March 8, 2023

SPRING 2023 - comoxvalleyrecord.com

COMOX

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C O U R T E N AY

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CUMBERLAND

NOT CLOWNING AROUND

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

CULT OF COLD

CLOWN PERSONA TAPS INTO COMEDY AND DRAMA

CREATING A COMMUNITY OF COLLABORATION

DISCOVER THE POWER OF COLD WATER

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INTERNATIONAL

WOMEN’S DAY MARCH 8, 2023 EVENT SPONSORED BY:

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THE WOMEN of the

Comox Valley Record 2

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06 10 17 14 EDITOR ERIN HALUSCHAK

19 PUBLISHER ARTUR CIASTKOWSKI

erin.haluschak@comoxvalleyrecord.com As a full-time journalist at the Comox Valley Record, Erin looks forward to showcasing in-depth stories of the culture, community and people of the Valley.

publisher@comoxvalleyrecord.com Spring is here and we’re overjoyed to deliver another phenominal Trio issue. Glance inside our special section of IWD 2023 in your lawn chair and enjoy.

GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY ROBINSON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ALI RODDAM

tammy.robinson@blvdmag.ca Tammy is an award-wining full-time graphic designer for Black Press with more than 15 years experience.

ali.roddam@blackpress.ca Ali Roddam is an experienced photographer, writer, and entrepreneur based in Black Creek.

Trio is produced by:

CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS

ADVERTISING SALES

ERIN HALUSCHAK Erin.Haluschak@comoxvalleyrecord.com

ALLISON BROWN Allison.brown@comoxvalleyrecord.com

SCOTT STANFIELD Scott.Stanfield@comoxvalleyrecord.com

PETER DIESPECKER Peter.diespecker@comoxvalleyrecord.com

JASPER MYERS Freelance writer

ROBIN ORR Robin.Orr@comoxvalleyrecord.com

MIKE CHOUINARD Contributor

TRACEY LAWRENCE Tracey.lawrence@comoxvalleyrecord.com

a division of

Available online: comoxvalleyrecord.com/e-editions PHONE: 1-250-338-5811 MAILING ADDRESS: 407-D Fifth Street, Courtenay V9N 1J7 Trio magazine is published quarterly by Black Press Media.

The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily 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.

Trio Magazine recognizes and respectfully

acknowledges that it is produced on the traditional unceded lands of the Puntledge, E’iksan, Sahtloot, Sasitla and K'ómoks First Nation.

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Savour those moments with Wolf-Sub Zero

CONTENTS SPRING 2023 EDITION

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HELPING THOSE HELP THEMSELVES

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Humanitarian association assisting with hot showers and clean clothes

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Cultivating a community of collaboration, empowerment and partnerships

CREATING THE CULT OF COLD Black Creek barber discovers power of cold water

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LEARNING TO BE A GRIEF ALLY

Premier and Specialty Kitchen Appliance Showroom

Author Aly Bird processes her loss with book

MAKING HER DREAMS COME TRUE Diana Kolpak’s clown persona taps into comedy and drama

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A HEALING TOUCH Rebecca Halls brings Gyrokinesis to the Comox Valley

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Indigenous youth suicide prevention bases in culturally-rooted practices

RINGING ON THE ICE Hockey’s counterpart growing in popularity

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HEALING WITH KNOWLEDGE AND SHARING

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A CENTURY OF MAIL IN UNION BAY Union Bay Post Office stamping its way into history

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10 QUESTIONS WITH ...

Cailyn Murray-Chamberlain

416A Puntledge Rd, Courtenay 1.250.334.3666 www.courtenayappliances.ca SPRING 2023 | TR I O MAGA Z IN E

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HELPING THOSE TO HELP THEMSELVES Humanitarian association assisting with hot showers and clean clothes

BY JASPER MYERS

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PHOTOS BY ALI RODDAM

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lean clothes and a hot shower can make such a difference for someone, according to Steven Guenther, executive director of the Wiseland Humanitarian Association.

Wiseland has a diverse group of volunteers from all walks of life like persons of colour, First Nations peoples, the elderly and disabled people.

“I’m trying to motivate people and help them towards helping themselves,” he said. “If I get you a shower, then you can get clean, you feel better, you can go face your world a bit easier.”

Providing laundry vouchers and hot showers to the Valley’s homeless population was an outgrowth of the medieval reenactment society Guenther participated in, the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA).

“When we do the SCA we go out and invade a park with a couple hundred people for a weekend,” said Guenther. “When you’re running around in a suit of armour for five or six hours, afterwards you need a shower.”

He built portable showers that he drove out to these reenactments, and the idea to provide showers to people in need came about. From there, Guenther said it turned into a not-for-profit and then into a charity.

He said the intent was to practise the medieval code of chivalry, which he said refers to the fact that those who can help should help.

Guenther said he knows he can’t solve problems, but he can help those who need it get clean and feel a little better. He said the work that Wiseland does provides a hand up, which enables people to essentially help themselves.

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“I’m trying to motivate people and help them towards helping themselves,” he said. “If I get you a shower, then you can get clean, you feel better, you can go face your world a bit easier.”

The City of Courtenay is taking over the shower program, providing free, hot showers at the Lewis Centre to those in need, instead of vouchers being handed out. Anyone seeking a hot shower will need their own towel and hygiene products, which Wiseland will provide.

The Comox Valley Transition Society runs an early morning shower program from 9 a.m. until noon, and anytime after that it will be through the city. The process simply requires individuals to sign in at the Lewis Centre to have access to the facilities.

Guenther says organizers are trying to normalize the process so that those needing a shower are not treated differently from anyone else using the facility.

The laundry program has been running since 2019 and Guenther said the voucher program results in about 1,000 loads of laundry per year. He added vouchers for laundry get handed out Mondays and Fridays at the soup

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kitchen and the vouchers are good for one full service at The Laundry on Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay.

“There’s regular loads and large loads, and the large loads let people do their sleeping bags and blankets,” he said.

Wiseland also hands out toilet paper, and Guenther noted they hand out about 4,000 rolls a year.

“It takes care of a basic sanitation need,” he said. “Toilet paper is used for a lot of other things when you’re living on the street…I’m kind of known as the toilet paper guy.”

Wiseland relies on grants and fundraises around town. Guenther said the community in the Valley has supported Wiseland and helped them continue to provide services to the people who need them.

“The people of this town are very generous, they’ve helped out a lot. We’ve got grant applications in, we’re waiting for grants. As long as the grants come through the programs are stable. At this point both the laundry, the showers and the toilet paper are secured for 2023.”

As for the future, Guenther said there are projects they would like to pursue, but the first priority is maintaining the current efforts.

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RINGING ON THE ICE Hockey’s counterpart growing in popularity

BY SCOTT STANDFIELD PHOTOS BY ALI RODDAM/SUBMITTED

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he Comox Valley Ringette Association is in its 12th year of existence, and numbers continue to grow yearly across all age groups.

The club sent four teams — three youth and one masters — to the West Coast Classic Jan. 13-15 in Richmond. The tournament is typically the first chance of the year for teams to have game play, association president Arran Arthur said.

“But this season, for the first time, we have started having games in the Comox Valley,” she said. “We are part of the Lower Mainland Ringette League’s schedule, and with the benefit of these regular games we saw a big difference in how our athletes competed. We are often aiming for a couple of goals each game and getting all the players engaged in the play. This year, the athletes were passing, (stick) checking, using strategy, and played with determination and grace.”

