September 30, 2014

FALL 2014

DENMAN OASIS

An expansive home overlooking the ocean is a work of art

COMOX ◗ COURTENAY ◗ CUMBERLAND

SUMMITS OF HOPE Comox nurses on a quest to climb Everest

SURVIVAL AT SEA

A first person account of search and rescue survival training HomeS ◗ garDenS ◗ TraVeL ◗ arT ◗ CULTUre ◗ reaL eSTaTe ◗ HeaLTH ◗ FooD

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Zena Williams Jennifer Cox Terry Farrell Scott Stanfield Erin Haluschak Leslie Cox John Cox

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Cover Photo by:

Liz Royer Peter Diespecker Donna Lafontaine Tracey Lawrence Liz Tribe Debbie Salmon Leslie Eaton Lenore Lowe Terry Farrell

Trio is the Comox Valley’s leading lifestyle magazine.

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T r io m ag a z ine | FALL 2 014

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Trio magazine is published quarterly by Black Press. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necesssarily reflect the views of the publisher of Trio. The contents of Trio magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

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C O M OX C O U R T E N AY CUMBERLAND

inside

FaLL 2014 Volume 2 issue 1

16 Summits of hope Comox nurses, Jill Blacklock and Coral Forbes are on a quest to climb Everest, raising funds for cancer care at BC Children’s Hospital.

10

A Denman Island oasis.

A custom Denman Island home, designed by Etienne de Villiers, is an oceanfront refuge for homeowners.

14

Back to the wild

20 Natural 24 indulgence

A rich tapestry of colour abounds in the autumn garden.

At Legato Gelato, goats are milked by name and fed natural ingredients to create a rich, flavourful gelato.

26

Survival at sea

Suspended in mid-air 60 feet above the ocean, reporter Scott Stanfield joins 19 Wing Search and Rescue in a day of sea survival school.

8

T r io m ag a z ine | FALL 2 014

F E AT U R E S

14

Maj Birch and her team of dedicated MARS volunteers are on a mission to rescue and rehabilitate native wildlife.

Autumn garden

10

24

20 26

Features Editor, Comox Valley Record www.jenniferleecox.com

◗ NOTEWORTHY

W

e are blessed to live in a community of caring individuals and natural resources. This issue of Trio represents only a fraction of the incredible bounty that surrounds us.

Turn to page 10 to read about an amazing oceanfront home that utilizes local materials to create an oasis that drapes itself across the landscape, where eagles fly overhead. herons stand regal, and seals bob their heads in the sea.

With such a diverse wildlife population, we are fortunate for individuals committed to conservation and protection.

At the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (page 14), Maj Birch works with volunteers to help injured wildlife, because she says, “Somebody needs to care!”

Caring is central to the work of nurses Jill Blacklock and Coral Forbes (cover story, page 16). If you see them around town in their hiking boots, give them a shout of encouragement because they are busy training. In November, the pair will be joining with a team of likeminded individuals to summit Everest in an effort to raise awareness and much needed funds for cancer care at BC Children’s Hospital.

It really is inspiring to see how much heart individuals around the Comox Valley put into their work. This truly is a community of caring!

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A

nn and Hamish Kimmins purchased their 15-acre oceanfront oasis on Denman Island in 1992. At the time they lived and worked in Vancouver, she as a community health nurse and he as a professor.

Hamish has a deep appreciation for the landscape. His lifetime of work teaching and promoting environmental sustainability in forest management was recognized in early 2014 when he was appointed to the Order of Canada. After dedicating so much of his career to the ecology of the forest, Hamish attributes deep meaning to the timber in his home’s construction as well as the surrounding property.

“I love Douglas Fir, the rich orange glow of the colour,” he says pointing to impressive beams of wood in the entranceway. They were repurposed from a 700-year old log previously used on a logging bridge in the Nimpkish Valley.

“Canfor was replacing old wooden bridges with steel and concrete, so one could go up there and buy the stringer logs,” he explains.

“This came from a 60-foot long log that I couldn’t see over!”

The Kimmins are proud of the fact that

PHoTograPHY BY JeSSe SaVage

much of the material used to build their home was sourced locally- even right on their property which is the grounds of an old quarry. The planks in their ceiling were made from second-growth Douglas Fir growing on their land.

Maples are a significant feature on the property, which they call Maple Grove.

Hamish and Ann have planted dozens of Japanese Maples with seeds collected from Vancouver street trees.

“I would cycle around in the fall when the colour was good and mark down the best trees,” says Hamish. “Then I would come back in a month when they were producing seed, fill my pockets and sow them in our little nursery.”

When construction of their custom home began in 2004, they called on Denman Island home designer, Etienne de Villiers, to head up the design.

“I loved the fact that they wanted to do something different,” he says. “Finding clients like Anne and Hamish is wonderful.

It’s not an every day thing.”

All rooms on the left have a door, which has a connotation of private space while the space to the right is open and welcoming. There are two bedrooms, Hamish’s office, Ann’s art

m o d e r n

room and a comfortable den. Unlike the rest of the house, which is made with Douglas Fir, the den is designed with knotty pine to provide an informal refuge.

De Villiers is inspired by homes that are both playful and simple.

“I like to think that I design homes that are always interesting,” he says. “That if you’re there long enough you begin to see different elements.”

Set on a cliff overlooking 1400 feet of private waterfront, the home’s floor to ceiling windows are 18 feet high and up to 450 pounds, making them a challenge to install.

