free MAGAZINE SUMMER 2017 I ISSUE 29
VANCOUVER ISLAND
PRESENTING ENRICHING, AFFORDABLE EXPERIENCES
In this issue: The NEATEST Places to DINE, DRINK & EXPLORE this Summer
Claire Eccles
making history for the HarbourCats PAGE 31
ON THE COVER:
Spoons Diner featuring
Summertime Activity Guide
THE BANGKOK BENNY
PAGE 26
almostfreemagazine.com
Reviewing an Oak Bay Icon:
Willows Galley Fish & Chips ONE OF THE COOLEST BEERS TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER IN VICTORIA!
An Estevan Village gem since 1980, current owners of Willow’s Galley Fish & Chips—Dave & Jennifer Higgins—have their own piece of history in the iconic Oak Bay fish & chips shop. Returning as owners in 2011 just over twenty years since Dave worked there as a teenager, it is also where they enjoyed their first date. Now this husband and wife team work side-by-side resurrecting the same nostalgia and house-made menu for many in the community who frequented over the years. They even resurrected the original sourdough fish batter and the burger! This Summer Try One of these Favourites! The First Mates Plate: 1 Piece of Cod or Alaskan Halibut in Sourdough Batter, Chips, Small Coleslaw, Tartar Sauce
HIATUS
SUMMER FARMHOUSE ALE WITH CUCUMBER & LEMON
Summerʼs on tap with bold and refreshing hints of i c y cucumber and lemon zest. Hiatus Summer Farmhouse Ale is one of 11 seasonal ales produced by Category 12 craft brewery on the Saanich Peninsula. Visit our tap room and growler shop to sample our seasonal ales or one of our six year rounders. Category 12 ales are also available locally at your favorite pubs, liquor stores, and festivals.
2200 Keating Cross Road
www.categor y12beer.com
Kept simple and made with a huge splash of love, this isn’t your ordinary fish & chips. The crispy fish dipped in their signature sourdough batter and deep fried to golden perfection strikes a texture pleasing balance that you won’t find at many other places. The thin batter coating allows for an airy pocket between the crunch and delicately flavoured fish where the sourdough packs a proportionately pleasing punch to the senses. Pair each bite with their house-made tartar sauce for an explosive experience to your taste buds as you guess the secret ingredient. The accompanying classic coleslaw holds a balanced acidity and mild creamy taste with hints of dill and the chips just how they should be: made with BC Kennebec potatoes, a medium crunch and melt-in-your-mouth potato goodness from each bite. (okay, okay.. the secret ingredient in the tartar sauce is curry). The Treasure Chest: 2 Panko Breaded Prawns/Scallops/Local Oysters, Small Chowder, Medium Chips, Small Coleslaw, Tartar Sauce Calling ALL seafood and chowder lovers! Who needs to douse prawns in butter when their naturally buttery flavour salivates in your mouth from the butterfly cut and panko deep fried finish! We highly suggest you try at least one of the scallops in the curry tartar sauce, and the locally sourced oysters also panko breaded will melt in your mouth. Delight in the creaminess of the classic seafood chowder made with clams, halibut, and cod. Enjoy!
Continued on page 4 of Favourite Eats 2
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SUMMER 2017
ON THE COVER:
Spoons Diner featuring
THE BANGKOK BENNY
Dozens of old school comic book posters and tongue-and-cheek artwork plaster the colourful walls. With trivia card games at each table, a plethora of cushy orange-retro booths, a swivel bar, and upbeat friendly staff, Spoons Diner is your fun all-day breakfast/ brunch joint with their patio open all summer. Lovingly large signature portions of everything from Savoury Hashes, to delicious Eggs Benny like their new Bangkok Benny, and sweet treats such as the decadent Saxe Point Berry Stack—French toast topped with real whipped cream, cream cheese, and berry compote—their food will fill you up and keep you satisfied all day long. Tons of parking, quick-moving lines, and a central location are just a few of the conveniences. Owner Dani Trueman started Spoons in 2009. Her vision to build a long-term team of personable and charismatic staff has kept Spoons thriving and customers making this breakfast joint their first choice. “Almost Free” Magazine’s Publisher has been a long-time customer of Spoons, with her favourite items the Dani’s Bad-Ass Benny or Bailey’s Benny, on gluten free, and her newest The Bangkok Benny on the cover of this issue. Even the BBQ sauce in the Bailey’s Pulled Pork Benny is gluten free. This fabulously "out-of-this-world" diner suits small and large groups and is family-friendly, definitely fitting the magazine's mission to present readers with enriching, affordable experiences. One of the neatest places to dine, drink, and explore this summer! Spoons staff hope to see you soon!
2915 Douglas St. I www.spoons.com
What’s Your Summer Fudge Flavour? If you could reach the taste of summer in a bite of fudge, what flavour would it be? Red Velvet, Sour Lemon, Ice Mint! Seasonal fudge is an essential part of the framework at Next to Nature Trading Co.! Summer fudge flavours include Fresh Raspberry, Raspberry Chocolate, Ice Mint, Blackberry and Watermelon (is your mouth watering yet?). “We look to local berries and fresh flavours for summertime inspiration, explains Karel Bossi, co-owner with her husband Max. Karel and Max Bossi of Next to Nature Trading Co—home of Beaver House Fudge—offer a good sense of humour to their clients and in business. When major highway construction in 2000 threatened to dump all over sales at the Trading Co, they decided to start making fudge to get out to the people. An internationally-known product, Beaver House Fudge maintains ethical business practices in its production. The chocolate used boasts the finest quality from a small, family-owned Swiss company called Felchlin. The spices are fair trade and organic, and although they still do use artificial flavours and colours, all the ingredients must be high quality. The fudge is only made on demand to ensure the highest standards in freshness. Customers will tell you it’s the best they ever had. Now drooling over fudge, you probably wonder: Exactly what building at Whippletree Junction to find said fudge, and the Trading Co? Next to Nature Trading Co—the small cabin directly to the left of the big cabin, Pioneer House—carries items made by BC artisans. The dream catchers are from a tribe in Mission and are 100% handmade. There are also fair-trade items, which include Kyber sweaters made of New Zealand wool, lined with fleece, and some have reflective fiber. These popular sweaters are made fair-trade in Nepal, a great way to help the Nepalese earthquake survivors. Having a personal interest in health and wellness, the Bossi’s look for gifts with fun and function, including mohair socks for cold feet, locally made pottery and a line of gift cards that just make you laugh. In the 25 years the Bossi’s have been in business, retail has changed phenomenally. When they started in 1992, Walmart was not yet established the way it is today. China as a cheap supplier just started. And so, to be an artisan here in BC was easier as the general public was still willing to pay for Canadian wages. With this in mind, the Trading Co continues to practice ethical decision making in their local buying and they retail items that appeal to local residents. The next time you drive past, be sure to stop in to say hello and sample some of your favorite fudge.
Come in for our wide selection of handmade fudge!
Puzzles, Mohair Socks, Sheepskin Slippers, Fairtrade Sweaters, Cards, Pottery, Salt Lamps & more! 4705 Transcanada Hwy, Whipple Tree Junction Toll Free 1.800.641.4677 beaverhousefudge.com
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FAVOURITE eats eats FAVOURITE breakfast / brunch
continued
Reviewing an Oak Bay Icon:
Willows Galley Fish & Chips The Sunbather Cheeseburger: 6oz AAA Alberta Ground Beef Burger
FAVOURITE eats FAVOURITE eats lunch $10 and under lunch $10 and under Deal: FREE Kid's Deal: FREE Kid's $5 off when youAdult Dessert with Dessert with Adult spend $20 anywhere Meal Purchase. in the Diner, Bakery or Meal Purchase. Expires Sept 30/16 Chocolate Counter Expires Sept 30/16 Expires Sept. 30, 2017
718 FORT ST. VICTORIA BC
718 FORT ST. ST. VICTORIA VICTORIABC BC 718 FORT
4
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SUMMER 2017
250.385.1012 250.385.1012 250.385.1012
Buy 1 of any 10 10 Buy 1 of any
Talk about layering a standard cheeseburger in a way that arrives at perfection! So what exactly makes this standard cheeseburger which owner Dave describes as “made simple”—and many other local restauranteurs call one of the best burgers on Vancouver Island—so spectacular? Start with the AAA Alberta ground beef seasoned simply with salt and pepper. Grill and char the patty and finish it by topping with ketchup, mustard, relish, plus swiss and cheddar allowing the condiments to warm and the cheese to melt. Yum! Don’t forget the TOASTED bun! Then build: bottom bun, mayo, pickles, beef patty with warmed condiments and cheeses, lettuce, onions, mayo and top bun. Add a side of coleslaw or fries.
