Stacie Gaetz Editor editor@islandparent.ca
RaeLeigh Buchanan Account Manager raeleigh@islandparent.ca
Kristine Wickheim Account Manager kristine@islandparent.ca
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Although the famous quote
“Life begins outside our comfort zone,” may not be entirely true, we could make a case for the fact that “Fun begins outside our comfort zone.”
You can live your life the same old way, doing the same old stuff day after day, month after month, year after year but when you live on beautiful Vancouver Island with all the exciting opportunities it has to offer, why would you?
We aren’t suggesting you take up skydiving (unless you want to!) but there are some less risky ways
you can think outside the box and shake things up in your day-today life.
Why not do something as simple as learning how to make the perfect cocktail at home? How about changing your diet to allow you to enjoy this life for many more years to come? Maybe it is time to consider following your passion by taking on a volunteer position. Or taking that historical tour of Vancouver Island you have been wanting to do for years.
Local filmmaker Patricia Sims lives by the motto “It is better to
lose yourself in your passion than to lose your passion.” She has built a career and a life that takes her all over the world by following what makes her happy. Now, it’s your turn!
From sitting down with a financial advisor to plan your retirement to getting on a mountain bike, there are many ways to step outside of your comfort zone. And why wouldn’t you? After all, that’s where the fun is!
Stacie Gaetz
Q&A with Award-Winning Filmmaker & Producer Patricia Sims Bringing Stories to Life
From swimming with wild dolphins and whales in the ocean to getting up close and personal with monkeys in the jungles of Borneo and elephants in Thailand, award-winning Vancouver Island filmmaker Patricia Sims has always kept a passionate eye on conservation.
Sims has produced documentaries around the world, focusing on nature and conservation education, and the interrelationships between humans and animals. She has collaborated with some of the world’s leading conservation celebrities, scientists and
explorers, with a specialization in wildlife and oceanographic productions.
You could say she does her life’s work outside of most people’s comfort zone.
We couldn’t pass up the chance to ask this fascinating professional about how she got started, what keeps her going and where she plans on going from here.
Q: How did you get involved in the film industry?
A: I studied film and television in Toronto at the Toronto Metropolitan
Photo: George Doherty
University (formerly known as Ryerson University). At that time, the film and television industry was very active in Toronto and I was able to start working as a production assistant on commercials and music videos. I worked very hard and knocked on a lot of doors and was hired as a director’s assistant on American productions that were filming in Toronto. On those productions, I learned a lot about working as a director on large film sets. I’ve always been a storyteller and was very keen on learning how to be a writer and director. I had my first directing break on music videos and commercials, which eventually led to me working at CityTV MuchMusic as a creative producer on various shows. My biggest passion was to tell stories about environmental issues, nature and animals, and eventually I had the opportunity at CItyTV to produce and direct my first documentary called For the Love of Dolphins. The success of that project led me to a lot of new opportunities to work in Canada, and internationally, which is the path that I have been on ever since.
Q: What would you like people to know about the film industry on Vancouver Island?
A: There are many talented and creative people in the film industry living and working on Vancouver Island, who have had success here and in other markets. We have some of the most spectacular landscapes and locations in the country, and there is a lot of interest here to build our film industry and community to attract productions from other parts of Canada, the USA and the world. One of the biggest challenges we face here as an industry, is the lack of infrastructure, such as studio spaces, production facilities and equipment rentals, which has made it challenging for many production companies to set up their operations here. But I believe that this is changing as more people are discovering what a great place this is to live and work from. I believe it is really important to nurture and educate the new and emerging talent working in film, music, technology and media here, so that we can continue to grow and offer a unique presence in the industry.
“Inspiring, informing, educating and entertaining viewers has always been the focus of my projects.”
Photo: Patricia Sims
Q: Tell our readers a bit about what you and your team do at CanazWest Pictures.
A: Canazwest Pictures is a Victoriabased independent production company. We produce documentaries, series and digital content for the media landscape. Our primary focus has been environmental, nature and wildlife stories, but we focus on other content too. Our latest production is a documentary series entitled Ravishing Rags and it’s about vintage fashion collectors. Our productions have been seen on Canadian and international networks. We also provide production and postproduction services to other companies.
Q: What inspired you to create CanazWest Pictures?
A: As a media professional, artist and content creator who has also kept a passionate eye on nature and wildlife conservation, I wanted to form a company that enabled me to create projects and follow stories that
portray important issues, people and environments. Inspiring, informing, educating and entertaining viewers has always been the focus of my projects.
Q: What is your favourite part about working in the film industry?
A: My favourite part of the film industry and filmmaking process is collaborating with great people, synergizing inspiration and creative energy, and being able to bring ideas, images and stories to life.
Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?
A: As an independent filmmaker, producer and artist, the most challenging part of the job is fundraising for projects. It is a very competitive industry—definitely not for the faint of heart—and while it’s always important to maintain a positive attitude and belief in your ideas, it’s also important to be practically minded about the feasibilities of the project you’re working on.
Photo: Patricia Sims
Q: What has been your favourite project/film/production to work on to-date and why?
A: My favourite projects have been the two documentaries that I produced and directed in Thailand about elephants: Return to the Forest and When Elephants Were Young. I made both films with co-filmmaker and editor Michael Clark, who is an associate of my company. Both of these documentaries have made a positive impact in the elephant conservation movement and led me to create the global annual awareness day, known as World Elephant Day, which I founded in 2012 and still lead today. World Elephant Day is now in its 13th annual campaign year and reaches millions of people each year, bringing the world together on the plight of African and Asian elephants, and
the conservation solutions required to protect them.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I have just returned from Kenya, where I was photographing and filming African elephants for a feature documentary that I am developing, and book that I am writing. The film and book are about my work with elephants, and other wildlife, and what has happened in the environmental conservation movement over the past 30 years.
