August 2020 Issue 141 by Cowichan Valley Voice

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2020 AUGUST ISSUE 141 COWICHAN VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL I OCEAN ACTIVITIES I SUMMER RECIPES 1

August 2020 Issue 141 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Publisher Richard Badman Editor Sheila Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 6514 Wicks Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5V2 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Distribution Proofreader Calendar & Masthead The Badmans Diana Pink Angela Sheppard

OUR COMMUNITY How to Access Health Care in The Cowichan Valley 6-7 Cobble Hill Virtual Fair 11 A Perfect Partnership That Started By Chance 28 What’s New in Downtown Duncan? 34 The WINGS Lady 36 A Tale of Two Countries: Why Our Borders Must Remain Closed 40 What Were You Wearing? 43 Are You a Cowichan Business Making Local Products? 62 August Forecasts 68 Directory 70-71

LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Back to our Roots 8 The Cowichan Wine Festival is here! 12 Viva La Baguette! 14 Cowichan Valley Officially Recognized Unique Wine Growing Region 15 Fruit Save: Share The Abundance 16 Lavender Love 17 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to, Kale and Herb Salad with Chili Lime Vinaigrette 18 omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations Wine Glasses Demystified 19 SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Cowichan Enjoy Cowichan Through Rosé Tinted Glasses 20-21 District Medical Society, Emma Barrett, Craig Spence, Katherine Introducing Pickles Pantry 22 Holford, Sophia Jackson, Giulia Sa Barreto, Bill Jones, Sarah From then to now at Blue Grouse Estate Winery 23 Barnes, Chris Turyk, Jessica Schacht, Donna Shaw, Paula & Nairn History Glass Kir Cocktail 24 McPhee, Mike Nierychlo, Brad Boisvert, Amanda Vance, Ian Paella at Cherry Point 26 Locke, Grant Easterbrook, Alistair MacGregor, Veronica Scott, Rocky Creek Winery 27 Denise D’Fantis, Nancy Hamilton, Mike Raino, Jill Thompson, Farm Fresh Fridays in Victoria 29 Monica Dockerty, Gina Malkin, Vedrana Ashcroft, Suzan Shoots & Suckers 30 Kostiuck, Dr. Gordon Levin, Janet Magdanz, Miyo Stevens, Burratta Cheese 32 Lorene Benoit, Judy Johnstone, Barry O’Riordan, Laura Faulkner, Tuscan Planked Salmon 37 Katy Ehrlich, Debbie Wood, Marti Smith, Prad Basu, Andrew Alderlea Farm Favourites You Can Make at Home 58 Jeffrey, Cindy Jolin, Nicolette Genier and the lovely Georgia Nicols. HOME, FARM & GARDEN We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Fine Wine, Fine Wood 25 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/ Spiff Up Your Pool with A New Vinyl Liner 47 or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The How to Start Building A Garden for Wildlife 52 opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily Setting Up A Home Recycling Station 64-65 reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please Sharing My Solar Story 66 send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available. LOCAL ARTS Hand Gleaning for Art Rooted in Nature 9 Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select See Summer’s 50 Shades of Green in Out-Of-Doors Art Walk 33 locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Mother and Daughter – Two Creative Spirits featured at Imagine That! 42 Aquamaris Art Gallery - The Little Space That Did 50 Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith, Victoria, Tofino and Parksville BODY, MIND & SOUL Cover Image; Celebrate Cowichan with some spectacular Hot Summer Nights, How to Stay Cool at Night 38-39 rosé! Back Row: Zanatta Winery, Emandare Vineyard, Alderlea Bestsellers at Ten Old Books 41 Vineyards, Cherry Point Vineyards Front Row: Venturi Schulze, Acupuncture for Turbulent Times 44 Rocky Creek Winery, Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Unsworth Summer Spa Staycation Favourites 45 Vineyards, Averill Creek Vineyards Why Choose Natural Sunscreen 53 Tooth Sensitivity… Do you have it? 54 Good Life Juice 55 Why We Should Read 56 Hidden Gem Reiki 57 Wildflowers and Lorene Benoit 59 Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline August 18 for September 2020 Issue 142 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

ARE YOU A LOCAL BUSINESS? REACH LOCAL READERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

FOR A 2020 RATE CARD CONTACT ADRIENNE at 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 4

PETS, RECREATION & NATURE A Magical Moonlight Paddle 46 Watershed Stewardship is a bit like Parenting 48 Learning from Wildflowers 62 Lucky Dog Bonnie 63 Island Drone Works with Somenos Marsh 67

AUGUST EVENTS Cobble Hill’s Virtual 1-18 Fair children, junior, youth, adult, family & 4-H enter Aug 1-18 winners posted on www. cobblehillfair.ca on August 22 FREE

Cowichan Valley 1-31 Wine Festival 13 Wineries Take a Self-Guided

Tour www.tourismcowichan. com $20 1 Cowichan Valley Wine Festival at Blue Grouse Winery 11-5pm 2182 Lakeside Rd, Duncan Tickets & Tasting Reservations www.bluegrouse.ca Blue Grouse Wine Club Members Only reserve your tasting or vine-walk Blue Grouse Winery 2182 Lakeside Rd, Duncan www.bluegrouse. ca WINGS Closing Sale Mon-Sat 12-5pm 193 Station St, Duncan

Full Moon Paddle 2&3 8pm Maple Bay www.wilderness-kayaking.com/ moonlight-paddle $55

Heritage Museum 12-3pm 2 2851 Church Way, Mill Bay www.millbaymalahathistory.ca

COVID protocols in place FREE Also August 9/16/23/30 Nichiren Buddha Society Sunday Service 9am 250-7107594 Also Aug 10/17/24/31

Gelato Truck 2808 Sprott Rd, Duncan 8 & 9 Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale 1pm & 4pm Gem o’ the Isle Farm 2465 Koksilah Rd, Cowichan Station Reserve at shawniganplayers@gmail. com by donation Furstenau Campaign 11 Team Conversation Cafe 7-9pm online in Zoom

soniafurstenau.ca/events FREE

South Island Leadership 19 Roundtable save the date christina@soniafurstenau.ca for details

Customer appreciation 20 Tasting Event Cure 3-7pm 5-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cobble Hill

WINGS Thank You Party 21 w/ Ukululus Band 2-4pm All are welcome 193 Station St, Duncan

KinPark Kids Camp Spots Sonia Furstenau Online 10 13 29&30 available. Gardens, Town Hall 7-8:30pm games, crafts & more check online in Zoom soniafurstenau. Complimentary Paella & available weeks camp@ cowichangreencommuninty.org $150 per week

Wildworks 5-8 Contemporary Basketry Christi York 11-4pm

Rainforests Arts 9781 Willow St, Chemainus Runs to Aug 8

ca/events FREE

Sunrise Waldorf School 15 Early Childhood Education Kindergarten Open House small groups get a taste of our outdoor programs 10am-12pm Space limited RSVP admissions@ sunrisewaldorfschool.org

Shades of Green 8&9 Bioluminescence Paddle Farm Art Walk 1018 8pm Maple Bay 250-7464pm 15 Artists Sunday 08/09 0151 $55 12-4pm Enjoy live Music

Sangria 11-4pm Cherry Point Estate Wines 840 Cherry Point Rd, Cobble Hill Out of Town 8 Furstenau Campaign Team Socially Distanced Picnic 1-3pm Nanaimo RSVP only christina@soniafurstenau.ca FREE

Submitted by the Cowichan District Medical Society, Cowichan Valley Division of Family Practice and Island Health

Thank YOU, Cowichan Valley community, for your support of health care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. We acknowledge everyone’s efforts to keep “kind, calm and safe” throughout these challenging times. You have been helping us by washing your hands, practicing physical distancing, staying home when you have symptoms, and wearing masks in public to keep yourselves and others safe.

Choose the Right Care at the Right Place Now, more than ever, we need to keep our hospitals and emergency rooms clear for those who need them the most. We need you to help us by choosing the right place to go for care, when you need medical attention. We know that people still experience health concerns, whether or not there is a pandemic, and we want you to know that our offices, emergency room and hospital

How To Access Health Care In The Cowichan Valley are safe places to come for health care.

Videos for Cowichan Residents Featuring Cowichan Physicians The Cowichan District Medical Society, Cowichan Valley Division of Family Practice and Island Health are working together on an information campaign to spread the message of Right Care, Right

Place, Right Time. Working with local videographer Kurt Knock, we have created three videos to explain where to go when you’re hurt or unwell, and to show what care looks like now, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit facebook.com/ CVDFP/ to see our videos and share them with your friends. “People in our community are still having strokes, heart attacks, diabetic and surgical emergencies but some are waiting until they are sicker or not coming at all to the hospital,” says Dr. Tracey Stephenson, emergency doctor at Cowichan District

“start by calling your family doctor first… they know you the best” Hospital and Island Health medical director for access and transitions. “If you are having a major medical emergency, we need to see you. At the same time, we have to keep our ER from becoming overloaded. We need everyone to consider - when you are sick or injured where is the best place to go?”

Traditional Chinese Exercise for Health Your Family Doctor is Here for You Did you know that most family doctors offer same day appointments if you need to be seen for an urgent concern? Cowichan Valley family physician lead Dr. Graham Blackburn explains, “Through this crisis, family doctors and specialists have been caring for people by phone and video, and we are doing in-person visits when needed. We’re taking proper precautions like physical distancing in our waiting rooms, wearing masks, and frequent cleaning of surfaces, to keep staff and our patients safe.”

Information at Your Fingertips Visit pathwaysbcvirtualcare. ca for info on how to access your doctors’ offices, urgent care centres and local walkin clinics. If you don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can always call 811 to speak to a nurse for medical advice.

Accessing Cowichan’s Urgent Care Clinics Many people may not be aware that the Ladysmith and Chemainus Urgent Care Centres are open to any resident of the Cowichan Valley, seven days a week from 7:30 am until 10:30pm. These urgent care centres are like mini-emergency rooms, seeing minor injuries and illnesses like broken bones, cuts, infections but with shorter

“if you are having a major medical emergency, the ER is a safe place to go” wait times. Lab is open every day until 3:30 pm, and Xrays are available by appointment weekdays until 5:30 pm, and for urgent cases on weekends.

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When to Visit the Emergency Department If you have a life-threatening situation, like trouble breathing, chest pain, severe pain or bleeding, you should go to the Cowichan District Hospital ER or call 911. “If it’s not a life threatening emergency, we want you to always start by calling your family doctor or nurse practitioner first,” says Island Health Cowichan medical director Dr. Maki Ikemura. “They know you the best and will give you expert medical care and advice.” For more information and resources: • divisionsbc.ca/cowichanvalley • pathwaysbc.ca/cowichan • pathwaysbcvirtualcare.ca islandhealth.ca

he weather this summer has been mostly… damp. Fleece-lined sweaters have become the unofficial summer mascot for many, worn over t-shirts that were more optimistic about the temperature outlook for the day. Our tea plants feel no such yearning for a hot climate. After so many dry summers, we are happy to find the precious tea buds and tender leaves of our bushes flourishing in this damper, temperate weather. The first, delicate flush of the tea plants that Victor processes into our Westholme terroir White Mist and Tree Frog Green teas has yet to change to the hotter and hardier second flush that summer usually brings. A mature tea plant requires more than 6 feet of soil depth for roots to grow and mature, soaking up nutrients

and water - The plants are taking full advantage of these circumstances to replenish, root and grow. At Westholme, we’ve recently made the difficult but exciting decision to do the same. This Teashop, and the Westholme Tea Company business, was born as a vessel to share international tea culture, tea education, and passionate small-scale organic tea agriculture (on our own farm, and internationally) with the local community and beyond. After much deliberation, we’ve decided to shift our focus back to doing just that. While we were hesitant to make this decision, I cannot tell you how thrilled we are to push ourselves forward and continue to grow!

Back to our Roots Due to our unique kitchen and shared retail/dining set-up, and despite intense deliberation, we haven’t found a way to safely start Tearoom service again for the next little while. When we do, it will be changed. We are creating an experience that will still provide a delicious and familiar cup of your favourite tea, while also helping you take a step further into the enormous and beautiful world of tea; 5,000 + years of history is a lot to cover, but each sip of that history is delicious. Westholme has decided to invest its energy into changing the layout of the teashop, making mores space for displays of our exquisite certified organic imported teas, our signature organic Westholme blends, and our beautiful home-grown organic Canadian terroir teas, as well as replenishing the gallery space with Margit’s newest ceramic designs and creations. Many people will miss our tearoom and patio service this summer - it was an experience

of comfort that we loved to provide to our patrons. But part of the education we will be providing during this change, as well as the inventory that we have in our shop, is to show you how to recreate those experiences for yourself, for your family, and for your friends with our tea and tea ware at home. Recipes, bits of history, tea customs from around the world, tea and food pairings, tea tools… the list goes on. As always, we thank you all for staying (and sipping) with us while we try to navigate the pandemic, the economy, and the changes we are making in the face of it all. Emma Barrett is an employee at Westholme Tea Company, a writer, and a tea fiend in the Cowichan Valley.

Hand Gleaning For Art Rooted In Nature

erroir (pronounced tear•war for nonconnoisseurs in the crowd) isn’t a nuance normally associated with the visual arts; it’s that often pricy bouquet of specific vintages of wine, infused into the grapes by the earth they were grown in. But for Christi York, whose Wildworks show will be featured at Rainforest Arts August and September, her art is very much about the Vancouver Island soil and habitats where she ‘harvests’ her materials. “The idea of having a terroir for the art that you’re making really appeals to me,” she said. She points out that 90 percent of the materials used

in her pieces come from local plants – everything from maple leaves, to blackberry bark, to willow canes. It’s art shaped, tinted and, in a sense, crafted by our environment. “To me it comes down to the connection to the materials,” she explained. Plants gleaned from forests, fields, ditches, her own back yard, are used in her studio, so “the materials become fundamental in making the work.”

The Clay Hub Collective

We miss our Clay Community please see website for ongoing updates. Stay safe everyone.

www.theclayhubcollective.com

encountered Sharon Kallis and friends of the EartHand Gleaners, a collective that uses Vancouver Parks Board cuttings to make ‘non-traditional’ basketry. “I stumbled upon those guys, and the seed was planted, quite literally,” York recalled. “I’m just obsessed with basketry. I just sort of live in my own naturalmaterials bubble.” Before moving to Vancouver Island York was known for the jewellery she made out of reclaimed pieces. “I would go hunting in thrift stores and antique stores, and I would collect things, reassemble them and sell them at markets and at retail,” she said. “That transformation from trash to treasure has been a theme in my life.” But just as her interest in jewellery was waning, she

Now, when she’s walking through a forest, York is usually on the lookout for materials that can be harvested. It’s a habit that has enriched her appreciation of nature. “It’s wonderful. It’s like having new eyeballs,” she said. “I’ve learned more about native plants, about plants in general, in the last four years than I’ve know my entire life.” The works are elegant, harmonious, intriguing. They’re also ‘random weave’, ‘unstructured’, and ‘nonfunctional’… which is to say, it’s a unique show, you won’t want to miss. Rainforest Arts is located at 9781 Willow Street in Chemainus. Hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 11 AM to 4 PM. More at RainforestArts.ca.

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ant to try something different and fun this summer? If so, then you and your family should consider entering Cobble Hill’s Virtual Fair. The Virtual Fair has been designed for fun and easy online entry. Check out our new Fair Catalogue at cobblehillfair.ca Sections exist for Children (6 & under), Juniors (7 - 12), Youth (13 - 16), Adults and Families along with some 4-H classes. We also thought it was important to include a class that lets you enter “anything we missed that you would like to enter.” We need to warn you though, our Virtual Fair is nothing like our traditional Cobble Hill Fair. You’ll understand what we mean when you view the Fair Catalogue. We really want you to explore all the options and to start taking pictures of your virtual entries now so

available, our focus really is on encouraging children and families to participate in a fun event while showcasing what they have done during the pandemic.

Cobble Hill Virtual Fair they are handy when you enter later. There are some entry requirements on page 6 of the Catalogue so read these over and if you have any questions email them to info@cobblehillfair.ca Oh, and did we mention you can register and send your entries online as well. Starting

August 1st you can enter and send your pictures to the Fair through our new website: cobblehillfair.ca Entries will be posted on Facebook and Instagram while class winners will be displayed on our Fair website on August 22nd 2020. Although some of our usual entry activities will be

It was with considerable sadness that we decided to cancel the traditional 111th Cobble Hill Fair. However, like Doctor Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer for BC, we want to ensure everyone in our community stays safe and stays well during these very difficult and unusual times. We look forward to safer times along with an economic recovery and a return to normal, whatever that new normal may look like. We hope you and your family will participate in our Virtual Fair and that we will see you in person at our 2021 Fair. Submitted by Gerry Giles

By Katherine Holford

or the entire month of August, you can sample 13 of Cowichan’s award-winning wineries. If you haven’t purchased your $20 ticket yet, make sure to visit TourismCowichan.com to get yours. This year looks a little different for the Cowichan wineries. While we have entered into Phase 3 in British Columbia, large gatherings are still limited to 50 people, so while we are not able to host the popular Launch Party, we are extending the festival through the entire month of August and allowing guests to take a self-guided tour of our wine region. This allows our guests to enjoy the region at their own pace, while ensuring the wineries are able to adhere to proper sanitation and capacity protocols. You’ll want to set aside a good amount of time to explore other gems in the Cowichan region though! Take a leisurely walk or hike along one of our incredible trails, stop for lunch or dinner at one of the countless farm-to-table restaurants or locally-sourced bakeries, or extend your beverage tour to include a local craft brewery, distillery, or cidery.