FAVOURITEeats eats FAVOURITE comfort food
delivery and take out
BBQ SEASON is HERE!
ORDER your Favourite Willows Galley Meal ONLINE!
Come Get Your Marinated Chicken Legs & Thighs Tandoori, Masala & Rosemary Flavours to Choose From!
We NOW have an APP for that! Check out willowsgalley.com
For Large Orders Please Pre-Order
2559 Estevan Ave. Victoria BC
24 BURNSIDE RD WEST, VICTORIA BC
250.598.2711
778.430.5858
Burgers, Authentic Quebecois Cuisine, Squeaky Cheese Poutine, Montreal Smoked Meat & more!
1215 ESQUIMALT RD. VICTORIA BC
250.220.8427
Several items under $10. Gluten-free and vegetarian options. Eat Healthy, Eat Fresh!
COOK ST. VILLAGE, 1109 MCKENZIE ST.
Vancouver Island’s FREE magazine: Presenting Enriching, Affordable Experiences
250.382.1501
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FAVOURITE
eats
pubs / special occasion
A Saanichton Landmark since 1859! Catering to wayfarers and travelers alike wishing for a drink and a good meal.
Waterfront Dining serving modern-comfort inspired West Coast Cuisine
Daily Drink + Food Specials | Happy Hour | Pool Table + Games | Sports on TV
1765 COWICHAN BAY RD. COWICHAN BAY
250.597.4353
Mon.-Fri. 10-12am I 7806 E Saanich Rd, Saanichton I (250) 652-1575
cafes / bakeries It’s affogato time at Township. Old school soft serve ice cream on tap – try it with espresso or maccha. And ... sumptuous daily home baked goods, sandwiches and gluton-free treats. Delicious!
Buy 1 Meal and the 2nd one is 50% OFF (Exp. Sept. 30, 2017)
Listed by Victoria Buzz in their 'Top 12 Locations to Visit' for a freshly made sandwich. TownshipCoffeeCo
4343 TYNDALL RD. VICTORIA BC In the heart of Gordon Head/Mt. Doug
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SUMMER 2017
778.265.3253
2646 QUADRA ST. VICTORIA BC
250.381.3363
E squimal t:
SP ECI AL feature
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Remember a moment in your life when you turned a corner to discover an unexpected natural view? A pleasing exhale came next as your shoulders dropped and smile curved upwards. Tucked away on the water’s edge of Esquimalt you’ll find just that at Saxe Point Park at the end of Fraser Street. With revitalization projects in Esquimalt underway in several areas, and a buzzing energy to build a community, family activities, and support local business and arts, add this municipality to your radar. The vibe around town feels like the rewinding of time when things ran a little slower; you waved to the corner store owner, kids met up with other kids in the park, and you knew your neighbour well enough to call for a cup of sugar if you were out. A significant aid in bringing community and family together can be attributed to the Esquimalt Farmers Market. Going into its 3rd season with its new location at Memorial Park, Esquimalt Farmers Market exists to provide a marketplace which serves as a community gathering point that builds relationships, encourages healthy, local living, environmental and economic sustainability. In fact, the origins of the market sparked from organizer Katrina Dwulit’s sharing the excess of raspberries with neighbours on her block. “I had lots of them,” explained Dwulit. “All the neighbours got lots of raspberries.” However, once Dwulit gave as much out as available recipients, she approached the Township to see if she could run a farm stand on her front yard to sell the remainders. In order to do so, Dwulit would have had to change a city bylaw. She figured it might just be easier to start a market.
Stroll along the storefronts in the village core and you will find a unique cross section of small “Mom + Pop” restaurants, speciality shops, thrift stores, and recreation stores like: The Sunnyside Café: We are a locally owned and operated cafe located in the heart of Esquimalt. We offer all day breakfast and lunch including vegetarian, vegan & gluten free options. We are located underneath Action Motorcycles and our patio is on the sunny side of the street! Sunnyside is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible with parking close by. We are open 7 days a week, 8am – 3pm and look forward to seeing you! Our popular items on the menu include eggs bennys, huevos rancheros, paninis, and homemade soups. We are fully licensed serving local beer, caesars, and specialty coffees!
OPEN every day 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Locally owned and operated in the heart of Esquimalt offering all day breakfast and lunch including vegetarian, vegan & gluten free options. We are located underneath Action Motorcycles and our patio is on the sunny side of the street!
sunnysidecafe.ca 1234 ESQUIMALT RD, VICTORIA
250-590-2412
Official licensed dealer for Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Victory Motorcycles and KTM Many pre-owned models – ask us about financing
Your destination for all motorcycle and scooter needs on Vancouver Island
Parts, service, accessories and gear – we have it all
1234 Esquimalt Rd, Esquimalt – 250-386-8364 www.action-motorcycles.com
Action Motorcycles: We are the Motorcycle Guys, and that designation carries a lot of weight with us. Aside from radical deals, cool motorcycles and effective gear, it is our customer service that stands us above the competition. Why? Because everyone at Action is a rider – both on road and off – and we know what it's like to be on the bad side of a deal. We strive to differentiate ourselves from other motorcycle and scooter dealers. At the end of the day, our goal is to see you leave happy, riding away safely with everything you need to make your two-wheeling adventures perfect. Whether you're looking for parts & accessories, service, gear, a local events calendar, or the motorcycle itself, Action is your destination for all things motorcycle and scooter on Vancouver Island.
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Enjoy Divino Estate Wine This Summer by Sommelier Megan Thompson We've replaced "wine country" with "wine island" as there are some unique producers right here on Vancouver Island growing international varietals and crafting them with their own ideas and inspiration but with years of influence and expertise from around the world. One such example is Divino Estate Winery who has been producing red and white varietals such as Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano, Pinot Noir and Castel on their 40 acre property on Vancouver Island since 1996 and in the Okanagan for years before.
DEALS ON THIS SUMMER: BUY ALL 3 OF THESE WINES FOR $30
P in o t G ri g io R
Ca ste l
o sé
Ch ard on na y
io Ro sé is dr y Th ei r Pi no t Gr ig e no se , rip e an d ro un d. On th be rr ie s. A fru it an d su m m er el on an d co oked to uc h of sw ee t m pa late wi th a pi ne ap pl e on th e to br in g so m e lit tle le m on ze st th wi ld sa lm on ac id ity. Tr y it wi st have it wh en on th e BB Q or ju th e su n. yo u ar e ba sk in g in
Divino Estate Winery
1500 Freeman Rd, Cowichan Valley 8
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SUMMER 2017
and Nex t, thei r Cha rdon nay is vibr ant go man pe erri und e, quir ky. Wet ston of a skin , and a rem inis ce of the stem tly sligh and ng you a for flow er make and pit h peac on, lem gree n nose with nse inte with te pala the gree n app le on r you ce odu intr e win this acid ity. Let ach spin a with g alon mai n cou rse tte or sala d dres sed in a citru s vina igre tail. cock even a shri mp
I
(250) 743-2311
I
www.divinowine.ca
Cho cola te love rs pay atte ntio n! This castel red with a mél ange of blac kber ries will pair perf ectl y with dark cho cola te, beet cake , or you can skip the heal thy vers ion and stic k with 100 % dark cho cola te! Eith er way this fun, swe et red with note s of blac k plum redu ctio n, blue berr y puré e and , of cou rse, blac kber ry will top off the even ing if serv ed sligh tly chil led nex t to its cho cola te com pan ion or even a dark berr y com pote .
