November 2017 Issue 108

owichan

NOVEMBER 2017 ISSUE 108 LOCAL ARTS I WINTER EVENTS I COMMUNITY NEWS I SEASONAL FOOD

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November 2017 Issue 108 Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Publisher Richard Badman Editor Sheila Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com or by phone at 250 746 931 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Distribution Events Calendar Michael Andringa Nejma Belarbi For Print ads please contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline November 18 for December Issue 109 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

For free community events listings please email us at: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Events format: Date, Time, Location, Event Title and Cost Next DEADLINE November 15 for December 2017 Issue 109 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations Special thanks to following Valley Voices: Cathi Jefferson, Joy Emmanuel, Pam Stiles, Penny Lehan, Gabrielle Rondeau-Leclaire, Mark Holford, Bill Jones, Elia Manna, Carolyn Prellwitz, Jennifer Lawson, Rowan Hamilton, Chris and Dawn, Jane Spencer, Lee Masters, Katie Daniel, Florie Varga, Helga Feichtinger, Nicola Constantine-Macdonald, Christina Hamill, Linda Hill, KuanJian Foo, Sheila Badman, Chelsea Abbott, Tina Short, Mel Robinson, Kendra Thomas, Debbie Wood, John Scull, Tracey Hanson, Tamu Miles, Marilyn Weland, Denise Gerhardt, Asrael Zemenick, David Suzuki, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however CowichanValley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style.The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available.

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

Cover Image: River Crossing table by Live Edge Designs, Duncan www.liveedgedesign.com, Photography by Grant Kernan

CHRISTMAS AD SPECIALS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Ad Deadline November 20

For Rate Card Contact Adrienne Richards

250 510 6596

OUR COMMUNITY September Events 6-7 Loot In The Boot 5 Mon Expérience Comme Stagiaire À La Cow-Op.ca 22 A New Intercultural Welcome Centre is on the Horizon 39 Christmas At The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre 48 Celebrating Working Cooperatively 55 The Holidays Are Coming…Show That You Care 56 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese 12 The Spiralizer The Best Thing Since Pasta! 14 Culinary and Wine Training For Home Chefs 15 Musings from the Vines 17 The Fungi Community 18 Locally Grown Food All Winter Long 19 Why Not Try Edible Fresh Baked Gifts This Year? 29 FARM & GARDEN Make Sure You Turn Your Dirt Principals of Composting 58 Lenora Hive Share 63 LOCAL ARTS Cowichan Artisans Tour 8 It’s FIESTA Time! 11 Travelling World Community Film Festival 13 Ou Gallery Open House & Art Sale 27 Jennifer Lawson 28 Brad Allen at Imagine That! 38 CHILDREN & FAMILY Sunrise Waldorf School Winter Fair 34 Family Halloween Concert 40 The Power of Mentorship 41 A Parent Coach: A Valuable Asset In Your Family’s ‘Village’ 42 Montessori 43 BODY, MIND & SOUL Winter is Coming – Dry Skin Care 24 Regulating Your Temperature With Wool 32 Fall Fashion - Vancouver Island style 36 Qigong for Natural Health 45 Headaches Nerves and Reflexology 51 The Story of the TMJ 52 Being Culturally Welcoming of Volunteers from Diverse Backgrounds 54 Do you know what’s lurking in your closets? 57 The Blow by Blow 60 Yoga- Community Connection 64 Honouring Resistance Sexual Assault Counseling 66 Horoscopes 69 Directory 70-71 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE WildWings Nature & Arts Festival 35 Annual Waterbird Count at Hecate Park, Cowichan Bay 59 Lucky Dogs...Don’t be shy…62

adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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

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he Cowichan Region has plentiful treasures ranging from vintage collectibles to one-of-a-kind riches that often remain hidden from the world. These hidden gems tend to collect dust in closets, attics, basements, underneath the couch, or end up taking a trip to the landfill. On Sunday November 5th, from 11AM – 3PM, spare a trip to the dump and get out your dusters to let your treasures shine at Cowichan Green Community’s (CGC) first annual “Loot in the Boot” fundraiser!

Taking place in The Station’s parking lot, a building owned and managed by CGC, “Loot in the Boot” gives opportunity for community members to sell their treasures out of their trunk, or donate their treasures for CGC to sell. Local food producers to artisans and collectable specialists to antique extraordinaires are welcome to pop the trunk and rent a stall for $20. Donated loot, will be accepted through CGC’s Garden Pantry Store.

Please no clothing, linens, or large furniture.

Proceeds from stall rentals and donated items will go directly to supporting CGC’s many engaging and educational programs, such as FruitSave, KinPark Youth Urban Farm, Incubator Seed Farm, and food-focused

Loot In The Boot community workshops and events.

“Not only is this a great fundraising opportunity for the community to be fully engaged in supporting CGC’s dynamic programs, it also presents an opportunity to do something good for the earth at the same time,” says Leslie, Garden Pantry Store manager. “By ‘upcycling’ your treasures for someone else’s enjoyment you are keeping more things out of the landfill, and that is a really good thing! It’s a large part of what we are all about at the Garden Pantry Store. While you are here for “Loot in the Boot”, please come and visit

the store and see what our local vendors are up to.”

To donate your loot, please come to the Garden Pantry Store on 360 Duncan Street.

Donations for “Loot in the Boot” will be accepted to November 3rd, 10 – 4:30PM, Tuesday – Saturday. If you

wish to rent a parking stall to sell your loot, or for more information please call Madelaine at 250748-8506, or email info@ cowichangreencommunity. org.

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Metal Art by Brad Allen, Glass Mosaics by Veronica Scott Imagine That!, 251 Craig St., Duncan Runs to 11/17

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World Community Film Festiva VIU Cowichan Campus 5:15- 9pm cowichanvalleyfilm.ca runs to 11/5

Grand Opening Event at GIFTS Fair Trade - Food, fun, prizes and speakers 7-8:30 pm 5380 Trans Canada Hwy

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Wednesday Prime Rib Buffet Nights at the Farm Table Inn. 6755 Cowichan Lake Rd. 6pm seating rsrv 250 932 3205 $39.95 also 8/15/22

Kim Beggs Live in the Chapel at Providence Farm. 7:30 pm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. Duncan Music/ Providence Farm Store/eventbrite. ca $20

“Paving the Way” cultivating strength-based strategies for healing and recovery 10am-12pm​​ WWSSS 331 St Julian St. 250-7108177 also 11/18/25

Komorebi Art Exhibit 10am-5pm.

Portals the Island Savings Centre www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil. ca runs to 11/16 FREE

Traditional Square Dance at the Hub 7:30–9:30pm Cowichan Station 250 929 8226 $5

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Community Acupuncture Wednesdays w/Frauke McCashin, RAc 5-8pm #103-44 Queens Rd. 250-710-3581 $15-$45 also 8/15/22/29

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Jory Helmes- Teemu Hakala - David Gluck Artist Opening 6-8 pm Excellent Frameworks 28 Station St. 250 746 7112 runs to 11/30 Support group open to grandparents and other kinship care providers to discuss the unique challenges in raising a relative’s child.6:30-8:30 pm​​1 877 345 9777 Honouring Resistance Sexual Assault Counseling 10am-12pm​​ Warmland Women’s Support Services Society​​331 St Julian St. 250-710-8177 also 9/16/23/30 Community Acupuncture Thursdays w/Frauke McCashin 12-3 pm RAc #103-44 Queens Rd. 250 710 3581 $15-$45 also 9/16/23/30

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Kim Beggs, Chapel at Providence Farm. Show 7:30PM 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. Duncan. $20 at Duncan Music, Providence Farm Store eventbrite. ca. Presented by Barely North Entertainmet

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Blue Grouse Soup Saturdays 12-5pm 2182 Lakeside Rd. $14 also 11/18/25 Mary Fox Pottery Annual Studio Sale Seconds and 25% off decorative pieces begins 115PM321 Third Ave, Ladysmith Special Concert David Braid and Mike Murley 7 pm Sylvan United Church 985 Shawnigan Mill Bay rd. 1-250-324-1900 $20 WildWings Nature & Arts Festival Wrapping Up with Koksilah Walk​​ 9am-4pm www.wildwingsfestival. com $10 Consort’s Spooky Music Family Concert 7:30 pm CR Church 930 Trunk Rd. @ the door Prizes for best Halloween costume A $20 ch & stdts $10 Big Brothers and Big Sisters Power of Mentorship Info Sessions 10am www.bbbscowichan.ca Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley Volunteer Info Session 10am 1-60 Ingram St. julie. pyon@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca An Evening of Messages from Spirit- The Cowichan Spiritualist Church of Healing and Light 7:30 pm Mercury Theatre 331 Brae Rd. cowichanspiritualistchurch.com $20

Multi-JUNO Award winners join Danish jazz drummer Anders Mogensen, and Finnish bassist, Johnny Åman on a National album release tour.

DAVID BRAID & MIKE MURLEY

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 4, 7PM

This creative jazz quartet, “The North” creates music combining the experiences of jazz musicians living in Canada and Scandinavia.

Tickets $20

Sylvan United Church, 985 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd Call Pat Selman To Reserve Tickets: 1-250-324-1900

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Presented by Church Mice Productions

Cowichan Artisan Fall Studio Tour 11-5 pm Visit 12 professional artists working in their studios www. cowichanartisans.com FREE

he Joy of Drumming intro wkshp w/Karin Lewis Sol Centre 5380 Trans Canada Hwy 7- 8pm No exp needed Drums to share or BYO www. karinlewisdrum.com $10 - $20 sliding scale The Art of Flavour: culinary and wine training begins 7 10pm, CGC 360 Duncan St. 250.466.9957

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World Community Film Festival- last day! 12:15 - 8pm VIU Cowichan Campus cowichanvalleyfilm.ca Sunday Sidewalk Celebration 11am - 3pm Downtown Duncan Quaker (Friends) silent meeting.

10:30am. St. Ann’s Garden Club Providence Farm open to everyone www.cowichanvalley.quaker.ca. also 11/19 FREE Sunday Brunch Buffet at the Farm Table Inn. 11am seating 6755 Cowichan Lake Rd. Lake Cowichan Reserve 250 932 3205 $26.95 also 12/19/26 Sunday Jazz Milk Crate Bandits music of New Orleans by Jack Ray and bandmates 2pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $15

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Happiness Enhancing Gathering To Help Increase Our Wellbeing 7-8.30pm “The Collective Space” 166 Station St. 250 732 4599 also 14/21/28 Culturally Welcoming Volunteers 2.0 Workshop 9am-3:30 pm Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. volunteercowichan.bc.ca $20 or $30 for 2 (lunch included)

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The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer - CPAC Cabaret Series 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St. 250 748 7529 $32

Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse: BelgiumCanadian singer -guitarist Sophia Ammann 7pm Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St. $10/ $5 CFG Remember Our Veterans 11 am Cobble Hill Cenotaph The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #53 Remembrance Day Ceremony, 11am Charles Hoey Park Lion Bear Fox, Chapel at Providence Farm. 7:30PM 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. Duncan. $20 at Duncan Music, Providence Farm Store eventbrite.ca. Presented by Barely North Entertainme

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FIESTA Ethical Trade Fair 10am-3pm Conference room Ramada Inn $2 Sunday Jazz Edith Piaff Tribute - vocalist Edie Daponte 2pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton Adv $15 $20 @ door Coastal Waterbird Count 12pm Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre Cowichan Bay www. cowichanestuary.ca FREE 5 Rhythms Dance meditation 10am-1pm @ the HUB in Cowichan Station chantellfoss@ gmail.com $30 Dream Journey class, 1-3pm, 3228A Gibbons Rd, Duncan, $50, Fb:SJMermaidMoon/

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Mindful Inquiry, The Work of Byron Katie-Four questions that can change your life 7-9pm

La Petite Auction House

Auction Sunday NOVEMBER 12 & 26 • 1pm Accepting goods throughout the week

Viewings

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

9686 Chemainus Rd, 250-701-2902

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

604 317 7323 also 11/22 Corb Lund – Solo Tour 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St.250-748-7529 $45 Upcycling felted wool sweaters into bodum and tea pot covers workshops 10-2pm & 5:308:30pm 360 Duncan St. leslie@ cowichangreencommunity.org FREE Soul Escape Annual Holiday Shopping Party 12-6pm Soul Escape Esthetics #4 5777 Trans Canada Hwy 250-748-2056

Lakeside Rd. Cowichan Stn

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Sponsor a Christmas Tree Pier Reconstruction Project Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre 250 746 4955

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The Hip Hop Nutcracker Remixed 2pm & 7pm Cowichan Performing arts Centre cowichanpac.ca Chemainus Classical Concerts: Bruce Welch piano 2pm St. Michael’s Church Chemainus 250 748 8383 $20/$5 Adv. $16

Wild Goose Qigong demonstration and question period 6:45 pm 7:15 pm class Rivendell Yurt 5215 Bills Rd. 250 748 4060 FREE

Sunday Jazz Greg Bush Quintet from Nanaimo 2pm Osborne Bay Pub Crofton $15

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Sacred Chant Circle @ Rivendell Yurt in Glenora 7-8:30 pm by don.

Sadie 250 748 2089

Wild Goose Qigong class demonstration and question prior to class. 9:45 am-10:15 am class Rivendell Yurt 5215 Bills Rd. 250 748 4060 FREE Mindful Inquiry Mindfulness Meditation 7-8pm Rgstr 604 317 7323 by donation Cowichan Valley Green Drinks, 5pm-7pm, Craig St Brewpub 3rd Floor, FREE (buy your own beer), http://www.greendrinks.org/BC/ Cowichan%20Valley Butter Chicken with Pam 5.30pm Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree Junction 778 422 3310 $35 also 22/29 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley Volunteer Info Session 2pm 1-60 Ingram St. julie. pyon@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

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Wellness Circle receive holistic healing of Reflexology or Reiki on a pay what you can 5-8pm Collective Space 166 Station St. Duncan

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Corwall’s Allinclusive Cancun Christmas Chemainus Theatre chemainustheater.ca runs to 12/31

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Winterfair at Sunrise Waldorf School 10-3pm 2148

CR Avery Live Chapel at Providence Farm. 7:30PM 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. Duncan $20 eventbrite.ca

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The Cowichan Valley Naturalist’s 7:30pm 1080 Wharncliffe Rd. (Eco Centre)

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29th Annual Christmas Country Tour Cedar, Yellow Point www. cyartisans.com

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29th annual Cedar Yellowpoint Studio Tour 10am-5pm Cedar Yellow Point cyartisans.com runs to 11/26 Open House & Art Sale 11-4pm The Ou Gallery 3091 Agira Rd. www.theougallery.com FREE runs to 11/26 Christmas Kick-Off 5:30 - 8:30pm Downtown Duncan HUB Film Club Movie Night screening “Toni Erdmann” Germany 2016 rated R 7pm The HUB at Cowichan Station 2375 Koksilah Rd. Adm w/membership or don. hubfilmclub@gmail.com Laila Biali - CPAC Cabaret Series

7:30pmCowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St.250 748 7529 $32

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Cowichan Exhibition “Deck the Hall ” Christmas Market 10am-4pm & 10am–3pm 7380 Trans Canada Highway www.cowex.ca FREE

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Free Yin Yoga Class w/ Nadia 6-7:30pm Harmony Yoga Centre 360 Duncan St. 250-5971919 www.Harmony YogaDuncan.com FREE Christmas Open House @ Emandare Vineyard and Foch Release!

12-4pm

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Shirley Gnome fantastic singer/ songwriter and player XXX genre with precision and social value and laughter 8pm Duncan Showroom 131 Station St. $20/$15 Sunday Jazz Graham Shonwise 2pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $15 Five Weeks in Nepal 7 pm Performing Arts Centre 2687 James Street www.cowichanpac.ca $5

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Upcycling felted wool sweaters into tablet covers and coffee cup sleeves workshop 10-2pm & 5:30-8:30pm 360 Duncan St. leslie@cowichan greencommunity.org FREE Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley Volunteer Info Session 6pm 1-60 Ingram St. julie. pyon@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca Spiralizing with Julianne 7pm Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree

Junction 778 422 3310 $35

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Eagle Eyes Eagles tribute band 8pm Duncan Showroom 131 Station St.

DECEMBER

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Cure Open House and Sampling 4-7pm 5-1400 cowichan bay Rd. FREE Late Night Shopping Event and Christmas Trees Light Up (5:30pm), Cowichan Bay, 5-8pm

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Westholme Tea Farm Open House, 10am - 6pm, 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme 250.748.3811 www.westholmetea.com

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Nanaimp Art Walk 10am-4pm nanaimoartwalk.com

For full design/build service, give us a call

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

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MARY FOX

Live Edge Designs

beautiful vessels to enrich and inspire

POTTERY

2017 STUDIO SALE COWICHAN ARTISANS TOUR SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4 SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5 11 AM TO 5 PM

Mary Fox, Ceramic Artist; Jo Ludwig, Glass Vessels, Steampunk/Folk-Art Sculpture; Karen Trickett, Custom Furniture, Marquetry and Automotive Woodwork; Cam Russell, Custom Furniture; Jennifer Lawson, Watercolour Painter; Live Edge Design, Custom Art Furniture; Laurel Hibbert, Acrylic Painter; Ancient Art of Stone, Stone mosaics and murals; Morgan Saddington, Silver Jewelry.

Information, brochures and map are available online at www. cowichanartisans.com and at the following locations: Victoria -Art Gallery of Greater Victoria; Mill Bay – Visitor Information Booth; Duncan – The Garage, and Visitor Information Centre; Ladysmith – The Waterfront Gallery.

Cowichan Artisans Tour

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ver wonder what it takes to be a full-time artisan? Where does artistic inspiration come from? How long does it take to master a skill?

Over the course of a weekend, twelve professional, full-time artisans will open their studio doors to share experiences and showcase their work.

Eclectic offerings range from fine furniture and pottery to jewelry and dichroic glass vessels. There are also paintings reflecting Cowichan scenes, intricate stone mosaics and smooth wooden bowls and boxes.

STUDIO 321 Third Avenue, Ladysmith, BC WEB www.maryfoxpottery.ca I only have one sale a year... but it’s a good one!

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See you on the tour!

2017 Cowichan Valley Artisans Tour – November 4 & 5. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Each piece of work is original in concept and design. Each is a labour of love reflecting the highest professional standards.

Artists include: Cathi Jefferson, Ceramic Artist; Peggy Brackett, Glass Jewelry; Ken Broadland, Wood Turning and Woodwork;

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

Cathi Jefferson Pottery

Cathi Jefferson

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n her studio, Cathi Jefferson is surrounded by the things that most inspire her: the sacred trees of the west coast. Her passion for nature is expressed through her pottery. “I feel a deep connection to the fathomless energy and beauty in nature and I want to infuse this sense into my clay work.”

Cathi’s work is functional and sculptural with pieces thrown and altered on the potter’s wheel or hand-built, decorated in earthy colour tones with nature inspired images.

The pieces are high fired to

stoneware temperature, so very durable, in a gas salt fire kiln that Cathi built when she and her husband, Parker, moved to the Cowichan Valley 11 years ago and built their home and studio. This type of kiln firing is rare and imparts amazing varied surface textures and rich colour tones unique to this process, each piece different from side to side and each other.

