July 2011, Issue 32

July 2011•Issue 32

ISSN 1920-8200

• Gourmet Seasonal Recipes • July Events Calendar • 27th Annual Islands Folk Fest • CGC Wild Food Walks • Joy’s July Garden Guide • Chemainus Bluegrass Festival The Wonderful Story of Makaria Farm

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Saturday July 9 & 10 11am - 4pm Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre invites all sailors and boat enthusiasts to come and have a tour of the new

building, still under construction.

Timber Frame Building

Discover how YOU can become a member or volunteer with this historic maritime society.

For more info please contact Suzan Lagrove at 250-746-4955

For more info please contact Suzan Lagrove at 250-746-4955

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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July 2011 Vol 2 Issue 32 The monthly guide to living in the beautiful Cowichan Valley.

Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250-746-9319 Copy Editors Nichola Walkden, Maeve Maguire

Advertising Enquiries Please Call Diana Pink 250-733-2635 or e-mail diana@cowichanvalleyvoice.com *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Please upload your information through our website or e-mail the Date, Time, Event Title and Place Please be advised that space is limited to 1st sent, 1st printed.

Please send info by the 15th day of the preceding month to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Valley Voices

Kevin Oke, Heather Walker, Brock McLoed, Margit Nellemann, Rick Dennis, Bruce Wood, Aaron Bichard, Ajay Appelar, Joy Story, Tracey Paleczka, Jo Ludwig, Pamella Moore, Heather Kaye, Heather Skydt, Debbie Shkuratoff, Robin Massey, Suzan Lagrove, Jen Holden, Jenn George, Alison Burdett, Kate and Rupert Koyote, Robert McCourty, Karen Curtin, Robin Millan, Terry Harrison, Linda Billings, Kate Marsh, Jean Crowder, Peggy Grigor, Bob Johns, Rick Juliusson, Kenzie Cuthbert, Tania Walter Gardiner, Nicolette Genier, Julia Star, Susan Stitt, Joanne Sales, Gloria Lorenzen, Alison Philp, Joan Cobham, Samantha MacDougall, KK Hodder, Beautiful Sunshine, Sue McKitrick & The Lovely Georgia Nicols

We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Valley Voice magazine reserves the right to 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 authors.

Valley Voice Magazine is distributed to 250+ select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Ladysmith, Victoria, Courtenay and Tofino.

Cover Image Sheila Badman, Summer on the Koksilah River

Interested in promoting your business services locally to a community minded readership?

Thousands of readers just like YOU look forward to reading the Cowichan Valley Voice each and every month!

Please contact the wonderful Diana Pink to request our August Rate Card by phone or by e-mail 250.733.2635 diana@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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Pages

Table of Contents 4 Community Events Calendar 5 July Happenings 6 Cowichan Gourmet 7 Island Thunder Honey Garlic Drumsticks 8 Simple Salmon from Cowichan Bay Seafoods 9 Cowichan Bay Artwalk 9 Strawberry, Watermelon and Peppermint Popsicles 10 Wild Food Walk 11 27th Annual Island Folk Festival 12 Urban Picnic Ideas - Easy and Green 13 Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre Update 14 Duncan Summerfest 15 Junction Artists Market Rockhound Day 15 History in Your Hands 16 Kids Circus Yoga Workshop 17 Chemainus Theatre Festival Presents Snow White 17 Chemainus Bluegrass Festival 18 Taste of Tea 19 Teapots That Work 19 Walt’s Mouse Was Just the Beginning: Robin Millan 20 Cowichan Valley Artisans CRAFT 20 Talking Arts: Jo Ludwig 21 Susan Stitt Showing at El Centro 22 Damali’s Lavender Fest 22 Nelly Furtado and TLC 24 Have You Been To Cloud 10? 24 Building The Bridge 25 Crowder’s Corner 25 Cowichan Recyclists 26 Green Living: Stain Removal 26 Off The Grid: Where In The World 27 South Island Fishing Report 27 The Pursuit of Happiness 28 Acid/Alkaline The Importance of pH Balance 29 Cycling on Salt Spring Island 30 Ucluelet Family Getaway: Ukee Days 31 Our Commuity LOVES Makaria Farm 32 Farm Store News 33 Helpful Garden: Getting Bogged Down 34 Planting List For July 34 What To Do With Broom In The Summer 35 Website, Emails and Verbal Lint 35 Island History Comes Alive 36 MoonBeams 36 Turning Insight Into Action 36 July Horoscopes by Georgia Nicols 37 Outnumbered by Sue McKitrick37 Cowichan Valley Feature Listings 38 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Community Calendar

July 2011

1&2

Artist Jim Jenkins Showing Honeymoon Bay Lodge and Retreat 250 749 4252

12 7pm to dusk

Music in the Park: Hope King Waterwheel Park, Chemainus By Donation

1, 8 10:30 noon

Threshold Choir Meet To Sing at Lila Music Centre 3228A Gibbins Rd, Duncan 250 701 0978 10:30am - Noon

13 - 18

Nhemamusasa North African Music/Dance Immersion O.U.R. Eco Village www.nhemanorth.org or 250 737 1331

1, 8, 15, 22,29 7pm

John Wade Trio (no cover) El Centro, 150 Craig St, Duncan, 250 597 0150

15 & 16

Full Moon Paddle Cowichan Bay Kayak, Cowichan Bay 250 748 2333 to book

2 10am 4pm

Gongs, Singing in Nature - Explorations with Voice Lila Music Centre. To register 250 701 0978

on till July 15

“Why I Love Canada” PORTALS Gallery 2687 James Street, Duncan

16 10am 4pm 16

Cowichan Valley Lavender Harvest amd Honeybee Festival 2349 Inverarity Rd, Duncan 250 701 2885

2, 9,16,23,30 Honeymoon Bay Saturday Outdoor Market 10am - 2pm Coffee MIll, Honeymoon Bay Vendor Info 250 749 7233 2 begins 6:30pm

Artist’s Reception Painter Susan Stitt El Centro, 150 Craig St 250 597 0150

3 10am 5pm

9th Annual Sacred Mountain Lavender Festival Salt Spring Island, 401 Musgrave Road, 250 653 2315

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Congratulations Jay & Christy! With feathers in hand we wish you all the love and happiness in the world. xo

3 5pm

Seeds & Salt Theatre Dinner $10 / $25 with Dinner Merridale, Ciderworks 1230 Merridale Rd 250 743 4293

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Summer Tune in - Tune up Yoga Workshop @ Rivendell Yurt, 250-748-2089

3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Junction Artists’ Market - New Feature Artist Every Sunday Whippletree Junction 11 am - 5pm

19 7pm

Music in the Park: Puzzleroot Waterwheel Park, Chemainus By Donation

till July 4th 10am - 5pm

Visions Art Studio Tour FREE Self-Guided Artists’ Studios Tour www.visionsarttour.ca

19 - 29

Trial by Fire Pottery, Fransizka Pottery, and Julie Nygaard Fine Art PORTALS Gallery 2687 James St Duncan

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Callaway Demo Day at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Cobble Hill 250-743-5000

20 & 27

Beginner’s Hand Drumming with Karin Lewis 250-748-6750 7 weeks Natasha’s Temple Studio, Duncan

4,11,18,25 4:45pm

Drop In BINGO Every Monday begins at 6:40pm Chemainus Seniors Centre 9824 Willow St 250 246 2111

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Digging Roots Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $15

4 7pmish

Open Mic Song Writers Nite Dancing Bean Café, Chemainus Admission by donation

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5:30pm & 7pm

3rd Thursday Dinner Buffet: “Taste of The South BBQ” Honeymoon Bay Lodge and Retreat 250 749 4252

5 7pm to dusk

Music in the Park: Devan Bailey and the Big Band Waterwheel Park, Chemainus By Donation

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5:30pm & 7pm

Ms Quincy Trio Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $12/$15

6,13,20,27 11 - 4:30pm

Chemainus Wednesday Market Waterwheel Park parking lot, Chemainus

22,23,24

27th Annual Island Folk Feat Providence Farm, Duncan 250 748 3975

6, 13, 20 6:30 - 9pm

Wedneday Night Walkabout - Duncan Summer Festival Live Music in Various Locations

24 10am 4pm

Tour of Farms FREE Various Locations For a map call 256-746-1593 www.islandfarmfresh.com

7, 14, 21, 28

Thursday Night Jazz at Cow Bay Pub Cow Bay Pub, 1695 Cowichan Bay Road

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Ladysmith Camera Club “Experimental Photography” Hardwick Hall, 3rd Ave , Ladysmith $5 250 606 7011

7, 14, 21

Summer Pre-natal Yoga Classes @ Matraea Centre, 170 Craig Street 250 748 2089

For The Love of Words with Bill Levity Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $5 for readers /$10

7, 14, 21, 28 2 - 7pm

Thursday Farmers Market contact Field Beside Cobble Hill Hall Linda 250 510 8343

26 8pm 26

8 11pm

Mad Shadow: Led Zeppelin Tribute Band Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $10

Robin Millan on Display Imagine That! Artisans Designs, 251 Craig St., Duncan

9 8am - 3pm

Chemainus Giant Street Market Willow Street from Victoria to Oak, Chemainus

till July 29 30 11am - 3pm

LavenderFest Damali Lavender Farm, Cobble Hill 250 743 6759 $5

9 & 10 11am -4pm

Maritime Centre Open House and Tours Cowichan Bay For info 250 746 4955

30 6pm start

Latin Fiesta, Dancing, Tapas and Drinks $10 El Centro, 150 Craig St 250 597 0150

9 & 10 10am -5pm

Cowichan Bay Artwalk FREE Cowichan Bay Waterfront

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10 & 17 1 - 4pm

Cowichan Valley Circus Yoga 1 Day Workshop For Kids Please call to register 778 977 4449 $40 includes materials

31 10am 12:30

International Sunday Brunch Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Cobble Hill 250 743 5000

11 - 15 1- 4pm

5 Day Circus Yoga Camp For Kids on Salt Spring Island Call To Register 778 977 4449 $175 includes materials

to September

Fiddler On The Roof Chemainus Theatre Festival 1 800 565 7738

5:15 - 6:45pm

7:30pm

9:30 - 12pm

to dusk

8pm

7pm

4pm

Open Mic Poetry Night El Centro, 150 Craig St 250 597 0150

Music in the Park: Bopoma Marimba Waterwheel Park, Chemainus By Donation

10am - Artisans in the Park

Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

Dunc an Summe r Fe s t i v al FREE MUSIC at Ch ar le s Hoe y Par k Jul y 1 - 31 P ick up a Broch ure !

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Chemainus Giant Market

July Quick Picks Artists with Visions. It takes Vision to be artists, and their Vision can be yours as you visit 11 artists’ studios during the five-day free Visions Art Studio Tour. Thursday, June 30th until Monday, July 4 participating studios will be open from 10am. to 5pm throughout the Cowichan Valley. Tour maps available from Volume One Books and Imagine That! in Duncan as well as Valley Vines to Wines in Mill Bay Centre. www.visionsarttour.ca Merridale will be hosting a dinner & theatre night on Sunday, July 3rd featuring The Seeds and Salt Theatre Troupe. The show begins at 5:30pm down by the pond, followed by Brick Oven Pizza and salad on the back deck of the Ciderhouse. Theatre ticket $10 per person Dinner & Theatre $25 per person. 250 743 4293 Chemainus Giant Street Market, July 9, 8am – 3pm.

Chemainus Giant Street Market is a well loved summer tradition.

This is the day when Willow Street from Victoria to Oak is closed off and turned into a giant outdoor market.

For more information phone 250 743 3862.

Duncan Summer Festival July 1 - 31st! Yes, the whole month of July is being committed to a summer festival in dynamic downtown Duncan, where live entertainment takes place daily in Charles Hoey Park. Grab your lunch and go listen to some great music. Schedules available all around town.

The Waterfront Gallery Ladysmith presents Heroic Materials July 8 to July 31. Gala is July 9th 7 pm. A celebration of the artist’s creation in word, stone, glass and metal – anything goes.

