July 12, 2013 by Black Press Media Group

stat st a io ion on y o u ’ v e

a r r i v e d

brentwood college:

JEWEL CROWN

the in the

life in cowichan:

Alderlea

FARM

the interview:

Jen

WOIKE the art of paraphernalia • whatever happened to the fringe • words with rebecca campbell ISSUE NUMBER 1, JULY 2013 2013 summer

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INSIDE this issue

6 12 16 20 22 26

DIGGING DIRT life in cowichan: alderlea farm

a life APART

the art of PARAPHERNALIA whatever happened to

THE FRINGE? brentwood college

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN

what cowichan is

WATCHING

Unit 2, 5380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan B.C., V9L 6W4 Phone: (250) 746-4471 Fax: (250) 746-8529 E-mail: editor@cowichannewsleader.com Web site: www.cowichannewsleader.com

Summer 2013 Friday, July 12, 2013

Black Press C O M M U N I T Y

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N E W S

M E D I A

28 31 32 36 44 46

jen WOIKE the interview

DOG days station: the street

words with:

rebecca CAMPBELL

the LAKEHOUSE

coffee with:

stu ALLEN final FRAME

s at st a io ion on Station is published quarterly by The Cowichan News Leader Pictorial Editor: John McKinley Publisher: Bill Macadam Designer: Eric Morten

summer 2013

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Station. A point of convergence: a dependable touchstone for life’s arrivals and departures, its break-ups and reunions — the spot where journeys end and begin. Station. A position in life, a destination you’ve been working toward where all that hard work has paid off — where respect has been earned and the finer things in life are there to be enjoyed. Station. A magazine about life in Cowichan — a place where the best local writers and photographers tell stories that touch on all of the above. Savour the moment. You’ve arrived.

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life in cowichan: alderlea farm

digging

DIRT STORY & PHOTOS by Aaron Bichard

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summer 2013

John and Katy Ehrlich are sowing more than just food, they are planting the seeds for a whole new way of living

he calloused, worn hands of a farmer tell much about the season, each knuckle’s cracks and nicks an homage to roughly wresting a living from the land.

Yet it is not the hands, but the eyes that will not belie the future. At Alderlea Farm, the Ehrlichs’ eyes show promising tales indeed. It’s in the way John’s sight tends to drift as he speaks, a far-off, seer-clear stare focused on a distant moment, a stare that’s picturing potential. continued next page

2013 summer

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from previous page Mixed with Katy’s direct, unwavering gaze, flowing out from a deep well of genuine inner faith, the two paint a picture of a sustainable future, both organic and real. “It’s my ideal life,” said Katy, a former elementary teacher still passionate about education. “Other people can do this. It does work. This is the model that will feed the world.” On a small parcel of rural Cowichan land with a southward sloping tendency, John and Katy have been plying the soil and creating a sustenancecentric community. They have separated themselves from the 700-strong field of local farms by adhering to biodynamic farming principles, growing crops not just for commerce, but also for the sole purpose of regenerating the health of the land. Their model is based on the teachings of Austrian Rudolf Steiner, a lecturing, philosophizing agricultural expert who died nearly a century ago. One of his legacies was biodynamic farming, a practice focused on creating a balanced and diversified selfsustaining eco-system that nourishes the land.

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from previous page These philosophies fit with John’s interests in international development and subsistence farming, and gave the couple a tool to both create a living and cultivate an education-based relationship between customers and their food. 10

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“We wanted to create an authentic experience for the kids, so they could know the people who grow their food, know where their food came from,” John said. The result is a bustling farm, with families constantly dropping in to chat with the accessible farmers.

For the Ehrlichs, sharing their knowledge has been a key to their success. Not only have they created a Community Supported Agricultural model providing weekly vegetables to more than 200 shareholding families, they produced a 60-page manual so other farms could replicate the program. summer 2013

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a life

APART Despite medical advances, social stigma can make living with HIV a lonely existence

d Harris’ role as AIDS-stricken poet Richard Brown in the acclaimed film The Hours always frightened me.

His skeletal, frail existence as he withered away in that lonely, dark apartment. How he’d given up on life and the beauty to which he had previously been so attached. And — particularly — the scene where he commits suicide, heaving himself out the window of a high-storey building. Thankfully, many medical advancements have occurred since the setting of that scene in 2001. HIV does not have to leave its victims branded and in isolation. But are people aware of this? Do they know someone who is HIV-positive can live a full and healthy life, not much different from someone living with diabetes? Nicole Brown’s experience may indicate that’s not the case. Brown (not her real name) recently put herself out there and exposed the HIV positive condition she’s been hiding for many 12

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STORY by Ashley Degraaf PHOTO ILLUSTRATION by Andrew Leong

years to a budding love interest. And she was rejected. That’s just one of several reasons the Shawnigan Lake mother of two, was inspired to speak publicly. Brown, now 30, was diagnosed with HIV at age 21. “I’m at that age where I really just want that family unit. I have my two daughters but I really just want that family structure,” she said. But stigmas about HIV still fog people’s vision: if you’re infected you’re probably a drug addict, a prostitute or promiscuous; if you’re infected, you are a dead person walking. Untrue, says Brown. That’s not me, or many others infected with HIV. She wants to live in a community that understands HIV can happen to anyone. She wants people to understand how advancements in medication have allowed her to live life just like anyone else with a manageable disease. continued page 14 summer 2013

