January 2024 Issue 182

owichan

JANUARY 2024 ISSUE 182 2024 ANNUAL HOROSCOPES I VEGANUARY CHALLENGE I LOCAL SCHOOLS

2

Are you looking for a professional teeth cleaning with minimal wait times?

PACIFIC PEARL DENTAL HYGIENE CLINIC can guarantee a stress free appointment for you in the next 4 weeks. We will direct bill on your behalf to any insurance plan, as well as provide a discount for seniors and students.

With over 30 years of experience between three hygienists, our Ladysmith-based clinic offers flexible hours including evenings and weekends. We cater to all ages and assist patients with referrals to a dentist if requested. No dental exam is required for appointments, and fees focus solely on cleaning, not additional exams or x-rays.

Located at #12 - 740 First Avenue, Ladysmith (above the Library) Contact us at 250-802-2812 or visit www.pacificpearl.ca 3

JANUARY EVENTS

OPEN

January 2 – 13 Tuesday – Friday 11 am - 4 pm Saturday 10 am – 3 pm

CLOSED

Eloquent Silence: Subtle Subversion in Soviet-Era Poland Cowichan Public Art Gallery, 125 Ingram St Duncan runs to JAN 20

For Winter Break

1

January 14 - 29

4

Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs 251 Craig St., Downtown Duncan

imaginethatartisans.com I 250-748-6776

Mbira Spirit 3pm Duncan Showroom 131 Station St Duncan $20 250-597-1554

Intro to Journey through the chakras 6-8pm Collective Space 166 Station St. Duncan $33 www. adelinewholistichealing.com

6

Alterations & Repair Sewing Workshop 1012pm The Spoolyard 371 Brae Rd Duncan $60 250-7101165

7 Cowichan Station Creamery “Come taste the difference kindness makes.”

4354 Howie Rd, Duncan I Open 11-5 Fri-Sun www.cowichancream.ca

THE MODERN HAIR LOSS SOLUTION - FEEL LIKE YOURSELF AGAIN! Located at Purely Wellness 250-748-0053 101-15 CANADA AVENUE, DUNCAN

info@melonsmp.ca I melonsmp.ca

Sacred Healing Sound Journey 5:30-7:30pm Collective Space 166 Station St. Duncan $33 www. adelinewholistichealing.com Backyard Sessions, Sunday 10am - 1pm, Nature Connection, all ages and families, Lila Music Centre, 3228A Gibbins Rd Pre Register Cari@cariburdett. com, $40’$60 Families Myth Club with Stephanie Mackay, 2pm - 5pm, Lila Music Centre, 3228A Gibbins Rd stephanie@fianna.ca Intro Workshop: Playing in an African-style community marimba ensemble 11:301pm Crofton $20 info@ bopoma.org

8

Nature photography presentation w/ Wilma Harvie & Barry Hetschko 9:30am Fish Health Building 1080 Wharncliffe Road FREE Consort Orchestra Start-up Rehearsal 7:30pm Sylvan

United Church Mill Bay $75 for new memberships Reading & discussion group “Final Report of the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls” 1:30-3pm Cowichan Library 2687 James St FREE +JAN15/22/29

10

Warmland Book & Film Collective discussing film “nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up” directed by Tasha Hubbard 5-7pm zoom link: WarmlandBFC@gmail. com Drop-In Drum Jam! Beginner friendly/drums provided 7-8:15pm The Hub 2375 Koksilah Rd by donation karinfreebird@protonmail.com +JAN17/24/31

11

Nova Coat 6-9pm The Spoolyard 371 Brae Rd Duncan $275 250-710-1165 +JAN18/25 Makers Circle, bring your own project and craft w/ other makers 1-3pm Shawnigan Lake Community Centre Beginner Hand Drumming, drums provided 11am12:15pm $160/8wks location upon registration karinfreebird@protonmail.com runs to FEB29 Journey through the chakras with Dance & Sacred Healing Sound 6-8pm Collective Space 166 Station St. $222/series www. adelinewholistichealing.com +JAN18/25

13

Hardly Handsome, friendly happy bluegrass 7:30-10pm Cowichan Folk Guild

Prioritize your future with a free financial review!

Kristy Landry | Financial Advisor | (250) 743-1259 | Kristy.Landry@edwardjones.com

4

www.edwardjones.ca

JANUARY EVENTS Coffeehouse 246 Ingram St Duncan $10/general $5/ members Alpha Yaya Diallo Juno award winning World Music 8pm $30 adv tickets/$35@door www.osbornebaypub.com Elastic Waist Pants 10-3pm The Spoolyard 371 Brae Rd Duncan $170 250-710-1165 All About Zippers 3:30-5pm The Spoolyard 371 Brae Rd Duncan $65 250-710-1165

14

Love’s Triangle Community Kirtan Chanting 2:30-4pm St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall 5800 Church Rd by donation lovestriangle108@gmail.com Anne Schaefer w/ her son on piano 3pm Duncan Showroom 131 Station St Duncan $15-$20 suggested donation 250-597-1554 Acoustic Jam all instruments skill levels (adult) 3:30-6:30pm Mill Bay Community Hall 1035 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay Rd Bestie Bag 10-1pm The Spoolyard 371 Brae Rd Duncan $95 250-710-1165

16

The Big Show, an exhibition of larger pieces, Tues-Sat 11-4pm Rainforest Arts 9781 Willow St Chemainus www.rainforestarts.ca Sunrise Waldorf School Tour through the grades 8:40-9:50am 5179 Lakeside Rd. register @ www. sunrisewaldorf.org FREE Funghi presentation w/ Kem Luther & Andy MacKinnon authors of “Mushrooms of British Columbia” 7:30pm via Zoom: cvns@naturecowichan. net

17

Mid Week Comedy by Holy Cow Comedy Co, evening of female comedians 7:30pm Duncan Showroom

131 Station St $20 250-5971554

19

Fearless Friday Art Circle, bring your own project & materials 12:453:15pm Mill Bay Community Hall

20

Serger Refresher Workshop 3-5pm The Spoolyard 371 Brae Rd Duncan $60 250-710-1165

21

Chemainus Classical Concerts:Angélica Lopez-Arzate piano 2pm St. Michael’s Church Chemainus Reserved $25/$23 250-7488383 Pipit Lounge Set 10-3pm The Spoolyard 371 Brae Rd Duncan $250 250-710-1165 +JAN/28

25

Morgan Toney at the Chapel, Mi’kmaltic (Mi’kmaq + Celtic) 6:30/doors 7:30/show Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd Duncan $30/general $20/members David Vest & Terry Robb veteran blues players 7:30pm Duncan Showroom 131 Station St $25 250-597-1554

25&27

The Mercury Players present “The Seventh Seal” 7pm Sands Funeral Chapel, enter on Ypres St.

26

International Guitar Night 7:30pm CPAC $45-$10 www.cowichanpac.ca Spool It Forward Community Sew The Spoolyard 371 Brae Rd Duncan 250-710-1165 FREE

27

Nikki Manzie Art Open House 1:30-3:30pm 2687 James St. Duncan FREE Literacy Now Cowichan Book Sale, Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St. FREE

Pottery Wheel Classes Cowichan Bay www.trialbyfirepottery.ca www.trialbyfirepottery.ca

5

January 2024 Issue 182 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Publisher Richard Badman Editor Sheila Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 6514 Wicks Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5V2 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Distribution Proofreader Calendar Stephanie Sayers Diana Pink Stephanie Sayers Advertising Enquiries Please Contact us at info@cowichanvalleyvoice.com for A rate card, monthly offers and print ad specials.

Next Ad Deadline January 15 for February 2024 Issue 183 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next EVENTS DEADLINE January 15 for February 2024 Issue 183 E-mail: Date, Event Title, Time, Location and Cost w/ subject “EVENT” 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 Rebecca Hazell, Craig Spence, Stephanie Farrow, Krystal Aikman, Tanya Trafford, Matthew Glover, Allison Landin, Michael Abbott, Grant Easterbrook, Aisling Goodman, Sonia Furstenau, Deborah Carruthers, Steve, Bernie Dinter, Dawn Howlett, Stephen Robert Disher, Ricki Weissbach, Adeline Dubois, Alistair MacGregor, Robert Boyle, Holly Warren, Vanessa Maben-Hamer, Shiloh Badman, Debbie Wood, the lovely Georgia Nicols, Nicolette Genier, and the wonderful staff at the Community Farm Store.

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 email 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

On the cover; Human Touch #11 by Diana Durrand (DianaDurrand.com). Mixed media collage, 16”x16”.

The Human Touch series portrays a wide range of emotions, from tenderness and joy to isolation and pain. Humour, insight and wisdom converge in this visual celebration of the very big and the very small moments in our lives.

Are you ready to promote your business in 2024?

Interested in a Valley Voice LOCAL business feature?

Request our 2024 Print Ad Rates card and enquire about 2024 Ad Term specials for new clients! Next ad deadline: January 18 info@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Phone: 250 746-9319 I Text: 250 709-8846 6

OUR COMMUNITY January Events 4-5 Inspiring Organizations in the Cowichan Valley 31 Private and Independent School Registration Feature 32-40 Fonction D’inscription A L’écoles Publiques Francophone Ecole des Cascades 42 Georgia Nicols Annual Forecasts 52-66 Community Directory 70-71 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Duncan’s 100% Organic and All Vegan Cafe 19 Celebrate Veganuary: Downtown Duncan 20 Celebrate Veganuary: Ladysmith & Chemainus 21 Cowichan Vegetables Take the Stage 22-23 Recipe: Bake My Day Veggie Samosas 23 Recipe: Home Grown Living Foods Veggie Burgers 23 Veganuary at Home 24 Recipe: Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad 24 Cowichan Valley Vegan Wines 25 Vegan Wine Process Explained 25 Cowichan Valley Celebrate Veganuary 26 Recipe: Savoury Vegan Mushroom Soup 27 Aquafaba: Egg White, Done Right 28 HOME & GARDEN Plant Hardiness 47 Ponds, Swales & and other Rain Water Harvesting 48 LOCAL ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Playful Protest 8 Rainforest Arts BIG ART Show 9 CVAC Arts This Month 10 International Guitar Night 13 Talking Arts: David Martinello 16 BODY, MIND & SOUL Why We Should Read: Valley of the Birdtail 11 What Makes Music Move You? 12 Sewing is Good for You 17 Where is the Beginning and the End of A Writer’s Role? 30 Successful Felting Starts with a Plan 43 Vancouver Island Yoga School 44 Journey through the Chakras 50 Healthy Dental Tips for a New Year 50 NDP Canadian Dental Plan Rollout 51 Reset, Refresh and Re-Heart for your Authentic Self 67 Valley Voices: Tiny Fierce Creature 68 Bad Comix 69 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE 12 Months to Zero Waste 14-15 The Impact of Veganuary 18 My Aikido Story 45 Level Up Our Recycling in 2024 48 Lucky Dog: The Retractable Leash 69

7

Playful Protest

E

loquent Silence, the Cowichan Public Art Gallery’s exhibit of movie posters from Soviet era Poland, has shown that art can play a role in protesting oppression. In fact, Polish artists found many clever ways to protest using humour and absurdity.

Celebrating 35 years in business!

BEST OF HOUZZ 2023

10 years consecutive years

8

In the late 1980’s during a period of martial law, grinning dwarves began popping up on walls, the mascot of the student led Orange Alternative movement. A grafitti dwarf might appear where a protest slogan had been painted over.

Or people would congregate in public squares wearing dwarf hats, sometimes handing out government-controlled, hard to find items ranging from pretzels to toilet paper. Passersby ended up joining these ‘happenings’, leading to hundreds of arrests where the police had to ask each person why they had joined an illegal gathering of dwarves. At other times people appeared as Santa Claus. Or they ran through the streets wearing T-shirts that read ‘galloping inflation’. When arrested, they proclaimed their gratitude to the government for halting the galloping inflation.

Arresting them made the police look silly.

The logic of the movement was that the government had become so surreal that it was now a work

of art. The Orange Alternative arose alongside the Solidarity Movement that eventually forced democratic reform and led to Poland’s liberation; it represented the other end of the spectrum from the serious style of Solidarity.

Its climax came on 1 June 1988 when thousands of people in several cities marched together wearing orange hats in the ‘Revolution of Dwarves’. When semi-free elections were allowed a year later, the movement disbanded, having achieved its aims. By then Poland had exited from the Soviet Bloc, the first of several countries to do so, leading to the end of the USSR. And it left a legacy that was also important to freedom: irrepressible humour.

The CPAG gallery will be closed from December 25 through January 1 and will reopen on January 2.

The Eloquent Silence exhibit will continue through January 20. The gallery will be observing winter hours Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 3 PM. Come see for yourself how art can change lives.

Rebecca Hazell is a Board Member of the Cowichan Public Art Gallery.

B

igger than life!

excitement, while a serene modern landscape can create a tranquil and calming atmosphere.

That’s the first thing that might come to mind for visitors to the Rainforest Arts gallery at 9781 Willow Street in Chemainus when they see the BIG ART show, which runs from Jan. 16 to Mar. 30.

The Big Art show is an opportunity for the Valley’s painters and photographers to hang canvases that normally can’t be accommodated in the gallery and for art lovers to get up close to bigger works.

Rainforest’s member artists have been invited to submit larger format art for the exhibit—up to 36 inches wide and no narrower than 24 inches; there is no restriction on height other than what the eight-foot ceiling imposes.

Will looking at this exhibit make viewers feel small?

Not at all. In fact, the ‘golden rule’ of hanging art stipulates that big is appropriate in most settings. For example, art placed over a sofa should span roughly two-thirds of the width of the furniture, with the bottom of the frame eight to ten inches above. The art should be visually connected to the furniture, not floating high above it.

‘Large scale’ paintings can “greatly influence the atmosphere, mood, and overall aesthetic of a space,” says Vardit Lunzer, Managing

This is the third year for the BIG ART show,. It’s become a looked-for annual event.

For the ten-week run, almost the entire gallery will be dedicated to BIG ART.

Ceiling’s the Limit for Rainforest’s BIG ART Show Director of the Quintessa art consultancy and studio in London, England.

“The power of art to transform any room is undeniable. Every room needs a centrepiece that draws the eye and gives the room its focal point.”