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The origins of ringette date back to 1963 when Sam Jacks introduced the sport in North Bay, Ont. Originally developed for girls, the sport is played on ice with a straight, tapered stick and a rubber ring. Like hockey, it’s played throughout Canada and in other countries, at various levels. Unlike hockey, ringette doesn’t involve body-checking.

“Ringette can be an excellent complement to hockey or an alternative if parents are looking for a non-contact ice sport,” said Arthur, whose EU passport enabled her to join the Czech Republic team on two occasions at World Ringette Championship tournaments.

Haley Hill, a past-president and a founding member of the CVRA along with Helen Oliphant and Arthur, has also played and coached at the world tournament. She has also taken several Vancouver Island teams to the BC Winter Games.

“She still helps on the board, and is very dedicated to the sport and its growth on the Island,” Arthur said of Hill.

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Another important member of the local ringette community is Jennifer Hedican — “another incredible inspiration for the sport,” Arthur said. In nearly 50 years of playing the sport, Hedican has helped the masters team win many gold medals at tournaments.

She is now head coach of the Under-14 team.

“We have a good mix of male and female players,” Arthur said.

“We are hoping to get more ‘FUNdamentals’ players out, and they can join any time. This age group, five to eight, is where we love to see lots of growth for the future of the association.”

The CVRA is committed to growing the sport Island-wide, but it needs people to start associations in Victoria, Duncan, Port Alberni, Port Hardy, Campbell River and anywhere else with enough interest. Comox Valley players are only able to compete on the mainland at tournaments, so it would be a huge boost for players to have competition on the Island.

For more information visit comoxvalleyringette.com.

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“I’m happy to be back in the Comox Valley,” Halls said. “I want to bring many of the things that I’ve learned from these international experiences to provide opportunities for other people to experience.”

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A HEALING TOUCH From Paris to L.A., Rebecca Halls brings Gyrokinesis to the Comox Valley

BY SCOTT STANFIELD PHOTOS BY ALI RODDAM

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ebecca Halls is a wellness practitioner who likes to help people feel good in their bodies using movement methods that open energy pathways, stimulate the nervous system, and increase range of motion and strength.

These holistic methods — Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis — employ spiralling, circular movements that offer cross-training for activities such as golf and tennis.

“The wonderful part about this work is that it’s gentle,” Halls said.

“People can exercise without creating any stress on the cartilage or the joints.”

The Comox-raised Halls studied contemporary dance at Concordia University in Montreal, where she started a dance career, though she had been working professionally before starting the program.

“I wanted to develop my skills as a choreographer and go a little deeper into different methods,” she said. “The training was incredible. We learned not only dance, but different release methods, and that’s how I discovered the Gyrotonic method and Gyrokinesis, along with many other methods that I plan to bring to the Comox Valley.”

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After graduating in 2009, Halls moved to Berlin to focus on a performance/choreography career. She also undertook projects such as music videos, and travelled throughout Europe. From there, she wanted to shift into a career in wellness. While in Germany, she became certified to teach the Gyrotonic method.

She then moved to Los Angeles — the “wellness capital of the world” — where she continued to perform, and completed further certifications in Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis, to increase her capacity as a teacher and trainer.

She worked with various celebrities in L.A., including actress Natalie Portman, whom Halls helped through her pregnancy.

“I was going to her house, and she was coming to mine, and at the studio. We became quite close, working all through the Gyrotonic method. She had her baby — that was her second child — and then we did the post-pregnancy work together as well.”

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Halls then accepted a job at a studio in Paris, where she worked with legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve. And she continued to work with Portman, who moved to Paris with her husband, who is French.

The Paris studio afforded Halls the luxury of doing everything in one place — which is what she had in mind for her centre called Unfolding Body, which she opened Jan. 3 in Cumberland. Hall and other practitioners offer osteopathy, the Gyrotonic method and more.

“I’m happy to be back in the Comox Valley,” Halls said. “I want to bring many of the things that I’ve learned from these international experiences to provide opportunities for other people to experience, in terms of movement, the body, and just well-being and feeling good. I think we all need that right now.

“We’re here also to support the health care system,” she added.

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Unfolding Body is located at 3276 2nd St. in Cumberland.

For more information, visit rebecca-halls.com, or www.unfoldingbody.space.

MAKING HER DREAMS COME TRUE Diana Kolpak’s clown persona taps into comedy and drama

BY SCOTT STANFIELD | PHOTOS BY ALI RODDAM

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he studied classical piano and trained as a theatre director, but when Diana Kolpak saw the clown duo Mump and Smoot in Toronto, she was inspired by what they were able to convey through comedy.

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She started studying with the ‘comic horror clowns,’ and discovered that clowning provided a way to combine her talents of performing, singing, writing and designing costumes.

“I think clowns are among the most subversive art forms,” said Kolpak, who loved watching Red Skelton when she was a child. “You can get away with saying serious things while making people laugh. That’s what clown is about to me, holding up a mirror to society and telling the truth, some of which we don’t want to see, in a way that people will laugh at but then later on will think, ‘Well, that was really serious.’”

In her 15-minute piece, Perfect, she performed liposuction on herself at the International Festival of Women Clowns (Clownin) in Vienna. Afterwards in the lobby, a young man told her the solo piece was his festival favourite because it was serious but funny at the same time.

“I said thank you because that’s exactly what I wanted to do,” said Kolpak, who was the first Canadian to perform at Clownin.

Born and raised in Lethbridge, Alta., Kolpak spent many years in Toronto before moving to the Comox Valley last year. She studied at McGill University in Montreal, and earned a masters in directing from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Kolpak feels that clowns are a “powerful archetype in our psyches.” She likens them to court jesters – the only ones who could get away with speaking the truth to royalty.

On stage, she said there’s a magic that happens at the intersection between the performer and the audience.

“Clown makes my dreams come true,” Kolpak said.

“When you put on that little red nose, or assume the character, the audience goes with you.

“There’s a power in clowning,” she added. “You have to be responsible with it as a performer.”

In February, she made her Comox Valley debut with her musical Blue, which she performed solo at Artful: The Gallery in Courtenay.

Some of her performances use a cast. The Gorgonetrevich Corps de Ballet Nationale in ‘Bethany’s Gate’, for instance, had a cast of eight.

“Depends on the project,” Kolpak said. “I follow my gut to the next project. Sometimes it’s theatre, sometimes it’s a short story, sometimes it’s a poem, sometimes it’s a full-on production.”

She’s always looking for partners to do something fun and creative with art.

“Crazy ideas are great, let’s see what we can do with that.”

Find out more at www.dianakolpak.ca

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A DVERTOR I A L F EAT U RE

AND

PRESENT

INTERNATIONAL

WOMEN’S DAY MARCH 8, 2023 EMBRACE YOUR POWER & EFFECT CHANGE

Cultivating a Community of Collaboration, Empowerment and Partnership

DR. DEIDRE MACDONALD BA,ND The Macdonald Centre for Natural Medicine Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician practicing in downtown Courtenay. In 26 years of practice, she has helped thousands of women to feel better.

She offers thorough medical analysis, blood work, and physical exams, including PAP tests. Then she helps her patients create a real plan to address their health concerns and optimize their health using natural and sometimes pharmaceutical solutions.

Dr. Macdonald focuses on improving energy, hormone balance, digestion, mental health, allergies and addressing complex chronic diseases.

Q: What is the best decision you ever made?