“The windows were just timbers and glass,” de Villiers explains. “It takes a lot more effort to make a house simply than it does conventionally

l i v i n g

but the results are quite stunning.”

The house drapes itself across the landscape with a series of steps. From the deck a path flows down to the beach where the ocean begs to be swam in and kayaks wait to be floated across rolling waves.

“Ann always wanted a house that laid itself gently down a slope,” says Hamish explaining that they call their home the Falling House.

The acid-stained concrete floor continues in a smooth, fluid line as you step onto the deck so that apart from the walls there is no separation between indoors and outdoors. The concrete is cut with a diamond blade to give the impression of paving stones.

“Its one of the scariest things we did,” says Ann. “We had no idea how it would turn out.”

Under the floor, hot water pipes heat the house.

“The concrete stores a lot of heat,” says Hamish. “But if it’s really cold outside and the heat pump is not able to keep up, we do have the fireplace.”

The rammed earth fireplace is a work of art, constructed with geological layers of earth acquired from the Kimmins’ property. The environmentally friendly construction of natural materials creates an organic centrepiece in the sunken living room where the Kimmins spend many hours reading, drinking tea and listening to classical music.

“I call this the inside outside room,” says Hamish. “If you stand in the corner you can see the inside of the house and the outside of the house at the same time.”

The home is expansive and open, in the tradition of a First Nation’s longhouse.

Copper backsplash in the kitchen and dynamic light fixtures, that de Villiers custom-designed for the home, create a

warm, earthy ambiance while a flamecut granite countertop provides subtle elegance.

“We sat for so many hours and talked about how we would use the space, ” says Ann. “The builders asked questions such as where do the egg cups go?”

Working closely with the designer and builders from start to finish helped ensure that the project did not just meet, but exceeded, their expectations.

Ann and Hamish have huge respect for Etienne Design and the masterful craftsmanship of builders Luc Trepanier, Barton Goddard, and Randall Duncan.

“We were so lucky to have such amazing people to work for us,” says Ann. “We never once thought, this is such a complicated design, could we get someone to realize it? They were all extraordinary!”

“We are incredibly lucky to be here,” says Hamish. “Every day is a good day.”

by Jennifer Cox | Features Editor | Comox Valley Record www.jenniferleecox.com NOTHING SHADY ABOUT BUYING WINDOW COVERINGS AT CONTRACTORS’ PRICING!

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SARAH VALLINTINE Owner of SILLY CAKES Gluten Free Bakery GLUTEN-FREE PEOPLE shouldn't have to miss out on fun events. no-one should have to go without cake!

“PEOPLE ARE REALLY MAD FOR CUPCAKES,” says Sarah Vallintine, owner of Silly Cakes Gluten Free Bakery. Her special order bakery specializes in a variety of sweet and silly treats that range from bagels and bread to colourful birthday cakes.

The most popular flavours are classic standards- chocolate, vanilla and lemon, but don’t be surprised if she pours a cup of chai tea into the icing for a creamy and slightly spicy infusion of flavour.

“I love being silly!” exclaims Vallintine, who started her business in early 2013 after being laid off her job at a veterinary clinic - a position she held for over a decade. She began exploring her options, ultimately deciding to turn her passion for baking into a successful business.

The roots of Vallintine’s business go back to 2003, when she was diagnosed with celiac disease. There is nothing silly about celiac!

The disease affects an estimated 1 in 200 Canadians, and according to Health Canada many remain undiagnosed. As gluten damages the small intestine, it can lead to malnutrition, anemia and nutritional deficiencies. It causes severe abdominal upset and can affect skin, hormones, bones and joints.

PHoTograPHY BY Karen mCKinnon

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“I didn’t really bake before I was celiac,” Vallintine admits. Not wanting to miss out on the foods she loved, she pulled on an apron and began to scour recipe books. Over time, she mastered the art of creating light, fluffy cupcakes and cakes as well as breads, bagels, scones, muffins and pies.

“My chocolate cake recipe was just a complete fluke,” she says. “I started with a regular recipe, found the right combination of ingredients and tweaked it until I got it right!”

As the mother of two active boys, the ability to keep things silly is key to her success both at home and at work. She is also extremely dedicated. When her six-year old son asked for a Darth Vader cake he was certain his mom would make the best cake ever. He was right! You can find a photo of the Darth Vader cake at www.sillycakes.ca “My kids are always challenging me!” she laughs good-naturedly. “People coming to the party are expecting a good cake, and this is for my son so I have to live up to that expectation.”

Her philosophy is simple: “Gluten-free people shouldn’t have to miss out on fun events. Noone should have to go without cake!”

by Jennifer Cox | Features Editor | Comox Valley Record | www.jenniferleecox.com

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13

BACK TO THE WILD

A

n American kestrel, with its square-tipped tail and falconshaped wings, was the first bird Maj Birch rescued. It was 1986 and she was living in Tumbler Ridge working in the mining industry. Her husband found the injured bird on the side of the road with a sprained wing and brought it home. Birch had never rehabilitated a bird before, but as an experienced first-aider she felt confident that she could help. After six weeks she was able to set the bird free, starting a journey towards her current role managing the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS).

Since forming the MARS non-profit society in 1995, she has had a role in the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of injured birds and other wildlife. MARS treats over 500 creatures each year as part of a mission to “conserve and protect native wildlife and its natural habitat through education and rehabilitation.”

When the facility first opened twenty years ago, there were only two cages to hold injured birds.