Q: What do you hope viewers learn from your latest project?
A: I hope viewers will learn that our role here on Earth is to take care of each other, the environment and the other creatures that we share this planet with, to ensure not only their survival, but our survival as well.
Q: Is there a quote or motto that guides you in life and/or your work that you would like to share?
A: “It is better to lose yourself in your passion than to lose your passion.”
Q: Is there anything else you would like GRAND Magazine readers to know?
A: Get out and support local artists, musicians and filmmakers. We have a fantastic creative community here and it’s this collective creativity that defines the beauty of the diverse cultures living on Vancouver Island.
Learn more about Sims and Canazwest Pictures at canazwest.com and worldelephantday.org
Photo: Patricia Sims
Explore the Joy of Giving Back with Habitat Victoria
With more free time comes a wealth of opportunities to do things you always wanted or always meant to get around to doing. Pursuing special interests, learning new skills or volunteering, for example. At Habitat for Humanity Victoria, you will find a community of like-minded folks who have chosen to do all that and make a lasting impact on their community at the same time.
Building Hope
Maybe you’re not ready to lay down the tools of your trade for good. Habitat Victoria offers you a chance to help build homes for local families who would not otherwise be able to afford to purchase them. You may even want to bond with your children and older grandchildren over the experience.
Perhaps you have keen DIY skills you would love to share with others who will really appreciate your knowledge of tinkering, repairing and repurposing. As a ReStore volunteer, you can help connect thrift shoppers with the right surplus building materials, gently used furniture and appliances for their needs.
Your passion for life, fun, helping people and building relationships might make you a great ambassador at Habitat Victoria’s seasonal fundraising events. But beware—making
friends and influencing people are common beneficial sideeffects of becoming invested in our mission.
Leaving a Legacy
Strong communities can find a way through every challenge, even the current housing affordability crisis. When a problem touches so many families to such devastating effect, there’s tremendous satisfaction to be found in being a part of the solution. Owning affordable homes of their own allows Habitat families to grow strong, grasp their dreams and make wonderful memories.
You can help keep the transformational power of home ownership within their reach by lending the charity your strength, at your own pace. And help uplift future generations by donating land or funds. Contributions to Habitat Victoria, no matter how small, do add up quickly.
It Feels Good!
Eating more vegetables and getting regular exercise are healthy, rewarding retirement goals. So is discovering purpose, connection, accomplishment and reward in what you do next. Start today. For more information or to donate, visit habitatvictoria.com and join us in building hope and homes for families in our community.
The Art of the Cocktail
Whether you are celebrating with friends or winding down from a busy day, the flavours of a classic cocktail can be just what you are looking for.
While most people don’t hesitate to uncork a bottle of wine or crack a beer at home, many reserve indulging in a cocktail for restaurants and bars because making mixed drinks can be intimidating at first. But creating a flavourful concoction doesn’t have to be hard work.
You can use things you already have around the house or go as “fancy” as you would like with a trip to the store to select the perfect ingredients for your delicious drink. That’s the beauty of it—it’s up to you!
The History of Cocktails
Cocktails have been around for a long time and have an important place in history.
The first definition of a cocktail as an alcoholic beverage appeared in The Balance and Columbian Repository (Hudson, New York) on May 13, 1806. At this time, the cocktail was a simple mixture of spirits, sugar, water and bitters, served as a morning pick-me-up for patrons of bars and taverns.
We have all seen movies about their popularity in the 1920s and can picture the image of flappers and sheiks in a speakeasy with their cocktail-filled crystal glasses in hand.
There was a noticeable surge in the sales of classic cocktails in the early 2000s. The Cocktail Renaissance is a term for the period at the beginning of the twenty-first century, from roughly 2004 through 2019, when the classic art of mixing drinks was reconnected with its traditions and reprioritized in bars around the world.
Getting Started
Whether it’s the complex history or logistics of mixology that is intimidating you, the easiest cocktails to make are highballs. Highballs are a spirit lengthened with a bubbly, non-alcoholic mixer typically in double the amount of the spirit. What could be easier?
But you don’t have to stop there. Why not kick it up a notch? By adding citrus juice, simple syrup or an egg white, you’ll find yourself sipping a rickey, a Tom Collins or a fizz and marveling at how simple it was to make.
One of the most interesting aspects of the cocktail is the garnishes that can go
along with it. Anything from the simple (a slice of lemon zest on a French 75) to the extravagant (an entire sandwich on a Caeser), can be that special something that makes your cocktails stand out.
Making It Your Own
As you can imagine, a beverage that is more than 200 years old has grown and evolved quite a bit since conception, which means it can be whatever you want it to be.
Unlike wine, beer or cooler-type drinks, the cocktail is a creation. Something that is mixed with love and care and not just poured out of the bottle or can it came in. This gives you free rein to add whatever you like to the drink.
Not all creations will be great (or even good) but there is no harm in experimenting, and this will help you learn one of the most important lessons a mixologist can glean—which flavours you like best!
Don’t be scared to think outside the box and come out of your comfort zone to explore new creations. You may even come up with a signature cocktail of your own!
Glassware
You don’t need fancy glassware to make great drinks—but it is fun!
