VV August Issue 93 2016 WEB

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AUGUST 2016 ISSUE 93

CITTA SLOW WHITE DINNER I FARMERS’ MARKETS I WINE PAIRINGS I KIDS PLAY

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Frog Song Farm

Waldorf-Inspired Educational Program Cobble Hill BC

“Where all voices can be heard”

Located amidst a rural environment, Frog Song Farm offers a holistic academic education enriched with the daily rhythms of farm life. Gardening, sustainable farming, and ecological practices are integrated into our grade school Waldorf-Inspired program. Frog Song Farm students learn about the world through their whole beings with an innovative artistic curriculum. Our five acres of pasture, orchard and garden serve as a natural playground for our students. This is an invaluable educational resource for our older students, providing hands-on projects that enhance many of our academic studies. Frog Song Farm offers a full program for grades three to seven that will run from 9:00-3:00 four days/week.

www.frogsongfarmprogram.com • frogsongprogram@gmail.com

8th Annual

Cowichan River Cleanup

Dive In, Have Fun and Help Keep the Cowichan River Clean!

August 20 & August 27

Opportunities for all ages and abilities on shore or in the water.

Prizes and free lunch for all participants thanks to our local partners.

• Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. • Please bring your own gloves and appropriate footwear. • If helping in the water bring water gear, flotation devices, dive or snorkel gear, small row boats, etc. • Volunteers with trucks needed to haul material to the dump.

COWICHAN LAKE AND UPPER RIVER CLEAN-UP

LOWER COWICHAN RIVER CLEAN-UP

Saturday, August 20th 9 AM to 2 PM Registration & Free Continental Breakfast 9 AM –10 AM, Central Park beside the roundabout

Saturday, August 27th 10 AM TO 3 PM

Registration & Free Continental Breakfast 10 AM at “Little Big House” near the Cowichan Tribes gym – please follow signs.

The Cowichan Watershed Board is a partnership between Cowichan Valley Regional District and Cowichan Tribes. Our mandate is to provide leadership for sustainable water management and to protect and enhance environmental quality and the quality of life in the Cowichan watershed and adjoining areas.

www.cowichanwatershedboard.ca The Cowichan Watershed Board gratefully acknowledges these watershed supporters

Issue 93, August 2016 Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Editors Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Proofreader Distribution Diana Pink Mike Andringa Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline August 18 for Septemeber ISSUE 94 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next DEADLINE AUG 15 for SEPT 2016 Issue 94 E-mail: Date, Time, Location, Event Title and Cost to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Susan Stitt, Ron Bogdonov, Emma Formankova, Mike Nierychlo, Diana Hardacker, Sheila Badman, Heather Kaye, Genevieve R. Singleton, Alison Moorwood, Lillian Lamb, Cameron Leslie, Foster Richardson, Jill Thompson, Sophy Roberge, Catherine Macey, Meghan, Veronica Scott, Zorianna Kit, Simon Pidcock, Cheryl Galloway, Eva Walker, Judi Minckler, Gill Polard, Helga Feichtinger, David Krieger, Rachel Allen, Debbie Wood, Gerry Giles, Michelle Staples, Summer Golden, Asrael, Rick Dennis, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available.

Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith, Victoria, Tofino and Parksville: Cover Image Michael Pettié out for a drive in ‘Alice’, his 1966 Morgan stops to check out the daily lunch special at the Glenora Store & Café.

Image Cheryl Galloway

BACK TO SCHOOL & WORK SEPTEMBER AD Deadline:

AUGUST 18

Remind readers your business can help them ease back into routines of daily life.

Request a Fall 2016 Rate Card today!

Adrienne at 250 510 6596 I adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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OUR COMMUNITY AUGUST Events 6-7 Food Events 12 -13 Recycling Tips: Did You Know? 18 Going Solar! 19 Eye on Shawnigan 21 Storytime at Kin Park 22 Town Hall Meeting on Climate Change 31 Downtown Duncan 32-35 Feature Events 36-38 The Glenora Store and Café 44 Community Farm Store Pages 51 107th Cobble Hill Fair 57 The Living Wage in the Cowichan Valley 58 Websites, Emails And Verbal Lint 60 August Horoscopes 61 Directory 62-63 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK 5th Annual Cittaslow Dinner in White 8 Pairing Tips For Ceviche 9 Ceviche Pairings For A Summer’s Eve 11-12 Glen Eden Organic Farm 14 The Nature of Wine 15 Local Farmers’ Markets 16-17 Eat Food to Support Local Nature Education 30 FARM & GARDEN The Art of Xeriscaping 26 Seed Incubator Project 27 LOCAL ARTS Pet The Fish and Other Impossible Tales 20 Let’s Look At Buying Art Differently 39 Turning an Artistic Hobby Into a Mini Career 40 Talking Arts Painter JD Stevenson 41 BODY & HEALTH Self Tanning Options 46 Aromatherapy is the New Luxe 47 Refocusing the Debate Around Medical Cannabis 48 The Indian Head Massage 50 4 Day Yoga Intensive 59 Yoga For Wellness 60 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE Nature Rambles 23 Imagine Walking on Water 24 Inspired by Others 25 When Every Fish Counts 27 Sea Shepherd Joins Alexandra Morton 42 The Quadruple Header 43 Learning From Bees 55 Hot Dogs 56

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

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NATURAL FIBRE SUMMER CLOTHING SALE, 20% off Mahi Devi and Nomads Chemainus Health Food Store, 9738 Willow St, 250 246 9838 25% OFF ALL SCOOPED ICE CREAM The Glenora Store & Cafe 3630 Glenora Rd, Duncan to August 31 COWICHAN COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS - Add Your Voice To The Conversation www.socialplanningcowichan.org KIDZ PLAYS - PET THE FISH AND OTHER IMPOSSIBLE TALES Chemainus Theatre Festival 1-800-565-7738 runs to August 13 FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL Chemainus Theatre Festival. Tickets 1-800-565-7738 Runs to August 27 Glass Artwork by Island artists, Kimono

by Sandra Greenaway, Imagine That!, 251 Craig St., Duncan to August 27 THE EMOTIONAL WILD Works of Canadian Artists 9786 Willow St., Chemainus, Wednesday -Sunday 11AM - 4:30PM jdstevensongallery.com runs to August 31

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WHOLESALE & GRAIN ORDER CATALOGUES AVAILABLE Scoops Bulk Natural Foods Whippletree Junction 778 422 3310

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BLUEGRASS FEVER An Evening of Toetapping bluegrass. 7-9pm Waterwheel Park, Chemainus Admission by donation TUESDAYS OPEN STUDIO 6-9pm Clay Hub Aug 2, 9,16

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A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM -The Shawnigan Players 5th Annual Live Outdoor Production Gem o’ the Isle Farm, 2465 Koksilah Rd 7:30pm Aug 3 - 6, 10 - 13 $15 adv / $20 gate Family $35 adv/$45(up to 5, max 2 adults) Tickets Ten Old Books or email to reserve shawniganplayers@gmail.com

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TOWN HALL MEETING ON CLIMATE CHANGE Co-hosted w/ One Cowichan,

the People’s Climate Plan and the Cowichan Climate Change Collaborative Listen to expert panelists and share your ideas 6 - 8pm Heritage Hall in the Island Savings Center, 2687 James St, Duncan

10:30am - 11:30am 5789 Alderlea St. between James St. and Queens Rd.

ESSENTIAL OILS 101, 6:30-8:30pm Sweet Arts Studio and Gallery, 131 Jubilee St., Duncan RSVP 250 746 4431

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GLOWING NATURAL BEAUTY & FASHION LADIES’ NIGHT Music, demos, fashion, food and fun 7pm Sol Centre, 5380 Trans Canada Hwy,

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BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & NEIL YOUNG NIGHT Music In The Park 6-8pm Bring your chair and blankets Cobble Hill Village Free

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THE VELVET RUT EXPRESS FEST 11:30 AM-9PM 13 bands on 2 stages, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus $10 HONEYMOON BAY OUTDOOR MARKET 10am-2pm Aug 6, 13, 20, 27

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JAZZY TEA SUNDAYS Westholme Tea Farm 1-3Pm, Free Admission Call To Reserve 250.748.3811 Aug 7, 14, 21, 28 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM MATINEE-The Shawnigan Players 5th Annual Live Outdoor Production 2pm Gem o’ the Isle Farm, 2465 Koksilah Rd 7:30pm Tickets Ten Old Books or email shawniganplayers@gmail.com

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LUV TRAIN, 7-9PM Popular Rhythm & Blues band, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus ONE TIME MUG CLASS 6-8:30PM The Clay Hub Collective www.theclayhubcollective.weebly.com FILL OUR BAG SALE 10am -5pm The Second Hanger, 3541 Cobble Hill Rd ACCORDION DAYS, Chemainus

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GARDEN TO TABLE VEGETARIAN COOKING CLASS w/Chef Bill Jones, 4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan Deerholme Farm www.deerholme.com ACCORDIAN DAYS 14 accordion bands all afternoon! Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

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5TH ANNUAL CITTASLOW DINNER IN WHITE.5 PM, Kilrenny Farm, 1470 Cowichan Bay Rd, 250-7439019 $10/ $5 children under 12.