A: The best decision I ever made was leaving a fairly glamorous job at IBM and embarking on a path be becoming a naturopathic physician. Back in the early 90s hardly anyone knew what a naturopathic physician was. Now NDs are leading the conversation about personal responsibility for health, creating empowered

doctor-patient relationships, and using safe, common sense natural approaches whenever possible. 26 years later I still pinch myself that I get to do such meaningful work with such wonderful people. I’m still super curious about what makes people and their bodies work, and love giving people the care they deserve.

250-897-0235 | getwellhere.com

SPRING 2023 | I N TER N ATI ON A L WOMEN ’ S DAY

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A DV E RTO R IA L F E AT U RE

EMBRACE YOUR POWER & EFFECT CHANGE Our International Women’s Day supplement is a companion piece in conjunction with an event held at 40 Knots Winery March 8, 2023, to celebrate local women and their achievements within our community and abroad.

We would also like to extend our special thanks to Courtenay Appliances for stepping up as title sponsor and to all our sponsors of the IWD event. Your generosity and eagerness make this event such a huge success.

We had the privilege to welcome women to speak about their experiences and share their achievements with our guests.

Thank you.

The following pages highlight some of the tremendous individuals who live, work and play in the Comox Valley.

Artur Ciastkowski, PUBLISHER, COMOX VALLEY RECORD.

DAWN ELGIN

RHONDA STEVENS

LEE EVERSON

THERAPEUTIC COACH, PRACTITIONER AND INSTRUCTOR

DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATION, COMOX VALLEY HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

ADMINISTRATOR AND ALLY

Dawn is a vibrant example of what is possible in the realm of brain health.

Her own successful recovery after a series of serious traumatic brain injuries led her to the study and practice in mindfulness, yoga, coaching and other therapeutic approaches.

Dawn’s company, Practical Spiritualism, has been providing in-person and online coaching and wellness programs since 2017. She helps clients take control over their physical and mental health where they are comfortable and confident to explore, grow, heal and be empowered.

Her newest venture, Broken Squirrel Wellness, an interdisciplinary cognitive wellness centre, has garnered numerous awards within its first year and is going strong. Dawn’s session on overcoming adversity blends spiritual, medical and practical approaches to managing stress, mitigating trauma and navigating change with grace.

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Rhonda Stevens is originally from a small community in rural Newfoundland and enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1993 seven days after graduating high school.

Rhonda had a fulfilling 29-year career in the Royal Canadian Air Force and retired in August 2022.

Highlights include being a search and rescue navigator responding to hundreds of distress calls, accumulating approximately 3,500 hours primarily on the Buffalo aircraft. Three out of nine postings were in Comox where she had the honour and career highlight of being the Commanding Officer of 442 Search & Rescue Squadron and the Commander of 19 Wing.

In 2022, Rhonda was recognized as one of the top women in Defence Industry Canada.

Rhonda joined the team at the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation this past August as the director of partnerships and collaboration.

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The ladies of the Everson family are longtime residents of the Comox Valley.

Keisha and Kia, named La̱ ltła̱ n Dala’og̱wa and U’ma respectively, are members of the K’omoks First Nation while their mom Lee is a staunch Indigenous ally and carries the name Ke’nakwa̱ las.

Lee has worked for various non-profit organizations, including currently Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society, and is the administrator for the Kumugwe Cultural Society. Kia is an Indigenous youth and family navigator for Sasamans Society and Keisha is an Indigenous Language Teacher turned stay-at-home mom and occasional contractor.

Between the three ladies, there is a wealth of knowledge and lived experience as Indigenous women and as allies in an Indigenous family and community. They are excited to share with the community and celebrate the resilient Indigenous voices of their ancestors.

A DVERTOR I A L F EAT U RE

CHANTELLE MAILER Owner/General Manager Courtenay Appliances Courtenay Appliances has been serving the Comox Valley and North Island for 30 years, helping to create exceptional kitchens.

With over 57 brands to choose from, there is something for everyone who walks through the door, every budget, every style.

Chantelle and the Courtenay Appliances team are ready to bring everyone’s dream kitchen to life.

Courtenay Appliances also supports the community through sponsorships and partnerships to give back to the very community that has supported them for the past 30 years.

Q: What was the last achievement you celebrated (yours or another woman’s) and how did you celebrate?

A: It is a golden rule in our store that work stays at work. When we are at work we focus on work, and in turn when we leave at the end of the day we leave our work at the store. This way we can focus on the other important aspects of our lives and this helps creates a good balance.

A: We’re currently celebrating Courtenay Appliances being in business for 30 years, while also being a women-led business in a predominately male-dominated industry. We have many things in mind to help celebrate this anniversary year. So far we’ve had a cake decorating contest, hosted a Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce event, formed an events/sports team, and we will run events throughout the year to mark this momentous occasion.

Q: Who do you turn to when you need motivation or inspiration?

A: Over the years, I look to the team and family when I need an extra boost. We spend a third of our lives together at the store; team becomes family. I go to work and enjoy the people I see.

I want the best for them as well as our clients and that helps motivate me every day.

Q: What legacy do you think you’ll leave behind in your business?

A: The legacy I think I’d like to leave behind is that it matters what you put in your kitchen. It isn’t about how much money you spend, but what you spend it on. I dream of one day seeing kitchens with appliances that will stand the test of time and are built to do their jobs well. The appliances should reflect that the kitchen is the heart of our home.

Q: What is the best decision you ever made?

A: The best decision I ever made was building the team and business I built with Courtenay Appliances. I think the fact that we’re still here, celebrating 30 years, is testament to that.

Q: How do you create a work-life balance and create boundaries for yourself?

info@courtenayappliances.ca | 250-334-3666 | courtenayappliances.ca

SPRING 2023 | I N TER N ATI ON A L WOMEN ’ S DAY

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A DV E RTO R IA L F E AT U RE

ALI RODDAM Owner / Photographer Bellaphoto

Bellaphoto is a Comox Valley custom artistic portrait photographer. Bellaphoto captures both posed and candid moments in studio and on location in the beautiful scenic areas of the Comox Valley.

Q: What is the one skill you possess that helped shape your success?

A: Letting go of fear. Early in my career I made many decisions based on fear.

As soon as I truly believed there were enough clients for everyone, and that my clients would find, and choose me, my business started to flourish. That and wearing red lipstick on days where I feel insecure to assure myself I’m still a bad B#%^h!

info@bellaphoto.ca | 250-702-3100 | bellaphoto.ca

KAREN TRIMMER Real Estate Agent Royal LePage in the Comox Valley

After an extensive career in aviation as a heavy lift logging pilot Karen retired and decide to follow her heart into real estate.

Q: What is the best decision you ever made?

A: Starting a new career in real estate was definitely one of my best decisions. It fulfills many aspects in my life in many ways. Real estate is all about people, problem solving, being honest, being fair and being knowledgable. I get considerable joy out of finding the perfect home for someone or helping them with their next destination.

karentrimmer@royallepage.ca | 250-334-3124 | royallepage.ca

BARBARA & LISA Blackfin Pub

We have worked together for 17 years and through those years including operating the Blackfin through a Pandemic, we have led our team with compassion and integrity.

Q: Who do you turn to when you need motivation or inspiration” A: We turn to each other. Both of us are blessed to not only be co-workers, but close friends who inspire and motivate each other daily. We are the same age, parents of grown children and are equally devoted to our dedicated customers. We bounce ideas, share responsibilities and can count on each other through all aspects of life.

barbara@blackfinpub.com | 250-339-5030 | blackfinpub.com

MEGAN & RAIDA

Owners/Trainers BodyNetix Professional Fitness Training Megan and Raida from BodyNetix Professional Fitness Training. BodyNetix supports its clients with personal training, small group training, and over 30 group fitness classes per week.