Part of the Cocktail Renaissance is the resurrection of the intricate crystal glassware that our grandparents’ basement was full of. The glasses no longer need to be crystal (glass will do just fine) and are inexpensive and easily found at many houseware stores and online.
No matter what vessel you put your cocktail in, it will be delicious, but it is always fun to sip from a sparkling, interestingly shaped glass.
7 Classic Cocktails
Here are our top seven cocktails we suggest you try to make at home:
• Martini
• Manhattan
• Negroni
• Old-Fashioned
• Gin and Tonic
• Daiquiri
• Margarita
Prefer a Mocktail? No Problem
If you don’t drink alcohol, mocktails are a great alternative to their boozier brothers. Mocktails have come a long way from Shirley Temples or a “virgin” version of other popular cocktails.
There are so many incredible recipes online. In fact, there are over 22,000 Google searches for mocktail recipes per month. Mocktails can be as interesting, and well balanced as drinks with alcohol and companies are starting to come out with non-alcoholic spirits that come close to mimicking the same flavours as the originals.
Here is our favourite mocktail recipe that doesn’t sacrifice on flavour or pizzaz.
Cucumber Mint Mojito Mocktail
1 English cucumber, sliced
10 mint leaves
1⁄3 cup lime juice
2 tsp monk fruit sweetener
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1⁄2 cup sparkling water or as needed
1 cup ice, or as needed
Stacie Gaetz
is the managing editor of GRAND. She runs on exploring new and exciting places and getting to the heart of people’s stories (and the occasional cocktail).
Imagine a future where every child realizes their full potential – where each young person can grow into whoever they dream of being.
The key to an empowered future? Mentorship. When you give to our mentoring programs, you are directly investing in an empowered future for youth in our community. Local demand for our programs is on the rise – we need your support now more than ever.
Call me today and let’s discuss how you can be a part of something bigger.
Emma Kirkland
Director of Development, BBBS Victoria 250-475-1117 ext. #102
victoria.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Fuelling Your Future Longevity Nutrition for a Vibrant Life After 50
Are you striving to live not just a longer life, but a more vibrant and energetic one? Longevity nutrition could be the key.
In the 30 years that I’ve been in the field, I’ve seen a lot of nutritional advice come and go, but longevity nutrition holds the promise of something truly transformative.
In this article, I’ll briefly touch on the science behind longevity nutrition, outline the different styles and share simple things that you can do so your nutrition supports maximizing your vibrant years.
How Do Our Bodies Age?
Science is increasingly understanding how our bodies age. Within each of our bodies’ cells are chromosomes. Telomeres are located at the ends of chromosomes. Science has discovered that telomeres are a major determinant of longevity. The shorter your telomeres, the faster you age.
Mediterranean Diet, Blue Zones & Longevity Nutrition
There’s still work to be done to determine exactly how to eat to support long telomeres with nutrition. But the leading avenues of research have found many factors in common. They have also found some differences.
The diet that has, by far, the most research behind it is the Mediterranean Diet. Another avenue of research is looking at regions around the world where people have longer than expected lifespans. Especially, extended years of good quality of life. These regions have been named “blue zones.” The five blue zones are: Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya Cost Rica; and, members of the Seventh Day Adventist religious group living in Loma Linda, California.
Taking it back to the Mediterranean
Diet, note that two of the five blue zone locations are in the Mediterranean (Ikaria, Greece and Sardinia, Italy). So, while the Mediterranean Diet and blue zones are separate areas of research, there is considerable overlap.
A third avenue of research was conducted by Valter Longo, PhD director of the University of Southern California’s Longevity Institute. He reviewed the scientific literature and created an eating style, which he captured in his popular book called The Longevity Diet. He studied the blue zones, the Mediterranean Diet and other nutrition research.
What to Eat (& What to Avoid) for Longevity
Here’s a list of what nutrition recommendations can agree upon:
• Eat a lot of vegetables and fruit: I’m talking a lot! One way to think about it is having vegetables and fruit make up half of what you eat.
• Eat high fibre foods: Foods rich in fibre include vegetables and fruit; whole grains such as whole-grain wheat, steelcut oats, brown rice and quinoa; nuts and seeds; and legumes such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, split peas and soy foods.
• Incorporate legumes: The blue zones all include legumes at least multiple times per week. The type of legume varies amongst the regions. For example, in the
Mediterranean, people eat beans, lentils and chickpeas whereas in Okinawa, soy foods such as tofu are more common.
• Have minimal sugar: While the Mediterranean Diet and blue zones don’t eliminate sugar completely, it’s eaten minimally.
• Drink low or no alcohol: Two to four glasses of wine per week fits in the Mediterranean Diet but the Seventh Day Adventists do not drink alcohol. So, while there isn’t a specific amount recommended, I recommend keeping alcohol to a minimum.
• Don’t overeat: Take time to eat (i.e. don’t eat while driving, while working, etc), tune in and be mindful to not overeat. Take inspiration from the Okinawan concept of “hara hachi bu” meaning to stop eating when your stomach is 80 percent full.
Even with all this agreement, there’s some aspects for which these longevity nutrition avenues differ. These areas are:
• Role of animal products (e.g. poultry, dairy, seafood).
• The amount of protein needed.
• Whether fasting is necessary. When my busy clients incorporate more vegetables, more legumes and tackle their cravings to successfully stop overeating sugar, they can’t believe how much more energy they have. Embrace these eating habits and enjoy extending your longevity through healthy eating!