610 Oyster Bay Drive Ladysmith. ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com

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Cowichan Gourmet

Morels

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hat a spring we had, or is it still spring?

How about wild-oyster or wild-morel mushrooms to cheer you up? Neither morel nor oyster mushrooms are as prevalent as the famous chanterelle you find in our forests in the fall. There are a few spots you can find these wild fungi, but why not visit a local farmers’ market or restaurant to savour these delicious mushrooms and leave it to the experts to find them in the wild?

As far as cooking wild mushrooms, remember these points: Never soak them in water (like chanterelles or any

mushroom for that fact).

They are very porous sponges and will suck the water up making your mushroom taste watery.

Take a clean pastry brush and gently brush to remove all dirt.

You can add and extract flavour from your mushrooms depending how you use them. With oyster mushrooms, I toss them in a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and Vancouver Island Salt Company’s smoked salt.

Then grill them, great as a side dish or mixed with greens in a salad, or even as an alternative to a veggie burger.

Artist

Jim Jenkins

Showing

Opening Reception June 30, 4 - 9pm July 1st & 2nd, 10am - 7pm Honeymoon Bay Retreat and Lodge 10028 Park Drive, Honeymoon Bay You can to sauté morels with garlic and shallots, flambé with a touch of brandy, then simmer in cream.

Whether it is morels or oyster mushrooms, add them

to your recipe repertoire you can’t go wrong.

A Culinary Institute of America trained chef, Bradford Boisvert combines his passion for local food with his passion for French cuisine at his restaurant Amusé Bistro in Shawnigan Lake.

The Chemainus Wednesday Market 11am to 4:30pm • EVERY WEDNESDAY

Waterwheel Park

Make It, Bake It, or Grow It.

From June 1-September 7

• crafts • home baking • fresh produce and much more!

Come spend a fun day exploring Chemainus!

Contact Chamber of Commerce: 250-246-3944 for more information Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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attached until you’re ready to eat the bulb: otherwise, the cut may seal over and trap moisture inside the bulb, potentially leading to mould.

“It’s fresher from here”

Island Thunder Honey Garlic Drumsticks Drumsticks make great party food, compared to wings they have more meat, much less fat and are half the cost.

Since Island Farmhouse Chicken is European Style air-chilled, which means no added water or bleach, the skin gets nice and crisp when cooked.

Ingredients

Island Farmhouse Drumsticks Butter Vancouver Island honey Local Garlic, Finely Minced Salt & Pepper

Amount

12 1 tbls 1/2 Cup 1- 2 Cloves To Season

Method

To Prep Chicken 1. Preheat oven to 450 C. 2. Season drumsticks with salt and pepper and place in hot oven.

3. After 10 minutes, reduce heat to 350 C until cooked through.

To Prep Sauce 1. Cook garlic in butter over medium heat, careful not to brown the garlic.

2. Remove from stove and add honey.

3. Return to stove on low heat until honey is heated through.

4. In a large bowl toss cooked hot drumsticks in honey sauce until well coated.

5. Transfer to warm serving dish and drizzle with any left over sauce.

On The Farm

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ith garlic scape season (aka June) now over, the next treat in the garlic patch is ready: uncured garlic. By now, the bulbs are growing quite large and can be enjoyed fresh from the garden. These gourmet cloves are not the usual dried, paper-wrapped sort that we’re used to finding in grocery store bins. Moist like an onion, fresh garlic bulbs can be used just like dried garlic, but have a unique flavour and texture.

Available from farm stands and farm markets (or pulled from your own garden beds), fresh garlic bulbs are still attached to the leaves and stalk. Be sure to keep the stalk and leaves

Store your uncut garlic plant in a cool, drafty place (e.g. kitchen, balcony, garage) until you’re ready to use it. Then cut off the bulb. The stalk and/or leaves can be used in a garlic-y soup stock, but are usually a bit tough to eat on their own. Use the garlic bulb as you normally would, in stirfries, raw, etc.

Store any unused cloves in the fridge, just like a cut onion.

And if you don’t manage to eat all your fresh-pulled garlic right away, it’ll naturally dry down: once the stalk is dry and crisp, snap or cut the bulb off from the stalk, and you’ll have a regular, cured garlic bulb.

(The dried-out stalk/leaves are perfect for your compost pile.)

For more garlic growing and eating tips, visit Makaria Farm’s booth at the Duncan Farmer’s Market, every Saturday on Ingram Street.

Heather Walker and Brock McLeod own and operate Makaria Farm Heather is a writer, editor and passionate seed starter. www.makariafarm.com

Thursday Nights in Cowichan Bay

1615 Koksilah Road Cowichan Bay BC 250-746-6163 www.farmhousepoultry.ca

Also available locally from The Duncan Butcher, Country Grocers Cobble Hill and Nanaimo, Duncan Thrifty Foods, Chemainus Foods and the Duncan and Chemainus 49th Parallel Grocer.

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Cow Bay Marine Pub 1695 Cowichan Bay Road 250-748-2330

Simple Summertime Salmon Recipe courtesy Chef Bruce Wood, Bruce’s Kitchen Salt Spring Island I love the variety of BC salmon.This year the white spring was fatty & great for the BBQ the coho & sockeye are leaner & great for poaching or roasting. I love following the season with these different preparations.

Ingredients 6 0z Wild Sockeye Fillets Fresh Lemon Good Quality Olive Oil Coarse Sea Salt Freshley Milled Pepper Fresh Thyme, Dill or Tarragon

Amount 4 1 1/2 Cup To Taste To Taste 1 tbls

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

You are going to cook the salmon fast and get a nice colour.

2. Place salmon fillets on a parchment lined baking sheet and rub the salmon with the lemon juice, olive oil and coarse sea salt & black pepper.

2. Roughly chop some fresh herbs, my favourite is fresh thyme.

3.Place the salmon in the preheated oven and roast for 5 minutes. The salmon should be cooked on the outside and translucent on the inside.

Looking for best value seafood, from responsible and ethical merchants dealing in sustainable seafood and shellfish?

Open 10 am to 5:30 pm 7 Days A Week

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

Cowichan Bay Artwalk Artist Jennifer Lawson

Cowichan Bay Artwalk July 9 & 10 10am - 5pm FREE Cowichan Bay Waterfront

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aking surprising discoveries in the sand while wandering along the seashore is

a simple delight. You can find that same exploring pleasure strolling along the seaside village of Cowichan Bay during the 6th annual Artwalk. Twenty six local artists display their paintings, sculptures, pottery, and jewelry at an informal outdoor art gallery, unrestricted by gallery walls, between shops and at the edge of the docks.

Meander from artist to artist, café to café, shop to shop along the main street of Cowichan Bay, North America’s first Citta Slow (Slow City). Saunter at the pace author Carl Honoré calls tempo giusto, or the right

tempo. Take it easy. Immerse yourself in the art show and character of Cowichan Bay: glittering sea, peaks of Mt. Prevost, friendliness and colour—lots of colour.

Painter Michael Dean appreciates the unique Artwalk setting.

“I get to talk to people,” he says. “And because it’s so popular, people from Victoria come as well; people who ordinarily wouldn’t see my work.”

Both mixed-metal jewelry maker Mimi Roy and painter Bernadette McCormick think

Cowichan Bay is a great little village. “I like the idea of being amongst all the other artists,” says Mimi.

Artwalk goes from 10 am. to 5 pm. both days. Take an afternoon, or spend the whole weekend savouring all that Artwalk and Cowichan Bay have to offer. Take the slow route further: park your car at Bench School or Hecate Park and board the free shuttle bus for a leisurely trip to the village and back.

Gloria Lorenzen is a writer with a passion for exploring inner and outer landscapes.

For full design/build service, give us a call

 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com  Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.



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Future Farmers

Strawberry, Watermelon & Fresh Peppermint Popsicles A refreshing crowd pleaser that is full of electrolytes that help you beat the heat! Little people love helping with this recipe (hulling, smashing, de-seeding & tearing)

Future farmer Nigella Goodwin Image Kent Goodwin

Prep time 15 minutes. Freezing time 3 hours Special tools: Blender & Popsicle maker Makes 2 cups of mix or 6 popsicles Ingredients

Amount

16 medium Strawberries hulled & smashed Watermelon de-seeded & smashed Fresh Peppermint torn up Fresh Lemon juice Sea Salt Raw Cane Sugar Water

1 Cup 1 Cup 10 Leaves 1 1/2 Tablespoon 1/4 Teaspoon 1/3 cup 1/3 cup

Method 1. Combine the sugar and water in a small pot and simmer till all the sugar crystals have dissolved.

2. Pour this syrup into a small bowl and chill in the freezer while you prep the fruit.

3. Add the prepped strawberries, watermelon, lemon juice, peppermint leaves, salt & sugar syrup to the blender.

4. Blend until smooth 5. Pour into molds and freeze for 3 hours till hard.

Happy Summer!

Recipe and article submitted by Marisa Goodwin Marisa co-owns Organic Fair and is immersed in food, farm and family. www.organicfair.com

New vendors welcome Call Bob 250-749-7233 or 250-510-1113

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major reason we have a farm is for our kids. We believe growing up on an organic farm with animals, beautiful flowers, medicinal herbs and delicious fresh vegetables that you can pick yourself makes for an awesome childhood. Sustaining a farm though takes work and we don’t believe in free rides. Everyone from the tallest to the smallest, with feathers, horns, a loud bark or sharp claws has a job to do.

I want to share the jobs our two girls aged 3 ½ and 1 ½ do on our farm. If given the chance all kids love to help. Our job as parents is to give them the ability to help.

The girls love to water plants with a small watering can that they can refill in a large bucket themselves.

Having the responsibility of the garden hose is exclusively for hot days when everyone being soaking wet is a good thing.They are the first to mention when a plant is “sad” and needs water. They also fill water and food bowls for cats, dogs and all our baby birds. Hunting for bugs to feed the baby chicks, turkey poults

and ducklings is a very popular task here. Slug hunting in the raised vegetable beds is fun but wearing gloves is a must as slug slime has staying power! Our older daughter can collect some of the chicken eggs and is very proud to present unbroken eggs to us. She is still learning to wash eggs gently though. Excellent vegetables for little hands to harvest are sugar snap peas, bush beans, cherry tomatoes, radishes, patty pan squash, fava beans and carrots. The girls are best at harvesting any and all berries straight into their mouths. They now have a designated berry patch that is exclusively for eating al fresco.

Weeding is tricky to teach to the very young but picking dandelion flowers is helpful and easy!

Digging is always a favourite task but planting something in the hole and then seeing it grow ...magic.

The amount of pride and delight our little girls experience helping with the family farm makes it all worth it. We hope they will be the farmers of the future.

Celebrating Sustainable Food Wild Foods for Thought...and Taste

E

ver tried a miner’s lettuce salad, stinging nettle soup, or pancakes drizzled in big leaf maple syrup? How about an ox-eye daisy tabouli or a cup of grand fir tea? If these wild delicacies tempt your palate, then maybe learning to forage in your backyard is something you need to try.

Wild edibles, which can include seeds, fruits, mushrooms, greens, and flowers, are generally found in abundance and are often more nutritious than many store bought fruits and vegetables; adding local wild edibles to our diets can

feed us much-needed vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Not only are wild foods nourishing, but learning the local edible plants in your neighbourhood is an empowering experience. To be able to forage plants and know why they are beneficial can help bring you closer to your local ecology and improve your understanding of the Valley’s ecosystems.

Local wild foods enthusiast Roger Foucher believes that wild edibles have the ability to rejuvenate and heal. He takes an ayurvedic approach, an ancient healing practice from India that aims to treat the mind, body and spirit as one, to his foraging practices. “Eating wild plants is about finding your food and feeling the difference. Each season and every plant offers its own type of taste and energy whether that’s sour, salty, sweet,

K to Grade 8

COBBLE HILL 3515 Watson Avenue Phone: 250 743-2433 Small class size Integrated learning Sense of Community Innovative teachers.