Upcoming Events and/or How You Can Help HarbourCats Game August 4th – Buy your tickets from Lifetime Networks and SAVE The Golf Tournament – September 9 Register by July 31 for 15% OFF Join our Marathon Team – The Urban Runners. Title Sponsor Urban Signs To Register Contact Carlene at (250) 477-4112 102 - 4090 Shelbourne St. Victoria lifetimenetworks.org
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
TITLE SPONSORS
SPONSORS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS FOR THE 14th ANNUAL GALA DINNER & AUCTION
DINNER SPONSOR
GOLD
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
FRIENDS OF LIFETIME NETWORKS
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letter FROM THE EDITOR AND THE PUBLISHER
our goal for you and explore this summer”! That’s “The neatest places to dine, drink, ent you with pres we mer showing you a great sum and with our sincerest attempt at s to explore. place and k, drin to s rage beve in, some pretty fun restaurants to dine as you enjoy ch custard to linger with every bite Allow the taste of handmade Fren Udder Guys in inal Orig The at m crea ice ned the raspberry flavour of old-fashio with Coastal Bliss out on the water paddle boarding Cowichan Bay. While in town get LOVE of summer the for And . Arts Gallery & Gifts and appreciate the art in Invisible onal Beaver House seas e som out with y Valle n icha please don’t enter or leave Cow ing Co. at Whippletree Junction. Fudge from Next to Nature Trad ding with Gyro h in Cadboro Bay and paddle boar On a sunny day enjoy Gyro Beac head up fun, ime mert sum from tite appe up an Beach Board Shop. After building batter fish the in t dien ingre t ge to guess the secre Cadboro Bay Rd to Estevan Villa an Oak Bay icon since 1980. s, Chip & Fish y Galle w’s Willo at (and even the tartar sauce) t at the Spoons enjoying your favourite breakfas Basque in the summer sun while Then burn it all r. cove the on red kok Benny featu Diner patio, or try their new Bang s Activity Guide mer’ sum Galloping Goose—this off with a cycling adventure on the e. shor West s Bike Cycling feature inspired by Oak Bay case” on s 8th Annual “Local Island Show Be sure to check out Pepper’s Food – 2 PM, and remember AM 10 from er’s Pepp at tents Thursday, July 6 right under the s. You will find your BBQ and Summer dining need this local grocery source for all of a try), and be us Hiat their (give gory 12 Brewing great BBQ beverage pairings at Cate the flavoured white for one with a buch kom t abou inspired to push your mindset tails outlined in this balsamic infused kombucha cock e balsamic vinegar whit ured flavo and a issue. Kombuch the Hudson in ed locat es available in Olive the Sens rict. Dist without … And nothing quite ends a summer s Rd followed by Dalla g alon ls strol y man or l strol A • Ethiopian in the ob Mess at ne cuisi nal natio some inter St in the Village Cook of off just t International Food Cour on McKenzie St. y baseball game! • The evening warmth of a sunn us in welcoming join se plea Hey Victoria Friends, ! HarbourCats’ Claire Eccles to town Peninsula or lous fabu the ing tour ly, final • And no Estate Winery! Cowichan Valley wineries like Divi
Love & Peace!
Elissa Bergman, Publisher
10
our team
advertise with us
PUBLISHER: Elissa Bergman elissa.vaf@gmail.com 250.419.2579 EDITOR: Louise Hodgson-Jones louise.vaf@gmail.com 250.812.2518 LAYOUT & DESIGN: Tania Castillo-Pelayo Scribe Graphics PRINT PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Knoop, Razzle B Photography ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER: D. Bruce Gammie CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Louise Hodgson-Jones Jenny Hainsworth Jen Paterson Saira Waters Victoria Johnson Megan Thompson Jessica Natale Wollard
For advertising opportunities, online or in print please contact Elissa or Louise see contact information on the left.
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SUMMER 2017
© 2017 www.almostfreemagazine.com
ISSUE THE SUMMER
features
EXPLO RE
the island
Each community section invites you to explore the wonders of Vancouver Island with tips, write ups, & coupons!
4
FAVOURITE EATS
7
ESQUIMALT: What's happening?
8
AFFORDABLE WINE PAIRINGS with Sommelier Megan Thompson
12
KOMBUCHA COCKTAIL RECIPES
16
HEALTH & WELLNESS Family Dynamics
18
FITNESS TIPS Summer Running
20
COMMUNITY CULTURE A Fox's Wedding
22
MONEY CENTS Family Fun this Summer
24
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Play it again, Victoria
26
Summertime Activity Guide: With the Victoria Harbour Cats featuring Claire Eccles
Vancouver Island Almost Free Magazine Winner of the 2014 Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Crystal Award for
SUMMER 2017 | ISSUE 29
www.almostfreemagazine.com
Business Excellence for a NEW Product or Service.
@AlmostFreeMagazine
@VicAlmostFree
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
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11
F L AVOU R S
KO M B U C H A CO C K TA I L
recipes
with OLIVE THE SENSES
Lavender French 75 with Kombucha
1 oz Gin 1 oz Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic ½ oz Lavender Simple Syrup Babe’s Honey Plain Jun Kombucha
2 sprigs fresh mint 2 oz bourbon 1 oz apricot white balsamic Babe’s Honey Plain Jun Kombucha
Lavender Simple Syrup ½ Cup Water ½ Cup Granulated Sugar 1 Tbsp Culinary Lavender
Place the leaves from one sprig of mint in the bottom of a high ball glass.
To make the cocktail, fill a Tom Collins glass with ice. Pour in the gin, balsamic and lavender simple syrup. Stir using a bar spoon. Fill the glass with kombucha and enjoy! To make the lavender simple syrup In a small sauce pan, add the water, sugar and lavender. Simmer over medium low heat, stirring gently, just until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Pour into an airtight container or mason jar and keep in the fridge. If you’re looking for only a hint of lavender, strain the syrup as you pour it into the storage container.
Find the Infused Balsamic Vinegar products used in the recipes at Olive the Senses
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Apricot Jun Mint Julep
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SUMMER 2017
Honey Citrus Radler Pitcher
Juice of one Lime Juice of one Lemon Juice of one Ruby Grapefruit 1 Bottle of Hefeweizen or Pilsner 3 Cups Babel’s Dry Hops Jun Kombucha Add all the ingredients to a large pitcher and stir gently.
Add in 1 or 2 ice cubes and muddle. Fill the glass with ice, then pour in bourbon, balsamic and top glass with babe’s honey jun kombucha. Garnish with remaining mint sprig and enjoy!
e noodles between the 2 bowls, and nestle caramel chicken to the remaining third of each bowl - can be served alongside salad warm or cold. Divide carrots and cucumbers between the two bowls next to the sliced kale. Sprinkle bowls with chopped peanuts,
Fill glasses with ice and serve this incredibly refreshing beverage on a hot summer day. Don’t forget to keep extras in the fridge, as seconds will most definitely be necessary!
F L AVOU R S
Taste the Topic of White Balsamic Infused Kombucha Now Available at Olive the Senses, Victoria's Premier Infused Balsamic + Olive Oil Store Tasting the health benefits of kombucha may never "salivate" the same again! Now open in Olive the Senses, this specialty gourmet kombucha bar offers kombucha made with oolong and green tea and with only local Babe's Farm Honey. With five fabulous main flavours to choose from and the sixth Pure, considering infusing it with one of Olive the Senses’ flavoured white balsamics for additional health benefits. The health benefits found from balsamic vinegar include pain and inflammation relief, energy stimulation, immune support from high levels of antioxidants, heart health and even reparation of cell damage from its polyphenols.
shop FABU LO U S
FO R T ST & DOW NTOWN AR EA
Kombucha's first recorded use is said to come from China in 220 BC, the name itself from Japan in 415 AD and commonly used in Russia and several Eastern European countries for centuries. The next time you are , downtown stop by the Hudson . District to discover Olive the Senses and the topic and taste of kombucha!
shop FA B ULOUS
Victoria Homes
FORT ST & D OWNTOW N A R EA
Also try the kombucha in one of your favourite summer cocktails or with one of these recipes on this feature.