Sample Day:
Here’s what a day of longevity eating might look like:
• Breakfast at 7am: Oatmeal topped with walnuts and blueberries.
• Lunch at 12pm: Black bean and quinoa salad bowl with lots of veggies, dressed in an olive oil-based vinaigrette.
• Afternoon snack at 3pm: Apple
• Dinner at 6:30pm: Salmon served with brown rice, bok choy and mushrooms.
• Don’t eat after dinner to create a 12hour overnight fasting window.
Kristen Yarker, MSc, RD
is the principal of the Kristen Yarker Nutrition Agency—a team of registered dietitians who provide professional and practical nutrition for busy people. Ready to take the next step in your longevity journey? Follow her on Instagram @TheKYNutritionAgency for delicious, actionable tips tailored for your busy life.
Mountain Biking After 50
T
hinking about taking up mountain biking after 50? While there are some things to be careful of, it’s not as intimidating as it might seem.
As a 57-year-old who rides a couple of times a week, I’m happy to share some insights to help get you on the trails.
First, let’s tackle the most common question that seems to come up—is mountain biking too dangerous?
The answer to this is “it depends.” Like many high-consequence activities (highway driving for instance) it doesn’t have to be overly dangerous if you respect what you’re doing.
I strongly believe that mountain biking is dramatically safer than road riding as you are the one who decides on your level of risk and you’re not in danger from other factors like cars.
From a practical perspective, if you don’t want to risk injury, you’ll want to be careful when trying new obstacles and skills and make sure not to push yourself too far too quickly.
Taking a lesson or two from a professional coach is an excellent way to safely learn some skills and identify what you
need to do to be careful. I can say with certainty I’m a much better and safer rider for having taken lessons over the years. Most recently, I did a four-night dirt jumping class with a local company called Nolan Riding. This helped me finally get the confidence to do larger jumps safely and consistently.
Here are some more things to consider before taking to the trails:
Flexibility & Fitness
You don’t need to be in top shape to start mountain biking but, like any sport, the fitter and more flexible you are, the more fun you’ll have and the less likely you will be to hurt yourself. The odd spill will be way less likely to cause injury if you’re strong and flexible!
Equipment
Mountain biking technology has come a long way in recent years. That said, riding in the woods is fun on any bike with suitably big tires with some good grip, so don’t let your bike hold you back from getting out there. If you do get more serious about the sport, you’ll eventually
Bridging the healthcare gap in remote and rural BC Heli-Healthcare
Ihave been flying helicopters for 13 years, mostly in remote parts of Canada. Seven years ago, while supporting firefighting efforts in Northern Ontario, I stayed with a family in a 400-people fly-in community
One of our goals with our partners—including the First Nations Health Authority and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council—is to ensure more healthcare workers can reach underserved communities. Currently,
on the Nibinamik First Nation. It was an eye opener. I came to appreciate the resilience necessary to live in isolated communities.
Helicopters Without Borders (HWB) has been developed over several years: it is a way to honour Indigenous peoples in our province via aviation. Since 2021, we have been delivering health services to remote communities in British Columbia. The goal is to realize a province where everyone, regardless of location, has access to basic healthcare. Many of the communities we work with have minimal or no road access.
HWB transports approximately 270 healthcare staff annually, reaching nearly 3,000 people, with services ranging from primary care to food security programs.
In the past year, we have conducted over 700 clinical sessions, providing care in BC’s most remote communities. In February
2023, HWB launched a full scale, Fly-in Dental Clinic Program. This inaugural concept consisted of one helicopter, four dental professionals and an entire dental clinic setup. We were not sure what to expect, but after three days, we had seen 95 percent of the community and saved the province tens of thousands of dollars in transportation costs by providing in-community treatment.
Today, this fly-in program serves five communities and includes optometry and audiology clinics. We deliver these clinics right to our partner communities’ doorsteps, providing healthcare closer to home. The impact of getting your healthcare where you live, where you are comfortable, and surrounded by friends and family cannot be underestimated.
Our mobile fly-in clinics are increasingly requested in locations without clinical infrastructure. As a registered charity, our ability to scale up our air services is directly correlated to our ability to raise funds.
As the HWB name gains visibility and understanding, we are building long-term partnerships with individuals and organizations that share our vision.
All of this is made possible thanks to invaluable mentorship from the communities we work with, the support of health authorities and the unwavering commitment of our staff, volunteers and donors, such as the Helijet team. The HWB community is working towards extending our model and programs province-wide, revolutionizing the delivery of health and wellness across British Columbia.
Owen McClung-Sitnam, CEO Helicopters Without Borders
Visit helicopterswithoutborders.org for more information on how to ensure that every individual has access to basic healthcare or inquire by phone at 604-908-2980
Eldercare Planning: Starting Meaningful Conversations with Loved Ones
Eldercare planning is crucial for caregivers and their aging loved ones, ensuring preparedness for unexpected health changes. By engaging in open conversations and establishing contingency plans, families can navigate the complexities of eldercare more effectively.
The Importance of Contingency Planning
Contingency planning involves preparing for emergencies and sudden health changes. Caregivers should be ready for various scenarios, including illness or mental capacity decline. Discussing these possibilities ahead of time can help avoid hasty decisions during crises, reducing stress and confusion.
Effective Communication
Open conversations about care are essential and can be initiated during calm, everyday moments, such as when enjoying a meal together or while discussing plans for the future. While starting these discussions can be challenging, addressing them while your loved one is still healthy makes it easier. By discussing care needs before a crisis occurs, families can avoid the stress of making quick decisions and ensure they have the chance to explore all options thoroughly.