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from page 12 But that would only happen in a perfect world. Unfortunately, because of the stigma her condition carries, Brown hasn’t told many folks outside her close friends and family members. She hasn’t told the people she works with. “Out of my own insecurity and fear and other people’s insecurity and fear, I think I’ve only sought out others who are positive,” she explained. “My specialist has told me I shouldn’t have to only seek those people.” Brown has reached out to other infected folks. She met a man on an HIV directory from the United States in 2004 and married in 2006. He is the father of her two children. Because of advancements in HIV medication and knowledge of how its transmitted — particularly the development of the anti-retroviral treatment system HAART — Brown was able to birth two healthy children. Essentially, HAART can bring the virus to what is termed ‘undetectable levels,’ reducing a person’s ability to transmit the virus during pregnancy or to a partner. She didn’t start the medication until seven years after her diagnosis, and only during her pregnancies. “Even before this medication, it was never 100 per cent transmittable during pregnancies,” Brown explained. “From what the HIV specialists have told me is that transmitting the disease to a baby is now only seen as a result of the mother not taking her meds, or through breastfeeding.” With HAART, it’s “not like playing Russian roulette anymore,” she said. Brown and her husband have since divorced; their relationship had its share of strife, mostly due to the stress of being infected and trying to cross the border to be with each other early on. She felt they married despite being mismatched because of insecurity based on their positive status. They went through with it anyway, fearing to be alone. 14 station station

“This has been a lifechanger for me and my family, not because of anything to do with my health, because it has not affected my health at all. I am a healthy, beautiful young woman and there is nothing more that I want than a family.” Nicole Brown

Because of American legislation, Brown was denied a border crossing in 2006 due to a ban against the entry of anyone HIV positive. Despite a change to this law in 2010, she’s still had border issues. She often carries with her a memo letter of the laws as most border officers aren’t aware of the lift. “I often have to re-hash everything and it can be quite embarrassing,” she said. “It’s been extremely traumatic for me.” Brown said during the time she was infected, she was young and having fun. But she hadn’t slept with a ton of guys and generally kept things “safe.” All it took was one person. Leading to her diagnosis, she knew something wasn’t quite right. “I felt like I had a really bad flu, but different,” she explained. She experienced a yeast overgrowth in her esophagus and noticed a rash on her chest. “Then it all went away and I was fine,” she said.

A doctor who looked after her during a short stay at the hospital privately insisted on a follow-up HIV blood test. If not for that and a routine physical she later had that included an STD screening, she may not have known of her condition for quite some time. Brown’s friends at the time of her diagnosis were typical examples of what little people know about the disease. “They would ask me, ‘Can I use the same make-up brush?’ or ‘Can you sip from the same cup?’ These were very smart women asking these questions,” she said. The answer to both questions is ‘yes.’ In terms of risk of transmission, blood contains the highest concentration of the virus, followed by semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. Bodily fluids that aren’t infectious include saliva, tears, sweat, feces and urine. Brown wants everyone to know: A) She has the same life-span as anyone else; B) She has the ability to have healthy, non-infected children; C) She can have a fulfilling relationship with an HIVnegative partner. “I always tell people who know about my positive status right away, my children are healthy, as I don’t want to allow the room for them to jump to conclusions,” she said. “It’s not household information how difficult it is now to transmit the virus when on the anti-retrovirals.” For Brown, the disease is a huge hindrance on what would otherwise be a happy, healthy life — not so much on a physical level, but on an emotional one. “This is a huge black cloud for me,” she said. Wayne Campbell’s cloud was lifted when he joined the board members of Positive Living B.C. “Once I joined the board of directors, I had no problem announcing to the world I was HIV positive,” said Campbell, who’s the current vice-chair and who’s been volunteering coming up on 20 years. He’s been living with the disease since November 1991. “There are 11 members on our board of directors and we’re all positive and we’re all out there.” summer 2013

What is HAART? Highly active antiretroviral therapy is a breakthrough in the treatment of those with HIV that has proven to be successful in helping people live normal lives. A study from the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) shows HAART reduces new HIV diagnoses, deaths and HIV prevalence. Analysis showed that for each 10 per cent increment in HAART coverage, the rate of new HIV diagnoses decreased by eight per cent in B.C., Ontario, and Quebec — the three provinces with the largest epidemics. “The dramatic and sustained decrease in AIDS-related morbidity and mortality and new HIV infections in British Columbia reinforces treatment as prevention as a highly effective approach in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Dr. Julio Montaner, senior author of the study, director of BC-CfE and head of the division of AIDS in the faculty of medicine at the University of B.C. Treatment as Prevention is a strategy that involves wide-spread HIV testing and the immediate provision of anti-HIV drugs.

Positive Living B.C. is dedicated to empowering people living with HIV/ AIDS through mutual support and collective action. With a membership of more than 5,100 HIV-positive folks and a history spanning three decades, it is Western Canada’s largest AIDS service organization and an established leader in the HIV/AIDS movement. Campbell’s work involves helping people like Brown, who are too afraid to stand up for themselves. “We see stigmas in a lot of different levels,” he explained. “From severe cases of hatred, to the more subtle instances, where for example a landlord is refusing tenants because of the disease.” He often works with people one on one, on top of educating groups, government officials and speaking with the media, all in a bid to create a stigma-free world. “We’re moving there, but it’s a snail’s pace,” he said. “There’s still this fear you get AIDS and you die.” He’s seen how stigmas work firsthand. “When I was living in Northern B.C., I went in a doctor’s office for a throat infection, and once he found out I had HIV, he left 2013 summer

the room, huddled with the other docs and they basically came back in bio-suits and handed me my prescription,” Campbell said. “It’s definitely tougher living in a small community. I know of people who see a doctor in one community, get prescriptions in another, all to avoid doctors in their own communities.” Campbell has attended client’s appointments with physicians to address what’s not appropriate. He’s spoken on many issues, including negotiating free formula for the first year for positive mothers.