Live Edge Designs

Nestled among the trees and on the banks of the Cowichan River, Cathi’s studio and gallery are a must see. You will find finely crafted functional pottery as well as beautiful unique sculptural pieces, all inspired by the wonderful natural setting in which they were created.

Live Edge Design have been creating custom, west coast furniture in the Cowichan Valley for 11 years. Each piece is made from salvaged trees from the valley and the whole process (from tree to table) happens in their studio and workshop on Mearns Rd. There are 27 full time employees at Live Edge Design who cut, mill, dry, flatten, shape and create pieces that are designed to last generations and designed to capture attention.

Visit Cathi during the Cowichan Artisans Fall Tour, November 4 & 5 from 11am - 5pm daily. 5656 West Riverbottom Rd, Duncan.

“These are trees that were going to become firewood, and so what i want to do is demonstrate how much value you can get from a single

tree…we shouldn’t just be leaving them out in the woods, or shipping them out raw, we should be making them into beautiful objects” Says John Lore, Founder and President of Live Edge Design Live Edge Design have recently partnered with The Robert Bateman Centre for another oneTree exhibit (Opens Nov 16th at the Robert Bateman Gallery, Victoria).

An incredible exhibit that displays the work of 53 artisans who have each made something from one single tree.

To get a sneak preview of the oneTree creation that John has designed visit the studio during the Cowichan Artisans Fall Tour, November 4 & 5 from 11am - 5pm daily, 5195 Mearns Rd, Duncan.

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NEW STOCK ON DISPLAY

Whippletree Furniture

• Sofas • Loveseats • Chairs • Sectionals • Swivel Tubs •Recliners All covered in Natural & Protected Leathers

250-746-4255 The courtyard at Whippletree Junction www.whippletreefurniture.com

Tuesday thru Saturday

COME AND SIT WHILE ... WE WILL WINE AND DINE YOU!

FEATURING COWICHAN VALLEY WINES & ISLAND CRAFT BEERS

AN EXCELLENT LUNCH STOP

CELEBRATE AL FRESCO DINING AT THE DAYLINER DECK - GARDENS LICENSED

She Has Just One Sale A Year But It’s a Good One!

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t seems there is always something new going on at my Pottery but once again I have some very exciting news! I am going to be the first studio potter in Canada to get a Blaauw kiln.

Blaauw kilns are the only fully automated, computercontrolled gas kilns available today. They are the cutting edge in kiln technology and are energy efficient as well. I have wanted a gas kiln since I was a teenager. There is a huge difference in the kinds of glazes and effects you can get when you are firing with gas, and I am excited to begin my explorations. With this kiln, I can program in the exact amount of reduction/ oxidation I want while firing, and can repeat the firings. It is going to be the biggest learning curve that I have ever embarked upon in my work. Here is a look at some of my latest Foxenware, seems I can’t wait for Mary Fox

DAYLINERCAFE.COM

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the new kiln to start playing around with new glazes!

What this means for this year’s sale is that lots of art work will be on clearance, as I need to pay for this very pricey new toy. And I have decided to try something new for those of you who can’t make it to the sale -- I will post some of the clearance art pieces on my website.

These pieces will be heavily discounted. If you don’t see something you want there, the rest of the decorative works will be discounted by 25% on the weekend of the sale.

The pieces will be posted on www.maryfoxpottery.ca/ portfolio/ beginning Friday, November 3, at 8am Send me an email if you wish to purchase a piece and I will put it aside for you. maryfox@shaw.ca.

Mary Fox Studio 321 Third Ave, Ladysmith

It’s FIESTA Time!

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he annual FIESTA, fair trade market is coming to Duncan, November 12!

Vendors will offer crafts, jewelry, spices, clothing, toys, household products and many other goods made by artisans in countries around the world. As an ethical trade fair, FIESTA is “commerce with a conscience.” Ethical trade creates a direct connection between producers in developing countries and consumers far away in our global village. Direct trade markets build sustainable livelihoods and human networks that recognize our interdependence and shared

future on the planet.

Fiesta comes from the Spanish word for festival or party. And we are having a party – of sorts. As an ethical trade fair, FIESTA will offer unique gift shopping experiences, stimulating conversations, educational opportunities, and time to become better acquainted with the diverse vibrant cultures of our human family.

FIESTA vendors are a mix of nonprofits, educational organizations, local groups and small businesses.

FIESTA is honoured to host vendors such as Resilient Generations.

As a non-profit, RG offers services to increase economic and psychological resilience for children and youth in Rwanda. One way they do this is by selling crafts made by youth.

Aldea Maya is a grassroots organization working in the highlands of Guatemala. They assist indigenous women with education, nutrition, garden and earning a livelihood through small business craft production.

FIESTA will introduce you to distinct gifts from around the world with something for

5th Annual FAIR TRADE MARKET Unique Fair Trade Crafts & Products from around the World

OVER 20 VENDORS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

RAMADA

(by Silver Bridge)

140 Trans Canada Highway

Duncan

everyone on your shopping list. You will find soothing shea butter products from Africa; artistic indigenous scarves from Guatemala; wool carpets from Nepal; traditional felt products from the Himalayas; clothing from India, Indonesia, and Peru; spices from Sri Lanka; and a host of goods from the ever popular 10,000 Villages.

FIESTA will be a special kind of party. One that celebrates trade relationships among Fair, International, Equitable, Sustainable, Trade,

Associations.

That’s a mouthful but we trust you get the picture and hope you will join us for this celebration of culture, connection, commerce and conscience. Sunday, November 12. Ramada Inn, Duncan from 10AM to 3PM Come join us!

Joy Emmanuel – Community Developer and coordinator of the Duncan Fiesta Fair Trade Market

Your one stop shop for natural products for home and body • more • more • more • more • more

sustainable fashions natural make up body products mens products natural pet supply

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

• more • more • more • more • more

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

PRODUCE SECTION

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

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Cure’s new meats case

Artisan Meat & Cheese Open House and Sampling Event

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ure Artisan Meat and Cheese will be having its annual open house. Friday, December 1 from 4-7pm. This year we will showcase a few new additions like our new Fresh meat case and our Craft butcher items. From fresh to 35-60 day dry aged beef. Pork roasts, chops, porterhouse and curry skewers. Grass fed beef tenderloin has also been a hit. If you are looking for prepared items we have our slow braised pork belly, and our very popular braised beef pie to name a few. We will of course be sampling our dry cured sausages, salamis, as well as the selection of pates and terrines. All jars of our newly released wholesale condiment line will be open to taste too. On the cheese side

of things lots of our regularly stocked items like the delice and our smoke cheddar will be up for tasting but also many new cheeses for the holiday season. Come try all these as well as our traditional fondue and more. This will be a great night to pre order your holiday gift baskets, platters and of course items for your holiday dinner like our stuffed turkey roll or Christmas ham.

Come sample leave with great holiday season ideas.

December 1, 4-7PM Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese, 5-1400 Cowichan Rd, Valley View Centre, Cobble Hill.

OPEN HOUSE

Friday, December 1 • 4-7pm

Product Samples

“Taste your way around the store”

Come try new holiday cheeses and products!

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

films will educate, entertain and inspire.

Travelling World Community Film Festival

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he Cowichan Valley Film Society is excited to bring the Travelling World Community Film Festival back to VIU November 3-5. The Festival selection this year includes 17 documentaries from around the world, with a focus on environmental, social justice and human rights issues.

The film topics include noise pollution in our oceans,

cooperatives, seed saving, treatment of migrant workers in Canada, indigenous knowledge and protection of the BC coast, healthy food in schools, service dogs trained by prisoners, Cuban dance, African grannies healing through soccer, pan music reforming youth gangs in Trinidad, Somali refugees in Sweden, innovative sustainable agriculture, grazing and fishing. These

The Festival takes place at the beautiful VIU Cowichan Campus. All films will be screened in just one room this year - the state of the art lecture theatre.

The schedule runs Friday from 5:15 to 9:00pm, Saturday from 1:15 to 9:00pm and Sunday from 12:15 to 8:00pm. The concession will have homemade localingredient savory and sweet offerings as well as coffee and tea. Filmgoers are welcome to take food and drink into the theatre. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle.

Friday evening-only tickets are $10 or full Festival passes are $20. Tickets are available online at cowichan2. brownpapertickets. com or at the door starting Friday and throughout the Festival. Please visit our website for 2017 film schedule and descriptions: cowichanvalleyfilm. ca

Live in the Chapel Providence Farm November 3 • 7:30 PM $20 Kim Beggs

From the Yukon... A heartfelt darkness in a beautiful back woods, beat driven performance

November 4 • 8:30 PM $15 Bridal Party

A modern indie-pop five piece influence from all eras of pop and its offshoots.

November 11 • 7:30 PM $20 Lion Bear Fox

Three huge voices joined as one, telling the truth through compelling story, honest narrative and unbridled passion

November 19 • 7:30 PM $20 CR Avery Musician, poet, writer, and East Van troubadour

All shows at 1843 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan Tickets at eventbrite.ca

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Combat the cold and Flu season with

The Spiralizer – The Best Thing Since Pasta!

Pam Stiles is the owner of Scoops Natural Foods at Whippletree Junction.

778-422-3310

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have noticed an increase in the number of requests for spiralizers at the store recently and I’m not surprised considering the astounding number of benefits of owning one.

Citrus soother is a delicious tasting hot lemon, honey and ginger drink mix powder. fortified with Therapeutic herbs & plant extract, vitamins and minerals, offers warming relief of cold and flu symptoms.

Helps shorten the duration and severity of colds and flus. supports the body when cold and chilåled. assists in alkalizing the body, contains minerals, lemon and herbs.

Come on in and see us at Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery and our knowledgeable staff would be happy to assist you.

Lynn’s

VITAMIN GALLERY

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

250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com

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A spiralizer is a kitchen gadget that allows you to turn fruits and vegetables in noodles which are then used to create healthy and delicious meals.

Just a few of the benefits of owning one of these fine gadgets include: Low calorie replacement for starchy pasta. A bowl of vegetable noodles is loaded with nutrients and has less carbs, starch and sugars then processed wheat based pasta. This allows for larger portions, with much less guilt!

It is also a great alternative if you are hosting a dinner for someone with gluten allergies

of sensitivities.

Vegetables cook faster than pasta which means that your meals are ready sooner. You don’t have to boil spiralized vegetables, you can just add them to the pasta sauce and heat directly that way.

A great way to ensure you have plenty of time to get an assortment of dishes ready this holiday season.

Spiralizers are easy to use and kid friendly. Kids love making noodles out of veggies and it is a great way to sneak some extra nutrition into their meals!

Spiralized fruits and veggies make dishes like salad more presentable. For example, adding spiralized apple noodles to your favourite salad is a great way to jazz up a simple dish for a last minute pot luck idea. Or consider replacing your favourite rice dish with spiralized steamed sweet potatoes.

This month at Scoops, Julianne will be hosting a class on using our favourite spiralizer and exploring recipes using zucchini, broccoli stems, beets and more. Drop in to Scoops Natural Foods or call us at 778-422-3310 for more information.

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

The Art of Flavour Wine & Food Training For Foodies

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his culinary training is a fantastic way for culinarycurious people to embark on a journey of food discovery and experimentation. A shortcut through the endless hours and dollars that it takes to become a professional.

Our program gives you a wealth of hands on knowledge and training in a kitchen atmosphere and covers alot of ground in a period of 5 sessions, each one 3 hours long while appreciating wine and cooking at once.

For serious foodies and aspiring home chefs this course will enhance your love for food and wine. It is perfect for couples wanting to learn to cook together, retirees who now have the time to learn about specialty techniques, utensils and contemporary food culture.

This immersive class teaches you in a hands on fashion about knives, appliances, technique, preparation tips and more.

Attention- this is not a cooking class! It is an exploration of food, flavour and culinary knowledge through simple recipes and guided experimentation.

The instructors at The ART of Flavour, have worked endless hours in the food and service industry, enough to understand that there’s a massive amount of knowledge behind the scenes.

As our culture becomes more and more sophisticated, diners are expected to understand a larger lexicon of industry

terminology just to keep up with daily cooking shows or to simply choose a bottle of wine...

Wine is one of the main topics covered in this course; in The ART of Flavour you’ll learn how to taste it, store it and cook with wine now that is everywhere and is becoming more and more a part of our culture. Sommelier training and wine courses are expensive and “too in depth” for the “common” wine drinker.

Well, this course tries to cover all the necessary basics in a very compact way.

This five week course will cover: Week 1 Nov 9 Knife skills, basic kitchen practices, culinary terminology, flavour description.

Week 2 Nov 16 Cooking techniques & their applications, temperatures, herbs & spices.

Week 3 Nov 23 The flavour wheel, salts, oils, how to cook by flavour profile & not by recipe.

Week 4 Nov 30 WINE: its regions, varieties & how to buy it, taste it & cook with it.

Week 5 Dec 7 Cuisines of the world, their history, staples, flavours & bases.

Cgc (Cowichan Green Community) 360 Duncan St. (Beside the Duncan Garage Cafe) 7 - 10pm, $597 (50% deposit required) 250.466.9957, info. theartofflavour@gmail.com Fb @artofflavour 5 Week Course runs weekly November 9. 16. 23, 30 and December 7.

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Soup Saturdays at Blue Grouse With temperatures dropping, there are few things more comforting than sipping on something that can warm you up from the inside out, and we’re not just talking about wine! For only $14, every Saturday in November until December 23, from noon to 5:00 pm, visitors can enjoy a bowl of delicious homemade soup made with locally

sourced seasonal ingredients and a True Grain baguette.

A 5oz glass of wine will also be offered. Some of the soup and wine pairings on the menu include: Squash and Apple soup; 2016 Quill OffDry White, Leek and Potato soup; 2015 Quill White, and Mushroom Beef Barley soup: 2015 Quill Red. 2182 Lakeside Rd, Duncan.

The Grouse House

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Gift an experience this Christmas: For your partner, your parents, your wine loving friend or extended family. Consider a “Bed & Bottle Retreat” to the The Grouse House at Blue Grouse Estate Winery. Welcoming, cozy and rustic, furnishings were selected to be a mixture of antiques and locally made custom pieces. Vineyard views are enjoyed from every

principle room, allowing a seamless indoor and outdoor connection. This space was just presented with a CARE award for best interior by the 2017 Victoria Residential Builders Association. One bottle of wine is gifted to you upon check in and reduced, affordable winter rates apply.

Contact stay@bluegrouse.ca for more information.

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

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a H d w o b m o S S a f O s G t t t t a t g

Photo Katherine Holford

Musings From The Vines

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hew. Harvest is over.

Four weeks of whirlwind activity is now behind us.

Harvest in the winery is the definition of hectic. For wineries like us who focus only on island grapes it becomes a mad rush to beat mother nature. After picking our early varieties (Ortega, Siegerrebe, Madeleine Sylvaner, etc.) we then have a short pause while waiting for our main crop to ripen.

On the island most of us have significant plantings of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. They take more time to ripen and they are usually ripe at almost the same time. In many years they are getting perfectly ripe at exactly the time our typical autumn rains are going to hit. This results in

a mad frenzy of picking – leaving grapes to get as ripe as you dare, but leaving just enough time to pick them all before the torrential rains come. And of course, your guess is as good as mine as to when the rains will begin so it’s quite stressful figuring out when you have to start, as it can take a couple of weeks (or more!) to pick all those grapes. In addition to the Pinot’s many vineyards also have an assortment of other, later, red wine grapes – so after the Pinot is picked, we still have to pick our Tempranillo and Cab-Foch (a new hybrid).

Rain and ripe grapes just don’t mix. If there is a significant rainfall, osmotic pressure in the plants draws the rainwater in, and ultimately into the grapes. In the best case this waters down the grapes, lowering sugar content, and diluting flavour.

In the worst case, with thin skinned grapes like Pinot Noir, the osmotic pressure is enough to cause the skins to burst like an overfilled balloon, spreading juices all over the cluster of grapes and causing mold to set in shortly after. So you can see, this is pretty much a no-win situation with no upside. So, if your following the local wineries on social media and see frantic posts about picking before the rains come, it’s not fluff, it’s real. A week’s delay can cause terrible damage to a crop of ripe grapes.

Thankfully this AT year we had a much bigger crew to help with the picking. We rely on volunteers (wwoofers and workawayers) for most of our labour and in the past we have struggled to get enough help to pull in the harvest fast enough. This year we increased our crew size significantly, which helped bring in all our grapes before Join us for Lunch the rains hit, but Wed - Sun. Dinner also resulted in us on the Weekends. cooking every day Brunch on Sundays. for a crew of 10 or Event Shuttle Available through 11 people. Feeding all those volunteers vinoteca.ca 5039 Marshall Rd, Duncan I 250 709 2279 becomes serious business. Luckily, house.

I love to cook and So remember when you are enjoy a challenge. planning your Christmas Now that all our grapes are entertaining, that there are picked we will be focussing on preparing for the holidays. over a dozen local wineries, We close our tasting room for producing stunning award the season, but typically open winning wines, in addition there are award winning for a few days in December cideries, brewers and to make sure people can distillers. Make sure you stock up for their Christmas include them in your plans entertaining. We are also at and support your local a lot of Christmas Markets businesses. There are some and Farmers Markets right truly amazing products being through next month so even grown and produced right in when our tasting room is your backyard and Christmas closed there are lots of opportunities to purchase. We is a great time to showcase them. also have flat rate shipping Mark Holford Owner/ on the island, so you can Winemaker at Rocky have your favourite wines Creek Winery for the delivered directly to your past 9 years

VINOTECA ZANATTA

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

I

n my 17 years in the Cowichan I’ve been observing the ebb and flow of the mushrooms culture in the valley. This year has been rather slow in the mushroom foraging scene. The fall has been dry (until very recently) and the mushrooms are several weeks behind schedule. The warm rains of late October have helped and the season will pickup until we get the hard frosts of winter. The forests of our region are a rich source of good edible mushrooms with many more dangerous or simply inedible fungi thrown into the mix. The most abundant edible mushroom is probably the Chanterelle.

There are several forms of the chanterelle present in the mossy forests floors of our region. Scientists have recently decided that the Pacific Golden Chanterelle (cantharellus formosus) is actually different from the European chanterelle and deserves it’s own name. This really illustrates how little we know about the world of mushrooms. Old ideas are being reevaluated as new technology like DNA analysis is brought to bear on things like our local mushroom crop.

In our area, the main edible

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chanterelles are the yellow variety mentioned above and the white chanterelle – a close cousin with a pale cream appearance and a thicker structure. The white is a great mushroom for chowders and I appreciate it for its mild flavour and abundance.

There are lots of other good edible mushrooms out there, porcini, cauliflower fungus, hedgehogs and oyster to name a few. Only one other mushroom has a significant impact on the valley mushroom scene – the famous Pine Mushroom.

