December 2017 Issue 109

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DECEMBER 2017 ISSUE 109 HOLIDAY FOOD I BUY LOCAL I BEST OF COWICHAN GIFT GUIDE

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December 2017 Issue 109 Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Publisher Richard Badman Editor Sheila Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com or by phone at 250 746 931 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Distribution Erin Collins

Events Calendar Cory Linklater

For Print ads please contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline December 15 for January Issue 110 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

To list a free community event please email us at: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Events format: Date, Time, Location, Event Title and Cost and 5 word description Next DEADLINE December 12 for January 2018 Issue 110 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations Special thanks to following Valley Voices: Pam Stiles, Chantell Foss, Bill Jones, Carolyn Morris, Brad Boisvert, Mark Holford, Gabrielle Rondeau-Leclaire, Cristen DeCarolis, Paul Ruszel, Frank Wall, Jean Cardino, Jessica Schacht, Katie Daniell, Keah Rose, Michael Hienrich, Donna Shaw, Dr. Lyn Pascoe, Cheryl Painter Yonge, Tamu Miles, Julie Pyon, Faye Stefan, Tina Foster, Swarn Hardy, Melissa Brown, Steve Unger, Debbie Wood, Chris Manley, Cam MacDonald, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols.

We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however CowichanValley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/ or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style.The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors.

Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available.

Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith, Victoria, Tofino and Parksville.

Choose Valley Voice Magazine to be part of your new year marketing plan.

OUR COMMUNIT​Y December Events 6-7 Buy Local 28 Life at Glenora Farm 32 Winter Solstice: Weaving the Light 34 Best of Cowichan Gift Guide 36-40 Winter Celebrations Around the World 41 Solar Power in the Winter 54 Directory 70-71 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Homemade Gifts From Your Kitchen 5 Chefs Tips for Easy Holiday Meals Special Holiday Meals 12-13 Mulled Wine 15 Meatballs: A Nothing Fancy Crowd Pleaser 20 History Glass:Nocinog 21 Solstice Stone Soup 68 The Mindful Mouthful 19 Choc Talk 26 FARM & GARDEN The Christmas Tree for your Home 48 LOCAL ARTS Edge Walking Through Life 10 Oh Christmas Tea Comedy 22 Boreal Collective Winter Fair 23 Artist Michael Hienrich 30 Christmas Fair at Glenora Farm 33 Cornwalls’ Cancun Christmas 35 oneTree Conceived in Cowichan 46 Tyler Hayes Glass Artist 49 CHILDREN & FAMILY Alive in the Hive Art Experience 31 Duncan Dynamics WInter Programs 43 Nicolette’s Christmas Book Favourites 45 BODY, MIND & SOUL Advent Spiral 11 Dr. Pascoe’s Personal Winter Skin Tips 29 Horoscopes 69 Winter Depression: Moving Out of the Dark 50 Guard Yourself Against Flu Season 51 Yoga for Wellness 58 Embodying Silence 59 Don’t Forget to Sleep 66 David Suzuki 67

Early Bird Specials available for January 2018!

Contact Adrienne for details and a rate card

250 510 6596

adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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Valley Voice Magazine -Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

PETS & NATURE Lucky Dogs 62

make personalized labels for the recipients.

Here are a few ideas of homemade gifts to get you started.

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Candied Sea Salt Pecans

Homemade Gifts From Your Kitchen

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ooking to give more personalized gifts this year? Homemade food items are always well received.

This year, think beyond cakes and cookies and search your pantry for something a little different.

My favourite part of homemade gifts from the kitchen is searching out unique bottles and jars and finding free printables to

Ingredients 1 egg white ½ Tbs vanilla extract ½ Tbs melted butter 1 cup pecans ⅓ cup sugar ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 225 degrees. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg whites, vanilla extract, and butter. Mix in the pecans until evenly coated.

In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and cinnamon.

Sprinkle over the pecans and toss till the sugar mixture is evenly distributed. Place them in a single layer on a sheet of parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool completely and place in bags of jars before applying gift lable.

Rosemary Honey The tasty combination of savoury and sweet makes for a delicious

earthy honey. Use as a spread or on grilled chicken Ingredients 8 c. mild honey 10 sprig rosemary In a medium saucepan over low heat, cook honey and 6 sprigs rosemary just until honey begins to bubble around the edges. Remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes.

Using tongs, remove and discard rosemary sprigs and any stray leaves. To decant, divide honey among 4 clean 16-ounce jars.

Let cool completely, about 40 minutes.

Insert 1 fresh sprig rosemary into each jar, and tighten lids to seal.

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS December 3 • 2PM Jazz Pianist Richard Whitehouse

with Bob Brown on drums and Bruce Meikle on bass

December 10 • 2PM Nick La Riviere’s Soul Source R & B Big Band Big Energy!

No Jazz for remainder of December - wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas season!

Sunday Jazz resumes January 14 Herbal Teas wtih Pianist Pablos Cardenas Whipping up a gift of tea bags is as easy as mixing up your Osborne Bay Pub favourite herbs. Here 1534 Joan Ave, is a great recipe to Crofton give you an idea of All shows are $15 at the door. just how easy it is.

Use unbleached loose leaf tea bags tied with twine. or rose petals; mix well.

Calming Tea Spoon 1 heaping teaspoon of Ingredients the blend into each bag. ¼ oz. lemon balm ¼ oz. chamomile ¼ oz. passionflower Pam Stiles is the owner of Scoops ¼ oz. rosebuds or rose petals Natural Foods In a bowl, combine each at Whippletree of these dried herbs: Junction. lemon balm, chamomile, 778-422-3310 passionflower, and rosebuds

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Cornwall’s All-Inclusive Cancun Christmas’ Chemainus Theatre chemainustheater.ca runs to December 31 Cure Open House and 1 Sampling 4-7pm 5-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd. FREE Late Night Shopping Event and Christmas Trees Light Up 5:30-8pm Cowichan Bay FREE Island Artist Showcase Imagine That! 251 Craig St., Duncan Runs to 12/31 Christmas at the Farm 5pm Merridale Cidery and Distillery 1230 Merridale Rd. www. merridale.ca $49 also Dec. 2/8/9/15/16/22/ 23

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Open House 2017, 10am-6pm, Westholme Tea Farm 8350 Richards Trail Westholme FREE www.westholmetea.com also

“Personal Bog” Susan 1-6 Collacott 10am-5pm PORTALS Island Savings Centre FREE www. cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca

Providence Farm Christmas 2 Craft Fair 9am-3pm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. www.providence.bc.ca

Duncan Garage Cafe and Bakery Anniversary Party 1:30pm 330 Duncan St. Duncan FREE Full Moon Women’s Circle Engage with divine femmine energy on full moon day!

7:30-9:30pm OUR Ecovillage / 1565 Baldy Mountain Rd. education@ourecovillage.org FREE Honouring Resistance “Comfort Box” therapeutic art group for women survivors of sexualized assault 10-12pm 331 St. Julien St. Duncan 250-710-8177 Drop-in FREE

Traditional Christmas Tea & Nativity Display 2 to 4pm Sylvan United Church 985 Shawinigan Mill Bay Rd. 250-748-1628 A/$10 F/ $25 Guided Public Tour @ OUR Ecovillage 10am-12pm 1565 Baldy Mountain Rd. events@ ourecovillage.org $16 + ($12 lunch opp.)

FREE w snacks provided

250-743-8756

Big Brothers Big Sisters Cowichan Valley Volunteer Info Session 6pm #1-60 Ingram St julie.pyon@ bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Dance Temple Cowichan 8 Dance culture, DJ music with live percussion 7-9pm. All

Holiday Celebration of Memories 187 Trunk Rd. Duncan 6pm RSVP 250-7465212

Art of Gingerbread Preview 7-9pm CVAC Portals Gallery Island Savings Centre FREE

Club 3515Telegraph Rd. $15

Acupressure clinic #103-44 Queens Rd. 250-710-3581 for appt.

Trial by Fire Pottery 2&3 Open Studio Have a Jolly Jazzy 10am-6pm 4695 George Rd. 5&6 Christmas concert Cowichan Bay www.

4:30pm Arbutus Ridge Golf trialbyfirepottery.ca FREE

5 Rythyms Dance w Buddha Meditation 7pm 3 Chantell Foss 10am-1pm 6 3904 Johnny Bear Rd. also the HUB @ Cowichan Station Dec.13/20/27 250-710-7594 advance booking 250-7101998 or chantellfoss@gmail. com $30 Butts Giraud & Friends live music @ Bridgemans Bistro 4-7pm 740 Handy Rd. Mill Bay Marina 778-356-3568 FREE Advent Spiral Rivendell Yurt 5215 Bills Rd. Glenora walks at 1pm and 3pm Lee@ 250-748-7372 or Lorna 250-748-0734 by don.

Pianist Richard Whitehouse 2 pm Pat’s House of Jazz Osborne Bay Pub1534 Joan Ave. Crofton $15 12 Sacred Nights 11am-1pm the HUB Annex Cowichan Station patriciadawn3@gmail. com $35 or by donation

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Michael Heinrich’s Figurative Abstractions opening night 6-8pm EJ Hughes Gallery 28 Station St. Duncan www. excellentframeworks.ca FREE

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UpcyclingWorkshop: Upcycling the Holidays 360 Duncan St. 10am-2pm and 5:30pm-8:30pm leslie@ cowichangreencommunity.org

Community Acupuncture Wednesdays w/Frauke McCashin, RAc, 5-8pm #103-44 Queens Rd. 250-7103581 $15-$45 also Dec. 13/20/27 True Grain Bread Children’s Gingerbread Decorating Wednesdays 3-5pm 1725 Cowichan Bay Rd. Call to reserve spot (250) 746-7664 also Dec. 13/20 FREE Buddha Meditation 9am 7 3904 Johnny Bear Rd. also Dec 14/21/28 FREE Community Acupuncture Thursdays w/Frauke McCashin 12-3pm RAc, #103-44 Queens Rd. 250-710-3581 $15-$45 also Dec. 14/21/28 Honouring Resistance Sexual Assault Counseling for male and female adults 1-4pm 331 St. Julien St. 250-710-8177 By Appt. FREE also Dec 12/14/21

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Concert for a Winter’s Eve, 7:30 pm, T. Gil Bunch Centre for the Performing Arts, Brentwood College School. Tickets $10.

Book online http://theatre. brentwood.bc.ca or call

ages @ The HUB 2375 Koksilah Rd. $10-$15

Thermography non-invasive 9 radiation-free breast exams Wu Wei Acupuncture &

Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre 6:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St. 250-748-7529 A $36 / Child >12 $15 / eyeGO $5 / F $86 Honouring Resistance “Layered Feelings” therapeutic art group for women survivors of sexualized assault 10-12pm 331 St. Julien St. 250-7108177 Drop-in FREE Encore Women’s Choir! 10th Annual Christmas Concert St Edward’s Catholic Church, Duncan 1:30PM adv$15/$20 250 715-1568 A Jazz Holiday Special w Maureen Washington Chapel @ Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. 7:30pm -Duncan Music Providence Farm or eventbrite.ca $25 adv. $25 “The Art of Gingerbread” CVAC’s Gingerbread Creations 10am-5pm The Arbutus Gallery Island Savings Centre FREE Rocky Creek 9&10 Winery Christmas Spirit Event 11am-4pm 1854 Myrhurst Rd. www.rockycreekwinery.ca FREE tastings

Trial By Fire Pottery 11th Annual Open Studio

December 2&3 10am-6pm 4695 George Road Cowichan Bay

Potter • Hilary Huntley

www.trialbyfirepottery.ca

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Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Cowichan Valley Garden Gingerbread 13 Club monthly meeting 9&16 Cookie 7pm St. John’s Anglican Decorating, Time: 10am -2pm drop-in PORTALS Island Savings Centre 250 746-1633 cost TBA

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TimBuckTwo Sparkling Official Release 12-4pm Unsworth Vineyards Tasting Room 2915 Cameron Taggart Rd.FREE tastings www. unsworthvineyards.com Odika Cafe 7th year anniversary African 4 course meal food of Gabon seatings 5pm and 730pm 2976 Mill St. Chemainus reserv.250-324-3303 $45 www.odikacafe.com Nick La Riviere’s Soul Source R & B Big Band 2 pm Pat’s House of Jazz Osborne Bay Pub 1545 Joan Ave. Crofton $15 Winter Harp 2pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St. 250-748-7529 A $36 / eyeGO $5 Chemainus Classical Concerts Encore! Women’s Choir 2pm Chemainus United Church Chemainus $20/$5 Adv. $17 chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca Tal Bachman Live in the Chapel @ Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. tckts Duncan Music Providence Farm or eventbrite.ca $20 adv.$25 door

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Cowichan Valley Volunteer Info Session 6pm #160 Ingram St julie.pyon@ bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or 250-748-2447

Hanukkah begins. It is 12 the Jewish eight-day festival of lights and ends 12/20.

Church Hall 486 Jubilee St Duncan. with memebership

‘Oh Christmas Tea’ 14 Comedy Show 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Center tckts @ jamesandjamesy.com

Celebrate International 15 Tea Day 10am-5pm Westholme Tea Farm 8350

Richards Trail Westholme www.westholmetea.com FREE HUB Film Club Movie Night “The Grand Budapest Hotel” USA 2014 rated 14A 7pm The HUB at Cowichan Station 2375 Koksilah Rd. Adm w/ membership or by don. hubfilmclub@gmail.com ShoDai Chanting Meditation 7pm Nichiren Buddha Center 3904 Johnny Bear Rd. 250710-7594 FREE Call To Artists! Last day to pick up frames for Miniature Art Show at Excellent Frameworks info@excellentframeworks.ca

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Boreal Winter Fair 10am-6pm The HUB 2375 Koksilah Rd. A/$3 >12 FREE Camerata Christmas Cowichan Camerata String Orchestra w Brenda’s Brats Choir 7:30pm @ Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St. A/ $15 S/ $5 F/ $30 Honouring Resistance “Mind & Heart” therapeutic art group for women survivors of sexualized assault 10-12pm 331 St. Julien St. 250-7108177 Drop-in FREE

Bee Alive In The HIve Art Studio Grand Opening Celebration - family friendly arts adtiviites , crafts and demos 11am -2pm 2-139 Station St, Duncan Brunch with Santa Bridgemans Bistro 740 Handy Rd. call for rsrv. 778-3563568 FREE pancakes for kids with adults Ron Ingram live music @ Bridgemans Bistro 4-7pm 740 Handy Rd. 778-3563568 FREE Bee 18-22 Alive in the Hive Art Camp 1-3pm 139 Staion St. beealiveinthehive. com

Winter Solstice 21 ConcertWeaving the Light

3pm& 7pm Sylvan United Church 985 Shawnigan Mill Bay Rd, Mill Bay cariburdett.com/solstice $20 in adv/ $25

Free Yin Yoga Class w/ 23 Nadia 6-7:30pm Harmony Yoga Centre 360 Duncan St, Duncan www.

Harmony YogaDuncan.com FREE

Duncan 27-29 Gymnastics Winter Camp all ages Big kids 8:30am12:30pm/1-4pm and preschool 1-3pm 2687 James

St. Duncan 250-746-0193 Sacred Chant Circle @ 29 Valley Yoga Centre 7-8:30pm 6114 Somenos Rd call Sadie 250-748-2089/ sdbartram@gmail.com FREE

108 Bells Ceremony 31 7pm Nichiren Buddhist Center 3904 Johnny Bear Rd. 250-710-7594 FREE

Out of Town

9&23 Meet the Artist Days Robert Bateman Center10am5pm 470 Belleville Street, Victoria

Glenora Farm Christmas 17 Fair 11am-3pm 4766 Waters Rd. www.glenorafarm. org FREE

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Trial By Fire Open Studio Sale Trial By Fire Pottery in Cowichan Bay will be having the studio open to the public for two days this year. Hilary has been making functional pottery here in the valley since 2006 and moved out to the bay in early 2016.

Hilary’s pottery is available the rest of the year at The Nest Collective at Whippletree.

We would love to see you and hep you find a local, unique and handmade present for Christmas. December 2 & 3 10-6pm 10am 6pm 4695 George Rd, Cowichan Bay

Rocky Creek Winery Christmas Spirit Event

Join us for a weekend of Christmas spirit.

December 9 and 10 from 11 to 4 pm. Our Tasting room will be open for one weekend where I will have the great Mulled wine recipe brewing for you to taste. The fire will be on and for those that haven’t seen the new tasting room, please come by. We want to wish you a great holiday season on us so this weekend tastings are EXPANSION ANNIVERSARY PARTY! free. We have just released Katherine’s December 2nd, 1:30pm Sparkle for the Join us for our house made cake, live music holidays and the new by local band Rogue Wave, and tea samples vintage Pinot Noir 2015. We also have from the Westholme Tea Company. some great gift packs for special pricing with cocktail recipes on them for a fun unique wine gift.

Give the gift of local for all your friends, especially those that you don’t know where to start. Begin with Rocky Creek Winery.

Cheers.

Rocky Creek Winery, 1854 Myhrest Road www. rockycreekwinery.ca

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Westholme Tea Farm Open House You are invited to our annual open house Friday+Saturday+Sunday December 1+2+3 from 10am-6pm. This is our way of saying thank you to the community who continues to support our dream of creating the home for tea culture in the Cowichan. Share the warmth of the season by the wood stove as you enjoy complimentary teas and delectable sweets. (We will not be offering our usual tea and sweet menu service during the open house).

If you have never been to the farm then this is a great opportunity to see the tea garden and enjoy what we have to offer. Bring a friend and experience organic loose teas, handbuilt ceramics, farm grown Canadian tea, artisan jams, beeswax candles and more. Our 2017 ADVENTure CALENDAR will also be available just in time to start your 24 days of journeying through the world of tea!

Relax and take your time to find the perfect local gift. December 1+2+3, Westholme Tea Farm 10am - 6pm 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme 250.748.3811 www.westholmetea.com

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

voyage.

Your journey into the fair begins at the ‘Big House’. At the base of the stairs, you’ll find an information booth with a map of the activities and friendly voluntary elves to answer questions and help you out. After you’ve oriented yourself, and checked out some fine outdoor vendors, you’ll hear some jolly bells and see a glowing red light as the tractor pulls in and loads up for a hay ride tour of the farm! One of our astute drivers, Marc, guarantees, “This tractor ‘nose’ where to take us! “.

A Wonderland for All

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was four weeks before Christmas, when all through the farm, the staff, volunteers and participants were busy getting ready for the annual While continuously operating as a therapeutic space for special needs adults, each year, the farm transforms into a winter wonderland. The Christmas Craft Fair is not ‘just a craft fair’, nor is it simply a ‘fundraiser’. This community event is for everyone to enjoy – all ages and abilities are welcomed and celebrated. We hope you’ll join us on this year’s

After a fine hay ride loop of the farm, you’ back and ready to pursue the treasures inside of the 97 year old ‘Big House’. Here, we have over 30 vendors inside, joyfully to sharing their personal workshop creations!

Amongst the booths in the Chapel, Board Room and upstairs in the Classroom, you’ll discover Colleen’s knitting, Eugene’s mason bee houses, Sheila’s chocolate, Anita’s super foods and much, much more!

It feels good to gift items that have been made locally by caring hands.

in the spring! At the back of the garden, you’ll discover the ‘o so cozy St. Ann’s Building. This place of warmth and comfort is also filled with treasures made on the farm. The participants have been busy in the greenhouse, textile & art studios, wood shop and kitchens creating gifts to share! Joseph loved creating the felted wool wall hangings, with his favourite part being the “Thump! Thump! Thump!” of the wool!

As your journey continues, it’s the perfect time to pause and indulge in some delicious farm made food. The dining room offers tasty bowls of abundance and mugs filled with hot delight.

Monte fills the air with his melodies of holiday cheer, inviting everyone to join in!