The Cowichan Wine Festival is here! With so many summer plans being cancelled, this is the one to get excited for! Get your wine glass ready and spend a whole month visiting your favourite spots in the Cowichan Valley. Grab your loved ones and offer an experience like no other right now. Visit Cowichan Tourism to book your tickets ahead of time to start your August off right! So...How Does This Work? Once you purchase your ticket, you can download to your mobile device or print it off. From there, you can begin your tour at your leisure! Simply hand in your ticket at any participating winery to get your branded Tasting Glass and “passport”, which will act as your guide along the way. Be sure to collect your “stamps” at each stop and hand in your

completed passport once at your final visit to be entered into a draw to win a custom box of Cowichan wines from the participating wineries. And remember to plan ahead! While all wineries are open their regular hours, guests are encouraged to call ahead and make reservations if needed. There’s so many ways to discover your next adventure in Cowichan right now and we encourage each of our guests to get off the beaten path and take advantage of this great opportunity to explore your own backyard! If you need a little more inspiration, be sure to check out the Visitors Guide at TourismCowichan.com to plan your itinerary.

Vive la Baguette!

t’s universally acknowledged that the French know a thing or two about good food and wine. They’ve been making an art of wine for two centuries, and every day the French consume more than 30 million baguettes. There is no definitive history of the baguette, but our favourite theory links the origin of modern French bread to the French revolution. While the monarchy and upper classes feasted on fine loaves, the lack of quality bread among the general population was one of the driving forces of the uprising. In 1793, the post-revolution government made a law stating: “Richness and poverty must both disappear from the government of equality. It will no longer make a bread of wheat for the rich and a bread of bran for the poor. All bakers will be held, under the penalty of imprisonment, to make only one type of bread: The Bread of Equality.” The shape of the baguette is said to have emerged in the 1920s, when a new law made it illegal for anyone to begin work between 10pm and 4am. As this didn’t leave enough time for bakers to prepare larger loaves before the

morning rush, the baguette’s long, slim form would bake faster and be ready in time for their customers’ breakfasts. At True Grain, we make our French Baguettes as they’re made in France, with just five ingredients: White Flour (we use only BC-farmed organic), water, yeast, malt and a touch of sea salt. The bakers shape each baguette by hand and bake it with care, so the outside is robust and crunchy while the inside stays pillowy soft. A baguette’s mild flavour makes it an ideal accompaniment to a wide variety of food and wine. Imagine yourself in winter, dipping hand-torn chunks of baguette into a beef stew between sips of cabernet sauvignon. Or sitting on a summer patio enjoying a crisp pinot grigio with smoked salmon crostini. For those with a sweet tooth, nothing beats a slice of baguette with chocolate, next to a chilled fruit or dessert wine. Stop by True Grain to pick up a fresh organic French Baguette (we also make sourdough and multigrain baguettes!) before your next picnic or winery tour. We’re happy to be able to bring a slice of France to the beautiful Cowichan Valley. True Grain 1737 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay Submitted by Sophia Jackson Image Judith Okeefe

The vineyards at Blue Grouse Estate Winery

Cowichan Valley Officially Recognized as a Unique Wine Growing Region

he Cowichan Valley is being recognized as a new sub-geographical indication (sub-GI), an official and protected term under B.C. law used to help consumers identify B.C. wines’ origins. The Cowichan Valley subGI is roughly defined as the area between the Cowichan watershed, the eastern coastline from Mill Bay to Maple Bay and the western area of Cowichan Lake. “The Cowichan is home to family-owned and operated wineries and grape growers who have been part of the valley for generations,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “They take pride in the wines they produce and recognizing their hard work, skills and growing reputation on the B.C. and international stage is overdue. They make great wine in the Cowichan from the grapes grown in the valley, and the designation both respects and promotes that.” Defining geographic zones on wine labels connects consumers with the unique geographic area the grapes are grown and the wine is made in, and increases exposure to the region for both wine and tourism businesses. Wines labelled with geographical indications

and/or sub-GIs commit to consumers that the wine was produced with a minimum of 95% of grapes grown from the specified region. There are nine official geographical indications in the province and five subgeographical indications. The Cowichan Valley is the first sub-GI outside of the Okanagan and joins the Golden Mile Bench, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls and Skaha Bench in the Okanagan Valley. “Having Cowichan Valley officially recognized as a distinct and unique wine grape growing region in B.C. is testament to the maturity of the wine growers and producers in the region. To put it simply, when you now see Vancouver Island, Cowichan Valley, BC VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) on a bottle, it is your guarantee that you’re sipping a wine that is 100% grown and made in this particular terroir of British Columbia.” Miles Prodan, president, BC Wine Institute For information about all the geographic and subgeographic indications in B.C., visit: http://www.bcvqa.ca/ wine-regions-of-bc/

LOOKING FOR MICROGREENS?

We grow plenty of them!

A&S MICROGREENS t.250-710-6135 www.asmicrogreens.com

TASTING ROOM OPEN 1 - 5 PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY OR BY APPOINTMENT.

Celebrating over 50 years of the grape, Joseph Busnardo is credited as the first person to import and plant vinifera grape cuttings in BC. This changed the future of the grape and wine industry. Come celebrate over 25 years in the Cowichan Valley and enjoy locallygrown, estate-produced wine. If you’re lucky, a 25 year old wine will be available for tasting!

1500 Freeman Rd, Cobble Hill I 250 743 2311 Submitted by Giulia Sa Barreto

WWW.DIVINOWINE.CA 15

t’s August, and the streaming West Coast sunshine has transformed the landscape into an oasis of fruit-laden trees. Cherries, plums, apples, pears and peaches – the variety and abundance has created an explosion of food processors to be established in the Valley and cider-makers delight in creating homegrown vintages. Even so, each season, thousands of pounds of ripe fruit fall to the ground only to rot in the Summer sun. Tree-owners are often too busy to deal with their trees, or can no longer keep up with the demands of caring for, harvesting and processing an abundance of produce year after year. However, Cowichan Green Community’s (CGC) FruitSave program continues

to step up to rescue fruit that would otherwise go to waste, and ensure it gets redistributed throughout the community. This gleaning program organizes and connects volunteer pickers with fruit tree owners whose trees produce an overwhelming yield. The gleaned fruit is shared between the pickers, the tree owners, and emergency food service providers. Additionally, the gleaned fruit is donated to local canning workshops and food skills programs that aim to teach the community about the importance of healthy food. At CGC, the reFRESH Cowichan team will be contributing to handling the excess produce and processing the fruit into value-added products for redistribution to those in need.

Fruit Save: Share The Abundance With the collaboration of reFRESH Cowichan Team and the promising fruit season ahead, FruitSave is looking for fruit trees and volunteers to help our program achieve its full potential in reaching as many community members as possible. FruitSave volunteers make connections with the community, share in local food, and spend time

outdoors in our beautiful valley. To register as a tree owner or volunteer picker, please visit our website at https:// cowichangreencommunity. org/community-action/ fruitsave/ or contact us at fruitsave@ cowichangreencommunity. org or call 250-748-8506.

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simply by smelling it. In my book anything that gives you even a momentary lift is a good way to balance the other hectic parts of our lives.

Lavender Love Bill Jones is an author, chef and food consultant Deerholme.com

ne of the things that I most love about the Cowichan Valley is the continuing swirl of wonderful organic aromas in the summertime. From the funk of newly cut hay to the sweet smell of the forests and rivers. At the farm, we always wait patiently for the flowers of the lavender plant to burst forth at the beginning of our walkway. It is a regular treat to gently rub the flowers and inhale the sweet floral aroma. The bees are also crazy about our lavender, the bushes are often buzzing with the activities of several types of bees. Most of the aroma from the plant come from aromatic oils that also have significant health benefits. The plant has anti-bacterial and antiinflammatory components but for me there is also great mental benefits derived

If you grow lavender, choose a drier area (they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like their roots too wet) and prefer a nice sunny spot in your yard. In France where you often see fields ringing the Mediterranean the plants are often mulched with gravel between the rows, to both draw heat and keep down competing weeds. The really good news is they are hardy in our climate and do not need much in the way of care and feeding when they are established. I use lavender in a lot of desserts and they have a magic connection with berries, cream and chocolate. You can also use the leaves as a herb, similar to how you would use rosemary. They shine as a seasoning for lamb, pork and chicken. With vegetables, I like the combination of lavender with roasted or grilled potatoes, squash and zucchini best. Aroma therapy for the soul, delivered along the walkway or in the odors drifting from the BBQ, smells like a another fine Cowichan Summer.

Lavender Bread Pudding

Recipe courtesy Chef Bill Jones, Deerholme Farm This is an easy pudding I would serve chilled, with fresh berries. Strawberries are excellent and fresh raspberries may be even better. Can be made up to 2 days in advance. Makes 12 portions Preheat oven to 325 F / 165 C Ingredients 4 cups milk (or cream) Âź cup lavender flowers 6 cups French bread or baguette (sliced thinly) 6 large eggs 1 cup sugar (or Â˝ cup honey) More sugar for sprinkling

Method

In a thick bottomed pot, add the milk and lavender. Heat over high until the mixture boils, be careful as the liquid will expand quickly and can easily overflow. When it starts to double in volume immediately remove from the heat and set aside In a mixing bowl, add the eggs and sugar whisk to mix. Pour 1/3 of the hot liquid through a strainer and into the eggs, and whisk to mix. Add the remainder of the liquid and stir to mix. Place a layer of bread in a large casserole dish. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, pushing down with a spoon to insure all the slices are soaked with the mixture. Place in a hot oven for 45 minutes (or until set and slightly browned on top). Remove from oven and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes. Cut into squares (or scoop with a large spoon) and serve warm with fresh berries and

whipped cream.

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Kale and Herb Salad with Chili Lime Vinaigrette and Crushed Peanuts

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Recipe courtesy Barnes and Maracle Barnes and Maracle specialize in creating delicious food with bold flavours and attention to detail.

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gardenfaire@saltspring.com

www.gardenfaire.ca

I am not the best gardener in the world, I will leave that up to Star. I grow things that co-operate with me and kale is one of the most agreeable plants in my garden. Big and bountiful kale adorns my garden with frilly fans of green and purple. It is a hearty and versatile plant that can be used in salads, curries and pesto, you can even make a guilt free chip with it. Kale is also fabulous guiltily drenched in butter or gussied up with cheese. Thank you, humble and agreeable kale for being so delicious, nutritious and amazing!

Ingredients

1 big bunch of your favourite type of kale 1/3 cup avocado oil 1 juicy lime 1 bunch cilantro 1/3 c Fish Sauce 1 bunch Thai or sweet basil 1-2 Birds Eye chili 1 bunch mint 2 garlic cloves 1 bunch scallions 1 Tbsp brown sugar ½ cup crushed peanuts

Method

Make dressing for salad in a medium sized mason jar. If you have a pestle and mortar smash garlic and chilis together into a rough paste. A fine dice will suffice if you do not own a pestle and mortar add spicy garlic to jar then add fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and oil and shake until well mixed. Tear kale into bite sized pieces and place in a large bowl for serving. Massage dressing into kale. Coarsely chop herbs, finely slice scallions and add to salad. Garnish with peanuts. Add zest of a lime for extra pizazz Serve with grilled rib eye if you are feeling extravagant.

Wine Glasses Demystified

o keep things simple I examine three quick details before choosing a stem. Firstly is the alcohol content. Glassware with a more narrow bowl and wider rim diameter will allow more ambient airflow thus quelling the perception of booze in a high alcohol wine. This can be important if you want more of the fruit aromas to show through and not the warming aroma of alcohol. Try smelling vodka out of a martini glass vs a brandy snifter and you’ll see what I mean. If you are a fan of reds from warmer climates, chances are they will have elevated alcohol, these show well out of classic shaped red wine glasses. These are generally larger tulip shaped glasses and can vary slightly in rim diameter. Merlot, Shiraz/Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and the like, are at home here. Secondly is the aromatic

intensity of the wine. Generally more aromatically intense red wines are served in glasses with a wider bottom of the bowl with a more narrow rim diameter. Examples being, Gamay, Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. Pinot is renowned for its bright fruit aromas and complexity of other ‘non-fruit’ aromas. These are more apparent in a wider bottomed glass with a narrow rim. Hence the advent of the Burgundy and New World Pinot Noir glasses. The shape allows the wine to be swirled in order to coax more aromas from the wine whilst keeping them from dissipating before one can have a good sniff. Don’t forget that the vast amount of flavours discerned from a wine are due to the nose and not palate alone. SMELL IT! My third rule of thumb is slightly more ambiguous but can certainly be the most important. What are you looking to get out of the wine? Considering how various glass shapes and sizes impact the perception of a wine can be tailored to caress wines into showcasing different characteristics. For example, you purchase a Pinot Noir and put it in a Pinot Noir glass. That stands to reason doesn’t it? What you didn’t account for is 14.7% alcohol and upon smelling it, you notice it isn’t quite as aromatic as you expected. The alcohol could be dominating your senses resulting in the wine showing a little numb or quiet.

You then decide to try it out of a glass more suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon, and voila, the alcohol has a place to go other than up your nose and the aromas reveal themselves. In this specific example you could also bring the temperature of the wine down a few degrees to calm the perception of alcohol, but that is a story for another day. Looking forward to when we delve into white wine glassware. Whites, especially

more aromatically coy ones, can have remarkable variances in expression with various glassware. Have fun, drink up (responsibly), remember that wine is about inclusion, and is best served amongst friends. Chris Turyk - I love wine, a lot. I’m a Certified Sommelier, WSET Diploma graduate, and get in everyones way @ unsworthvineyards. Follow my personal antics @farmersomm

Enjoy Cowichan Through Unsworth Vineyards 2018 Unsworth Rose This vibrant coastal Pinot Noir Rosé has notes of wild strawberries, and delicate, dried herbs with pronounced minerality. This dry Provençal- styled Rosé is wonderful by itself and loves to be paired with Mediterranean fare. $22

Rocky Creek Winery Robin’s Rose 2019 Tasting Room Open Friday & Saturdays 11am - 5pm or by appointment.

250 597-4075 6798 Norcross Rd, Duncan

Brand new Tempranillo rose this year. Robin’s line of wine. This Rose has wonderful aromas and flavours of cherries and strawberries. There is a great color that fills up a glass beautifully. This Rose is available only at the winery. Enjoy with patio season or takeout such as gyros. $27.50

Alderlea Vineyards 2018 Rosé

Cherry Point Estate Wines 2019 Spritzy Rosé

Estate grown red varietals Cabernet Foch and Cabernet Libre combine to make a dry, crisp and aromatic full-bodied rosé wine with hints of cranberry and blackberry. “Alderlea Rosé resembles a Provence-style of rosé, a perfect summer wine that pairs exceptionally well with seafood and poultry dishes or simply a sunny patio. $24.25

This unique wine is made with three grape varietals that were planted at the farm 27 years ago, which are represented by the three dancing muses on the label. Fresh with aromatic scents, subtle minerality, and slightly effervescent, is a perfect wine for those after work moments. $25

Silverside Farm U-PICK

2020 Season July 16th - August 30th

Thursday/Friday 12-6 Saturday/Sunday 8-4

Please book an appointment to pick, $3/lb 250-743-9149 or berries@silversidefarm.com 3810 COBBLE HILL RD. COBBLE HILL, BC (250) 743-9149 www.silversidefarm.com

Help Fight Child Hunger in our Community WWW.NOURISHCOWICHAN.CA I 250 597-7760

Rosé Tinted Glasses... Blue Grouse Winery 2019 Quill Rosé Our winemaker’s favourite, this Rosé opens with aromas of strawberry and rhubarb. Fresh and lively on the palate with a savoury note. A complex, full flavoured wine that will pair perfectly with grilled fish, chicken or pizza. $21.99

Emandare Vineyard 2019 Rosé Refreshing strawberry, peach and wildflowers. A big fat bowl of mac-ncheese and a bottle of Rosé, that’s my happy place. $25

Averill Creek Vineyard 2019 Joue Rosé Tasting/Winemaker’s Note: Not for the faint of heart: a powerful, intense blend, full of bright fruit flavour, balanced with a dried-flower savouriness. This not-solittle number will entice you towards another bite of food, another sip of wine, repeat. $25

Venturi-Schulze Brut Naturel Rosé 2017 This fine 100% estate-grown delicious, traditional-method sparkling rosé is a family favourite. Giordano created it from our Zweigelt grapes (the most widely grown red variety of Austria) without the use of pesticides or herbicides. It is completely dry and natural, has a pale pink hue and delicate berry flavours, is crisp and lively and pairs wonderfully with a wide range of foods. After the bottle fermentation, it was left en tirage and is being disgorged by hand in small batches. $31.10

Zanatta Winery Rosato

We don’t always make a still rosé but when we do you know it will be a dry and unique wine. This rosé is the 2018 vintage and made using Pinot Noir grapes using the saignée method. The flavour of strawberries and rhubarb lingers long on the palate. It is a limited release for 2020. As are all Zanatta wines, it is made using grapes from our vineyards in Glenora. $16.80

Valley Cider Rouge Dry cider aged for a year and then another six months on carmenere skins, then blended with beet root, hibiscus and black pepper produced a beautifully light berry-forward rose. $4.99 21

ood has always been an essential part of family life for Chef and Owner of Pickles’ Pantry, Louise Pickles. After studying History at the University of Victoria, Louise decided to make her passion for food and cooking her occupation and signed up to attend the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in 2003. Since graduating, Louise’s career has taken her around the world and back again as she has worked in and led some of the best kitchens in Vancouver, Australia and Vancouver Island. After taking a quick professional break to start a family, Louise and her husband moved from Ucluelet to Cobble Hill. Along with recently becoming a Culinary Instructor at Vancouver Island University, Louise decided to follow her greatest dream and start her own business this year. Pickles’ Pantry adds a modern twist to rustic French Charcuterie with items

On the board: Pickles’ Pantry Duck Pâté with Port and Cranberry, House Terrine with Figs and Pistachios, Pickles’ Pantry Yellow Tomato and Peach Jam.

