February 2016

owichan FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE 87

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Enjoy OUR Wood fire Brick oven Pizza

40 TAPLINES POURING #201B 3055 Oak St, Chemainus 250 324-0222

Issue 87 February 2016 Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Editors Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 - 6514 Wicks Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5V2 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Proofreader Distribution Event Calendar Diana Pink Linda Dirksengale Angela Sheppard Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com or in South Cowichan Linda Dirksengale 778 746 9319 e-mail linda@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline February 18 for March ISSUE 87 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next DEADLINE February 18 for March 2016 Issue 88 E-mail: Date, Time, Location, Event Title and Cost to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Bill Jones, Zach Blake, Shannon VanHemert, Rowan Hamilton, Yaz Yamaguchi, Lee Masters, Faye Stefan, Denise McLean, David Suzuki Foundation, Richard Badman, Dr. Lyn Pascoe, David Yaeger, Rommy Verlaan, Judith Belton, Victor Vesely, Veronica Scott, Margit Nellemann, Amanda English, Melissa Brown, Brett Holland, Tracey Hanson, Sheila Badman, Asrael, Johnna Puusa, David Coulson, Peter Nix, Debbie Wood, John Fowler, Judith Quinlin, Michelle Atterby, Sophy Roberge, Genevieve Singleton, Szos St. Germain, Rick Dennis, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley 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 February Cover Image , Margit Nellemann in her studio Photo credit: Nik West

2016 Ad Rate Cards Now Available MARCH AD Deadline: FEB 16 Over 25,000 LOCAL readers pick up the Valley Voice monthly. For a 2016 Rate Card please contact us!

Adrienne at 250 510 6596 I adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Linda at 778 936 0028 I linda@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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OUR COMMUNITY February Events 6-7 Eye on Shawnigan 14 Monkey 32 Experience Downtown Duncan 36-41 Green Living: Times They are a Changing 42 Designing Green Let’s Get Organized 45 The Exciting World of Recycling 50 The Community Farm Store 55-57 Websites Email and Verbal Lint 60 February Horoscopes 61 Directory 62-63 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Dayliner Café 9 How to Make a Happy Dinner 10 Stuffed Whole Roasted Chicken 11 Micro Vs Macro 12 Bone Broth a Delicious Super Food 13 Roé Don’t be Scared of the Pink 15 Lard 16 Cowichan Bay Seafoods West Coast Cioppino 16 FARM & GARDEN Island Farmers’ Alliance Of Land & Sea 17 Electrify Your Garden and Everything Else 46-47 Seed Starting 51 LOCAL ARTS The Seconds Sale 8 Ancient Old and Local Love it! 31 Words to Savour 31 Calling All Artists 32 Functional Pottery Made to be Used and Loved 33 Reel Alternatives:Coming Home 33 Seconds With Margit Nellemann 34 Colour The Cowichan Valley Collaboration 34 The CVAC Raffle is Back 35 Talking Arts Designer Johnna Puusa 44 Time to Tango 53 BODY, MIND & SOUL Heart Health and the Hawthorn 18 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 19 Bring up the Qi 22 Homeopathic Solutions 23 This Valentine’s Day Fall in Love with Yourself 24 Natural Foundations it’s Time to Make the Switch 25 Dirty Dozen Cosmetic Chemicals to Avoid 26 Elder Skin Care 27 The Importance of Postural Alignment 28 Broken Hearted 29 The Magic and Enchantment of Sleeping Beauty 30 Yoga for Wellness The Healing Breath 42 Pattern Interrupted 60 PETS, RECREATION &NATURE Kids Snow School Fun at Mount Washington 20 Lucky Dogs 48 How to Love Cats 48 The Art and Science of Insight Horsemanship 49 Nature Rambles 58

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

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FREEDOM TO READ CONTEST Win $30 gc to Salamander Books email a photo of you reading ladysmith@ virl.bc.ca Runs to Feb 29 FREE

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FUNCTIONAL POTTERY Imagine That!

251 Craig St, Duncan to Feb 27

LIFE OFF GRID Presented by Eye Opener Educational Films & DUC Social Justice producer present for discussion Duncan United Church 7pm FREE

ECO FRIENDLY CLOTHING SALE 20-40% off! Chemainus Health Food Store 9738 Willow St, Chemainus to Feb 29 FABRICATIONS JEWELLERY SALE 125 Kenneth St, Duncan runs to Feb 15

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MARGIT NELLEMANN’S ANNUAL SECONDS SALE Teafarm 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme 250 748 3811 2pm STUDENT WORKS Opening Reception CVAC’s Youth Outreach Program participants group show 2- 4pm PORTALS 2687 James St, Duncan to Feb 12 FREE MINDFULNESS MEDITATION Breakthrough Healing Chemainus Feb 2 & 16 7:30pm 250 324 3040 by donation COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE Frauke McCashin RAc 103-44 Queens Rd, Duncan 250 710 3581 Tues 2 9 16 23 123pm $15-$45

SOUTH COWICHAN CROCHET CLUB MEETING all levels welcome bring a hook & yarn South Cowichan Library, Mill Bay 6:30-8pm FREE

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TASTE OF PAKISTAN Cooking class w/ Azam Khan The Worldly Gourmet 522 1st Ave, Ladysmith 250 245 7307 7-9:30pm $65 BUDDHIST WINTER STUDIES Meditation peace@viretreats.com VIU Cowichan Campus Rm 210 Tuesdays

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HARDWARE GIRLS St. Michael’s Church Hall 7 -9:30pm $10 hosted by CVCAS. Refreshments available.

CHINESE NEW YEAR Music dumpling making lantern riddles paper cutting tea art calligraphy games & crafts Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St FREE BRAND NEW WORLD 7-10pm Old Firehouse, 40 Ingram St, Duncan

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FAMILY STORY TIME ages 0-5 & their families Cowichan Library 2687 James St, Duncan Tuesdays 10:30-11am FREE

MARTIAL ARTS MOVEMENT FOR HEALTH Sifu Lee Masters teaches Xing Shou increase vitality strengthen bones improve posture & circulation rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca Glenora Hall 1-5pm Feb 7 11-3pm

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GENOA BAY CAFE Re opens 5000 Genoa Bay Rd, 250 746 7621

RODRIGO FIGUEROA Duncan Showroom 133 Station St 7pm $20/$15 adv

BIGLEAF MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL Demos, workshops syrup competition train rides marketplace & kids crafts BC Forest Discovery Centre 2892 Drinkwater Rd 10-4pm Adults $10 Kids $8

COWICHAN TOASTMASTER CLUB 950 Guests are welcome Island Savings Centre Boardroom 7-9pm Wednesdays

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COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE Frauke McCashin RAc 103-44 Queens Rd, Duncan 250 710 3581 Wed 3 10 17 24 5-8pm $15-$45

BIRDS EYE COVE FARM SUNDAY MARKET 11-3pm 5881 Genoa Bay Rd, Maple Bay 250 748 6379 Feb 7,14,21,28

LEGO FUN Come & build ages 6+ & their families Cowichan Library 2687 James St, Duncan 3:30-4:30 FREE

SUNDAY AUCTION Viewings from 10am -1pm La Petite Auctino House 9680 Chemainus Rd, 250 701 2901

LOVE FLUTES by Rommy Verlaan Community Farm Store, Duncan

Auction Sunday FEbruary 7 & 21

Auction begins at 1pm

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9686 Chemainus Rd, 250-701-2902

LUNAR NEW YEAR Welcome the year of the Monkey Teafarm 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme 10-5pm FREE

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PAWS FOR STORIES Children join therapy dog Percy & practise their reading skills Cowichan Library 2687 James St, Duncan 3:30-4:30 FREE BLESSED/DODGERS Duncan Showroom 133 Station St 8pm $15/$12 adv

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THE PAPERBOYS, 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James Street, Duncan 250-748-7529, $25/$28

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MERRIDALE CIDER BISTRO Re opens for the season! Reservations 250 743 4293 EDIE DAPONTE AND FRIENDS Jazz at Sylvan United Church, 985 Shawnigan Mill Bay Rd $20 1-250-324-1900

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DAYLINER CAFE FOUR COURSE VALENTINE’S DINNER WEEKEND 10445 Chemainus Rd, Saltair Reservations 250 324 3777

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ISLANDS AGRICULTURAL SHOW Workshops trade show family activities iashow.ca Cow Ex grounds 7380 TCH

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LIFELINE DEMONSTRATION Denise McLean Cowichan Wholistic Centre 416 Jubilee St, Duncan to reserve 250 732 0247 Sug Donation $10 2-5pm SUNRISE WALDORF SCHOOL PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE 10am -11:30am Pre registration required 250 743 7253 admissions@sunrisewaldorfschool.org BIRDS EYE COVE FARM VALENTINE’S COOKIE DECORATING, 5881 Genoa Bay Rd, Maple Bay 250 748 6379 PENNYBROOK Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St 7pm $10/$5 pennybrook.ca CABIN FEVER Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market one day sale Honeymoon Bay Hall

Clothing Sale 20 - 40% off

La Petite Auction House Early viewings Wed - Fri 11am- 3pm Plus viewings on Sat before the auction 12 - 3pm.

SAME DAY viewing from 10am -1pm.

To consign email dawngeddie@gmail.com

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Hemp, Organic Cotton, Bamboo & More!

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

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

10022 Park Dr 10-2pm FREE SLEEPING BEAUTY Presented by Ballet Jorgen Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St, 7:30pm $20/$33/$37

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DEERHOLME HAPPINESS DINNER Foods that boost your serotonin levels deerholme.com 4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan 5-9pm $90pp

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A VALENTINES DAY TO REMEMBER Chef Fatima Da Silva Men’s Only Cooking Class followed by 4 course meal & wine Vinoteca, Zanatta Winery Class 4:30pm / Dinner 6:30pm reservations vinoteca@ shaw.ca

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POP UP VALENTINE’S DINNER Chef Bradford Boisvert romantic dinner 5 courses candle lit setting Valley view center 1400 Cowichan Bay Rd Tickets $75 pp Available at Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese or Drumroaster Coffee VALENTINE’S DAY at GENOA BAY CAFE Valentine’s Day 5000 Genoa Bay Rd 250 746 7621 ANDREW JANUSSON’s Valentine’s Birthday Gig! Sunday Jazz 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton $10 2-5pm OBSESSION’S GARDEN Camille Hesketh soprano Guzmán Ramos theorbo & Terri Hron composer St Michael’s Church, Chemainus 250 748 8383 2pm $20 adv A DOWNTON ABBEY VALENTINE Presented by Palm Court Light Orchestra Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St, Duncan 2:30pm

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ARGENTINE TANGO LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS 6 week series couples & singles welcome Duncan Showroom 131 Station St register jalf@ shaw.ca 6-7:30pm $90pp

photography by Ken Miner PORTALS 2687 James St, Duncan 250 746 1633 6:30pm Show opens Feb 16 runs to Mar 5 FREE ALICE TALES OF A CURIOUS GIRL Presented by Queen Margaret’s School 660 Brownsey Ave, Duncan Runs Feb 1820 7pm 2pm matinee on Feb 20 $10

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FACILITATING & MENTORING INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP “Change the world from the inside out” Cowichan Lake Education Centre info@inclusiveleadershipco-op.org

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MOZART’S REQUIEM Cowichan Consort Orchestra & Choir Chr Ref Church 930 Trunk Rd Duncan 7:30pm Adults $15 Students $10 SHERRY JONES CLASSICAL PIANO, 2:30-4:30pm & West Coast Folk - THE UNDERDOGS 7-10pm Old Firehouse, 40 Ingram St, Duncan 250 597 3473

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SUNDAY AUCTION Viewings from 10am -1pm La Petite Auctino House 9680 Chemainus Rd, 250 701 2901 ARROWSMITH BIG BAND - directed by Michael Wright Sunday Jazz 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton $10 2-5pm SACRED CHANT CIRCLE Rivendell Yurt sdbartram@gmail.com 7-8:30pm by donation

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REEL ALTERNATIVES: COMING HOME Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St Duncan Tickets $12, Std$5 Rows A-C All proceeds benefit Cowichan Valley Hospice services

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DEATH CAFE deathcafe.com Duncan Public Library 2687 James St RSVP 250 746 7661 5:30-7:30pm FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY The emotional response to lines LadysmithCameraClub. com 7pm $5

MATT ANDERSEN & THE BONA FIDE 7:30pm, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St Duncan250-748-7529 $39

TASTE OF INDIA Dinner& cooking class w/ Gary Faessler Kilrenny Farm 1470 Cowichan Bay Rd 250 743 9019 6-8:30 $70

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OPENING ART RECEPTION ‘Of Land & Sea’ Portraits of Coastal BC Farmers Fishers & Harvesters tintype

FREE YIN YOGA CLASS w/ Nadia open to all Levels Harmony Yoga Center 250 597 1919 6-7:30pm FREE

A Valentines Day to Remember This Valentine’s Day we invite you to surprise your loved one by bringing out the great Chef in you.

Hosted by chef Fatima Da Silva at Vinoteca, Zanatta Winery

“MEN’S ONLY COOKING CLASS” hands on packed with fun followed by a

Romantic 4 Course Dinner for two paired with wine.

Class starts at 4:30pm Your loved ones arrive at 6:30pm Everyone seated at 7:00pm

Very Limited Seats - Only 8 couples per night

February 13 & 14

For more info & reservations please email us at: vinoteca@shaw.ca

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SUE NEWMAN - Saltspring Island Chanteuse, Sunday Jazz 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton $10 2-5pm

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COLOUR THE COWICHAN VALLEY ARTIST DEADLINE

OUT OF TOWN VICTORIA SEEDY SATURDAY Seeds plants exchanges speakers Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas St Hosted by the James Bay Market Society 10-4pm $7

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TOFINO COMMUNITY FOOD INITIATIVE WEEKEND SAT EVE Meet Your Maker ’Grazing Fundraiser, 6:30-10:30pm Tofino Botanical Gardens $50 tofinolocalfood@ yahoo.ca SUN ‘Getting to know your Neighbours’ Luncheon $5 Entry/$20 Wknd

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*AFFOGATO is hot espresso poured over ice cream.

BUY ATO D G O F N *AF E2 !

OURGET THONTH Y R M T ONE ALL E FRE

Closed Wednesdays

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ENJOY SOFT ICE CREAM BY THE FIRE!

Margit Nellemann ceramic seconds

The Seconds Sale 02/02 @ 2!

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owichan Valley’s highly anticipated Annual Seconds Sale starts Tuesday, February 2nd at 2pm featuring a wide variety of ceramics WILDLY reduced.

Included in the sale will be everything from teacups to plates, bowls to lamps, vases to teapots and much, much more.

AND...

If you come to the sale in a TUTU on the second of the second you will get 22% off ALL regularly priced pieces.

Yes. This is for REAL! Have some fun... guaranteed you won’t be the only one!

NEW this year is a ‘free’ by donation only table in support of local charities. This two hour event is also the season opening of Teafarm located at 8350 Richards Trail just north of Duncan in the lovely area known as Westholme.

02.02@2pm is going to be Tutu much fun! Margit Nellemann Studio & Gallery, 8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan, 250 748 3811

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

Enjoying Saltair’s History at Dayliner Café

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uccessful designer and restauranteur Gail Irwin has great style and big ideas.

Her recent project the Sawmill Taphouse in Chemainus is the hottest new food and drink venue in town, but before she embarked on the taphouse she opened a friendly, cosy, character cafe in Saltair. The Dayliner Café is a busy little gem not to be missed. “I found a delightful historic building in Saltair, just north of Chemainus on the old Island highway, a very busy road. The building had a rich history including being a platform stop for the E&N train also know as the Dayliner.” Gail smiles. With a background in tourism, hotel and restaurant she knew if she built it customers would come.

This historic destination café prides itself on serving delicious, seasonal fare paired with wines and craft beers that showcase the area. “Currently on the menu we have local side-striped shrimp, Island hot smoked salmon, grain fed Island beef and pork and award winning Caffe Fantastico Coffee. Fresh and flavourful, everything is made in house.

This month Gail is already planning their tomato starts for the chef’s garden that produces 9 variety of mainly heirloom tomatoes for their Summer

Menu. New for winter, brunch is served 7 days a week with specialties like: Seafood Thai Cakes Benny, Turkey and Brie Hot Grilled Wrap, The Sunny Saltair-farm fresh eggs, mango salsa, avocado, spinach and gouda and the ever popular Dayliner Bowl. Traditional favourites are also available including Bubble & Squeak, local bacon & eggs and Eggs Benedicts’ in vegetarian, pescetarian and carnivore, plus a selection of fresh baked goods, wraps, soups and chowder.

A treat for Valentines’ Day there will be a Four Course Dinner served for 3 evenings - Friday February 12th, Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th.

Reservations are recommended.

250 324-3777 10445 Chemainus Road, Chemainus – about 3 minutes North of Chemainus in Saltair, on Chemainus Road. www.daylinercafe.com. Visit their FB page for Bistro Dinner announcements.

NOW SERVING BRUNCH DAILY! 7 DAYS A WEEK

WWW.DAYLINER.CA

FEATURING COWICHAN VALLEY WINES & ISLAND CRAFT BEERS

DAYLINERCAFE.COM 10445 CHEMAINUS ROAD - RESERVATIONS 250 324 3777

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think everyone would agree that a good meal can help lift your spirits.

Particularly in winter; when the days are a little darker in both hours of sunshine and our general moods. Eating well is a complex mix of reactions – from relieving hunger to obtaining nutrients we crave gratitude. It is a bonus to be able to share foods with family and friends.

A London-based group of gay and lesbian activists gather to raise money to support Britain’s National Union of Mineworkers strikers’ families.

