May 30, 2014

Country Grocer’s quarterly food and lifestyle magazine

Friends &Family Summer 2014 | Complimentary

OH, Canada!

Hayley Wickenheiser celebrates Canada Day with Country Grocer

SUMMER SWEETS The best of the Okanagan for your table

www.countrygrocer.com

CELEBRATE TOGETHER

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Saluting Summer on the Island Welcome to this summer edition of Country Grocer’s Friends & Family magazine.

We have some exciting things planned for this summer!

On July 1, Country Grocer is PETER CAVIN, DIRECTOR, COUNTRY GROCER hosting the Great Canadian Road Hockey Game at three of our Island stores and we’re thrilled to be welcoming four-time Olympic Gold Medallist Hayley Wickenheiser to share the “ice” with us and the Island community. Find out more about the event and Hayley on page 10.

We’re also looking forward to launching a brand new website. We hope you enjoy its fresh new look, easier navigation, interesting articles, features and recipes, and of course, our e-flyer and mid-week specials.

Looking for some tasty ideas to share with your friends and family this summer? Chef Michael Williams has some yummy ideas, including a few suggestions to take your campfire cooking to new levels.

Top of the list for many shoppers over the next few months will be fresh BC fruits from the Okanagan – sweet peaches, nectarines and cherries that signal the height of summer. We chat with a few of our growers about their industry and what it means to have the support of Islanders in keeping the family farm thriving.

As we head into our 30th year in October, we want to express our appreciation for you choosing to shop with us.

We’re an Island-owned-and-operated business and we simply wouldn’t be here without you. Looking forward to the next decades, we will continue to offer great prices and outstanding service, backed by our commitment to the communities in which we live and work.

Now, let’s enjoy summer!

IN THIS ISSUE

Summer Sweets Summertime is sweet in the Okanagan Valley

16

Prostate Centre boosts men’s health

4 14

Oh, Canada!

10

> RECIPES: Spicy Maple Stir-fry Sauce Ginger Poached Halibut

Talking hockey with Hayley Wickenheiser

Watermelon Chia Fresca

20

24

26

CYCLE OF LIFE

ENTERTAINING IDEAS

SUMMER SHOPPING LIST

Editor Jennifer Blyth

jblyth@telus.net

Group Publisher

Sales Patty Doering

pdoering@vicnews.com Design Lily Chan Circulation Director

Penny Sakamoto Bruce Hogarth psakamoto@blackpress.ca Director, Sales and Advertising

Oliver Sommer osommer@blackpress.ca

On the Cover Olympic gold medalist and Team Canada hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser

Dave Holland photo

www.blackpress.ca

818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1E4 Phone 250-381-3484 Fax 250-386-2624

Friends & Family magazine is published quarterly by Country Grocer and Black Press. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher of Friends & Family. The contents of Friends & Family magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising.

Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com » 3

The sweet taste of summer Country Grocer’s Okanagan growers bring the best of BC to your summer table

BY JENNIFER BLYTH

F

or many Islanders, summer really is synonymous with the sweet, succulent tree fruits from the Okanagan – beautiful red cherries, juicy peaches and delicious apricots that start arriving from farms in July, the perfect accompaniment to lazy days at the beach or summer entertain-

ing.

The availability of many of those BC-grown products is thanks to the family farm.

Graem Nelson, whose company is a sales agent for 15 family-owned-and-operated Okanagan growers and packers, has been working with Country Grocer since the 1990s, supplying soft fruit such as cherries, apricots, peaches and nectarines.

“It’s a particularly good focus for us because of the size of the company, and their focus on local,” Graem says, noting that smaller family operations can find it challenging supplying the much larger chains.

In general, the Okanagan fruit industry is healthy, with a greater emphasis being placed on the independent growers, packers and shippers, Graem says. With

4 » Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com

“I call every cherry a miracle.”

– Greg Norton, Okanagan Harvest

that has also come a rekindling of entrepreneurial spirit among many growers.

Like many other BC farmers, “the biggest challenge is that our cost of production is higher than our American competitors because we are family farms and they are corporate,” Graem explains.

And that means focusing the attention on local shoppers, closer to home, who appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the best-quality, fresher produce that supports the BC families.

Chris Pollock, marketing manager for BC Tree Fruits, which represents 500 grower families, says the demand for BC fruit has been significant for the industry, allowing it to invest in innovations and improvements to remain competitive. About 80 per cent of their product stays in BC and Western Canada, with about 20 per cent sought-after in the US and Asia.

Support from Western retailers is huge, Chris says. “That support is imperative for the success of our industry and our growers.”

The Lasser family, of Lasser Produce in Keremeos, was one of the first families that moved to Keremeos from India in 1986 and today supplies cherries, peaches and pears to Country Grocer.

The family’s fruit stand on Highway 3 at the western entrance to Keremeos is a landmark and every summer, people from Vancouver Island visit their fruit stand because they recognize the name from their purchases at Country Grocer, says Sunny Lasser, who farms several orchards in Cawston and Keremeos.

Like every aspect of BC farming, the Okanagan fruit industry is evolving and in particular has shifted away from apples in favour of other crops, Graem says. Where the region was producing about 10 million boxes of apples when he started in the industry in the 1970s, today he estimates the number around three million. By and large, the shift has been to cherries, as demonstrated at Greg and

Sunny Lasser, who provides cherries, peaches and pears for Country Grocer, in his Keremeos orchard.

Chris Nortons’ Okanagan Harvest farm, and to wine grapes.

While Greg’s father and grandfather both grew apples, he had only a season or two under his belt when he decided apples weren’t for him. A summer job he and Chris shared cherry-picking, however, sparked his passion.

“I’m not an apple guy – I find them cold.

Because I’ve never been able to connect with apples, before Chris and I went into farming, we took a holiday and picked cherries. I haven’t looked back since.”

Internationally, the demand for the highquality BC cherries is significant, especially in the European and Asian markets, and when Greg and Chris first took over the orchard Greg’s grandfather planted in 1926, that’s where they shifted their focus.

More recently, however, they have turned their attention back home, bolstered by a greater consumer interest in supporting local growers. “Now we’re 80 per cent Canadian and our goal is 100 per cent,” Greg says, appreciating the work of businesses like Country Grocer in making that possible.

Graem Nelson photo

“I can tell you that for my wife and I both, when we found Country Grocer and (Produce Operations Manager) Rob Johnson, that was one of my highlights of my 26 years of farming. They understand the produce they get from the farmers, they understand their customers and their customers understand them,” he says. “I feel more like a partner and I can’t tell you how invaluable that is and how good it feels to us.”

Each summer, the Nortons welcome a harvest crew, the majority from Quebec, who enjoy the benefits of a good wage and enjoyable camp conditions. Some have been returning for more than a decade and during their month-long stay become like family.