Most people in Muraltown don’t need to be convinced of the impact large art can have on viewers. Larger works make a bold statement and add character to a space.

They ‘engage’ viewers from a distance, creating an immersive experience. They also determine the ‘tone’ of a room. A vibrant abstract piece can infuse energy and

Rainforest Arts is located at 9781 Willow Street in the Coast Capital Credit Union building. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. You can contact the gallery at info@rainforestarts.ca or 250-246-4861. Find out more at RainforestArts.ca.

CraigSpenceWriter.ca

Life imitates art. Diana Durrand with Rusty in front of When you don’t like where you’re going, make yourself heavy—36x48 inches, mixed media on canvas.

Margot Page

Enamelling on Copper and Steel

Jewelery • Vases • Journals • Guestbooks Frames • Bookmarks • Magnets • Lightswitch Plates

Available locally at: Imagine That Artisans Rainforest Arts • Artzi Stuff • Millstone Gallery

www.margotpage.com

quaylecard.indd 1

250 746 8446

8/8/2011 3:23:00 PM

9

The CVAC office and galleries open on January 8, 2024 after the Holiday break.

NEW! Art & Wellness Workshops Registration Open Art is a proven component of well-being – encompassing physical, mental and social aspects. This workshop series demonstrates how to incorporate art into wellbeing. Sessions run February and March. Each considers a different form: poetry, dance, mandalas, music, visual art and there’s a session on reconciliation healing with the Truth and Reconciliation Game.

Expert facilitators provide background information on the how and why of art’s contribution to wellness. Then participants try hands-on activities. Everyone receives a wide-ranging collection of resources to take home.

The workshops are suited to artists, non-artists and anyone interested in ways to increase wellness and build resiliency.

Supported by Island Health.

!Re Con Junction of the Antipodes?

Annex Gallery, January 8 – February 3 Artists Dennis Del Torre, Dennis Malkin, John Robertson and Cam Russell present found art, mixed media, three-dimensional works and a ton of imagination. Visitors enjoy inspired works, with as many ideas as the varied materials the artists use.

Games People Play Main Gallery, January 9 – 31 Games People Play exhibits art that considers literal and psychological games.

Interactions can involve manipulative behaviours, power plays or hidden agendas. On the flip side, we can be generous and transparent. Mixed media and written word.

Kids Activities Registration Open It’s never too early to set the kids up for a great Pro-D Day and March Break. CVAC offers small-group sessions with art, games and, weather permitting, outdoor time.

We’re also accepting registrations for after school art classes and Introduction to Figure Drawing.

KimmerT

Debbie Wall Dominique Eustace

John Robertson

Register via the CVRD website reccowichan. ca. For financial support, search “CVRD Recreation Access Program”.

Open Studio We’re offering a new, drop-in, Open Studio on Monday mornings, 10 am – noon. It starts on January 15. Bring a work in progress, share conversation, fun and expertise with fellow artists.

Art Dabble & More The popular Art Dabble series returns for winter and spring – try your hand at 6 different mediums. Figure Drawing – Intermediate level & practice sessions are also available.

Information about all CVAC shows, workshops, events and Calls to Artists at

cowichanvalleyarts.ca

About Us Founded in 1971, CVAC is a registered charity dedicated to enriching our community through the lens of arts & culture. We provide 30 art exhibitions per year and arts-themed programming for all ages. We recognize that we operate on the unceded territories of the Hul’qumi’num-speaking peoples who have resided here from time immemorial.

10

destroyed their ability to provide for themselves and made them dependant on government rations.

They examine policies and political events that led to more settlers coming to the prairies – for example, encouraging Ukrainian peasants to come as cheap plentiful labour to grow farms in places like Rossburn. The unequal government treatment of these two groups – the Indigenous and the Ukrainian newcomers – is at the centre of the book, together with the misunderstandings and mistrust which grew between them.

Why We Should Read

T

his book begins with a bang: ‘It turns out there is nothing accidental or inevitable about poverty in Indigenous communities.’

Weaving together the historical events and influences that shaped the Waywayseecappo reserve in Manitoba and the town of Rossburn across the river, the authors plot the deliberate policy choices by the Canadian government that led to the inequities we see today.

The question of Canada’s underfunding of education on reserves brought the authors to the Valley of the Birdtail River, but their investigations led them to a much wider inquiry.

Following the careers of senior administrators in Indian Affairs we see how the government overreached the already draconian Indian Act and enforced policies which were known to be illegal. Restricting Indigenous people’s ability to leave their reserves (essentially ‘isolated federal islands surrounded by provincial territory’) or sell their produce effectively

In the end, this is a story of hope. As individuals from both banks of the river begin to get to know those on the other side, the two communities realize that they need each other and that together they are stronger.

After decades of separation, the school on the reserve joins the regional district in a way that benefits everyone.

Through tracing the way from a troubled history to the uniting of these two communities, the authors provide us a template for real reconciliation.

The Warmland Book & Film Collective – a response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – next meets online January 10 to discuss the film nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up directed by Tasha Hubbard (available through https://www.nfb.ca/).

Email WarmlandBFC@gmail. com for zoom link.

9770 Willow St, Chemainus I 250 324-1551 I beyondtheusual.ca

TEN OLD BOOKS

Always something for everyone

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

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

HARDLY HANDSOME

MORGAN TONEY

Friendly happy bluegrass

Mi’kmaltic (Mi’kmaq + Celtic)

SATURDAY JANUARY 13

THURSDAY JANUARY 25

Doors 7PM

7:30PM SHOW Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse 246 Ingram St, Duncan $5 Members, $10 Public

Doors 6:30PM

7PM SHOW

The Chapel at Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan $20 Members, $30 Public

www.cowichanfolkguild.ca 11

T

he beat or the rhythm is the foundation of all music, it ‘s what reaches our core.

Rhythm is everywhere. Our heartbeat, when we speak, in our footsteps, most of what our body feels, and what fills our ears has rhythm.

notation as a way of recalling what you have learned.

No drums yet? No fret. Drum kits and sticks are provided in the studio for lessons as well as a selection of hand drums.

Already own a hand drum?

Bring it to your lesson and we’ll have it singing beautiful rhythms in no time.

Drumming provides a feeling of great joy and connection to the music we love. As an experienced instructor I can help you connect with with that feeling. And it’s fun!

When you play a drum you release endorphins, the “feel good” chemical. As natural hormones, they can lower stress, improve mood and enhance your sense of happiness and well-being, which results in a boost to our immune system. I believe rhythm helps align our body and mind with the natural world. This delivers focus to the whole body, and binds our physical and our emotional states.

Have you been thinking about learning the drums?

As a beginner student, no experience is needed. You’ll be playing a beat by the end of the lesson.

Are you an intermediate or advanced drummer?

Have you been thinking of

What Makes Music Move You? expanding your skills and strengths?

Whether in a live setting, a recording studio, or just for your own fun. I offer coaching on becoming a more intuitive and versatile player. Need a little brushing up?

I can tutor you for school music programs, preparing for auditions, and train for playing with other musicians.

I believe what’s between the notes is just as important as the notes themselves.

As a professional drummer, I continue to maintain my own music career. Working with multiple bands as a permanent and session drummer, as well as years of experience in recording

Rock I Funk I Blues I Reggae I Latin I Metal

PAUL JUTRAS

DRUM KIT AND HAND PERCUSSION LESSONS 35+ years experience- Private / One 2 One / Customized / Fun

Beginner to advanced - In your home or in my studio in Duncan

250-732-7735 I chopsdrumschool@gmail.com 12

studios, has provided me with a large range of styles and techniques. This has enabled me to instruct clearly in a variety of genres and musical settings.

At CHOPS drum school, a typical beginner drum lesson starts with a quick rundown of the drum kit or percussion instrument chosen. Instruction on methods used with the drumsticks and grip. For hand percussion, striking positions will be shown. I cover posture awareness which helps teach balanced accurate playing, control, timing and dynamics. The first few lessons I introduce learning by ear, this is where true feel is developed. After a few more lessons, I introduce easy

The interaction between a patient and supportive instructor and their student can help in more ways than simply teaching the drums. It can build student confidence and help them accomplish goals.

CHOPS is a fully equipped drum studio specializing in a one to one, customized, private, fun, advanced level of learning.

Half hour, 45, or 60 minute and drop in instruction available.

Cowichan Hands on Percussion Studio.

3060 Mountain View Cr. Duncan 250-732-7735 chopsdrumschool@gmail.com fb CHOPS

Gift Baskets Meat & Cheese Platters Gourmet Foods Italian Imports Take Home and Serve

Thu Lee

International Guitar Night

I

nternational Guitar Night is the world’s premier touring guitar festival, each show bringing together the most interesting and innovative acoustic guitarists to exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting. For each tour, IGN founder Brian Gore brings together a new cast of guitar luminaries for special evenings of solos, duets, and quartets that highlight the dexterity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar.

The 24th Annual International Guitar Night includes returning favourites, Luca Stricagnoli (Italy), Thu Le (Vietnam), Marco Pereira (Brazil)and IGN newcomer, Minnie Marks (Australia).

Luca Stricagnoli is considered one of the most interesting acoustic guitarists in the world with his music videos exceeding 100 million views and shows in every corner of the globe.

Using up to five guitars in the same piece, modified capos, and self-conceived stratagems, Luca continually leaves his audiences in awe and wondering what’s next for the up-and- coming guitarist. In addition to his musical abilities, Luca brings an enthusiastic energy to the stage that makes him a true entertainer.

Thu Le is an international award-winning classical guitarist and certified guitar teacher. She passed the entrance examination for the National Conservatory of Music, Hanoi at the age of only seven, making her the youngest ever student to be admitted to this prestigious establishment. She

hosts successful masterclasses across the globe and stays close to her cultural roots performing regularly in Vietnam.

Marco Pereira is an internationally renowned Brazilian composer, guitarist, and university professor. In addition to performing internationally, Marco is a professor in the Composition Department at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. His compositions are published by Editions Lemoine, Paris and GSP (Guitar Solo Publications), San Francisco, and have been played and recorded by important guitarists all around the world.

Minnie Marks is not just a blazingly electrified guitarist, she is also a rare and triple threat: Singer, Songwriter and Multi-instrumentalist.

Relentlessly performing across the globe, equipped with an old Goldtop in her hands and a revolutionary Farmer Foot Drum at her feet; Marks consistently pushes musical limits with her mind-blowing, dynamic guitar wizardry and her insanely powerful voice, that roars out her truth through song.

Tickets to International Guitar Night are $45 for adults, $38 for seniors and $10 for students.

Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 250-746-2722 or by visiting the Ticket Centre. For further show information visit our website at www.cowichanpac.ca.

VI Classic Auto Detailing Brian Shkuratoff Owner

250 743-1150 shop 250 709-1990 cell/text

3061 Renfrew Rd, Shawnigan Lake VIClassicAutoDetailing@gmail.com

www.VIClassicAutoDetailing.ca 13

Month 1: Kitchen Considerations What’s in your bin?

Start here: Perform a mini waste audit According to the CVRD, in 2017 Valley residents produced approximately 77,000 tonnes of waste; 60% was recycled or composted, and 40% was landfilled. This resulted in a disposal rate of 358kg per person, per capita. However, of the materials sent to landfill, over half of it could have been recycled and nearly a quarter of it composted!

It’s impossible to change what you don’t know, taking the time to consider what’s in your bin will allow you to make more mindful choices regarding consumption and disposal.

Once you identify your largest contributors, consider whether you can source alternatives with low or no packaging or

TWELVE MONTHS

H Esther Hamar, Reiki Healer at Purely Wellness www.purelywellness.com

250-748-0053 101 - 15 Canada Ave, Duncan

14

to zero waste

ey friend, I’d like to invite you to join me on a journey this new year! Considering a zero-waste lifestyle can be overwhelming and intimidating on your own, but taking small, consistent actions can add up and before you know it our impact can be HUGE! Each month we’ll lay out a few simple swaps and ideas to help you reduce your waste and lead us to a more sustainable and regenerative future for our beautiful Valley.

Let’s do this together!

improperly, it generates a significant level of greenhouse gases which increases global warming and contributes to climate change. Alternatively, composting doesn’t just reduce landfill waste but also provides nutrient-rich soil for your garden or potted plants. No yard? No problem! The lovely folks at Pacific Composting Company can help you set up a system that works for you, from Bokashi to Red Wigglers, they’re compact, odor-free, and even stylish! (pacificcomposting.ca) if there might be options for recycling or reusing. Did you know that you can recycle things like toothbrushes and razors at plentiFILL? Choose reusables and refillables Start here: Swedish Dishcloths and solid dish soaps Did you know that one reusable cellulose cloth can replace up to 15 rolls of paper towels? Meet, the Swedish Dishcloth: these little gems are highly absorbent towels that can be used for cleaning, wiping spills, washing dishes... whatever you need!

Think of them as a cross between paper towels and sponges with a much longer lifespan. Made of 70% cellulose and 30% cotton, not only are they highly absorbent and quick drying, but they are also completely compostable. Each cloth typically lasts 200+ uses and can be washed with your regular laundry, in your dishwasher, or boiled for a deep clean.

How many plastic dish soap bottles do you send to recycling

in a year? If, instead, you were to REFILL just one of those bottles all year the reduction of resources in both the creation of the bottles and the transportation and recycling of them adds up quickly. Or, better yet, consider trying out solid dish soap. These products are typically completely package-free, eliminating plastic bottles altogether, and they use far fewer resources in the creation and shipping stages.

We recommend this beautiful ceramic dish with refill pucks from Searl Soap Company.

They’re made right here in the Cowichan Valley, and one bar equates to approximately 3 bottles of liquid dish soap!

By incorporating these easy switches into your kitchen routine, you’ll be well on your way to embracing a zero-waste lifestyle this year. Remember, the key is gradual progress, and each small change contributes to a more sustainable and mindful way of living. Keep up the good work, you’re doing great!

Plentifill 163 Kenneth Street, Duncan www.plentifill.ca Stephanie Farrow & Krystal AikmanPlentifill Refillery & Sustainable Living Store

Divert organics Start here: Set up a compost system that works for your lifestyle In British Columbia, organic waste currently represents 40% of material sent to our landfills.

