July 2020 Issue 140

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2020 JULY ISSUE 140 STUNNING LOCAL ARTISTS I SUMMER SIPPERS I SEASONAL FARE I COWICHAN GARDENS 1

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July 2020 Issue 140 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 Masthead The Badmans Diana Pink Angela Sheppard Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline July 18 for August 2020 Issue 141 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to, omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Mark Holford, Tessa Stiven, Cam MacDonald, Marti Smith, Brandy Mandrusiak, Brad Boisvert, Aaron Scally, Bill Jones, Craig Spence, Joane Moran, Chris Turyk, Barnes and Maracle, Amanda Vance, Grant Easterbrook, Vanessa Phan, Jennifer Lawson, Alistair MacGregor, Anyes deLaat, Chantey Dayal, David Denning, Georgia Newsome, Paul Robinson, Debbie Wood, Gina Talbot, Miyo Stevens, Cindy Jolin, Sybille Webb, Icel Jane Dobell Nicolette Genier and the lovely Georgia Nicols.

We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/ or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available.

Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith, Victoria, Tofino and Parksville Cover Image; My Zinnias by Joane Moran 36” x 36” oil on canvas “My zinnias from seed flourished and I enlarged the blossoms capturing them in vibrant oils.” www.joanemoran.ca

OPEN FOR BUSINESS?

LET LOCAL READERS KNOW! FOR SUMMER AD SPECIALS CONTACT ADRIENNE RICHARDS 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

OUR COMMUNITY Resonance Back to Business 8 How Businesses Are Managing Covid-19 28-29 Taking a Knee, Versus Taking a Stand 34 Sunrise Waldorf School Open House 36-37 Mask the Valley Project Aims to Protect Valley Citizens 54 Directory 56-57 July Forecasts 62 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Rumble in the Vineyard 4 Meet A & S Microgreens 7 Silverside Farm U Pick Blueberries 10 When I think BBQ I think Steaks 12 What is a Braggot? 13 Organic Wines, Superfood Cocktails Debut at Glow Juicery 14 Grilled Carrots with Charred Onion Cream 15 The Thrill of The Grill 15 Wine Glasses: Demystified 20 Al Fresco Dining 22 Summer Sippers 23 Chimmichuri Sauce 24 New Farm Store Opens at Farm Table Inn 25 Tuscan Raspberry Mixed Salad 30 100% Plant Based Summer BBQ at Cafe La Vie 31 HOME, FARM & GARDEN Accessible Gardening in the Valley 5 What do you mean it‘s not pressuring Up?” 44-45 Sharing Your Solar Story 46 Blueberry – Super Food in Your Backyard 48 Pentrelew: A Garden of Discovery 49 LOCAL ARTS Why We Should Read: The Marrow Thieves 6 Bits & Pieces make up the Enslows’ Metal Art 16 Painter Joane Moran 17 Introduction to Botanical drawing with Colour Pencil 18 Imagine That Presents Painter Jennifer Lawson 32-33 New Descendants First Nations Art Gallery 50 July Arts 51 BODY, MIND & SOUL Yoga on the Dock 19 Staycation 26-27 Babies Wrapped in the Miracle of Wool 35 How Do You Do? Alderlea Farm 38 Laughing Comes the Summer 42-43 Spirit Journaling School 43 Give Peace A Chance 55 The Once Upon a Time of Living Happily Ever After... 59 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre 38 Ochre Stars and Orcas 52 Lucky Dog Who’s Your Daddy 53 Remarkable Meetings in the Forests 60

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Mark Holford, owner, winemaker Rocky Creek Winery Cowichan’s most award winning winery.

Musings From The Vines

Rumble in the Vineyard!

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s many of you already know, when Linda and I started the winery, we did it early partly as a way to see if our kids might want to be part of this interesting industry – being able to participate in it from a young age (6 and 8). Recently my oldest daughter graduated with honours in winemaking and has spent the last year working for us as our vineyard manager and assistant winemaker.

to show what I’ve learned.”

Robin shares When we asked Robin what she’d like to make for her inaugural vintage, her first request was to make her own “Robin’s Rose”. Done. Now for the curveball... we’ve always made it from Pinot Noir either 100% or blended with a little Gamay Noir. Robin, however, had other plans. “ Dad – can I have some of the Tempranillo grapes?” So our latest release of Rose is 100% Cowichan Valley Tempranillo (and it’s delicious).

On to wine #2... For this we decided to have more fun and shake things up by pitting the wily veteran winemaker (Mark) against the educated novice winemaker (Robin) in a head to head #Pinotgris battle. Yup – Robin wanted to take me on with one of my signature wines.

Never afraid of a challenge, I accepted. So we had to come To make this year more up with some rules.... First, we interesting and since she has have to use the same grapes. So a degree in this field (which the Pinot Gris we got was split I don’t have) we thought it into separate batches right after would be fitting to give her the picking. Each of us had to have responsibility of making her own identical grapes, picked in the wines from start to finish. “Back same vineyard on the same day from 5 years of studying I was to work our magic. We each eager to be given an opportunity make our wine as we wish, my batch made with my signature techniques, Robin using whatever novel techniques she’s learned in class, and from working at other wineries.

We each finished our wines, and ultimately bottled them on the same •Professional installation of hardwood, laminate, equipment. Now for the fun... judgement and vinyl flooring. time. There will be three rounds of •From small one room battle. And our customers will be projects, to large involved in two of post-construction jobs. them.

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First, to take part we are giving visitors to our tasting room the chance to taste both Pinot Gris and the opportunity to

Rocky Creek Winemaker Mark Holford with Rocky Creek’s next generation winemaker Katherine Holford

vote for their favourite. Winner of round one goes to the wine with the most votes. If you bring wine home and your friends or family want to get in on the vote they can do so on social media using the hashtags #markspinot or #robinspinot to vote.

Second, we’re entering both wines in a number of wine competitions. Winner to be determined by which wins the most medals.

The last, and certainly not least, round 3 is easy. Whoever sells out of their wine first wins the final round. To make it interesting I have added a handicap in this round, as there are twice as many bottles of my wine! So in this best of 3 competition, we’re hoping for lots of participation from our fans. A chance to see how much influence the winemaker has over the final product. Many people argue (especially winemakers and vineyard managers) about how much the wine is influenced by the growing conditions “the wine is made in the vineyard” vs. “the wine is made in the winery”.

So you have the opportunity to taste for yourself, just how much the two wines are similar or different.

Curious about how much our techniques differ? Robin used much less skin contact then I did. She of course found out why I soak my Pinot Gris on the

skins for around 16 hours. It’s fundamentally because after we destem grapes at the end of the picking day (often 4pm – 6pm) by the time cleanup is done I don’t want to do anything further until the next morning. So I usually press at around 10am after I have the picking crew back at the vineyard picking the next batch of grapes. Robin wanted a much shorter skin contact (4 hrs), so the two of us were down in the winery at 10pm at night starting to press her grapes. Not done until well after midnight, we still had to clean the equipment and then get up early and get our crew off picking the next morning and to press my grapes.

Robin also used an interesting novel type of yeast to start off fermentation, (not the Saccharomyces yeast that is typically used in winemaking) for several days and then finished with a more typical yeast. This gives some very different and complex aromas and flavours. I also use several different yeasts on my pinot gris, but all of them are Saccharomyces so the potential aromas and flavours are different.

Get out and vote! Both wines are available at our tasting room for delivery anywhere in Canada. www.rockycreekwinery.ca

farming mentors.

We share the workload and the harvest, making it a joy to work and feast in community.

Ross Wristen Inclusion Garden at CGC’s Garden Education Center

Ross’ Garden is located next to our certified organic seed farm and garden center that specializes in native and medical plants. The garden backs on to the multi-use path that runs along the Someos Creek dike. We are both close to downtown Duncan and also surrounded by greenspace.

Swallows sing, the tall grass rustles and the air smells sweet. Our location at the Garden Education Center provides access to organic seeds saved on-site, as well as the tools and mentoring needed to nurture the plants and soil from seed to harvest.

In addition to our communal garden area, we also offer individual accessible garden plots and raised planter beds for independent gardening.

Accessible Gardening in the Valley Tessa Stiven, Farmer and teacher with a passion for plants and community.

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he gardening season is in full swing! Spring peas and salad greens are giving way to Summer strawberries and zucchinis. Our hands are calloused with dirt and our bodies are nourished.

However, not everyone has access to gardening opportunities - some of us live in apartments, have mobility challenges, experience economic barriers or lack the gardening knowledge needed.

At the Ross Wristen Inclusion Garden at CGC’s Garden Education Center we hope to make gardening more accessible to our community. Ross’ Garden is set up with wide rows and wheel-chair accessible raised planter boxes to make gardening more inclusive and comfortable. The garden is communally tended by volunteers, support staff and

We have space for more gardeners this season and an abundant harvest to share!

For more information please contact Tessa at Cowichan Green Community at 250-748-8506, tessa@

OLD FOREST CAMPGROUND

ON THE EDGE OF TOWN

SALT SPRING ISLAND Where the Cowichan Valley meets the Salish Sea!

Large Park • Trails • Seaside Walk • Awesome Destination Gallery/Gift Shop • Hardy Plant Nursery • Variety of Campsites

ISLANDERS’ SPECIAL until July 31st

STAY 2 NIGHTS - GET A 3RD ONE FREE! FOR RESIDENTS OF VANCOUVER ISLAND AND THE GULF ISLANDS

To Reserve call Shayne or Shirley 250-537-4346 gardenfaire@saltspring.com

www.gardenfaire.ca Peanut and Gluten Free NO Artificial Additives, Flavours, Colours or Preservatives Local Ingredients when Available Summer Hours Wednesday - Sunday 11:30am - 5pm

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

cowichangreencommunity.org.

We also invite you to stop by the Garden Education Center, browse the native and medicinal plants for sale and check out Ross’ Garden. We are open Monday to Friday, 10:00-4:00 at 2431 Beverly Street.

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new and old, and language.

There are parts that can be difficult to read, giving them all the more reason to be read.

The tale speaks to healthy community and the personal and group dialogues that are needed. It speaks of the songs that need to be sung.

Why We Should Read The Marrow Thieves

by Cherie Dimaline

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his is a book about love, language, and community.

With her powerful ability to shape our imagination with language, Cherie Dimaline portrays an Indigenous “family” of gathered together “kin” whose relationships are rich with honour, ceremony

It takes place in a future time of devastation beyond water wars and earthquakes, after inner cities are emptied. It is a time when only Indigenous Peoples retain a capacity to dream, woven into the marrow of their bones.

The dreamless are gripped in a “plague of madness’.

Government, churches, and scientists devise a genocidal solution that extracts bone marrow from and kills those who dream, to be injected into those who don’t.

Dimaline builds an unforgettable Story, full of significance for today. She draws strong, believable, and principled characters who will give “everything” for each

250 715 6174

other as they journey north, moving constantly away from disintegration and closer to finding loved ones and home. What is described as a dystopian tale is repeatedly a tale of personal strength and courage. Reading it, one understands “. . . that as long as there are dreamers left, there will never be want for a dream”. This book is insightful. It demonstrates what we need to do personally, and for each other, what we need to do with the “ebb and pull of the dream”, the bigger dream that [can hold] us all.

Cherie Dimaline is a writer and activist from the Georgian Bay Metís Nation.

The Warmland Book and Film Collective – explore, celebrate and learn from Indigenous authors and filmmakers – meeting the 2nd Wednesday/each month.

Next meeting is July 8th and the next reading is from Strange Visitors: Documents in Indigenous-Settler Relations in Canada from 1876, Chapter 9: “We Had No Hesitation in Using the Word ‘Experiment’”: The High Arctic Relocation of 1953 by Keith D. Smith. Next meeting is July 8th. Questions? warmlandcollective@gmail. com Submitted by Miyo Stevens

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Yoga on the Dock

nspired by my own yoga practice when I would come down to the dock for some quiet, peaceful yoga practice.

We have been offering Yoga on the Dock for about 6 years now and it has become a popular community event.

You can practice yoga right on the water, enjoying the ocean air, sunshine and breeze...

All our instructors are certified and classes are suitable for beginner to advanced yogis.

Classes are $10 and this year due to Covid restrictions, you must bring your own mat, a blanket and any other props you like. Social Distancing will be in effect. Wear comfortable layers as it can get breezy. Mill Bay Marina, 740 Handy Rd

Meet A&S Microgreens Submitted by Sharlene G. Ionescu, Partner-Grower A & S Microgreens

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and herbs that are packed with intense flavours. They are a superfood loaded with 4 to 40 times the amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients than their fully-grown counterparts.

They are super nutritious microgreens and have a wide range of textures, colours, and flavours. Simply add them to soups, salads, juices, smoothies, sandwiches, pizzas, desserts, and your favourite vegan, vegetarian, meat or seafood dishes.

re you looking for microgreens in the Cowichan Valley? We grow plenty of them at A&S Microgreens. We proudly grow over 40 fresh products at our urban, vertical farm located in Cobble Hill. Our vision is to provide a year-round supply of fresh produce to the local community without negative environmental impacts.

At A&S Microgreens, we grow indoors, in a controlled environment. It is always peak season, year-round, whatever the weather. We use 95% less water than a conventional farm, the latest horticultural LED technology, and fresh water. Our farm produces no pollution, and the waste created goes to composting.

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens are delicate seedlings of edible vegetables

Our microgreens life starts with non-GMO organic seeds planted on certified organic soil

and medium. We farm without pesticides, insecticides, manure and soil contamination.

Our packaging consists of plant-based compostable and recyclable eco-clamshells.

We offer our microgreens in 15g, 30g, 60g, and 100g ecoclamshells to the public, local retail clients, restaurants, and A&S CSA members. We offer delivery to your door.

Growing microgreens is a labour of love, and it is in our

blood.

Visit us at www.asmicrogreens. com, e-mail asmicrogreens@ shaw.ca or call Sharlene at 250-710-6135.

Summer 2020 Specials!

100g/$10 of Micro Summer Wonder Mix or Micro Smoothie Mix or Micro Radish Madness. www.asmicrogreens.com

Our Island. Your Pharmacy.

Duncan • Lake Cowichan • Cobble Hill • Shawnigan Lake • Mill Bay • Gabriola Island • View Royal FREE PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY - Nursing In Home Daily Medication Administration Compounded Medication - Veterinary Mixtures - Compression Stocking Fittings

Duncan Locations:

192 Kenneth St. ph (250) 746-4680 I 102-330 Festubert St. ph (250) 746-7494

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

# 101-321 Festubert St Duncan, British Columbia V9L 3T1 250-746-9697

reception@valleydentalclinic.ca

Resonance Back To Business Terence Miranda is a Doctor of Audiology and the owner of Resonance Hearing Clinic

Masks and Hearing Our public health leaders are increasingly recommending the use of masks in public places in order to control the transmission of infection. Because we are in close contact during ear examinations, both the staff and clients at Resonance Hearing Clinic now wear masks while in the office. While masks provide a barrier to infection transmission, they present some challenges to our ears and our hearing.

Increased Risk of Losing Hearing Aids

Reduced Speech Understanding

Ear Savers

Sands Funeral Chapel

Janice Winfrey Funeral Director

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

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The most common type of hearing aid is comprised of a piece behind the ear with a small wire running from the instrument down to the ear canal. Masks can get caught up in these wires (not to mention the temples of eyeglasses) and there is a significant risk of losing one’s hearing aid while taking off the mask.

Besides giving advice of being diligent about checking one’s hearing aids when taking off one’s mask, we wanted to help prevent the loss of hearing aids.

We caught wind of Alex Marsh, a local 14 year old Quamichan Secondary School student who was using his 3 D printer to make valves for ventilator masks. We felt a kinship to Alex as using technology to help find solutions to health problems is a fundamental mission here at Audiologist Terence Miranda and Alex Marsh at Resonance. We hired Facial cues are an important component to communication.

Although we may not be able to fully “lip read”, we all use facial cues to aid our understanding,

Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan

by Arbor Memorial

especially in difficult listening environments. When someone’s hearing is diminished, they become especially reliant on these facial cues. Masks not only hide facial cues but they also muffle one’s speech to a certain extent. In combination with social distancing, masks reduce speech understanding, especially for those with hearing impairment.