“We pay top dollar for our workers because we demand a high-quality picking job,” Greg explains. “We’re very passionate about what we do, and they are an integral part of what we do.

“I call every cherry a miracle.”

The Nortons grow a wide variety of cherries, including the old Vans, yellow Ranier cherries and Lapins, plus about four acres of peaches, embracing soil and pest-management techniques that allow them to farm in a manner that is sustainable. Other than one acre of 60-year-old Van cherry trees, Greg and Chris have

Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com » 5

planted and nurtured each and every one. “You look after them and they’ll look after you,” Greg reflects.

While fruit-growing is year-round work, the time for harvest is relatively short, so the Nortons have found innovative ways to gain extra value from their crops. In addition to pesticide-free, compost-fed peaches, more recently they have added preservative-free, no-sugaradded sun-dried cherries, plus herbs, cherry pit products and even cherry stem tea they learned about from a picker who had discovered it in France.

“We feel really, really fortunate to be able to do this, and part of that is knowing that people on the Island get to enjoy a fantastic product.”

Did you know?

Cherries are one of today’s hottest new superfoods with studies suggesting tart cherries, enjoyed as dried and frozen cherries and cherry juice, have high levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, in addition to important nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.

Okanagan Harvest photo

Greg and Chris Norton, from Okanagan Harvest in Oliver, now concentrate much of their growing on cherries, instead of apples as in generations past.

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WHAT’S IN STORE

Brockman’s Almonds & Flakes Enjoy a sweet treat this summer with Brockman’s Almonds & Flakes, available in white, milk and dark chocolate varieties. Made with healthy almonds and crisp, gluten-free corn flakes and covered in smooth chocolate, this is an indulgence you don’t have to feel too guilty about!

Barbecue-ready kebabs Thinking barbecue tonight? Think beyond the burger with a delicious, healthy, grill-ready kebab from the Country Grocer meat department. Available in chicken, beef and pork and perfectly complemented with a selection of fresh veggies, dinner doesn’t get any better than this!

Portofino Breads With flavours like Cranberry sourdough and roasted garlic and cracked pepper, plus peasant loaves, pretzel kaisers, and all manner of other delicacies, it’s easy to see – and taste – why Portofino Bakery products have fast become one of Vancouver Island’s go-to choices for fresh, flavourful breads. Come discover your new favourite in Country Grocer’s bread aisle!

Daiya Pizza Think going gluten- and dairy-free means giving up pizza? Not anymore!

Daiya Pizza offers a delicious dairy, gluten and soy-free alternative to the traditional Italian favourite. Sample such flavours as mushroom and roasted garlic, cheese lovers, margherita and roasted vegetable.

Yum!

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We specialize in fresh strawberries, boysenberries, blackberries, raspberries, loganberries & tayberries.

We now offer varieties of jams: Raspberry, mixed berry, Blackberry/jalapeño, blackberry/strawberry, tayberry, loganberry, strawberry/blackberry/tayberry & strawberry.

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Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com » 9

Raising the Canadian flag in Sochi, Russia after the gold medal win.

Oh, Canada!

Hockey trailblazer Hayley Wickenheiser celebrates Canada Day with Country Grocer

BY JENNIFER BLYTH

I

sland hockey fans can celebrate Canada Day with a true Canadian great and a summer take on our national winter sport.

Country Grocer launches its Islanders for Islanders summer campaign by welcoming four-time Olympic gold medalist and national team hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser for a trio of July 1 road hockey games.

The day starts in Nanaimo at Country Grocer’s Bowen Road location from 10 a.m. to noon before continuing on to the Cobble Hill Country Grocer, where the fun picks up from 1 to 3 p.m.

The last stop for the day will be at the Esquimalt Country Grocer, with the action taking place

at the rear parking lot of the Archie Browning Sport Centre from 4 to 6 p.m.

“I’m really excited to come out to the Island again,” says Hayley, recalling a previous visit for an exhibition game against the US in the lead-up to the 2010 Olympics. “It’s always fun to hear the stories and just see the kids. They always remind you of the fun of hockey and why we all started playing.”

Widely regarded as one of the best female hockey players in the world, Hayley is also a community leader, mentor, history-maker and an accomplished businesswoman.

After learning to skate as a pre-schooler in Shaunavon, Sask, Hayley was playing organized hockey by five years old, idolizing Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux as she

10 » Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com

watched hockey with her father and honed her skills on their backyard rink.

What about the game sparks her passion?

“I think it’s that the game is never the same thing twice; every time you step on the ice, it’s something different,” she says.

In the public spotlight since being selected to the Canadian National Team at the young age of 15, Canadians have cheered as Hayley led the squad to six gold and one silver medal at the Women’s World Hockey Championships.

As an Olympian, she earned a silver medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics and Olympic gold medals in 2002, 2006, 2010 and most recently at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where she was selected to be the Canadian Olympic team flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies.

“I think it’s a big thing to encourage kids to dream and pursue something.”

– Hayley Wickenheiser A true athlete, Hayley was also a national-level softball player, and represented Canada at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics. While very different from the fast-paced experience of international hockey, “ball is more of a personal challenge within a team sport,” she says.

She credits her parents for the opportunities to explore her interests and develop her passions. “I was raised with parents who gave me the opportunities to play these sports, who never said no, and I had support for it through the years,” she reflects. Encouraging her to be active and try different things, “my parents said, ‘We don’t care what you do, but we want you to do something.’”

Striving to be the best she could possibly be, Hayley has also played professional men’s hockey, in 2003 becoming the first female hockey player to notch a point in a men’s professional game with the Kirkkonummen Salamat of the Finnish second division. She also played in Eskilstuna, Sweden with a men’s professional Division 1 hockey team for the 2008-09 season. Growing up playing hockey with the boys, this was in some ways more of the same, but at a level that forced her to challenge herself and improve. To be able to compete at that level, with that focus and tenacity, has cemented Hayley’s position as a trailblazer in sport generally, and women’s hockey in particular, efforts recognized in 2011 when she was named to the Order of Canada.

While “there’s no doubt it’s easier for girls now (in hockey)...I never looked at it that way; I only looked at it as me trying to be better and better.”

With a passion for giving back to the community, particularly to youth-focused organizations such as KidSport, Clean Air Champions and Spread The Net, Hayley has travelled to Rwanda with a team of Canadian Olympians for the athlete-driven humanitarian organization Right to Play, and to Ghana with her son, Noah, for a similar good-will mission. She has worked to raise the profile of women’s hockey around the world, and to provide mentoring opportunities for young athletes, including her legacy project, the Wickenheiser International Women’s Hockey Festival.

“I think it’s a big thing to encourage kids to dream and pursue something,” Hayley says.

