Country Grocer Friends & Family Winter Magazine

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C O U N T R Y G R O C E R ’ S Q U A R T E R LY F O O D & L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

Friendss Family Winter 2019 | Complimentary

HELP FILL A DREAM Flower campaign funds key family resources

WINTER WARRIOR

Supplements combat the winter woes

TURKEY TALK

A tasty recipe 10 years in the making Recipes I Community Events I Pets I What’s in Store countrygrocer.com

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Celebrate winter with us!

Welcome to the winter

edition of Country Grocer’s Friends & Family Magazine We’ve had a wonderful time this year, with the 35th anniversary a ton of fun.

Huge thank yous to all our generous suppliers who participated and made it such a huge success.

We welcome PETER CAVIN, Director back the COUNTRY GROCER Help Fill a Dream campaign. It’s hard to believe we are in our ninth year and have raised more than $100,000. We are excited to see what this year’s totals will be and the families we’re able to help.

Thank you for your support and to our suppliers Eurosa Farms and Wintergreen Christmas Tree farm. We couldn’t do it without you!

Parade season is a lot of fun. Ladysmith was spectacular when they flipped the switch and all the communities are so welcoming, from Lake Cowichan to Victoria and Esquimalt. And the Island Equipment Owners Association truck parade is always a blast for our team.

This winter weather is cool some days though, so cozy up with some of our recipes and tips and stay warm!

IN THIS ISSUE

Sustainable seafood

13

The family that launched a community-supported fishery model

6

> RECIPES – PAGE 14 Espresso Coconut Mango Sauce

Grilled Striploin Steak Salad Honey Garlic Chicken Wings with Vanilla Orange Aoili

24

Headway dedicates itself to

PARKINSON’S CLIENTS

ON THE COVER Jonathan Gingras, Help Fill A Dream Recipient Don Denton photo Editor Jennifer Blyth jennifer.blyth@blackpress.ca Group Publisher Penny Sakamoto psakamoto@blackpress.ca Victoria News Publisher Michelle Cabana mcabana@blackpress.ca Advertising Sales Patty Doering pdoering@vicnews.com Deborah Davy deborah.davy@vicnews.com Production Janice Marshall Karen Jesson Circulation 250-480-3285 blackpress.ca 818 Broughton St. Victoria, BC V8W 1E4 Friends & Family magazine is published quarterly by Country Grocer and Black Press. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher of Friends & Family.

The contents of Friends & Family magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising.

Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

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Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com 3

IN THE COMMUNITY

Help Fill

A Dream

The launch of the fall and winter campaign, is a gathering Craig Smith looks forward to every year. The executive director for Help Fill A Dream loves the opportunity to introduce a new family.

Highlighting real people, real kids, is key to their vision and the campaign.

“It’s critically important. It is a visual representation of the difference a campaign like Country Grocer does every year makes on kids,” Smith says.

Country Grocer is a Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island company, covering much the same areas as Help Fill A Dream, reaching into communities across the Island. It frequently means that the people in the stores, staff and customers, recognize or know the kids and families they’re helping.

“It brings it all home, full circle, we’re making a difference,” Smith says.

Again this year, Country Grocer donates a portion of sales from dream bouquets by Eurosa Farms and from

Island-grown Christmas trees from Wintergreen Tree Farm. Patrons can also donate at checkout with all proceeds going to Help Fill A Dream.

The cumulative amount raised from this annual campaign is over $100,000.

What made this year’s launch at Eurosa Gardens particularly special for Smith is the longevity of the Help Fill A Dream connection with young 16-yearold Jonathan.

Jonathan’s life has been a long and difficult journey, including 40 surgeries, 50 per cent lung capacity and an artificial hearing device. With surgery behind him, he dreamed of being a regular kid and riding his bike to school.

Not strong enough to power a regular bike, he wished for an electric one. That dream came true in September, when seven kids who had their dreams filled

by Help Fill A Dream, chose to pay it forward, fundraising to gift him with the bike.

4 » Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com

While best known for making dreams come true, Help Fill A Dream assists Island families in many ways. Jonathan and his family first received assistance from Help Fill A Dream when he was born and there were a number of medical complications.

“That’s one of the things that makes us unique, we don’t just do a dream,” Smith says.

Help Fill A Dream operates quietly in the background as a resource.

The organization provides financial assistance to help with travel costs associated with receiving health care, medical or therapeutic equipment to address special needs and therapeutic resources. Help Fill A Dream supports families so they can concentrate on the health, care and recovery of their child.

“Hopefully we get to the point where we get to celebrate with a dream. We’re in it for the long haul with our families which is really cool because we get to meet the most amazing people.”

The 16 years spent with Jonathan and his family, mirrors the nine-yearrelationship with Country Grocer.

That connection has only grown over those years with support coming all year long. This though, is the pinnacle, Smith says.