Resonance’s Cobble Hill Office

Alex to produce “Ear Savers” for Resonance’s clients. An Ear Saver is a band worn at the back of the head which catches the elastic straps of the mask so that the straps ride under, not over the ears. This reduces interference with the hearing instruments and the chance of them coming off while removing the mask.

Ear Savers also reduce pressure and soreness caused when the elastic strap pulls behind the ears. Resonance is providing Ear Savers at no charge to our clients and Alex is donating his profits to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation. He’s also invested in upgrading his 3D printer.

Resonance’s Covid Safety Protocols • masks are worn by clinicians, staff, patients and family members.

If you do not have a mask we will supply a free surgical mask.

• hand sanitization upon entry • safety shield at front desk • pick up and drop off service (for repairs, batteries and supplies) in bins out side of our office. Please call before you drop off or pick up.

• for appointments, if you have a cell phone, call once you are in our parking lot and we will ensure you go straight into one of the exam rooms • online intake forms • we have limited and spaced out the seating in our waiting room for drop ins • we disinfect the exam rooms, waiting rooms, reception area and door handles between patient appointments.

• all staff members record their temperature and do a health check-in at the beginning of each day • similar procedures in our Lake Cowichan, Chemainus and Sidney branches

Traditional Chinese Exercise for Health Wild Goose Qigong (Chi Gong) Gentle movement Calms your mind Heals internal organs Develops flexibility Mondays 9~10:15am (Rivendell) Wednesdays 10:15am-11:30am Thursdays 8:45am-10am (HUB) Fridays 10am-11:15am (Victoria) Northern Shaolin Chun Yuen Quan Dynamic movement Improves posture Increases energy Strengthens bones Tuesdays 6pm-7:15pm Wednesdays 9am-10:15am

250 748 4060 rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca

www.WildGooseQigongCentre.com

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Silverside Farm U-PICK

2020 Season July 16th - August 30th

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

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

Silverside Farm

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yn and Don Bull have resided on Silverside Farm since November 2009. Since then we have acquired many skills and knowledge about blueberry growing. We have 2 acres of naturally grown blueberries primarily ‘Blue crop’ and some Patriot’ . These blueberry bushes are considered a high bush variety. The harvest season is approximately 4 - 6 weeks.

Beginning in mid July through August.

When it comes to thoughts of Summertime many people think about the bounty of fresh fruit and here on the farm we think about Blueberries all year long.

Why Blueberries? Those little blue dynamos are incredibly healthy as well as tasty and consuming just 1 cup per day can potentially help with regulating blood sugar, aid in heart and brain health too! In fact that one cup of blueberries provides 24% of the daily recommendation of vitamin c ti it has one of the higher rankings of one of the most nutrient dense foods per calorie.

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Anyway you look at it, blueberries are a great food choice.

Blueberries are versatile. Use them to top waffles, pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal,or cereal. Blend them in a smoothie or syrup or fold them into muffins. They are a great addition to most baking and of course you can also make pies and tarts too! If you can’t eat them all they are one of the easiest berries to freeze. You don’t need to wash them, just make sure you have removed any leaves or debris that you may have acquired along the way. Freezer bags are ideal to prevent freezer burn. Now you can eat them all year long.

All this talk is making me hungry for blueberries!

At Silverside Farm we like to create a family atmosphere.

Picking blueberries with your family is a fun and inexpensive way to spend time together. Our farm is friendly for those from 2 to 92.

U-Pick - This is where YOU come in. Blueberries in the Cowichan Valley.

You do not need to have picked blueberries before but we ask that you look for the berries that are ripe and firm. The ripe berries are mostly blue with little or no redness in them. Please pick as many ripe berries as you can from the same bush. Other important things to note is that blueberries will get hot sitting in the sun. Plan on going straight home after picking and refrain from leaving your bucket in the sun or they will look wet and get mushie. No one wants a mushie blueberry! It is important to take care in the sun by wearing a hat and sunscreen. If you didn’t pick as many as you wanted that’s ok!

Come back again and again throughout the season!

We are starting the seasonal U-Pick hours Thursday and Friday from 12 - 6 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8 - 4pm.

Also you will note we have many animals on the farm. Some people like to bring their dogs with them wherever they go but we ask that you please just hang out with our crew while on the farm. We have dogs, cats, horses and chickens all of whom love to eat and it is fun and tempting to feed them but please know they are well fed and don’t need the extras although of course, they would never say. Thank you so much for your consideration of our furry family.

We are excited to see you and share our farm with you this Summer. www.silversidefarm.com

REIKI WELLNESS 250-743-8122 Debbie Shkuratoff Reiki Master-Teacher-All Levels Usui-Karuna-Komyo-Seichim

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine illness occurs when the bodies organ systems are weak and out of balance which creates an environment for germs, bacteria and viruses to thrive leading to illness.

Physical injury of the body will cause an imbalance of the flow of “Qi” and blood which leads to pain, inflammation and weakness.

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raditional Chinese Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine sterile needles into at specific “acupoints”. Some of the acupoints are chosen because it is an area of pain, inflammation, injury or it is a muscle ’’trigger point”.

Other acupoints may be chosen due to their functions in the body. For example the release hormones such as endorphins and cortisol to help pain, serotonin to help balance emotions, melatonin production to help with sleep and many more hormones may be stimulated in the nervous and immune systems to help our body heal and balance. Moxa (a form of heat) may be used to heat the needles for added function.

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture involves even finer needles into the face which helps stimulate collagen production in the

body to help keep us looking youthful.

Biopuncture is the bridge between traditional acupuncture and mainstream medicine. Biopuncture involves the injection of small doses of biotherapeutic substances along with a low dose of local anesthetic for the purpose of stimulating the bodies nervous and immune system to activate the bodies natural healing process therefore aiding in recovery of pain and inflammation, preventing illness and optimizing health.

has been practicing in the Cowichan Valley for 16 years and is very excited to add new skills and practices to her Tradition Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.

Sara is also offering injections for everyday health such as immune boosting, weight loss aid and pain management and facial rejuvination.

For more information or to book at Reiki Wellness and Acupuncture Valley View Centre call or text Sara Tillie R.Ac 250-812-9813

Submitted by Sara Tillie

Sara Tillie is a registered acupuncturist who

SARA TILLIE ACUPUNCTURE 250-812-9813 Sara Tillie Registered Acupuncturist Traditional Chinese Medicine

Reiki Therapy & Classes - Detox Foot Spas Acupuncture - Amethyst Mat - YL Essential Oils Daytime • Evening •Weekend • By Appointment Only #13- Upper Level • Valleyview Centre • Cobble Hill www.reikiwellness.ca • reiki-wellness@shaw.ca

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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 11

Peppercorn Sauce Recipe courtesy Brad Boisvert, Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese

Ingredients

1/4 Cup red wine 3 tablespoons beef Demi glacé 1 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons black peppercorn Brie

Method

Reduce red wine by half Add Demi glace until melted Whisk in butter Whisk in peppercorn Brie cheese

BBQ BOX From smoked ribs and burgers, to pulled pork and sausage and so much more.

Order by email or phone in.

When I think BBQ– I think Steaks

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he best beef steak is dry aged...

Aging, or conditioning, is a completely natural process. It is how beef was originally aged the old fashion way. If beef is allowed to age, the natural enzymes in it will break down the tougher components of the meat fibres. The longer it is aged, the more tender the beef becomes. As well, the flavour of the beef develops more in 30 day, 60 day, 90 day and 120-day. The longer the dry aging, the more intense the flavour becomes.

When aged 90 to 120 day, the meat can take on interesting characteristic - mushroomy flavours or even blue cheese flavour notes.

In dry-ageing beef, the cuts are hung, without packaging, in a cooler where the right conditions of temperature, humidity and air movement are accurately kept. During the aging process, the beef is protected by an outer layer of fat. On the sub primal cuts such as strip loin or ribeye a crust or bark forms. This dry hard surface bark is mostly trimmed off by the butcher, but a thin layer is left on to add extra flavour and a nice characteristic.

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There is another method used to age beef called wet aging.

This is popular with larger-scale beef operations where many don’t age their beef at all. Wet aging places individual cuts in vacuum bags so that they can be shipped without hang-time. The vacuum sealing is intended to replace the protection that the fat layer provides in the dry-aging process. The disadvantage of wet-aging is that the beef can’t breathe, and it stays at a higher moisture content. It does become more tender, but it tends to take on a metallic taste that doesn’t even come close to the rich flavour of traditional method dryaged beef. Long and slow dryaging gives the best flavour, so I think you’ll agree it’s worth the time to do it the old-fashioned way.

At Cure we offer cuts of dry aged beef for your grilling pleasure.

Whether it is a strip loin or rib eye... All you need is salt and pepper no oil and a medium high bbq. Once steaks are done top the dry aged beef with blue cheese as well as a drizzle of demi glace.

If you prefer a sauce try this Peppercorn Sauce recipe above using peppercorn Brie.

Open 7 days a week. Valley View Centre lower level. 250 929-2873

Chef Brad Boisvert, Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese

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What is a Braggot? It’s beer.

No, Its mead. No, its both!

raggot is a hybrid beer made from both malted barley and honey. It is akin to having a drink that is a blend of beer and mead. This is a complex task for a brewer as honey is a magical substance: if added too early in the brewing process the honey will disappear into fermentable sugars and yeast will simply turn it into alcohol. Patient hands that hold the honey to the end will reap the reward of residual honey flavour and aroma.

The nature of honey depends on where the bees buzz. The color and flavor of honeys differ depending on the nectar source (the blossoms) visited by the honeybees. Blossoms from tree fruit and berries are typical, but the world of honey offers everything from maple tree blossoms to rarities like manuka and eucalyptus. The source will impart characteristics to the honey, and the honey to the beer. Hops can be used to further balance the sweetness and, depending on the hop, enhance the nose of the beer.

As stated, the brewing is tricky.

You want a drink that tastes neither too much like mead, nor too much like beer. The sticky sweetness of honey needs to be handled exactly right so that the resulting beer isn’t too

puckeringly sweet, nor loses the honey beneath a typical ale flavour.

Small Block Brewery is currently tapping one such beer: Barracuda Summer Ale. This balanced braggot is made with a healthy dose of honey harvested in the Cowichan Valley. Paul and Colleen Slade of Between the Trees Farm provided local fireweed honey. Often described as the champagne of honeys, fireweed honey has a smooth floral flavour and a distinct buttery finish. A late boil addition of the honey and a combination of Mosaic and Azacca hops made sure that this golden coloured ale carries a distinct honey aroma and hints of berry, citrus and tropical fruit.

Drop by Small Block Brewery at 203-5301 Chaster Road in Duncan to get a taste, while it lasts.

Aaron Scally, Small Block Brewery

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Organic Wines and Superfood Cocktails Debut at Glow Juicery Brandy Mandrusiak Owner of Glow Juicery cafe Duncan

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low Juicery and Organic Restaurant has gained a loyal following for always serving a healthy 100%, organic, vegan and GMO-free and gluten free menu. Adding organic wines to the menu came from customers looking for pairings for their raw food entrees without all the sugars, creams and artificial flavours or preservatives regularly found in drinks. Definitely not an easy task!

Upcoming EVENTS DINNERS

CLASSES

JULY 11

JULY 4

Thrill of the Grill Peruvian Style

Deerholme BBQ Master Class

JULY 18

JULY 25TH

Spanish Tapas

Korean-style For full details visit Vegetarian Cooking Class www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450 DELICIOUS MEALS MADE FROM SCRATCH

Saturday & Sunday Brunch Featuring our famous crêpes & bennys!

1765 COWICHAN BAY RD • 250 597 7373 14

I visited many local vineyards around the Island and in the Okanagan. I was surprised to find, many wines contain gluten and dairy products in them and was amazed by the difference the non-organic wine with fillers in it tasted compared to organic, vegan, gluten free, low sulphite wines. The organic ones were clean, crisp and full of flavour and I never got a headache like I do if I drink a lower quality wine. At this point, I knew I wanted to share only good quality, organic wines and we are proud to feature red, white and rosé’s from Emandare (Duncan) and Joie (Okanagan).

Not everyone is a wine drinker, so we also created some

superfood cocktails. The Summer Mojito is made with fresh organic watermelon, cucumber, strawberries and lime, combined with mint and local organic Gin. Martinis are on the menu too - mixed with our Lavender Lemonade and the Dark Side lemonade either available with vodka or gin. The Berry Mule Margarita is a cold slushy drink made with frozen blackberries, strawberries and raspberries, schizandra berry and beet root powder served in a healthy moscow mule copper mug. And for the beer drinkers we have unique organic beers from Dogwood such as the Coconut Chai and a lager.

This was definitely a very exciting new beginning for Glow to be able to offer something unique to our customers who are looking to indulge at times yet want to still keep it healthier.

Come enjoy a drink with your meal or snack in our expanded indoor seating area or outdoor patio. Cafe is open 7 days a week for quick organic smoothies, fresh pressed juice, salad or treats to go. 3-5380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan 250 597-2595

Grilled Carrots with Charred Onion Cream

Recipe courtesy Bill Jones Deerholme Farm Ingredients 1 lb (454 g) baby carrots 1 sweet onion (like Vidalia or Walla Walla) 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil 1 tsp (5 mL) rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste Sauce: 1 cup (250 mL) white wine 1 tsp (5 mL) minced garlic ½ cup (125 mL) cream Method Prepare the carrots by rinsing under cold water and scrubbing lightly with a brush. Shake off water, place on a plate and set aside. Prepare the onion, by cutting off the top end (retain the root end) then remove the outer skin layers. Cut the onion in half, then quarters. The root should help keep the wedges together. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper.

The Thrill of The Grill

W

hen I think of our far off ancestors, I imagine them huddled around a fire, breathing in the smoke and happily anticipating the taste of food fresh from the flames. Some things haven’t changed much.

Today there is still something about the effects of heat and smoke that transforms food into works of art.

I’m not necessarily talking about meat here (although yes that does leap into your mind). Some of my favourite vegetables are elevated into something truly wonderous when cooked on a grill. Many common vegetables, like potato, carrot and onion and peppers are some of my foundation products to create a great grilled dinner.

Grill technology has also evolved. One of the major additions to our deck was the acquisition of a pellet smoker.

It is the same technology developed for home heating pellet stoves and adapted to a

smoker/grilling platform. The effect is a combination of a smoker and a convection oven.

The smoke produced is relatively clean (pulsed out in small doses) and the airflow allows heat to circulate very efficiently, cooking quickly without charring. This makes the food delicious and cuts out quite a few of the health downsides of charring food over traditional fuel grills. We use it for vegetable, fish and of course meats and sausages. As this style of grill becomes more popular you are starting to see it spread out through the country.

Summer is here and nothing beats fresh local food: vegetables, fish (especially salmon) and pretty much every kind of meat cooked on a BBQ (no matter what kind!).

Grilling is the perfect choice for warm weather entertaining, a communal activity that brings smiles to faces and another amazing way to celebrate the food of the Cowichan Valley.

Place the vegetables on a hot bbq and cook until the onion and carrots just begin to char. Flip the onion and carrots and char the other side of the vegetables. Remove from the grill and place on a serving plate. Remove the root end from the onions and separate layers. Keep warm while you make the sauce.

Place wine in a non-stick pan and reduce by half. Add the garlic, cream and the grilled onion. Stir to mix and reduce until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Pour the sauce over the carrots and serve warm.

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

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F

Bits & Pieces make up the Enslows’ Metal Art

or Wayne and Kathy Enslow the bits and pieces have been coming together over the last four years, as they’ve mastered the techniques and mindset of metal art sculpture in the eclectic clutter of their Cowichan Valley studio.

Their passion for welding

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together nuts, bolts, bushings, spoons, forks – just about any pieces of metal you might find in a thrift store or even a fabrication shop’s dumpster – has sort of emerged accidentally. Like the fabulous creations they craft, they didn’t map things out, they just got inspired by what lay to hand.