When a man inherits a Parisian apartment from his estranged father, he’s shocked to discover a live-in tenant who is not prepared to budge. (Starring Maggie Smith)

Two men, six meals in six different places on a road trip around Italy: Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and ending in Capri. (Starring Steve Coogan of Philomena) A disfigured concentration-camp survivor searches ravaged post war Berlin for the husband who might have betrayed her to the Nazis. (In German with English subtitles)

to be confirmed

The extraordinary story of the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde.

At its core, food is fuel for the body. Fresh food gives more components to How to Make a Happy Dinner create the energy needed to get through a productive It’s interesting to note that both day. So in the winter months we potatoes and brown rice also fall may need to seek out more food in the tryptophan rich category options that can actually increase – so maybe my welsh ancestors the happiness factor. with their lamb and potato stews really did know what they were Tryptophan rich foods like doing. We also like to weave a poultry, dairy, beans and nuts lot of leafy greens into our diet (and many more) provide here on the farm. It is wonderful building blocks for the brain that kale will overwinter in our to produce serotonin – a neuro climate and I love being able to transmitter that is believed to harvest kale year round in our promote feeling of well-being garden and in the wild escapees and comfort, elevating up our that pop up around the property. mood. Of course good company Sometimes we have to fight those and a fermented beverage or two wild ones away from the deer – to wash it down will also help but they taste all the sweeter after a lot. our little victories.

In the winter months the sun is a little lower on the skyline and the hours of sunshine dip from our peaks in the summer. We also need to boost our intake of vitamins like C and the B complex group. Foods like citrus and mushrooms have lots of these nutrients and it might pay dividends to your health to boost these during the dark days of West Coast winter.

In colder months our natural tendency is to create warming foods like stews and casseroles.

COWICHAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE (COWICHAN THEATRE)

Tickets $12, Students (rows A-C only) $5

SPRING SERIES FEBRUARY to JUNE 2016

5 Shows for $50

All proceeds to Cowichan Valley Hospice services.

If you wish to be put on our confidential blind copy email list for up-to-date information/bulletins : reelalternatives@gmail.com

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Grated Cowichan Valley truffle Image Bill Jones

So maybe next time you feel down – perhaps it is your attitude. Go eat some stew and jump on the tryptophan train.

Deerholme Farn will be hosting a dinner of mood altering foods in our annual Happiness Dinner on February 13th (just in time for Valentines Day) see www.deerholme.com for details.

Bill Jones is an author, chef and food consultant who can be found at Deerholme.com

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“It’s fresher from here” Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed With Mushrooms, Chestnuts, And Rice Recipe Courtesy Chef & Author Bill Jones Deerholme Farm

Amount

1 Whole 1 Tbsp (15 Ml) 1 Tsp (5 Ml) 2 Tbsp (30 Ml) 1 Medium 2 Stalks 2 Tbsp (30 Ml) 2 Cups (500 Ml) 1 Cup (250 Ml) 1 Tbsp (15 Ml) 1 Tbsp (15 Ml) 2 Tbsp (30 Ml) 1 Tbsp (15 Ml) 2 Cups (500 Ml) 2 Cups (500 Ml) Salt And Pepper, To Taste

Ingredients

Island Farmhouse Chicken Olive Oil Cayenne Powder Butter Onion, Peeled And Diced Celery, Diced Minced Garlic Chopped Mushrooms Chopped Cooked Chestnuts Finely Chopped Fresh Rosemary Finely Chopped Fresh Sage Chopped Fresh Parsley Porcini Powder (Optional But Worth It) Cooked Brown Rice Apple Cider (Or Water)

Method

Remove the neck and giblets from the chicken if present. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle on the porcini powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Rub into the skin with your hands.

Season the cavity well with salt and pepper and then set aside while you prepare the stuffing.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and melt it.

Add the onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the onion begins to brown, then add the mushrooms and heat until they release moisture and begin to brown. Remove the pan from the heat and empty contents into a mixing bowl to cool slightly. Add the chestnuts, rosemary, sage, parsley, and cooked rice. Stir to mix well and season with salt and pepper. Let cool to room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a roasting pan and stuff with the rice mixture. If there is extra, stuff into the cavity at the neck of the chicken. Add the cider to the pan and then place the pan in the oven. Roast for 60–90 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Remove from the oven and cover with aluminum foil.

Let rest for at least 10 minutes before carving

1615 Koksilah Road Cowichan Bay BC 250-746-6163 • www.farmhousepoultry.ca Chicken available from Country Grocer, 49th Parallel, Duncan Butcher, Chemainus Foods, Crofton Foods and Thrifty Foods

Eat, Drink and Support Local

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S

Edie Daponte

with Karel Roessingh on piano, Joey Smith on bass, Damian Graham on drums and special guest Cowichan Valley vocalist, Glaucia Desrochers

Friday, February 12th

7pm •Tickets $20 at door Sylvan United Church, 985 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd (250) 324-1900 or patsel@shaw.ca Presented by Church Mice Productions

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ince I can remember my grandfather sported a grey beard, napped in the middle of the afternoon and always drank the same beer. The label sticks with me even to this day; a sail boat, it was Joe’s brand. It seems at some point in his life he had chosen it, and stuck with it. The bottle’s logo or perhaps the taste resonated with him.

He had chosen this beer long before anyone had started using terms like craft, Nano or Microbrewing.

These terms obviously imply the size of the operation, but have now come to designate much more. With the increase in scale came the stream lining of production, and a major push towards North American Lager beers.

Originally portrayed as a “working man’s” beer, it rapidly became the most popular style of beer globally.

Taking inspiration from Pilsen in the Czech Republic, where many successful brewers immigrated from.

This move was well received by the consumer but saw the closure of many breweries, and some styles were lost to the world. Craft brewing is a designation encompassing any size of brewery, but implies they are pursuing new ground in the brewing world. Whether it be creating a flavour no one has tried before, or reviving a beer style that hasn’t been tasted in hundreds of years. Many of these breweries are more localized— brewing in small batches, creating local jobs and engaging with the community.

Micro Vs Macro Beer production is a part of a cycle: farmers supplying barley and wheat, hop growers, fabricators, tradespeople, builders, brewers and beer lovers. Breweries are once again becoming part of a community, where the customer can engage with the place their beer is produced.

Just as the local agricultural movement is bringing food production closer to home, Craft brewing is localizing beer.

Since opening in July of 2015 Red Arrow Brewing Company Brewing has set out to bring traditional beers and innovation to the Cowichan Valley. We’re bringing old world styles to life such as a Kölsch, a traditional German ale made with Bavarian hops originating from Cologne, a Pale Ale using British grown hops, as well as a Heffeweisen using a strain of yeast from the oldest standing brewery Weinstephan—built in 1056— as well as never before seen brews.

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

Zach Blake, proud father, husband and Zymurgist at Red Arrow Brewing Company.

Bone Broth – A Delicious Super Food

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ove over chia seeds, make some room kale, for the new most talked about super food … bone broth!

Bone broth is gaining celebrity status as the new hot (pun intended!) super food. And for good reason, the list of health benefits associated with bone broth are lengthy and seem to offer something for everyone.

GUT HEATH: Bone broth has long been considered a gut healer. The gelatin in bone broth soothes the lining of the stomach, seals up holes in the intestine, and has been known to help with chronic diarrhea, constipation, and even some food intolerances.

BONE HEALTH: Bone broth contains glucosamine, which for years has been known to aid in joint pain. In addition to glucosamine, bone broth also contains chondroitin sulfate as well as numerous vitamins and minerals that have been shown to prevent osteoarthritis.

SKIN HEALTH: Bone broth is a great source of collagen which contributes to radiant looking skin, hair, and nails.

SLEEP WELL, FEEL BETTER: The glycine contained in bone both has been shown in several studies to assist people in sleeping better and improved memory.

In addition people have reported an energy boost.

IMMUNITY BOSTER AND HEALING PROPERTIES: Turns out mom was right to feed us chick broth when we were sick. Science has proven that bone broth not only increases our immunity but aids in speeding up the healing process when we are sick.

And the last but not least reason to eat bone broth, its taste good!

For all these reasons and more Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese (located at Valleyview Center) is now offering three hot bone broths, poultry, beef and pork. Cure’s fun bone broth bar includes delicious add ons such as smoked duck breast, mini meat balls, and sautéed mushroom mix as well as a complimentary condiment bar with hot sauce, Vancouver Island salt, and infused oils.

Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese Valley View Centre 250 929 2873.

Hardware Girls St. Michael’s Church Hall February 6th, 7 PM to 9:30

This folk pop trio are well known for their rich captivating www.hardwaregirls.com harmonies and lyrics that speak to the heart. With a dash of country, a bit of roots and a little rock and roll, the Hardware Girls draw the listener into a world of peace and hope.

chEMAINuS Admission $10 Presented by CVCAS

Upcoming EVENTS Deerholme Happiness Dinner Saturday, February 13 Modern Vegetable Cooking Class Saturday, February 27

For full details visit www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450

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Enjoy Valentine’s in Shawnigan.

Handcrafted chocolates, sushi, and specialty services!

EYE ON Shawnigan

2750 Shawnigan Lake Road TAKE OUT - (250) 743-1669 www.shawnigansushi.blogspot.ca

Handcrafted Local Chocolate - Ready for Valentine’s Orders

M Rachel Allen 250 882 4198

Reiki Practitioner Animal Communicator

Blue Tree Creative Custom made wood SIGNS

by Bonnie Tytel

bluetreecreative@gmail.com 250-507-6922

Every day is a great day to celebrate with chocolate!

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artine Thompson loves making chocolates. Owner of Shawnigan Lake Coffee and chocolates, she has expanded the chocolate business into one of the sweetest businesses in the Valley. Working as a chocolatier team Elena Frederick and Martine Thompson handcraft each chocolate in the a cosy corner kitchen located in the coffee shop. Starting with large slabs of imported Belgian chocolate, they carefully choose ingredients from local suppliers and sometimes even their own herb gardens to add to their truffles. Milk chocolate is used for some of their ganaches or centres. The bestselling favourite the “Mint Meltie” uses a cool milk chocolate. Chocolates don’t have to be just for special occasions. Often customers will buy themselves a little sweet treat to have with their tea or coffee.

For Valentine’s Day Martine has custom hand crafted chocolate boxes made with all of your Valentine favourites. There are also special red boxes stuffed with truffles or chocolate lollipops to share with kids.

Cost ranges from $1.25 for a single artisan chocolate to $50 for a very special box collection of chocolates. This season’s in house recipe Cinnamon Hearts Bark is a must have for Valentine’s.

Different varieties are made fresh daily ensuring each chocolate is made with the freshest ingredients. Unlike corporate chocolate, which can be sitting on a shelf for months, even years - Shawnigan chocolates are always the freshest around. Valentines orders are already being sent and the chocolates are all made beginning the first week of February. Orders can be made by email or phone and delivery is available to the South Cowichan area. The favourites often sell out so pre orders are welcomed and appreciated. To order call (250) 733.2245 or visit 1761 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake. www.shawnigancoffee.com

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

made in a number of styles, flavour profiles and from all different grape varietals.

Grenache, Cinsault, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Gamay… nearly every wine grape has been used to make Rosé wine.

Image Jenny Garlini pouring Blue Grouse Quill Rosé

Rosé. Don’t Be Scared Of The Pink

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he much maligned wine that is a holdover from the early 80’s White Zinfandel, is slowly coming into its own and being taken

seriously as a great beverage.

The first most important message is… Rosé does not have to be sweet it can be

Join us for Valentines Weekend for Delicious Features and Wine Pairing TUESDAY – Burger & Beer $10 WEDNESDAY – Halibut & Chips $10 THURSDAY - Apps & Taps- Appies Starting at $5

Call for Reservations 250-597-4353

LOCATED AT BLUENOSE MARINA 1765 COWICHAN BAY RD WATERFRONT DINING • INSPIRED WEST COAST CUISINE

There are 3 common methods of producing Rosé.

First and the most traditional, is the maceration method where the grapes are crushed and left to sit in their skins for a period of 12-24 hours which extracts some of the color. The juice is then pressed off the skins and seeds and fermented like a white wine.

Another method is called Saignée, a by-product of a technique to enhance the depth and flavour of a red wine. When the red grapes are crushed and before they begin to ferment a portion of the juice is bled off in an effort to concentrate the remaining juice. The juice that is bled off is then fermented into Rose. The depth of color may vary depending on the grape variety.

The third and final way to make a rose is to blend white wine and red wine together.

Which is a technique that is pretty uncommon with still rose wines but can be found in the sparkling regions of Champagne, France.

On your next wine tasting tour, make sure and try the Rosé …you might be surprised that it’s not your mother’s White Zin! Submitted by Blue Grouse Winery; One of Vancouver Island’s oldest estate vineyards and a long-time family-owned winery.

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very few weeks my son asks me “You got any extra fat?”

As insulting as this sounds, he’s on a mission: making lard. Lard’s quality depends on how it’s processed, and on the pig’s diet. My son knows exactly what’s gone into my fat—windfall apples, bruised tomatoes, nutritious weeds, split squash, and other delectable piggy treats. And despite lard’s bad reputation, it’s making a comeback on the nutritional scene.

Research shows that margarine and other plantbased hydrogenated fats are extremely bad for our arteries.

People are looking to the past for healthier fats, at what our skinnier forebears ate. Lard contains no trans-fats, is 60% monounsaturated (butter is 45%), is high in oleic acid, and has the same cholesterol as butter. Don’t overdose on it though: like any fat, lard has nine calories per gram; too much will make you chunky.

Making lard is faster and easier than other “use all the bits” processes like sausages

or headcheese.

Equipment is simple: a crockpot with temperature settings, a ladle, several small glass jars, rubber bands, and paper towels. Newspaper covered counters are helpful. It doesn’t take constant attention: Start in the morning and melt slowly over the course of the day.

I cut the fat into ½” chunks, and pop all of it into the crock pot. Add 1/4 cup water, set the crockpot to low, and add the lid.

While the fat is heating up, get your jars ready—I use jelly jars because I prefer small quantities at a time. Place a paper towel over the mouth of the jar, make a deep hollow, and secure with a rubber band.

Making Lard to skim out the fat, and pour slowly through the filters.

Continue this through the day, being especially careful toward the end not to scorch the remaining cracklings.

Reduce temperature to Warm, and stir often toward the end, tilting the crockpot to get the last tablespoons. There’s more information and photos on my blog at www.islandshire.com.

Shannon VanHemert raises pigs on her farm, the Island Shire.

When enough fat has melted so you see liquid, use the ladle

LIVE or COOKED CRAB • FRESH FISH • LOCAL SPOT PRAWNS •

West Coast Cioppino Base:

1 1 1Cup 3 Tbsp 2 Tbsp

Onion, medium diced Garlic bulb, minced Fennel, small dice Extra Virgin Olive Oil Smoked Paprika, hot or sweet 1 Tbsp Dried Thyme 1 Cup Red Wine 1 Litre Halibut Stock 1 Large can Diced Tomatoes 1 Bay Leaf 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley Salt and pepper to taste

Add Before Serving: 1/2 LB 1/2 LB 1/4 LB 1/4 LB 1/4 LB 1/4 cup 1 Tbsp

Mussels Clams Shrimp or prawns Scallops Fish of your choice, chunked Fresh tomato, small dice Fresh herbs

Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5:30pm

Method The base for this hearty Italian style seafood soup or stew can be made ahead and frozen, thaw, reheat and add the seafood and fresh herbs and tomatoes when you’re ready to eat.

In a large heavy bottom pot on low heat cook the onion, garlic and fennel in the olive oil until it is aromatic. Stir in the Smoked Paprika, this is available in Hot or Sweet and the recipe will work with either depending on your preference.

Continue to cook until the paprika begins to brown slightly. Add the dried thyme. Add the red wine, bring to a boil and reduce by 1/3.

Add the halibut stock, canned tomatoes and bay leaf, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the fresh parsley, salt and pepper. If you are making this ahead you can remove from heat and cool completely at this time.

When ready to serve bring the base back to a boil and add your clams and mussels, cover and cook until opened. Add the remaining seafood items and cook for 1 minute. Add the fresh herbs and tomatoes right before serving. Spoon into bowls and serve with fresh bread.

The seafood items are suggestions based on our favourites but anything goes based on your imagination!

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

1751 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay 250-748-0020 E-mail: info@cowichanbayseafood.com

VISIT US AT VICTORIA PUBLIC MARKET AT THE HUDSON 1701 DOUGLAS ST. VICTORIA 778-433-4385

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

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o “ s t a a m L C a b M t a i f V I K v i c t t a p

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communities. From homesteaders, kelp farmers, organic vegetable producers, troll fishers, maple syrup tappers, to dairy and meat producers, the goal of this project is to celebrate and share the stories of a diverse array of producers.

Nick Delange, Duncan Image Ken Miner

Ken states that traveling over 1,200 kilometers, including visits to six Gulf Islands and twentyone producers, was a highlight of 2015 for him. “This project has taken me to places on Vancouver Island that I had never been to before.

Everyone that I met along the way was open and eager to share their knowledge, experiences, and even their food with me. I am grateful for the opportunity that I had to meet these producers, and to share their stories through this project.”

Island Farmers’ Alliance Honours Local Food Producers Through Photography And Story

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he Island Farmers’ Alliance (IFA), the organization behind the “Fresh from the Island” slogan and the rooster logo that is ubiquitous with Island agriculture, is proud to announce the results of their most recent endeavour, Of Land and Sea: Portraits of Coastal BC Farmers, Fishers, and Harvesters. A partnership between the IFA and Ken Miner, a Victoria based tintypist and photographic artist, the project has captured images and stories of senior food producers from the Vancouver Island and Gulf Island communities. Using Ken’s 113-year-old 8”x10” view camera, the hand-made images were developed on clear glass plates and, while they portray contemporaries, they evoke a timelessness not always found with modern photographic technologies.