SHAWNIGAN LAKE HERITAGE FAIR & FAMILY PICNIC games, races, storytelling and fun 10:30am -2:30pm Elsie Miles Park, FREE

14-20 15-18

7 DAY TIEN TAI RETREAT Info 250 710. 7594

SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC WITH STEW 11am - 1pm Maple Bay Marina 6145 Genoa Bay Rd 250.746.8482 FREE Aug 7, 14, 21, 28

4 DAY YOGA INTENSIVE Namaste Yoga Studio 9:30 AM - noon 2424 Heather St. Duncan 6:30 - 9pm $147 250-746-0327

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4 DAY YOGA INTENSIVE Namaste Yoga Studio 9:30 AM - noon 2424 Heather St. Duncan, $147 250-746-0327

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MARINE BIOLOGY CAMP AGES 8-10 9am-3:30pm $175 Cowichan Estuary Centre, 1845 Cowichan Bay Rd www.cowichanestuary.ca

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SUMMER STORYTIME AT THE KINPARK YOUTH URBAN FARM

MARINE BIOLOGY CAMP AGES 5-7 9am-3:30pm $175 Cowichan Estuary Centre, 1845 Cowichan Bay Rd www.cowichanestuary. ca

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SUMMER STORYTIME AT THE KINPARK YOUTH URBAN FARM 10:30am - 11:30am 5789 Alderlea St. between James St. and Queens Rd. BIJOUX DU BAYOU, 7PM Cajun

For full design/build service, give us a call

p 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com 6

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

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THE SECOND HANGER

and Zydeco music, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

Artist inspiration - Hundterwasser $55 pp To register email jennyg@bluegrouse.ca

FALLING: A WAKE Chemainus Theatre Festival.

Tickets 1-800-565-7738

17-27

ESSENTIAL OILS 101, 6:30-8:30pm Sweet Arts Studio and Gallery, 131 Jubilee St., Duncan RSVP 250 746 4431

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COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE WEDNESDAYS 5-8pm #103-44 Queens Road, Duncan Frauke McCashin, RAc, 250-710-3581 Aug 17, 24, 31

STOLEN HEARTS FUNDRAISER FEATURING THE BLUE DIRT GIRL BAND Duncan Showroom Tickets $20 www. stolenhearts.ca

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COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE THURSDAYS 12-3pm #103-44 Queens Road, Duncan Frauke McCashin, RAc, 250-710-3581 Aug 18, 25

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HUB Film Club Movie Night The HUB at Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Rd, 7PM $25 membership proceeds support the HUB

A large selection of multi season items. We provide the bags. Come early for best selection. Cash only.

19-21

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Fill our Bags for $20 cash!

RE-STORYSTORYTELLING FESTIVAL OUR EcoVillage, 1565 Baldy Mountain Rd, Shawnigan Lake www.restoryfestival.com

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8TH ANNUAL COWICHAN LAKE AND UPPER RIVER CLEANUP 9am – 2pm Lake Cowichan roundabout For info Gord 250 745-6682 CHEMAINUS JAZZ FESTIVAL Noon -6:30pm 6 great Jazz bands various genres, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus $15 donation SURF & TURF DINNER W/CHEF BILL JONES Deerholme Farm, 4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan By Reservation only 250 748 7450

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ESSENTIAL OILS 101, 6:30-8:30pm Sweet Arts Studio and Gallery, 131 Jubilee St., Duncan RSVP 250 746 4431

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NADEN BAND OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY, 7-9PM Waterwheel Park, Chemainus Admission by donation

8TH ANNUAL LOWER COWICHAN RIVER CLEANUP 10am - 3pm Cowichan Tribes Little Big House (follow signs from Duncan) For info capps.jenni@ gmail.com SCOOPS AUGUST SALE DAY, 15% off groceries Whippletree Junction, Duncan LIGHT UP THE NIGHT 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm. Bring the family and stay up late Downtown Ladysmith ESSENTIAL OILS 101, 1-3pm Sweet Arts Studio and Gallery, 131 Jubilee St., Duncan RSVP 250 746 4431 WARP AND WOOF Cobble Hill Fair tswguild.wordpress.com COBBLE HILL FAIR 7am – 5pm 7amSouth Cowichan Rotary’s pancake breakfast parade at 9:30 AM.www.cobblehillfair.ca UNDER THE TENT EVENT Second Hanger $5 per item Cash Only Cobble Hill Fair

BOUTIQUE CONSIGNMENT

AUGUST 12 &13 10AM-3PM

(overfilled bags $5 extra) Accepting AUGUSTNow 27TH FALL CLOTHING, SHOES AND COBBLEHANDBAGS HILL FAIRSizes DAY 0-3x

Under the tent event... $5 per item. Cash only!

3541 COBBLE HILL ROAD In the heart of Cobble Hill

250 743-7802

thesecondhanger@shaw.ca Amedeo Modigliani jennyg@bluegrouse.ca

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BLUE MOON MARQUEE, 7PM Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

OUT OF TOWN EVENTS

SAM WEBER, THURSDAY MUSIC IN THE PARK 6-8pm Bring your chair and blankets Cobble Hill Village Free

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FREE YIN YOGA CLASS W/NADIA 6-7:30pm Harmony Yoga Centre 250.597.1919 Free or By Donation

V.I.T.A.L.S SUMMER BBQ Barbecue, live music, community, fun! Centennial Park, Duncan, 12pm-2pm FREE

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18TH ANNUAL ARTS ON THE AVENUE 10am - 4pm, Downtown Ladysmith www.artsontheavenue.ca

Aug 6-7 SALT SPRING MUSIC AND GARLIC FESTIVAL Paradise within Farms 255 Musgrave Rd, Salt Spring Island $40/day $75/weekend, Under 12 FREE saltspringmusicandgarlicfestival.com

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BLUE GROUSE PAINT & SIP WORKSHOP 1:30 -4:30pm workshop Artist inspiration-

Aug 28 FEAST OF FIELDS 1-5pm Parry Bay Sheep Farm, Metchosin Adv $95 Youth $15 (Under 5 Free) feastoffields.com

BLUE GROUSE PAINT & SIP WORKSHOP 6:30pm - 9:30pm

INTUITIVE HEALER • Certified Clinical

Hypnotherapist • Certified Quantum Touch Practitioner

HEATHER LAUZON

250-732-1405

www.emeraldhealingplace.com

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ome for the food, fun, friendship and music for the 5th Annual Cittaslow Dinner in White. This year, we’re celebrating our passion for the slow in true Cittaslow style with a long table set up in the fields of Kilrenny Farm.

Cittaslow is based on the philosophy that a better world starts in one’s own community. An idea that a community itself can think and act differently about improving the quality of the lives of its people.

Area D—Cowichan Bay received its Cittaslow status in 2009 and was the first in North America to be awarded this honour.

5th Annual Cittaslow Dinner in White

Wilderness Kayaking LESSONS • TOURS • RENTALS • SALES

www.wilderness-kayaking.com

Summer Youth Programs From Maple Bay • KAYAK KIDS - INTRODUCTION TO SEA KAYAKING AUGUST 1 - 4, 15 - 18 Sessions Monday - Thursday 9am - 1pm • YOUTH TOUR N’ LEARN - GULF ISLANDS - 3 DAY OVERNIGHT TRIP AUGUST 11 - 13 AGES 13 - 16 • YOUTH DAY TRIP ADVENTURES - LEAD BY EXPERIENCED GUIDES - AUGUST 6, 20 FRIDAYS 9am - 3pm ALSO OFFERING: kayaking birthday parties, harbour tours, moonlight paddles, day tours, multi day tours, family paddles, sup rentals, double kayaks, single kayaks, rentals, sales, lessons and more. Call for more info or to reserve.

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

info@wilderness-kayaking.com

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The designation doesn’t make us “cittaslow”; life here in Cowichan Bay, and arguably, throughout the Cowichan Valley, already reflects many Cittaslow ideals. But receiving that designation is an affirmation that we want to keep walking in the right direction—keeping qualities like the authenticity of products and good food, the richness of craft traditions, the diversity of cultures, the community spirit found in town squares, shops, cafés, restaurants, places of the spirit and unspoiled landscapes.

Every year, for 5 years now, we celebrate these ideals through our Dinner in White. Remember though—there are a few “rules” before you are seated in the field.

This is a Zero Waste event—you bring your own china, cutlery and glasses. In the spirit of our tradition, no plastics on the table.

Wear white clothes and bring a chair, too. The Cittaslow BBQers will be cooking salmon (from Cowichan Bay Seafood) and chicken sausages over charcoal.

You bring food, too. Remember, it’s all about sharing. Bring your favourite—salads, vegetables,

fruits, or desserts—to add to the communal table. Local wines and beer will be sold on site. Please do not bring your own wines. We are restricted by licensing.

Live music from Genevieve Charbonneu and her instrumental string band, The Twisted Vines.

Mark the date: Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. You can buy your tickets and pre-order your choice of either salmon or sausage through our website www. cittaslowcowichan.org. Tickets, and protein pre-orders can also be purchased in person at Kilrenny Farm, Venturi-Schulze Vineyards, and Cherry Point Estate Wines. Tickets will also be sold at the gate on the day of the dinner (subject to seats still available), but please pre-order your protein choice through our e-mail: cittaslowcowichan@ gmail.com. Sunday, August 14th, 5 PM in the field at Kilrenny Farm, 1470 Cowichan Bay Road, Cowichan Bay. Parking will be in the top field, off Robson Lane. Phone Deborah Fahlman, President, at 250-743-9019 for more information or e-mail cittaslowcowichan@gmail.com.

See you in your whites!

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

Susan Stitt, is a Director of Cittaslow, and painter, at The Orchard Studio, Cowichan Bay. www.susanstitt.com

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Pairing Tips For Ceviche

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here are many regional variations of ceviche but they are all based on “cooking” without heat by marinating some sort of seafood in an acidic fruit juice. They usually include a bit of spicy heat from a fresh chili pepper, some aromatic lift from a herb like cilantro and a silky richness from avocado, yam or almond milk. There are so many local, fresh fish options available to us here on Vancouver Island but my personal favourites are halibut and scallops.

Pairing our local Cowichan wines with ceviche is really easy because of the bright, bold flavours and rich texture. Our Cowichan terroir gives us many crisp, aromatic and complex white wine options. The acidity of the wine should match that of the ceviche and the wine’s aromatic notes should complement or contrast.