“What’s also cool is a number of the Country Grocer customers in the various stores make a donation to Help Fill A Dream this time of year. You’ve got people coming in for $100 or $500.

It shows their love for both of us.”

For the past eight years, the owners, team members, suppliers and customers of Country Grocer stores have supported children with complex health and medical conditions from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands with their annual holiday campaign.

“It’s a really happy group of people to be associated with. They work with us throughout the year whatever our families need they make them available.” Smith says. “It doesn’t end after a five-week campaign.”

Country Grocer is teaming up with Eurosa Farms and Wintergreen Tree Farm for their annual Christmas campaign to raise funds for Help Fill A Dream, a local organization that offers support to families with children facing serious health issues. Money raised through the sale of Dream bouquets and Christmas trees goes to help local kids like sixteen year old Jonathan Gingras, who has had 40 surgeries, lives with depleted lung capacity and hearing assists. Gathering at Eurosa Farms to kick off the campiagn were, from left, Leoni Gingras, Jonathan Gingras, Craig Smith from Help Fill A Dream, and Craig Cavin from Country Grocer.

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Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com » 5

New HUMAN RESOURCES team builds

Rock Solid Foundation Erika Burton, as Human Resources Manager of South Island and Beth Harris, Human Resources Director for Country Grocer are building a team to handle HR for the Island-owned company.

CHRISTINE VAN REEUWYK

A new human resources structure at Country Grocer aims to build on existing relationships and create an even stronger base for employees.

The new format evolved this fall across the three South Island stores, two Nanaimo stores and

the warehouse, says Beth Harris, years and will continue to oversee Human Resources Director. the entire team.

“Having one HR department will “I’ve worked hard in creating a We are the kitchen equipment experts. unify all the stores and warehouse,” vision,” she says. “The owners have Beth says. been really receptive to that, and Beth, who works out of Victoria, has been with Country Grocer three value HR.” We are the kitchen equipment experts.

We are the kitchen equipment experts.

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Among the first hires was Erika Burton, as Human Resources Manager of South Island.

“One of our biggest goals is to create this collaborative team,” Erika says. “We’re becoming a unified team, with Beth has our main mentor.”

The plan is a solid foundation for Country Grocer to continue to build on into the future. Both women find developing this key foundation of the Island owned and operated company is all about balance. Using their professional skills, the team will balance operational needs with ensuring, staff have a good employment experience.

“It’s a huge priority for the owners. That speaks volumes to us, and I hope it reaches the customers too,” Beth says.

Beth expects it to be an exciting year as they continue the transition.

Training and development is a top priority as the HR team will be working to develop a new customer service training program expecting to launch in January.

At the same time the HR team will be further developed in Nanaimo. Everyone in the HR department is passionate about HR and Country Grocer, Beth says.

That passion impacts the employment experience and ultimately the customer experience.

TIDBITS

Looking for the latest sales at your local Country Grocer, or a recipe for your big New Year’s party?

The Island owned and operated.

Country Grocer has an app for that.

Access the weekly flyer, browse through hundreds of recipes created by Country Grocer Chef Michael Williams, create a customized shopping list, check out mid-week specials, find a store location, or follow along Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Visit https://www.countrygrocer.com/ services/country-grocer-app-download/ to download.

For Beth, the fact that Country Grocer trusts her and her work enough to grow the team, leaves her feeling truly like family.

The ethos is like that of a family where we all work together collaboratively as a team based on the solid foundation of trust and respect.

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My best

Turkey CHEF MICHAEL WILLIAMS Okay so my best turkey. This has been an ongoing process over the last 10 years for me to cook my best turkey. It started with a simple question. To stuff or to not stuff. After all, in my books, that is the question. You see I’m a firm believer that while cooking a stuffed turkey does provide the best stuffing possible, those delicious results come at the cost of your best turkey. You see when a turkey is stuffed, you must cook the turkey until the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. By the time that stuffing in the very middle of the cavity reaches this temperature, the turkey meat has been over cooked. Sad but true! So I gave up stuffing my birds a long time ago.

Step by step this is how I cook my best turkey.

1

It starts 24 – 48 hours before I want to cook my turkey, especially if it comes in one of those vacuum sealed bags, which seems to be how turkey usually comes.

Remove the turkey from the bag and dry it very well with paper towel, inside and outside. Once all the liquid has been absorbed place on a large platter uncovered in the fridge. This will further dry the skin of the turkey so that when it comes time to roast said bird, it will get nice and crispy and caramelized on the outside, quickly.

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On roasting day, pull your nice and dry turkey out of the fridge about 1 hour before you want to get it in the oven. Pre-heat your oven to 500 Degrees F towards the end of that hour. Now oil the bird or even better lather with melted butter and then season liberally inside and out with salt and pepper. I also like to add a couple of cups of celery, carrots, onions and some fresh herbs such as sage, rosemary or thyme, or all three into the cavity of the bird.