Back then Wayne was pursuing his lifelong passion as a

painter – which he vows, somewhat wistfully, to get back to – and Kathy was working in soldered copper and brass. Said Wayne: “Someone showed her a picture of a little bird they’d made from spoons, and she showed a lot of interest in that, and wanted to know if I could dig out our old welder…” “…and teach me how to weld,” Kathy completed the sentence.

Their fate was sealed. “The long-story-short is, I’m in the front of the shop, and I’m painting, and every twenty minutes she’s saying, ‘Wayne, can you show me how to do this?’ or ‘What should I do here?’ and so anyway I got a little more involved in it,” Wayne explained in his understated way.

So now the couple are creating almost anything imaginable out of the ‘junk’ they scavenge wherever they can. Birds are among their most favoured subjects, and like the crows, hummingbirds and sparrows they fashion out of spoons, screws and wires, inspiration flits into their minds on the fly, as they scan

the materials they ‘throw’ onto their bench.

“I would have to say it comes from our collection of old parts and the bits and pieces we’ve put together over the last few years,” Wayne explained. “A lot of people have asked us, ‘Do you have plans? Do you draw it out or do you have a blueprint or something like that?’ No. It’s all from scratch.”

You can see the Enslow’s work at their wenslow.ca website, or on their Enslow Arts & Design Facebook page and wenslow322 Instagram site. You can also take in a virtual gallery exhibit of their works at RainforestArts.ca. If you’d like to meet them in person, you will often find them at the Duncan Farmer’s Market (duncanfarmersmarket.ca) or the Cedar Farmers Market (cedarfarmersmarket.org).

CraigSpenceWriter.ca

Joane Moran, Wild Blueberries 9 ,Oils on Canvas *Winner of Peoples Choice Award* 30” x 40”

Joane Moran, Wild Blueberries 8, Oils on Canvas 24” x 30”

annual Moss Street Paint-in as a Virtual Artists show. Visit their website aggv. ca/td-art-gallery-paint-in-2020 for more details about the July 18 event.

“Art to me is a love and addiction for creative expression through form and colour. It truly is part of who I am and cannot imagine life without it.

Art makes our world a better place, especially right now. Hope you enjoy these images as much as I have enjoyed creating them”

Painter Joane Moran the better. Soft yellows with lots of light seems to intrigue me lately, with positive energy.

J

oane Moran creates realistically detailed oil paintings, capturing the illumination of colour to give each piece a “WOW” composition. Not only does each piece have an emotional and personal connection, they also have areas of mystery allowing the viewer a sense of intrigue. Like her “Wild Blueberry” collection drawing your eye to the depths of the background.

“My choice as a teenager was to always paint. In my teenage years 12 - 18, I studied weekly with private and informal oil painting classes, mainly landscapes of England and seascapes. I love to experience and learn all subject matters.

After experimenting with different styles and techniques, I always returned to a more classic style. A lover of pets (especially dogs) resulted in many pet commissions. As an avid gardener, I am inspired by my surroundings, I love to paint what I grow and the more colour

If you would like to view Joane’s new collections of oils, please make an appointment at smoran@shaw.ca or by by phone 250-743-1901.

Joane has participated in many exhibitions in Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo and close to home in Cowichan Valley winning several awards and has been awarded Signature Status with the Federation of Canadian Artists.

This time of the year has most artists extremely busy with several events but unfortunately they have been cancelled because of Covid 19. To adapt with the changes the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria will be hosting their

JOANE MORAN

250-743-1901 joanemoran.ca open by appointment smoran@shaw.ca 17

INTRO TO

BOTANICAL DRAWING

SHOW SCOUNCIL.CA

ONLINE CLASS

Register at cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca LOOKING FOR MICROGREENS?

We grow plenty of them!

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

Introduction To Botanical Drawing With Colour Pencil With Jeannette Sirois

B Thank You to Our Customers for your understanding and continued support of small businesses like ours. Local support makes all the difference! Thank you to all the frontline and essential workers who show up each day to keep our community safe.

SAFELY SHOP IN STORE

MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:30AM - 5:30PM WE ALSO OFFER: PRE-ORDERS VIA EMAIL or PHONE for PICK UP AT THE DOOR

250 748-4421

www.lynnsvitamingallery.ca Located in Village Green Mall 4-180 Central Road, Duncan 18

otanical illustration has been around for hundreds of years and in this fun workshop we’ll get to explore this amazing art form.

Working with traditional botanical guidelines, we’ll explore through the use of colour pencils in illustrating plants, fruits and vegetables.

We’ll work on layout/ composition, rendering form, how to choose colours and layering with colour pencils. We’ll talk about the process of colour pencil work from types of papers to types of pencils and all the in-betweens. Along the way we’ll delve into how to choose your colours, how and when to blend effectively and the need for working with multiple colours for effective images that pop. I’ll pass along key skills and tricks on effective colour use.

Students will have online access to the instructor for feedback, discussion and questions. In addition, students will have access to 4 exclusive online bonus videos that will delve deeper into advanced botanical techniques and methods.

Each video will be available following the weekly session.

Instructor Jeanette Sirois a Diploma in Design, a BFA with distinctions from Concordia University in Montreal, Art Teacher Certification and a M.Ed. from UBC. She is a full time practicing visual artist working with colour pencil and graphite on paper.

Having created work for public installations, gallery exhibitions and private and public collections I use portrait drawing as a means to address issues of acceptance/rejection based on mental heath, the LGTBQ+ community and identity.

Workshop will run every Saturday from 9:30am 12:30pm beginning July 25 - August 22. Register at cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca

Did you know that roasting is the way to go with beets? Wash the leaves, stems and roots (all of which can be eaten). You will lose fewer nutrients than by boiling, plus they taste better! Eat hot or cold or in a salad...

Ol’ MacDonald Roasted Beets and Haltwhistle Chevre on Arugula Recipe courtesy Cam MacDonald

Ingredients 1/4 lb (small bag) arugula (you know where to get it!)

1/4 cup roasted beets (cooled) 1 tbsp chopped nuts or seeds (eg toasted sunflower seeds or walnuts) Haltwhistle chevre to taste any vinaigrette dressing Arugula is best, but any greens will do as it is the beet and chevre combination that really makes it. Wash beets and cut into half inch cubes. Bake at 350 F in olive oil in a covered dish until tender(30-60 minutes).

Arrange beets on top of arugula, top with nuts, seeds and cheese and toss with vinaigrette. Add hemp hearts or a little ground flax seed for extra goodness. Enjoy!

WE’RE OPEN! • Occupancy limit: 2 people • Boutique Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am - 3pm for product sales.

• No walk-ins - By appointment only Soul Escape Organic Spa & Boutique 109-2673 Beverly St., Duncan (Thrifty’s Plaza)

250 748-2056 I www.soulescape.ca

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Wine Glasses: Demystified

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fter recently slugging Chablis out of a solo cup on the beach while devouring Spot Prawns, I presumed to be an authority on proper glassware for various styles of wine. Experiences like this are, however, exceptions that prove the rule of how subtle choices in wine glasses can influence perception.

Once upon a time I was a working sommelier. At one particular high-end establishment we had seventeen different shapes of wine glass to choose from, forty wines by the glass and 1000 labels in the cellar. Much to the chagrin of ownership, we used this pantheon of options to satisfy our own curiosities regarding how the same wine showed itself in various pieces of stemware. A few rules of thumb

stood out and thus I developed a roadmap to easily identify in which glass to serve what wine.

so consider hand washing or having a few extra on hand.

What makes wine tick and what should one pay attention to when scanning the cupboard for a suitable wine glass?

You don’t have to spend a fortune, but you can. The gold standard for wine glasses is Riedel.

They have a plethora of various lines of glassware ranging from five dollars a stem to over fifty. The five dollar ones are absolutely fine; spend more if you wish.

There are plenty of other companies like Spiegelau and Puddifoot, that craft equally suitable glassware. The brand name is not a deal breaker. If you are looking for something outstanding for a truly top tier wine or as a gift for the wine geek, Zalto glasses are ethereally thin, absurdly light and sure to impress with prices starting at about eighty dollars a stem - my birthday is in October.

A clean glass is a pretty good place to start. For the purpose of this article polishing cloths will not be discussed. Glass polishing for home use is in the same camp as ironing ones undergarments - boarding on neurotic. One quick sniff to make sure the glass doesn’t smell like the back of a dusty cupboard or the cardboard box it came in will suffice.

Thin glass is better than thick glass. There is just something pleasurable about how the rim of a thin glass rests against one’s lip that seems much more right than one the gauge of a mason jar. Yes, you will break more in the dishwasher,

With the basics covered we can delve into reds, whites, bubbles, and more in next months’ edition.

In Vino Veritas.

Chris Turyk - I love wine, a lot. I’m a Certified Sommelier, WSET Diploma graduate, and get in everyones way @unsworthvineyards. Follow my personal antics @farmersomm

CELEBRATING

10 YEARS IN BUSINESS IN THE

COWICHAN VALLEY Heronwood Custom Cabinetry Inc. Is a local custom cabinetry shop located in the Cowichan Valley.

Heronwood is know for its meticulous craftsmanship and creative design.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

E4-4970 POLKEY RD. DUNCAN

250-597-4701

heronwoodcabinetry.ca 20

I love wine, a lot. I’m a Certified Sommelier, WSET Diploma graduate, and get in everyones way @ unsworthvineyards. Follow my personal antics @ farmersomm

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Al Fresco Dining

GENOA BAY CAFÉ Casual Waterfront Dining Enjoy breakfast right on the dock from our Breakfast Cabana or take in the beautiful view from our patio under the sail and our new outdoor waterfront seating area. LOCALS FAVOURITES: One pound of Salt Spring Island Mussels in a Green Curry with Coconut Milk, cold Islander lager to enjoy on the deck.

5000 Genoa Bay Rd #9, Duncan 250 746-7621 www.genoabaycafe.com

patio near the pizza oven. Guests can enjoy the pastoral feel of the Cowichan Valley with nothing but vineyard, farm fields and the tree covered hills of Mill Bay and Cobble Hill. Watch chefs prepare pizza in our open lower kitchen while sipping on a world class wine and enjoying the natural beauty of Unsworth Vineyards. LOCALS FAVOURITES: Signature Clam Chowder with a glass of 2015 Cuvée de l’île, a pairing that is hard to eclipse. 2915 Cameron Taggart Rd #2, Mill Bay 250 929-2292 Ext 1 www.unsworthvineyards.com

FARM TABLE INN Skutz Falls

ALDERLEA FARM CAFÉ Farm to Table

UNSWORTH RESTAURANT Wine Country We have an open air fully covered lounge, pergola covered upper patio with filtered sunshine and a fully open lower

organic cheddar cheese. LOCALS FAVOURITES: Organic House Made Veggie and Beef burgers, seasonal Pavlova, Valley Cider Ginnish Watch the food grow. Know your food 3390 Glenora Rd, Duncan Open on Sundays Noon - 8pm 250 597-3438

The view is a pastoral and gardening paradise; covered; licensed, serving local beer, wine, cider, and wine, specialty coffeea and teas. Our delicious comfort food is made with LOVE from ingredients direct from the farm.

Some say the best wood-fired oven pizza they have ever tasted, made with

Our patio is spacious and offers safe social distancing between tables. The twinkle lights at night makes it a very pretty spot to dine. Chef George Gates is known for his French cuisine LOCALS FAVOURITES: signature turned mushroom on main dishes. Pair your meal with a refreshing Sangria, Farm Royale Mimosa or a bottle of bubbles, such as Enrico Wineries Celebration.

6755 Cowichan Lake Road 250 9323205 www.farmtableinn.ca

Charcuterie, Grazing Boxes and Entertaining Ideas

Help Fight Child Hunger in our Community

www.picklespantry.ca I 250-266-2464

WWW.NOURISHCOWICHAN.CA I 250 597-7760

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Sensational Summer Sippers Blue Grouse Winery 2019 Quill Rosé Our winemaker’s favourite, this Rosé opens with aromas of strawberry and rhubarb. Fresh and lively on the palate with a savoury note.

A complex, full flavoured wine that will pair perfectly with grilled fish, chicken or pizza. $21.99

Emandare Vineyard 2019 Gewurztraminer Super juicy green apple, orchard pear and fresh ginger. So good with Indian food, Thai food or sushi $25

Rocky Creek Winery TLC

Unsworth Vineyards 2015 Cuvée de l’île Coy and complex on the nose, the wines’ bouquet shows yellow apple, toasty and savoury notes of spice, on the palate the wine is poised and crisp showcasing apple, pear notes with a long and elegant finish. This wine brings new meaning to the definition of a pairing when served with chilled potato leek soup! It is also flawless with shellfish ranging from Oysters to Crab. $35

This is a unique blend of Viognier, Albarino, Madelaine Sylvanner, Siegerrebe, and Ortega. It has floral aromas and is soft and easy drinking.

This vintage is very unique and has a flavour profile similar to Reisling. This wine pairs well with asparagus, curried chicken, and halibut. $22

Thank you for your support and patience over the last couple months as our world changed, as well as the way we all do things...

WE APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU! Lulu, Sherry and Sonja Come in for great natural products, organic produce and so much more!

9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-9838 Hours Mon-Sat 10-4 • Closed Sun & Stat holidays 23

Chimmichuri Sauce

Recipe courtesy Barnes and Maracle

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

We really love chimichurri sauce it is simple to make and packs a lot of flavour.

I also really love garlic and have made a lot of bad chimichurris because I refuse to ever only use 1 clove of garlic. What I have learned the hard way is that 1 clove of garlic is all you need for this recipe. This sauce is very versatile and will go well with grilled meats, veggies or fish.

Ingredients 2 packed cups finely chopped herbs any combination of basil, cilantro, dill and parsley 1 clove garlic 1 lemon ¼ cup chopped capers ¼ cup chopped pine nuts ½ cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Method Finely mince garlic… yes only 1 clove, be strong friends.

Finely chop 2 cups combination of herbs of choice Finely chop capers Coarsely chop pine nuts Add all ingredients into a small bowl Zest lemon into bowl Juice lemon into bowl Add olive oil Gently mix all ingredients together Add salt and pepper to taste

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New Farm Store Opens at Farm Table Inn

O

ur Farm Store has always been a part of our business plan, but like many small business owners, there’s always something that needs to get done first and some things get pushed to the back, such as our Farm Store.

When we were mandated by the government to close the restaurant in March, George and I were very nervous about the future. We listened to COVID-19 updates on CBC every day and to be honest, it was very scary.

People were dying of this disease all over the world and three months ago, there was still so much unknown about the disease.

I feel Vancouver Island and the rest of British Columbia has done an amazing job flattening the curve and I am hoping that we continue to do so.

During our closure, George and I had a lot of time to reflect, discuss and plan our options.

We took the opportunity to do yard work, get our garden ready, do some renovations in the restaurant but most importantly, get our Farm Store going. With the aid of the federal government including the wage subsidy program we were able to bring back our staff and start the store.

We currently have it right in our lounge area which is located in the entrance of the restaurant.

There is a freezer, fridge and shelf full of farm to table meals.

The Farm store sells take and bake items such as meat, seafood and vegetarian lasagna, meat

pies, Shepard’s Pie, our own farm raised pork products such as bacon, sausage, maple glazed ham, prosciutto and more, house made soups, stocks, sauerkraut, Caesar dressing, bbque sauce, Nanaimo Bars, Lemon Bars, Apple Pie and more.

The store is open during Thursday to Saturday from 2pm to 9pm and Sundays 10am to 2pm. You can visit our website for a full list of items and can either call or email us with a pre-order.

On a personal note, we would like to thank our wonderful community for your support during this most uncertain time.

Whether you are ready to dine in our restaurant, or stay at our Bed and Breakfast or if you just want to pick up a lasagna to eat at home, your support is very much appreciated!