Whether serving ceviche as an appetizer or as a main on a hot summer day, I like to pair it with sparkling wine. The Charme de l’Ile (Prosecco method) bubbles from Unsworth, Averill Creek and Enrico offer elegant balance, good acidity and a nice textural foil for the crunch of the lettuce, cracker or more traditional tostada you serve with the ceviche. By the way, try making your own tostadas with the great tortillas from our local tortillaria, Ixim, which can be purchased at any of our farmers’ markets. Zanatta, Blue Grouse, Venturi Schulze and Cherry Point offer great local traditional method sparklers to pair with this dish. Merridale cider or a lighter Red Arrow beer would also make a fantastic accompaniment. For still white wines, the options are myraid. Grab your favourite Cowichan Pinot Gris or light aromatic and it’s hard to go wrong. Emandare’s Siegerrebe/ Gewurztraminer may be difficult

to pronounce but I promise it will make the ceviche sing. The Primavera from Venturi Schulze, Pinot Gris from Unsworth, Blue Grouse or Cherry Point offer great options as does the Pinot Grigio from Averill Creek.

Alderlea Vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice as are the Gewürztraminers from Unsworth or Averill Creek.

With all of these options, I encourage you to gather a small group of friends, round-up a few beverage options and taste them with the ceviche.

The most difficult aspect of suggesting one of our wines to pair with this ceviche is choosing only one! So many of the wines in our tasting room will pair beautifully with this dish. My first choice would be our Charme de l’Ile. It will work well because of its green apple and citrus acidity. The bubbles make for a tremendous textural pairing with the crisp lettuce or a crunchy tostada.

Our Pinot Gris would also work exceptionally well for the pairing because of the lemon-acidity and the mediumlight body which matches the weight of the dish. The wine’s slight fresh fennel herbal characteristic also ties in well with the cilantro. Our Provençal styled Rosé is a perfect foil for the ceviche. The barely ripe strawberry and dry herbal notes, bright acidity and minerality embrace the Mediterranean characteristics of the dish.

Finally, our Gewürztraminer’s lightly floral rose petal and lychee character will lift the aromatic character of the lime juice in the dish while offering a dry finish.

Ron Bogdonov | General Manager Unsworth Vineyards

LESSONS • TOURS • RENTALS

AT MILL BAY MARINA KAYAK OR PADDLE BOARD

No experience required, all ages welcome LOTS OF FUN GUARANTEED!

KAYAK LESSONS

• 50% off 1 day Basic Paddle Canada kayak course.

• 35% off 2 day Level 1 Paddle Canada kayak course. *Also check out our Stand Up Paddle Board Basic & Advanced Flat Water Paddle Canada courses

KAYAK DAY TOURS Take a guided Wildlife Morning Tour, a Relaxing Sunset Tour or a Full Day Kayak Tour into Finlayson Arm (*Special group rates for 4 people or more)

STAND UP PADDLE BOARD TOURS 2 hour Morning or Sunset Tours (Basic instruction included) From $30

ALSO OFFERING: Youth Camps, Kayak or Paddle Board Full Moon Tour, Paddle Canada Basic to Level 4 skills & Instructor courses, Private lessons available; Improve on strokes, Rescue practice, Kayak in Current or Surf , Rock Gardening or Mastering that Roll!

BOOK ONLINE WWW.BLUEDOGKAYAKING.COM OR PHONE 250 710 7693

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LOCAL Ceviche Pairings For A Summer’s Eve Siegerrebe 2015 Rocky Creek Winery Siegerrebe is a beautiful choice for the ceviche because we recommend it with a halibut fish and the gentleness of the fish matches the softness of the wine. The heat to this recipe also pairs well with the softness of the wine. It has a wonderful aromatic floral note to also enhance the food pairing. The wine has tropical notes to it such as lychee and would pair well with the lime notes in the ceviche. $20

Gewürztraminer Averill Creek Vineyard

House Cider Merridale Estate Cider Light, sweet but still very dry, with a nice balance of acids that will complement this seafood dish. A refreshing effervescent cider in true English pub style. Crafted from a blend of English cider apples, it’s the perfect balance between sharps, bitters and fruitiness. $9.50

Mediterranean Nights Happy Hour , Deck Dining

Intensely fragrant with vibrant floral notes, sweet aromas of candied fruit & a trace of exotic spice. Light bodied & zesty, featuring ripe lychee, peach & juicy citrus flavours. An ideal accompaniment to light & spicy dishes such as ceviche. $18

Kustom Kolsch Red Arrow Brewery Our Kustom Kolsch is clean, bright and refreshing. It pairs well with Traditional Peruvian Ceviche as it cleanses the palate, brings out the delicious seafood flavour notes and doesn’t overpower the flavour of the dish while having enough body to enhance its natural flavours. Best paired with the Kolsch being served fairly cold (3-4 degrees). Kolsch has a slight biscuity, fresh bread crust note to it that also compliments the chips used for dipping. $4.89

“Live the Island Dream” Nick Brown

Realtor/Associate Broker

DELIGHTFUL BISTRO FEATURING LOCAL AND SEASONAL FARE

3 minutes north of Chemainus in Saltair - Closed Tues & Wed 10445 Chemainus Rd 250 324-3777 • www.daylinercafe.com

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

2014 Quill Off Dry White Blue Grouse Estate Winery

This off-dry and lively blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois pairs well with the citrus and heat of the spicy peppers in this Ceviche.

This wine boasts generous aromas of stone fruit, ripe peach and lemon with an underlying mineral nuance. Flavours of sweet tropical fruit and honey complete this well-balanced wine. $18

2015 Pinot Gris Unsworth Vineyards 2015 Pinot Gris will work exceptionally well with this ceviche because of the bright acidity and mediumlight body which match those of the dish. The pear, apple and light peach notes play beautifully with the chili and the wine’s slight, fresh-fennel herbal characteristic ties in well with the cilantro. $18

Glenora Fantasia Brut Vigneti Zanatta Crafted in the traditional method, this sparkling wine is aged on the lees for a minimum of 3 years. Fantasia, a lovely brut champagne style wine made in the traditional method from the cayuga grape, has a crisp bouquet of green apple that will nicely offset the spiciness in the ceviche. $24.78 All selections featured are subject to applicable taxes.

LIVE CRAB • FRESH FISH • LOCAL SPOT PRAWNS AND MORE!

Traditional Peruvian Ceviche - Rivadeneira Family Recipe Fish for ceviche should be sushi grade fish.

Caught quickly, bled upon capture, gutted soon after and iced thoroughly-The freshest fish possible.

Amount

Fish

Ingredients

1-2 pounds Halibut or Firm White Flesh Fish 12+ Key Limes (do not use lemon) 1 Red Onion, thinly sliced Bunch Fresh Cilantro, Chopped 1 Minced Garlic 1 Hot Pepper (habanero or thai chilis) finely chopped To Taste Salt and Pepper 1 Crisp Lettuce Head 1 Yam, Boiled Corn on the Cob *A colander and a rectangular glass dish is also required.

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

Hours of Operation: Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm Sunday:11am - 5pm

Preparation Method 1.Thinly slice red onion and place in colander. Sprinkle with a generous covering of salt and sweat onions for 1/2 hour. After the 1/2hr give the onions a good rub using your hands and rinse well, under running cold water. Let the excess water drain. Be sure to rinse the onions super well, or the dish will be too salty.

2. While sweating onions, juice your big bag of key limes. (If you cannot find key limes, regular limes will work. Key limes are best due to their acidity.)Set lime juice aside.

3. Cut fish into 3/4” bite size cubes. Place cut fish into a rectangular glass dish, scattered evenly, so the lime juice can penetrate.

4. Pour lime juice over the fish, ensure you have enough liquid so the fish is sitting in a lime-juice-pool. Dont skimp on the lime juice as it is the key ingredient for cooking the fish.

5. Let fish and lime juice stand together until the exterior of the fish meat changes from glossy to white, stirring occasionally.

6.You can choose to let your fish sit for 10 minutes to up to an 1 hour depending on how you well you like your fish cooked. If marinating for an hour keep fish cool - but not too cold. If you just stir in lime and eat immediately, the result will be a more tender sashimi style very tasty fish. Do not let the fish sit for too long or it will be tough and chewy.

7. Once the fish is ready to your desired doneness, add the minced garlic, chopped hot pepper, salt and pepper and stir. Sprinkle sliced sweated red onions and cilantro over fish.

8.To serve, plate ceviche on a leaf of crisp lettuce with a boiled yam sliced 1” thick and corn on the cob. It is not recommended to keep ceviche as leftovers. Enjoy it fresh!

VISIT US AT THE VICTORIA PUBLIC MARKET 1701 DOUGLAS ST, VICTORIA 778-433-4385 E-mail: info@cowichanbayseafood.com

Eat, Drink and Support Local

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Jazzy Tea Sundays Westholme Tea Farm Sundays 1-3Pm August 7, 14, 21, 28 Free Admission Call To Reserve 250.748.3811

Upcoming EVENTS Saturday, August 20

Surf and Turf Dinner

Local seafood (salmon, crab and octopus, etc) and amazing vegetables (heirloom tomatoes, local garlic,etc).

Saturday, August 13

COOKING CLASS Garden to Table Vegetarian

For full details visit www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450

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Jazzy Tea Sundays features live jazz music in the beautiful tea garden at Westholme Tea Farm. The first and last Sunday of the month through to September will alternate between two well known and much in demand jazz musicians.

Renowned pianist and vocalist Phil Newns and the valleys exceptional jazz guitarist Geoff Johnson. Both artists will be accompanied by the talented local upright bassist John Robertson.

This new tea culture experience starts July 31 from 1-3pm. Admission is free as you enjoy your Tea+Sweet Pairing. For groups of 4 or more we suggest that you call to reserve.

Mediterranean Nights Dayliner Cafe 10445 Chemainus Rd Saltair 250 324-3777 www.daylinercafe.com Mediterranean Nights in Saltair. Featuring a local and seasonal menu including Island and Okanagan wines, Phillips & Longwood beers.

Menu features tapa, pastas, kebabs, salads and desserts.

Join us every Thursday, Friday, Saturday Night 5PM to Closing.

Blue Grouse Paint & Sip Workshops

Sunday, August 28 1:30 -4:30pm workshop Artist inspiration- Amedeo Modigliani Thursday, August 25 6:30pm - 9:30pm Artist inspiration Hundterwasser $55 pp To register email jennyg@bluegrouse.ca “The 3 E’S of PLAY = Explore! Experiment!