While the IFA has traditionally focused on Island Agriculture, the project itself is a tribute to a diversity of production systems found within the Island

The book, which will feature the twenty-one images and stories, will be available for retail at two art shows, the Cowichan Green Community’s store (360 Duncan Street), and online. Stay tuned to the IFA’s website for details.

To see the original glass images, we invite you to attend the art shows, taking place in Duncan (Feb 16-March 5) at Portals, the CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture and Heritage, 2687 James St. Opening Reception: February 18, 7-8:30pm and in Victoria (March 9-20 at the Coast Collective Art Gallery and Artisan Gift Shop.

For more information on the work of Ken Miner, please visit: http://www.zuludog.ca/

Now accepting quality antique and modern home décor items for our specialty auction in Nanaimo on Sunday April 17th.

Call Dawn 250-701-2902 or visit our facebook page La Petite Auction House and click on Objects of Desire.

SPONSORED BY

La Petite Auction House Julia Allen MA

Masters Counselling Psychology Registered Clinical Counsellor

Holistic approach to psychotherapyMind, Body and Spirit Weekly blog for insights and personal transformation

250-709-9673 www.longboatcounselling.com info@longboatcounselling.com

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awthorn is one of the most important heart and circulatory therapies available to us today. This small tree grows freely in our valley. It is the Mayflower gracing the days of spring. It is the blood red berries that speak of autumn and the closing of the year. It is the bitter thorn and the sweet fruit.

It is a living pharmacy whose chemistry has revealed some of the complexities of the human body.

Hawthorn is a perfect example of the connection between medicine and nature. The knowledge of the use of Hawthorn goes back beyond history. It is used in ancient magic and healing throughout the northern hemisphere. In the modern era it is the subject of hundreds if not thousands of research papers and studies.

The folklore and the research tell us the same story. The effect of long term use of

affordable sliding scale fees

Hawthorn is to increase blood flow through the heart, strengthen the heart muscle without increasing the rate or pressure and enhancing exercise duration.

Medical science defines individual pathologies of the heart and cardiovascular system. Research shows Hawthorn to be of value in the treatment of cardiovascular degeneration, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arteriosclerosis, arrhythmias, enlargement, angina, tachycardia, high and low blood pressure, heart failure both before and after heart attacks.

Even the anxiety and weight gain that accompanies heart conditions is eased by this remarkable plant.

Most benefits of the Hawthorn are in the treatment of chronic states rather than acute conditions. Yet it is preventing degenerative conditions from becoming acute and healing after incidents that the need is greatest. Hawthorn delivers. Hawthorn is best used in combination with other compounds. Rarely is one herb or medical agent able to match the particular needs of each and every individual.

They might include Cayenne as a circulatory stimulant, Dandelion if there is water retention, Motherwort or Skullcap for associated nerve issues. The combinations are limitless. Linus Paulin’s protocol of Vitamin C with Lysine is a perfect adjunct amongst many. In experienced hands Hawthorn can be introduced to a medical regime to the benefit of the patient.

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Heart Health and The Hawthorn Hawthorn is a herb you can gather for yourself. The leaves and flowers are collected in the spring at their peak. The berries are gathered in the fall when fully ripe. You can dry both of these and make strong decoctions, simmering sometimes for hours. You can steep these parts for weeks in alcohol at 40% to make your own tinctures. For those caring for their hearts time spent in the woods and fields seeking their own medicine is itself therapy.

Most good health stores can sell you Hawthorn in various forms and may suggest combinations to help your health. Perhaps all of us who have seen many years pass can introduce Hawthorn into our lives. It is well worth investigation and speaking with those who can guide you.

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

Rowan Hamilton is a Medical Herbalist in the Cowichan Valley and a volunteer at Death CafĂŠ.

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optimizing repair. I personally wouldn’t wear it during the day, as there may be an adverse effect.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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re you someone who uses your hands repetitively, and strenuously? If you have a tingling sensation in the hands while driving, increased stiffness in the hands and wrists when gripping, you may be developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

This condition results from pressure on the nerve between the bones and ligaments of the wrist. It is common among typists, gardeners, construction workers, musicians, and of course massage therapists. The best way to address the issue is prevention.

There are a number of self-care tips one needs to know, and to do, for both prevention and recovery: 1. Taking a break from the activities that cause the problem is the single most effective treatment for healing. If your circumstance does not allow a complete break, slow down the pace, and adjust the way you do things, e.g. using more of your alternate hand, etc.

3. Use a natural, external ointment, or herb. There are some potent natural products available. The most brilliant one I’ve found for my personal use is nettle stinging. It’s also complementary, sponsored by nature. One should also research vitamins and supplements for pain control, and neurological rejuvenation.

Your body has 60,000 miles of veins and arteries.

4. Stretching, shaking and self-massage need to be practiced throughout the day.

For example, loosening of the pectoralis minor alone can often bring a relief. Remember, it’s only a few minutes of unwinding against the all day long of pounding.

Hot and cold water therapy is also effective. Soak your hand and forearm in hot water for three minutes, then plunge into cold water for thirty seconds.

Repeat the cycle three times.

5. I also believe firmly that imbalanced muscular development between the flexors and extensors needs to be improved for long term healing and true prevention.

6.Find a professional therapy that works for you.

These are the tips for an aching wrist. Yes, you can undo a lot of damages if it is treated from all angles possible.

Yaz Yamaguchi practices shiatsu and craniosacral therapy in Duncan.

2. Find a comfortable enough wrist brace, and wear it while in bed. If the wrist is kept straight, blood flows uninterrupted,

ROWAN HAMILTON MEDICAL HERBALIST

Diploma in Phytotherapy, MNIMH, SCS, DTCM

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Available in 2 sizes of powder (original and berry flavour) or capsules. Also ask us about CoQ10 for heart health. From Preferred nutrition PNO.CA Come on in and see us at Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery and our knowable staff would be happy to assist you.

Lynn’s

VITAMIN GALLERY

a healing place...

250 510 0062

How this product co developed by a medical journalist and doctor can help you!

Cowichan Valley

HEALTH FOOD STORE Village Green Mall, 4-180 Central Avenue, Duncan

250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com

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learned to ski in Austria in 1983. It was always fun, but I remember it was always very cold. It is much easier to stay warm these days with modern fabrics that wick and breathe. Mount Washington offers a great environment for those first steps at alpine and nordic skiing or snowboarding. For downhillers, the Green Acres area has enclosed magic carpet systems that make the ride back up warming and restful so kids are ready to coast down again and again without much effort pulling

themselves back up the mountain. Gone are the years of the daunting tow bar and multiple delays.

Mount Washington offers numerous learning packages for children and their families. One day Discover Skiing/Snowboarding lessons and rental packages are great value at just $89 per person and include lessons, green lift ticket and rentals. (Bought separately the fees total $103 - $145). For children the Snow School offers friendly instructors with positive attitudes keeping the TIPS FOR TAKING KIDS emphasis on fun. Kids get a TO THE MOUNTAIN break between learning • Arrive Early - Leave plenty of sessions time to register for lessons, sign out indoors for a equipment and adjust children’s gear hot chocolate before reporting to the lesson area. and snack before hitting • Stay Comfortable And Warm the slopes several layers under a waterproof, again. preferably breatheable outer layer • Stop for Breaks & Carry Snacks Accidents and falls happen when skiiers are tired or hungry. Don’t push them if they slow down. Have a rest, then get them to the lodge for some food and water before setting out again. Keep gorp, granola bars or nuts in your pockets to feed hungry kids.

• Have Fun - not all kids want to ski or snowboard but fostering a love for winter in the snow will last a lifetime.

Try snow angels, snowshoeing, tubing or cross country skiing.

This year our boys took advantage of Mount Washington’s fantastic Rookie Year program. Early Bird rates Ages 4-5 $249/ Ages 6-12 $449. FIRST TIME skiers are offered an unparalleled opportunity

Learning To Ski and Snowboard at Beautiful Mount Washington

Ski Snow School, Mount Washington

to learn to ski or snowboard.

This all inclusive pass includes unlimited skiing and riding on lifts, unlimited afternoon group lessons in either skiing or snowboarding and unlimited ski or board rentals for one season. The afternoon lessons create 2 hours of free time for paretns to enjoy the hill while the children are supervised and learning. In 3 months, our 6 year old twins have learned how to use both Hawk and Eagle lifts, can ski green runs confidently and have begun to enjoy the blue runs too.

They have passed all their levels in skiing and now have the option to begin lessons in snowboarding in this rookie year. What this means for us as parents is by next year the whole family will be able to ski and snowboard together!

For parents with younger

children Wee Ski is a parent and tot program introducing children under 5 to the gear and ski experience alongside a trusted guardian. A gentle way for families to introduce snow culture to kids with the support of an instructor.

If everyone in the family is new to snow or in need of a refresher before hitting the slopes, the resort offers a Discover Family or Returning Family package. The day begins with a lesson in the morning and includes all family members rentals and lift tickets with time for free skiing in afternoon. Cost ranges from $269 - $339 for up to 6 family members over 7. All lessons can be booked in advance or same day based on space availability.

Just 2 hours by car from the Cowichan Valley and close to the towns of Cumberland, Courtenay and Comox, a trip to Mount Washington offers

Engaging, Educating, Entertaining for parents and children 6mo-4yrs.

Duncan, Mill Bay, Crofton, Ladysmith First class is always FREE ! Come and join us!

Drop inʻs & Siblings welcome

www.jumpintomusic.ca 778.835.4541

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

The best part of this stay in Courtenay though is the pool. At an average of 88 degrees C the outdoor heated pool is available year round, along with two hot tubs, an infared sauna and a small gym, making

Old House Village Hotel, Courtenay

a variety of other adventures.

A visit to the area can be a rewarding getaway for a few nights on the hill or a stay down the mountain in the Courtenay area. Though staying in Alpine Village, right on the mountain is always fun, there are great values for budget minded families in Courtenay.

Recently we stayed at the Old House Village Hotel in Courtenay with our dog. The hotel is nestled on a parcel of three spectacular acres that feature botanical gardens and outdoor ponds that run along the Courtenay River Estuary.

Our cozy, pet friendly 1 bedroom suite came complete with a full kitchen, fireplace and laundry. Breakfasts were made fast and easy in the suite, with hot coffee and tea from the lobby and dinner can be had 3 ways - order in pizza, self cater or eat at the gourmet restaurant onsite. On this trip we opted for ordering pizza on the first night and making supper the second.

The staff at the Old House love dogs and always have treats for them onhand and for the human guests- fresh baked cookies are available every evening in the lobby.

Enjoying a morning swim

it easy to relax and keep in shape while staying. This boutique hotel offers 79 guest rooms with a mixture of two bedroom suites, one bedroom suites, deluxe studios and a penthouse. Located a 1/2 hour drive from the base of the mountain, this hotel has quickly become our favourite choice for staying in town when visiting the hill. The bonus of an evening swim and hot tub to enjoy and a morning swim before the day begins makes this drive into town very worthwhile.

Do yourself a favour, for the ultimate experience book in for at least 2 nights!

For more information: www.mountwashington.ca www.oldhousevillage.com Story & Images Richard Badman

Sheryl Jardine REALTOR速

Cell: 250 661 9754 Bus: 250 746 6621 Fax: 250 746 1766 sheryljardine@royallepage.ca

Results that Move You Duncan Realty

INDEPENDANTLY OWNED & OPERATED BROKER

481 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan www.royallepage.ca/duncanrealty

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ouldn’t it be great to have something short you can do in a few minutes that brings up the energy, getting your blood moving, warming all the joints, improving your posture, strengthening your bones and preparing you for the day?

Chun Yuen Quan

‘Xing Shou’ seminar Taught by Sifu Lee Masters Glenora Hall

Saturday 6 February 1~5pm Sunday 7 February 11am~3pm rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca 250 748 4060

www.WildGooseQigongCentre.com

Dynamic Pathways

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

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 | 250-815-5029

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One of my students recently said: “My family knows not to even talk to me until after I’ve done my warm-up and practised Xing Shou in the morning…”.

‘Xing Shou’ means ‘Style Hand’ and is a form (or set) of martial arts movement that was passed down through the trainers in the Beijing Opera. It is part of Chun Yuen Quan, a dynamic style named after Grandmaster Wu Chun Yuen.

We don’t perform it, though.

We do it for good health. No matter who we are and what our level of fitness, we can benefit from this skill. The good posture we develop means the Qi can flow more easily, circulating through and nurturing the whole body. The gentle demand we put on our bones creates heat that dispels dampness and gives us more energy. The key is RELAXATION. My grand teacher, Qigong Master Michael Tse, once

Bring up the Qi said “In Canada, you all need Chun Yuen to keep you warm”. And indeed it does make you warm. With practice, you never fear being cold in our damp BC climate.

From whatever our condition, we easily improve our coordination, fitness and strength as we work on the beautiful lines of the strong postures within the form.

All are warmly welcome to attend the seminar I am teaching on 6 and 7 February at the Glenora Hall. Saturday 1~5pm, Sunday 11am~3pm. Ongoing classes and private sessions are also available.

WildGooseQigongCentre.com 250 748 4060 rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca

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

rattling in the chest you’ll want to use Antimonium Tart. For a dry hoarse cough, Drosera or Rumex is always a good choice. Feeling like you have been hit by a Mac truck? Eupatorium can ease those From Colds and Flus distressing deep to Personal Growth bone aches brought on by the flu. omeopathy is a 200 year The best medicine is old system of medicine, prevention.

If you are used around the world to treat anything from simple cuts and considering a flu shot this season, instead of risking bruises to deep rooted states the potential side effects, of mental distress. It works on the law of similiars—“like consider doing a homeopathic preventative immunization cures like”—to create an that combines all of the artificial disease state that eradicates the disease that has regular flu and cold viruses impinged on the person. What with no side effects. Just as makes a remedy homeopathic with any cold season remedy, it cannot guarantee that you is the degree of similarity will not get a cold or flu between the disease and the but it will give you greater remedy. The disease and protection, and if you do fall the remedy create the same to a winter illness, your body symptoms and when they will be ready to fight it off come together they cancel quickly. each other out, in the same

Homeopathic Solutions:

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way that two sine waves of Homeopathic the same frequency are neutralize each Heilkunst is a remedies a wonderful other when they solution for meet. For example, German word common onions cause your meaning “the short term eyes and nose symptoms art of making to run, therefore and illness. homeopathic onion, whole”.

Just ask a Allium Cepa is used mom with a for cold symptoms teething child how quickly of runny eyes and nose.

Chammomilla can calm an With the cold and flu season irritated baby! upon us, homeopathy can Homeopathy can also be offer you a targeted approach a solution to long term to combating the fatigue and chronic physical and mental/ irritation of a cold or flu, emotional conditions through along with your standard the therapeutic use of immune boosting supports.

Heilkunst Sequential Timeline If you have a sore throat with Therapy. swelling and burning, take Apis. If your child comes Heilkunst is a German word down with a sudden fever with a painful inflamed throat meaning “the art of making whole”. Medical Heilkunst and earache, use Belladonna is the art of working with to ease the way. Stuffed all aspects of the individual: up nose? Allium Cepa will physical, mental, emotional, help that constant drip and and spiritual to enhance and open the airways. For a deep

bring forward true health and well-being. It involves many different modalities of healing such as diet, nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, detoxification, drainage, counselling, and various remedies to assist the body in eliminating diseases and establishing balance and health.

Dis-ease and illness begin in the heart and soul of an individual long before they manifest physically as symptoms of imbalance and ill health. Your life story and its many events creates a timeline of traumas that leave marks on your mental, emotional and spiritual being and these manifest in your outer physical body as ill health.

Heilkunst Sequential Timeline Therapy entails a detailed history of your life story involving illnesses, significant events of grief and trauma as well as major life changes.

Through talk therapy and homeopathic remedies each event on a timeline is peeled off like an onion skin leaving the person stronger on all levels each time a layer is healed.

Homeopathy is the medicine most often employed by a Heilkunst Practitioner since it is a gentle and effective way of curing disease at every level. Homeopathy not only heals physical ailments, it is also a very powerful medicine to promote mental, emotional and spiritual wellness.

Life is a journey of many pathways and Heilkunst Timeline Therapy and Homeopathy can assist you in making the journey clearer, easier, and more meaningful.

Faye Stefan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Heilkunstler and Homeopath Dynamicpathways.biz

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Denise McLean

CERTIFIED LIFELINE™ PRACTITIONER The LifeLine Technique™ helps to bridge the gap between the subconscious and conscious mind to help balance emotions and live with optimal health.

250-732-0247

azstarplays@yahoo.ca

n February we focus universally on Heart Health and celebrate Valentine’s Day. Hearts have been in my life for as long as I can remember. I was born under the astrological sign of Leo which is ruled by the Heart. My rising sign is Libra which carries as its ruling planet Venus - also symbolizing love and the heart.

I cannot go out in nature without finding a rock, shell or piece of wood in a heart shape!

I feel that I was destined to discover some sort of life path that helped uncover the incredible mysterious power of human emotions. With the LifeLine Technique, I have discovered a key to unlock the hidden gems of our human capacity - EMOTIONS. The first time I came upon this amazingly powerful tool was through listening to Dr. Darren Weissman (the creator of the LifeLine Technique) on Hay House Radio online.

His program was THE SECOND HANGER called ‘Heart of the Matter’ and listeners BOUTIQUE CONSIGNMENT could call in to share their physical ailments and emotional stressors.

Fill our Bags for $20 cash!

(overfilled bags $5 extra) Friday February 12th & Saturday February 13th 10am - 4pm

Now Accepting Spring Clothing, Shoes and Handbags Sizes 0-3x

3541 COBBLE HILL ROAD In the heart of Cobble Hill thesecondhanger@shaw.ca

This Valentine’s Day Fall In Love With Yourself panicky moment to one of complete calmness! It was from that point on that I knew I wanted to find out more about this incredible system.