Key Questions for Planning
When starting conversations about eldercare, consider these essential questions:
Legal and Financial Preparedness: Are legal documents like wills and power of attorney up to date? Ensuring these are accessible is vital for unexpected health changes.
Family Involvement: Who in the family can help if additional care is needed? Identifying willing family members can alleviate feelings of isolation.
Accepting Help: At what point will your loved one feel comfortable asking for assistance? Understanding their threshold for help can guide planning.
Exploring Care Options: Is private care a possibility? Researching local services that offer support for household tasks or personal care provides valuable options when more help is needed.
Emergency Preparedness: How will bills be paid in a health crisis? Designating a person to handle financial matters can alleviate burdens during stressful times.
Preferred Living Arrangements: What living arrangements would your loved one prefer if their health changes? Knowing their wishes can guide future care decisions.
Initiating discussions about eldercare can be uncomfortable, but proactive conversations are essential. Talking openly about health and future needs respects your loved one’s choices and reinforces their independence. By starting these discussions before a crisis, families can foster a collaborative approach to caregiving.
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K9 Body Language
Learning to Speak ‘Dog’
Ihave always been an observer. I was shy and quiet as a kid, so I would just sit and watch, and analyze people and situations. Little did I know this would turn into a useful skill I would later utilize in my dog training career.
By simply observing, I can tell a lot about a dog in just a few seconds. For me, it is an innate ability and the tool I use most in dog training—reading dogs.
Dogs are non-verbal, sure they growl and bark, but they communicate primarily through body language. Sometimes the signs are subtle and sometimes they are obvious, but dogs are always communicating. If we do not know how to speak their language, we can miss clear communication and sometimes this can end up in a bad situation that could have been prevented.
Just like people, dogs come with all types of personalities or temperaments; happy–go–lucky, fearful, shy, hyper, reac-
tive or aggressive. You could have two dogs from the same litter and have two very different temperaments.
Dogs who are fearful and shy may end up becoming reactive to protect themselves, simply because their owners missed their cues and put them in a situation that caused them to feel the need to react. Reactivity is just your dog reacting to a situation usually out of fear, but the reaction is most often an undesired behaviour such as barking, lunging or sometimes even biting. People are then surprised by their dog’s poor reaction saying, “He’s never done that before!” or “I don't know why that happened.” Your dog was sending loud and clear signals to communicate their discomfort and because you missed them—they did the only thing they could to feel safe—react defensively, barking, lunging or biting.
Every dog owner should learn to read their dog’s body language so they can
make sure they understand this communication and are doing right by their dog. A fearful dog does not want to go to the crowded public event, or to the dog park.
A hyper dog should also not go to these places until you have control over them and do things to help them reduce their hyper-aroused state (mental stimulation is better than physical exercise for easily aroused or anxious dogs).
A happy–go-lucky dog could go most places, but you still need to look for signs it may be uneasy about something.
An aggressive or reactive dog needs to be properly exposed to safe environments, and you must be able to read your dog and prevent it from reaching its threshold; the trigger point at which he sees something and has no reaction vs. the point where he does react. An example would be how close another dog must be before your dog will react to it.
Reading a dog’s body language allows the dog to be heard. We can then help the dog feel safe, prevent incidents from happening and allow our dog to trust us— their handler—to have their back.
Obvious Signs:
Tail
• Relaxed = Calm
• Tucked = Fear
• High or Erect = Aroused/excited
• Wagging = Happy/frustrated/overstimulated
Eyes
• Relaxed/blinking = Calm
• Starring = Manipulation or Dominance
• Whale eye (showing the whites of the eye) = Tension
• Furrowed Brow = Nervous/tension
Body posture
• Cowering = Fear
• Upright = Alert
• Forward lean = Fight/launch/lunge (rigid)
• Bow = Play invitation
Ears
• Erect = Alert
• Down = Relaxed
• Pressed Back = Fear/uncertainty
Mouth
• Open = Relaxed
• Closed/Tense = Displeasure
• Lip Licking =Stress
Subtle Signs:
Yawn
Sniffing
Shake off (like shaking off excess water)
Leg lift/sweaty paws
Mary-Lou Halliday
There are variations to some of these body language cues and there are many more you can pick up on. The key is to observe your dog and get to know their cues, so you can successfully help your dog deal with or remove them from a situation when they are feeling uncomfortable.
Dogs are emotional beings but their only way to indicate these emotions is to show us. Take a few moments over the next few days and watch your dog’s body while they are doing different activities— playing with toys or other dogs; on walks; while passing people, dogs, traffic; when a family member arrives home—and see if you can tell what emotions your dog is displaying through their body language.
is a Certified Master Dog Trainer with over 20 years of experience. She is the owner of Aloha K9 Training & Pet Resort. She specializes in behaviour modification and aggressive dogs.
Emotional Impact & Practical Solutions Managing Financial Stress in Retirement
Many look forward to their retirement years, perceived as a relaxing and carefree period after decades of hard work. For others, this time may be a period of financial anxiety and stress.
Matters such as unexpected medical expenses, the increasing cost of living and inflationary pressures can conspire and create challenging emotional headwinds. While these financial pressures are real, there are ways to manage the stress and protect your mental well-being.