Since then various community groups have come in to help with work parties to build up the facility. Birch has built strong relationships with local vets and spent many hours networking with members of the B.C. Wildlife Rehab Association where she has found a wealth of information and advice.

“I’ve learned quite a bit,” says Birch. “I had a

certificate that said I was a wildlife rehabilitator but still, each bird was a steep learning curve.”

The facility specializes in songbirds, waterfowl and raptors. “We rescue everything from bald eagles and trumpeter swans to hummingbirds,” says Birch. “But we have also had a huge number of mammals such as beavers, raccoons, minks and river otter. Our goal is to bring them back to the wild and that is our greatest reward.”

Every day, MARS receives phone calls from concerned citizens who have encountered injured wildlife. A common concern is small, injured birds that may have fallen from their nest. With these young birds the best help is often to leave them be.

“A baby bird on the ground does not always need to be rescued,” explains Birch.

“People will say they’re worried about a cat catching the bird. We say catch the cat and leave the bird.”

With a growing network of volunteers eager to tend to rescued wildlife, Birch now has time to explore her passion for conservation.

“Each year we see more and more trees disappearing,” she says. “This spring a tree was cut down that had three nests in it. A tree should always be

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“Our goal is to bring them back to the wild and that is our greatest reward.” ~Maj Birch

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assessed before being cut down but for some reason it wasn’t!”

Birch is a member of the Comox Valley Environmental Council and works tirelessly to educate the community on the importance of tree protection.

Autumn Savings Event 2014 September 5 - October 26, 2014

“Trees help support the rivers and lakes, and our estuary,” she says. “This habitat is so critical. The old veteran trees that the eagles prefer are few and far between now. There are many trees here but not all those trees are suitable for an eagle’s nest, and those trees support many other species as well.”

The first time Birch rescued an eagle she admits being intimidated but she has learned to overcome her fear.

“It is important to be calm before you go deal with them,” she says. “I think all birds can see the energy coming off of us, like an aura. If we’re in a rush or feeling nervous it will take three times as long to catch them.”

She explains that any time wildlife is being held is extremely stressful. Staff and volunteers try to examine them as quickly as possible to minimize the stress of captivity.

“You have to be aware of the stress on the animal. They think they’re going to be eaten because that’s what happens in the wild.

Purchase or more Purchase 55 ”or eligible Jenn-Air®® Jenn-Air Working with wildlife has been central to Birch’s lifeeligible for decades. appliances and and receive appliances “I think it’s taught me to listen more, to be more observant,” she says.

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by Jennifer Cox | Features Editor | Comox Valley Record www.jenniferleecox.com

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A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB

A

thirst for adventure and a heartfelt desire to raise funds to aid cancer patients in their recovery has inspired two local nurses on a quest to climb from the small Himalayan town of Lukla to the world-renowned Everest Base Camp, November 2-24, 2014.

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At an elevation of 18,204 feet, this is not a trip for the lighthearted but nurses Jill Blacklock and Coral Forbes are not intimidated. They have already purchased hiking boots and have been preparing for the climb by breaking in their shoes on local trails.

As part of their weekly training regime, the nurses climb the stairs at Goosespit. As they climb the 168 steps to the top, they visualize themselves in the Himalayas making their way towards the summit of Kala Pattar.

(Suddenly that steep staircase doesn’t seem so difficult!)

In addition to water and daily supplies each climber will ascend with their backpack filled with hope flags inscribed with messages from donors. Anyone donating $40 or more towards the climb has the opportunity to include a message to be flown at the summit.

Each message is forwarded to the individual climbers to personally inscribe on a colourful flag before the trip.

The flags share heartfelt messages such as, “sorrow stretches the heart to make a room for joy.” These flags are a moving reminder of the lives being impacted through the climb.

“The trek to basecamp isn’t just about us,” says Blacklock. The hike is part of an expedition organized by the not-for-profit association, Summits of Hope. The society is an official partner of the BC Children’s Hospital foundation, dedicated to promoting care, advocacy, research and education.

“Every cent we raise goes to BC Children’s Hospital,” says Forbes. She diligently researched the funding and asked lots of

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questions before committing to the climb.

Fundraising does not come naturally to her so she wanted to be absolutely sure that she could tell her friends and family where the money was going before asking for their support.

In her research, Forbes discovered that Summits of Hope has used funds to support important resources, such as the salary of a social worker to help children integrate home after cancer treatment.

Fundraising efforts include bottle drives, selling raffle tickets and sharing their story by word of mouth. Each participant in the climb is required to raise a minimum $5,000 (not including travel expenses).

The team that Forbes and Blacklock are heading to Everest with call themselves Care for Cancer. To raise awareness, Forbes sometimes wears her hiking gear to work.

This gives her an opportunity to share the excitement of her upcoming trip.

“They love it,” she says when asked how people respond. “Our patients are so supportive.”

She has many patients who bring in their cans to help her fundraise, including one couple who made a special trip to the hospital to bring her a bag of recycling after hearing her story.

"I’m learning that sometimes you just have to ask and you can be amazed at the results,” says Blacklock who has been humbled by the generosity of friends and family, including many nursing school alumni who she studied with decades ago. “It’s hard to generate that first letter asking for money but I sent a request and was amazed by who donated.”

As difficult as it is to raise funds and train for this hike, the patients they see in their clinic each day have been a constant source of inspiration for Blacklock and Forbes. It is especially difficult to see a child struggle with cancer. The letter they sent out requesting funds states, “Although this will

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be an incredible challenge for us physically and mentally, it cannot compare to the challenges and hardships faced by our children and their families when a child is diagnosed with cancer.”