While this may not sound like a big problem, unfortunately as this material decomposes

15

David with his collection of works at the Reclaim Public Art Residency, Victoria

T

he path for the Cowichan Valley’s wood artist David Martinello keeps evolving with new artworks and a stronger commitment in his practice to explore the nature of wood. In the past year, he’s participated in several solo and group exhibitions as his body of work grows and diversifies. Since installing Interweave, the large wooden sculpture in the lobby of the Cowichan Community Centre, a strong direction for David’s work has been Public Art. The big news is that you can now see his sculpture Compelling Agency in downtown Nanaimo!

Commissioned by the City as part of its Public Art Program the piece will be situated at

Talking Arts: David Martinello the corner of Wallace and Fitzwilliam for the next five years. Fashioned in a silhouette

of a tree standing over 8 1/2’ tall, its powder-coated aluminum frame suspends a cedar slab for an appraisal of the value of wood. As the wood ages over the years, it will behave as a measure and reflection of the landscape, a way to consider the influence of the material in our lives.

Since August David also installed three shorter-term Public Artworks in Victoria, Salt Spring Island and Calgary as well as participated in a month-long artist residency that focused on the mechanics of making Public Art while also joining Urban Design rosters for a couple of institutions.

Currently, David has multiple proposals out for exhibitions, public art and grants to make connections with communities across Canada. He’s in the midst

16

of discussions for hands-on workshops and more Public Art installations as well as facilitating an arts residency next summer. Confirmed for the next year is participation in another residency and two solo shows, in Creston, Victoria and Gibsons.

All this is to say that David keeps very busy. As a multimedia artist, he uses everything from printmaking, painting, performance, video, drawing, and sculpture to gather impressions about wood as a medium. Plus, he still makes furniture with his company Alternative Woodworks as a way to evaluate wood.

From the conceptual to the formal and the designed to the gestural, learn more about David’s work at @ damartinello, damartinello.com or alternativewoodworks.com.

Artwork images: centre; Compelling Agency, located in the Old City Quarter in Nanaimo Right: Reconversion - Presented at Calgary’s inaugural N!GHT L!GHT festival. Standing at 100” high and made out of pressuretreated wood, painted steel and LED lights.

JANUARY

EVENTS We are a textile-based studio located in the heart of the Cowichan Valley.

Sewing is Good for You!

M

any of us make plans to start off the new year right. We’re going to exercise more, drink less, slow down and be in the moment. The challenge is sticking with those goals. Did you know that sewing and other crafts can improve your physical and mental wellbeing? Creative pursuits can encourage mindfulness, help manage anxiety, and offer other positive health benefits by reducing stress, improving hand-eye coordination, increasing positivity, and keeping the brain active.

Sewing can lower stress levels by triggering what Dr. Herbert Benson, founder of Harvard’s Mind/Body Medical Institute, labeled the “relaxation response.” When you are fully engaged in a creative task, your breathing slows down, your heart rate decreases, and your blood pressure drops, increasing

blood flow to the brain and creating what is basically the complete opposite to the “flight-or-fight response.”

If you sew regularly, you will also notice a marked improvement in your handeye coordination and fine motor skills, which can diminish as we age. And that feeling of satisfaction you get when you successfully master a difficult part of a pattern or finish making something for a loved one? That’s chemistry in action. The neurotransmitter dopamine, known as the “feel-good hormone,” is associated with pleasure and reward and plays a significant role in the creative process. And when you accidentally sew the wrong sleeve on to a shirt, serotonin is there to help you maintain a positive mindset, laugh it off, and begin again.

Sewing also requires you to focus and concentrate for extended periods of time as you learn new skills and improve on the ones you already possess. Your brain is constantly active, building new neural pathways and improving working memory and executive function.

If you’re looking for a fun way to relax, make some new friends, and reap the health benefits of the creative life, check out what The Spool Yard has to offer.

We have lessons for all levels of sewists, interesting workshops, and lots of open studio time for you to come in and do your own thing.

Your mind and body will thank you.

Tanya Trafford is an instructor at The Spool Yard. Her seasonal sewing is getting a bit out of hand. She could really use a personal elf.

January 6 10am-12pm Alterations & Repair Workshop $60 January 11, 18, 25 6-9pm Nova Coat $275 January 11, 18, 25 & Feb 1 12-3pm Adult Learn to Sew $375 January 13 10am-3pm Elastic Waist Pants $170 January 13 3:30pm-5:30pm All About Zippers $65 January 14 10am-1pm Bestie Bag $95 January 20 3-5pm Serger Refresher $60 January 21 & 28 10am-3pm Pipit Lounge Set $250 January 26 5-9pm Spool It Forward Community Sew FREE

Enquiries: info@thespoolyard.ca

250 710-1165

WWW.THESPOOLYARD.CA 17

V

eganuary celebrates its 10th anniversary this year!

Millions of people from almost every country in the world have tried vegan with us over the last decade, and the food landscape has changed dramatically.

Veganuary is focused on changing consumer behaviours and attitudes, while providing all the information and practical support required to make the transition to veganism as easy and as enjoyable as possible through the month.

Participants sign up at veganuary.com/try vegan.

Veganuary is more than a pledge: we also support brands, retailers and restaurants to expand their plant-based options. Last year, thousands of businesses took part in Veganuary.

Veganuary now has official country chapters in the US, UK, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, India and - new this year Spain. We also work with partner organisations who run additional Veganuary campaigns in Mexico, Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, Singapore, Australia and South Africa.

Matthew Glover, Co Founder Of Veganuary “When my wife Jane and I decided to launch a new year’s vegan pledge in 2014, we expected only 1,000 people to take part. More than 3,000 signed up and we were blown away. Now Veganuary is a bigger feature in the retail calendar, reflecting the ever-increasing

18

The Impact of Veganuary number of people choosing plant-based food. Two million official Veganuary participants in just eight years is a huge achievement, but the explosion inplant-based products that has accompanied it is truly revolutionising the future of food.”

THE OFFICIAL 2024 VEGETABLE OF THE YEAR: THE PURPLE SWEET POTATO This year, Veganuary set out to determine 2024’s Vegetable of the year, a new initiative we developed to highlight food and its relationship with sustainability, creativity, taste, trends, longevity, and other cultural indicators for the coming year. To determine this, we worked closely with an esteemed panel of retail experts, cookbook authors, plantbased celebrities, researchers, food futurologists, food editors, and members of key nutrition and sustainability councils. To select 2024’s Vegetable of the Year, the expert panel considered its ranking on five main criteria: growing popularity, versatility,

sustainability, health/nutrition, and affordability/accessibility.

Based on those criteria, the panel determined that the purple sweet potato is 2024’s official Vegetable of the Year. This trendy tuber began catching attention in the fall of 2022 as a super food for longevity. There are several types of purple sweet potato, including Stokes (hailing from North Carolina), Okinawan, and Molokai which originated in Japan. Not only pretty, they’re packed with vitamins and fiber. www.veganuary.com

• RAW & COOKED VEGAN LUNCHES • RAW TREATS • CLEANSES • SMOOTHIES • JUICES & MORE!

Duncan’s 100% Organic and All Vegan Cafe in Duncan

G

low Juicery, Smoothie and Organic cafe is the Cowichan Valley’s only 100% organic vegan cafe. The small juicery shaped quickly into a restaurant and has been serving healthy customers for over 8 years. Brandy now offers raw and hot vegan dishes and unlike other local spots - everything on the menu and on display is 100% organic, gluten free, plant based with no toxic refined sweeteners or preservatives.

“When designing our menu we kept in mind that people enjoy comfort foods so we started out with Bagels, Quesadillas, Chili, Pizzas, vegan “Butter Chicken and Pad Thai. Now in addition to those favourites we also offer: Coconut Lime Stir Fry, Triple Mushroom Rotini, Charred Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts.

Healthy living has been a part of my life for over 20 years.

After working at Pepsi Co, and gaining almost 40 lbs and feeling tired all the time in my early 20’s I knew something had to change. I started researching healing foods and exercise plans and within six

month of implementing what I learned, I lost all the weight I had gained. I continued a healthy lifestyle but it wasn’t until my son was born and I literally didn’t sleep for a year, my organ function began to decline drastically.

I knew I needed more than just sleep for my body to begin it’s healing process. I researched plant medicine and healing with the right foods. I turned to an all organic plant based diet and in just a month my energy levels started increasing again. I used herbs such as ashwagandha for my adrenal glands, milk thistle, He Shou Wu for organ support and Schizandra, citrus peels and lacuma for my kidneys. During this healing journey I knew I wanted to help other people who have been in a health situation like mine and this is what led to the start of Glow. I love these herbs so much that we use them in our recipes and treats and they can be added to any smoothie for an extra boost.

A few delicious seasonal dishes to try: Coconut Lime Stir Fry: a hot dish with vegetables in a coconut

ORGANIC RAW FOOD EATERY & ORGANIC JUICE BAR I 3 5380, TRANS-CANADA HWY, DUNCAN 250 597-2595 I GLOWJUICERY.CA

lime sauce over rice.

Triple Mushroom Rotini: thyme mushrooms sauce with spinach, marinated mushrooms and onions over chick pea rotini. Seasonal Juices: Harvest Glow Juice: carrots, cranberries, oranges, ginger, apple, turmeric, Elderberry Ginger lemonade: Elderberries from local farm Elder farms, ginger, lemons, water and maple syrup.

A favourite three course vegan meal at Glow begins with their Thai Carrot soup - An anti inflammatory and warming soup, perfect for the colder winter months.

Filled with carrots, turmeric, lemongrass and ginger.

Vegans love our tasty version

of “Butter Chicken”- Curry spices help warm the body.

This hot dish is topped with top quality black lava salt from Alchemy Taste, which not only adds amazing flavour but also helps the body with digestion and absorption.

Finish off with Dessert Raw Rose Cardamom bar -These bars are filled with antioxidant rich raw Cacao, cardamom and rose flowers.

Both Cacao and cardamom have anti inflammatory properties, and increase your energy and are warming.

Something many people need during these cold months.

Glow Organic Raw Food Eatery 5380 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan 250 597-2595 www.glowjuicery.ca

19

DOWNTOWN DUNCAN • CELEBRATE VEGANUARY Brisket spiced marinated mushroom panino

WE CELEBRATE VEGANUARY EVERY DAY! DAILY VEGAN SOUPS • SIGNATURE VEGAN SANDWICHES • HOUSE MADE VEGAN CHEESE • MYLK SMOOTHIES • PLANT BASED DESSERTS • GF BREAD OPTIONS

DINE IN, TAKE OUT, ORDER ONLINE 23 Kenneth Street, Downtown Duncan

www.urbanforestbistro.ca LOOKING FOR MICROGREENS?

We grow plenty of them!

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

Urban Forest Bistro invites you to embark on a delectable journey this Veganuary where our paninis redefine plantbased indulgence. Immerse your taste buds in the rich, marinated mushrooms, succulent roasted tofu, and the savory goodness of our house-made vegan cheeses. Each bite is a celebration of diverse flavors, meticulously crafted to satisfy both seasoned plant-based enthusiasts and those exploring this as a new option. Signature vegan options are always on the menu and include fire roasted creamy tomato, chipotle butternut squash, carrot ginger and cream of mushroom. Veganuary isn’t just a month; it’s an ongoing adventure in the art of delightful dining. Come

Earl Grey “cheese” cake Vegan plant based gyozas.

20

in and experience the best of both worlds like never before.

23 Kenneth Street, Duncan 250.737.3933 www. urbanforestbistro.ca

Neko Ramen launches a new vegan menu featuring vegan broths and new vegan dumplings made from entirely plant based ingredients. In addition to our traditional miso broth ramen, we will have unique vegan options such as “Tan Tan Men” with a broth infused with peanut butter, and Curry Miso Ramen with a curry-flavoured twist.

The vegetables used in our “Tan Tan Men” are simple, consisting mainly of Bok Choy, while our Miso Ramen and Curry Miso Ramen come with toppings such as cabbage, carrots, corn, and onions. Furthermore, we are excited to introduce our new Vegan Gyoza, a plant-based adaptation of our popular pork dumplings but vegan and made entirely from vegetables.

171 Canada Avenue, Duncan 250 597-1124 Order online at https://nekoramenduncan. square.site/

CELEBRATE VEGANUARY • LADYSMITH & CHEMAINUS Wild Poppy Market

Plant based brunch Plantitude

At Wild Poppy Market we offer a variety of thoughtfully delicious gluten free grab & go meals and baked goods with a variety of vegan options. Our intention is to create products that meet the dietary needs and lifestyle choices of those looking to balance good taste with nutrition. We are also committed to partnering with local food producers and growers which reflects on our retail shelves. We hope you can feel the love! 541 1st Avenue, Ladysmith January 1 & 2nd closed otherwise open Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm www.wildpoppymarket.ca

Wild Poppy Falafel Bowl

Every day is Veganuary at Plantitude!

At Plantitude all of our menu items are 100% plantbased. Cheeses, sauces, dips and all proteins are lovingly made from nuts, legumes, coconuts as well as plant and grain ingredients. No dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, fish or honey are used at Plantitude – and many items are available gluten-free. We strive to use fresh, local and organic ingredients whenever possible and are proud to partner with several Vancouver Island based suppliers.

From the farms and forests of our beautiful Cowichan Valley, to local coffee roasters, beer and wine producers. We look forward to sharing it all with you! We’re CLOSED FOR JANUARY but visit us in February for Brunch, Lunch or Dinner. 431 1st Avenue, Ladysmith For reservations & takeout: 250-924-1201 www.plantitude.ca

100% Plant-Based · Fresh · House-Made · Gluten-Free We’re closed for a Winter Break until February 1, 2024

Re-opening February 2, 2024 431 1st Avenue, Ladysmith | www.plantitude.ca Reservations & Takeout: 250-924-1201

Your one stop shop for natural products for home and body • more sustainable fashions • more natural make up • more body products • more mens products • more natural pet supply

Come in for great natural products, organic produce and so much more!

• more healthy snacks • more natural bulk foods • more cleaning products • more vitamin selection • more household for YOU!

PRODUCE SECTION

9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-9838 Hours Mon-Sat 9-5 • Closed Sun & Stat holidays 21

Delicious Vegan Treats available every day!