Introducing Pickles Pantry such as a signature Chicken Pâté with Burnt Honey and Apple, or a Country Terrine with Figs and Pistachios, as well as many others such as Traditional Pork Rillette. Louise combines these items alongside other Island made products in carefully curated

Grazing Boxes and Boards - perfect for small gatherings, special occasions, and unique gifts available for delivery straight to your door! With a determination to work in small batches,

and fine attention to detail, Louise looks to use as many local or Island ingredients in her products as possible, and supports the concept of “buy local” and “shop local” whenever she can. To that end, Pickles’ Pantry products can be found locally at the Duncan Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9am-2pm, and at Emandare Vineyards, or through home delivery with Cowichan Valley Milk Company and Legends Haul in the Lower Mainland and in Victoria at The Root Cellar. www.picklespantry.ca

wine in Cowichan! This year every day of August you can visit and celebrate the Cowichan, as the festival runs from August 1 – 31.

From then to now at Blue Grouse Estate Winery, and the new way for the Wine Festival

lue Grouse Estate Winery sits on top of one of the oldest vineyards on Vancouver Island. Celebrating its 30th harvest in 2020, Blue Grouse Estate Winery is the second oldest on the Island, releasing its first commercial vintage in 1990. In 2012 the Brunner family took over the property from the founding Kiltz family, and has been building on that legacy, adding a new visitors center, and transitioning the vines to organic. Winemaker Bailey Williamson produces a focused portfolio of white and red wines from vines that have been growing in the Cowichan Valley for more than 25 years – varietals that capture

the essence of the vineyards’ climate and soil. The white wine portfolio includes single varietal Bacchus, Ortega, Pinot Gris and Siegerrebe, while the estate red line-up includes Pinot Noir and Black Muscat. An Estate traditional method sparkling wine, named ‘Paula’, rounds out the portfolio. A second label – Quill allows the winemaker to blend estate and non-estate grapes. Quill wines include a dry and an off-dry white blend, a red blend, a Rosé and a single varietal Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. To the extent possible, grapes are purchased from vineyards on Vancouver Island, and when necessary blended with specially selected grapes from the Okanagan Valley. While all the Blue Grouse wines can be bought online, the winery is thrilled to be taking part in the annual Cowichan Valley Wine Festival. While current restrictions prevent the launch party we have come to know and love, we can still celebrate

The month-long event is a great way to experience Cowichan Valley wine country, the province’s newest sub GI. The Cowichan Valley has just been recognized as a new sub-geographical indication, an official and protected term under BC law used to help consumers identify BC wines’ origins.The festival features wine touring, tasting, and a grand prize giveaway, so join us in Cowichan to enjoy this special region month! This year, the wine festival is being held at all the wineries at the same time. Throughout the entire month of August, pick up your festival glass and passport at any participating winery, and spend the month exploring Cowichan and collecting your passport stamps for your chance to win a case of premium Cowichan wines. For this festival, your glass is your ticket! Purchase your glass for $20 online at a participating winery for access to all festival venues, and free tastings. You can also purchase

a ticket online and redeem it at the first winery you visit to receive your glass. Your ticket includes a complimentary flight of three tastes at all participating wineries Go to https://www. tourismcowichan.com/cowichanvalley-wine-festival/ for more. The Cowichan Valley wineries are prepared to receive guests in a safe and healthy environment. You will find protocols to maintain physical distancing, provide sanitized tastings, and above all, warm welcoming smiles. Submitted by Leeann Froese

Find us at the Duncan Farmer’s Market on Saturdays!

Charcuterie, Grazing Boxes and Entertaining Ideas

www.picklespantry.ca I 250-266-2464 23

HISTORY GLASS

Kir Cocktail

n celebration of the Cowichan Valley being recognized as an official wine region in BC, it seems fitting to highlight a winebased cocktail. The Kir is an effortlessly elegant aperitif that originated in France around 1900. What we’ve come to know as the Kir originated as the Cassis Blanc – an accurate description of its combination of Crème de Cassis and dry white wine – typically Bourgogne Aligote. The Kir’s namesake, Canon Felix Kir was a politician, resistance fighter in WWII and eventually became the Mayor of Dijon. Wanting to promote local products, he popularized the Cassis Blanc until it eventually became known simply as the Kir. Though it was originally made with a dry white wine, the Kir Royale is probably more popular nowadays. This uses sparkling wine in place of the dry white wine, with

just a dollop of crème de cassis pooled at the bottom of the glass like a little jewel. Here in BC, blessed with the bounty of many delicious spirits and wines there are endless combinations to try using local products. Odd Society Spirits and Rathjen Cellars both make cassis, and there are many bubbles and dry wines you can use like Averill Creek’s citrusy 2019 Pinot Grigio. You can also kick it up a notch with this Kir Cocktail featuring the World’s Best Varietal Vodka, Ampersand Distilling Company’s Per Se. Jessica Schacht Ampersand Distilling Co. ampersanddistilling. com

Kir Cocktail

Recipe courtesy Jessica Schacht, Ampersand Distilling Company Ingredients 1 ½ oz Per Se Vodka 1 oz dry white wine – try Blue Grouse Dry White or Unsworth Charme de L’Ile for a Royale version 1/2 oz Crème de Cassis – try Odd Society or Rathjen Cellars Method Add ingredients to an ice filled cocktail shaker and stir until well chilled. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with ripe berries. 24

Fine Wine, Fine Wood

f a home has a heart, surely it is the dining table. A single place all inhabitants gather to plan or re-hash each day over a shared meal. Where every holiday feast is shared amongst family and friends. Rituals, and rightsof-passage; birthdays, bar mitzvahs, engagements and graduations. Here at least, religion, politics and rumor are not taboo over a shared bottle of wine. Tastes and smells bring up the memories of a life built around the dining table. If those memories have roots at a wine tasting tour of the Cowichan Region (now an official BC wine region, Hurrah!) or at the experience of picking out and shaping the design of your dining table, the deeper the connection to our community. Imagine,

the depth and richness of the stories we would share in that space, over that bottle of wine. Whether it is a bespoke dining table or a custom wine rack that, in itself is a piece of art, being a part of the process of working with local artisans can help you to curate a space for conversation, reflection and memory making. Find out more about Live Edge Design and their custom designs at www. liveedgedesign.com Find out more about Neufeld Furniture and their cabinetry at www.neufeldfurniture.com Donna Shaw is a WFH mom, who helps clients bring nature into their homes.

Please visit the website for current information about our upcoming events, dinners, workshops and classes.

For full details visit www.deerholme.com BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450

RV I C E E S P - Su n R HO

ed a ble W p m Ava i l 8 0 99 11:3 6-22

78-3

Cal l 7

Donna Shaw has been helping

bring 11:30am nature into their Join us Monday-clients Friday -8pm homes and work environments for Saturday & Sunday 10am 8pm 14 years with her role- at Live Edge Design.

TAKE OUT AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK 778-356-2299 MILL BAY MARINA â&#x20AC;˘ 740 HANDY RD â&#x20AC;˘ 778-356-3568 www.bridgemans.ca 25

Paella At Cherry Point

herry Point considers the Paella as a symbol of union, of family, traditions, festivities and harmony.

Sands Funeral Chapel

Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan by Arbor Memorial

Janice Winfrey Funeral Director

tel: 250-746-5212 â&#x20AC;˘ fax:250-746-7034 sandsfuneral.com/duncan email:sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com 187 Trunk Road, Duncan, British Columbia V9L 2P1

2020 Cowichan Valley Wine Festival SAT August 29 11-2pm SUN August 30 11-4pm

COMPLIMENTARY

Paella & Sangria

10th Consecutive Year Our way of thanking the community for its continuous support! 840 Cherry Point Rd, Cobble Hill I www.cherrypointestatewines.com

The Paella is usually prepared for a late Sunday lunch, or for special holidays. Families get together and plan their Paella days before. The elder, usually Grandpa, gives the orders and instructs each participant as to what and where to obtain each of the ingredients. But only he, the Paella Captain, indicates to each person involved exactly how to make the cuts and when to incorporate each element into the Paella. It is almost alchemy, where olive oil, garlic, colourful peppers and onions begin to blend before chorizo, chicken, pork and rabbit, if available, added in, producing a limitless sea of aromas that, in a crescendo enhanced by the consumption of good Rioja wines, eventually begins to take the right consistency before good Valencia rice is added. Prior to this, the night before, a stock has been brewing using cuttings from all the vegetables and shells from the shell fish and together with saffron is added once the rice is al-dente.

By now, the entire house is full of aromas, aromas that fly into the neighbourhood. Everybody now knows a Paella is in the making and they know they are welcome to join in. Please come, join us celebrating Cowichan Valley Wine Festival, August 29 & 30 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and enjoy our complimentary Paella and SangrĂa. This is our way to thank our wonderful community for their continuous support. 840 Cherry Point Rd, Cobble Hill, (250) 743-1272 www.cherrypointestatewines. com

Rocky Creek Winery

ere at Rocky Creek Winery, the ticket/wine festival glass participants will be entitled to 3 wines to taste for free. Bookings are required online and there is a booking specific for the participants and proof of purchase or a glass must be presented to get the tasting. Please note though that we are restricting the number of simultaneous bookings to maintain the spacing requirements from the Health Authority. Please be patient when you arrive, you may have to wait a few minutes for the previous group to clear, and for time to sanitize the area between groups. This year we have a special tasting and competition between 2 winemakers. If you like Pinot Gris, this one is for you. The father and daughter have both made their own Pinot Gris as they have learned and studied. Daughter has graduated from Brock University with an undergraduate degree in winemaking and made her version using a completely different method and special yeasts. Father made it our popular orange wine way. Taste them back to back and vote. What a great chance

to experience same terroir, same fruit and 2 different winemaking techniques. We are having a competition with a result at the end of our season. Rocky Creek Winery has some great experiences to book online to add to the festival experience and is open daily for the wine festival month. Why not book a photoshoot with 5 professionally edited photos or have a Sabreing 101 lesson from one of our winemakers? Stay outside and enjoy a flight of wines or a bottle with local seafood, artisan meat packs or local cheeses. People love our garden area overlooking the vineyard. Take the time to enjoy our intimate experience and linger longer. Book online through www.exploretock.co/ rockycreekwinery for these experiences also.

ACUPUNCTURE MASSAGE THERAPY HERBAL MEDICINE

Online Booking & Direct Billing www.pestleandpins.com

DR. KEVIN IANSON, Dr.TCM (R.Ac) AMANDA KNAPP, R.TCM.P (R.AC) CHELSEA RANEY, R.TCM.P (R.AC) EVAN MONCRIEFF, RMT

4705 Trans Canada Hwy I 250-889-9066 I Whippletree Junction

Sathian Thai Food

Delicious Authentic Thai Dishes

Mild, Medium or Hot

1751 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay Open Wednesday - Sunday 11:30- 8pm I 250 746-4889 27

A Perfect Partnership That Started By Chance

hortly after we opened our doors to the public 2 years ago, we had the opportunity to partner with Cow-op and become their Victoria pick up location. It was an opportunity created by chance when their previous pick up location closed overnight, but it has been one that has opened doors and evolved beautifully. Zero Waste Emporium is Vancouver Island’s first Zero Waste grocery store. We provide sustainable zero waste groceries and other items while making it easy,

convenient, and affordable for customers to eliminate most (if not all) of their daily trash and encourage people to bring their own clean and dry containers to refill. Our mission is to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfill and oceans by providing bulk food, personal care and cleaning products, and sustainable reusable items - all completely package-free! A big part of our ethos is to create sustainable food supply chains and provide our customers with as much local food as possible. This is where the Cow-op became a perfect fit. By introducing our customers to the Cowichan Valley farms and the great abundance of produce they have to offer, we closed the loop and provided our customers with access to items that we couldn’t bring

locally grown, organic and delicious

Ol’ MacDonald Farm Sugar snap peas, Sungold cherry tomatoes, BASIL, beets, Cukes and Zukes, BEETS, carrots, eggs and SO much more! delicious local food grown with love

Visit us on Saturdays at the downtown Duncan Farmers Market.

into the store sustainably otherwise. And by being the pick up location we introduced all of the Cowop customers to the world of Zero Waste living. This partnership has been mutually beneficial and has allowed us to grow with the Cow-op, while helping each other find better ways to provide local sustainable produce plasticfree!

Zero Waste Emporium 1728 Douglas Street Victoria www.zerowasteemporium. com Victoria Cow-Op orders are available for pick up at Zero Waste Emporium on Thursdays from 1- 6 pm.

Paula & Nairn McPhee, Co-owners

Farm Fresh Fridays in Victoria

resh Local Produce Now Available In Downtown Victoria!

producers we are keeping money in our local economy”, Quesnel said.

Farm Fresh Fridays is an exciting new program at the Victoria Public Market that brings locally grown fruits and vegetables from some of the region’s top farmers to downtown Victoria residents every Friday.

This week Farm Fresh Fridays is featuring firstof-the-season Okanagan cherries, Saanich grown strawberries, sugar snap peas and the Island’s very first harvest of loganberries. In addition, you will find locally grown oyster mushrooms, heirloom tomatoes, beans, Cowichan Valley certified organic eggs, salad greens and baked goods. Fresh cut flower bouquets with amazing blooms from four different Victoria farms are always a nice treat to add to your shopping bag. additional local vendors will be selling their products such as soap, cheese, jewelry and more!

Emily Quesnel, a long time Victoria resident stopped by last week to check out the first Farm Fresh Fridays and was pleasantly surprised to see the abundance of beautiful local fruits and vegetables on display. Not only was it a comfortable shopping experience, she was able to meet producers. “Buying from the people who live in our community and supporting them is so important. But also, by supporting our local

The vision of this Farm Fresh Fridays is full circle. Whatever leftover goods that are not sold are then used and processed into the legendary line of artisanal, farm-sourced canned goods called Circle Canning, these goods can be found on the shelves at The Chocolate Project in the Victoria Public Market. Maryanne Carmack, one of the founding tenants and former General Manager of the Victoria Market,

enthusiastically supports this new program. “From day one, the Victoria Public Market has been committed to supporting local in the downtown core and creating a gathering place for the community. We look forward to furthering this vision with our growing collaborative program, returning to our roots of support for local business owners, farmers and producers”. The Victoria Public Market brings together locally owned small businesses with offerings from fresh sushi, pies made with ingredients

from in season local fruits and vegetables, kitchy kitchen ware, cravable Indian food, fresh housemade pasta and sauces, perfectly cooked meats, superfood salads, Baja inspired tacos and burritos, bean to bar chocolate, coffee and MORE! Find Farm Fresh Fridays every Friday from 11-4 stock up with the Island’s finest and tastiest food and products! @farmfreshfridaysYYJ Victoria Public Market 1701 Douglas Street, Victoria

Shoots & Suckers

t is often assumed that owning a vineyard and winery through the summer months is all romance, the distant sound of a strummed mandolin, dancing in slow motion, fine food and hours spent sipping wine while basking in the warm sun. Not quite....the chaos of nature waits for no one! As the vines burst to life it is our responsibility as the vineyard worker, to guide and steward each and every vine to their full potential in hopes of fully ripening a balanced crop destined to make great wine. One of the many number of tasks we do is called shoot thinning and suckering. This isn’t a one-time job; this is a task that needs care and attention all Summer long. In the spring when all of the new buds burst open, some are positioned exactly where you want them, many though, burst in every other direction and need to be removed to protect those that will be the most fruitful. We pay close attention to each and every vine and individual fruitful cane, constantly removing new little shoots and suckers that will try to pull energy away from those which will reap the greatest reward. If left to their own devices, the grape vine grows in utter

chaos and stands virtually no chance of ripening its’ potentially delicious crop. During our first few years after purchasing the property - restoring the land, building the winery and seeing some success in what we were accomplishing - my ambitions would burst with new ideas. Often this came in the form of expansion, finding more land to grow more grapes, or purchasing more grapes to make more wine. And this wasn’t just self-inflicted, I would often be asked by other business people: When are you going to do more, make more, grow more? After a number of pursuits that failed to actualize or come to fruition, something in my mindset shifted and I asked myself some questions: The constant pursuit of “more” seemed like a lot of extra work and for what reason? Was it worth all of the effort? To what end? Or is there something better? The gears in my head began to turn. Since day one here at Emandare, our goal has been to craft very high quality wine through what is known as low-intervention techniques. These techniques involve very thoughtful stewardship in our

vineyard and winery through the constant pursuit of less, not more. Less inputs in the vineyard, less additives in the winery, not more. If this was my core philosophy for growing and making wine, why wasn’t it the core of our business or who I am as a person? DING! (Cue cartoon light bulb above my head.) This was a profound realization and one that has breathed incredible new life into my spirit. We have discovered a genuine sense of contentment with all that we have and decided to pursue excellence in everything that is within our 8.5-acre fence line. Instead of worrying about the nagging idea of “more” we are completely invigorated with fine-tuning the beauty, efficiencies and greatness of what is already here. The workload hasn’t really changed but the goals, directions and perspectives have completely shifted, making every day very

exciting. Over the last couple of years, this has lead to countless little tweaks and to two new additions we are really excited about. Both of these additions are rooted in our genuine love for people and a desire to share the beauty of this place with those who will breathe a peaceful sigh as they set foot onto our vineyard. First, is our intimate and educational tour and tasting called Experience Emandare. It is my pleasure to personally tour groups through the vineyard to share our story and philosophy which concludes with an interactive wine tasting in our private, glass-walled tasting space paired with a locally produced cheese and charcuterie platter. Second is our brand new accommodation called “The Tractor Shed Guest House,” a lovely suite situated with the best views on the property,

a huge deck, hot tub and all of the amenities you could ask for… a haven of peaceful rest and relaxation. It gets its’ name because the suite is built above our farm equipment storage facility.

LEGACY FLOORING INSTALLATION

•Professional installation

By remaining of hardwood, laminate, focused on what is and vinyl ﬂooring. most fruitful and discarding scattered ambitions that could •From small one room take away from our projects, to large core values, not only post-construction jobs. have we seen vast improvements to the Contact us for a free vineyard as a whole, our wine continues in-home estimate to improve. What mental space I would have wasted on the idea of www.legacyﬂoors.ca “more” is now freed Mike Nierychlo is the up to fine tune my abilities owner/winemaker as a winemaker, giving me and many hats wearer more confidence and room for of Emandare Vineyard creativity in my craft. & Winery.