Now accepting new students for September.

bitter, astringent or pungent.” Foucher adds that along with each taste comes a specific health benefit such as the ability to cleanse tissues, stimulate digestion or boost metabolism.

Foucher is just one of five local wild foods guides featured in Cowichan Green Community’s Wild Food Walks, a six-part walking series designed to showcase the bounty of wild edibles the Cowichan Valley has to offer as well as teach new foragers the basics of proper plant identification and usage as well as the principles of safe, ethical foraging in urban or protected environments.

The cost is $17 per walk; $15 for members of Cowichan Green Community. Sign up for three or more walks and receive a 10% discount. All walks depart at 9:30 a.m. and run two to three hours depending on the number of people and the level of interest. To register, please call the Cowichan Green Community at 748-8506. For more info on this program or any of our other initiatives, visit www. cowichangreencommunity.org.

JUlLY FOOD WALK SCHEDULE Friday, July 8th at Eves Park Genevieve Singleton Saturday, July 16th at Wildwood - Jay Rastogi Wednesday, July 20th at Deerholme Farm - Bill Jones Friday, July 29th at Stoltz Pools Genevieve Singleton Heather Kaye works as Food Security Coordinator for the Cowichan Green Community.

Image Huckleberries found along the Holt Creek Trail, Cowichan River Footpath Photo Credit: Heather Kaye

Providing balanced education where academic excellence and individual development are equally valued, and where the inherent joy of learning is nurtured in a caring and respectful community.

www.evergreenbc.net

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Islands Folk Festival

T

he 27th Annual Islands Folk Festival is set to take place at Providence Farm near Duncan. The festival has been called “The Gem” of Canadian Music Festivals.

A wonderful family and community-oriented weekend of fun and frivolity. Don’t let the Folk title fool you. The festival offers everything from Blues, Jazz, World Beat, Gypsy, Bluegrass, Alt Country and First Nations music, by artists from around

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the world. The line up this year includes legendary songwriter Danny O’Keefe, (Good Time Charlie’s got the Blues) east-coast legend, Ron Hynes, five-time World Champion Fiddle player Ivonne Hernandez, and Africa’s greatest export, Alpha Yaya Diallo. Three days, six stages; over 150 musicians. Check out the entire line up on the festival’s website at www.folkfest. bc.ca. Give yourself a treat and plan on attending the Islands Folk Festival July 22nd-24th.

Images courtesy Kevin Oke; Top; The Paperboys performing,2009, Below; Islands Folk Festival Crowd 2009.

Providence Farm www.kevinoke.com

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Urban Picnic Solutions Green and Easy

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n celebration of summer, fresh food and free live music all month long in Charles Hoey Park, one local cafe is offering their customers a take out alternative to enjoy their fresh organic food offsite.

In line with their aim to have the lowest environmental impact as possible, El Centro Cafe will be offering their selection of organic seasonal salads, crisp breads, Island cheeses, savory dips, raw food and desserts for you to take out in washable, reusable glass containers that won’t end up in the land fill. Diners are free to take the containers home or bring them back at their convenience after their luncheons at the shows.

What a great idea!

A New Thursday Market in Cobble Hill

Activist Jen Holden with food to go in low impact container.

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • 6pm start

John Wade & The Night Shade Trio

Artist Rece 4th- 6:00 pm runs the mo

El Centro House Band no cover

July 2,9,16,23,30 • 11am- 3pm

Market Brunch with Live Jazz John Wade and Special Guests no cover

July 2 • 7pm start

Susan Stitt

Artist Reception July 6, 13, 20, 27 • 6:30 -9pm

Summer Festival WednesdayWalk About

June 20

Celebra

*special venue for musical acts July 16 • 8pm no cover

Open Mic Spoken Word Night July 23 • 8pm start

Mediterranean Night belly dancing, appys, drinks July 23 • 8 pm start $10

Latin Fiesta! with tapas, drinks and dancing 150 Craig St Duncan 250. 597. 0150 w w w. e l c e n t r o c a f e . c o m

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obble Hill residents will be thrilled with the debut of a Thursday Farmers Market; a “local foodies hangout” with a focus on food from the agricultural, culinary, and wild harvest sectors of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The market will take place in the field beside the historic Cobble Hill Hall. Local meats and fresh veggies available, every Thursday from 2pm - 7pm.

Take-Out Bento Box Lunch Special

Tuesday to Friday 3 kinds - $4.99

9875 Maple Street, Chemainus 250-746-1046 Garden and Patio Seating Available Open 11-.3pm for lunch and 4 - 8pm for dinner

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre Update Maritime Centre under construction

I

f you have stopped or driven by the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre you will have noticed a change to our landscape. We have almost completed our timber-

framed addition to the centre.

The planning of this project started almost three years ago when we heard that West Coast Community Adjustment Program had grant money

Watch for the grand opening of Makaria Farm’s convenient 7 day/week farm stand in July!

www.makariafarm.com

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available for community projects where the proponent was located in a fishingdependant coastal community and had to be a registered or incorporated not-for-profit entity.

After lots of paperwork and anxious times we were successful at receiving a $250,000 grant towards our building project. We have been extremely fortunate to have Macdonald & Lawrence as our timber-frame building contractor for many reasons.

Not only are they world renown, from repairing the Queen’s palace to restoring the wonderful Kinsol Trestle, but they are generous community supporters. They have donated $25,000 worth of timbers to our project, volunteer time at our Prawn Festival, plus donated the wonderful t-shirts we are selling to raise money towards the building.

The next step was to get the community involved - we

have a long list of donors and we have been fortunate to have many individuals and businesses step up to help us. We are working towards achieving the last $100.000 in our goal to complete phase one of the new development of the Maritime Centre.

A timber-framed building is a natural option for a boatbuilding facility such as ours, as many of the tools and features are similar.

When you see a timber-frame building, structure timber is clearly visible both from the inside and the outside, and now you are invited to become a new member or volunteer in this new facility, which will house new displays, a gift shop and a much-needed meeting/ mini conference room.Contact us if you would like more information on how you can become involved.

250 746 4955 or cwbs@ classicboats.org

Duncan Summer Festival

32nd Annual Summer Festival July 1 - 31 FREE FAMILY FUN Charles Hoey Park

Downtown Duncan 32nd Annual Summer Festival - ‘free family fun’A template for the 100th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Duncan in 2012. Sometimes you have to believe it to see it. Yes, the whole month of July is being committed to a summer festival in dynamic downtown Duncan, where entertainment takes place daily in Charles Hoey Park (that is the park where the train station is, and the Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives as well as the DCFS’s office in the recently restored Caboose). Imagine a Canada Day Beach Volleython / an All Things Bicycle –Green Day / a Children’s Day / an Elder’s Day/ a Gospel Music Day / a Country Music Appreciation Day and even a Show &Tell Tattoo Day. Wow. Performances scheduled Monday to Friday from noon until 8pm and Saturdays from 11pm -2pm with special

event Sundays, all in the park.

Double wow. And don’t forget the music on Friday nights on City Square Stage. You might want to bring some dancing shoes.

And then there is the DBIA sponsored Duncan Daze smack dab in the middle of the month with their annual pedestrian friendly street closures in the downtown core. Activities /entertainment /games /street sales with intent to create a summer festive spirit. The Grande Parade on July 16th sees a good portion of the town come out and bear witness. A tradition we aim to keep.

That is where you, the public come into the equation.

Your attendance is needed at these events. Bring your family, young and old, even your summer visitors. Come visit downtown and show off and enjoy your great little community where arts and culture combined with commerce to aid you in truly enjoying a full Cowichan Valley experience.

of polished stones to the people who bring in the rocks judged best in each category.

Winners must be present to win!

Rockhound Day Junction Artists’ Market

July 10 11am -5pm

Whippletree Junction

4705 Trans-Canada Highway

Rock Contest. Everyone invited! Scour the beaches!

Keep your eyes open on hikes! Bring the best rocks you can find to Whippletree Junction. The rocks must be natural local finds, but can be tumble polished. There will be two prizes awarded: 1. Prettiest Rock 2. Most Unusual Rock.

At 2:30 Featured Artist (and our Resident Rockhound), Michele Heath, will be presenting prizes of a bag

As always, Junction Artists’ Market artists will be working on and displaying their unique items. Each Sunday there is a different Featured Artist who presents a door prize to one lucky winner at 4:30 PM. But July 10th is also the day of the Rock Contest! Be there or be square!

See you at the fair!

Junction Artists’ Market has a different Featured Artist each week who creates and presents a door prize at 4:30PM. Featured MarketArtists in July are: July 3: Daniel Cline July 10: Michele Heath July 17: Herb Rice July 24: Muriel Overall July 31: Barry Cote

Cori McCaw, Mortgage Consultant Cowichan Valley Specialist DLC Prime Mortgage Works Inc.

250-743-CORI (2674)

cmccaw@shaw.ca

250-882-7119

www.corimccaw.ca

Best rates with National and Local Lenders.

You don’t have to negotiate – you get it automatically!

Ask me about ‘Green’ mortgage options & energy rebates!

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

15

Historic Forest in Your Hands a rich marsh and pond -- all home to eagles, owls and sparrows, ducks and herons and rare frog species, deer and bear.

This small ecosystem, revered

by First Nations elders, also holds most of the region’s sacred and medicinal plants in one place.

Echo Heights Public Hearing

July 21 7 pm Municipal Hall 7030 Trans Canada Hwy Duncan Have you heard about Echo Heights? It’s a small, secondgrowth Coastal Douglas Fir forest on the western edge of Chemainus.

It has towering firs (60 to 80 years old), Garry Oak meadows,

It was once heavily logged, but has been recovering for the last 70 years.

Given time and space, it could become a rare jewel in the Municipality of North Cowichan, which owns a great deal of “managed” (i.e., sustainably logged) forest. But its future is uncertain.

Coastal Douglas Fir ecosystems only exist here on the shores of the Salish Sea -- and 99 % have been logged. The province and the municipality have policies for protecting them. Yet the province won’t provide funds for this

to the cash-strapped municipalities -- or to private landowners who need help preserving these endangered ecosystems.

North Cowichan wants a decision on Echo Heights’ future.

It’s seeking input on its plan to “down-zone” 60% of the 52acre area from “residential” to “parkland” – and develop the rest.

Many citizens and professionals, and at least two Councillors, feel that a housing development will sound the death knell for this fragile forest. Others support the idea of getting revenue from this property.

Some fear Council’s mind is set and public input sessions are a sham.

I’m taking Council members at their word about trying to keep an open mind.

A decision must be made -- if present zoning remains, a future Council could clear-cut this little forest. And the current

plan does keep more than half of Echo Heights from joining the “built” environment.

What do you think?

Council wants to hear.

The public hearing is set for 7pm. July 21 at Municipal Hall.

This is the last time Council can legally receive input from the public on their development proposal. I think democracy should be more like planting a garden or building a house than a tug-of-war. We need many hands lightening our work, and many heads enlightening our decision-making.

Please make your views known by making a short presentation at the meeting and/or sending a written proposal to: council@northcowichan.ca or Mayor and Council at Box 278, Duncan, BC V9L 3X4 Kate Marsh North Cowichan (Chemainus) www.katemarsh.ca Image of bear courtesy Kitty Gaucher

CHEMAINUS

Giant

Market

JULY 9, 2011 • 8AM TO 3PM ON WILLOW STREET, CHEMAINUS Contact: Chemainus & District Chamber of Commerce at 250-246-3944 for more details 16

Kids Circus Workshops

Circus Yoga Camp 1pm - 4pm (Mon - Fri)

Salt Spring Island July 11 - 15th Victoria July 18 - 22 Cowichan Valley Special July 10 or July 17 3 hour Workshop $40 Space limited please register 778 977 4449 Sacredfusion@gmail.com

Circus Yoga blends the consciousness of yoga with the communal celebration of circus. We take this week to learn hula hooping, juggling, and acro-yoga, mixing it with hand drumming and art, making our very own circus troop. This is a week not to miss! This week fosters play, magik, imagination, creativity and yoga! Circus Yoga is artfully designed to engage ages 5-12.