The trip to Everest is their way to raise awareness and fundraise for a cause close to their hearts.

Forbes is humble about their quest.

“I’m just a regular joe,” she says when asked about her fundraising efforts. “I’m just touched when people bring me a bag of cans.”

“The biggest challenge is altitude,” says Blacklock, on preparing for

their climb. “That’s the thing that scares me the most. The highest altitude I’ve been at is Mount Haleakalā in Hawaii.”

When asked how long it took her to climb from sea level to the top of Mount Haleakalā at 10, 023 feet, she laughs. “I didn’t climb it, I drove up.”

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Despite a lack of experience, Summits of Hope promises to ease them into the climb safely.

The organization specializes in the best non-technical routes to get beginner climbers up the mountain safely while raising funds for an important cause.

by Jennifer Cox | Features Editor | Comox Valley Record www.jenniferleecox.com

Anyone interested in donating or wanting more information can visit www.summitsofhope.com or contact Jill Blacklock at 250-702-4676

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MUSIC: A FAMILY BOND

G

enerally speaking, parents aren't adamant about their offsprings' career path. The most important thing is that their children love what they are doing.

That said, if it so happens that a child follows in a parent's footsteps, it brings an added level of pride to the parent.

Helen Austin knew that wouldn't be the case with her daughter, Daisy.

“She was dead-set against ever being a musician,” said Helen.

“For as long as I can remember, I've always said there is no way at all that I would ever be a musician,” echoed Daisy.

The tour started last week.

Daisy accompanied Helen on the Big Little Lions mini tour in Cincinnati, Ohio – homeland of the musical duo’s other half, Paul Otten.

Big Little Lions launched their first CD earlier this year, and the band performed live for the

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first time – with Daisy included – at Filberg Park on Aug. 24.

That Daisy would follow a musical path comes as no surprise to Helen, considering her own upbringing.

"I come from a very classical background,” she said. “My mother was a pianist and my dad, he played piano as well. So I was brought up on classical music... and a little bit of ABBA.” Helen’s first musical instrument was the violin. Not entirely coincidental then, that the violin is Daisy’s instrument of choice.

“A little bit of pride there, absolutely – but I am a terrible violinist. I gave that up when I was 12,” she said. “My kids have already gone far beyond anything I can do. But yes, I am so proud of them.”

Helen’s son, Charlie, also plays violin.

“I think it was a computer game that I learned when I was about three, and I said ‘I want to learn that’, so we started taking violin lessons,” said Daisy, of what drew her to the fiddle.

There was never any pressure from Helen’s parents to steer her in a musical direction, nor has there been any from Helen (or her husband Trevor) toward Daisy.

They are simply environment.

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“It (playing music) is just what we did in my house, and that’s what I’ve done with my kids,” said Helen. “I figure if you grow up in a house where you just do it, then you’re not likely to get all upset and question it.

“I mean, we’re just brainwashing our children really, aren’t we,” she added, showing a bit of her past life in the process.

Helen’s first profession was not as a musician, but rather a musical comedienne.

“Yes, university was to blame for that,” she said of her career in comedy. “I went to university to acquire a performing arts degree with the flute and when I was there I started thinking ‘I don’t want to play the flute. What can I do with a flute?’ So I started taking voice lessons ... and from there, I started writing song parodies and did the comedy circuit in England.”

Although comedy was not a passion for Helen, she said that had the family not moved to Canada, she might still be doing it today.

“When I was living in England, it’s really difficult to turn down well-paid work, but

when I got here, I thought this was my chance to concentrate on music,” she said. “I knew there weren’t any comedy clubs on the Island and it didn’t make much sense to travel to Vancouver to do a gig for $50 when you pay $100 for the ferry.”

She would occasionally travel back to England to do the circuit, but eventually turned her focus onto music full-time.

Daisy was five years old when the family moved from downtown London to Union Bay, in 2002, and already showing signs of musical prowess.

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“Daisy started the Suzuki Method when she was three years old and she has just (finished training) to be a Suzuki teacher,” said Helen.

“She is going to teach violin.”

Dead-set against a musical career, you say?

“It was never going to happen – I was never going to do anything to do with music,” iterated Daisy, who will graduate from Mark R. Isfeld Secondary this year. “But then a couple of years ago, my mom’s friend had a son who really wanted to learn violin and there wasn’t a teacher available, so they insisted I teach him, and now I am teaching.”

Daisy credits a performance at the Zocalo Cafe in Courtenay as the turning point in her defiance.

“Mom was playing a gig at the Zocalo, about three years ago, and I don’t know why, but I asked her if I could sing harmony with her,” said Daisy. “So she taught me how to sing harmony for three of the songs and got me on stage.”

Now she takes the stage any time she can.

Helen said that her only advice for her children is to do what you love and love what you do.

“I’ve always told them to find what lights you up, find what you love to do, and then find a way of making money at it. My daughter has discovered that she just loves teaching kids the violin. My son, he says he wants to be a Lego designer, but we’ll see where that goes.”

Another gig at the ‘Zo’ might be in order.

by Terry Farrell | Editor | Comox Valley Record | editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com

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was definitely one of the deciding factors of replacing a too-large blue cedar with a slower growing Stewartia pseudocamellia; mainly because it would hold a spot of some importance in the front garden. All factors of the intended plant must indeed be considered in this instance.