250 304-5311

CELEBRATING

10 YEARS IN BUSINESS IN THE

COWICHAN VALLEY Heronwood Custom Cabinetry Inc. Is a local custom cabinetry shop located in the Cowichan Valley. Heronwood is know for its meticulous craftsmanship and creative design.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

E4-4970 POLKEY RD. DUNCAN

250-597-4701

heronwoodcabinetry.ca 31

Shades of Green Farm Art Walk 15 ARTISTS

August 8 & 9 •10am - 4 pm Enjoy Live Music & Gelato Truck Sunday 12 - 4pm

2808 Sprott Road, Duncan Customer Appreciation Tasting Event August 20th 3-7pm

BBQ BOXES by ORDER From smoked ribs and burgers, to pulled pork and sausage and so much more. Email or phone.

Preserved Lemon-Thyme Dressing Recipe courtesy Brad Boisvert, Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese

Ingredients for dressing ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp Preserved Lemon, chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed 4 thyme sprigs

Serve with 4 heirloom tomatoes, sliced ½ cup fresh basil 1 (8-ounce) ball fresh burrata A few dried figs, optional 1 tablespoon smoked almonds, chopped 8 year old balsamic vinegar to drizzle over Toasted baguette or bread, for serving Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Method 1. Combine the oil, garlic, preserve lemon, and thyme and stir together. 2. Assemble the tomatoes and burrata on a platter. Sprinkle with salt, then drizzle with lemon-thyme dressing. Top with fresh basil, smoked almonds and figs. If desired add a drizzle 8 year old balsamic. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with toasted bread.

Burratta Cheese

heese - when it comes to cheese there is a lot to talk about. from blue to goat, cow or sheep and that is just scratching the surface. A great cheese that comes to mind with this summer weather is Burratta. So what exactly is Burratta- Burrata is an Italian cow milk cheese from Apulia Italy made with buffalo milk like mozzarella. The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains creamy rich center, giving it an unusual, soft texture. Burrata starts out much like mozzarella and many other cheeses, with rennet used to curdle the milk. But then, unlike other cheeses,

fresh mozzarella curds are plunged into hot whey or lightly salted water, kneaded, and pulled to develop the familiar stretchy strings, then shaped into desired forms. The difference when making burrata, the still-hot cheese is formed into a pouch, which is then filled with scraps of leftover mozzarella and topped off with fresh cream before closing.

The finished burrata is traditionally wrapped in the leaves, tied to form a little pouch-like topknot, then but in with a little whey brine solution. So mozzarella like creamy center how can you enjoy this cheese…… The cheese has a rich, buttery flavor. Thanks to its flavor and differing textures inside and outside, it goes well with salad, prosciutto – cured meats, crusty bread, fresh tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and cracked black pepper. Join us for Cure’s Customer Appreciation Day and sample some fresh Buratta cheese and other house made cured products and imported specialties. Thursday August 20, 3-7pm 5-1400 Cowichan Bay Road Cobble Hill (Valley View Centre lower level).

Chef Brad Boisvert, Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese

See Summer’s 50 Shades Of Greenin Out-OfDoors Art Walk August 8 & 9

njoying art should be a walk in the park — exactly what a group of Cowichan Valley artists is planning for public enjoyment the weekend of August 8 & 9. The Shades of Green Farm Art Walk will be open for all to take an inviting meander along a newly-mown path dotted with sculpture, art hung from fences and ceram-ics displayed on wooden shelving — all in a Covid-compliant outdoor setting under warm summer skies with an equally warm greeting by attending artists. Amid forests and gardens the Shades of Green Farm Art Walk will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday at 2808 Sprott Rd., east off Bell-McKinnon Rd., north of Herd. Parking is abundant along no-through Sprott Rd., the end at which lies Shades of Green Farm, home of artist Janet Magdanz and the studio in which she creates both hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery.

“It’s a privilege to work with artists of all genres who again have shown eagerness and flexibility in adapting to the Covid-19 curveball,” said Magdanz. “They are a big part in demonstrating the arts throughout the region and fostering involvement by art lovers and the community at large.” Artists at the art walk were among others who, with onset of a pandemic, quickly adjusted and took part in the Cowichan Valley Art Council’s 50th Annual Fine Arts show in April which went online in the wake of gallery shutdowns. Included in the invitational event will be live music, artist demonstrations and a special visit from the gelato truck on Sunday afternoon. Artists who will be displaying are Alan Garbutt, Angela Andersen, Patti Parkyn, Pauline Dueck, Rory Macdonald, Julie Nygaard, Dennis DelTorre, Richard Young, Janet Magdanz, Travis Rankin, Val Konig, Morgan Saddington, Karin Stotzer, Leslie Commasaur, Bev Russell, and Shawn Johnny. Shades of Green Farm Art Walk August 8-9, 10am - 4pm Sunday August 9, Live Music and Gelato Truck Noon 4pm. 2808 Sprott Rd, Duncan. 33

What’s New in Downtown Duncan? Editorial By Amanda Vance Images courtesy Ian Locke

t’s summertime in Cowichan!

Just in time for the seasonal sunshine, the Station Street Common food court has opened up in Station Street park on the corner of Craig and Station streets. Running from 11am-7pm, Tuesday through Saturday, the Common presents an opportunity to come to Duncan and enjoy take out

from our many delicious downtown restaurants while also listening to music under a red umbrella by planters resplendent with roses and boxwood. Pick up some fish tacos from Fresh Kenny’s or a coffee from Tin Cup. Or play some checkers on a life-size board on the grass by star-shaped topiaries and just enjoy the Common’s ambiance. While you’re sunning in the park, why not check out what else downtown has to

offer? Aside from the usual mainstays like Cardino Shoes, there are also lots of new shops to discover. One of the most recent shops to open is VayVay Baby on 38 Station Street. This lovely new boutique offers baby jumpers by brands like Parade, toy blocks, plush animals, and more necessities for your little one. VayVay Baby has taken over the old Matrea Baby Boutique space and is a perfect spot to pick up a special gift for a friend’s baby shower or a child’s birthday.

VayVay Baby

Bath Naturals

Right next door, The Descendants Native Art Gallery has opened up at 24 Station Street. Suzan Kostiuk of Acho Dene Koe band and Excellent Frameworks – E.J Hughes Gallery notoriety has partnered with renowned Coast Salish artist Shawn Johnny to launch this gallery space featuring First Nations art from across Canada. From Ojibwe artist IceBear to Anishinaabe artist Mike Alexander, The Descendants is full of stunning original artwork worth bringing home.

Frogs and Sun by Shawn Johnny, Descendants, First Nations Gallery

smudging herbs to refresh your home after the last few stressful months.

Bath Naturals

Finally, in the old Limberlost Boutique space at 167 Canada Avenue is Bath Naturals by Sarah. This company sells bath products and other small accessories like soothers catered to children with sensory issues. This charming shop is a great place to pamper yourself or a loved one with a doughnut or floral shaped bath bomb or a candle shaped like a succulent in a vibrant holder. Of course there are also old favourites like Essential Remedies. During these Covid-19 times it is worth checking out the Barb Smith cloth masks sewn locally, or the Island Essentials oil blends with cardamom and other herbal scents. Essential Remedies also carries some very popular diffusers and

Downtown Duncan isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a great place to eat and shop. It is also a good spot to come for entertainment. On Saturdays during the summer after the Duncan Farmers Market closes down, the Old Firehouse Wine Bar will be taking over City Square with themed nights. Caprice Theatres is also open daily and playing nostalgic hits like Harry Potter and the Sorcererâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stone and Minions. Pack up the little ones, pick out some ice cream at the Big Scoop, and then head over for a movie in a theatre carefully sanitized according to government regulations. Whatever you do, come enjoy downtown this Summer! Whether new or not, there is lots on offer here.

iced coffees & TEAS Blended smoothies frOZEn sandwich TREATS

The WINGS Lady

remember when I walked into the store in the Spring of 2010 and immediately heard a little voice inside saying “Marianna, this is your store!” Fascinated by the thought, I talked to Petra, the previous owner, and she invited me to come weekly and see if I liked the work that WINGS stood for - Women In Need Growing Stronger. I liked to call this an Opportunity Boutique selling women’s clothing and other miscellaneous curiosities. Supporting young women to get established in a work environment, learning customer skills and to gain their confidence and develop their own sense of clothing style was always important.

Sally Chupick

DAILY BREAKFAST & LUNCH SPECIALS

Gail Johnson

330 DUNCAN ST SUITE 202, DUNCAN (upper level) (250) 597-2798 I www.aquamarisartgallery.com 36

That fall I began my next ten year adventure under the name of WINGS 111. It was to be a wonderful journey with many ups and the occasional downs. Supporting Someone House and other organizations including First Nations groups, providing job experience for young women and offering handcraft workshops were a big part of my work. I appreciated the support from Social Services and Providence Farm. The store became more than a clothing business once my confidence grew and I added my own personality and imagination. It soon became a community gathering place with choir practices (Cari Burdett Lila choir), birthday celebrations for regular customers and seasonal gatherings for the community. The Ukululus group was a favourite at Christmas time where we even danced some tango as we sang.

Some customers returned every year from far and wide bringing their children. It was always a delight to see them grow and mature. Duncan Days fashion show was a highlight and I am indebted

to the help of Lucille who was a great organizer and fashion consultant and Angela who was the queen of decorating the store window. I want to thank my volunteers, including Karen, Chere, Eliza, Sydney, Fiona, Briana who helped over the years. To all my customers, thank you for all your support and donations over the years. I am honoured to belong to such a supportive and active downtown community. There is always a story to tell and a good laugh to share. One door closes and another will open …. Next year …. What? … I am imagining. I hope to see you at WINGS during the month of August for sales from noon - 5pm, Monday to Saturday. “It’s not about handouts, it’s about helping up!”

WINGS III 193 Station Street, Downtown Duncan (250) 746-9906

Tuscan Planked Salmon

Recipe courtesy Grant Easterbrook, The Olive Station, 225 Canada Avenue, Downtown Duncan

Ingredients

Large wild salmon filet Cedar plank large enough to take a full filet Tuscan Herb Olive oil Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic 2 Tbsp Italian herb seasoning (Salt free) Salt and Pepper

Method

Pat the Salmon filet dry and liberally cover with Tuscan herb olive oil. Sprinkle the Italian herb seasoning generously over the salmon filet. Let sit for 20 minutes. Have your cedar plank soaked in water and heat the grill up to medium heat (350F) Once the grill is heated put the salmon on the cedar plank and put on to the grill for approx. 20 minutes depending on size and thickness of the filet. Salt and pepper the Salmon at this point and close the lid. Five minutes before you remove the salmon from the grill, generously brush on the Sicilian Lemon Balsamic at least twice before removing from the grill. Remove and serve with grilled zucchini, a Greek salad and roast potatoes, a real crowd pleaser.

2019 Estate Pinot Gris Blue Grouse Estate Winery This mature vine Pinot Gris, which went through full malolactic fermentation, boasts aromas of butterscotch and vanilla with a medium-long finish and fresh acidity. The wineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s depth and body are a result of the about 30% exposure to new oak for 3 months. This wine will make a great pairing with any seafood! Salmon pairs well with a white wine that has been oaked or timeaged, something more robust with some citrus and caramel notes. The Estate Pinot Gris fits the bill and will align in richness and combine with the Salmon and create a fuller overall taste. $25.99

Try this food & wine pairing! Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic Vinegar Condimento From Italy Playfully tart and pleasantly sweet, our Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic has a perfectly balanced acidity and a crisp, lemon flavour and aroma. Fabulous with seafood, in dressings or in mixed drinks. Pairs well with Roasted Sesame oil for a fantastic salad dressing or marinade! Contains no artificial flavours, additives, colour, preservatives or refined sugar.

Tuscan Herb Olive Oil From Spain Made with Certified Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, our Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil contains a harmonious and delicious combination of herbal flavors including oregano, rosemary, marjoram and garlic. Use to sautĂŠ, grill, broil, roast and bake. It brings spectacular flavor to just about anything. Try with chicken, vegetables, potatoes, pork, pasta, rice, turkey, sauces, marinades, vinaigrettes, aioli, bread dipping and more. Pairs well with Sicilian Lemon Balsamic, Pomegranate Balsamic, Traditional Balsamic, Oregano White Balsamic and Fig Balsamic. All Natural, No artificial flavors or additional ingredients.

Hot Summer Nights, How to Stay Cool at Night

WILLOWANDORCHID.COM

Dawn runs a sleep shop in Duncan and loves to help people get their best sleep.

H Weekly and monthly floral subscriptions • Weddings & Events • Customized Gift Crates • Floral Design Classes and Workshops • Sympathy Arrangements • Online, Telephone and Email Ordering • Delivery 101 Station Street Downtown Duncan 250-748-9868 willowandorchid@gmail.com

Prudence

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

Sunday 12-4pm, Monday 10-4pm Tuesday to Thursday 10-4pm, Friday 10-5:30pm • 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

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eat waves during the Summer can make sleeping difficult, especially when the temperature stays hot throughout the night. Ideally, our sleep environment should sit in the 65-68 degree temperature range, in order for our body to reach the optimal core temperature for our most nourishing slumber. If our bedding and mattress aren’t designed to help us regulate our temperature throughout the night, this will cause us to wake up in order to modify our environment. This includes throwing off the covers, opening a window, turning on the AC, or even moving to another room. These awakenings interrupt our deepest sleep cycles, the ones we need the most; to be our healthiest and most vibrant throughout the day. It is so important that our bedding be designed to temperature regulate so we get the best chance at a great night’s rest.

Let’s look at what might be making us hot at night: A heat wave where the temperature doesn’t cool down at night Our body heat building up and trapped in the room Bedroom has inadequate air circulation Mattress is causing you to overheat. Polyester ticking and memory foam gels bank our heat rather than releasing it Sheet sets that aren’t breathable and are causing us to sweat and overheat If we know what is causing us to overheat at night, then we have the ability to address those issues one by one. They are often a combination of factors, not just a single cause. Here are my best recommendations on how to avoid overheating at night, especially during the hot summer months. Sleep with your window and bedroom door open at night. Your body heat builds

two of you in the bed. Give your built up heat somewhere to dissipate by keeping windows and doors open.

up in the room and by the early hours of the night, can become quite warm. This is especially true if there are

circulation.

During a heat wave, keep your bedroom windows closed during the day, in order to keep the cool in, and the heat out. Once the sun has set, open things up again for air

When itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to replace your mattress, go natural. Organic latex, cotton and wool mattress ingredients will keep you cooler due to their open natural fibers that allow for breathability. As an added bonus, wool batting in the mattress casing helps to whisk away any sweat and moisture. Invest in organic cotton sheets with 350 thread count or less. This will ensure their weave is open enough to let your heat through. We know that hot air rises, so what bedding we have on top of us at night is the biggest indicator of whether heat will be trapped against our bodies, or if it will dissipate nicely throughout the night. My last recommendation is to think carefully about your bed coverings. Down feathers actually bank your heat and are not sufficiently breathable. Instead consider

wool and cotton comforters and blankets, as their open fibers are designed to breath. Wool in particular will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, so great for year round comfort. Temperature regulation is one of the biggest factors that will determine the quality of your sleep. Without it, you will always be battling with your bedding and waking up throughout the night. Natural bedding hands down gets the job done. Resthouse Sleep Solutions 126 Station St, Duncan Street, Downtown Duncan 250-597-7378

A Tale of Two Countries: Why Our Borders Must Remain Closed

www.theainslie.ca 161 Kenneth St., Duncan 250-597-3695

JOIN US

WEDNESDAY to SATURDAY look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

www.theoldﬁrehouse.ca

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

Alistair MacGregor is the MP for Cowichan-MalahatLangford and the federal NDP’s Critic for Agriculture

imiting the spread of COVID-19 should not be a political issue. No matter what political background individual may come from, we should all be able to recognize the fundamental value of human lives, and the importance of keeping our citizens safe amidst a crisis. While I have been critical of my Liberal and Conservative colleagues over certain policies and their respective methods of implementation, I am nonetheless deeply proud of the ways in which politicians at all levels of government have worked across party lines to limit the spread of COVID-19. Our job as elected leaders is to fight for the wellbeing of our communities, and I believe we have done so to the best of our abilities. Similarly, we have seen remarkable work being done at a community level, with individuals doing their part to keep their distance, wear masks, and wash their hands to limit the spread of COVID-19, and entire communities working hard to create support networks. Ultimately, as a nation and as a province, our relatively low case counts of COVID-19 is a reflection of how we have put people before politics. There have certainly been problems, and instances where people have not done their part, but as a whole we have so much to be proud of. Unfortunately, our neighbours south of the border have had a very different experience. In the

United States, over a hundred thousand lives have been lost to the virus, and the United States now has more active cases than any other country. There has been tremendously little in the way of a coordinated national response, and the President has consistently downplayed the severity of the virus, despite the numerous citizens dying every day. The very existence of the virus has become a matter of political debate, to say nothing over the politicization of wearing masks and restricting large gatherings. The American government’s response to COVID-19 is nothing short of a tragedy. Between these two very different national experiences, there is a shared border, the longest in the world. And, despite previous American rhetoric on borders, there are United States Representatives who are now calling for ours to reopen. 29 bipartisan members of Congress have made this request, presumably reflecting the views of their respective constituents. I am deeply against this, as both an elected official and as a community member. I empathize with Americans suffering because of government negligence. Ultimately, however, governments are responsible for keeping their people safe, and we have a duty to all Canadians to ensure that our nation is protected. The Americans have chosen their way of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, and we have chosen ours. The reckless policies of another nation cannot jeopardize the wellbeing of ours, and until there is a cohesive American strategy for addressing COVID-19, and case numbers that reflect that, our borders must remain closed to all non-essential travel.