Known as the Matsutaki in Japan, the pine has had a colourful history on the coast in recent years. Locally it has nothing to do with Pine trees (its favoured habitat in Japan) and likes our mixed forest of Douglas Fir and Hemlock. When it was first discovered here and exported to Japan, the prices climbed to astronomical levels. Three hundred dollars a pound was not an uncommon price for these morsels. When other sources opened in Korea, Russia, Eastern North America (to name a few), the price dropped, in good production years, to about five dollars a pound. This year has not been a great harvest so far and the commercial wholesale price has risen to around fifty dollars for a pound of prime grade small buttons. As you can imagine there are some motivated local pickers out there.

Why the fuss over a small mushroom? The Japanese put great cultural significance into the pine mushroom. It’s a treasured part of their fall celebrations and beloved for its crisp texture and spicy (cinnamon-like) odor. I enjoy

Oliver

The Fungi Community them in chowders, soups, rice dishes and noodle dishes. It also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac which, lets face it, doesn’t hurt.

We are lucky to be able to enjoy a delicacy that might cost the consumer hundreds of dollars per serving in Tokyo. Apparently, mushrooms are a world-

class treat from our local forests – with the potential for significant economic impact.

We have to view the forest as more than lumber farms to make this a reality. Enjoying the fungal bounty here in the Cowichan might be as easy as a trip to the woods - or the local farmers market.

Tomato Pine Mushroom Compote Courtesy Chef Bill Jones, Deerholme Farm Ingredients 2 cups (500 mL) chopped tomato 1 medium onion, peeled and diced 1 stalk celery, trimmed and diced ½ cup (125 mL) brown sugar ½ cup (125 mL) vinegar 1 Tbsp (15 mL) pickling spice 1 Tbsp (15 mL) minced ginger 2 cups (500 mL) minced pine mushrooms to taste salt and pepper drizzle of olive oil (optional)

Method In a saucepan, combine the tomato, onion, celery, brown sugar, vinegar, pickling spice and ginger. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the tomato breaks down, the vegetables are soft and the mixture has thickened. Add the minced pine mushrooms and cook for a further 15 minutes, or until the mushrooms have softened and the mixture is thick.

Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can now stir a little olive oil into the compote for extra richness.

Transfer to a glass jar with tight fitting lid. Can be stored in the fridge for up to one month. Excellent as a condiment for meats, roasted vegetables or on top of steamed rice.

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

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t a a c t t t i s y h t i

recommended the book “The Dirty Life” by Kristen Kimball and I realized my dream was not crazy (Kristen and her husband Mark run a full-diet farm in New York). I read this book the year before I began Manna Farm and all aligned. I knew providing a full local diet would be a fun challenge, a unique feature of our farm, and allow diversity within our farm, both for the land and for our minds and bodies”.

Locally Grown Food All Winter Long

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amily run Manna Farm is offering a Winter CSA to those interested in keeping as much of their food local as they can even through the colder months. They decided to grow winter crops from their own personal desire to eat local. “When I got involved in agriculture and started working on farms six years ago, I soon realized how much better fresh food tasted and how much healthier it made me feel so naturally

I committed to eating only local veggies.” smile new mother/farmer Elia Zanon “This meant lots of squash, onions and potatoes in the winter and I soon became very happy with that. It felt healthy and natural to eat truly seasonally. Once I conquered the vegetable department I questioned if my entire diet could be locally produced. I wasn’t sure how practical this was but then my friend

In anticipation of the Winter CSA option for their clients, the farm planted a large variety of crops specifically for winter storage. These include several roots: carrots, beets, winter radishes, turnips, rutabaga, celeriac. As well as leeks, onions, potatoes, winter squash, Brussel’s sprouts and storage cabbage. “Winter greens including kale, chard, mache, spinach, and winter salad mixes have been planted under greenhouses and indoor microgreen production has begun to provide fresh greens throughout winter. Lastly, we also plant overwintering crops including broccoli, cauliflower and greens for an early fresh crop when storage crops begin to tire. All this in combination with some preserves, you have all the veg you need.”

One specialty crop they love, is a Syrian-style pumpkin.

“Though not as flavourful as other winter squash they are still perfectly edible and great made into a spiced up soup or used in baked goods. But the best part is their hull-less seeds! The seeds have no white hull and instead are the familiar hulled, green seeds we know and love. Ready to eat straight out of the pumpkin.”

To completing a local winter diet, Manna Farm has a concentration on grains and dry beans. “We grow rye, khorasan, red fife, barley and oats, all of which can be cooked whole like rice, or milled into flour or flakes with our on-farm grain mill.

We grow a wide variety of dry beans, including lentils and chickpeas, which satisfy hungry winter bellies. And we cannot forget to mention our Bigleaf Maple syrup and our sunflower seeds grown both for eating and pressing into fresh oil. With our eggs and poultry, what more do you need? For more information visit www.mannafarm.ca.

Elia operates Manna Farm, providing a year-round, full diet, free choice CSA.

MANNA FARM - LOCAL ORGANIC WINTER CSA! Full Diet Share

$45/wk per adult contact us for child prices

WINT

ER C

SA op

tion!

Half Diet (Veggie) Shares

Small (1-3 people) $25/wk Includes free choice Large (4-6 people) $35/wk (unlimited) organic winter Includes a variety of organic storage vegetables, fresh winter storage vegetables greens, herbs, beans, nuts, (think roots, onions, leeks, seeds, eggs, poultry, grain (flour & flakes too!), sunflower cabbage, squash, potatoes) and fresh greens! oil, and Bigleaf Maple syrup.

www.mannafarm.ca

wearemannafarm@gmail.com

250 510 2958

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T

ill the 10th of November, please give generously when you see a Legion volunteer distributing poppies for your local Legion.

Poppies should be worn only during the campaign.

Originally it was left at the graveside of the fallen soldier.

It is also respectful to wear them at other times of the year, including ceremonies to honour veterans, such as funerals. Poppies should be worn on the left-hand side of the body closest to your heart.

Money received from Poppy Fund raisers is NOT used for any Legion General funds. Money is held in a specific Poppy Fund account and audited yearly. Funds can only be dispersed with approval from BC/Yukon Command. The money raised

provides direct assistance for Veterans in financial distress, as well as funding for medical equipment, medical research, home services, long term care facilities and many other purposes.

• In the spring of 1915, a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in battlescarred fields to write a now famous poem called ‘In Flanders Fields’. After the First World War, the poppy was adopted as a symbol of Remembrance.

• On November 11th, 1918, six hours after the

The Naga Peoples and ‘The Forgotten Army’

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F

S

Here are some facts about the Poppy that you might not know.

Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima, India

very November there are many newspaper articles and TV documentaries on the European battles of the Second World War and the armies involved in those events. Rarely is there media coverage on events in the Southeast Asia theatre of World War II fought between Commonwealth nations and

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Japan. Even at the time the events were occurring between 1941 and 1945, the Allied Burma Campaign was overlooked by press and public interest in both Canada and the United Kingdom, so much so that the multiracial soldiers involved in the struggle and fighting under the British flag called

Give Generously To Canadian Legions Armistice was signed in the Forest of Compiegne, France, WW 1 ended. The first Remembrance Day was conducted in 1919 throughout Britain and the Commonwealth.

• Anyone who wants to honour a veteran can wear a poppy. The Legion reports that 117,000 Canadians gave themselves ‘The Forgotten Army’. And yet, the Burma Campaign, the only Allied land operation in Southeast Asia, resulted in the greatest defeat of a Japanese field army to date.

At 7:30 pm, Thursday, November 16th, 2017 at St. Peter’s Quamichan Church Hall, Carolyn Prellwitz, will be making a one hour presentation to the regular meeting of the Cowichan Historical Society. The talk and slide show, entitled “The Naga Peoples and ‘The Forgotten Army’ “arose out of an off-the-beaten track reconnaissance tour Ms. Prellwitz took to Assam and Nagaland, India in February 2017. The presentation will include some of her personal photos from that tour, information on the Naga peoples living in the area as well as two Cowichan Valley

their lives for freedom, which also means the freedom not to wear a poppy. This does not include the over 2,600 Canadians who have died in service on Canadian soil since 1911.

Please join us when we remember our veterans on november 11th at 11:00 at the cobble hill cenotaph or a centoaph near you. connections to 1942 and 1944 Nagaland events.

Public members are invited to attend. There is no cost but donations to the Cowichan Historical Society are always welcome. For further information please contact cvmuseum.archives@shaw.ca 250-746-6612.

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

i o W F m t n t “ y b b w k a Y v u p g i t r d g a m

e

open on remembrance day NOVEMBER 11• 7am - 6pm

Frantz

French/German

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et in Germany and France in the immediate aftermath of the First World War, (1914-1918), Frantz recalls the mourning period that follows great national tragedies as seen through the eyes of the war’s “lost generation”: Anna (21 year-old Paula Beer in a breakthrough performance), a bereft young German woman whose fiancé, Frantz, was killed during trench warfare, and Adrien (Pierre Niney, Yves Saint Laurent), a French veteran of the war who shows up mysteriously in her town, placing flowers on Frantz’s grave. Adrien’s presence is met with resistance by the small community still reeling from Germany’s defeat, yet Anna gradually gets closer to the handsome and melancholy young man, as she learns of his

Come on in and warm up with our nourishing fall selections of soups and stews. deep friendship with Frantz, conjured up in evocative flashbacks. What follows is a surprising exploration of how Ozon’s characters’ wrestle with their conflicting feelings - survivor’s guilt, anger at one’s losses, the overriding desire for happiness despite everything that has come before, and the longing for sexual, romantic and familial attachments.

Ozon drew his inspiration from Ernst Lubitsch’s 1932 drama Broken Lullaby, with stunning visual references to painter Caspar David Friedrich.

Frantz, Monday, November 27, 7PM Cowichan Theatre.

FRANTZ Best Cinematography César Awards, France 2017 Best Young Actress, Paula Beer Venice Film Festival 2016 Best Foreign Feature Film Sedona International Film Festival 2017

Monday November 27 7:00 pm

Beautifully calibrated tale of postwar love and loss The Washington Post Reminds us… “the first casualty ofwar is truth” …in a way that beguiles but also bedevils.

Peter Howell, The Toronto Star

French/German with English subtitles BC Rating: PG Sponsored by: Elizabeth Haig

Next Month: Breathe December 11, 7:00 pm Tickets $12 Students (rows A-C only) $5

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Upcoming EVENTS

Mon Expérience Comme Stagiaire À La Cow-Op.ca

November 18

e n’avais aucune attente en JCowichan arrivant aux bureaux de la Green Community,

Galicia (Spain) Mushroom Dinner

December 9

Deerholme Truffle Dinner

For full details visit www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450

mon nouveau milieu de travail comme assistante au marché en ligne de la Cowop. J’avais hâte de découvrir ce système alimentaire alternatif, promouvant le « locavorisme » dans la région.

Ces dernières années, j’ai alimenté mon esprit d’études sur les écosystèmes et sur la façon dont les pressions anthropiques impactent leur fonctionnement, avec comme digestif un large verre de statistiques et de modèles mathématiques.

Travailler pour un organisme à portée prioritairement sociale est donc pour moi comme apprendre une nouvelle cuisine! J’ai ainsi découvert cette coopérative de vaillants acteurs, du

JOIN US FOR

LUNCH + DINNER

OPEN Tuesday

Happy Hour 3-5pm

to Saturday

look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

www.theoldfirehouse.ca

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

fermier au gestionnaire, qui aiguisent chaque jour ma sensibilité à l’enjeu de la sécurité alimentaire et qui me fournissent des outils pour contribuer à celle-ci. Je suis heureuse de participer à changer les paradigmes et permettre de minimiser les impacts anthropiques sur nos écosystèmes à travers cette coopérative de producteurs. Étonnamment, dans une seule journée, je peux rencontrer une mère qui vient chercher sa commande (est-ce possible de faire une overdose de chlorophylle ?), le bébé dans un bras et l’autre chouette qui saute dans le pot de framboises, une pâtissière qui verse une larme en me racontant comment sa mère a été une inspiration pour elle à transformer des produits nutritifs de la fourche à la fourchette, et un jeune homme qui m’exprime la façon dont les drogues ont ruiné sa vie...

Tout ça pour dire qu’il est important de célébrer chaque petite réussite, mais que garder nos deux pieds sur terre est un impératif. Il faut continuer de marcher, car la route est encore longue. Pour moi, les membres de la Cowop sont de braves militants aux yeux levés vers l’horizon, qui comprennent que les fermiers sont les piliers d’une société en santé.

Gabrielle Rondeau-Leclaire étudie l’écologie à l’Université de Sherbrooke, Qc et effectue un stage coopératif en tant que stagiaire à la Cow-op.ca,

er W i nt W E N u& Me n a ls i Sp e c Soup & Sandwich Mon-Fri Lunch Special Date Night is back with Steak & Lobster Thursdays at 5pm Sunday Night Roast Beef Dinners at 5pm

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

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LIVE MUSIC ON SUNDAYS! 4 -7PM

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

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Internship with Cowichan’s Food Hub

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had no expectation when I first stepped into the Cowichan Green Community office this fall, where I would be working as an assistant for the Cow-op.ca Online Farmers’ Market. I was quite excited about participating in a project promoting an alternative local food system.

Since I’m in a natural science field, my focus has mostly been on studying ecological systems and how they can be impacted by anthropogenic pressure. One can tell it is a whole different story for social organizations, acting directly with the people, to create the paradigm changes needed for these impacts to be minimized, and I was interested in getting more skills on this aspect. The last month and a half, I have been

discovering this valiant co-operative, which challenges traditional food systems by working hard with small growers and producers towards a sustainable way of feeding our community. In such a small stretch of time, my awareness towards food security issues has been sharpened, and I have grasped how our social environment has to evolve to address them properly.

No day at the Cowop is alike. In one day, I may witness a customer coming to pick-up her huge veggie-packed order, a kid in one arm and the other kid carrying the most gorgeous raspberries, a baker-member of the Cow-op shedding a tear while telling me how her mother has been an inspiring model in building her passion for bringing nutritious food from farm to table, and a young homeless boy explaining me how addictions have ruined his life… All this to say that it is important to emphasize every small achievement, while staying well-grounded and to keep walking because there is a long way to go. To me, the people behind the Cow-op are brave and far-sighted folks who understand that if there is no farm, there is no food.

1st hundred customers only. Expires November 30,2017

Gabrielle Rondeau-Leclaire is studying Ecology at Université de Sherbrooke, Qc and is completing her co-operative work term as an intern with the Cow-op.ca, Cowichan’s farmer and food processor co-operative and online marketplace.

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Winter Is Coming Dry Skin Care

EARTH MEDICINE GARDENS Creating medicinal gardens for your health needs

N. Belarbi - Herbalist, Ethnobotanist & C.A Linklater - Horticulturalist, Garden Designer

250-709-7114

earthmedicinegardens@gmail.com

SOU L ESCAPE

ESTHETICS Est. Since 2006

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

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Rowan is a Medical Herbalist and teacher.

250 510 0062

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ou might have thought that we knew all about skin care in a Canadian winter. But there are still things to learn.

So why dry skin? Skin feels dry when the microscopic cells on the surface disconnect from each other more than they should. The natural process of skin cells coming off as new ones are formed within the skin is called desquamation. In dry skin the skin cells can curl up leaving a rough surface. Because the natural barrier function of the skin is compromised the loss of moisture increases the stress on the skin from within.

These processes can become a vicious circle leading to chronic dryness, cracks and irritation.

There are two things at work here. Internal factors include seasonal and personal hormone changes, stresses, and other factors that are for another article on dermatology. External factors include cold, dryness, wind, modern heating, chemicals, solvents, antibacterial hand products, soaps, detergents,

hardworking hands and many others. Remember that water is the universal solvent.

To help our dry skin we turn to skin care products. This where it gets hard. There are so many choices. So many prices.

There are really three basic skin care types, usually in an oil and water base and they feel good when applied.

Humectants draw water to the skin. They also draw water from the skin if the air is dry. Chemicals such as Alpha Lipoic Acids accelerate normal exfoliation. The skin may feel soft but the outer layer was there for protection and to diminish water loss.

These result in an increase in vulnerability to elements and water loss. The third type is the most familiar, the moisturizer. These are typically made from oils, waxes and around 60% water.

They cover the skin with a layer of oils leaving a smooth surface which both protects from outside influences and reduces internal water loss.

Their effects can wash off and they don’t usually help to repair damaged skin.

It is worth mentioning that many fragrances are volatile.

In effect they are solvents.

I have used Lavender oil to clean delicate silver. These can affect the delicate links between the surface skin cells.

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

I p o a P a c o t n a s M h h w w T m S o c t t S b

In winter it is best to use skin products with a minimum of fragrance. And do look at the list of ingredients.

Please, please, please choose as natural a product as you can. Your skin is the largest organ of your body connected to all the rest including your nervous system. It can absorb as well as perspire. Enough said?

My practice as a medical herbalist has a theme of holistic dermatology and have worked with many people with dry and irritated skin.

The answer came from tree medicine. I studied Cosmetic Science in London to find out how to make fabulous creams and have put the two things together. I call the product The Dry Skin Solution. As natural as can be; the preservatives come

from berries and the enzyme that stops your tears from being infected. There is no fragrance.

I did a study with 120 nurses across Canada with very dry and painful hands from washing with solvents. The results were more than I could have hoped for. I have dozens of case studies. This cream can be used on any part of the body and by all types of skin as daily care.

I am making this available to our community. The Glenora Store will stock The Dry Skin Solution. I can send copies of the nurse’s study and other information if you email me thedryskinsolution@gmail. com.

No more dry skin……..

All organic! Cold-Pressed Juices + Juice Cleanses + Smoothies + Elixirs + Raw Food + Bulletproof Coffee

Try A Glow Cleanse!

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

ROWAN HAMILTON MEDICAL HERBALIST

Diploma in Phytotherapy, MNIMH, SCS, DTCM

at a healing place...

250 510 0062

Cowichan Valley

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

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Last chance to catch her on the Island before she heads home to Belgium. Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St. Doors 7pm Open Stage 7:30pm followed by the featured act.

Admission $10/ $5 CFG members

Carolyn McDonald

culture worldwide. This month long show will be a small slice of their talent, which will touch just a tiny part of of an even larger art movement that offers an absolute stunning glimpse of the unique artistic identities of artists.

“The Art of Tattoo Artists” opens on Thursday, November 2nd from 6 to 8pm at Excellent Frameworks Gallery located at 28 Station Street in Downtown Duncan.

Everyone is welcome, refreshments are provided.

Danielle Dickson

Visions Artists Winter Show and Sale An extraordinary gathering of talent will be seen at the Visions Artists Winter Show and Sale on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days in Cobble Hill Hall. Paintings, jewellery, photography, collage, pottery, stained glass, painted glass and tiles. Muffins and coffee.

Enjoy classical guitar by Bob Old. More info: 250-743-3862 Sophia Ammann

Belgian-Canadian singerguitarist Sophia Ammann The Cowichan Folk Guild welcome’s Belgian-Canadian singer-guitarist Sophia Ammann as the feature for the monthly coffeehouse on November 11th. Serendipity lead Sophia to performing Leonard Cohen’s music. But the results were so breathtaking she’s added a Cohen tribute to her repertoire.