Theatres 2011 summer Kidzplay – Snow White. This famous fairy tale is brought to life with masks, music, costumes, creativity. The show opens in Chemainus on July 13 and runs until August 20. Join Island Farms’ Daisy the Cow for FREE ice cream and preshow games Saturday July 23 performance at 11:00 am.

summer Kidzplay – Snow White Chemainus Theatre Festival July 13 - Aug 20 1 800 565 7738

“Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?”

Snow White of Course! Step into her enchanting world with dwarfs, beautiful princesses, evil queens and Prince Charming with Chemainus

Chemainus Theatre Festival’s Artistic Director, Mark DuMez is delighted to be capturing the magic of Snow White on the Chemainus Theatre stage for a second time. DuMez also stresses the importance of kids’ theatre on the Chemainus stage “The Discovery and KidzPlay shows are an important part of what we do. They explore the essential and creative core of storytelling and the energy from audience to stage is electric”. We look forward to seeing the evolution of this classic tale from the 2002 adaptation also by Mark DuMez.

This is your opportunity to visit the remodelled British Columbia Telephone Building in an Open House style from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday the 21st of July.

Matraea Centre Grand Opening July 21 4pm - 8pm 170 Craig Street Downtown Duncan All are welcome at the Grand Opening Celebration for the new Matraea Centre at 170 Craig Street in Downtown Duncan.

Come and meet the practitioners, walk through the building, and join together in celebrating community connections. This is an all ages, wheelchair friendly event.

Matraea Centre: Embracing Wellness, Family and Community.

Matraea Centre Image Rupert Koyote

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Music In The Park Series JUNE EVENTS

Chemainus Bluegrass Festival

www.cvcas.com

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ooking for an up-tempo day of Waterwheel Park, Chemainus music? Fiddle your Admission by Donation way down to the Rain or Shine Chemainus Bluegrass July 5, 7pm Devan Bailey and Festival on Saturday The Big Band July 16 from 9:30am Swing, Latin, Rock, R&B and Blues to 8:30 pm. Admission July 12, 7pm • Hope King is by donation (a Old country meets new country suggested $10 - $20 for the whole day or July 16 • ALL DAY whatever you can Chemainus Bluegrass Festival www.chemainusbluegrass.com afford.) The festival features John John Reischman and The Jaybirds performs July 16th July 19, 7pm • Puzzleroot Reischman and the Gorgeous vocal harmonies Jaybirds - one of the and foot stomping fun most respected Bluegrass bands around. Also playing: Backporch Banjo, Bluegrass Fever, Brian Clayton July 26, 7pm • Bopoma Thomas, Corner Grass, Flash in the Pan and Skagway.

Joyous, high energy marimba John Reischman and the Jaybirds offer a blend of vintage gems, original songs and trademark instrumentals Aug 2, 7pm • Sandy Jasper & Steve Tozer and Kendall Patrick variously bluesy, hard-edge and haunting - that make Original, Celtic and Folk them one of the most interesting bands on the circuit today. Backporch Banjo is well known on the Vancouver Gourmet Hotdogs and Refreshments for Sale Presented by Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society Island circuit. Expect Bluegrass Fever to combine musicintheparkseries@gmail.com wonderful instrumentals with harmonious vocals.

Bryon Clayton Thomas is made up of three eclectic individuals whose music is steeped in tradition, personality and character! Corner Grass is a lively trio that packs a punch with rock solid rhythm, hot fiddle, and vibrant vocals. Flash in The Pan is a combination of young fresh energy rolled up into a great big ball of bluegrass fun. Skagway is a 4 piece bluegrass band with high energy and great stage presence. Arrive early because the day begins with a traditional and rousing open mic. Chemainus offers plenty of great eateries for all budgets and is especially well known for its great ice cream! For a schedule and breaking news see: www. chemainusbluegrass.com Want to volunteer? Call festival organiser Bob Johns at 250-246-1389

Live Music Every Tuesday Night - Waterwheel Park

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ummer’s here and the time is right for Music in the Park. There’ll be music playing and people singing down at Waterwheel Park! Be

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in Chemainus every Tuesday evening at 7pm. You’ll love the community feel and the intimate setting under the big trees. Rain or Shine –

they’ve got you covered.

Refreshments and goumet hot dogs available at the shows. (see schedule above)

Taste Of Tea

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n our current fast-paced world, where a great deal of our reality is consumed by gathering, absorbing and sharing information, and where trying to fit ever more activities into the day is the norm, scheduling in some quiet time is of the essence. A great daily practice is to create your own tea ceremony. I am not referring to an intricate ritual but rather a simple daily practice that allows you to slow down and be at one with the senses of smell, taste and sight. Tea is typically not something we take on the go. And whether we choose to enjoy a cup at home, at a cafĂŠ, alone or in the company of friends, it invites a certain degree of mindfulness.

The philosophy of Teaism, also known as the Way of Tea, originated in Japan and

was developed as a way to practice mindfulness. The Japanese tea ceremony is steeped in tradition and ritual.

There is in fact an entire aesthetic that has evolved around the tea ceremony.

The artwork, the setting, the teapot and tea cups, the choice of utensils are as important as the tea itself and all adding to the experience of mindfulness. And while I honour and cherish the traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony, I also value the importance of starting small at home by adding the Way of Tea to ones own practice and pleasure. Finding enjoyment in a cup of tea certainly is a great introduction to quiet and Teaism.

Margit Nellemann is a tea farmer and ceramic artist. margitnellemann.com teafarm.ca

Heartwood Studio Open Year-Round by Appointment

Functional Woodturning by

KEN BROADLAND 5846 Curry Road, Duncan 250-746-5480

heartwood@shaw.ca www.heartwoodstudio.ca Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Walt’s Mouse Was Just the Beginning

“M

y first experience with papier mache was when I was 4 years old and nearly entombed in an Minnie Mouse head made by my mother. Luckily, this resulted in no lingering phobias and eventually I tried the process on my own. I even managed to make the occasional piece that was identifiable.”

Years later, Robin revisited the “messiness of it all” – but only as an occasional pastime.

I wasn’t until 1999, when she became involved with Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs, that papier mache evolved into more or less a full time endeavour.

“It’s a real pleasure to be a Member of Imagine That”.

“I start by building an armature to create the basic shape.

LOTS of masking tape is used at this stage. Then the paper starts going on – either strips, hand made pulp or both. I work on several pieces at a time and speed up the drying with fans.

Details and outer coatings to create texture are next. I often incorporate found objects.

Painting and sealing finishes things off”.

Robin’s pieces include quirky chickens, sheep, pigs, dogs and cats – chefs and butlers –a dancing diva and a life size sea captain who welcomes

craft

A Whimsical Note about Artisanal Madness

Are you ever curious about why artists create? Each of us can have a spontaneous idea or whim and be inspired to act, but having the skills to turn a concept into a ‘work of art’ is a challenge for the true artist, and, apparently, they can’t stop themselves.

visitors to a waterfront home on Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Other pieces have gone to more distant locations – including Japan, England and Jupiter (Florida, that is).

(Whimsy can be described as unpredictable or impulsive behaviour combined with quaint or fanciful notions. For the Cowichan Valley Artisans, that sounds about right! )

Robin also hand paints reclaimed furniture, beautiful glass stemware, and keeps people chuckling with “A Bit of Cheek” – a series of fun-loving, chunky, naked ladies. She also works with hydrostone, creating 3 dimensional castings and wall hangings of her original sculptures.

Let’s ponder the relationship between inspiration and its final product. An artist continuously questions his or her motivation and ability to bring an idea to fruition. It requires a balance between staying with what they know and wandering down new paths, into the unknown.

They are risk takers on a quest for creative fulfillment.

Just imagine the risk involved. At this exacting level of technical ability, there is always a chance that something can go wrong: cracking, crazing, calamities—disaster lurks around ever corner! But that must be an essential ingredient for all successful works of art, whatever the medium. The element of risk gives fuel to the creative fire.

“I want people to look at my work and smile. There are other things to be to be serious about – I don’t want my stuff to be one of them. I’ve got a sign in my studio that I like – “don’t let the laughter pass you by”

These people are really living on the edge. They seem to have an innate desire to express themselves through their chosen profession, thereby opening themselves up to public scrutiny. And, they have traded a steady job and financial security for long hours with unpredictable returns. Perhaps they are all mad!

Robin Millan Showing at Imagine That!

251 Craig Street, Duncan On display till July 29th

Of course, I am jesting in my suggestion that artisans are nonsensical in what they do. On the contrary, they are committed, highly skilled individuals, and their talents abound. Visitors are invited to tour the CVA studios year round, so please stop by. Who knows? You might even catch a glimpse of inspiration and whimsy in progress.

By Pamella Moore www.cowichanvalleyartisans.com

CVA Brochures available at Excellent Frameworks and Experience Cycling in Duncan.

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Jo Ludwig

1588 Adelaide Street Crofton www.kilnartglass.com

Talking Arts • Jo Ludwig come out just right ... the world is a better place.

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elf taught glass artist Jo Ludwig spends most of his time creating ToBs. “ToB” is short for Thing of Beauty. Each ToB is a one-of-a-kind art glass vessel that is eye-popping and captivating inside and outside.

Valley Voice: Your signature vessels are very unique, what inspires their shapes and size?

Jo Ludwig: These vessels are a reaction to what is sometimes called “high art” or “conceptual art”. In its presence I am mostly flummoxed and always feel somehow hoodwinked.

So in response to “high art” I wanted something not requiring a masters degree to understand; I wanted something small, with a shape that is immediately familiar and comfortable. And I wanted something that is immediately, uncomplicatedly, just beautiful.

VV: The metallic tones that come through the glass are futuristic and remind us of space - how do you achieve some of these effects?

JL: I do want to achieve that effect and make a line of Jetsons-like, Tabletop UFOs and Pocket Planets etc. The glass I use is called dichroic glass. It has a thin metallic coating on its surface. Different combinations of metals and metal oxides produce different colours. In its unworked state it looks like a mirror, except coloured. It is VERY expensive. I fuse different glasses and pieces together to make bases to fuse the dichroic glass to. The different glasses produce different effects.

And it also depends on which side of the glass the dichroic coating is on. There are quite a few failures. But when they

VV: Where can we see your work?

JL: Seattle, Dallas, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Nanaimo and Victoria. Locally, at the Cowichan Valley Fine Art Show, the Sooke Fine Arts Show and the Filberg Festival.

In August I will be featured in the window of Imagine That! I will be showing at Benchmark Gallery here in Duncan with the Cowichan Valley Artisans.

VV: Who is an artist you most admire?

JL:Oh boy. There are so many. Dale Chihuly is right there at the top. He has singlehandedly invigorated and re-invented glass art. He made America the glassart Mecca. Chuck Close.

He is just so talented.

Closer to home I admire the work of Mel Munsen, Jay Macdonell, Lisa Samphire and Jill Allan.

And the metal lathe. But except for making jigs or other tools, or the rings for my UFO Treasure Boxes, I don’t get to play with it much.

VV: What book are you reading right now?

JL: A book of poems by Red Hawk and Alice Munro’s Dance of the Happy Shades. I never know what she is talking about, but I like reading her.

Top Left; Jo Ludwig working in his Crofton studio. Top Centre: UFO Treasure Box, Top Right; Things of Beauty (TOB) Bottom Image; TOB with peacock pattern.

VV: What is your most treasured tool in the studio?

JL: The bell kiln. It fires so evenly and reliably.

And the big 24 inch flat grinder. It works really well and is so smooth.

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

21

Making surprising discoveries in the sand while wandering along the seashore is a simple delight and that same Creating marks on any surface requires one’s whole being, involving both physical body movements and emotional expression. Without question, explorations in creativity are infinite.

For most of my life I have painted my world with words and only within the last decade did I begin to express that world with a brush, painting in oils and focusing on landscape and still life.