I travelled to the States to learn more about the LifeLine Technique from Dr Weissman himself and today am a Certified LifeLine Practitioner who has been seeing clients for more than 3 years.

I have been helping people unwrap a truly brilliant gift that never stops giving. It clears away belief patterns that are stuck in the subconscious - mine, yours, everyone’s.

When we experience the After 3 years of letting go of stuck emotional listening to his patterns that originate mainly radio show, I from in the womb to 7 years found myself at a of age (around 70%) we are crossroads in life free to create a new life, in where I was so tired a conscious powerful fully of Anxiety being awakened state of mind. It a conversational is there that we plug into the stressor in my day most important energetic to day existence. I system of the human being found myself calling - the HEART- where LOVE into Dr. Darren’s is the only truth. From this show and within 5 place you can find yourself minutes uncovered experiencing the clarity of a subconscious Acceptance, Compassion, pattern from 4 years Forgiveness, Non Judgement of age. I went from and more. This place resides a slightly nervous within each of us. Accessing

Never Have I Seen Winter Not Turn Into Spring Weekly Meditation - TUESDAYS VIU Cowichan Campus

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By Appointment in Cobble Hill

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250 743-7802

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Infinite Love & Gratitude

true FREEDOM where we can create a whole new reality and a brand new story.

I invite you to rewrite your story. To access the full capacity of your creative higher self. To truly live out your Heart’s Desire. This Valentine’s Day fall in love with yourself! Give the best gift of all to you. Start to heal your heart’s challenges and learn to listen to what the inner voice of your being wishes to unwrap within your core.

Join me and learn about the power of LifeIine in a group healing session to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We will focus on Healing Our Heart - where it matters the most. I welcome anyone who wishes to start on the journey of limitless potential. Happy Heart Day everyone! LifeLine Demonstration with Denise McLean Saturday February 13, 2 -5 pm at the Cowichan Wholistic Centre 416 Jubilee St. (behind the Post Office).

Suggested donation $10.

Space is limited. To reserve your spot call me at 250-732-0247.

o o t S m O t F C l e a n a V f A i A o p a G a c r a a a F m O i

Check out 2016 Retreat

Schedule at www.VIRetreats.com/2016 Retreats INFO: 250. 710. 7594 or peace@viretreats.com

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

*

Natural FOUNDATIONS

in cost from $28 $58. Alongside a large selection of organic skincare products for face and body, the foundations are a specialty beauty product she carries in the spa because she feels a responsibility to offer her clients the safest and best products available.

It’s time to make the switch!

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owichan Valley businesses are making it easier for you phase out unregulated chemicals from your cosmetic bags and beauty drawers.

Eva Walker, skin specialist and owner of Soul Escape Spa began carrying organic mineral foundations early on. She

When on holiday or working in the heat, translucent and tinted Sun Defense Minerals available in SPF 3 - SPF 30 are suitable for men, women and even babies over 6 months.

They are hypoallergenic, water resistant and great for exercise and swimming. Rich with powdered fruit extracts, micronized zinc oxide, bioflavonoids and healing vitamins this is unlike sunscreen you have ever used before.

FEED your skin with MINERAL FOUNDATIONS that contain spF & antioxidants

offers 7 different shades of natural foundations, 8 tinted shades containing SPF and 3 different tints of moisturizing foundation.

One of her best sellers the Antioxidant Mineral Foundation comes in Honey Beige and Chai Berry and contains key indgredients like *Rosemary- a natural astringent, eliminates free radicals and slows the appearance of aging, Vitamin A- ensures natural growth and development of cells and keeps skin looking healthy Vitamin A -prevents against damage from free radicals and sunlight to the skin Aloe- powerful antioxidant and antiirritant, moisturizing Acai Berry Fruit Extract- rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that promote nourishment and toning of the skin’s appearance Green Tea Leaf Extract- powerful antioxidant, neutralizes UV light, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating. These chemical-free antioxidant foundations are suitable for all skin types and helps to ensure the appearance of a flawless complexion.

Finally an alternative for expectant mothers!

Organic mineral foundations are available in pressed, loose and liquid form and range

“Eva’s kept us safe from the sun for years with her wonderful Eminence organic powder sunscreen. Brock and I hate using the normal liquid sunscreens on our faces: they’re oily and icky. But we need a reliable sunscreen when working outside on the farm. We’re so pleased to have discovered this organic powder alternative.”

Heather McLeod It is oil free and will not clog pores and provides nutrients for your skin when used. For those with sensitive skin they are free of chemicals, talcs and dyes, are antiinflammatory and excellent for those who suffer from rosacea and acne.

They are extremely easy to apply it comes in a tube with a dry brush that pops in and out!

Easy to keep in your pocket, purse or glove compartment.

“Everyone - men or women should

* source eminenceorganics.com

consider switching to natural mineral SPF sunscreens and foundations because conventional cosmetics, especially sunscreens - are loaded with creams, oils and petrochemicals harmful to not just the skin and body but to the ocean, coral and creatures the products come in contact with.” shares Eva “Mineral SPF’s are safe for both people and the environment.”

One of Eva’s go to sites is www. safecosmetics.org where she keeps up to date about petrochemicals listed in cosmetics their toxicity ratings and effects.

“SPF 1-3 Can’t see it, Cant feel it, it is that natural, it smells natural.”

Rosehip and Maize Exfoliating Masque Retail $42 Free with purchase of 3 Eminence face and body care products

S OU L E S CAPE

ESTHETICS Est. Since 2006

* This promotion is only available at Soul Escape Esthetics.

THE ORIGINAL HUNGARIAN ORGANIC SKINCARE LINE IN NORTH AMERICA

#4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca

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2. Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine and colours listed as “CI” followed by a five digit number In addition to coal tar dyes, natural and inorganic pigments used in cosmetics are also assigned Colour Index numbers (in the 75000 and 77000 series, respectively). Look for p-phenylenediamine hair dyes and in other products colours listed as “CI” followed by five digits. The U.S. colour name may also be listed (e.g.

“FD&C Blue No. 1” or “Blue 1”). Potential to cause cancer and may be contaminated with heavy metals toxic to the brain.

ome of the ingredients in beauty products aren’t that pretty. U.S. researchers report that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors. Many products include plasticizers (chemicals that keep concrete soft), degreasers (used to get grime off auto parts), and surfactants (they reduce surface tension in water, like in paint and inks). Imagine what that does to your skin, and to the environment.

We surveyed Canadians to see how many of the Dirty Dozen ingredients below appeared in their cosmetics, and our findings show that 80 per cent of entered products contained at least one of these toxic chemicals.

You can avoid harmful chemicals when you use our shopper’s guide, and audit your bathroom cupboard using this list of harmful ingredients: 1. BHA and BHT Used mainly in moisturizers and makeup as preservatives.

Suspected endocrine disruptors and may cause cancer (BHA). Harmful to fish and other wildlife.

3. DEA-related ingredients Used in creamy and foaming products, such as moisturizers and shampoos. Can react to form nitrosamines, which may cause cancer. Harmful to fish and other wildlife. Look also for related chemicals MEA and TEA. 4. Dibutyl phthalate Used as a plasticizer in some nail care products.

Suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxicant.

Harmful to fish and other wildlife.

5. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives Look for DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quarternium-15. Used in a variety of cosmetics. Slowly

Valentines’ Special $10 off services in February

Beauty Bar

by Aimee

www.beautybarbyaimee.com 3541 Cobble Hill Rd 1-778-356-4848 Lashes * Waxing * Brows *

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Dirty Dozen’ Cosmetic Chemicals To Avoid

6. Parabens Used in a variety of cosmetics as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disrupters and may interfere with male reproductive functions.

10. Siloxanes Look for ingredients ending in “-siloxane” or “-methicone.” Used in a variety of cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten.

Suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxicant (cyclotetrasiloxane). Harmful to fish and other wildlife.

7. Parfum (a.k.a. fragrance) Any mixture of fragrance ingredients used in a variety of cosmetics — even in some products marketed as “unscented.” Some fragrance ingredients can trigger allergies and asthma.

Some linked to cancer and neurotoxicity. Some harmful to fish and other wildlife.

11. Sodium laureth sulfate Used in foaming cosmetics, such as shampoos, cleansers and bubble bath. Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer. Look also for related chemical sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients with the letters “eth” (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate).

8. PEG compounds Used in many cosmetic cream bases. Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer. Also for related chemical propylene glycol and other ingredients with the letters “eth” (e.g., polyethylene glycol).

12. Triclosan Used in antibacterial cosmetics, such as toothpastes, cleansers and antiperspirants. Suspected endocrine disrupter and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Harmful to fish and other wildlife.

release small amounts of formaldehyde, which causes cancer.

9. Petrolatum Used in some hair products for shine and as a moisture barrier in some lip balms, lip sticks and moisturizers. A petroleum product that can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.

Article courtesy David Suzuki Foundation. For more detailed information about each of the cosmetic industry’s Dirty Dozen, please visit http://www.davidsuzuki.org and search for Dirty Dozen backgrounder.

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

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b d S i b n o a

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as described above can treat them.

Assessment and diagnosis by a physician is essential.

Elder Skin Care

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s you age, you may notice areas on your skin that become lax, wrinkled, and dry. You may also see lesions.

Some lesions are just minor imperfections in your skin, but others are dangerous and need treatment. The following outline will give you an idea about what to watch out for.

SKIN LESIONS THAT REQUIRE TREATMENT Actinic Keratoses These are red, dry, scaly lesions that most typically occur on the face around the hairline, cheeks, and forehead.

They represent areas of sun damage and can be precancerous. They should be treated. Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), 5 Fuorouracil cream, or Imiquimod cream are treatments for this type of lesion. A physician should do all these treatments.

Basal Cell Cancer / Squamous Cell Cancer These lesions, as the names imply, are more serious.

They are common on the face but can also found on any area of skin that is exposed to the elements.

They may look similar to an actinic keratosis but can be described as a red lesion ‘that does not heal’. They can show more rapid growth than an actinic keratosis and may ulcerate or bleed. These lesions may need a biopsy and an excision. Sometimes, the same prescription creams

Melanoma This is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and needs to be assessed and treated promptly.

Melanoma is often brown / black in colour and it can occur anywhere on the body.

Sometimes this type of lesion develops in an existing brown spot. A physician should assess any change in a pre-existing mole.

These lesions always need a wide excision and follow up.

SKIN LESIONS THAT ARE LESS WORRISOME Seborrheic Keratoses These are the brown ‘age spots’ that appear as you age. They tend to occur on areas of skin that are exposed to the elements. These can be effectively treated with intense pulse light treatments (photofacials) and cryotherapy.

Pedunculated Nevi These are the little growths on skin that have a ‘stalk’. Often they occur around the neck line and can become caught in necklaces and clothing. They can be removed surgically or sometimes with cryotherapy.

Vascular Lesions (Teleangectasia) These are the small blood vessels that sometimes become prominent on the cheeks and around the nose area. They can be effectively treated with intense pulsed light (photofacials).

SUN DAMAGED SKIN Sun damaged skin that is lax, wrinkled and dry can be treated with prescription Retin cream. Retin cream exfoliates and improves collagen production.

Beautiful Skin Begins With

Exceptional Skincare

• Filler • Botox™ • Laser Hair Removal • Photofacials

• HydraFacialMD® • Spray Tans • Acne • Rosacea Treatments Treatments • Mineral Makeup • Latisse™ • Soft Tissue Filler

WWW.VIVAMEDICALAESTHETICS.COM #4 -177 FOURTH ST, DUNCAN 250 746 6512 complimentary custom mini facial with pedicure valentines special • Full Hair and Esthetics Services • Natural Sugaring Hair Removal • Onsite Gel Nail Artist

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Featuring So Pure natural hair care line with organic essential oils

PREVENTION As you age, it is essential to protect and nourish your skin.

For healthy skin, follow the steps below: Moisturize: High quality moisturizers are available at affordable prices.

Protect: Sunblock is essential for most of the year. Many moisturizers contain sunscreen or sunblock.

Treat: Ask your physician for an assessment and suggestions regarding appropriate

treatment. There are many effective technologies available today for effective treatment of ageing skin.

Prescription creams, as described above, are available for use on damaged skin and some types of skin cancer.

Regular assessment of your skin is an important part of overall health and wellbeing.

Submitted by Dr. Lyn Pascoe

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he posture of a person often reflects an individual’s internal state of well being. It can strongly influence our view of the world and how we move and navigate our external environment. When our posture is in correct alignment, we have a sense of ease, elasticity and fluidity of movement within our daily life. Consequently, we experience more vitality.

Did you know that there is direct relationship between our postural alignment and the condition of the fascia system? In fact, the fascia system of the body supports the position of the bones, determines how you move, and largely determines the shape of the body. For this reason, it is called the “organ of structure” for our body.

What is fascia? Fascia is the soft tissue component of the connective tissue and forms a continuous tensional network throughout our body.

It includes the tissue of the joint capsules, ligaments, and tendons as well as the tissue surrounding the organs, nerves and muscle fibers of the body. It includes the tissue of the skin and the dense planar tissue sheets of the body and is one of our richest sensory organs, critically important for proprioception and our sense of embodiment.

No wonder it plays a direct role in determining our postural alignment!

SOMATIC INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES

When the fascia is healthy and in good condition, this translates into correct postural alignment. Force is transmitted through the body with ease, fluidity and vitality. Healthy fascia is highly elastic and resilient, and provides a high level of stability during movement, which in turn provides for a high degree of injury prevention.

However when our posture is not aligned correctly or when there is an injury or excessive strain to the body, the fascia will adapt to stabilize the local area by shortening, thickening, and adhering to neighboring structures in the body. This local fascia adaptation will soon modify the whole fascia web and can result in discomfort, fatigue, misalignment, and restriction of movement through the whole body. Over time symptoms can include: • Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain • Foot, knee, and hip injuries • Headaches •Nerve pain • Diaphragm restrictions and poor digestion The good news is all of this can be corrected! There are a variety of methods that work on balancing and releasing the fascia system of the body to establish correct postural alignment. These include methods such as qi

Correct your posture. Freedom from chronic pain and injury and improve overall health and wellbeing.

MELISSA BROWN

Hellerwork Structural Integration Somatic Counselling Massage Therapy www.pathwaysofconnection.com

BRETT HOLLAND

Rolfing Structural Integration Visceral Manipulation Golden Shield Chi Gong www.islandrolfing.com

250-661-1687 250-920-8818 New office at The Green Door 126 Ingram Street Duncan

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The Importance of Postural Alignment gong, tai chi, yoga, as well as Structural Integration (Hellerwork and Rolfing).

Often considered a deeptissue approach, Structural Integration is a system of bodywork, which works directly on the fascia to systematically unwind the strain patterns held in the fascia, with the goal of bringing the fascia network back into balance and establishing correct postural alignment.

In Structural Integration, the process of balancing and reorganizing the fascia typically occurs over a

series of sessions. Balance is established firstly in the more superficial fascia layers nearer the skin and as the work continues balance is established in the deep fascia layers nearer the bone and throughout the whole fascia web. Research has demonstrated that Structural Integration creates more efficient muscle use, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement.

Align with the New Year and a new you!

Submitted by Melissa Brown and Brett Holland of Somatic Integrative Therapies.

•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

Call or Email

First appointment free!

David Yaeger

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner 250-597-3686 davidyaeger650@gmail.com

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

is a reminder of having loved once, and now no more; of partners lost and mourned; of love never found at all.

In short, we can say that these people are the broken-hearted.

What is the heart and can it be broken?

The heart is a central organ in our bodies; but it also the seat of our soul, the place where our whole life experience comes together. It carries the rhythm of our life.

Broken-Hearted David Yaeger, Certified Emotion Code Practitioner.

250-597-3686. davidyaeger650@ gmail.com

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ards with hearts, flowers, chocolates, special dates -- these things and more we associate with Valentine’s Day. Those in love, and with loving partners and families, celebrate their love for each other in many ways. But there are those among us who do not celebrate on February 14th. For them, it

When we open to love, it is in our heart where we first feel it.

In the absence of love, it is our heart that is most affected. It is where we feel most despondent and sad.

Can our hearts break? I believe they can. We find words about this all the time in poetry and song. Without love, we can even die of a broken heart.

Can a broken heart be mended?

Yes it can.

Dr. Bradley Nelson tells us in The Emotion Code book that our subconscious mind creates a wall to protect our heart from breaking when life circumstances and events are too much to bear. This wall is made up of trapped emotions that we have gathered along our life’s journey. The work of The Emotion Code is to discover these trapped emotions and to release them. When we do so, our heart’s light and love energy can blossom and shine forth.

Are you brokenhearted? Be enheartened and know that relief from emotional pain is possible. Consider having your trapped emotions released and your heart-wall removed as your Valentine’s gift to yourself.

All Shows begin at 2pm Sunday, February 7 Decadence

Terrific band led by Nanaimo’s Steve Jones

Sunday, February 14 Andrew Janusson’s Valentine’s Birthday Gig! Sunday, February 21 Arrowsmith Big Band Directed by Michael Wright High-energy with fantastic sound!

Sunday, February 28 Sue Newman Saltspring Island Chanteuse All Jazz Shows $10 unless stated

1534 Joan Avenue Crofton

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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Experience The Magic And Enchantment Of Classic Ballet With Sleeping Beauty

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Zak Stolk Violin Maker

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.

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

leeping Beauty as performed

by Canada’s Ballet Jörgen is an exhilarating showcase of classical ballet at its finest.

This enchanting fairy tale is performed with magic and dazzling choreography at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Sleeping Beauty is one of the world’s most famous classical ballets and holds a place in the repertoire of virtually every major company.