While pondering Jack’s beautiful bowls, you’ll be captured by the giggles of the children and the jolly “Ho! Ho! Ho!”. Saint Nic has stopped by for a visit, and a local photographer, Johanna Vanderpol, is busy capturing the families’ moments of joy! While waiting for a visit with Santa, the kids dive into the craft zone – colouring and creating! Others are enjoying getting their faces painted by Holly, our guest artist!

Now it is time to venture behind the ‘Big House’, and into the gardens. While you explore the resting orchard, you can trust that the apple trees will return once again with colour and bounty

With a sac full of treasures, the final path leads you to the General Store. You remember those resting apple trees as you sip on some delicious hot cider and declare, “Oh! That’s where

the apples came from!”. Lisa will share the stories behind the amazing diversity of goodies in the shop. “From produce to textiles and woodworking, come see the magic that is created and shared at Providence Farm!”.

Before leaving the shop, you remember to grab some fresh produce for dinner. As you reflect on your visit, you wonder where those veggies are grown? Hidden at the base of Mount Tzouhalem, is the garden of abundance at Providence Farm. You peak over the hillside, seeing a whole other world of abundance growing at the farm.

As you return to your vehicle, with a smile on your face, you know you’ve had a journey into a magical winter wonderland. The bells ring, and the guitar strums, “Merry Christmas to all... each and every one!”.

Providence Farm Christmas Craft Fair, Saturday, December 2, 9am-3pm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan

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s I move through life, I find I’m always meeting my edge! Whether I happen to be in a time of storms or smooth sailing, I’m forever peering (or careening) over the horizon from what I know right into the unknown.

I’m sure my growth edges would be amusing to lots of other people. Many have done big things I haven’t done -

Edge-Walking Through Life travelled great distances to make their homes in new lands, or raised children to adulthood, or recovered from great injury or illness. Still, every one of our personal edges is touchy, vulnerable and powerful for each of us… because WE haven’t crossed them yet! Each bridge to new capacity needs its own

crossing, and the courage it takes to step out of our comfort zones is real.

There are meditation forms and ways to gather together in community - that support our capacity to live well with this wild, always-changing quality of life. For example, I remember the first time I was invited to experiment with standing on the wrong end of my body in a yoga class: head on ground, feet in air. It wasn’t just a moment of learning yoga technique, at all.

It was a moment of experiencing the world totally differently. It was brand new. It snapped me to the present moment and forced me to feel myself, in space and in reality… and to make conscious choices about what to do.

I’m guessing you might relate to life’s habit of constantly requiring us to step into the mysterious future by the seat of our pants. Meditation practices that get our bodies moving starkly mirror life, this way. When we do a conscious dance practice like 5Rhythms or practice yoga freely, there’s a continual juicy dilemma of choosing our path, each second.

The little risky moments, the unknown mystery of the next song or body movement, and our spontaneous creative responses to all of this, are naturally nourishing and de-stressing.

They also expand our resources

for staying with ourselves kindly and remaining centred, through this ever-morphing world and life.

I offer 5Rhythms and yoga to support us human beings to be awake and in love with each day of our lives - with each edge, each risk, each falling down, and each getting up again. Gathering to move, dance, breathe, and deepen our resources is a beautiful way to face it all, together.

Chantell Foss offers weekly drop-in 5Rhythms and yoga classes. See chantellfoss.com for classes and special workshops.

Next workshop: Can You Love Some More?, Sunday December 3, 10 am - 1 pm, the HUB @ Cowichan Station. Register at chantellfoss@gmail.com No experience required.

Chantell Foss is an accredited 5Rhythms® teacher. chantelloss.com

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Image Frank Wall

Advent Spiral Has Moved

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he word Advent literally means “the coming�, the returning of the light. This month long Celebration of Light culminates on the Winter Solstice. Religions of all persuasions celebrate this time of year.

musicians provide ethereal music.

Children in Waldorf Schools participate in a month long observance of the rebirth of light through songs, stories, crafts and walking in an Advent Spiral.

Adults can walk our Spiral! It is a marvelous way of introducing people to the quiet beauty of the season: a meditative walk through a spiral of green foliage, marked by stations displaying the four kingdoms of nature: plants, animals, minerals and humankind. The Spiral starts with a single candle in the very middle. As people walk the path, they carry their own unlit candle to the center, light it and then place it on the path itself, creating more light for those who come next. Local

Use this meditative walk as a way to make December a Holy month. Walk away from the intrusive distraction and the seemingly inevitable mayhem and frivolity of the season, into a world of wonder. Awaken to the light of Love, deep within us, waiting to be reborn again in the dark stables of our own souls.

Alumni parents of Island Oak Waldorf High School present this wondrous event for the enjoyment of the entire family.

Everyone is welcome.

Sunday December 3rd at the Rivendell Yurt, 5215 Bills Road in Glenora. Walks at 1pm and 3 pm. By donation, weather permitting. Info: Lee at 250 7487372 or Lorna at 250 748-0734 Submitted by Paul Ruszel

Eat, Drink and Support Local

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Some Chef Tips for Easier Holiday Cooking

Gift Baskets Gift Certificates Meat & Cheese Platters Tourtiere/Ham/Turkey Holiday Sweets

Bill Jones is a chef, author and food consultant based on Deerholme farm.

Reach him at www. deerholme.com

H Upcoming EVENTS Holiday Gift Certificates Available •Cooking Classes •Foraging Workshops •Local Food Dinners

For full details visit www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY

olliday cooking should be all about sharing food with friends and loved ones. Sometimes it’s a little stressful coordinating all the elements of the dinner and making them ready all at the same time. Years of cooking and catering have taught me it is great to have a plan and design the meal so the work is spread out over time – not just the minutes before serving.

Here are a few tips to make a typical turkey feast go a little smoother.

Keep it simple.

Sometime the best thing about cooking for your family is honouring the traditions of the past. Just buy the best products you can afford and try to make things old school. Maybe it’s not the best to time experiment and try new recipes. If you are confident –

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450

Special Holiday Meals from Cure Chef Brad Boisvert is owner and operator of Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese

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he addition of the fresh meat case was inspired by most things you find at Cure ‘old world tradition with a bit of a new twist’.

It is the craft butcher side of things. We were already sourcing the best meats - then curing, smoking, grinding and stuffing then into charcuterie items. So we thought why not offer them fresh for our customers as well.

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In this specialty case you will discover hard to find meats like duck breast and duck legs and sometimes even pheasant and rabbit make an appearance. Like the seasons there is always something new. In BBQ season Moroccan Lamb burgers are available and as winter approaches pork belly pin wheels and coq au vin are there.

For steak lovers we offer the best BC grass fed rib eyes, strip loins and tenderloins. We also offer rib eyes and strip Loins that are dry aged from 36 days to 60 days. The aging of this beef is done under a special process of with careful consideration of moisture and temperature control.

This process helps to develop the flavour and increase tenderness. To look at this aged beef it may appear dry as

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

quickly, cover the top of the bird with a sheet of tinfoil, this will keep the breast moist and slow down the cooking process. The general rule of thumb is to cook for 20 minutes per pound. For the best results however, use a thermometer and cook to around 165 Celsius. Check at the thighs (usually the slowest area to cook). Remove the turkey from the pan and place on a platter. Cover the whole bird with tinfoil and allow to rest for at least 15-20 minutes.

Gravy doesn’t have to be intimidating. Reduce the cooking liquid from the turkey by placing the roasting

Dry aged beef at Cure can be cut into any thickness for steaks

it forms a crust known as the bark on the outside- but inside it is moist, rich and delicious.

Pork afficiandos can come in and try something new and different Cure’s porterhouse pork steaks. A thick cut of loin and tenderloin brined and ready to grill on the bbq or roast in the oven. Also available are traditional standbys - pork loin roasts, and bacon wrapped pork tenderloin.

fine, if not then keep with the greatest hits of past dinners.

Roast turkey is better when you add flavourful liquid to the roasting pan. I like using local apple cider (like Merridale Traditional) but you can also use pressed nonalcohol cider (1 liter should work). Add chopped carrots, onions and celery to the pan and cover with liquid. Place the bird on top and transfer to a 180 Celsius oven. The liquid braises the bird and the steam helps keep the whole bird moist – plus it makes excellent gravy.

If the skin is browning too

Cure’s fresh sausages in many varieties and blends which are our customer favourites.

Seasonal sausages like our turkey and cranberry and red wine chorizo are here for winter. Many of them make a great addition to gourmet stuffing. Let us know what you are serving and we will recommend the best ones for your meal.

Don’t forget breakfast! We have house made breakfast sausages and Cure smoked bacon to cover all the holiday meals. For those with better things to do on Christmas Eve we are taking sage and turkey sausage stuffed smoked turnkey breast roast, ham and pork loin roast orders till December 18th.

Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese 1400 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cobble Hill 250 929-2873 Open 7 days a week.

pan over a stove burner (or element) on medium heat, stir constantly as the liquid reduces, leaving fat and browned vegetables behind.

Thicken with flour until the mixture comes together in a paste, thin with stock or water until a smooth pouring consistency is reached. You can either strain out the vegetables or you can puree them into the sauce with a hand (immersion) blender.

Cook the vegetables in advance. Many vegetables can be blanched (cooked in boiling salted water) until tender then plunged in cold water. You can make the vegetables hours in advance.

Reheat in boiling water (drain and season with butter, salt and pepper) or place in the hot oven to reheat before

serving.

Pick a dessert that is easy to make ahead. We like to make apple crumbles (over pie) as they are simple to make in advance and always popular (particularly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream).

The key is to stage the preparation work over a number of low stress hours, then the final scramble to put food on the table with a little less hectic.

Smoked Onion & Toulouse Sausage Holiday Stuffing Courtesy Brad Boisvert, Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese

Ingredients

1 lb Toulouse Sausage ¼ cup white wine 3/4 cup butter, melted ½ cup finely diced onion 1 cup Cure Poultry Bone Broth 8 cups bread cubed 1 cup chopped celery 2 teaspoon fresh sage chopped 2 cloves garlic minced ¼ teaspoon black pepper 4 Tbls Cure Smoked Onion Relish

Method

1. Remove sausage from casing 2. Place sausage in a large, deep skillet; cook over mediumhigh heat until evenly brown, about 6 minutes. With a slotted spoon remove sausage from the skillet leaving drippings in pan.

3. Combine melted butter with the sausage drippings until there is 1 cup of drippings and butter combined.

4. In same skillet over medium heat cook and stir onion, celery, garlic in the butter onion is tender but not browned, about 8 minutes.

5. Add wine, smoked onion relish, and poultry broth.

6. Stir in about 1/3 of the bread cubes.

7. Pour onion mixture into a large bowl and stir in remaining bread cubes.

8. Place into a casserole pan. Bake at 350 degrees until brown and crispy on top.

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Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Mulled Wine Mark Holford Owner/ Winemaker at Rocky Creek Winery for the past 9 years

S

o what is mulled wine? At it’s most basic it’s a wine that has been infused (mulled) with spices and herbs. Most commonly it’s also heated and sweetened.

The history of mulled wine goes back a ways... The Greek Hippocrates (500 BC) is recorded as being as being a lover of spiced wine, and developed a special sleeve for filtering out the spices into a glass – known as the hippocratic sleeve. It was consumed in part for it’s medicinal properties, gained from the spices and herbs which had been used in the mulling.

The Romans are also well documented as loving heated, spiced wine. In addition to the medicinal properties, they appreciated the warmth it gave

from the heating process. They spread the concept throughout Europe as they conquered and traded across the continent.

Mulled wine continued to be popular into the middle ages, after which it went out of favor in many regions, but continued to be popular in Sweden.

The Swedes called the drink glögg, and the germans called it Glühwein and served it in silver tankards. Mulled wine made a comeback during the Victorian times, and was popular with Charles Dickens and was featured in A Christmas Carol and has since Victorian times been linked with Christmas and the holiday season.

When preparing mulled wine it is important not to actually boil the wine which would drive off all the alcohol very quickly), but to keep the wine just below boiling to ensure a good enfusing of the spices while maintaining some of the alcohol.

We’ve experimented with different recipes and have attached our favorite which uses a combination of red and blackberry wines (which negates the need to sweeten the wine as much) We find that using quality ingredients improves mulled wine a lot, using cinnamon sticks, fresh grated nutmeg and whole star anise makes for an especially flavourful combination.

Rocky Creek Winery Mulled Wine Recipe Using Rocky Creek Pinot Noir and Blackberry

Ingredients 1 clementine 1 lemon peel 1 lime peel 1 cup sugar 6 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick

Method

3 fresh bay leaves 1 whole nutmeg , for grating 1 vanilla bean halved 2 star anise 1 Rocky Creek Pinot Noir 1 Blackberry

Put everything except wine in a saucepan and add enough wine to just cover the sugar. Bring to a boil and boil rapidly for 5 minutes. Turn heat to low or simmer and add the remaining wine. The longer the better without boiling! Cheers!

ARTtoEAT Baking & Holiday Catering by Michelle Plain

Delicious Christmas Baking Sold by the Dozen!

• Cranberry Pecan Turtle Bar drizzled with Chocolate • Pistachio Caramel Thumbprints • Home - made Mincemeat Tarts Traditional • Old - Fashioned Shortbread Stars Baking Cost per • Toasted Pecan & Almond Butter Tarts dozen ranges • Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles from $10 - $20 • Dark Chocolate Rum Balls dunked in chocolate • Birds’ Nests with Raspberry Jam rolled in Pecans • Cranberry & White Chocolate Biscotti • Gingerbread Person (individually sold & wrapped pretty) • Sugar & Spice Pecans (sold by 1/2 pounds) • Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coconut Macaroons • Chocolate Dipped Espresso Shortbread Hearts • Chewy Ginger Cookie dipped in White Chocolate

Please place your orders by December 5th michelle-arttoeat@shaw.ca 250-746-4310 If Picasso had created gingerbread instead of paintings, what would they look like? If Lady Gaga had trained as a pastry chef instead of becoming a singer, how would her gingerbread look? That’s the challenge presented by the Cowichan Valley Arts Council for its first ever Art of Gingerbread show, Decembet 9-20.

The theme this first year is the arts, so expect some decorated masterpieces that feature music, art or literary themes. Close to 20 local businesses have sponsored entries, and teams are already busy planning their unique creations.

Gingerbread has a long history, and baking it is part of the holiday tradition in many homes. The spiced honey cakes of ancient times evolved into Gingerbread figures and houses in medieval Europe. Each culture has a different name and variation such as lebkuchen in Germany and pain d’epices in France.

The proceeds from the Art of Gingerbread show will support CVAC’s youth programs, and help us reach more children in the Cowichan Valley. Right

The Art of Gingerbread now, CVAC runs a mentoring program for senior high school students planning careers in the arts. CVAC also runs a summer arts camp in cooperation with the CVRD. Bring your children to the family cookie decorating events on two Saturdays - Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 - from 10 a.m. – 12 noon.

Admission is by donation. The public is invited to vote (by donation) for their favourite creations. You can vote more than once – unlike in elections!

The Art of Gingerbread show runs from Dec. 9 to 20 at the Arbutus Gallery, located off the lobby near the library in the Island Savings Centre. The space will be open late most nights when there are Christmas events in the Cowichan Theatre.

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VINOTECA AT ZANATTA

All sparklers are subject to applicable sales taxes.

Toast in the With

2015 Katherine’s Sparkle Rocky Creek Winery

This wine is named after our daughter. It is a traditional method sparkling or could even be classified similar to a grower’s sparkling wine. We use encapsulated yeast for a cleaner finish and a shorter turnaround time. This is a variety of whites from all vineyards but the predominant white is Pinot Gris, Siegerrebe, Ortega, Kerner and four other grape varietals. It is made brut with a very citrusy apple tone to it. It has a unique minerality to it as well.

It pairs great with spicy foods such as chicken wings for a nice appetizer. It has a resealable closure so you can enjoy our sparkling with bubbles for a week or even longer. Treat yourself! $25

Join us for Lunch Wed - Sun. Dinner on the Weekends.

Brunch on Sundays.

Event Shuttle Available through

vinoteca.ca

5039 Marshall Rd, Duncan I 250 709 2279

Zanatta Winery Fantasia Brut

TimBuckTwo Sparkling Wine Unsworth Vineyards

To complement our limited production, island grown Charme De L’ile, we produce TimBuckTwo Sparkling by the same Charmat Method, selectively choosing grapes from other BC wine regions.

Notes of fresh peach, honeysuckle and sweet lemons. Pairs perfectly with canapes and lively company.

Official Release on December 10th join us for a free tasting. $22.50

Our first Fantasia Brut ever released was the 1991 vintage. My father had been making small batches of wines from the grapes grown in “The Duncan Project”, a grape research project in the 1980’s.

Unbeknownst to him it had not completed fermentation when he bottled it 10 months earlier, and when it was opened the cork released with a pop and a profusion of bubbles. With eyebrows raised, we tried it. It was delicious. Since that night we have perfected the champagne process, and this lovely sparkler has been part of our portfolio ever since.

Fantasia Brut has a green apple bouquet and subtle flavours of toasted bread and butter. Excellent with appetizers and cheese, or as a champagne spritz. $ 24.78

Your Doorway To Exotic Flavours and Aromas “Amazing food, great friendly service, beautiful atmosphere, we will definitely be eating there again!”

5.0

Be sure to ask your server about Our Daily Lunch Features

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Google Review

• Lunch & Dinner • Takeout/Catering • Gift Certificates • Local Wines & Craft Beers • Vegan & Gluten-Free Choices 148 Third St, Duncan 250-597-1483

Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30-2:30 | 5-Close | royaldar.ca

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

N

S

O t i s w c o b w b a s t

New Year

Something Local!

COMING FEBRUARY 2018!

2014 Paula Sparkling Blue Grouse Estate Winery

Our sparkling wine is produced in the traditional method which means that it is transformed from a still wine to a sparkling wine entirely inside the bottle, which takes approximately 3 years to complete. This sparkle starts with aromas of lemon, biscuit and almonds followed by flavours of green apples and brioche with a fine mousse on the palate. Wellbalanced and dry with bright acidity and a lingering lemon-lime citrus. Pair with a selection of local cheeses or raw oysters this holiday season. $30

Averill Brut Averill Creek Vineyard Our limited edition Champagne Method bubbly, voted Best Vancouver Island Sparkling Wine at the 2017 BC Wine Country Awards! Aromas of toasted brioche, citrus and hints of spice. Rich flavours of golden apple, walnut and creamy vanilla, enhanced by a vibrant mousse and finished with a crisp freshness. Averill Brut is the quintessential celebration wine and an elegant accompaniment to a festive holiday meal. $42

Figurative Abstractions Works by Michael Heinrich

December 4-24 ARTIST OPENING Monday, December 4 6-8 pm Excellent Frameworks Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery 28 Station St., Downtown Duncan www.excellentframeworks.ca 250 746 7112

Dinner and Theatre at The Osborne Bay Pub featuring Michael Clarke (from Rock Legends)

4 Shows Weekly Thursday, Friday, Saturday Dinner 6pm/ Show 8pm & Saturday Matinee Lunch Noon/ Show 2pm

Glaucia Desrochers

Early Bird Discount 25% off (code: December)

For Tickets call: 250-324-1064 or

visit: cedricksteacoffee.ticketleap.com Presented by Cedrick’s Tea and Coffee House

www.cedricksteacoffee.ca Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton

www.osbornebaypub.com/menu/

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serve Westholme Tea Company artisan blended teas. They will be there for the celebration sampling a selection of organic black, green and herbal tea blends with lots tea of tea gift ideas.

“We love going to the Duncan Garage Cafe to experience great organic food in the heart of the community.” smiles Victor Vesley, Westholme Tea Farm. See you there! Duncan Garage Café & Bakery December 2, 1:30pm 330 Duncan St, Duncan

It’s A Party at The Duncan Garage Café In Biology 11/12 Susan Minette was taught about eating lower on the food chain and the difference that would make on a planetary level. She began practicing a vegetarian lifestyle and became a certified organic farmer. Susan was running the Community Farm Store in Glenora and when she moved the business to town she thought it should be paired with a health food restaurant.