What a happy surprise, come its first autumn in the garden, at how well the iridescent red of the Stewartia complimented the dark autumn burgundy of the doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum) nearby.

I wish to take credit but it was another pure fluke.

Fall colour combinations are fun but sometimes we are caught up in the wonderment of a solitary specimen radiating a rainbow of pure pleasure. Hypericum androsaemum 'Albury Purple' is one such delight in our garden. Its leaves – dashed in green, lime green, yellow, pink, red, burgundy – are singularly punctuated with purple-black berries throughout the fall months.

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Not to be outdone, we have discovered certain members of the grass family exhibit some fall colour. Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' waves golden-green in the cool breezes. The ruddy red flowers of both this grass and Miscanthus sinensis (maidenhair grass) look positively stunning when backlit.

However, autumn remains a sad time of year as the garden slides into decline. Thankfully, we are still blessed with bright gems in the borders.

sing with its beauty.

But what a surprise it is, isn't it? Who really plans for fall colour when they are designing their landscape?

We most certainly had no forethought when we placed a Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora' under an Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'. Simply put, the shrub's vase-like form, green stems and spring-time yellow double flowers were the deciding features for our side border. So it was purely a fluke that the autumn scene of the entrance path into our back garden becomes brilliantly lit in a blaze of yellow kerria leaves under the lustrous coppery halo of the Norway maple.

Having said that, I must admit fall colour

JEWELLERY for Every Occassion

Is there anyone who does not momentarily pause at the breath-taking beauty of dahlias? And although they may be plain, and sometimes a rigorous nuisance, I adore the pale pink flowers of Japanese anemone 'September Charm' and the pure white of 'Honorine Jobert' in the border.

Then there is Helenium 'Morheim Beauty'.

This sneezeweed has been such a flowering fool for so long by the time September rolls around, its flower heads are a burnished bronze from the summer heat.

The autumnal equinox. Give thanks for the rich tapestry it brings to your garden.

Leslie Cox co-owns Growing Concern Cottage Garden in Black Creek.

Her website is at www.duchessofdirt.ca and her column appears every second Thursday in the Record.

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tanding amidst thousands of excited fans in Hyde Park, London, listening to Neil Young belt out tunes on an elaborate stage with artificial oak trees curved around giant screens projecting the onstage action, Rob Phillips couldn’t be happier.

He was grinning like a little kid as he hummed along to acoustic favourites such as Heart of Gold, or Young’s amazing cover of the Bob Dylan classic Blowin’ in the Wind.

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But unlike other fans in the crowd, seeing Neil Young was not the high point of his day. That moment came hours earlier as he watched his son, Dylan Phillips, perform an opening set on that same stage- a stage that has been a platform for rock n’ roll legends since the 1960’s.

Dylan is a member of the popular Canadian indie rock band, Half Moon Run. The band is based in Montreal, Quebec but three of its four members hail from the Comox Valley. Since releasing their first album in 2012 they have toured Canada, Europe and Australia, building a growing fan base with their complex arrangements and rich sound.

Y DS & FAMIL the DEAR FRIEN -afternoon on media id m n so y m y m ith I linked up w my back-stage pass and rt . The ce t n ge co e to , th h e ft or el tw visit bef t or sh s to be a es g cc n ss was a a pass, havi p ia ed m e of th ay for the huge benefit the stage. You could st ng to vi t of right in fron s of each band before ha f course I g O n so t! a e re th th le d t n firs could ha I . d ell received ow w cr e e er , who w n re-join th u R n oo M how many alf did this for H crowd. Hard to estimate four. g of n by the swelli ey were the second act 0,000.

3 s th – a e 0 0 er ,0 th 0 e 2 er w e realm of th packed in a s s es a u w g age, it I would st on e m ca l . Being up Nei By the time g the capacity of 80,000 ency to be n nd venue, guessi oung was so cool. His te sted less la Y l es ei n front for N nt that none of his tu d center for ea n a m t er a jamm to be fron ot g I , so s, ute than 10 min utes! HE WAS EPIC! in m 0 3 st a le at

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Dylan initially moved to Montreal to study classical piano at the conservatory. He didn’t have aspirations of forming a popular indie band when he began jamming with Devon Portielje, and Conner Molander in his time off school, but from the time they started making music together they knew they had something powerful. This energy continued when Isaac Symonds joined the band.

Rob laughs as he recalls his son’s stories of running down the streets of Montreal with pieces of a drum kit and guitars, trying to get their equipment to a gig when none of the band members had a car. As he watched them rock the stage in Hyde Park as part of the Barclaycard British Summer Time concert series, he was struck by how far the band has come.

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“They toured Europe five times last year, 171 gigs, five European tours, three American tours, a festival in Iceland… They have tightened up their whole sound,” Rob says proudly. “They can afford roadies and a tour bus. It’s not as exhausting!”

In the days following the concert, Rob had the chance to explore London on a walking tour that included landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Regent’s Park, Hyde Park; and the British Museum of Natural History. It was a memorable experience from start to finish but the highlight of his trip was the chance to spend time with his son.

by Jennifer Cox | Features Editor | Comox Valley Record | www.jenniferleecox.com Used with the permission of the Bank of Canada.