Continuing her efforts on the international stage, it was announced during the 2014 Sochi Olympics that Hayley had been elected to the International Olympic Committee’s athletes’ commission. She looks forward to seeing how sport works at the highest level and working to ensure the Olympics remains about the athletes.

Hayley, now 35, looks forward to continuing her studies to become a doctor. Good news for sports fans, though, there’s also plenty of hockey still to come.

“When I was a girl, people used to tell me that girls don’t play hockey,” she notes on her website. “Nowadays, it’s

Greg Holland photos/High Performance Photography

Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com » 11

Wickenheiser • Named one of Sports Illustrated’s Top 20 Toughest Athletes in the World in 2008; • A two-time finalist for the Women’s Sports Foundation Team Athlete of the Year; • Recently named, for the second time, among the Globe and Mail’s Power 50 influencers in sport; • Named by QMI Agency as one of the top 10 Greatest Female Athletes in the History of Sports; • Appointed to the Order of Canada in 2011 “for her achievements as an athlete and for her contributions to the growth of women’s hockey;” • In 2003, she became the first female hockey player to notch a point in a men’s professional game with the Kirkkonummen Salamat of the Finnish second division. She also played in Eskilstuna, Sweden with a men’s professional Division 1 hockey team for the 2008-09 season; • Also an elite softball player, Hayley participated in the 2000 Summer Olympics as a member of Team Canada and worked as a softball analyst with CBC’s coverage of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics; • Favourite food is eggs and her favorite drink is cranberry with soda; • Her favourite NHL team is the Edmonton Oilers.

Greg Holland photo/High Performance Photography

FAST FACTS

Always challenging herself to improve, Hayley Wickenheiser has been a key component to the Canadian women’s hockey team since she was 15. natural to see a girl walk into the rink with a hockey bag on her shoulder! I really believe that if you truly love the game, you will work hard at it, and it won’t feel like hard work. I always try to find ways to improve each day, whether it’s working on my shot, skating, scoring or keeping fit.

“I feel I still have so much to learn about hockey, and I try to watch the best players

in the world on TV. Then, I go out on the ice and try to do what they do. I am not afraid to make mistakes, and I try to play as free and creative as I can in game situations. I like to focus on one shift at a time. Also, I do not focus on wins/losses, goals and assists, but rather on playing great inspiring hockey each time I am on the ice. Hockey is the greatest game in the world!

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Gregg Eligh photos

RECIPES from Chef Michael

Spicy Maple Stir-fry Sauce Servings: 4 Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 5 minutes This sweet and spicy sauce can be used in place of a bottled stir-fry sauce. It’s simple, delicious and so much better than most things you will find pre-made. Feel free to make in larger batches as it will last in the fridge.

Ingredients: For the sauce: 1 small shallot, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup tamari ¼ cup 100-per-cent-pure maple syrup 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 tsp ground coriander ½ tsp red pepper flakes 4 cups

veggies: Carrot, celery, cabbage, peppers, zucchini, onions etc.

Tomato Ginger Poached Halibut Servings: 2 Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 12 minutes With this delicious and simple recipe, you will part steam, part poach your fresh fish in a tasty sauce made by you. This simple preparation offers a gourmet touch and that will really impress those who you care about.

Ingredients: 1 Tbsp 1 1 Tbsp 1 cup ½ cup 1 Tbsp ½ tsp 2

butter shallot, sliced fresh ginger, chopped, not too fine fresh tomato, diced fresh-squeezed orange juice tamari (soy sauce) red pepper flakes fresh halibut or rockfish fillets

Method:

Method:

1. Start this off by combining all of the ingredients for the sauce in a mixing bowl.

2. Preheat a large fry pan on medium-high heat. Add the veggies of your choice and the sauce and sauté until the veggies are cooked and the sauce has concentrated.

3. Alternatively, sauté the veggies in a little bit of coconut oil or butter and caramelize before adding the sauce.

4. Serve alongside some rice or another grain and a protein.

1. Preheat a large fry pan on medium-high heat. Add the butter and then the shallots and ginger. Sauté until lightly browned.

2. Add the tomato, orange juice, tamari and red pepper flakes, cover with a lid and simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Now it’s time to add the fish. Make sure the sauce has enough liquid and is not going to burn while you poach/steam your fish. Add a little more orange juice/water if necessary.

4. Carefully place the fish in the pan. Cover with a lid, bring to a simmer and poach/steam the fish until it’s cooked how you like it.

5. Serve immediately with your favourite grain or legume (green lentils are a very nice choice) and top with the sauce from the pan.

Variations: • This sauce works great to stir-fry chicken, beef and pork as well.

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Watermelon Chia Fresca Servings: 3 Preparation Time: 10 minutes Super refreshing, this “fresca” is a take on a popular Mexican beverage where chia seeds are soaked in sweetened lemon/lime water. Instead of water, we are using watermelon and it is delicioso!

Ingredients: 4 cups watermelon Juice of 1 lime 2 Tbsp chia seeds 1 cup ice cubes Method: 1. This is a tough one folks I know… add the watermelon to the blender.

2. Add the lime juice to the blender.

3. Add the chia seeds to the blender.

4. Puree until smooth.

5. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the chia seeds gel and it will be ready for the patio!

Variations: • Before juicing the lime you could zest it and add that to the blender as well.

• Add 1 cup of plain yogurt to make a creamy version.

Find more recipes from Chef Michael at countrygrocer.com

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Campsite cooking made easy… and delicious!

S

ummer is finally upon us. For my family that means rollin’ in the Westy for as many camping trips as possible.

To me, nothing says summer more than sharing stories around a campfire, walks on the beach and waking up to chirping birdies in the forest.

After rolling out of bed on a crisp morning, I love to start a fire and sip a French press brew. Yes that’s right…I bring my French press to the camp site. I don’t like to

compromise when it comes to my morning coffee, even at the campsite. The same goes for my food and that’s what this article is all about…camp food without sacrifice.

Part of my role is getting as much food ready ahead of time as I can. Things like blanching potatoes for hash browns, cooking rice, whole grains and beans/legumes in advance, so all that’s needed is a quick fry to warm them. Chop up onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic and any other veggies ahead and keep in ziplock bags. Another way to get ahead is making up a batch of coleslaw, Greek salad, grain-based salad or other non-leafy green salad since they keep in the cooler for days. Hummus or other dips and veggies are great to have on hand for quick snacks. Another tactic that I like to employ is cooking up some soup, stew or chili ahead of time and then freezing it. It helps keep the cooler cold and you can use it toward the end of the trip once its has defrosted for a quick meal. Also bring frozen meats and use as they defrost.