Express! How about some Creative Fun, while sipping a glass of wine in a gorgeous setting at one of our local wineries in the Cowichan Valley! No experience necessary! Just lots of Creative Play!The step by step MichKa Art Play Method is used to draw and paint the image, resulting in a beautiful piece of Art! $55 per person includes all professional quality art supplies and a glass of wine.

Charcuterie boards available for $10. www.michkaartplay.com

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

perfect summer dinner from Vancouver Island. Call 250 748 0020 for reservations.

Feast of Fields August 28 1-5pm Parry Bay Sheep Farm Metchosin Advance Tickets $95 Youth $15 (Under 5 Free)

feastoffields.com

Feast of Fields, FarmFolk CityFolk’s annual fundraiser & local food celebration is a unique event that brings gourmet food and beverage tasting to its roots – the farm!

Celebrating the organisation’s 50th Feast, and the return of our hosts, Parry Bay Sheep Farmer’s John and Lorraine Buchanan, at their historic Glengarry Farm site, on the edge of Metchosin’s coastline.

Guests will be wowed amidst the grand Garry Oaks, ocean bluffs and meadow grasses as back drop for a culinary celebration that supports BC’s local sustainable agriculture systems. Musicians, entertainers, a lively silent auction, and education demonstrations round out the event’s activities. It is a cornucopia of food culture not to be missed.

Homemade Frozen Treats Everyday at the Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery 7M - 6PM 330 Duncan St, Downtown Duncan Don’t forget! We make delicious frozen treats at the Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery! In the freezer are frozen Gluten Free & Dairy Free Chocolate Raspberry Cakes, and our frozen sandwiches are Vegan Coconut Ginger; Gluten Free & Dairy Free Black Forest; and Vegan Lemon Matcha!

Beat the heat with a treat just $6 each!

Summer Dinners at Crowe & Appel Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Nights 1751 Cowichan Bay Rd For reservations call 250 748 0020 Along with daily lunches, Crowe & Appel is now offering dinner service three nights a week! Come down on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights and experience a menu focused on all-local ingredients as well as a local beer and wine list. A

Gift Baskets Gift Certificates Meat & Cheese Platters Cocktail Supplies Gourmet Foods

SERVING DELICIOUS WATERFRONT BRUNCH, LUNCH & DINNER OPEN MON - FRI 11:30am / SAT & SUN 10am MILL BAY MARINA • 740 HANDY RD • 778-356-3568 www.bridgemans.ca

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riginally from London, UK Howard and Sally Green met in Toronto where they were both working in an advertising agency.

Interestingly they discovered that they shared a common interest for gardening. They left Toronto,

turning their caps towards the West Coast in search of a quieter life. Soon their gardening interest took over and retirement plans of sunbathing, traveling or resting on their laurels quickly turned into a farming frenzy. The 8 ½ acre property located on Cowichan Lake Rd, was acquired in 2002 and a great amount of work and effort as well as extensive soilbuilding were put into making it the charming and productive place it is today.

VINOTECA AT ZANATTA

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

Brunch on Sundays.

Event Shuttle Available through

vinoteca.ca

5039 Marshall Rd, Duncan I 250 709 2279

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Howard has been the Cow-op’s board president for two and a half years, believing that combining the efforts as well as the different specialities of local, small-scale farmers will allow individuals and businesses to easily procure their groceries and fresh goods in a sustainable manner, reducing food mileage and nourishing themselves in a healthier way.

Named after Sally’s

aunt Gleny, Glen Eden has been a certified organic farm since 2005 and part of British Columbia’s Environmental Farm Plan program, whose goals are to reduce negative agricultural impacts on the environment and make local sustainable agricultural practices more profitable to small scale farmers.

Organic farming is a very labourintensive process, with lower yields than conventional farming.

Because of the hard work and financial challenges that come with being a certified organic farm, Glen Eden is one of the few farms that has undertaken the challenge. They rely on much appreciated help from WWOOFers (Willing Workers on Organic Farms), which gives them the chance to regularly meet new people from all over the world and get their farming chores done.

Among Glen Eden’s most acclaimed products are their signature sundried tomatoes, a wide variety of transplants, hanging baskets, berries, garlic, shallots and free-range chickens, all of which are free of GMOs, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and commercial fertilizers. “People say they can

Farmers Howard and Sally Green

Glen Eden Organic Farm Delicious! really taste the difference in our food,” explains Howard. Glen Eden sells out of their chickens every year proving that there is a growing number of people who understand and appreciate the true cost of organic farming and the importance of buying local, not to mention the flavour!

You can find Glen Eden at the Saturday Duncan Farmers’ Market where they tend a booth, as well as order all of their products online at www.cow-op.ca.

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

Robin and Mike owners of Emandare Vinyeards

The Nature of Wine

I

am often asked; “Why are you so passionate about wine?”

My response is likely not what you would expect. Yes, wine is this incredible art form with an endless number of variables that could only be grasped through living countless lifetimes, but what is the point of an incredible artform if it is isn’t shared. The reason that I am so passionate about wine is my love for people and sharing a glass together with the ones you love.

Almost 10 years ago, as it is said, I caught the wine bug and began making wine in my garage. I didn’t begin this journey alone, my brother-in-law (also named Mike) was right there beside me in the ice-cold garage as we crushed vintage after vintage with our feet. I would love to tell you more about the wine adventures of Mike & Mike but you’ll just have to come by the winery and ask. I’ve never made wine from a kit, instead my winemaking experience grew through sourcing grapes from premium wine growers, studying every bit of wine literature that I could get my hands on and a stint of time spent in wine media, where I was privileged to develop relationships with wine makers from around the world. Many of which learned their craft through family generations. Also during this period of time I had the opportunity to taste A LOT of different wines, both locally and internationally.

Very quickly my palate became fascinated with wines that tasted more like somewhere instead of

something. I but working “What’s in your glass also noticed alongside should never become more nature. It is our that these important then who you wines had an goal through indescribably bio-diverse are sharing it with.” clean texture and sustainable Mike Nierychlo, Tractor Driver and drinkability farming and President of about them. I practices like Emandare Vineyard dry farming, once heard it said that great composting, wine isn’t hard mulching and to drink, instead great wine is a future animal husbandry such as pleasure to enjoy. We’ve all heard chickens, sheep and bee keeping, of wines described as cherry, or to breathe abundant new life into peppery, or oaky, or apples or our land. The beautiful byproduct fruity, but the wines that caught of farming this way will be a my attention were wines that you healthy balanced vineyard. couldn’t describe with simple flavors and aromas. Instead, they When it comes to our confidently shared a distinct sense winemaking, the relationship of place with every sniff and sip. between our vines and our These wines began to make me wine is vital. Wine is made in wonder, what am I tasting, and the vineyard and many of my why does it taste so different winemaking decisions are made from so many other wines? I in the vineyard. This is why we soon discovered that these wines, only make 100% estate grown the wines told a story all shared wines. I am a firm believer in something in common, they all the word terroir, a French word have a genuine relationship with that can be translated to, sense the land that they came from. of place. This is where our How is this relationship between low intervention winemaking the land and grape captured so practices come in. My goal in the well into the bottle? This is where winery is to allow our wines to it gets interesting. capture a glimpse of Emandare in every bottle. I believe that this With much trial and error wine has been made for thousands of years around the world and through conversations with winemakers who either learned their craft through generations or winemakers who learned through their own trial and error, one underlying philosophy became evident to me. Old world and low intervention technique was the key to achieve greatness in your wine.

With old world philosophy and our core belief that nature was created long before we came along, the philosophy behind the wines of Emandare was born.

It all starts with the farm, I truly believe that wine is not made, wine is grown. Being blessed with this beautiful piece of land in the Cowichan Valley, it has become our responsibility to steward it to the best of our ability. For that we look to the old world. They all farmed organically, not for marketing or because it was trendy, but simply because that was how they farmed. Not against nature,

can be achieved through what has been coined as natural wine making practices, which has been defined as; nothing added and nothing taken away. Though we love the ideology of natural wine, we do responsibly use tools such as filtering our whites and organic amounts of sulphite. At Emandare we have nothing to hide. We allow the naturally occurring yeasts on the grapes to take care of the fermentation and we don’t use any additives to techniques to fiddle with the flavor profile of our wines. A winemaker whom I have huge respect for once told me: “Sometime you need to have the courage to do nothing.”

My wife Robin and I are still in the early stages of our journey together into the wine world and we are humbled by the reaction to the wines that have come out of our cellar so far.

“Simply put, Emandare Vineyard is our home and we are privileged to work alongside nature to capture a glimpse of this place in every bottle.” www.emandarevineyard.com

T EAR ge H e a th ill ed inn Bay V t a c a Lo wich o of C

Open Weekdays 7:30am-6pm Weekends 8am - 6pm Closed TUESDAYS

PATIO IS OPEN!

•Iced Coffees •Fruit Smoothies ALL DAY BREAKFAST •Nasi Goreng •Jamaican Patties •Island Farms Ice Cream

EVERYTHING made fresh right HERE!

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YOUR COWICHAN AREA Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market

Ladysmith Farmers Market

Ladysmith Farmers’ Market A small new market focusing on high quality products created locally.

We are proud to present fresh organic produce from small regional farmers. Our setting at one of the islands most picturesque beaches makes our market experience truly unique. Transfer Beach (200

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Capt. Tristan de Konnick Way) Saturday’s 11AM-3 PM April till September.

Thetis Island Saturday Fair Market A new market featuring 10 vendors that offe jewellery, seaweed art, felting, local maps, knitting, baking, produce, popcorn, flowers and last but not least we have Bud Hnetka aka Solar Bud who uses the sun to create art on wood.

Bud is with us rain or shine.

Howling Wolf Farm #69 Pilkey Point Road, Thetis Island. 10AM -1PM till September 3.