3

Now we truss.

With butcher’s twine, tie a simple crossover knot around the “ankles’ of the drumsticks so that

they cross over each other and come together. Bring the string up towards the neck of the bird, but guide the twine in between the legs/thighs and the breasts, diagonally, bringing the twine around the shoulders of the bird. Tuck the wings under the twine so that they snug into the breast and then tie a tight double knot, bringing everything together into a nice oval little package.

4

Place on a roasting pan (on a bed of celery carrots and onions if you so desire. Roast until the turkey is golden brown to the point that it looks like it’s cooked in the 500 degree oven. At this point carefully remove the turkey from the oven, and lower the temperature down to 300 degrees F. Place a double layer of foil over the breast section of the turkey. We are trying to cover up the breasts, because they generally cook quicker than the

dark meat in the turkey. Place a probe thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh and put the turkey back into the now 300-degree oven. Roast until the thermometer reaches 165 degrees and then remove. Allow the bird about 15 minutes to rest, carve and it is time to enjoy your perfect turkey. The roasting process will take about 2 ½ - 3 hours for a 12 – 15 lb. bird.

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Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com » 9

Bathe the body, mind and soul

Welcome to a new year, to a new day.

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Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com » 11

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Skipper Otto:

Building a sustainable fishery

JENNIFER BLYTH Is there a better way to support a sustainable, local seafood industry?

The folks behind Skipper Otto Community Supported Fishery think so, and it begins with you.

Sonia Strobel, co-founder of Skipper Otto, had married into a fishing family in 2001, a family that included not only husband Shaun, but father-in-law Otto, who had fished BC waters since the 1960s.

The question the family sought to answer was how to support small-scale, sustainable local fishing families within an industry that had become controlled by large corporations.

Sonia’s “a-ha!” moment came in 2008: why not launch a community-supported fishery model, similar to what was already a growing movement of farm CSAs (community supported agriculture) that gave farmers a direct way to sell to consumers.

The idea quickly caught on. With selections ranging from spot prawns to salmon and halibut, consumers feel good knowing their seafood is sustainably harvested and their purchases directly support small-scale fishing families.

“When they buy their seafood, the money is going directly to local fishing families, Sonia notes.

Partnering with community supporters like Country Grocer gives Skipper Otto

access to freezer space and provides customers easy access to pick up their seafood, Sonia explains. Participating Country Grocer locations include stores in Esquimalt, Nanaimo and Salt Spring.

Here’s how it works for consumers: 1. Sign up and pay before the season starts to secure your share of the catch, with the option of topping up or carrying forward small unused amounts.

2. Local, independent fishing families hit the seas, appreciating the timely, living wages the program provides, along with help with the steep upfront costs of fishing.

3. You take your pick from the catch, browsing from a wide selection of popular favourites and lesser-known delicacies you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll even receive information about your most abundant and sustainable choices each year to help you eat with the ecosystem.

4. On several set dates through the year, you’ll pick up your orders of wild, BC, Ocean Wise-recommended seafood at the participating Country Grocer location nearest you.

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Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com » 13

RECIPES from Chef Michael

Espresso Coconut Mango Sauce

Grilled Striploin Steak Salad

Servings: 2 Preparation Time: 45 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2 Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes

This is an amazing and unique recipe that you can have in your repertoire to do something different and either jazz up the weekly offerings or use it impress some dinner guests. Have fun!

This salad is delish and a super nutritious wholesome meal. The dressing is simple but amazing and loaded with flavour as it releases all the wonderful flavours from the pan roasted steak. You are going to love it!

Ingredients: For the sauce: 1 Tbsp avocado oil ½ of a shallot (sliced thin) 2 tsp ginger (minced) 1 cup of coconut cream (the thick stuff on top) 2 shots of espresso ~ 1/3 of a cup of Level Ground dried mango (sliced thin) ½ tsp Vancouver Island Smoked sea salt

Ingredients: Veggies for roasting: 1 small red onion (thick sliced) 1 yam (sliced thin) 1 zucchini (cubed)

For the rub: 1 tsp Level Ground Columbian (fine grind) 1 tsp Level Ground cane sugar 1 tsp Vancouver Island Smoked sea salt 1 tsp smoked paprika 2 chicken breasts 1 head cauliflower (cut into florets) Method: 1. Let’s start this off and get our sauce underway. Feel free to make this ahead and warm up later when you are ready to serve.

Preheat a small pot on medium heat. Add the oil and then the shallots and ginger.

Sweat until soft, but do not caramelize.

2. Add the coconut milk, espresso, mango and salt and bring to a simmer. Reduce the sauce until it thickens up a little and then set aside.