Alistair MacGregor, Member of Parliament 126 Ingram Street #101, Downtown Duncan

Finding Treasures At Ten Old Books

n irresistible novel about second chances and finding room for all the books—and all the love—that transforms our lives A.J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. Slowly but surely, he is isolating himself from all the people of Alice Island—from Chief Lambiase, the wellintentioned police officer who’s always felt kindly toward him; from Ismay, his sister-in-law, who is hell-bent on saving A.J. from his dreary self; from Amelia, the lovely and idealistic (if eccentric) Knightley Press sales rep who persists in taking the ferry to Alice Island, refusing to be deterred by A.J.’s bad attitude. Even the books in his store have stopped holding pleasure for him. These days, he can only see them as a sign of a world that is changing too rapidly. And then a mysterious package appears at the bookstore. It’s

a small package, though large in weight—an unexpected arrival that gives A.J. the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew. It doesn’t take long for the locals to notice the change overcoming A.J., for the determined sales rep Amelia to see her curmudgeonly client in a new light, for the wisdom of all those books to become again the lifeblood of A.J.’s world. Or for everything to twist again into a version of his life that he didn’t see coming. As surprising as it is moving, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is an unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love. Author Gabrielle Zevin is an award-winning screenwriter and author whose novels for young adults include Elsewhere and Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac. Of her writing, the New York Times Book Review said: “Zevin’s touch is marvelously light even as she considers profundities.” She lives in New York City.

TEN OLD BOOKS

Always something for everyone

Great Selection of Used & New Books • Bestsellers & Award Winners • Classic Novels & Timeless Favourites • BC & Canadian Authors Plus Local Cards • Crafts • Children’s Books • Jewelry • Unique Gift Ideas and More!

102-330 Duncan St 250 -715-1383 Find us inside the historic Duncan Garage

Offering: •Drinks •Take Out •Frozen Meals to Go 100% Plant Based Comfort Foods With a Vegan Twist!

171 Canada Ave, Duncan (250) 597-8168

Find The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry and other great preloved bestsellers at Ten Old Books located in the Duncan Garage.

Ten Old Books 330 Duncan Street, Downtown Duncan 250 715-1383 41

Mother and Daughter – Two Creative Spirits featured at Imagine That! Artisans Designs

NOW OPEN! Tuesday - Friday 11am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 2pm Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs 251 Craig St., Downtown Duncan

imaginethatartisans.com I 250-748-6776

orraine Taylor describes her daughter Tracy as “one of the most accomplished people I know.” Tracy feels the same about her mother. “Down to her toes, she is a creative and curious person. We support and feed into each other’s artistic interests,” she says. Lorraine and Tracy are the featured artists at Imagine That! Artisan Designs in the Duncan town square for the month of August. Their exhibition and sale includes an eclectic array of vibrant silk scarves and garments, as well as ‘up-cycled’ furniture and a red and white vintage quilt that has been repurposed into a charming wall hanging. There’s even a lamp with steam punk stylings. Lorraine is well known in the Cowichan Valley for her hand painted silk scarves and her long time involvement in the local art scene. She was a founding member of Duncan’s Imagine That Artisan Designs which was formed twenty-seven years ago. She has tried her hand at all sorts of crafts over the years but after learning the fundamentals of painting on silk from her friend Clare Carver, she found her passion. Tracy, meanwhile, creates magic

Silk Scarf by Lorraine Taylor

from found objects including furniture, silver table ware and antique linens. She is a skilled dressmaker having worked in the film industry as a costumier for twenty years, as well as a stint making clerical vestments. She is also an accomplished cook (with a cookbook in the works), and a talented gardener. Over the years, Tracy has upholstered furniture and undertaken various carpentry projects including construction of a mobile tiny house. In fact, when it comes to creative pursuits there is little she has not tried. “I may not be good at everything, but I have fun trying,” she says. The two often work together frequenting yard and estate sales with a keen eye for anything they can be re-fashion. For example, paper Monopoly money works wonders carefully decoupaged to the drawers and doors of a small antique side table.

Submitted by Veronica Scott

Quilt by Tracy Taylor

Imagine That! 170 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan 250 715-5649

What Were You Wearing?

ur society tends to default to the question, ‘Well, if she was raped, what was she wearing?’ implying that survivors of sexualized violence are responsible for anticipating, causing, or stopping the violence. The next series of questions usually are, ‘Why was she drinking? Why was she on that trail after dark? Why did she go to that party with those guys?’ This is victim blaming. As long as we are asking questions about what the survivor was and wasn’t doing we are erasing the presence of the offender. The questions we should be asking? ‘Why did he rape her?’ ‘Why did he stalk her?’ ‘Why did he drug her drink?’ Victim blaming obscures the actions an offender takes to plan for and overcome the victim’s resistance and tells potential victims, especially women, that it is their responsibility to make sure they are not assaulted. From

date-rape drug-detecting nail polish to difficult-to-remove underwear, the message is clear: women should be trying harder not to get raped. Why do we victim blame? Sometimes it’s a psychological safety strategy. Holding victims responsible for their misfortune is partially a way to avoid admitting that something just as unthinkable could happen to us — even if we do everything “right”. We know with certainty that as long as we exclude the offender from the conversation we are creating barriers for the offender to seek help. We know that hurt people hurt people. Rape is a violent physical assault that is sexualized. Sexual assault is about power and control, not sexual attraction. It is never the victim’s fault, and it is never about ‘what they were wearing’. In response to sexualized violence in the Cowichan

Valley, Warmland Women’s Support Services Society is hosting an art installation, “What Were You Wearing?” to address victim blaming and rape myths. The “What Were You Wearing?” Survivor Art Installation originated at the University of Arkansas in 2013. Created by Jen Brockmanand and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert, the project was inspired by Dr. Mary Simmerling’s poem, What I Was Wearing.

Warmland Women’s Support Services invites community members to learn about affirmative consent, address rape myths and become more than a bystander to sexualized violence. FB warmlandwomen kthomas@ warmlandwomen.org for details. Warmland Women’s Support Services 331 St Julian Street, Downtown Duncan (250) 710-8177

The art installation will be on display Saturday, September 5th at Charles Hoey Park from 10:00-2:00 and will be well marked to regard social distancing when viewing the display. 43

Sympathetic Nervous System releases “excitatory signals”, while the Parasympathetic Nervous System releases signals for relaxation. Acupuncture has been shown to produce a positive physiological effect on both the SNS and the PNS. (Evidenced Based Acupuncture, Junghans MPH)

Denise D’Fantis, Registered Acupuncturist Cowichan Valley Acupuncture, Matraea Centre

s the world makes its way through a daunting and unsettling time, many of us are exploring ways to encourage balance and joy in life. While there are many diverse activities and mechanisms which may provide a sense of relaxation and inner tranquility for individuals, acupuncture is seemingly one of them according to modern research.

Acupuncture For Turbulent Times

Acupuncture has long been promoted as a potential treatment for stress and anxiety. Used for literally thousands of years in China, acupuncture has been

In 2017, Dr. John McDonald (PhD), and Dr. Stephen Janz conducted a systematic review of the clinical and scientific evidence for acupuncture, and concluded that acupuncture

touted to promote a sense of “calmness”, to reduce anxiety, to assist with sleeping difficulties, and to promote relaxation in the patient.

is moderately effective in treating anxiety and stress according to high level evidence. (“Acupuncture Evidence Project”, 2017) A 2013 article in the Journal of Endocrinology presented the results of a series of animal studies done at Georgetown University Medical Center which showed that rats who endured stress conditions and then received acupuncture had lowered blood hormone levels secreted by the HPA axis, which controls reactions to stress and regulates processes like the immune system, digestion, emotions and moods, and sexuality. (Psychology Today, September 15, 2018) One of the most sensitive measures of the body’s ability to cope with stress is something called Heart Rate Variability (HRV). A higher HRV has been associated with better health in all domains, including mental health and low levels of anxiety. Acupuncture has been shown to improve the body’s ability to cope with stress through improving HRV. (Guo ZL, Longhurst JC., Brain Research, 2007) When responding to external and internal stimuli, the

Acupuncture has also been shown to increase the release of endorphins, the body’s own ‘feel-good’ chemicals, which play an important role in the regulation of physical and emotional stress responses such as pain, heart rate, blood pressure and digestive function. (Ibid) Other scientific research has shown that acupuncture may provide a sedating and analgesic effect by the release of endogenous opioid peptides in the brain (Lin, 1995). While the concept of inserting tiny sterile needles into the skin and muscles to promote relaxation may appear counter-intuitive, through modern research and resulting clinical effects, we can see that the physiological effects of acupuncture can indeed promote stress and anxiety reduction, improve sleep, and nurture a greater sense of calmness in the patient. Cowichan Valley Acupuncture 170 Craig Street Downtown Duncan 250 715-5649

SPA STAYCATION FAVOURITES

LASER GENESIS

aser Genesis skin therapy is an innovative, technologically advanced way to promote healthy-looking skin in men and women. It’s the treatment the Hollywood stars book before they walk the red carpet! Now you too can enjoy this comfortable laser treatment that targets fine lines, large pores, uneven skin texture, diffuse redness, rosacea, and scars. Laser Genesis addresses skin renewal in the papillary dermis by stimulating collagen and targeting hemoglobin to decrease redness. It helps to minimize red discoloration and uneven texture associated with acne scarring. The Laser Genesis procedure uses non-invasive laser technology to safely and effectively restore the skin’s youthful glow and

appearance. By gently heating the upper dermis well below your skin’s surface, Laser Genesis stimulates collagen regrowth. Additional heat is generated in dilated capillaries to reduce redness. You will see a more even, healthy complexion as large pores are reduced in size, and minor imperfections are diminished A series of 6 treatments is recommended 2 to 4 weeks apart. Preliminary changes are often noticed after three treatments, however, even a single treatment is clinically proven to stimulate cellular collagen renewal. Laser Genesis is safe for all skin types. The 1 hour, $199 treatment is performed in a relaxed, comfortable manner without the use of topical anesthetics or gel, and there is no downtime afterward. Call Viva Medical Aesthetics for more information or an appointment. 250-746-6512 Viva Medical Aesthetics #4 – 177 Fourth Street Downtown Duncan www.vivamedicalaesthetics. com

Lexington Spa A PROFESSIONAL MOBILE SPA THAT COMES TO YOU!

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Wilderness Kayaking LESSONS • TOURS • RENTALS • SALES

www.wilderness-kayaking.com

Get On The Water From Maple Bay! OFFERING: Family Paddles, Sup Rentals, Harbour Tours, Moonlight Paddles, Birthday Parties, Day Tours, Multi Day Tours, Double Kayaks, Single Kayaks, Rentals, Sales, Lessons and more! Call for more info or to reserve.

• KAYAK KIDS - INTRODUCTION TO SEA KAYAKING August 10 - 13 Sessions Monday - Thursday 9am - 1pm • YOUTH TOUR N’ LEARN - GULF ISLANDS 3 DAY OVERNIGHT TRIP August 17 - 19 AGES 13-16 • YOUTH DAY TRIP ADVENTURES - LEAD BY EXPERIENCED GUIDES - August 14 Fridays 9am - 3pm

6683 Beaumont Ave, Maple Bay 250 746-0151 Cell: 250 715 7482

info@wilderness-kayaking.com

eading out for a Moonlight Paddle is an absolute must when you are in the Cowichan Valley area. Maple Bay is a great spot to launch from and watch the moon rise over Salt Spring Island and then it slowly bathes its moonlight across Maple Bay. When in a kayak you silently slip through the water and can float over shallow reefs and rocky ledges where you can catch glimpses of the magical dance of bioluminescence. You can see a sparkling trail of light as it is agitated by passing fish, your paddle dipping into the water or your hand teasing the waves… is alights with a simmering blueish glow for a brief second or two. Bioluminescence is the production of light by a living organism and the most commonly seen bioluminescence in Maple Bay is from single cell marine plankton. This Bioluminescent plankton occurs in all the world’s oceans and is best seen seen in late spring and during the summer months when there is more sunlight which enables the plankton to store this energy which it

then release as the telltale Bioluminescent magical glow. Come and experience the magic for yourself on a Full Moon Tour or New Moon Bioluminescence Tour with Wilderness Kayaking! No experience necessary. Wilderness Kayaking offers two types of late evening paddles: Moonlight kayak tours occur the three days around the full moon (August 2 & 3). New Moon Bioluminescence tours occur during the dark phase of the New Moon and this allows for greater viewing of the bioluminescence (August 18) Pre-booking is necessary these tours do fill up quickly. 250.746.0151 Wilderness-Kayaking.com

Nancy Hamilton, Wilderness Kayaking, Maple Bay.

Spiff Up Your Pool With A New Vinyl Liner

ere are a few tips to help you assess whether it’s time to replace your pool liner: ● faded pattern ● puckering/stretching/ shrinkage/brittleness ● a powdery residue in your water when you rub the liner ● you simply want a décor change In light of the world health situation, lots of folks are investing in backyard upgrades. If you are on the fence about replacing your liner, you may want to dive

in & make sure you’re in the queue for 2021 or, with any luck, this year! There is a backlog for producing custom liners for in-ground pools, which are always custom measured & tailored to size, depth, shape etc. Aboveground pools and replacement liners are in short supply with 2020’s unusual stay-cation season. How long does a vinyl pool liner last? Great question. We’ve seen the life of a liner

ended by a deer’s midnight swimming party! Normally a liner will last 10-15 years, as long as you follow a few pool rules, like keeping your chemicals balanced. Safety covers can extend the life up to 20 years. The 2 biggest enemies of vinyl pool liners

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are UV & chemicals. Mike at ORCA actually offers “Pool School” to give you the intel on maintaining your water and equipment to optimize your investment. He can offer you options for your backyard haven, whether it’s a brand new install or the upgrading, service or maintenance of your existing pool or hot tub. Visit ORCA’s website, or give Mike a call, email or text. Be safe! Be well!

Kayak & SUP Rentals

Book online or contact us by email or phone (minimum 24 hrs ahead). Visit our website for details. Wildlife Tours

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Watershed Stewardship is a Bit Like Parenting

his Summer is humbling, yet again. I’ve been working in a support role for the Cowichan Watershed Board since 2014, and I’m still on a steep learning curve. As a settler woman in this role, I have been fortunate to be able to witness the wisdom of Indigenous perspectives regarding water as a living being, related to everything around it. This summer, those lessons have me reflecting on how parenting relates to watershed-based planning. (Stick with me here!) There are two significant rivers that form the Cowichan watershed. The Cowichan and Koksilah are intertwined in the lower floodplain and estuary. Cowichan Tribes members remember a time when the rivers were even more integrated before human development. But this Summer what is most apparent is how different they are. Thanks to a wet Spring, and fair snowpack, water managers for the Cowichan

Unlike the steady Cowichan this spring, by the end of June, the Koksilah RIver was already recording some concerning low flows despite wet weather. This was before any significant irrigation began, pointing to the need for whole-of-watershed solutions. (Koksilah River, April 27 2020, Bright Angel Park.)

River were able to keep the water storage capacity in Cowichan Lake full throughout the Spring, meeting all minimum flow requirements for the first time in years. This is a huge relief! Water flows are certainly not the only challenge in the Cowichan River ecosystem, but they have often been the biggest stress in recent decades. Brian Houle, Environment Manager at Crofton’s Catalyst paper mill which owns and operates the weir on the lake reported on July 13th: “Today we have [an] 88% full lake and last year on this day we had a lake with 13% stored water level remaining. Conditions

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continue to support full base flow of 7.08 [cubic meters per second] and possibly through to the return of fall rainfall.” Yahoo! In the adjacent and smaller Koksilah watershed, people are preparing to deal with another year of potentially critical low Summer flows. While we hope not, water license holders may be required to reduce water use similar to last summer if fish are at risk. In this scenario, local farmers who grow our food are always the most impacted. Many organizations are working to avoid negative impacts.

The Koksilah has many of the same species, forestry activities, development impacts, and climate stresses as the Cowichan, but it is considered “flashy”, or more prone to quick rises and drops in flow. This is because: a) There is no headwater lake to moderate flows and provide natural storage b) The Koksilah mainstem is higher gradient (steeper) than the Cowichan c) It is lower elevation which means less snow (snow can inject meltwater later into the spring and summer). There is also more farming irrigation in the Koksilah than the Cowichan, but this year, May and June water levels indicated that the Koksilah dipped below optimal levels even before irrigation began, highlighting the need to look at the whole watershed when trying to understand causes and potential remedies. A scoping process is underway, led by Cowichan Tribes and the province, to consider how to do that using new planning legislation under the BC Water Sustainability Act. Such a plan might be the first in the province. For many of us, we might see parallels between these rivers and two siblings who grew up together, but are

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River Cleanup 2020 has been cancelled to reduce risks to public safety. In lieu, Cowichan Lake and River Stewards and Cowichan Watershed Board, encourage you to: Be Kind to the river. Pack out all of your litter; respect and restore habitats; conserve water. Be Calmed by the river. Take a walk to refresh your mind, body and soul during anxious times. Be Safe with the river. Reflect on the indigenous perspective that when we take care of our rivers, they take care of us. Mukw’stem ‘o’ slhilhukw’tul. Everything is interconnected.

very different There can be common familial traits (ecology, culture), history, and DNA (species) but totally different personalities and physical characteristics. Parents naturally respond to this. While values, principals and love are hopefully consistently applied to all children, parents raise each of their children according to their individual needs, aptitudes, and interests. And that is why the Cowichan Watershed Board advocates for watershed-based planning! The differences between watersheds can be as stark as the differences between siblings. The planning/ parenting principles don’t change, but strategies and solutions must reflect the conditions of that watershed. Learn more! • By replacing the Cowichan Lake weir with a higher model, this summer’s healthier flow conditions in the Cowichan River can be the norm again, rather than the exception. It’s very exciting that engineering and impact studies are underway. Keep updated here: Cowichan Water Use Plan cowichanwup.ca

• Do you really know why fish need water? You might learn something new if you find 6 minutes to watch Tim and Tom’s new video about why, when, where and how much fish need water in the Cowichan/ Koksilah watershed. Find it on our homepage at cowichanwatershedboard.ca • Get to know the Koksilah. Check out the new website from Cowichan Station Area Association’s Koksilah Working Group, including their recently released Ecosystem-Based Analysis (with photos and maps). koksilahwatershed.org The Watershed Board is co-chaired by Cowichan Tribes and Cowichan Valley Regional District, with Board members appointed from Cowichan Tribes, local government, and people with subject expertise. The Board works to advance wholeof-watershed health while demonstrating a commitment to moving down the path of reconciliation. Jill Thompson is the Cowichan Watershed Board Project Coordinator and nothing like her sister.