IN V I CTORI A 1
Dutch Bakery
$20.00 anywhere in the Diner, Bakery or Chocolate Counter. Expires Jan. 31/17
#
and Diner
$5 OFF when you spend
2
BRING WELLNESS & ELEGANCE INTO YOUR EVERYDAY!
Specializing in European Pastries, Cakes, Cookies & Chocolates – Full service diner offering full breakfast and lunch menus.
Dutch Bakery and Diner 718 Fort Street, Victoria BC 250-385-1012 Open Monday - Saturday 7:30AM-5:30PM
10% OFF
ANY PURCHASE
OFFERONLY VALIDWITH WITHCOUPON. COUPON OFFER VALID EXPIRES JAN SEPT.31, 30,2017 2017 EXPIRES
250.882.4210 www.olivethesenses.com
IN THE HUDSON, 1701 DOUGLAS ST VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE
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Air Polishing for THAT Affordable Bright Smile – A quick way to remove stains from red wine, coffee, and berries for that naturally bright smile –
Air Polishing - brighten your teeth for that special occasion or just because... Do you have an upcoming wedding, reunion, graduation, or getaway? Air polishing is the #1 recommended treatment for braces. Do you have embarrassing stains? The most effective and efficient way to remove surface stains and plaque.
Ways Your Oral Health is Directly Linked to your Overall Health: • improves self esteem • Dental hygiene decreases inflammation and infection in the body which decreases stress on the body (linked to diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other diseases) • oral cancer screening • blood pressure monitoring The knowledgeable and friendly dental hygienists at Focus on Dental Hygiene are compassionate of your dental health needs. Their warm and inviting environment offers the latest in ultrasonic scaling and air polishing technology. Your comfort is their focus.
– Your independent dental hygiene choice – Services for You with a Hygiene Appointment: • •
• • • • • •
Cheri Wu, RDH, BDSc, Owner
Free oral hygiene assessments Free oral cancer screening with Velscope technology Needle-free anesthesia Teeth cleaning Air polishing or traditional polishing Whitening services We accept dental insurance We work independently with your dentist for comprehensive care.
Give Focus on Dental Hygiene a call or drop by to see about availability – your teeth are as unique as you are!
IN ADDITIONAL TO REGULAR HOURS, THEY OFFER EXTENDED HOURS TO MEET YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE.
141 Menzies St, Victoria (250) 590-1931 www.focusondh.com
14
James Bay Square
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Meet the Team: RECEPTION: Warren, Kim, Chandra and their little rescue dog Roscoe will welcome you at the door and answer any service related questions you may have—they take most dental insurance plans, and offer discounts for people without dental insurance and pay with debit, cash or cheque. HYGIENISTS: Cheri Wu, owner, dental hygienist and educator, takes great pride in her innovative clinic and awards for dental hygiene excellence. Cheri Wu, RDH, BDSc, Denise, RDH, BDSc, Heather D, RDH, BDSc, Nicole, RDH, Heather O, RDH, BDSc, Rachelle, RDH, BDSc, and Sue, RDH will make you feel comfortable while providing outstanding individualized care.
Teeth cleaning can be fun and educational!
Let us help you “SMILE FOR THE
HEALTH OF IT”
The WHY of Implant Supported Dentures
Jami and the team at James Bay Spinnakers Spirit Merchants invite you to pop in for a their FREE Afternoon Tastings every Saturday and Sunday. Learn about a new wine or beer - the Saturday Open House features a winery and Sunday showcases a brewery. The passionate winery and brewery reps and knowledgeable staff team love to inspire your palate for a truly enriching and affordable experience each and every time your visit.
Feature brewery and winery products on special during their feature month Friday, June 30: Volcanic Hills Winery (Open House 3:30 - 6:30pm) Saturday, July 1: Bridge brewery. Tasting Saturday (Open House 3:30 - 6:30pm)
Simply to eliminate the 'WOBBLE' of tissue-only supported dentures. When the roots of your teeth are removed, the Alveolar bone heals and starts to shrink. This process is called resorption and is primarily why dentures get loose. Your Alveolar bone continues to deteriorate requiring rebasing or refitting of the denture periodically. Sometimes a new design becomes necessary. Your Alveolar bone heals and shrinks in height and width and your gum tissue stretches over this receding bone structure. Tissues can and will get pinched and squeeze under the load of chewing because your tissues have lots of nerves in them and they can 'scream in pain'. This is usually why we see you yearly to monitor the level of deterioration and see if a renewal or refit of the dental product is appropriate. Usually a denture that is five years old has 'worked' fifteen - eighteen hours a day which is a phenomenal 27,375 hours (1825 x 15 hours) of service give or take a few hundred hours smiling, chewing, complementing your life! Any wonder why they wear out? So let's visit the reason you should be considering an implant retained product. 1 - The quality of your life will improve because the extra support from the implants will stabilize movement on your gum tissues. 2 - The loss of Alveolar or jaw bone close to the implants will be preserved. 3 - Your appearance or integrity of facial bones will be supported, preserving your full facial features. 4 - Your ability to chew and digest and choose more food groups is enhanced. Better digestion makes your aging much more 'palatable'. Most friends who go with this treatment option rave about the taste of fresh fruit, vegetables, and chosen meat flavours that have returned also the subtle bouquet of wine all seem to thrill friends who choose an implant retained dental product. 5 - Renewed confidence in your smile for every occasion is empowering and contagious. It is a very personal and satisfying investment in the health of your body and mind. I might make you feel like a bit of the 'fountain of youth' has been shared with you. Let's talk!
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15
H E ALTH &
wellness
FAMILY
dynamics BY VICTORIA JOHNSON Inspirational Speaker, Writer, & Life Coach I have been thinking a lot about the summer issue you are reading. Summer can be all about spending time with family so it seemed a good fit to write about family dynamics. A few days later, I sat down to begin writing. Ouch! It started off as a piece that was very factual about the different roles that we all play, and then, as if to prove my point, turned painfully personal. (Just like many well intended family gatherings!) Like it or not, we all have family. In fact, many of us have several families. We have our family of origin, sometimes more than one, our work, spiritual, sports, hobby and friendship families to name a few. In these situations, the people we choose to connect with become family. Often the role we play in one family, we will be the same in another type of family. It becomes a learned behavior. We can also play different roles in different families, depending on the emotional connection. The latter is considered the healthier way to live because it indicates that we are not trapped in roles from our childhood, but rather shaped by them, helping us to have positive adult relationships.