3. Mix up your spice rub in a small bowl.

Next, drizzle a little oil on the chicken and then liberally coat with the spice rub. Cook the chicken in a preheated grill pan or a fry pan that has a lid. Brown the chicken nicely on both sides and cook with the lid on until the chicken is cooked all the way through.

While your chicken is cooking go ahead and place the cauliflower in a bowl, drizzle a little oil and sprinkle with a lot of spice rub. Toss, transfer to a baking sheet and bake in a 400 ºF oven until the cauliflower is nicely roasted.

4. Go ahead and serve the chicken and cauliflower together with a nice liberal drizzle of the sauce. Hope you enjoy!

2 strip loin steaks (Island Pastures) Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper 4 cloves garlic (sliced) ½ of a shallot (sliced) ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar ¼ cup Extra Virgin olive oil ½ head of romaine lettuce Method: 1. Start by getting your veggies roasted.

Combine the onion, yam and zucc on a roasting pan and place in a preheated 400ºF oven. Roast until nicely browned and softened.

2. While the veggies are roasting, you can grill your steak! Start off by drizzling a little oil and then seasoning liberally with salt and pepper.

3. Preheat a cast iron pan or grill pan on medium high heat. Roast the steak to your desired doneness and then remove from the pan to rest.

4. After removing the steak, add a touch more oil if necessary and then add the garlic and shallot. Sauté until caramelized and then add the balsamic vinegar. Reduce the vinegar by half and remove the pan from the heat.

5. Add the olive oil, give a good stir and make sure to remove any stuck on bits on the bottom of the pan. Transfer the dressing to a small bowl.

5. Now for the culmination. Combine the roasted veggies with the romaine lettuce.

Place in a bowl, then slice the steak into strips and place on top of the salad mix.

Finally drizzle liberally with the warm dressing and serve immediately.

Variations: • You can simplify this recipe by roasting the chicken in the oven along with the cauliflower.

14 » Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

with Vanilla Orange Aoili This is an amazing way to enjoy one of my favourite cuts of poultry. The honey garlic is a classic wing sauce, but we really bring it up a notch with an amazing Vanilla Orange Aioli.

Ingredients: ½ cup of honey 2 Tbsp sesame oil 1 tsp sea salt ½ tsp fresh ground pepper 4 or 5 cloves garlic (sliced) 2 lbs of split chicken wings Toasted sesame seeds (garnish) Aioli: 2 egg yolks 2 cloves garlic 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon lime juice 1 tablespoon orange juice ¼ teaspoon cardamom ½ teaspoon sea salt Zest of about ½ an orange ¼ - ½ cup grape seed or canola oil Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 375º F. 2. Add the honey, oil, salt, pepper and garlic to a large frying pan and bring to a simmer.

3. Once hot, add the chicken wings and toss until the wings are nicely coated and then transfer to a large baking sheet or 2 smaller sheets. Make sure that there is a bit of space between each of the wings so they can effectively caramelize.

4. Bake for about 35–40 minutes until the wings are cooked through and nice and tender.

5. For the aioli, add the yolks, garlic, vanilla, lime and orange juice, cardamom, salt and orange zest (everything but the oil) to your blender. Blend on low starting with the lid on the blender jar. Then remove the lid and slowly drizzle in the oil until you get the aioli to your desired consistency.

Some like it thick, some like it thin. What do you like?

6. Serve the wings hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds and with a side of aioli and you will likely be very happy in short order.

Variations: • You can make the aioli by hand as well.

Just mince the garlic, then add all the ingredients (except the oil) to a mixing and slowly whisk the oil in until you get your desired consistency.

CHEF MICHAEL WILLIAMS

Cooking on the Coast ​​This article is all about “Cooking on the Coast”. That is the name of the show on Chek TV that Country Grocer tasked me with hosting. I took over for Garrett Shack, formerly of Vista 18 for an all new Season 7 and we had 13 episodes that I needed to create.

You might think that creating a cooking show would be an immense challenge, but in fact it was actually quite easy. Now that statement may come across as me being arrogant, but in fact I am paying homage and giving a compliment to Country Grocer for all of their fantastic work sourcing amazing local suppliers. As a chef it is a dream to be able to work with fantastic products where amazing flavours have already been built. Creating recipes with these incredible building blocks that local suppliers work so hard to craft, made my job very easy and so enjoyable.

Making a dynamite mac and cheese is pretty simple once you understand the techniques and get to work with little Qualicum Cheeseworks Raclette for example. That cheese in particular is one of my favourites and is absolutely bursting with robust full spectrum flavour. Melt that into some reduced whipping cream with a little chili sauce and boom, you have an amazing cheese sauce ready for macaroni noodles.

Building a meat and cheese board is also pretty easy when you get to plunk on Cure Artisan Meat and Cheeses pate and smoked cheddar.

Creating an incredible Jalapeno Lime Peanut Sauce is so straightforward when you get to work with small batch locally made “Island nut Roasters” peanut butter.