After more than 25 successful years, Canada’s Ballet Jörgen has created its own unique classical ballet rendition with its World Premiere Tour during the 2015-2016 Season. The company treads new ground with this inspiring interpretation of the classic fairy tale.

With over 30 performers, Ballet Jörgen’s elegant production of Sleeping Beauty brings new life to this traditional piece. Artistic Director and Choreographer, Bengt Jörgen is known for his transformations of classical ballets into dramatically cohesive, beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant productions.

“Sleeping Beauty is the most technically challenging ballet in the ballet repertoire,” says Jörgen. “When done right, it’s brilliant. It’s very pure and clean and difficult, but that’s what makes it exciting.”

The fairy tale about a young woman placed under a spell to sleep for a hundred years only to be awakened by a kiss is an easily accessible story that appeals to children and adults alike.

It’s a dramatic rendition of love, revenge and redemption.

It’s a transformative story: a struggle between good and evil, a journey of the heart and a fairy tale to touch us all.

This dazzling ballet is danced to the original 1890 score

by Tchaikovsky. Together with stunning costumes and captivating lighting and set design, Sleeping Beauty is sure to provide an evening of entertaining and inspiring live performance.

Sleeping Beauty, Saturday, February 13, 7:30 pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Adult: $37 | Student/Senior: $33 | Child:$20 | eyeGo: $5

For full design/build service, give us a call

p 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com 30

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

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Ancient, Old And Local Love It!

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he Native American Love Flute, created by Native peoples over 2500 years ago. The Classical Cello, created over 500 years ago by Andrea Amati.

The first Native American Flute, was made to be played from the heart by its maker. The first Cello, was made to be played by a trained musician along side other instruments in harmony, and was created by a violin maker.

The Native American Flute, is rustic and organic in its creation.

The Cello, is specific and precise in its creation.

The Native American Flute playing is intuitive. Cello playing is structured.

The Native American Flute, was initially not tuned to any specific notes. Instead reflecting the sounds of nature. It has been altered in modern times to have specific notes. The Cello, was and still is mathematically tuned with calibrated notes, reflecting the sounds of the major chromatic scale.

Looking at these two different musical cultures, it is hard to imagine how the instruments as well as the musicians might come to play together. There has been a cultural divide between the classical and the intuitive for centuries.

Two Instruments that have completely different backgrounds and intentions do have one thing in common. Their melancholic and haunting sound.

As these Ancient and Old sounds come together they create a very unique musical experience. A

musical vibration which connects both the mind with the soul.

Ed Peekeekoot, local musician, songwriter and Native Flute player, along with Corbin Keep, a Classically trained Cellist, who also plays the cello intuitively, did cross this cultural divide and played these instruments together for a Full House at the Mercury Theatre in Duncan. It was a very special Event.

They have re-created this experience for everyone on their CD “Atayohkan”. Atayohkan means, “Ancient Ones who have learned their Earth Lessons and help the Creator”.

All the instruments played on this CD were created by local Flute Maker Rommy Verlaan, local Violin maker Zak Stolk, and local Bow Maker Reid Hudson.

It was locally recorded in the studio of Zak Cohen, and the cover designed by, local Native Artist Ice Bear. A local treasure!

As we move forward this year, allow Atayohkan to be a reminder, of the harmony that is possible between all cultures, ancient, old, and local.

The CD Atayohkan can be purchased at ‘Ten Old Books”, Wishes, and Gallowglass Books in Duncan.

LOVE flutes and Ed’s CD will be for sale at the Community Farm Store Sunday February 7 or at the Duncan Market Feb 6, 13.

Rommy is a Master Medical Qi Gong therapist and Lakota Flute Maker in the Cowichan Valley.

Winter Tea Especially in winter tea-drinking finds its time.

Come in from the cold, find a seat, sit comfortably.

Listen to the ritual kitchen gestures --rasp of metal spoon measuring dried herbs, tick-tick-tick of warming kettle.

Each cup makes its own hearth – heated air rising above the rim recalling smoke lifting from burning cedar and, depending on the brew, dimly-remembered summer smells : blackberry leaves, mint, chamomile – and summer dreams holy basil and, improbably, Cowichan Valley-raised camellia sinensis.

Lift your hands to take the filled vessel and warm them, curved, against it.

Feel the sultry weight.

Outside, driving rain, snow, perhaps; inside, painted on the cup you might see lilies of the valley, lady fern, birds in flight.

You might see two blue figures walking in fine weather– are they going toward or leaving, prayers at the temple?

Judith Belton writes and lives in Mill Bay.

GOLDA’S LITERACY NUGGETS

“You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” - Ray Bradbury.

Words to Savour is curated by Judith Belton. If you wish to submit a poem (30 lines max.) please do so via wordstosavour@shaw.ca.

Ed Peekeekoot and Corbin Keep

info@gopesto.com I www.gopesto.com

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owichan Valley Arts Council invites local artists to submit work for the upcoming 46th annual Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show – one of Vancouver Island’s largest open art exhibitions and sales. It will be held at the Island Savings Centre inside the Cowichan Suite and PORTALS, the CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture and Heritage.

46th Cowichan Valley Fine Art Show This exhibition Calling All Artists! invites students, emerging, advanced and professional artists to submit work Window” held Wednesday March 30 to in both two and three dimensional Saturday April 2, 2016 between 10am and mediums.CVAC is proud to provide this 5pm each day at PORTALS. No mailedwonderful opportunity for artists and in or emailed registration forms will be artisans to showcase their original works accepted. Artist entry fee is $25. The show of art. All artisans, aged 16 or older, runs from Wednesday April 27 - Sunday who are members in good standing May 1. Artists’ Opening Celebration will with CVAC, are eligible to enter 1 piece take place on Tuesday April 26, 7- 9pm. of original art work that has not been Entry and show information is available previously shown in any other venue. at PORTALS, located inside the Island All works in the exhibition are for sale.

Savings Centre, and on the CVAC website Registration will take place only in www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca person during the “CVFAS Registration

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he Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animal signs including Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, we are leaving the Year of the Goat and entering the Year of the Monkey on February 8, 2016.

Chinese astrology dates back several thousand years. It is closely linked to the Chinese philosophy of the three harmonies (heaven, earth and water) and the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth). The sequence of the

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twelve animals combined with the five elements completes a sixty-year cycle.

In determining the astrological sign of a person one would consider first the animal and then the element. So if someone was born last year during the year of the Goat they would be Wood Goat and would be considered to have the qualities of both the animal as well as the element.

integrated the characteristics of the animals into original recipes using organic loose teas, flowers and herbs. Our Chinese zodiac teas were partially inspired by China’s rich history and love for tea.

Another important ingredient is the playful nature of the Chinese zodiac and the twelve animals. The teas are delightful and help celebrate a thousand-year old tradition surrounding the enjoyment

Curious about the Monkey?

We invite you to check out our blog at www.teafarm.ca for more information on the year ahead.

Victor Vesely is a tea farmer and purveyor of fine and fun organic teas. www.teafarm.ca

hoodies I skirts I tops I dresses accessories I childrens & more

2016 is the year of the Fire Monkey. You are a Monkey if born in the range of years…1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028...

In 2010, Teafarm developed a line of twelve Chinese zodiac teas (four black, four green and four herbal blends) and

of tea.

EVENTS In VICTORIA

FEBRUARY FOX FAIR

fernwood community center

1240 Gladstone ave AVAILABLE AT

Spinning Ninny 306 Duncan St, Duncan

FEBRUARY 13 10-4pm

Pottery by Susan Crow, Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs

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Functional Pottery – Made to be Used and Loved

ottery is a practical and attractive addition to everyone’s kitchen and dining room table. During the month of February, Imagine That!

Artisans’ Designs in downtown Duncan will showcase the work of seven potters who sell their work in the store.

While each potter’s work is unique, they have one thing in common. Their pottery is ‘functional.’’ It is made to be used. This includes coffee mugs, bowls, casserole dishes, pitchers, and tea pots – just about anything to serve food and drink.

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ust as his wife Feng Wanyu (Gong Li) is injured in an accident, Lu Yanshi (Chen Daoming) is arrested and sent to a labour camp

Vivian Bodnar’s earth tone pottery reflects her close attachment to nature and a love of the outdoors. She sometimes uses impressions of leaves and stones in her bowls and serving dishes.

Susan Crowe lives and works on Hornby Island. A prolific potter, Susan uses soft blue and green glazes. Her store shelf includes attractive oil and vinegar dispensers.

Christina Lindstrom lives in Nanaimo and is perhaps best known for her soft green glaze

as a political prisoner. He is released in the last days of the Cultural Revolution arriving home he finds that his beloved wife has amnesia and remembers little of her past. Not recognizing Lu, she keeps waiting patiently for her lost husband’s return.

Alone, a stranger in his own family, Lu is determined to find again the life and love he lost. Reel Alternatives, 7pm Monday February 22, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Tickets $12 Adults, $5 Students w.cards, FebJune Series $50 benefiting Cowichan Valley Hospice services.

and application. Tucked in with the bowls, mugs, and casserole dishes are little egg separators with smiling faces.

Marjorie Wick’s pottery is graceful and stylish, made with particular care and attention. “I love knowing that the human hand and heart has touched each piece making it unique and distinct,” she notes.

For Sandi Madsen, attention to quality is key to producing fine pottery. “Quality is the hallmark of good craftsmanship, from the materials used right through to every detail of production,” she says. Sandi’s pottery stands out for its beautiful cobalt blue glaze.

‘alligator glaze’. The end result is ‘one of its kind’ texture. Vic and his wife Josee (Jo) are well known, experienced island potters. They own and operate JoVic Pottery in Ladysmith, a favorite stop for pottery lovers.

Al Knutson, who retired in 2002 to become a full time potter, uses rich vibrant colours and bold flowing forms. He says his work is an evolving process of constant refinement thanks to workshops and input from customers and friends.

The pottery exhibition promises something for every budget and taste. Be sure to stop by!

Vic Duffhues’s gorgeous pottery is easily identified by its

Veronica Scott is a retired professional writer. a glass mosaic artist and member of CVAC.

Ongoing classes in weaving, spinning, needle felting, knitting and dyeing

Leola’s Studio 250-597-0820 Whippletree Junction www.leolasstudio.com

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lay is an interesting medium to work in.

During the process of forming and building the clay is soft and supple. The flexible, and even elastic, nature of the clay allows for adjustments and corrections. Many mistakes or undesired shapes and forms can be altered up until a certain point. When the clay reaches the leather hard stage, this is much more difficult and when it is completely dry it can no longer be changed. At this point in time, the clay can be wetted again and eventually recycled into new pieces.

Thus, many mistakes can be remedied before the piece is ready for the kiln. The unfired dry clay piece goes into the kiln as greenware and comes out as bisque ware. Most pieces will undergo a second firing, the glaze firing, in order to complete the creative process.

The bisque firing happens around 1000ºC and the glaze firing at a considerable higher

temperature depending on different styles and ware. In a nutshell, these firings are what will transform the piece from clay to ceramic. And it is no wonder many things can go sideways at those temperatures.

Working with clay keeps one humble. I never quite know what chemical transformation may have occurred during a 10hour firing process. I will pull pieces from the kiln and notice that the glaze ran in places I didn’t intend it to. Sometimes, the pieces simply didn’t turn out the way I wanted them to and I may put them aside.

All these pieces are collected during the year.

One year I thought it would be fun to sell all my seconds on the second day of the second month. The event was such a wonderful way to kick off the season, that it has now become an annual repeat.

So, every February second at

Margit Nellemann in Studio Image Nik West

Seconds With Margit Nellemann 2pm, I invite people to come to my studio to select from the seconds I have produced throughout the previous year.

The pieces that have been put aside during the year are brought out for this event and rather than destroying them they are sold at very reduced prices.

And, in keeping with the theme of seconds and 2s, I tempt everyone to come in a TuTu. It ads a carnivalesque atmosphere to a midwinter’s day and offers 22% savings off all regularly priced clay pieces.

The sale will of course only be for 2 hours and I guarantee it will be TuTu much fun! www.margitnellemann.com

Join a Unique Collaboration Project! butterflies, geometric patterns, fantasy scenes – you get the idea!

At CVAC, we are all about forging creative relationships with the community and providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the arts. That’s why we are so excited about this local spin on a global phenomenon. Colouring books for adults have dominated Amazon’s ‘top ten’ sales list for months now.

Please submit your drawings by February 29, 2016.

By March 4, 2016, CVAC will notify those artists whose drawings will owichan Valley Arts Council invites you to be included in submit your signed drawing for a chance the book. to be published alongside our artist members in Together, the Valley’s very own colouring book, Colour let’s create the Cowichan Valley! You retain ownership a successful and copyright. We’re looking for drawings fundraiser to suitable for adults to colour – flowers, support your paisley’s, Celtic knots, mandalas, landscapes,

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local arts council!Specifications: Pen, pencil or digital drawings. Must fit within a 7.5” wide x 9.75” high line frame.

Submissions: E-mail digital drawings in PDF or JPG form to cowichancolour@shaw.ca. Deliver during office hours or send paper drawings to PORTALS, Island Savings Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, V9L 2X5.

For more information, please contact cowichancolour@shaw.ca

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

Professional nature photographer Stephen Russell will capture your favourite tree on film and present you with an 11x14 photograph (black and white or monotone) professionally printed and framed by Duncan`s Excellent Frameworks. (Print value $150; Frame value $200)

BEADS BEADS BEADS

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!

Well-known local artist, Angela Andersen will transform your favourite tree into an unframed 20 x 24 original acrylic painting. Value $450. and then…

Fine artisan, Suzan Whyte will immortalize your favourite tree in an original piece of jewelry. A professionally crafted, multi-piece pendant with attached chain and a pair of matching earrings taken from a plaster mold of the bark of your tree, Value $150.

Total package value: $950 Single tickets $10 There are only 400 tickets and they will sell out again this year!

single province and territory.

The CVAC Raffle Is Back!

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he CVAC raffle is back!

Being heralded as the most unique raffle prize ever seen, this three-part custom art prize generously donated by painter, Angela Andersen, photographer Stephen Russell and fine artisan, Susan Whyte is a must have.

The theme of this year’s prize is “Your Tree” - in three “tree experiences” We would not live in the marvellous Cowichan Valley if we did not love the natural environment. Where is your favorite tree? It could be a monstrous cedar growing in a park or wild space or it could be an elegant dogwood blossoming in your own backyard. It can be any species and any size. Find your favorite tree and then…

Tickets are now available at PORTALS and the draw is once again on the last day of the Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show, May 1. Reserve a ticket by emailing judybrayden@ shaw.ca. Reserved tickets paid for and picked up Saturdays in PORTALS unless alternative arrangements are made.

Submitted by Judy Brayden Image Angela Andersen

Etc!

9752c Willow St

Eye Opener Film Series

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ff-grid isn’t a state of mind.

It isn’t about being out of touch, living in a remote place, or turning off your mobile phone. Off-grid simply means living without a connection to the electric and natural gas infrastructure. To live off-grid, therefore, means to radically reinvent daily life in a dramatically innovative but also quite traditional way.

(Director) and Phillip Vannini (Producer) spent two years travelling across Canada to find off-gridders and visit them in their homes. Following the ethnographic tradition sometimes they lived with them for a short period of time. Sometimes they followed them around as they hunted, fished, harvested, collected wood, and built their homes. And at times they too practiced living in off-grid homes and cabins. Over two years Taggart and Vannini visited about 100 homes and interviewed about 200 off-grid Canadians, as well as many American and British expats living in Canada.

They met off-gridders in every

Their encounters with offgridders young and old, far and near, and rich and poor, have inspired them to reflect not only about off-grid life in itself, but also to question our collective, modern, on-grid way of life.

This is a film on disconnection as much as it is on everything we all take for granted about the modern condition and its comforts, conveniences, and connectivity.

Off-gridders are often the subject of stereotypes. Hippies, hermits, outlaws, rebels, misfits—these are just some of the labels applied to them.

But their filmic portraits reveal a different picture, one that is less sensational, less radical, and more nuanced and subtle. Their intimate encounters show offgridders to be individuals who care about their family and their environment, about their homes, communities, and their place in the world. Off-gridders’ experiences show us what it means to question how we all procure and consume energy, food, and water, and more broadly what we can all do to rely more on renewable resources and technologies. Without romanticizing their struggles or glossing over their troubles this film shows in detail both why and how people live off the grid, revealing whether this might even be the future way of life for all of us.

Life Off Grid, Thursday, February 4, Duncan United Church, 7pm, admission free or by donation Producer: Dr. Phillip Vannini in attendance for discussion (Royal Roads University) presented by Eye Opener Educational Films and DUC Social Justice

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The Heart of the Matter

by Catherine Macey

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ebruary is heart month and one of the many meanings of the word heart is “the essence or central part of something,” which is why Downtown Duncan is known as the “Heart of Cowichan.” Not only is downtown the CBD (central business district) of the valley, but it embodies the history, spirit and people of our community as well.

So we asked some downtown business owners & employees what they loved most about this special part of our community and here’s what they had to say:

Roger – Merit Furniture I love being here in this great location - nice restaurants and easy to get to everything.

Olga – Resthouse Sleep Solutions I love that the shop owner community is so welcoming and supportive…and having lunch delivered by the wonderful restaurants across the street!

Jacquie – Duncan Business Improvement Area President & owner of Wishes I love the personal touch you get from shop owners who care about and are personally invested in our community.

And I love the vibrancy of downtown!

Khanh – Lele Fashions Krista – Giggle Gear I love all the independent stores and how all the owners love what they’re doing.

I love the commissionaires and our downtown events too!

I love the friendly, small town feel and how there’s lots for people to enjoy downtown - outside and inside.

WHERE CULTURES CONNECT

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250-748-3112

Free language classes, employment and settlement services for eligible www.cis-iwc.org newcomers

Renee – Peacock Photo I love all the small independently owned stores and how walkable it is!