Artist Susan Stitt will be showing large scale abstract paintings at El Centro for the month of July. Artist opening July 2nd, 7pm.

Lavenderfest Damali Lavenderfest July 30th 10am - 4pm $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for kids 3500 Telegraph Road Cobble Hill 250 743-4100

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he 4th annual Lavenderfest is just a few weeks away and if you haven’t been before it’s a fun filled day at Damali, a working lavender farm and vineyard in Cobble Hill. This is a family friendly event with plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy and plenty of opportunity for pictures of

your loved ones up to their necks in lavender. There is a scavenger hunt and & crafts for children and adults can try their hand at wand making or pick their own bouquet from over 25 varieties of lavender. Watch as owner and resident distiller Dave puts through a load of lavender in the 100 gallon steam distillation system to extract the wonderfully aromatic essential oil, take a guided tour or Lavender 101 from Marsha & Alison the other two Damali partners who will tell you how the farm got started, how it got its name and what the name means.

Enjoy delectable lavender lunches from ‘Art To Eat’ and other

lavender treats including gelatos and lemonade. Country bluegrass music will be playing and you can browse a variety of artisans and crafts people’s displays on the lawns amidst the gardens and wander the pathways down to the labyrinth. With the recent opening of the winery and licensed picnic area you can even just sit and take it all in while enjoying a glass of lavender wine!

An annual fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, Lavenderfest welcomed over 700 people in 2010 and raised over $3000 for the cause. Damali is at the corner of Telegraph & Hutchinson Rd and all parking is in the lower field with the entrance off Telegraph Rd. Unfortunately the farm is not fully wheelchair accessible

‘Helping with the Harvest’ photo credit Bettina Hobsch

and the property is on a slope but transportation from the lower field to the upper gravel festival area is provided for people who require it.

Listen Globally, Play Locally.

July 13-18 - Come join us!

Nhemamusasa North - African music/dance immersion African-rooted community music... for everyone!

250-737-1331 www.bopoma.org 22

Call or emai 737-1331 or org

Nhemamusasa North African Music/Dance Immersion July 13-18 O.U.R. Ecovillage, Shawnigan Lake For info or to register www.nhemanorth.org 250-737-1331

Nhemamusasa North is North America’s premiere summer immersion focussing on the amazingly rich music/dance culture of Zimbabwe. Daily workshops are offered for all levels from introductory to advanced, focussing on drum, marimba, mbira, singing, dance, shakers, and more! Join our 10 Zimbabwean teachers and students from across North America for five fabulous days of music, dance, and community!

Artisans in the Park July 30 10 am – 4 pm

Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

Each year artisans gather in the Waterwheel Park to transform the park into an outdoor gallery.

Artisans representing a broad range of disciplines set up stalls to show and sell original pieces of art and design to the general public. The unconventional setting allows people to meet artisans, and see and purchase original pieces of art.

Call or email to register: 737-1331 or info@bopoma. org Free Shuttle Bus to the Village!

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

23

Nelly Furtado Steps Up to Be The Change

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LC’s Be The Change Campaign is gaining momentum as Victoria-native and international superstar Nelly Furtado tapes a video PSA http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OdpvtmCJAnc in support of TLC’s overarching public engagement campaign to raise $10 Million for its mandate and operations.

Inspired by the words “Be the Change You Want to See in the World” by Mahatma Gandhi, TLC is encouraging people into action for conservation. With this mission in mind, TLC is challenging British Columbians to dream about the kind of world that they want and make it a reality with TLC. As an agent for change, TLC is here to serve local communities in protecting the places that matter most to them.

When asked to participate in the campaign, Nelly answered the call and was happy to assist as British Columbia holds a special place in her heart. Nelly’s inspirational video speaks to how she values B.C.’s forests, oceans, and mountains and we need to step up and protect these resources before it is too late. Now that her video is

live, Nelly is sharing her message with her fans via Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube to help raise funds and with the hope of building a culture of conservation in B.C. and Canada.

Nelly first became involved with TLC during its fundraising campaign to protect the Sooke Potholes and help make it a regional park. Since then she has continued to be a dedicated TLC spokesperson. In 2006 her Vanity Fair ad, which reached hundreds of thousands of people world-wide, touted TLC as her “favourite cause”. In addition Nelly passed her significant commission for that ad onto TLC. Over the years, Nelly continues to provide a prominent, international voice to TLC’s work in safeguarding natural areas, cultural landmarks, and agricultural lands for future generations.

Donations raised through TLC’s Be The Change Campaign will help complete current land acquisitions like Sansum Point, as well as assist in the continued stewardship of sites under TLC’s care. It will also generate an investment in the growth of TLC’s membership to 30,000.

S L OU

ESCAPE

ESTHETICS Est. Since 2006

The first and only green spa in the Cowichan Valley.

Offering Certified Organic skincare Eminence from Hungary. We specialize in skin care, foot care and offer a full range of spa treatments. #4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan BC 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca

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Together, we can ensure the future of B.C.’s special places.

Help define the B.C. you want.

Be part of the change and donate

to TLC today at http://www. bethechangebc.ca or 1 877 485 2422. In Canada, individuals can text the word TLC to 30333 to donate $10.

Have You Heard About Cloud 10? stone is heated it penetrates the muscles even more deeply.

C

loud 10 Esthetics lies at the base of Mount Tzouhalem, just minutes away from Duncan.

This lovely day spa provides a peaceful place to refresh oneself, to enjoy mountain and garden views, and the soothing ambience that owner Tina Norstrand creates for each new client arriving at her door. “I chose this location because it’s so beautiful,” says the licensed esthetician.

Tina offers a full range of skin and body care treatments. One of her specialties is the jade stone massage. Tina can customize a massage that relaxes the body in ways that a conventional massage may not. “Jade is a gorgeous, healing, grounding stone,” she says. “One pass with a jade stone is equivalent to seven passes with the hand; it’s very therapeutic.” When the

Tina uses Methode Physiodermie, a Swiss-based product line that follows exacting European standards of purity, is paramedical and resultsoriented. The products contain essential oils and marine extracts whose therapeutic qualities are preserved and delivered using an advanced micro-encapsulation system. Adding bioaromes to different products allows Tina to customize treatments depending on her client’s needs.

Cloud 10 Esthetics offers a respite from the busyness of our lives. “You can’t help but relax, feel the day evaporate and be glad to be here,” says Tina.

Escape, unwind and let Tina take away the stresses of the day at her quiet oasis by beautiful Mount Tzouhalem.

Cloud 10 Esthetics

Jade Massage, Manicures, Pedicures 1529 Khenipsen Road Duncan 250 597 3333 www.cloud10esthetics.com

Building the Bridge

H

ul ‘q’umi’num’ is the language of the Coast Salish

people. Now, you and your kids can learn together the First

Jean Crowder has been the NDP Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Cowichan since 2004. Crowder.J@parl.gc.ca 1-866-609-9998

Crowder’s Corner

My new responsibility as critic for Human Resources Social Development Canada covers many of the areas that an MP’s office deals with every day.

From Old Age Pensions, to Headstart programs for children to Employment Insurance, the 54 programs and policies HRSDC administers form Canada’s social safety net.

Often, people only consider how these social programs support individuals. But they also provide an important approach to help develop resilient communities that can deal with changes like the end of a local industry, an aging population or even adverse weather events.

language spoken in the Cowichan Valley. ‘Iiyus Siiye ‘yu, the Happy Friends’ second CD is now available.

‘Iiyus Siiye ‘yu began in 2006 when two moms started to talk about what was most important to them: the Hul’q’umi’num language, the arts and their children. A year later, Jan Bruce and Stephanie Peter started a ‘mom and tots’ group and began to write songs to teach their children Hul’q’umi’num’. Their first CD was released in 2008 and their second is now available and FREE at the Duncan branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library and Success by 6. Their sophomore effort includes 19 songs that are a mix of Hul’q’umi’num and English, complete Hul’q’umi’num’ and some completely in English but that tell a cultural story of the Hul’q’umi’num peoples.

The group has even translated ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ into Hul’q’umi’num.

The ‘Iiyus Siiye ‘yu hopes that

Hul’q’umi’num words to learn this month: ‘Iiyus Siiye ‘yu- Happy Friends ‘Uy’ netulh- Good morning ‘Uy’ skweyul- Good afternoon/ good day ‘Uy’ snet- Good night Hey’ewulh- Good bye your whole family can enjoy this new CD and also help teachers teach this First language. The group of volunteers is also working on teacher tool kits that will be available through Aboriginal Successs by 6 and the School District this fall. For more information, pick up a FREE CD at the Duncan library.

Huy ch q’u!

Jenn K. George is the Project Manger for Water, Sewer & Energy Projects for the Cowichan Tribes and on-call news broadcaster for 89.7 SunFM

Sunday Morning Meditation 10:30 am to noon The focus is on calming abiding practise and cultivating mindfulness.

1555 Longwood Road Cowichan Bay

250 709 9673

In the June 6th budget, the Minister of Finance announced huge cuts to HRSDC as part of its strategic review process. By 2013-14 the Conservatives expect to cut $274 million from HRSDC. These cuts will be permanent and reduce the capacity of HRSDC to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable in our communities: people with disabilities getting job skills training for employment, young people trying to find the money to attend post-secondary and new parents trying to find safe and affordable childcare.

If the government was considering community resiliency, they would reconsider cutting the programs that create community assets instead of considering social programs simply as costs.

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

25

Airtight Bike Tire Recycling Program

Stain Removal

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ummer is here and along with all the outdoor fun comes grass stains, blood from skinned knees and squished berries all inevitably ending up on clean clothes or upholstery.

Here are some tried and true home remedies for stain removal.

Stains break down into different categories.

1. Non-water soluble like crayon, hand lotion, and ink.

These stains cannot be tackled with soap and water, they require a solvent and in some cases heat.

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auling big loads of recycling by bicycle tends to lead to many, many flat tires. Tubes or treads, no matter how careful we are, get punctured, tear or simply fall apart from use.

So when we heard Will Arnold at Experience Cycling had teamed up with Tire Stewardship BC to find a use for these dead soldiers, we were very excited.

Every bike store in the province can now take back those blown bike tires, bundle them up and ship them off to be recycled.

And there will be no cost to the consumer.

Wading through a logistical nightmare, Arnold and the team came up with a solution to piggyback the old bike tires and tubes with old car tires to be taken to a recycling plant in Delta.

The tires are then ground up, dyed and used as fake bark mulch in landscaping.

This move will save thousands of tires from being buried in landfills each year, and will hopefully prompt people across the continent to start up similar programs.

It takes no more than a vision and some perseverance to make good change happen and Arnold and the Stewardship team had ample amounts of both.

So when you are on the side of the road in the rain changing a flat, don’t be discouraged.

Take heart knowing the blown tread or tube won’t end up in the trash.

Aaron Bichard coowner of Cowichan Recyclists an ecologically sustainable and responsible company helping businesses reduce their impact on the environment.

Kundalini Yoga Classes

Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Denman Island 250-597-8849 kundalinicowichan@shaw.ca or http://kundalinicowichan.shawwebspace.ca

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ie. Grass – blot with rubbing alcohol, rinse with cold water apply liquid soap directly to stain and launder as usual.

2. Protein based stains include egg, blood, vomit and ice-cream.

Never use heat on these types of stains as it will permanently set them. Cold water and agents such as hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, and vinegar work well on these. ie. Blood – if caught immediately pour hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain, be sure to do this over the sink as the blood will run straight through. If it has set, rub salt directly on the stain and let sit for 20 mins, rinse with cold water and the use the peroxide method above.

3. Fatty and oily food stains such as ketchup, milk, chocolate can be treated with a little soap and water. They have a low acidity and react well to alkaline cleaners like borax, baking soda and mild liquid soaps. Often the best way to treat these stains is to cover with a paste of borax or baking soda with warm water,

let sit for 20 mins and rinse with cold water. ie. Ketchup- rinse with cold water, dab with liquid dish soap, if the stain remains apply a little glycerin and let sit for 30 mins, rinse with 1:1 solution of water and distilled vinegar, launder as normal.