I also had it pretty easy on the protein front getting to feature fantastic Island raised meats such as Island pastures Beef, Tannadice Farms Pork, Hertel’s Sausages and Island Gold free-range eggs. All of these products gave me a head start to yummy recipes and they gave me an advantage preparing my delicious recipe.

So as I walk the aisles of Country Grocer looking for inspiration it comes to me again and again from almost every aisle with their incredible curation of smallscale local independent producers.

One of my favourite episodes was when I made a Chipotle black bean and beet Burger with grated carrots fresh from Galey farms! Probably one of my favourite moments was pulling the carrot right out of the dirt in the field on the farm on Blinkinsop road, roughly brushing off most of the dirt but not all and crunching in to that sweet crisp delicious carrot.

Another favourite was learning all about Level Ground’s coffee program.

They do an amazing job of sourcing fantastic beans directly from farmers in various locations around the world and then small-batch roasting each of them to perfection. Their end product is delivered within a couple of days to the coffee aisle at Country grocer and by the time I got

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my hands on it was perfectly aged for making an amazing spice rub as well as an espresso coconut mango sauce. Not your typical way to enjoy java.

Great products are my Secret Weapon to creating tasty food. And Country Grocer allows me lots of opportunity to explore my craft with the best of the best. If you missed any of the 13 episodes of season 7 of cooking on the coast, make sure you hit up the “Cookin on the Coast” YouTube channel and check it out. So much great food from so many fantastic producers will make you a star in your own kitchen.

Also you can check out all of the recipes from Season 7 at www.countrygrocer.com/ recipes/ so get cooking!

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Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com » 15

NUTRITION NOTES WITH NANCY HOWSE

Winter Warrior Be a

Oh, here come the winter blues! It makes me S.A.D, which makes me M-A-D. The short days get me in the winter.

How do you combat not wanting to get out of a warm cozy bed on a dark winter morning? While not all of us have seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.), many of us do struggle at some point with the doldrums of winter. When the sun goes down so early, before the day is done, it is tough to catch some rays. The sun doesn’t just help us create vitamin D, it also helps us balance melatonin! Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland and regulates our sleep/wake cycle.

Melatonin is generally well known impact on jet lag, night shift workers, flight attendants, and insomnia. Vitamin D receptors appear in a variety of brain tissue! Activated vitamin D receptors increase nerve growth in the brain.

So, for all-around mental health and brain health, inexpensive Vitamin D as a supplement can help as well with S.A.D. Cofactors with vitamin D

bedtime routine, not eating before bed, turning off screens at least an hour before bed, meditation, exercise, reading, any calming activity really will help. I always like to practice deep Nancy Howse is the breathing as I Nutrition Manager at Bowen Road go to sleep. It’s amazing what I get from this practice, before I know it, supplementation could include vitamin I’m out like a light. Check out free K and magnesium. meditations online, find the one that Vitamin D is also a fat soluble, so you resonate with the most.

I like to recommend fish oil as an excellent complement. Fish oil will also help with brain health, heart health, and even general inflammation.

Now more about melatonin! Did you know melatonin can counteract cortisol? Cortisol is a stress hormone which can disturb sleep if melatonin levels are not adequate at night.

Another fascinating tidbit is that melatonin is found in bile and helps convert cholesterol to bile and ease passing of gallstones? Whoa Nelly!

New and notable in the supplement department at Country Grocer, you’ll find new from CanPrev a product called Adrenal Chill. It is a combination of ashwagandha and l-theanine. KSM-66 ashwagandha research studies have shown benefit with stress/anxiety, perimenopause, cognitive function, muscle strength and recovery and even cardiovascular endurance.

I recommend doing more reading on melatonin at pubmed.gov online.

On the lighter side, with the holiday season coming on full swing, how about a nice apple cider recipe! My favourite is to heat (not boil) apple cider or even organic apple juice (two litres), include cinnamon or cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg to taste, a sliced orange and voila!

Of course, along with the supplement info above, lifestyle habits also play a large part. Setting a

Let’s make the most of the season, get some good zzzz’s, and have some winter fun! Until the new year, cheers everyone!

Most people know melatonin for chronic sleep issues which may mean higher doses for some people over longer periods of time.

Best Wishes for Happy Holidays!

Come try Nana’s Kitchens Locally Handmade Samosas at your local Country Grocer

Convenient Comfort Foods with a Global Taste

Taste the Difference

Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com » 17

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAYS

Merry & Bright Classic Christmas Cookies 1 cup white sugar 1tsp Vanillablossom Vanilla Extract 1 cup butter 2 eggs 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt Preheat oven to 350°F. Using an electric mixer, combine sugar, butter and vanilla until creamy (about 2 mins). Add eggs one at a time and beat until thoroughly combined.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cookie dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes and bake on a cookie tray for 10 minutes, or until underside is slightly brown.