The Emotional Impact of Financial Stress
Financial stress when retired can include numerous emotional experiences, such as:
• Anxiety and Worry: Fears of not having enough saved to sustain one’s lifestyle, outliving one’s savings or not being able to afford rising costs can result in anxiety, poor sleep and appetite.
• Loss of Identity and Purpose: The transition to a fixed income may feel like losing control, particularly if this transition necessitates a marked lifestyle shift.
• Guilt and Frustration: If retirement is less comfortable than anticipated, feelings of guilt and frustration may occur, especially if downsizing or pulling back on fun leisure activities is required.
• Fear of the Future: Worrying about future expenses, such as healthcare, may result in feeling hopeless and fearful.
Managing Financial Stress
Here are five practical steps to counteract the impact of stress:
1. Plan a Budget: Start by assessing your current financial situation. Develop a budget that covers your essential expenses, such as housing, food and healthcare. Understanding where your money is going can help you regain a sense of control.
2. Consider Alternative Income Sources: Consider part-time or freelance work if your savings are insufficient. This can also provide some structured activity in retirement. This relieves some financial stress while also offering a sense of purpose and structure.
3. Get a Financial Advisor: Financial professionals will assist in long-term planning and informed decision making, accounting for lifestyle, inflation and other risks. Working with a professional advisor may also offer peace of mind.
4. Simplify: Look at your lifestyle. You may need to consider reducing discretionary spending, downsizing and simplifying your lifestyle to free up money for other, more important priorities.
5. Use Benefits and Assistance Programs: Become aware of all benefits available to you and your family.
Coping with the Emotional Impact
Managing the emotional impact of financial stress is as important as addressing
the financial realities. Here are five ways to do this.
1. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Very simple methods such as deep breathing, yoga and simple meditation can greatly lower anxiety and stress while building feelings of peace and calm.
2. Stay Connected: Connecting with friends and family is critical to maintain social relationships and provide emotional support. This also reduces isolation and can prevent feeling depressed.
3. Talk to a Counsellor: Consider talking to a mental-health professional if stress and anxiety persist, or if depression becomes problematic. Counselling will provide a way to further explore coping mechanisms and emotional support in challenging times.
4. Focus on Things You Can Control: There are many things outside or our control, but you can control how you respond to those events. It is simpler to say than do, try to “let go” of those things that are beyond your influence.
5. Engage in Positive Activities: Have fun, spend time on joyful activities. Positive activities improve mood and offer a sense of fulfillment.
Going Forward
Enjoying your retirement can be challenging when facing financial stress. Actively planning and managing finances and prioritizing your mental health in practical ways will help you manage any challenges, while promoting peace of mind.
George Bielay
is the Clinical Director of Waypoint Counselling Network and has been a clinical counsellor since 1991. George developed Waypoint Counselling Network with the goal of providing the public with professional and tailored support in being matched to the most appropriate counsellor based on their needs and experience. Learn more at waypointcounselling.ca
Watch Your Grandkids Light Up at Code Ninjas!
Say the words "video game," and your grandkids will surely perk up!
But at Code Ninjas in Westshore, video games are more than just fun—they’re an exciting gateway to education. Code Ninjas helps children aged 5 to 14 develop crucial coding and problem-solving skills through the power of game-building.
Owned by local parents Sonia and Jesse Bowness, Code Ninjas is a hub for engaging learning. Sonia, a teacher, and Jesse, a tech executive, wanted to create a place where children could learn valuable STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) skills in a way that feels more like play than work.
Sonia explains, “At Code Ninjas, kids have fun, and parents see results.” Since opening, the center has hosted over 45,000 coding sessions! Grandkids love the fun, safe environment where they can thrive and grow. From mastering coding to learning the skills needed for future jobs, Code Ninjas is all about turning fun into meaningful learning.
What makes Code Ninjas special is its ability to engage kids of all skill levels, boosting both their abilities and
their confidence. Students follow a game-based curriculum, earning belts like in martial arts, and by the time they reach black belt, they’ll have created their very own app!
The center also offers a variety of programs beyond coding classes, such as tech camps, fun social events like “Parents Night Out” and clubs centred around popular games like Roblox and Minecraft.
For grandparents who want to support their grandchild’s education while knowing they’re having a great time, Code Ninjas is the perfect choice.
Want to see the magic for yourself? Book a free coding session for your grandkids today—they will get to build their own video game!
Just visit CodeNinjas.com or give Sonia a call—it’s easy, and your grandkids will thank you!”
Fall Foodscaping How to Plant & Plan for Year-Round Abundance
As fall sets in, it may seem like the gardening season is ending, but it’s the perfect time to prepare for a thriving garden next year. Whether starting fresh or expanding, fall is ideal for planting, soil prep and thoughtful planning.
1. Reflect & Harvest: Gathering Resources
Fall is traditionally a time for harvest, but if your garden isn’t producing food yet, there is still plenty to gather. Offer to volunteer on a local farm, attend a wild food harvesting workshop and learn about how the Indigenous people in your area have harvested and preserved food for generations.
In addition to food, fall is ideal for collecting leaves and chemical-free grass clippings for compost or mulch. Maple leaves, rich in calcium and fast to decompose, make excellent mulch for garden beds. If your harvest this year isn’t what you hoped for, use this time to reflect on what worked and what can be improved.
2. Ecological Cleanup: Mulch, Habitat Creation & Soil Health
Fall cleanup is about more than just tidying—it’s a chance to support your garden ecosystem. Leave some areas undisturbed, including flower stalks or leaf piles, to create habitats for beneficial insects. Making birdhouses, insect hotels and garden art
can be fun activities to involve the whole family.