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Family roles can help you know what you can expect and what is expected of you. Some examples of these roles are the placater, the blamer, the scapegoat, the responsible one, the golden child, the clown, and the lost child. Each role has benefits, but can become a problem when people are not able to interchange them. If you have read my column before, you know that I like to speak from personal experience. I was adopted as a young child and reunited with my birth family when I was 23. I consider the family who adopted me to be my family of origin, but for this piece, I am sharing the family dynamics of my birth family, and my role in it. You will likely recognize (if you haven’t already) your role within your family. My mother was the Enabler. Enablers are also called caretakers, and sometimes placaters. They are the martyr of the family and the cornerstone to dysfunction. They are often the key player in holding everyone in their roles. Their sense of self comes from what they believe they sacrifice for others. They appear to be the giving and considerate,
and spend their time worrying about the family, offering support, listening and consoling at every opportunity. The catch is, that the enabler does this for selfish reasons. They need to feel that they are preventing the family from being in crises, all the while taking the focus off their own feelings. My middle sister was the scapegoat. She just wanted to be loved, but instead she was blamed for trouble between the siblings and even between the parents. This caused her to make decisions that resulted in future hardship. She grew up to be aware of her feelings, logical and analytical; likely still trying to make sense out of her younger life. This sister was and still is, the ‘truth teller’ of the family. My brother was the lost child. He chose to confine himself to his own living space and did not draw attention to himself. He stayed under the radar, and did not get involved in the family drama around him. Because my birth family had the benefit of missing my teenage years, I took on the role as the responsible one. I was goal oriented, appearing successful in many areas. Inside
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H EA LTH &
though, I was always worried about holding the family together, smoothing out all the problems, and making the family look good. My value was in what I could do for another person. I appeared brave and strong, but felt like a fraud. I worried compulsively about what other people thought of me; as if it was the only thing that defined who I was. I often played the parent role, taking in all three of my younger siblings as they got older regardless of the negative outcome that it would have on my life. My youngest sister was the golden child. She held the attention of our mother who consistently excused her bad behavior. My sister was never held accountable, and as a result never learned the cycle of actions and consequences. Her self-esteem never developed because her worth was closely intertwined with what she couldn’t do or couldn’t be. She never had the opportunity to develop into her potential, and carried her child-like behavior into adulthood. I have shared these roles with you for you to use them as a comparable. Do you recognize yourself or your family dynamics? Can you see a healthy representation of a variety roles that you take on in your different families? Do you understand and forgive the patterns and behavior carried forward from your family of origin? What matters most is that we grow emotionally, and recognize our own value. Learning to love ourselves and others wholeheartedly is a process, and it begins with looking within. Victoria Johnson Inspirational Speaker, Writer, Life Coach Dedicated to helping you live a happier, healthier, more abundant life. Heal Your Life Workshops and Life Coaching. thetraining.ca
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“It took three days to notice a difference in my skin. To believe it, I had to see it for myself. I work in the skincare and beauty industry and when I saw my older sister last summer for the first time in a few years, I was convinced she had work done on herself. Simply - she started using Rodan + Fields. So when I came across the name again this February, I became open to trying the product to help a friend involved in the business. I had no intent of becoming involved in the business because I am already so busy. However, here I am – because it works and I am passionate about you feeling the same way!”
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17
F I T NE SS
tips
SUMMER Running By Louise Hodgson-Jones
Who is glad winter is behind us? Now all we are waiting for is a prolonged period of warm, sunny weather so we can get on with summer. Still the cooler spring temperatures have been ideal for running – not cold enough to wear a jacket, but warm enough to don shorts and a t-shirt. With running clinics also starting up all over the Island it is time to think about your goals. Many of the clinics are focused on fall races – usually a marathon or half marathon – and so we will be running all summer, probably in hot, and sometime humid temperatures. It the summer is hot – and who isn’t praying it won’t be – we may need to make adjustments for running in the heat, such as running at cooler times of the day and ensuring you are well hydrated. Here are some tips for coping and enjoying your summer running. • Choose when to run. If you can try and run early in the morning. If you are in a clinic this may well be decided for you.
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Most start at 7:30 am or 8 am to avoid the heat of the day. Other days, if your lifestyle allows, you can run even earlier. On the plus side is if you are training for a half or full marathon you will have completed your long run early and can enjoy the rest of the day. • Plan cool routes. We are fortunate to live near the water where sea breezes make it cooler, and we also have trails, as in Elk/Beaver Lake, where there is abundant shade. Check out victoriaweather. ca which has live temperature readings from all over the region, so you can find the cooler spots to run. • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. We can never stress the importance of drinking water. It is important to drink not just on the run but the day before. Carry water, or if you are running for more than hour have an electrolyte or sports drink. Plan your route where there are washrooms and water fountains so you can top up your bottle. Dehydration is a
serious condition so avoid caffeine beforehand, and before you partake of that post-run refreshing beer, drink water first to hydrate. • Fuel. On long runs you may want to carry some sport nutrition such as gels or chews. These can then be eaten periodically during the run. Experiment with how often to eat – every 30 minutes is standard but for a longer marathon training run, it may be you need to fuel every 15 or 20 minutes. Many runners think that water will keep them hydrated but water doesn’t have carbs or sugar you can lose energy quickly over a longer run. With the addition of extreme heat, you can feel drained and nauseous. So experiment with running and eating and see what works for you. • Wear technical clothing. Wicking fabrics are the norm for runners but there are a lot out there, so check in with your local running store for advice. Tech shirts do regulate body temperatures so
F ITN E SS
even on cool days the fabric will keep you warm. The close fit the shirt the better – this enables it to wick away moisture. You can get shirts with UV protection – darker colours have a SPF of 40 and lighter colours SPF 20. Chafing can be an issue for many so investing in a 2-in-1 short with a liner may avoid that, and always apply Body Glide or a similar anti-chafing product, on sensitive areas. And don’t forget the visor and hat – this protects your scalp and your forehead from the sun. Sunglasses also protect the eyes and also avoids you squinting which can in turn cause tension in the upper body. • Adjust your training. If you were planning a training run or workout with a high RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) then adjust accordingly. The RPE varies from 1-2 where little effort is required to 9-10 which is maximum effort. In the heat you will feel like you are working harder to maintain your pace, so run by how you feel, not what your GPS is telling you. If it gets too warm, run at a lower RPE. • Post-exercise cooling. If you plan on running near the ocean or lake, then a dip into the water after you run works wonders. Wade in and give your legs a soak for 15 minutes – you will be amazed how quickly this will aid your recovery. Have a recovery sport drink or chocolate milk afterwards. Research has shown that chocolate milk has produced great results.
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• Skip the run and do something else. If the temperature is out of your comfort zone – just don’t do it or head to the treadmill in your gym. The other option is to cross train and go for a bike ride. Incorporating some hills with some steady endurance is a good substitute for a run. These are just a few tips for help you enjoy your running this summer. As this issue includes the annual Activity Guide there are many other ways you can enjoy summer and stay active. Cycling, hiking, paddling, kayaking are just some activities featured in the Guide so check it out. See you on the trails.
Louise Hodgson-Jones is a media relations specialist, working with events such as the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon, and Vancouver Island Race Series. She also coordinates communications for PISE and the Pacific Cycling Centre, and writes for IMPACT Magazine and Canadian Running. www.corsafit.com @LouiseHodgsonJo
Summer Cycling starts at our Family Bike Store Come for a coffee and browse the wide variety of kids and adult bikes • Largest selection of kids bikes on the Island • Expert advice on all your family biking needs • Large area to test drive your favourite bike • Great selection of clothing and accessories • Unlimited parking
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19
COM MUNITY
culture
A Fox’s Wedding BY JENNY HAINSWORTH AULD
Painting by Jenny Hainsworth Auld. I have writer’s block, which, as you know, totally sucks. It’s as if your brain is wrapped in cotton. And then deep-fried. And then flash frozen and then hit with a hammer, and then the pieces are set on fire and a hamster pees on the ashes. And the peed-on ashes are what you’re using to write a story. Yesterday I walked down to a café close to my house, hoping the change of scenery would help my writing. I hadn’t been there for a while, and I liked the recent renovations. It looked good. Fresh. This is it! I thought. I’m gonna get my brain back! I ordered an Americano. I chose a table. Wiggled around on the seat and wrung my hands for a minute over the keyboard. I wrote a couple of limping pages about my old roommates in Vancouver, their rockabilly band, and their reluctance to take out the garbage – ever -and then I stalled. I stared at my screen and sipped. Stared and sipped. Nope. Not working. Start over. I posted on Facebook: “Guys! First one to comment an age, I’ll write a story based on events when I was that age.” Someone said “Thirteen.” I began to mull over my life at age thirteen. I couldn’t think of much more than the fact that my closest friend had been a kind, blackhaired girl named Sandy. The boys at school harassed her constantly because of her early-blooming curves. Her stepmother, Donna, was cruel, and had horses. Donna would bring back treats from Dairy Queen, but we weren’t allowed to have them until I removed my socks so she could point and laugh at my “monkey toes.” Yup. As I thought about Sandy, all those years ago, I was foggily brought back to the present by owner of the café. I knew he was the owner because he left no room for doubt. Was he new? That would explain the renovations and the -- weirdness. He swaggered around like a
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gangly Napoleon, loudly discussing café matters as though he was in a war room planning an advance on Prussia. He clattered dishes and criticized the baristas with no discretion. Gangly Napoleon: JULIE! I heard a young woman’s voice answer. Julie: Yes? Gangly Napoleon: LOOK AT THIS PASTRY CASE. Julie looked. Gangly Napoleon: IS THAT FULL? DO YOU CALL THAT FULL? Julie: Um – Gangly Napoleon: WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? Before Julie could attempt to answer, Napoleon’s friend arrived. The two stood men strode over and positioned themselves directly in front of my table, even though I was the only one in that section of the café. Their cargo-shorted hips thrust toward my eyebrows. They looked past me and rubbed their chins thoughtfully. They declared that the walls needed more work by women artists. I rolled my eyes. I rolled them until they hurt. I mean, my eyes almost snapped off their little hoses or whatever. I’m not a scientist. These antics were all very irritating, but the deal-breaker for me was the treatment of the staff. I had been ready to toss my Starbucks gold card into a fire and frequent this place instead. But there is no excuse for humiliating a worker in front of customers. That’s a lot uglier than any under-stocked pastry case, I can tell you that. But I digress. Or not really, because, as I was saying, I have writer’s block, and this freaking thing has no topic. I’m not even going to pretend.