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David Gluck

The Art of Tattoo Artists This month at Excellent Frameworks – Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery, three local tattoo artists will be displaying their fine art for the month of November. Teemu Hakala and David Gluck of Black Label Tattoos as well as Jory Helms of Bully Boy Tattoos have teamed up to encourage the local arts scene to share and enjoy a wide array of artwork available here in the Cowichan Valley. The valley is well known for its saturation of creativity, and these three artists do not disappoint.

David Gluck, who moved to the valley in 2013 and resides with his artist wife, Katherine Stone, has strong classical training behind him with a seemingly endless c.v. offering works in international venues. This training and experience is brought to life at Black Label Tattoos with Teemu Hakala, who also has an advertising, branding and print design background. Jory Helms, who gained a touch of internet fame due to a mention on the show Ellen, also has years of experience in the tattoo industry. Jory’s statement of “Skills happen when you pay attention and do the time,” solidifies this trio’s strong stance of doing high quality, custom designs.

Each artist creates custom tattoos for their clients, a demand that is not only thriving, but is also part of a thoroughly developed arts

Nanaimo Art Walk The Nanaimo Artwalk is grassroots organization that is 100% volunteer run, it started 18 years ago with a small group of artists (5-10) in the Old City Quarter and Downtown area opening their studios to the public for a weekend tour.

18 years later the Artwalk has continued to grow, we are still 100% volunteer run, with a small core of volunteer organizers that donate their personal time to bring the event to life each year. We are passionate about making sure people come together in support of the local art community and it shows because we have grown to have 40+ artists on the Artwalk. This year there will be over 50 artists participating in 28 locations this year. It will be a sensation! Saturday December 2 and Sunday December 3 from 11am-5 pm both days. www.nanaimoartwalk.com

INTUITIVE HEALER • Certified Clinical

Hypnotherapist • Certified Quantum Touch Practitioner

HEATHER LAUZON

250-732-1405

www.emeraldhealingplace.com

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

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Ou Gallery

Ou Gallery Open House & Art Sale

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he Ou Gallery, a new contemporary art space hosting creative workshops, events, artist studios & residencies, is celebrating 6 months in the Cowichan Valley with an ‘Open House & Art Sale.’ Come see selected works from the eclectic portfolio of Ou artists & learn about our upcoming studio spaces. Door prizes include a draw for original artwork and a gift basket with local art & goodies.

Featured Artists & Artwork: Madeline Mennefee is a wayfaring stranger who will enlighten you with her tales of calamity, and possibly jump your parent’s Volvo if the occasion is ripe enough.

Native to Oregon, we don’t see her often, but her wild abstract paintings do fill the void.

With beginnings in the graphic design industry, Zach Hoskin’s interests were quickly absorbed by the possibilities of paint and brush. Often seen painting at The Ou “en plein air,” he uses the creek and trees as colleagues, while exacting drops of paint onto the

portraits of a discovered muse.

Roxanne Martin is the colourful result of the 1960’s tie dye movement. A career artist inspired by experiment and the West Coast, she is a master of precise focus in both graphite & sculpture.

Tim Dyer, a professional sign-writer and all around sweetheart - whether using pencil, paint, or creating his own medium, Tim has a full bag of tricks…as well as many drawers, and chests, and sleeves. We’re waiting to see what he pulls out next.

Donovan Rose is a lover of the indoors, though he can often be seen looking out of windows. Obsessed with the modern masters, he is constantly studying from books too small to tell many truths. His only egress, the possibility of beauty. So he paints, figures to landscapes, smothered in oil. Friday, November 24th from 114pm, ‘Open House & Art Sale’ at The Ou Gallery. Sale on until Sunday 26th. Free entry 3091 Agira Rd. www.theougallery.com

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Manor Bridge

Manor Bridge, watercolour 15” x 22”

Jennifer Lawson 1516 Khenipsen Rd. Duncan jlart@telus.net jenniferlawsonart.com

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or those who are curious about the lives of artists-who want to peek beneath the polish of the gallery and see who the artists are and how they work--there’s nothing better than seeing them in action right inside their own studios.

Luckily for us art lovers, it’s possible to wrangle an invitation to local painter Jennifer Lawson’s utterly charming log house studio by appointment, or during the upcoming Cowichan Artisans Tour weekend. Here in the oldest home in the Cowichan Valley--constructed circa 1869--Jennifer creates her pastoral scenes and commissioned watercolour house and garden portraits.

Her original paintings have blossomed out into a line of prints and cards as well.

Jennifer has a love of tousled,

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Painter Jennifer Lawson Cowichan Bay Morning, ink and wash, 11” x 15”

informal gardens that is evident as soon as you enter her driveway and is confirmed when you step into the studio and find yourself surrounded by her paintings. Gazing at the pictures, you find yourself wondering, “What it is that gives old homes and tangled gardens such character? Such personality?

What it is it that makes us fall in love with them?” Whatever that indefinable essence is, Jennifer manages to capture

it with her brush. These evocative works are invariably begun “en plein aire”--outside on location-then brought back to the studio overlooking the Cowichan Estuary and River to be completed.

Holding two Honours Arts degrees from the University of Guelph and Georgian College, with post graduate work at the Ontario College of Art, Jennifer has been a professional artist for over 45 years. From her birthplace in

Yorkshire to India, from Ontario to Bermuda to the Garry Oak meadows of Vancouver Island, Jennifer’s work evokes a timeless, treasured world of family and home. Her paintings reside in collections like those of the former Lt. Gov. David Lam, Ed Broadbent, Georgian and Seneca College and the Bermuda Masterworks Museum. As for us in the Cowichan Valley, we can visit her studio in Duncan, by appointment or during the upcoming studio tour in November.

In the meantime, art fans can explore her work and inspirations on her facebook page: jenniferlart or her website at jenniferlawsonart.com.

Jennifer’s studio will host a 25% off sale Saturday and Sunday November 4 and 5,11am-5pm as part of the Cowichan Artisans annual studio tour weekend. For more info on all the artists, the tour and to see our new video visit cowichanartisans.com.

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

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f g f h m b t t m a p m h A “ c o f f w C e b w o p f p W f b d l t a a a M s

she was born to the industry.

Art to Eat started with a wedding cake!

“Christmas baking was always happening in my house growing up.”

When she first moved to the Island, Michelle needed to find a way to earn a living and baking was one of her fortés. “Honestly who doesn’t like a good butter tart! Butter tarts Michelle Plain’s Gourmet Butter Tarts have come to be my specialty. My Nana had the recipe which I have embellished a bit by adding toasted almonds and pecans.” It has been said by the loyal clients aker and caterer who pre-order them by the dozen extraordinaire has loved year after year that Michelle’s food her whole life. “Both my butter tarts are as good as they grandmothers, now gone but not get. forgotten, and my mother, still here and still loving food, were In her early days, Michelle ran my excellent teachers. My father a stall at the Duncan Farmer’s bought a butcher shop and I went Market. “One story I love is to work for him on Saturdays at when James Barber came up to the age of 12, cutting, wrapping, me and asked if I used lard in making sausages and dog food, my pastry. I answered to him ‘of and learning how to deal with the course! to which he snapped back public, which I loved - just like ‘GOOD!’ and trundled off...I my Dad.” recalls a smiling and knew I was golden! I call the happy Michelle Plain, owner of butter tarts my ‘man magnets’.

Art To Eat. I would watch the men walk by “Saturday nights were mine for my stall and turn around on their creating food. Being the eldest heel to come back for a butter of six there was always a need tart...loved it.” for spaghetti sauce, Chinese food, good old burgers, AND Art To Eat’s “Turtle Bars” are a watching Hockey Night in close second with her Christmas Canada. I didn’t know then that crowd...delicious short bread eating good quality, raw ground crust with a pecan, cranberry beef with a few other ingredients caramel topping drizzled with was Steak Tartar! I also worked chocolate. Better than a chocolate on my Uncle’s farm picking bar any day. They are even tasty potatoes, gaining an appreciation frozen right out of the freezer. for the good earth and all that it Rum Balls are another one of this provides.” baker’s favourites to sell. “Very When Michelle turned 19 her time consuming as I dip them in father built a pub. A family chocolate so you get a mouthful business she helped plan and of chocolate rum goodness!” design the menu and worked lunches. “I loved ensuring that Last year she added a new ginger the patrons were well looked cookie dipped in white chocolate, after. Serving and cooking have another traditional treat merged always been my dual passions.” with Michelle’s culinary style. and if you have either ever eaten These cookies flew out the door Michelle’s food or have been and many people have already served by her you can tell that

No Mess Holiday Baking With Art To Eat

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ARTtoEAT Baking & Holiday Catering by Michelle Plain

Delicious Christmas Baking Sold by the Dozen!

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

Please place your orders by December 5th michelle-arttoeat@shaw.ca 250-746-4310 asked if she is making them again this year. Her service is perfect if you are planning a party, would like to give edible gifts to friends, clients and family or even just a sneaky box for yourself to eat by the fire.

Prices range from $10 to $18 per dozen. Orders must be in by December 5. For a price list and baking menu contact Michelle at michelle-arttoeat@shaw.ca, 250 746-4310.

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Corb Lund – Solo Tour Country music sensation Corb Lund brings his western Canadian solo tour B.S. with C.L. to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre.

This JUNO and CCMA award-winning superstar will deliver “An Evening of Western Conversation, Songs, and Stories” featuring Lund performing his arsenal of rousing alt-country music delivered with poignantly biting charisma and steeped in wry storytelling. “​ Playing with my band is great, but doing solo shows is a totally different experience that allows me to be more creative and interact with the audience in a whole new way,” Lund says. “It’ll be a lot of fun, too.” Tuesday, November 14 Tickets $45 Cowichan Ticket Centre 250.748.7529, 2687 James Street, Duncan Cowichanpac.ca

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Luke Welch On Piano Crossing Borders Chemainus Classical Concerts presents- Luke Welch on piano.

Internationally acclaimed Canadian pianist Luke Welch leaves his home in the Netherlands for an album release tour of his exciting new recording “Crossing Borders”. Highlighting works

by Scarlatti, Beethoven, Morawetz, and Schumann, Welch shows the truth in the old adage, “Music is the universal language”. Canadian pianist Luke Welch was born and grew up in Mississauga, Ontario.

He played his first public performance at age seven. His first private piano instructors include Kyzysztof Jedrysik and Catherine Kuzeljevich, and he later completed Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the University of Western Ontario in Canada under the tutelage of John-Paul Bracey.

He has received national and international awards and grants based in both North America and Europe, including sponsorship from FACTOR/Government of Canada November 19, 2pm Tickets $20. Under 18: $5 In advance: $17. Available at Ten Old Books, Duncan or by phoning 250-748-8383 www. chemainusclassicalconcerts/.ca

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

U E m P w s i V o w i F s P t C a a e h P t a p t W I m c 1 $

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS Enjoy Sunday Brunch at the Osborne Bay Pub every last Sunday of the month from 10 AM to 1 PM followed by Jazz at 2 PM reservations recommended 250-324-2245

Under Paris Skies Under Paris Skies – La Musique de Edith Piaf is a unique show combining music and entertainment inspired by Paris. With a live four-piece band Edie will perform many of the French cabaret singer’s soulful and emotional numbers including: Non Je Ne Regrette Rien; La Vie en Rose; Hymne a L’Amour; songs of enduring popularity, interwoven with Edie’s engaging style of audienceinteraction, and interpretation of the French lyrics. She’ll also be mixing in some songs and stories that fit alongside Piaf’s oeuvre – inspired by a recent trip to Paris and meandering the city’s streets.

Channelling Piaf, with her rich timbre and captivating stage presence, Edie aims for a completely authentic experience and her experienced band will help create the atmosphere of an intimate Parisian theatre. Joining Edie are longtime collaborator Joey Smith on bass, and local favourites Karel Roessingh on piano, Jonathan Eng on drums and filling the important role of accordionist, Aaron Watson. A local favourite on Vancouver Island, Edie is excited to present Piaf’s music and make people smile, laugh and cry … though mostly smile! November 12, Osbourne Bay Pub, Crofton 2PM $15.

November 5 • 2PM Milk Crate Bandits

CV Avery Barely North Entertainment is bringning musician, poet, writer, and East Van troubadour CR Avery for a very special solo show cue the frenzied combo of molar and spit. his tongue touches every chroma on its way to blue. he’s been rinsing with gravel, flossing with wire and chewing brick again, he’s been a bad, bad boy. but he is crackerjack conjurer of washboards and rubber, even suburb girls welcome the twinging. i want to nibble yesterday’s corona from his chin, rub my index finger along the surface of his laugh, pull the maw open to check the slick road of his throat. there’s something illegal going on down there, the sweet keening of ancient instruments. the orchestra is fidgety, click-hipped, steaming inside that skin. the boy opens the beauteous and, in gut rendering, words become both otherwise and everything.

Building on his 17 albums and several books, CR Avery will be bringing a depth smokey literary jangle that should not be missed! The Vancouver Sun says

music of New Orleans by Jack Ray and his Vancouverbased bandmates

November 12 • 2PM Edith Piaff Tribute vocalist Edie Daponte $20 at door

November 15 • 2PM Greg Bush Quintet from Nanaimo

November 26 • 2PM Graham Shonwise

with Hans Verhoeven, Dr. Tony Genge, Andrew Janusson playing arrangements of Sonny Stitt and Don Patterson, the “Boss Men”

1534 Joan Avenue Crofton All shows are $15 at the door.

“...imagine if Neil Young was inspired by hip-hop”, and Kruger Magazine (UK) says “first there was The Beats, then Hunter S. Thompson, now there’s C.R. Avery.” Sunday November 19th in the Chapel at Providence Farm. Doors: 7 Show: 7:30. Tickets $20 available at Duncan Music, Providence Farm Store, and online at https://www.eventbrite. ca/e/cr-avery-live-in-the-chapeltickets-38860604113

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Chris and Dawn have been helping people find natural sleep solutions since 2014

H

ow does wool fibre work as a temperature regulator?

How does it differ from other comforter fills such as down, feathers and polyfiber? Let’s start with the basics.

Throughout history, we have searched for the best way to sleep warmly in the colder months. People from the past used what was available, furs and feathers, layered cotton quilts and wool blankets. More recently, comforters with manmade polyfills have become an option. Back then, we needed to capture all of our heat, as most dwellings were poorly insulated and once the fire went out, became quite cold.

Bedding that used furs and feathers worked, as they kept the heat in and held it there throughout the night.

Nowadays, our needs have

changed. We have temperature control and insulation in our homes. We can let our dwellings cool down at night, while maintaining a base temperature so we don’t freeze and because of this, what we need as bedding has also changed. We want to keep warm at night, yet not overheat.

Here is where wool enters the spotlight.

Wool is one of the most effective temperature regulators. It has a unique composition, comprised of coiling strands that retaining a characteristic of elasticity, which in its natural form creates plenty of open air space. Here’s how it works.

Our body heat rises and is held in this spacious fibre, and when more heat comes in, it gets pushed out the top where it dissipates. If you get a wool product that has retained some of it’s lanolin (the sheep’s natural “wax”), then that will make it even more effective at catching and holding our heat.

Three weights of Eco Wool Comforter.

Regulating Your Temperature With Wool Wool fibres also wick away our sweat and moisture, further aiding the regulating process.

What makes wool a superior temperature regulator is it’s built in system of releasing our heat as more comes in. This is how we don’t overheat. Other fibers such as feather, down and polyfills, are not as open and breathable. They trap our heat, and when we need to release some, we have to physically lift the comforter or kick it off. This disrupts our sleep.

Furthermore, since the creation of mattress materials such as memory foam and polyester fibres, our bodies have had to work overtime to keep cool.

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These non breathable new bedding materials are actually the biggest cause of our night time overheating and sweating problem.

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It is important that we don’t overheat at night. An overly warm body at night signals our hormones to wake us up and become active. That is why so many people wake up when they are hot. Our body thinks it’s day time. The most ideal room temperature for a healthy and restful sleep is around 65 degrees. This ensures our bodies cool down and rest more deeply.

Picking your ideal wool

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

Extra Warm

Dual-Weight Comforter

Wool Comforters from Resthouse Our comforters are made under the Eco-Wool designation which means the sheep and its wool are treated without harsh chemicals and under healthy and responsible animal husbandry principles.

comforter weight is the next step to ensure your temperature regulated sleep. If you need more warmth because you sleep cold, then choosing a heavier weight of wool will ensure you stay cozy. If you are a hot sleeper, then the lightest weight will keep you comfortable, while easily releasing all your extra heat. If you are average in the temperature department, then a middle weight will do nicely. Some of you might need a lighter weight for the summer

and switch to a thicker weight come fall. Often partners who share a bed need different weights, so happy news, comforters can be made to have one weight on one side, and a different weight on the other.

No one needs to compromise!

Why is temperature so important to sleep? Sweating and overheating like so many other issues, get in the way of us having a great sleep.

Being able to address your

• Filled with Premium Eco-Wool™ • Encased in Organic Sateen Cotton Casings • Soft, Lightweight and Cozy • Sourced from a Sustainable Wool Program in the Western United States.

• Made from one Continuous Layer of Wool Batting (to Prevent it from Separating) and Further Held in Place by Hand Tufting.

• Simple Care with Special Washing Instructions (We Recommended Comforters Go Inside a Duvet Cover) • These Eco-Wool™ Comforters are Heirloom Quality and Will Last a Lifetime.

temperature regulation will go a long way to improving our overall sleep quality. When we provide ourselves with the right bedding materials our bodies will do what they naturally need to do: moderate our body temperature, honour our

circadian rhythms, fall asleep easily and stay asleep, allowing us to awaken refreshed and renewed.

126 Station Street, Downtown Duncan www.resthouse.ca

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Natural wool angel making at Sunrise Waldorf Winter Fair

Sunrise Waldorf School Winter Fair

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he Advent Season is upon us and with it comes a darkening of the days, the smell of frosted pine, and the feeling of completing another year. To celebrate we invite you to join us at Sunrise Waldorf School for our Annual Winter Fair. The Fair is designed to carry our young ones into the Christmas season with a reverence for nature and an inspiration to create beautiful gifts and decorations for the home.

There are magical settings in each of the classrooms to foster the imagination and to bring the family together.

Some of our community favourites are Wreath making, Candle Dipping and the Kindercraft room. For the little ones there are the quiet and magical atmospheres of the Enchanted Garden, Blow the Boat, and the ever popular

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Cookie Cave. Waldorf Schools across North America will be hosting events just like this one as a way to mark the Advent season, and to enliven the Christmas season with practical arts, music, delicious food offerings and wholesome family fun.

The Fair also boasts a large vendor’s hall with local artisans selling their handcrafted and much loved items. Community members such as Glenora Farm and the SOL Centre will be there as well as many others.

Our parents, teachers and students are getting ready to welcome you to our campus and we hope to see you and your families there.

All are welcome. Saturday, November 18 10am -3pm, 2148 Lakeside Rd, Cowichan Station

WildWings Nature & Arts Festival Wrapping Up with Koksilah Walk

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his year’s WildWings Nature & Arts Festival is coming to a close November 4th after a successful month of events celebrating nature and the art in the Cowichan Valley. The final event will be “A Walk in the Koksilah Ancient Trees” on Saturday, November 4 from 9am to 4pm.