Mulching is essential in the fall. Leaves are an excellent free source, but aim to keep oak, arbutus or walnut leaves under 30 percent, or shred them first to help them decompose. Spread a thick layer of leaves, straw, woodchips or mulch over garden beds to suppress weeds, conserve moisture and improve soil structure for next season. You can also apply compost tea and Effective Microorganisms (EM) to boost beneficial microbial activity.
3. Preparing Soil: Sheet Mulching for Lawn Conversion
Fall is ideal for converting part of your
lawn into a garden. Sheet mulching, a low-effort way to build soil, is perfect for creating weed-free garden beds without digging up grass. To sheet mulch, lay down cardboard over grass, top with compost or manure, then cover with leaves or straw. Avoid hay, which is filled with seeds. By spring, this will have decomposed into fertile soil ready for planting.
This method offers an easy transition from lawn to garden, with minimal work and high reward. Beyond the backbreaking work of digging sod, soil health benefits from adding organic matter, not hauling it away!
4. Planting & Planning: Orchards, Guilds & Overwinter Veg
Autumn is the best time to plant fruit and nut trees, berry bushes and other woody-stemmed perennial plants. Cooler temperatures and regular rainfall help establish roots, giving these plants a head start for next year. It’s the perfect time for establishing a home orchard!
When planning your orchard, consider planting “guilds” of supportive plants around fruit trees. Guild planting can
transform an orchard into an edible forest garden, which includes layers of plantings for a low-maintenance edible ecosystem.
Fall is also a great time to refresh garden pathways with alder or fir wood chips, which can be inoculated with edible wine cap mushroom spawn, providing a tasty seasonal treat that enriches the soil.
For those who planted in the summer, you’ll be enjoying your overwinter vegetables like arugula, kale, swiss chard, spinach, corn salad, carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips and even pea microgreens, extending your harvest well into the cold season. If you missed this year’s planting, use this time to plan for next year!
5. Plan for Next Year: Design & Dream for Ongoing Abundance
As fall turns to winter, this quieter season is perfect for considering next year’s
Joshua Clae Wagler
garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning, now is your opportunity to reflect on what you want your garden to provide you and your loved ones. Perhaps you envision growing more fruits and berries, harvesting herbs and medicinals, reducing maintenance or simply spending more time outdoors with family and friends.
Starting your design in the fall gives ample time to review, refine and perfect your plans before spring. The early bird truly gets the worm. By planning ahead, your plan will have time to mature, you’ll be able to order specialty plants in advance and if you’re looking for help, reserve your place in the calendar. When spring arrives, you’ll be hitting the ground running with a garden that’s set for success.
Let’s make next year’s garden our most beautiful and bountiful one yet!
and Edible Landscapes Design are a team of passionate professionals serving homeowners, businesses, farms and DIYers to design, install and maintain landscapes that nourish, feed and regenerate. Learn more at ediblelandscapesdesign.com
Make a Difference with the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
2024 was a banner year for the Gallery Associates of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV). The group of volunteers is dedicated to raising funds in support of the Gallery.
From October 2023 to January 2024, they once again offered their popular Video House Tour. The videos, narrated by the homes’ owners who showcased their collections of art, allowed viewers onehour glimpses into five amazing homes in various styles throughout the Greater Victoria region.
That was followed by the 10th anniversary of the Sunday Art Lecture Series in February and March, which drew attention to the history of Western Canadian art. This year, the illustrated lectures presented by knowledgeable and articulate speakers highlighted numerous innovative artists who don’t get the attention they deserve. Women, Indigenous peoples of Vancouver Island, immigrants, as well as frequently overlooked art installations in airports took centre stage.
For 2025, another dynamic Sunday Art Lecture Series is under development, but this time attendees will be able to enjoy the recent upgrades to the Gallery’s audiovisual equipment. These include compatibility with hearing devices, more speakers for improved sound and a larger permanently installed screen.
The guided fundraising tours to Japan and France were also a huge success, so much so that several of the participants signed up for the current sold-out tour headed to Spain. The group is now considering South Korea and Kyushu, Japan, as well as other destinations in North America for 2025 and beyond.
This year, funds raised by the Gallery Associates contributed to two important projects: upgrades to the Gallery’s aging studio and the development of a catalogue
that will showcase works of the AGGV’s extensive collections.
Want to Make a Difference?
As the Gallery Associates begin their upcoming 2024/2025 season, they invite anyone who loves art and enjoys making a
Lynda Grace Philippsen
direct difference to the community to join them. They offer numerous opportunities to work together with other like-minded individuals from all parts of Canada and various walks of life who now make Victoria their home.
is a member of the Gallery Associates of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, a dynamic group of volunteers who support the AGGV by raising funds. Founded more than seven decades ago, the Gallery Associates have added nearly 600 paintings and sculptures to the Gallery’s collection. Over those years they have also contributed to capital campaigns, supported exhibition catalogues, funded public exhibitions and much more.
Under their mandate to volunteer, connect and fundraise, the Galley Associates also take care of each other. They offer numerous activities which are exclusive to the benefit of their membership.
These include a monthly meeting, illustrated lectures from many local artists, as well as a social hour over tea, coffee and sweets. They also organize a variety of artthemed excursions such as tours of artists’ studios and galleries on the Gulf Islands and other parts of Vancouver Island. This year a guided tour of the Ross Bay Cemetery to visit the resting places of various artists is planned near Halloween.