6755 Cowichan Lake Rd, Lake Cowichan (250) 932-3205 www.farmtableinn.ca Owners Evelyn Koops and George Gates are in their 4th year of operating the Farm Table Inn, located at Skutz Falls, halfway between Duncan and Lake Cowichan. You can visit their website at www. farmtableinn.ca for details about the Farm Store, their Restaurant, Bed and Breakfast and more.

locally grown, organic and delicious

Ol’ MacDonald Farm Sugar snap peas, Sungold cherry tomatoes, carrots, beets, scallions, salad mixes, free range eggs and much more! delicious local food grown with love

Visit us on Saturdays at the downtown Duncan Farmers Market.

250-929-8381 tracey@ cleanchoicecleaners.com

We’re in this together!

Clean Choice hopes that everyone is keeping healthy and safe. During these ever-changing times, we have been busy monitoring recommendations issued by Health Canada and have updated our products, equipment and services accordingly.

In order to provide the most safe and effective cleaning, new policies have been put in place that include 10-Point Disinfection with every clean, PPE for staff, equipment saintized after every clean, committed to keeping staff home if they show any signs of illness.

Call to find out more about our all-surface, wholeroom disinfection service for home or office.

Totally green, health Canada registered disinfectant. www.cIeanchoicecIeaners.com 25

Lexington Spa

SPA STAYCATION

A PROFESSIONAL MOBILE SPA THAT COMES TO YOU!

Cindy Beam, Owner

MANICURES • PEDICURES • REFLEXOLOGY

250-514-1380

www.lexingtonspa.ca I lexingtonspa@shaw.ca

FRESH AIR PEDICURES AVAILABLE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME OR YARD

K

eep your feet looking beautiful with a foot massage to stimulate circulation and relieve tension. Signature foot care includes foot soak, moisturize, nail trim, cuticle grooming and callous control.

A Lexington Spa signature pedicure keeps your feet healthy for summer fun. and looking pretty in your sandals. There’s no safer place than home. Lexington Spa now offers specialty nail services for hands and feet in the comfort and safety of your own home. Fresh air, outdoor appointments also available. Aesthetician Cindy Beam wears a mask and asks

clients to do the same. As per cleaning regiments barbicide is used on all implements and sterilized with a complete set for every clients. Lexington Spa uses natural products, such as Cindy’s homemade Shea Butter cream (also available for purchase) and offers only the best products and OPI polishes to pamper you. Book an appointment for you and a friend today! (250) 514-1380 www.lexingtonspa. ca. Services available for both women and men. Couples house calls are my specialty!

60 minute classic pedicure $60 each.

Re-Opening July 1st for Retail Sales only!

20% OFF SELECTED SKINCARE BRANDS THAT WE LOVE & TRUST! Seaflora packed full

Organic Nation - is full of Olla Botanicals - (certified CBD) is wonderful exotic super-berries for those with sensitive skin! It’s of sea minerals, locally derived from Australia, it will healing properties will reduce from the beautiful coast of leave your skin inflammation and help relieve pain Vancouver Island. You couldn’t glowing with hydration. The from sunburns to everyday aches. get any more sea-love than that, only thing you will be missing The best part? Your fur-baby can talk about bringing home the is a margarita and a sun hat. even get some CBD love too!” beach— literally!

We are taking all safety measures to keep you and our staff safe. Hand sanitizers and face masks available for $1.

www.cowichanbayspa.com I 250 597-0668 26

Located on the lower level of the Oceanfront Suites at 1681 Cowichan Bay Rd.

FAVOURITES

MOISTURISING & EXFOLIATING HYDRAFACIAL MD®

A

medical grade facial designed to both chemically and physically exfoliate your skin. It is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin with no discomfort or downtime. The treatment is soothing, moisturizing, and non-irritating. It leaves your skin glowing, hydrated and refreshed.

The unique Vortex-Fusion® serum delivery system is what sets the HydraFacial MD® apart from other procedures.

The multi-step treatment cleanses, evenly exfoliates and extracts to remove impurities and dead skin cells while at the same time replenishing vital nutrients including antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. Thanks to the devices’ superior delivery system,

these performing ingredients are able to more effectively help mitigate environmental damage, reduce fine lines & wrinkles, and plump & firm skin for long-term results you can see and feel instantly.

This treatment uses medical grade AHAs (glycolic and salicylic) for effective results.

It is an excellent treatment for acne and sun damaged skin.

Great for all skin types. The treatment is highly effective at improving overall skin health. It is also excellent for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, increasing elasticity and firmness, evening skin tone and texture, reducing hyperpigmentation/sun damage, and decreasing oily/ congested skin. Cost is $149 for a 1 hour treatment.

250-746-6512.

Viva Medical Aesthetics #4 - 177 Fourth Street, Downtown Duncan www.vivamedicalaesthetics.com

Hidden Gem Reiki Studio

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

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How Businesses Are Managing Covid-19 Editorial By Amanda Vance Images courtesy Ian Locke

Daniel’s Bakery

A

re you nervous about shopping, dining out, and returning to a ‘new’ normal given the ongoing stress of the pandemic?

If so, you’re not alone.

Consumer confidence has no doubt declined during the coronavirus crisis.

A Post Disaster Needs Assessment survey conducted by the Cowichan Valley Regional District (C.V.R.D) found that 32 percent of businesses surveyed consider consumer confidence the greatest challenge they face in returning to ‘normal.’

Yet now more than ever, small businesses need your patronage to survive.

Consider that 77 percent of Cowichan businesses

surveyed by the C.V.R.D have seen a reduction in revenues, and 54 percent of surveyed businesses have been forced to reduce staff due to the crisis. Almost half, 41 percent, are concerned they cannot survive another economic shock.

Consumer choices to buy local will help these businesses rebound, re-hire staff, and maintain the unique shopping experiences that make downtown Duncan the vibrant and special community we know and love.

This is why it is so good to know that we are not making a choice between public health and the economy when we buy local. Business owners and managers are working hard to keep people healthy through this time, often in inspiring and innovative ways.

“It’s been a difficult journey,” says DDBIA President and owner of Outlooks For Men,

Prudence

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

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

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

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Little Bird

Miles Anderson. “At the same time, I know we will get through this successfully and we will be stronger and better for it and because of it.”

Guided by extensive federal and provincial regulations, business owners and managers have developed new systems to make shopping safer, like placing decals on the ground to mark where customers need to stand to ensure physical distancing requirements are met. Little Bird customized their decals in the shape of – you guessed it - little birds, and had them produced locally by the signage experts over at Mark’s Instant Sign Shop.

Shops like Sheer Essentials and Pots & Paraphernalia have installed plexiglass at the cash register, sanitizing the space between each transaction. Daniel’s Bakery, meanwhile, has installed a

Sheer Essentials

takeout window and closed the interior of the shop to customers all together. The artisan baker, sporting a mask and separated by glass from customers, is still making delicious Nanaimo bars and sausage rolls, but in a way that minimizes contact between people.

Similarly, The Red Balloon Toyshop is limiting the number of customers

Red Balloon

Victory Barber & Brand North

allowed inside by placing a bell outside the shop that customers can ring if they want to enter. Once let inside by an elf, consumers will meet staff sporting masks in, of course, a nice bright red.

Over at Victory Barber & Brand North, whole new routines have been put in place to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

Appointments are staggered so that increased cleaning can take place between each customer’s visit. Hand sanitizer is also available at the entrance, with the option to try sanitizer produced locally by Stillhead Distillery or the Victory brand itself.

Victory Barber & Brand and Station Street Tattoos also took the extra step of circulating instructional videos on social media to help customers understand all the extra work that goes into maintaining standards of cleanliness in their storefronts.

Some shops, like the Sassy Lion Thrift Store and Fabrications, are even doing temperature checks at the entrance to make sure that customers are not feverish!

Alley Cat Hair Design is

requesting that customers wait outside for their appointment, and are not allowing walk-ins for the time being.

Coronavirus has forced storefronts to change their layouts, and it has likewise altered the Duncan Showroom’s summer plans. This year, the 39 Days of July is moving into a virtual format which is streamed out of the Showroom. Acts this year include the Funky Lowdown and Adrian Chalifour, and you can catch any live stream you miss at https://www.39daysofjuly.ca/.

All these extra steps and changes in plans may cause some minor customer inconvenience. Thankfully, according to Volume 1 bookstore manager Dana Corbett, “Customers are willing to do what it takes and we are very grateful for that.”

It is not only safe to buy local thanks to the outstanding efforts by our local business community. It is also an exciting time to find deals.

Cardino Shoes, for instance, is offering ten dollars off regularly-priced shoes when you wear a mask in the shop for the duration of your visit.

This destination for special footwear is also rolling out summer sales on select stock, which you can purchase in store or online at www. shopcardinoshoes.com.

Outlooks For Men, meanwhile, is currently offering 25 percent off all products as a summer sale. This includes some particularly stylish Dion face masks which are well-worth wearing around town… while

shopping for shoes!

No matter how you look at it, buying local and supporting these impressive efforts

by Cowichan merchants to protect customers and create a satisfying consumer experience are worthy of more than your recognition.

They deserve your business.

Help keep Cowichan strong by buying local where possible!

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Healthy Iced Cold Drinks & Smoothies Lunch To Go • Easy Picnic Pick Ups Fresh Baked Bread & Desserts

Tuscan Raspberry Mixed Salad Recipe courtesy Grant Easterbrook, The Olive Station 225 Canada Avenue, Downtown Duncan

DAILY BREAKFAST & LUNCH SPECIALS Ingredients:

fresh mixed greens (spinach, romaine & arugula) raspberries candied pecans red onion crumbled Goat Cheese Tuscan Herb Olive Oil Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar

Method

1. Toss together fresh mixed greens and raspberries.

2. Add candied pecans, thinly sliced red onions and crumbled goat cheese.

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

171 Canada Ave, Duncan (250) 597-8168 30

3. Dress to taste with equal parts of Olive Station Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and Aged Raspberry Dark Balsamic Vinegar.

Jack Ribs

100% Plant Based Summer BBQ at Cafe La Vie Submitted by Vanessa Phan

W

ith summer weather approaching, grilling season will soon be upon us. Normally, animal based products such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and steaks, are the first things people think of to toss on the barbeque.

However, a growing number of people are choosing to go plant based by eating a diet comprised of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, beans and seeds, and omitting eggs, dairy, and meat.

As cholesterol can only be found in animal based foods, eating a diet void of animal products may help in lowering Cholesterol levels.

Benny Saturdays

High levels of high-density lipoproteins (LDL) have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Plant based proteins are not only free from cholesterol; they are also high in soluble fibre which helps your body regulate its cholesterol levels.

Skipping the meat aisle this summer does not mean skipping taste or any of your favourite foods. At Café la Vie, located at 171 Canada Ave in Duncan, not only can you grab a quick bite to eat and a great specialty coffee, you can also find a large variety of meat alternatives.

Our house-made hamburgers, steaks, faux chicken, and even bbq ribs, can help make your plant based grilling a breeze this summer. For a sweet ending, we offer a wide variety of egg-free and dairyfree baking, and you can even order a specialty cake for your next special occasion.

Sai Thai

RESTAURANT AUTHENTIC THAI STREET FOOD Salads • Wraps • Soups • Stir Frys Red, Green, Yellow & Massaman Curry Bowls • Pad Thai • Satays • Spring Rolls • Noodles - All your favourites and more!

161 Station St, Duncan I 250-597-2511 REAL THAI FOOD, REAL THAI CHEF

Cafe la Vie 171 Canada Avenue Downtown Duncan (250) 597-8168 31

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

imaginethatartisans.com I 250-748-6776

Specialist in commissions with 45 years experience.

Imagine That Presents Painter Jennifer Lawson

W Studio 1516 Khenipsen Rd, Duncan

www.jenniferlawsonart.com

Sheep Escape

250 748-2142

JOIN US

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

www.theoldfirehouse.ca

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Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

hen I was a little girl in Yorkshire and on holiday in Scotland I was always surrounded by sheep. At the farm in Scotland I always had a pet lamb and the last time I was there I tried At Manor farm south of Edinburgh - it has been in to paint all of the our Grandpa’s family for generations 1956 1500 sheep (haha! a colossal number of textured – that giclee, Manor Farm fleeces that I wove into my will be in the window!). One wall hangings. This sparked reason I think I was drawn a huge interest in sheepskins to watercolour is because I - a school friend brought me hail from the wool centre of back one from New Zealand the world – where everyone – and sitting on that hard went around feeling each weaving bench I was instantly other’s fabrics – and I just hooked and for standing love the beautiful handmade during long hours at the easel rag papers. Not surprisingly I or designing silk scarves. (hey was a weaver straight out of school and at my bench were

losing this fabulous supply of local pure wool socks which I have worn for 30 years – (so superior to anything else I have found – I encourage you to contact me if you’re keen to support this inimitable and recently setback local industry).

- I even sleep on a double one !) I think I have about 40

of them now and I also wear wool everyday - even layers under my wetsuit!

I couldn’t begin to stand the long hours at my easel however without the fabulous pure mohair socks that are made right here in Cowichan and I need to mention here that we are at risk of The artist with her pet calf in the infamous cowgirl birthday outfit 1954

Over the years I have painted sheep in so many lovely settings on friends and neighbour’s farms - they’re adorably paintable - and there’s that warmth and fuzziness about them that everyone loves! I’m also a vintage wool collector – so we’ve decided to put in an entire sheep window in Imagine That for July. It will be sheep paintings with perhaps a little livestock thrown in - check it out - I think you’ll find it fun!

Please have a look at my newly redone website –

jenniferlawsonart.com - and as always I post new works and inspiration on my Jennifer Lawson Painter Facebook page and Instagram.

Jennifer Lawson will be featured in the window of Imagine That! Artisans for the month of July.

Imagine That!

170 Craig St, Downtown Duncan 250 715-5649

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Taking a Knee, Versus Taking a Stand Alistair MacGregor is the MP for Cowichan-MalahatLangford and the federal NDP’s Critic for Agriculture

T WILLOWANDORCHID.COM

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

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

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alking about race, and the ways in which racism continues to impact different communities, can be an uncomfortable subject.

Oftentimes, it can feel easier to ignore these conversations or to relegate them solely to racialized communities. However, we need to do better. We need to address racism in Canada, and we need to find tangible ways to eradicate it.

Last month, New Democratic leader Jagmeet Singh was forced to leave the House of Commons for stating that another Member of Parliament was racist. While this exchange received a great deal of media attention, what I believe matters most here is the motion that was at the heart of the situation. To paraphrase, the motion called on the House to recognize that there is systemic racism within the RCMP, commit to reviewing the RCMP budget and consider providing more funding to non-police investments in areas such as non-violent intervention, mental health, and addictions support, and support broader accountability between the RCMP and the public.

The motion was a method of encouraging Parliamentarians to engage with discourse around the movement to defund police.

While there has been a variety of different discussions on whether this is needed, and if so, what it could look like, my colleagues and I felt that it was important that we as politicians consider the different options that are available. Currently, the RCMP has a budget of roughly $10 million per day; what if we were to take a portion of that, and redistribute funding to alternative

community resources? Here in Cowichan, where we continue to experience the ramifications of the ongoing housing crisis and simultaneous opioids crisis, that could look like building more low-income housing to get people off the streets, investing in mental health professionals, providing increased access to addictions treatment, and supporting de-escalation and non-violent intervention for when incidents occur. In redistributing the funding, we could address what are often the root causes of crime in our community, instead of simply utilizing the police as a temporary solution to fa r more systemic problems.

While we discuss alternative methods to policing, we must also discuss the other forms of systemic racism that Black and Indigenous people face.

For every tragedy such as the shooting of Chantel Moore, there are far less overt cases of racism that also cause harm.

Six Indigenous people have been killed by police in Canada since April 2020 alone, but far more have faced racism in other forms. Discussions on racism towards Black and Indigenous people need to go beyond direct instances of police violence, and they need to go beyond the symbolism of taking a knee alongside protestors. Discussions must turn to action and taking a knee must turn into taking a stand.

We need to do better and, together, I believe that we can.

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

Babies Wrapped in the Miracle of Wool

B

irth is a miracle, and so is wool fibre. That is why parents worldwide have used this timeless, natural material to give their new-borns and toddlers a great start. From clothing to blankets to cribs, miraculous wool is loving and nurturing, representing a four-season return to the womb.