4. Tannin and Glucose stains like wine, berry, coffee and tea can be difficult to remove especially if they are left to sit. For best results treat immediately with liquid laundry detergent or an 8:1 solution of water and distilled vinegar. ie. Berries – pour boiling water directly over the stain or treat immediately with lemon juice.

If the stain persists blot with glycerin and let sit for 30 mins rinse with warm water and launder as usual.

General Stain Recommendations: - treat stains immediately - blot, don’t rub, so as not to spread the stain - test the fabric you’re treating on a piece that’s not visible to avoid damage - be patient, some stains just require time to soak and elbow grease Tracey Paleczka, local mompreneur and owner/operator Clean Choice EcoFriendly Cleaning Services www.cleanchoicecleaners.com

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i w t T ( s S b V ( t B c t c a B w N a

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OFF THE GRID Where In The World?

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ne of the hardest things about living “off the grid,” is trying to explain exactly where we are. Well - you go to Duncan (smiles). Then take Trunk Road to Maple Bay (smiles fade). Then by boat, south at Paddy Milestone to Sansum Narrows, which lies between Salt Spring Island and Vancouver Island. Blank looks.

(Lost you again!) The last map that I bought, showed Maple Bay at its outer limits and then cut us off completely. We’re on the local ocean and navigation charts of course, and tug boats and fishers know the area well.

But wait - a solution! The hard working local politicians of North Cowichan have given us an address on “Stoney Hill”.

What? My realtor visibly shuddered. You can bet North Cowichan councillors would never give themselves such a name. The name “Stoney Hill” is almost guaranteed to lower real estate prices. The address, we were told was necessary to allow first responders to find us, and we have to display this address prominently. Apart from a useful perching post for the seagulls, I was at a loss. Rule out local police, ambulance, fire assistance because there are no roads here (ditto hydro, garbage, municipal water, sewer). The police boat and Coast Guard do cruise by looking for uncarded boaters

South Island Fishing Report

or to rescue the occasional boater in trouble. But it would be a tedious and dangerous job to locate a property by getting close enough to read the address. (Watch out for the rocks, just under the water there - uh oh - too bad).

Fire is our worst fear, but hopefully the smoke would alert the water bombers’ attention who would head straight for it and not bother to hover overhead to read the address. But - we try. We like to be helpful and conform to the BYLAWS. So it was with great pleasure when we received a beautiful gift from our daughter, Andrea. In wood, routered and handsomely carved, saying: Cobhams 8483 Stoney Hill. Our neighbour, Doug, himself an excellent craftsman, has made us a lovely structure from which to hang it. You can look for it as you sail past proudly displayed on our point of land. But please use binoculars, there are rocks close by, and sadly, we’re not called “Sunrise Beach” so it’s not a For Sale sign. But, no doubt, North Cowichan and the seagulls are happy.

Joan and Aubrey Cobham are the parents of 7 and grandparents of 3.

They live in their “off the grid” cabin in the Sansum Narrows

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his report finds us deep into the ocean Salmon season. Some great catches on the ocean in June has kicked off what should be a great salmon year. Fishing on both the east and west coast shores of Vancouver island has been, and should continue to be very productive. Try all depths as the fish are being found at all levels. Hot Lures are generally changing week to week. The best bet is to check in with one of the local tackle shops close to where you are going fish to see what they are running out of… or ask their recommendations.

Rivers and Lakes. All of the spring rain and cool temperatures have kept it interesting to say the least.

The fishing rates from very good to excellent on local lakes and rivers. The rivers have maintained higher than normal flows which has kept anglers drifting with great success. Hot flies include

Prince nymphs, Muddler minnows and wooly buggers.

Those using gear have been doing very well on spinners and Gibbs crocs. This good fishing should continue until we get lower and warmer waters. Which will be ???

For the lakes, Wow, some great catches of Bass (in the lakes that have them) and trout this June and July on most lakes in our area.

My lures of choice are Plugs in various colors and sizes, flatfish in frog colors, crocs in Elusion blue and brass fire stripe orange, and of course the good ole Gang troll and a worm. For the fly fishers, I would suggest wooly buggers in olive, brown and black, as well as micro leaches in the same colors.

Don’t forget to check the up to date fishing regulations in the area where you are planning to fish, as the regulations have been known to change in season. Good fishing!

This report is provided

by Kenzie Cuthbert 23 years of guiding on our local waters. www.cowichanriverwildernesslodge.com

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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The Pursuit of Happiness

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pirituality and spiritual practice have always been about developing deeper and more lasting happiness.

Two thousand years ago, a man sat under an immense spreading tree along a river, watching the morning star rise above the eastern horizon.

He had almost decimated his body with his rigorous efforts: fasting, physical exertion, long periods of meditation and contemplation. He was ready to simply go back to his previous life in his wealthy and comfortable home, to his wife and son and the pressing household duties of his life.

As you may have guessed, this is a modern re-telling of the story of a man called Siddhartha Gautama who later was deified as Buddha.

But this morning was different.

As the star rose, he was filled with a great certainty about spirituality, about how to practice and how to live in a satisfying and successful way.

He sat in a state of ecstatic joy for several days, then got up and committed himself to sharing his realizations. His first talk was given in the presence of small tame deer in a King’s park, to three of his friends who were also spiritual seekers.

Modern day scientific studies continue to tackle questions of human happiness. People are discovering, again, that no matter how much material wealth we have, or how harmonious our relationships are, unless we are committed to a spiritual path, we will feel like a wheel that doesn’t fit properly, uncomfortable and out of place.

Happy Author Julia Star

Try This!

1 During the next month, in this time of awesome beauty and spring splendor, notice when you are happy. Notice what events lead you to a feeling of satisfaction. Be a scientific study of one, always holding the question in the back of your mind, “Is this truly making me happy?”

2 Alternatively, what brings you away from happiness?

3 Start a happiness journal. Each day write about your happiest moments. Or draw or dance Julia Star is a spiriutal those moments. counsellor in the Cow4 How can you open more to this world of wonders?

ichan Valley. She is the author of “The River Books-Love, Work, Wisdom For appointments call 250-709-9673.

a A m n n a a t n t n w B s w P t s f a d o s

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T c a f b n b p

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Spiritual Counsellor

W c a c T a p

Solving life’s problems with your own inner guidance.

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Julia Star BHD.BEd

Working with the Whole Person

250-709-9673 $60 / hour www.longboatcounselling.com info@longboatcounselling.com

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The first thing he pointed out was that life, no matter how wonderful, always has a sense of dissatisfaction to it. This has sometimes been translated as “life is suffering”. This though is a mistranslation of the Pail word, Dukkha, which is a term used for a wheel that does not fit a chariot properly and sticks, squeaks or wobbles. A more correct translation of the First Noble Truth, as this talk was later known as, is “without a perspective of the Whole, life is always a little unsatisfying and unhappy”.

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Acid/Alkaline - The Importance of pH Balance In The Body

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hen you are alkaline, you are healthy, when you are too acid, you are unhealthy.

All chemical, digestive, and metabolic actions in the body need an alkaline pH. Your body needs alkalizing minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium and potasium in proper balance to keep alkaline. The good news is that you can change the bodies pH by diet, exercise, nutritionals, alkaline ionized water, cleansing and detoxing.

Below gives a list of the body systems and what happens when they are out of balance.

Part II in the August issue on the many ways to alkalize your system. A simple start is to eat fresh fruits and raw vegetables as well as drinking green drinks, chlorophyll, and cut out the acid forming foods and sugary foods and drinks.

THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

Too much acid OR alkaline causes “debris” to collect on artery walls – causing plaque formation. That causes less blood flow, less oxygen and nutrients and a heart attack becomes possible. High blood pressure can be expected.

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM When pH in brain cells is off center, appropriate chemicals are not produced and cells can’t communicate properly.

This can result in insomnia, anxiety, depression, neuroses, psychoses and memory loss.

THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

The wrong pH causes calcium to be released from the bones

and go into muscles, causing cramping.

Osteoporosis, weakened vertebrae, back pain and degenerative arthritis can also result.

THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Enzyme dysfunction occurs and results in indigestion, gaseousness, bloating, and abdominal cramping.

Malnutrition results.

Undigested food ferments etc.

THE INTESTIONAL SYSTEM

Colon cells dysfunction and diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation or diverticulosis. It can also cause colitis, Crohn’s disease or hemorrhoids.

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM People become susceptible to viral, bacterial, fungal and other infectious diseases as well as cancer.

THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, along with chronic cough, asthma, allergies, including hay fever are common conditions.

THE URINARY SYSTEM Bladder infections, calcium crystals, kidney stones are common conditions when the pH is not balanced.

Debbie Shuratoff Reiki Master-Teacher, Foot Spa Detox Practitioner, Natural Health Consultant. www.reikiwellness.ca

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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ycling on Salt Spring Island requires a sense of adventure and an ability to take on physical challenges. You’ll experience both awe at the stunning beauty of the scenery and discomfort at the number of hills to climb. Your road bike should be up to the task of climbing hills and handling the often patch-worked pavement.

Endurance road bikes are good choices as they damper road vibrations and have the lightness and agility needed for hill climbing. The staff at your local bike shop, can offer some advice and options.

First off the ferry from Crofton, you will notice the total absence of any bike lanes or even much of a shoulder. For a stress-free start, pull off to the side and allow the ferry traffic to pass. It’s a straightforward route from the ferry to Ganges, the core village of Salt Spring, by cycling down Vesuvius Road until you reach a stop sign, about 4 kilometres.

Turn right on Lower Ganges Road, and it’s about 2.5 kilometres to Ganges. You can continue south towards Fulford for a cross-island route, but first

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be prepared to slog up a very long hill. The reward afterwards is a fast 9 kilometre coast past farms and two wineries, Salt Spring Vineyards and Garry Oaks. At either vineyard, you can gaze upon the sun-soaked Fulford valley stretched out before you, with Mount Bruce and Mount Tuam as backdrops. The 14 kilometre route from Ganges to the Fulford ferry (Victoria) has a shoulder…mostly…and the pavement condition is generally good. The funky Rock Salt Café, perched next door to the ferry terminal is a great place to have lunch and mentally prepare for the ride back.

Return to rolling rural settings via Beaver Point Road, on your right after leaving Fulford village.

Turn left at Stewart Road and bear down for a long, steep climb, followed by a fast coast down to Cusheon Lake Road. It’s a right and then left on Beddis Road, a 5 kilometre, recently paved (partially) stretch back to town.

You never know what quirky things you might see on your travels – a common cow grazing in a field, on closer inspection,

Image; Cycling on Salt Spring Island Karen Curtin.

Explore Salt Spring on a Bike! could actually be a Tibetan yak!

Undulating Beddis Road ends at Fulford-Ganges Road. Turn right, and fly down the Ganges hill back to town. Exercise caution here, as some cars are only just beginning to slow down from 80 kmh to 50 kmh, and there isn’t much of a safety net shoulder.

The enchanting beauty of this eclectic island is a siren call for cyclists who want to combine a challenging ride with magnificent views and local hospitality. This

route is just a small sampling of what Salt Spring has to offer.

Karen Curtin lives works and plays on Salt Spring Island. As well as writing, she is a triathlete and personal trainer.

Ucluelet Family Getaway!

Ukee Days Family Festival July 22 - 24 Ucluelet, BC ukeedays.wordpress. com

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kee Days in Ucluelet, BC, is 72 hours of action-packed festivities for the entire family!

This normally sleepy(ish), seaside town explodes into a summery haze of excitement!

Included in the fun is a variety of live music, beer gardens, contests, entertainment, logger sports, a crazy KidZone and loads of delicious food! Check out the Ukee Days Facebook Page and Blog for regular updates on upcoming events and schedule details.The festival began 37 years ago by the Ucluelet Recreation Commission and was created as a celebration for Ucluelet as well as a fundraiser for the town. One of the most anticipated contests of Ukee Days is the annual Pudding Eating Contest. Participants meet in front of the stage, and are give a plate of pudding, and race to eat it without using their hands or utensils. Participants who were finished stand up and put their plates above their head.