She admits the idea was mostly selfish as she needed a healthy, vegetarian, organic restaurant to eat at! Eating and living sustainably, mindfully, and respectfully became the mission statement for the Duncan Garage Café and Bakery. It seems that the community liked her idea and three years ago the cafe expanded to serve all her customers better!

Come and celebrate with cake, live music by local musicians Rogue Wave and Westholme Tea Farm tea! The Duncan Garage Café was the first location to

Nick La Riviere Comes To Crofton Hard-driving classic R & B and golden oldies are on the menu when Victoria trombonist Nick La Rivere brings Soul Source, his 19-piece community band to Pat’s House of Jazz. The band includes a bevy of vocalists, saxes and brass and a five-piece rhythm section. The performance is presented by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society.

Sunday December 10, 2 p.m Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, Crofton Hotel, 1534 Joan Ave. $15.Table reservations are recommended please call 250-324-2245.

BEADS BEADS BEADS

Etc!

9752c Willow St

Chemainus

250 324 2227 Open 7 days a week

Best prices on the island • HUGE Selection • Workshops & Classes Beading I Kumihimo I Bead Weaving I Viking Knit I Herringbone and more!

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Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

What a Cookie Can Carry – The Mindful Mouthful

H

ave you ever tasted any of the sweet or savory food made at the Clements Centre Society? This social service organization is focusing on kids with developmental delays and special needs, as well as adults with more severe developmental “disabilities”.

The team of trained staff works on rehabilitation by providing physiotherapy and speech therapy… but also life skill tools, like cooking and budgeting!

Dominic Rockall, the Executive Director of the Clement Centre Society, is proud to say that the Mindful Mouthful is an employee-centered social enterprise hiring special needs employees! How to put into words the pride in those sparkling eyes when the participants claim they regularly receive cheques for their good work at the Mindful Mouthful’s kitchen? In a joyful dance, Arreanna shows me around the kitchen where they prepare delicious cookies, savory pies, and vegan brownies; Denis gives me a splendid smile while informing me his task is to wash the dishes, and Tawny melts my heart when she says “We are a big, big family working here.”

Today, 22 participants are working for the Mindful Mouthful, cooking together and having fun with Maria,

Debbie and Marie, their three support workers. The enterprise has recently expanded to offer their products at the Old Farm Market, the Chemainus Health Food Store, and via the Cowop.ca online marketplace. A school’s PAC in Nanaimo is also fundraising with Mindful Mouthful products. The business is growing quickly and there is now a need for a part-time cook in order to increase production and meet the demand. Dominic says his advice to people hoping to create a similar social enterprise is to start with a product or process they are already familiar with; here the participants were already volunteering in a kitchen and the amenities were available to pursue this project. The Mindful Mouthful is a model in this regard, helping create a mindset shift in society’s perception of people with disabilities: people with developmental disabilities actually have “diversabilities”.

Visit www.cow-op.ca to order the Mindful Mouthful’s delicious baked goods every week along with your fresh Cowichan-grown veggies, eggs, and meats.

Gabrielle RondeauLeclaire is a student in Ecology and an Assistant with the Cow-op.ca Online Farmers’ Market.

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Prima Strada’s meatball recipe is loosely based on the DeCarolis Italian family recipe - a family secret that’s too good to share.

Meatballs, A Nothing Fancy Crowd Pleaser

W

ant a dish to always impress your family and friends? A ‘nothing fancy about it’ crowd pleaser? I give you the Italian meatball or polpette. Sure, meatballs are made in other parts of the world, but I mean the true meatball – the Italian meatball. For me, the Italian meatball embodies the very best things in life – it shines in flavor, warms your belly and is full of love.

Spaghetti and meatballs -- a classic favorite in North America -- doesn’t exist in Italy. The extremely popular Polpette are served on their own as a ‘primi’ or starter dish and sometimes tucked into soup.

Be sure to add a slice or two of bread to wipe up the sauce.

As with most regional cooking, recipes vary and are held dear.

All contain a combination of meats (usually beef and pork), bread or breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, parmesan and spices.

Some have currants, pine nuts, whole hard-boiled eggs tucked in the center or perhaps a bit of tomato paste. The recipes are both regional and personal, passed down through families.

The recipe: house ground beef and pork, onions, spices, house breadcrumbs, egg, parmigiano reggiano and love. Mixed by hand, rolled and formed into balls, roasted in the wood fired oven and then tucked into a simple tomato sauce.

Served with olive oil, fresh Italian parsley, freshly shaved parmigaino reggiano and slices of house bread. Trust me, you’ll need the bread – to dip in the sauce or to clean your plate.

Using bread to clean your plate is called scarpetta.

Pizzeria Prima Strada, Cowichan Valley’s newest wood-fired pizzeria, is passionate for the fire-roasted pizzas born in Naples, Italy and pays homage to their Italian roots with a commitment to simple, fresh ingredients on traditional wood-fired, thin crust pizza and of course, meatballs!.

Join them at one of their two locations in Victoria or at their new location in Cobble Hill (1400 Cowichan Bay Road) for wood-fired pizza, house made meatballs, seasonal salads, house made gelato, craft beer and a taste of their new local Vino della Casa. Mangia! www.pizzeriaprimastrada.com

Meatballs are a staple on Pizzeria Prima Strada’s menu.

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Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Cristen DeCarolis, Proprietaria Pizzeria Prima Strada.

History Glass: Eggnog Edition Jessica Schacht is a local writer and co-founder of Ampersand Distilling Company

F

or many, it just wouldn’t be the holidays without Eggnog.

And while some cringe at the arrival of the festive cartons arriving on the shelves, I am always happy for the reminder that it’s time to whip up some ‘Nog of my own.

It’s widely believed that Eggnog’s first iteration was a drink called posset, a warm ale punch with eggs and figs made

by European monks (who else?) as early as the 13th century.

By the 17th century sherry became more common and was the primary alcohol. The rich eggs, milk, and sherry were usually only found in the homes of the wealthy. As such, eggnog became a symbol of abundance and wealth and was used widely to toast prosperity.

Etymologists believe that the name Eggnog comes from America, where the drink became widely popular over the holidays and was adapted to the tastes of the region. Eggnog also spread across the Americas to include Mexico’s Rompope (made with ground almonds), Puerto Rico’s Coquito (no eggs, coconut milk), and a Peruvian version made with Pisco.

Today the stuff you find at the store bears little resemblance to those recipes of old. If you think you don’t like Eggnog,

definitely try a homemade recipe.

Alton Brown’s Aged Eggnog is a new classic worth checking out.

George Washington’s recipe can be found floating on the internet.

WIN A MEATBALL SANDWICH! There are six black and white meatballs hidden in this issue. Be the first to find all six and email us with the pages they are on and win a free meatball sandwich from Prima Strada located in the Valley View Centre.

7Th Year Anniversary

This version below builds on Diffords’ Guide single serving recipe. It swaps cognac for Ampersand Distilling Company’s limited edition seasonal release Nocino! The Italian style liqueur is made with local green walnuts, sweetened with local honey, and has cinnamon and allspice which go lovely in the Eggnog. Pick some up at the Duncan Farmers’ Market (and some fresh eggs while you’re at it!) and give it a try this holiday season.

Join us for a celebration of African cuisine featuring the food of Gabon

Sunday, December 10 2 seatings 5pm and 7:30pm 4 Course Menu $45 per person

Nocinog

2.5 oz Ampersand Distilling Co. Nocino!

1 fresh egg* ½ oz half and half 2 oz milk Shake all ingredients with ice and check sweetness.

Add up to ½ oz of simple syrup to taste. Strain into ice filled glass. Top with grated nutmeg.

Please remember to imbibe responsibly, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

Limited Seating. By reservation only. odikacafe@yahoo.com Odika Café, 2976 Mill Street, Chemainus I 250 324 3303

www.odikacafe.com

*Raw eggs can increase your risk of foodbourne illness - you can always go for a cooked version. Stir slowly over heat in a pot.

i nte r W W NE u& Me n a ls i Sp e c BRUNCH WITH SANTA SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Free pancakes for kids under 12 if accompanied by adult (Reservations required)

OPEN MON - FRI 11:30am / SAT & SUN 10am MILL BAY MARINA • 740 HANDY RD • 778-356-3568 www.bridgemans.ca

LIVE MUSIC ON SUNDAYS! 4 -7PM

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B

uckle your theatre seats and grab your teacups, British comedians James and Jamesy are bringing their unique brand of holiday hilarity to Vancouver Island.

James and Jamesy have already won just about every comedy award they can, and the reason is obvious: these two are exceptional.

Their Canadian tour of O Christmas Tea, takes the theatre and turns it on its head breaking not only the fourth wall but the space-time continuum as well. The only thing these two don’t break is their tea set in this wonderful evening of play and whimsy.

Oh Christmas Tea. A British Comedy

Celebrated internationally by critics and audiences alike, this is the kind of comedy that induces full-out belly laughs all the way through - the combination of the duo’s physical comedy, their interactions with the crowd and each other create a magical whirlwind where anything seems plausible.

“The Christmas season is the time of year when we are encouraged to dream big, embrace imagination, and celebrate child-like excitement for magic and merriment,” says Jamesy (Alastair Knowles) the quirky and playful half of London’s 3-time Impresario Award-winning duo.

“In O Christmas Tea, my character’s wish for tea is granted, but with catastrophic

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and uproarious repercussions.

As tea fills my flat and floods the world, our performance spills from the stage into the audience.

Classic aquatic narratives like Jaws, Noah’s ark, and the Titanic all get steeped together and thematically wrapped up in the Christmas spirit.” said Knowles.

Describing any part of this show does the art a disservice, as this show must be seen to be understood. Go see this show! The script is absolutely astonishing and these two titans of the comedy circuit present one of the tightest pieces of theatre I have ever seen.

Decembet 14, 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Duncan December 17, 2:00pm & 7:30pm - Royal Theatre, Victoria December 21, 7:30pm - Port Theatre, Nanaimo Tickets and info at jamesandjamesy.com

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Hand Knit Toque, Olann Handmade

Fox Tarot Deck, Fox On An Island

Gold Leaf Crystal Mug, Melissa June Ceramics

Boreal Collective Winter Fair

W

e are thrilled to bring you the Boreal Collective Winter Fair 2017 for another amazing showcase of contemporary designers, innovative makers, talented creatives and tantalizing food with our annual mid-winter event. A fantastic crosssection of 40 unique vendors from up and down Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands will be here in the Cowichan Valley to connect with you, offering their best work and a one-ofa-kind experience in shopping local and valuing handmade.

Two fabulous vendor halls, local live music all day, door prizes, awesome food ... everyone welcome. If you are a lover of handmade goods, a supporter of the maker movement, or a follower of independent designers

join us for a festive day of shopping local, good eats and warm vibes. Vendor profiles are rolling out on our Facebook page daily‌ pop on over to check out what we have in store for you and be sure to follow us for online giveaways!

Boreal Collective has a passion for handmade and sustainable alternatives and we are dedicated to supporting local indie arts designers. We strive to produce beautiful seasonal events that advocate a cultural shift toward slowing down life’s pace by valuing quality over quantity, to promote a vibrant local economy encouraging the handmade revolution and to provide educational opportunities to the community through creative workshops, classes and retreat experiences.

Our social media links: IG: instagram.com/ borealdesigncollective/

FB: facebook.com/ borealdesigncollective/ Saturday, December 16th, 2017 Doors open 10am-6pm The HUB- 2375 Koksilah rd.

Cobble Hill $3 admission for adults/ kids 12 and under are free.

FREE LANGUAGE CLASSES, EMPLOYMENT AND SETTLEMENT SERVICES FOR ELIGIBLE NEWCOMERS

WHERE CULTURES CONNECT

www.cis-iwc.org

250-748-3112

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Seasonal Boots & Shoes

B

oot season is all about variety. With boots being more popular than shoes they’re the perfect ‘go to’ in the rain and snow. Boots that are waterproof, or those with a good water resistant tread, are a very good thing.

Keeping your feet warm and dry is accomplished with a good waterproof membrane such as Gore-tex which in sewn into the shoe and encases the interior of the boot or shoe to ensure no water gets in. Add to this the breathable nature of Gore-tex and you’ve got a good product for rain. Some companies copy goretex and have their own kind of weather proofing. Not everything is created equally.

Sheepskin lined boots are really comforting if you suffer from cold feet. Wool is naturally warm and breathable. We have EMU booties, Reiker/Remonte wool lined boots and Glerups and Garneau wool slippers. Some people are sensitive to wool however the boiled wools are definitely more allergen free than other wool products.

Ecco, Merrell, Keen, Cougar and Sperry boots are waterproof and made for the outdoors. Check out the red and black plaid booties this season as Canada celebrates its’ 150th Anniversary. Just in – Cougar waterproof shoes-super cute!

Blundstone boots have become

Cougar - Howdoo Shoe

the West Coast Winter boot, favoured by many as their ‘best boot ever’ when the outdoors beckon. For men and women working outdoors, these boots continue to be amazing, and we have them in 15 different styles,

including waterproof and steeltoe styles.

Dromedaries boots, made in Portugal, are colourful, and sturdy. What better way to brace the elements outdoors than in a pair of mandarin coloured boots,

COLD OUTSIDE? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

ALPACA WOOL, CASHMERE, MERINO WOOL, ORGANIC COTTON KNITS, SILK, BAMBOO

Prudence

155 CRAIG STREET, DOWNTOWN DUNCAN

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www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Keen - Howser Shoe & Elsa Chelsea boott

or green, or turquoise, or red, and black - of course!

Dress boots by Gabor are a year round seller. Sitting just below the knee, they’re classic, stylish and not too high (a 1” heel), and are available in black, navy and merlot. They’re also available in a slim calf for the ladies who can’t find a boot to fit the slim calf.

Wider calves are a challenge too. Some boots are wider in the calf than others, so a good idea to try them in your size. As boots become bigger in size, they also widen the calf – don’t be intimidated, give them a try.

gorgeous in tobacco coloured nubuk, pewter grey and black!

We’re loving these boots and we have some small and larger sizes too.

Don’t wait till the weather gets overwhelming, get in and get your boots, socks, sheepskin liners and step out in style.

Cardino’s Shoes, open 7 days a week. 165 Craig St, Duncan Submitted by Jean Cardino

And, last but not least, are the Born Boots, late on delivery, but

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Choc Talk

For Those Dreaming Of A White Chocolate (Or Two)

A

s Christmas draws closer, our shop seems to be selling a lot more white chocolate. On more than one occasion, a customer has asked me, “why is white chocolate white?” It’s a very good question and, if you’ve ever stayed up late at night (Christmas eve perhaps) wondering about it, here’s a brief explanation.

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further processed into cocoa solids and cocoa butter. The more cocoa solids/butter in the mix, the darker the chocolate. Milk chocolate has a lighter colour than dark chocolate because it has less cocoa solids/butter, plus the addition of milk.

So, why is white chocolate white? Very simply, because it doesn’t contain cocoa solids.

Recipes vary, but typically, white chocolate only consists of milk, sugar and cocoa butter. At Chocolate Pearl, we use white chocolate to make a number of products including ganache, pearls, bark and bars.

To understand what makes white chocolate white, it’s important to know what makes other chocolate brown and dark. Milk and dark chocolate is made from ground and liquefied cocoa beans. The resulting liquor is

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Notes on chocolate

by Duncan Chocolatier, Cheryl Painter Yonge chocolatepearl.ca

Olive Station Strawberry Balsamic Martini This strawberry balsamic martini is the perfect edition to any mixologists recipe book.

The delightful combination of strawberries with balsamic vinegar is often found in fine Italian cuisine and the balance of sweet and sour is both pleasant and delicious. Perfect for holiday parties, or a Christmas eve nightcap.

4-5 Fresh strawberries (chopped) 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice 1/2 oz Simple syrup 1 1/2 oz Vodka 1/2 oz Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar Mint to garnish 2-3 ice cubes 1. Combine strawberries, lime juice, and simple syrup in martini shaker.

2. Muddle ingredients well.

3. Pour in vodka, and balsamic vinegar.

4. add ice cubes 5. Shake well and strain into a martini glass.

6. garnish with strawberry slices and mint.

For the Love of Upcycling Workshops ... and what the heck does Upcycling mean?

Upcycling means to reuse (discarded objects or materials) in such a way as to create an item of higher quality or value than the original.

In our December workshop, December 5, 10am-2pm or 5:308:30 pm, you will make a holiday tree from old magazines with a reclaimed wood topper, a holiday decoration from men’s shirt fabric with an old key as the top hanger and a “snow globe” from a small canning jar, and discarded small tree decorations! Register at the Garden Pantry Store, 360 Duncan Street or email leslie@ cowichangreencommunity.org

Set of 2 - 11” and 9.5” fry pan reg $352 on sale for $260

NEW REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN DUNCAN

TOM KERSWELL

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK

CALL OR BOOK ONLINE TODAY! PKMDAESTHETICS.COM

162 STATION ST, DUNCAN

778-422-3344

3pc set - 11” fry pan, 11” saute pan with lid reg $475 on sale for $380

863 Canada Avenue, Duncan I 250 748 4614 visit our website at www.potsandparaphernalia.ca

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Manor Bridge

Buy Local

“E

verything is so beautiful.

Awesome shop.”

“What an amazing selection of gifts.”

“These are all handcrafted? Wow.” “They are locally made, too? Wonderful!”

These are comments we hear on an almost daily basis at Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs.

It brings joy to our hearts when shoppers notice the craftsmanship and appreciate the dedication it takes to create such beautiful work.

To open a shop entirely devoted to hand-made, locally-crafted artwork was a conscious decision by this artist’s co-operative founders. It’s been a guiding principle for 24 years, and it is truly a success story. There are more than 80 artists represented, working in many media. They come from as close as a few blocks away, throughout the greater Cowichan Valley, as well as from adjacent smaller islands.

Each artist has transformed their passion for creativity into beautiful and functional pieces.

The process for artists to be included at Imagine That! involves careful decisionmaking by co-op members.

Work is considered for quality, uniqueness, and appropriateness to the shop. Making these judgements ensures that shoppers are seeing the best of the abundance of work created around us. Our natural surroundings inspire so many artists -- the incised design of leaves on a piece of pottery, jewellery featuring our birds, the turning of handsome and functional bowls from local wood, the landscapes of our villages and beaches as drawn, painted, or photographed.

Unique at Imagine That! is the opportunity to make a personal connection with the artists. On every visit you will meet at

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r I d s c a v d l least one of the artists whose work is in the shop. This gives both creator and potential buyer the opportunity to develop a relationship, and fosters a deeper understanding of what goes into the creation of work. We have many loyal fans who traditionally look for items from one of their favourite artists. At the same time, fans and visitors alike are interested in new work by new artists that keeps the shop’s displays lively and fresh.

During December, our window displays feature just a sampling of the abundance you’ll find inside. Stroll by, and you will quickly appreciate that locallymade treasures are a special kind of gift that tells the recipient a deeper, lasting story. Original, one-of-a-kind pieces are made by people who love what they do, who create from the heart, and that positivity is shared with you.

Investing in work by local artists is satisfying on many levels.

It supports the passion of each individual creator, it reflects your pride in our talent, it boosts the local economy, it enriches our community.

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Katie Daniel is a member of Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs

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Dr. Pascoe’s Personal Tips for Holiday Ready Skin

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o keep my own skin looking healthy and ready for the holiday season, I personally prefer a simple daily regime combined with some easy and affordable skin care treatments. In addition, a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins is important. My daily skin care routine goes like this: In the Morning 1. Wash using a Clarisonic brush (think electric toothbrush for your skin) and a gentle PH balanced cleanser.

2. Moisturize and apply sunblock.

The sunblock is “nonnegotiable”! The good news is that there are now formulations of sunblock containing zinc oxide and / or titanium dioxide which will effectively block the damaging UVA and UVB rays from permeating your skin. Many sunblock products are also combined with high quality moisturizers which makes this step super easy.

Before Bed 1. Wash again using a Clarisonic brush and a gentle PH balanced cleanser.