Terri – Salon 162 I love the sense of friendship and community.

Thomas – Pharmasave

Robert – Monk Office

I love the uniqueness of downtown – with the totem poles and the train station.

I love the smallness and closeness of downtown – it’s like “Cheers” where everybody knows your name.

And I love shopping local!

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Claire – Leaf & Petal I love the open, kind and welcoming community – both my business neighbours and my customers.

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Sandi

– Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs

We love being able to represent so many wonderful local artists – it’s truly a pleasure.

Damon – Griffiths Plumbing I love the sense of community and how downtown business owners work and stick together.

Heart To Heart With St. John Ambulance

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t. John Ambulance is one of the world’s oldest charitable organizations and through the generous donations from the community and businesses we are able to provide first aid to many community events and programs.

We also provide first aid training for work, home and play – along with the supplies to go along with your training. Emergency Preparedness products are also available.

February is Heart Month and, as such, we would like everyone to know that we carry a wide variety of Automated External Defibrillators (AED’S) – the only effective intervention for sudden cardiac arrest.

What is sudden cardiac arrest? It occurs when heart function ceases abruptly and without warning. The heart is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body.

Not to be confused with heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem that

creates an abnormal heart rhythm that prevents the heart from pumping blood to all vital organs. Sudden cardiac arrest is unpredictable; it can happen anywhere, anytime, at any age and without warning.

In fact, one occurs every 12 minutes in Canada and with each passing minute before AED application, the probability of survival declines by 7-10%. Time is of the essence in these situations and using an AED is an effective intervention.

St. John Ambulance provides one free CPR C AED class with each purchase of an AED. Please contact Amanda English at 250.746.4058 for details.

JOIN US FOR

LUNCH + DINNER

OPEN

7 DAYS A WEEK

look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

theoldfirehouse.ca

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you can wear many different ways. It’s a very functional piece to have in your wardrobe.

Q&A with Lara from Spinning Ninny DBIA: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how the Spinning Ninny came to be?

Lara: I am an extremely creative person and have so many talented friends that I felt we needed a location for people to come and directly support these artists and our community.

DBIA: What’s the story behind the name?

Lara: I was always a goofy and silly child and my grandmother frequently would yell for me to “quit acting like a ninny”. I called the store Spinning Ninny because of that and because it’s a whirlwind of creativity.

DBIA: How would you describe your store in 5 words?

Lara: Local, Artisan, Quirky, Imaginative, Creative.

DBIA: What are the most popular items that you sell?

Lara: The Original Swants because nothing is better than legs in a sweater and Floating Gold Iceburg’s Cowly Capellette – an amazing shawl/scarf that

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DBIA: What do you love about your Downtown Duncan location?

Lara: All my customers have a parking spot right in front of the store.

I also love being part of Downtown Duncan Days and bringing in the Dunk Tank.

DBIA: What do you wish people knew about your store?

Lara: That every single item for sale in the Spinning Ninny is handmade by amazing local talented people and that we have an after-school program from 3:30 – 4:30 full of exciting artistic crafts, games, music, dance, hula hoop, sword play and more!

DBIA: What would you be doing if you weren’t running Spinning Ninny?

Lara: I would be travelling around the world teaching, learning and exploring dancing.

DBIA: What should people buy for their Valentine at your store?

Lara: They should make a personalized card for their loved one in the Imagination Station.

DBIA: What is your idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day? Lara: A day where all my customers and friends come to the Spinning Ninny for a FREE HUG! On Valentine’s Day I give out love.

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

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I a y

Why We Love Downtown Duncan!

Ernest – Rembrandt’s Chocolates I love that downtown is uniquely tucked away in the Cowichan Valley and full of unique independently owned stores.

May – Sai Thai

Paige – Sheer Essentials I love the one-stop shopping and the great customer service you get downtown.

I love our small, quaint downtown. I love the great buildings – like City Hall, and the Garage and the Station Building (on Duncan St.), which remind me of Tuscany!

WHO DO YOU LOVE? Weʻll be making BABY CAKES for Valentineʻs Day.

AVAILABLE ON FRIDAY 12TH, SATURDAY 13TH, AND SUNDAY THE 14TH OF FEBRUARY They serve 2-4 people, are 3 inches around, are $15, and will have a heart on them.

YOU SHOULD PROBABLY ORDER ONE. We can’t fit more than about 3 letters on the top of these little guys, but they all say ‘CAKE!’ without even trying. They’re almost entirely organic, too, so you show your love for the earth, too.

GLUTEN FREE HAZELNUT TORTE is a little square, with the layers of hazelnut covered with chocolate ganache, then layered up with whipped cream or coconut cream LEMON RASPBERRY TORTE is another little square, a nut free and gluten free sponge cake covered with lemon curd, raspberry jam, and whipped cream or coconut cream.

CARROT SPELT our ALL-TIME favourite, with our not-too-sweet Cream Cheese icing.

The CHOCOLATE CLASSIC, one of our chocolate cakes (choose vegan, which is round, or gluten-free, which is square) filled with cream or coconut cream and enrobed in chocolate ganache, or Chocolate Mocha, which is the same cake with mocha cream or coconut cream.

We’ll also be making some special Valentine’s cupcakes and cookies. It’s sweet to show the love!

Sammy – Woodland Chinese Restaurant I love the very nice and friendly people.

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The Healing Breath

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s the season shifts into early spring, we notice more light in the world. This expansion of daylight reminds me of the light that we are, and how we can encourage energy flow to deepen our experience of being in our yoga practice.

We can always invite our experience on the mat to be one of discovery. Working with the energy of breath and subtle intention we can explore the idea of consciousness in our body.

One of the beautiful gifts of yoga is how it connects us to our spirit.

It is an opportunity to go inside and explore the depths of our being. With conscious breathing, we can do more than just relax, we can flow energy to spaces that are calling for our attention.

Perhaps you are in pigeon pose, and your hip is feeling tender, try sending the breath there. Start by breathing nice and deep into the belly and then send the energy of the exhale to that sticky spot. You may notice a release, or you may notice a build up in intensity, and find a gentle release in that area during savasana. Another way to explore the essence of prana is by taking time before your final relaxation to direct breath to different areas; perhaps there has been tightness in your solar plexus, or anxiety in your heart center. Take a few moments to send the breath here, and let yourself fully surrender into savasana.

Release can come through many different forms. Tightness in the muscles can be completely physical so you may just experience relaxation. It could be stored emotions, or a trauma from our past, so you may experience images,colours, memories, even emotions. These sensations usually pass as quickly as they come as they are released.

Yoga is a wonderful way to open to the truth of our potential as energetic beings. As we connect with the breath we can experience great transformation.

THE HEALING BREATH This is a powerful pranayama technique that relaxes the body and connects us with the grounded root of our first chakra, and the gentle flow of our 2nd chakra. It is deeply restorative, very powerful and a wonderful tool for sending healing light and attention to the spaces in our body that need it most.

THE PRACTICE Start by taking a few full, comfortable breaths.

1. Put your hand on your belly about two finger widths below the navel.

2. Inhale through the nostrils and let the breath move towards your belly, filling the abdomen up with air. You will feel the belly against your hand.

3. Exhale, keeping the belly expanded as you slowly release the breath through the nostrils.

Feel the fullness in the belly and the pelvis as the breath releases.

This may feel different at first- we are used to pressing our belly in on the inhale, but with time it can become comfortable and easy. There is no need to push the belly out- just a soft subtle fullness that stays present.

4. RepeatPractice this breath 5-10 times a day. It’s great to practice before meditation, and before bed.

Explore sending the breath on the exhale to an area of your body that is calling for attention, while keeping a sense of fullness in the abdomen. Once it is comfortable for you to connect with this breath, try it in your yoga practice in a restorative posture, and notice what happens.

Asrael is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and a member of the Forest Yogini Collective. She teaches yoga at Harmony Yoga and Yum Yoga. For more information see www.ayurvedicbliss.com

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Green Living

YOGA FOR WELLNESS

Times They Are A Changing

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aising kids in todays technology intense culture can be a steep learning curve for us parents. Recently my very compliant, rules following, 11 year old saved up his own money to buy an ipod touch. He primarily wanted it for listening to music and playing video games. He is very internet safety conscious, would never give out personal information online, is only allowed limited screen time/ week and I monitor the games he plays closely. You can imagine my surprise when he came to me very upset one evening after viewing a sexually violent disturbing video on Youtube.

He had been watching an age appropriate game tutorial video when something came up in the sidebar that peaked his curiosity and unfortunately was extremely inappropriate. So quite by accident he had come across content that neither he nor I wish he had seen. I felt partially responsible because it hadn’t even occurred to me to place any parental controls on his device. An afternoon spent on google and I discovered a variety of ways to protect kids while still allowing all the age appropriate access your comfortable with.

First thing to check out is any parental controls or restrictions

you can enable on your child’s device. This typically allows some controls in broad strokes.

Next there are many browser options you can install for free in place of Safari or whatever browser the device is currently running. You must go into the settings and shut off the exiting browser first, then the new browser becomes the default.

The browser I chose for my son’s age is called Mobicip. It has a free version and a paid version for a nominal annual fee. It allows me to set the level of filtration I want it to apply, I can block specific websites or words and phrases, I can set up days and times the device has wifi access, it alerts me if someone tries to visit a blocked site and even sends me a weekly report of all websites visited. It operates on an algorithm that filters content of all websites, including Youtube, so if it determines a site has inappropriate content it blocks it with a Mobicip icon and won’t allow the site to load.

There are other browsers more appropriate for both younger and older children, lots of options out there. Don’t wait until your kids see something that can’t be unseen before you use technology to your advantage and protect your kids!

Tracey Hanson local mompreneur and owner/operator Clean Choice EcoFriendly Cleaning Services cleanchoicecleaners. com

Early Childhood Education in the Waldorf School

ave you ever walked into a room and felt yourself exhale? Have you ever experienced a song or a story that continued to unfold in your mind for several days? Have you ever played in the rain and felt the drops on your skin? As adults, when we walk into the Preschool and Kindergarten Classrooms in a Waldorf School, these are some of the sensations that we notice.

A feeling of peace, a sense of wonder and a remembering about what childhood is all about... playing.

cooking, our Early Childhood classrooms are brimming with opportunities to play with total abandon and freedom of imagination. Play is the work of the child. It is through movement and play that children sense fully into their bodies, and keenly into the pictures of the mind.

Skipping, climbing, jumping and outside play (no matter what the weather) is an integral part of the rhythm of the day in our Early Childhood classrooms. Splashing through puddles, rolling down grassy hills, and swinging are some of the other ways that children start to know their bodies and explore the world around them. Here is what one parent had to say after visiting our classrooms for the first time:

Sunrise Waldorf School Early Childhood Education classrooms are revered for their simplicity, warmth, and the feeling of coming home. From the soft woolen dolls, to the colourful silks, from the blocks, stones, shells and flowers, to the smell of bread baking and oatmeal

“I walked into the Kindergarten classroom, and was completely taken by the beauty. Richly coloured velvet robes hung on a coat rack for playing dress up, and beside it a basket of silk scarves and knit belts. A simple, yet finely handcrafted wooden kitchen was set up for

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play with miniature wooden cups, plates, and spoons. We were still familiarizing ourselves with what Waldorf education was about, but I knew without a doubt, that this warm hued classroom environment, rich with textures, natural materials and void of plastic, prints and stark institutional decor, was where my precious children would get their start in school. What a loving start it has been.”

The young children at Sunrise Waldorf School also immerse themselves in activities that are reflective and imitative of the adults that are caring for them.

Needing and baking dough for bread, setting and clearing the table for snack, folding and stacking cloths and napkins.

Moving slowly and speaking mindfully, the teachers offer a soft voice and a safe loving environment.

Strong rhythms and repetition allow the children to sink deeply into their play. Our teachers bring emphasis to the rhythms to the

day, the week, and seasons of the year, all of which creates the foundation for the young child to feel safe and free to explore. In an ever changing and fast paced world, the Waldorf Preschool and Kindergartens are a place where childhood is preserved and held with love If you’d like to come and see our Early Childhood classrooms for yourself, or are interested in hearing more about why Waldorf Education works, please feel free to contact Chantey Dayal – Admissions Coordinator for a tour or a meeting today.

250 743 7253

Waldorf Preschool & Kindergarten - OPEN HOUSE This is where children soar through play and imagination

Come and meet the teachers, learn about our programs, and explore our classrooms.

Saturday February 13th 10:00 - 11:30 am Saturday April 9th 10:00 - 12:00 pm Saturday May 7th - Schedule TBA

www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org Space is limited - Please RSVP to admissions@sunrisewaldorfschool.org 250.743.7253

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Johnna Puusa www.lumota.ca www.facebook.com/ lumotadesigns IG: @lumotadesigns 250-732-9393

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hortly before artist Johnna Puusa returned home to the Cowichan Valley, she began making himmelis as a hobby. “I have been interested in Scandinavian design and mid century modern works since living with my Swedish step granny, Ingrid in Toronto in ’99. She was a successful and talented textile designer and greatly influenced my sense of style in home decor. I married my husband in 2003 and shortly after we bought our first home. We spent hours over the years searching through

Toronto’s East End shops buying mid century modern furnishings. After visiting Finland in 2006 my love for Scandinavian style was cemented.” shares the artist.

“I first noticed a beautiful brass himmeli in a furniture catalogue featuring Etsy artists. The himmeli was so intriguing and eye-catching I had to find out more. It didn’t take long to discover that the craft of making himmeli has Finnish roots which I found fascinating. My father-in-law, Keijo, is from Finland and my husband and children have dual citizenship. I learned that my father-in-law and most of the extended family still living in Finland had made himmelis themselves as a Christmas-time tradition when they were children. I knew I had to teach myself to make himmelis. Himmelis were traditionally made with straw from a Finnish family’s crop of rye and hung over the table during the winter harvest festival to ensure a good crop the following year. The more elaborate

Himmeli; brass, nylon cord, labradorite bead and gold plated drop string finishings. By Johnna Puusa

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Talking Arts: Designer Johnna Puusa the himmeli, the more abundant next year’s crop. The most beautiful himmeli were stored hanging from the rafters of Finnish attics from one year to the next.

The folklore of inviting abundance by hanging a himmeli in your home really drew me in. I think this is such a wonderful sentiment to create and to give.”

With a keen eye for design and functionality Johnna began incorporating live plants into her Himemelis.

“The air plants made their first appearance when I decided to vend for the first time at an Atomique Productions craft fair in Victoria. I had been keeping an eye on what other himmeli artists were up to and noticed the incorporation of air plants by a couple of designers in the U.S. I liked this idea being a ‘green thumb’ myself, so I decided to try this out by purchasing a few air plants

Himmeli with Tillandsia

by Johnna Puusa

from Dinter’s and using them in my sales display.

The response to both the himmelis and air plants was overwhelming. After this first sale I began researching air plants and suppliers. Although I love the himmelis as a stand alone design piece I think the air plants lend a sense of good fresh fun to the smaller and simplest himmelis I make.

View more of her work locally at Shawnigan Coffee House, Leaf and Petal in Duncan and Thrive Lifestyle on Salt Spring Island. www.lumota.ca

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DESIGNI NGgreen LET’S GET ORGANIZED!

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K, you made all your New Year’s resolutions but really, what’s the fun in quitting habits and breaking out a sweat?

Let’s talk about downsizing and decluttering or whatever you want to call ‘getting organized’ instead.

And you will likely burn a few calories in the process besides.

My new offices required some quick and simple ideas to move a staff and integrated company of 25 years in a hurry without losing time or the important thread of keeping the flow uninterrupted.

We also wanted a concept we could add to or expand or change without having to rethink the look and material.

We were aiming to abandon the old anyways and we now had more room so we thought clean lines, minimalism but the cost still seemed daunting along with all the new equipment required.

We chose Canadian made

prefinished birch plywood and solid core birch veneered doors to build and store and finish everything!

The plywood is FSC certified and made in Canada and laminated using safe glue resins with no off gassing.

It’s all prefinished in ½” or ¾” (12 OR 19 MM) thickness and very stable. It’s light in colour and very neutral so it goes with everything and has a timeless appeal because of its simplicity.

It’s also very solid and long lasting. When did you last dare dancing on your Ikea desk top?

Don’t get me wrong, Ikea has its place and its ability to be upcycled into various configurations make it very sustainable in many ways.

So all our desks and work stations were made of various widths of standard door slabs.

They are available in 24” though 36” widths. The cost is nearly the same for each (start at $130 or so each) so maximize your design by using the larger sizes if possible. Stable legs can be

added by using a 30” or so length of door slab or for a long run, add a prefinished table leg in gloss black steel tubing available through Rona or Home Depot. Fast and sturdy and premade and ready to bolt to the underside.

Drawer units require a bit more skill and soft close features require specialty hardware but all is available from your Lee Valley Store online.

Or build a very sturdy credenza by ripping a 36” slab into 18” widths and turn the cut edge to the wall or add a birch or maple trimmed edge.

If you are intimidated by handling the large slab doors, have your local door shop like Windsor Plywood supply and make the cuts for you.

The doors need a final finish and can be clear coated or stained nicely. Clear coating keeps them a match with the prefinished plywood and a nice bright compliment to any room.

Add some colourful recycled milk crates or multi coloured Rubbermaid storage tubs or a collection of seagrass baskets from Superstore to get you by until that carpenter in your life shows up.

In the meantime, it’s all a great way to create a workstation for the kids, a wall to wall office out of an abandoned closet, a games or dining table or even a great workbench.

David Coulson is a local certified Built Green design builder. He has a staff of 25 that have built throughout the Island for over 20 years.

“BRINGING A CLEANER INTO OUR HOME SAVED OUR RELATIONSHIP.”