How would that be, you may wonder?

First, wool fibre is a natural insulator that’s warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Hence, wool can be used on items for kids year-round.

That can also save parents money on clothing that tries to mimic the miraculous uses of wool.

And wool has a body heat of its own, constantly keeping children’s bodies at a core temperature. The warmth of the wool also helps control intestinal gas as well, aiding bubbles moving upward.

Parents hold their little bundles of joy to their chest, allowing babies to sense and feel a parent’s scent, heartbeat and warmth. This is how babies innately recognize their parents.

Wool miraculously takes on the scent of mommy and daddy, and home, helping raise secure children who realize their parents are never

far away. Plus, wool is gently beneficial if your child goes to daycare. During nap time, at preschool, or away from home with grandparents, a child’s home goes with them through scents imbued in wool.That’s why it’s often said parents can travel the world with their newborn as long as they pack their baby’s ‘sheepie’ blanket.

Miraculous wool also absorbs 30% to 40% of its own weight in moisture, gathering moisture the body naturally loses when awake and when sleeping.

This transepidermal water-loss process is why most babies perspire a lot.

But wool greatly helps babies adjustment from a watery environment — the womb — to an air ecology at birth.

suffocate the body. Skin is the body’s largest organ, and the body’s way of detoxifying, so natural wool fibres keep a child’s skin healthy.

And wool is naturally bacteriaand fungus resistant, helping create the best environment for little ones to thrive.

And the miracle fibre is grounding, supporting the flow of our magnetic field. That means our bodies are happiest and operate the best.

Isn’t your child worth the miracle of wool?

Submitted by Anyes deLaat

Soul Comfort Sheepskin Wool 190 Fourth Street Downtown Duncan 250-737-1281

Soul Comfort uses a light sheep wool lining with a 100% cotton flannel for outers for our blankets, night sacks with arms, and for sleep/play mats.

We don’t use synthetics as they

35

Sunrise Waldorf School Summer Open House

S The Clay Hub Collective

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

Stay safe everyone.

www.theclayhubcollective.com

36

unrise Waldorf School had its humble beginnings as a one class Kindergarten on Sunrise Road. Since those early days in 1980 our school has grown to become a fully certified Waldorf School with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America and we are also a Group 1 Independent School allied with the BC Ministry of Education.

Our seven acre campus offers gorgeous and expansive grounds for outdoor learning, plenty of play, as well as gardening and farming opportunities for students. Sunrise school is a wonderful community of parents, students, teachers, and administrators dedicated to education with heart. At Sunrise Waldorf School we approach learning holistically, offering a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous Waldorf curriculum. The arts are integrated in all academic disciplines from pre-school through the grades, which enhances and enriches

learning. We value childhood, and we aim to inspire students towards life-long learning, and to enable students to fully develop their unique capacities.

Nature and Nurture In the Sunrise Waldorf School Early Childhood Education programs puddle jumping days are everyone’s favourite!

With an emphasis on, and reverence for nature, our little ones spend a great deal of time outdoors every day, rain or shine. The outdoor activities include walking, digging, swinging, jumping, splashing, and rolling, just to name a few. Our Early Childhood Education programs emphasize open ended learning, and we believe that the work of the child is to play. Opportunities for exploring through one’s imagination and for moving the body are foundations of the Waldorf Early Childhood Education philosophy.

Strong daily rhythms and repetition allow the children to sink deeply into their play.

Teachings are offered through the lens of daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms, all of which creates the foundation for the young child to feel safe and free to explore. In an ever changing and fast paced world, the Waldorf Preschool and Kindergartens are a place where simplicity is celebrated and where childhood is preserved and held with love.

Families can begin their Waldorf Experience with our Preschool Program, which offers free play opportunities for their little ones while parents or guardians learn about the Waldorf early childhood approach through crafts, story telling, and more. Our Pre-school and Kindergartens are a home away from home. They offer foundations for learning with an emphasis on developing the child’s imagination.

Through the grades, students

are offered an amazing variety of practical arts and specialty subjects along with inspired academics allowing us to meet BC provincial requirements and develop creative and critical thinking.

If you are interested in hearing more about why Waldorf Education works, or to register for one of our upcoming Open House events, please contact Chantey Dayal – Director of Admissions today. 250.743.7253 OR admissions@ sunrisewaldorfschool.org Visit our website to learn more about our school www.sunrisewaldorfschool. org

Trial By Fire Pottery Studio 4-6 Week Wheel Classes

Hilary Huntley

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

Now accepting applications for PRE-SCHOOL - CLASS 8

Upcoming

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

2148 LAKESIDE RD, DUNCAN

250 743-7253

sunrisewaldorfschool.org

RSVP Required

The Summer Open House Events will be designed for small groups, and will feature a taste of our outdoor programming. They are an opportunity to learn more about Waldorf Education and meet our amazing teachers.

RSVP to admissions@sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Space is limited, please sign up in advance.

•ECE OPENHOUSE• SATURDAY, JULY 11 10 AM - 12 PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 10 AM - 12 PM 37

The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre – Getting Back to Watershed Restoration with Youth

L

ast month we partnered with the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society, along with an intrepid crew of youth from the Cowichan Valley Earth Guardians, to plant between 60 and 70 native trees, including Red Alder, Black Cottonwood, Big Leaf Maple and Willow. These will help stabilize stream banks and provide shade for salmon and other fish and wildlife as the days grow warmer.

As we move into July, our restoration work is focusing on wetland plants. We’re grateful for the recent rains that make this possible.

Over the summer we’ll also be working with youth to remove invasive species in the Cowichan and Koksilah Watersheds in preparation for more restoration planting in the fall. Check our website

38

and contact us about joining a restoration work party this summer.

Restoration work with youth is a part of the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre’s 26-month “Conserving & Protecting Cowichan Fresh Water for a Climate Resilient Future” Project that began last Spring and is focused on caring for the Cowichan and Koksilah Watersheds and the salmon, other wildlife, as well as the human communities that depend on them. This project is supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Eco-Action fund and local partners, including Cowichan Tribes, the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s Areas D and E, the Municipality of North Cowichan, the Cowichan Watershed Board, the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society, the Cowichan Valley Naturalists, the Cowichan Land Trust and the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society, as well as by the BC Conservation Foundation, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and others.

This July and August we’re also welcoming children ages 5 to 9 back to our popular five-day Nature and Science Summer Day Camps while ensuring the safety of all participants, the community and our staff by meeting the guidelines from the BC Ministry of Health, Cowichan Tribes, the BC Camping Association and the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

For youth interested in getting involved in local watershed restoration work this summer check out: http:// www.cowichanestuary.ca/ restoration-with-the-naturecentre/ or contact: sierra@ cowichanestuary.ca.

For parents wanting to register your child in our Nature and Science Summer Camps, or get more info, go to: http://www. cowichanestuary.ca/programs/ camps/ or contact Karlie at:

camps@cowichanestuary.ca.

To make a charitable donation to support our bursary fund for children and youth to get out and learn in nature, go to: https://www.canadahelps. org/en/charities/cowichanestuary-nature-centre-society/

Laura Boyd-Clowes Manager, KinPark Youth Urban Farm

A Sunny Day at KinPark Kids Camp

I

t was another sunny Cowichan day. The KinPark Kids Campers were getting their hats on for the morning farm activity.

The plan was to do some harvesting . In a flash, we pulled up three pounds of carrots. Then, on to harvesting chick peas. The campers were skeptical; although they are drought tolerant, these chick pea plants looked sad, with yellow, crispy leaves.

I explained that we had to thresh them to harvest the peas.

“What’s that?” the children asked.

“Well,” I explained, “threshing is what people have done for thousands of years to separate edible seeds from plants like wheat, beans and peas.”

Together, we started pulling plants, shaking soil off, and piling them up on a tarp. Then we folded the tarp over.

“Now, we stomp on this to crack the pods and get the

chick peas to fall out.”

We stomped for a minute.

Then we pulled back the tarp: A handful of loose peas lay at the bottom of the pile. We kept going, and discovered how to make threshing into a game, by dancing on the tarp!

Over lunch we discussed the next step in saving seed, which requires wind. One clever boy grabbed a piece of cardboard from the workshop, and before you knew it, we were back outside, learning how to winnow – that is, separate chaff and debris from the seed.

We poured seeds from bucket to bucket, and by waving pieces of cardboard, blew the chaff away, resulting in a pailfull of clean chick peas.

Next, with three pounds of carrots in hand, the group walked to CGC’s kitchen.

Thanks to adults behind the scenes, there was a bowl of pre-soaked KinPark chick peas waiting for us there, and recipes for Hummus printed out for each of the campers.

The hummus we made that afternoon was tastier than any store-bought product. And the children loved making it - peeling juicy cloves of KinPark garlic, watching the chick peas get pulverized in the blender. We devoured the protein-rich dip with garden fresh carrots What a joy it is to taste the fruits of your labour!

KinPark Kid’s Camp runs from July 6 – September 4.

For more information or to register contact KinPark Camp at 250-748-8506 or email camp@

cowichangreencommunity.org.

Summer Kids Camps

Day Programs & Youth Adventures Register Online Now at coastalbliss.ca

1 800 896 9525

coastalbliss@shaw.ca 39

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

• Painting, drawing, knitting wool, felting, beeswax, craft & lots handwork books & supplies

Proudly carrying a full line of school and art supplies from Mercurius along with qual-ity organic baby and children’s clothing from Disana, Engel and Hocosa; Great selection of wooden toys, puzzles, play cloths and games from Sarah’s Silks, Londji, Grimms, Ostheimer, Camden Rose and more. Amazing ointments and Home Remedies from Uriel; Beautiful cards and hundreds of book titles for children and adults from Wynstone Press, Floris Books, Steiner Press, Hawthorn, Lindisfarne, Mercury Press, Temple Lodge and much more. Great selection of organic and Canadian knitting yarn from Briggs and Little and Custom Woolen Mills.

Phone orders for outside pickup or Canada Post can be accommodated!

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

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

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Spirit Journaling School

Angel is a modern day Oracle who loves to communicate and guide with the divine.

Spirit Journaling School Is Now Online

www.sacredsilence. net

Learn Spiritual Techniques to Journal with the Divine Register at https://spirit-journaling.teachable.com/

For more information contact Angel at Sacred Silence C:250-710-5287 W:Sacredsilence.net

Wilderness Kayaking LESSONS • TOURS • RENTALS • SALES

www.wilderness-kayaking.com

Summer Youth Programs From Maple Bay • KAYAK KIDS - INTRODUCTION TO SEA KAYAKING July 6-9; July 20-23; Aug 10-13 Sessions Monday - Thursday 9am - 1pm • YOUTH TOUR N’ LEARN - GULF ISLANDS 3 DAY OVERNIGHT TRIP July 13-15; Aug 17-19 AGES 13-16 • YOUTH DAY TRIP ADVENTURES - LEAD BY EXPERIENCED GUIDES - July 10, July 24, Aug 14 Fridays 9am - 3pm

ALSO OFFERING: family paddles, sup rentals, harbour tours, moonlight paddles, birthday parties, day tours, multi day tours, double kayaks, single kayaks, rentals, sales, lessons and more.

Call for more info or to reserve.

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

info@wilderness-kayaking.com

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W

e all have an inner knowing that we are not only part of the physical world but we are also the connection to something bigger that guided us here. The spirit within each of us, is wanting to be heard and wouldn’t life be easier if we could just pick up a pen and start a conversation with them?

What would you say?

Better yet, what do you think their response would be?

Spirit Journaling School offers new ways on how you can start the conversation with your divine self by writing, using divination tools, and learning useful spiritual practices. Each module provides insight into making spirit a part of life, improving your psychic and personal development, and lots of exercises that aid in future change.

Spirit Journaling School focuses on writing as the main means of communication and with patience, practice, and intent you will begin to experience spiritual guidance flowing through you.

Ultimately, changing your life.

This school is an extension of my healing work as a modernday Oracle and professional card reader. All teachings come from experience, as I have met many people during my sessions that have fallen off their souls’ path and have become disconnected from their source of divine.

Not only can they not see the road ahead but they are unable to express and articulate what they are experiencing and feeling during these times. It is easy to miss opportunities that may help you process valuable information when you feel disconnected. This is why we must reconnect with spirit. Spirit Journaling School is the beginning of the journey that allows you to find your authentic self again.

Learn: • Oracle/Tarot/Angel cards • Divination Tools - Pendulums • Spirit VS Ego • Understanding intuition • Shifting into spirit - Signs • Psychic development • The 6 Claires • Basic meditation • Journaling exercises Let the magic happen today and invite spirit to write with you by enrolling in Spirit Journaling Schools’ free minicourse at www.spirit-journaling. teachable.com/ or contacting me at www.sacredsilence.net Enjoy the journey.

Family Matters Laughing Comes the Summer Christina Hamill RCST®Registered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist

With the arrival of summer comes the feeling of a long exhale. It’s a time of joy and contentment when nature’s seasonal landscape inspires endless outdoor imaginative play and invites us all to take time out for some fun, relaxation, and memorable connection.

Our senses are fully activated by summer’s warmth, scenery, scents, sounds, and tastes. Childhood memories are often evoked, especially when we witness children gleefully drawn to the bright blue sky overhead, into the golden sunshine, amongst vibrant flowers, buzzing bees, lush trees, iridescent dragonflies, birds singing, butterflies fluttering, lady bugs landing, the sprinkler jutting, the warm breeze blowing, the ocean, lakes and rivers calling, and fresh berries ready for the picking.

Stories of summers past shared by parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents can initiate the renewal of a favourite time in the hotter months when school was out and adventures big or small were a daily possibility. Parents and family members are gifted with the opportunity to recall some of the especially fun times remembered with smiles, laughs, and even giggles and create them over again in their own special way with the children in their lives.

Parents can be open to new ideas and the opportunity to

do something they had wished for while growing up. Reading summer picture books and stories can also prompt the family to venture into learning or trying something new together, such as growing vegetables, going berry picking, making jam, or taking a camping trip. It’s magical for children to become part of seasonal traditions that bring joy to the whole family. As they grow up, they remember them with fondness and look forward to them with excitement.

Welcoming plenty of simple outdoor unstructured playtime, from morning until night, engages children and youth in a way that challenges current physical and mental capacities to further develop and expand.

Their curiosity broadens, their problem solving skills deepen, they cultivate self esteem and build self confidence, they stretch their imagination, and the chance to daydream relaxes them. The sleep that follows is usually one of both deep restoration and growth.

Summer provides a spacious haven for children and youth to flourish while they experience having more freedom. It’s a special time of the year to explore nature’s ever changing terrain, all the while discovering their own beingness and capabilities. They also gain a felt sense of being in direct relationship with the natural world.

The vast opportunities for an abundance of free play and the bonding experiences of togetherness outdoors that summer brings, are very much a soul sustenance absorbed through all the senses that profoundly nurtures childhood and balances the health happiness of the whole family.

Here are some wonderful resources to consider for nurturing your family summer time:

Island made masks made in Victoria,

by Morena clothing. These summer beauties are made with OEKO certified organic fabrics, a stretch linen: cotton blend with a bamboo: cotton knit liner, for super soft and cooling textures, which means no rash or chaffing.

The snug fit is created with the flat aluminium nose wire in combo with the stretch linen :cotton and the bamboo : cotton knit, these help the draw string or ear elastics pull gently across your face with out resistance. These masks are breathable and superb for the summer heat.

Beautiful & Organic - Island Made Masks

The bamboo liner also doubles as a side pocket for filters.

Highly recommended for hairstylists, beauticians, tattoo artists, landscapers, yoga instructors, massage therapists, acupuncturists any job that over heating is an issue. Follow: morenaclothing on Instagram or email your order to morenaclothing@gmail.com.

Island Hellerwork & Somatic Counselling ALIGN - CONNECT - EMBODY

Heal Trauma Increase Vitality Improve Posture & Alignment Freedom From Chronic Pain & Injury Improve Movement & Flexibility Heal Anxiety & Depression Better Sports Performance

islandhellerwork.com I 250-661-1687

• The Genius of Play —Celebrating the Spirit of Childhood by Sally Jenkinson • Natural Childhood by John Thompson • Summer —Nature Activities for Children by Irmgard Kutsch & Brigitte Walden • Sunflower Houses — Garden Discoveries for Children of all Ages by Sharon Lovejoy

Diana Pink I 250 597-2102 I afreshstart@shaw.ca 43

We’ve a whale of a good reputation!