Join Warrick Whitehead on a hike to the Koksilah River Ancient Forest to see this incredibly accessible old growth forest with tall Douglas Firs, up to 800 years old. He will talk about the biology and history of the area and will also provide details of his dream to have the Koksilah Ancient Tree area protected and made into a park. Expect to see birds and other wildlife on the trail to the trees.

Hike leader, Warrick Whitehead is a volunteer ecological reserve warden, has sat on the Strathcona Park Public Advisory Committee, led countless hikes, hiked many places worldwide, guided for Nootka Island and participated in trying to save many precious areas.

The hike is 5 kilometers total on a good but rough trail.

Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, bring raingear, a snack and lunch and water. A hiking stick is recommended and no dogs please.

Tickets are $10 each and children free. Tickets available at https://koksilahwalk.eventbrite.ca .

For more information visit www.wildwingsfestival.com

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Fall Fashion - Vancouver Island style

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f there was any doubt about the arrival of Fall; this week’s weather has certainly confirmed its arrival.

Every season in the fashion world we are handed the ‘trends’. On the West Coast, we have the best of everything; that laid back lifestyle and the ability to embrace what strikes our fancy.

Fashion can sometimes be a

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daunting task and for many women, they worry about getting it right. We all have thoughts such as, is this trend right for my age, size , lifestyle etc. The great news is, just grasp hold of a ‘trend’ if it’s truly something that is your ‘style’ These are a few of my favourite trends that have crept into my wardrobe because, you guessed it, they are my style!

Denim! Oh that beloved fabric that comes at every price point, fabric composition, pant leg width and length. I am loving the high, low leg in a raw edge hem.

Just like the sweater idea, Low in the front, a little longer in the back and the hem bottom looked like you took all the stitching out and dropped it.

No lie. Now add some deconstruction (rips), Jane Spencer, owner Fabrications whiskering (hand sanding). This look Honestly, jeans have reached a not for you? Black denim is big. rock star status and I marvel at Refined with elegant embroidery the new ways the designers keep and Swarovski crystals. recreating that beloved fashion staple. I love them paired with

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Desigual

a ankle Chelsea boot or wellies.

Night out? a nice heel and velvet bomber.

You will laugh at the next fashion must have! What New York is calling a trend, is a CV staple. Plaid. I know, you are thinking, fashion starts here.

But think beyond that beloved shirt. It’s popping up in blanket scarves, skirts, pants and blouses with feminine detail. Yes, cut for a woman and with a few added romantic details and produced in finer fabric.

Florals and prints are still on point. Big, statement prints or a multitude of prints all playing off one another. Showing up in blouses with added details ; ruffles, the cold shoulder, extended sleeve cuffs and lots of buttons. Think: English country garden; where all flowers ( prints ) have a placement that just looked like it happened but Mansted

was actually carefully chosen.

Yes, that can be you. Have fun, be playful. Your true self should show through in your clothing choices.

Knits are a perennial favourite right? My cashmere sweaters never get tucked away. There’s a weight for every season.

A new comer on the scene is Yak. From Mongolia, this yarn feels like a very thick cashmere, but at a much kinder price. Merino wool is now worn year round, as well as linen. Linen knit feels good against the skin and gets better the more you wash. No longer do you need to put away all the summer wardrobe and pull out the fall one. Many pieces are seasonless, making your purchase a more worthwhile investment.

For a little drama this Fall, add touches of faux fur, velvet and hits of red. A great hat. Vintage or new velvet jacket or cape.

Red anything!

Because you want to shine thru. Make yourself happy with colour. On a grey, dreary day, feed your soul. Show your quirky self, your adventurous personality and have fun. Try one trend a little out of your comfort zone. If you love it, great, now add it to your style.

NEW FALL FASHIONS

BLUE SKY • BLUE CANOE • ECHO VERDE • PURE KNIT • BRENDA LAINE • SWISH

Prudence

155 CRAIG STREET, DOWNTOWN DUNCAN

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

155 Craig St, Downtown Duncan

Jory Helmes Teemu Hakala David Gluck

November 2-30 ARTIST OPENING Thursday, November 2 6-8 pm

Excellent Frameworks Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery My favourite trend we are 28 Station St., Downtown Duncan seeing in the industry is www.excellentframeworks.ca 250 746 7112 that many fashion labels are implementing stricter labour regulations, thus creating fair trade practices.

DOWNTOWN Factories are starting to use organic and sustainable fabric (cotton, bamboo).

DUNCAN EVENTS Consumers are creating a growing demand as they becoming aware of the November 5th 11am - 3pm pollution and unfair living conditions Sunday Sidewalk Celebration in some countries where our clothes are manufactured. I love a trend created by caring individuals that together create a November 11th 11am strong voice.

The Royal Canadian Legion

Make this years ‘trends’ your style by showing who you are and what you stand for. And most importantly: wear what makes you smile.

Submitted by Jane Spencer, owner of Fabrications, lover of fine clothing, organic gardening and part time animal rescuer. 125 Kenneth St, Duncan

Branch #53 Remembrance Day Ceremony at Charles Hoey Park

November 24th 5:30 - 8:30pm Christmas Kick-Off

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A

sk Brad Allen what motivates his art and he’ll tell you: imagination, inspiration, expression, and fabrication.

As a retired millwright Brad worked with metal as part of his career, a job he enjoyed for nearly 30 years. “Cutting, welding, and fabricating helped me develop an affinity for metal.

The natural breakdown of metal from moisture, friction, and impact makes for a diverse array of textures and colours. I find the beauty and tactile energy in metal very appealing.”

Turning profession into passion happened almost by accident, he says. “It began on Hornby Island some years ago. I made some candle holders to sell at the local market. There were symbolic works such as Kanji symbols, Celtic crosses, Aztec figures, including Kokopelli, and Hopi hands.” The confidence built though those initial sales started his creative journey.

His inspirations are as diverse and abundant as Vancouver Island itself. “The natural unique beauty beckons to be reckoned with and explored. Wildlife and nature came calling, including birds, fish, whales, seahorses, starfish and tropical fish. More recently, however, trees have been the center of my interest.

As we are all unique on this planet, so, too, are our trees. My series ‘Family Trees’ explores the diverse meaning of the word ‘family,’ and features work depicting the various interactions between trees young and old.”

Brad finds satisfaction in using both new and used materials.

“It’s rewarding to take a used, discarded piece and create from it an artistic expression, along with celebrating its inherent beauty.”

His tools include an oxy-propane cutting torch, angle grinder with a wire wheel, hammer and chisel, and a welder. “The actual cutting of metal is fascinating.

An oxygen and propane mixture is used to bring the metal to its melting point. At that time an oxygen jet is added to blow away the molten steel. The angle of the torch head, the speed of travel, the oxygen and propane pressure, the thickness of the metal - all must be right to achieve a desirable cut. There will be

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Brad Allen

Brad Allen at Imagine That! some metal wash after the cut is complete. Sometimes I remove it, sometimes retain it for a unique texture and appearance. Once the piece is complete and cooled, a clear coating of rust preventative is applied. Sometimes I leave the piece out in the weather for a few days to allow for colouration to take place.”

Brad Allen’s metalwork is featured at Imagine That! to November 17.

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

A New Intercultural Welcome Centre is on the Horizon fter 35 years of continued A growth, the Cowichan Intercultural Society is poised to acquire a property which will serve as an “Intercultural Welcome Centre” for newcomers & citizens of the Cowichan Valley. Our capital fundraising campaign is already underway, and there are many ways that community members can become involved to support our project.

One way to support our campaign is on Giving Tuesday which takes place this year on November 28th.

Giving Tuesday is a day where charities, companies and individuals join together to share commitments, rally for favourite causes and think about others. On November 28th, the Cowichan Intercultural Society will be accepting donations online through givingtuesday.ca

(http://givingtuesday.ca/ partners/19056), in person at our office, through our website, and we plan on organizing a communitybased volunteer event on November 28th to give back to the Cowichan community while raising awareness of our campaign to acquire a new home.

Another way you can support our campaign is by becoming a major donor to our campaign. For as little as $10/month, you can donate to our new building and be recognized as a major donor on our recognition wall which will serve as a prominent, permanent demonstration of the community support of our capital campaign. For more information on our major donor gift program or our monthly donor program, please contact Brian Siff at brian@cis-iwc.org We look forward to making a public announcement regarding our acquisition before the New Year. For more information on our capital campaign, please visit our website (www. cis-iwc.org) or you can find

“Live the Island Dream” Nick Brown

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

out more via our Giving Tuesday campaign page.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support us as we strive to build inclusive and welcoming communities across the Cowichan Valley.

FREE LANGUAGE CLASSES, EMPLOYMENT AND SETTLEMENT SERVICES FOR ELIGIBLE NEWCOMERS

WHERE CULTURES CONNECT

www.cis-iwc.org

250-748-3112

39

Family Halloween Concert e Cowichan Consort TOrchestra, our local h

orchestra in our Valley, is performing a Spooky Music Concert geared especially for families and children.

This concert, the first of our 27th Season, is Halloween music and we encourage all to wear your Halloween costumes one more time and attend the concert in costume. We will be awarding Best Adult Costume and Best Youth Costume trophies, sponsored by Heritage HouseTrophies in Duncan.

The music is family oriented and will feature some young Cowichan Valley talent.

Music Teacher Nancy Baxendale’s Bonner Elem.

Choir will be singing two spooky songs and a song from Fantastic Beasts and Where to find Them. The audience will recognize many songs from the orchestra and Consort Choir as well. A Phantom of the Opera medley will feature Mill Bay’s Zander Felton, baritone, a 4th year Univ. Victoria Music student, and Becca Thackray soprano.

Zander will also be featured singing The Erl King by Franz Schubert. Music from Danse Macabre, Night on Bald Mountain, Funeral March of the Marionettes, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star

Zander Felton, baritone

Wars, Hall of the Mountain King, and 3 movements of Mozart’s Requiem are just some of the mysterious music to be presented. Robert Mari will conduct the orchestra, often 52 musicians strong led by Emily Vazquez concertmaster. Come hear your neighbours perform and the Bonner Elem. Choir.

A great way to expose your families to classical and modern music and have fun at the same time wearing your Halloween costumes, one more time. Treats to eat at intermission. Come and relax and enjoy some more Halloween fun.

Saturday November 4, 7:30pm Christian Reform Church, 930 Trunk Road, Duncan Tickets available at Volume One Bookstore on Kenneth St, from members, and at the door. Adults $20, Children and Students $10.

Contact 250-748-2460

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Chemainus

250 324 2227 Open 7 days a week

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

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

The Power of Mentorship

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very child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, both as individuals and citizens – that by doing so, they will not only do well, they will also do good.

As role models, mentors teach by example the importance of giving back, of staying in school, and of having respect for family, peers and community. The two-way relationship between a mentor and mentee positively impacts brain development and equips youth with skills needed to deal with adversities and stress they face in a complicated world.

Studies found that mentored boys are twice as likely to believe that doing well academically is important and are two times less likely to develop negative conducts like bullying, while girls are two and a half times more likely to be confident in their ability to be successful at school.

By changing the course of young lives locally, we are changing the course of our community’s future. Mentoring could lead to reduction in poverty and unemployment, safer schools and neighbourhoods, and renewed optimism for growth that could lead to change on a broader, more far-reaching scale. There is no more important investment we as individuals can make than in helping children in our community realize – and share – their full potential.

the Cowichan Valley has been facilitating mentorship since 1972. A local parent shares her experience: “A lot of changes occurred to our family in a short time and I knew my son needed something to help him. My son met with his Big Buddy once a week and slowly became happier, came out of his shell and was able to handle the changes. Big Brothers Big Sisters is truly amazing. It really does make a difference in a child’s life when they know they have that special someone just for them.”

53 local youth are waiting to be matched with a mentor. We are calling on Cowichan Valley residents to give a small amount of their time to a child. Making that impact and changing a child’s future takes less time than people think. We offer a wide range of mentoring opportunities: one-to-one matches, in-school mentoring, and 7-week group mentoring programs.

While mentors from all regions and cultural backgrounds across the gender spectrum are needed, the demand for male volunteers is especially high.

Upcoming information sessions: Sat. Nov 4th 10am, Wed. Nov 15th 2pm, Tue. Nov 28th 6pm www.bbbscowichan.ca 250748-2447 julie.pyon@ bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Big Brothers Big Sisters of

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A Parent Coach: A Valuable Asset In Your Family’s ‘Village’

Working to see families thrive.

Supporting individuals to achieve their goals.

LIVE WITH AFFINITY

‘It

Florie Varga, MPA

florie@affinitycoaching.ca I 250.709.7063

www.affinitycoaching.ca

takes a village to raise your kids.’ YET – so many parents feel ALONE. In the teen years, parenting can be even more isolating.

It can be heartbreaking - even scary.

Do you often anguish “What is going on?” One reason for this confusion is that families get stuck in habits and act in ways that no longer work as the family grows and changes. So not knowing what to do is OK. We all feel that way.

When I included a parent coach in my ‘village’, what I gained was golden. I learned that I was feeling, acting, and reacting in ways that didn’t serve my family.

My parent coach brought a second set-of-eyes to help me to look at things differently and coached me in how to actively created positive change in my home.

I’d like to suggest a few reasons that you may need a parent coach.

You’re stuck at start. You have a vision for your family.

It could be to have more trusting relationships. That’s huge! Yet, you don’t know how to make it happen.

A parent coach will start right where you are. You’ll create a picture of how you want your vision to look and feel in everyday life. From there you’ll build new habits - new ways of being - that feed your vision.

• • • • •

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1- 855-622-5932

You’re under siege. You have too many schedules - too many demands. You need more hours in the day.

A parent coach can’t create a new clock but they can help you sort through what is really important. You’ll then weigh the options, set priorities and establish boundaries that will keep your schedule on track.

You’re frustrated and angry.

Your family relationships have stalled. Your teen is lying and openly defiant. You and your spouse can’t see eye-to-eye on how to parent.

You can’t help feeling angry.

A parent coach offers a safe space to acknowledge conflicting feelings and to explore what isn’t working.

You’ll move past the frustration, develop new strategies and work through inevitable set-backs as you redeem the bad things that have happened.

Your worried sick. Your teenager is anxious, depressed or withdrawn. They won’t tell you why. You’re scared it’s drugs, pornography, or bullying, etc. With a coach, you will develop skills to listen, hear and respond to your teen in ways that empower you both. If needed, the coach can help you find other professional resources.

There is no one-size fits all to building healthy family relationships. However, a parent coach in your ‘village’ inspires and equips YOU to tap into your own resourcefulness, so YOU can be accountable to the kind of parent you really want to be.

Florie Varga, certified Parent Life Coach Affinity Life and Family Coaching florie@ affinitycoaching.ca.

A t

a w r o c a a p T m c t t h c m i c t t o o o a t m I c o t h i e m t f a w w

environment that allows the child, no matter what their particular personality, challenges, or background, to find peace and happiness.

It is from this place of well-being and contentment that their desire to learn develops naturally and spontaneously.

(Shells on nature table picture) Children between the ages of three and six are grouped together in their own mini society. The youngest learn from watching the older children and the older ones benefit by helping those younger. The mixed age group allows the children to naturally develop socially, emotionally and intellectually. (Animals to continents picture) Everything in a Montessori classroom is designed to allow the child to become physically independent; the materials are child sized and the equipment is laid out in an orderly fashion on low, easily accessible shelves. The children choose their own activities and move freely from one completed activity to the next. (Activities on accessible shelves picture)

Montessori Education fter more than 22 years A as a Montessori pre-school teacher I have yet to meet

a child who, when treated with patience, love and respect, within the freedom of the prepared Montessori classroom, has not grown and blossomed as learn and develop in their own particular way.

The first time I spent a morning in a Montessori classroom I was struck by the sense of peace and calm that I experienced and by how independent the young children seemed. They moved around the room in control of their actions, choosing their own work, tidying up, offering help to their friends, preparing their own snack, changing their own clothes and carrying out all of this without the apparent direction of their teacher. (Walking through maze picture ) I have found this feeling of calm, busy energy in each of the Montessori classes that I have worked in and I have come to realise that it is the freedom that the child experiences; freedom of movement, freedom to choose their own activities and freedom to engage in these activities for as long as they want, within the order of a well prepared and interesting

The children are not only free to choose what they wish to work with but are also free to work with them for as long as they wish. In an atmosphere of calm, young children concentrate for surprisingly long periods of time.

(Building words picture) A Montessori classroom provides freedom whilst encouraging a sense of order and self-discipline.

Freedom within a structured environment enables a child to work at creating the person they will become.

Nicola ConstantineMacdonald is Head Teacher and Manager of Shawnigan Lake Montessori

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M m

p c p i b G d t c f i N p i Q w f s p e b w

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Lee Masters

When I was first introduced to Wild Goose Qigong about 25 years ago, I found it fascinating. I had practised many years of sitting meditation and had been a dancer prior to having my three children. Much as I love stillness, I also LOVE to MOVE. I found the Qigong movements unusual and unpredictable, like another language that held an appealing essence that I wanted to embrace.

There was an otherworldly quality when I watched our Qigong master.

“What exactly is going on?”

I would think.

“How does he do that?”

Something seemed to be moving internally. Qi! This Qi was what was giving him his radiant health.

Qigong for Natural Health any of you may have seen M Chinese people practising movement together in the

parks, either in movies or in cities. They may have been practising Tai Chi Chuan or it could quite possibly have been Qigong (pronounced Chi Gong). The idea is that every day, we need to do something that will help us to relax and clear old accumulated energy from our bodies and replace it with fresh energy (Qi) from Nature. Although many people practise Tai Chi for relaxation, its roots are in martial arts.

Qigong, on the other hand, was designed exclusively for health and involves stimulating our acupuncture points and smoothing our energy channels, allowing the body to breathe in and out with Nature.

I then began to learn about the emphasis on balancing the energy of the internal organs something I hadn’t previously thought much about. Their connection to the emotions was a huge eye opener for me and, from my practice, I have enjoyed the result of feeling more even-tempered and balanced emotionally. Less worry, less fear. Fear that if I cried, I might not be able to stop or that if I didn’t suppress my anger, things might get out of control. I feel much calmer inside now. I am ever grateful to the long, 28-generaton lineage over 1800 years, protecting and carrying on the Wild Goose Qigong skill.

“Life’s challenges can become opportunity as we move along our karmic pathway”

You are invited to come on Tuesday November 14th at 6:45 pm or Wednesday November 15th at 9:45 am for a half-hour free demonstration and question period prior to the regular class. You could stay for the class afterwards if you’d like. Please email

rivendellrhythm@shaw. ca or call Lee Masters: 250 748 4060. Visit WildGooseQigongCentre. com for ongoing class details. Everyone is welcome anytime. No experience necessary.

15TH ANNUAL AGM Nichiren Buddha Society Nov. 12th, 2017 Service 11 AM AGM 12:30 Vimy Hall, Gibbins Rd. Info: Txt./PH: 250. 710. 7594 visit www.VIRetreats.com

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Deck The Hall Christmas Craft Market

Mini Christmas Photo Sessions Rachelle Lynn Photography is offering Christmas photos perfect for cards! This special mini session on November 12th is at the Shawnigan Lake community center.