Q: Who do you turn to when you need motivation or inspiration?

A: Definitely our clients! Every new client that walks in for the first time and leaves with a sweaty smile. Every client that tells us how much stronger they’re feeling, that has lifted a little heavier, jumped a little higher, ran a little faster. Every class full of hard work, and smiles, and laughter.

admin@bodynetix.ca | 250-871-2400 | bodynetix.com

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A DVERTOR I A L F EAT U RE

KATHY PILON RRC

MANDY LAURA BAKER DOBRANSKI CFP®, CPCA, RRC

Baker and Associates Private Wealth Management

Mandy, Kathy, and Laura are focused on empowerment for women by providing them a voice at the financial table. Clarity, education, and independence is our passion.

Baker & Associates Private Wealth Management provides the resources you need to take control of your wealth. Embrace the day - preparation builds confidence!

Q: What is the one skill you possess that helped shape your success?

A: Leave no stone unturned! Be the disturber and ask the hard questions as someone has too. Once it’s on table, it’s hard to ignore.

A: We possess good intent with high ability. We say what we mean, and we do what we say.

Q: What was the last achievement you celebrated (yours or another women’s) and how did you celebrate?

A: This is a great question and has made us reflect on how we need to celebrate our successes. Challenge accepted!

Q: What is the best decision you ever made?

A: Focusing on women within our practice. Often, we’re asked “Do you not work with men?” Our reply is “We don’t exclude men, we INCLUDE women, giving them a voice at the financial table”.

Q: How did you turn a past mistake into an opportunity which had a significant impact on your business?

Q: How do you create a work-life balance and create boundaries for yourself?

A: Family first, always. Balance is unique for each one of us and it does not come easily.

Q: Who do you turn to when you need motivation or inspiration?

A: We are fortunate to collaborate with IG’s Women of the West Private Wealth group. We gather monthly to share what’s working, what’s not, and how others are leading their team to success.

Q: What legacy do you think you’ll leave behind in your business?

A: We were Unstoppable, Inspirational and Empowering.

mandy.baker@igpwm.ca | 250-331-6200 | bakerpwm.ca

Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

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LISA KRISTY JESSICA MIRANDA PARKER PEDERSEN DUNBAR SWIFT OFFICE MANAGER

MARKETING MANAGER

PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR

HOMES CO-ORDINATOR

Crown Isle Real Estate • Crown Isle Homes • Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community

Q: What legacy do you think you’ll leave behind in your business?

Q: Who do you turn to when you need motivation or inspiration?

LISA PARKER As a team, over the past couple of years we have advanced our service levels, developed digitized and remote operations, expanded our apprentice and mentoring partnerships, and enhanced our homeowner and builder relations. Although I am a carpenter’s daughter and I’ve learned a lot, every day is a school day in the construction and development world. I am excited to see how the next phases of construction unfold in the Crown Isle community, and for many years to come!

MIRANDA SWIFT: I’ve always been a fan of trailblazers, including the many generations of women who have stepped out and fought for the rights we have today. They are a constant inspiration to me, and something that I have taken advantage of throughout my life.

Q: What is one skill you possess that helped shape your success?

JESSICA DUNBAR: “Adaptability” has helped me improve in all areas of business. Adjusting quickly in response to new ideas, technologies and regulations has greatly assisted me in my role at Crown Isle Homes.

We work with several clients at the same time, each with their own vision for their dream home. Being flexible and open to new ideas and changes, as well as being proactive around potential issues makes for a better work environment for our team. The more I learn and adapt, the more I expand my knowledge of the industry.

I have come to construction from a very different career, and I’ve had to learn and adapt. As the newest member of the team, I’m once again leaning on the women who have been here before me for support as I find my way in this industry.

Q: How do you create a work-life balance and create boundaries for yourself??

KRISTY PEDERSEN: At Crown Isle we have big goals for 2023, the 35th for our resort community (30 for golf). With an engaging and busy work environment, it can be challenging to turn work “off” at the end of the day. Getting some midday fresh air, bike commuting, and weekend trail riding help me reset before and after my day so that I can be focused when back at my desk.

The opportunity to work together with a talented team of women across all our Crown Isle divisions helps balance the demands of the job, plus keep things fun and interesting.

info@crownisle.com | 250-703-5000 | crownisle.com

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BRENDA HETMAN-CRAIG Owner 40 Knots Group Oprah Winfrey said “There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honour your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.”

I work to honour my calling, however, my calling was never clearer to me, than when I first set foot on the property that became 40 Knots Winery. It was a feeling that this is where I am supposed to be. It allows me the freedom to work on my purpose and I feel more alive now than ever before. Perhaps that is the attraction of being an entrepreneur.

Q: Who do you turn to when you need motivation or inspiration?

Q: What legacy do you think you’ll leave behind in your business?

A: I am inspired by the mecca of successful women around me, so when I need inspiration, I simply open my eyes and ears. I then become motivated and set goals. I always have a vision board that I refresh at least annually. I share my vision and goals with others, and feel a responsibility to them. I don’t like to fail or disappoint others so this works for me.

A: Gosh, legacy? Big question. If I am to dream big, I hope that our model for sustainability which focuses on the three pillars – environmental, economic, and social – is adopted by more businesses. I also hope that our family, the four generations that work on this farm, have beautiful lasting memories of time spent together building something they are proud of.

brenda@40knotswinery.com | 855-941-8810 ext. 101 | 40knotswinery.com

BILLIE LEWIS Owner/Stylist True Dimensions Salon EFXZ

I get excited by life’s day-to-day experiences and challenges of being a business owner. With each different encounter I grow as a person, and with every new client my salon continues to flourish. My love for people shapes where I am today, both professionally and personally. The ability to be comfortable surrounded by individuals from all walks of life, allows me the confidence to outwardly promote my salon with ease.

Q: What legacy do you think you will leave behind in your business?

Q: Who do you turn to when you need motivation or inspiration?

A: I pride myself on being an affordable inclusive salon offering a wide range of services where everyone feels welcome. Since owning a business during Covid-19, I have realized now more than ever how important it is for all people to feel comfortable wherever they are in their daily lives.

A: There are so many strong successful women who have overcome adversity. When needing inspiration to move forward, I consider the world’s successful women and know that I will succeed. With much determination and perseverance dreams do become a reality.

billielewis.bl@gmail.com | 250-334-1906 | facebook.com/truedimensionbybillie

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CARLIE GORING Sales and Catering Manager Old House Hotel For just over a year now, I have had the pleasure of working alongside a really dynamic team at the Old House Hotel as the sales and catering manager.

In my role, I have relaunched our post-pandemic meeting and events program which now includes hybrid to personal, large to small events in our Grand Fir meeting spaces. In addition, I coordinate our philanthropy program and am excited to take on a new challenge as the hotel representative in pursuing sustainable operations and in furthering our commitment to regenerative tourism here in the Comox Valley.

Q: What is the one skill you possess that helped shape your success?