2. Apply treatment product(s) for your skin type.

At night, I like to treat my skin with medical grade AHA’s (glycolic) and a Retin A product. These are designed to exfoliate, help build collagen, and treat brown spots that accumulate with age and sun damage.

If you have sensitive or rosacea prone skin, the night treatment should be

gentler. Topical Vitamin C and a special formulation for rosacea will help to reduce reds and moisturize dry, sensitive skin.

If you have oily / acne prone skin, your night treatment can be stronger. Chemical exfoliation with glycol / salicylic acid and Retin A products are a good choice for you.

Occasional Treatments 1. Hydrafacial MD I like to have a Hydrafacial MD once a month. This is a non-invasive, in-office treatment that is designed to both physically and chemically exfoliate. It also helps boost collagen production through its use of alpha hydroxy acids and special formulations that are delivered to your skin with the aid of vortex technology.

This is a great treatment for returning the glow to previously sun damaged and pollution damaged skin. It is also very helpful in reducing acne.

2. IPL (intense pulsed light) For those deeper pigments and reds, I use laser and intense pulsed light systems.

These are very effective for removing brown spots and treating reds that can develop across the cheeks and nose. A series of treatments, spaced about a month apart, is usually needed for best results. These treatments need to be done on un-tanned skin, so winter is the best time to do these.

Mineral Makeup When out and about, mineral makeup is the way to go.

Mineral make up not only looks good, but is also great

DOWNTOWN

DUNCAN

• Skin Care Services • Esthetics Services • Natural Sugaring Hair Removal • Onsite Gel Nail Artist • Facial Bar

250 510 8700

#105 80 Station Street - Please use Craig St entrance for your skin as it is antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, and also often contains SPF for that extra protection we need.

Nutrition My last tip is to eat a diet rich in anti-oxidants and vitamins. All the coloured vegetables and fruits are perfect for this. Remember 5 - 7 servings / day is ideal.

I find that a supplement containing Vitamin A is very helpful for acne type skin

and one containing Omega Fatty Acids is awesome for all types of skin.

Dr. Lyn Pascoe Viva Medical Aesthetics

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“Live the Island Dream” Nick Brown

Realtor/Associate Broker Pemberton Holmes 23 Queens Rd, Duncan, BC 250-710-3732 nickbrownrealestate@shaw.ca

Artist Michael Heinrich

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he search, always looking not quite finding, continuing on, glimpses...ah ha...no not quite beautiful but no heart. Emotional rawness but no beauty. A constant battle. Abstraction vs realism.

I presented my dilemma to a colleague,Victor Arcega whose advice to me was to “let the battle happen on the canvas”.

Call To Artists! Miniature Art Show Excellent Frameworks Gallery is proud to present our first “Miniature Art Show”. We invite artists to submit miniature works of art for our January 2018 show located at 28 Station St, Duncan, B.C. Excellent Frameworks will be providing complimentary frames on a first come, first serve basis for artists to pick up and create miniature works of art in.

“Miniature Art is often referred to as “the little jewels of the art world” and enjoys continued growth in popularity worldwide.”

Frame Pickup – December 1-15 Art Drop Off – January 2-4.

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*Accepted works must be True Miniature Works of Art. This means that it munot be just a small work of art, but a miniaturization.

For more details contact SuzanKostiuck at 250746-7112, or email info@ excellentframeworks.ca for further information.

Excellent Frameworks will be selective of which pieces will be accepted for showing.

My current show Figurative Abstractions reflects this advice while showcasing my ongoing fascination with depicting the essence of the female form. The difficulty I experience in letting go of “hard won knowledge” and trusting my instincts. My hope is that the hybrid of the two approaches creates a resonance with the viewer.

I inherited my love of art from watching my father paint. I would sit spellbound for hours while he transformed empty canvases into incredibly beautiful pictures. He invited me to paint with him one day by handing me some brushes paints and an old underpainting which he had planned to change. The piece was of a woman by a pond with reeds and trees in

the background. My young mind thought he wanted me to finish what was already an amazing masterpiece. I diligently got to work and totally ruined his piece but I was hooked and had to learn how to do it better.

I continued my education in various schools, George Brown college, Sheridan college, Ontario College of Art. My main subject matter became the human figure. paint in various media acrylic, watercolour, pastel but my main new tool is my iPad and an app called Procreate.

I am able to photograph sketches or paintings then try out various changes. It’s an amazing sketching tool with full colour and media simulation capabilities. It helped me reconnect to my love of drawing.

“Figurative Abstractions” opens with an Artust Opening December 4, 6pm-8pm. E J Hughes Gallery 28 Station St, Duncan. Show runs to December 31.

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Art Experiences For Kids of All Ages

“C

ome BEE creative in the Hive!” welcomes local artist and mompreneur Rachelle Mallen. She has taken over the popular franchise children and youth art studio in downtown Duncan and rebranded it into a creative, friendly and energetic art hive. Independent and locally based they will be offering interesting and unique art workshops for kids of all ages.

From painting and drawing, to clay and sculpture work, splatter and mandalas… opportunities to learn and create will be there

for everyone. Yes grownups that means you too. “We will have family classes, afterschool programs, kids camps, birthday parties, take home art kits and more. Our space and our art are inspired by the bees, trees and the natural world around us. All classes will be taught and inspired by local artists and artisans.” Gift certificates available for holiday gifts.

Bee Alive in The Hive will host a grand opening day on Sunday, December 17, 11am 2pm. Drop in for some creative fun. Before you come visit our website and complete our online survey to win a free art class.

Look forward to seeing you in the Hive. 139 Station Street, Duncan www.beealiveinthehive.com

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WINTER BREAK OFFERINGS

•Art Workshops •Family Classes

Holiday Art School Camps

•Kids Camps •Afterschool Classes

9am-3pm

•Birthday Parties

Art Studio

•Adult Classes •Specialty Art •School Break Camps

139 Station Street

(formerly 4Cats Art Studio)

December 18-22 & January 3-5

Downtown Duncan

BEE creative in the Hive! www.beealiveinthehive.com I beealiveinthehive@shaw.ca

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Life at Glenora Farm

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n January of this year, I boarded a plane from Aberdeen, Scotland headed for Vancouver Island. With a two-year open work permit to Canada and next-tono plan, I was incredibly excited, and a little bit daunted. My first, and ultimately last, stop was to be Glenora Farm.

Working to see families thrive.

Supporting individuals to achieve their goals.

LIVE WITH AFFINITY

Florie Varga, MPA

florie@affinitycoaching.ca I 250.709.7063

www.affinitycoaching.ca

Nestled in the heart of the Cowichan Valley, Glenora Farm is a small yet vibrant community; a residential home for adults with special needs; a biodynamic farm and now, my home. Approximately twenty ‘companions’ and a further 20 co-workers from all around the world call this place home.

Living and working together, the community strives to provide a warm and fulfilling environment for everyone. It became evident very soon after arriving, that my time on the farm was not going to be a short one. Instead I have prolonged my stay here a comical amount of times, and I do not have any plans to move on soon!

It is near impossible to describe an average day on the farm – not one day is the same. Seriously, you NEVER know what to expect. My daily tasks can range anywhere from physical care work, to mucking out the barn, harvesting our garden produce then to swimming lessons, taxi rides and finally home to cook dinner. Oh and laundry – lots of laundry! My job role is endless.

Some days this seems like a daunting, near impossible task to complete, but I never get bored!

I get to explore different areas of work; from artistic workshops including our weavery, hand bell ensemble & drama workshops, to more land based activities, including gardening and farm & estate work.

Arriving on the farm, I could never have dreamed of the impact it would have upon me.

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Having recently graduated from university and having wandered down many potential career paths, I found myself aching for something bigger and better. This job has provided me with more fulfilment and sense of purpose than I believed a job could give me. Helping to contribute to such a wonderful community has been amazing but even more so are the bonds that I have formed.

The companions I have lived and worked with for the past 10 months, have become more than clients; they are now my friends.

They have taught me more about myself in the last ten months, than I have learned in the last 24 years of my life. They have opened up their home and hearts to me, shown my weaknesses and forced me to address them. I am constantly learning and evolving, my patience being tested, and perhaps also others patience with me.

I hope that the impact has been mutual, and that when I leave I will have left some small impression on the community.

I have formed some life long friends, learned some valuable life lessons and developed some useful skills. When I eventually have to move on, it will be one of the hardest things to do, but the growth and purpose the farm has placed within me is something I will cherish forever.

Hannah Munro is a volunteer caregiver at Glenora Farm from Scotland.

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

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and offerings by local musicians. The Bell Choir led by Annette Lampson will play in Harvest Hall at 12:30.

You will hear the Jubilate Carolers as you move between venues.

There are lots of other activities in addition to shopping, eating and enjoying music. Bo’s Hay Rides will tour the farm at regular intervals. Visitors will be treated to the debut puppet play of the Flying Silks Theatre, with four performances throughout the day. Children’s activities and the much-loved cookie cave will delight little visitors. The Candle Workshop will be open for ninety minutes – just long enough to dip your own beeswax candle to take away.

Christmas Fair at Glenora Farm

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his year on the 17th of December, Glenora Farm will host their 17th annual Christmas Fair. Visitors come year after year to savour the Christmas atmosphere that the Farm creates in its homes and workshop spaces shortly before Christmas. Glenora Farm is a special place where adults with different abilities live and work together.

If, like many, you are only half way down your Christmas list on the 17th of December, fear not - you are bound to find something from over 20 vendors displaying their quality handmade gifts, herbal products, glassware and jewelry. And then of course there are the candles, woven items, teas and balms made on the Farm together with people with developmental challenges.

Soups, hotdogs and sweets will be on sale, including options for those with dietary restrictions. The little Café in the Woods will feature harp and recorder performances

Glenora Farm is at the end of Waters Road and there will be signs showing the way. It is a working farm so come prepared for mud or snow and some uneven ground to navigate between the different buildings. Also, please be aware that many of the vendors, including the café, will accept cash only.

The Glenora Farm Community is looking forward to sharing the joys of Christmas with you!

Sunday, December 17, 11am – 3pm Glenora Farm 4766 Waters Road, Duncan www.glenorafarm.org

La Petite Auction House Auction Sunday DECEMBER 10 • 1pm

Accepting goods throughout the week

Viewings

WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY 11am-4pm SATURDAY 1-4pm SAME DAY viewings 10am-1pm To consign email dawngeddie@gmail.com

9686 Chemainus Rd, 250-701-2902 33

Merry Christmas!

GREAT GIFT IDEAS...

• BC Beeswax Candles • Cosmetic Gift Sets • Body & Beauty items • Essential Oils and Diffusers • Himalayan Salt Lamps • Wonderful Local Products • Holiday Food and Snacks • Eco Fabric Clothing • Fairtrade and Organic selection of Coffee, Tea, Chocolates, Cocoa • Specialty Food for Special Diets • GIFT CERTIFICATES and more!

9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-9838 Hours Mon-Sat 930-530 • Sun 12-4 Closed Stat holidays

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Winter Solstice 2017 Weaving the Light

N

ow in its seventh year, the dynamic Solstice concert is quickly approaching. Better than ever, with new show times, new additions to the ensemble, and a very special intimate concert at the Sooke Harbour House, Cari Burdett and Sara Marreiros are very pleased to invite you to what has become a yearly tradition for many families in Cowichan and beyond. “We recognised that there is so much pain all around us these days in the news and across the world, that we wanted to create a concert where we can not only be reflective of the special time of year and honour the mood, but we also want to celebrate the themes that bring us together, and have us honouring all that we can truly be grateful for,” says coordinator Cari Burdett.

Because of this, the moniker for this year’s concert is Weaving the Light.

This year’s concert will feature a tremendously talented entourage, featuring vocalists Cari Burdett and Sara Marreiros, dancer Marisa Jackson, Adrian Dolan on piano, accordion, and mandolin, and brand new this year, award winning teen violinist Quin Etheridge-Pedden, and Victoria’s own, bassist Nick Mintenko. The multi-genre concert will fuse a 12th Century secular canon, a popular French Canadian fiddle tune, a Portuguese duet, folk songs, gospel, and pop classics by ‘Sting.’ Burdett has also invited the Lila Community Choir to perform some of these

beautiful folk arrangements and bring in a wealth of vocal harmony to the performances.

Created for the delight of all ages, Solstice delights regulars and newcomers alike and sells out each year to much acclaim.

Choose from three locations, three dates, and matinee or evening performances.

Weaving the Light is also representative of this years’ chosen recipient for donations— the Witness Blanket Project. http://witnessblanket.ca/#!/ bear-witness/ This massive installation was created by Master Carver Carey Newman to build understanding of the reality of the genocide of Canadian Residential Schools. A patchwork of history, the piece is comprised of 887 pieces of history—pieces from residential schools, churches, government buildings, and traditional structures such as teepees and sweat lodges— to pay homage to the vast history of the Native populations in Canada. In 2016, Warmland House and the Syrian Refugee Fund were benefactors of generous donations from the Cowichan community.

WInter Solstice Music December 21 - Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay- 3 PM, 7 PM December 22- Sooke Harbour House, Sooke- 7 PM December 23- Oak Bay United Church, Victoria- 2 PM For tickets and more information, visit http:// www.cariburdett.com/solstice

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Witness the Cornwall’s latest Christmas Calamity, in Cancun

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Tis the season for surprises, and you won’t need to go far to enjoy them. From November 17 to December 31, visit the Chemainus Theatre Festival to tag-along on the Cornwalls’ All-inclusive Cancun Christmas.

This hilarious, precarious Christmas vacation is packed with family secrets that keep you wondering if they’ll even make it to New Years. Be prepared to laugh at the wacky ups and downs, and marvel at the reminders of your own holiday gatherings.

It’s the mid-1980’s, and The Cornwalls are getting ready to celebrate the holidays. But this year, the same-old traditions just aren’t going to cut it. Harry Cornwall has been married to Judy for 25 years, and his beloved wife has dreamt of having a grand adventure for almost as long. He is determined to make her wish come true, and has found the perfect holiday getaway – on sale too! But as Harry’s act of devotion edges toward disaster, he may need a Christmas miracle greater than even Santa could deliver.

Newlyweds Sissy (Cornwall) and Kyle have been summoned to the airport by dad. Arriving with their suitcases packed, and a rather conspicuous carry-

on, they decide to wait until Christmas Eve to spring their big news on the family. If a special delivery doesn’t surprise them first. Young Tommy Cornwall is stoked. With his first love at his side (his guitar, Ethel) he’s ready to have a rock n’ roll good time in the sun. When his most precious possession disappears, a frantic hunt begins – and leads him to discover a whole new kind of love.

The Cornwalls’ All-inclusive Cancun Christmas is the second holiday play centered on this quirky family, co-written by local playwrights Nicolle Nattrass and Mark DuMez, and directed by Barbara Tomasic (who last visited the Festival to direct the wildly-popular Footloose). The authors were inspired to revisit the Cornwalls because of the way audiences connected with the family.

“While the Cornwalls may be more quirky than most, it is their love and the values of their family that help them face any challenge that comes their way on this All Inclusive Cancun Christmas” says Nattrass.

Tickets are available now by calling 1-800-565-7738, or online at chemainustheatre.ca.

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BEST OF COWICHAN 2017 GIFT GUIDE • BUY LOCAL

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2. Handcrafted mukluks by Dawn MacFarland upcycled fur with elk skin souls, truly luxurious. BlinkyMuffin 4715 Trans Canada Hwy. Whippletree www.nestcollective.ca

3. Gourmet Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars and more.

Take a flavour journey. The Olive Station 7-225 Canada Avenue Downtown Duncan www.theolivestation.com

4. A great gift for the eco warrior on your list!

Hand crafted in the Cowichan Valley. Enviro Glass Straws www.enviroglassstraw.ca

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5. Outwit the weather with an irresistible UK Joules dog rain coat. Packable, lightweight and waterproof at Fabrications.

125 Kenneth St, Duncan www.foreverfab.com

6. Handmade 1-of-a-kind mosaic lamps and candle holders made in Turkey.

Chemainus Health Food Store 9738 Willow St, Chemainus fb:chemainushealthfoodstore

7. Flower subscription! Give weekly, bi-weekly or monthly flower bouquets grown locally at Dancing Dandelion Farms Sign-up at: www.dancingdandelion.ca

8. For Christmas time: Images of peace and love in beautiful enamelled noteblocks by local artist Margot Page $24 Imagine That! Artisans, 251 Craig St, Duncan www.margotpage.com

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9. By laying on over 6000 acupressure points these Spoonk acupressure mats help relieve pain, stress and anxiety.

Resthouse Sleep Solutions 126 Station Street, Duncan www.Resthouse.ca

10. Organically farm grown Cowichan tea is the ultimate local gift. Share Canada’s most authentic tea experience.

Westholme Tea Farm, 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme www.westholmetea.com

11. Ampersand presents Nocino! This delicious green walnut liqueur can be found at the Duncan Market. www.ampersanddistilling.com

12. Give the Gift of Wellness with Island Hellerwork 1 90 Min Session 30% Off. 3 Sessions Buy 3 get the 3rd 50% Off Island Hellerwork Valley View Centre www.Islandhellerwork.com

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1. Botanical Bliss’s Lump of Coal is the stocking stuffer of the season for the naughty or nice! Find us at the Duncan Market/Saturdays 10am - 2pm and at events all over the island - www.botanicalbliss.ca

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BUY LOCAL • BEST OF COWICHAN 2017 GIFT GUIDE

13. Buy Fresh...Buy Local! Give the gift of Cow-op.ca, Cowichan’s only online farmers’ market.

Gift certificates available. 360 Duncan St, Downtown Duncan www.Cow-op.ca

14. Small release from “one of BC top sparkling producers” with a blend of 8 grapes. Great apple notes. Rocky Creek Winery 1854 Myhrest Road www.rockycreekwinery.ca

15. Love Your Melon beanies and other gift items at Soul Escape Esthetics! 50% of profits go to fight against pediatric cancer 4-5777 Trans Canada Hwy www.soulescape.ca

17. Naturally preserved wooden tray, 100% hemp tea towel and a vintage butter knife, $24 NikkiDesigns 117 Clarke Rd, Ladysmith www.nikkidesigns.ca

18. For someone who has everything, a Gift Certificate to The Royal Dar. 148 Third Street, Downtown Duncan www.Royaldar.ca

19. Give the gift of five three course dinners or 10 two course lunches or a combination of both for only $200. See website for details. www.unsworthvineyards.com

20. Long Lash Mascara Perfect length + volume, organic, cruelty free, vegan, safe and non-irritating to sensitive eyes. Lise Brown Cosmetics, 25 Canada Avenue, Downtown Duncan www.lisebrowncosmetics.com

21. Don’t miss a thing in 2018!

Get your season tickets now for the best saving and the most benefits! Chemainus Theatre www.chemainustheatre.ca 1-800-565-7738

22. A riveting story drenched in Pacific West Coast imagery.

Winner, BC Book Prize for fiction. Volume One Bookstore 149 Kenneth Street, Duncan www.volumeone.ca

23. Juice yourself to Health!

A Glow Juice Cleanse makes the perfect stocking stuffer!

Glow Juicery and Raw Food Cafe 5380 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan www.glowjuicery.ca

24. Hand lettered inspirations on muslin by Heather Mitchell - west coast simplicity TreehouseCraft 4715 Trans Canada Hwy. Whippletree www.nestcollective.ca

16. Best Loved Gift Idea!

All natural, traditionally blended, botanical, unisex, artisan perfumes Wild Coast Perfumery 1721 Cowichan Bay Rd. www.wildcoastperfumes.com

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BEST OF COWICHAN 2017 GIFT GUIDE • BUY LOCAL

25. Tacx Smart Tainers + Zwift = ready for spring! Demo instore setup and enter to win a Zwift membership! Cycle Therapy 360 Duncan St. Duncan www.cycletherapy.ca

26. Unsworth tasting room has gift baskets filled with artisan products and Unsworth wine, starting from $50.

Unsworth Vineyards, 2915 Cameron-Taggart Rd www.unsworthvineyards.com

27. Margit Nellemann Handbuilt Ceramics Handbuilt, functional ceramics, including cups, plates and teapots, created with love and care for your every-day enjoyment.