The winner is the participant who finishes within the top 3 fastest eaters and who has the least amount of pudding on their plate.

A messy good time!

The Nail Sail Bail is in its second year running and consists of teams of 3 people who are given a predetermined set of building materials. Each team has 2 hours to build a boat that will float long enough to paddle around a buoy

marked at the Seaplane Rec Boat Launch. After the 2 hours, the boats are carried by their team to the boat launch and the team that makes it around the buoy and back the fastest while still floating, wins! The Whiskey Dock Run is one of our longest running contests. Participants form groups and dress in gumboots and rain gear aka “Full Ukee”. Each team is given a wheel barrel filled with empty drink cans and take turns racing though the streets, pushing their wheel barrel, while spectators drench them with super soakers and water guns. The objective is to have the fastest time without losing any cans...which is pretty much impossible.

Ucluelet is located on the beautiful West Coast of Vancouver Island with a population of about 1500 people.

To get here follow Hwy 1 north to Hwy 19 past Nanaimo to the Hwy 4 Exit to Port Alberni.

Drive through Port Alberni and continue to follow the signs to Ucluelet/Tofino. 1 ¼ hours past Port Alberni you will reach the Tofino/Ucluelet junction on the West Coast of the Island.

Turn left on the Tofino/Ucluelet Highway with only 8 kilometres to go before you reach town.

Images above courtesy Ucluelet Recreation Commission; Amphitrite Point, Ucluelet, Whiskey Dock Run

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Our Community LOVES Makaria Farm “Working with Heather and Brock is an absolute delight. As a “ community farm store” that has consistently sold locally grown organic produce since 1993, we consider ourselves very fortunate to work with growers like Markaria Farm. They are ever so friendly, very consistent and reliably fastidious regarding quality – more than meeting the retail satisfaction standards, of both ourselves and our customers. While the chard and kale last year were always of premium quality, it was those luminous bunch carrots and sweeeet sugar snap peas that quickened the heartbeat and stole the show. And the broccoli ... stunning! As the produce manager I have to say that the direct personal relationships with the people who grow our food is what makes working here at the Community Farm Store such a rewarding experience. Every summer our local organic selection gets more bountiful and more beautiful – kudos to all the wonderful Cowichan Valley growers who are making this possible.

Fiona, CFS Produce Manager

People always ask me why we started Makaria Farm. It’s hard to define: it seemed spontaneous at the time. We were renting an apartment in Victoria with a large deck, and I grew zucchini, tomatoes, peas and strawberries in pots. Lugging bag after bag of soil up 23 storeys seemed absurd. It struck me one day: I want to be a farmer. Later that year we bought land in Cowichan Station.

But, really, I think farming is in my blood. My parents purchased a farm when I was in high school and grew organic vegetables, selling to the Community Farm Store in its original location at Glenora Corners. I learned what it’s like to work in the fields and make a meaningful contribution to society by growing nourishing, healthy food. When I was younger, my grandparents owned and operated Riverside Nursery. I have fond memories of roaming around the warm glass houses full of plants, doing odd jobs. When I worked on a local dairy farm to help pay for university, I never imagined that the skills I was learning, such as mending fences and hooking up irrigation systems, would be the building blocks of a future livelihood. But the exposure to farming as a way of life stuck with me.

We bought 10 acres of raw pasture in 2007 with two goals: to transform the land into an

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environmentally sustainable market garden, and for me to make my living as a full-time farmer.

Starting with farmer’s markets and a Community Supported Agriculture program in 2008, by 2010 we were able to supply the Community Farm Store. We are so lucky to have this store in our community. Their commitment to buying from local organic farmers is tremendous. The Farm Store pays a fair price to farmers, which makes growing for the Store financially viable. And our customers love the convenience of getting Makaria Farm carrots, sugar snap peas or broccoli along with their other Farm Store groceries.

Makaria Farm celebrated its fouryear birthday this June. With 6.5 acres now in production, we hope to grow more vegetables than ever this year. I’m still not quite sure what motivated us to choose this life, but I do know it’s rewarding in so many ways.

Visit www.makariafarm.com for special events, updates on the opening of our 7 days/week farm stand, and more of our story.

Written By Brock McLoed All images courtesy Makaria Farm. Image of Brock and Heather; Rick Dennis Makaria Fresh Produce, Makaria Farm Crew; Jill, Tim, Mike and Brock

Farm Store News FARM STORE FARMERS

Thank you so much to all our farmers including Sandra (early lettuces), Angela (awesome basil), Pat (burdock root), Karla (nettles and so much more), Dave (strawberries and cucumbers), Carol (cucumbers), Bill Code (sweet potatoes), Kerry (sprouts), Bob (blueberries) and almost everything else from Dan, Dragonfly Farms; Heather and Brock, Makaria Farm; Nancy, Tom and David, Sungold Farms; John, Cindy and Joan, Maple Groove Farm; Cat Shepherd, Shepherd Farms; as well as Cobble Hill Organics, Alderlea Farm and Growing Opportunities.

“GROWING”

To keep up with the ever “growing” needs of the produce department, and to cover the basis while Annette takes off for a much needed summer farming sabbatical (hopefully returning in the fall) we have three new staff in our produce department; Chantey, Joan and Robin.

Come in and meet these knowledgable food growing enthusiasts! Welcome to our team girls!

HOLY CRAP!

Holy Crap!

Yes, we have it. The demand for this breakfast cereal is off the charts all because of the media exposure. We’re

here to tell you that all the ingredients for Holy Crap have been available in our store for at least the last two years and you could make your own in a blink – for much cheaper. Of course if you like the hype and you find it fashionably fun to be part of the latest rage – come and get it.

Or – you could try the notso-famous (yet!) Farm Store version called POOPSALOTTA Breakfast Cereal. This ultimately perfect breakfast mix was named and put together by Cindy and Deanna, with all sorts of farm store organic ingredients that we know are good for you; black chia, hemp seeds, buckwheat, golden flax seeds, currents, black sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, Syrian pumpkin seeds, dried apple, sprouted quinoa and cinnamon. It’s raw, it’s certified organic, it’s vegan and all of the ingredients are gluten free. We recommend soaking it overnight to increase the protein and enzyme content.

You can also buy all these ingredients separately and have fun making your own.

Remember, there is no one product, no matter what kind of things you hear on TV, that’s going to fix everything.

The important thing is to stop eating refined foods (which are like glue in your colon) and start eating lots more whole grains and whole foods.

Fruits and vegetables grown organically, infused with the forces of the sun and produced with love -- that’s your miracle food. It doesn’t come in the mail, it doesn’t come out of a factory, it doesn’t come out of a laboratory (god forbid!) – it comes out of a farmer’s field.

Or better yet, out of your own garden.

Local Produce Highlights for July Organic Lettuces, Kale, Chard, Carrots, Snow Peas, Snap Peas, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Basil, Cabbage, Early Potatoes, Summer Squash, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Salad Greens, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Shitake Mushrooms, Sprouts, Early Apples, Beans, Beet Bunches, Onions, Bok Choy, Cilantro, Parsley, Garlic, Peppers, Radishes and much more.

EXPANSION

You might all have noticed things have been changing at the Duncan Garage. The bookstore has been compacted and renovated and yes, the Farm Store will be absorbing the new available space. This new section is currently under construction by our funky farm store carpenter Doug Marsh.

It will feature a customer service counter along with an expanded selection of pet foods, green cleaning products and other dry good items. This shift will give us more space in other parts of the store to focus on Super Foods, Sprouting, local raw foods (Homegrown!), baking supplies, bulk grains, teas, herbs, omegas, probiotics, bulk teas and herbs, seaweeds and much more. We have a new display freezer coming, produce coolers for the hall and even a new POS system at the till. Thank you as always for your continued patronage and your amazing support, ideas and encouragement. Farm Store shoppers rock! We love you!

DUNCAN GARAGE ORGANIC CAFÉ AND BAKERY

Proudly using locally grown produce and organic ingredients since 1993. Brilliant breakfasts,luscious lunches, sumptuous snacks, decadent desserts and super friendly staff and customers!!! Thank you to all our wonderful happy customers for choosing the Duncan Garage Café as your favorite place to meet, greet and eat!

WHERE IS GORDO? The Cairnsmore Lovebird The little orange and green love machine that we all know as Gordo is missing.

If you know where he is can you please call Doug or Nicolette right away at 250-709-9683 or 250-5971414. Thank you so much!

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Helpful Garden Getting bogged down

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risscrossing our local topography are many small springs that rise to the surface of the soil creating wet and boggy areas. Many homeowners encounter these on their properties and go to great lengths to dig trenches and install drains and dry wells to fight the moisture. It’s all a bunch of backbreaking expensive work and there is a more nature friendly way of coping with surface water…

Create a perennial bog garden!

If water is constant to these areas, most landscape plants won’t survive. Sure, maybe during the summer when it’s warm and the surface of the soil may dry out a bit, but over winter most everything will rot.

Not bog plants.

Plants that enjoy wet roots are numerous and come in a wide variety of sizes, from the monstrous Gunnera to the tiny creeping veronicas and lysimachias. In between these extremes are some beautiful selections of mid sized perennials.

Begin by amending the soil by adding compost and sand to the heavy clay base that most local bogs are located in. Dig it in down to 12-14 inches.

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A wide range of plants will thrive in this moist environment.

Look to Obedient plant, Red Cardinal Flower, Japanese and Flag iris, Gooseneck loosestrife (lysimachia) and Tradescantia (spiderwort) for colourful flowers and interesting foliage.

For size, Rodgersia and Gunnera make great background plants, as do the larger types of the exotic Canna Lily.

Sarracenia (pitcher plant), marsh marigold, Blue eyed grass (sissrinchium) and Chameleon plant (houttynia) along with Creeping Jenny and veronica all make a colourful and interesting ground cover.

There are also many native bog plants and shrubs available, maybe not as showy as those listed above, but they make a good foundation for your wetland garden. Do your research online and talk to the garden centre professionals about plant and design choices.

The best part of a bog is they don’t need much care once planted. You won’t be out there on a hot summer day trying to keep it watered anyway!

Ajay Oppelaar is VP of the Mill Bay Garden Club. For club membership information or other questions contact him at dangerboy2490@hotmail. com.

Grow Your Own Food

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or a continuous supply of salad greens, plant more seeds either directly in the ground or in pots and then plant them out. Lettuce does better in the shade this time of year.

Harvest garlic when plant has died back 2/3rds. Hang to dry in a warm dry place without direct sunlight.

Direct seed carrots, beets, and rutabagas for the winter months.

July is the time to start your winter garden. Carolyn Herriot’s book, The Zero Mile Diet, is a great source for planning winter veggies.

Pinch out tomato suckers and strip off lower and any diseased leaves off plants.

Strip off lower leaves of eggplant and pepper plants.

“Tickle” your potatoes for new ones by gently rooting around in the soil.

Summer prune apple and pear fruit trees. Pinch off new growth to 2-3 leaves.

Mulch established seedlings with grass, leaves, cardboard to keep moisture in and weeds out.

Put straw or dry grass under winter squash to take off the ground.

After harvesting raspberries, remove brown canes.

Direct seed carrots, beets and rutabagas for the winter months. For purple sprouting broccoli, winter cabbage, winter cauliflower, swiss chard, kale, collards, mustards, oriental greens, kohlrabi, celeriac, endive, start seeds in 6 packs or soil blocks and keep off the ground, in the shade.

Check out more great gardening information at www.growfoodnetwork.com Joy Story, offers an on-site consultation of 1 ½ hours for $50.00. growfood@ shaw.ca or (250)743-1352.

What To Do With The Broom Now

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT Here are more soundbites about summer in the Cowichan Valley from selected readers of this esteemed publication ...