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“It took me a couple years, because I had to accept it for myself, but it has permitted me to be a very strong and vocal advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves,” he said. His advice to those who haven’t got there yet: “Take it slow. You will hopefully get there one day.” For Brown, she’s not quite there yet. “This has been a life-changer for me and my family, not because of anything to do with my health, because it has not affected my health at all,” she said. “I am a healthy, beautiful young woman and there is nothing more that I want than a family.” S

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A head for business and a soul for art make Terry Raven one of Cowichanâ€™s leaders

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STORY by Eliza Falkner PHOTOS by Andrew Leong

summer 2013

erry Raven is a reluctant artist. She is also a natural businesswoman.

As the founder and owner of the Cowichan Valley’s one-stop housewares shop, Pots and Paraphernalia, Raven has put downtown Duncan on the map as a destination for luxurious linens, practical housewares, and unique home design. But in addition to her work as a successful businesswoman, Raven is an avid painter and dog lover. “Ask her about her art work,” says fellow business owner, Jean Cardino. “Nobody knows that she is an incredible painter and she won’t tell you that herself. Her basement is full of terrific abstract paintings.” In fact, visitors to Pots and Paraphernalia often feel as though they are walking through a painting; the sumptuously dressed beds and luxurious fabrics are obviously chosen by a woman with a seriously good eye for colour, texture and design. When questioned about her work as a painter, Raven is self-effacing. “This will sound terrible in print, but I hate painting. Staring at a blank piece of paper, it’s a gutwrenching experience. Canadian artist, Jack Shadbolt, once said ‘torture is a white canvas staring back at you.’ If the painting is going well then that’s great but if it’s not, then what’s that telling you? It questions everything.” When she feel likes painting Raven describes the experience like a true artist. “It’s sort of like ‘binge-painting.’ When I do it, it’s fast and furious and I’ll do about 40. It becomes an obsession and then it’s over.” continued next page

2013 summer

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From her humble shop on Kenneth Street in downtown Duncan, this talented artist relocated to a beautifully restored heritage building on Canada Avenue.

from previous page If you were able to catch a glimpse of Raven’s artwork at last year’s Under the Red Umbrella event, consider yourself lucky. Although she has had art shows in the Fran Willis Gallery in Victoria and Bau-Xi Gallery in Vancouver, Raven rarely lets her paintings out of her sight, let alone her basement. She explains it’s the self-promotion that comes along with selling her personal artwork that is most uncomfortable. “I never really show them to anyone. People see them and like them and try to buy them sometimes. I just don’t like letting them go.” While promoting her personal artwork is something she shies away from, selling housewares is something Raven isn’t afraid to delve

She isn’t shying away from pushing her business forward. With a website and online shop, Pots and Paraphernalia will only continue to satisfy and excite our desires for beautiful housewares into and is obviously something she has done with confidence and skill. Raven opened her shop 32 years ago, after a move to the island from Alberta. Prior to her start as a shop owner and her move to the West Coast, she studied at the Alberta College of Art & Design, worked in an advertising agency, and taught art at Medicine Hat College. After the tragic death of her husband, Raven relocated to

Vancouver Island and decided it was time to open a shop — an idea that had previously been implanted in her mind upon a visit to a beautiful kitchen shop in Calgary when she was just 20. “I knew very little about cooking and nothing about baking or business. What I did know was that my store had to be beautiful, and my customers taught me what to merchandise and carry.”

“Living in a small community and having a business for 30 years teaches you about relationships — with your customers, your staff, and your suppliers. “If you treat people well and make it your mission to connect them with what they want, while maintaining a high level of beauty and function, it’s a good recipe for success.” S

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most popular on the Canadian Fringe circuit, according to the performers. It was also a tourism titan some local leaders “chose to ignore,” she said. The Fringe’s demise troubled Kirsten Schrader, Cowichan’s current arts-and-culture manager, and a former Vancouver Fringe chief. “There’s no question these festivals bring economic benefits to all local businesses open in the evening.” Sparkes agreed. “The city was only one that helped us. Mike Coleman (then-mayor) helped make it easy; they let us do our Backwards Parade, and Paul Douville (ex-CAO) was on our board.” But all that fun took its toll on dedicated volunteers. “People just thought ‘It’s Fringe week’ but it’s hard to run a non-profit organization on that level and follow the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals rules,” said James. “It’s not just a week or two, but a full-time commitment.” And when no one emerged to help, the core decided they had to let it go. “Since then I’ve had so many people say ‘I miss the Fringe; why isn’t it still here?’” said James. “I say ‘Because you didn’t come out and help us. Where were you when we need bodies to run it?’” Still she, Olson and Sparkes would love to see a Fringe revival. “I could see a brainstorming session, and informally sitting down to impart knowledge,” said Olson. “It takes lots of dedicated people,” said Sparkes, “a supporting organization, and help on the take-off. I’d be interested in an advisory role but no leg work at this time.” James was sure old Fringe friends would mentor “some energetic young people” to resurrect the event. “There’s definitely interest out there.” She referred questions about government support to Schrader. “It would be great to bring it back,” said Schrader. “And this theatre would definitely step behind a serious group wanting to bring it back.” She and the theatre briefly dipped their toes in Fringe waters, hosting several Fringe plays in 2011. “We didn’t fill the bleachers, but we got on average 30 to 60 people. Also, we didn’t have a lot of time to promote that, so I’m not sure if people knew about it. These things seem to build momentum.” Experimental theatre also lures tourists, and economic spin-offs, she explained. “The Fringe is raw; it’s risk-taking theatre — you have a negative experience, or a very positive one, but it was always something to talk about the next day.” The consensus remains the Cowichan Fringe can one day be revived and that it will be worth the effort. Call it Frankenfringe. “It needs the right core of people, some good leadership, and great support from the media,” said Sparkes. “There’s theatre, but there’s nothing like the Fringe.”