8350 Richards Trail, Westholme www.margitnellemann.com

28. Drop in for great gifts, cards & ornaments - featuring a large selection of Rogers’ Chocolates! Little Bird 163 Station St. Duncan www.littlebirdonline.ca

29. Perfect for mailing: fairtrade card with handmade, artquality lapel pin. Many styles, $12.95. Also: Gift certificates available. Two Hoots Gift Gallery 1490 Fisher Road, Cobble Hill fb TwoHootsGiftGallery

30. Merino Wool! Made In Duncan Christmas Specials for Everyone from Cuddly Babies to Cherished Grandparents Soul Comfort Sheepskin, Sheep’s Wool & Hemp 190 Fourth St, Duncan www.soulcomfortsheepskin.com

31. Letterpress, bookbinding and paper craft by Nicole Silvester – perfect stocking stuffers WildRaven Press 4715 Trans Canada Hwy. Whippletree www.nestcollective.ca

32. Dance into your wild truth at home with 8 x 1hr guided dance journeys online. www.rewildingfromwithin.com Christy Greenwood Sessions Sahtlam, Cowichan Valley

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33. Give the gift of a wild woodworking experience in the woods. oneTree Wild Workshop. Live Edge Design 5195 Mearns Rd, Duncan www.liveedgedesign.com

34. Awaken Your Body’s SelfHealing Mechanism.

Joan Chua, RCST® Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy www.joanchua.ca

35. Let us surprise you with our elegant selection of Silver jewellery and many other gift ideas! Eclectic Avenue Vintage Boutique 132 Station St, Duncan www.eclecticavenue.ca

36. Waldorf Dolls ~ boys and girls; 8-10” or 12-14”.

Carefully curated books, art supplies and wooden toys.

Freya Sophia Waldorf Store 5380 Hwy. 1, Duncan.

Fb Freya Sophia Waldorf Store

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Debbie Shkuratoff

38. Toast the season with Averill Brut, the quintessential celebration wine! Winner, Best Vancouver Island Sparkling.

Averill Creek Vineyard 6552 North Rd, Duncan www.averillcreek.ca

39. Bold jewellery in Sterling Silver with precious and semiprecious stones.

Private commissions welcome.

By appointment. Taryn O’Gorman Designs tarynogormandesigns.com

40. Relax and enjoy a Detox Foot Treatment. Special $60 each (Reg $75 per session) Debbie Shkuratoff - Reiki Wellness, #13 Valleyview Centre www.reikiwellness.ca

41. Tshirts & Art Prints by Stefani Williams - hand carved, hand stamped, local slowfashion OMDLcoastal 4715 Trans Canada Hwy. Whippletree www.nestcollective.ca

42. Creative art experiences for kids of all ages! Art classes, claywork, splatter & mural parties, take home Art Kits, art gifts. NEW Bee Alive In The Hive Art Studio 139 Station St, Duncan www.beealiveinthehive.com

43. Savour the experience!

Local, organic, homemade.

Gift cards for dinner, Sunday brunch or the B & B.Farm Table Inn 6755 Cowichan Lake Rd www.farmtableinn.ca

44. Visit the Chemainus Theatre Gallery Gift Shop for pottery, glass, textiles and jewelry. Pook Hats available in many styles. 9737 Chemainus Rd, Chemainus www.chemainustheatre.ca

45. Functional and breathtaking pottery by Hilary Huntley – professional craftmanship, a gift with purpose Trial By Fire Pottery 4715 Trans Canada Hwy. Whippletree www.nestcollective.ca

46. Christmas Special! 3x 1 hour Reflexology for $120 + get 3x MRS Omnium1 mat sessions free. Reflexology and Chi Wellness by Terri 1453 Algonkin Road, Duncan www.terriswellness.com

47. Organic herbal teas grown and crafted at Glenora Farm together with adults with special needs. Glenora Store and Cafe 3630 Glenora Road Duncan www.glenorafarm.org

37. The soft glow of a natural Himalayan Salt Lamp creates ambiance and relaxing tranquil atmosphere. Wishes Gifts 125 Station St., Downtown Duncan www.wishes-spirit.ca

48. Slow fashion from repurposed textiles by MyraJean Marshall – absolutely one-of-a-kind stuffers MyraInbows 4715 Trans Canada Hwy. Whippletree www.nestcollective.ca

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BEST OF COWICHAN 2017 • BUY LOCAL

49. Looking to share an experience of a lifetime? A fishing charter is the perfect gift! Island Outfitters Ltd. 3319 Douglas St. Victoria islandoutfitters.ca 53. Cooking classes, local food dinners and wild food foraging with chef Bill Jones, Deerholme Farm Gift certificates available. 4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan www.deerholme.com 57. Will it be a HydraFacial MD, laser treatment, Botox, or filler? Choose a Gift Certificate and let your loved one decide!

Viva Medical Aesthetics #4 - 177 Fourth St, Duncan vivamedicalaesthetics.com

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50. These are a few of our favourite things...European candles, French soaps, handwoven Russian linens and local artists work. Embellish Home Decor 115 Kenneth St, Duncan www.embellishhome.ca

51. Canadian-mined Labradorite Gemstone Studs.

Ethically mined & locally made. Check out our new website to shop online!

1725 Cowichan Bay Road www.clairecrowfoot.com

54. Intentions are everything!

Zemis are special tools that shift energy to get what you deserve! Spinning Ninny 306 Duncan Street, Downtown Duncan

55. Beautiful Christmas teddy bears looking for new homes!

All proceeds support Kids International Development Society Cedricks Coffee and Tea House 1610 Joan Ave, Crofton www.cedricksteacoffee.ca

58. Give the gift of time and a naturally clean home to enjoy iit in! The ultimate gift for new and busy moms! Clean Choice Eco Friendly Cleaning Services www.cleanchoicecleaners.com

59. Any denomination. For the hard to buy for...foodies...and those you want to pamper!

Bridgemans Bistro At Mill Bay Marina 740 Handy Road Mill Bay www.bridgemans.ca

52. Give the gift of music.

Lowest price tickets for the 2018 Islands Folk Festival. $90/wknd Deal ends December 24th Photo credit Kevin Oke www.islandsfolkfestival.ca 56. Fine craft spirits made in Duncan! Premium Vodka, London Dry Gin, and Blackberry Infused Vodka!

Stillhead Distillery 105-5301 Chaster Rd, Duncan www.stillhead.ca 60. Gift Certificates, gift baskets, food gifts, Cheese of the Month Club membership.

Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese Valley View Centre, Cobble Hill fb:CureArtisanMeatandCheese

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

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SOU L ESCAPE

ESTHETICS Est. Since 2006

Winter Celebrations from Around the World

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inter is more than a change of the seasons for many cultures. At the Cowichan Intercultural Society, we asked two of our members to share stories about their cultural winter celebrations.

Japan

(submitted by Maki McPhee) Maki is married to a Canadian, is an avid photographer, and has fond memories of growing up in Japan. She says that Christmas and New Year’s are widely celebrated in Japan, but Christmas is not a religious holiday at all. Her childhood memories are of celebrations with family that included food such as chicken rather than turkey, and cakes. Large Christmas trees are not common in most Japanese homes so parents usually place gifts above their children’s pillows for them to open on Christmas morning.

Couples would celebrate Christmas Eve together as the Japanese believe Christmas is one of the most romantic days of the year. Couples typically dress up and dine out on Christmas

Eve and exchange luxurious gifts.

During New Year’s, many Japanese people return to their hometown and spend time with their family and relatives.

On New Year’s Eve, they traditionally feast on Toshikoshi soba (year-crossing buckwheat noodle) to celebrate the end of the year. Osechi Ryori, a traditional Japanese New Year’s food, is prepared before New Year’s, to avoid the need to cook in the first few days of the next year. Osechi Ryori has a variety of dishes, each of which is a symbolic wish for things like happiness, long life, good health and other blessings. Mochi is a rice cake which is also popular on New Year’s Day. Many Japanese people rise very early on New Year’s Day to see the first sunrise of the year, believing that Toshigami, a god who brings good luck, appears with the first sunrise of the year. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are crowded with millions of visitors during the first three days of the New Year, and many women wear traditional Kimonos.

Argentina

(submitted by Carolina Martino) Agustin and Tomas were born in Canada but their parents are

#4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan BC 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca piece of coal! In modern day, the coal has been substituted with brown sugar cubes.

from Argentina and celebrate Christmas with Argentinian traditions, namely, Los Tres Reyes Magos (The Three Kings).

While Santa Claus is quite wellknown as he delivers toys and presents, children in Argentina also celebrate “Los Reyes.”

These Three Kings are the ones who followed a star to meet the new King of Kings - the Baby Jesus - and offered him three presents: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Agustin and Tomas will write their letters to the Three Kings, or sometimes to their favourite King: Melchor, Gaspar or Balthazar. Like many children, they request presents for delivery on the morning of the sixth day of January, “El Día de los Reyes Magos” (the Day of the Kings, or Epiphany), and also write about their behaviour during the year.

If they have been good, they receive presents. However, if they’ve been bad, they receive a

The night before, the children put their shoes by the door before going to bed so that the Kings will know how many children live in the home; then they put out something to eat and drink for the Three Kings, and also water and grass for the camels. While the children know that camels can last a month or more without drinking water, that night the camels have a lot of work to do, so they need extra water and food.

The next morning, the children find their presents either inside or outside the shoes. It is very unusual for their Majesties to bring carbones (coal) because, as the boys’ mother Carolina says, “No child really misbehaves so badly that they deserve a piece of coal.” The plates of food and glasses left out the night before are empty and the children start playing with their toys.

The Cowichan Intercultural Society (CIS) is spearheading the movement to welcome and support refugees and immigrants to the community. Learn more at www.cis-iwc.org.

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Your One Stop Natural Gifts Shop

Lynn’s

VITAMIN GALLERY

HEALTH FOOD STORE

Village Green Mall

4-180 Central Avenue, Duncan 250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com

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Duncan Dynamics Winter Break Programs

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uncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club is offering two Winter Gymnatics Camps for Preschoolers (ages 3-5) and for Big Kids (from Kindergarten to Grade 7) this holiday season on December 27- 29 and January 3- 5. Afternoon sessions will be available for the Preschoolers from 1- 3pm. The cost is $25 per session and you can book your little one in for just one or all three sessions.

Don’t worry if they have never done gymnastics before, these sessions are about having fun and learning something new.

The gymnasts will participate in multiple circuits using the beams, tramps, tumble track and more. A great way to keep them busy or introduce them to something new.

For the Big Kids, we have two sessions available each day, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm & 1 pm - 4pm.

The cost for these sessions is $45 each. Your gymnast can stay for 1 session, the full day or all

three days - whatever works best for you! Once again, no prior gymnastics experience is necessary. This group will travel through every piece of equipment that we have in our gym, they will play games, jump, run, tumble and more. All training is adapted to each gymnasts individual abilities.

All participants must have valid insurance with GymBC. $22 per season perparticipant. Valid from Sept - Aug season. You can register for this Winter Gymnastics Camp online at

www.ddgc.ca, by visiting our office at the Island Savings Centre or by calling 250.746.0193.

Happy Holidays and Thank You for your patronage from the gang at Cycle Therapy

Drop by to find some

terrific deals

in our Pre-Christmas Inventory

Sale

(HAPPENING NOW!) 360 Duncan St, Duncan I Mon - Sun 9:30pm - 5:30pm I 250 597 0097 I info@cycletherapy.ca I www.cycletherapy.ca

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M a r a b t C c t S w c h m b o e

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Oma’s Favourite Christmas Books Nicolette Genier is the very happy owner of Ths Community Farm Store and the Sol Centre. She is an oma to 4 grandchildren and a big supporter of community.

T

he Christmas Story book happens to be one of my favourite.

Many Christmas’s have come and gone and our traditions in regards to the meals, the tree and the gift giving have changed but what hasn’t changed is the tradition of reading stories at Christmas time. Every year my children (who are now all in their 20’s) insisted on “Schnitzel, Schnotzel and Schnootzel” a wonderful tale of a very poor cobbler and his children who have not a twig to burn or a morsel of food to eat are visited by the King of the goblins one Christmas Eve. Such an entertaining and satisfying story

for all ages! And I can’t even imagine Christmas Eve without reading the “Christmas Rose” -the story of a family of robbers who witnessed every Christmas Eve the miraculous blooming of Goinge forest. Now the tradition continues as they are reading the same stories to their children.

Traditional stories and fairy tales are truly food for the soul and a wonderful way to bring magic and meaningful imagination into the lives of your children. There is no shortage of wonderful stories that are fitting for the Christmas season. We hope you will come discover some of them at our beautiful Freya-Sophia Waldorf Store.

These stories tell of the experience of people who lived at the time of the birth of the Christ child, and who―each in their own way―sought to worship the newborn king. This book is a colorful collection carefully chosen to show the spirit of Christmas in many different facets.

The stories are divided into five sections: Advent, the birth of the Christ child, Christmas

night, Christmas in the world, and the time of the three kings.

Included are stories by Hans Christian Andersen, Leonid Andreiev, Jane Clement, Maxim Gorki, Gerhard Klein, Selma Lagerlöf, Jeanna Oterdahl, Peter Rosegger, Ruth Sawyer, Edzard Schaper, Jakob Streit, and Henry Van Dyke.

If you want more than a merry Christmas, if you also want a meaningful Christmas, you will find Celebrate Christmas!

Celebrate You! The Six Ways Your Soul Finds Meaning During the Holidays an inspiring book. It’s about the meaning of Christmas, and about the ways your soul renews its own meaning at Christmas time.

Lynn Jericho’s twelve-night Inner Christmas messages (at innerchristmas.com) have been followed by thousands of people around the world since 2004.

Mary’s Little Donkey We have the chapter book, the picture book and the advent calendar. This is one of the most sought after stories for Christmas that we carry.

Nobody is too old for this story which tells about Mary’s and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem

and the birth of the baby Jesus as well as their journey to Egypt from the standpoint of Mary’s wonderful and lovable donkey.

It is a delightful story that can be read over the nights of advent in such a way that you arrive at the birth part of the story on Christmas Eve. My children also grew up with this story and now I will be reading it to my grandchildren.

As an adult, reading fairy tales remains an important part of my life. If you would like to learn more about the importance of fairy tales, we are currently meeting on Monday nights at the Sol Centre (7:30 p.m.) to read (and tell) stories and then finish with a wet-on-wet watercolor painting if anyone would like to join us. Call us at 250-597-4763 for more information.

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J

ohn Lore, Owner and President at Live Edge Design is a leading expert in West Coast Style furniture from salvaged wood and it is through his work with salvaging urban trees from homeowners in the Cowichan Valley that he has brought incredible attention to the value of wood in the arts.

Lore’s ‘oneTree’ concept has been shaped into an art exhibit here on Vancouver Island.

“Live Edge Design has always made multiple pieces of furniture from a single tree, but I wanted to flesh out the idea to bring awareness to the breadth of artistic talent on Vancouver Island, to celebrate the tree itself and to show how much economic value one tree can create.” says Lore.

In 2015 John and the team at

Live Edge Design partnered with the Robert Bateman Centre to create an art exhibit by using pieces of art made from just one tree. The show was so successful that it had to be done again. After taking 12 months to cut and dry the wood and a further 10 months of art creation the oneTree 2017 exhibit is finally here and showing until Jan 31st 2018.

An Salish Owl, John Marston impressive total of 51 artists have created art from just one tree, 17 of these artists are from the

My Dinner with Andrew, designed by John Lore

‘oneTree’: Conceived in Cowichan

Cowichan Valley including John Lore, David Martinello, Joseph Egan, Eugene Laughren, John Marston, Zak Stolk, Rommy Verlaan and Alice Young.

With over 100 pieces displayed and offered for sale at the Robert Bateman Centre this year’s exhibit is valued at over $400,000…all

MARGOT PAGE

Enamelling on Copper and Steel

from just one walnut tree.

You can meet John at the ‘Meet the Artist Days’at The Robert Bateman Centre December 9, between 10am – 1pm. Meet the Artist Days are December 9 & 23 with half-price admissions.

Once You Knew by Alice Young

‘oneTree’ Exhibit runs until January 31, 2018 at the Robert Bateman Centre open daily 10am – 5pm 470 Belleville Street, Victoria www.liveedgedesign.com

Studio Visits by Appointment 250-746-8446 7113 Osborne Bay Rd, Duncan I www.margotpage.com

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Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

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Margit Nellemann Ceramics original handbuilt teapot and cup.

International Tea Day 2017

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n 2005, a group of tea workers from India got together and created International Tea Day. The idea behind the group (and the day) was to share the plight of tea workers and to shed more light on the industry and its work force. As the tea industry continues to experience tremendous growth, it is important that traditions, quality and meaning are not lost. The living environments are often substandard and the wages extremely low. What is more, the large conventional tea estates spray the fields while the workers are there.

Now in its twelfth year, the purpose of International Tea Day remains the same.

When we as tea consumers are better informed about the origins

of our favourite beverage we can demand improved situations and salaries within the industry.

When we purchase organic tea we support a healthier living and work environment for thousands of tea pickers worldwide.

On Friday December 15th, we invite you to celebrate the day with us at the farm. Enjoy complimentary tea and explore the world of tea with our diverse selection of organic teas from different tea growing regions.

We will offer tours of the tea garden where you can learn more about our efforts to grow tea here in the Cowichan Valley.

Tours will be at 11am and 2pm free of charge and we ask that you reserve ahead to avoid disappointment.

In honour of all the amazing tea workers worldwide, ceramic artist Margit Nellemann will be drawing for one of her beautiful handbuilt clay teapots.

INTUITIVE HEALER • Certified Clinical

Hypnotherapist • Certified Quantum Touch Practitioner

HEATHER LAUZON

250-732-1405

www.emeraldhealingplace.com Margit has given away a teapot for the past ten years to raise awareness of the working conditions for tea pickers around the world. You can sign up by visiting us at the farm or online at www.westholmetea.com.

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Tamu Miles Writer, Editor, Journalist, Horoscope Columnist and Office Manager for Vancouver Island Gutter

F Gifts for Gardeners Open until Christmas Eve

or many people, picking out a Christmas tree is a special holiday tradition. So to make sure your beautiful tree lasts, here are some helpful Christmas tree buying tips.

First of all you need to decide if you want a cut tree or a live one. Cut trees are great if you don’t have garden space and if you plan to leave your tree up for several weeks. Living trees are great for those who wish to keep the tree for years to come, and who don’t mind it being indoors for a short period of time.

Stocking Stuffers • Hand Tools • Garden Themed Giftware • ‘Fairy Garden’ Accessories for Miniature Gardens • Indoor Christmas Flowers • Trees! from Live Table Tops to Quality Cut Trees GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR GARDENERS! See our table for ideas on hardy winter planters. www.dinternursery.ca 5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

When picking out a cut tree, make sure to consider shape, colour and needle retention. Pines tend to hold their needles the longest, then Fir, then Spruce. And yes, the fresher the better. A good test is to bounce the trunk on the ground. If little or no needles fall off, the tree is fresh. Another way to tell is by tugging the needles themselves. If they do not come off easily and they don’t snap when you bend them, then the tree is in good shape. Once the tree is inside, make sure to keep the water reserve filled at all times.

If you have decided that you would like to bring home a live tree, leave it outside until just before Christmas. A living tree should be inside for a maximum of ten days. Allow it to acclimatize by putting it in an unheated room. Check the root ball daily, it should be moist.

Do not remove the burlap. Instead place it in a suitable pot with potting soil, sawdust, or moist peat. Be sure to place a saucer under the pot to catch excess water.

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m l w w a H b t p m

Cut or Live: Picking the Right Christmas Tree for your Home in an unheated room for a few days before moving it outside. Trees in burlap sacks should be lifted out of the pot and planted directly in the ground. If the tree maintains its colour and has new growth in the spring, you know you it has been properly cared for.