CO MMU N I TY
culture
When I need to jolt myself into painting work, I flip through art books. Gauguin, Munch, Basquiat, Hockney, San Yu. Looking at their work starts a warm current inside me that is something like lust. Ignition. Five minutes is enough to propel me toward my easel. With writing, it’s different. There’s comparatively little physicality to starting – no palette, no apron, no squeezing, no pouring. Instead, images just float in the room like Macbeth’s dagger. An idea that seems solid becomes watery and generic when I try to grasp it with words. I woke up this morning with the phrase “a fox’s wedding” in my head. I’m addicted to a show on You Tube called Japanology. The host, Peter Barakan, has an adorable bald head and a gentlemanly bearing. From Japanology I learned that when sun and rain occur together, it is called a kitsune no yomeiri – a fox’s wedding. I became aware that rain was hitting the leaves outside my bedroom window. It hadn’t rained for days. I thought about the fox’s wedding, and suddenly realized I had encountered this concept long before Japanology. When I was about nineteen, I went to see Kurosawa’s Dreams at Royal Centre Cinemas on Burrard, back when there was such a theatre. I remember the visionary majesty of the film. At the time, I didn’t know anything about the great Kurosawa, or his status among directors. I was just a wide-eyed teenager sitting in the dark, drinking in a strange, luminous work of art. In one part of Dreams, a little girl stumbles on a fox’s wedding in the forest. She hides behind a tree and watches the solemn procession of animals with human bodies, clad in fine garments. The wedding guests sense the child’s presence, but continue their stately walk, to the taut pulse of the drum and shakuhachi. One has the feeling that these animals are the true lords of the earth. I lay for a while in bed, thinking about Dreams, listening to the rain. My phone buzzed. It was my boyfriend calling from his ship, the HMCS Winnipeg. They are halfway through a five-month deployment in the Pacific. It was nighttime where he was, in Singapore. He was exhausted to the point of tears. He was dreading the weeks at sea that still remain, after South Korea and Japan. I asked him to be kind to himself. I told him that I’m proud of him. I didn’t know what else to say. Jenny Auld is a writer and artist living in Victoria. You can see her art on her Facebook page (Jenny Auld Fine Art), and read her essays and stories on jennyauld. atavist.com/ as well as back issues of Vancouver Island Almost Free!
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21
M ON EY
cents
FAMILY FUN
this summer BY JEN PATERSON & SAIRA WATERS Co-Founders of Dollar Divas
Summer is coming and while our Spring may have been a little dreary the warmer is coming, I promise! We live in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Here are some great and inexpensive ways to enjoy all that this island has to offer this summer.
1. Beacon Hill Children’s Farm There is a reason that goat yoga is turning into the latest trend, goats are so much fun! At 10:10 and 5:10 they do the famous running of the goats, but even if you can’t get there at those times these little rascals are a ton of fun for everyone. While they don’t require and entrance fee they are open to donations so a little something would be appreciated.
2. Fanny Bay’s Wacky Woods Off the beaten path is exactly how to describe this fun family activity, the only way to find it is with GPS coordinates. It is a magical, family friendly hike through the woods with lots of wonderful things to explore and discover. Make sure to bring lots of insect repellant because it can be very “buggy” in the summer. Explore these woods for free by going to: Lat. 49.49458437337555 Long. -124.81377354408948, N 49 29.675 W 124 48.826
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3. Geocaching Not specific to Vancouver Island, geocaching is a great way to get outdoors this summer. For those not in the know, geocaching is a trend that started with the increased availability of GPS. Hidden throughout the world are little caches that can be found by searching specific GPS coordinates, when you find the cache your job is to take a little trinket from the cache and leave something of yours behind. Simply download the geocaching app ($9.00 on iTunes) and see what treasures might be lurking in your neighborhood.
4. Bowen Park Frisbee Golf Should you find yourself in Nanaimo this summer head to Bowen park and try your luck on the Disc golf course there. It’s free to use for all and you don’t even need to risk breaking your neck trying to get that stray Frisbee off your roof. You can rent them from the recreation center. Download a free score card from Nanaimo.ca
5. Free B Film Festival There is nothing quite like curling up under your favourite blanket in the park and taking in a good movie. The Free B Film Festival is an annual Victoria tradition that’s
not to be missed. This year’s films include family favourites like: Jumanji, Dirty Dancing and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Check out www.freebfilmfest.com for more information on dates and locations. While it is easy to blow the bank on summer activities just to keep the kids out of your hair, with a little digging and some creative energy you can entertain your kids and not strain your wallet. Now if we can just get the sunshine to stick around!
Jen Paterson, Financial Expert & Saira Waters, REALTOR® with Royal LePage, teamed up to create Dollar Divas, the Meetup group for women who want to be financially independent! To learn more about Dollar Divas, check out www.dollardivas.org or find us on Facebook.
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BRAKES • As most people are aware, the brakes are one of the most important parts of a car. • Have your brakes inspected every 9,600-16,000 km; inspect them at the first sign of failure to avoid accidents and possibly higher repair bills. • If your brakes are making noise, your car is pulling to one side, the brake pedal can go to the floor, or your car skids when braking, arrange to have your brakes inspected immediately. TIRES • Keep your tires properly inflated. This will improve fuel efficiency and also ensure your car can maneuver easily if in harm’s way. • Check your tire condition regularly and replace tires that have worn tread. • Ensure your spare tire is in good working condition. MOTOR OIL • You’ve heard it before – motor oil is the lifeblood of your car and keeps all the engine parts running efficiently and smoothly. • Check your oil before you head out on long distant trips.
• We recommend you change your oil every 5,000 km, or 3 months, whichever comes first. COOLANT SYSTEM • This system, not to be mistaken for the air conditioning system, should not be overlooked. • It includes: the condition of the radiator, water pump, belts, hoses, and the health of the antifreeze. • Coolant is vital to your engine and helps maintain the engine temperature to prevent overheating in the hot summer. WIPERS & VISION • This is probably the least fussed over system of the car by many drivers as they are an extremely simple device. • We encourage everyone to inspect their wipers to ensure they are in good working condition as a tear in the device can obstruct your vision. • Ensure the washer-fluid reservoir is full so you can clean your windows of any bugs, leaves or debris. BATTERY • Most car batteries have a three to five year lifespan, depending on your driving habits and climate. • If you have problems starting your vehicle, test your batteries voltage. • Have your battery tested before long trips and check your car’s battery cables to ensure they are firmly attached to the terminal. Clean your terminals immediately if you see any signs of corrosion. Cleaning your battery thoroughly requires disconnecting the cables to clean the hidden areas where contact is made with the terminals. AIR CONDITIONING • AC systems should be inspected annually, preferably before the summer heat vamps up. • If you notice your AC system isn’t cooling effectively, it’s a good idea to get it checked out right away. • Enjoy that summertime weather!