Cool thoroughly and decorate with your favorite icing and candies, or simply sprinkle with sugar and enjoy!

FIND MORE GREAT RECIPES AT www.vanillablossom.com

Thank you you for for being being aa loyal loyal customer! customer!

Thank

MEET THE TEAM

CUSTOMER SERVICE KEY

for new south Nanaimo manager Tom Barrows is the new store manager at the Chase River Country Grocer.

A longtime company member, Tom took over the south Nanaimo store as manager in spring 2019. “If you put in the time and hard work, it pays off,” he says. “I’m just happy in the position I’m in and look forward to the years to come.”

Since taking over, he’s heard copious amounts of positive feedback, both in person and online. While not a huge social media player, Tom did enjoy seeing more than 200 comments and 800 likes once Country Grocer announced his new position.

Many commenting on his willingness to take the time to chat with customers when possible, as well as offering a big smile at all times.

“I always try to treat people the way I like to be treated,” he says.

Tom started with the company 16 years ago, when he suddenly found himself unemployed, and joined the Country Grocer family. All of those years have been spent serving the Chase River community.

“A lot of these people, I have watched their kids grow up,” Tom says. That naturally develops a bond with the customer and a new title doesn’t really change that bond, or his positive attitude toward customer service.

He’s also developed a positive team that leads to excellent customer relationships.

“People are upbeat and happy to be here,” Tom says. “They see us giving highfives or talking about the game and will step in and talk too.”

Serving south Nanaimo since 1984, the 40,000-square-foot Chase River location opened in 2008. As major supporters of the south Nanaimo community, the Chase

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Tom Barrows, new store manager Chase River Country Grocer River team encourages shoppers to visit on weekends to enjoy regular hot dog fundraisers in support of local schools, children’s groups and sports teams.

“The store is huge into community,” Tom says. “On a weekend it’s not hard pressed to find a hot dog sale or book drive or bottle drive. It’s nice to help out, there’s a lot of need out there.”

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Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com » 19

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BY THE NUMBERS

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A Priemire Shopping Village in the Heart of Cordova Bay

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The year two varieties of Mandarin oranges were brought from Canton to England.

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Century the Easter Bunny became common; eggs – and rabbits – were seen as symbols of new life and renewal.

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Adrienne’s Tea Garden •• Paper Chain Adrienne’s Ice Cream • Pure Day Spa • • Red Barn Market A Stable Way of Life Cordova Hair Boutique • Something More Country Gift Shoppe • Sunday’s Snowflakes 5325 Cordova Bay Rd. • Seaberry | Open Daily The Gallery Garden & Flower Ladybug Candles & Gifts • Tall Tree Integrated Health www.matticksfarm.com Centre Lily Pad Lingerie • Toying Around Liquor Plus • Victoria Pilates Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf

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The earliest record of rhubarb, which was then used in China for medicinal purposes.

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fresh, delicious, convenient

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22 Âť Friends&Family Âť Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com

PETS

Part of the family: Zeus Meet Zeus, Zeus is a 9-year-old male tuxedo cat who loves attention and to play with everyone.

Zeus loves everyone who gives him attention. Zeus’s favourite things to do include sleeping, eating and playing with his sister Lily or his owner Madi.

Zeus is a happy and healthy guy, but his life changed forever about five months ago when he was diagnosed with diabetes. Ever since Zeus has to get insulin shots twice a day and has to have his glucose levels tested weekly. Zeus is the best cat I could have ever asked for, If he feels that I am sad he will either curl up in front of me or purr really loudly in my face until I pet him. He is my little superhero and I love him so much.

Who’s your four-legged best friend? Cat, dog, rabbit?

We’d love to meet them! Send along a photo and a few words about what makes your furry friend part of the family to Friends & Family editor Jennifer Blyth at jennifer.blyth@blackpress.ca

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Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com » 23

Headway dedicates itself to

Parkinson’s clients

Tania Fritz, public and donor relations and Madelaine Ross, Parkinson’s client and family care manager for the newly named Parkinson’s Society for Vancouver Island are excitedly creating a spring fundraising and awareness campaign with Country Grocer.

CHRISTINE VAN REEUWYK Tania Fritz recalls a man a couple of years ago who entered the HeadWay, the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre Society office defeated and afraid. He was heartbroken with his diagnosis. As Tania walked to her car later, on one of those classic rainy Victoria days where the water pours sideways, she spotted him. He was

“That’s why we’re here, to provide compassion, skills and help people create a new plan.” walking home, smiling ear to ear.

“He had hope again,” she says.

“That’s why we’re here, to provide compassion, skills and help people create a new plan.”