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JEWEL in the CROWN

the brentwood college:

STORY by Ashley Degraaf PHOTOS by Andrew Leong

rentwood College headmaster Bud Patel credits much of his student’s success to higher ceilings, lots of windows and large open spaces. The seaside school’s name of game is its learning environments, explained Patel, who is putting the finishing touches on his first year at the private school.

The school’s Mill Bay campus serves a West Coast-style monument to its continuing success and achievements. Take the new School Centre for Arts & Humanities building. Imagine having your head buried in a book to look up to a breathtaking view of the coast. Or, how about sitting down to paint a canvas among an ocean landscape and an edging of swooping arbutus trees? continued page 24

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from page 22 It’s safe to say inspiration is plentiful and calming features are readily available. “I really applaud our board for taking a chance, a leap of faith, to design a modern and progressive learning space for students,” said Patel citing the Merrick Architecture firm in Victoria as the brains behind the layout of the structure officially opened this September. A high wooden ceiling stands among tall fir trees lined behind the building before miles of crystal blue ocean visualized through walls of glass windows inching as high as the ceiling beams. Spaces span sculpture, pottery, photography, digital recording for sound and film, two painting and drawing rooms, plus classrooms for academics including geography, environmental studies, globalization and more. “There is a ton of brain research citing benefits linked with building structures featuring higher ceilings and open spaces,” said Patel, noting bigger spaces also offer opportunities for more group and circle learning sessions. “It’s just simply awesome. You really have a strong sense of place. And you really have a strong sense of the learning environment.” The school’s newest $12-million addition hasn’t gone unnoticed by builders either. The recent sixth-annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards honoured the college with a Fortis B.C. Green Award for the addition — designed with geo-thermal heating. “There are two geo-loops powering the building, which also includes solar panels and a rain capturing device on the roof, which saves water for the campus’ grey water storage to replenish the school’s garden beds and plants.” Patel’s visited hundreds of schools through education conferences, school trips and meetings as head at Brentwood 24

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but also prior as an educator at Shawnigan Lake School and St. George’s in Vancouver. Hands down, Brentwood’s the most striking campus setting he’s been to, he said. In recognition of a million-dollar gift from the Patrick and Beryl Campbell Charitable Trust, green space north of the school’s dining hall, Crooks Hall and Student Services Centre is called Campbell Common. Framed by Mount Baker in the distance and overlooking Mill Bay and the marina in the foreground, the luscious link tying Crooks and the school’s theatre, T. Gil Bunch Centre, the common serves as a permanent reminder of Pat and Beryl’s commitment to youth and education, Patel explains. Crooks, meanwhile, was constructed in 2010. “The old dining hall we had kind of outgrown,” explained Patel of the space designed by architect Norm Hotson. “We wanted a more transformative space. It’s very West Coast architecture, with lots of open spaces, high-vaulted ceilings, lots of windows, and good use of wood,” said Patel. Students chill under criss-crossed chunks of cedar beams reminiscent of summer camp buildings and log cabin homes. Its cool architectural vibes mix well with more geo-thermal heating credits for what’s likely their highest energy building, with kitchen and laundry services equipment running steadily. The campus showpiece, however, is its theatre, built in 2002. “Not a lot has changed, but recently they’ve re-defined the walking paths around it,” explained Patel. “We’re very much a pedestrian campus. We’re in the most beautiful setting in the world, so we want people to be engaged with it.” The Bunch has stood the test of time.

“The design itself is very much in place,” said Patel of the building, also designed by Merrick Architecture. “It’s definitely elevated the game of our musical theatre troupe and our music and choir programs. It’s really elevated the expectations so much it’s hard to believe it’s high school. It’s really set the stage, no pun attended.” The 20,000 sq.-ft. facility includes a 431seat theatre, a dance studio, a media arts summer 2013

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room, a green room, four dressing rooms and other production-related spaces, as well as a music suite. “Architect Paul Merrick really captured the vision there,” added Patel.

staff and there are learning spaces along the waterfront as well,” said Patel. “It really captures the environment surrounding the campus with stunning views of the horizon.”

Patel would be remiss if he didn’t mention the school’s millennium trail created in 2000 that runs along the school’s neighbouring shoreline.

For the headmaster, he couldn’t be more proud of Brentwood’s campus.

“It’s very well used with students and

2013 summer

“It’s the jewel in the crown, really. We’re very lucky.”