Saturday Market at Thetis Island Marina. Vendors include Freya Fullner and her pottery, Theresa a garden

artist, assorted baking by Mercy and west coast carvings by the Penelakut Island First Nations. 10AM-2 PM, 46 Harbour Road in the Dunfield Park area.

The Duncan Community Lodge Market A market that celebrates all types of vendors, artisans and businesses by bringing 25 of them all together every two weeks. Every other Sunday, August 7 & 21, 10AM-2PM 2244 Moose Rd, at Lakes Road, Duncan. Runs Thetis Island Saturday Fair Market

Honeymoon Bay’s Rustic Outdoor Market Friends Meet Friends at the Honeymoon Bay Market Delicious baked goodies, freshly grown produce, preserves, wild rice, spices, teas, locally crafted herbal body care products, jewelry, candles, stained glass treasures, rustic wooden furniture, children’s toys, knitting and sewing creations, and special treats for our furry four legged friends. 22 unique vendor booths, Located west of Lake Cowichan in the heart of Honeymoon Bay, on Southshore Road, across from the fire hall. Open Saturdays 10AM-2PM from May to October.

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

D E W a s fi p f s c w a a s S s r a ( S

Farmers’ Markets Baking from Zoma Farms Cobble Hill Farmers Market

Honeymoon Bay

Saturdays 10am -2pm

Runs to October 8

OUTDOOR MARKET

Something for everyone!

Follow the signs to Honeymoon Bay, where we MAKE IT,

BAKE IT, GROW IT, SEW IT or CREATE IT for you.

Come celebrate our 10 th year as your favourite “Frontier Town” Market.

Westholme Wonder Works Duncan Farmers Market

Duncan Farmers’ Market Every Saturday, rain or shine.

With nearly 100 vendors and a “make it, bake it, grow it, sell it” philosophy, you will find a wide variety of local products to fulfill your needs from farmers, gardeners, small-scale food processors, crafters, jewelers, food sellers, winemakers, butchers, bakers and candle-stick makers. We also offer live music on the stage in Market Square each Saturday so customers can sing, dance and enjoy our local rock, country, jazz, marimba and concert bands. Saturdays (year round), 9AM- 2PM Craig St/Ingram St, Duncan.

Cobble Hill Farmers’ Market A weekly market initiated by the Cobble Hill Event Society. Starting small with 3 vendors in June, we are now up to three farmers and 5 artisans. Nestled under the trees behind the Farmers’ Institute, we offer sewing, knitting, candles, bread, pastry, soap, jewellry, plants and produce. In fact, as the new home for weekly markets in the South Cowichan, our balance of local and tourist visitors are now tagging it as ‘the little good feeling market’. Sunday 10AM to 3PM Fisher Road and Watson Ave. Runs June 2 to September 4.

Big selection of natural fibre clothing - Hemp, Organic Cotton, Bamboo & more!

20% off all in stock clothing

by Nomads & Maha Devi *Sale runs August 1-30

MORE space for great natural products including produce and so much more!

PRODUCE SECTION

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

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Did You Know?

ello everybody and welcome to the first edition of a new segment we like to call...

“Did You Know?!” A game of recycling facts where everyone’s a winner...especially the Earth!

So without further adieu, let’s get started.

Did you know that 8 plastic bottles can be recycled into a t-shirt?

Did you know that glass can be recycled almost indefinitely without losing its quality?

Did you know that 5% of all aluminum produced since 1888 is still in use today?!!

Bet you didn’t know all that.

Let’s try some more.

Did you know that juice boxes can be recycled into toilet paper?

Seriously.

Did you know that car batteries are the world’s most recycled product?

Did you know that glass bottles can be crushed and used as aggregate for road-base?

We’re just warming up here... check out these next one’s!

Did you know that plastic bottles can be recycled into the fabric in your clothes, the fiberfill in your coat, the upholstery and carpeting around your house, or even tennis balls?

Did you know that if we added up the over 10 billion containers weighing over 700,000 metric tonnes that have been recycled in BC in the past fifteen years, they could fill BC place from top to bottom – twice?!

I guarantee you didn’t know that last one.

Did you know that the 2010 Olympic medals were made in part from recycled electronics, with metals harvested from cathode ray tube glass, computer parts, and circuit boards? (how cool is that?)

And finally, some fun facts about Island Return It...

Did you know that we have recycled over 1 billion beverage containers since we opened?

Did you know that we always have been and continue to be family owned and operated?

Did you know that we started in 1994 as one of only 6 pilot projects for the whole Return-It system in BC? If you’d like to know more about recycling, or have any cool recycling facts you’d like to share with us, come on in and say “hi” anytime. And don’t forget to check us out at islandreturnit. com

Did you know that recycled glass bottles can be turned into countertops, flooring, tile, landscaping stones and bricks?

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

Sophy Roberge is the Marketing Manager for Island Return It Recycling Centres.

Newly installed solar panels

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Going Solar!

iana Hardacker is an environmental activist who, along with many, lobbied the Municipality of North Cowichan and helped to save 91% of the 52 acre Echo Heights Forest in Chemainus. A marvellous triumph she is known for setting a good environmental example for others. “I ride my bike as my main means of transportation.

When I do drive, I carpool if possible, and my car is a hybrid, which we bought in 2003 just at they were coming out.” Diana shares “ I follow the rule of reduce first, followed by reuse and recycle. We pick up the unwanted metal from the local thrift shop and cull out anything that is reusable and find new homes for it. The rest gets recycled and the earnings go the Cowichan Land Trust.”

She felt inspired to turn to solar power by wanting to continue lowering their carbon footprint, and encourage others to do the same. “We had Viridian Energy look at our house to determine whether or not solar panels would work well on our roof.

The answer, of course, was yes.

“ she smiles “We have a south facing roof that is good condition.” On a special promotion Viridian Energy offered a Solar Bulk Buy Diana and Derek made the decision to go solar.

The process begins with a comprehensive site visit, fixed quotation and deposit. For Diana and Derek, Viridian installed 12 solar panels. “Their system has 12 x 300W modules for a 3.6kW system.” shares Kuan-Jian Foo of Viridian Energy Co op “This system will output about 4300kWh/year and help save about $525 annually on their BC Hydro Bill.” Diana celebrated by sending out pictures and an email to friends hoping to inspire others to consider installing solar. The installation took less than 5 hours and a final payment was made shortly thereafter. 3.6kW solar systems cost vary $10,500-$11,500 depending on installation complexity and current solar material prices.

“The solar panels are an investment for us, adding to the value of our house. A return on that investment is certain, just how much is the question as the cost for B.C. Hydro continues to increase. They are also an investment in our children’s future by being a small part of a lower carbon footprint.”

Submitted by Diana Hardacker

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here is something magical about live theatre that inspires the imagination like nothing else. From the smallest family member to the tallest - Chemainus Theatre’s Kidzplays are summer favourites on the “to do” list every year A perfect way to introduce live theatre to children - these plays are imaginative, exciting with life lessons to inspire. This year’s performance of Mark DuMez’s Pet the Fish and Other Impossible Tales is our favourite one yet and for families looking for a great show - one not to be missed!

An unbelievable performance just short of genius by actor Stefano Giulianetti. His enthusiasm, charm and incredible skills as a performer will trigger awe and laughter throughout this wonderful one hour performance. He is supported by a superb storyline and energetic acting

by newcomers Lindsay Curl and John Han who play Josephine and Jonathan.

My personal favourite was the small mum - whose tale will be one familiar to many parents. I gazed over at dad who was laughng hysterically at certain lines in the show.

There are many depths to this play that will touch both adults and children in humourous ways.

Josephine remembers a time long ago when her mother told fantastic stories about life under the sea and shared her dreams. Those happy, hopeful days have been lost – so Josephine goes on an adventure to find them. With her unwilling brother in tow, she sets out on a journey that magically transforms their lives. Their impossible tale takes them to a talking oyster, a riddling troll, and out to sea to catch the Big One.

Creatively directed by Samantha Currie this heartful production about losing dreams, finding them, and holding onto them is joy to watch. She brings a wealth of performance and directing experience to the show and her eagerness to share this story with “all the dreamers, tall and small” plays out beautifully.

A magical set by designer Kevin McAllister, colourful costumes by Kendra Cooper and expertly choreographed sound and light effects by Alexander Ferguson and Nicole Lamb managed by Breanne Harmon all come together to make this a magnificent show.

Recommended for ages 4 and up, Pet the Fish runs until August 13th at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. Tickets are only $12 (including taxes) for all ages. Or buy a family

KidzPlays Pet The Fish is Spectacular pack—buy 3 get one free!

Show days and times: Tuesday 2 pm, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11 am. You can now reserve your seats in advance for KidzPlays! Book online at chemainustheatre.ca or call the box office now to book your tickets! 1-800-565-7738.

We are most appreciative of the generous support received from our many sponsors & donors at our recent dinner, dance and auction. The event was held at Oceanfront Suites on a beautiful Summers evening. We would like to express our sincere thanks to: Warmland Dental • Daniel & Florie Varga • Liz McKinnon • Experience Cycling • West Coast Pre Fab • Executive Mat Services Dryco Systems Inc. • Robin & Nicole Bond • Cheers Cowichan • Unsworth Winery • Sol Maya - Spirit of the Fire, Tofino • Hilary’s Cheese Genoa Laser Therapy • Richard & Brenda Bond • Ocean Front Suites Cowichan Bay • The Ginger Room • Pierre & Tina Campagne Paris Styling Group • Red Arrow Brewery • Monet Spa • Resthouse Sleep Company • Carlos & Laura Brizzi • Kevin & Melissa Telfer Randy Beggs & Rachel Bissett • Emerald Healing Place • Tamar Taylor • Quality Box • Alderlea Dental Health • Peaks Coffee One Percent Realty • Nathan Eliot & Jody Patsch • Farmer Ben’s Eggs • McBarleys • Camp Qwanoes • Bees Wax Works Eagle Quay Bed & Breakfast • Gregs RV • Erik & Jennifer Nydahl • Cowichan Eyecare • The Knelson Family • Johanna Milbury Purica • Nan C Designs • Julie MacKinnon • Dave & Jen Ertel • Island Dental Health Centre • Patrick & Erin Hawkins • Cross Fit Gym Drum Roaster Coffee • Cowichan Valley Acupuncture • Ocean Adventures • Maple Bay Pilates • Treasured Memories • Thrifty’s Premier Self Storage • The Fishery • Fisher Farms Nursery • Harlequin Nature Graphics • Old Crow Jewelery • Beverley Corners Special Occasions • Jen Charlie • Shades • 4 Cats Art Studio • London Fashion • Kevin & Tracy Drews • Tire Exchange • Gloria Bahler Island Domestic Service • Masika May Photography • Lee’s Chicken • Duncan Wrestling Club • IMAX • Duncan Lanes • Superstore North Cowichan Aquatic Centre • Hicks Barber Shop • Boston Pizza • Radway Clothing • Beach Interiors • Archer & Arrow Dominos Pizza • Coffee on the Moon • Stacey Clarahan & Andy Scheres • Mint Holdings Limited • Mill Bay Pizza • Whiskey Point

Thank you for making our gala a huge success!