• • • •

Pool installs & liner replacements Hot tub service, including bio-film flushes Equipment repair/replacement & supplies Inspections & consultations Contact Mike, owner & certified technician

CALL: 250-466-4050 I TEXT: 778-837-0138 orcaspaservice@gmail.com

www.orcapoolandspa.com

“What do you mean it‘s not pressuring up?”

R

ecently, I was asked to service a family’s water system. Upon arrival, I discovered that the well pump was running continuously. A deteriorated pipe fitting had impeded the ability of the well pump to shut off. The clients were unaware of the problem because they hadn’t had a service call in several years.

There are approximately five thousand water wells in the CVRD. As a registered pump installer with 35 plus years’ experience in and around the cowichan valley, I have installed and or serviced a great many of the water systems in these wells. My services include: pump and related equipment installations; water analysis/ interpretation; treatment to

Client Centred, Client Focused

FAIZAL CHARANIA

Licensed Real Estate Consultant RE/MAX of Duncan - Mill Bay 472 Trans Canada Highway Office: 250.748.7200 www.faizal.charania.remax.ca • Residential • Agri Business • Strata I mobile (250) 732.5250 44

address water quality issues; annual service to maintain systems; repairs; water system inspections; and flow testing of wells.

Being an experienced handson operator of my own company has enabled me to align my personal values with the work I do. This means offering excellent service with honesty and integrity. With every job, I take the time to get to know a client’s water system, and when required, explore effective options so that the customer can make informed decisions and choices. Customers appreciate that I get the fact that funds are not endless. Just as going to the dentist regularly will help prevent bigger more costly problems, annual water system checkups will be cheaper and less painful in the long run verses running things into the ground.

Water quality should be checked from time to time to insure it is bacteriologically safe, and other parameters remain unchanged. Most water samples are sent to reputable labs as close by as Victoria. Analysis may determine that treatment of some kind may be helpful, or a well system may simply require disinfection to eradicate any introduced bacteria. Some people may be considering filtering, softening or ultra violet

in a pasture.

If you are considering buying a property with a well, know your water needs and consider getting a very thorough inspection, one that you can attend as a learning curve prior to purchase.

disinfection. It is wise to hire the services of a knowledgeable registered technician who can spend the time with you to determine if this is, in fact, a required choice, and/ or a good choice for your system.

Remember to insulate components of your water system come winter to avoid freezing. Ensure the well is properly capped to prevent surface contaminants.

Cordon off the well if located

Refer to the Groundwater Protection Regulation to learn more about owning a well. (groundwater@gov. bc.ca) and read over the regulations in the Water Sustainability Act (www.gov. bc.ca/water) Please visit my website for more information and reviews and GET TREATED RIGHT: www.paulswater.com (250) 510-7006

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Sharing Your Solar Story

David Denning is a Naturalist/Science Educator/Climate Activist who lives on Salt Spring Island

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e are retired educators on Salt Spring and strong, active advocates for action now in response to the climate and ecological crises we now face, but that will be much more significant and threatening to our grandchildren and all future generations. Deborah is on the Board of Transition Salt Spring, and David on the Board of the Salt Spring Community Energy Society.

6476 Norcross Rd, Duncan I Islandreturnit.com I

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We have been planning to install solar for several years as part of our family plan to reduce our carbon footprint to a level that is consistent with living sustainably on the planet. There are several parts to our plan including: first, driving an electric vehicle for as much of our local travel as we possibly can (we bought a used Nissan Leaf 5 years ago); doing energy saving retrofits on our home; growing as much of our food as is reasonable, and buying local organic food; eliminating air travel (or reducing it to a level where our average footprint of air travel is one tonne of CO2 equivalent per year; actively educating about the climate crisis and climate actions that people in our community can make. We have been working with many groups, including the Galiano Conservancy and the Salish Sea Renewable Energy Coop, so we

have known about Viridian and their work in conjunction with different groups for a few years.

We signed up with the Salish Sea Renewable Energy Coop (SSREC) to have our home included in their solar installation bulk purchase program. Tom Mommson of SSREC, is a friend who was able to do a remote assessment of the solar capacity of our roof and the energy production potential of a system installed there.

A few weeks later, Viridian came to our house for a site analysis.

They provided an assessment of the size of the system and the cost. We gave the approval and waited for a good weather window and for the remaining installations on Salt Spring to be finalized so that Viridian could develop a plan for efficient, cost effective installations.

Over the Winter Viridian completed a plan for installations on Salt Spring, applied to BC Hydro for Net Metering Program permits, and generally set the stage for installations to happen in the Spring when weather conditions permitted.

We expected to have our installation completed along with the other installations on Salt Spring. We asked to delay ours until the end of the installation period, as we were away visiting family in California. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, our date was postponed. When Viridian was back up and running, the entire system was installed on our roof, in generally good, but somewhat mixed weather over

two days. We have a very steep metal roof, facing south, so the installation involved safety ropes and tricky maneuvering, especially when it rained for a short period on the first day. On day one, the crew of 3 did an incredible and professional job bolting the racking in place and placing much of the wiring and inverters. On day 2, the crew (again 3 people) carried up and bolted in all of the 20 panels, and finished up the connections and hook-up to our electrical service system.

Our installation provides a maximum of 6.3 kW of solar power provided by 20 panels rated at 315 Watts per panel. The system uses micro-inverters that convert the DC current generated by the panels into 240V AC current which travels from the micro-converters beneath the panels through a cable to our electrical service panel. Viridian supplied all of the materials and safety equipment and completely hooked-up the solar PV system to the grid service of our house.

On a yearly basis, our solar PV system will supply the equivalent of a little more than one-third of the yearly electrical energy we have been using. The total yearly amount has been about 16-21 megawatt hours. Our system should supply about 7 megawatts of electrical energy to our own home, with the extra not used by our home going out the the local grid to be used by our neighbours.

Our solar PV system will offset at least a third of our yearly BC Hydro electrical bill (perhaps as much as $700). The largest cost savings portion will be to ‘trim-off’ the more expensive Tier Two charges from our bill in most months except for the deep winter months of November to February. Every kW hour of Tier Two energy we generate with our Solar PV system saves us about 15 cents.

As the price of electricity from BC Hydro continues to climb over the next years, we will save more and more money for each kW hour we generate. But saving money is not the main reason we believe strongly in solar PV installations. The best reason for going solar is to help the world put more and more truly renewable energy into the grid so as to reduce the amount of electrical energy generated by burning fossil fuels. BC Hydro claims that the energy they provide is 90% renewable, but the whole story is more complicated, and includes them selling our hydro-generated power to the US and also buying fossil fuel generated energy when it is cheap and putting that in our grid. There is also a serious problem with building more dams such as Site C, that do indeed have a high carbon footprint during construction and afterwards as methane is released from the flooded dam site. There is also the question as to why we are flooding very productive agricultural land in the Peace River Valley that will be extremely valuable for food production as the climate gets warmer. The right thing to do is get the world to rapidly adopt more and more renewable energy, whether or not it will save us money as individuals.

• Affordable Drop Off Services • Large Capacity Machines • Ask About Pick Up Service

1606 Joan Ave Crofton 250-324-2249

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Collectibles Eclectibles Estates & More!

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Pentrelew: A Garden Of Discovery Submitted by Mona Kaiser and Tom Rimmer

W Blueberry – Super Food in Your Backyard

D TRADITIONAL ROSES for Summer Colour and Cut Flowers

HYBRID TEA GRANDIFLORA FLORIBUNDA DAVID AUSTIN (Old Fashion English)

Now blooming in the Nursery Serving local gardeners since 1973

250 748 2023

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

www.dinternursery.ca

riving past local farms and in the Fraser Valley, the crop most seen is Blueberry. We have a great climate to grow what is often referred to a ‘Superfood’. The berries are nutrient dense, low in calories, high in antioxidants and purported to have a long list of health benefits. The fruit is attractive looking, sweet, available fresh over several summer month and can be frozen. Best of all you can have it growing in your garden.

On the West Coast we grow the high bush blueberry, as opposed to the low bush found in eastern Canada.

The bush grows in the 3-5’ range and is best in any sunny location. This fits well in either the vegetable garden or incorporated into the landscaping. They are shallow rooted and like a good amount of organic soil matter in the soil. The shallow roots should be kept free of weeds that compete with the plant but more importantly keep the soil evenly moist with regular watering. In spring, mulch under the plant with compost and feed with a balanced organic fertilizer.

In winter prune out some of the oldest branches and shorten any long shoots. There are few pests that one must worry about.

For good pollination, plant two different varieties.

On mature plants expect a yield of 5 or more pounds.

If you want a heavy harvest for baking and freezing, plant midseason varieties. To have continuous harvesting from July to September, plant early, midseason, and late ripening varieties. A few of the most popular varieties are Patriot for early ripening followed by Duke. Blue Crop is a widely grown midseason variety in BC and Elliott will carry the harvest into September. Fall brings beautiful shades of yellow and orange to the landscape and in December the red branches can be pruned and used for Christmas decoration. Here is a plant that can nurture both the body and the soul.

Submitted by Bernie Dinter

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ith great luck we purchased Pentrelew House in 2000, our home and garden in Duncan. Young and keen to put down roots, we could not have been more delighted to find ourselves custodians of Claude and Edna Green’s labour of love.

Claude was responsible for building the house, which he began in 1937 and lovingly maintained until we purchased it from him—at age 96—more than 60 years later. Edna was the master gardener and developed the 1.4-acre lot which became well known for its spring bulbs, species rhododendrons and unique dogwoods.

Although Edna gardened well into her nineties, by the time we arrived much of the garden was returning to nature. A little overwhelmed, we set about to rejuvenate. Two decades later we still uncover new-to-us plants, along with stone-lined walking paths, moss-hidden stepping-stones, an old staircase, a concrete bomb shelter, and pockets of Edna’s plants among the salal, blackberry, bracken fern and big leaf maples. In fact,

but sometimes we can’t help ourselves when confronted with another spectacularly coloured, or unusually textured variety that blooms with the rest of them.

There’s always room for another rhodo….

not 50 feet from our house, and after years of gardening around its edges, we recently found and freed a daylily bed from its salal jail. For years it must have bloomed quietly away while awaiting liberation.

Pentrelew is a spring garden.

Waves of naturalized bulbs begin in January and continue for months. Snowdrops, aconite, hellebore, crocus, chionodoxa, anemone, erythronium, trillium, daffodils, tulips, iris, peonies and cyclamen all grow among the beds of heathers, rhododendrons, Japanese maples and dogwoods.

At one time the garden was home to over 200 daffodil forms, some of which are known to exist only in this garden (see “Pioneer Gardener Remembered”

by Bill Dale, Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society Newsletter May 1998). We have

counted a similar number of rhododendrons to which we add a few more every year.

Our changes have been largely structural. Recognizing that many of the garden’s bones are quite mature, one goal was to plant new trees to transition from the old. Aging dogwoods have been buddy-planted with young ornamentals: Japanese maples, styrex, stewartia, chitalpa, robinia, scarlet oaks, flowering crabs. We love the look of rhododendrons as the middle layer of the garden: mature trees providing filtered shade overhead, smaller shrubs and bulbs supplying changing interest below. While many of the plants still retain their aluminum labels with Edna’s careful Latin notations, dates, and sometimes little surprises like “Eatons 1974,” “My Own Seedling 1968,” or “Grieg 1952” (renown pioneer VI rhodo hybridizer), several remain mysteries like the 25’ beauty that anchors one corner.

We try to keep our own additions to prized scented rhodos or to stretch the blooming season,

Structurally we have extended the paths, stone walls and terrace beds, and planted more fruit trees in the old orchard. Off the kitchen we added a stone and grass-floor terrace with cedar pergola that has become home to an uncommonly beautiful and pleasantly restrained double Japanese wisteria. At the bottom of the eastern slope where Claude Green’s father used to tend the family vegetable patch, we made a grassy play area, fire circle and secret trail (stone-lined, kid-height, winding through the underbrush) for our children when they were small. This has since been converted by growing teens into a remote-control car track, a mountain bike jumping loop, and most recently into a dirt bike skills track. I’m sure our neighbours are thankful the teen years are few.

COVID-19 and kids home from school brought the most recent addition: 7 small chicks and a chicken coop. Fencing in a portion of the working area near the compost and leaf piles, we’re excited to see how a few chickens will take to Pentrelew.

We included a few tree sized rhodos with fabulously twisted trunks within their fenced area with hopes they’ll make good daytime roosts.

The height of summer can be a quiet time for blooms, but Edna clearly had the fall in mind when she built her garden for autumn colours are as bright as the spring flush. In fact, teasing out Edna’s planting intent is a truly

rewarding part of working in this established garden. Recognizing an intentional colour scheme or plant pairing is not always noticeable in the first few years of restorative pruning and weeding. The gift comes when you suddenly look up from the task at hand and realize that the bank of azaleas to your left not only bloom sequentially, but through a specific colour range.

Or that the layered bed beside the garden shed is not only beautiful, but an expert example of proportional balance: deciduous and evergreen plantings, a mix of large and small leaf shrubs, colours that work together and bulbs that blend this interest through the seasons. And then you notice that that bed mirrors one across the lawn but with a shift in colour and timing. Wow. Garden omissions are similarly intriguing. Not a magnolia or camellia to be found. Nor lavender, herbs, or much in the way of perennials. One lonely hosta and hydrangea behind the potting shed, and why only apples and blueberries? Perhaps those answers will be revealed in time too. We are committed to gardening without chemicals and so have our work cut out for us. But for us too, this home and garden has become a labour of love. Enjoying it into our nineties sounds like a grand plan.

The annual Cowichan Family Life Association Garden Tour supports individuals and families to strengthen relationships and reach their full potential.

For more information on how you can support this wonderful community organization this year please visit cowichanfamilylife.org.

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A Thriving Arts and Cultural Community

New Descendants First Nations Art Gallery Opens in Downtown Duncan We are all Descendants, we all have ancestors watching over us, we all will have our future children learning from us.

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urator and artist Suzan Kostiuck and local First Nations artist Shawn Johnny invite you to explore downtown Duncan’s first artists’ owned and operated First Nations Gallery this July.

With a strong background in the arts, a myriad of commercial gallery and organizational arts experience and the thriving frameshop and gallery Excellent Frameworks - Home of the E.J. Hughes Gallery to keep her busy Suzan wondered “Do I really need another gallery?” when talented local artist Shawn Johnny approached her to collaborate.

Being half Dene and growing up off-reserve, herself she grew to love all art forms, from all different cultures, but First Nations art had always drawn her in. “I am familiar with Arthur Vickers stunning works (I am lucky enough to custom frame for his gallery in Cowichan Bay), had picked up knowledge through my own studies of Art Thompson, Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, and the Indian Group of Seven.

Yet I had not connected with the local Tribes community in any personally effective way.” shares Suzan. “When Shawn Johnny and I first began the plans to open a new art gallery we met with honest conversations, challenges

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to overcome and blunt honesty to become business partners. I knew that I could organize and set up a gallery with my business and creative background, but I had not connected with many First Nations artists specifically. Shawn had grown up here, he belongs to Cowichan Tribes, he had the creative knack but no business experience. It became quite clear that both of us had strengths that would work for each other.

One of our first discussions was the name of the gallery. We knew we wanted to create a space that was inclusive to all First Nations.

The idea of everyone being connected by art, and be able to learn different techniques was important. We went our separate ways, and while I was driving home, the word “Descendants” came to me. This word seemed to fit. We are all Descendants, we all have ancestors watching over us, we all will have our future children learning from us. I texted Shawn and he instantly said that was the perfect name for the gallery. He had recently designed an owl, one that represented ancestors, and this began the design of our logo.