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WATCHING

Ashley Degraaf

Karen Burley,

Director of Corporate Services at City of Duncan “There are so many movies I couldn’t imagine having to pick only three; however, the following do stand out for me.” • The Matrix starring Keanu Reeves. I like it because of its intriguing take on a simulated reality. It had amazing special effects of which it won an Oscar for. • Out of Africa with Meryl Streep. This movie was an excellent drama starring one of my favourite actresses, Streep. I loved the story and the cinematography was fantastic. This movie won seven Academy Awards including best picture and one for its cinematography. • Braveheart starring Mel Gibson. This was an amazing historical action drama that really captured the emotions of the Scottish fight against the British in the 13th century. It won an Oscar for best picture.

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Photographer, Kurt Knock Photography “To be honest, I haven’t watched many movies since we had our boys which explains why there are no new releases.” • Saving Private Ryan. This movie makes me appreciate the sacrifices people make during war times and the realism of the movie is quite incredible. • The Empire Strikes Back. An incredible escape from reality I have enjoyed since I was a kid and soon my boys will be watching it. • Snatch. I like the mix of grittiness and humour Guy Ritchie puts into his movies and I think Snatch is my favourite of his. summer 2013

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Owner Duncan Garage Showroom “All these films were seen when I was young. I guess I don’t go to movies much anymore. Life seems full of enough drama and humour.” • Fantasia. As a child, I was introduced to classical music because of this movie. It has stayed with me and I frequently visit to see if I am still affected the same. • Zacharia. A great rock ‘n’ roll cult flick that fell through the cracks. I saw it in Digby, Nova Scotia at a matinee. We were the only ones laughing most of the time. • Soylent Green. I never thought I would live to see the day and not sure I will but I do not believe it is far around the corner. 2013 summer

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Jen WOIKE North Cowichan’s youngest councillor finding perspective during her first term STORY by Maeve Maguire PHOTOS by Andrew Leong

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It was the Crofton allcandidates meeting in November 2011 and the candidates were answering questions regarding agriculture in the Cowichan Valley. A fellow candidate had just advocated for “fresh ideas about growing grain on Vancouver Island.” Woike, who won the Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 2009 for innovation and education at her family’s business, Farmer Ben’s Eggs, replied: “I have 100 cattle and 44,000 chickens. There’s not enough grain on this island to feed my farm.” Her vitriolic retort wasn’t meant to dismiss small or hobby farmers; in fact, it’s the contrary. She is frustrated by how under-utilized her farming skills are by new and growing farmers.

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“I think a lot of farmers in the area look at my way of industrialized farming as the bad guy, whereas I think we all need each other.

example of what makes this formidable woman intimidating to some. On voting day, the 40-year-old Woike won a seat in North Cowichan’s council chambers, finishing second to Ruth Hartmann, “by 23 votes, give or take,” Woike laughed. Woike makes no secret of how competitive she is. She doesn’t like to lose, which is why she baked me her specialty — rhubarb pie — at our meeting. It was a direct response to her loss to me in the chocolate-chip cookie category at last year’s Cowichan Exhibition. After 18 months as councillor, Woike admits she is still struggling with the process. “Right now there’s this really big idea I think is really important and I’m kind of getting shoved. They will ask, ‘Do you have a report to back that up?’ Well no, I just want to have a discussion. My creative brain just doesn’t work well in council chambers. You have to wait your turn and then the moment is gone.” She credits fellow councillor Barb Lines much of what she has learned.

“There are mentoring opportunities where industrialized farmers who have been in business longer can help people who are starting up, who have the ambition to grow and let someone else come in underneath them to take that small niche up. That’s what needs to happen.”

“I think, ‘what would have happened if I had never met her?’ She has taught me so much in such a short period of time.”

But that quick, strong response is an

“I totally think for myself. I would never

It was Lines who Woike called after a North Cowichan resident wrote a letter to the Chemainus Courier suggesting two conservative councillors unduly influenced her decisions on council. summer 2013

Run Date: July 12, 2013 Duncan Newsleader (5.27" x 4.6") Full Colour EOR#5691 vote based on how someone tells me to. I’ve (gone against the popular vote) many times and I’ve lost relationships because of it. I lived on Meadow Park Road for 10 years and a big sewer episode came through. The (residents’) vote was split 51% to 49%. It was the right thing to do to put sewer in that neighbourhood but the 49% who didn’t want it there were really upset with me.” Her independent thinking was one of the factors in her decision not to run for the B.C. Liberals in the recent provincial election. “I was asked to run, but I want to be able to speak how I feel. At the municipal level, I can. But provincially, if that’s not my party’s stance, I really can’t. And I thought to myself, I don’t know if that’s the right place for me. Maybe one day.”

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Woike already has the next municipal election in mind. Her goal is to get more young people voting. She recently attended a question-answer forum at her daughter’s school with this aim in mind. “We need to show kids we’re not all stodgy old politicians out to sit on our asses and get a pension. We need to get out there and show them how cool it is to get involved.” Averaging about 20 hours per week on the farm and many long days on council business, and with two children in elementary school and one in college, Woike has little time to sit. It’s hard to conceive how she manages without falling apart from exhaustion. continued next page 2013 summer

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from previous page “I think all mothers crack, we just try not to do it publicly,” she laughed. “My first and foremost job is being a mom. We have so many important jobs as women, for sure, but my kids are my life. “When I decided to run for council, the biggest question was how is this going to work? How can this not affect my children to the point that it’s not detrimental to them? I have a fantastic mother and father. That’s how it works.” Life in the public eye has its consequences, as Woike found out early in her campaign for council.