A: Some years back, I was going through a really challenging period in my life that I couldn’t see my way out of, and I remember trying desperately to find a focus that would help me get through the day-to-day grind. It was at that time, I simply decided to nurture the skill of people engagement, connecting fully with

my many customers and clients that I had the opportunity to see on a daily basis. This turned my thinking outward and beyond sales into a service and community-driven focus. Ultimately, this became my inspiration and what led me to pursue my second career in tourism and hospitality. Incorporating the “collective we and not just me” mantra into my life created many exciting opportunities, adventures, and friendships here on the beautiful West Coast.

cgoring@oldhousehotel.com | 250-703-0989 | oldhousehotel.com

NATALIE WALKER

TAMARA CARTER

Associate Private Wealth Advisor

Wealth Protection Specialist

TRACY TROTTER Financial Consultant

LINDSAY SMITH Mobile Savings Coach

Coastal Community Private Wealth Group™ Meet the women of Coastal Community Private Wealth Group!

They’re passionate about improving financial health. When they’re not helping people reach their financial goals, the colleagues can be found enjoying all the Valley has to offer.

Tamara moved from Edmonton and says the West Coast is where she’s meant to be. Tracy is very creative and loves being on the mountain, skiing and hiking. Relentless optimist Lindsey always sees the bright side of situations and people. Natalie enjoys spending time outdoors and at hockey arenas.

Q: What is the one skill you possess that helped shape your success?

A: My optimism has served me in my career. I try to approach every situation with a positive mindset and a can-do attitude. There is nothing so daunting that we cannot find a solution that works for everyone if we can work together to serve the greater good.

Q: What legacy do you think you’ll leave behind in your business?

A: We can teach skills and habits needed to create financial health and build wealth, making a huge difference in the financial trajectory of members’ lives. Little steps and small changes have a big impact over time. You don’t need to be wealthy to deal with an investment professional, at Coastal Community it’s about financial health.

coastalwealth@cccu.ca | 1-800-806-2332 | coastalwealth.ca Coastal Community Private Wealth GroupTM is a division ofCoastal Community Financial Management Inc.

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TARA ANDERSON

and the women of Budget Blinds Budget Blinds of the Comox Valley and Campbell River

Budget Blinds is a locally owned and operated custom window coverings business, with owner Tara Anderson at the wheel.

With a female dominated design staff, they have powered through an amazing 2022 year and look forward to 2023. With

an ever expanding rockstar team of seven style consultants, six installers along with six administrative and managerial staff, the business spans from Port Hardy to the Cowichan Valley.

Q: What is the one skill you possess that helped shape your success?

areas that need an extra hand rather than just throwing money at it. I love the hands on part of my business.

A: My ability to get along with people and treat them with respect, even in situations where we disagree. I stive to make everyone feel important and heard and value peoples time and their hard work.

Q: How did you turn a past mistake into an opportunity which had a significant impact on your business?

Q: What was the last achievement you celebrated (yours or another women’s) and how did you celebrate?

A: Nothing makes me happier than to see my team members thrive in their work goals and growth. Each member of my sales and marketing team are incredible women who managed to hit a specific goal this year and I am so grateful for all they do to continue to grow this business and achieve their own personal successes.

Q: What is the best decision you ever made?

A: My conscious decision to give back within the communities we serve. I believe that it is equally important to who I am as a business person, as it is personally, to be out there helping in

A: My ability to recognize the various strengths of our team and allow them the space to do their jobs without a need to be micromanaged. Allowing growth and trusting in one another as each person plays an integral role of a bigger picture. Teamwork truly makes this dream work.

Q: How do you create a work-life balance and create boundaries for yourself?

A: I am by nature a person who thrives working and being busy, I do not sit idly well. I have committed to stepping back a bit more and spending as much time as possible with our 4 growing daughters. Time flies and we don’t get this time back…sometimes just eating together or cooking, or sharing space in the same room is all you get from teenagers, but I have realized it is not quantity, but rather quality, that allows us to connect, rest and reset. Learning to say no when its just too much.

dtanderson@bugetblinds.com | 250-338-8564 | budgetblinds.com/campbellriver

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JODI ASHLEY KOZICKI LEFLEY Principal, WPICC

Lead Designer

JAM & Co. Luxury Picnics Creators of Intimate Events Experience the magic of a JAM & Co. Picnic. Combining stunning decor with exquisite charcuterie dining, we thoughtfully craft every element to create the backdrop for your memories.

Q: What is the one skill you possess that helped shape your success?

A: My genuine care for people and making their day special. The foundation of JAM & Co. is about bringing joy. People share beautiful stories and I find the more someone needs the event, the harder I try to make it extra special for them. When someone is battling an illness and dreams of one of our picnics, even in a hospital room it is magical.

info@jampicnics.ca | 250-207-7076 | jampicnics.ca

SHAWNA BERTRAND Barber/Owner The Barber Pole Shawna recently relocated with her partner from Sooke. Island born and raised; The Barber Pole is her first time owning a business.

Q: What is the best decision you ever made?

A: The best decision I ever made was to not let turning 50 get me down, instead I decided this was my year!

Taking charge and opening my own barbershop. My children are grown so now it’s my time. Celebrating turning 50, being a business owner and starting a new life has been the best decision I have ever made.

barber-pole@outlook.com | 250-941-7653 | barberpolebarbershop.ca

STEFANIE

VANDERHORST Owner/Pack Leader Run a Mutt Dog Services We are Run a Mutt Dog Services, an off-leash GPS dog adventure hike service!

We also offer dog training, group obedience classes and grooming!

Q: What is the best decision you ever made?

A: Taking the scary and exciting leap of opening up Run a Mutt six years ago in the Comox Valley. Being able to work for myself, the opportunity to meet so many great new clients and dogs, and be supported and encouraged by amazing and supportive women who are my team members and friends is the greatest feeling in the world!

runamuttdogservices@gmail.com | 250-703-3976 | runamuttdogservices.com

DR. BRITTANY FILIPETTI Owner / Practitioner

ERYN FREEMAN Rehab Space Co-ordinator Origin Intigrated Health Join in the movement at Origin Intigrated Health. Your experts in health, injury and rehabilitation.

Q: Who do you turn to when you need motivation or inspiration?

A: Eryn and Brittany constantly turn to each other! These women have transitioned from a smaller space and just focusing on patient care to a bigger space with more moving parts.

We couldn’t do this without our clinic manager Maureen Thompson and her front-end staff. Maureen has managed Origin since 2018.

info@originintegratedhealth.com | 250-941-2211 | www.originintegratedhealth.com

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VICKI SMITH

KARY ZIMMERMAN

Appointment Coordinator

Product Specialist

Business Office Representative

LEAH GORDON

SKY ZIMMERMAN

CAMERYN ZIMMERMAN-MITCHEL

Service Advisor

NICKY JOHNSON

Customer Retention Manager, Internet Sales Coordinator

Accounts Payable

Brian McLean Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Hummer Ltd. Many years ago, a choice was made to try to attract more women to our dealership, in key roles. Women after all are the majority in the decision-making process when making vehicle purchases. Our ladies are in a wide range of roles

at the dealership which allows their influence to be felt in all departments. We are lucky to have a team of exceptional professionals, who also happen to be women.

Q: What is the one skill you possess that helped shape your success?

Nicky Johnson: I have experience in a few different industries that helped shape me, such as grocery and finance industries, then gained some experience at another dealership in town prior to joining the team at Brian Mclean’s. I like that it feels like one big family and I think my personality and experience help add to that.

Vicki Smith: People tell me I have a very positive personality.

I come to work every day in a positive and outgoing mood and I feel it rubs off on the other staff. I am on the phone a lot coordinating appointments and I hope that energy is carried through on the telephone.