HeadWay, the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre Society, used to be a dual organization serving those with Parkinson’s and epilepsy but as of Nov. 1, it became solely dedicated to one cause. The BC Epilepsy Society assumed responsibility for delivery of HeadWay’s epilepsy programs. ”Although this was not an easy decision, we believe that it is the best option moving forward for all of

our clients,” says Fritz, public and donor relations for the newly formed Parkinson’s Society for Vancouver Island. “We have a big year ahead of us and we are looking forward to improving upon our services we currently provide in the community.”

While the organization also embarks on new branding, what remains unchanged is that decadeslong strong dedication to clients facing Parkinson’s Disease. There are a lot of things that go along with a Parkinson’s diagnosis, she notes, and that can be daunting and terrifying.

They’re there to provide resources and help clients forge a new path post-diagnosis, something that is far reaching across generations. It’s more than just tremors and can affect people as young as 20.

“We want to be there when people with Parkinson’s need us most, providing answers, connecting people with needed resources, and creating a compassionate community for those we serve. No matter where they are on their journey with Parkinson’s, we are here to help.”

The organization can move forward with a single focus on improving the lives of those living with and affected

by Parkinson’s Disease. That’s where Country Grocer is among those invaluable to the cause.

“We are really excited about our upcoming fundraiser with Country

24 » Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com

Grocer in April of 2020,” Tania says.

“It has a new focus, our Parkinson’s Services and clients. We are excited to share with the community and to help spread some Parkinson’s awareness as well as raise some much needed funds to help us continue our important work for those with Parkinson’s.”

While the team transitions, continue to find more information at vepc.bc.ca.

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease. Movement is normally controlled by dopamine, a chemical that carries signals between the nerves in the brain. When cells that normally produce dopamine die, the symptoms of Parkinson’s appear.Currently there is no cure and the symptoms are treated with medication. The following therapies can also help manage the symptoms: •

Physical therapy helps mobility, flexibility and balance

•

Occupational therapy helps with daily activities

•

Speech therapy helps with voice control

•

Exercise helps muscles and joints and improves overall health and well-being

TIDBITS

BRIGHT in the

community

Country Grocer will shine a light on community parades this winter.

The company’s festive entry participates in events in Esquimalt, Victoria and Ladysmith as well as the grand 21st annual Island Equipment Owner Association’s (IEOA) Truck Light Convoy. More than 80 trucks coated in thousands of colourful holiday lights will parade through Greater Victoria for a night of dazzling illuminations,

family fun and community fundraising.

The convoy will roll out on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5:45 p.m. at Ogden Point.

From there, the trucks will loop up and around Greater Victoria, accompanied by GPS trackers, before arriving at its final destination at the Western Speedway around 8:30 p.m.

The 38th Annual Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade cruises the streets starting at 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 at Government

and Belleville. The parade winds its way to Centennial Square where the lights flick on at 7 p.m. sharp.

Esquimalt’s 2019 Celebration of Lights on Dec. 8 includes a festive parade, Esquimalt plaza light-up, visit from Santa, entertainment and refreshments. This event is an Esquimalt favourite starting at 5 p.m. at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. For detailed event, parade route and volunteer opportunity information, go to www.celebrationoflights.ca.

The lights go on Nov. 28 for the 32nd Ladysmith Light Up that kicks off a sixweek Festival of Lights.

The parade, featuring that Country Grocer contingent, rolls down First Avenue as part of the parade starting at 6:45 p.m.

Arrive early, the streets get crowded ahead of Santa flicking the switch in town square at 6:30 p.m. Follow the parade to the Aggie Hall for a fireworks display to wrap the evening.

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Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com » 25

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Royal Oak Country Grocer’s Tamiko Bourgeois stands out with customers for her friendly and helpful approach.

Recently receiving her third cumulative kudo nomination for exceptional customer service, Tamiko is “very pleasant, helpful and goes the extra mile to help Tamiko Bourgeois you out. Cheerful – makes my day!” wrote one happy customer.

And from another: “She is consistent with her excellent customer service. I am always treated with a genuine smile and a “how are you today!” I enjoy shopping at your location in part to her excellent customer service!”

Kudos Tamiko!

If you’ve received outstanding customer service, share your story on our Employee Recognition form and submit your Kudos in-store or online at countrygrocer.com

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IN YOUR COMMUNITY ESQUIMALT & VICTORIA Dec. 8 – Celebration of Lights, 5pm at Archie Browning Sports Centre.

Parade, Esquimalt Plaza light-up, visit from Santa, entertainment and refreshments. Info/volunteer opportunities: celebrationoflights.ca.

To Jan. 3 – Experience the magic of the holidays at the sixth annual Christmas Tree Village, at Esquimalt Rec Centre and Archie Browning Sports Centre. Info: esquimalt.ca

through visual arts, dance, music and theatre. Info: saanich.ca May 24 – MS Walk at Cadboro Gyro Park. Check-in begins at 9:30am for 10:30am start for 1.5, 3 and 6K routes Info: mssociety.ca

BC SHARING

COWICHAN VALLEY

Jan. 4 & 5 – Tree chipping in support of Esquimalt’s Community Youth Program, 10am to 4pm in the Archie Browning Centre back parking lot.