One of my favourite things about camping is cooking on the fire. If you want to go beyond hotdogs and marshmallows and try some real open-fire cooking, then do this…Light your fire 90 minutes before you want to start cooking. Build up a good one, adding logs for 45 minutes or so. Then let the flames die down. You want a good base of coals so that you can have heat production without flames. Get yourself a portable metal grill and place it over the pit. You can move the coals around under the grill

to adjust the heat. You should be able to hold your hand over the grill for about five seconds before having to pull it away.

Now you’re ready…Burgers, steaks, roast chicken, pork loins, bratwurst, smokies and veggie/meat skewers are all good ideas and they taste so much better cooked over hot coals. With your pre-prepared salads and grains, you have an awesome meal.

If you want to take it a step further with some great campfire-cooked sides, try foilwrapped russet potatoes cooked right on the coals (rotate them with tongs every 10 minutes to prevent burning). Foil pouches cooked on the grill are amazing. Sliced Yukons, onion, garlic and butter; corn on the cob cooked the very same way? Yes…skip the onions and wrap husked cobs with butter, fresh chopped garlic, salt and pepper and cook until soft…delicious!

Another great foil pouch is a breakfast hash – butter, blanched potatoes, peppers, onions, bacon…cook that up until nicely browned and then open up the pouch, crack an egg into it and top with cheese. Close it back up and cook for another five minutes or so until the egg is cooked.

How about local prawns cooked in wine, garlic, butter and parsley? For each of these aforementioned ideas use heavy-duty foil or double layer the thin stuff. Once the fire-bans hit, all these ideas will work great on the BBQ grill.

As always, you can go to www.countrygrocer.com for all of my recipes, including lots of great camping ideas! Camp on…

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Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com » 15

THE PROSTATE CENTRE:

Helping men take charge of their health

BY JENNIFER BLYTH

I

f it ain’t broke, why fix it?

Too often, men keep this adage a little too close to heart when it comes to their own health, especially with issues such as prostate health.

“But the problem with prostate cancer is that there’s often no warning signs,” notes Leanne Koop, executive director of The Prostate Centre.

However, with a success rate of 95 per cent when caught early, “why would you not be tested?” Leanne asks.

The Prostate Centre provides advice, education and support for men and families on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands who are affected by prostate cancer or other prostate health issues, as well as sponsoring local research projects related to prostate cancer treatment and care. Through the efforts of staff, volunteers and the public, awareness is growing, Leanne says.

“I think prostate cancer used to be thought of as an old man’s disease and no one really wanted to talk about it. Now, because more men are being affected by the disease, there’s more willingness to talk about it,” she says.

“Start having the conversation with your family physician and if you need further

Chef Michael Williams, here with Country Grocer Marketing Assistant Ben Miller, will cook up some delicious, healthy options for Men’s Health Day.

Common symptoms of prostate cancer include: • the need to urinate often, especially at night (frequency) • intense need to urinate (urgency) • difficulty in starting or stopping the urine flow • inability to urinate • weak, decreased or interrupted urine stream • a sense of incompletely emptying the bladder • burning sensation or pain during urination • blood in the urine or semen • painful ejaculation However, prostate cancer can often be present in the body withDr. Cale Copeland, with Victoria Family Chiropractic, will help out these symptoms, which is why men live healthier at Men’s Health Day. The Prostate Centre recommends men over the age of 40 familiarize support, we are available to everyone free of themselves with the PSA blood test charge, for any type of prostate issue.” and speak with their doctors about prostate The prostate is a gland of the male reprocancer screening. It’s also important to note ductive system that contributes to the produc- that other non-cancerous conditions can tion of seminal fluid. It’s roughly the size of a also cause some of these symptoms. Both the walnut and is situated around the neck of the physical test and the blood test are recombladder, close to the rectum and surrounding mended as they can each reveal indicators the urethra. the other doesn’t, Leanne Prostate cancer screenexplains. ing includes both a digital Public awareness has rectal exam by a physibeen key to increasing the This is such a great cian, who can feel abnornumbers of men seeking service to the malities such as lumps, screening. community – we’re irregularities or hardnessIn addition to comes, and a Prostate Specific munity initiatives like the saving lives.”

Antigen (PSA) blood test.

Westcoast Motorcycle – Leanne Koop, executive Ride to Live and the FaPSA is a protein produced director, The Prostate Centre, by the prostate gland, and ther’s Day Do it for Dads about Men’s Health Day the test identifies elevated family run/walk, Country PSA levels that can indiGrocer Men’s Health Day cate cancer. The $30 test has been vital to getting is currently not covered by BC Medical, but is the message out to men and their loved ones. offered free of charge at the annual Country The annual education fair highlights issues Grocer Men’s Health Day, Sept. 13 at Tilrelated to all aspects of men’s health and fealicum Shopping Centre. tures free health assessments, consultations While many men experience natural prosand educational materials to encourage men tate enlargement as they age, if the prostate to implement positive lifestyle choices for expands too much, the urethra narrows and themselves and to seek early and appropriurination problems can occur. The prostate ate treatment for disease and injury. is also at the centre of a bundle of sexual The key component of the event is the free nerves, which is why prostate problems can PSA screening for prostate cancer and last lead to temporary impotence. year’s event provided 517 men with free PSA

16 » Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com

In the community June 1 – Fifth annual 2014 Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live in support of men and their families and friends affected by prostate cancer.

Funds raised on the Island stay on the Island to advance prostate cancer awareness, education and research. Visit www.vi-ridetolive.ca for more information, and to register online.

Volunteers encourage men to participate in Men’s Health Day, coming up Sept. 13 at Tillicum Mall.

tests. Of those, 22 had an elevated PSA, and three were at critical levels.

“We have seen the age of the men who stand in our line-ups getting younger and younger,” notes Leanne, seeing the shift as an indicator of increased awareness about the importance of proactive health care.

The Centre received a letter from a woman who was so grateful for the event that caught her husband’s condition before they had any idea things were wrong. “They were in the mall and he saw one of his friends at the Men’s Health Day event so he had the screening. He was successfully treated and he’s alive and here today,” Leanne says.

“This is such a great service to the community – we’re saving lives.”

Prostate Cancer Facts & Stats • Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among

Canadian men; • In 2013 an estimated 811 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer on Vancouver Island; • In 2013 the Prostate Centre provided direct patient support to 1,077 men and their families and had more than 125 volunteers working in the community at special events and speaking opportunities; • The centre’s four volunteer nurse counsellors donated more than 720 hours of their time to support centre clients; • On average, 475 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every week and 83 Canadian men will die of the disease; • Over their lifetimes, 1 in 7 Canadian men will develop prostate cancer, however with the increase in prostate cancer awareness, research and support, only 1 in 27 men will die from it. When caught and treated early, prostate cancer has a 90 to 95 per cent survival rate.