We chatted with locals, I emailed artists throughout Canada, and we started gathering our roster to open with. We repainted the space, planned the opening ceremonies… it was coming together. Then Covid-19 hit the world, and everything changed. Everyone’s lives shifted, and we are still trying to work through the economical effects of this virus as I write this from the privileged comfort of my home.

With new protocols in place we are proud to welcome you to come

The Four Legged and the Winged” by Mike Alexander 36” x 48” $1000

Anishinaabe artist Mike Alexander

in and view the work of Mike Alexander, an Anishinaabe artist from Swan Lake First Nation in Treaty #1 territory in Manitoba, now relocated to his new home in Kamloops. He launched his journey as an emerging artist at the age of 40. His unique and original ink drawings were inspired by symbolism of his Ojibway roots as well as his life-long appreciation for high contrast black and white ink drawings. This passion led Mike to his first solo exhibition, a show devoted to his ink drawings in late 2017 in Victoria. In the

spring of 2018, Mike was awarded a small grant from the First Peoples’ Cultural Council. With it, he pursued a practice in acrylic painting and has amassed a small body of work that summons his own Anishinaabe teachings and stories. He was able to connect with and enter into a mentorship with Kwagiulth artist and recipient of the Order of BC, Carey Newman as well as Mohawk artist and Artist in Residence for the City of Victoria, Lindsay Delaronde. His art depicts images motivated by his personal healing journey, his understanding of the interconnectedness between all life and the appreciation of and his pride in his cultural heritage “​ Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.” – Jawaharlal Nehru Descendants First Nations Art Gallery 24 Station St. Duncan Find us on Facebook and Instagram!

JULY ARTS Aquamaris Art Gallery

In The Present, Acrylic on Canvas (Framed) by Gail Johnson - $1,150

Aquamaris Art Gallery Introduces Artists Gail Johnson and Sally Chupick Upon re-opening with new health protocols and hours on June 2nd, Aquamaris Art Gallery welcomed two more accomplished Vancouver Island painters into its talented assembly and now represents 15 artists whose work is proudly featured in the gallery.

A native of Boston, Massachusetts, and a longtime Vancouver Island resident and professional artist, Gail Johnson is well known for her broadly collected coastal and mountain landscapes as well as her textured depictions of red poppies and still life subjects in vibrant, colour-saturated palette. Executed with great skill and instantly recognizable bold-brush style in both oil and acrylic, Gail’s paintings have garnered numerous awards and earned her a signature status (AFCA) with the Federation of

Anahata 6 Point Earring (24kt gold plated brass) Azenya Designs $144

Sombrio, Oil on Canvas (Framed), 40” x 30” by Sally Chupick $1,500

Canadian Artists.

Nova Scotia born Sally Chupick expressed her creativity through fashion design in her early years, living and working in Canada and Europe. Leaving the “rag trade” to pursue art, Sally commenced her artistic journey with watercolour painting 30 years ago in England, and found her chosen medium while studying oil painting and art history in Australia a decade later. Sally now lives in Victoria and creates sublime works of art, with inclinations towards subtle shifts of colour while striking the balance between representation and abstraction.

Aquamaris Art Gallery Upstairs in the historic Duncan Garage Building (Level entry from the back) Suite 202 - 330 Duncan Street July Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am-4:00pm CLOSED Sunday & Monday

NEW Azenya Designs at Excellent Frameworks The 6-Pointed Star is a very ancient and potent symbol representing the mystical union of The Divine Masculine and The Divine Feminine. Two triangles signifying creation, union and unity. The 6-pointed star is the symbol for the heart chakra ~ Anahata ~ emanating compassion, tenderness, unconditional love and equilibrium. Azenya’s namesake jewelry line is inspired by the frequencies & meanings behind forms, symbols and gemstones.

As a seeker of ancient wisdoms, Azenya is intrigued with finding ways to create greater resonance and balance. Guided by intuition, Azenya practices being in the present moment with the help of her three children - her most precious gems. Her soul is nourished from her spiritual practice, and she is most at home in nature.

Excellent Frameworks - Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery, 115 Kenneth St, Duncan

Visit us to see the new arrivals by Kristina Boardman, Claire Christinel, Lynn Harnish, Lisa Riehl and Sandy Terry, along with many other wonderful pieces or art by our assembly of 15 artists. July Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4:00 pm

EJ Hughes Gallery & Excellent Frameworks

Local artisan jewelry will be on show this month. Featuring the works of local artist Morgan Ann Designs and newly returned artist Azenya Designs who was recently featured in British Vogue. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm

Descendants First Nations Gallery

Downtown Duncan’s newest First Nations Art Gallery opens its doors Saturday, July 7 featuring the works of Anishinaabe artist Mike Alexander and the works of Shawn Johnny.

Opens July 7, 2020

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

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

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

A paddling experience through Sansum Narrows

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here is nothing quite like enjoying a day on the water in Cowichan. The importance of allowing oneself to be immersed in nature (not necessarily in the water) has become even more apparent, as we each slowly and cautiously emerge from the mental and emotional shock of the pandemic ‘shutdown’.

Blue and Green spaces allow us to reconnect with nature and with ourselves, and to enjoy time with family and close friends. Recently on a fathers Day kayaking journey through Sansum Narrows, from Cowichan Bay to Maple Bay, we were blessed with an excellent ‘bluebird sky’. As we paddled, I felt an increasing sense of relaxation and an acute awareness of my surroundings enter my Being. Moving through the glassy waters, I noticed the abundance of Ochre Sea Stars, as we paddled along the shoreline at low tide. This keystone species, which is know

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Ochre Stars and Orcas to be an indicator of the health of the intertidal zone (McFadden, M. (2002), has in the past few years been scarce in the local waterways, due to a sea star wasting disease (Kay et al., 2019). Above the waterline wedged into rocky crevices in bunches of twos and three these bright coloured, purple or orange starfish slowly feed on mussels, barnacles, snails and limpets and in so doing provide space for other marine creatures (McFadden, M. (2002). Our observation of these fascinating and colourful creatures was one that evoked wonder and delight in us.

Continuing our journey through Sansum Narrows the current approached ‘slack’ allowing us to easily meander our way around Sansum Point, where the water at fast current flows can be a little turbulent, forming small whirlpools and eddies. We arrived at our lunch spot at Octopus point around mid day, where we satisfied our well earnt appetites. This pretty beach also served as a welcome leg and back stretching opportunity and

time to simply chillax and watch the pleasure boats pass by. Suddenly, the unmistakeable sound of a blow, alerted me to the presence of an orca whale.

There, straight ahead of me, no more than 30 feet away, I could see a tall, black dorsal fin protruding from the water.

“Orcas”, I called, alerting my guests to the presence of these majestic creatures. We all stood transfixed on the shoreline waiting and watching for a fin to break the surface. Where would it pop up? Our eyes scanned the water, then again erupting from the depths, a second dorsal fin.

This time the arching, surfacing motion revealed the white saddle patch before the killer whale dove once again heading deeper into Maple Bay. What a treat, and a perfect experience to seal the memory of our day out.

We completed the last leg of our kayaking journey through Sansum Narrows with a sense of wholeness and gratitude for nature. I glowed inwardly, as I had casually made the

comment earlier in the day that “the chances of glimpsing Biggs Orca whales in Cowichan waters, and especially through Sansum Narrows, has become increasingly common”.

Cowichan Bay, Mill Bay or Maple Bay provide excellent launch locations for canoeing, kayaking and Stand Up Paddle boarding. While, journeying through Sansum Narrows takes 5 – 6 hours on a Day trip, between Cowichan Bay and Maple Bay, shorter journeys within the more protected waters of the various Bays, can provide you with relaxation and reconnection that can recharge your energy and joy of life. There are local companies at each of the above locations that can help you get on the water, on a guided tour, with rentals or provide you with instructional courses. We look forward to getting you on the water.

Submitted by Georgia Newsome, Coastal Bliss Adventures / Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre

company Veterinary geneticist to discuss the health panel results.

LUCKY DOG

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Who’s your Daddy?

anine DNA kits have been around for over fifteen years and they are getting better all the time.

There are more companies to choose from and they are all more accurate than ever.

The breed accuracy comes from the number of breed DNA samples they have to compare your dog’s sample to. Each company will tell you the number of samples they have. Some of the less expensive kits have as few as one hundred samples, but they are of the most common breeds in North America. If you’ve imported your random bred dog from overseas, it would be worth it to get one of the companies that has 350 breeds to sample from.

Most of the DNA companies also offer a health panel as an add on. This provides a lot of information that can be helpful with genetic diseases that you may be able to talk to your Vet about.

The highest regarded test company at this time, Embark provides live chat with a

Embark is also the only DNA test company that offers an “23andMe” style connection service to hook you up with your dog’s cousins. Family reunion, anybody?

DNA My Dog offers wolf and coyote testing to prove/ disprove your theories.

EasyDNA has testing for dogs, cats, birds, and horses.

When your dog’s breeds are discovered accurately, it can be easier to explain her personality traits. Terriers are active, German Shepherds can be anxious, Rottweilers may not like strangers, and Labs love water and fetching (okay, not my Lab, but others…)

You may want to do a DNA test just for kicks to know what her breeds are, or you may have her DNA done to get more in-depth information about why she is the way she is; Is it nurture or nature?

Find out if there are possible health problems to keep an eye out for. I Dog breeders can use DNA to prove pedigree. Some companies provide allergy testing.

And DNA test kits make an excellent gift.

There are now so many options for having your dog’s DNA tested, that shopping

LUCKY DOG Celebrating 7 Years!!!

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Just north of Pots & Paraphanelia

Mugs Plates Bowls Vases Vessels Honey Pots Tea Pots Urns Shakers & more!

The Mud Room Clayworks • Potter Colleen Underwood 1725 Cowichan Bay Road, 250 710 7329 around may take some time.

Prices range from $89 to $359 depending on what you’re looking for, with a good DNA test with health panel around $150.

Testing is simple with a quick cheek swab and return envelope. Return times vary from two to six weeks. They all send you a test results diploma suitable for framing.

It’s difficult even for dog professionals to guess at the breeds that are in a random bred dog. Getting a DNA test can prove who is in your dog once and for all.

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

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Mask The Valley Project Aims To Protect Valley Citizens

n an effort to reduce the transmission of COVID19, Volunteer Cowichan, in partnership with COVID Action Cowichan, is pleased to launch the Mask the Valley project.

Mask the Valley offers all Cowichan Valley residents access to one or more of their free resources: a finished nonmedical mask, mask materials and facilitators to help large groups make their own masks and information on how to safely wear masks.

Mask the Valley volunteers have made over 3,000 masks and ear savers that have been distributed in the community, following our successful surgical cap project. A collaborating group, the Maskateers, has made over 2,000 masks for local First Nations communities. This is a continuing priority, in order to protect the knowledge keepers and the oral histories they carry.

Personal protection is foremost.

Virtual sewing circles help volunteers develop their skills and support each other through the pandemic.

• Permaculture Design + Food Forests • Lawn Care / Pruning / Hedging / Irrigation • Gabion Systems • Flagstone Pathways & Patios • Erosion Control / Habitat Restoration • Therapeutic Medicinal Plant & Zen Gardens • Fungal / Herbal Medicine Products & Consultation • Compost & Soil Fertility Management

Eco + Ornamental Design 54

Project coordinator, Gayle Hurmuses, says: “We promote a culture of mask wearing and awareness of the value of mask wearing in the community.

Education on how to correctly use a mask, and helping people feel comfortable wearing one, is integral to the project”.

The group is actively seeking more volunteers, partnerships and funding to support their goal. Donations of 100% cotton, and volunteers to help with coordinating projects, driving, sewing, technical communications, promotions, general errands and resourcing materials are needed. Every bit of it is fun and worthy,” Hurmuses said.

Three ways to contribute: Donate at https:// volunteercowichan.bc.ca/ donate-2/ or by email transfer at: MaskTheValley@ volunteercowichan.bc.ca To volunteer: MaskVolunteers@ volunteercowichan.bc.ca Submitted by Gina Talbot

Kurtis Howes 250-210-1705

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Give Peace a Chance

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reetings from our Cowichan Valley Buddhist community, in the Nicherin tradition. One of eight major Buddhist sects in the world. As a member for close to 12 years now, I’ve come to appreciate the teachings and what the Sangha has to offer. Our local community or Sangha, has two hectares of forest land off Johnny Bear Road.

The meditation walkways, Lotus Temple Room and borrowing Library are enjoyed by members and visitors. N. Henry our teacher/ Buddah Messenger moved the Sangha from

Victoria to the Cowichan Valley in 2003. Since then, we have run Retreats, Meditation classes, weekly services, counselling support and taught the benefits of faith-study-practice.

December will mark Henry’s 35th year of teaching and studying the Buddha way.

He is a published author on the subject, Meditation the Art & Act of Mindfulness, and Buddha Nature Now are available at the Buddha centre and through bookstores.

Currently it is estimated 650 million people in the world practice some form of the Buddha Dharma. The main countries are China, Japan, Korea and Thailand but even here in Canada it is a spiritual movement continuing to grow in popularity. It offers opportunities to clear the mind, reflect and apply basic life principles. It recognizes life is full of challenges and suffering. The healthy, positive, accepting approach to these obstacles are the strength of Buddhist principles. The Four Noble Truths, Six Paramitas and Eight Fold Pathway are a framework. They are simple yet powerful.

Sunday Service 10:00 AM weekly, Meditation by Appointment, Library Open On Request.

Retreats: Individual - Personal Couples following Tea Ceremony

DESCENDANTS

First Nations Art Gallery Opening July 7 24 Station St. Duncan 250 597-8977

www.descendantsgallery.ca

At the heart of it is a well known concept, Karma.

Cause and Effect. Most people can understand and apply it at a basic level, however it is also profound and far reaching. It can literally shape a person’s destiny.

The last few months have been very difficult worldwide.

Currently we are in the midst of a great deal of turmoil and calls for us all, to do better. Personal responsibility and peaceful means are as relevant as ever. As the pandemic restrictions came into affect, Vancouver Island and the Cowichan Valley

fared better than some parts of the country and indeed, other parts of the world. For that we can be grateful. As we move forward, opening up our economy and reestablishing our relationships with others we can remember to be kind, be calm, be safe. Through it all our Buddhist Community will continue to chant for peace and prosperity for all.

Namaste. Kelly R. Nicherin Buddha Center offers Individual, Personal and Couples Retreats, One, Three, Seven and Ten Day. henryla555@gmail.com

Meditations - Perspective - Persistence Patience - Precepts

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DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES

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58

The Once Upon a Time of Living Happily Ever After...

D

Sybille Webb is a Certified Conscious Uncoupling Coach and an Integrative Body Psychotherapist. For more info contact or 250 715 6957

o you sometimes wonder why there are so many stories of never ending love, and barely any on the ending or changing of love?

What stories can we even refer to, where living happily even after included a kindhearted, honouring breakup, through which the love that was shared changed forms and was blessed and celebrated by all? A breakup where neither party was blamed or shamed, yet where both people were left valued and appreciated for all that they’d given one another, and to the community as a result of their union?

Somehow the romantic idea of “happily ever after” and the promise “til death do us part” created the ideal that true love lasts a lifetime. Personally, I find a sincere commitment to another, and true love that does last a lifetime absolutely beautiful and worth celebrating. But what if it doesn’t? What if during a long life in this ever changing world, our needs and our love evolve and change and we can’t hold on to one person or an unhealthy relationship through all of it? Why then does our culture still assume that a breakup is just another word for failure? Do we have to call a family after a divorce “broken”?

Do we need to accept the norm that the predominant feelings in a breakup are failure, shame or humiliation, and the consequence a loss of social status, or is it time to rethink?

How can we create a new reality, where we can say, “and they lived happily even after”, where there is a sense of benevolence, of support for the children and each other, a focus on creating the best outcome

for all involved, throughout and after a separation?

All these questions were asked and answered by a wonderful and wise woman by the name of Katherine Woodward Thomas.

She is the founder of a program, called “Conscious Uncoupling”, which supports individuals that are in the midst of, or emerging from a separation or a divorce.