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he broom is now forming seedpods, which will ripen even on cut broom. You can still cut the broom at ground level, and it will die in the summer’s dry heat. However we want to be careful. Do not drag cut broom with seedpods across an area that has no broom! You don’t want to spread seeds. If you still want to cut broom, stack it in a place that is already infested with broom. The seeds will ripen and fall there, but will not spread to new areas.

On your own property, stack the broom until next fall to burn. On trails or beside forests, the occasional broom plant can be stuffed into the forest

LARRY KOSSEY & MONA KENNEDY: “Cruising the scenic backroads on hot summer days on our big old motorcycle, stopping to take a long cool dip in the local rivers and digging live music under the stars. “ Larry and Mona are hosts /owners of Dancing Bean Cafe in Chemainus and co-promoters of Saltair City Limits Concerts. For more info check www.dancingbean.ca to decompose. Or stuff the seedpods into garbage bags, and treat the seed free branches like other branches.

Broom dies easily by cutting – as long as you cut at ground level before the summer heat. If cut in the rainy season, broom will resprout. If you can’t get it now, pull the small broom and say to the big bloomin’ broom – I’ll get you next year! And do it. Starting in late April. More info: www.broombusters.org Joanne Sales is the Director of Broombusters an organic blueberry farmer, writer and founder/ director of Broombusters.

NICK JARVIE: “Summer to me, is all about the backyard barbeques and block parties that inevitably turn into jam sessions, the smell of the warm evening air, and the sounds of friends and like-minded aquaintances laughing over a nice bottle of homemade wine. “ Nick and wife Carol have lived in the Shawnigan area for almost thirty years. Among other gigs Nick plays drums with Devon Bailey’s jazz combo Thursday nights at Cow Bay Marine Pub. Carol’s resume ranges from singing with Pacific Opera in Victoria to local pop/rockers Four on the Floor. PS The couple’s daughter, Heather Jarvie is also a talented musician & actor.

JOHANNA McCOLGAN: “I love the tight knit community and the breadth of cultural fine arts that the Valley provides. While enjoying the west coast tropics of the island, I never hesitate to contribute my love of recycling and community renewal to events such as the annual Islands Folk Festival and Cowichan Musical Society, giving back to the community what it never fails to give me – a commitment to a rich and varied lifestyle.”

Johanna is owner/operator of Jo’s Garage Hair Studio in Lake Cowichan. (She would like to thank her sister Ravenna McColgan for helping her with this entry.)

GEORGIA FOSTER: “While growing up, we travelled and lived overseas quite a bit, so our Canadian ‘home’ was our cottage at Shawnigan Lake. My favourite summer sounds are those of the Lake itself and in particular, the sound of the water under the wharf. There’s nothing more relaxing than lying belly down on the warm wood of the wharf and listening to the sounds that come from below – the water lapping and the gentle bump of the wood against metal pilings leading me into a summer nap.”

By day Georgia works at Pacific Homes & Pacific Truss. By night she is hostess at Duncan Garage Showroom.

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Island History Comes Alive

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orget about X-Men and Harry Potter – this summer’s blockbusters are about bride ships and chocolate bar wars.

When the Bamberton Historical Society realized that the favourite part of their historic tours was the real-life stories, they also realized they were sitting on a goldmine of history that could be shared.

The “Seeds & Salt Theatre Company” was formed 3 years ago to bring these Island stories to life in a way that would entertain and educate visitors and locals alike.

Local actors, returning from professional gigs as far away as London, will perform a staggering 22 shows in just 3 weeks this summer. Just like old theatre troupes hauling all their wares on wagons or trains, these shows make use of clever use of “minimal props in a myriad of ways,” smiles Maureen Alexander, the founder and main energy behind this project.

The show is also adapted for all types of stages and venues. On July 2, for example, they will entertain folks on the grassy fields of the old Cowichan Station School on Koksilah Road at 3:00, the head up to

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OUR Ecovillage for a dinner theatre performance at 6:00.

People of all ages are engaged by the fun, physical and wellresearched shows. Last year, one older man scoffed that his wife had dragged him along, but then showed up a week later with his full family and grandchildren in tow. “I want them to see where they come from,” he explained.

This year, his family will learn in four vignettes about the bride ships bringing young women from Britain to help settle the Victoria gold miners, “Remittance Men” paid a yearly allowance to stay in the colonies, and the royal expedition to develop Strathcona as BC’s first provincial park. The fourth story is about the youth protest started in Ladysmith and spread all across Canada, so powerful it was labelled as a communist plot by the Toronto Sun. The cause of the protest – inflation of chocolate bar prices from 5 cents to 8 cents.

The full performance schedule, running July 1-23, is at www. bambertonhistoricalsociety.org Rick Juliusson supports non-profits with sustainable fundraising and organizational development.

FreeRangeConsulting.ca

Moon Beams Moon Pathways & Movements

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or those of you who have been curious enough after last month’s article and started charting the Moon’s pathway, you may have discovered that the moon appears to travel east to west as does the sun. But believe it or not it actually moves from west to east, which is counter clockwise if observed from high in the north. It appears to rise in the east and set in the west because of the rotation of the earth. The Moon`s orbit creates the phases that we know as new moon, first quarter (right half), full moon, and the last quarter (left half). The in between phases are the crescent and gibbous moons.

July`s Full Moon at 11:40pm on the 14th has various names such as the Rose Moon (Neo Pagan) indicating the short strawberry harvest season in their area, Hay Moon (English) is a sign of the time to harvest hay before the next

rain, Buck Moon (Algonquin) as the young deer buck being to push our their velvety antlers, Mead Moon (English Medieval) mead means ‘July’ and is also the name of a traditional alcoholic beverage made with newly harvested honey mixed with water.

The theme of this month`s Capricorn moon is having a desire to accomplish and experience triumph by finding comfort whatever you define as `work`.

Its energy provides patience and perseverance knowing that anything can be accomplished when a step by step plan is followed through. What kind of goals and plans do you have this month?

Robin Massey is a yoga & junior bellydance instructor in and around Shawnigan Lake. www.theomtree.com

Turn Your Insight Into Action

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hat would happen if you based your goals on one question: What is important about the outcome I want to achieve?

Asking questions about what is important connects us to our values. Being clear on what is important supports us to achieve what we want to create for ourselves. It may sound like a simple place to start, but when you really embrace this, it has a profound effect on how you lead Through connecting to what is important, you feel: · satisfied instead of resentful · in control instead of chaotic · purposeful instead of apprehensive

all aspects of your life.

What is important to you about the outcome you want to achieve?

When you have an answer ask yourself again, ‘what’s important about that?’ Repeat this until you

achieve complete clarity on what is important about your goal or outcome. The more times you ask this question, the more clarity you gain. Each time you ask ‘what is important,’ the answers you give uncover more of what motivates you. It also increases your long-term commitment to your goals.

You will be able to quickly check in if an opportunity is a fit or not towards creating what you want. You will become more organized and productive. You will feel more at ease, fulfilled, and balanced. With clear insight on what is important, you will become more focused and begin to take action steps with confidence to achieve what you want. For more info visit www.integralconnections.ca.

Tania Walter Gardiner is a personal career coach and team dynamics consultant with Integral Connections.

Gain clarity and direction in your business, career, and life.

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July Horoscopes 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)

Without question, the next six weeks will boost your focus on home, family and domestic issues. Many of you will enjoy a gathering of the clan.

Family discussions will take place.

Furthermore, you’ll want to tackle family repairs at home and fix up the place. (Many hands make light work.)

Some of this energy will translate into increased reading, writing and studying as well. By the way, you’ll be oh so charming in all your communications.

(This could be a good time to hit a relative up for a loan.)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This month, you’re eager to take short trips and explore more of the world,. In particular, you’ll be very talkative and chatty. You have something to say because you want to enlighten others. You’re also busy earning money in the month ahead, as well as spending it on beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. Actually, your money scene looks quite good right now! (Money in the bank always improves your digestion.)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You’re becoming more aggressive!

(It might be wise to burn off some of this pent-up energy through physical exercise or outdoor activities, before it builds up within you, making you snarky!) This month you’re also focused on money matters, cash flow and earnings. Expect to discover bright new, moneymaking ideas!

Meanwhile, back at the think tank,

the next month is the time to take stock. What’s the picture with your earnings and assets?

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

The Sun is in your sign giving you a lovely boost of energy, plus an opportunity to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. This great lighting also attracts favourable opportunities and important people to you. However, this boost of energy might also cause some of you to dabble in secret love affairs. (Don’t blow something solid for a mere bon bon.) Whatever the cause, you’re engaged in behind-the-scenes activities.

By all means put yourself first now!

This is the one time of year when this is totally appropriate.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This month, you feel pulled in two directions. Initially, you want to lie low and work behind the scenes to get ready for your new year (birthday to birthday). You need to figure out what you want! (Write down four things you want to do. If you specify your goals they more likely become a reality.) However, Mars will push you into active, intense relationships with others, especially in groups. So one moment you’re hiding at home – and the next moment, you’re out there flying your colours! Go figure.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You’re busy, popular, ambitious, and out there, being everything to everyone. That’s why this month is an unusually popular time for you.

You might be involved with younger people or you could be teaching something. Fiery Mars is now at the top of your chart, arousing your ambition to achieve something and make a name for yourself. Meanwhile, back in the supply room, fair Venus could instigate a romance with your boss (or someone older or richer). You’re cooking on all six burners!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This is the only time all year when the Sun is at high noon in your chart, acting like a spotlight on you. This means everyone notices you more than usual, but more than that – they think you’re hot! Why? Because the Sun is a marvelous “light” on you.

Since this makes you look so impressive, it’s a given that someone will ask you to take on increased responsibilities. Say yes – you’ll handle it. Travel also appeals now. Use your influence with bosses to explore more of the universe. Study, learn and travel!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Your gonads are in overdrive. That’s why sex is going to be hot for most of you. (And for others? Well, Woody Allen claims he was the best he ever had.) Romance will be sweet, affectionate and passionate. Buy something sexy. (You love great undies.) Gifts and favours might come your way. But in the bigger picture, you want to travel and explore. Take courses, learn a new language. If you can’t travel, be a tourist in your own city. Explore philosophies and lifebelief systems. Study astrology. (Start with my book.) Natch!

Sagittarius(Nov.22-Dec.21) Tread carefully because fiery Mars is opposite your sign until August.

This can make you easily irritated with others, especially partners and close friends. Please take note: patience is your greatest ally.

Patience diffuses your anger and gives you a moment to think before you speak. Ironically, Venus is also opposite your sign, ready to repair any damage. (You can get through this unscathed if you’re patient.)

Expect a focus on shared property, inheritances, taxes, debt and the wealth of others in the next month.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You want everything to be organized because you want to be proud of your digs. You want to put your hand out and find whatever you’re looking for.

Just imagine -- alphabetized CDs and DVDs, library books returned, recycling gone, piles of paper sorted and filed, and even a respectable medicine cabinet! (Guests always peek.) Meanwhile, both Mercury and the Sun are opposite your sign, increasing your focus on partnerships and close friends, helping you to learn more about how you relate to others.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Romance, love affairs, vacations, sports, playful activities with children and fun times appeal to you this month. But you’re also working hard. So it’s a time to work hard and party hard. Since you’re keen to be organized, respect this urge. Let it galvanize you into action. Give yourself the right tools and support materials to do a great job. (You will love yourself afterwards when you survey your kingdom and everything is nicely pulled together.) And hey - then come the rewards. Party on! (Sometimes life just gets better and better.)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This is the perfect time to slip away on a vacation. You want to get out there and do your thing! Beaches, trails, foreign cities, resorts and adventurous road trips will beckon to you. You might go with family, you might go alone, or you might go because you have suddenly met a new lover! There’s a strong focus on romance and love affairs for your sign. Nevertheless, renovations and re-decorating projects at home will keep you busy. Oops -- tension at home requires patience and tolerance. (Margaritas can help.)

www.georgianicols.com

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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