YAY! to VEGANUARY

I VEGAN SPECIALTIES ALL MONTH!

Dine In or Take Home delicious meals and snacks

22

Cowichan Vegetables Take the Stage

t is the beginning of a new year and many of us are committing to healthy habits that contribute to an active lifestyle here in the Cowichan Valley. One healthy habit that is easily attainable is incorporating one plant-focused meal per week this January.

Here are just a few reasons that you might choose to introduce more plant foods into your diet this year: -Increasing the amount of plant based whole foods that you eat will boost the amount of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants in your diet. Choose an array of colourful fruits and vegetables to get the most nutrition from your diet.

-Fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains are an abundant source of dietary fibre. Sufficient fibre will help keep your digestion in good working order.

-Trying new items and adding a diversity of foods consumed is connected to a healthy gut

microbiome. This is essential for a robust immune system, goodbye flu season!

Try adding new varieties of beans, plant based proteins/tofu, seasonal fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, mushrooms, nuts/seeds, fresh & dried herbs, spices, and teas!

Cow-op offers a variety of prepared veggie based meals, plant proteins, seasonal fruits and vegetables, sustainably grown legumes, nuts and seeds and snacks to help get you started!

Here are some of our awesome food processors and the delicious products that they are making.

Ulivit Superfoods makes delicious Plant Based Crumbles and Plant Based Bites are available in several different flavours including Shakshuka BrEGGfast Scramble Mushroom Boost, Taco Tuesday, West Coast BBQ and Cowgirl Steak.

Both the Crumbles and the Bites are super easy to cook. Using the instructions on the package,

Bake My Day Veggie Samosas served with Wonder Mix Microgreen Salad

simply add the plant protein and spices from the package to 1.5 cups of hot water, stir and allow it to absorb for three minutes followed by a quick saute over high heat on the stove top.

These Crumbles and Bites are a convenient way to add plant protein to dishes like sandwiches, pastas, tacos, breakfast scrambles and Shepherd’s Pie! made Tofu Chorizo Taco Filling is made with tofu, lentils, and potatoes marinated in authentic chorizo spices and their Refried Bean Taco Filling is made with black beans, onion, garlic and epazote. Epazote is a delightfully citrusy herb that is popular in Central America and commonly cooked with beans. Ixim fresh salsas, pico de gallo, and corn tortillas are also delicious and packed with so much flavour, you won’t even miss the conventional Home Grown Living Foods, based beef taco filling!. in Lake Cowichan, makes U-Bake Chef Dale, owner of Bake My Dry Mixes that are gluten free, vegan, and keto friendly and they Day has been creating gluten free and vegan specialty items are very convenient to use! since 2012. This includes frozen Choose from U-Bake Chocolate and ready to bake fruit turnovers Chip Cookies, Double Chocolate Cookies, Pumpkin Spice Cookies, in apple, strawberry rhubarb, black cherry, and blueberry Pumpkin Chia Bread, Sunflower and the very popular vegetable Chia Bread, Crackers, and Magic based Samosa Rolls made with Mix- their versatile vegetable based meat replacement. All of the potatoes, peas, onion, garlic and curry spices. dry mixes are protein packed and nutrient dense with wholesome All of True Grain Bread’s houseingredients of hemp, pumpkin, made pastas are made with two sunflower, fax, chia seeds, nutritional yeast, and spices. They simple ingredients, organic BC also make excellent sprouted nuts grown ancient grain semolina flours and water. Choose from and trail mixes for a top notch Durum Spaghetti, Khorasan snacking experience!

Spaghetti, Emmer Fettuccine, Red Fife Fettuccine or Spelt A&S Microgreen’s freeze dried Creste Di Gallo. fruits make excellent snacks, you can add them to a hearty breakfast There are also several vegetable of oatmeal and yogurt. Their based frozen soups available on variety of nutritionally dense microgreens are always fresh and Cow-op. Whether you’re craving something hearty and filling or ready to be added to a sandwich, something a little on the lighter wrap, or make a salad with their side, we have you covered with great microgreen blends! Try it soups that will warm you up! with Sharlene’s own dressing These soups are packed with recipe. nutritious vegetables and flavour Ixim Foods Inc. makes veggie and conveniently frozen. Stock taco night a breeze. Their house-

up on a few to keep on hand for those times when you would like a quick meal option.

Saigon Subs - Vegan Pho Soup Kit, enjoy the flavours of Vietnamese cooking but with the comfort of home.

Mensch Kitchen & Catering Chef Dan’s soup creations are super seasonal and often change depending on what produce is available from local farms! Right now you can enjoy Island Beet Borscht, Vegan Lentil Stew, Charred Romanesco Cauliflower Soup, and Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup.

Farm Table Inn - Vegan Lentil Soup and Vegan Mushroom Soup.

Kin Park Youth Urban Farm Tomato Basil and Ginger made with tomatoes, carrots, garlic and basil grown on the farm.

Preheat oven and bake Samosa Rolls according to instructions on the package.

While the Samosa Rolls are baking, prepare a simple Wonder Mix Microgreen salad with the following salad dressing recipe that Sharlene enjoys with their A&S Microgreens.

Dressing 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 tsp lemon 1/8 c. Balsamic vinegar 1 c. Extra virgin olive oil

Blend ingredients together, serve, and enjoy!

Now that you have the inspiration to embark on this culinary quest, let’s get started with a few suggested menu ideas!

Cow-op’s online market makes it easier than ever to access super local ingredients needed for these delightful culinary creations.

Shop Cow-op.ca for great products and Cowichan grown produce and have it conveniently delivered right to your door!

Home Grown Living Foods Veggie Burgers

Courtesy Shani Cranston, Home Grown Living Foods Veggie Patties: 1 cup of Home Grown Living Foods Magic Mix 1 cup of grated vegetables ~ we like carrots, zucchini & cauliflower or purple cabbage ½ cup of water Method Preheat oven to 350 °F Combine all ingredients and let sit for a moment to bind.

Scoop mixture, shape and press onto greased or parchment lined sheet.

Bake 35-40 minutes Serve veggie burgers with your favourite buns and fresh toppings such as sliced tomatoes, onions and lettuce.

23

VEGANUARY AT HOME Barnes and Maracle Vegan Bowl delivery

Roasted Beet & Arugula Salad Allison Landin, Raw Food Chef & owner Truffula Serves 2 as a meal or 4 – 6 as a side

Ingredients:

3 large beets 4 cups arugula 1/4 cup balsamic reduction 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp fresh herbs Truffula Original Cultured Cashew Jar, or Truffula Cracked Peppercorn Wheel Salt and pepper

Method:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Scrub the beets and wrap each in parchment paper before placing beets on a baking sheet and roasting until fork tender (around 45 minutes to an hour). Allow beets to cool long enough to handle, then peel and cut into wedges.

To make the vinaigrette, whisk together oil, balsamic reduction, 1 tbsp of fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, add arugula and toss with the vinaigrette to coat. Top with beets and dollops or slices of Truffula. Sprinkle with remaining herbs and serve.

24

Barnes and Maracle is cooking up a variety of vegan delights to help make your commitment to trying Veganuary easy peasy! For a limited time they will be offering their delicious vegan bowls delivered to you every Friday for the month of January.

On the menu is their famous Glow bowlS, Peanut Stir fry and Coconut Curry. Check out @barnesandmaracle on Instagram and Facebook for the full menu. Taking orders by email: barnesandmaracle@ gmail.com Saturday to Wednesday for Friday delivery 250-710-1058. www.barnesandmaracle.com Truffula Truffula is a tree nut creamery based in the Cowichan Valley that handcrafts cultured cashew cheese for those with dietary restrictions and those who love to eat great food.

Our organic, plant-based kitchen values natural foods and processes, creating intentionally nutritious whole foods bursting with flavour.

All our dairy-free cheese is made with certified organic and ethically sourced cashews, and contains no starches, gums, or fillers.

Serve our delicious sliceable plant-based cheese wheels and lusciously textured velvety, and soft plantbased cheese jars with your favourite crispbreads, crackers or breads. Available locally at The Community Farm Store, Duncan Farmers Market, Plentiful:Refillery & Sustainable Living Store, Chemainus Health Food Store and by delivery from cowichanmilk.ca www.truffula.ca

COWICHAN VALLEY Vegan WINES TO TRY

THE VEGAN WINE PROCESS EXPLAINED During the winemaking process, there are many options for preparing a wine for bottling. Many white wines undergo a fining stage that adds clarity and balances the wine. Ultimately, the focus is on preserving the wine’s integrity without compromising flavour or quality. To clarify the wines, instead of using animalderived fining agents like gelatin or isinglass, Blue Grouse employs natural alternatives such as bentonite clay. This effectively removes impurities, ensuring the wines remain vegan-friendly while maintaining their exceptional taste and character.

By blending traditional winemaking techniques with a commitment to sustainability, Blue Grouse continues to produce exceptional wines in the Cowichan Valley.

Michael Abbott, Operations Manager Blue Grouse Estate Winery

ON THE MARK Tempranillo Red Blend Rocky Creek Winery All our wines are vegan including our reds such as On The Mark. Typically animal products can be introduced during the fining process especially for reds. Over the past 5 years, we allow them to age longer in the barrel and let them clarify naturally with time. On the Mark is our Tempranillo blend and is very layered and complex. It changes with every sip and starts off with a cherry note, then goes towards earthy Pinot Noir character and then the complexity of the Gamay and Foch. It’s aged in American Oak. Medium to light body.

2021 PINOT NOIR Blue Grouse Estate Winery

2022 MARÉCHAL FOCH Emandare Vineyard

Vegan Pinot Noir. Clarified with plant-based products to reduce cloudiness. Partially whole cluster fermented with wild yeast and aged in amphora. Barrel aged for 16 months. Notes of red fruits, forest floor and spice. This wine is a true reflection of Vancouver Island where the water meets the forest.

Recommended pairings include mushroom risotto, butternut squash ravioli.

Working alongside nature is the core of everything we do at Emandare. Natural farming meets natural wine making without the use of commercial additives or animal by products in any of our wines. Crafting and creating authentic, traditional, honest wine. Each and every wine that we produce is vegan.

- A bold seductive red wine.

Giving you all of the things that you desire in a red this time of year. Blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry, violets and pepper. $36

25

CELEBRATE VEGANUARY

Unsworth Restaurant is a culinary celebration of all-things Vancouver Island.

From a seasonally inspired menu showcasing fresh, local, sustainable ingredients, to exceptional service and award-winning wines, we give bold, new meaning to farm-to-table cuisine. Come in and celebrate Veganuary with our Crispy Cauliflower ‘Osso Bucco’ saffron risotto, vegan demi-glace, crispy onion, preserved lemon gremolata. Closed January 10-14, 2024. Regular hours Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 8pm 2915 Cameron Taggart Rd, Mill Bay 250.929-2292 www. unsworthvineyards.com At Pizzeria Prima Strada, most any pizza or calzone at can be vegan.

Skip the cheese or substitute a cream base for tomato or olive oil for a delicious vegan pizza. Order a traditional Marinara or a Fungi without cheese or the customer

26

created vegan favourite: a tomato base with olives, roasted mushrooms, onions and peppers.

Simple, packed with flavour and delicious! 1400 Cowichan Bay Road, Cobble Hill 250 929-4655 www.pizzeriaprimastrada.com

VEGANUARY READERS CONTEST

Having enjoyed a limited print run, Canadian Vegan Magazine highlights the joy of the vegan lifestyle through interviews, recipes, health and feature stories stories and articles from vegan friends around the world. Now out of print, you can be one of ten lucky readers to win a collector’s bundle of Canadian Vegan Magazine to pick up from Plantitude in Ladysmith.

Find 10 vegetables hidden throughout this issue and send us their page locations to win.

Winners will be notified by email. Bon Chance!

Savoury Vegan Mushroom Soup

Courtesy Grant Easterbrook, The Olive Station

Ingredients

1 large white onion 10 oz white button mushrooms 10 ozbaby portobello mushrooms 2 Tbsp Mushroom & Sage Infused Olive Oil plus some extra for garnishing 1 tsp dried thyme 1 cup vegetable broth 1 Tbsp cornstarch 1 fresh bay leaf ½ Tbsp liquid coconut aminos or soy sauce 1 cup unsweetened dairy free milk or cow’s milk ½ tsp salt Freshly ground pepper to taste 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions

Wash and slice the mushrooms and onion. In a large saucepan, add the olive oil and heat over medium. Once heated, add the diced onions and allow to sweat about 5-7 minutes.

Consultations | Design Concept Development | Space Planning Kitchen + Bath Design | Fixtures + Finishes Selections Permit Plans + Construction Drawings

Move the onions to the sides of the saucepan and add the mushrooms, allowing to cook for another 5 minutes.

Stir the onions and mushrooms together, add the thyme and continue to cook over medium heat for an additional 10 minutes.

Add the bay leaf, salt and liquid aminos or soya sauce to the pan. Pour out the broth into a liquid measuring cup, add the cornstarch to it and stir. Once the cornstarch is mixed in add to the mushrooms. Add in the dairy free milk and stir to combine.

Once combined, allow to cook for at least an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 15 minutes, taste and add in the salt and garlic powder to taste.

Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the soup. Serve in bowls and drizzle with a bit of additional oil before enjoying

We are a full service residential design firm focusing on custom homes + renovations.

Through the process of collaboration between clients, designers + trades, a well thought out home is the difference between existing in a space and truly living there.

Donna Burdulea | Interior Designer www.dbinteriorsdesign.com e. hello@dbinteriorsdesign.com | ph. 250.812.5840

27

water, and “faba” means beans, and aquafaba is.... well, you guessed it....bean water. Goose had discovered that whipping the liquid from canned chickpeas would result in a frothy egg replacer due to the starch/ protein content of the beans themselves!

Aquafaba: Egg White, Done Right Aisling Goodman, co-founder of Holocene Distilling Project

A

s a life-long vegetarian with next to no skills in the planning ahead department, finding ingredient substitutes for recipes has always featured heavily in my life. Apple sauce in lieu of butter? Perfection. Ground flax seeds instead of eggs?

Sign me up.

When it comes to cocktails, however, flax seeds in between your teeth from each sip isn’t exactly what I’m going for...and unfortunately for me some of my favourite drinks call for shaken egg whites to create the decadent, velvety foam texture.