PHoTograPHY BY JenniFer CoX

Natural

LEGATO GELATO: a

T

ucked away on a rural property just off the highway in Fanny Bay, Karen Fouracre and Jaki Ayton raise a rambunctious and joyful group of Toggenburg goats. As small-scale farmers, they take pride in the fact that they know their goats by name. They have been raising goats since they purchased their rural property together eighteen years ago. Best friends since high school, the resourceful pair determined that co-ownership would allow them to realize their dreams faster. So they pooled their finances, bought a small farm on Holiday Road and haven’t looked back.

“It was Jaki who was huge into goats,” Fouracre explains. “So we started breeding and showing, starting off with 16th and 17th place and now we have grand champions.”

Feeding and caring for their goats is a labour of love so when an opportunity arose to provide goat’s milk to Saltspring Island Cheese Company they jumped at the chance to have their animals

inDULgenCe

earn their keep. They formed Snap Dragon Dairy to meet a growing demand for goat’s milk but when they found themselves with milk leftover they knew they had to develop a secondary business plan.

“Everyone was making cheese and some are making it really well,” says Fouracre explaining that they didn’t want to compete with existing businesses on the island.

In 2012, they launched Legato Gelato, crafting small-scale artisan gelato, which they see through every step in the process. As Fouracre demonstrates her morning milking routine she jokes that dairy processing plants are only slightly more monitored than nuclear reactors.

“Everything is recorded,” she says noting that her intimate knowledge of the goats in her care helps ensure that Legato Gelato is made with 100% wholesome, natural ingredients.

She knows what her goats have eaten for breakfast and believes that their diet has a direct affect on the high quality gelato produced.

Serving the Comox Valley Since 1969

24

T r io m ag a zine | FA LL 2 014

“I’ve raised them all from babies,” says Fouracre proudly. “I know their personalities, how much milk I can expect out of them. I know them intimately.”

They milk the goats twice daily until they have 30-litres of milk. They then transport it to the Canadian Cultured Dairy Plant in Royston (the home of Tree Island Yogurt), where the milk is pasteurized.

The pasteurized goat’s milk is mixed with Legato Gelato’s secret recipe that includes organic eggs, organic sugar and organic cornstarch. The batch is cooked for several hours, forming a rich, flavourful custard ready to be mixed with a coulis of fresh fruit. Fouracre is proud to state that all berries are picked on local farms.

Legato gelato is processed in a commercial kitchen at Lush Valley. The community kitchen is shared with other regional food producers as part of a shared vision, promoting the production of local food. The kitchen is an ideal space for small-scale food production and Fouracre really appreciates having access to it.

As business grows, Fouracre hopes that more people will become open to trying goat’s milk.

“Some people have a built in negative attitude towards goat’s milk. My mother’s never had goat’s milk in her life but she knows it tastes bad. She won’t even try it,” says Fouracre as she puts together samples to share.

Once people have tried gelato they are able to see the flavour difference firsthand, and better understand its value.

“Gelato is much denser than ice cream and because we are only using real food, our flavour is more intense,” she says.

“Most ice creams, if you read the ingredients, are not even made with real dairy anymore. They are made with emulsifiers and preservatives. Our gelato has none of that. We’re using real food from start to finish. And because we’re raising the goats we know exactly what they’re eating.”

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Knowing where their food comes from is important to Fouracre and Ayton. They joke that when the hundred-mile diet was popular, they were following the one-mile diet, purchasing their food from neighbouring farms and vendors at the farmer’s market.

Fouracre smiles proudly, stating her philosophy on eating local: “It’s important for our community and important for our health.”

Legato Gelato is available at local retailers across Vancouver Island. For information visit www.legatogelatocanada.com

by Jennifer Cox | Features Editor | Comox Valley Record www.jenniferleecox.com

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FALL 2014 | T rio maga z in e

25

SMOKE ON THE WATER

SURVIVAL AT SEA THERE I WAS, SUSPENDED IN MID-AIR.

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I had put my trust in strangers, walking backwards atop a platform, barely three feet from plunging 60 feet into the ocean.

Looking towards Mount Washington, I stepped off the platform but didn't fall because I was attached by harness to a cable that angled into the water about half a football field away. Upon receiving instructions from

two military personnel — warrant officer Mark Glowach and Sgt. Derick Dixon — I gave the thumbs up and was sent on my way, ziplining towards the water. I landed softly in the ocean, where I was greeted by training sergeant John Elmes, a Search and Rescue Technician who helped me release the harness and inflate a floatation vest — technically called an LPU (life preserver underarm).

LET'S BACK UP A MINUTE. The morning started with a briefing from Elmes at the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue Sea Survival Detachment at 19 Wing's Goose Spit site. I found myself sitting amongst 25 young pilots attending the final day of a four-day course in sea survival school.

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Call it "self-preservation," in the words of Jeremy Gordon, who was part of the class of 20-somethings that included just two girls.

They were preparing for a transition training exercise starting at the platform and finishing at Tree Island near Denman Island.

Elmes started out on a light note before explaining the morning agenda: a full-on simulation of post-ejection from an aircraft. The exercise involved water entry, swimming to a para egress ring — or parachute training

ring — to simulate a parachute landing on top of a pilot following a water landing, and then swimming to a single-man liferaft. The latter is contained in the seat of the aircraft and exits the plane upon ejection.

Besides the necessary gear, Elmes suggests sunscreen might be in order.

The students filed out of the classroom and into change rooms where we helped each other into

a wetsuit, floater coat and para-harness.

Donning helmets and water boots, we formed two lines outside where Elmes took roll call.

One by one the pilots called out their number.

"Twenty six?" a grinning Elmes said, glancing in my direction.

"Twenty six," I acknowledged.