June 8 – Victoria UrbaCity Challenge, a team challenge race in support of the Prostate Centre. See urbacitychallenge. com for details.

June 15 – Father’s Day Do it for Dads 8K/3K Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer at Royal Roads University in Victoria. See www.theprostatecentre.org for registration information.

Sept. 13 – Country Grocer Men’s Health Day, an annual education fair highlighting issues related to all aspects of men’s health, and offering free PSA testing for prostate cancer at Tillicum Shopping Centre.

See www.countrygrocer.com for more details.

For more information about prostate health and The Prostate Centre, including services, events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.theprostatecentre.org

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Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com » 17

PROFILE

All in the family at Lake Cowichan T

the needs of the summer visitors who hroughout Country Grocer, provide such a boost to the local team members work hard economy. to spread the message to co“We do a lot for the community workers and customers that “here, and the community does a lot for you’ll feel like family.” us,” notes Jenn, who recalls her first Nowhere is that family message job in the store – stocking the pop stronger than in Lake Cowichan. coolers, especially important during Founded as Lake Cowichan Vilthose busy summer days. “I’ve always lage Market in 1986 by Pete and Joloved being here. We used to help out Anne Pimlott, the store is in many in the morning and then dad would ways the hub for the community take us out in the afternoon.”

– the place where the locals shop, After warming up with the Victoria but also where they gather over a Day Weekend, things really get rollmorning coffee, meet for lunch in ing with Lake Days in June and by the café, and where they support the Canada Day, the whole community is community’s schools, sports teams Jennifer Blyth photo buzzing with campers, boaters, river and charities during busy weekend rafters and others, right through fundraisers.

Lake Cowichan Country Grocer owner Pete Pimlott, far left, with Labour Day. Come summer, it’s also where the son-in-law Greg Pollner, wife Jo-Anne, daughter and store manager “We try to ensure you can find evJenn Pollner, granddaughter Sophie Pollner, son-in-law Paul Beaudoin, resort area’s thousands of visitors erything you need here,” Jenn notes. pick up so many of the necessities to daughter Sarah Beaudoin and new granddaughter Norah Beaudoin.

Staffing at the store grows accordmake their stay fun and enjoyable, counted among the 65 or so team members. ingly to accommodate the populakeeping them coming back weekend Back when the store first opened, 8,500 tion, providing the perfect summer jobs for after weekend, year after year. square feet of space fed Lake Cowichan and team members back from university.

Having grown up in the store, it’s also the surrounding towns; 15 years later, “it was Those same weekends are prime time for a place the Pimlotts’ two daughters, Jenn jam-packed to the ceiling,” Jenn recalls, and the parking lot hot dog sales raising muchPollner and Sarah Beaudoin, feel very much the family began working with the communeeded funds for local non-profits. “We’re at home, so it was natural for them to also nity toward a brand new store. In 2005, the pre-booked almost a year in advance,” Jenn make it their career. Today, Jenn is the store Pimlotts opened the current 26,000-squarenotes. “We’re committed to all the local manager, freeing up Pete and Jo-Anne for a events, like Lake Days, and especially to little more time with the grandkids, and Sarah foot full-service store that features a floral department, bakery, deli, health foods youth. We do a lot with the schools and with is the store’s health food expert and buyer. local sports teams.

Jenn’s husband, Greg, joined the fold working department, café and expansive seasonal area chock-full of everything for weekend visitors.

“I love all of it. I love the grocery business in the grocery area and Sarah’s husband, Paul, As the only full grocery store serving the and giving back to the community, seeing looks after the store’s refrigeration.

3,000 Lake Cowichan residents – 6,000 people come back three or four times a week, “We’re definitely all about family!” Jenn counting all the surrounding areas, and up to and being able to support them and to supsays. “I took a year or two off when I had 10,000 or so during the summer – the focus port our team members through that as well.

Sophie, but it’s hard to stay away when you on community has always been the founda“We’ve become kind of like a community love it and you’ve grown up with it.” tion of the business. They strive to balance centre where everyone comes to meet and In fact, “families” are represented throughthe needs of local residents – many who they have a coffee and share stories. It’s the best out the store, with partners, mothers and see three or four times a week, or more – and place to live!” daughters, cousins, and other relations Let us change your backyard into your favourite vacation spot

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Cycle of Life riders will travel nearly 200 kilometres through scenic southern Vancouver Island this summer in support of hospice care.

CYCLE OF LIFE Cyclists raised $24,000 last year for local hospice care.

Photos courtesy Morgan Turner Photography

C

yclists will be putting pedals in motion July 26 & 27 for the second annual Cycle of Life Tour group bike ride in support of hospice care.

Riders will cover nearly 200 kilometres in two days, passing through scenic South Island areas such as West Saanich, Saanich Inlet and Cowichan Valley, and enjoying an overnight stay on Salt Spring Island.

Sparked by an amazing community initiative and fundraiser for a colleague who passed away from cancer in 2010, Registered Massage Therapist Graham Robertson founded the Cycle of Life Tour, which started with a 2011 solo cycle from Anchorage, Alaska through the Yukon Territories and BC to Victoria, raising awareness and support for Victoria Hospice.

Hospice provides end-of-life care focused on palliative treatment. Unfortunately, most hospices, particularly those in less urban areas, depend solely on funding from community donations and events like the Cycle of Life Tour, Graham notes.

Hospice staff and volunteers are not only there to work with the patients, but also to support friends and family members during the grieving process through targeted bereavement and counselling therapy. Centres like the Victoria Hospice helped nearly 1,000 families last year alone.

Originally Graham chose Victoria Hospice because of the stories he’d heard from friends and colleagues. “For such a vital role that Victoria Hospice plays in the community, I was shocked by how little the community knew about its services, and this is what drove me into action,” he recalls.

No longer a solo long-distance ride, in 2013 a group ride format was introduced which enabled a significant increase in fundraising potential. To date, the Cycle of Life Tour has raised $55,000 for hospice care across Canada, with the majority of funding distributed to hospice care on lower Vancouver Island.

This year’s ride will leave from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, heading along the Galloping-

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Goose Regional Trail and through West Saanich out to Brentwood Bay. Crossing the Saanich Inlet by ship, the route follows Cowichan Valley’s rural coastline to Crofton arriving on Salt Spring Island. After overnighting, Day 2 will explore Salt Spring’s scenic country roads before crossing by ferry from Fulford Harbour to Swartz Bay. The ride returns along the Saanich Peninsula through some of Victoria’s most popular cycling routes.

Organized and operated by Graham Robertson and Beth Turner in their spare time, the Cycle of Life Tour has grown thanks to a crew of dedicated volunteers and a select group of generous sponsors and suppliers.