Marriage Saver Package - Kitchen, Two Bathrooms and Main Living Space Floors

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

250 929 8381 www.cleanchoicecleaners.com Licensed - Insured - Bonded Gift Certificates Available for Family and Friends!

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Peter Nix’s Solar farm near Maple Bay.

Electrify Your Garden, And Everything Else

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n my “solar” garden, I grow food energy in the form of strawberries; but I also grow raw energy in the form of electricity. And then I sell that electrical energy, just like strawberries - well, maybe if I had time to attend farmer’s markets.

Photons of energy stream from the sun to create those strawberries, using the process of photosynthesis. This fantastic evolutionary leap allowed agriculture to jumpstart our prosperous society, with cheap energy from fossil fuels needed to power our machines.

But energy from fossil fuels turns out to be the biggest Catch 22 in history. Because, while these fuels created prosperity, they are destroying our climate. And the resulting catastrophic storms will eventually destroy our society.

So yes, we have prospered; but yes, we planted the seeds of an unsustainable economy and lifestyle.

One big solution to minimize damage from climate change is to use the sun’s energy for more than just growing food.

More solar energy falls on earth

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in a single hour that all the fossil fuel energy used globally in a year. On June 9, 2014, Germany produced a record 50% of its electricity from solar and yet it gets less sunshine than does Cowichan.

You and I should use the sun’s abundant photons to electrify our entire lives and electric cars for transport, electric heat pumps for homes, and electric machines for industry. If we don’t do this, Cowichan citizens will spend over one billion dollars on energy over the next decade according to One Cowichan - exporting a lot of jobs. But if we go solar, we will create more local jobs than any other energy source.

So I encourage you to take the next big step towards sustainability. Consider using your backyard garden, or roof top, to transfer the sun’s energy into renewable electricity using a proven and inexpensive technology - solar panels. Then, importantly, use that extra electricity to replace your use of fossil fuels. Unlike my strawberries, there is a side benefit to BC Hydro’s net metering system whichallows you to sell any excess

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

will give me a saving on my home’s electric bill of about $2,000/year as I will no longer pay BC Hydro’s Tier 2 rate of about 12.4 cents per kWh. Hydro will also pay about $3,500/year for my excess electricity at 9.9 cents per kWh.

Project initiation - a special cart was made for transporting the panels.

electricity and make a profit.

Not convinced yet?

Well, BC has considerable hydro-electric power; but generally hydro has a higher carbon footprint than solar, and higher distribution costs. In any case, we will need lots more renewable power to transform into a non-carbon economy; preferably, using citizenowned, cheap and local energy.

Right now, you and I can make solar energy cheaper than can the Site C dam project when, and if, it comes on stream.

We are forming a group called Solar Cowichan to help people invest in solar energy.

The concept is simple; form a social enterprise group, perhaps a co-op, that allows members to invest as much as they can afford in solar panels on residential or commercial sites. This group would install solar panels installed on suitable property, collect money earned from the sale of electricity, and redistribute it to shareholders.

Solar energy is compatible with BC Hydro’s electrical grid system, and will be needed as glacial waters and reservoirs run dry due to climate change.

Solar may even replace existing imports of energy from coalburning power stations (10% of BC’s electricity comes from Alberta’s coal).

To test the economics of this concept, and frankly to put my money where my mouth is, I utilized a bit of my garden as well as a slope on it’s south side to install 192 solar panels.

It took about 35 x 25 metres or about 1/10 of a hectare. But it will produce about 50,000 kWh of energy per year which is 3 to 5 times the amount most homes consume.

However, many people cannot make solar electricity on their own; perhaps they have no suitable rooftop or backyard, or lack money to make that initial investment. So what to do?

I contracted this project to a local company, Viridian Energy Co-op, as a personal investment - transferring about $145,000 from my pension fund. The energy produced

So electricity flows from my solar panels into my home (my Tier 2 savings), or into Hydro’s grid and their cheque flows back to me by mail (my cash revenue) - hey, a lot easier than selling strawberries.

Combining this saving and revenue gets me to $5,500, and because I save dollars already taxed, I project about a 4% return in the first year, increasing over time as BC Hydro rates increase.

It’s a good deal considering the increasingly poor and volatile returns that my pension fund earned in the stock market this year, and better than investing in low interest GICs or bonds.

And it may get even better since a similar project on Salt Spring Island produced 10% more energy than anticipated.

As well, I have a 25 year warranty again, nobody gets that growing strawberries.

So step up and invest in solar energy to provide the noncarbon renewable energy needed to replace fossil fuels, which all world governments agree must be done. Your positive action on climate change will visibly demonstrate to any hesitant politician, or

citizen, that you support a noncarbon future.

Haven’t got enough money?

Live in a small house, apartment or condo? Then use someone else’s garden or roof by investing in a citizenowned Solar Cowichan and get dividends, and a thanks from future generations. Email cowichancarbonbusters@shaw.ca.

So produce strawberries from the soil for exercise and pleasure; but produce electricity from solar panels for sustainability and profit. With photosynthesis, plants can give us food; with renewable energy, you and I can heal our climate.

“I was an environmental consultant for oil sands companies and then quit to become a carbon buster when I realized that I was destroying my kid’s future by making it appear that the environmental cost of fossil fuels was manageable. Our ability and willingness to reduce carbon emissions by phasing-out fossil fuels is the most important task of our generation. We need support from all the hands” Submitted by Peter Nix, Maple Bay, Cowichan Carbon Buster

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Lucky Dogs...

And Cats Too...

Debbie Wood is a certified Small Animal Naturopath and can be reached at 250597-7DOG.

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am a small animal naturopath and most of my work is on dogs, but I work with cats too.

They are carnivores like our dog friends and require a fresh meat diet to thrive. Cats are definitely designed to hunt and eat other animals. They can

How To Love Cats

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he first rule about loving cats is: There are no rules. This is because every cat has a different personality, and every time you make yourself a rule about loving cats, you meet a cat who is the exception to that rule. For example: • Cats are picky eaters. Cats can shovel their food like vacuum cleaners.

• Cats love to be cuddled and scratched. Cats don’t want to be touched.

• Cats like to climb and play. Cats like to sleep all day.

• Cats want to be adored and admired. Cats want to hide away.

• Cats are quiet all the time. Cats have lots of things to say.

• Cats love to be held and stroked.

Cats will hiss if you try to approach. And its possible for one

digest meat and bones easily and are at their healthiest when fed a carnivore diet.

Cats also get addicted to junk food and switching your cat over to a healthy raw meat and bone diet can test your patience. Cats can be stubborn.

A great site with lots of raw information is www.catinfo. org. Lisa A. Pierson, DVM gives tips on switching your cat over.

Cats are desert animals with a low thirst drive. A wild cat gets most of her moisture from the animals she eats. Cats can actually recycle their urine.

Kidney and bladder problems are common in kibble fed cats because the cat is always dehydrated. They just can’t cat to have all these be true at some time.

There are a lot of things that factor into a cat’s personality and might include age, type, breed, gender, past experiences, memories, senses, environment, kitten schooling, other animals, diet, and of course owners. Facts that are common to them all is that cats are carnivores, they’ve been bred for a few thousand years but can still exist in the wild and they are the most common house pet in the world.

Cat owners love to tell stories about their cats. Here are a few stories about cats who have stayed at That Cat Hotel. I’ve changed their names to protect their privacy (I’ve used names from the musical ‘Cats’).

seem to drink enough water to keep their systems running properly when they’re fed a kibble diet. If raw doesn’t appeal to you at the very least feed your cat a quality grain free canned food.

But a raw meat diet is best for your cat. Cooked meat is difficult for a cat to digest.

Cooking binds some amino acids together that can be broken down in our long gut but the carnivore gut is short.

There isn’t enough time to get the nutrition out of the food.

Carbohydrates cause problems by lowering the pH in the stomach leaving your cat vulnerable to parasites and pathogens. Even grain free kibbles have carbohydrates and Mr Mistofelees: He is a black conjuring cat who loved to hide behind things then he would jump out to greet me, all arched and side-winding like a Halloween trickster. He could jump at least 5 feet onto things, or sometimes into imaginary things like a door that was a window – powie! Fabrics were for shredding and mirrors were for dancing in front of. He’s a very young guy who likes to be stroked – briefly- “oh I see something I want to play with over there”- gone again!

Electra: A young Siamese with eyes like saucers, Electra is a prankster extraordinaire. She rubs herself against humans to get your attention, and will give a series of high-pitched meows if you don’t figure out what she wants. This isn’t hard because her language is pretty specific. Food, treats, toys, open the door, come and scratch my chin – these are all different meows. Mostly she exercises her wild predator instincts and loves to jump onto and catch anything that moves.

Bustopher Jones: He’s an older cat who likes to preen himself. He is dignified in every way- when the humans are looking he strikes elegant poses. He loves to be stroked and combed, but not for too long. He’ll give you a low growl and look away when its time for you to stop his grooming.

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should be avoided.

There are many different ready to serve raw cat foods available in pet stores now and you can certainly feed raw meat from the grocery store. Variety is important to avoid getting too much or too little of anything.

You want to have a ratio of bones and meat and organs that resembles a mouse or bird.

Never feed cooked bones, but a raw chicken rib section is delicious and satisfying.

Honour your cat with real food and she will be around for a long, long time.

He’ll walk onto couches and sleep beside approved humans as a favour to you. If there’s one thing Bustopher Jones can’t fake its his love for gourmet meals. That’s when his speed increases and he is filled with gratitude. You’re welcome Bustopher.

Grizabella: She’s a cat who has had a difficult life. Many cat owners are living with rescued cats, and we don’t always know their past stories. But Grizabella cats are some of the most grateful kitties around. They might be very cautious – hiding until they trust another human. They might disguise their fears with a hissing bravado. They never rest deeply.

But all the Grizabella cats warm to humans in the end – sometimes its just a gentle nose nub, or a purring lean. As long as a cat isn’t completely feral, it will eventually connect with an owner who loves it. In spite of being a nearlydrowned kitten or an abandoned mother or a neglected hoardercat or a victim of an abusive environment, a Grizabella cat is finally living one of its fine nine lives.

So if anyone wants to know how to love a cat. Ask the cat.

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

Judith Quinlan owner of That Cat Hotel is a retired schoolteacher. www.ThatCatHotel. ca

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r u b c

B h p n a m o a c i m W w a W o o a s o d

T p h b e w f s o p r r

The ART and SCIENCE of INSIGHT Horsemanship

Life and Leadership Coaching…

Inspired by Horses Insight Horsemanship - bridging horsemanship with mindfulness practice • Equine Facilitated • Learning workshops for Leadership, Communication, Team-building • Equine Behaviour Consulting • Youth Empowerment Programs • Meditation Retreats • Community Events • Farm Weddings

www.spiritgate.ca

michelle@spiritgate.ca

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quine Learning Theory is emerging as a well researched scientific based understanding of horse behaviour and how humans can best support their welfare.

By truly understanding horses behaviour i.e.. thought processes, environmental needs, emotional, social, and physical needs we are more likely to separate our own emotional projections and better comprehend what causes horses to feel fear, insecurity, and confusion, that may lead to ‘bad behaviour.’

With accurate knowledge this will lead to more ethical, fair and kind training practices.

We must stop projecting our human interpretation of how horses think and approach them from both a scientific perspective and our own conscious and mindful development.

The Learning Theory process involves; How horses approach and become accustomed to new experience (habituation), working with their sensitivity from a mindful approach, shaping new behaviours, operant conditioning (both positive and negative reinforcement) as well as respondent conditioning.

Misinterpretation of these categories is what leads to stress in horses, particularly through incorrect training practices.

Horses are learning all the time, Dr. Paul McGreevy (leading equine behaviourist) states, “Misinterpretation arises because the handlers are unaware of the cues that their presence or actions represent to the horse.” How many times have we made projections and thought “my horse is being defiant, lazy, ignoring me etc.?” When in fact, we may simply be lacking awareness and insight as to what and how we are sending signals to our horse.

There is a great deal of ‘unlearning’ to do in how we raise, treat and train horses.

Years of trying to fit the horse into an environment that is convenient to us, or rushing through training that involves excessive pressure, forcing and flooding may result in developing negative and even dangerous behaviour.

The outcome becomes an unpredictable, unsafe or shut down horse.

Insight Horsemanship is a combined approach of Scientific Learning theory

250 737 1484

Helping animals and people find balance.

Rachel Allen Tellington TTouch

250 882 4198

Reiki Practitioner Animal Communicator

BeingsInBalance@gmail.com

Lucky Dog U Bath Just north of

1059 CANADA AVE DUNCAN Power Lunch

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

U Bath or WE Bath

Now Grooming & Teeth Cleaning!

250 597-7DOG

www.luckydogubath.ca

with the practice of Mindful awareness and personal Self development. Our own learned beliefs can hinder our relationships with our horses.

By objectively examining what we have been taught, we may discover new ‘Insights’ that not only support our

equine relationships, but our human ones too.

Michelle Atterby, Spirit Gate Farm, Experiential learning programs for adults and children. www.spiritgate.ca

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The Exciting World of Recycling

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n case you haven’t figured it out, we’re really into recycling. Nothing excites us more than adding another product to our list of recyclable materials, or utilizing new technology to keep even more waste out of landfill. You might even say that we are recycling geeks!

If you would indulge us for a bit here, we’d love to geek out a bit and share some of the new advances in the world of technology.

These new breakthroughs might not affect our business immediately, but just being a part of such a dynamic and cutting edge industry is part of what keeps us in the recycling game.

www.blacksheeppainting.ca

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and using the hydrocarbons that are stored therein.

Essentially, the plastics are melted, vaporized, and then condensed into kerosene, diesel, or even gasoline.

We’ve got a question for you...do anyone out there like Star Wars? Oh good, because in a move very much in keeping with the recent movie release, the U.S. department of defense is working on Did you know that there technology to recycle the is now a machine called massive amounts of waste PaperLab from Epson that orbiting the earth in the form can turn used office paper into of old satellites. Oh, but that’s new, usable paper in about 3 not all. Project Phoenix, minutes? Not only that, but as it’s called, is looking to it is designed to be installed use advanced robotics to on site in offices, so that the dismantle and reuse parts wasted energy used to haul from old satellites, and in paper to an off site facility the maintenance of satellites is also mitigated. The new currently in use. Perhaps the system also boasts higher notion of robots in space isn’t security for confidential really so far-fetched after all?! documents, as they can be instantly pulverized without If you want to come see our having to leave the building. enthusiasm for recycling in person; just bring your The next technology is one bottles, cans, electronics that really excites us. We and other recyclables in are proud to be a part of the one of our six locations. process for recycling many Islandreturnit.com types of plastic. However, there are still many plastics Sophy Roberge is the on the market that are not Marketing Manager currently recycled. There for Island Return It is now technology called Recycling Centres.

Pyrolytic Gasification to turn that plastic into fuel, releasing

Starting Seeds for Your Garden

S

electing which edible plants to grow is like preparing a grocery list. It’s as simple as choosing the vegetables and herbs you want to eat. It also never hurts to try a few new ones!

Whether reading a print or online seed catalogue, or browsing through a rack of seeds, there are a few rules of thumb that can help guide your selection process.

Read the seedling times carefully as you’ll want to ensure that the temperature and light conditions match your seeds’ needs. For example, several hot season plants won’t germinate if the temperature is too low. It

helps to learn which plants grow better in the cooler part of the growing season and which grow better when it’s hot out. For example, peas, lettuce, kale, carrots, and spinach are cooler season plants. Meanwhile, eggplant, tomato, squash, pepper, and okra are hotter season plants.

Seedling charts (easily found online) make this decision making process much easier.

Seeding depth is important as well. Most seeds can be planted about two times the depth of the size of the seed.

Yet, some seeds, like dill, need more light than others to germinate and respond better when not buried. When it comes to watering your seedlings, be careful not to let them dry out or to over water them. Test the moisture level in the soil by sticking your finger down the edges of the seed tray to feel the soil. It should feel moist.

In our climate, February is a great time for planning.

For the eager gardener, a few crops, such as leeks, sweet onion and parsley, can

be seeded indoors in February, while radishes and peas can be direct seeded outdoors. For crops such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, fennel, lettuce, chives, lovage, mint, oregano, peppers, sage, squash, summer savory, thyme, and tomatoes, they can all be started indoors (by a window sill, in a cold frame, or greenhouse) in March.

For anyone interested in seeds, don’t forget to mark the Duncan Seedy Sunday on your calendar.

Scheduled for March 20th from 10am-2pm at the Cowichan Tribes Gymnasium Si’em Lelum (5574 River Road, Duncan), this event is a great place to find your local garden seeds and plants, and to ask the experts for gardening advice.

For more information, please contact our team at 250-748-8506 or info@cowichan greencommunity.org Happy gardening!

Submitted by the Cowichan Green Community

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FEBRUARY FEATURE LIVE MUSIC

EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT February 6 • 7-10pm

BRAND NEW WORLD Acoustic/Alternative

February 13 • 7-10pm

BRAD PREVEDOROS Classical Guitar

February 20 • 2:30-4:30pm

SHERRY JONES

Classical Piano Evening Show 7-10pm

THE UNDERDOGS West Coast Folk

February 27 7-10pm

SHADES OF BLUE DOUG BLONDEAU Blues + Jazz

40 Ingram St, Duncan (250) 597-3473

The Hardware Girls Chemainus City Limits hosted by CVCAS presents Chemainus’s The Hardware Girls, a family of singers and songwriters who also own and operate the local Chemainus Hardware Store. This folk pop trio are well known for their rich captivating harmonies and lyrics that speak to the heart. With a dash of country, a bit of roots and a little rock and roll, the Hardware Girls draw the listener into a world of peace and hope.