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

EYE ON Shawnigan Children pumping rthe ailway handcar

Shawnigan Lake Heritage Fair & Family Picnic Sunday, August 14, 2016 10:30am-2:30pm Elsie Miles Park Free Family Event

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

Shawnigan Lake Heritage Fair & Family Picnic August 14 is a special day for lovers of Shawnigan Lake. The Heritage Fair & Family Picnic is the 4th annual opportunity to engage in spirited, social activities while enjoying historical displays celebrating our rich past. Located in what is becoming a community gathering space, the Elsie Miles Park, behind the Shawnigan Museum, is a large, open greenspace with lots of natural shade around the perimeter; perfect for spreading out a blanket to dine upon your home-made picnic luncheon. We encourage event-goers to pack a picnic, just like the ladies would have done in the good ole’ days, though a hot dog vendor is on site and the Village, with its range of eateries, is a short walk away. Both children and adults alike look forward to the range of fun activities from a bygone era, such as the Egg and Spoon, Potato Sack and Three-legged Races.

Arcade Games can be played throughout the day and include the Ring Toss, Tin Can Alley, Fish Pond and, to cool-off, Squirt! Wee ones will enjoy playing with the Little Shawnigan Village and Spray Boat Races while the older ones practice using the stilts. Families are invited to dress in provided costumes and props and sit for a professional quality old-timey photo. The Memory Tent is the bee’s knees! Here folks will find a series of photos from Shawnigan’s illustrious past as a resort community, logging town and railway stop and visit with long-time residents to share stories and discover connections to the area’s founders. With the cancelation of this summer’s Show and Shine, folks will be thrilled to peruse our selection mechanical eye-candy including vintage vehicles from the 1920’s – 1960’s plus a railway handcar folks can pump around the place. Professional Storyteller Dave MacPherson will regale the crowd with folk fables and tall tales. The mini Sheep-to-Shawl demonstration reveals the process from shearing, to spinning, to weaving to wearing! Naturally, throughout the day the Shawnigan Museum will be welcoming visitors to partake in their interactive displays, view the E.J Gallery and browse the gift shop.

Parking is available in and around the village and also at the Shawnigan Lake Community Centre above the park. We sure do encourage folks to enjoy this free family event from 10:30am-2:30pm in the Finishing the Sack Race heart of Shawnigan.

Blue Tree Creative Custom made wood SIGNS

by Bonnie Tytel

bluetreecreative@gmail.com 250-507-6922

Schedule of Events 10:30-2:30pm Photos, Games, Arcade, Displays, Memory Tent, Museum Open 11am/1pm - Traditional Races for children and parents! Egg & Spoon, Sack Race; Three Legged; Chicken Drop and more!

11:30am/1:30pm Folk Tales And Fables - Delightful Storytelling with David McPherson of Story Theatre Company

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Storytime in Kin Park

Summer Kids Camps 2016

Growing a Child’s Mind:

Day Programs & Overnight Camps Contact us for dates & Register Today! coastalbliss.ca

1 800 896 9525 coastalbliss@shaw.ca

Summer Storytime at the KinPark Youth Urban Farm

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hat do you get when you take good books, kids, soil and seeds and mix them together? Storytime at the KinPark Youth Urban Farm of course!

For the fourth summer in a row, the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) and the KinPark Youth Urban Farm are teaming together to host children’s storytime at the park geared for 3-5 year olds (all ages are welcome however). This program is part of the library’s Summer Reading Club whereby kids receive a special kit to keep track of their reading and are awarded a collectible medal if they complete their reading log.

Tuesdays this summer - August 9th and 16th - from , Storytime starts with a fun story in the shade of the trees followed by a garden-themed

activity for little ones such as planting seeds, learning about worms, or a garden scavenger hunt. Sampling of the urban farm’s berry patch will most definitely be allowed!

To learn more about this free program, please contact Nariel Davis at the Cowichan Library at 250-746-7661, visit the VIRL website at: www.virl.bc.ca or visit www. cowichangreencommunity.org.

KinPark is located at 5789 Alderlea St. between James St. and Queens Rd. For more information on our urban farm, our family and youth drop-in programming or volunteering opportunities, please contact Heather at 250748-8506 or email heather@ cowichangreencommunity.org.

Submitted by Heather Kaye

BEADS BEADS BEADS

Etc!

9752c Willow St

Chemainus

250 324 2227 Open 7 days a week

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

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

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Nature Rambles Genevieve Singleton, nature nut and nature interpreter, twinflower4@gmail. com

“I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the stars…”

John Masefield

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ne of the lovely things about summer is spending time at the Ts-lhaa (hul’q’umi’num’ for beach).

Check the tidetables, grab yourself a beach identification book/pamphlet and head out. The intertidal zone is home to an incredible variety of life, so much that First Nations up and down the coast say, “When the tide is out, the table is set”, referencing how much food is available in this habitat.

Sadly, this is no longer always the case, since our ocean is

Ochre star Image Eric Marshall

besieged with many issues including pollution, higher temperatures, acidification, boat traffic, and building retaining walls which destroy forage fish habitat.

Children enjoy looking at little ‘ey’xal’lh (hul’q’umi’num’ for immature crabs) on the beach. Please be sure to return crabs and all creatures quickly to their homes after investigations. Hold a crab gently at the back, so the pinchers do not bite you, to look at its total of 19 sets of legs (some are very small tucked in around the mouth and tail). While holding it, you can check to see if it is a boy or girl. If you see a lighthouse shaped segment on the underside it is a male. A bell-shaped segment signifies it is a female. Often you will find masses of what appears to be dead crab bodies on the beach, but upon looking you will find these are empty exoskeletons. Crabs keep their skeleton on the outside of the body going through a molting process, leaving the exoskeleton behind, to grow a new, larger one.

Tamulqlh is the hul’q’umi’num’ word for sea stars. The expression sea stars is now used instead of starfish. A common

Marine Biology Camps COME EXPLORE! Learn about the plants and animals of the estuarine habitat through fun hands-on activities, including beach seines, mud digs, bird surveys, games, and crafts!

AGES 5 - 7:

Aug 15 - 19

AGES 8 - 10:

Aug 8 - 12

All camps run 9am -3:30 pm $175 per camp To register visit:

cowichanestuary.eventbrite.ca Estuary Centre

1845 Cowichan Bay Rd, 250-746-0227

www.cowichanestuary.ca local tamulqlh is the five legged Ochre Star (Pisaster ochraceus), which can live up to 20 years. Although ochre means brown/orange this species is usually purple in the Cowichan area. Research suggests that Ochre stars that eat quantities of mussels will be orange; those that do not tend to be purple. Mussels contain carotene, an orange pigment. Tamulqlh have had large die offs in the last few years from Sea Star Wasting Syndrome (SSWS). The good news is that tamulqlh is

Beach Manners: Ours to enjoy, ours to protect.

• Please when turning rocks over put the rock back as you found them. Imagine if someone tipped your house upside down and walked away not bothering to put it back upright!

• Please take live critters out of the ocean and pools for only a few minutes, do not gather crabs by the handful, put into buckets and forget about them.

• Keep your eye on the tide!

• A Tidal Waters Fishing Licence is required to harvest shellfish, you can get this online.

• Sadly, in many places you cannot eat the shellfish; red tide and contaminated waters can make shellfish deadly to human. Conditions can change rapidly so be sure and do your research.

• Watch where you put your feet, try not to kill things unnecessarily.

slowly making a comeback.

The jury is still out on what caused this; likely multiple reasons possibly including a virus and warmer oceans.

These are only a few tidbits about this life giving, fascinating ecosystem. See you out on the ts-lhaa!!

Fun facts • Seaweed is used to make ice-cream, make up, toothpaste, sunscreen, food colouring and many other things.

• We have a local industry, Vancouver Island Sea Salt, collecting salt from the Salish Sea. • Daddy pipefish (related to Seahorses) carry the babies inside their bodies.

• Plainfin midshipman fish males guard the nest of babies long after the females have left.

• Barnacles live upside down with their feet gathering food.

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Paddle boarding in Mill Bay

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VITAMIN GALLERY

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

250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com

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Imagine Walking on Water

I

magine walking on water without getting your feet wet!

Well ok, maybe your feet may get a few splashes, but once you experience being on a Stand up Paddle board for the first time you will understand how easy & safe it is.

Our bodies are designed to travel, standing on two legs, so by standing up on a paddle board we are able to efficiently cross large bodies of water in a naturally favoured position.

Ancient fisherman all over the world have been standing upright, in various sea worthy vessels. This allowed unobstructive views (360’) valuable for effective fishing.

It was the Hawaiian culture who pioneered the Paddle board surf culture into the water sport we now recognise as Paddle boarding.

As a sport it definitely feels more closely connected to surfing & windsurfing, but for training purposes it is associated with Paddle Canada which offers the infrastructure for kayak & paddle board training.