With their support, the tour operates as a zero-overhead event, meaning 100 per cent of proceeds go directly to hospice care in the community.

Every donation, no matter how small or large, is effective and gratefully appreciated, Graham says.

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Bark Butter Now Every Tree is a Birdfeeder® Exclusive to Wild Birds Unlimited

Dog days of summer not necessarily for the dogs Soaring summer temperatures may send us streaming outdoors, but those same sunny days can prove disastrous for your pets.

While a car ride might appeal to your canine pal the rest of the year, taking him along in the summer may not be the best idea, depending on your destination and whether you need to stop along the way.

The temperature inside a parked car at this time of year, even one that’s in the shade, can climb well above 38 degrees, notes the BC SPCA, pointing out that dogs can withstand high temperatures for only a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage or even death. It’s much kinder and far safer to leave your friend in a cool environment.

This summer, keep your dog safe: • Don’t leave your pet in the car, even a car parked in the shade.

• Use caution when running, cycling or rollerblading with your pet, as these activities pose serious risks of heatstroke, accidents and anxiety experi-

No other bird food attracts more species of birds (120 plus) than Jim’s Birdacious Bark Butter.

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enced by the animal. If you run or cycle with your dog, choose cooler times of day such as early morning or late evening and take plenty of breaks. Also, run on soft trails rather than on cement and asphalt, which can burn your pet’s foot pads.

• Always take water and an appropriate container from which your dog can drink.

• Have the number of a veterinarian on hand in case of an emergency.

• To avoid potential disaster, know the signs of heatstroke in pets: exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting), rapid or erratic pulse, salivation, weakness and muscle tremors, lack of coordination, convulsions or vomiting and collapse.

• If your dog shows symptoms of heatstroke, immediately move the animal to a cool, shady place.

Wet the dog with cool water including the head and feet and fan vigorously to promote evaporation. Do not apply ice, as this constricts blood flow which will inhibit cooling. Allow the dog to drink some cool water. Finally, get him to the vet right away.

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Jack is a five-year-old rescue Miniature Pinscher from California who brings much love and amusement to his family.

Jack is a lucky dog – his human dad is Dan Olson, who works at the Salt Spring Country Grocer and brings home yummy cookies from the store.

Jack is also very fond of children and enjoys long walks around the neighborhood.

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22 » Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com

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EAT FOR YOUR HEALTH Fresh fruits & veggies are a perfect addition to your spring shopping basket

O

ne of the best things about spring on Vancouver Island – apart from the beautiful blossoms and warm, sunny days – is the fresh flush of local fruits and veggies in the produce department.

Early greens give way to the season’s first berries which, in addition to tasting delicious, are great for us.

The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation notes that “one way to start improving your heart health immediately is to increase your intake of vegetables and fruit. Eating 4 to 10 servings every day may help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.”

Many fruits and vegetables offer a host of heart-healthy nutrients, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A. “These work as antioxidants in your body, helping to slow down or prevent atherosclerosis by reducing the build-up of plaque from cholesterol and other substances in the arteries,” the foundation notes. “Some of the vitamin C dynamos are broccoli, red peppers, strawberries, oranges, kiwi and cantaloupe. Since beta-carotene gives food a distinctive dark-orange, red or dark-green colour, you can easily spot the best sources, such as carrots, tomatoes, squash, pink grapefruit, sweet potatoes and Swiss chard.”

As an added bonus, most fruits and veggies also boost your fibre consumption and are naturally low-calorie – providing you skip the cheese and butter sauce – and are a snap to prepare.

Want more information? Visit www.heartandstroke.com

Victoria Toy Show Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave. Sidney, BC Sunday, June 8th, 2014 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Antique and collectible toys, Dolls, Tin Toys, Dinky Toys, Comics, Lego, Trains, Boats, Planes, Barbie’s, games and many more!

General Admission $3.00 • Children with Adult - FREE! For information or tables contact: Heather (250) 480-0349 email: victoriatoyshow@telus.net • www.victoriatoyshow.ca

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Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com » 23

Entertaining ideas

BY JENNIFER BLYTH

W

hile the holiday season takes centre stage for entertaining, for low-key, just-’cause-we-want-to enjoyment, summertime has it beat by a mile.

Long, lazy summer days mean no stress, and friends happy to hang out by the barbecue. Heck, they’ll probably even help you cook!

But low-key doesn’t have to mean boring. Here are a few tips to making your summer entertaining season one to remember!

1. Set a pretty table – Look no further

than your garden for tabletop inspiration. It doesn’t have to be fancy – select a few smaller canning jars or an old pitcher and decorate with fresh-picked flowers or branches from the garden. Think rustic charm! Try clustering a few together or set a simple row down the centre of the table. Try to stick with odd numbers, which are more pleasing to the eye.

2. Just add light – Those same canning

jars do double-duty as candleholders, a great way to extend your nighttime enjoyment without harsh outdoor lights or lanterns. Re-purpose those white Christmas lights and weave through a tree or potted shrub for a magical outdoor effect. Pot a scented citronella geranium nearby for a natural way to ward off pesky mosquitoes.

3.

Seek a Change of Venue – Dining al fresco is one of the great joys of summer,

but if you’re in a patio table rut, change things up by packing a picnic. Even if you only head to the cool grass of the backyard, you’ll be amazed at how different dinner will taste with a new perspective!

4.

Cool it! – When it’s hot, even barbecuing can seem like too much work. Instead, think cool and fresh, with a ploughman’s lunch of cheese, bread and cold meats, or a salad with cold chicken or tuna. Know tomorrow’s going to be a scorcher? Plan ahead and cook your protein or pasta the night before so it’s in the fridge and ready to go. Serve with Chef Michael’s Sangria Frappe (below) and finish with fresh berries or home-made sorbet, and you’ll have a most memorable meal.

5.

Be adventurous – Think beyond the mustard and mayo and kickstart your summer staples with fresh-from the-garden flavours. Hertel’s sausages are delicious dressed up with fresh crisp peppers!

Chef Mike’s Sangria Frappe Servings: 3 Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Warm days on the patio are best with a cold drink in hand. As a result, I came up with a sangria-inspired frappe and it is delicious! Skipping the hard alcohol sometimes in sangria and adding pureed fruit for some nutrition make this a better choice than most other libations, so enjoy!

Variations:

• Try blending in other fruits. Frozen watermelon or cantaloupe comes to mind.

Other berries would be nice, such as raspberries or blackberries.

Ingredients:

1 cup orange juice 1 cup Spanish red wine 1 Gala, Jona Gold or other crisp apple, peeled and core removed ¾ cup organic strawberries ¾ cup organic grapes 1 cup ice 1 cup sparkling lemon and lime water Method:

1. Add orange juice, red wine, apple, strawberries, grapes and ice to a blender. Blend on high until very smooth.

2. Transfer to a pitcher and stir in the sparkling water.

Adding the sparkling water before blending will eliminate the carbonation.