Enter...Aquafaba. A relatively new ingredient in the mixology scene, the term ‘Aquafaba’ is credited to Goose Wohlt, an American software engineer (and a vegan!) who had set about trying to make eggless meringues for his mother.

From Latin, “aqua” means

28

Aquafaba can be sourced from any beans, not just canned chickpeas. In fact, some insist that cooking dried beans and collecting the water is the preferable option.

However you source your aquafaba, it can be substituted in baking or cocktails at a ratio of around 2 tbsp to 1 egg white.

Just as with egg whites, aquafaba can impart a slight taste to your cocktails, but that’s not a bad thing! January calls for brighter flavours than the past cozy winter months, along with fresh and exciting ingredients to accompany your New Year’s resolutions.

Test out your new Aquafaba expertise with this cocktail recipe:

“A Fab Idea” 2oz Flivver Vodka 1oz Lemon Juice 1oz Sweetener of choice 4oz Pomegranate Juice 1oz Aquafaba Shake all ingredients except for Aquafaba with ice in a cocktail shaker.

Strain, add Aquafaba, and shake all ingredients again without ice.

Strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary (historically used to strengthen cognition and memory) Cheers, to a FABulous 2024! www.holocenedistilling.com

Morgan Toney Mi’kmaltic Alpha Yaya Diallo Juno Award winner, guitarist and singer Alpha Yaya Diallo, from Guinea in West Africa, is one of the hottest acts on the world music scene. Now based in Canada, he’s earned a matchless reputation for the excellence of his musicianship and the excitement of his live shows – whether performing solo or with his band Bafing.bio_300 Diallo is a multi-talented artist. Over time he’s earned more Canadian awards than he can count. Osborne Bay Pub, Crofton January 13, 8pm, $30 advance tickets. $35 at door. Link on website www.osbornebaypub.com

Community Music More cowbell! Experience the joy of playing in a Zimbabwean-style marimba ensemble This is your chance to get on the different marimbas (wooden-keyed xylophones), learn how the ensemble works, and put a song together with the other workshop participants. No musical experience is necessary for this intro workshop, and all the instruments are supplied.

Bopoma Community Music Sunday, January 7th from 11:30 to 1:00, Crofton. $20. Preregistration is required. info@ bopoma.org, 250-737-1331

In just a short amount of time, Toney’s been able to invigorate both the Atlantic music communities and Mi’kmaq communities by bringing together the fiery fiddling of Cape Breton Island with the old songs of the Mi’kmaq, one song dating back up to 500 years.

He calls this fusion Mi’kmaltic (Mi’kmaq + Celtic) and it’s his way of celebrating his language and heritage. He’s honoring the elders who’ve taught him the songs and the language, and he’s taking his place on the front lines of Eastern Canada’s cultural divide. January 25 Morgan Toney at the Chapel at Providence Farm. Doors 6:30pm, show at 7:00pm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan, $20 Members, $30 Public

Learn the Wheel Trial by Fire Pottery Ever wanted to try throwing clay on the pottery wheel?

The two week January class sessions are perfect for beginners! And for those with a few classes already done, the small class size means you can get expert help with your specific challenges. For example, are you wanting to throw more than 1 kilo but it never works out? I can help:) See website for details and to sign up. www. trialbyfirepottery.ca

SPIRITUAL ANATOMY

Happy transformative journey inward and onward towards the best 2024 version of yourself!

Inspiring book for your New Year’s resolution and beyond. Available locally at independent bookstores www.heartfulness.org 29

OSBORNE BAY

DENTAL HEALTH CENTRE New Patients Welcome!

Managing the oral microbiome and exploring the oral systemic connection • Crown & Bridge • Dental Implants • Dentures • Oral Surgery • Invisalign • Root Canal Therapy

• Fillings • Hygiene & Prevention • Pediatric Dentistry • Sedation • Sleep Apnea

Dentist: Dr. Steve Michaluk

Open Wednesday - Saturday Clinic Hours: 9am-5pm 1-8150 Arthur Street, Crofton osbornebaydentalhealth@gmail.com osbornebaydental.com 250-737-3864

Where is the Beginning and the End of A Writer’s Role?

H

ow do you go about writing a book and getting it published?

It depends on: who you are; your ‘skill set’; why you want to write; your subject; your intended audience; your timeline; your hopes for fame and fortune—and a whole lot of other factors that might influence your process.

The writer’s vocation has morphed over the last four decades, responding to technological and social changes that have revolutionized the activities of authors, readers, and publishers. There are many routes from inspiration to publication.

Be prepared to adopt a plan that meets your own goals and circumstances.

No one plan fits all, so it has become increasingly important to consider options. Begin with an end in mind; map out a route to success that inspires from start to finish; and be prepared to review and renew your creative process on the fly.

If you are a closet writer who simply enjoys writing stories and is content to leave them as a legacy, then your beginnings and ends are all about the very essence of creative writing—the imaginative adventure of casting thoughts, feelings, scenes, and actions in evocative, living language. Memoirs and journals are often great literature left

30

unpublished.

Most writers want to share their work, though, and that’s where things get complicated. Forty years ago, authors wanting to get their material onto bookstore shelves submitted their manuscripts to publishers, who would complete the literary cycle by: editing, proofing, designing, printing, distributing, and promoting books.

More than 70 percent of books sold today still go that route, according to wordsrated.com. And traditionally published volumes still enjoy a status not shared by self-published books. The gap is closing, however, with 300 million self-published books worth $1.25 billion sold each year.

For self-publishers, ‘beginning with an end in mind’ is more complicated. It’s not inconceivable for today’s authors to write, proof, design, print (in ePub, audio, and web formats), distribute, and promote their books using technologies and platforms that are constantly being invented and improved. Striking a creative balance between actually writing and getting your book published isn’t easy.

If you have comments or suggestions about topics that can be covered in this Writers 4-UM, make contact via CraigSpenceWriter.ca.

Sonia Furstenau and Fatima de Silva with the Nourish Cowichan garden near Ecole Mt. Prevost.

Inspiring Organizations in the Cowichan Valley Sonia Furstenau, MLA Cowichan Valley, Elected House Leader BC Green Party

T

he New Year is a powerful symbolic moment, inviting us to step into the realm of possibilities. Many people use this opportunity to envision a better version of themselves, through resolutions and wellness goals. Because individual wellness is inextricable from the wellness of our community, we might also take this time to imagine a better version of society – what could be possible this year when it comes to our collective well-being?

We don’t need to look far for inspiration. There are many organizations working tirelessly to uplift the lives of Cowichan Valley residents, and their efforts light the way towards a just and stable future for everyone.

Take, for instance, the Cowichan Green Community.

This dynamic organization is committed to food

security and environmental sustainability. From community gardens and urban farms that generate fresh local produce, to educational workshops, native meadow plantings, food recovery and distribution, and dignified food relief, they play a valuable role in enhancing the overall health and security of our region.

Nourish Cowichan stands as another pillar of community support, addressing the fundamental issue of food insecurity. With a mission to ensure that no child in the Cowichan Valley goes hungry, this incredible organization supports 21 schools in the district with meal programs!

The Cowichan Valley Basket Society is a lifeline for many - their extraordinary ability to feed people 7 days a week is a testament to the power of community support, providing essential resources and holding people up during challenging times.

Similarly, the Cowichan Housing Association offers services to embrace those at risk of losing their housing,

including a rent and utility bank, referrals, emergency assistance, and housing navigation.

And while we should celebrate the amazing hard work that goes into these community initiatives, we must also recognize that they exist on small, sometimes precarious budgets, filling gaping holes in the social safety net, and doing the heavy lifting on our behalf.

There should be more government funding available

for such organizations. A healthy community provides essential infrastructure, support systems, and a safe environment, creating the conditions for everyone to thrive. Reliable funding is required to make this vision a reality.

As we step into 2024, let’s match the dedication of these organizations with robust governmental support. Let’s resolve to foster security and fairness for all.

31

COWICHAN VALLEY PRIVATE & INDEPENDENT SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEATURE

BRENTWOOD COLLEGE SCHOOL MILL BAY Grades 8 - 12 Advanced Placement Program Brentwood College School provides a modern, West Coast learning experience for globally-minded students who embrace the values of grit and joy.

Established in 1923, Brentwood is a progressive, co-educational boarding high school located on a spectacular 90-acre oceanfront campus in Mill Bay, BC. At Brentwood, student choice is a unique part of our culture and a deciding factor in who attends the School. This philosophy creates a warm, friendly, and passionate community of students from over 50 countries who gain the independence and skills necessary to succeed in the post-secondary world.

Brentwood mirrors the educational experience of a small college rather than a traditional boarding school. Prospective students are drawn to our school’s innovative timetable— as well as our nurturing boarding environment and strong university preparatory

programs. Our unique tripartite scheduling, an evidence-based approach to learning designed to connect the task at hand—be it in academics, arts, or athletics— with the time of day that our bodies and minds are most fit to perform that task, creates unrivalled opportunities for student discovery and growth.

Choosing the right fit for a post-secondary experience can be an overwhelming task. Brentwood is renowned for its exceptional record of quality placements. Whether they are looking for options in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or elsewhere, our students have all the resources they need through our University Counselling Office.

In short, we harness the power of a boarding environment to build strong relationships throughout our fully engaged, authentic, and inclusive community.

In 2023/24, Brentwood marks its 100-year milestone— celebrating a century of passing the torch de manu in

manum (from hand to hand).

“Brentwood was the first all-boys boarding school in Canada to begin admitting girls, something that remains emblematic of the school’s forward-looking approach.” ~ Our Kids editorial staff “We chose Brentwood for our boys because it’s a forward-thinking school with a progressive ideology. It sets a rigorous yet supported academic, athletic, and artistic standard where students gain confidence by learning both work ethic and self-reliance.”

Hemsa Fipke mother of Elias (Privett ‘24) and Zane (Privett ‘26) “Brentwood’s unique approach to balancing academics, arts, and athletics provided me the opportunity to explore different avenues in each, inspiring me to discover a sense of my own abilities and passions.”

Michelle MacLaren ’82 Director, ‘Game of Thrones’ & ‘Breaking Bad’

32

“I must say, I have the best job on Earth. Why? Because the people here at Brentwood treat each other like family. The students are vibrant and kind young people from all over the world who have chosen to come and live together for ten months of the year on a beautiful oceanfront campus. They have chosen to challenge themselves in a busy and varied tripartite schedule, not because they have to but because they want to.”

Mark Wismer Houseparent, Teacher, Coach “It takes a village to raise a child, and being part of the village as a Houseparent affords me the gift of getting to really know our students.

We see each other at our best, our worst, our most vulnerable, our strongest.

I get to help students learn about themselves and gain confidence in who they are. I get to help students strengthen their interpersonal skills as they navigate House, friend, teacher, and roommate relationships.”

Karen Hedquist Houseparent of Hope House; English Teacher

33

COWICHAN VALLEY PRIVATE & INDEPENDENT SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEATURE Our approach to instruction has To assist our families in getting their children to school, Queen always incorporated the wise QUEEN OF of Angels offers an affordable use of the latest educational ANGELS SCHOOL technologies. We remain bus service with two routes.

DUNCAN firmly rooted in the belief Our South Bus loops down that the moral and academic through Shawnigan Lake to Kindergarten – development of every child is Mill Bay, while our North Bus Grade 9 a collaboration between the extends up to the south end of school and home.

Ladysmith and goes through Catholic School Crofton and The Properties.

Our educators create learning Queen of Angels Catholic environments that are handsQueen of Angels School School has provided children on, experiential, inquiry based, is unique among other throughout the Cowichan and fun. Furthermore, we have elementary schools. We Valley with a quality, faithtrained specialists in the areas proudly offer: based education since 1964. of Physical Education, Music, - a fully equipped Our Angel Care is an Early French, and Hul’q’umi’num’. six-station Cooking Lab Learning Centre for 3- and school students This means our students - two gymnasiums 4-year-old preschoolers, and - multiple class sets of Apple are given every opportunity - a high school-level Science our elementary and middle Notebook computers, iPads, to succeed academically, Lab and Visual Arts Room school departments offer Google Chromebooks, and a athletically, artistically, - an impressively stocked rich programming from fixed Mac Lab library with a library technician Kindergarten through Grade 9. socially, and emotionally. on staff We are confident you will - a stand-alone Fine Arts see that Queen of Angels is a Pavilion school where children “Learn - a large sports field and a to Love and Love to Learn.”

3 acre forest that boasts a Please accept our invitation network of running trails - two outdoor basketball courts to visit our school for a tour.

Contact us at: 250-746-5919, - three separately supervised play areas for primary, 2085 Maple Bay Road, Duncan, intermediate, and middle www.queenofangels.ca.

WHERE STUDENTS LOVE TO LEARN AND LEARN TO LOVE

34

COWICHAN VALLEY PRIVATE & INDEPENDENT SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEATURE

QUEEN MARGARET SCHOOL DUNCAN Kindergarten – Grade 12 ECE: Preschool– Junior Kindergarten CAIS, ISABC, TABS For over 100 years Queen Margaret’s School (QMS) has offered an exceptional and rigorous education that builds confidence, character

and compassion. Students develop and grow through signature programs that focus on experiential and inquirybased learning, entrepreneurial thinking and environmental stewardship.

Be curious. Be kind. Be brave. Be you. Simple, yet powerful value statements for trailblazers of tomorrow, as no two journeys are the same. At QMS, opportunities abound for students to engage in programming, athletics and cocurricular activities that foster

excitement for learning and inspire a passion to look deeper.

Whether in the classroom, on the field, on stage or in the equestrian ring, we create new generations of confident leaders empowered to create a more just and connected world.

Nestled on 30 beautiful acres in the heart of the Cowichan Valley, QMS is proud to provide a diverse range of programs for young people to explore.

The Equestrian Centre at QMS provides enriched equine facilitated leadership and rider training while Innisfree Farm provides space for farm-to-table, applied skills and wellness programs for students. We continually strive to incorporate

all aspects of learning with our academic and co-curricular offerings to build dynamic and inspiring experiences for all students.