Leah Gordon: I feel I have developed and offer great customer service through my work history. I have a background in the hospitality industry as well as experience at another local dealership that I have been able to use as I fit in at Brian Mclean’s. I feel that skill also compliments the family type atmosphere at the dealership, Welcome to the Family!

Kary Zimmernan: I have a background in the hospitality industry that helped shape my customer service skills. When people come into the dealership to look at their next new or pre-owned vehicle, they will be treated professionally and I think I have a natural ability to make people feel at home and comfortable, and on a good day we may share several laughs.

Sky Zimmerman: I have had the opportunity to build my customer service skills over the years. I had the opportunity to work at Crown Isle and coordinate the drink carts, which led to lots of interaction with golfers from all over and in all sorts of conditions which allowed me to experience dealing with the public in different situations and moods.

Cameryn Zimmerman-Mitchell: I began working at the reception counter meaning I was first and last contact for most of our customers. I am very attentive and I’m told I have a welcoming and and friendly demeanor, and know that every customer needs to be greeted and felt welcome at the dealership. So often you go into businesses and aren’t greeted or asked if you need assistance.

mcleaninfo@shaw.ca | 250-334-2425 | brianmclean.ca

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MACKENZIE JENNY GARTSIDE DETERS Mortgage Consultant Mackenzie Gartside & Assosiates

Owner\Design Therapist Design Therapy

Q: What legacy do you think you’ll leave behind in your business?

JD: Design Therapy provides Designer Style at Affordable Prices. Jenny is proud that her business supports local charities

and provides a living wage and a supportive environment for her team. She hopes to inspire other young entrepreneurs to do the same.

MG: Mackenzie and her team work hard to help their clients understand how mortgages and debts work and to develop strategies to reach their financial goals. She hopes this will empower more people in the Comox Valley to achieve a better overall quality of life.

Mackenzie Gartside | 250-331-0800 | comoxmortgages.com Jenny Deters | 250-338-0211 | designtherapyhome.ca

PAULINE BISMAN ARORA STEVENSON Executive Director

Founder and President

Excel Career College After thirty-two years, the College was acquired by Ms. Bisman Arora in 2021, and since we have seen unprecedented growth!

Excel now has campuses in Victoria, Langford, Kelowna, and will soon showcase the flagship campus in the heart of downtown Surrey.

Having grown the business in the small community of the Comox Valley, Excel created a people-centric culture that sets it apart.

With the capacity to be the largest Career College in BC, Excel will remain grounded in the values of this community.

Q: What was the last achievement you celebrated, and how did you celebrate?

Q: What is the best decision you have ever made?

A: We were proud to celebrate Ms. Arora’s recognition when she was awarded the prestigious “Young Entrepreneur Award’’ by The Times of Canada. Ms. Stevenson felt it demonstrates the balance of our team. She and our team represent the brave, energetic, fastmoving demographic that complements the long-term commitment of Ms. Stevenson and the College Director, Ms. Konkle.

A: We jokingly say our best decision was the transition of Excel to Ms. Arora, as it created an amazing team and guarantees Excel’s sustainability, creating an exciting future for Excel. However, both Stevenson and Arora are very strong, family-focused individuals and know that the “family first” decision, made daily, is the most important decision and the foundation from which all else grows.

info@excelcareercollege.com | 250-334-2452 | excelcareercollege.com

RACHEL BLANEY

Member of Parliament North Island-Powell River Rachel has served as Member of Parliament since 2015. She is the NDP Whip, and critic for Seniors, Veterans, and Rural & Economic Development.

Blaney has earned the respect of colleagues from all parties with her persistence to advocate for issues. She has pushed for more accessible services in rural and remote communities, challenged discriminatory policies like the “Golddigger clause” by introducing bill C-221, and motion M-72 to enact a National Strategy on Aging to ensure seniors in Canada can live with dignity.

rachel.blaney@parl.gc.ca | 250-287-9388 | rachelblaney.ndp.ca

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Cheryl A - Andrea W - Jennifer D Karen R - Julie H

JULIE ANNE HUNT Vitamins & More Department Manager Thrifty Foods Crown Isle Thrifty Foods shares a passion for delivering exceptional shopping experiences and amazing food to all our customers. Our mission is to nurture the things that make life better – great

experiences, families, communities, and our employees. We are a family nurturing families.

Q: What is the one skill you possess that shaped your success?

Q: How do you create a work-life balance and set boundaries?

A: Continuous learning! I love taking courses, and I have a vast amount of interests. History is my favorite!

A: By taking a vacation day here and there to break up the week, and by not checking my work emails/messages when im at home. Also when im stressed, I watch videos and look at photos of my new little Grandson Jack, who is the apple of my eye!

Q: What was your last achievement and how did you celebrate?

A: Having a super-healthy lifestyle and diet definitely helped me survive a near-fatal ruptured abdominal aneurysm that suddenly happened to me last summer. It was so frightening, and made me realize that having good health is beyond PRICELESS! Q: Whats the best decision you ever made?

A: Going back to college and taking Medical Terminology and Social Work.

Q: Who do you turn to when you need motivation or inspiration?

A: My husband and adult children. They are the smartest and wisest people i’ve ever known!

Q: How has covid affected your business?

Q: How did you turn a mistake into an opportunity which impact your business?

A: People realized they need to stay healthy, so that worked out good. Overall though we are frontliners so it was just another day for me. Food shopping never really stopped.

A: I had been a vitamin company rep and got on at Thrifty Foods at the same time. It was a LOT and I knew I had to decide between the two. I had started to hate driving all over the place, as a rep, so the decision was very clear.

A: Having customers think of Thrifty Foods first for friendly, helpful service and one-stop shopping for Vitamins and Supplements and all their healthy eating needs.

Q: What legacy will you leave behind in your business?

#100 - 444 Lerwick Rd, Comox | 1551 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay | thriftyfoods.com

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FINDING HEALING WITH KNOWLEDGE AND SHARING Indigenous youth suicide prevention initiative based in culturally-rooted practices

BY JASPER MYERS | PHOTOS BY ALI RODDAM

Courtenay Crossing 1551 Cliffe Ave Crown Isle 444 Lerwick Road Customer Care 1 800 667 8280 www.thriftyfoods.com SPRING 2023 | TR I O MAGA Z IN E

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I

n the spring of 2021, Tamika Mountain, an 18-year-old ‘Namgis youth, took her own life.

This tragic passing prompted Avis O’Brien, team lead and director of N’alaga Consulting, to reach out on social media to offer support to anyone in a similar position as Mountain.

“I didn’t know Tamika personally, but her passing propelled me to not want to live in isolation with my own experience of living with the spirit of suicide,” said O’Brien. “So I put it out into the universe that I wanted to do something for our young people who are also navigating the spirit of suicide.”

Within a year, O’Brien had a program fully funded by the Vancouver Foundation and the Comox Valley Transition Society and delivered. N’alaga Consulting’s Suicide Initiative program takes a non-clinical, non-pathologizing approach to suicide in an 11-week initiative at Lake Trail School, on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.

O’Brien said the method is contrary to how the mental health system currently addresses suicide.

“Pathologizing is where they locate the problem within the person; ‘Oh you’re suicidal, something must be broken within you.’

We look at suicidality as a normal human response to carrying the burden of 500 years of attempted and ongoing colonial genocide.”