And last, but not least: measure, measure, measure! Seriously, don’t go home with a tree that is too tall. You need the height of your living room as well as the height of your tree stand or pot.

That’s it! Now you just have to decide who gets to decorate and who gets to watch. Happy Holidays!

Zak Stolk

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25 Years Experience of Lutherie in the Italian Tradition.

Making, repair and restoration of Violins, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, and all manner of Stringed Instruments.

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

H b t c h h t E t o t p w w I a t m o E h s e

T U

Violin Maker

After Christmas, place your live tree

T g A T a r T f e m e

250-749-6563 zakviolins@shaw.ca www.zakviolins.com

3 a m

Tyler Hayes Glass Artist

Tyler Hayes creating with fire

mysticglasscreations.com enviroglassstraw.ca

T

yler Hayes was drawn to glass by the fluidity and movement of the medium. “ I love taking a solid form, playing with it as a liquid and then watching it transform back into a solid once again” he explains.

He is a self-taught artist and has been working with glass full time for 15 years. He has been privileged to take courses with many renowned glass artists.

Tyler works with borosilicate glass, also known as hard glass.

As borosilicate glass is so hard, Tyler uses the direct heat from an oxygen propane torch to reach the desired temperature.

This precise approach allows for fine details to be added into each piece, creating miniature masterpieces for his clients to enjoy.

His work is primarily influenced by two themes, the ocean and the universe. He loves to create creatures inspired by his love for the ocean. One of his most popular creatures is a three dimensional 22’ octopus.

Each one is as individual as the creatures undersea, with its own striking palette of colours, tentacles and eyes, bringing its personality to life. “I love the way octopus flow through the water as graceful as they are.

I enjoy creating the tentacles as if the octopus is under the sea going about his daily movements”. Tyler’s love for the ocean also birthed his company Enviro Glass Straw, for which he hand makes glass drinking straws in an effort to cut back on environmental waste.

Tyler also loves to create Universe globes that fit a

Glass Artist Tyler Hayes

universe in the palm of your hand. By creating nebulas, planets, black holes and stars ahead of time, he is able to place them into a sphere creating an entire universe. “I enjoy studying the night sky because it puts it into perspective where we are in the world. It reminds me of what’s really significant in my life. Each time I create a universe globe, I get to experience this. I love watching my clients as they have the same amazement when looking into my creations”.

The famous Octopus sculpture

America. He is a part of the Visions Studio Tour and his home gallery is open by appointment year round. For

further information please check out Tyler’s websites www. mysticglasscreations.com or www.enviroglassstraw.ca

Tyler’s work is displayed at galleries all across North

ECOLOGICALLY ORIENTED • Landscaping & Design • Property maintenance • Ecosystem restoration

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Faye Stefan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Heilkunstler and Homeopath 2508155029

A

s we move deeper into Fall many of us move deeper into ourselves with a feeling of hibernation much like the natural world around us. Sometimes this depth brings a feeling of darkness that can be frightening and tosses our inner world into turmoil.

The spiral downward is often not noticed by those around us as we slowly sink into the dark days of winter and eventually depression.

There is a way to ease this feeling of depression without resorting to pharmaceutical drugs. A carefully chosen homeopathic remedy or combination of remedies can gradually lift one out of the depths of darkness to enjoy the quietness of deep winter days.

You can safely lighten your winter days using one or more of the remedies listed here.

1. Arsenicum album: One of the best remedies for excessive worriers, especially for those that obsess about health. Leaning towards perfectionism, they can fall to depression when they fail to reach their often too ambitious personal goals. Symptoms are

JODIE MCDONALD, MSW RSW 250-580-2252 jodie@livingandbreathing.ca

50

Winter Depression: Moving out of the Dark usually worse in colder weather, and one can be very sensitive to pain.

2. Aurum metallicum: This is the workaholic remedy. There is a tendency toward worthlessness, despair, and suicidal thoughts, especially after a failure at work or in their personal life.

Symptoms often get worse at night or during the colder months. May find relief from calming music.

3. Calcarea carbonica: Best remedy to use for the dependable and industrious types that become overwhelmed from physical illness, work, or worry.

The person may also develop fatigue, anxiety, self-pity, discouragement, and confusion.

This remedy is also best for people who sweat easily and suffer from insomnia and periods of sluggishness.

4. Causticum: To be used when the person is depressed after a loss or when grieving. Other indications for this remedy include forgetfulness, frequent crying, and mental dullness.

The person is often also very sympathetic toward others, and they can have an angry and discouraged world outlook.

5. Cimicifuga: This is the recommended remedy for someone who is energetic and talkative during the good times; however, they feel gloomy and upset during episodes of depression. Other symptoms include neck pain, headaches,

and painful menstrual periods.

6. Ignatia amara: This remedy is for sensitive people that tend to suppress disappointment or grief.

They also do not want to appear too vulnerable, defensive, moody, or guarded in the eyes of others.

On occasion, they may burst into tears or laughter for no particular reason. Other symptoms may include abdominal cramps, headaches, or insomnia.

7. Kali phosphoricum: To be used when the person feels depressed after prolonged periods of emotional stress or excitement.

They may also experience nervousness, exhaustion, lack of concentration, headaches, insomnia, anemia, sensitivity to the cold, and indigestion.

8. Lachesis muta: To be used when depression is caused by suspicion, jealously, or repressed feelings. It is also prescribed for people who dislike commitment or confinement. The person may be worrisome, very talkative, and experience menopausal depression.

9. Natrum carbonicum: This is best used for people who are selfless, gentle, and mild by nature. The person tends to avoid conflict and usually becomes depressed after a disappointment of some kind. When they feel lonely, they will become isolated, withdrawn, and listen to sad music. Other symptoms will include nervousness and sensitivities to weather changes, sun, and certain foods.

10. Natrum muraticum: This person will often hide strong inner feelings such as anger, fear of misfortune, grief, or romantic attachment. They are also responsible, reserved, guarded, and they seek solitude. Although

IBP INTEGRATIVE BODY PSYCHOTHERAPISTS COUNSELLING AND HEALING BREATHWORK

they also seek sympathy, they can become angry if someone attempts to console them. Other symptoms include migraines, insomnia, back pain, anxiety, and hopelessness.11. Phosphoric acid: The best remedy for the person who is dull, indifferent, and apathetic. Other symptoms include loss of appetite and often feeling overwhelmed from overwork, grief, studying, or heartbreak. They also desire juices, often speak in short phrases, and experience night sweats. Depressive episodes often are worse from sleeping.

12. Pulsatilla nigricans: Used for people who become tearful and sad when depressed, and desire lots of comfort and attention. They are also very moody, jealous, and whiny. The person’s mood will improve with fresh air, crying, and light exercise. The best remedy when depression occurs in conjunction with menopause, menstrual periods, or puberty.

13. Sepia: Sepia is the best remedy when a person is overwhelmed from loved ones and family members. They will also often want to be alone and they may become angry when bothered. They may feel better after crying and they prefer not to be consoled. Other related symptoms include digestion problems and menstrual issues.

14. Staphysagria: Best used for a person who is sensitive, quiet, and emotional. The person may be addicted to work and have a problem standing up to others.

The depression can be caused by shame, resentment, suppressed emotions, and hurt feelings.

When under too much pressure, they may experience fits of rage.

They may also have a high sex drive and experience insomnia, headaches, toothaches, stomachaches, and stress-related bladder infections.

Dynamicpathways.biz

SYBILLE WEBB, MEd 250-715-6957 sybillewebb@shaw.ca

Guard Yourself Against Flu Season

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’ve heard that it was going to be an epidemically bad viral flu season, this fall/winter. Knowing this you may want to take a few extra precautions, and I’m here to help inform you on a few top remedies for prevention as well as busting the cold symptoms when they creep up on you.

Vitamin D: I cannot emphasize enough how important this unappreciated and affordable hormone-vitamin is, year round.

Here in our very northern hemisphere, we really don’t get an optimal amount. Many people think if they go outside for a bit they’re good, but a lot of us are blood serum-level deficient. This contributes to a whole range of problems, including affecting the immune system. Take at least 2000UI vitamin D, ideally twice that in winter, to greatly build up your strength, immunity, and vitality. Talk to your physician if you want to get tested, as you may need more to get your level up if you are very deficient. Also you can add fish oils, eat fatty wild fish, local free range eggs, and unpasteurized organic dairy products.

Vitamin C: We all know this one, which is constantly being utilized and flushed out of our bodies, as we think, work, move, and undergo stress. It is an important antioxidant required

for at least 300 metabolic functions. When your fighting flu bugs, your body needs more.

Take at least 2000mg/day, and eat more raw fruits and veggies!

Cooked food is robbed of this vital nutrient. Berries, bell peppers, cabbage and greens, citrus, acerola and camu camu powders all rich in C. Garlic: The cure all gifted to us from ancient times! The builders

of the pyramids ate garlic daily for strength and endurance.

It is a potent immune system enhancer and naturally antibiotic.

Consume it daily, at least 2 cloves, which can be chopped up raw and added to salads, dinner, etc. I like to chop it up fine and swallow it straight! Odourless capsules are also available for those who prefer.

Astragulus: A wonderful root herb available ground to powder.

It is an adaptogen aiding us in stressful times, and an immune system protectant. It also gives us energy to combat fatigue, increasing stamina. Add a scoop to your smoothies, to water and lemon, or make a tea. Take a couple times a day if you are onset ill or healing.

Dynamic Pathways

Faye Stefan MA, RCC, DHHP Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Homeopathic Practitioner

250-815-5029 Path to Wellness: Combining counselling with homeopathy for your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs utilizing Heilkunst Sequential Timeline Therapy.

Dynamicpathways.biz | fstefan59@gmail.com All organic! Cold-Pressed Juices + Juice Cleanses + Smoothies + Elixirs + Raw Food + Bulletproof Coffee

Try A Glow Cleanse!

Whether it’s to lose weight, get in shape, or to start eating healthy, an Organic Glow Juice Cleanse is a great way to accelerate your health goals.

Elderberry: Combats free radicals, relieves cough and congestion, and enhances immunity function. Its great taken as a cough syrup (available sugarless) for those pesky throat irritations. Effective for flu viruses. Also in lozenges with zinc.

Medicinal mushrooms like chaga and reishi deserve an honourable mention for immune strength and adaptogenic qualities.

Eliminate sugar and processed foods from the diet as they rob your body of proper nourishment and dampen immunity. Eat lots of fresh veggies, fruits, protein, and warming broths and teas.

Keep hydrated, drinking lots of water and herbal teas like ginger. Limit caffeine when you are fighting something. Slow down and take deep breaths. Go for walks in the sunshine and leaves, get circulation going to encourage healing. Wash up, dress warmly, and be good to yourself and your loved ones!

Call, come in, or book online at www.glowjuicery.ca. 250 597 2595 3-5380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan

Start the new year with a clean home and workplace.

Giving you back the luxury of time and a naturally clean home to enjoy it in!

Providing professional, eco friendly cleaning services.

Tina Foster, RHN is a registered holistic nutritionist in Duncan MineTheHarvest@ hotmail.com 2507488774

250 929 8381 www.cleanchoicecleaners.com Licensed - Insured - Bonded Home Cleaning Gift Certificates available for Family & Friends!

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250 715 6174

Air Quality Concerns in the CVRD

D

id you know elementary school children take about 20,000 to 30,000 breaths per day? Children take more breaths than adults because they are smaller, and their respiratory systems are still maturing. They are also one of the most vulnerable portion of our population to air quality contamination. Island Health indicates that in the Cowichan Local Health Area, admission rates for children with respiratory diseases averages 70% higher than provincial rates for the period of 1998 to 2012.

• • • • •

Website Design & Development Social Media Solutions Search Engine Optimization Internet Marketing & PPC Consulting & Training

250-732-2937

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info@MAC5.ca www.MAC5.ca @MAC5WebDesign

1- 855-622-5932

The CVRD is partnering with School District 79, Island Health, and the Ministry of Environment to roll out neighbourhood air quality sensors. Currently, we have air sensors at Mount Prevost Elementary, Chemainus Elementary and Secondary, Thetis Elementary, Alex Aitken Elementary, Cobble Hill Elementary, Discovery Elementary, and many more locations throughout the Cowichan – including the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre

and The Hub at Cowichan Station.

The season of wood smoke in the Cowichan Valley has begun. Air quality can be poor during the fall and winter months because of fine particles primarily from open burning and woodstove use.

However, there is good news to share about progress being made.

The new neighbourhood sensor network will build awareness for air quality, help to inform parents and teachers of realtime air quality hazards, provide information on the distribution of wood smoke within our communities, and identify opportunities to improve the air we breathe.

“Air quality is a problem that involves many players and has broad impacts across vulnerable groups in the Cowichan,” says Chair Jon Lefebure. “The neighbourhood sensor network will help the region develop a stronger awareness of the problems and work together to establish community change for an issue that has deep roots in our history and culture.”

Check air quality conditions at your school and learn how we can improve air quality: www.cvrd.bc.ca/air.

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ENVIRONMENTALLY BETTER THAN BURNING!

s are down! y when the chip We’re eco-friendl

VICE CHIPPING SER

Storm Clean Up Minor Tree Limbing Complete Clean Up & Haul Away Services We Chip up to 6” in diameter and 12”slabs

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Why Burn When You Can Chip

W

ee Chip Cowichan offers affordable and convenient residential and small business chipping, mulching, trimming services.

They take pride in knowing they operate an Eco-Friendly business.

“Our light weight chipper is state of the art with a fuel efficient gas motor meeting all California and Canadian emission standards.

Our newest piece of equipment is a Mahindra tractor with a PTO driven chipper/shredder.

This new piece of equipment allows use to get into places where we can’t get our normal chipper. We use biodegradable oil in our chainsaws and all our equipment is kept in top running condition thus helping to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust.” shares Doug Kitchen. “Our Mission is to offer a service to

home owners so that we can try to reduce or eliminate the need for burning branches and left overs from pruning.”

The Cowichan Valley Regional District are educating residents on the negative effects of burning primarily its effects on air quality. “There are more and more people suffering from various heart and lung conditions that become isolated in their homes on days when there is a lot of smoke in the valley. Living in a valley the smoke tends to hang around longer.”

Chipping is better than burning in that it takes less time with very little emissions. Wood chips will break down faster that whole branches becoming nutrients for the soil, depending on the temperature. Of all the mulch materials wood chips are the best. They have good

moisture retention, can moderate temperature, are great for weed control and are good to enhance the production of plants. “Our chipper can chip from 1 inch to 6 inches” shares Doug “We can also chip slabs up to 12 inches.

We haul away the chippings and leave the area as clean as possible. We can also leave the chippings for the home owner to use for their own gardens.

If wood chips are added to a layer of peat moss this will become like the mulch layer on a forest floor. 4-6 inches of mulch is the rule of thumb anything less could promote weed growth. In

some hotter areas wood chips will actually allow the soil to retain water. On our property we have a 4-6 inch layer of mulch in various areas and any weeds that do pop up are very easy to pull out, without the use of chemicals.”

Winter is busy for Wee Chip besides chipping all the trees and branches that are coming down in the storms they are licensed, insured and bonded electrical contractors, and can also limb those pesky branches hanging over the power line to the residence. www.weechipcowichan.ca

For full design/build service, give us a call

p 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com

p

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to attic heating.

Steve Unger, P.Eng. of Viridian Energy Co-operative viridianenergy.ca 1-888-386-0116

Batteries If there is not enough sun here in the winter, what about storing summer solar energy in batteries for the winter? How many batteries would it take?

To get through a grey Southern Vancouver Island winter, the average home would need over 200 Tesla power walls. Not to mention the $2,000,000 price tag for the power walls, you’d need a small house to hold all them all.

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o solar panels generate electricity in the winter?

This seems a timely question as we enter the darker days of winter. The amount of energy produced by solar panels is a function of the intensity of the sunlight shining on it, the ambient temperature, and the hours of sunlight. Let’s look at each of these three factors oneby-one.

First, the more intense and direct the sunlight, the greater quantity of electricity generated. For maximum power, solar panels want to be both perpendicular to the incoming light, and in full sun. Thus, the best tilt angle varies by latitude. In the arctic, solar panels are installed on the sides of buildings. In the tropics the panels are laid flat. Here on Southern Vancouver Island, solar panels at a lower tilt work better in the summer; and solar panels at a greater tilt work better in the winter. A tilt of 30o works best overall to maximize annual solar production.

Second, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels convert light (photo), not heat, into electricity. This is an important distinction. Solar panels do not like it hotter, just brighter. PV panels, like most electronics, are more efficient at colder temperatures. Typically, solar panels are more efficient by a factor of -0.5% per oC (note the

Open 9am to 9pm!

DAILY 1606 Joan Avenue 250-324-2249

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Therefore, it makes more sense to use BC Hydro as your battery.

BC Hydro’s Net Metering programme measures the energy you consume and subtracts the energy you produce. You pay for the net energy consumption. If you produce more energy than you consume, an energy credit is built (i.e., BC Hydro owes you energy).

In this way, BC Hydro will “store” or credit your surplus summer electricity for Figure 1 - Solar Generation by Month consumption in the winter. In fact, this is a benefit to BC Hydro, by enabling getting 14 hours of sunlight them to hold more water in produces 3,892 Wh. Although reservoirs during the dryer the solar panel is less powerful summer months. in the summer, the longer days more than make up for the lower Well designed solar gridpower. tie systems are meant to overproduce electricity in the Figure 1 shows solar energy summer and shoulder seasons, production by month. The feed the surplus back to BC modeling software used takes Hydro, and then draw down the into account all three factors of energy credit in the winter. In intensity, temperature and hours this way, it is possible to be net of sunlight. zero for electricity - on an annual basis and without batteries.

This is all to show that solar panels on Southern Vancouver Unless you need batteries for Island do produce electricity in back-up power or to be off-grid, the winter but less than in the spend the money on more solar summer. Approximately, 70% panels -not on batteries. Batteries of the solar energy is produced have no payback; whereas, solar in half the year between April panels reduce GHGs and save and September. As solar system you money. designers, we craft the system to maximize the summer sunlight, For more information on solar to be in direct sunlight, and systems for home owners, to keep the solar panels cool. contact: Viridian Energy Incidentally higher operating Co-operative at temperatures are an issue with www.viridianenergy.ca solar roof tiles as they are subject 1.800.386.0116 for find them on Facebook.

Solar Power in the Winter minus sign). The power rating of a solar panel is measured at 25oC. Thus, a 300 Watt (W) solar panel is 300W at 25 oC. At freezing (0oC) that same solar panel is 338 W, and at +40 oC, the solar panel is 278W. Thus, PV panels have a greater power to generate electricity in the winter.

Third, it is hours of sunlight that is the biggest factor determining overall energy production.

Energy generation is a product of the power of the panel and the hours of sunlight. Our 300W panel above, receiving 10 hours of sunlight, generates 3,000 Watt-hours (Wh) - or 3 kiloWatt-hours (kWh) - of electrical energy at 25oC. In winter at 0oC, our solar panel (now 338W) getting 4 hours of sunlight produces 1,352 Wh. In summer, our solar panel (now 279W)

All new high efficiency machines!

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a t s T c t t e T a c a o w t o T w l s s r a u a w i c

A n b f s p T i

also carry with them an energetic imprint that lasts a lifetime.

To receive a tattoo, we must enter a very vulnerable state, and open ourselves fully to the experience.

By combining an intention and a lot of breath, tattoo can take you on a magical ride.

Keah Rose Sacred Tattoo

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he question often arises, “why the name sacred tattoo”?

This name comes from tattoo’s true origins - a sacred experience.

The ancient art of tattoo is rooted in many cultures as a form of ceremony and healing, where symbols of power and deep meaning were drawn upon flesh with the intention of enhancing our humanness in some way.

Tattoos were imbued to invoke wisdom and integrity in great leaders, protect warriors with symbols of fierce animal spirits, and used as potent rites of passage in many tribes around the world. As a culture uprooted from much of our ancestry and cultural practices, we crave the ceremonial and initiatory qualities that a tattoo can offer us.