Paddle boarding is the fastest growing water sport activity in the world, it offers a full body work out with minimal impact to the body. It is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy nature without feeling like exercise.

It does not discriminate, appealing to people of all

ages, sizes and fitness levels.

It can also involve your 4 legged best friend.

Unlike surfing, you don’t need waves to paddleboard and calm water is the best conditions for beginners.

At Mill Bay we offer daily 2 hour Instructional Paddle board Morning & Sunset Tours, Paddle Canada Beginner & Advanced flat water skills courses as well as Paddle board rentals.

The basic skills of paddle boarding are introduced during the 2 hour tour. As a Paddle board guide and instructor I get great pleasure from seeing the progression in confidence & skill level of the participants during the tour.

A typical tour includes a paddle to the Mill BayShawnigan Creek waterfall (if the tide allows) followed by a gentle shore line paddle.

The majestic Mount Baker is often in the back drop.

Sea stars, a variety of birds, inquisitive seals and otters are often spotted. We have also seen harbour porpoises and if lucky a passing whale in the distance.

New this month is our Full Moon Paddle board Tour as well as our Paddle Board Evening Glo Tours. www.bluedogkayaking.com Alison Moorwood, a Paddle Board Instructor for Blue Dog kayaking

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

d g

Inspired by Others Summer Tennis with Art Hobbs

Kids learn to Play Tennis

T

here is something magical about kids and tennis at South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club (SCLTC). Inside this wondrous place of giant gnarled trees, and rows of nets inside high green fences, children learn to play tennis.

Children rally (hit) the ball with each other and their coaches. After making good shots to escape ‘aliens in space’, they hop and jump with joy.

Inspired by each other, as well as coaches, parents and grandparents, these kids are connecting with people of different generations, having fun, and making friends – in addition to getting great exercise and learning new skills. The other day, six year old Sam exclaimed “Wow! My Grandpa Don is playing real tennis Nana over Jean there”! and Eight year Sophia old Sophia described a shot as being “just like Nana Jean”. An inspiring

Open 9am to 9pm!

DAILY 1606 Joan Avenue 250-324-2249

comment for all young players because Sophia is in her third lesson while Nana Jean Martin is ranked as the number one player representing Canada in an international tournament from September 12-18 in Umag Croatia. Jean will play both singles and doubles.

A parent shares that she is “excited for the day we can all play together”. A grandparent notices “lots of fun out there on the court and that’s what it’s all about”. Another grandparent comments that “kids are inspired by the other kids”.

We thank all children in our tennis camps for sharing their joy in learning to play tennis. We look forward to having former as well as new students participate in our next August Tennis Camp offered at SCLTC from August 2-5. To register, contact Art Hobbs and his coaching team at Lillian Lamb, Learn to Play Coordinator ljlamb@shaw.ca

Championships at SCLTC, to be held this year from July 29 to August 1, invites your children to participate or to come and watch. Last year over 100 young people from around the province aged in the under 12 to under 18 age groups participated. Check the website lawntennis.ca at

SCLTC for details.

Coach Art Hobbs says it all in just five words “Let’s have fun playing tennis!”

Submitted by Lillian Lamb Group Image courtesy Don and Pat Unger Photo of Jean and Sophia courtesy Sophia’s Dad, Pat

Art Hobbs, tournament director for the Biondo Junior

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DOUBLE, TRIPLE & QUAD front load washer extractors Oversize gas dryers

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X

eriscape simply means “dry scape” or gardening with the natural environment you live in. It’s a landscaping method that utilizes water

conserving techniques through well thought out design, planning and construction.

Xeriscape allows for gardens to thrive in drought prone regions.

Xeriscaping has 7 principles which are: 1.Planning and Design: • A successful Xeriscape requires a well thought out plan.

Identify the conditions that will influence water use, such as sun, wind exposure, and slopes. Plan to group low water using plants together, group high water using plants together, and water them separately.

2. Soil Amendment: • Use soil amendments such as compost, peat moss or manure to improve heavy clay or sandy soils, and to help them retain moisture and nutrients.

3. Appropriate Plant Selection: • Low water use plants can withstand periods of dryness and high temperatures with minimal irrigation. There are many attractive and hardy flowers and shrubs to choose from, readily available at most garden centres.

4. Practical Turf Selection: •You don’t have to remove all of your lawn, but consider removing areas of turf that are impractical or difficult to maintain. Also consider drought tolerant grasses or grass alternatives.

5. Efficient Irrigation: • Apply the amount of water that is required by a plant, with minimal wastage.

6. Mulches: •Mulches are applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation and to moderate soil temperature. Mulches also help to control weed growth and erosion.

7. Appropriate Maintenance: •The amount of maintenance required in a garden is related to the amount of water applied. Over-watering contributes to rapid weak plant growth, fertilizer leaching, insect and disease problems and weed growth, all of which require maintenance.

If water is efficiently applied, and Xeriscape principles are used, less maintenance will be required.

depending on the design and the plants used, water use can be reduced by over 50%; 3. Saves time – less watering, trimming, weeding and mowing; 4. Saves money – less water, chemicals, fertilizer, and replacement of dead plants; 5. Eliminates pesticide/ herbicide use – plants growing in their own environment thrive; and/or, 6. Protects your families’ health and that of the environment – including keeping poisonous chemicals out of the water.

has worked to promote the use of xeriscape landscaping techniques in the Cowichan Valley and have completed all projects using these principles.

The latest is Stonewood Village, an Elmworth Construction Ltd. Project which will be implementing the 7 principles of xeriscape into their construction plans.

Eco Balance encourages all residents of the Cowichan Valley to do their part in conserving our natural resource by practicing the 7 principles of xeriscape landscaping.

Given the restrictions and demands put on the Cowichan Valley Regional Districts’ water supply, implementing xeriscape practices and principles will benefit all.

Xeriscape benefits: 1. Enhances the value of your home with an attractive and water conserving landscape; 2. Reduces water use –

Eco Balance Contracting Limited is a Landscape Design and Build Company practicing Xeriscape Landscaping in the Cowichan Valley. Eco Balance

We welcome anyone interested in learning more about Xeriscape Landscaping to visit the Okanagan Xeriscape Association website of which Eco Balance are members, or contact us using the contact information located on our website www. ecobalancecontracting.ca.

By practicing the 7 principles of xeriscape every landscape has the potential to become a sustainable low maintenance, drought tolerant living space.

Cameron Leslie, LAT, B.Tech,Cowichan Valley raised, Registered Landscape Architectural Technologist

250 715 6174 26

The Art of Xeriscaping

Image above; Xeriscaped garden split down the middle with a meandering dry river bed.

Image Left; Xeriscaped garden with a picturesque staircase made of fractured blast rock.

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

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A B C n t F

E I b e e p o s

T c p m t t r p c o a s s a c a

W M C g p C s A d (

ENVIRONMENTALLY BETTER THAN BURNING!

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

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Seed Incubator Project

urious about what’s been happening next to Alexander Elementary on Beverley Street? Well it’s the Cowichan Green Community’s newest food security project: the Cowichan Incubator Seed Farm.

Emulating the successful Incubator Farm model that has been adopted across Canada to educate, train and ‘incubate’ emerging new farmers, this project will focus specifically on training a new generation of seed farmers.

The Cowichan Valley’s mild climate, dry summers, and productive soil once hosted many successful seed farms that sold across Canada and the UK. The increasing deregionalisation of agricultural production over the last half century spelled the demise of our local seed companies, and with it our region’s seed security. Without a local supply of resilient, adapted, and open-source seed, our community’s food security is at risk.

With the support of the Municipality of North Cowichan in the form of a generous lease on the 3 acre property, the Cowichan Green Community is thrilled to be spearheading this initiative.

Although we’re in the site development stage this year (feedback and ideas from

the community are much appreciated!) we hope to have seed farmers-in-training starting in the Spring of 2017.

These aspiring farmers will undergo a year of education and training in the basics of organic farming and seed production. The result will be skilled seed producers ready to contribute to our local seed capacity.

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In addition, the farm will serve the region as a hub for seed education, hosting workshops, field days, and seminars on the many aspects of seed saving and production. From the smallest allotment grower to commercial farmers, there’ll be something there for everyone.

We welcome any questions and contributions you may have regarding the farm and its goals. Don’t hesitate to contact the Cowichan Green Community, or stop in at the farm if you see us out there!

Foster Richardson farmer, seed saver, and coordinator Cowichan Incubator Seed Farm. foster@ cowichangreen community.org

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27

Did you know?

The Cowichan River is one of 42 great rivers across Canada that have been designated a Canadian Heritage River? Only three are in BC, and the Cowichan is our only Heritage River on Vancouver Island. Its worth protecting!

Learn more: chrs.ca

T

he Cowichan River is known world wide for its excellent fishing and recreation. To those of us lucky enough to live here, it is the physical “heart” of our natural environment and our namesake. It flows through many of the economic, cultural and recreational activities that define us.

When the Cowichan River is healthy, we are all better off.

However, we are in another severe drought, the fourth in a row. There is really no way to sugar-coat it. We have a big problem. (But please read on – it can get better with your help!)

Tim Kulchyski, Cowichan Tribes natural resources biologist and Cowichan Watershed Board member puts it this way: “It’s not new to observe loss in fry, fish that don’t make it out to the ocean. That’s the “survival of the fittest”

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principal that usually makes a population stronger. But the early Chinook run is so vulnerable now, and our climate has changed so much, that I feel strongly that we need to do more to get them safely out to sea. These already are the ‘survivors’, so every fish counts, and that means every drop counts too.”

The Dry Facts

Rainfall in May was less than 25% of normal, and the early snowmelt left very little water to feed the lakes and rivers and streams throughout the summer. By July 1, the Province had already set the drought rating for the region to the highest level (Level 4) and closed most streams and rivers to fishing. The weir at Cowichan Lake has been operating below the licensed minimum volumes all spring, and this is becoming too common but there simply isn’t enough water to meet the licensed requirement.

Volunteers and fisheries workers have been moving thousands of stranded dying fish into deeper water, but many have died. Agricultural crops are stressed, wells are drying, water quality is a concern. Yup, it’s a problem.