O’Brien said suicide is a normal human response to trauma and for Indigenous people, the trauma stems from the traumas they have experienced such as oppression and the impact of residential schools.

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The initiative provides culturally-rooted tools to Indigenous youth and teaches them how to process and work through suicide and self-harm. These tools, O’Brien said, are land-based and culturally-rooted practices.

“So drumming, singing, cold water cleansing, cedar brushing, being on the land, praying, smudging - these are all practices that have been proven to move our nervous system into a regulated place.”

O’Brien brought in the work of Dr. Steven Porges, the author of the Polyvagal Theory, which is a collection of constructs that pertain to the role of the vagus nerve in emotional regulation.

“There’s three states our nervous system can be in at any given time,” said O’Brien, regarding the Polyvagal Theory. The theory explains the nervous system as a triangle where at the top is where a person feels safe and regulated, the middle is where the flight or fight response comes from, and the bottom is where dissociation occurs.

In the 11-week program, Elders were present, which O’Brien explained most of the youth had never had access to before.

“Most of the youth had never met and spent time with (the Elders), and that was one of the things they loved the most. There’s a real magic when you get young people with Elders together and that transmission of knowledge and sharing.”

At the end of the program they held a blanketing ceremony, which she said was incredibly special for the youth.

“That’s a ceremony that we do to protect them and send them on their path in a good way,” she said. “And there was a lot of tears

and they were being wrapped in a blanket and told that they were loved and cared about, it was a pretty special thing.”

N’alaga also runs a one-day program, which condensed the 11-week program, and it’s already run in Alert Bay and Port Hardy, and this spring they plan on running it in Haida Gwaii.

There are plans to run another program in Campbell River where the program would actually be a part of the school day.

“They get credits towards their graduation,” O’Brien noted.

“They’re learning about neuroscience, trauma theory, land-based healing - they’re learning high academic level curriculum.”

Eye exams • Contact Lenses Diagnostic Imaging • Eyeglasses CROWN ISLE | 250-338-1665 206-444 Lerwick Rd. Courtenay

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CREATING THE CULT OF COLD Black Creek barber discovers power of cold water

BY JASPER MYERS PHOTOS BY LEISHA MACLENNAN

A

swim in the cold water of the Oyster River is how Leisha MacLennan starts her day, and has been for more than 550 days.

Her first swim was July 28, 2021. MacLennan is a barber who owns Black Creek Barber, which she operates out of her house, and began the Cold Water Cult, though she said she takes no credit for the organic growth of the group.

MacLennan opened Black Creek Barber in summer 2022 on a part-time basis before taking it on full-time in September 2022.

Before becoming a barber, MacLennan used to be an industrial climber in Fort McMurray, but when she had her daughter she needed to find something else.

“I had to totally retrain and find something that was suitable for mom life,” said MacLennan. “As much as I love the job it just wasn’t feasible to be a full-time mom and work out of town anymore.”

She thought about heavy machinery before landing on barbering.

She went to London School of Barbering and worked at other barber shops before starting her own.

Taking on her own business full-time, although a bit scary at first, felt better for MacLennan.

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“It felt so much better, it makes you hustle harder,” said MacLennan. “I find chair rental and self-employment makes you hustle harder, makes you work harder, because if you’re not doing anything… you’re literally not making money.”

She also wanted to be home with her daughter and family more, and opening her business allows her to do that.

“It’s so nice. My daughter takes the bus in the morning now, she takes the bus home. One time she chose the bus over me picking her up on the Harley.”

She also loves working for herself because she has more flexibility in her schedule.

“When I have gaps in my schedule I don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn, I can go swim down at the [Oyster] river,” said MacLennan.

The first time MacLennan decided to go for a dip in the cold water she took her camera and recorded it. She said she wanted to see how long she could stay in, and then something else happened.

“After having my daughter I’ve been heavier,” she said. “Every time I would see a picture of me, my self-esteem would go out the window completely, because I didn’t look like the way I used to look…watching myself on those videos, it gets me comfortable

“Everyone in the group, they’re like magnets, they get along so well,” she said. “We’ve started to arrange what we call field trips, because we meet at Saratoga and go there everyday…and when you’re there everyday you kind of want to switch it up.”

with how I look and it makes my brain go ‘there’s nothing wrong with this, you’re good.’ ” As she started swimming every day and going out to more places, she found it was really nice to find other people doing the same. On Oct. 31, 2022, the Cold Water Cult was born with five people in the water for an inaugural swim.

“Everyone in the group, they’re like magnets, they get along so well,” she said. “We’ve started to arrange what we call field trips, because we meet at Saratoga and go there everyday…and when you’re there everyday you kind of want to switch it up.”

MacLennan said the growth for the group was very organic and there are now groups for Comox, Nanaimo and a small one in Vancouver.

MacLennan said there are days she just doesn’t want to go swim, but she forces herself to and is always happy she went.

“If I don’t do my swim in the morning, my day is drastically different than if I do it in the morning,” MacLennan said. “I find I’m crabby if I don’t do it… when you go in the water your brain goes into survival mode and that’s the only thing that matters. So depression, anxiety, whatever you’re stressing about just kind of disappears while you’re in there.”

P u rch a s e yo u r t i cke t s a t t h e e n t ra n c e o r o n l i n e.

To s tay u p to d a te o n a l l t h e d e ta i l s v i s i t w w w. c o a s ta l b l a ck . c a

2186 ENDALL RD. BLACK CREEK, BC

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@tracyfogtmannrealtor @tracyfogtmanncpmoxrealtor

LEARNING TO BE A GRIEF ALLY

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS "DENTAL CARE YOU CAN TRUST"

DENTAL CLEANINGS & EXAMS FILLINGS ROOT CANALS SAME-DAY CROWNS EXTRACTIONS DENTAL EMERGENCIES FULLY DIGITAL LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Author Aly Bird processes her loss with book

BY JASPER MYERS | PHOTOS ALI RODDAM

250-339-2531 Book online: www.uptowndentalcomox.com UptownDentalComox.com

13-215 PORT AUGUSTA STREET, COMOX, BC (IN THE COMOX MALL)

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feel good about your business

be part of “I’ve learned, after the death of my husband, that I am an instrumental griever. My grief expression is more of a cognitive experience. I focus on problems and I’m interested in doing research and finding answers.”

SPRING 2023 - comoxvalleyrecord.com

WINTER 2022 - comoxvalleyrecord.com

COMOX

COMOX

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C O U R T E N AY

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n November of 2019, at age 30, Aly Bird lost her husband Will, 29, in a hiking accident.

Bird worked as a whole person coach before the accident and has since pursued studies and training in grief counselling.

Now Bird has written her first book, Grief Ally, which was published in January 2023, and provides a guide for anyone who finds themselves supporting someone after a loss. She said writing the book was part of her own process.

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OPENING

When her husband died, Bird said it was the first time she had experienced any sort of significant loss in her life. She coped by asking why, and in her time did a lot of reading and learning about grief.

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“I’ve learned, after the death of my husband, that I am an instrumental griever. My grief expression is more of a cognitive experience. I focus on problems and I’m interested in doing research and finding answers.”

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“Everybody was talking about feeling forgotten and abandoned and misunderstood, and the reality of my situation was that I was none of those things,” she said.

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“The book was really part of my grief expression, from my own personal experience.”

She said she noticed really early on that people will say “go find community, go find people like you,” and she couldn’t relate to other widows.

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Bird said her support network was really great and stuck by her despite making mistakes or being afraid. She said the book was born out of her observation that people in support roles need a tool.