3. Serve and enjoy.

24 » Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com

for Summer

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SUMMER SIPPERS Looking for the perfect summer sipper?

We checked in with Rod Phillips, Director of Buying & Marketing for Liquor Plus, for his take on a few favourites to share with friends this season.

With selections for beer fans, wine lovers and those looking for something a little different, sip, sample and enjoy!

Victoria is a hotbed for craft beer so there’s no shortage of refreshing flavours to try.

Moon Under Water’s Lighter Side of the Moon Session Lager is craft brewed in Victoria by master brewer Clay Potter.

“A wonderfully refreshing and tasty brew just in time for sunny skies, this is an unfiltered Germanstyle lager that is brewed with orange peel to add a little zip on the finish. Serve well-chilled and with your feet up,” Rod recommends.

Rich in flavour, bold in body, refreshing in its finish, Hoyne’s Hoyner Pilsner is brewed to the exacting Czech Pilsner standards of old but with Hoyne’s own twist. “There is truth in real Pilsner and local boy Sean Hoyne has put a lot of truth into each bottle.”

Summer is the ideal time for a wheat beer and the naturally citrusy Phillips Wheat King is perfect for those who want both refreshment and bold flavour. However, it’s “only available during the summer, so chill down, add a slice of orange and enjoy!”

While the enthusiasts are many, the fact is not everyone enjoys beer. Luckily for those folks there’s some refreshing new selections on store shelves.

“Last year the summer was all about ‘hard iced tea,’” Rod says. “Summer 2014

promises to be the same, the only difference is that there are some local, BC-made hard iced teas that truly over-deliver. Hey Y’All Hard Iced Tea is brewed from black tea, sweetened with cane sugar and made here in BC. Pour it over ice and make the most of the heat of summer.”

Vancouver Islanders also enjoy more cider than anywhere else in Canada, “and those in the know are buying craft or artisanal ciders at an astonishing rate,” Rod notes, recommending Left Field Big Dry Cider as “a 100-percent BC craft cider that offers just enough tartness to refresh...completely.

Chill it down or pour it over ice.”

For wine lovers, the Chilean Terra Andina

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Cabernet Sauvignon is the quintessential barbecue red – “juicy, spicy, and fullbodied, perfect for ribs, burgers and steaks fresh off the barbie,” Rod says.

Prieure St. Hippolyte 2012 Rose from Langudoc, France, is a picnic-perfect classic dry French rose and an exceptional deal. Boasting bright strawberry and cherry flavours, and a refreshing long finish, “chill down, get some fresh strawberries, creamy cheeses and fresh baguette and soak in the Island summer.”

Finally, there’s Portugal’s Aveleda Vinho Verde: “a light, fresh, fruit-driven white wine with tiny, refreshing bubbles that we cork dorks call Frizzante,” Rod says. “Chill it down and serve with local shellfish, light pastas, salads and fresh fruits...Summer in a glass.”

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COWICHAN VALLEY June 15 – Father’s Day Tractor Show, at the Forest Discovery Centre, with a vintage tractor parade, slow tractor race, and train rides.

FMI: www. bcforestdiscoverycentre.com June 21 – Motorcycle Show & Shine for Help Fill A Dream, with entertainment, rib barbecue by donation, and a Freakshow Choppers exhibit, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cobble Hill Country Grocer. All welcome, no entry free, donations welcome!

July 1 – Happy Canada Day! Country Grocer hosts a special road hockey game featuring Hayley Wickenheiser, in the Cobble Hill Country Grocer parking lot from 1 to 3 p.m. FMI: www. countrygrocer.com July 5 & 6 – Small Wooden Boat Festival at the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre. FMI: www. classicboats.org July 5 & 6 – Cowichan Valley Grape Escape bike ride in support

of multiple sclerosis. FMI: www. cowichanvalleygrapeescape.com

NANAIMO May 31 – Hot Dog Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chase River Country Grocer in support of Dream to Travel.

June 7 – Hot Dog Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chase River Country Grocer in support of Relay for Life.

June 7 – Nanaimo Ultramarathon a 3/6/12 hour solo ultramarathon and 2, 3 or 4 person relay on Newcastle Island. FMI: www.viendurance. net/nanaimo-ultramarathon June 14 – Multicultural Festival in the Old City Quarter with family-friendly activities, entertainment and fabulous food, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

FMI: www.dnbia.ca June 21 – Hot Dog Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chase River Country Grocer in support of in support of Native All Star Lacrosse Team.

Painting & Auto Salvage

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26 » Friends&Family » FALL 2013 | countrygrocer.com

• ICBC & Private Insurance Claims Welcome • Complete Auto Repair • Collision Work We also • Windshield & Glass Replacement sell quality used cars • All Work Conditionally Guaranteed 250.391.1996 • Will Meet or Beat Competition • Written Quotes • Courtesy Cars

546 Dupplin Road, Victoria • jab546@telus.net • 250.388.6733

June 29 – Hot Dog Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chase River Country Grocer in support of Heart and Stroke.

July 1 – Happy Canada Day! Country Grocer hosts a special road hockey game featuring Hayley Wickenheiser, at the Bowen Road Country Grocer parking lot from 10 a.m. to noon.

FMI: www.countrygrocer.com July 26 & 27 – Bathtub Days Street Fair, Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association takes over Commercial Street and Victoria Crescent with music, roving entertainment, a pancake breakfast, vendors, artists and more.

FMI: www.dnbia.ca

LAKE COWICHAN June 1 to 8 – Cowichan Lake Days celebrates its 70th anniversary with games and entertainment for all ages. FMI: www.cowichanlakedays. com June 15 – Junk in the Trunk/Fruit & Veggies Under Cover, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Saywell Park.

Reserve space at: 250-749-3244 or lcchamber@shaw.ca

SALT SPRING June 14 & 15 – Bach on the Rock’s, Salt Spring Chamber Orchestra and Choir, presents Gilbert & Sullivan at ArtSpring. FMI: www.bachontherock. org July 13 – 12th annual Salt Spring Lavender Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sacred Mountain Lavender. Enjoy a fun festival full of music, dance and food inspired by France and learn from our gardening expert, lavender growing and distillation

what’s in the

demonstrations and more. FMI: sacredmountainlavender.com July 20 – Heritage Day, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Farmers’ Institute, 351 Rainbow Rd., with demonstrations of early arts and crafts, music, old farm equipment, games, food and more. The museum will be open showing the history of local agricultural heritage.