Weighted down by the wetsuits, we trudged a few hundred yards to the platform, where small groups ascended the stairs before taking the plunge. I watched as each student received instructions before ziplining.

Finally it was my turn, anticipating the cooling effect of the ocean. It was like a furnace underneath the wetsuit.

I must not have listened closely enough to the instructions because I was rotating as I ziplined through space. I was facing the water as I neared entry — which was the wrong direction — but managed to get my back turned at the last second.

Upon hitting the water, I used a combination of front crawl and backstroke (so to speak) to reach the parachute. Students need to orient their way underneath the chute to simulate a real-life situation. We did so by holding the chute up with one hand and swimming with the other, guiding our way across its diameter.

Then it was time to tackle the liferaft, into which I flopped on my stomach. I then needed to find linen cups Velcroed to the raft, used to bail water. When I was satisfied the raft would not sink, I needed to attach

by Velcro two flaps which form a tent. Once accomplished, it was remarkable how quickly the raft heated up. Apparently they work well, even in frigid temperatures.

I climbed out of the raft and up a ladder back onto land, where I chatted with my classmates, who came from all corners of Canada.

Gordon is a 25-year-old Vancouverite who was a civilian pilot before joining the military.

"It's a lot of information," he said of the fourday survival course that combines classroom and practical instruction. "You learn things that are counter-intuitive."

Be that as it may, these things will save a pilot's life if and when the time comes to hit the ejection button.

by Scott Stanfield | Record Staff reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com

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STEWARDS OF THE LAND

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PHoTograPHY ProViDeD BY amara FarmS

strong sense of community and a dedication to organic, sustainable food attracted Arzeena Hamir and Neil Turner to the Comox Valley.

Before buying their family-run farm in 2012, they spent hours driving down country roads, wandering downtown shops and visiting the farmer’s market. A series of serendipitous events led them to their 26-acre property but from the beginning they felt like they were moving to a community of like-minded individuals.

“It’s amazing how easy it’s been to fit in and find folks who care as much as we do,” says Hamir who is committed to organic, sustainable farming.

“It’s very different from when we lived in Richmond,” chimes in 9-year old Amina. “We make a lot more friends here because it’s a better community.”

“The things we get to do here are

different,” explains her older sister, Inara. “Instead of streets and heavy traffic we have lots of space to move around.”

the projects they worked on after graduation involved researching indigenous technical knowledge in India.

A typical day on the farm sees the family awake by 6 a.m., feeding animals and doing chores but they also make time for play.

Turner explains that this involved studying, “the knowledge held by people specific to a region, building on what’s already there, and appreciating that people living in a certain area have generations of knowledge of how things grow or don’t grow.”

“There is something happening every day,” says Hamir. “But we’re in this for the long haul so we make sure to take some down time.”

Hamir and Turner did not grow up in farming families but a commitment to sustainable food production is what brought the couple together. They met while studying at the University of Guelph.

After spending a few years working in international development with CUSO they headed to the University of London to pursue masters degrees. Hamir studied sustainable agriculture while Turner specialized in environmental policy. One of

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This concept is as true in developing countries as it is in our own region and the sharing of knowledge is just as important on Amara Farm as it was when the couple worked in international development.

“Even though we have an educational background in agriculture, there is so much we don’t know,” says Hamir. She is working with the Black Creek Community Association to bring in agricultural experts for a series of courses such as how to raise chickens, small market vegetable production, and cultivating healthy soil.

Another initiative she is passionate about is bringing vegetables into local schools. Every Tuesday throughout the school year between 70-80 teachers and students participate in a salad bar program at Huband Elementary.

Hamir would love to see others

follow their lead and is happy to guide interested schools in the process.

“It’s amazing,” Hamir says on the kid’s response to the salad bar.

“Now they go home and ask for salad. What parent is going to say no to a child asking for salad and vegetables? It’s incredible the impact it has!”

Amara Farm loves to welcome visitors to their property to learn about farming. Last fall they invited students from Glacier View Alternative high school to experience the harvest.

“That type of experience, for kids who don’t have access to growing food at home or even going to a farm, it can create quite an impression,” says Hamir.

Amara Farm grows organic produce year-round based on organic principles. The mission of the farm is to grow healthy food for the community.

“Our vision means no synthetic fertilizers, no pesticides and no GMO’s. We are trying to do this in a way that is sustainable,” says Hamir. “We want to close the loop, to have as much of our fertility local as possible. I don’t think Neil and I feel like we are the owners of this land. We are stewards of this property and trying to make it better.”

by Jennifer C ox | Features E ditor | C omox Valle y Record w w w.jenniferle e cox.com

BENEFITS FOR ALL AGES: • FAST • SAFE • EASY • AFFORDABLE • COMFORTABLE Available in Clear with a tooth coloured wire

Visit the new covered and heated patio on the river

PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION COURTENAY: 101 - 389 12th Street 250-338-5011 LADYSMITH: 27-370 Trans Canada Hwy 250-245-7151 in the Coronation Mall

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Meet OUR ADVERTISERS Daryl Thompson, Investors Group Whatever your plans, our personalized approach to financial planning can help make them a reality. Let us help you provide for the people you care about... now and over time.

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Locals Restaurant

Francis Jewellers Ltd.

Runge’s European Deli

Celebrating 80 years serving the Comox Valley. Our customer service combined with our pricing is unmatched by any competitor.

We carry a large line of jewellery, clocks, watches and gift ware.