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23
ARTS &
entertainment
CANADA 150: SUMMERTIME STANDOUTS
Arts, Culture, Fun and Exploration on Vancouver Island By Jessica Natale Woollard
Photo Credit: The Pedalars Forget those lazy, hazy days of summer — we don’t get many of them on Vancouver Island anyway. Let’s use the months of reduced rainfall in this, our nation’s 150th year, to explore and revisit the history, arts, and culture that give our Island its unmistakable character. Below are some suggestions for discovering – or rediscovering ¬– the Capital Regional District through fitness, music, food, art, and imagination. Fitness and Culture — Better Together A bike ride, history lesson, and scavenger hunt all in one. The Pedaler’s Victoria By Bike Quest is a self-guided tour of the capital city with a twist that will appeal to tourists and long-time residents alike. Starting in James Bay at the Pedaler headquarters, the tour is a scavenger hunt conducted through a smart phone app that’s accessible without an Internet connection. “You might have to find a sign or landmark, or align yourself in a certain place to see clues; it might be a riddle to solve about a story that happened there in the past,” says Rosemary Lee, who co-owns the Pedaler with her husband. “You get to see iconic locations — Fisherman’s Wharf, Beacon Hill Park, Ross Bay Cemetary and Craigdarroch Castle. If
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you’re local, you’ll get background that you may or may not be aware of, and then you have a puzzle to solve.” Launched in 2013, the Pedaler fills a gap in urban cycling tourism in Victoria, Lee says, noting Quest is “the first bike tour company globally to develop a puzzle hunt.” Priced at $24.99, Quest is an affordable option for a group to have an easy two to three-hour, 12-kilometer bike ride to local landmarks near the downtown core. Over the Canada Day long weekend, Quest will run as a contest with prizes for the fastest time. Visit thepedaler.ca. Hiking more your thing? The Alpine Club of Canada’s Vancouver Island section is attempting to summit 150 peaks on the Island over the course of 2017. Anyone can take part in the ascents; visit accvi.ca to choose your peak. Free Concerts en Plein Air The wild West Coast will be alive with the sounds of music at free concerts all summer long. On Thursday evenings in July, the Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, welcomes the public to Government House for the Music on the Lawn concert series featuring BC performers. Before the concert, stroll
the beautiful grounds and gardens, and walk through public rooms in Government House. Bring a blanket and chair for the performance. Visit ltgov.bc.ca. For lively music and food truck favourites, there’s Colwood’s Beach Food Fridays and Saturdays along the Esquimalt Lagoon, running through June. Music is scheduled on most Friday evenings. On July 15, Colwood hosts Eats and Beats at the Beach on Ocean Boulevard with several bands, a dozen food trucks, open-air market, driftwood art contest, and stand-up paddleboards to try out. It’s the biggest and best free beach party of the season, says Sandra Russell, the City of Colwood’s communications manager. Visit colwood.ca. Beacon Hill Park’s Cameron Bandshell won’t miss a beat with its musical acts and entertainment for all ages. Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from mid-June to mid-September, enjoy a variety of genres — jazz, blues, classical, swing, rock. Tuesdays, it’s folk music, and Wednesdays are for the kids. Victoria.ca has more information. Two other concert series to watch: Sidney’s Summer Sounds in their oceanside bandshell and Parksville’s Outdoor Summer Concert Series.
A RTS &
Art and Imagination Iceberg Alley, Great Bear Rainforest, Northern Lights. Take a journey across Canada with the Island Illustrator Society’s exhibit Big Canadian Stuff – Eh!, a display of vintage-style, Canadian travel posters designed by local graphic illustrators. The Island Illustrators usually do a unique graphic art project once a year. Ken Faulks, visual artist and member of the society, suggested this year’s theme. “I’ve always loved the vintage travel posters, such as CP Rail posters, and thought a series of posters done in that kind of style would be good,” Faulks says. Each of the provinces and territories is represented along with a colourful cast of Canadian characters — polar bear, spirit wolf, Inukshuk, and even Big Foot. The exhibit will move around the city to always-free-toenter locales throughout 2017. The work can also be viewed — and prints purchased — on the Island Illustrators website, islandillustrators.org. Says Faulks, “I hope (the exhibit) inspires people to get out and enjoy this great country we’re so privileged to call ours.” If you’ve got the travel-by-imagination bug, the Greater Victoria Public Library’s Summer Challenge is for you. The challenge was designed for teens and adults, a grown-up version of the library’s popular summer reading club that attracts more than 7,000 kids every year. “There are 18 challenges designed to engage people with GVPL’s collection and literacy activities, in and outside of the library,” says Jennifer Rowan, the library’s public services coordinator. One of the most popular challenges from last year was to take a selfie with a Free Little Library box. It was such a popular activity, with photos submitted from across the Island and beyond, the challenge appears on this year’s list, too. You can participate in the challenge whether you are staying in town or travelling abroad, which is the perfect time to discover the library’s digital collections like streaming movies or e-audiobooks, Rowan says, noting that these resources are free to access with a GVPL library card. “We want to hear from people whether they’re reading in their neighbourhood park, at the beach, in the library, on the ferry, or farther afield.” Visit gvpl.ca. A writer and communications professional, Jessica Natale Woollard is also active in the community as a performer and violinist. She has a fondness for writing about the arts. Visit jessicawoollard.ca.
entertainment
Blue Bridge repertory theatre
fresh classics!
2017Season
Harold Pinter’s
garson kanin’s
THE CARETAKER
born yesterday
april 25-may 7
may 30-june 11
Thornton Wilder’s
A Cole Porter Revue
OUR TOWN
RED, HOT COLE!
JULY 4-16
AUGUST 1-13
www.bluebridgetheatre.ca for show times + tickets
SUMMER TOTAL CAR CARE PACKAGE
Call for an appointment
250-382-2833 or book online at:
www.victrans.com Manufacturer Approved Maintenance Facility
• 53 Point Safety Inspection - $40.00 Value • Brake inspection - $30.00 Value • Tire Rotation - $15.00 Value • Oil Change Labour - $39.95 Value
WITH COUPON
4495
$
REGULAR PRICE $89.95 *Fluids, Eco Fees, Oil Filter, Taxes Extra. Not valid with other offers. Expires September 30/17
1885 Government St., Victoria (at Chatham St)
SUMMER TOTAL CAR CARE PACKAGE
Call for an appointment
250-382-2833 or book online at:
www.victrans.com Manufacturer Approved Maintenance Facility
• 53 Point Safety Inspection - $40.00 Value • Brake inspection - $30.00 Value • Tire Rotation - $15.00 Value • Oil Change Labour - $39.95 Value
WITH COUPON
4495
$
REGULAR PRICE $89.95 *Fluids, Eco Fees, Oil Filter, Taxes Extra. Not valid with other offers. Expires September 30/17
1885 Government St., Victoria (at Chatham St) Vancouver Island’s FREE magazine: Presenting Enriching, Affordable Experiences
| AlmostFreeMagazine.com
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VANCOUVER ISLAND
Summertime AC T I V I T Y G U I D E
with the
V I C TO R I A H A R B O U R C AT S featuring C L A I R E E CC L E S Batter: Harry Shipley 26
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Photo credit: Christian J. Stewart
BIKE the
Galloping Goose The Galloping Goose is a 55-kilometre multi-use trail enjoyed by cyclists, runners, walkers, and, on some sections, horse riders. The trail, named after a freight railway line that ran from Victoria to Sooke in the 1920’s, features paved and rural sections. The Goose can be accessed at many points along the way, and with easy identifiable kilometre marks, it is easy to plan a bike ride. The Goose is safe for families to ride and once you reach Metchosin the trail can be quieter. The stretch along Matheson Lake to Roche Cove is a favourite one and can be done as an easy 10km out and back, or start at Luxton Fairgrounds and it can be approximately 35km. For a longer ride you can go all the way to the end - to Leechtown, an abandoned gold-mining settlement. With many picnic spots on the way this makes an ideal day trip.