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Activists challenged her work as an industrialized egg farmer to the point where RCMP became involved. It’s not news to Woike that people take offence to her way of producing eggs. “How I look at it is if you don’t like the way I produce this type of food, don’t buy it. If the market bore me having 44,000 free-run hens in the Cowichan Valley, by all means we would do it. I’m totally confident what we do is not cruel. Unhappy hens don’t lay eggs; that’s the bottom line. “Is it perfect? No. It’s not perfect. But I think I produce a safe food product for a large portion of the community that can afford that. People forget we have a huge population of elderly and people on fixed incomes. Eggs are their protein. Some of these people don’t have the luxury of spending more on a free-range egg.” Greater perspective is what characterizes Woike’s journey as a councillor thus far. She is less reactive and more open-minded than the woman voters met in 2011. This shift is most evident in her approach to the decision council will soon make on allowing medicinal marijuana production in the Cowichan Valley.

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“I’m struggling with it because I don’t know if that’s the image I want to bring to my community. But just because I have an opinion doesn’t mean that’s the best thing for the community. I get that.” S summer 2013

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ake sinister Brother XII and the rich Dunsmuir family.

Duncan native Rebecca Campbell’s first novel was a slow sidetrack from studies toward her PhD in English and Canadian literature.

Add spicy Vaudeville and First World War history.

“My novel takes place in the present and the past. In the ‘20s and into the early ‘40s there’s a cult leader; in the present day there’s a different cult leader, in a city like Vancouver. The idea is there are linkages across time.” conntinued next page

Then toss in paranoid mystics, stir, and you’ll be reading The Paradise Engine.

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Across places, such as B.C.’s coast, too. “For example, Brother XII of DeCourcy Island,” Campbell, 37, said of the Gulf Islands’ late cult master.

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That’s where tenor-singer Liam worked 60 years earlier. Enter evil. In both eras, an apocalyptic strain of utopian mysticism threatens both characters’ existence: Anthea contends with a New Age movement in the heart of the city; Liam finds a radical, theosophical commune along the B.C. coast, where members appear to be building something.

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“That’s what the paradise engine is — this thing they’re building,” said Campbell. “There are two world views in this book, with paranoid mystics in both past and present waiting for the end of the world.

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“I took every mystical tradition in alchemy and science-fiction, and loaded it all on them,” said the Ontario College of Art & Design teacher, influenced by writers Julius Evola, and H.B. Lovecraft, who now calls Toronto her home.

Life rarely stands still.

“You don’t know, right? You don’t have to scratch very deep to find paranoid people. There’s so much anxiety about the future and so much defensiveness. “This is a Gothic story with weird, dark things in it,” Campbell said of her 269-pager. The Paradise Engine’s available, through NeWest Press, at Volume One Bookstore, Kobo, Chapter’s, and on Amazon.

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andering around historic Lakehouse and its pastoral grounds, it’s easy to see why owners Murray and Lia Woods are home bodies. It’s just so peaceful. Healing too — fitting for Murray, a semi-retired doctor.

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By the look of their well-kept 1929 home — built by legendary architect Douglas James — Lia and Murray clearly enjoy indoor and yard chores maintaining the magic of the 12-acre Lakehouse, perched on Quamichan Lake off rural Stamps Road. conntinued next page summer 2013

from previous page But with their kids gone from the nest, the Woods are simply seeking options that would come from selling the impressive place they bought eight years ago from Thia and Joe Swan. “We just love history,” said Murray. “So many interesting people have lived here, and that just adds depth to moving into a place that’s been improved by those who’ve owned Lakehouse.” He points to the original blueprints James drafted to rebuild Lakehouse after the original place, built by James Clarke, was razed by fire in ‘27.

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That calamity happened when the mansion was rented to Maj.-Gen. F. G. Willock, by owner by C. Bromilow. He sold the spread in 1928 to Cowichan Bay’s Col. J. Pritchard (Pritchard Road’s namesake), who hired architect James. Sir Ernest and Lady Walker bought Lakehouse in 1938, then sold it in 1945 to Hulbert Hop Gardens Ltd. 1947 saw the Glay family, and Nettie Flom, buy Lakehouse. It was sold to the Granby Springfords in ‘54. The Swans became

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the owners in 1989. Through all those caring owners, many original features on James’ plans remain — from pointed accents over the livingroom fireplace and doorways, to leadedand stained-glass windows, a cleverly designed phone cabinet, plus built-in bookcases and dressers. Murray points to where the original front-door entrance and kitchen were, having given way to more functionality seen in four-bedroom Lakehouse’s open, bright welcome. Views across their flagstone patio and gardens to the lake are stunning, yet comforting. “You can imagine how many parties we’ve had; we’ve had more than 100 people in here,” said Murray, noting actress Bette Davis and other notables are said to have stayed at their pad over the years. Yes, they just don’t build homes like Lakehouse anymore. That’s why the Woods take pains to maintain its history, blending old and 2013 summer

new with privacy at the end of their 1,500-foot driveway. Upgrades include what they’re probably most proud of: geo-thermal heating Murray and Lia had installed to replace Lakehouse’s costly, smelly heating-oil. “The sexiest thing ever done to this grand old lady,” said Lia, “is geo-thermal heating.” The free winter-heat and summer-cooling system — planted in their sprawling yard toward the lakefront — sees water heated by below-ground physics, then eventually pumped through the home’s original iron radiators. Light paint colours lend to Lakehouse’s airy feeling, while Lia cites black trim preferred by James, and bought from Cowichan’s late paint-business owner, Claude Green. “The Swans did lots of arty things to bring the light in, too,” she said, unrolling painter Thia Swan’s art degree from York University. “But it’s not pretentious here.” continued next page