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We specialize in the manufacture and installation of kitchen, vanity countertops, tub surroundings, shower walls, desktops, work surfaces and reception areas, ... we do it all.

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Meet OUR ADVERTISERS Island Dentures

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A Comox Valley resident for over 40 years. With his years of experience Kevin can provide the insight to the real estate market and is committed to the highest quality service possible.

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We are the authorized installation provider for heat pumps, furnaces & generators through the Home Depot and your local Trane & Mitsubishi dealer.

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A wide selection of women’s clothing and accessories. We are located at 307-D 14th Street Courtenay B.C. Visit us at www.prelovedfashions.com or call us at 250-871-0373 See our ad on page 15.

Blinds & Bubbles Boutique

Acheson Whitley Sweeney Foley Holekamp

The Mex Liquor Store

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We represent the injured person, never the insurance company.

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We take the time to know you.

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The Westerly Hotel

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We place the needs of our patients above everything else. We take special care of each one of our patients. You receive the finest quality dental care options available to maintaining optimum oral health.

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Come and visit our luxury appliance showroom which is continually updated, you’ll get hands on experience with our appliances. Our team will help you find the perfect ingredients to cook up your dream kitchen!

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Graham’s Jewellers

Local owner Dierdre strives to create an exciting mix of eclectic fashions with traditional flair and a modern twist.

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Family owned independent jewellery & giftware store serving the Comox Valley by the Big Clock since 1970.

Offering a broad range of products and services including jewellery and watch repairs & custom orders.

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Paradise Plants

Comox Pharmasave

We do landscaping, garden designs, installations, irrigation, walls, patios and ponds. Come visit us at our garden centre.

2480 Hardy Rd., Courtenay www.paradiseplants.ca See our ad on page 20.

Not your ordinary drugstore!

We offer extensive pharmacy and Home Healthcare services and also carry a wide variety of clothing and fashion accessories.

Stop by and see for yourself!

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A local Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration company in business since 2005. Owned by Shawn Dunn and Mike Nelson who have many years of experience in the industry.

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Courtenay Toyota

Family owned since 1983, Courtenay Toyota is the Comox Valley’s oldest single franchise dealership.

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Comox Valley Airport

The Comox Valley Airport offers friendly, personalized service and daily non-stop flights to/from Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

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Siefferts Farm Market

Shoebiz

True Dimension Hair Design

Locally owned & operated for over 20 years. We offer Men’s & Women’s hair cuts, hair colours, etc and a variety or retail hair products. Walk ins welcome.

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Open 7 days a week until Nov. 10.

Our fall hours 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Stock up on all your Winter Vegetables. Potatoes all winter.

Located 1 km past the Airport on 720Knight Rd. Comox 250-339-2988 See our ad on page 25.

Slegg Lumber Kitchen and Window Blind Design Centre

Comox Valley Elder College

Smoke on the Water

Step out in Style at Shoebiz. Let our staff help you choose the perfect shoes for any occasion. www.shoebiz.ca See our ad on page 9.

Whether you’re building your dream kitchen or renewing your window coverings, Laura and Tanya offer free in home consultations to help get you started.

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RE/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty

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The Comox Valley ElderCollege at North Island College is an educational community run by its members and committed to meeting the learning needs and educational interests of older adults in the Comox Valley.

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We offer a wide variety of pipe tobacco, smoke accessories, dry/wet vaporizers, electric cigarettes, Zippo lighters, de-tox & test kits and more.

Located at 493 Puntledge Road, Courtenay or call 250-871-8818 See our ad on page 26.

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took up photography 'seriously' in 1980 when I bought my first Minolta SLR camera, soon followed by a medium format Yashicamat for black and white work. After years of taking slides and producing black and white photos in my darkroom, I entered a slow period in the 1990s that ended with the purchase of my first digital camera in 2000. I now enjoy the editing process as much as taking the photographs.

I retired in 2011 and am now able to devote much more time to photography since moving to Courtenay where I have been active in the Comox Valley Camera Club and as a volunteer photographer with various local organizations.

I have always been attracted to the natural

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environment, especially rock and water combinations. The interplay allows for many interesting compositions at varying scales. A recent example is this photograph taken at the foot of Karst Creek Falls in Strathcona Provincial Park. I was fortunate to catch a small rainbow as falling water splattered on the rocks. Architecture and abstracts also are continuing interests for me, but increasingly I find myself turning to public events and focusing on people, both formal portraits and informal candid street photography. With Bill Jorgensen I have been documenting the jazz scene in the Comox Valley as my major project for the past year.

Much of my work is posted on my website at prsimages.zenfolio.com.

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PETER SINCLAIR P H o T o g r a P H e r FALL 2014 | T rio maga z in e

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BRING THE KIDS to COMOX for

Halloween FamilyFest

THE ALBERNI PROJECT - HMCS Alberni Memorial, located in the Comox Centre Mall, offers a glimpse into the stories and lives of Canadians during the Second World War’s longest battle.

SHOP & DINE in Comox!

Unique boutique shops, delightful dining possibilities, beautiful parks, a gorgeous golf course, a picturesque waterfront and so much more create an experience unparalleled.

The welcoming seaside town of Comox is your perfect year-round Vancouver Island destination.

Everything is within walking distance. Pick up a copy of our walking tour brochure and find your self-guided route for shopping, dining, our working harbour with catch of the day, as well as our scenic waterfront.

www.comoxbythesea.com www.facebook.com/comoxbythesea @comoxbythesea