Summer Cycling starts at our Family Bike Store Come for a coffee and browse the wide variety of kids and adult bikes • Largest selection of kids bikes on the Island • Expert advice on all your family biking needs • Large area to test drive your favourite bike • Great selection of clothing and accessories • Unlimited parking
We Get Families on Bikes!
250-590-6960 I oakbaybikes.com
Westshore Town Centre, 104-800 Kelly Rd., Langford BC
Summertime
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Vancouver Island’s FREE magazine: Presenting Enriching, Affordable Experiences
27
Cowichan Bay
Churning out the smooth taste and texture of real cream and local raspberries from the Cowichan Valley, this old fashioned ice cream flavour of the 24 available at all times leaves the nostalgic eminence of custard lingering until each new bite. Real old fashioned ice cream takes real dairy products, eggs, sugar, and owner Yves Muselle of The Original Udder Guys a three day process. On the first day he creates the hand-cooked French custard, the second he infuses the carefully selected flavouring, and on the third it is ready to enjoy! With 102 flavours offered seasonally throughout the year, everyone will find a favourite or two and enjoy the balanced taste of real cream ice cream without artificial flavours or additives. A true treat with many real fruit styles available like local blackberry and strawberry, private orders are also welcome like a recent one for lemon lavender for a local lavender festival being held in The Valley this summer. Take tubs home with you such as coconut to top with strained crushed pineapple and rum. Enjoy an ice cream on the deck or for take-out, and some of their retro and nostalgic candies.
24 Flavours of Artisan Ice Cream Retro & Nostalgic Candy Organic Island Coffee Cold Beverages Balcony Overlooking the Beautiful Bay Open Year Round 1765 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay I (250) 746-4300 morningmisticecream.com morningmisticecream@shaw.ca
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SUMMER 2017 ACTIVITY GUIDE 2017
Paddling in
Cowichan Bay Canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and pedal boat are all great ways to explore Cowichan Bay. Cowichan Bay Estuary is the largest estuary on Vancouver Islands, with a diversity of bird and marine life. It is a breeding and feeding ground for the Great blue heron, osprey, swans and mergansers from April to September. Seals bask on the log booms, or swim behind you, curiously watching. River otters scamper over docks and rocks to the water, or stand an watch you. Majestically from above a Bald Eagle swoops down in-front of you to catch a fish, then flies to the closest perch to eat and watch. Cowichan Bay and estuary is a magical place to visit whether you simply want to get on the water, bird watch or enjoy marine life. Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre can get you on the water whether it be a tour, or rental. BOOK your Paddle Adventure with us NOW! Stop by the shop at 1769 Cowichan Bay Road, visit our website: www.cowichanbaykayaking.com, or call us: 250 597 3031
Invisible Sun
Local arts and crafts in beautiful Cowichan Bay 1765 Cowichan Bay Rd. I (250) 510-5306 10am-5pm I @invisiblesunarts
4865 Bench Rd, Cowichan Bay www.coastalbliss.ca 1-800-896-9525
Summertime
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Vancouver Island’s FREE magazine: Presenting Enriching, Affordable Experiences
29
PICNIC at
Gyro Beach
SAVE THE DATE!
8th Annual
Local Island
SHOWCASE July 6th • All Day
Meet the people behind the flavour as our local suppliers showcase their wares for you. UNDER THE BIG TENT
outside Pepper’s
/PeppersFoods @PeppersFoods
250-477-6513 • 3829 Cadboro Bay Road
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ACTIVITY GUIDE 2017
Pepper's Foods' 8th Annual Local Island Showcase takes place on Thursday, July 6th from 10am-2pm right under the tents at Pepper's. It's an opportunity for you to come and meet many of the local vendors that supply them with a plethora of delicious and unique products! You'll also get to sample many of their edibles as well as receive great deals on them because they'll all be feature priced during the Showcase. There will be giveaways, prizes and Daisy the Island Farms mascot will be on hand for the kids! Don't miss this super popular annual event that had over 700 people attend last year and even more are expected this year!
PA D D L E B O A R D a t
Cadboro bay Victoria's Cadboro Bay has been a long time favourite destination for sailing and kayaking. More recently,the beautiful sheltered bay has become a popular placeto Standup Paddleboard (SUP). The sport of SUP had deep origins in surfing and has continued to gain popularity over the past decade. It can be a great full-body workout as you paddle along the shoreline or a relaxing way to quietly explore around the many coves and islands within the bay. Enjoy a picnic in the park and let the kids stay and play on one of the best playgrounds in the area.
Enjoy Summer at Smugglers’
Cadboro Bay's Local Neighbourhood Pub
GYROBEACHBOARDS.COM PHONE (778) 433-9200 OR EMAIL GYROBEACHBOARDS@GMAIL.COM
3 84 0 C ad bo r o B a y R d
Photo credit: Tyler Cave
PA D D L E BOA R DS RE N TAL S L E S S ONS SALES S KI M BOA R DS KI D S C AMPS
Daily Food and Drink Specials 12 Draught Beers on tap Happy Hour 2–5 pm Everyday
2581 Penrhyn St.,Victoria 250-477-2688 www.smugglerscovepub.com
Summertime
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31
For the Love of the Game – Claire
making history for the Cats
Eccles
By Louise Hodgson-Jones From the age of five Claire Eccles has been playing baseball and now as the first female to play in the West Coast League for the Victoria HarbourCats, she is fulfilling her dream of competing big time. The WCL is a men’s development team slotted in between university baseball and the professional level. The modest 19-year old has a level head on her shoulders and her sudden elevation to baseball stardom hasn’t gone to her head. She feels she is just one of the boys. Does she see herself as a trailblazer? “I didn’t see myself as that initially, but now having seen how big this has become, I guess I am. But I am just playing the game I love,” she says. Choosing baseball over piano or dance at such an early age was something her parents supported, and her talent as a knuckleballer came to the fore when she batted .293 as a sophomore outfielder for the UBC Thunderbirds softball team this past spring, She will be dividing her time between the Thunderbirds and Team Canada (she helped Canada to a silver medal at the 2016 Women’s Baseball World Cup in South Korea last September). For the uninitiated in baseball, a knuckleball is ‘a baseball pitch thrown to minimize the spin of the ball in flight, causing an erratic, unpredictable motion.’ Eccles, a leftie, has unique curveball throwing skills. “I use my ring finger and middle finger and put my finger nails on the seams, put the other two to the side (like a claw), thumb underneath and I pitch normally,” she explains. Her first game for the HarbourCats was on June 7. She said she wasn’t that nervous as it was a blow out game. “The whole team was high fiving me and pumping me, and giving me pep talks before the game which was pretty cool. They are very open and they like having me here so I am fitting in well.” Her notoriety is spreading with followers on social media, and even getting mail from fans in the US. “I had one girl from Philadelphia mail me saying she was a ball player, and she wanted to continue to play with guys when she was older. She sent me some ball pictures which was cool.” With Eccles playing on both women’s and men’s teams, does she see a difference? “It’s a little different between male and female teams. The conversations are different, and the guys get riled up a bit more, but I am used to playing with both.” Eccles will play with the HarbourCats until at least July 27. Then later on she has women’s nationals in Windsor and the US – Canada series in Washington DC. Clearly a busy season ahead. She prefers not to look too far ahead though, wanting to play in the moment. “I just want to play for as long as I can, even try and improve a little. With the national team we are only together for three weeks, so we don’t get a lot of training and with playing softball in the winter I don’t get a lot of pitching, so just being here for the few weeks is awesome.” The graduate of Elgin Park Secondary in Surrey clearly has a bright future with a skill that is being used to the fore with the HarbourCats. So head on down to Royal Athletic Park this summer and see history being made. For a full schedule of games go to: www.harbourcats.com Photo credit: Christian J. Stewart
Hey Victoria, come check us out after the game!! Please join us in welcoming HarbourCats' Claire Eccles to Victoria! Proudly local for over 23 years!
1550 Cedar Hill X Road • Phone: 250.472.0047 www.1550srestaurant.com
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Summertime ACTIVITY GUIDE 2017
Summertime ACTIVITY GUIDE 2017