QMS’ all gender day and boarding student population is an integrated, diverse, inclusive community where each student is recognized and our deep community connections are enriched through service, entrepreneurship, the fine arts and social justice initiatives.

Applications are now being accepted for September 2024.

Tours are available by appointment. admissions@qms.bc.ca | qms.bc.ca | 250.746.4185

35

COWICHAN VALLEY PRIVATE & INDEPENDENT SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEATURE

EVERGREEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL COBBLE HILL Preschool Grade 7 Evergreen Independent School has been a part of the Cobble Hill community for 40 years. The school was founded by a small group of parent educators who envisioned a caring, nurturing educational community that fostered responsible, selfaware and resilient learners, and developed programs that reflected students’ interests, while meeting individual learning needs.

While many things have changed over 4 decades, Evergreen’s core values have not; Evergreen is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment with the goal of fostering emotionally literate, confident, respectful individuals as members of a community. The

BC Curriculum is delivered through theme-based, inquirydriven, and experiential means, engaging students meaningfully on their learning journeys.

Multi-age class groupings provide opportunities for students to access content at the most appropriate level, to develop leadership skills, and to learn to seek and accept support from others.

True academic growth is achieved when emotional, physical and social needs are met, and Evergreen seeks to meet these needs through a variety of unique approaches.

The 4-day school week prioritizes family connection and supports mental health.

Emotional literacy, conflict resolution and communication programs are woven through all areas of the curriculum. An integrated gardening and food literacy program fosters healthy relationships with food and food production. A dedicated kitchen ensures that students are introduced to a variety of creative and nutritious food experiences. Physical activity and play are recognized as being critical to academic success, and students at Evergreen enjoy ample time outdoors, through outdoor education programs, free play time, and daily Physical Education.

Evergreen is home to the Cobble Hill Community Pavilion – a gorgeous timber-framed, shared community space for the school, parents, and local residents.

Find out why families choose Evergreen! Apply online or call to book a tour. 3515 Watson Ave, Cobble Hill, 250-743-2433 www.evergreenbc.net

36

COWICHAN VALLEY PRIVATE & INDEPENDENT SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEATURE

DUNCAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL DUNCAN Early Learning Grade 12 Duncan Christian School provides a welcoming environment for children from Early Learning through Grade 12. By integrating faith, family, and community, we aim to be an inclusive school family which strives to support and celebrate every child by offering a diverse and warm-hearted place to learn. All programs integrate a Christian world view.

Early learners enjoy a

hands-on school readiness program providing early exploration of theme studies, art, music, gym time, library, numeracy, and pre-reading skills. Full day Kindergarten includes a one day per week outdoor education Sea to Sky program. From Kindergarten through Grade 12 we offer a wide range of curriculum. Led by an experienced and committed staff, classes participate in project-based learning, outdoor education, cross curricular activities, athletics, music, arts and second language programs. Service learning, leadership, outdoor adventure, and Christian Mission opportunities are also essential parts of our comprehensive educational programmes. All of which are examples of how the unique gifts of learning are celebrated.

Through participating in a wide range of activities students are challenged to

Early Learning Program - Grade 12

Faith. Family. Community.

495 BEECH AVENUE, DUNCAN 250-746-3654 www.duncanchristianschool.ca facebook:duncanchristianschool

Visit our Heat Pump Showroom at 4675 Trans-Canada Hwy

explore their talents and find joy in their unique giftings.

We would love to get to know you better. To set up your

personalized tour, please call us at 250-746-3654. www.duncanchristianschool.ca

37

38

COWICHAN VALLEY PRIVATE & INDEPENDENT SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEATURE

SUNRISE WALDORF SCHOOL DUNCAN Preschool & Kindergarten Elementary School Grades 1- 8 Nestled among farms and forests in beautiful Cowichan Station, just south of Duncan, lies Sunrise Waldorf School.

Since 1980, Sunrise has attracted families drawn to its warm and welcoming community, stunning rural campus, and commitment

to quality education. The Waldorf curriculum provides Sunrise graduates with the academic and interpersonal skills to succeed in high school, while also offering practical and creative skills, including fibre arts, drama, music, visual arts, woodwork, and land-based knowledge and experience.

At Sunrise, we recognize that children need to feel safe and accepted for who they are to experience success. By creating an inclusive learning environment, students learn positive self-talk, how to effectively express their needs and feelings, and how to work through conflict. They also learn to reframe and replay situations, which helps them see alternative perspectives and, in turn, become more compassionate friends and teammates. In addition, by deemphasizing testing and limiting technology and media exposure, students can appreciate the unique strengths in themselves and those around them.

The connections that develop between students and their teacher also provide a sense of

Pottery Wheel Classes Cowichan Bay www.trialbyfirepottery.ca security and www.trialbyfirepottery.ca belonging.

This commitment to relationship permeates every school day, from the moment each child is individually greeted upon for the current and coming entering the classroom. Teachers school year 24-25. Please note and students collaborate, and that several of our grades are teachers take time to check in wait listing. Please contact with parents on a regular basis, admissions@sunrisewaldorf.org knowing that when parents and for tours or more information. teachers work together, a child’s Tour Through the Grades: needs can be better met.

January 16, February 13, March 5, April 16, May 14.

The daily rhythms, practices, Kindergarten Open Houses: and customs at Sunrise create January 20, March 2. Check our a culture of optimal learning in website for more details and to which our students thrive. register. @sunrisewaldorf Now accepting applications www.sunrisewaldorf.org

39

COWICHAN VALLEY PRIVATE & INDEPENDENT SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEATURE “ My calling began shortly NOORUNISSA after obtaining a superb Montessori training in Paris, MONTESSORI France in 1962, and it was to ACADEMY unite children from all aspects COWICHAN of life in the United States, STATION Canada, as well as Mexico through the Montessori way Kindergarten of education. Throughout Grade 6 the years, I have trained numerous teachers using International Montessori Montessori methodologies Academies has been and have opened many nurturing children in the Montessori’s throughout Cowichan Valley since music, field trips and other As a Montessori school, the Orange County area in September 2016, when our special events. we provide a stimulating Southern California.” school’s director, Ms. Inayat Our Hub Campus and our environment where Bergum, first opened the Shawnigan Lake Campus children are encouraged to – Inayat Bergum Montessori school at The are both beautiful locations. continue their learning in Hub at Cowichan Station.

The Hub is surrounded by an experiential, hands-on We are a forest and nature trails, with way.

Our space will lead Montessori-inspired access to several sports children to explore the independent school fields and a gymnasium. Our world, express themselves following the BC Shawnigan Lake location creatively, and develop curriculum. Our is lakeside, surrounded meaningful relationships in a elementary program by paved trails and grassy safe environment.

We enrich offers small classes areas. These trails allow all our students curriculum with and individual students, including those various activities including attention for students with mobility challenges, to gardening, art classes, from Kindergarten to explore and connect with the cooking, wood working, Grade 6. environment.

INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF CANADA Pre Kindergarten - 5 years

International Montessori Academies of Canada Inc. is the sister school of NoorUnissa Montessori Academy, offering an enriched Pre-Kindergarten Program for students from 3 – 5 years of age (with limited spaces for students 30-36 months). Our school day begins at 9:00 am and

ends at 3:00 pm. We offer before school care, 7:30 -9:00 am and after school care from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at both of our campuses.

We look forward to opening a new campus in the beautiful Lake Cowichan area.

More details to come.

Please visit www.intmontessori. ca for an over view of our school. All of our admissions/ registrations are processed by our main office at our Hub location. Please use office.noorunissa@gmail.com

40

to reach our administrator or call 250-737-1119.

To book a tour please contact Brianna Popovich 250-737-1119 office.noorunissa@gmail.com

NOORUNISSA MONTESSORI ACADEMY Cowichan Station, Shawnigan Lake and Lake Cowichan - coming soon!

PREPARATION FOR LIFE BEYOND SCHOOL We are a Montessori-inspired independent school following the BC curriculum.

After school enrichment program available.

Classrooms are equipped with advanced Montessori materials Small classes and individual attention for students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 A stimulating environment where children are encouraged to continue their learning in an experiential, hands-on way Offering Pre-Kindergarten Program ages 3 – 5 (limited spaces for 30 - 36 months) 2024/2025 Summer School and Fall Registration International Montessori Academies of Canada Inc. is the sister school of NoorUnissa Montessori Academy 41

FONCTION D’INSCRIPTION A L’ÉCOLES PUBLIQUES FRANCOPHONE jusqu’à Mill Bay au sud de la Vallée de Cowichan.

Une école publique francophone Développement identitaire et culturel

Collaborer.

Innover.

Engager.

756 Castle Place, Duncan 250-737-4486 www.cascades.csf.bc.ca 42

ÉCOLE DES CASCADES DUNCAN la maternelle jusqu’à la 7e année Éducation gratuite en français Pour avoir rêvé grand depuis la création de l’école des cascades en 2020, voilà que nous entrons cet automne dans un grand et beau bâtiment situé 3039 rue Sprott, à Duncan. Des grandes salles de classe, des locaux spacieux, un beau gymnase et surtout une énorme cour qui va nous permettre de pratiquer l’enseignement à l’extérieur.

Notre organisation publique offre de l’enseignement gratuit en français de la maternelle à la septième année. De plus nous aurons la chance d’accueillir la nouvelle garderie francophone qui occupera un espace dans l’établissement.

L’ouverture est prévue en janvier 2025 et sera disponible pour les enfants de 30 mois à 4 ans. Un service de transport en autobus est offert tant aux élèves de l’école que les enfants de la garderie. Le territoire desservi va de Lady Smith au nord, du Lac Cowichan et

L’école des Cascades fait partie du conseil scolaire francophone de la ColombieBritannique. En septembre prochain, elle en sera à sa cinquième année d’existence.

Le projet éducatif est conforme aux attentes ministérielles de la province.

Nous avons développé chez nos élèves un lien fort avec la francophonie et la communauté francophone de la Vallée. En plus de recevoir un enseignement de qualité, les élèves de l’école des Cascades bénéficient de leçons en musique (le violon) et sont initiés à la robotique.

Avec une Association de parents forte et engagée qui a gagné un prix d’excellence, notre communauté d’école à beaucoup de soutien et encouragement dans nos projets.

Nous nous assurons d’offrir une éducation à la hauteur des aspirations des enfants du 21e siècle.

Pour tout renseignement, École de Cascades 756 Castle Place, Duncan, V9L 4Y3 250 737-4486 cascades.csf.bc.ca ecole_cascades@csf.bc.ca

Successful Felting Starts With a Plan

L

ooking for a cozy winter activity? Felting is the process of blending wool, wool roving or fiber together to make a piece of fabric. It is a relaxing and rewarding activity for all ages and stages and easy to learn or rekindle.

A Felt Farm by Rotraud Reinhard contains step-bystep instructions and beautiful colour photographs showing how to make an entire farm: with a range of felted animals, people and tools, as well as the farmyard itself. The second part of the book is an illustrated story that uses the characters, animals and settings (made by you!) to tell the story of a fun-filled day on a farm.

A great start is to choose a felting project from an instructive book or a felting kit.

Locally based Nan.C Designs has great needle felting kits that come with needles, felting pad, hand dyed wool roving and easy to follow picture instructions to ensure success.

We stock many of Nancy’s best selling kits for beginners such as penguins, bumblebees and gnomes. When you are ready to progress try her rabbits, whale or fox kits.

For wet felting you will need: a project idea or plan, colourful

wool roving, basin with soapy water, spray bottle, bubble wrap Children love wool and wet felting is a great project to begin with young ones. They love the soapy water and the magic of forming something that turns out no matter what.

Working with our hands in the early stages of life helps to develop passageways in our brain to be able to think creatively with confidence.

“Learn by Doing” is an excellent motto for wool crafting. Felting is very forgiving and it just takes doing and practice to develop techniques that work for you.

There is no wrong way, only finding new ones that work.

With a staff of felters, the Freya Sophia Waldorf Store ensures a well stocked felting section where you will find everything you need to get started. From books to all the materials: colourful wool rovings, fleece, batting and roping and an assortment of needles to fit every project such as x-fine for eyes and whiskers or coarse needles with bigger barbs for faster felting and many others in between. Their bookstore has the largest selection of felting and craft books in the Valley to inspire the perfect project.

Important experiences come through working with our hands, nourishing our soul and bringing real joy and achievement. Felting whether wet of dry calls forth work with our head, hands and heart, making each of us a creator.

Freya Sophia Waldorf Store and Bookhop 5380 TransCanada Hwy (by The Brick) , Duncan Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm 250 597-4763

LEARN TO FELT THIS WINTER! WE HAVE FELTING BOOKS, KITS, WOOL & TOOLS! 5380 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan (by The Brick) (250) 597-4763 FSWS BOOKSTORE - OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 AM - 5PM CLOSED SUNDAYS 43

HARMONY WELLNESS EVOLUTION An Evolutionary Approach to Your Health and Happiness

Deborah Carruthers BA, BSW, MA Counsellor and Wellness Practitioner To book a session or view upcoming events and workshops, please visit: www.harmonywellnessevolution.com

250-715-1773 360 Duncan St #103, Duncan

Vancouver Island Yoga School ( formerly Harmony Yoga Centre)

I

was inspired to open a Wellness Center 12 years ago as I started my counselling practice. I saw the need for people to have access to other modalities, including yoga, meditation, massage therapy and Reiki.

Harmony Yoga and Wellness Center was born in a small location above the flower shop downtown. It was birthed with four teachers, including myself. We outgrew the small space in the first three years and moved to our current location in 2014.

SOMATICS Somatics classes on Zoom Somatic Yoga at Cowichan Community Centre Individual appointments

Violet Reynolds RMT - teaching since 2008 somayogaviolet@gmail.com

44

Last year, we changed our name to VIYoga School to reflect the complete offerings of workshops, yoga teacher training, retreats, and daily classes. This year reflects my 10th yoga teacher training, now delivered in other communities, with my teaching partners, Geoff Mackenzie and Shelley D”Amico.

In March 2024 and Sept 2024, Shelley and I will cohost a retreat in Kerala, India.

This will be my 7th and 8th

retreat at Chrissies Hotel and Retreat Center. Please check out the information on our website at VIYogaschool. com or Namaskaryoga.ca.

We will host an info session on January 6th at 4:30 at Namaskar Yoga in Parksville.