You will receive 5 digital photos, one being the snowglobe special with a choice of templates. Each session will only take 1520 minutes and you will have a chance to order cards ready for Christmas. Rachelle Lynn photography is local to the Cowichan Valley and specializes in quality portraits. All sessions always include hand edited digitals and photo gallery. Pre-booking is required by emailing rachellelynnp@gmail.com. To see samples of my work or to book weddings, portraits, events, or my photobooth please visit www.rachellelynnphotography.com

The Cowichan Exhibition is hosting their 5th “Deck the Hall” Christmas Craft Market!

Many talented artisans, & crafts people will be showing a wide variety of products just in time for the Christmas season. There will be lots of parking, customer appreciation

46

draws and a concession! This event is free to the public! Start your season at the “Deck the Hall” Christmas Crafts Fair! Hope to see you there! For vendor information contact: Shari Paterson (250)748-0822 or cowex@ shaw.ca Saturday, November 25, 10am - 4 pm, Sunday, November 26, 10 am - 3 pm Cowichan Exhibition Park, 7380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan

Cedar Yellowpoint Studio Tour The Cedar Yellow Point Country Christmas self-Guided Tour is blush with excitement and anticipation while artists ready their studios for the 29th annual Christmas Country tour. Enjoy 4 wonderful days exploring artist studios, galleries, farms, local eateries and pubs. Enjoyed with friends makes for even a better experience. Make sure the trunk is empty and a map in your hand which can be downloaded or view on your phone or picked up at a local tourist info Centre. It doesn’t matter where you start the self- guided tour you won’t be disappointed.

You will find hand forged metal, beautiful pottery, jewellery, fiber art, amazing original art, gorgeous glass, spectacular wood

products, cozy alpaca garments, incredible first nation art, and guy gifts, handy crafts and more. Be sure to stop in at the farms where you will find over 40 delicious cranberry products just in time for gift giving and distinctive home grown herb products to eat and skin care products. Fresh honey and bee products will surprise and delight anyone receiving this sweet gift. More than 20 artists await you. Tour runs November 23, 24, 25, 26, 2017, 10 am to 5 pm daily in beautiful Cedar Yellow Point between Nanaimo and Ladysmith. www.cyartisans.com

Westholme Tea Farm Annual Open House You are invited to our annual open house to share the warmth of the season by the wood stove as you enjoy complimentary teas and delectable sweets. Bring a friend and experience organic loose teas, handbuilt ceramics, farm grown Canadian tea, artisan jams, beeswax candles and more. Relax and take your time to find the perfect local gift.

Open House 2017 December 1+2+3, Westholme Tea Farm 10am - 6pm 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme, 250.748.3811 www.westholmetea.com

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

Do you have the PERFECT gift idea?

The 2017 Cowichan Valley Voice Gift Guide presents the best gifts ideas the Valley has to oer from Ladysmith to Mill Bay.

Keep the shopping local!

47

Sponsor A Christmas Tree COWICHAN BAY MARITIME CENTRE The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre will once again be celebrating the Christmas season with lights, decorated Christmas trees, and an official light-up.

We are currently looking for Christmas Tree Sponsors to support this fundraising event for the Pier Reconstruction Project. This is a great way to showcase your business or organization or your family’s support of our pier. $175 to sponsor a tree that we provide along with lights and you provide your choice of decorations, then come down anytime between November 18 – 30th and decorate. We will have an official tree light-up on December 1st. Visitors to the Maritime Centre throughout December will have a chance to cast a ballot for their favourite tree.

Please contact Mel at 250.746.4955 or cwbs@classicboats.org to sponsor a tree

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Christmas At The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre Community Light-Up December 1 st

T

he Cowichan Wooden Boat Society is proud to host its 3rd Annual Christmas Tree event at the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre this holiday season.

The official Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre light-up event will happen on Friday, December 1st at 5:30 pm.

The occasion will be marked by the Discovery School primary choir and Duncan Choral Society performing holiday songs and carols. Hot beverages will be served for all who attend.

Throughout the month of December, the public is invited to come down to the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre to view the decorated Christmas trees which have been sponsored by individuals, businesses, and organizations in the community. View and cast a ballot for your favourite tree. Trees will be on display throughout the museum and along the pier.

The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre is open from 8:30

am to 4:30 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Christmas at the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre will run from December 1 through January 1. Special thanks go out to participating Christmas tree sponsors All funds raised from the event support the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre’s Pier Reconstruction Project. For more information, please visit www.classicboats.org.

About the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre’s Pier Reconstruction Project The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre’s historic 89 metre pier now requires major reconstruction in order to maintain it as an important community asset and major tourist attraction in Cowichan Bay. Annually, over 20,000 visitors from near and far enjoy a stroll down the pier to gain a better view of the Cowichan Koksilah Estuary, take in the interactive displays and exhibits housed along the way in the three pods and pavilion, and build a model boat at the popular children’s boat building booth. The Cowichan Wooden Boat Society must raise $500,000 to fully reconstruct the pier to like-new condition and ensure it is around for many generations to come. To find out more about the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre, visit www.classicboats.org.

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

Cowichan Bay Late Night Shopping

P

lease join the Merchants of Cowichan Bay for our first ever Late Night Shop & LightUp. Follow the magical path of decorated trees while browsing local boutiques featuring in-store draws & specials. Sip warm hot chocolate with the sounds of live caroling. Shops are open till 8:00 so take advantage and check off some of your list while shopping local this season. More information can be found online Facebook.com/CowBayVillage

retailer in the Valley

Here are a few special gift ideas to look for while shopping in Cowichan Bay.

Wild Coast Perfumery Artisan, All Natural, Traditionally Blended Botanical Perfumes. (No Synthetics!) “My pick is a s\picy and woodsy unisex all natural, Whistler eau de parfum because it smells amazing on both men and women.”

Radway Studio & Boutique Eco Friendly Clothing, Fair Trade Gifts & Locally Made Jewelry Come in for Natural Wool Padraig Cottage Slippers for the whole family!

Handmade in BC ~ Sizes Newborn to Adult - Exclusive

The Mud Room Clayworks: A working pottery studio and gallery. “I sell my own handmade mugs, jugs, honeypots, bowls, teapots, butter dishes, etc.. as well as clay boats and trays from Al Knutson, prints and cards

by Jen Tinsley, knitted hats and scarves by Alex Williams. My pick for a gift this season would be a beautiful soup bowl to warm your spirits on a cold grey day.”

jewellery, stained glass, skin care, pottery, photography, prints and much more.”

Old Crow Jewelry Boutique Handmade Jewelry, Baby Essentials and Gifts “For my seasonal gift I recommend a pair of beautiful Opal studs Their sparkle and lustre will brighten any dark winter day!”

Cow Bay’s Pirate Shack Retail gift and upholstery shop Shop of many treasures for all ages.

Invisible Sun Arts featuring Local Arts & Crafts “We have an eclectic selection of island inspired creations - many priced under $50 - candles, tshirts,

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

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5 Weeks In Nepal

Cabaret Series – The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer

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

SKINTASTIC FACIAL SPA

PUT YOUR FACE IN MY HANDS Offering Cool Laser Facials

Jane Knight 250 514 2223 www.skintasticmedispa.ca

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The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre is transforming into a retro speakeasy-style cabaret with on-stage seating in a chill, intimate setting for its new CPAC Cabaret Series. Kicking off the series on Thursday November 9 is a new generation of primal blues-rock with The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer. This duo are a mash-up Chuck Berry-style rock ‘n’ roll and Talking Heads-like funk with music that is packed with heart, soul and a cool, funky groove.

Contemporary jazz artist Laila Biali hits the stage on Friday, November 24 for the next installment of the CPAC Cabaret Series. This Junonominated jazz performer has an uncanny ability to effortlessly meld traditional jazz with contemporary pop and has toured with Chris Botti, Paula Cole, Suzanne Vega and has even recorded with Sting. Friday, November 24, Show Tickets $32 / Cabaret Series $55 Cowichan Ticket Centre, 250.748.7529 2687 James Street, Duncan Cowichanpac.ca

The Rotary Club of Duncan and DV Media will present: “Five Weeks In Nepal”.

Producer Nick Versteeg showcases the volunteer work he and his team did in Nepal. The first of two short film presentations will feature the incredible work done in Nepal by Duncan resident Susan Marshall of the Nepal Education Fund. Journey with Nick Versteeg and Susan Marshall into Kathmandu and Pokhara, where Susan brings educational programs and materials for underprivileged children. The second film features a presentation by Dr. Jeff Philips who volunteered his dental services to the Sherpa families in Khumjung.

In this video producer Nick Versteeg ventures on a three day trek to the dental camp following his arrival at Lukla, the most dangerous airport in the world. Film goers can meet with Nick, Susan, and Dr. Philips during a short intermission which will be followed by Nick’s very personal story of spending five-weeks in Nepal, where the audience will see his experience on the trek to Everest Base Camp and his narrow escape when the Earthquake hit in 2015. An evening that will take your breath away as you experience life in Nepal before April 25th, followed by the devastation of mother nature through the eyes and lens of those that were there.

Thursday, November 26 Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 7 pm, tickets $5 per person. Call The Box Office 250-748-7529 or on line www.cowichanpac.ca

HeadachesNerves and Reflexology

A

headache is one of the most common symptom in adults. 20% of the adult population have suffered from headaches within the past two weeks! Many people unwittingly have tight jaw muscles and often headaches are caused by something as simple as jaw tensions, masticatory muscles and TMJ can be blamed for this. Doctors do recognise that rare attacks of tension headache could be a reminder from the body to change inappropriate behaviour or life style.

Nerve reflexology, developed in Germany, shows over 400 reflex points have been mapped out using electromyographical measurements. With a few exceptions all nerve reflexology points are treated with a moderate pressure, no massage or rotation.

The Reflexologist uses just enough pressure to feel the client’s bone against the bone of the Reflexologist’s thumb.

The duration of tenderness indicates the degree of irritation of the related nerve.

Once the pain has lifted, the nerve has reacted to the therapeutic impulse and an immediate effect can be expected. If the tenderness lasts more than 20 seconds, it is a sign that the nerve is too overloaded to “understand the message” and there is nothing to gain by keeping pressure. The nerve can be worked on again later in the session, giving it a cessation in the meantime.

If jaw tensions are only found in one side, they could be caused by past or present problems with the teeth, but could also indicate a pattern of compensation for a structural problem somewhere else in the body. In order to treat and relax the masticatory muscles it is a good idea to include treatment to the large joints in the body. Perhaps there are problems in the ankle, knees or hips.

The Sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) attaches close to the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and is often tense and important to include in the treatment.

In addition to reflexology treatment, exploring the connections between jaw tensions and headache, it may be valuable to assign stretching exercises. Ask the client to do yawning exercises twice daily. The stretching should stay below the pain threshold; if it hurts, the muscle will block and the exercise will not help.

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There are more nerve endings per square centimetre in the foot than any other part of the body.

Our feet constantly supply us with information about the surface we walk on, without our being even being aware of it. Remember: self-care is an act of self-love!

Do yourself a favour and see for yourself about the wonderful benefits of reflexology!

Helga Feichtinger, Registered, Certified Reflexologist and Indian head Massage Practitioner

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

Call or Email

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Christina Hamill RCST® is a Registered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist and pre and perina-tal health educator who works with all ages. www.cowichancraniosacral.com

W

ith the winter festivities ahead, there is a lot of talking, eating as well as emotional and physical digesting being activated.

There can also be a noticing of stress levels rising with the busyness of it all. It may not be something that you think about, but your jaw is taking part in all of these.

TMJ refers to the temporal mandibular joint, which handles the mobility of the jaw in both a gliding and hinge-like movement.

Your temporal bones are located behind your ears and your mandibular bone is the name of your lower jaw bone. Stress and trauma commonly arise as patterns in the jaw causing all kinds of acute and/or chronic discomfort.

Face development starts to take place between the 4th week and the 10th week of gestation, paving the way for this joint structure to emerge. The TMJ itself starts developing at 9 weeks and completes by the 14 week of pregnancy. A lot happens in utero in a short period of time! Yet, the story of the TMJ actually begins before conception. Epigenetics has practitioners around the world recognizing that the emotional and physical health of the mother

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and father, going back at least three generations, affect the health & development of the growing embryo from preconception to birth, and even into the rest of the infant’s life.

In other words, if a pregnant mother is highly stressed at the same time as the formation of the jaw, then this could potentially impact its optimal development due to stress hormones crossing into the placenta. Expectant mothers need an abundance of support to keep stress to a minimum. Healthy nutrition, sufficient water intake, ample sleep, fresh air, and moderate exercise, all promote the healthy development of the embryo and fetus. This has a positive effect on the wellbeing of the maturation of the bones, ligaments and muscles, including those of the TMJ. Your birth process can also affect the health of your TMJ. It can be impacted by the pressure in the birth canal while negotiating the compressive forces when meeting up against the bones of your mother’s pelvis. It can also face repercussions from interventions, such as the handling of the neck and cranium in a Cesarian birth, the suctioning on the crown of the head during a vacuum extraction, as well as the combined pull and compression on the temporal bones during a forcep extraction.

In birth, the head is meant to push, not to be pulled. Suctioning the airways after the baby is born can also impact the physiological relationships between the oral

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The Story of the TMJ cavity structures. A premature baby, will have underdeveloped structures that are in relationship with the TMJ, compromising its optimal functioning.

Breastfeeding does more than nourish a baby, it has a positive influence on supporting the cranium to adjust and come back into position post birth.

If a mother is having an uncomfortable and/or painful experience with breastfeeding, there is very likely an issue that could be related to the baby’s jaw needing to release, which makes more room for the tongue.

When an infant is having a challenge with either sucking, swallowing or breathing affecting proper breastfeeding, it is highly probable again that the jaw needs releasing, in addition to other cranial support.

From infancy through to adulthood all kinds of impact on the TMJ can occur. Some examples are head/facial injuries from a wide range of normal activity such as playing and participating in sports. Others may come from incidents that have added trauma to them, such as falls, fights, motor vehicle accidents, and sexual abuse.

Well meaning dental work, such as extractions, root canals, retainers, braces can sometimes be prevented or do better with myofunctional treatment and craniosacral therapy.

IBP INTEGRATIVE BODY PSYCHOTHERAPISTS COUNSELLING AND HEALING BREATHWORK

A lot of clients who come to my craniosacral therapy clinic have either noticed themselves or heard from one or more person, such as their parent, spouse, doctor, dentist, singing teacher, that they have issues with their jaw. These problems can range from misalignment, tension, clenching, clicking, grinding, to compromised mobility. My clients have also noticed secondary complaints associated with their TMJ, such as nerve pain, headaches, sinus issues, sleep apnea, increased stress, anxiety, and more. They can experience pain when biting, chewing, swallowing, yawning, and even while talking. Chronic issues in this region of the body are often diagnosed as TMJ Syndrome or TMJ Disorder.

Chronic jaw issues consequently can affect all systems of the body, most noticeably the immune response, digestion, posture and emotional repression. This is no small thing to have to manage.

Recognizing that your cranium is both a very sensitive and powerful place in the body, and that your jaw is only one part or it, highlights the cascade effect of one issue leading to others when organized physiological relationships get disrupted.

What is your TMJ story? The happy ending can be all about getting the support you need to promote the health of your jaw and more specifically of your temporomandibular joint!

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

S t i a

Hungarian line Eminence, Eva has brought in Jusu Body an Organic skincare line from Victoria, Love Your Melon Beanies. In a partnership with them 1/2 of the profits go to non-profit organizations in support of Kids with cancer. Two Blooms Candles, Victoria, Uashmama bags- washable paper handbags made in Italy, Chocohappy, handmade chocolates from Whistler that uses only natural ingredients and wrapped in unique and fun paper cones. There will also be mini treatments with Joy Stalinski “Reflexology by Joy” providing 20 minute reflexology treatments and Eva will be offering Soul Escape Esthetics welcomes readers complimentary facial peels and three to their Customer Appreciation event to international Eminence trainers introduce new products, new treatments will be providing complimentary “10 in and to have fun. In addition to luxury 10” facial peels.

There will also be door prizes, gift R.C.C. MCP, IMHA, BA basket giveaways, Masters Counselling Psychology cupcakes from Cobble Hill Cake Registered Clinical Counsellor Co., refreshments from Power House Shamanic Practices, Living and 10% off of all retail products.

Therpeutic Altered Soul Escape Annual States Therapy Holiday Shopping Party at Soul Escape Esthetics Tuesday, November 14 12:00 - 6pm #4 5777 Trans Canada Hwy www.longboatcounselling.com 250-748-2056. info@longboatcounselling.com

Soul Escape Open House

Julia Allen

250-709-9673

Great Way to connect Donors and Charities There are well over 100 registered charitable organizations in the Cowichan Valley who are all looking for donors. It is often a challenge connecting a willing donor with a worthy cause.

There is a new organization, 100 Men WHO CARE that has just been formed by a group of 25 men and we are looking for new members. The group will meet four times per year to select a charity to support. Each member will bring a cheque for $100 to each meeting and the selected Charity will receive the cheques from each donor at the meeting.

The Charity will issue tax receipts to each of the donors. The first meeting will be held Decembe4 at 7:00 pm with a social starting at 6:30, the location to be confirmed.

If you are interested please contact Gibson Pierce at 1 250 516 7104 or Email menwhocarecv@gmail.com

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

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Being Culturally Welcoming of Volunteers from Diverse Backgrounds participatory day of exploring the art of being A culturally welcoming is coming

up for volunteer coordinators, managers, community members and everyone who engages volunteers in school, community and government in the Cowichan Region.

Volunteer Cowichan, Cowichan Intercultural Society, and the Inclusive Leadership Cooperative are co-hosting this professional development Culturally Welcoming

Volunteers 2.0 workshop.

There is space for thirty participants in this workshop being held at Providence Farm on Tuesday, November 7, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Reserve your seat by emailing vc@ volunteercowichan.bc.ca or phoning 250-748-2133. The $20 registration fee ($30 for two) includes a networking luncheon.

Members of the co-facilitating team include Jennifer Yee

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

Fairweather who coordinates the volunteer services program for Cowichan Intercultural Society; Debra Toporowski, a Cowichan Tribes Councillor who spent twelve years coordinating volunteers for the Cowichan Valley Constituency Office; Daniel Collins, an English teacher who recently returned to Canada after twelve years teaching internationally in Miramar, Nepal, and Bhutan; and Dr. Linda Hill co-founder and coordinator of the Inclusive Leadership Co-operative.

“The Cowichan Valley’s renown for being ‘the warmland” reaches far beyond being a temperate climate.” says Hill. “Our region is becoming known around the world for being a centre of excellence for intercultural bridge building.

We are a region filled with individuals and organizations who embrace diversity and are actively engaged in peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives.”

Jennifer Yee Fairweather concurs. “This workshop is called Culturally Welcoming Volunteers 2.0 because it builds on and is the next evolution of a workshop we held in last year. Thirty participants from fifteen different non-profit organizations collaboratively defined being culturally welcoming as the art of

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mindfully exploring our own conscious and unconscious biases while intentionally developing intercultural competency and culturally appreciative inquiry.”