A Thriving Arts and Cultural Community

Aquamaris Art Gallery - The Little Space That Did

was just over a year ago that a single glance through the glass of a vacant commercial suite, on the upper floor of the Duncan Garage Building, ignited a vision of an art gallery in the mind’s eye of Vedrana Ascroft. For an awardwinning artist and seasoned Tourism Industry professional who traveled extensively for 26 years, running an art gallery was something she always felt she was destined to do one day. Her husband and creative partner, Gerry, was equally

driven by the power of that vision. Through months of hard work, an empty room would be transformed into the inspiring art venue it is today. Taking queues from the building itself and receiving blessings from the owners, the renovations that followed and Clarity, Acrylic on Canvas, 36 “ x 36” by unfolded primarily Vedrana Ascroft - $4,000 at night, brought light-filled space where Aquamaris Art Gallery into beautiful original art reigns being in late November, 2019, supreme. thus created a welcoming,

Cabo, Acrylic on Canvas (Framed), 24” x 24” by Eunmi Conacher - $1,950

When the gallery was still just a vision, Vedrana reached out to the first of many artists she personally knew and admired for years, to share the excitement and invite them to be represented. Sandy Terry, Claire Christinel, Lisa Riehl, and Kristina Boardman responded enthusiastically to form the first four pillars of the artists’ talented assembly. The following wonderful artists were invited and honoured to join soon afterwards and post opening: Aleksandra Kalinic, Jutta Kaiser, Ed Oldfied, Sharon A. Stone, Eunmi Conacher, John Stuart Pryce, Lynn Harnish, Rose Tanner, Sally Chupick & Gail Johnson. Together they

Dancer, Oil on Canvas, 24” x 12” by Aleksandra Kalinic $1,500

contribute more than diverse styles, sensibilities and artistic and life experiences. Emanating from their work are their various backgrounds and exposures to places and cultures around the world that ultimately infuse the entire gallery with a cosmopolitan feel. Aquamaris Art Gallery Upstairs at Duncan Garage Building Suite 202 - 330 Duncan Street, Downtown Duncan, (250) 597-2798

www.aquamarisartgallery.com info@aquamarisartgallery.com

AUGUST

ARTS EVENTS EJ Hughes Gallery & Excellent Frameworks

Cowichan Tribes Artist Shawn Johnny Descendants First Nations Gallery Shawn began his artistic career at a young age under the guidance of his Grandparents Mary and Ed Thomas, who taught him to knit and carve. Shawn also studied with Cowichan Master Carver, Simon Charlie, from 20032011, and carried on his training with Coast Salish multimedia artist, LESSlie. Through these teachings, Shawn’s designs using ovoids, circles, and trigons have become more defined and prominent in his depictions of the animal spiritual realm. Throughout his career, Shawn has overcome several personal obstacles to get where he is today. His renewed dedication to the arts have been therapeutic and he uses his past to strengthen the future. His goal is to share his artwork, be remembered, and to teach his younger family members traditional skills. Descendants First Nations Art Gallery 24 Station Street, Downtown Duncan (250)597-8977 www.descendantsgallery.ca

Upcycling The Past Art work by Wilma Millette Excellent Frameworks This Collection showcases my curious collage and assemblage artwork, featuring original antique papers, maps, and found objects. I see beauty in the discarded everyday objects from the past. An old hand written receipt for oranges, a rusty key, a faded photograph, all become art supplies to me. I like to combine them in unexpected ways, to unearth the untold story. My West Coast Art series features vintage maps and nautical charts in whimsical seascapes, boats and sea creatures. The inspiration comes from childhood boating adventures among the gulf islands and visits to our Galiano Island family homestead. The Cabinet of Curiosities Collection is rich with discovered stories and clever repurposing of found objects from my magpie stash. I am influenced by my love of vintage mystery books and interest in history. Excellent Frameworks Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery 115 Kenneth St., Downtown Duncan 250-746-7112

excellentframeworks.ca

Artist Claire Christinel at Aquamaris Art Gallery Inspired by the quality of light and shadow on an object, Claire combines the colour, pattern and sets the mood of a scene, turning ordinary objects into objects of extraordinary beauty, striking the balance between realism and painterly interpretations. Claire Christinel is an award winning artist with a Design Diploma from Langara College in Vancouver. She studied Fine Arts in Toulouse, France at l’Ecole des Beaux Arts de Tournefeuille and continues to study under prominent artists she is inspired by. She has exhibited in numerous shows and has received recognition and awards for her work. Her paintings in oils and acrylics are in private and corporate collections in Canada, the United States and France. She creates still life, landscape and architecture themed paintings from her studio in Victoria. Aquamaris Art Gallery Suite 202 - 330 Duncan Street August Hours: Tuesday Saturday 10am-4:00pm CLOSED Sunday & Monday (250) 597-2798 aquamarisartgallery.com

Featuring Wilma Millette “Upcycling the Past: The Art of Wilma Millette” Runs August 4 - 29 Open Wednesday -Saturday 11-3pm, Closed Sunday to Tuesday

Descendants First Nations Gallery Downtown Duncan’s newest First Nations Art Gallery featuring the work of Shawn Johnny Descendants First Nations Art Gallery, 24 Station St, Duncan Visit us on FB for gallery information

Aquamaris Art Gallery

Visit us throughout the month to see the changing displays and new arrivals by our gallery artists August Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am 4 pm

VISIT THESE DOWNTOWN DUNCAN GALLERIES Excellent Frameworks Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery 115 Kenneth St, Duncan 250-746-7112 excellentframeworks.ca ejhughes.ca

Aquamaris Art Gallery in the historic Duncan Garage Building Suite 202 - 330 Duncan Street 250 597-2798 aquamarisartgallery.com

Descendants First Nations Art Gallery Featuring the Work of Shawn Johnny 24 Station St. Duncan Find us on Facebook and Instagram 51

How to Start Building A Garden for Wildlife Monica Dockerty, Dockerty Gardens horticulturist and Dinter Nursery employee.

www.dinternursery.ca

Water Wise Gardening

Plants for a dry summer garden

Lavender Russian Sage Sedum Thyme Canesbill Geranium Rock Rose Burning Bush Oregon Grape Bluebeard Pine Pampas Grass Potentilla Rosemary Shrub Roses Senecio St. John’s Wort Sumac Yew Locust Tree Plus many more with summer interest

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s more land is developed for human use, gardens can provide valuable habitat and food sources that may no longer exist for local wildlife. Gardens can become natural corridors and act as stepping stones between larger areas of natural habitat. According to the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s 2015 State of the Environment Report, the CVRD is home to 67 animal species, 62 plant species and 89 ecological communities that are red or blue-listed. That means we have 129 individual native species ranging from extirpated, endangered, threatened or of special concern that are potentially in our very own backyards. With all of this in mind it is safe to say that being an ecological steward and gardening with wildlife in mind is something that we as gardeners should feel drawn to do. It is not unrealistic to raise the bar of what we ask of ourselves and our gardens. You can take a few simple, or a few more involved steps if you feel inclined (which you should) to bring wildlife into your gardens. First off, don’t copy your neighbours. A study out of the University of Leeds found that the majority of study participants believed it was

Service Berry

their duty to maintain neighbourhood standards through their gardening. For most of us the social norm of neat and tidy gardens is strong, and this can be a considerable barrier to wildlife friendly gardening. When things are wilder in the garden, particularly in the Fall and Winter, you are providing wildlife and habitat. Winter habitat for wildlife can come in the form of plant stems, leaves and debris on the garden “floor”. If you must cut back perennials in the Fall, practice the chop and drop. Simply, cut back the woody perennial debris and leave it there. Leaf litter provides valuable habitat for slug-munching beetles and overwintering aphid-devouring ladybugs. Increasing the insect populations in your garden will help to introduce natural predators in your garden, and it will also bring birds into the garden. Another excellent way to attract birds to the garden is to plant trees. Native fruiting trees are particularly good at attracting birds to the garden. Native serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) and native Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) are both excellent trees to provide food sources as well as protective habitat. An essential part of bird habitat is water, so consider adding a pond to your garden. If a pond is not feasible, something as simple as a bird bath will still be used by birds. To attract the widest range of wildlife, create areas of shallow water (around 2-3 cm), which are essential for the lifecycles of frogs and other amphibians. These shallow areas also make it easier for birds to bathe. Deeper areas are essential too as frogs overwinter in the muddy depths.

outside. Slather on sunscreen, and reapply regularly. Well, that certainly sounds doable.

Why Choose Natural Sunscreen

e love the sun. During the long, gloomy winter months, we think wistfully of summer days to come: Sitting on the beach, going for walks that don’t involve umbrellas, barbeques with friends, watching our gardens grow. Yes, we love the sun, and rightfully so. There would be no life on earth without it. That being said, as with many good things in life, there is something to be said for moderation. The sun is extremely powerful, and needs to be treated with respect. A little sun is beneficial. It is a source of Vitamin D. Our mood improves after spending time in the sun. But overexposure is a horse of a different colour. Feeling the burn in this case is not the way to go. At the very least, we will end up looking leathery and wrinkled years before our time. The worst case scenario is much grimmer... We are given some cautionary instructions: Avoid being in the sun between the hours of 10am and 2 pm This is not always possible, especially if you work

So, if we accept the fact that we do need protection, the next logical question is “what kind?” When it comes to choosing sunscreen, superficially there are many options. However, there are really two basic differences, chemical vs mineral. To make an informed choice, we need to know how they differ. This can be discovered in the list of ingredients.

A chemical sunscreen is one whose active ingredients are made in a lab. They contain ingredients such as Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and so on. These sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s UV rays, after which a chemical reaction occurs, allowing these rays to dissipate. The chemicals are absorbed by the skin, and trace amounts of them find their way into the bloodstream, and, consequently, the tissues. They have been found in bodily fluids, such as breast milk. The hormone levels of the body can be affected. Unlike the chemical variety, natural sunscreens use minerals, namely zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, as their main ingredients. These minerals do not penetrate the skin. Instead they sit on top, acting as a shield. They provide a physical barrier between the skin and the rays of the sun. The particles themselves are what is known as non-nano...that is, too large to be absorbed. They do not enter the bloodstream or tissues or bodily fluids. The natural sunscreens have

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Sun Care Products at Lynn’s; The natural choice for you and the world you live in. 4-180 Central Ave, Duncan (Save On Foods Mall) 250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.ca another very important benefit. They do not endanger the environment. We have all seen, in pictures or in person, large numbers of people on a beach. Now imagine that every one of these people is wearing chemically-based sunscreen. When they enter the water, some of those chemicals are transferred to the marine environment. And if they do as they have been cautioned to, reapplying after every dip in the water, that is a large amount of material leaching in to the ecosystem that exists beneath the waves. We already know these chemicals have an effect on hormones. They cannot help but affect all the living organisms they come into contact with, from algae all the way up the food chain. Natural Sunscreens will not have this effect. They are naturallyoccurring, non-toxic, and do not dissolve easily in water. They will not poison marine ecosystems. They are effective at blocking the harmful rays

of the sun. This choice sounds like a no-brainer. There is one particular aspect of these benevolent natural lotions, sprays, or sticks, however, which is not looked on with love. Although much improved from earlier days, they can still tend to leave a white residue on the body which can be considered a blight to our selfie-loving selves. Many products are touted as having eliminated this inconvenient aspect, though, and there is only one way to find the one that works best for you. Health Food stores such as Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery offer a large array of these products, often with testers so you know what you are buying . Then you will have found the best product for you, the environment, and that perfect summer you have been dreaming of! Gina Malkin has worked in the Natural Health field for 10 years and is currently working at Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery.

VALLEY DENTAL CLINIC Dr. Gordon Levin DMD Dentist Detailed screening for sleep apnea with dental appointments Qualified Dentist American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

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We’re in this together!

Clean Choice hopes that everyone is keeping healthy and safe. During these ever-changing times, we have been busy monitoring recommendations issued by Health Canada and have updated our products, equipment and services accordingly. In order to provide the most safe and effective cleaning, new policies have been put in place that include 10-Point Disinfection with every clean, PPE for staff, equipment saintized after every clean, committed to keeping staff home if they show any signs of illness. Call to ﬁnd out more about our all-surface, wholeroom disinfection service for home or oﬃce. Totally green, health Canada registered disinfectant. www.cIeanchoicecIeaners.com

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Understanding The Intricacies of Tooth Sensitivity

irst we must understand the underlying features of the teeth. Our teeth have 3 essential layers. The outermost is tooth enamel. The hardest material produced by our body tooth enamel is tightly packed crystals of hydroxyappatite, the same mineral that makes up bone only more organized. The second inner layer of tooth is dentin. Much less mineralized and highly enervated with thousands of tiny tubules each containing a single nerve fibre called an axon. Teeth only feel pain. Nothing else. These nerve axons originate in the centre, hollow part of the tooth called the pulp. The pulp has nerve and blood supply and it feeds the dentin. When the the gum around the tooth becomes receded due to age, hard brushing, orthodontic tooth movement can cause the dentin to become exposed and no longer have enamel covering it. In this situation the tooth may became very sensitive to acid, sugar or cold stimulus. Simple solutions to this condition may be the daily use of desensitizing tooth paste applied by tooth brush or fingertip or by application of desensitizing varnish by a dental hygienist or dentist . Some times teeth can lose their protective layer of enamel due to chronic clenching or grinding during

the day or night. Most often people will be completely unaware of this activity and will often be in denial of the existence of the phenomenon. Bed partners may also be unaware of the clenching and/ or grinding. The evidence is however clear to the trained eye of dentist and/ or hygienist. This condition can also create sensitivity to external stimuli like acid, sweet, and temperature. Sometimes a tooth becomes cracked due to trauma, either micro or macro trauma. A cracked tooth may have a crack just into the upper portion of the tooth and can be fixed by a dentist fairly easily. Other times a crack may continue deeper into the tooth and the tooth may require root canal or even removal. We should always assume the least serious condition first and try a home remedy like a desensitizing tooth paste. Only if there is no relief then trust your dentist to provide you with a careful differential diagnosis to come to an accurate termination of the cause of your own particular condition. I hope this has been of some help to your understanding of tooth sensitivity. Dr. Levin is a general dentist with special interest in Orofacial Pain and Sleep dentistry

Good Life Juice now available at Chemainus Health Food Store

ulu, co owner of Chemainus Health Food Store couldn’t be prouder of her son Liam for landing a job that shares her passion for heathy food. Good Life Juice is Vancouver Island’s locally owned, female-led, cold-pressed juice company. Making organic juices, nut mylks, tonics, salads, soups and desserts since 2014. “We

press over 2 pounds of produce into each delicious bottle of goodness and believe that a nutrients dense, mostly plant-based lifestyle is the key to healthy, happy living. As a team of nutrient nerds, we are on a mission to make it easy for you to feel good! We think that the energy a person can experience from good nutrition is pretty powerful, and we want to get you jazzed about living the good life.” says Andrea Dershin, founder of Good Life Juice, Our juices are raw, coldpressed and contain nothing but fruits and vegetables. There’s no preservatives and no pasteurization, meaning you get every ounce of goodness including living enzymes that fuel your body that can easily be destroyed with a conventional juicer or through pasteurization.

juices like Detox greens Lulu’s favourite because of the nutrients they contain and the taste. First time juicers and hardcore nutrient junkies will all be satisfied. Sonja’s favourite is a tie between Roots Remedy “the best beet juice I have ever had!” exclaims Sonja “The combination of veg in it takes beets to a new level of yum!” and Crave U with Lady Lux right for an

afternoon snack treat. The best thing about all the juice is you taste the quality. Juice can be too sweet but not this juice!” Come on in and try your own favourites! Good Life Juice delivers to Chemainus every Tuesday and Friday. 9738 Willow St, Chemainus Open Monday Saturday 10am - 4pm.

The company offers a variety of flavours ranging from fruity Glo- an orange, pineapple kale and ginger favourite of Sherry’s all the way to strictly veggie

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will live is close to River’s new school and she won’t live in residence. River was not consulted in the decisions. What about what she wants? Angry, she climbs on a bus and heads, early, without telling anyone, to her Dad and Nokomis.

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River’s actions and the time spent with her Ojibwe grandmother, father, family, and community take her on a learning and healing journey. The positivity that prevails while experiencing the precariousness of growing up is a WHY WE SHOULD READ new experience to River, and to many readers. Our reading group iver has grown up as “the expressed in several ways how only native girl” in an we wished we had had such Ontario farming community. She’s graduated from high school a community to hold us up as we grew into adulthood. With and looks forward to days at the the strength of her Ojibwe beach with her friends, and then community, River finds a path traveling to her Ojibwe Dad and that will prepare her to walk Nokomis and their community forward, fully into the heart of for the rest of summer. What the matter. Powwow Summer was to be a period of exciting is a perceptive and essential change brings more problems tale. (This is a fine illustration than River has foreseen. She of Why Indigenous Literatures is already struggling with her Matter by Daniel Heath Justice.) sense of self. Her mother and her Nahinni Shingoose is Saulteaux, teacher, both French, introduced her to dancing at powwows at age and a member of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation in ten; still fancy shawl dancing at Manitoba. 18, her high school friends call this “connected to your culture”. But River needs more; she’s The Warmland Book and looking for her own identity. She Film Collective – explore, recognizes the need to become celebrate, and learn from a person who can make sense of Indigenous authors and her world.

Having been accepted into university in the fall, she’ll live in residence. Uncomplicated she thinks, new and exciting! Then, something outside her control alters her direction. River’s white stepfather’s behaviour hastens the need for River’s mother to leave the abusive relationship, an event that changes everything. Yes, university still, but the new community where her mother

filmmakers – meeting the 2nd Wednesday/each month. Next meeting is August 12 and the next reading is Glass Beads by Dawn Dumont. This book is available as an eBook and as a Downloadable Audiobook at VIRL. Questions? warmlandcollective@gmail. com

Submitted by Miyo Stevens

certification as a Reiki Master in the Traditional Usui Lineage, as well as certification as a Crystal Reiki Practitioner; my reiki studio is a beautiful, peaceful space that promotes relaxation and balance and is grounded in my natural connection and attraction to crystals.

Hidden Gem Reiki

elcome to Hidden Gem Reiki Studio with Judy Johnstone! I have been practicing Reiki since 2013 and after retirement in 2017, I opened my Reiki Studio in Mill Bay. I was introduced to Reiki as a client in 2011, and that experience left me knowing I wanted to pursue Reiki for my own use and to help family and friends. On my Reiki journey, I discovered that the gift of Reiki I was developing was turning into a passion and I loved making a difference in the health and wellness of those I worked with! As a result of my love for energy healing I hold

Reiki pronounced ‘ray-key’, means “life force energy.” The Art of Reiki is an ancient Japanese healing technique founded by Mikao Usui and is based on the belief that a practitioner has the ability to channel energy into another person by means of touch along with positive intention. This activates the healing process that helps to restore the body, mind and spirit. Three sessions are recommended as it provides the opportunity to experience the benefits from having regular Reiki treatments. Reiki is cumulative; you may not notice much the first time, however, your experiences will be progressively deeper if continued. Besides the immediate experience of relaxation, other changes may unfold as the day goes on: better digestion, clarity, more poised, less reactive, and restful sleep. Everyone can benefit from Reiki no matter what health condition is present or none. If you feel stuck emotionally or have no hope of improvement from chronic pain, stress, negativity, anxiety, anger, fear, grief, sleep issues, weight loss, injuries or other chronic conditions – energy healing is likely for you and you will be amazed!! Crystal Reiki has become my

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islandhellerwork.com I 250-661-1687 specialty as the healing powers of the combined energies are noticeably and gently enhanced. I would love to introduce you to a Crystal Reiki session: to activate your healing process, to bring crystals into your life, and to help you to understand the powerful, healing properties that

crystals hold. I can be contacted via my website at: http:// HiddenGemReiki.com or via email at Judy.Johnstone1@ shaw.ca Submitted by Judy Johnstone

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Ms Katy and her famous fresh baked buns

Katy’s Farmhouse Kitchen: Rural Recipes & Saucy Stories

aty’s Farmhouse Kitchen: Rural Recipes and Saucy Stories to Savour is the perfect book for our times. It is a restart plan for cooking genius and creativity. Like a good ol’ batch of sour dough starter, it will ferment and bubble and provide a transformative boost. It will inspire you to live the life you want. Transformation to Uber Delicious The spirit of rural cooks lives on! Learn how to combine sour, sweet, salty, fat, and umami (SSS FU). Transform ingredients, even leftovers, into a delicious meal, like veggie burgers. Soups will take on a new dimension. Over the years,

How We Can Live on the Earth This book offers us exactly what you may need now. Author, Micheal Ableman writes, “Living in challenging times, we all need to remember the value of good Alderlea Farm and Café food and the power of stories that come from guests keep on returning to Cook a life lived fully on the land. Katy’s and Farmer John’s awardTold with lightness and passion, winning farm to table restaurant and exuding with joy, this book to enjoy country kitchen fare not only provides recipes for such as: sauerkraut and quiche and baked • Best Chocolate Cake and Icing beans, but for how we can live on ever! this earth.” • Ms. Katy’s Secret Foolproof Pavlova Out of the Box - Something to • Countryside Katy’s Bread Chew On Buns, easy and super delicious Not only does the book describe • Naturally Fermented how the farm and restaurant Sauerkraut, includes the were built around community sauerkraut story supported agriculture (CSA), but • Chicken Pot Pie and Quiche, the idea of community supported with foolproof flaky piecrust parenting (CSP) is introduced • The story and secrets behind and will Farmer John’s Best Wood-fired resonate Oven Pizza with all who • Pumpkin and Fruit Pie, with the support the skin on! youth in our • John and Katy’s Alderlea Salad communities. Dressing (makes any salad a true Katy offers love story) a bunch of • Farm Fresh Green Supreme goodies and Borek (simple, nutritious, and treats, pulling loved by all ages) out a few Now Katy shares her recipes tricks up with you along with hearther sleeve. warming and often funny stories Right to the of life on the farm. As you begin last page, to live the spirit of rural cooks, she offers you’ll put the “culture” back into up the basic agriculture as you learn to make ingredients to a good life •beeswax furniture polish, that give us • natural cleaning solution, all something • potting soil, to chew on • and other rural recipes for including: growing success • Self-help Peanut and Gluten Free NO Artiﬁcial Additives, Flavours, Colours or Preservatives Local Ingredients when Available Summer Hours Wednesday - Sunday 11:30am - 5pm

1765 Cowichan Bay Rd. (250) 746-4300 www.originaludderguys.com

Guide to Living in the Real World • Deep Food Connections, Inside and Out • Crop Circles in Hay Fields • Taming and Cooking the Monster of the Woods - Wild Nettle Secrets of Farming - Worth its Weight in Golden Compost Know your food; know your farmer, takes on a whole new meaning. Secrets of farming and gardening whisper throughout the book, enlivening our connections to the earth and real food. This 200-page book is worth its weight in golden compost and will provide pleasure for years to come. Katy’s Farmhouse Kitchen is available locally from Alderlea Farm and Cafe, Ten Old Books in the Garage, Amazon.ca, FreyaSophia Store and Volume One.

The wild flowers are in their full glory and I was enthralled at all the medicinal herbs creating this visual diorama of colourful beauty. My old phone camera doesn’t do it justice, check it out with your own eyes in person!

Healing With Wildflowers Learn From Master Herbalist Lorene Benoit

he last week, during whatever sunny periods we could find, we have gone for a walk and a bike ride along the Cowichan Valley Trail from Chemainus to Ladysmith. Having biked this a few times in past years, one notable difference this time was the amount of people outside enjoying the glories of nature. From small children careening wildly on bicycles, babies in bicycle chariots and elderly people on canes, it was a wonderful mix! Besides the undeniable benefits of exercise, this is also a great way to strengthen your immune system by getting your Vitamin D levels increased! Wise use of the sun is the best way to do this – fun and free!

Some of the flowers we saw in this photo are: mullein, feverfew, dames rocket, herb Robert, blackberry, dandelion, thistle, purple toadflax, comfrey, buttercup, thimbleberry, St. John’s Wort, fennel, Iceland poppy, California poppy, daisy, foxglove, comfrey, and wild rose. These are just the ones I knew. As listing the latin names, which are necessary for proper identification, and brief description of medicinal uses would take too much space for this article submission, I will attempt to get this on my website as time permits: www.naturalpathremedies.com/ blog/category/herbal-wisdom/ Most of these, plus many others are also in my herbal gardens in Glenora. If you are interested in working the gardens with me while learning the medicinal and culinary benefits of herbs, please give me a call to arrange. As I could not offer my Annual Herbal Intensive this Summer, I am open to arranging courses from 3 to 21 hours in length, to suit specific needs for individuals or groups. Contact me by phone, 250-748-6802, or email: Lorene@NaturalPathRemedies. com

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Collectibles Eclectibles Estates & More! Come Snoop Around! 59

• All things natural and beautiful for you and your children • Beautiful and inspiring books for all ages and levels of interest • Wonderful organic merino/silk, wool clothing from age 0 - adult • Wooden toys, puzzles, games, silks, dolls, cards, calendars, prints • Birthday rings, craft kits, musical instruments and much more. • Painting, drawing, knitting wool, felting, beeswax, craft & lots handwork books & supplies

Lots of great books for summer—for all ages! Proudly carrying a full line of school and art supplies from Mercurius along with quality organic baby and children’s clothing from Disana, Engel and Hocosa; Great selection of wooden toys, puzzles, play cloths and games from Sarah’s Silks, Londji, Grimms, Holztiger, Ostheimer, Camden Rose and more. Amazing ointments and Home Remedies from Uriel; Beautiful cards and hundreds of book titles for children and adults from Wynstone Press, Floris Books, Steiner Press, Hawthorn, Lindisfarne, Mercury Press, Temple Lodge and much more. Great selection of organic and Canadian knitting yarn from Briggs and Little and Custom Woolen Mills. Phone orders for outside pickup or Canada Post can be accommodated.

Located next to the Community Farm Store — 250-597-4763

BOOKS, SUPPLIES AND RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS, HOMESCHOOLERS, CARERS AND ALL STUDENTS OF LIFE (SOL) Here at the Freya-Sophia Waldorf store we are inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and committed to meeting the soul needs of our children and our community by providing books, toys, supplies, resources, classes, workshops, instruction, support and conversation to those who visit us. We are here to help and to support. To contact Nicolette directly, email nicolette111@icloud.com. 60

We are OPEN 11—3 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

If you would like to be notified about monthly Biodynamic gatherings or other Steiner inspired events please contact Nicolette by emailing nicolette111@icloud.com

We carry a wonderful selection of books about biodynamic agriculture, farming, gardening, healing plants, nature crafts, beekeeping and so much more.

ARE YOU A COWICHAN BUSINESSES MAKING LOCAL PRODUCTS? Economic Development Cowichan and Community Futures have partnered with the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) to offer local producers a free Island Good licence. VIEA developed the Island Good brand program as a way for shoppers to easily identify local food products on grocery shelves.

SHAWNIGAN PLAYERS SUMMER SNEAK PREVIEW Looking for outdoor entertainment? Ready for some innovative, socially-distanced live theatre? The Shawnigan Players are excited to bring you a special “Sneak Preview” of the 2021 Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival! This August, come and enjoy selected scenes from “The Winter’s Tale” at beautiful Gem o’ the Isle Farm in Cowichan Station. Before the arrival on scene of the Great Plague of 2020, the Players had been preparing two new shows for our annual

“There is a growing demand for locally made food and products, and we know it can be hard for small producers to standout. To help them be seen, and hopefully increase their sales, we will support these businesses to take advantage of the successful Island Good program,” says Cathy Robertson, General Manager of Community Futures Cowichan. Barry O’Riordan, Manager of Economic Development Cowichan added, “Awareness of the need to support Cowichan and Vancouver Island businesses has come into sharp focus, but identifying Island produced or grown products is no easy task. Economic Development Cowichan is delighted to support Cowichan businesses leverage the Island Good branding to

summer theatre festival: “Little Women” and Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale.” Our ambitions of merry ensemble scenes and standing-room-only audiences quashed, we took to Zoom to read our scripts together, connect with each other, and brainstorm strategies to keep our shows fresh and alive. Now, with the blessing of the Island Health Authority, we are proud to present a unique and memorable community experience – a limited “pandemic edition” performance! Director Alex Gallacher has chosen several key scenes from “The Winter’s Tale” to give you a generous taste of this

boost sales and support economic recovery in the region.” According to BC Buy Local, for every $100 spent at a local business, $63 is re-circulated back into the BC economy. VIEA notes that every one per cent increase in sales of local products equals 50 jobs. Cowichan businesses that generate products on Vancouver Island or sell their products from the island may qualify for this free licensing opportunity – available on a first-come-firstserved basis until the funding is spent. To fill out an application form, please visit the Island Good website at https://islandgood.ca/ “More and more Island

producers, manufacturers, and retailers are using the power of the Island Good brand, and it’s now available to all products made on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Everything from potatoes to airplane parts!” said VIEA President George Hansen. After launching the pilot program, the Island Good branding led to increased sales of food and beverage products by an average of 16% in 45 grocery stores over a six-month period. The success of the brand has translated into an expansion from food to now include all Vancouver Island made products. Barry O’Riordan, Manager Economic Development Cowichan

extraordinary tale of love and loss, redemption and grace. This special preview performance will feature special Covid-safe staging, with modified blocking and reduced numbers of actors. Our audiences will be limited to fifty patrons in distanced “bubbles” of up to six people. Seating is on the grass, so please bring your own chair or a blanket to sit on. Picnic lunches are welcome! The performance will be approximately an hour long and will take place August 8th and 9th at 1:00pm and again at 4:00pm at Gem o’ the Isle Farm, 2465 Koksilah Rd. in Cowichan Station

All audience attendance must be reserved in advance. To reserve your spot, please email shawniganplayers@gmail.com. Admission is by donation.

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LUCKY DOG Bonnie…

Debbie Wood is a certified Small Animal Naturopath and can be reached at 250-597-7DOG.

My own dog is a seven-yearold black Labrador retriever; Bonnie. She’s not a typical Lab in that she requires extensive encouragement to swim. Which suits me fine, wet dogs are wet. But this summer Bonnie had the opportunity to spend a weekend with her favourite aunt. Aunt Laurie has a Rottie that loves swimming and Bonnie spent a lot of time in the water. A lot of time… Twenty-four hours after picking her up from Aunt Laurie’s Bonnie couldn’t hold her tail up. Instead of worrying, I laughed. My dog had “swimmer’s tail”! The events leading up to her affliction were perfect. She was a weekend warrior and her muscles

were sore. Swimmer’s tail is self-correcting and her tail slowly came back to life over the next two days (while I pointed and laughed). Bonnie is also not a typical Lab in that she is wary of strangers. Except that one time… She and I arrived at the back parking lot of Lucky Dog. It was early and still dark out, must have been winter. As usual she hopped out unleashed and sniffed around the empty lot while I fumbled for my keys. Something attracted her to go around to the front of the building; the customer parking lot. It wasn’t long before I noticed she was not near me and I dashed the only way she could have gone. There was one vehicle in sight. A station wagon with the hatch lifted. I ran to it and came upon my “cautious” dog seated happily in the back of the car while a well-meaning stranger took her picture. The kind woman was helping my “lost” dog. My retriever doesn’t retrieve, either. She’ll greet friends with a stuffy in her mouth, but there’s no getting it from her. My dog doesn’t play fetch. When startled by a stranger coming around a corner Bonnie will bark explosively. Unfortunately for her, because she is a lab, nobody takes her seriously and her vicious inner dog ego dies a little each time. A friend suggested that she’s a Rottweiler in a Lab coat. So, Bonnie and I are left with hiking, lots of walking and hiking and hanging out together. Watching

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www.luckydogubath.ca 1059 CANADA AVE DUNCAN Netflix, sharing snacks, laying on the lawn together while I read a book. She doesn’t complain while I skronk through a fiddle practice. She tolerates her baths. She loves a new adventure. She trusts me and I trust her. And we both like ham.

Just north of Pots & Paraphanelia

It takes time to make a good dog. And although my Bonnie hasn’t always been in life, it feels as though she has always been my dog. Most of us have dogs for their companionship and I won the dog lottery with my BonBons.

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Setting Up A Home Recycling Station

250 715 6174

Marti Smith is a writer and musician happily living in the Cowichan Valley with her family.

My cousin Penny created a beautiful tapestry for my wedding 15 years ago, but the disordered state of my recycling – various blue bins and paper bags full of empty olive oil bottles, almond milk containers and single use plastic bags – is detracting from this cherished gift hanging on our kitchen wall. What the COVID-19 lockdown made even more apparent, is that we generate a lot of waste. Whatever couldn’t go into the curbside pick-up bin got stockpiled. The inside of my neighbour’s garage, for instance, became a purgatory for pizza boxes, wine bottles, oat milk containers and glass food jars. Not to mention enormous garbage bags full of beer and

RECYCLING CATEGORIES

kombucha cans because no children could go door to door gathering up refundables for bottle drives. The good news is that recycling centers and bottle depots such as Island Return It are open and ready to take your recyclables and refundables. My own chaotic recycling situation inspired me to better understand the sorting process and research practical and beautiful storage systems. Sorting Recyclables As for sorting recyclables, there’s more than one way to sort and it depends on things like how much wine and beer you drink, if you drink non-dairy milk, if you ever use single use plastics. My friend Angie Van Slyke stores all of her refundable cans and bottles under the sink in a container along with a small baggie for batteries. “We keep all of our plastic zip locks and wraps that come from food packaging like frozen fruit and veggies under the sink, along with any returnables for money like juice containers or water, wine and beer bottles or cans,” says the mom of two originally from Wisconsin. “We save stuff for a month or two and then take our sorted materials to Island

CURBSIDE PICK UP: Mixed paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers, metal containers, foil, take out beverage containers, lids, plastic garden pots and trays, plastic clamshells and trays. NON-CURBSIDE RECYCLING: Refundable beverage cans, refundable glass bottles, nonrefundable glass food jars (olive oil, spaghetti sauce and peanut butter), soft stretchy plastic, non-stretchy crinkly plastic (chip and popcorn bags, granola bar wrappers) 64

Return It.” Some cities, like Calgary have single stream recycling: all recycling, including glass and plastic bags, can be placed together in curbside pick up where it is sorted at the depot by a combination of people and automated machines. But on Vancouver Island not all of these items can be placed in the blue bin (see sidebar) and the onus is on consumers to be the sorters. If you’re having trouble seeing the advantage, it’s that we can clearly see how much waste we’re actually generating. The pre-sorting process is important – too many of us opt for the sort later approach which simply means borrowing time in the future. As my mom always said: “There’s no time like the present.” So, sort it out now. At Island Return It, they request people pre-sort and count their refundables before they arrive. It’s much quicker then sorting them in your trunk, and there’s no space inside the building for sorting. COVID-19 highlights the need for us to consider the safety of others. Pre-sorting means less handling for the staff. In South Cowichan where I live, curbside pick up only takes away mixed paper, cardboard, plastic containers, beverage cups, lids and metal cans. That leaves me to sort and take to Island Return It in Duncan, refundable beverage cans, refundable and nonrefundable glass, soft stretchy plastic and non-stretchy crinkly plastic. I also need a bin within my home to store my curbside pick-up items. Considering all the categories, we need about six storage bins. Storage Recycling Options If you have a good recycling home storage system, it makes the sorting process a breeze. After doing some research on home recycling storage, I realized that the best way to create a neat and organized environment is uniformity and clear labeling. One simple idea, depending on how much daily recycling you generate, is to stack everything in one or two central bins in the

house, usually in a corner of the kitchen, and then designate two days a week for separating them in stackable bins in the garage. It’s a great chore for kids and gives them a good sense of how much recycling their families are generating. Many stores sell various stackable options, some with lids and some without. Because we don’t have a garage, we need a series of bins in the kitchen. My favourite option is concealing taller recycling bins in an upcycled kitchen cabinet. Simply label interior bins so all family members are clear about where things go. Smaller items such as batteries can be stored in a square basket within the top drawer of the cabinet. When recycling containers are full, pack them into the trunk of your vehicle and head over to the depot or Island Return It. Two other options which hide the recycling away: a two tiered cabinet with pull-out baskets, and a storage bench with a lid in which recycling bins can be stored. Some homeowners also have a miscellaneous container for recyclable odds and ends. It surprised me to find out that you can also recycle smoke alarms, small appliances, power tools, CDs and electric toothbrushes at Island Return It. For a more open system you can try stackable bins with or without lids which often work for vertical spaces in laundry rooms or beside pantry cupboards. Installing a single shelf along one wall also allows you to store some recycling containers on the floor and others on the shelf. You can also repurpose an old filing cabinet to hold recyclables. The surge in global household and medical generated waste from our COVID-19 experience highlights the need for responsible citizenship and draws attention to our consumer habits. More than ever it’s important to rise to the challenge of managing our waste. Sorting and storing it with a little more care and innovation is a good place to start. Then we can perhaps see with more clarity where we can actually reduce.

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Licensed Real Estate Consultant RE/MAX of Duncan - Mill Bay 472 Trans Canada Highway Ofﬁce: 250.748.7200 www.faizal.charania.remax.ca • Residential • Agri Business • Strata I mobile (250) 732.5250 65

had met John Weyermars when he worked for a different company. He had come by to advise me about heatpumps. A year later, he was working for Viridian and I was pleased to have him figure out the possibilities for putting solar panels on our roof. Though there was an initial concern from the aerial view that we had too many trees, John proceeded to do the measurements and calculations. He determined that solar panels would reduce our electric bill by more than 25% (or almost $1000/mo). Since the cost of the installation was a bit over $16000, our panels would pay for themselves in a little over a decade-and-a-half! How often can you buy something that actually pays for itself?!

Sharing My Solar Story Communications during postponement Due to the novel covid-19, Viridian decided to not do any installations two days before ours was scheduled. Steve Unger, the project manager, apologized and assured me that we were first on the list when things cleared up. Furthermore, he arranged to have my deposit refunded since we were not sure when they’d begin again.

Installation by the Fantastic Four The actual installation was done by four individuals who were not only very competent, but exceptionally considerate: Clay, Kuan, Michelle and Nigel. Kuan checked out the territory initially and setup the plan for proceeding. Clay with Michelle figured out the electrical deployment and explained the component functions to me. Michelle even went as far as taping up wiring in our attic that had been exposed by rats chewing on them. I told her I’d look after that since it was above and beyond the call of her duty, but she said “No problem - it’s the mother in me.” She was also going to patch-up the drywall they had dislodged to put in the electrical, but I stopped her from doing so, since we were going to redo that area anyway. Nigel explained and demostrated the solar panel attachment process and while Kuan and Michelle were on the roof, he tidied the site and delivered the panels up to them. It was really quite an amazing to watch! Follow up The system worked flawlessly right away and with a bit of help from Clay and Kuan we were able to monitor things from the APSystems app on our phone as well as

see things on my desktop by going to their website. Michelle gave me a tour of the electrical connections that they had put in.

Finally, Steve and John checked in the following week to ensure that all was well. Payments over the period of a week since there is an e-transfer limit and Viridian was most accommodating in that respect too. I’ll bet you are wanting to see our system in action - well you can and it’s better than watching television! Here, take a look for yourself!

Conclusion This installation from start to finish was conducted by some of the best people we have had working at our house over nearly 25 years! The product is excellent as are the people at Viridian! Submitted by Prad Basu

Island Drone Works With Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society

ndrew Jeffrey, proprietor and Advanced-level RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) drone pilot at Island Drone Services, recently visited the Open Air Classroom at the Somenos Marsh Conservation Area for an aerial video documentation and 3D mapping project. “It was exciting working with Elodie Roger [Program Manager] and Paul Fletcher [President] from the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society, they both have a real interest in applying aerial drones to large-scale conservation efforts. Paul knows how much I love the landscape and wildlife of that area, I’d published a book of my nature photos a few years ago, so when they invited me to take my drone to the Marsh, I could hardly wait! Elodie and I did a planning walkabout the day before the first flight, and the filming mission itself took about an hour overall.” While on site, Andrew also took a sequence of aerial photographs

to make an interactive 360° image that features the boardwalk at the Open Air Classroom. “The ‘360’ is made from combining thirty-four separate photographs that the drone took from about a hundred and fifty feet above the center of the OAC, you can spin it around on the web and see all of the Somenos Marsh and the surrounding Cowichan Valley.” The next step, a few days later, was a 3D mapping mission of the eleven-acre site. “Drone-acquired 3D mapping is becoming an important component of conservation projects these days” Andrew explains. “I set up a survey grid pattern beforehand on my laptop, and the aircraft flew it automatically, taking almost four hundred photos during a twentysix-minute flight, at a height of about two hundred feet.” The result is a detailed, up-to-date digital 3D model of the Open Air Classroom that the Society intends to use for education and study and as a land management baseline reference. “The Somenos Marsh is one of our very best local features, it’s so nice and peaceful and there’s always birds and wildlife and different plants everywhere… it’s worth a visit whenever you get a chance. The society does a ton of work towards making this possible, supporters can help out just by becoming a ‘Friend of the Marsh’, you can even have your own name or business name engraved right onto the boardwalk.” “And a ‘hello’ and thank you to all the visitors and l volunteers I met out there!”

For more information about the Somenos Marsh Conservation Area go to www.somenosmarsh.com. Video footage, 360° imagery and a 3D virtual model of the

Open Air Classroom from this project can be seen at www. islanddrone.ca. To book your own drone survey with Andrew call 778) 584-5753 or email him at andrew@islanddrone.ca.

Georgia Nicols M.A. Georgia’s book, You and Your Future is a best seller with international printings in 3 languages. georgianicols.com

Aries (March 21-April 19) Twice a year, the Sun “shines” on you. (This is when the Sun is in your fellow Fire sign Leo or Sagittarius.) This is happening this month, which is great news because it brings balance and equilibrium to your life. It will boost your energy level. It’s a great time for a vacation because amusements, recreation, hobbies, fun socializing and playful activities with kids are higher up on your list of priorities. You will feel lighter and more free-spirited! Romance is favoured and new love might begin! Woot! Taurus (April 20-May 20) This month, you might face circumstances that test you and the validity of what you’re doing. You might encounter people who seem to work at cross purposes with you. You might be forced to prove to someone that what you’re doing is worthwhile. Meanwhile, your focus will turn to home, family and your private life. If possible, choose quiet time and cocoon at home. You might work on a home project that requires consultation with someone else. The next few weeks are a time of self-evaluation. Gemini (May 21-June 20) The pace of your days is accelerating this month because you’re busy! Short trips, increased reading, writing and studying, plus, more time spent with siblings, relatives and neighbours on top of a busy schedule of errands, visits and appointments will keep you on the run! (Gasp.) Actually, you will work well with others because your goals will harmonize with their goals. It’s time to examine how far you have achieved some goals that you set for yourself this year. How are you doing? Your ability to communicate to others is wonderful this month. Cancer (June 21-July 22) This month you will ponder your values and give more thought to money, possessions and movable property. It’s time to take a hard look at the things you own and decide

do they help you or are they a hindrance? Let’s face it, you have a tough time letting go of stuff. (Packed drawers, full cupboards and bulging closets. You know who you are.) Actually, this focus on money and possessions could lead to deeper self-scrutiny about what is really worthwhile in life? (Aside from dark chocolate.) Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Ta da! This month the Sun is in your sign giving you an amazing boost of energy! (This happens only once a year.) It’s a time of new beginnings because you are setting out on a fresh new cycle! During this time, it is totally appropriate to put yourself first. You’re not being selfish. It’s all about you, and that’s how it should be. Don’t deny yourself this out of a misguided concept of duty or modesty. When the Sun is in your sign, your first allegiance is to yourself and if you don’t respect that– you will be of little use to anyone. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Because your birthday is a month away, this means your personal year is coming to an end. Therefore, this is the perfect time to set goals for your new year. (You love lists!) Define some goals because they give you a clearer focus on what is important to you. If you have goals, they help you to make decisions in the future. Goals also give you better control over your future and they certainly give you a sense of purpose. Take some time to jot down some things you hope to accomplish in your new year ahead.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This month you will enjoy the company of others and vice versa. Not only will you be happy to be with friends, you will work more effectively with groups and organizations. You might even take on a leadership role? Meanwhile, study the people that you hang out with because they are a reflection of yourself. Never underestimate the influence that your friends have on you because that influence is great. Your friends affect your thinking – hence, they affect your choices, which in turn, create your future. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) The Sun is at the top of your chart this month, which is the only time all year this occurs. Symbolically, it represents a spotlight on you that makes others notice you more than usual, especially bosses, parents, teachers, VIPs and the police. Fortunately, this spotlight is flattering! People think you’re great! This is why you might be asked to take on increased responsibilities. If so, say yes because you don’t have to do anything special to impress them. Someone might want you to prove that what you’re doing is worthwhile. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This is a great month because the Sun is in your fellow Fire sign. (Happens twice a year.) This means that your life will run smoothly. Nevertheless, don’t be tempted to slack off. (Admittedly, this is an excellent time for a vacation and a fun time to travel.) Examine what is working in your life and what is not. It’s time to think about which projects are worth

organic craft coﬀee and mmmore by the sea across from Salt Spring ferry terminal

1532 CHAPLIN ST, CROFTON

saving and which are not. This is an excellent month to learn something new through study, training or taking courses. Expand your world by hanging out with cosmopolitan people. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This month will be more passionate! It could be a sexual passion or passion about what you’re doing or passion about art or a new kind of experience. One thing you will be passionate about is your desire to improve yourself in some way. Deep down, you have a desire to be the best that you can be! And why not? If not now, then when? (You are the perfectionist of the zodiac.) Ironically, just when you are doing some soul-searching, you might encounter someone who prompts you to do this even more so. Time for a reality check. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This month you’re bringing some issues to a climax, which means you might need to be careful dealing with bosses, superiors and people in authority. This is also a time when you see what is working and you see what is not. Always remember that your first loss is your cheapest loss. If something is clearly not working – let it go! Up until today, you have built certain structures and organized your life in a certain way and now, you see how they influence your world. What changes do you want to make? Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This month you want to work hard and be productive and effective in every aspect of your life. Because you will set the bar high, your personal aspirations will include your health as well. (Yeah, you want it all!) Nevertheless, as you focus on getting better organized and being physically efficient, remember that you might have to work for the benefit of someone else, which is not your first choice. But think of the Brownie points: What goes around, comes around. Relations with parents are better. Redecorating your digs will also appeal. (If you don’t paint, can you see yourself cleaning mirrors?) www.georgianicols.com

The Community Farm Store Pages — Your Organic Health and Whole Food Market in Duncan — 250-748-6227

We are blessed to have such amazing growers in the Cowichan Valley. We are pleased to offer a beautiful selection of local and organically grown produce from Kinsol Valley Farm, Tatlo Road Farm, Root Bound Sustainability Co, Mobetta Herbs, Island Shire Farm, Fiona, Cindy, Marlene, Gerry, Adam Mjolsness, Julia Hofmann, West Wind Farm, Alderlea Farm, Wicklow Farm, Lockwood Farm, Glenora Farm, Woosterville Farm and more. Our offerings change daily, so visit often for the best of everything. The CFS Café is Back! We are so happy to have our lovely little CFS Cafe open to serve you again! Chef James is creating a nourishing soup, sandwich, and his amazing bone broths, as well as offering local Drumroaster Coffee and Westholme Tea for take out on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10-3. Our Grab & Go Cooler is always loaded with tasty CFS Housemade for something yummy and nourishing anytime. The Community Farm Store

Organic Health & Whole Food Market www.communityfarmstore.ca

2-5380 Hwy 1, Duncan BC V9L 6W4 250-748-622

CFS Hours

• CRYSTALS • • BOOKS • • ORACLE DECKS • • GIFTS •

CFS for the Soul Hours

Monday-Saturday 10-6 Monday-Saturday 11-3 Closed Sunday Closed Sunday Open BC Day ~ Monday, August 3rd 10-6 Closed BC Day Please follow our Facebook Page for the latest information

Thank you to our wonderful customers and community. We appreciate everything you are doing to help us and each other. 69

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES

A great way to discover local services and businesses. 2 sizes of ad space are available to suit every business message and budget. Affordable, stylish and straight to the point.

Directory Size A - 1 logo + 8-12 word listing Full Colour 1 X $63 6X $53 12X $43 Black & White 1 X $52 6X $42 12X $32 Contact Adrienne Richards for more info 250 510 6596 or by phone to adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Deadline for SEPTEMBER 2020 Issue 142 - AUGUST 18

Acupuncture ACUPUNCTURE MASSAGE THERAPY HERBAL MEDICINE

Online Booking & Direct Billing 4705 Trans Canada Hwy I 250-889-9066 I www.pestleandpins.com

Ayurveda

Clay

Trial By Fire Pottery Studio

Ayurvedic Life Transformations

Uniquely Tailored Explorations Into The Self

4-6 Week Wheel Classes

Coaching, Counselling, Yoga Therapies & Bodywork

Asrael 250 597 3973 www.ayurvedicbliss.com

Hilary Huntley

www.trialbyﬁrepottery.ca I 250-710-8758 www.trialbyﬁrepottery.ca Natural Beauty

End of Life Care

Prudence

Let us help you with: •advance care plans •celebration of life •legacy projects

•downsizing •support networks •family meetings

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

Sunday 12-4pm, Monday 10-4pm Tuesday to Thursday 10-4pm, Friday 10-5:30pm • 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

250 732 6452

www.greatcircleplanning.ca

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

Wise Words

THE PROFESSIONAL MOBILE SPA THAT COMES TO YOU!

Lexington Spa

• MANICURES Cindy Beam, Owner • PEDICURES • REFLEXOLOGY 250 514-1380 lexingtonspa@shaw.ca I www.lexingtonspa.ca

“Age appears best in four things: old wood to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust and old authors to read.”

Discussion Group on 5G

Sir Francis Bacon

A concerned group of citizens in the Cowichan Valley are looking for a moratorium on 5G until proven safe for our communtiy. If you are interested in more discussion on this topic with others please contact dorotheasiegler@gmail.com

Food More than a Meat Shop Gluten Free/Organic Pasta’s, Organic Meat, Homemade Sausage, International Foods. The Duncan Butcher 430 Trans Canada Hwy 250 748 -6377 70

CSA shares available in 15 or 30 week options CERTIFIED ORGANIC VEGETABLES & MEAT rupert@shawlfarm.ca

Health and Healing Customizable Organic Mattresses, Pillows, Linens Locally made Platform Beds and Furniture 126 Station St. 250-597-REST (7378) www.resthouse.ca

Hidden Gem Reiki Studio

Judy Johnstone, Reiki Master 250-661-0192 www.hiddengemreiki.com

Bioenergetic Balancing with Magnets & Energy Healing

* Boost the immune system *

Prevent illness & fatigue * Feel healthier

Kathryn Lowther - Biomagnetism & HUE Energy Healer 250-891-5138 www.biomagcanada.ca

Reﬂexology I Indian Head Massage Lymphatic Release Technique Enabling your body to heal itself, naturally.

naturalheelingreﬂexology.com Call Helga 250-732-7988

Restore your digestive system with Colon Hydrotherapy. Your health is the only wealth that matters!

Michelle Bird Colon Hydrotherapist

250-510-3540 Sol Centre 5380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan I www.thecleansingroom.com

Reﬂexology by Joy

What’s your story around body image/ food/health? Did you know? It’s not so much WHAT you eat that affects you, but what’s EATING YOU! Lifestyle Mentor I Certiﬁed Eating Psychology Coach

AMANDA CHARTRAND

778 678 1705 I mbodympowermbrace@outlook.com

The good news is that Eating Psychology can help you understand.

Relax and rejuvenate each and every part of your body, including the glands and organs. specializing in toes•calves•lower legs• knees jstalinski@shaw.ca I 250 246 1401

ISLANDROLFING.COM

Restoring Fascia Health and Wellbeing

Advanced Rolfer™ Visceral Manipulation Practitioner

BRETT HOLLAND I 250.920.8818

Violet Reynolds, RMT, CASE, RDYT500 Classes: Somatics and Somatic Yoga Individual Appointments:Clinical Somatics

www.duncanwellnesscentre.com

250 748-6600

Psychic

Pet Care & Grooming

Modern Day Oracle * Spiritual Mediumship * Energy Healing

* Card Readings * Empowerment Sessions

Call Sacred Silence 250-710-5287 www.sacredsilence.net or facebook: Sacred Silence

Lucky Dog U-Bath, Duncan Now accepting new grooming clients. Book online www.luckydogubath.ca Or call 250-597-7364

Valley Voice Directory Advertising

SEE and BE SEEN! Target over 25,000 local readers to your business. Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 71

D B b 2

August 2020 Issue 141

Articles inside

August Forecasts

Setting Up A Home Recycling Station 64

Enjoy Cowichan Through Rosé Tinted Glasses 20

Viva La Baguette

Lavender Love

Learning from Wildflowers

Why We Should Read

History Glass Kir Cocktail

Wine Glasses Demystified

What Were You Wearing?

The Cowichan Wine Festival is here

How to Access Health Care in The Cowichan Valley 6