My intention for the yoga we offer is that it is inclusive and accessible to the community, with various classes. We offer classical Ashtanga yoga, gentle yoga, fiery warm flows and restorative warm yin.

Our popular courses include Somatics, Yin, Gentle Flow and Warm Vinyasa Flow.

We have a $50 2-week unlimited pass and $99 Month unlimited pass for new students. We also sell goodquality mats and props.

Vancouver Island Yoga School 360 Duncan St #103, Duncan www.viyogaschool.com Deborah Carruthers

but also great sensitivity.

If you don’t hurt your attacker, but are able to control them, they won’t feel as vengeful as when you would have hurt them. Aikido shows compassion in conflict, empathy in adversity. That’s the message I picked up right away when I started training.

This type of self-defense spoke to me so much more than the hard-hitting styles.

Over the years I have come to internalize this principle and I now try to bring this practice from the laboratory of the dojo into daily life.

My Aikido Story

H

appy New Year community! Perhaps you are ready to tackle something new, why not a martial art?

Twenty years ago, I chose aikido because I had always been fascinated with the martial arts, but, up until that point, hadn’t found the right fit for my personality or goals.

When I discovered aikido, I was instantly attracted to its circular, elegant movement and its underlying philosophy.

Aikido doesn’t try to stop or break an opponent’s aggressive energy, but tries to harmonize and flow with it, redirect and control it in such a way that we do not further antagonize this person by severely damaging them.

Instead, the techniques are designed to get out of the line of attack, blend with the movement, and neutralize with great effectiveness,

Aikido is for caring, openminded people who would still like to learn how to defend themselves. Who, when challenged, would still like to speak their truth in a centered and grounded way.

It’s not that I never lose my internal balance anymore when I get addressed in a belligerent or confrontational way, but through my training I have learned to recenter myself quickly, to remain calm and to keep breathing.

To not get uptight, to not let that little voice inside my head get the better of me.

Aikido would be good for the police force, for people in health care, for dealing with aggressive family members.

It is for anyone interested in some form of conflict resolution in a non-violent way. It is the art of peace. It is the art of the peaceful warrior.

Aikido Aikido is a martial art that teaches how to blend and harmonize with any aggressive energy, whether physical, psychological or emotional. It teaches you how to remain relaxed in your mind and centered in your body and spirit in the face of adversity.

Aikido, the peaceful warrior art, calls on all men and women, young (14+) and old, who want to make a positive difference in their lives and in their communities . Build the confidence to stand your ground and speak your truth in a relaxed, centered and open-minded way.

Beginners class starting in mid January at our Shawnigan Lake dojo.

If intrigued, please inform by contacting Steve Elskens.

Phone: 250 701 3332 Email: selskens@shaw.ca

Chiani Wellness Centre Dr. Joanne Welham B.A., D.C Chiropractor 250.743.6616

#3-2990 Horton Road, Mill Bay www.yourfullpotential.ca I info@chianiwellness.ca

selskens@shaw.ca 250 701-3332 Steve has been practicing Aikido since 2003, studying with Sensei John Petersen at his dojo in Shawnigan Lake.

45

Taking care of your for over Our clinics are locally owned and operated.

Our team of Registered Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Practitioners offer a variety of services to suit your needs including: Earwax removal

Hearing assessments

Hearing aids

Home visits

Custom earplugs

And much more!

Registered with CSHHPBC

46

Plant Hardiness

G

Bernie Dinter, owner Dinter Nursery.

Family owned and operated since 1973 offering 3 generations of horticultural knowledge

ardeners should have an awareness of the cold hardiness of the plants growing in their garden. If not, it will come to their attention after severe winter weather. Meteorologists have created a climate zone map that relates to which plants grow in that zone.

It is divided into 10 zones with zone 1 being the arctic and zone 10 seeing no frost. Vancouver Island is considered lucky for Canada and Duncan falls under zone 8 with the Gulf Islands and coastal greater Victoria areas in zone 9.

Hardiness of plants close to your zone is not an exact science so select plants one zone below your rating. Zone 7 and lower plants are safe in the Cowichan Valley. There are also microclimates within your zone that can be colder or warmer than the rating. This system can also become meaningless when arctic outflow conditions occur.

Forecasting for

arctic outflow is generally accurate as it can be tracked moving across the province, giving gardeners time to protect their more vulnerable plants. Plants become increasingly hardy as winter progresses. An early arctic outflow causes the most damage and has occurred in early November.

Snow cover before the arrival of an arctic outflow gives the best protection to the garden.

If we do not have snow, wrap vulnerable plants with tarps to protect from the dry, sub-zero wind. Broadleaf

Nursery Opening Monday, January 15 Daily 9-5

Tropical Plants for indoor colour and texture evergreens are the most susceptible as the dry air draws moisture from the leaves, and the roots cannot draw moisture from the frozen soil.

Mulching under the plants helps keep the roots from freezing.

Potted plants are subject to freezing as the roots are less cold hardy than the above ground portion and the container easily freezes. With an understanding of which plants are vulnerable, timely protection will get them through our winter.

Great selection of seed from West Coast Seeds, Pacific Northwest and more.

Seed starting supplies: soils, trays, lights, heat mats and more.

Decorative pots, indoor soils and fertilizer.

Free West Coast Seed Catalogue with info on planning your edible garden.

Growing food makes more sense than ever.

Serving local gardeners since 1973

www.dinternursery.ca 250 748-2023

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1 47

Return It’s Charity of the Month.

(See list below). Help those in need in our own back yard.

Supporting local charities makes our community stronger and more compassionate. At Island Return It, they make it super easy

Level Up Our Recycling in 2024 Dawn is a professional organizer who loves promoting sustainability Reach her at closetstocastles.ca

M

ost of us are doing a pretty good job of recycling these days. We know the drill. We have our bins, and between curb-side pick up, and depot drop offs, we are getting it done. Right? Well, if you are looking to up your recycling game in 2024, read on and see if there is anything further you might want to feather into your efforts. Let’s see if we can increase what get’s into our recycling bins, and divert more from our garbages.

Levelling Up Tips from Island Return It: 1. Switch to biodegradable garbage bags. Let’s keep regular garbage bags out of the landfill.

48

2. Bring your own recycling home from the office, school and vacations. Often recycling systems out there have missing elements, as well as it’s difficult to rinse off site. Consider bringing it home to use your own system.

3. Rinse your recycling. To avoid contamination, swish out your cans, jars and plastics with your grey water left at the end of your dishes (to also conserve water).

4. Pre-count your aluminum cans before heading to the depot, to make drop off swift and easy (don’t forget to separate out your alcohol cans).

5. Let’s get our soft plastic to the depot. It’s paramount that we start repurposing soft plastic until biodegradable packaging becomes the norm.

6. Consider donating your returnables refund to Island

Local Charities that Island Return It collects for: Here’s their list for 2024.

Jan: Wildsafe BC Feb: Hospital Foundation Mar: Volunteer Cowichan Apr: Literacy Now Cowichan May: Cowichan Independent Living Jun: Cowichan Family Caregivers Jul: Cowichan Visitor Center Aug: Cowichan Green Community Sep: Abbyfield House Oct: Cowichan Missing & Murdered MWC Nov: Cowichan Youth Services Dec: SPCA to help out locally.

Let’s start the new year with some fresh recycling inspiration.

It is more important than ever that we take care of our piece of the big puzzle. Let’s take what we are doing already, and make the commitment to level up in 2024. Remember, once we get into the habit, recycling then becomes a lifestyle rather than a chore. Let’s rock out our recycling in 2024! Island Return It is there to help.

Ponds, Swales & and other Rain Water Harvesting Earthworks

A

s climate change continues to impact our region, our Summer’s are likely going to become more and more dry.

As the water restrictions took effect during last Summer’s drought, I was struck by the infrastructure that our region doesn’t have in place to combat such unforeseen events. As people were unable to water their lawns and then unable to water their gardens, the question that I kept asking myself was, “how much worse can this get?”

While I am not typically a doom and gloom type of person, I am certainly one to believe that the effects of climate change are, relatively speaking, something we have yet to experience. That is to say, that while last Summer’s drought and water restrictions were severe and really quite worrisome, I whole-heartedly believe that we’ve barely

witnessed the tip of the climate change iceberg.

My experience studying climate and land-use policy and planning over 15 years ago while I was in University was my first introduction to this. At that time, it was made clear as day to me: That as unfortunate it was, climate and land-use policy had to undergo a fundamental change if we were to merely limit the rate at which climate change would drastically alter the ways humans occupied space on the Earth. In keeping up with the science since then, the statistics have only become more bleak.

When I found Permaculture in the years following University graduation, I was inspired by the amount of hope that existed amongst various teachers, practitioners and business owners who used permaculture as their “north star”, so to speak. The saying that I heard so often in those days was, “the problem is the solution” - meaning that the solution to a problem can be found within the problem itself.

Permaculture’s argument is that it’s really that simple.

While the philosophy may seem backwards, take a look out your closest window and let me ask you a couple questions: Where does the water from all these Winter storms go? On large acreages, how can we harness the power of all this water? And if we did, would we increase regional ground water supply and decrease the pressure that is currently being placed on our storm water system? If so, then how might future water restrictions be less severe?

The problem is in our climate. And

the solution is in our climate, too.

My experience on the excavator has shown me that through some simple earthworks, we can build rain water catchment tools into the land to capture and store water during the Winter. This water that is captured during the Winter months via swales, perimeter drains or French drains can either be stored in ponds for the Summer or can infiltrate the soil to recharge groundwater - thus taking stress off of our groundwater in the Summer months.

While this scale of earthworks is most applicable to larger acreages that have the space to accommodate ponds and different water catchment tools, these same techniques can be used on smaller residential lots of a couple acres or more.

Our services extend to anything that falls into the category of “Drought Mitigation”. And the types of rain water harvesting earthworks I discuss in this article is our specialization. If you have a farm or acreage and are interested in capturing and storing these abundant Winter rains, then call us to discuss what it might look like to work with us. We can offer you our professional recommendation via Consultation, or we can draft a design to ‘drought-proof’ your property.

We also offer our full-spectrum Installation services, where were will work with you to build a design and install it into the landscape of your property.

Rain Coast Earthworks • Drought Mitigation • Site Excavation • Drainage Solutions Consultation, Design and Installation services for residential landowners committed to sustainable water management in our region.

Stephen Robert Disher 250.920.6712 admin@raincoast-earthworks.ca

www.raincoast-earthworks.ca

Healthy Gardens Start With Healthy Soil

And nothing compares to worm castings for enriching your soil and boosting plant growth!

Get a jumpstart on gardening season this year with your own indoor worm composting system!

Stephen Robert Disher is the owner/operator of Rain Coast Earthworks.

250 920-6712

49

as a harmonious conclusion, integrating the physical, emotional, and spiritual elements of the journey.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE CHAKRAS WEAVING DANCE & SOUND HEALING

I

n the realm of holistic wellbeing, the fusion of free-form dance and sound healing has emerged as a powerful and transformative experience. This unique combination allows individuals to explore the depths of their inner selves through movement and resonate with healing frequencies that touch the soul.

Free-form dance is a liberating practice that encourages individuals to move freely without predetermined choreography. This dance form values self-expression, spontaneity, and authenticity, providing a space where participants can release tension, unlock emotions, and tap into the innate wisdom of their bodies.

In parallel, sound healing draws from ancient traditions that utilize the vibrational frequencies of sound to restore harmony and balance within the body, mind, and spirit. Sound Healing serves

50

In free-form dance and sound healing intertwined sessions, the environment is curated to provide a safe and nurturing space.

Participants are encouraged to let go of inhibitions, allowing the body to move without judgment or preconceived notions.

Benefits of Weaving Dance and Sound Healing: Emotional Release and Expression: Free-form dance allows participants to express and release suppressed emotions through movement.

Sound healing complements this process by providing a supportive and resonant environment for emotional release.

Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Sound healing induces a state of deep relaxation, reducing stress and promoting overall wellbeing.

Dance amplifies this effect by encouraging the release of physical tension stored in the body.

Spiritual Exploration : The harmonious blend of movement and sound opens the door to spiritual exploration and self-discovery.

In this 7 week series from Jan. uary 11 to February 22, we embark on an inner journey along the seven energy centers/ chakras. Every Thursday night we explore a chakra from Root to Crown using free-form dance,

music pulsing to the energy of each chakra transitioning into Sacred Healing Sound Journey for integration. Dive in and explore your inner world, release blockages and remember your true and authentic self.

If you are curious about it, join us on January 4th for the Introduction to the Journey through the chakra.

Registration or question: adelinewholistichealing@gmail. com.

teeth and the bristles angled towards the gums. There are over the counter dry mouth products available, adding in a daily rinse containing xylitol is a natural and effective way to help increase saliva flow and is safe for both children and adults.

For Adults Getting a sensitive toothpaste (Crest Sensitive for faster acting and Sensodyne as an alternative) can help to effectively reduce sensitivity.

Having a fluoride toothpaste if preferred and keeping between the teeth clean around the filling margins will help the fillings last longer.

HEATLHY DENTAL TIPS FOR A NEW YEAR Ricki Weissbach DHP (C) Owner of Pacific Pearl Dental Hygiene Clinic Inc.

For Seniors As we age our saliva flow decreases causing more decay.

Using proper interdental flossing trees and an electric toothbrush to better clean the plaque from the soft roots will reduce decay. When brushing, the toothbrush should be half on the gums and half on the

For Children Brushing childrens teeth 2 times a day thoroughly and flossing their teeth if they are touching is of utmost importance. Enamel is very thin on baby teeth and decay moves much quicker. Those baby teeth are important to hold space for the adult teeth and need to stay in until they fall out naturally! Sometimes its hard to get them to brush...

But keep trying! Every bit helps.

Pacific Pearl Dental 740 1st Avenue #12, Ladysmith www.pacificpearl.ca

GETTING RESULTS: NDP CANADIAN DENTAL CARE PLAN ROLLS OUT IN 2024

I

Alistair MacGregor is the NDP Member of Parliament for Cowichan-MalahatLangford, and the NDP’s Critic for Public Safety.

want to start by wishing all readers a Happy New Year!