Debora Toporowski will open the day by welcoming everyone to Cowichan Tribes Territory. Daniel Collins will guide participants to mindfully shift from our conscious and unconscious tendencies to be biased against differences.

Jennifer Yee Fairweather and Linda Hill will guide interactive exercises aimed at developing intercultural competency, culturally appreciative inquiry and personally responsive selfcare. The organizers’ shared vision for the outcomes this year is that we will increase interconnections between nonprofit organizations from throughout our community by sharing our stories. As we interact and learn from each other we will continue to cultivate our skills for welcoming contributions from volunteers who come from many different backgrounds.

Linda Hill, Coordinator, Inclusive Leadership Co-operative For more information please phone 250-746-6141

5. Education, Training and Information Co-operatives provide education and training for their members so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

6. Co-operation among Co-operatives

Celebrating Working Cooperatively Kuan is a resident of the Cowichan Valley and a founding member of the Viridian Energy CoOperative.

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principles that allow them to put these values into practice.

These principles are (taken from the International Cooperative Alliance)

ast month was 2017 Co-op week. It was also the week of Viridian Energy Co-op’s annual retreat. You would have been hardpressed to find one of our members as we are all hunkered down in the Barn of Stowell Lake Farm on Saltspring Island, taking the time to look at the big picture.

1. Voluntary and Open Membership

It’s our rare chance to remove ourselves from the day-to-day business, check in with each other, review what we have achieved, set targets and make sure we stay true to not only our mission and vision but to our cooperative roots.

2. Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are based on the values of equity, self-help, self-responsibility, solidarity, equality and democracy. They also have the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

3. Member Economic Participation

Co-ops are unique in that they are all globally connected through a series of 7 guiding

Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members.

Open 9am to 9pm!

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Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7. Concern for Community Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies

approved by their members.

As we sat around the fire and talked, the days stretched into nights and for 3 days we discussed and built our plan with these values and principles at our core. We are approaching our 6th year of operation and this fall we have reached a milestone: 1MW of solar (3650 solar panels) sales and installations. (a megawatt of solar is enough energy to power 100 homes full-time for the next 30 years) It’s a big achievement for any company but what is more important for us is how we got there, that we did this as a coop and with the support of our communities. www.viridianenergy.ca

Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. one member, one vote

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative.

4. Autonomy and Independence

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The Holidays Are Coming…

Show That You Care

M

Sands Funeral Chapel

Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan

by Arbor Memorial

Janice Winfrey Funeral Director

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

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any of us are anticipating winter, the season of snowy wonderlands and the season of gifts and gift baskets!

Hmmm, maybe my mind is a little off track but it’s not my fault, Tina Short of “A Memorable Gift” has filled my head with unique and intriguing gift ideas that would be perfect for showing appreciation to client, coworker and yes even the boss in this time of giving.

Tina Short of “A Memorable Gift” is the gift consultant we all need to evade those bland uninspired or worse unwanted presents this year.

Specializing in Canadian made top quality gifts and breathtaking unique gift containers, Tina helps create personal and unique gifts, tailor suited to the receiver’s

Her legendary good taste and eye for one of a kind treasures that appreciate in value has allowed her to select the best gourmet foods, elegant containers and tasteful offerings, to create spectacular gifts that you’ll be proud to give.

This year, celebrate another great year in your personal life or business with gifts that speak to your success. “A Memorable Gift” will help assemble the perfect gift in an elegant presentation, all with the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home or office or by appointment in the Cowichan Valley. To arrange an appointment call 250-999-8168. Visit www. amemorablecanadiangift. com or e-mail: tinashort@ amemorablegift.com

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e

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Green Living

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250 715 6174 Do You Know What’s Lurking In Your Closets? the stuff you’re not keeping

A

s we settle into autumn and retreat indoors after a long summer of playing outside there are nooks and crannies inside our homes that we may find we have been neglecting. If your household is like mine, you’ve spent the past few months outside, running from one adventure to another, dropping things on surfaces as you come and go, or stuffing things into closets with a silent promise to deal with them another time.

Now is as good of a time as any.

My strategy is to pick one area per week. A closet or junk drawer or cupboard in the laundry room….you get the idea. Pull everything out and make 3 piles. Keep, donate/discard, and not sure.

After everything is sorted go through the not sure pile and sort into keep or donate/ discard. If you have trouble deciding whether or not to keep some items put them in a box out in the garage or attic and write the date on top. In six months if you haven’t needed it or missed it, get rid of it. Next pack up

and put it in your car to deliver to its destination. All that’s left is to replace the items you’re keeping. Might need to get some containers or baskets or dividers to keep everything neat. Yay! What a great new space you’ve created. For me when I open that cupboard door from then on its like it sings to me, so rewarding.

Its especially important with the winter weather here, doors and windows sealed up and air flow within the rooms diminished, to make sure you sort through the stuff under the beds, or piled up in corners of rooms against exterior walls where moisture tends to get trapped and cause mold and mildew issues.

Less piles and over stuffed spaces bring clarity and less congestion in general. Get into the small, dark, and sometimes forgotten places in your home. For healthier air quality and maybe even singing cabinetry.

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locally grown, organic and delicious

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Butter Chicken Curry Chicken Vegetarian Specialties Chana Masala Pakoras Samosas

The Daily Grind Dine in or Take Out 3218 Sherman Road • 250-709-2299

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Tamu Miles, Novelist, blogger, and employee at Dinter Nursery

N

ow, we all know that composting isn’t just throwing your kitchen waste on a pile and leaving it to sit, right? Composting takes patience, time and energy, but all of that is far outweighed by its benefits.

Adding composted materials to your garden returns nutrients to your soil, including trace nutrients that plants require. It aerates the soil, increases soil’s water holding capacity, and best of all, it eliminates the need to purchase expensive soil amendments.

The great thing about composting is that you can use almost any material that is organic. These materials are divided up into two categories: brown (high carbon) and green (high nitrogen). Brown materials include dead leaves, wood chips and sawdust, paper products, and straw. Green materials are things like kitchen scraps, vegetable waste, green garden waste, manure, hay and seaweed.

Avoid using things like invasive species, weeds that have gone to seed, bones, fat

Make Sure You Turn Your Dirt: Principals of Composting and grease, whole eggs and milk products, items treated with chemicals, and inorganic material that cannot break down.

To keep your compost pile healthy, make sure that it is moist but not saturated and that it is turned often to allow air to penetrate the material. Turn your compost from the outside in, allowing the centre to warm, but not exceed 70 degrees Celsius. Add chopped materials in layers punctuated by layers of clean garden soil.

If your compost is unhealthy, you will know it because it won’t smell sweet (aerobic bacteria), it will smell foul (anaerobic bacteria) because it is compressed and needs to aerate. You could also see signs of green sludge from too much green material.

A compost pile needs a proper ratio of carbon to nitrogen to support a healthy population of micro-organisms.

Nitrogen is needed for microorganisms to reproduce and

grow, and carbon is food for the micro-organisms.

Whether you use a top loading bin, or you’ve built a wooden structure on the back of your property, make sure you choose a shady, sheltered area that can be accessed with a wheelbarrow. It’s best to have three piles: one for raw material, one for material that is well into the composting process, and one for material that is ready to put on your garden.

That’s it, folks. Those are the basics for a healthy and happy compost pile. Just don’t forget to turn your dirt.

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

François Léonard 250 710 2652

twistedvinelandscaping@gmail.com

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

co

Annual Waterbird Count at Hecate Park, Cowichan Bay

Bring colour to your winter garden.

W

ithin two hours of high tide on the second Sunday of the month, volunteers all along the coast identify and count the birds near the shore. These are citizen scientists collecting data for the Bird Studies Canada Coastal Waterbird Survey. One local group gathers by the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre at Hecate Park in Cowichan and bring binoculars or a camera if you Bay to count birds from four have them. This month’s count will locations along the shore. Both novices begin at 12 noon on Sunday, November and experienced birders are welcome for 12. For more information call 250the count, which takes about an hour.

715-5261, To find the times of future The bird counts are a great opportunity waterbird counts, visit http://www. to improve both your counting and cowichanestuary.ca/calendar/. birding skills while enjoying the beauty of the Cowichan Estuary. The total walk is about 350 metres on a level surface, so people with ENVIRONMENTALLY BETTER THAN BURNING! mobility challenges can participate.

Participants should dress for the weather

• Winter flowering Camellia • Winter heather • Sweet Box • Witchhazel • Christmas Rose (Hellebore) • Viburnums

No need to leave your pots empty for winter s are down! y when the chip We’re eco-friendl

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

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See our table for ideas on hardy winter planters. www.dinternursery.ca

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

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headaches immediately.

I

feel compelled to share this sinus cleansing technique as we are entering the season of colds and congestion. As a child I watched my father use this technique, and learned it again in 1983 from Svevo Brooks, a healer and common sense practitioner. It is similar to the Neti pot cleanse, however it goes a step further in clearing the post-nasal area as well. It is the perfect free, available, safe way to clear the thick, yellow, ropey goop from your head, clearing breathing and relieving

You need a glass of warm salt water, half a teaspoon of salt in half a cup or so of water.

Think the concentration of saltiness in seawater, exact measurement is not needed.

Salt water is ideal to soothe the tissues, especially if you’ve been blowing and they’re a bit raw. Stand at your bathroom sink, bent slightly forward at the waist so all will drain forward.

Make a cup with one hand and look at it. Notice the pad of muscle below your thumb.

This will be the block that plugs the nostril on that side.

Right thumb for the right nostril. Practise with a dry hand to see how that feels, on each side. All your breathing will be through your mouth, there is no risk of drowning.

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Food

Country Grocer 250 743-5639 Bakery, Meat, Seafood, Produce, Deli & Floral, Supplements

Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese 250 929-2873 Charcuterie, Cheese House Made Pates Healthcare Cobble Hill Dental 250-743-6698 Friendly, Family Practice

We Welcome New Patients!

Now pour salty water into your cupped hand. With one nostril plugged, gently suck the water out of your hand with the open nostril. Think of sucking on a straw, you have control of how fast you suck it in. Stop at any time and take a few breaths through your mouth to calm yourself down if you need to, then start again with more water. It’s a different feeling and takes a bit of getting used to. Change hands and try the other side, have a bit of fun. The water that you have sucked into your nostril will dribble back out and into the sink. Laugh at yourself!

At some point in pulling the water in there is a place of “going for it” where the water goes over the soft palate and drops into your throat, where that “post-nasal drip” feeling happens. That water is easily spat out, remember you are leaning forward!

Now the fun really begins!

At any point you can blow your nose, yet after the salt water has spent a bit of time in there it loosens and lubricates the mucus and gets things flowing. Blow one nostril at a time, plugging the opposite nostril with a finger or thumb-tip and giving it what used to be called the “farmer’s handkerchief.”

There is something about the directed force of the single shot blow that clears right up into the ears. Be amazed at what comes out.

The Blow

by Blow rattling in there, repeat the salt water sniff and blow it again. Remember it is the commitment of getting to the post-nasal area with the water that really makes it work. Like jumping into a pool, there is a moment of suspension!

Continue until you’re feeling complete, then a little facewash and tissue blow and you’ll feel like a new person.

I don’t think you can overdo this and the effects can last for days. Have fun taking back some power over you own health. Oh, and clean the sink!

Marilyn Weland, born and raised in Cowichan, 40 year health care professional.

Honouring Resistance Sexual Assault Counseling

S

exual assault is an aggressive act of physical violence that has been sexualized. The offender needs to feel powerful and in control by using force, intimidation or manipulation. The assault (even if it doesn’t appear to be violent) is intended to demean a person into silence. Often, the survivor fears for their life, emotional well-being or public reputation and won’t openly resist the offender. This is wisdom and self-preservation.

Fighting back can increase the danger. But submission does not equal consent. If a survivor submits, it doesn’t mean they agreed to the situation. A victim is never responsible for being sexually assaulted. The responsibility for the assault

lies with the offender.

The Sexual Assault Advocate Program supports adults 18+ of all gender expressions who have experienced recent or historical sexualized exploitation, abuse or violence. The traumatic impact of sexualized violence often intrudes into our home, work, or school life affecting our relationships and quality of life. With courage and self-acceptance it is possible to recover from postviolence stress and reclaim a meaningful life.

Funded by The Department of Justice Canada, “Honouring Resistance Sexual Assault Counseling” uses a clientcentered approach to cultivate dignity for survivors. This approach invites the survivor to take an active role in their healing placing them at the centre of their own decision making. Guidance comes from the survivor’s instincts.

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

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Reconciliation with Self is at the heart of all healing.

Trauma counseling focuses on building inner strengths and self-trust, establishing physical safety and emotional stability in one’s body, relationships, and other aspects of life, grief and loss, offender accountability and personal power, reporting the violence… or not.

Sexualized trauma doesn’t have to own you for the rest of your life. There are solutions and there is a path forward.

Available by appointment, “Honouring Resistance Sexual Assault Counseling” is: • FREE • Thursday afternoons • Limited to 12 sessions “Honouring Resistance” is a therapeutic art group for survivors of sexualized violence open to women and trans women. Guided art exercises support survivors to discover their strengths and believe in themselves.

The Saturday morning dropin group is free, supplies are included and no artistic expertise is required!

November art exercises: “Validating Anger” –

understanding Anger’s role and developing healthy expressions, “Imprint of Fear” – exploring valid vs. unsustainable levels of fear, “Lost & Found” – acknowledging losses and developing self-compassion, and “Paving the Way” – cultivating strength-based strategies for healing and recovery. November 4, 11, 18 and 25 10AM-12:00.

“Honouring Resistance Sexual Assault Counseling” November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 1PM-4PM. Contact Kendra Thomas of Warmland Women’s Support Services Society for details: kthomas@warmlandwomen. org 250-710-8177 FB warmlandwomen

Happiness Enhancing Affirmation I, am choosing to be kind to myself today. I work hard caring for my family.

In order to be giving I recharge my batteries. I nourish me by taking a walk on the beach or talking with a trusted friend. I am valuable.

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Lucky Dog U Bath Just north of

1059 CANADA AVE DUNCAN Power Lunch

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Lucky Dogs...

Don’t be shy…

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

Fido rolled in dead fish?

We can help!

U Bath or WE Bath

Grooming!

250 597-7DOG

www.luckydogubath.ca

I

am an animal Naturopath and people make some assumptions about my views on animal health. Let me clear things up.

My focus is on keeping your pet’s immune system as strong as possible with proper nutrition and as few humanmade chemicals as possible.

A strong immune system is what protects your pet from disease; naturally.

There are times when conventional medicine is the best option for your pet.

Please don’t be shy to talk to me about it. Some clients are ashamed to admit they went to see their vet before calling me. It’s okay!

I am not against veterinarians.

I prefer to work with you and your veterinarian if that is going to be the best thing for your pet. Most vets don’t think I’m a quack and are happy to work with

alternative modalities if they will be beneficial.

I do not diagnose disease.

I educate clients on what a healthy animal looks like and how to achieve that health through the least invasive ways possible.

Keeping your pet healthy as naturally as possible makes your pet stronger so if surgery or pharmaceutical drugs are the last and only option, your pet will be able to handle them and heal quickly and clean out the drugs as efficiently as possible.

There are circumstances in life when raw feeding an optimal diet just isn’t possible. I will not shame you, I have twelve years of experience feeding raw and teaching raw feeding. There is always a way to work around time and cash constraints. I am quite creative.

I don’t believe in an all or nothing lifestyle for your pet.

We all have lazy days. We all get a treat now and then. It’s not cheating, it’s living. Live a healthy, balanced life with your pet and you’ll both go a long way.

Fuzzy the hawt dawg guy is now Fuzzy The Realtor

• Residential • Agri Business • Strata I www.fuzzyrealtor.com I (250)748-5000

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Lenora Hive Share: Month Seven Notes from the Hive

Life and Leadership Coaching…

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

B

eekeeping changes dramatically this time of year.

We suit up with thick gloves and full bee suits to check the hive in colder weather. The bees are more aggressive in the fall as they are protecting their hive from any predators including humans. The frames should be heavy and thick with honey.

Chelsea removes the formic acid strips. Last visit, we treated the bees with an organic mite treatment, formic acid. This acid falls through the colony and has a negative effect on the Varroa mites. Our hive is now ready for winter with low mite levels and lots of honey stores.

Smoking the hives we open them up carefully with the safety of our protective gear.

Hives look pretty good. On this check Chelsea advises that we can remove the feeder section at the front to make it easier to check all the frames.

As with good practice we look for the queen, being catreful to always hold the frame over the hive. We look to see if there is any capped brood - which there shouldn’t be much, but just enough to pull them through the rest of this season. Capped brood though not abundant, are still essential for the health of the hive for overwintering. At this time of the season, the Queen bee is laying very little eggs.

Her egg laying rate starts to decrease after the summer solstice.

In November, we will be wrapping the hive up with

www.spiritgate.ca michelle@spiritgate.ca 250 737 1484 a light insulating wrap.

This wrap is not as much to keep the heat in, but to keep the moisture out. Here on Vancouver Island, the #1 issue with overwintering honey bees is moisture. Ensuring that the hive has plenty of ventilation, honey stores, and low mite levels is a good start to overwintering. Some beekeepers will also use a ‘ Quilt Box’ which is a shallow hive box with a bottom made of canvas. Inside this hive box is wood shavings. The Quilt box is placed on top of the overwintering colony to absorb any excess condensate.

After the bees are wrapped and ready for the winter, we won’t be going into them until January or so.

This time of year, you really must pick a warm day to go into your hives. If you spend too long in the colony on a cold day it can have negative effects on developing brood.

Quick and fast checks are recommended, and make sure to have an agenda when going into the colony. Don’t spend longer than necessary.

Learn more at www.lenorabee.ca/.

Submitted by Sheila Badman and Chelsea Abbott

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Kum Nye

YOGA FOR WELLNESS

Tibetan Yoga

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

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

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

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

• Heal Trauma • Get Unstuck • End Emotional Eating

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

Yoga- Community Connection

T

he definition of yoga is union. We often think of yoga as a solitary practicesomething that invites us to connect with our inner world.

And while it’s a powerful tool for tuning into our vibrant unique consciousness, it also offers us connection to the larger whole, community.

If you have ever gone to a yoga class, you may have noticed a gentle hum of connected energy. Even in the silence present, there is a feeling of being part of something bigger. I experience the energy of the kula (community) as a fabric that supports us all, and reminds us of the innate support of the universe. Even as I walk into a class where I know no one, I sense the space of belonging. After a few breaths, or perhaps a few asanas you may have also noticed a rhythmic pulse of energy moving through the room. A feeling

of togetherness- without the need for eye contact or words.

In a challenging moment (perhaps a balancing posture), I can feel the underlying support of my neighbour, another reminder that I am not going at this alone (a great message to take away from class into my daily life). It doesn’t matter what kind of yoga you practice, or what studio you go to, there seems to be this universal feeling in all classes. As we come together to breathe, move and connect with spirit individually we experience together as one.

Yoga offers us a place where we belong, where there is no judgement, and where we are seen and honoured just for being who we are. A place of comfort, of sanctuary, of home.