Info: esquimalt.ca Jan. 26 – Chinese New Year celebration, noon to 3pm, rain or shine. Lion dance parade, Kung Fu demonstrations and more in Chinatown.

Feb. 17 – Saanich Family Arts Festival, 11am to 3pm at the Cedar Hill Arts Centre – a fun-filled celebration of imagination, creativity and discovery

Dec. 6 – Old Time Christmas, 5 to 8pm. Enjoy Oldfashioned Christmas fun under the stars and thousands of twinkling lights in incredible Downtown Ladysmith. Shopping, crafts, music and more. Info: ladysmithdowntown.com

At all Country Grocer communities – Support local food banks by looking for the BC Sharing donation pads at the till. Simply add $2 to your grocery bill and 100 per cent goes to your local food bank!

and are first-come, first served: 3 to 4pm; 4:45 to 5:45pm; or 6:30 to 7:30pm. Info: cvrd.bc.ca

Dec 31 – Ring in the New Year, family-style, at Cowichan Community Centre‘s free New Year’s Eve Family Celebration – skating, bouncy castle, photo booth and other new attractions, 3 to 8pm. Early countdown just before 8pm, with noise makers, prizes and balloon drop.

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May 24 – MS Walk at Cowichan Sportsplex. Check-in begins at 9:30am for 11am start for 3 and 5K routes Info: mssociety.ca

LAKE COWICHAN & AREA Dec. 23 – Annual Winter Wonderland transforms Cowichan Lake Sports Arena, with a toboggan run, fire on

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ice, skating, shinny hockey, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa, 6 to 8pm. $3.50/person or $12/family.

Info: cvrd.bc.ca Dec. 31 – All-ages New Year’s Eve family event, 5 to 7pm at Cowichan Lake Sports Arena. Ticket includes family skating, crafts, sports, games, hot chocolate and 6:45pm balloon drop. $3.50 per person or $12 per family. Info: cvrd.bc.ca

NANAIMO To Jan. 6 – Festival of Trees at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Admission is free, with support going to the BC Children’s Hospital.

Info: bcchf.ca/festival-oftrees-nanaimo Dec. 21 – Dunk with Santa, 3 to 5pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Be on your best behaviour with Santa in the pool ... or show him how naughty you can be by

trying to dunk him in the dunk tank! Info: nanaimo. ca/recreation-parks Through Spring – The Nanaimo Clippers take to the ice at Frank Crane Arena for some hardhitting hockey action! Info: nanaimoclippers.com

SALT SPRING To Dec. 22 – Wintercraft, featuring arts and crafts from Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands, with around 90 artists represented in Mahon Hall, 114 Rainbow Rd, Salt Spring. Info: ssartscouncil. com/wintercraft

Now open at 828 Fort St, Victoria (Antique Row) We are a one-of-a-kind gift store carrying vintage, handmade and new items.

Our stock is always changing and includes clothing, toys,housewares, jewelry, paper ephemera,and the largest selection of Mexican oilcloth on the Island!

Come in and visit us!

Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm 250 412-2115 • email: lazysusansshop@gmail.com

Dec. 14 & 15 – Salt Spring Singers: Sing with Joy! Winter Concert and Singalong. Enjoy – and join in – at ArtSpring. Info: artspring.ca March 28 – 4th annual Celebrate the Arts event, 10am to 4pm at ArtSpring.

Free. Info: artspring.ca

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Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com » 29

7 Community Locations We care about all of the tires we sell.

Let us help you get to know them.

We’re more than just tires.

Come in or visit online to see our Auto Services

610 Herald St. Victoria | 250.382.6184 fountaintire.com

Full Service Commercial Real Estate • • • • • •

Retail, Office & Warehouse Leasing & Sales Business Asset Sales Property Management Financial Consultation New Home Construction & Sales

250-381-2265 www.naivictoria.ca 30 » Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com

COBBLE HILL 1400 Cowichan Bay Rd. 250-743-5639 7am to 9pm 7 days per week LAKE COWICHAN 83 Lake Cowichan Rd. 250-749-6335 7am to 10pm 7 days per week

SALT SPRING ISLAND 374 Lower Ganges Rd. 250-537-4144 7am to 9:30pm 7 days per week

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

ROYAL OAK (VICTORIA) 4420 West Saanich Rd. 250-708-3919 7am to 10pm 7 days per week

BOWEN ROAD (NANAIMO) 1800 Dufferin Cresc.

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

ESQUIMALT (VICTORIA) 1153 Esquimalt Rd. 250-382-5515 7am to 10pm 7 days per week

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Friends&Family » Winter 2019 | countrygrocer.com » 31