As a part of this new year message, it’s important for us to recognize and reflect on the fact that 2023 was a very difficult time; many corporate sectors (retail grocery, oil & gas, banking) continued to post record profits, which continued to push inflation rates beyond what many of our community members could afford. As we look ahead to 2024, I want to share an important update on the signature plan that my NDP colleagues and I have been working on.

Approximately 9 million Canadians do not have access to a dental care plan; far too many are skipping regular check-ups with their dentist because of the cost.

Oral health is healthcare, and regular check-ups with the dentist often result in early detection of far more serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

In addition to giving people a healthy smile, a trip to the dentist could save lives and save our healthcare system significant costs because of early detection.

Last month, after continuous and sustained pressure from the NDP, through our Confidence and Supply Agreement, the federal government announced the next major phase of the Canadian Dental

Care Plan (CDCP). This next phase, which will start in earnest in 2024, will significantly increase the number of eligible Canadians to include seniors, persons with disabilities, and children under the age of 18. Make no mistake, this is the biggest expansion of public healthcare in half a century.

Offering dental benefits directly to low- and middleincome members of our communities who don’t have insurance, the CDCP will result in benefits being available to all qualifying seniors over the age of 65 by May 2024 and to children under the age of 18 and persons with disabilities by June. To qualify, applicants must be Canadian residents with a household income under $90,000. Those with an annual family income under $70,000 will have no co-pays. We are on track to make the program available to all qualifying Canadians by 2025.

When I was re-elected in 2021 to a minority parliament, one of my pledges to you was to work with other parties to deliver programs that directly benefit members of our community who are suffering the most. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together – a measure that will both save money and result in better health outcomes for our community. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Wishing everyone all the best for a happy and healthy 2024

Duncan Office: #101-126 Ingram Street 1-866-609-9998 www.alistairmacgregor.ca

Now Accepting New Patients Caring For You & Your Smile

Dr. Gordon Levin, DMD 250-746-9697

#101-321 Festubert Street Duncan, BC, V9L 3T1 Email inquiries to:

reception@valleydentalclinic.ca INNER WISDOM COACH

Discovering and Strengthening Your Connection to Your Inner Wisdom *Living Your Truth*

CHRISTINE VAUGHAN BSW, RSW 250-510-7249 clvaughan@shaw.ca

Google Ads Special Offer Tailored Google Ads & SEO Services

Ask for the “Maple Bay Special” when you call & we’ll give you a special local deal. pip@seymourdigitalmedia.com

778-228-3014

www.seymourdigitalmedia.com 51

You might ask how to unlock the Heart’s infinite potential?

IT’S TIME TO RESET, REFRESH AND RE-HEART FOR THE BEST AUTHENTIC VERSION OF YOUR SELF

T

he New Year is a conducive time for reflection, contemplation and introspection.

As we are crossing the long cold and dark dormant winter days, looking for purpose and direction within seems a natural time and place to pause.

“We are searching the world for treasure but the real treasure is in our Heart” Rumi.

The essence of our true nature is Love, innate to the Heart.

How to rediscover this hidden and forgotten treasure buried within that brings ‘long-lasting happiness’ and ‘purpose’ to human life?

Looking for happiness outside ourselves: be it through relationships, work or worldly pursuits can be found - but as soon as the external reasons for happiness are gone, the happiness goes too.

It is empowering to realize that happiness can be independent of the circumstances life brings and it can be found within the limitless potential of the Heart.

This ‘inventure’takes us on an inner voyage within our consciousness through the ‘experience’ of simple meditation practices enabled by ‘Transmission’ and ‘Cleaning’ The ancient technique of Pranahuti (Yogic Transmission) enhances and enlivens the meditation, developing the innate qualities of the Heart: Contentment, Calm, Compassion, Courage and Clarity that are essential for one’s well being.

The ‘Cleaning’ techniques are very effective to let go of emotional tendencies ‘impurities and complexities’ purifying and clearing the path onward towards the best authentic Self one can become.

Kamlesh D. Patel, affectionately known as Daaji, is the spiritual leader of Heartfulness Meditation, practised in over 140 countries worldwide, free of charge.

I invite you to explore the practice and experience the benefits for yourself by trying the Relaxation, Meditation and Cleaning practices by visiting Hearfulness.org or download the Heartfulness Daily Meditation App or by contacting me directly at skypil0t@telus.net (skypil0t with a zero)

Spool It Forward Community Sew The Spool Yard is hosting the first of what we hope will be many free community sewing events. We will be making items for a Victoria’s Quilts Canada fundraiser. Sewists of all levels are welcome and all materials are provided. This is an excellent opportunity to practice your skills, learn some tips, and pay it forward at the same time. VQC makes quilts for those undergoing cancer treatment. Space is limited, so please call the studio or visit our website to pre-register. Friday, January 26, 5-9 pm The Spool Yard, 371 Brae Road, Suite 102 250-710-1165 www.thespoolyard.ca

Mushrooms of BC Come join authors Andy MacKinnon and Kem Luther for an exploration of the marvelous mushrooms of British Columbia and learn why this past fall was such an excellent year for these ephemeral beauties.

In 2021, these two authors joined forces to co-author Mushrooms of British Columbia, a practical and playful approach to helping people quickly and confidently identify the mushrooms of British Columbia. The book is part of the Royal BC Museum’s popular Handbook series.

Tuesday, January 16th, 7:30pm via Zoom. Email cvns@naturecowichan.net for the link.

• Great rates • Free consultation • Neurodiverse friendly • Feel proud of your home Erin Green 250 893 0381 https://snapitsdone.wordpress.com

Spiritual Anatomy is a practical guide to help navigate the grand voyage within your consciousness through the ‘experience’ of simple meditation practices to discover the best authentic Self one can become.

At the sunrise of 2024, wishing you all the best on your spiritual journey onward...Robert Boyle Spiritual Anatomy available in Duncan at Ten Old Books and Volume One in Duncan and Bucknucks Books in Cobble Hill.

Providing the Cowichan Valley with Raw Cold Press 100% Organic Juices & Nut Mylks NEW Bone Broths with Medicinal Mushrooms!

Available EVERY DAY at The Community Farm Store or WEEKLY online at cow-op.ca. Direct orders can be placed to hello@euphoricjuicery.com 67

Tiny Fierce Creature Holly Warren

So young, so fierce and fearless.

Plunging into the unknown alone and unprotected.

The farmer found her stumbling across his field, head held high, sightless eyes useless.

Her mother had left her in favour of a healthy sibling, with a much better chance of survival.

But nobody told her she should quit, curl up and die.

So she fought for her life.

Fish and Wildlife officers looked at her with dismay.

What on earth were they supposed to do with a blind moose calf?

I came into the office took one look at her and claimed her as mine.

She went home with me and took up residence in the basement of our home right on the lake, her natural environment.

I cared for her the same way I had cared for the orphan lambs that had come my way over the years.

We went for walks in the bush by the lake.

She did not like to be told what to do and would go tearing off through the weeds.

Top: Holly Warren with Lucy the moose, after Lucy’s eye surgery. Centre: Lucy recovering.

Bottom: Holly with Lucy after the successful eye operation in July 1974 that allowed Lucy to see for the very first time.

68

When I picked her up to carry her, back to the house she would protest, kicking and bleating.

Only the smell of the bottle would calm her.

Then we would snuggle, enjoying each others warmth.

I remember vividly the day after her eye surgery.

The vet said it had gone well and we would soon know if it was a success.

We took her bandages off on an overcast spring day in the front yard of our home on the grass by the lake.

She shook her head and looked around, reborn, seeing for the first time.

Took a few faltering steps in her new world.

Then she was off and running.

Bucking and kicking up her impossibly long legs.

Pure joy for her and for us.

I said goodbye about a week later.

A home had been found for her at the Vancouver Game Farm.

I visited there several years later and caught a glimpse of Lucy, the BC moose.

She was in a large, beautiful enclosure with others of her kind.

Deserving of the future she fought so hard for.

heels spinning and clanking ever closer. Why these tools don’t have wrist loops for extra security has me baffled.

LUCKY DOG The retractable leash..

T

Debbie Wood owns Lucky Dog U-Bath.

She can be found on trails in the Cowichan Valley with her BF, Bonnie.

he City of Saanich has banned the retractable leash.

I’m sure the hew and cries can be heard all the way to Seattle.

But why? Why, why, why would a city council vote to take away your most amazing leash ever?

Because they are a hazard!

I will use a retractable leash only in very precise locations with just the right dog. That is an open field with a small dog. There are no other dogs or people around. This is the only time I have felt safe using these hell-spawn tools. And they are a tool. A tool for a specific purpose.

Like a lot of precision tools, they are dangerous in the wrong hands. Watching a large dog bolt on a retractable leash makes me cringe. There are only two outcomes; The leash will snap from the force, or the leash handle will be ripped from the human’s hand. We leash our dogs to gain control and keep them safe. Your large dog needs to be on a plain, flat leash no longer than six feet.

So, your small or medium dog is okay on a retractable, right?

Maybe. If the dog bolts and you aren’t ready the handle will slip from your hand and then the dog is running with a noisy hard plastic monster hot on their

A retractable leash does not prevent your dog from crossing the street. Or wrapping around other pedestrians. Or posts, or cars, or other dogs, or prickle bushes… If you insist on using your retractable leash around anything besides fresh air, please remember that it has a brake.

Brake the leash at four to six feet and use it like a flat leash. Oh wait… that cord is really hard on your hands, isn’t it? That is another of the non-safety features of these crap leashes. People get rope burn or worse grabbing the cord to get control.

LUCKY DOG U Bath We-Bath Toe Nail Trim DUNCAN

Bad Comix

Ha Ha!

luckyd

Professional Small

Dog Grooming

250-597-7DOG Book Online

1059 CANADA AVE

So, as you can tell I’m not a fan of these things. There is very little control when trying to get the dog into the vet or the groomer when a retractable is used. When I see a plastic handle walking into my shop, I know that chaos will ensue. Please keep a short flat leash in your car for times when you need to look like you know what you’re doing.

I understand the value can & they CAFE have for a bit of freedom for you both while on a stroll, but I implore you; be aware of your surroundings! Use your retractable properly. When enough people mess up, we will all lose the use of these tools, just like the good dogs in Saanich.

STEPH STEW’S DOG DO’S

LuckyDog UBath

GLENORA

STORE & CAFE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

JOIN US FOR TACO TUESDAY! PLUS DAILY SPECIALS & SOUPS BREAKFAST, LUNCH, BAKED GOODS, DRINKS, TREATS, GROCERIES AND MORE!

5090 Indian Road (corner of Glenora Rd & Indian Rd) 250-746-5313 I glenorastore@gmail.com

Inspired by a true event....

Ohh..

Goo GOO

by shiloh badman NOOO! Not the Valley Voice!

69

great way to discover local services and businesses.

D I R E C T O R Y A2 sizes of ad space are available to suit every business

OF LOCAL SERVICES

message and budget. Affordable, stylish and straight to the point.

Directory Size A - 1 logo + 8-12 word listing Full Colour 1 X $72 6X $62 12X $46 Black & White 1 X $57 6X $46 12X $36

Contact us at sales@cowichanvalleyvoice.com for more information about print ads or to book a directory listing for the next issue.

Deadline January 16 for February Issue 183 Art Classes

The Clay Hub Collective

GLASS ART SUPPLIES GLASS ART CLASSES STUDIO DROP IN KILN RENTAL 566 David Street, Victoria I 250-382-9554

Pottery Classes and Open Studio see website for details www.theclayhubcollective.com

www.vicartglass.com I www.glasscampus.com

Beauty

Advertising

Prudence

Reach the locals!

Monthly Print Advertising with Valley Voice Contact us at info@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

Open: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm Sundays 12 - 4pm • 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

Consulting

Clutter Clearing

Collaborative design towards ethical sustainability • workshops • consulting • grant writing terraethics@gmail.com

• Great rates • Free consultation • Neurodiverse friendly • Feel proud of your home Erin Green 250 893 0381 https://snapitsdone.wordpress.com

Food More than a Meat Shop Gluten Free/Organic Pasta’s, Organic Meat, Homemade Sausage, International Foods.

The Duncan Butcher 430 Trans Canada Hwy 250 748 -6377

Dog Grooming Lucky Dog U-Bath, Duncan Now accepting new grooming clients.

Book online www.luckydogubath.ca Or call 250-597-7364

70

Rental Wanted Rental Wanted: Small home in nature’s setting Single female business owner and extremely well behaved mascot golden retriever.

236-594-9697

Holistic Health and Healing BIOMAGNETISM & ENERGY HEALER Recover your health & well-being focus on root cause of illness Pets and Remote Sessions offered Kathryn Lowther 250-891-5138 www.biomagcanada.ca

Hidden Gem Reiki Studio

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

INNER WISDOM COACH

Discovering and Strengthening Your Connection to Your Inner Wisdom *Living Your Truth*

CHRISTINE VAUGHAN BSW, RSW 250-510-7249 clvaughan@shaw.ca

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller

HAKOMI MINDFUL SOMATIC PSYCHOTHERAPY One-on-one sessions transform limiting core beliefs through assisted self-study.

Jessica M Slattery Hakomi Therapist mindfullysomatic@gmail.com COBBLE HILL•DUNCAN•ONLINE jessicamslattery.com

Reflexology by Joy

Relax and rejuvenate each and every part of your body, including the glands and organs.

specializing in toes•calves•lower legs• knees jstalinski@shaw.ca I 250 246 1401

GRATITUDE TO THE RAINFOREST FLYING SQUAD FOR THE DEDICATED WORK TOWARDS PROTECTING WHAT REMAINS OF OUR OLD GROWTH FORESTS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND. THANK YOU WITH ALL OUR HEARTS.

Yoga Therapy

Nutrition •Functional Medicine and Nutrition Consultations •Lab Assessments/Education •Individualized Lifestyle and Wellness Plans 250-931-0012 sageheartnutrition@gmail.com www.sageheartnutrition.wordpress.com

The Peace of Wild Things When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,

LINDSAY CAMPA, RMT • REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY •YOGA THERAPY thehealingbody.ca Valleyview Centre #39-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd Cobble Hill 250-466-4607 lindsay.campa@gmail.com

by Wendell Berry

I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

71

72