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from previous page It is pastoral, thanks to the Woods yanking tons of ivy, periwinkle and other invasive plants strangling Lakehouse’s gardens and grounds until the couple waged a horticultural war. Victory left their colossal crib on Cowichan’s home-garden and heritage tours, particularly after Lia took a master-gardening course. The couple believes they own the island’s oldest rhododendron tree, plus many other tree species — including a copper birch, a massive dogwood, and an ancient cedar cypress — among towering firs, flanked by arbutus. Foliage and flowers decorate a yard walk past an old cookshack, character barn, guest carriage house, Murray’s tool-packed workshop, and Thia Swan’s former art studio.

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While Lakehouse could easily support a B&B, the Woods call it home. “This place is like a sanctuary,” says Murray. “There are 50 species of birds around here; every critter feels safe because it’s silent.” Character-home and garden lovers can own Lakehouse for $1.89 million. S

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BISTRO 161 Owned by Fatima Da Silva, Bistro is known for its original, casual & unconventional great food and its determination to giving back to the community.

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DUNCAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL Duncan Animal Hospital is “Your Other Family Doctor”. We welcome NEW patients with gentle care. See ad on page 39

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Todd Blumel, owner/operator continues in the tradition of his father, George to provide award-winning vehicles and superior service from his state-of-theart dealership. Expansion plans to be announced.

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food & beverage

GATHER FOOD & BEVERAGE Owners Deborah and Daryl Conner lead a talented team committed to locally & organically sourced food, while featuring unique and ethnically inspired menus. See ad on page 15

GARMENT DISTRICT The Garment District has been bringing Unique Affordable Fashions to the cowichan valley for 5 years and we look forward to many more years to come. See ad on page 45

GARY INTERIORS Custom draperies, blinds, shutters and upholstery since 1986, offering competitive pricing along with convenient, personable and professional service, Motorization and contract pricing are also available. See ad on page 11

summer 2013

m e e t GREAT FERMENTATIONS WINEMAKING is locally owned and operated and has been creating Award Winning Wines in the Cowichan Valley since 1993. See ad on page 32

IMAGINE THAT! ARTISANS DESIGNS

o u r

a d v e r t i s e r s NICON DEVELOPMENTS Nick Woywitka, owner of Nicon Developments Limited, a registered housing professional, has been building the Cowichan Valley since 1976. Nicon meets or exceeds industry standards in all new construction and development.

OLD FARM GARDEN CENTRE Known for our selection of outdoor ceramic pots, garden accessories, plants and shrubs. Locally Owned and operated.

See ad on page 15

See ad on page 27

2012 Platinum Award Winner. Providing residential real estate services in the Cowichan Valley since 1996. See ad on page 25

The valley’s full-service, party-rental company. For groups from 10-1000 we’ve got you covered, with beautiful white canopies up to 40’x 120’. See ad on page 9

See ad on page 19

An artisan run co-operative store featuring a wide selection of original, finely crafted local artwork. www.imaginethatartisans.com

JANET ABBOTT, REALTOR®

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

STATION STREET GALLERY & FRAME SHOP. Local artwork and gifts from Vancouver Island artisans. Original art, prints, pottery, woodwork, pewter, sculptures and jewelry. Professional quality custom framing for your valuable artwork or family treasures. See ad on page 9

OUTLOOKS MENSWEAR DUNCAN

VALLEY CARPET ONE

Since 1990, Outlooks Menswear has been dressing men in casual, business and formal attire for any fashion-savvy gent, occupation or occasion.

Locally owned and operated, Valley Carpet One is your neighbour and together we can find the perfect floor or window covering for you

See ad on page 40

See ad on page 18

UNCLE ALBERTS

230 KENNETH STREET • DUNCAN, BC • 250-748-2581 • w JOHANNSEN GROUP

POTS & PARAPHERNALIA

Kim Johannsen’s team of professional agents & administrators are dedicated to providing Real Estate service that is 2nd to none! From Ladysmith to the Malahat, we sell the Cowichan Valley!

A fabulous and beautiful collection of top quality, practical and decorative housewares and home décor. Kitchen, bedding, bath and edibles. Many unique items.

See ad on page 2

See ad on page 48

K.W. DOORS AND WINDOWS We are locally owned, operating in the Cowichan Valley since 1976. We specialize in hand crafted doors and windows for the west coast climate. automotive service. See ad on page 35

LEAF & PETAL Celebrating with flowers. Your source for the freshest cut flowers and contemporary flower arrangements delighting customers in the Cowichan Valley and throughout Vancouver Island. See ad on page 33

2013 summer

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS ACTIVEWEAR & YOGA BOUTIQUE

Uncle Albert’s has been serving the Cowichan Valley for over 40 years and is a family owned second generation business. We offer Beautiful Canadian made furniture. Let us help bring out the designer in you! See ad on page 27

UNITED CARPET

Casual to classy, studio to street. Yoga clothing, accessories and props. Versatile workout and casual wear.