A sacred tattoo experience is not only a gift to the physical body; it creates a container for the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects to come to a place of harmony and healing.

Tattoos are often seen as an imprint on the skin, but they

For many people a tattoo represents something very special to us, special enough to carry with us on our bodies for life. Usually people are drawn to getting tattoos to represent times of great change and peak moments in their lives, and this mark is left on the skin, always keeping the memory and feeling of that time alive.

I offer my sacred tattoo in a private studio so clients have the ability to drop in deep; a safe space where they can feel completely supported and heard during the entire process. We begin by pulling cards and smudging, allowing the tattoo to begin from a really grounded place. With gentle energy and deep intention, my client and I journey together through the sacred tattoo experience. Most of my clients share their experience as deeply calm and dream-like.

Tattoo in this way is truly a unique adventure; some will laugh and fill up, and some will cry and empty out – each tattoo is a healing journey all its own.

If you are interested in adorning your body temple with transformational ink, I look forwards to journeying with you through the art of Sacred Tattoo. www.keahrosetattoo.com

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Sands Funeral Chapel

Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan

by Arbor Memorial

Janice Winfrey Funeral Director

tel: 250-746-5212 • fax:250-746-7034 sandsfuneral.com/duncan email:sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com 187 Trunk Road, Duncan, British Columbia V9L 2P1

#301- 394 Duncan Street Duncan, BC V9L 3W4 250 748-1426 Fax: 250 748 2805 PO Box 1396 #101-626 First Avenue Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A9 250 245-1429 Fax: 250 245-1421 1-800-818-5703 www.palmerleslie.ca

Call 250-710-3088 250-710-30 88 to placeCall your orders now

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COWICHAN BUSINESS FOR BUSINESS

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ands Funeral Chapel has been hosting an annual Holiday Celebration of Memories in their chapel for over 10 years. It is a non denominational service, and everyone in the community is welcome to contemplate and remember those who have passed. “This time of year can be extremely difficult for families and friends who have lost loved ones. says Janice Winfrey, of Sands Funeral Chapel “ It is a chance to celebrate their memory.”

Several people have been coming to the event every year since it began.

The Holidays Are Coming…

Show That You Care

Upon arrival, guests are given a candle at the beginning of the service that will be lit during the ceremony in honour of their loved ones.

A special reading will be shared by Cowichan Valley Hospice Society and for those attending who also wish to speak, sing or pray there is an opportunity to share. “We always have live music. There is a harpist this year who will be playing as guests arrive and also after the ceremony.

We will also have musical selections during the program.

The service typically runs 2025 minutes and immediately following the service refreshments are served to all those in attendance. “People are always encouraged to share memories. We find

that at the end of the service during the reception when we all come together it is a significant time for mutual reflection.” shares Janice “One of the worst feelings you will experience following the death of a loved one is that of being alone. It may help to know that you are not alone so come light a candle in tribute to the loved one you miss, and help fill the room with the light and warmth of happy memories.

Holiday Celebration of Memories, Tuesday, December 5, 6:00pm 187 Trunk Rd, Duncan. Please RSVP to 250 746 5212 or by email sandsduncan@ arbormemorial.com

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Thermography Clinic Comes To Duncan Make An Impact on A Child’s Future Have you considered volunteering with Big Brother Big Sisters, but thought you didn’t have the time? Or maybe the timing wasn’t right? Making a big impact and changing a child’s future for the better can be done with less time than people often think.

In the Community Mentoring program, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the child, through regular outings, built on trust and common interests. We offer In-School Mentoring programs where a volunteer spends one hour per week at the school spending time with a child they have been matched with. InSchool Mentors can have a real impact on a child’s performance in school, both academically and socially. Group mentoring programs consists of 7 sessions, held over 7 weeks with a focus on physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and self-esteem. All volunteer mentors are supported by our experienced case-workers.

We all have people in our lives that have impacted us at one point or another. If you think about why, you know they cared about you, you know they listened to you and you felt important in their eyes.

This person was a role model, a positive influence in your life, and changed something inside of you for the better. Pay forward what they have given to you.

Find out more about the range of mentoring programs we offer, attend one of our upcoming orientation sessions! Take that first step and start something BIG! Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley #1-60 Ingram St, Volunteer Info Session Tuesday, December 5 & 11 6pm 1-60 Ingram Street, Duncan.

Cotact to register 250-748-2447 juliepyon@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

With statistics being 1 in 8 for women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, it seems that an ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure.”

Thermography is infrared imaging, it is non-invasive and radiation-free. It’s safe for all women and is especially useful for those who have implants, dense breasts, or are younger than the age recommended for mammography screening.” says Glenda Neufeld, the owner and technician of Thermography Clinic Vancouver Island, who brings this high tech equipment to the Valley on a regular basis.

Thermography has been approved by the FDA and is widely used in Europe as an adjunct to other screening methods like; mammogram, ultrasound and MRI. Here in BC, thermography is not covered by the province, so patients who take a proactive approach to their health, pay for the scans themselves.

•Release trapped emotions and find health and happiness •Take down your heart - wall and welcome in your hopes and dreams •Achieve self-confidencePioneering reflex inhibition and integration work

250-597-3686

First appointment free!

David Yaeger

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner davidyaeger650@gmail.com https://www.healerslibrary.com/global-practitioner-map/ (find me just north of Duncan)

Rob’s Lighthouse Eatery & Art Gallery Fresh, friendly, affordable and pet-friendly!

OpenED Daily 8am-6pm Heated patio or take out

*Award Winning Chowder* Grilled Seasoned Fish & Chicken Great Burgers, Fries, Wraps & More!

Dine In on our heated patio or Take Out! Cowichan Bay

“A picture can say a thousand words” says Dr. Alexander Mostovoy, Director of Thermography Clinic Inc. (www.thermographyclinic. com) who analyzes the images that Neufeld sends him, “A thermographic image is like a thermal fingerprint and like a fingerprint, it should stay relatively the same over time. If there is an elevated risk, speak with a health care provider and make a plan to lower your risk while preventative measures are still highly effective.”

“Women have come back for a follow-up thermography exam after doing some ’homework’ and have seen positive changes, which is very empowering” Neufeld says,” it helps move one from awareness to action”.

Saturday, December 9 Wu Wei Acupuncture & Acupressure clinic #103-44 Queens Road, Duncan 250-710-3581 for appointments.

The Warmland Singers return for their 4th annual Christmas concert, a much anticipated show that is quickly becoming a part of the Cowichan Valley holiday tradition. Join this incredible group of young singers on Friday, December 23rd at 3:00pm in the beautiful

sanctuary of Sylvan United Church in Mill Bay. They will be singing a short programme of classical and contemporary a cappella choral music celebrating the holiday season and the coming of a new year.

Saturday, December 23, 3pm, Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay Admission by donation. All proceeds donated to Cowichan Basket Society.

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YOGA FOR WELLNESS

I Lori Austein, C.C.H.T., C.C.T.

Helping you create personal transformation •Certified Council Trainer & Facilitator •Certified Heart-Centered Hypnotherapist® •Transpersonal Life Coach Individual Hypnotherapy, Coaching Sessions & Workshops to Create Healthy New Patterns For Your Life: • Improve Relationships • Resolve Anxiety • Increase Self-esteem

• Heal Trauma • Get Unstuck • End Emotional Eating

Yoga Therapy with Lindsay Campa, C-IAYT, RMT

recently had a session with Lindsay Campa, Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and RMT. Lindsay is a good friend of mine and I have had the pleasure of receiving many bodywork sessions with her over the years, but this was the first time I got to benefit from her latest skill set: yoga therapy.

She welcomed me into her warm office space, a mini yoga studio set up with two yoga mats on the floor, with sheepskins, blankets, bolsters, and pillows arranged for extra comfort.

She did a thorough intake to find out how I was doing and “What did I hope to get from the session.”

Authentic Change for an Authentic Life www.loriaustein.com I (250) 597-7459 I leaustein@gmail.com

I am seven months pregnant and have been following a daily gentle yoga practice, but I was not sure if all the exercises were benefiting me, or potentially aggravating old injuries. She was curious to observe me do each of the poses and she gave helpful feedback about each one. She also assessed my movement patterns and my posture and asked me more about my injuries. She then offered some targeted exercises to help strengthen my weak

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spots and relieve pain.

I was very impressed with her expertise. Her suggestions were precise and immediately helpful.

What was most notable, though, was her exceptional skill in the therapeutic relationship. From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, she was fully present, grounded, and attuned to me. She gave me freedom and space to choose what was right for me and to trust my own experience. In a word, she was safe. And that safety allowed me to explore the truth about my body.

If you are looking for a sensitive, caring and skilled guide to help you heal your body’s injuries, I highly recommend Lindsay Campa! www.thehealingbody.ca

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Swarn Hardy is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice in Cowichan Station, and a member of the Forest Yoginis.

co Kum Nye

Embodying Silence Melissa Brown is a Certified Hellerwork Practitioner and Somatic Counsellor. islandhellerwork. com

L

iving in a world that is full of sound and stimulation can be a challenge to feel and hear silence.

As we move deeper into the darkness and the seasons change, some of us are called to go deeper within to find more stillness and silence within our busy external world.

I just returned from a five day silent retreat with my spiritual teacher Adyashanti. There were 240 souls at this retreat.

If you’ve never been to a silent retreat before it means you don’t talk to anyone for the five days. You are also encouraged to not engage with your cell phone or computer in any way.

No writing notes or gesturing to those around you. The time is meant to go within, to dive deep into the stillness and silence that is present within us all. It is a time to rest, to inquire, and to be present in each moment. Even though one is silent, the mind is ever present with its thoughts and comments. The space to be silent allowed me to go deeper and explore the beliefs and constructs that I hold in my mind. The days and nights of the retreat were filled with mostly meditation times and some guided talks each day by the teacher.

To embody silence is to be able to sit with ones own thoughts and to go deeper beyond them, finding the gaps in between the thoughts where nothing happens and there it is, the silence.

What does Silence feel like?

To me it feels freeing, a deep peace and knowing that this is where we come from. Silence brings me home deeply to my body, my heart, and presence in this world. Silence is like a river of grace inviting

us to leap unafraid into its beckoning depths. It is dark and mysterious in the waters of grace. Yet in the silent darkness we are given new eyes. In the heart of the divine we can see more clearly who we are. We are renewed and cleansed in this river of silence.

Coming home from this retreat has been a real gift to my practice of Hellerwork. As a Hellerwork Practitioner and Somatic Counsellor one of the most important aspects is to be able to be fully embodied in presence. To be able to leave my stuff at the door and show up mind, body and spirit with full presence for my clients.

It is also being able to stay in a neutral state and allow my nervous system to be at peace.

This five day retreat was like a reset button for my soul, which is a gift to my clients as well as the world.

You may ask but how do I find silence in a world filled with so much noise and distraction?

Silence is everywhere when we allow ourselves to take the leap into its darkness.

I invite you to allow yourself to take the leap into silence.

Close your eyes and commit to being still. The mind may want you to scratch your nose or change your position, but try and commit to stillness.

Tibetan Yoga

A Vehicle for Deep Meditation The Collective Space 166 Station St., Duncan

Every Thursday at 2:30 PM Drop-ins Welcome 250-897-5576 Email: info@movingpresence.center Web: movingpresence.center

ISLAND HELLERWORK

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HOLIDAY HELLERWORK SPECIAL BUY 1 SESSION GET 30% OFF Value $120 for $84 BUY 3 SESSIONS GET 50% OFF ONE SESSION Value $360 for $300 BUY 5 SESSIONS GET ONE FREE Value $600 for $480

MELISSA BROWN www.islandhellerwork.com islandhellerwork@gmail.com 250-661-1687 50% off first session for new clients ALIGN, CONNECT, EMBODY

Julia Allen R.C.C. MCP, IMHA, BA

Masters Counselling Psychology Registered Clinical Counsellor

Shamanic Practices, Therpeutic Altered States Therapy

Allow your breathe to be easy, not trying to control it, or change it. Allowing everything to be exactly as it is.

You will notice the mind and just let that be too. If you get lost in the mind you can come back to the words “Stillness of the Breath” Notice the few moments where there is no thought. That is silence. The more we practice allowing the silence, the easier it is. Like anything we do, the more we practice with intention the easier it becomes.

250-709-9673 www.longboatcounselling.com info@longboatcounselling.com Emboding silence is like food for our soul. It nourishes, sustains and opens us up to deeper awareness of our true nature and gifts us more presence that we can share with others on this path called life.

I invite your curiosity in finding silence daily in your life. To let your whole being rest in its grace, even if it’s only for a few seconds a day. www.islandhellerwork.com

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McLeod Family Goodbye

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have been saying goodbye for months now, first to my husband Brock McLeod, who passed away September 20 from kidney cancer, and then to family and friends as I pack up to move off the Island with our four-year-old son. Our friends at the Valley Voice kindly offered me this space so I could say goodbye to our community.

Valleyview

Centre

So much to offer!

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd Fitness Valley Health and Fitness 250-743-0511 Full service gym/classes Spa and Wellness Reiki Wellness 250 743-8122 Reiki, Foot Detox, Infrared, Acupuncture, Reflexology Monet Spa 250-743-6114 Professional Spa services for parties, groups or individuals.

Healthcare Cobble Hill Dental 250-743-6698 Friendly, Family Practice

We Welcome New Patients!

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Food Country Grocer 250 743-5639 Bakery, Meat, Seafood, Produce, Deli & Floral, Supplements Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese 250 929-2873 Charcuterie, Cheese House Made Pates Pizzeria Prima Strada Cobble Hill 250-929-4655 Wood-fired pizza, meatball sandwiches, local wine & craft beer

Brock was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in 2014; we closed our organic vegetable farm (Makaria Farm) the following year.

We spent Brock’s final years having adventures and making memories for our son.

Through this time, our family was supported to an unbelievable extent by our community. At first I tried to keep a list of all the love tokens left at our door, the generous gestures, and the sympathetic hugs I received, because I wanted to send thank-you notes. But I was quickly overwhelmed by all the kindness. Please know how grateful Brock and I are for everything you’ve said and done for us.

Everyone who saw Brock’s CT scans last year expected he’d be gone by Christmas 2016. Both Brock and I credited his longevity to the lack of stress in our lives these last few years, and to the great love we’ve felt from our community. Thank you for helping us have more time together as a family.

We’ve started a bursary and an award in memory of Brock: one to encourage Liberal Studies students at VIU, and the other to recognize young entrepreneurs graduating from local high schools. We did this both to honour Brock’s legacy, and to give back in some way to the community that supported us.

Isaac will grow up in my hometown of Invermere.

While I’m happy with that decision, we will miss our community here. Isaac told me he has the Cowichan Valley’s “colours” inside him.

In fact, his middle name is “Duncan.” Thank you for all your support and love.

FARMER BROCK’S STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRIS Brock was known at the Craig Street Brew Pub as the dude who orders strawberry daiquiris. After a hot day of weeding the strawberry patch yet again, a round of daiquiris makes everyone feel better.

In a blender, blend: 1/4 cup lemon juice (or 1/8 cup lime juice and 1/2 cup lemon juice) 1/2 cup sugar (This breaks down the sugar crystals.)

Then add at least 2 cups (1 pint) strawberries 3/4 cup rum (optional) and blend to make your concentrate.

Fill blender with ice and blend to make daiquiris.

Serve with a straw.

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12 Sacred Nights

D

uring this season as the year comes to a close, the Earth slows her evolution as the cosmic connection strengthens.

Each night a window opens to the unseen world drawing into us the ancient timeless process of reverence and awakening.

Weaving the cycle of this year’s path through our inner creativity

invites the experience of connecting to the cosmic current, during the most powerful time of the year. This cosmic channel opens approximately between December 17th and January 5th.

The 12 sacred nights workshop cascades through holding the circle, guiding the discovery of connecting with the creative aspects within us all and welcoming the experience of celebrating our inner light during this special time. This workshop

provides tools that connect us to the forces that stream in so abundantly from the cosmos during this time and allows for the process of self discovery by inviting the participants to engage in the practice of painting and dream journaling. Creating the experience of life-giving quality and alignment with the cosmic rhythms advances and nurtures our connection and guides our desires and hopes for the coming year. The offering of this workshop is for the participants to continue each night at a set time with the provided tools and teachings.

Channeling the cosmic channel opens spiritual invocation of connection that often weaves into a person’s dreams. A dream Journal is kept to record the dreams that offer insight to the person’s path ahead.

Reconnecting with our inner fire during this season offers us a method of holding this time of year in ceremony with the sacredness of Self.

Please feel invited to join in an afternoon workshop guided by Patricia Dawn During the workshop: • we will experience ‘holding circle’ • reconnect to the inner creative child • explore the connection through colors and creative outcomes • embrace the dreamtime that awaits our future.

Things to consider bringing: Your dreams • A small item of personal significance • a snack and water comfy clothing • a journal Sunday, December 3, The Hub/ In The Annex Buildin 11am.-1pm $35/ or by donation Please register with Patricia Dawn at: patriciadawn3@gmail. com or call: 250-292-1199

Float effortlessly on the surface of 1000L of water saturated with 1200 lbs of Epsom salts heated to 94.5 degrees. Experience life without sensation and distractions in this unique light and soundproof environment.

662 Herald St. I Victoria, BC I V8W 1S7 I 778 433 3166 I hello@floathousevictoria.com I floathousevictoria.com

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Lucky Dog U Bath

Lucky Dogs...

Lady Tana

Just north of

1059 CANADA AVE DUNCAN Power Lunch

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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

Check our website for special holiday hours.

U Bath or WE Bath

g! n i om Gro

Fido rolled in dead fish?

We can help!

250 597-7DOG

www.luckydogubath.ca

Life and Leadership Coaching…

Inspired by Horses • Experiential Learning with Horses • Corporate and Personal Programming • Developing Horsemanship Skills • Centered Riding Lessons • Equine Behaviour Consulting • Mindfulness Retreats • Youth and Adults

www.spiritgate.ca michelle@spiritgate.ca 250 737 1484

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L

ady Tana used her paws and her cunning to inflate her hot air balloon. She had plans to find some cheese. Having sampled the goat cheese at Hillary’s and the smoked cheese at Cure, she wanted to travel to find more exquisite samples abroad. Her plan was to float to Vancouver and discover the international delicatessens that only a large metropolis could afford her. She packed her dish and a tennis ball and a sock.

The weather was beautiful as she lifted off and floated with the wind. There was land below and she drifted for days wondering how far Vancouver could be. A pelican landed on her balloon basket and asked her what she was doing.

“I’m sailing to find some cheese.” She replied.

“Well, you’re in luck.” Said the pelican. “You are nearing Mexico where the finest chihuahua cheese is made.” The pelican then flew away. Tana was confused, but excited about a new cheese.

She started to smell delicious curds and lowered her balloon onto the land. The weather was hot and the streets were dry.

She followed her nose and soon found a nice child willing to share his delicious cheese. She knew how to procure a morsel; sit nicely and tilt her head.

After a short visit in Mexico and a few samples of cheese she continued her travelling.

Tana floated around the world for months. Using her good looks and charm she tried brie in France, gouda in Holland,

cheddar in England, pecorino romano in Italy, and emmental in Switzerland.

She tried goat’s cheese, sheep’s cheese, and cow’s cheese.

She sampled reindeer cheese in Lapland, camel cheese in Morroco, and donkey cheese in Turkey.

Tana ate Yak cheese in Tibet and moose cheese in Sweden.

Her fame began to precede her and the finest cheesemakers would wait for her arrival and compete for her opinion. Tana was offered spring water and fluffy beds after sampling, but being shy and determined she would instead warm up her balloon and carry on travelling.

She finally made it all the way around the world back to Vancouver where she got to visit the delicatessens and feast on the favourites she had tried around the world.

A year and a day had passed since she set sail in her balloon and Lady Tana was finally full.