Separation can be a massive crisis, and deserves professional and emotional support. The 5 Step Program of Conscious Uncoupling focuses on how to turn this crisis into personal growth, instead of decline. How can we find compassion for ourselves, understand our own patterns, take responsibility for our part that contributed to the ending of the relationship, and step out of victim consciousness? That is the only way to consciously create a new reality. Much of the focus is on the wellbeing of the children, so they don’t have to grow up in the devastating atmosphere of resentment, righteousness, anger or even hatred. All too often love ends in a lawyers office, in fights over children, money, and material things. Sometimes it turns into a never ending nightmare, for a relationship that doesn’t end peacefully, doesn’t end... it turns into war.

I am so grateful to have found support and guidance in the 5 Step Conscious Uncoupling Program, while going through my own separation process. It is leading edge evolutionary work. I studied with Katherine, so I can offer this service to my community today. It is necessary and deeply meaningful work as peace starts within the smallest units of our society, which are relationships, families and our children. I have great compassion for all that are in the midst of this deep crisis and would feel honoured to support you through it.

For more information check out www.consciousuncoupling.com

by Katherine Woodward Thomas, get the book by the same title, or contact me. www.sybillewebb.com

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59

WHILE WE’RE TA L K I N G ,

THEY COULD BE LOGGING TZOUHALEM, PREVOST, RICHARDS, MAPLE, STONEY HILL, SICKER Public consultation about the future of the Six Mountains Community Forest is happening this month.

It will be short, rushed, online—begun and over before we know it.

Then, in September, Council will decide on whether to continue logging during the second stage of consultation.

For the most up to date details please subscribe to WhereDoWeStand.ca 60

Remarkable Meetings In The Forests

By Icel Jane Dobell It begins as an ordinary day at the edge of forest and ocean, in that zone where form and formless merge and converge, and things happen— arisings, appearances, and disappearances.

It begins with no premonition of anything extraordinary on the horizon; behind the mountains no rumblings of the thunder gods; no warnings of the oracle; no signs from the celestial host—stars fading out, dawn fading in, as the curtain begins to rise; as the first breath of day inhales, exhales, and the everything-possible begins to move.

And on this day as I am awakening, out of the night trail vestiges of an apocalyptic vision, on-going since childhood. Across the Bay, across the Narrows, over the backbone of the Island, the forest is coming down.

Giant excavators, ten times the regular size, plow over the mountain top followed by more monstrous machines building a city. I am racing around trying to warn people of what is happening, what is coming. In this night’s version of the prophetic nightmare, the words of the last Meeting Of The Council run through my mind like the soundtrack that goes with it. (They don’t know what’s happening; they don’t know what’s coming.)

Also there are the repetitive thoughts: It’s all wrong. You might as well give up. Most people don’t even know what a forest is—how it lives, how it dies.

Oh, the beleaguered heart; to have to wake up to the mind like a gollum lying next to one, sharing one’s pillow,

whispering in one’s ear; until the breath, the reminder— moving inward, washing outward—rises, and where there had been only thought is the voice of dawn that has been singing all along, of sea, wind and bird song, reminding it is a beautiful world.

Next, in preparation for what is to come, what must be faced—in order to walk through the day with eyes and heart open, as one of the tribe of those who would serve nature and children—I turn and return to nature. I look out at sunrise on ocean deflected into the overhanging forest.

Waves of light surge upward, bend around roots the size of trunks, ascend trunks the size of giants, coil and uncoil through branches—climbing, rhythmic, as music rising, like scales, like a pulse building, carrying imagination and the heart higher and higher, until it, the light, that light within and without, bursts through the canopy and within the self, and it is released, it is felt, from the depths of awe to the heights of reverence for nature: life.

Thus prepared, thus armed, thus disarmed, I turn to face, across the Bay, the nightmare vision: surreal as a faerie tale, monstrous as a dragon coming over the tops of the mountains, fatally unfolding, behold the clearcuts.

I still can’t believe it’s happening, as foretold in dark nights, (as if proof our destinies are written in the stars). But unlike the nightmares where I am alone—in the Valley, hundreds of citizens have been awakening, opening their eyes to what is happening. It is extraordinary; it is a reason for optimism and faith. And yet, still most people have no idea what is coming; and it is this that is breaking my heart. It is this that drives me day and night, as caretaker of the point, to sound the alarm.

To live on the edge of the Valley, of the Bay; to witness the scars seeping, the wounds weeping in the forest, is the knife in the heart.

I look. I breathe; I breathe until the heart like a muscle in spasm releases, breaks open, and the everything-possible begins to move.

a marionette. At this rate, it will take ten minutes to move a foot. At any rate, he has my back.

Pip, of unfathomable instincts, raises her nose—turns it this way, turns it that way, smelling, sensing, on the look out. She looks into my eyes and warns there is something. She stands alert, poised, ready to defend me to the death.

It is this. When we chose to serve nature, when we open our eyes, from out of the blue, from out of sea and forest, on wings, on fins, trotting in on paws— angels arrive.

Sometimes, it begins in ordinary ways. Now, as every day, innumerable times throughout the day, it is through the eyes of nature. On the surface, they are “just dogs”—a little Shetland Sheepdog; a big red Sultan dog—Pip and Hudson. Subject, object; the nature of reality—some see “just dogs,” some see angels.

The adventure begins. We go for a walk.

Where we live, on the Point of the Peninsula, surrounded by ocean, by mountains of forests and the wind, is to live as in an amphitheatre, exposed, where short of closing one’s eyes, there is no avoiding seeing what is happening, what is coming. I carry pen, as siren, to sound the alarm. We walk through forest above ocean, and I pray for the words to describe.

We climb the hill and pass beneath the giant hemlock.

We inspect the hole we found and covered over several days ago—a hole big enough to sleep ten raccoons. At least, this was my first thought when we first saw the den dug out of needles and branches. Of course, raccoons don’t make their beds on a trail on the ground but the image was less concerning than the more likely alternative as to what might have dug the hole. I didn’t go there until the next day, when,

walking further along the deer fence, we discovered another enormous hole dug under the fence. And then I knew.

And if I hadn’t known, there was the evidence: the biggest black feces I have ever seen— indisputably that of a bear. A big bear.

It was out of the ordinary. To protect the native plant/bird/ bee sanctuary, the deer fence is high—eight feet high. No bear or cougar had ever bothered to scale or dig under it so I’d always felt we were protected in the little wilderness. Ever since a child, exploring The Six Mountains, I’d never encountered a bear, so it was a little exciting. But I figured it was a one-off, the bear was not coming back, so I wasn’t worried. At the insistence of friends, I did begin to take the minor precaution of carrying bear spray in my carpenter’s belt, (when I remembered), but with no intention of using it.

The only time I had attempted to use it, in the past, was on a raccoon that was attacking another Sheltie, and I shot myself in the face. But as I say, I wasn’t really worried. Bears are supposed to be afraid of dogs and Hudson and Pip are always at my side (at least Pip is).

We carry on walking. There are observations. The hand takes dictation. Eventually Pip and I

return to the point. Hudson isn’t with us. I call him. He doesn’t come. I call again. He doesn’t come. I call and call and grow concerned.

Suddenly Hudson appears, flying up from the ocean, eyes ecstatic. He leaps up and down on deer-like springy legs. He beseeches, points to ocean, describes the most incredible thing, begs us to return with him; so we go.

We descend beneath towering fir and arbutus. Slowly, we approach the sandstone shore.

I’m on the alert. Last time Hudson was this excited he had two big raccoons cornered on a rock encircled by the rising tide—or I thought he had them cornered, from a safe distance, in pointer pose, and was mortified to think the raccoons were scared. Of course, Hudson was no match for two raccoons and, as it turns out, raccoons can swim 5 km/h and stay in water for several hours. When they saw me coming, they yawned and paddled away.

This time, just in case, as we arrive on the rocky ledge above the water and are about to walk around the bank beneath the bows of a giant fir, I raise a finger to ask Hudson and Pip to wait here, but Hudson has already dropped into slinkmode, belly lowered. He is moving in slow motion, lifting his paws consecutively like

I turn to go forward, take one step, and in the motion of turning, moving just one step, am pulled from one world to another. For there waiting, as if prearranged, as if on cue, (the sound of waves growing distant), as if on a faraway shore to which I am instantly transported, are the eyes of a mysterious, remarkable being looking into my eyes.

It is the same; it is almost always the same: Through the eyes of nature one is moved from the ordinary to the everything extraordinary.

Spontaneously as thunder within the well of everything maternal, life resounds, deafening every thought. The body is flooded, the mind expelled, and all there is is love.

Eyes locked, yet in that way of the maternal, able to take in the whole being, I take in the presence of an inexplicable creature of the faerie tale realm; born as if of different aspects of different beings.

Its head is round, with large, black, twitching nose and long whiskers. Its mouth, like a child’s, is open slightly. Its fur is thick and rich brown.

Its front paws, positioned near its face, appear like little supplicant hands drawn together, as if for holding flowers, as if for praying, as if for beseeching loving kindness.

Its ears protrude like little cups.

Its back paws are webbed, Remarkable Meetings in The Forest continued on page 63

61

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) This month, you’re focused on issues from your past, especially related to family and home or a parent. You might decide to enlarge your “bubble” to include more family? Many of you will hear from family members you haven’t heard from in a while.

You might misplace or lose things at home; or possibly, you will find something that you lost before? Meanwhile, you will appreciate your daily surroundings at this time. It’s as if you’re seeing them with new eyes. You might also truly appreciate how much love there is in your daily world.

Nice.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) The pace of your days will accelerate this month with short trips, errands, appointments plus spending increased time with siblings, relatives and neighbours. You will be busy learning, reading and writing.

Ironically these are the very areas that will trip you up because Mercury retrograde will create delays to travel. Car problems and transportation glitches will occur. Mucho silly errors! This will be confounding because meanwhile, you’re doing your best to handle the demands of an increased, busy pace! On the upside: you will attract money to you this month. Yes! Gemini (May 21-June 20) Your focus now is on money, cash flow, earnings and assets. You might dream up moneymaking ideas and take stock of your wealth. However, Mercury retrograde means errors in financial matters are likely. Cheques in the mail will be late. Be proactive. Double check your bill or invoice.

Count your change. Clarify info from your bank. Read your credit card statement. Do not assume that they are correct.

Meanwhile, this is an excellent week to buy wardrobe goodies.

How you can improve the image you create on your world?

Cancer (June 21-July 22) The Sun is in your sign this month giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of year. Because of the strength of the Sun in your sign, you will attract people and favourable situations to you.

However, Mercury retrograde is taking place in your sign as well, creating goofy mistakes, misplaced items, lost paperwork, computer glitches, transportation delays as well as contact with people from your past, especially partners and old friends. (Maybe a secret love affair.)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Because your birthday is a mere month away, your personal year is coming to an end. This means the Sun is “hiding” in your chart, which means you also want to keep a low profile. You won’t disappear because Venus will entice you to interact with friends and groups, especially in a creative, artistic way.

You might encounter disputes about insurance issues, shared property, taxes, debt or anything that you own jointly with someone else. Remember this is an excellent year to get a better job or improve your existing job.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Everyone wants to see your face! Good times with friends, especially friends from the past are happening. Many will be more involved with groups and organizations and will run into old faces from these clubs as well. Fear not because with fair Venus at the top of your chart, you look great! (In fact, you look so good some will begin a romance with a boss.) One minor challenge is that fiery Mars is opposite your sign now, which can make you easily annoyed with others. This will test your patience. Fear not, on

the whole, you are happy to be who you are.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This month, the Sun is at the top of your chart casting you in a powerful spotlight that makes you look fabulous in the eyes of others. This is why you’ll be asked to assume increased responsibilities. Say yes because you don’t have to do anything special. Since you make such a great impression on others, this window of time is perfect to make your pitch or advance your agenda.

Fortunately, you are pumped to work hard! Meanwhile, bosses and parents you haven’t seen for a while are back on the scene. Travel if you can.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This month, you want to expand your world. You want adventure! You want to see new places and meet new faces! Unfortunately, Mercury retrograde could cause travel delays. This is also an excellent time to explore opportunities in the media, publishing, medicine, the law or higher education. Gifts and money will come your way! This is timely because you feel playful and prankish! You want to have fun, which often costs money.

(However, your sex drive is amped and if you’re lucky, that’s affordable.)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month you are oh so charming, which is a good thing because increased chaos and activity on the home front could create tension. Demonstrate grace under pressure. This month is passionate for you because you are focused on shared property and your partner’s wealth. Unfortunately, Mercury retrograde will create delays.

However, Mercury retrograde

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You will need more sleep this month. Meanwhile, expect to hear from ex-spouses, expartners and old friends from your past. Sometimes these re-encounters are good things – sometimes, not so much.

Fortunately, even though you need more sleep, you will be vigourous and dynamic in all your daily communications.

You’ll be convincing! People will listen to you! This is also an excellent time to relate to coworkers, especially to discuss agreements. This is also a good time to boost your health.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This month you are determined to be efficient and productive because you want to be better organized in every aspect of your life. Ironically, Mercury retrograde will trip up these noble ambitions with silly errors, lost paperwork, confused messages, mixedup communications, delays, computer glitches and machinery breakdowns.

Nevertheless, press on!

Your resolution to get better organized is a wonderful thing.

Fair Venus promises fun times and socializing with others.

Mars will make you work hard to earn money – and spend it!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) You win! This month, the Sun is in a fun part of your chart making you feel be exactly who you are. Your drive will be to do what you want and especially, to amuse yourself and have fun! Activities with kids will shine. Your attitude to relationships will be lighter.

You will enjoy redecorating at home as well as entertaining friends. Meanwhile, with Mars in your sign, you’re PowerPoint on steroids! You’ve got energy to burn! Mercury retrograde will attract old flames from your past back into the world again. Look good when you go out. Let them see what they’re missing. www.georgianicols.com

1-778-554-5434 I tarynogormandesigns.com 62

will also help you clean up unfinished red-tape details from the past. (You’ll love yourself to get some of this out of the way.

Finally!) Keep looking for ways to boost your income because they exist!

Remarkable Meetings in The Forest continued from page 61

Zak Stolk Violin Maker

25 Years Experience of Lutherie in the Italian Tradition.

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

250-749-6563 zakviolins@shaw.ca www.zakviolins.com enormous, out of proportion. It has a large flat paddle tail, like a rudder. It appears twice as big as Hudson, perhaps sixty or seventy pounds, its body like a little round bear.

This is the first impression; it is a fantastical little bear, part bear, (the face rounder, softer), part mammal—yet also of the aquatic domain, of mermaid or merbear.

I’ve never seen anything like it and with the heart at the helm there is no desire to know what it is, or to know anything at all, other than what is felt.

Instinctively, the heart feels this being, arisen from the depths, is not of here, does not belong here, will die if it remains here, and yet is here for a purpose, as envoy, a messenger of the gods, a visitation of nature, of life.

As form it appears vulnerable, a sign, a warning: Something is wrong. (What? Pushed from its habitat? By development? By logging? Yes, say instincts.)

The remarkable creature sits without moving, looking into my eyes. In its eyes there is no fear. It is familiar. It is as if it has been waiting for me to finally arrive and now we can begin.

But begin what? Maternal instincts dictate something must be done—such is their

purpose—to nurture, to protect, to love, to do. But what can I do? I cannot transport this being back in time to its home, any more than we can go back to protect forests that are gone, replaced with tree plantations; I cannot put it under my wing.

So, feeling helpless—so, feeling powerless, on this shore as the waves break, I feel the heart break and break, until the everything within breaks open.

What can we do? What are we supposed to do? In the face of the inability to carry the world upon their shoulders, I do as mothers have done throughout the ages: beside innocence I cannot protect, I sit down and weep. It is not for nothing; it is everything—for when the heart is open, angels fly in, swim in, trot in; and things happen…

The Bear And The Unicorn is continued on WhereDoWeStand. ca, along with all available information about public consultation and The Six Mountains Community Forest.

Quick, short, rushed, online, the consultation and THE SURVEY are happening this month. Then, in September, logging could start up again. To find out what is happening, what is coming, please subscribe to Where Do We Stand.

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