Looking for flooring and window solutions? With over 52 years experience, we offer FREE in-house consultation. Give us a call or visit our showroom.

See ad on page 28

See ad on page 36

ROD’S AUTO GLASS & UPHOLSTERY LTD. We are locally owned and operated. Serving the Cowichan Valley since 1992. Specializing in your automotive and upholstery needs. See ad on page 45

VI LASER CENTRE & FASHION ACCESSORIES Was the first laser hair removal and threading shop in Duncan. Along with our new downtown location, we now sell affordable fashion handbags and accessories. See ad on page 25

VOLUME ONE BOOKSTORE

MARTIN’S

SB WINDOWS AND DOORS

Family Owned & Opearted in the Valley. We carry a huge selection of clothing and accessories for men, ladies, boys and girls. Your tuxedo rental center.

All your home improvements and more. Locally owned and operated. We are dedicated to providing quality products & services at competitive pricing.

A locally owned and operated, independent bookstore for over 40 years. A wide selection of new and bargain books, as well as an extensive children section.

See ad on page 34

See ad on page 46

See ad on page 37

MCBARLEYS

SHADES LADIES CLOTHING

WINDSOR PLYWOOD

Owners David and Victoria take food and drink as seriously as Cowichan Valley residents do, ``Crafted wine has evolved; it’s our job to make sure everyone knows it.”

Apparel for every woman from casual to elegant. A large selection of well known lines including Esprit, French Dressing, Joseph Ribkoff, Lole, Columbia and many more.

Locally owned & operated. Windsor Plywood Duncan strives to bring the most unique building products to the marketplace, from doors to hardwood floors.

See ad on page 40

See ad on page 26

See ad on page 41

MILL BAY PHARMASAVE LTD.

SOUTH ISLAND FIREPLACE

Mill Bay Pharmasave has been independently owned by the Skoretz family since 1978. We pride ourselves on providing the best possible pharmacy care available in the Cowichan Valley

WISHES

We are Vancouver Island’s largest retailer of fireplaces and stoves and has recently become the Island’s exclusive dealer for the luxurious La-Z-Boy Spas/ Hot Tub collection. Come visit our showrooms today!

A lovely boutique and a wonderful emporium of treasures full of inspiration for the spiritual, practical and magical. Books, jewellery, tarot, music, crystals and more.

See ad on page 47

See ad on page 23

See ad on page 36

station 43 station

Cowichan Valley Inn 6474 Trans Canada Hwy. Duncan, BC 250.748.2722 www.cowichanvalleyinn.com

The Full Service Hotel In the heart of the Valley

Beautiful rooms with Excellent Food & Service For groups, parties & out of town guests, your Best Choice in the Valley

**by the Cowichan Commons Mall at the North End of town**

ERICKSON FURNITURE AND APPLIANCE

rentwood Stuart Allen, or ‘Stu’ as many people know him, is downtown Duncan’s peace officer and bylaw enforcement officer. Always one to greet people with a genuine smile and a warm welcome, Stu loves the Cowichan Valley and the people who live here.

DISTINCTIVE QUALITY 277 GOVERNMENT STREET, DUNCAN 44

station station

250-748-2511

APPLIANCE CENTRE

www.furnitureduncan.ca

Stu moved to Vancouver Island from Nova Scotia 15 years ago. After 39 years working in the commercial print industry, he went on to work in security. Now as a commissionaire in downtown Duncan he says he’s never looked back and describes his role as “the best job in the world.” Stu spends his time playing the bag-pipes and enjoying the company of his friends, his wife, and his grandson. summer 2013

unique

coffee with:

affordable

stu

ALLEN

Fashions

STORY by Eliza Falkner PHOTO by Andrew Leong

Name: Stuart Allen Age: 62 How long have you lived in Cowichan? About 14 or 15 years in total. What brought you to the valley? It was work in the print industry that brought me here. Claim to fame? Decency and honour, which was influenced by my father. My dad was the best guy in my life and he used to say “it doesn’t cost a dime to be nice.” Current passion: I love to play bagpipes and fly fish. My big passion is my wife and spending time with my grandson. What’s on your bucket list? I’d like to go to Scotland and play the pipes in the hills. I’d also like to retire back home to Nova Scotia one day. 2013 summer

Favourite memories of Cowichan: Being with friends, having cook-outs, and catching some big trout are a few things that come to mind. What are you up to these days? I’m up to my neck right now in playing the bagpipes at weddings and funerals. What are some of the characters that make this place special? The shopowners downtown are great to deal with and the whole downtown core brings all the characters out. They all give some great laughs. What does the future hold? I’m going to keep on doing what I’m doing and eventually retire and maybe move back to Nova Scotia. S

Auto Glass and Upholstery

Specializing in:

• ICBC Claims • Rock Chip Repairs • Windshields • Auto/Marine Upholstery • Private Insurance Claims Mon.-Fri. 8-4:30

Fast Friendly Service 2986 Boys Rd, Duncan 748-4466

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Mill Bay Pharmasave making a difference... …because

250-743-9011

Mill Bay Centre Mill Bay BC Mon-Fri 9am-7pm Sat 9am-6pm Sun 11am-5pm Delivery Service Available 2013 summer

station 47 station

the Possibilities are... endless Pots & Paraphernalia 863 Canada Ave. â€˘ 748-4614 Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5:30 SUNDAY 11-4 shop online at www.potsandparaphernalia.ca

station station

summer 2013