Hardware Girls fix stuff. From broken drains to broken dreams, they take care of the environment around them. In song they hope to encourage listeners to join them to Bless This Place, Dance Up the Power or even to sing a Song of Hope. With music from hauntingly beautiful to catchy and danceable, their greatest wish is for their songs to inspire people to hope for world peace and not feel like a fool. www.hardwaregirls.com

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February 6th, 7 -9:30pm St. Michael’s Church Hall, Chemainus.Admission at the door is $10. Refreshments available.

The Paperboys Serving Up A Brilliant Night’s Entertainment JUNO award-winning folk group The Paperboys have been touring the world and lighting up stages for 20 years. Enjoy their exciting blend of influences from Celtic and bluegrass, to Mexican son jarocho, brass bands, and Canadian roots.

They’ve been called everything from Cajun slamgrass to worldbeat, they’ve received a JUNO award, released nine albums, and regularly play two-night bills in the Pacific Northwest. But that’s not what matters to Landa now. “What means more to me than anything else is to receive letters, emails, or hear stories from people who tell me that our songs helped them through a tough time, or that they used one of our songs for their wedding. At the end of the day, accolades are nice, but they are nothing compared to connecting with people.”

At Peace With One’s Ghosts – the first new Paperboys album in six years – speaks to Landa’s approach. It’s full of The Paperboys’ signature sounds: Spanishlanguage songs that reflect Landa’s Mexican heritage, explosive brass lines from their extended 8-piece ensemble, Celtic fiddle and pennywhistle blazing through an old reel, English rock songs with strong pop influences, and a kind of melting pot sound that reflects not only the diversity of the band’s home city, Vancouver, but also a larger vision of what modern Canadian roots music should sound like.

Thursday, February 11, 7:30pmCowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James Street, Duncan t 250.748.7529 www. cowichanpac.ca

Blues Guitarist Matt Anderson With over 5 million views on YouTube, independent sales over 30,000 albums, a 2013 European Blues Award, and winning Best Solo Performer at the Memphis Blues Challenge, it appears that the entire world is now discovering Matt Andersen.

A powerhouse performer with a giant soul-­filled voice and commanding stage presence, Matt has built a formidable following the old fashioned way – touring worldwide and letting the converted audiences and Andersen devotees spread his reputation through word of mouth. In addition to headlining major festivals, clubs and theatres throughout North America, Europe and Australia, he has shared the stage and toured with Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Greg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Bachman, Little Feat, Jonny Lang, Serena Ryder, and more. Andersen has won the 2013 Euro Blues Award for Best Solo /Acoustic Act, three Maple Blues Awards in 2012, and nabbed him 2010 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Since the release of W​eightless ​in early 2014, Andersen has received a JUNO nomination for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year, a CIMA Road Gold award, and a Maple Blues Award for Male Vocalist of the Year.

Matt Andersen & the Bona Fide, Tuesday, February 16, 7:30pmCowichan Performing Arts Centre, Tickets: $39

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f l fi l e m

Europe, S.America and the U.S. Tango is a close embrace dance of loss and nostalgia, and it is also the beautiful music and songs of the lonely, homesick early immigrants to Argentina.

Bailarin’s John and Linda Fowler

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Time To Tango

ohn and Linda have been dancing Argentine Tango for 12 years, having fallen in love with the dance during their first trip to Buenos Aires. They love to travel, and to dance in exotic places, and have taken many lessons and workshops in

They say that when you take a new partner for the 3 or 4 tangos that are grouped together in a “tanda”, you experience a 10 minute mini love affair.

Your teachers will be hosting a 6 week series of Tango classes for beginners at the new Duncan Showroom on Station Street.

In that time you should become confident enough to attend a milonga (a Tango dance).

argentine tango begins tuesday feb 16 6-7:30pm

You will learn:

• the all important embrace • the beautiful music • the tango walk • the lead to la cruzada (the cross) • the forward and back ochos (figure 8s) • etiquette and culture of REAL Tango

6 weekly beginner lessons Series cost $90 per person

duncan showroom 131 STATION ST DUNCAN

Max. 10 couples.

Singles welcome!

Pre-register, John & Linda

jalf@shaw.ca

Sign up with your Valentine!

Over the 6 week course, in a relaxed atmosphere in the funky new Showroom John and Linda will introduce you to the all important embrace, the Tango walk, the basic steps and the etiquette and culture of the REAL Tango.

There will be a maximum of 20 people in the class. Couples

are especially encouraged, but singles are very welcome. This would be an ideal starting point for those who want to go further.

All you will need to bring is a pair of shoes with leather soles, and your enthusiasm! For more information email John and Linda at jalf@shaw.ca.

Valleyview

Centre

So much to offer!

Fitness

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd

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.

Food

Country Grocer 250 743-5639 Bakery, Meat, Produce Deli & Floral Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese 250 929-2873 Charcuterie, Cheese House Made Pates Healthcare Cobble Hill Dental 250-743-6698 Friendly, Family Practice

We Welcome New Patients!

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Nature Rambles Submitted by Nature Hut and Nature Interpreter Genevieve R. Singleton, B.Sc., Biology; M.Ed.

Here on Vancouver Island we do not have the groundhog (a member of the marmot family) to pop out of its tunnel on February 2 to let us know if spring will arrive early. However, living in the far reaches of our Valley, we do have our very own Vancouver Island marmot, one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Since our marmots do not leave their high snowy homes until early May our groundhog day is rather late!

So it is up to us to find out if spring will be early this year.

Grab your rain wear, layer up, put on some waterproof footwear and head out. There is much to see, hear and smell!

One of the first signs of spring that you will see in your explorations will be the bright green leaves and delicate white flowers of the Indian-plum (Oemleria cerasiformis). The hul’q’umi’num (our local First Nations language) name is tth’uxwun’. Indian-plum is an unnoticeable plant much of the year, but comes forth in full glory in February. The male and female flowers grow on different trees, with the flowers sometimes coming out before the leaves. The unpleasant scent of the male flowers is definitely not what you wish to bring inside for your spring bouquet. The small plum fruit is edible and ready in late August, but the inedible pit takes up half of the plum. The

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plums are often not seen since they are quickly gobbled up by birds. In late summer, sometimes earlier depending on moisture conditions, the leaves flag yellow.

Take a deep breath if you are walking in our wetland areas, cottonwood, tsuw’nulhp, also known as balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera ssp. Trichocarpa), is now producing aromatic resin from the sticky buds. This indescribably beautiful odour is the smell of spring. The resin contains volatile compounds which give it healing properties and can be made into a salve, called balm of Gilead, and is used as a remedy for chapped lips, rashes and many other things. One balm recipe includes buds, olive oil and beeswax.

Cottonwood’s prolific shiny oval heart shaped leaves, fluffy snow like seeds and the easily breaking branches causes it to be often be designated as a nuisance tree. However, like everything in nature, it has its place and is an important pioneering plant and can be planted, in the right conditions, as a stake where it can quickly grow and protect eroded areas.

The thrill of seeing and hearing Trumpeter Swans, s-hwuw-qun’, flying overhead making their clarion call is one of the joys of February in our Valley. The subject of myths and fairy tales, ballets and movies the swan is indeed an iconic bird. We have three swans that can be seen in the Valley: the Trumpeter, the Mute and the Tundra. The Mute, a year round resident, was introduced from Europe.

The adult bird can be identified by the bright orange bill. The uncommon Tundra is smaller and the adult is identified by a yellow “teardrop” at the upper tip of their bills. Trumpeters, who always have black at the base of the bill and as adults have a mostly black beak, can live up to 25 years and weigh up to 30 pounds. In the 1800’s swans were heavily hunted for meat, eggs, skins, and feathers.

Ladies’ powder puffs

were made from the skins, the quills were used for writing pens, and the feathers for fashionable hats.

The great bird artist Audubon preferred using Trumpeter Swan quills for his paintings.

Marlene Dietrich, in the 1950’s, had Awaken Your Senses to Early a glamorous swan coat with feathers Signs of Spring Coming made from over 300 swans. By the end of the 1800’s the Trumpeter IN FEBRUARY – LOOK FOR was almost extinct. In Early swallows returning in 1916 the Migratory Bird Somenos and Cowichan Bay • Sea Act legislated protection ducks and Brant Geese arriving in of Trumpeter Swans Parksville-Deep Bay area • Indian throughout Canada and plum leaves and flowers • Reddish the United States. At the tips of red alder leaf buds giving first Christmas Bird count Island hillsides a reddish glow • in the Valley in 1970 Salmonberry leaves just beginning just 5 Trumpeter Swans to sprout • Red osier dogwood were counted and 9 Mute Swans. Our Christmas branches standing out bright on count this year showed rainy days • Red huckleberry with 2,016 Trumpeters, 1 tiny pink buds • Yellow delicate Tundra and 4 Mutes, beaked hazelnut catkins flowering so a huge increase in before the leaves • Listen for frogs Trumpeters. The swans starting to call, I’ve already heard generally leave for my first one this year Northern BC and Alaska in late March. Families THINGS TO DO IN NATURE with younger birds will IN FEBRUARY stay around a bit longer.

• Visit the Cowichan Estuary Nature As numbers increase Centre where there is much to see solutions have to be including a touch tank aquarium, found for swans enjoying displays, and microscopes set up eating where farmers for viewing., 845 Cowichan Bay are planting. The return Road, Cowichan Bay - Winter hours of the Trumpeters from Thursday to Sunday12 to 4 pm almost extinction is a true • Bigleaf maple syrup tapping conservation success story. time, yummy!- Attend the Bigleaf This are just a few of the Maple Festival at the BC Forestry sights, sounds and smells Discovery Centre, Feb. 6 and 7 and to tempt you outdoors.

Enjoy! learn how to tap maple trees • Clean out mason bee homes

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

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Pattern Interrupted.

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT By Rick Dennis

An advice column that opens the door to patterns that are keeping you small.

Szos helps people interrupt the unconscious fears and beliefs that have them never open the door to the core of who they really are. It can be scary and it’s one of the most rewarding things we can experience!

Dear Szos: I’ve dreamed of writing books ever since I learned how to read and am now 50 years’ old. I have notebooks full of writing.

I want to get my writing out of the notebooks and into the world. The challenge is in taking any effective action to make it happen. I freeze and feel terrified.

So I isolate myself and keep writing in my notebooks. I want to complete a piece of writing and give it to the world. ~ The Procrastinator Dear Procrastinator There are two themes to your current challenge: Acceptance & Action.

There is a desire to write and then the pattern of terror comes in and shuts you down. It’s not so much about identifying the fear as it is being aware of when it’s present and having the intention to interrupt it for the sake of something bigger. How much pain is being caused by not engaging with what your spirit longs to express?

I want you to know that there is a lot of success present in your life! You are in touch with your passion and know what you want! So here’s where we will begin: with the good news and what I call the “Bowl of Acceptance”. First, we put into this bowl that you have abundant

gifts to share!

Now we get to the stickier bit with the terror. Let’s put that in the Bowl of Acceptance! And we do it like this: “I put into the Bowl of Acceptance that I get scared and shut down.” This is something you do. It feels bad and you probably judge it as bad.

But this is how you are taking care of yourself and you don’t get to be wrong for that.

You’ve had the courage to speak your challenge. You took action regardless of your fear. This is a real step forward.

Next, find a helper! You will have a person in your life that you trust to help you.This person is your accountability buddy.

Now choose to take one baby step. For you it could be writing a blog post. Tell your buddy when you commit to having it completed. And you do your baby step.

You will get there. Here’s the secret: Stay. Stay with your intention. You told the world your challenge. The world wants to help you now.

Szos is a life coach, human behaviour specialist, and consciousness cultivator. He lives in the Cowichan Valley with his wife and daughter.

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

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I asked several Valley folks what they were looking forward to in 2016 ....

DON DAWE (Retired) “I would like to be more thankful in the New Year. Because when a person is thankful, you can be healthy and view life with a positive attitude.”

MAURICE GAUDREAULT (musician) “A peaceful solution in the Middle East and I would like to see all of our country’s troops come home. Also developing a cleaner and safer energy to put an end to fossil fuels.”

WILLIAM JOHN FALKNER (Entrepreneur) “Seeing as some 13 years ago the Duncan Showroom experience started off with absolutely nothing and then realizing this year that I have most of it left, I figure I’ll invest the rest of that little nest egg into even more exciting endeavours in the near future.”

TANYA GILLESPIE (musician/instructor) “I am looking forward to the birth of our bandmate Naomi’s baby. I am also looking forward to PixElle reuniting in the Spring to play music as a band (The other members of Pixelle are Naomi Middlemiss and Cara Hallam.)

LISSA LIBOIRON (Community Farm Store staffer/ wife/mother) “My New Year’s resolution is to exercise less, eat more chocolate, and drink more coffee. And one word to describe me is ‘hypochondriac.’ “ RHODA TAYLOR (“ Who knows? Cowichan community member? Community Development Consultant? Committed Cowichan citizen? Choose what works.”) “My resolution is to learn to be kinder in my thoughts not just my actions. Sometimes I leap to assumptions and don’t always give people the credit of the doubt and I am endeavouring to do better.”

GRANT WALDMAN (West Coast Men’s Support Society)”I’m looking forward to a community that is safe for all genders and a world that has compassionate leaders.”

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) This month two things are important: The first is friendship. You might realize how important an existing friendship is. Or perhaps you will mend a broken friendship or deepen an existing one. Possibly, your association with a group will be clearer. And of course, some of you will make new friends. The second thing that will be important is that this is the best month of the year for you to make goals. Because your idealism is aroused, you will ask yourself what it is you want your life to really be. Dare to be specific!

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This month is the only time all year when the Sun is at the top of your chart acting like a spotlight on you – and this light is flattering!

Naturally, this is a wonderful benefit that you can use it to your advantage. Since you have the limelight, and you look good in it, now is the time to direct a project to completion. People will endorse you. They will listen to you. You don’t have to be superstrong to convince others that you know what you’re doing. You are out there in larger society boosting your reputation in the eyes of others.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) You are a curious, restless sign that needs stimulation and freedom. This month is the perfect time to get outta Dodge. Go somewhere new and different to stir things up! Satisfy your need for adventure and a chance to learn something new. Some will explore opportunities in publishing, the media, medicine, the law and higher education. Relations with partners and close friends are warm now. Do new

things, meet new people and learn new ideas so you can expand your world!

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You will be more passionate and intense about everything this month. Yes, you will be sexually passionate.

However, at a more subtle level, you will be just as passionate about discussions regarding shared property, jointly-owned wealth, taxes, debt, inheritances and insurance disputes. You will also feel playful, prankish and flirtatious this month!

Many of you will go out of your way to party, enjoy the arts, see or participate in sports events and have fun with playful activities with children. Enjoy fun times while you can!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This is the only time all year when the Sun, opposite your sign for the next four weeks, robs you of some of your energy because the Sun represents energy. In a word – this means you will need more sleep and more rest. No biggie. In addition, this polarized position of the Sun will prompt you to focus on your intimate one-to-one encounters with others. This is an excellent time to study these relationships to see how well they do or do not fill your needs. It’s not a time to go it alone. Au contraire!

Others can help you in the coming month.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Down deep, you wish you could be organized. You wish you would exercise regularly and eat healthy.

Naturally, these wishes do not guarantee anything – but they do show your intent. This month, you have a chance of achieving your wishes because you will want to become more organized, more productive and more effective in everything you do. This might be expressed through your job or anything that you choose to embrace. For example, many of you will be redecorating at home; while others will throw

energy into writing, teaching, selling, marketing and acting.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Lucky you! This month is one of the most playful times of the year for you!

Basically, you want to be free to express yourself and do what you want. And one of the things that you want is a fun time! That’s why you will feel lighter, more carefree, and interested in the arts, sports events, parties and fun diversions. You might have a stronger focus on children, as well. Fortunately, fair Venus will sweeten your words so that you are diplomatic and charming with everyone. In fact, you can make money from your words!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Home, family and your private life are your focus this month. Basically, you want to enjoy familiar surroundings, and cocoon at home so that you can relax and contemplate the coming year. This is certainly going to be a powerful year for you, and a very popular one.

Therefore, it would be wise to think about how you will handle this increased power and popularity. Ideally, not only you should benefit, but others as well. Then you have a win/win situation, which is always the best because what goes around, comes around.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month you hit the pavement running because it ushers in a time of fast-paced activity and accelerated energy. Short trips, errands, and increased opportunities to relate to others (especially siblings and neighbours) will create a jam-packed schedule for you. Midst all this activity, do take time out to buy some wardrobe treasures because you couldn’t pick a better month to do so. And it’s necessary to look great because this is the year where you will promote your reputation in the eyes of others. It’s all coming together now.

FEBRUARY Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) “Show me the money!”

This month your focus is on money, cash flow, earnings and your assets in general become an important focus for you. Basically, this is your time to survey your wealth and ask yourself how much it helps you or hinders you.

Sometimes what we own becomes an albatross. Does it serve your needs or do you serve the needs of what you own? The bottom line is what you own should make your life easier not more difficult.

You are a thrifty and you hate waste; but you also hate dead weight.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Happy Birthday! This your chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. Almost by magic, you will attract important people and favourable situations to you. It’s appropriate to be concerned with personal matters and your own needs.

The truth is your first duty is to yourself right now.

And when you think about it, if you don’t take care of yourself, how can you be of any use to anyone else? You are an idealist who wants to make the world a better place. This begins with being strong and ready to act.

Invest in yourself.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This is the perfect time to ponder what you want your new year to be. Think about your goals for 2016,.

This is a powerful time for Pisces because not only are your relationships a strong support and benefit to you now, this is also when you are in your time of harvest, reaping the seeds you have planted since 2008. (Some can even look back to 2003.)

Powerful years don’t happen frequently; so it’s important to take advantage of them when they occur. Ya think? www.georgianicols.com

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