She headed back to Duncan to the delight of her family who could take down all the “missing dog” posters that blanketed the city. She was full of adventures, full of love, and finally full of cheese.

She unpacked her bowl, her ball, and her sock and had a long nap, dreaming of curds and shavings, slices and wedges. Her tail lightly tapping the floor while she slept.

Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good cheese.

Mount Washington Opening Day December 8

H

eavy snowfall has hit Mt. Washington, and the Resort will open a week earlier than planned. The Eagle Express will spin for a Preview Weekend Friday, December 1st to Sunday, December 3rd.

Mt. Washington has experienced cold temperatures and backto-back storms this November.

The resort has received a total snowfall of over 2 metres to-date for the 17.18 winter season.

“We have been closely monitoring the weather patterns,” says Peter Gibson General Manager of Mt. Washington. “the Resort has experienced significant earlyseason accumulation. Although we had a high freezing level for a couple of days this week, it was followed closely by a temperature drop. This combination is perfect for creating a solid snow base which is currently measured at over 1 metre in the alpine.”

Under similar conditions across Western British Columbia, many mainland resorts were able to open early. “When our live webcams broadcast the first snowstorm, we are lobbied by passionate skiers and snowboarders to get the lifts spinning.” says the Resort’s Market Manager, Sheila Rivers.

“There is nothing like the

excitement of the first few storms.

It has been five years since the Resort had been able to open early and we are excited to start winter operations December 1st.”

Rivers also states the Resort’s website has experienced a considerable surge in preseason visitors over previous years.

Mt. Washington is welcoming all Season Passholders (Gold, Alpine, Midweek, Nordic, Graduate, and Rookie) to ride the lift with their pass for the preview weekend. For day ticket users, lift tickets will be available for purchase at the Resort at reduced rates with adults skiing for $67 per day. 6ix Pak discounted lift ticket booklets are also available at Early Bird rates until December 3rd.

Mt. Washington will be open full winter operation begins Friday, December 8th.

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Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

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he holidays are upon us and this means party’s, family and get togethers.

Warm fires, scents of the seasons and the want to show up to all the festivities has some of us chasing for a more balanced holidays season.

What gives? How to stay grounded and healthy is a common goal for most but the season has way of winning the balance battle.

Did you know it could come down to simple math. Sleep debt has us pushing our bodies and nervous systems to levels that often see us get sick or overwhelmed.

We loose 2 hours sleep here, a few more there and all of a sudden over a three week period you are down 20 hours and those sleeps were not great. A few to many late night glasses has your sleep being unproductive and not as healing as it could be. This amount of damage can’t be easily quantified. But I believe it can be minimized.

By making calculated decisions and treating your sleep as the most important thing during the holidays season. You will add the necessary rest and sleep to counterbalance the amount of sleep debt created.

Go into the season with the action plan to win the sleep battle. It always catches up to us if ignored. If we look back at most of times that we pushed it.

It came back with a vengeance showing up as a cold or a burn out.

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Cowichan Valley

Here are some ways to beat the holiday sleep debt Try to keep a regular schedule.

Although tough, the closest you keep to it the better.

Minimize alcohol and sugar late at night. These two party favourites will take you down.

Don’t come home after a late night and go to tv or devices.

Your circadian rhythm will thank you.

Don’t Forget To Sleep Take naps. If if you can’t fall asleep, the focus of time can be meditative and will have the same affect.

Let the world know that from November 25th- January 2nd you will be sleeping in a lot more and this is the news schedule.

Not always possible, but if you can do it 5 times in the season, you’ve mathematically have taken back 5 hours.

Stay hydrated. I think I’m adding this one for myself. It’s really easy to become dehydrated. So start the morning with a delicious glass of water and keep going from there.

Have a delicious sleep environment. Good sleeps come with a happy body and a relaxed mind.

Share your sleep experiences.

The more we talk and connect about sleep the better we can understand that we are all not so different. So let’s support each other in sleeps importance.

Just say no. If you said no to 2 events or two late nights you could get back 8-12 hours. See how fast these hour add up.

Sleep is the ultimate healer and if we treat it like a loved one. It will give us so much back. Have a wonderful holidays season and sweet dreams.

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Chris Manley, owner -Resthouse a locally owned Natural Sleep shop. www.resthouse.ca

says the project betrays Canada’s commitment under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Consent from affected Indigenous Peoples is required for developments such as megadams, yet the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations did not give consent.

Site C Exposes Economic Folly Of Flooding Farmland As many countries move away from big hydro projects, B.C.’s government must decide whether to continue work on the Site C dam. The controversial megaproject would flood a 100-kilometre stretch of the Peace River Valley and provide enough power for the equivalent of about 500,000 homes.

The BC Utilities Commission, an independent body responsible for ensuring British Columbians pay fair energy rates, found the dam is likely behind schedule and over budget, with completion costs estimated at more than $10 billion. In a “high impact” scenario, it may go over budget by as much as 50 per cent.

The dam has faced court challenges and political actions

by Treaty 8 First Nations and farmers whose land would be flooded. Treaty 8 First Nations stand to lose hunting and fishing grounds, burial sites and other areas vital to their culture and sustenance. West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations demonstrated the devastating environmental impacts Site C will have.

The Peace Valley’s land and waters are an integral part of First Nations’ identity, stories, songs and language. An open letter opposing the project, signed by 27 people and groups, including Amnesty International,

BC Hydro’s economic analysis also ignored ecosystems and the benefits they provide. The David Suzuki Foundation estimates ecosystem services from farmland, wetland and other natural capital in the Peace watershed are conservatively worth $7.9 billion to $8.6 billion a year. Services that sustain the health and well-being of local communities include air and water filtration, erosion control, recreational services and wildlife habitat. The replacement value of what will be lost by flooding far exceeds the dam’s economic returns. Failure to account for the loss of ecosystem services puts us on a destructive course and undervalues natural capital in regulatory decisions.

Alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal, leveraging existing projects and prioritizing localized generation could be as good — or better — for B.C. ratepayers as the megadam. Alternative energy has the advantage of being able to be timed for when it’s needed.

Additional generation capacity may not even be necessary because BC Hydro currently exports or sells a significant amount of power, often at a loss, outside the province.

Methylmercury concerns loom at 22 major dams now proposed or under construction close to Indigenous communities in Canada, including Site C. The area to be flooded is some of the North’s most arable farmland. Agrologist Wendy Holm estimates this breadbasket can feed a million people in the region, an important feature as climate change alters growing seasons and demands more local food systems.

Dams now supply about threefifths of Canada’s electricity.

A long-held belief that big hydro projects are the most economically sustainable energy options is fast losing support as renewable energy costs plummet and projects multiply worldwide. The Peace Valley has an incredible ability to generate natural wealth if protected from development. The alternative is ecological fragmentation.

Economic scrutiny of Site C was long overdue but only answers some questions about hydro

megaprojects. We can’t elevate the economy above what we need to survive. Humans are now the primary factor altering the physical, chemical and biological properties of the planet on a geological scale.

Building more megadams epitomizes the folly of our ways.

The Site C dam should never have been approved.

Continuing construction is bad public policy, and it’s not too late to halt it. Canada must join other nations and stop the destructive, unnecessary practice of damming major rivers and running roughshod over Indigenous rights and title.

Lower impact renewable energy, like wind, solar and geothermal, look better every day.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and cofounder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Communications Manager Brendan Glauser.

Serious concerns are also being raised about production and release of methylmercury from soil. When land is flooded, naturally occurring soil bacteria can convert mercury to methylmercury, a toxic compound that can move up the food chain and potentially harm human health. Modelling projections for Muskrat Falls dam on the lower Churchill River indicate flooding likely will increase methylmercury 10-fold in the dammed river and 2.6-fold in surface waters downstream.

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locally grown, organic and delicious

Solstice Stone Soup

Ol’ MacDonald Farm WINTER PICKins’ greens, carrots, leeks, beets, squash, onions, shallots, garlic and FREE RANGE eggs

(available until the last market in December) Visit our booth at the Saturday Market on Ingram St

Delicious East Indian Cuisine

Butter Chicken Curry Chicken Vegetarian Specialties Chana Masala Pakoras Samosas

The Daily Grind Dine in or Take Out 3218 Sherman Road • 250-709-2299

I

t didn’t exactly run out, at least not the way people said it would. It just got too expensive—first to buy and then to pull out of the ground in the first place. Those who lived near the forest were the lucky ones.

The trees sheltered them from wind and frost and gave them wood to burn.

Time. They had time. Low tech had become high tech and high tech had become no tech. Rocket stove, compost, cold frame: these were the essential tools now.

The glittering baubles of the information age—laptop, tablet, smartphone—were obsolete.

They were supposed to make life easier, to free up time; yet it was only once they had been turned off for good that they fulfilled those promises. Connectivity had grown--then faltered--and finally collapsed. From its ashes sprang something more profound, eternal.

The stone was their love, their desire to commune, to celebrate, to give thanks. It glistened blue green white at the bottom of the cast iron pot, plucked from the icy river bed by a tiny hand at the precise moment that the sun paused.

The cooking oil was their connectedness—with each other, with all beings, with the universe.

It livened now, dancing and swirling, eager to help the wood heat transform their food.

The food was their sustenance.

It was offered by the members of the community who formed a line, like monks carrying alms bowls, giving to receive and receiving in order to give. The young children brought onions, the older ones garlic: strong flavours matched by their life force. One offered a mushroom,

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foraged from the forest floor.

The adolescents carried root vegetables pulled from the earth with burgeoning muscles: carrot, celery, potato, parsnip. Adults followed with squash, kohlrabi and cabbage, while the elders delivered herbs. Lightweight-even frail--but potent: thyme, bay laurel, parsley.

Finally, the bone broth was added, symbolic of the ancestors, of all who had passed before.

A reminder that life springs forth from death just as surely as it will succumb to the same.

A grace was said, bread was broken and the meal was enjoyed with laughter and song. Nobody thought of the end of the world, but instead of the gifts that Mother Earth had given. May this meal nourish us mentally, physically and spiritually....

2 Tbsp butter (or oil or combination) 2 onions 2 cloves chopped garlic 2 carrots 2 potatoes 3 cups broth, chicken or vegetable 1 Tbsp chopped parsley 1/2 tsp thyme 1 bay leaf salt and pepper to taste Sauté all the vegetables except garlic and potatoes in oil or butter on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute 3 minutes more, then add broth, potatoes, bay, thyme, salt and pepper and cook until carrots and potatoes are soft. Garnish with parsley, drizzle with nut oil (optional) and serve with bread or crackers. Variations? Add flakes of chicken, celery root, jerusalem artichokes or chili if you like spice. And remember to share it with a friend! Even in December you can buy most everything you need—fresh, produced locally--at the Duncan Farmer’s market or at www.cow-op.ca.

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Cam MacDonald is a market gardener and sometime writer living in the Cowichan Valley.

Georgia Nicols M.A. is Canada’s most popular astrologer. A Buddhist, this Vancouver-based astrologer is featured in regional papers across Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. www.georgianicols.com

Aries (March 21-April 19) You have much to look forward to this month because the Sun will be in your fellow Fire sign. (The three Fire signs are: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.) This supportive relationship occurs twice a year and gives increased balance and equilibrium to your life. It means you will encounter fewer obstacles; and your energy level will be high. You will find it easier to do what you want.

It’s an excellent time to take a vacation!

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This is an intense month! You have a greater focus on shared property, taxes, inheritances, debt, insurance issues and anything you own jointly with others. You are the financial wizard of the zodiac. You don’t like financial loose ends. During this same four-week window – you will be more reflective and willing to explore psychological self inquiry. (Who am I really?

Will Google know?) Sex will be passionate as well!

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This month the Sun will be in Sagittarius and Sagittarius is 180° opposite from Gemini.

(This is why these two signs often get married.) (It’s also why they often get divorced.)

This means that symbolically speaking, the Sun will now be as far away from your sign as it gets all year, which means you will have to go more than halfway – consciously – to connect with others. Also, because the Sun is your source of energy, you will be more tired than usual. Go to bed.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) This month, you have a strong desire to get better organized!

You will make lists and chide yourself about procrastinating.

You will strive to make your efforts count so that you can get the most bang for your buck.

Since you’re setting higher standards for yourself, obviously, by extension, you will take a look at your health as well. You might resolve to go on a diet, or eat healthier and get more exercise. All very admirable!

days will accelerate with a jam-packed with short trips, conversations with others, errands, shopping, time spent with siblings and relatives plus reading, writing and studying.

You’ll be the frantic white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. Make a list every day. In the evening, go over that list and refine it for tomorrow. If you have focus, you can handle this busy pace.

After all, you are an Air sign.

You actually love talking to everyone!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Life will be easier this month!

Fewer obstacles will present themselves; and things will flow in your favour. You will play more! Vacations, sports events, the theatre, movies and social diversions and parties will appeal! (You like these things any day of the week but this month, you will really want to gratify your desires and urges!)

Take a vacation if you can. Flirt a little! Romance and love affairs will flourish with style. Oh yeah, you’re no Queen of Denial!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) “Show me the money!” This month you will focus on earnings, money, cash flow, possessions and assets. At a subtle level, you will think about your self-image because that is also something that you own.

And at an even more subtle level, you will think about what really, really, really matters in life. I recently read an article about Alie McGraw; and she said what really matters in life are friendships. (I find that curious – not a word about the kind of car one drives.) Mind you, she is a double Aries with Taurus Rising.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This month is about home, family and your private life.

Many of you will want to cocoon at home more than usual. You want to hide and be comfy in familiar surroundings. The weather’s getting cold. Throw another log on the fire. Try some tumeric and ginger tea. (I love it.) Perhaps a Pinot Noir with some pate and red pepper jelly?

Yes, relax at home! You might also be involved with a parent or a family member more than usual. Quite likely, you will attend to home repairs and have family discussions because your ruler Mercury is in the picture as well. Yada yada yada.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Fasten your seatbelts because this is a fast-paced, energetic month! The rhythm of your

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Lucky you! You host the Sun this month! This happens once every year and when it occurs, this boosts your energy and confidence! Not only that, the Sun attracts favourable situations and important people to you.

(Yeah! You’re Reds at centre ice!) Mercury in your sign makes you talkative and eager to explore ideas with others. This is right up your alley because you are the philosopher of the zodiac.

Use this blessing to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year because you’re on fire!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This is a low-key month. Work alone or behind the scenes.

(You’re not being antisocial.)

You’re just going with the flow.

NOVEMBER FORECAST

Use this time wisely by thinking ahead and defining goals – with deadlines –for the coming year.

Believe your goal is doable.

Visualize what you want. Write down your goals and what their purpose is in your life. Tape your list of goals up where you can see them so that you will stay focused. Furthermore, you sense that you are about to embark on a whole new path.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18).

Friendships and relationships with groups are your lifeblood.

After all, Aquarius is the energy in the world that gathers likeminded individuals to bond together to fight to make this world a better place. This notion will resonate with you this month because you are popular and more involved with clubs, groups and associations. You will present ideas as well as listen to others. You will be goal oriented and will hangout with younger people, who stimulate you with their enthusiasm for the future!

Ain’t life grand?

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Once a year, the Sun slowly crosses the top of your chart. That time has arrived.

Symbolically, this means that you are in a flattering spotlight, which makes everyone notice you. In particular, it makes bosses, parents and VIPs see you in flattering way! (You don’t even have to do anything special to look fabuous.) Obviously, this is the best time of the year for you to advance your agenda! Go after what you want. Meanwhile, higher education and a chance to learn anything new plus travel for pleasure still beckon! www.georgianicols.com

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DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES

Valley Voice Magazine readers directory 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 DECEMBER 15 for JANUARY 2018 Issue 110 Bulk Foods

Ayurveda

• Bulk Natural Foods • Bosch Kitchen Centre • Workshops • Take Out Dahl & Rice WHIPPLETREE JUNCTION 778 422 3310

Ayurvedic Life Transformations

Uniquely Tailored Explorations Into The Self Coaching, Counselling, Yoga Therapies & Bodywork

Asrael 250 597 3973 www.ayurvedicbliss.com

Childcare Services

Growing Together Childcare

A home childcare program inspired by nature and the Waldorf philosophy for ages 3 to 5

FULL TIME Spaces Available Now

Ages 3-5 year olds 8:30am-3pm 1033 Nagle Street, Duncan 250-748-9754 or visit us via

250 710 4062 www.hhchildcare.com Computers

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In-Home Computer Lessons

Organizing your computer Office Programs Business Office Assistance

Social Media Website Building PC’s and Mac’s

Call Nettie: 250-510-0408 Website: www.inhomecomputerlessons.com E-mail: nettekevw@gmail.com

Employment

Framing and Local Art 139 Station St. 250-748-3311 ssgfs@telus.net Professional Framing •Local Art •Unique Gifts Fitness

Photography

Raindog Camera Services Photos that help tell your stories. www.facebook.com/fotomatic5/

Fitness the Fun Way @cvzip 12 classes/week 3 different venues Nicolette EveryBODY Welcome 250-735-0770

Farms & 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

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Mt. Sicker Family Farm

We supply these local companies • e3 Naturals: Sensitive Skin Therapy • Buddies Natural Pet Food

www.buddiesnaturalpetfood.ca www.e3naturals.com

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Health and Healing Acute or Chronic conditions • Substance dependency • Facial Rejuvenation • MSP & extended health coverage if applicable

Customizable Organic Mattresses, Pillows, Linens Locally made Platform Beds and Furniture

Wu Wei Acupuncture & Acupressure Clinic Frauke McCashin, R.Ac., Dipl.TCM 1 - (250) 710 3581 Mill Bay & Duncan www.worldwuwei.com

126 Station St. 250-597-REST (7378) www.resthouse.ca

REFLEXOLOGY

Indian Head Massage Enabling your body to heal itself, naturally.

FEEL BALANCED & CENTRED naturalheelingreflexology.com

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Call Helga 250-732-7988

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Unwind and release the body’s own healing potential Cranialsacral Therapy RCST • Integrative Energy Healing Therapist • Kundalini Terri Bishop 1-778-288-7533 Yoga Classes

ISLAND ROLFING

REALIGN YOUR BODY

• better balance • increase flexibility• improve posture • re alignment • eliminate chronic pain and more NEW client special! - 50% off your first rolfing visit

BRETT HOLLAND I 250.920.8818

www.GroundPointHealth.com

Bioenergetic Balancing with Magnets & Energy Healing

Join Brett Holland for Jingui Golden Shield Qi classes every Wednesday

* Boost the immune system * Prevent illness & fatigue * Feel healthier

50% off your first month of Qi Gong!

Sol Centre, 5380 TCH, Duncan Ph: 250 920 8818

Kathryn Lowther Certified Biomagnetism Therapist & HUE Energy

WWW.GOLDENSHIELDQIGONG.CA

250-891-5138 www.biomagcanada.ca

WAKING WELLNESS NUTRITION

Tina Foster, RHN Registered Holistic Nutritionist

250 748 8774

MineTheHarvest@hotmail.com

In holistic nutrition, a complete approach of mind, body, and spirit is taken for improving your ailments. The state of these all play a part on the way to dis-ease, and so therefore must be considered important on the pathway to wellness. Contact Tina for guidance in achieving your greater health and wellness potential. Enjoy the journey!

Natural Beauty

Prudence

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics • 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

Pet Care Spacious suites, pickup and drop-off service, kitty cams

Cowichan’s Exclusive Boarding Resort for Cats

That Cat Hotel 250-749-3728 www.ThatCatHotel.ca

Reflexology Special 3-1 hour for $120

Magnetic Resonance Stimulation, 3-1 hour for $120

IMRS mat rentals Weekly - $200

December BONUS - 3x 1hour -7 day Reboot sessions for free!

Call and ask about this special offer’!

TERRI LEWIS 250-701-8962 www.terriswellness.com Yoga

VITASANA YOGA & WELLNESS CO-OPERATIVE Classes in Mill Bay on Tue, Wed, Thurs Morning/Evening

Yin, Hatha Flow, Restorative, Chair Yoga...

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION:250-217-6255

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Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley