome. Admission to the Fair and Marketplace is free. Donations to the Food Bank are gratefully accepted. Tickets for the children’s activities and crafts are very reasonably priced. All proceeds go to the Sunrise Waldorf School Parent Association and will support Waldorf Education in the Cowichan Valley.

Cowichan Bay Will Be Home To

special handcrafted, natural wool doll made right here in Cobble Hill has caused a big stir in the natural toy market. Bamboletta Dolls, cute, colourful and created by local entrepreneur Christina Platt are hand sewn by 38 wonderful local women and one truly amazing husband, John. The dolls have created such a buzz the company has had to keep its location quiet to be able to keep up with the demand (every doll has been sold within minutes of availability online) and to avoid buyers seeking dolls at their doorstep. Up until very recently 95% of the dolls made have been sold to outside of Canada via the internet but now families will be able find them right here in Cowichan Bay. The dolls were first inspired when Christina read a Waldorf philosophy about the importance of dolls in children’s play. “That the dolls should be made of natural materials as it flows more with the child’s energy, and that each has a neutral facial

expression to encourage openended play, really struck a cord in me.” Christina tells us, “It so happens at the same time my niece was born and I could not think of a better gift for her than one of these dolls. My shopping search was disappointing; dolls were either too old fashioned or too manufactured-looking for my taste. Being a crafty woman, I sourced a doll-making book in German and, with translation help from a friend, was able to piece together my first doll. I didn’t have the wool to stuff it with so I cut my sheepskin and used an old t-shirt to make the doll’s body. Breathless with excitement, I worked through the night as the doll came alive. I was hooked! I made another for a friend, then another one and then did my first market with great success. I just knew if there were moms like me looking for dolls like this I had a market to sell too and a reason to make more dolls.”

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

The Most Sought After Dolls In The Natural Toy Market...December 1st Bamboletta Dolls are completely natural. Each doll takes about 12 hours to make from start to finish and her staff of 38 can proudly birth 100 quality dolls in a week. Each doll body is stuffed with western Canadian wool chosen for it’s natural antibacterial properties. As wool absorbs scents easily it doesn’t take long for the dolls to smell like home making them perfect comfort companions for children. Their skin is made with cotton interlock material and their hair is made from a combination of wool and mohair yarns. Many of the yarn comes undyed from the mill and are hand-dyed by Andrea at Bamboletta. Bamboletta faces hold pleasant neutral expressions, which help lead children to open play. “The dolls can be happy or sad or something in between. Children tend to mimic and act out situations through play so it’s nice to have a doll that can vary expressions with a little imagination.” Christina shares,

“What I wanted to do most with Bamboletta was to take an old German doll-making tradition and make it more appealing for today’s child.” Her main market is conscientious buyers looking for one very special handcrafted doll instead of a dozen plastic ones. Handcrafted traditionally and with the best doll-making materials around, Christina firmly believes these dolls will stand the test of time and be passed on to the next generation. As do the buyers! Re-sale value of gently used dolls sometimes go for above retail. The dolls have been in demand since the moment they graced peoples arms. “I think people see the uniqueness in what we do and we back it up with a very wellcrafted doll.” Christina smiles, “I am so happy to be finally able to provide these dolls locally. The past few years have seen such an intense growth. I feel a little settled and able to take on having a retail location. I miss finding dolls their homes in real life.

Bamboletta Doll There is nothing quite like seeing a child look through a selection of dolls and find his or her perfect friend. I also really wanted to find just the right spot and I

think we did in Cowichan Bay.” Bamboletta Dolls will open just in time for Christmas on December 1st. www.bamboletta.com

Tzouhalem Spinners and Weavers Guild Annual Sale Valley Vines To Wines Mill Bay Shopping Centre Show Runs to Nov 29 Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am - 5pm FREE For the fifth year in a row, the Tzouhalem Spinners and Weavers Guild will be transforming the Loft Gallery at Valley Vines to Wines in Mill Bay into a blaze of colours and textures. “Our Guild members have a wide range of fibre interests with new designs and ideas appearing every year. We never know what will be coming up the stairs -sweaters, shawls, blankets,

scarves, socks, slippers, towels, pincushions and more. We will be showcasing weaving, spinning, dyeing, felting, hand and machine knitting, bobbin lace, needle lace, Kumihimo (Japanese braiding). shares Barbara Dowd, guild member. We are a non-profit group meant to encourage and promote spinning, weaving and associated fibre arts not only with our members but with the public as well. From newbies to master spinners and master weavers your local guild is a strong, supportive and creative centre for things fibre-ly in the Cowichan Valley. Practical, whimsical, useful, soft or sturdy, there should be something to interest just about everyone. We would welcome you to share a glimpse of our world.

Trial By Fire Pottery 7th Solo Pottery Show December 1st & 2nd 10am -5pm FREE The Clements Centre 5856 Clements Street Duncan, one block west of the library ‘seconds included’

Eliza Hemingway Art and Design Studio Fibre Art, Antiques and Fine Art

Hours: 10:30am to 5:00pm Closed Mondays

If you have ever eaten at Hilary’s Cheese in Cowichan Bay, you’ve probably come across Hilary Huntley’s beautiful pottery. A professional potter since 2006, she makes a wide range of functional pots that are both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. The subtle glaze colours create surfaces that are classic and timeless. A dedicated environmentalist she transports her pottery by bike to her clients. *This is the only show to find Hilary’s work at as she is due to give birth in early November!

An online site featuring Fine Inuit Carvings and Original Drawings www.northstarinuitgallery.com

Elisabeth Gelb 250 466 4342

9756C Willow Street, Chemainus Tel: 250-324-2212 www.elizahemingway.com

Experience the Joy of Textiles.

Art Classes•Weaving and Spinning Community Loom•Artisan Textiles

Leola’s Studio Whippletree Junction

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

w t c f t H t K t v M K a a V G

I b w i c r o b i

O b o s c t p a t “

Made with care Live Edge, birdseye maple vessel by Ken Broadland

Artist rough turning red cedar burl.

ave you ever looked at a wooden bowl and wondered how it came from a tree? Did you think it simply came from a round taken from the trunk, including the centre of the tree? Here, Heartwood Studio explains the process that woodturner Ken Broadland used to create the live-edge birdseye maple vessel shown above. Bigleaf Maple and Arbutus woods are Ken’s favourites to work with and all of his raw materials are local woods found on Vancouver Island or from the Gulf Islands. In this particular piece the burl was purchased from a wood collector in Sooke. Being a live-edge piece, it was cut lying on its side with the rim on the outside bark-edge of the tree or burl and the base toward the inside but not including the pith. Once the chosen wood has been cut to size, it is mounted on a wood-lathe with a screw-chuck and the first chisel cut is to form a stub on the bottom of the piece. The piece is then turned around and the stub is remounted on the lathe using a chuck with “jaws” that clamp around the

foot to hold it securely. Long wood-turning chisels are used to rough-turn the wood and give it its shape and Ken leaves the walls about an inch thick so it can dry without cracking. The rough-turned object is then stored in a drying shed with multiple others for about six months to air dry. Once the wood has stabilized, Ken remounts the bowl on the lathe to final-turn it. The thickness of wood he leaves this time depends on the strength of the wood he is using. Hard woods like this maple burl are taken down to about 1/4 inch thick. After the bowl is final-turned, it is sanded by hand, using a series of increasingly finer grit sandpapers. This is the most time-consuming, tedious and dusty stage of wood-turning. Once the surface of the bowl is smooth, it is left turning on the lathe while Ken applies a walnut oil finish which is non toxic and food safe. Beeswax is later used as a topcoat on all his products to further protect the wood. People often ask Ken how long it takes him to make a bowl. The above description shows that it is a multi-stage process from finding the wood to waxing the final piece. On average, the time a

Local Artist Gallery

Yarn • Books • First Nations Art Wonderful Surprises 9747 Willow Street • 250-246-2244

Terry Harrison

Exquisite hand-painted flowers on glass and casual clothing Studio: 1213 Royalta Rd., Mill Bay harrisonglassart@shaw.ca 250-743-3862 www.members.shaw.ca/harrisonglassart A Visions Artist - www.visionsarttour.ca

Heartwood Studio

Ken Broadland, woodturner Specializing in salad bowls & servers - all items made from local woods 5846 Curry Road, Duncan (off Gibbins) 250-746-5480

‘Where function meets beauty’

bowl spends in the workshop is three to four hours before it is ready for sale, but this does not include the time spent finding the wood, drying it, or photographing, pricing

heartwood@shaw.ca www.heartwoodstudio.ca

and cataloguing the finished product.

November - A time of Remembrance

Valleyview T

Centre

So much to oﬀer!

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

Food Cobblecinos 250 743 8158 Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Country Grocer 250 743-5639 Bakery, Meat & Produce Dragon Yuan 250 733-2335 Chinese Eat In/ Take Out Healthcare Cobble Hill Dental 250-743-6698 Friendly, Family Practice We Welcome New Patients!

Pets Dunkin Dogs 250 743-3935 Grooming, daycare, food/raw and more Computers Teky.ca 1-888-843-8359 Computer service & sales Websites & print design

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

he Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign offers opportunities for everyone to get involved with Remembrance. This includes Poppy Tag Days, contests for children and youth, a Veteran’s dinner, memorial services and ceremonies. Janet Mitchell, Vice President at Royal Canadian legion Branch 191, Chemainus is passionate about the Poppy Campaign. “It’s a special and poignant time,” says, Janet, “there’s something for everyone.” Kids and teens can enter the Art, Video and Writing contest. Take those awesome words and pictures in your head and craft a poster, video, poem or essay about remembrance in general, or something specific. You could win an Ipad, a trip to Ottawa and more! Nov 15 is the deadline to enter. Check it out: www.legionbcyukon. ca/content/youth-contests. Legions exist to support their members and the community. They donate to countless local causes throughout the year. Each year the Chemainus Legion gives generously between $20,000 and $25,000 to support local community services. Watch for volunteers selling lapel poppies in your community. Your donation supports the Legion and the community. Poppy Tag days in downtown Chemainus are Nov 4, & Nov 9. Heartfelt thanks go to the Ladysmith

Air Cadets who help out! The annual Chemainus veteran’s dinner will take place on Nov 3. Tickets are complimentary for veterans. There is a charge for their guests. Reserve in advance. On Nov 4, Chemainus will hold a special, intimate service at St. Michaels Church at 10am. Following is a 1pm Ceremony at Chemainus Cemetery Cenotaph. This is a moving experience led by the Legion Colour Party, bugler and piper. Everyone is welcome. The annual Remembrance Day Service will be held Nov 11 at 10:45am at the Chemainus Cenotaph. Afterwards, everyone is invited to the Chemainus Legion Hall and Lounge for camaraderie and entertainment. Dee Kinnee, owner of Shine Marketing and Fundraising, lives and works in Chemainus

Rob’s Lighthouse Eatery & Art Gallery Fresh, friendly, affordable and pet-friendly! • Fish, Veggie and Beef Burgers • Fresh-cut Fries • Fish & Chips • Lavazza Espresso and more!

Dine In on our heated patio or Take Out!

Cowichan Bay Waterfront

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

Green Living

The Dangers of Dust Bunnies

he local

domestic breed of dust bunny is a somewhat elusive little creature. Typically found under beds, behind doors, and hiding in corners. Like regular bunnies, left alone they will multiply rapidly. Cute and cuddly adoptable pets? Unfortunately not. Household dust is made up of human skin, pet dander, hair, pollen, lint, decomposing insects, rodent waste, dirt, pesticides, lead, arsenic, and a long list of other undesirables and toxins that get tracked into our homes on the soles of our shoes, pads of our pets feet and blown in through open doors and windows. When these particles are stirred up by walking around and moving things on surfaces, they are released into the air and we can either breathe them in or absorb them in through our skin. This is more concerning if you have young children who are crawling around on the floor and putting their hands in their mouths or if you have people in your household who

have allergies and asthma. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not possible to completely eliminate dust but we can control and limit it and thereby maintain a healthier home environment. One of the best ways to reduce dust is to eliminate fabrics as much as possible in terms of carpets, draperies, throw pillows etc. Hard surface floors with small washable area rugs are better than wall to wall carpet, blinds over drapes, slip covers on upholstered furniture that can be removed and washed or vacuum your couch cushions regularly. Use of an air purifier is a very useful way to remove particulates from the air so that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t settle into dust on surfaces. Take your shoes off at the door and a good door mat to wipe debris off the soles of your shoes will dramatically reduce the amount of dangerous dirt coming into your home. Cleaning regularly is an obvious way to keep dust levels down and using the right tools is imperative. A vacuum with a true Hepa filtration system is worth the price tag in terms of effectiveness in controlling dust. For dusting surfaces, quality microfiber cloths are the best at actually trapping and removing dust. A clean microfiber cloth with just water on it is all you really need for dusting. Good luck taming those little unwanted pets!

Self-Leadership and Values

To effectively lead yourself, you need to be clear who you are and what your core values are. What matters to you? Your values are your filter to identify and choose what fits for you in business and life. If you were to identify your top three to five core values, what are they? Values connect you to your authentic self. They reveal who you are and what you stand for. Self-leadership begins from a place of connectedness with your authentic self. If you were truly aligned with your decisions from the inside out, what would that mean for you? What would be the ripple effect to others? When you act and behave in alignment with your values, you achieve the outcomes you want with ease, a calm centeredness and resourcefulness. When you have this deep awareness of who you are, you can readily act in your own best interest while respecting others. How clear are you about who you are? Being crystal clear on who you are, having a values-based vision aligned with a strategic action plan is essential to your definition of success in business and life. Tania Walter Gardiner - Live Your Definition of Success

Tracey Hanson local mompreneur and owner/operator Clean Choice EcoFriendly Cleaning Services www.cleanchoicecleaners.com

Paul Rides a Bike

aul works at our store and every day he inspires me. I recently asked him if he minded if I wrote his story so that others might be inspired as well. He only hesitated for a second before agreeing. I’m sensitive about the extra pounds I carry so I worried that asking might offend him. He said that once upon a time it might have but not anymore. So…thank you Paul for allowing me to share your story. Paul has carried extra weight

most of his life. At his heaviest Paul weighed 320 pounds. He lived in Edmonton; worked at a high stress, sedentary job; ate poorly; never exercised; and was a heavy smoker. That all changed after a hideous job that kept him glued to his desk for weeks after which he noticed some incidental weight loss. During a visit to Nanaimo Paul’s father invited him on a bike ride. A friend lent Paul a road bike and that was the turning point. He describes it as, “magical”. Back in Edmonton Paul went to a bike store and asked them “…find me a road bike”. He tells me that the best thing about Edmonton were the social rides. He found riding with others joyous, inspiring, and motivational. By springtime, Paul was ready to move to a part of

Paul after

Paul before

Canada where he could ride outside 12 months a year. Luckily for us Paul moved to Vancouver Island. He quit smoking, kept riding, lost a total of 150 pounds, and began working at Cycle Therapy. His passion for cycling and social rides motivated

him to organize well attended group rides. Now Paul is winning races, having fun in muddy cyclo-cross events, and riding with friends pretty much every day of the year. He doesn’t even own a car. He rides everywhere. Yup… he inspires me.

WINTER SPECIAL !

Get your fenders and lights 10% off with free installation. Winter jackets 50% off. Older model bikes at blow-out prices.

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

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

Learn T0 Drum with Allan Cameron

ocal drummer Allan Cameron is keen to share his passion for drum rhythms with students from all walks of life in the Cowichan Valley. Originally from Antigonish Nova Scotia, Allan formally trained in jazz drumset with contemporary jazz drummer Terry O’ Mahoney a popular east coast musician, StFX proffessor and author of technical book Jazz Drumming Transitions. With a keen interest in world rhythms Allan travelled to Havana, Cuba immersing himself in Cuban drumset and percussion styles. Professionally his favourite drums to play is a small 4-5 piece kit and plays congas, timbales, shakers, and claves. He also specialize in applying Brazilian rhythms such as Samba and Bossa Nova to the drum kit. “To me the main role of drumming is to provide a rhythmic background for an ensemble and to make the whole band sound good.” says Allan Cameron “The drummer can also outline the form of a song and provide exciting solos to a piece of music.” When not performing with Nanaimo bands The Brethen or The Mother Tongue Band,

he teaches a variety of drumset styles including: rock, jazz, funk and Latin. For percussions he focuses on Afro Cuban hand drumming, bell and clave patterns. “Lessons” Allan tells us “are for anyone with an interest in learning to drum. I provide the building blocks of learning rhythms and notation for all ages and all levels.” For each new, experienced or advanced drummer Allan identifies musical needs and would they would like to learn and then customizes his lessons for each drummer from there. But it’s not just for those interested in drumming. People are encouraged to apply rhythmic knowledge to band and dance ensembles or other instruments. Interested in learning to drum? Call Allan at 250 737 1757 atlasfunk@gmail.com for more info. He offers both group and private lessons.

Allan performing

Acupuncture. What is it? Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points. Classical Chinese Explanation: Channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points. The acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians helping the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy through the meridians. Modern Scientific Explanation: Needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or

they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones, which influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities and in promoting physical and emotional well-being. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of problems, including: Muscular and neurological disorders like headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis; digestive disorders like gastritis, and hyper-acidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea; respiratory disorders like sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections; urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems. Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions. Sara Tillie Registered Acupuncturist Traditional Chinese Medicine Internship in China Valleyview Centre # 13

r h i s t a

The Rainbow Travellers Deck Carmen Waterman began exploring her creativity with digital art 15 years ago as a method of selfexpression. As the mythical and fantasy images emerged she realized that her artwork was something she wanted to share. “The inspiration for the Rainbow Travellers Tarot arose as I was creating these images. My spiritual journey over the years included a deep exploration of the tarot and the desire to create my own deck.” Carmen tells us, “The tarot is many things to many people. For me it is a metaphysical tool to access inner wisdom and understanding of personal

situations or challenges. I created the Rainbow Travellers Tarot so that each of the 78 cards had their own story to tell. I was excited to incorporate my own vision of some of life’s lessons to help others tap into their own intuition when using them.” A basic tarot deck contains 78 cards which are divided into 22 Major Arcana cards, and 56 Minor Arcana cards from four suits. There are many different ways to read the cards, including the number of cards selected and the arrangement (spread) of the cards. Both the reader and the querent (the person seeking

guidance) turn to the cards to clarify the querent’s situation. The cards encourage you to look more deeply into your situation or inner beliefs to

Gardening = Consciousness And Connection

t is mid fall and I am still harvesting. There’s a whole new batch of zuchinni, tomatoes and

cucumbers to pick -very exciting - like living in California. But it is also of some concern. The driest local summer on record and

Kim Renée Coté

Solution Focused Professional Coach

Inspiration Motivation Creativity

Focus on what is possible Live a life of passion

As a Life Coach, I work with people who are in transition and who are committed to living a life of their own design.

Fall Program for * Single Mothers’

Group Sessions - Life Coaching

Thursdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 pm Saturdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 pm *Please pre register as space is limited

Inis Meadows Coaching & Retreat kim@inismeadowscoaching.com (250) 510-6726

www.inismeadowscoaching.com 3793 Gibbins Road, Duncan

become a force for personal growth. The Rainbow Travellers Tarot deck can be used by both novice and advanced

T R a 3 t w b a c i t d g n h o

Why Organic Gardening the lack of water in the river gave us a huge wakeup call to the very real affects of climate change and possibly some difficult times to come. Like it or not, there are grave issues facing humanity. Those of us who are not in denial want to help but where do we start? Will it really help to stop driving my car, reduce my electrical consumption, or sign petitions? We want to believe that somehow, we can make a difference but at our very core, we have doubt. I believe that changing the world starts with changing ourselves and the changes to ourselves cannot happen without realizing the reality of this world is not just physical. That’s where gardening comes in. It reminds us that there is more to this planet than what meets the eye. There is an invisible realm in nature – and in ourselves. As we engage with nature, we learn about ourselves and reawaken to a sense of purpose. Best selling author and spiritual teacher, Gary Zukav says this: If

you choose unconsciously, you evolve unconsciously. If you choose consciously, you evolve consciously. Our lives and our relationships are the working ground for the evolution of ourselves and humanity. To garden is to engage in an activity that makes us more conscious. More conscious of our interconnectedness and the effects of our thoughts and actions. Naive as it might seem, I think it’s the return to growing our own food that will restore our sanity and save the world. Here’s how: - It reduces your reliance on food from the grocery store. - It will stop you from purchasing factory food put on the market by mega chemical and pharmaceutical corporations. -It will get you into nature and out from behind the computer or cell phone or TV set. The second your hands hit the dirt you start downloading common sense. -You start to “wake-up” to higher truths as you witness the forces

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

o c a s a m p t i t s a

Y r i b y f w r a o b c f o f

Y p t s

readers. Although the cards have connections to traditional interpretations, each card has strong characters and imagery that lend to a more intuitive approach to the tarot. The first printing of the Rainbow Travellers Tarot is a limited edition print run of 300 decks. The cards are easy to handle and the deck comes with a lined handmade tarot bag, a 48-page guidebook, and a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity. It is 100% Canadian made in the Cowichan Valley from design to printing. To order, or get more information on this newly created tarot deck, visit http://rainbowtravellers.com or contact Carmen directly at Carmen@rainbowtravellers.com

Images; Oppostie Page Card Spread of The Rainbow Travellers Deck. Above: Close up of “Letting Go” card. Images courtesy of the artist.

Will Save The World of nature at work; the magnificent hues, the sacred geometry and the symphony of color, shape, texture and form that adorns our garden. You become more sensitive and start to comprehend your role as a collaborator with nature and all kinds of invisible forces. The earth starts to speak to you and you begin to see there is interconnectedness to absolutely everything. You discover what is meant by reverence. Not something taught in church to go to heaven one day but a deep sense of awe when you ponder on the hidden life forces lying dormant in seeds, the warming elements of the sun, the rhythmical forces of the moon and the gracious forgiving nature of Mother Earth herself. You are brought to tears by the chitter chatter of happy birds in the late fall when they find the abundance of flower seeds you have grown for them. Especially sunflowers. You feel happy and hopeful. Your problems start to seem small and they are replaced by a growing sense of purpose.

This is the time of year to make plans for next spring. Drool over seed catalogues, read books about gardening and keep finding ways to stay inspired. Keep those creative juices going over the winter months by painting, drawing, writing, journaling, reading. Before the snow flies, walk out in your garden and let it speak to you. If you don’t have a garden think about growing in pots or community plots. Most importantly remember this; winter is not a time to dumb down or hibernate. Wherever you are at with your garden, remember - find ways to keep yourself inspired, set intentions and by spring, you will be all set to follow through.

Nicolette Genier is the very happy co owner ot Duncan’s Community Farm Store.

AhZenya the newest salon and spa in the Cowichan Valley

Join us for a relaxing ZEN EXPERIENCE

• Full Hair and Esthetics Services • Joico hair color and products • Natural Sugaring Hair Removal • Onsite Gel Nail Artist

Hypnotherapy is the way to use your subconscious mind to uncover and change patterns and habits that no longer serve.

Effective for: · Fears & Phobias · Stress Management ·Weight Release ·Smoking Cessation ·Pain Control ·Achieving Goals Lori Austein Clinical Hypnotherapist 250 743 5685 • laustein@shaw.ca

So I Tested my Hay, but What do all Those Numbers Mean?

ay analysis reports contain long lists of numbers that while meaningful to a nutritionist are often confusing to the animal owner. The trick is to glean what you need to know from the report and ignore the rest! The following is a quick guide to how to read your feed report.

Moisture - Moisture is the amount of water in the hay. Results are given “As Sampled” which includes moisture, and “Dry Matter” which does not include the moisture. Dry matter values are always greater than as sampled – think of the water diluting the protein, energy etc. Forage results are usually compared on a dry matter basis. Hay moisture should be between 8% and 15%. Low moisture hay is brittle and hard and may not be palatable. High moisture hay is likely to heat or mould and can lead to a spontaneous fire. Crude Protein (CP) is calculated from the measurement of nitrogen in the feed, based on the assumption that all protein is 16% nitrogen. Total nitrogen is measured and multiplied by 6.25 to give crude protein.

It does not indicate nitrogen source or availability to the animal. Animals use amino acids as building blocks for growth, production and reproduction. Carbohydrates are chemical compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen molecules. In plants carbohydrates can serve as energy storage (sugars, starch, pectin and cellulose) or for structure (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin). On the report structural carbohydrates are reported as neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and lignin. NDF measures hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin which are compounds that give the plant rigidity. High NDF limits the intake. ADF measures cellulose and lignin. High ADF reduces digestibility. Lignin is the indigestible portion of the plant, a lower lignin means there is more nutrients available to the animal.

and disaccharides that are soluble in an 80% ethanol. WSC measures fructans the major storage carbohydrate in grass as well as the monosaccharides and disaccharides. Energy - Energy is not measured directly but is calculated from the amount of ADF and CP in the feed. Digestible energy is a measure of the total feed energy, less the energy that is lost in the manure. Ash – Ash measures the total mineral content of the feed. It is determined by completely burning the sample until only the ash remains. High ash content means that the sample has been contaminated with soil, which can lower the

Storage carbohydrates include sugar, starch and pectin. They are measured as ethanol soluble carbohydrates (ESC) and water soluble carbohydrates (WSC). ESC measures monosaccharides

nutritive value of the feed and may carry bacteria. An analysis can be a valuable tool when purchasing or determining the value of forage. But don’t be overwhelmed with all the numbers know which values you need. If you have questions or doubts, talk with an animal nutritionist or feed sales representative. Submitted by Everett Dixon of Top Shelf Feeds

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

Helpful Garden Winter Is For The Birds S ome birds are migratory and make that wise decision to head south. But the year-round avian residents of the Cowichan Valley need to have decent food provided, especially when snow hits (fingers crossed for another mild winter).

Wild bird seed, finch feast, oil-rich black sunflower seeds, all are important to have on hand to help the residents of our yards and gardens to survive the season healthy and happy. And here’s where the healthy part comes in: over the summer, here in our neighbourhood, we had a tragedy happen with our large population of Pine Siskins. We were seeing these little guys literally falling out of the sky and, within a half hour, dying where they sat. We were very distressed and mystified. I contacted the Ministry of Agriculture’s Animal Health Centre and they asked that we send them samples of the affected birds. We collected three victims, froze them, and sent them off to the mainland for testing.

The tests came back positive for salmonella poisoning. They suggest cleaning all neighbourhood bird feeders with bleach before refilling them each time. Bleach is a simple, easy solution, but in the mean time hundreds of our wonderful Pine Siskins and other finches have perished. Also, check the condition of the seed in the feeders. If it’s wet, bacteria like salmonella can thrive. Don’t put the bad seed in the compost where other animals may eat it and also become ill; instead, throw it away in the trash. Please, if you feed our feathered friends at any time of year, sterilize your feeders each time you refill them. It takes just one infected feeder in a neighbourhood to systematically destroy an entire population of a cherished wildlife resource. Tell your neighbours, tell your friends and let’s all help keep a healthy population of birds thriving. Ajay Oppelaar is an experienced horticulturist and President of the Mill Bay Garden Club. Contact him at arkengardens@gmail.com

www.rainwaterconnection.com

BOB BURGESS Tel 250.246.2155 Gulf Islands Rainwater Connection Ltd. Thetis Island, BC Email: bob@

rainwaterconnection.com Experience the Healing sounds of the Lakota Flute Learn to play Workshops, and Flute Circles in lovely Lake Cowichan

Medical Qi Gong Exercise Classes and Treatments at Harmony Yoga, Duncan Pine Siskins

For information contact Rommy: 250-749-6563 or rommy.v@hotmail.com or visit the Duncan Market 9am - 2pm

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

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT LIVE THEATRE IS ALIVE AND WELL IN DUNCAN AND COMING TO A PLAYHOUSE NEAR YOU: Mike Moroz tells us the debut production by his newly formed theatre company, Neighborhood Players, will be Canadian playwright Sharon Pollock’s Blood Relations, “a psychological murder mystery based on historical fact and speculation surrounding the life of Lizzie Borden and the murders of her father and stepmother -- crimes with which Borden was charged.” The local arts and entertainment entrepreneur has assembled an all star Cowichan Valley cast for the award-winning stage hit. Roz Roome plays Lizzie. Samantha Currie (currently starring in Chickens at Chemainus Theatre), Tom Browne, Kathy Harper and Kelly Barnum are also cast in principal roles. Blood Relations is the premiere production at the Valley’s newest performance venue, The Neighbourhood Playhouse at Bay Film Studios – “a terrific 90 seat black box theatre.” Tickets for the show are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/275469. The production runs Wed.Nov. 21st , Thurs. Nov. 22nd, Fri. Nov. 23rd, Sat. Nov. 24th, Thurs. Nov. 29th, Fri. Nov. 30th and Sat. Dec. 1st. All shows are at 7:30pm. PS In an effort to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to experience live theatre, for opening night only, all seats will be ‘pay what you can.’ SHELLEY DUBOIS IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN ALBERTA: The former Vancouver Island singer/ songwriter is now living and working in Alberta and moving forward with her musical career. “ I released a single to radio called This Town, composed by hit song writer Gretchen Peters. You can go to my website (www. shelly-dubois.com) to listen to it, “ she tells us with her trademark enthusiasm. “I have been doing a lot of solo gigs, I attended Canadian Country Music Week and continue to network with people in the industry AND I had a showcase in the Diamonds in the Rough stage for up and coming independent artists.” By the time you read this, Shelley will be back from Nashville where she had an opportunity to co-write, network and perform in a songwriter’s round. She plans to record the next single in January. As for her Island friends, she misses you folks like a fat kid misses cake. Okay, she didn’t actually say that. What she really said was “I appreciate all the love and support that was shown to me during my time on Vancouver Island and I think of you all often.”

By Rick Dennis

Transformative Life Practices Ayurvedic Counseling

n Ayurveda, the balance and harmony of our entire being is essential for our overall health and happiness. To treat imbalance it is important to address the health of all of the koshic layers (Physical, Energetic, Emotional, Intuitive, and Spiritual). Often we will push stresses aside, only for them to manifest later in mental dysfunction or physical illness. When we feel overwhelmed or stuck, we are often holding onto old patterns that no longer serve us. True connection with our conscious being can also be blocked, which leads to lack of flow, creativity, and happiness. At an Ayurvedic Counselling session you will deepen your knowledge of your true self, and connect with the underlying causes of your issues, and imbalances. Not only will you have the safe space to share freely of yourself on an emotional level, you will move below the surface, to shift and release the patterns that are holding you. You will come to realize your own innate intuitive abilities, and will be given the tools heal yourself. Instead of taking years for healing to happen, often a few sessions are all it takes to provide profound shifts in our essence. Learning practical tools that will make it possible for flow to exist in all areas of our life, and to deepen the experience of the

Weekly Meditation at VIU Cowichan Campus

true nature of the self. Practices that can be learnt in this transformative way of healing: • Natural Meditation (an effortless, mantra-based meditation) • Intuition – How to access your inner knowing to aid in change and transformation • The Energetic Flow of Emotions • Chakra Needs and Chakra Healing • Planetary Influences on your life and relationships through Vedic Astrology. These winter months are a perfect time for inward exploration, and introspection. Life is expanding all around us, and these practices are a wonderful way to allow our soul essence to blossom. For more information visit www. anandaayurveda.wordpress. com Asrael is an Ayurvedic Practitioner & Yoga Teacher in the Cowichan Valley. www. anandaayurveda. wordpress.com

Website: www.VIRetreats.com

“Walking in the sunshine of kindness, we assist our families, friends, communities, a wonderful place to care, live and share.” Nichiren Buddha Society, VI Retreat Garden & Peace Center

Phone: 250. 710. 7594

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

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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)

Life will be intense this month. Of course, there’s an upside and a downside. The upside is you’ll be excited and passionate about everything, including sex. (Be still my beating heart.) Yeehaw! You’ll also have an intense desire to get to the bottom of things, to know the truth. You’ll be impatient with superficial conversation. But the downside will be that your intensity will also be expressed in disputes about shared property, inheritances or how something is divided. (“Back off !”) You’ll definitely stand your ground. Fortunately, travel plans look promising. Up, up and away!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

The Sun is now opposite your sign (the only time all year this occurs). This opposition means the Sun will be as far away from you as it gets all year and because it is your source of energy, you’re going to need more sleep. Factoid. Accept this fact and get more rest. Another thing this opposition of the Sun brings is an increased focus on partnerships and close friendships. Here you can strongly benefit. You will easily be more observant and will clearly see your style of relating to others. This means the next month is an excellent chance to learn more about how you relate to others. Certainly, that is a benefit. (“Just as I feared, I’m deeply shallow!”)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This month you’ll work hard to get better organized. And to do this, you’ll need the right tools, which means you’ll need to get hold of cleaning supplies, file folders, shelving, closet organizers, tools, paint – who knows? But you will need stuff to

do a bang-up job. This impulse to improve things will spread to a desire for better health as well. Many of you will try to exercise more or eat more wisely. (Never eat more than you can lift.)

Cancer ( June 21-July 22)

Good things! This month the Sun hypes all the fun stuff ! We’re talking love affairs, romance, vacations, social occasions, parties, the arts, the theatre, movies, sports events and playful times with children. Having fun will be at the top of the list! Romance could flourish with someone new or an existing relationship will be re-juiced. Get out and have a good time! Look for ways to express what you really want to do.

Leo ( July 23-Aug. 22)

All Leos will focus on family, home repairs, renovations or redecorating projects. You might also focus on a parent, attend family events and talk to relatives more than usual. Nevertheless, you’ll treasure time alone at home because you need time to contemplate some things. Pamper your royal soul. Childhood memories now bubble to the surface of your mind. As you re-examine your past as a kid, then view it again through your current adult eyes, you’ll see things in a new light. (“I was raised by wolves!”)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Throughout the year, the Sun moves through the 12 signs boosting the energy in different parts of our lives. This month, while the Sun moves through Scorpio, you’ll be busy, busy, busy! The tempo of your life will accelerate. You’ll be on the go, taking short trips, grabbing vacations, talking to everyone and running errands. You’ll be very verbal because your mind will be bursting with ideas. You’ll be stimulated by different environments and new routines. Communication with others will be lively and fascinating. Hey, you’re a fact junkie! You love new information. (Relationship with siblings could be significant.)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Your focus on money and cash flow will increase. You want to know how to best use your money and get the best use out of what you own. Frequently, we’re slaves to our possessions. Do the things you own serve your needs or vice versa? Some of you will make a new purchase or want to show something off. You will get pleasure in whatever you own. You love beautiful things and are strongly affected by your surroundings, which means you have a strong connection to everything you own – no question. Sagittarius (Nov.22-Dec.21) As the Sun changes signs now, it slips into a hidden part of your chart, which means a hidden part of your life will be highlighted for the next four-to-six weeks. Woo-woo! You’ll be more involved with private, behindthe-scenes activities or you might work alone on a project. You might even be involved with something secretive. (Beware Sagittarians lurking at street corners talking into their shirtsleeves.) This also means you’ll be more aware of how your subconscious triggers behaviour patterns in you, especially behaviour patterns from your youth that are no longer appropriate. (Thumb-sucking on the job is not cool.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is an eventful birthday because Saturn is in your sign for the first time since the mid-80s, which means you’re entering a whole new sandbox. The next seven years will be a time of great transition. By around 2020, you’ll be a different person! (And probably a size bigger.) This month, however, you have a chance to replenish your energy for the rest of the year. You’ll attract powerful people and favourable situations. Friendships will be warm. You’ll work hard to earn money, while gifts, goodies and favours from others come your way. Yay!

November

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Start gearing up for a popular month because everyone will want to see your face. This month is a great time to share your hopes and dreams for the future with others because their feedback will help you. They might give you ideas or introduce you to helpful contacts. It’s also a good time to work with others or begin new partnerships. You see more clearly that the people you hang out with are basically a reflection of yourself. This is an old, well-known truth: Birds of a feather always flock to newlywashed cars.

Aquarius ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This month the Sun slowly moves across the top of your chart acting like a spotlight on you. This lighting is favourable and flattering, so people in authority will ask you to take on increased responsibilities. You won’t to do anything special to meet their demands. Just say “yes” and you’ll come out smelling like a rose. This is the ideal time to examine your life as a whole and see if you’re headed in the direction you want to go. Interactions with authority figures will be meaningful.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

I’m reading a biography of that famous Pisces, Albert Einstein. He thought in pictures and believed imagination was more important than knowledge. He also believed life was like riding a bicycle: To keep your balance you have to keep moving. You’ll keep moving in the next month because you want a change of scenery. You’re hungry for adventure and a chance to learn anything new. Grab every chance to travel or go someplace you’ve never been before. Sign up for a course or hang out with people from different backgrounds. Break free of your routine! Do whatever you can to broaden your horizons. Make the most trivial encounter a learning experience.

www.georgianicols.com

Healthy Breakfasts and Lunches - Eat In or Take Out!

The Garage Cafe oﬀers lunch and breakfast starting at 7:30am every day of the week!

Check out our sample menus for an idea of what delectable vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free foods we offer. Breakfast offerings include local, free-range eggs, hot and cold cereals, home-made bread and stick-to-your-ribs specials, as well as a full array of organic coffees, teas, juices, and specialty drinks. Our lunch menu includes healthy soups, comforting casseroles, wraps & quesadillas, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and creative daily specials. We use whole grains, local, and organic produce, the finest cheeses and a wide variety of seasonings to make mouth watering, soul-satisfying food your sure to love. Feel free to pull up a chair in our friendly eating area or we can make you something to go. We will do our best to accommodate people with specialized dietary needs. After nine years creating delicious food with care, attention and love, we’re sure you’ll enjoy eating with us.

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

Looking For Lunch? Valley Voice Menu Pages Sample menu - Items change with the season. Food is made with fresh Organic/Biodynamic ingredients from our farm.

3390 Glenora Rd. Glenora 250 597 3438 Hours of Operation Tues/Fri/Sat 11am - 6pm

Soups

All Soups come with fresh baked homemade buns and have the option of accompanying salads created using farm fresh greens and in house dressings. Chicken soup - Our homemade chicken soup is made with our farm raised chicken meat and seasonal ingredients. Add noodles or rice Minestrone - Filled with root vegetables, beans, and noodles Hearty Chili - Homemade recipe filled with vegetables, organic mince beef and other goodies. Green Soup - We often have a soup reflecting the green in season eg: Kale, Stinging Nettle, Broccoli

Pizza

Homemade crust, single serving pizzas cooked in our brick oven with your choice of many ingredients including grass fed beef and farm raised chicken and specialty toppings like artichokes and sun dried tomato! ** gluten free options available**

Quiches

All our daily quiche is made with organic eggs from the farm, and loaded with vegetables, cheese and other delicious ingredients.

Burgers

Deluxe homemade veggie burgers served on a fresh bun accompanied by a fresh side salad Grass fed organic beef burger served on a fresh bun, accompanied by a fresh green salad.

Daily Specials

Our daily specials change and reflect the freshest produce from the farm.

Desserts

Daily homemade pies, using fruit picked on site, and Farmer Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite home made chocolate chip cookies. Desserts can be served with fresh whipped cream or without.

Selection of Hot and Cold Beverages

Teas, lattes, chai and specialty sodas and juices available. Gorgeous pastoral views. Indoor and Outdoor dining. Family Friendly with Childrens Play Area.