For those inclined to cozy up indoors to read, there is a monthly meeting of a book club, which explores themes or artists featured in the Gallery’s current exhibitions, as well as speakers featured in upcoming meetings of the Gallery Associates. Others meet regularly to view DVDs of art-related themes and post-viewing discussions. Happenings, a bi-monthly newsletter produced and published by the Gallery Associates, reports activities of the group, the gallery and individual members. Truly, there’s something for everyone.
Ideal Gallery Associates are individuals who like to make a difference, and who like to work with others who share a passion for art and community service. To anyone fitting that bill, the Gallery Associates extend an open invitation to join them at any time. All that is required is a current membership with the AGGV, a willingness to assist the Gallery Associates’ initiatives according to individual skills and a $35 membership fee.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Gallery Associate, you are invited to attend a meeting as a guest. Contact associates@aggv.ca with “Membership” in the subject line for details.
Take a Historical Tour of Vancouver Island
With an exciting history that dates back to as early as 1778, it is no surprise that Vancouver Island is full of historical experiences that can bring you right back to the days of yore. Whether you are a history buff or just interested in where today’s island culture came from, there is a museum, lighthouse, centre, heritage site or artwork that tells a story of the area’s past.
From Indigenous heritage to industrial growth and colonial legacies, dedicated researchers, historians, and the people who work at the organizations to preserve our past, have laboured tirelessly to hold onto valuable relics and educate us about what our ancestors’ lives were like.
If you are looking to get a glimpse into Vancouver Island’s intriguing and sorted past, check out these “must-see” locations.
Royal BC Museum
The definitive collection of island history can be found at the Royal BC Museum in downtown Victoria. This is a must-see for an immersive experience of both Indigenous and European histories, from ancient times to the present. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Craigdarroch Castle
You’ll see a glimpse of colonial wealth at Craigdarroch Castle located just outside downtown Victoria. Built by coal magnate Robert Dunsmuir, this Victorian-era mansion shows off the opulence of the island’s industrial barons. thecastle.ca
Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse
Explore the coastal artillery sites on Fort Rodd Hill, with bunkers and gun batteries that once protected Victoria’s harbour. On this site, you’ll also find the Fisgard Lighthouse that has been around since 1860 and still stands as an important part
of Vancouver Island’s Maritime history. Enjoy recorded guided tours and activities of all kinds at this site located in Colwood, just outside of Victoria. parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill
Hatley Park National Historic Site
View Edwardian elegance with garden beauty at the Hatley Park National Historic Site in Colwood—just outside of Victoria. Tour the mansion that was once home to the Dunsmuir family and leave lots of time to stroll through its beautiful gardens. hatleypark.ca
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
CFB Esquimalt is the home of Canada’s Pacific Fleet. You’ll experience important naval history at the Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. Explore Esquimalt’s long-standing naval tradition, with exhibits detailing its role from the 19th Century to today. navalandmilitarymuseum.org
Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre
Located on the lands of the Cowichan Tribes, the Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre is truly an immersive Indigenous experience. Learn about the traditions, art and history of the Cowichan Tribes, the largest Indigenous group on Vancouver Island. Explore exhibits, enjoy a traditional salmon barbecue and witness live performances of Cowichan songs and dances. cowichantribes.com
Chemainus Murals
Chemainus is considered Canada’s Mural Capital! Take a self-guided walking tour of the town’s murals, which depict the town’s logging history, Indigenous culture and life as an industrial town. There are over 60 art installations located all throughout Chemainus. muraltown.com
Kinsol Trestle
The Kinsol Trestle, located in the Cowichan Valley, is one of the largest wooden trestles in the world. Originally built for the railway in 1920, it’s now part of the Cowichan Valley Trail, offering stunning views and a glimpse into early 20thCentury engineering. cvrd.ca/1379/Kinsol-Trestle
Hand of Man Museum
The Hand of Man Museum is a unique collection of natural and human history. Located in Maple Bay, just outside of Duncan, this museum was founded by artist and collector Jim Shockey. It’s a fascinating mix of artifacts, taxidermy, fossils and cultural relics from around the world, offering an eclectic view of humanity’s connection to nature. Visitors can explore exhibits ranging from
First Nations artifacts to fossils from prehistoric times, making it a popular stop for those interested in the intersection of natural and human history. handofmanmuseum.com
Nanaimo Museum & Nanaimo Bastion
Coal mining and cultural history are some of the top exhibits at the Nanaimo Museum, located in Downtown Nanaimo. Learn about the town’s coal-mining past, local Indigenous culture and the lives of settlers who were an important part of Nanaimo’s development. You’ll also be able to see the Nanaimo Bastion, a fort of the fur trade and coal mining era that was built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1853. nanaimomuseum.ca
Cumberland Museum
The Cumberland Museum is a showcase of coal mining heritage and labour history. This museum in Cumberland highlights the coal industry’s impact on the town and the early labour movements that emerged from the community. cumberlandmuseum.ca
Yuquot National Historic Site
Located on Nootka Sound, Yuquot National Historic Site is considered the first contact site. Also known as Friendly Cove, this site marks where Captain James Cook first met the Nuuchah-nulth people in 1778. pc.gc.ca
U’mista Cultural Centre
The U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay is where you will find Potlatch regalia and cultural resilience. The centre showcases a collection of potlatch regalia that was confiscated during the colonial-era ban on potlatches, providing a powerful narrative of Indigenous resistance and cultural preservation. umista.ca
Clark, age 3 Junior Kindergarten student