“There are so many books out there written for the bereaved themselves… there’s plenty of resources out there,” she said. “But for the people who want to help, there are very few.”

So Bird took what her support network was showing her and teaching her, along with her background in coaching and her interest in psychology to build the resource.

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“There are so many books out there written for the bereaved themselves… there’s plenty of resources out there,” she said. “But for the people who want to help, there are very few.” www.DowntownCourtenay.com

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About six to eight months after Will’s death, Bird had the realization that she had something to share and help others, but it wasn’t until a year later that she said she started to work on the book. She noted it started out as a project and decided she would only work on it when it brought her joy.

“There were moments where I put it down and then I would pick it back up a month or two later,” she said.

Now that the book is out, Bird said she is excited.

“It’s been something that has been very close to my heart through the writing process, and now being able to talk about it and share it with others and seeing the impact that it will make, that gives me a lot of hope.”

Bird added there’s a sort of before and after in life - where before, people live their lives and don’t think about how finite it is, and after something bad people realize “oh we’re all going to die someday,” and it almost becomes the bereaved person’s job to guide people through that ‘after.’

“It’s my hope that with this book that the people who can still be in the naive, innocent space in life can still show up for the bereaved,” she said.

Bird wants these kinds of conversations to be normalized and hopes her book helps to open the doors to these conversations more.

She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counselling psychology and hopes to practise in grief therapy once she’s done.

Grief Ally is available as an e-book, paperback and audiobook and can be ordered online or in store.

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MARKING MORE THAN A CENTURY OF MAIL IN UNION BAY Union Bay Post Office stamping its way into history

BY JASPER MYERS | PHOTOS ALI RODDAM

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Glover-Geibt said people would be waiting to get mail and Howe would read out the postcards to everyone there.

Operating since before the First World War, the Union Bay post office was built in 1913 and is a designated heritage site.

In 1905, a proper post office was purchased at the bottom of McLeod Road. Glover-Giebt noted at this time Jack Fraser was the postmaster, and the mail came three times a week on boats.

Janette Glover-Geibt, the former chair of the Union Bay Historical Society, said the post office has been a significant part of Vancouver Island’s history.

In 1913, the present post office was built and opened. Britain declared war against Germany in 1914; USA did not declare war until 1917. The mail was brought in by the Esquimalt & Nanaimo (E&N) railroad.

he post office in Union Bay is the only wooden post office in Canada that is still in service.

In July of 1868, the only post office on the North Island was a colonial post office in Comox. It wouldn’t be until after 1871, when British Columbia joined confederation, that another post office would open in the area.

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“The train came south and took the mail at 11 o’ clock in the morning and then north at 5 p.m.,” said Glover-Geibt. “And it was sorted in the mail car, they had a mail car on the train.”

George Howe owned a lot of property in Union Bay and Glover-Geibt said he established the first store, and was the first postmaster in Union Bay.

Fred Brown was the first postmaster of the Union Bay post office in 1913, overseeing the postal activities while also living above the office with his family.

“He had that in his little store on the beach at the bottom of McLeod Road,” she explained. “He had mail service there and it was brought by boat and kind of just unloaded onto a pile.”

“He arrived with his 10 kids and they lived upstairs on the top two floors. They had actually planned to build a custom house next door. It was going to be the same style as the post office.”

T R I O M AG A Z IN E | SPR I NG 2 02 3

But Glover-Geibt said because of the First World War, the house was never built, instead becoming part of the post office. It was at this post office that people would gather daily to get the news first-hand about the war.

In the 1980s, the post office became run down, and at this time the building was owned by Public Works Canada, who wanted to sell it. The plan was to put the postal service into a store somewhere.

“Mr. Brown was a trained telegrapher, “ she noted. A small room in the back of the post office was turned into a telegraph room, which now operates as a branch of the Vancouver Island Public Library.

In 1990, the Union Bay Historical Society was formed, with the goal of saving the building.

Brown died in 1935 and his daughter Edith Hicks took over as postmaster until the 1950s.

Today, Glover-Geibt said little has changed at the post office. The lobby where people come in still has the original 178 mail boxes where people’s mail would be delivered.

“They’re beveled glass doors and you open them with a key.

They’re exactly the same as they were originally, and box numbers and keys were passed down through generations. So some of the great-great-grandchildren are probably opening the same boxes their grandparents did.”

“We really weren’t interested in the mail service,” said Glover-Giebt.

She said they spent many years negotiating with Canada Post and Public Works Canada on the building, and in 1995 they started repairing the building to its former glory. During all of the construction, the postal service continued operating uninterrupted in the building.

Today many of the original features and architect of the building remain. In October 2004, Glover-Giebt said the Union Bay Post Office was designated a heritage site, the first in the Comox Valley Regional District.

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T R I O M AG A Z IN E | S PR I NG 2 02 3

10 QUESTIONS W I T H C A I LY N M U R R AY- C H A M B E R L A I N

BY ERIN HALUSCHAK

Cailyn Murray-Chamberlain is a floral designer based in the Comox Valley.

Originally hailing from Vancouver, she lived, travelled and worked as a freelance wedding florist in Mexico, before settling down on the Island.

Working as an event designer in

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the wedding industry since 2010, flowers truly captured her heart in recent years. This led to the launch of Persephone Bloom in 2020.

Her love of natural, garden-style design, and eclectic styling blend seamlessly with the local florals

What is something you’re really proud of?

Launching a successful business during Covid! Despite all the lock downs and wedding cancellations this little project has flourished beyond my wildest dreams. I went from six weddings my first year to more than 27 this past season.

What is it about floral design that made you do what you do?

Who doesn’t love beautiful things? My job is literally to make things special and beautiful for the most important day of many people’s lives. There’s also ton of stress and pressure, but just so much creativity and beauty.

What is the biggest stereotype about flowers that isn’t true?

That this job is just ‘playing with flowers all day.’ There’s so much more to it - the business aspect, the client relations, the stress and time management. Wedding season can be gruelling - but so worth it for the end product.

What is a skill you’d like to learn and why?

Japanese Ikebana. It’s so simple, clean and minimal, which is the opposite of my more wild and lush style. I’d love to learn to design with more restraint.

What is a random fact about you that few people might know?

That I lived in Mexico before moving to the Island. I met my now-husband on a quick trip to visit family, and a week

and style of the Pacific Northwest, making her events an extension of their surroundings. That, in combination with her travels across Mexico, have formed her vision for design into one with movement, shape, and texture at their core.

later packed up my things and my dog, and settled down in the Valley.

If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?

My phone, for obvious reasons. My car to get around. My passport for adventures. My absolutely thrashed and worn in vintage denim overalls. My favourite perfume - Maison Louis Marie No.4.

Coffee, tea or other - what is your go-to drink?

As I get older caffeine makes me increasingly jittery, so I’ve switched to black decaf Earl Grey tea. On a more grown-up level, I’ll never say no to a cold glass of sauvignon blanc.

What makes your heart beat faster?

As cliché as it sounds, I have to say my husband.

If you could have a conversation over dinner with one person - living or dead - who would it be?

Bill Murray. Maybe it’s the name connection (my dad is also named Bill Murray), but I’ve always felt drawn to him.

He’s such a wonderful weirdo and comedic genius.

It’s a beautiful, sunny summer day in the Valley and you’re not working - what are you doing?

Spending the day at Kye Bay with my husband and son.

It’s definitely our happy place here in the Valley.

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