Asrael Zemenick is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yoga Teacher in the Valley- She teaches at Harmony Yoga on Wednesday’s at 4:30. Visit her at www.ayurvedicbliss.com

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

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Witness Blanket in full

Witness Blanket

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itness Blanket? Now, what’s this I humbly ask my childhood friend a Master Carver, Carey Newman, Kwagiulth artist.

Well, let me tell you…..

‘The blanket is a universal symbol of protection. For many of us, it identifies who we are and where we`re from – we wear them in ceremony and give them as gifts. Blankets protect our young and comfort our elders’ Being of British, Kwagiulth and Salish descent, Carey has been able to draw upon each of these cultures for his inspiration. While this does add a contemporary flare to his work, he is very careful to adhere to traditional rules and values. Finding ways to innovate without disregarding history is extremely important to

him. Carey’s latest project is an ambitious, complex – and highly personal – work, called Witness Blanket. The creation of a National Monument, to recognize the atrocities and symbolize reconciliation titled “Witness: Pieces of History” as part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Commemoration Initiative.

Witness Blanket in detail

This work, inspired by a woven blanket - an important cultural symbol of recognition, strength and protection- incorporates actual pieces of Residential Schools, churches, government buildings and traditional structures from all across Canada. It is made up of panels and measure about two metres tall by nine metres wide. http:// witnessblanket.ca/#!/blanket/ Originally, the work was to consist entirely of artifacts from residential schools. But Mr. Newman decided to include

artifacts from traditional structures, such as teepees, friendship centres and sweat lodges that demonstrate the resilience of the culture, as well as from churches and government buildings of that era that speak to the reconciliation element of the process.

“They are pieces that witnessed that time – that witnessed those things,” he said.

Carey Newman’s Witness Blanket will be the fundraising focus for 7th Winter Solstice Annual Concert: “Weaving in The Light” directed by

Cari Burdett taking place on December 21 in Duncan, December 22 in Sooke and December 23 in Victoria. Save the dates!

To learn more about the project visit www.blueraven.ca. To learn more about the local fundraising concert visit http:// cariburdett.com/solstice for more information.

Deise gerhardt, As a writer/researcher every word should and does matter;

Happiness Enhancing Gathering To Help Increase Our Wellbeing Join us in exploring new ways to express and experience happiness. All you need to bring is an open heart, an open mind and a sense of humour.

Held at “The Collective Space” 166 Station Street, Duncan, Tuesday November 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th • 7pm to 8:30pm Please call to hold your space. 250-732-4599 I The fee is by donation, whatever you can share.

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

Nix Neonics

harmful impacts on pollinators and ecosystems for years, but this summer, two major scientific releases added significantly to the ever-growing body of research proving widespread use of these toxic chemicals must stop.

It’s Time To Nix Neonics

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he Canadian government is banning plastic microbeads in toiletries. Although designed to clean us, they’re polluting the environment, putting the health of fish, wildlife and people at risk. Manufacturers and consumers ushered plastic microbeads into the marketplace, but when we learned of their dangers, we moved to phase them out.

Why, then, is it taking so long to phase out the world’s most widely used insecticides, neonicotinoids? Scientists have proven they’re harming not only the pests they’re designed to kill, but also a long list of non-target species, including pollinators we rely on globally for about one-third of food crops.

Neonics are systemic pesticides.

Plants absorb and integrate them into all tissues — roots, stems, leaves, flowers, pollen and nectar. First introduced in the 1990s, they now account for one-third of the global pesticide market. Agricultural applications include leaf sprays, and seed and soil treatments.

They’re also used for trees, turf products, and flea and tick treatments for pets.

We’ve known about neonics’

On September 18, the Task Force on Systemic Pesticides — an international group of independent scientists convened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature — released an update to its 2015 Worldwide Integrated Assessment of the Impact of Systemic Pesticides on Biodiversity and Ecosystems.

The 2017 update takes into account more than 500 additional peer-reviewed studies, revealing broader impacts and reinforcing the 2015 conclusions that neonics represent a major worldwide threat to biodiversity, ecosystems and the services nature provides.

On October 6, task force scientist Edward Mitchell and an interdisciplinary team from the University of Neuchâtel and the Botanical Garden in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, published a study in Science, which found three-quarters of the honey produced throughout the world contains neonics.

Although concentrations were below the maximum authorized for human consumption, they surpassed levels proven to affect bees’ behaviour, physiology and reproductive abilities.

Conducted in 2015 and 2016, the study analyzed 198 honey samples from around the world, searching for the five most common neonics: acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam.

Seventy-five per cent contained at least one, with proportions varying considerably by region.

The highest levels were in North America (86 per cent), Asia (80 per cent) and Europe (79 per cent), with the lowest in South

America (57 per cent).

Thirty per cent of all samples contained a single neonicotinoid, 45 per cent contained between two and five and 10 per cent contained four or five.

Regulators don’t tend to consider the “cocktail effects” of contamination by multiple neonics. The impacts on bees, humans and other organisms are still undiscovered, but I bet they won’t be good.

These new findings restate the need to stop all massscale systemic pesticide use. Maintaining the status quo means continuing environmentally unsustainable agricultural practices. After all, the latest science also shows that in many cases, neonics provide little or no real benefit to agricultural production. Instead, they decrease soil quality, hurt biodiversity and contaminate water, air and food. They can’t even be relied on to decrease farmers’ financial risk or assist significantly with crop yields.

What are governments doing with this information?

In 2013, the European Union imposed a moratorium on certain uses of three neonics on beeattractive crops: imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam.

The EU is now considering extending the moratorium.

Meanwhile, the new French

biodiversity law aims to ban all neonics starting in September 2018. North American regulators, meanwhile, have failed to recognize the urgent need to prevent neonics from further contaminating the environment.

Health Canada’s Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency has proposed phasing out one neonic, imidacloprid, but not until 2021 at the earliest — possibly as late as 2023. While industry continues to lobby Ottawa to continue using the toxic chemicals, environmental groups are calling for faster phase-out plans and an end to neonic use.

If we care about the quality and security of our food sources — and the species and ecosystems they rely on — the time for neonics is over. Sustainable and affordable agricultural and pest management practices exist.

It’s time to ban bee-killing pesticides.

Learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and cofounder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Communications Manager Brendan Glauser.

Return to a clean home and workplace.

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

Providing professional, eco friendly cleaning services.

250 929 8381 www.cleanchoicecleaners.com Licensed - Insured - Bonded

Home Cleaning Gift Certificates available for Family & Friends!

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My Story Contest for Cittaslow Cowichan

indigenous person, or want to share a story of life in the Cowichan in the recent past.

Share with us what you are most thankful for living here in the Valley.

ittaslow Cowichan, a non-profit society, is sponsoring a contest for residents of the Cowichan Valley to share ‘their’ story with Cittaslow and the Valley. Cowichan is the first community in North America to receive this designation from the International body that governs Cittaslow, in recognition of its adherence to the core values enshrined in this global organization. We want to get your story to help us celebrate this special place we live.

2. Sense of Place + Community Building: Whether you want to share stories of your family’s early activities from previous generations, or establishing a new venture - a farm or business that has contributed to our community. What about early wineries, farms and vineyards? Describe those unique attributes of the Valley that create the strong sense of place that we so enjoy…

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These values celebrate, preserve, promote and engage in our diverse history and traditions, our community spirit, while building community and creating a sense of place. It embodies our awareness of the beauty of our natural environment here in the Valley while improving our quality of life though promoting environmental stewardship and enjoying the bounty of locally grown and prepared food, beverages and other products.

We are looking for entries that describe your story as it relates to any one of the categories below with a prize for each category. They include: 1. History and Traditions: Tell us your story on how you came to live here in Cowichan, whether you and your people have been here generations, came here from away, whether a refugee, an

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3. Sustainability - Preserving the beauty of our Natural Environment: Whether it is an eco- business or a hiking trail that inspires you, or sustainable resource or project that you have been involved in, tell us your story!

4. Our community spirit and quality of life: share with us those elements that nurture our spirits and make life here in the Valley unique.

Your entries can take many forms whether written, recorded audio files or video stories. We accept any format.

The contest is a year long and will start in November 2017 and close in November 2018.

You will have the chance to review other submissions and post your votes for your favourites on line! See our website and facebook page for more details and updates.

Start thinking! www.cittaslowcowichan.org/

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT By Rick Dennis Pat’s House Of Jazz will soon be Preston’s House of Jazz (unofficially, at least) now that Valley musician Preston Davies has taken over Pat Selman’s duties. The Cowichan Valley music icon tells me she has decided to retire in the West Kootenays.

The pub has a new name.

“Tony Van De Mortel, the owner of the newly named Osborne Bay Pub has been an avid supporter of Jazz at the Crofton Hotel and recently renamed the Sunday Jazz program to Pat’s House of Jazz, “ Ms. Selman tells me.

Some things won’t change, however. “ Our doorman George Gaudette will remain front and centre, and we have Jeff Smiley at the sound booth,” assures Pat. She adds, “We have approached the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society (CVCAS) to take Pat’s House of Jazz under their umbrella as Crofton is included in the mandate of the CVCAS. The hope is that this core of jazz lovers will manage the Sunday events at the Osborne Bay Pub and continue bringing first class Jazz and Traditional Jazz to Crofton.”

She also slips in a plug for the food: “The pub has an extremely talented farm-to-table chef Kacia Scholz who began producing excellent creations “from sea to table” in May of this year. There is a popular monthly buffet on the last Sunday of each month from 10 to 1 pm.” ( Reservations are recommended by phoning 250-324-2245) For the November slate at the renamed Osborne Bay Hotel see the ad elsewhere in this issue of Cowichan Valley VOICE. Let’s put it this way, if you’re a fan of New Orleans jazz, Edith Piaf or Sonny Stitt, the weekly (Sundays, 2-5 pm $15 at the door) Osborne Bay Hotel jazz sessions have something for you.

Pat says she and her life partner Dallas chose their new home in the Kootenays “because of the tranquil setting and felt it a good fit for us. Though I will miss Sunday Jazz at the Crofton Hotel!”

Submitted by Nick Versteeg

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

Georgia Nicols M.A. is Canada’s most popular astrologer. A Buddhist, this Vancouver-based astrologer is featured in regional papers across Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. www.georgianicols.com

Aries (March 21-April 19) This month the Sun will join Jupiter in your Eighth House creating a greater focus on financial issues.Tthis is good news. It calls your attention to the fact that not only during the next month but also the next year is where you have financial good fortune! You will be able to get a loan or a mortgage more easily than in any other year. Your partner might earn more money.

Disputes about inheritances and insurance issues will be favourable to you.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) The Sun sits across from your sign this month, which means you will need more sleep and more rest. Furthermore, this oppositional Sun forces you to focus on partnerships and close friendships more than usual. The upside is you will observe your style of relating to others. Mercury will also be opposite your sign for the next two weeks indicating you will be involved in discussions about partnerships. Talk, talk, talk!

Gemini (May 21-June 20) It’s time. You want to know how to better manage your life. Physical efficiency will be your top priority; but you will have a greater interest in improving your health as well. Admittedly, you might have to work for the benefit of someone because they need your assistance. Basically, as you learn how to work better and smarter – this will increase your opportunities to improve your job or get a better job

this year or in 2018, which is something you will definitely do. Awriiiight!

Cancer (June 21-July 22) It’s play city for Cancers! Slip away on a vacation because this is the perfect time to kick up your heels; and you have a strong drive to get out and have a good time. Accept invitations to party! Expect to be more involved with children. Sports events will appeal. You will also value your creative talents more because in this four-week window, you want to feel free to express yourself and just be who you are!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This month is all about home, family and your private life.

Many will want to cocoon at home. Family discussions will be important. Not only will there be lots of family involvement, but home repairs are also in the picture. Some of this energy will set the stage for your ability and desire to create your dream home in 2018. But you will also enjoy more warmth and happiness within your family dynamic. In fact, family members will be upbeat and mutually generous to each other more than usual.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Your daily pace will accelerate this month because you’re busy with short trips, conversations with siblings, relatives and neighbours plus increased reading, writing and studying. Some will squeeze in a quick vacation. (“I want it all!”) However, you also have a desire to communicate something to someone. Don’t hesitate to tell someone how you feel about something because this is your chance. “I want a pony and I want to be a ballerina.”

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Your focus on money, cash flow and earnings is more intense this month. You want greater control of your life through your possessions and wealth. You want the best use out of what you own. For example, do you own your stuff or does it own you? It’s easy to be a slave to something that you own, and it becomes an albatross around your neck. Basically, you want to feel prepared. (Like the Walt Disney squirrels gathering their nuts for winter.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) “You look mahvellous dahling, marvelous!” This month the Sun is in your sign boosting your energy and attracting favourable situations and important people to you. This is such a positive time for you that you will feel fabulous!

Your health will be good. Your optimism will be strong. You will attract people and good circumstances to you. Relax and enjoy your good fortune!

Secret love affairs might take place. Mercury in your sign makes you chatty!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month, the Sun is hiding in your chart. This means you have a greater interest in getting in touch with your subconscious mind to try to figure out how it controls you when you are not aware of it. For example. you might become more aware of childhood behaviour patterns that are no longer appropriate.

(Like hiding under the desk when the boss comes.)

Explore spiritual or mystical disciplines. Learn something different that is illuminating and exciting.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Your interaction with others will increase this month.

NOVEMBER FORECAST Enjoy this popularity! People will be cooperative. This is a wonderful window to socialize. Take time to study your friends because they are a reflection of who you are.

Your idealism will be aroused now and you might want to set goals for the future. Think about your interaction with others and how well they do or do not fulfil your needs.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This month the Sun is at the top of your chart. (Occurs only once a year.) When this happens, it symbolizes that a flattering “spotlight” is shining down on you, which makes bosses, parents and VIPs notice you and admire you!

(Good lighting is everything.)

Obviously, you can use this to your advantage! This means that the month ahead is your time to advance your agenda and make your pitch. Explore opportunities that will boost your good name in the coming year!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) You need to get outta Dodge!

You’re eager for adventure and stimulation; and you want to see new places and meet new faces. Grab every chance to travel! If you can’t travel, then be a tourist in your own city.

You will also enjoy taking courses or going back to school because this will please you and satisfy your hunger to expand your experience of the world. You might also explore metaphysical, religious and spiritual ideas at this time. It’s an exciting month! www.georgianicols.com

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DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES

Valley Voice Magazine readers directory a great way to discover local services and businesses. 2 sizes of ad space are available to suit every business message and budget. Affordable, stylish and straight to the point.

Directory Size A - 1 logo + 8-12 word listing Full Colour 1 X $63 6X $53 12X $43 Black & White 1 X $52 6X $42 12X $32

Contact Adrienne Richards for more info 250 510 6596 or by phone to adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Deadline NOVEMBER 15 for DECEMBER 2017 Issue 108 Bulk Foods

Ayurveda

• Bulk Natural Foods • Bosch Kitchen Centre • Workshops • Take Out Dahl & Rice WHIPPLETREE JUNCTION 778 422 3310

Ayurvedic Life Transformations

Uniquely Tailored Explorations Into The Self Coaching, Counselling, Yoga Therapies & Bodywork

Asrael 250 597 3973 www.ayurvedicbliss.com

Childcare Services

Growing Together Childcare

A home childcare program inspired by nature and the Waldorf philosophy for ages 3 to 5

FULL TIME Spaces Available Now

Ages 3-5 year olds 8:30am-3pm 1033 Nagle Street, Duncan 250-748-9754 or visit us via

250 710 4062 www.hhchildcare.com Computers

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In-Home Computer Lessons

Organizing your computer Office Programs Business Office Assistance

Social Media Website Building PC’s and Mac’s

Call Nettie: 250-510-0408 Website: www.inhomecomputerlessons.com E-mail: nettekevw@gmail.com

Employment

Framing and Local Art 139 Station St. 250-748-3311 ssgfs@telus.net Professional Framing •Local Art •Unique Gifts

Garden Design

Arborvitae Garden Design

Custom Garden Design, Outdoor Living Spaces and Chillatoriums for Home & Business

C.A. Linklater 1-250 709 7114 arborvitaegardendesign.com

Choose us to promote your business and services. Over 30,000 readers!

Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com for a 2017 Rate Card.

Farms & Food

More than a Meat Shop

Gluten Free/Organic Pasta’s, Organic Meat, Homemade Sausage, International Foods.

The Duncan Butcher 430 Trans Canada Hwy 250 748 -6377

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Mt. Sicker Family Farm

We supply these local companies • e3 Naturals: Sensitive Skin Therapy • Buddies Natural Pet Food

www.buddiesnaturalpetfood.ca www.e3naturals.com

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

Health and Healing Acute or Chronic conditions • Substance dependency • Facial Rejuvenation • MSP & extended health coverage if applicable

Customizable Organic Mattresses, Pillows, Linens Locally made Platform Beds and Furniture

Wu Wei Acupuncture & Acupressure Clinic Frauke McCashin, R.Ac., Dipl.TCM 1 - (250) 710 3581 Mill Bay & Duncan www.worldwuwei.com

126 Station St. 250-597-REST (7378) www.resthouse.ca

REFLEXOLOGY

Indian Head Massage Enabling your body to heal itself, naturally.

FEEL BALANCED & CENTRED naturalheelingreflexology.com

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Call Helga 250-732-7988

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Unwind and release the body’s own healing potential Cranialsacral Therapy RCST • Integrative Energy Healing Therapist • Kundalini Terri Bishop 1-778-288-7533 Yoga Classes

ISLAND ROLFING

REALIGN YOUR BODY

• better balance • increase flexibility• improve posture • re alignment • eliminate chronic pain and more NEW client special! - 50% off your first rolfing visit

BRETT HOLLAND I 250.920.8818

www.GroundPointHealth.com

Bioenergetic Balancing with Magnets & Energy Healing

Join Brett Holland for Jingui Golden Shield Qi classes every Wednesday

* Boost the immune system * Prevent illness & fatigue * Feel healthier

50% off your first month of Qi Gong!

Sol Centre, 5380 TCH, Duncan Ph: 250 920 8818

Kathryn Lowther Certified Biomagnetism Therapist & HUE Energy

WWW.GOLDENSHIELDQIGONG.CA

250-891-5138 www.biomagcanada.ca

WAKING WELLNESS NUTRITION

In holistic nutrition, a complete approach of mind, body, and spirit is taken for improving your ailments. The state of these all play a part on the way to dis-ease, and so therefore must be considered important on the pathway to wellness. Contact Tina for guidance in achieving your greater health and wellness potential. Enjoy the journey!

Tina Foster, RHN Registered Holistic Nutritionist

250 748 8774

MineTheHarvest@hotmail.com

Natural Beauty

Photograpny

Raindog Camera Services

Prudence

Photos that help tell your stories.

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics • 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

www.facebook.com/fotomatic5/ Pet Care

Spacious suites, pickup and drop-off service, kitty cams

Cowichan’s Exclusive Boarding Resort for Cats

That Cat Hotel 250-749-3728 www.ThatCatHotel.ca

Debbie Wood Certified Animal Naturopath Carnivore Nutritionist

Support from the inside Monday-Thursday 250-597-7364

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