GREATER VICTORIA May 31 – Capital Iron/Country Grocer Celebrity Slider Cookoff, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join Chef Michael and local radio stations once again for the 3rd annual Celebrity Slider Cook-off at Capital Iron, downtown. Join us for a tasty lunch of sliders with proceeds benefiting the Mustard Seed Food Bank! See you there!

BAG

What must-have items will be in your grocery bag this summer?

June 13 to 15 – Esquimalt Buccaneer Days, for entertainment, midway and more. FMI: www. esquimaltbuccaneerdays.ca July 1 – Happy Canada Day! Country Grocer hosts a special road hockey game featuring Hayley Wickenheiser, in Esquimalt at the Archie Browning rear parking lot from 4 to 6 p.m.

FMI: www.countrygrocer.com July 1 to 5 – SkaFest brings fun, funky tunes to the Capital.

FMI: victoriaskafest.ca July 6 – Saanich Strawberry Festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Beaver Lake Park Free Admission.

FMI: saanichsunfest.ca

Nicki Cox A pre-school teacher and busy mom to two sporty sons, Owen, 12, and Carson, 15, Nicki’s summer grocery bag is full of plenty of healthy protein for growing boys – including milk, milk and more milk! – but also a few yummy ingredients for the season’s many barbecues....

1. Milk 2. Chicken 3. Veggies 4. Barbecue sauce 5. Skewers 6. Burger patties 7. Ketchup 8. Mustard 9. Local strawberries 10. Ice cream

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Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com » 27

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MEET THE TEAM

Esquimalt Postal Manager and parade volunteer extraordinaire!

W

ith kids, clowns, colourful floats, marching bands and more, everyone loves a parade – especially Melinda Luthy, postal manager at the Esquimalt Country Grocer, and parade volunteer extraordinaire!

Originally from California, Melinda moved north as a teen when her father’s job brought the family to Canada. A friend later coaxed her across the strait where she would meet future husband, Karl Woodward.

An enthusiastic volunteer for Country Grocer and in the community, expect to see Melinda involved with her co-workers at a variety of local parades this season. After participating in May’s Victoria Day parade in downtown Victoria, Melinda has her eye set on the next event, June’s Buccaneer Days parade in Esquimalt.

“It makes your heart feel 50 times bigger when you volunteer,” she says. “I just like getting out

into the community and supporting the community. I enjoy being at the parades and seeing the kids smile, and seeing people excited about Country Grocer participating in the parade.”

Some of the many skills that make Melinda a great volunteer also serve her well behind the postal counter.

“I like serving people and making customers happy. I like the one-on-one customer experience and finding the best deal for them,” she says.

Also a Country Grocer “core team captain,” Melinda works with other Esquimalt team members to foster a positive work environment and customer experience, by encouraging teambuilding and growth among staff, acting as a liaison between staff and the management team, and fostering the company’s customer service culture.

Outside of work, Melinda enjoys spending time with family, volunteering with her church... and parades!

In Brief Name: Melinda Luthy Store: Esquimalt Position: Postal Manager Years with Country Grocer: 3

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Over 100 styles of special and regular shoes for sale - over 20 years experience

Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com » 29

Stylish, space-saving solutions for your home

7 Community Locations COBBLE HILL 1400 Cowichan Bay Rd. 250-743-5639 8am to 9pm 7 days per week LAKE COWICHAN 83 Lake Cowichan Rd. 250-749-6335 7am to 9pm 7 days per week

Few homeowners can say they don’t need a little more space. And stylish, well-organized space? What could be better than that?

The solution may well be the space-saving Murphy Wall-Bed and companion custom cabinetry, crafted right here on the Saanich Peninsula. Murphy Wall-Beds has been in business for over 22 years.

“We focus on quality,” says owner Tom Bazin. “We make a quality product from beginning to end.”

Using patented, engineered Murphy bed hardware, quality materials and local construction expertise, ensures the excellence customers have come to know and expect from the Better Business Bureau-accredited business.

Bazin credits shop foreman James York as an essential component to the local company’s success. With the company since its founding more than two decades ago, “he’s probably the most experienced Murphy bed expert in North America,” he says.

Whether you’re trying to stretch the space you have or are looking to maximize space when down-sizing, Murphy beds are perfect for creating a dual-purpose room, guest room and craft or fitness room, for example. Others appreciate their flexibility in a bachelor or assisted living suite.

In addition, “there’s all kinds of different space-saving solutions that go hand-in-hand with the Murphy beds,” Bazin says, noting their designers and craftsmen can custom-craft virtually any cabinetry to complement your bed.

And with the Murphy beds accommodating the same variety of mattresses as a conventional bed, optimal comfort is ensured.

“A Murphy bed could be used in every single home – everyone is looking for space,” Bazin says.

Unsure just how a Murphy Wall-Bed will fit into your home? Take advantage of a free design service to help you envision how a bed will work in your home, including a special computerized drawing and design program that allows you to get a three-dimensional view of your room, before you commit.

Let us show you how to increase your useable space...

MURPHY

WALL-BEDS 3075 Douglas Street, Victoria • 250-744-2195 or 1-800-670-5505 www.murphybeds-victoria.com 30 » Friends&Family » SUMMER 2014 | countrygrocer.com

CHASE RIVER (NANAIMO) 82 Twelfth St. 250-753-7545 7am to 10pm 7 days per week DUFFERIN CRESCENT (NANAIMO) 1800 Dufferin Cresc.

250-591-5525 7am to 10pm 7 days per week

Give a Kudo

SALTSPRING ISLAND 374 Lower Ganges Rd. 250-537-8684 7am to 10pm 7 days per week ROYAL OAK (VICTORIA) 4420 West Saanich Rd. 250-708-3919 8am to 10pm 7 days per week ESQUIMALT (VICTORIA) 1153 Esquimalt Rd. 250-382-5515 8am to 10pm 7 days per week

Do you know a Country Grocer employee deserving recognition for an exceptional achievement? If you have been “wowed” or received outstanding customer service, take a few minutes to complete an Employee Recognition form and share your story.

Submit your Country Kudos in-store or online at countrygrocer.com

SCOTTYTREE & Arborist Service

ASK ABOUT OUR SPRING SPECIALS • Hazard Tree Evaluation & Removal • Pruning • Lot Clearing • Municipal Reports • Consultations • Timber Sales • Hedges • Stump Grinding • Chipping

250.220.9298 scottytree.com

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Supports BC Growers Country Grocer provides the highest quality produce direct from BC Farms.

Enjoy the best tastes of BC all year long!

Allan and Katheryn Boud reau, Island Hothouse, Ladysm ith

erations Rob Johnson, Produce Op with Manager, Country Grocer rvest Ha an Greg Norton from Okanag

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, Port Alb

ges Farm r Rage, Ra

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Ray Galey, G

aley Farms,

Saanich

7 Convenient Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island locations www.countrygrocer.com