Reasons for Hope, and

Dead Chinook fry in the mud at Cowichan River North Arm. Tim Kulchyski

When Every Fish Counts Action

The good news is that we can do something. A recent guest lecturer at VIU-Cowichan Campus expressed “Made in Cowichan” reasons for optimism. Dr. Bethany Coulthard, University of Arizona, studies historical drought patterns around the world. Unlike the Cowichan, most of the watersheds they study have big, complicated jurisdictional issues (e.g. state boundaries), no coordinated plan of response, and less cooperation between the people needed to solve the problem. She offered hope that we have much better opportunities than most regions to prepare for drought.

Opportunity to Store More

The Cowichan River already benefits greatly from a weir at the outflow of Cowichan Lake. Catalyst built the concrete structure in the 1950s to capture some of the high lake water in spring before it empties down river into the ocean. The weir holds water up to its height. By partially closing the gates in spring, they ‘slow the flow’ to make it last until the fall rains return. The company is licensed by the province to use some of this

water to run the Crofton mill and they are required to provide minimum flows for the health of the river.

The Cowichan Basin Water Management Plan details the minimum flows required at different times of year to meet ecological, social, and economic needs. These include: • higher spring flows (April 1 – June 15) • a minimum of 7 m3/sec from June 15 until the end of the operating season, and • two “pulses” of high water in the fall to help migrating salmon.

The plan also anticipated the need to allow reductions to 4.5 m3/sec in dry summers, and to increase the minimum summer flows to 8.5 m3/sec by 2031 to compensate for increased demand and climate change.

However, for the past four years, there has not been enough water in the lake to meet these flow rates. This year the river has been at 4.5 m3/sec since May 27. As

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

Residents are alarmed by lower than usual river levels for this time of year throughout the region. Photo

by Michael Andringa

8th Annual Cowichan Lake and Upper River Cleanup Saturday August 20 9am – 2pm Lake Cowichan roundabout For info Gord 250 745-6682

Lower Cowichan River Clean Upi

such, the Cowichan Watershed Board supports a long term solution of increasing water storage in Lake Cowichan by raising the height of the weir.

A higher weir could capture more of this water, while still remaining below the natural high-water level of the lake.

Working Together

The issues facing the Cowichan watershed are collective and collaboration is the key to seeing the solution and bringing it to life.

The Cowichan Watershed Board is a partnership between Cowichan Valley Regional District and Cowichan Tribes with representatives from the Provincial and Federal Governments, and strengthened by members and advisors with specific expertise. The mandate of the group is to provide leadership for sustainable watershed management in the Cowichan and adjoining watersheds. A technical advisory committee and four working groups provide scientific backing and help achieve collective progress on specific ‘targets’ or goals of the Watershed Board.

Currently, Cowichan Valley Regional District, Cowichan Tribes, Catalyst, and Cowichan Watershed Board’s Fish and Flows Committee are

all working together on the many steps required before we are ready and able to store more water.

Stewardship groups, coordinated through monthly meetings of the Cowichan Stewardship Round Table are invaluable partners in all this, providing “boots in the water” observations and knowledge and working on habitat restoration, fry salvage, water quality, public education and more.

Where do you fit in?

At home, conserve water and check out cowichanwaterchallenge.ca for more info.

In community - watch for public open houses about increasing the water storage.

Attend, bring friends, learn more, and support projects that will store more water.

Our heritage river deserves to be a healthy river. We all benefit when it is, and the solutions are in our hands.

Learn more:

Cowichan Watershed Board cowichanwatershedboard.ca CVRD - New Normal cvrdnewnormalcowichan.ca/ drought-levels/ Jill Thompson, Board Assistant Cowichan Watershed Board www.cowichan watershedboard.ca

Dive In, Have Fun and Help Keep the Cowichan River Clean! This is a wonderful annual volunteer event hosted

by Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society. All ages and abilities welcome. Help out on shore or in the water.

Please bring your own gloves and appropriate footwear. If helping in the water bring your own water gear, flotation devices, dive or snorkel gear etc. Volunteers with row boats or trucks to move materials to the dump are greatly appreciated. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Prizes and a free BBQ lunch will be provided for all participants thanks to our local partners. Registration and free continental breakfast, 9 AM–10 AM, at Central Park, Lake Cowichan - beside the roundabout. www.cowichan-lakestewards.ca

8th Annual Lower Cowichan River Cleanup Saturday August 27 10am - 3pm Cowichan Tribes Little Big House (follow signs from Duncan) For info

capps.jenni@gmail.com

Hosted by Cowichan Watershed Board in partnership with Cowichan Tribes, and Safe Youth Cowichan. Low river levels this year mean we can get at more of the garbage so please come out and bring friends! Our river needs us! Volunteers of all ages and abilities welcome. No experience needed! Help out on shore or in the water. Please bring your own gloves and appropriate footwear. If helping in the water bring your own water gear, flotation devices, dive or snorkel gear etc.

Volunteers with row boats or trucks to move materials to the dump are greatly appreciated.

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Prizes and a free BBQ lunch will be provided for all participants thanks to our local partners. Registration and free continental breakfast, 10 AM, at the Little Big House, behind Cowichan Tribes gym (Duncan). Please follow the signs to find us!

Some of the potential impacts of drought in the Cowichan watershed:

• In spring/summer, fish mortality as rivers and streams dry up and water temperatures rise.

• In fall, salmon can’t migrate upstream to spawn in low water; exposure to predators; • Loss of opportunity for First Nations ceremonies, food and culture; • Costly economic impacts linked to: • forced shutdowns of the Crofton mill, employing 600 people, • closed fishery, • reduced recreational opportunities (e.g. tubing), • long-term impacts on commercial and sport salmon fisheries.

29

Submitted by David Krieger

T TIME TO GET THE GARDEN READY TO PLANT

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Planting garlic takes place in the fall. Stock up on our selection of Ready-To-Plant cloves!

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he creators and teachers of WOLF Cowichan youth programs have moved into the Cowichan Bay Seafood location, under the new name of Crowe & Appel. While continuing the business as the seafood market it has always been, David and Tashmyra have expanded the restaurant aspect of the business. Now, with the vision to connect within the community, they are offering a weekly food basket (food cooler) program so that the community can purchase the finest fresh seafood, local grass fed meat, and organic vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, oils and seaweeds at discounted prices.

Their aim is to create a community supported nature education program. 100% of profits raised from this food share program will go to reaching 200 students this year in our nature education programs.

Nature education is a huge subject; probably the original subject area that we, as humans, evolved our learning capacities to succeed in. In our experiential outdoor programming, we divide the subject into five areas of mastery: shelter, water, fire, food and community. In our shorter camps offered to all youth, in school or out, students get to touch on the basics and can learn, with practice, how to survive in the natural world for a short period of time. Longer term courses allow students to move deeper into an understanding and study of all aspects of the natural world, and this exploration leads to more and more questions and more and

more exploration and creates a curious mind and active lifestyle that can help students succeed in all pursuits and studies.

For over 20 years, David has been teaching and studying nature education around the world. His years in Thailand, and with the Maya and Garifuna peoples in Belize have taught him “the importance of community.

Here, working with Cowichan Educators at the Sacred Cedar Centre, [he is] learning this lesson again, as well as what it means to be a non-indigenous educator, teaching and learning in the natural world of the Cowichan Valley.”

As the WOLF Cowichan youth programs evolve, they are trying to reach more students, and through this weekly food share initiative, scholarships can reach those students for whom otherwise attendance would not be possible.

Eat Food to Support Local Nature Education for Youth

Summer

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Beginning at $50 per week, members of the community can fund students’ education by eating only the freshest seafood right off of the boats, meat and produce straight from local farms, and organic herbs, spices, oils, and more, every week. croweandappel.ca

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

I

c r c q c

P C C C C e

Town Hall Meeting on Climate Change your ideas. This town hall is part of a national climate plan consultation. Thousands of people have registered to take part in similar town halls across Canada this summer to provide feedback for the federal government’s national climate strategy, set to be released in the fall.

MP Alistair Macgregor

I

t’s the central challenge/ opportunity of the 21st century. How should Canada respond to the challenge of climate change? How can we quickly shift to a green lowcarbon economy?

Please join me, One Cowichan, the People`s Climate Plan and the Cowichan Climate Change Collaborative to listen to expert panelists and share

Your ideas are important and everyone’s voice need’s to be heard. I look forward to hearing your ideas and sharing them with the federal government. Hear from expert panelists and share your practical ideas for tackling climate change!

Time: 6 PM. Doors open at 5:30 PM, Heritage Hall at the Island Savings Centre 2687 James St, Duncan. For more information or to RSVP email: alistair.macgregor@ parl.gc.ca

• Restaurant • Deli • CAFÉ • Grocery • 1751 Cowichan Bay Road 250 748 0020 croweandappel.ca Selling and serving fresh and sustainable local seafood, local free-range meats, organic produce, and organic imported oils, vinegars, herbs, and spices, in our deli and on our menu. Serving local wine, cider, and beer, and offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

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

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

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Fresh new look for Downtown Duncan!

A

s the old adage goes, change is good - and the recent changes taking place around Downtown Duncan are really good (if we do say so ourselves). The newly completed refurbishment of Station Street Park looks wonderful; the turf has been rolled out and attractive new trees and shrubs have been planted alongside the meandering path. Locals and tourists alike are enjoying the picnic tables and it seems there’s always a photo being taken somewhere in the space. A great job was done by the City of Duncan in creating such a lovely green oasis in the downtown core.

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Another recent and exciting change downtown is the unveiling of a new marketing campaign for Downtown Duncan. The DDBIA (Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area) and the City of Duncan, with the help of Victoria-based Hot House Marketing, have collaborated on fresh new branding to market our vibrant and energetic downtown.

As Dan Dagg, President of Hot House Marketing, says, “Downtown Duncan is easy to get to and easy to navigate; it is charming and eclectic; it is a destination shopping experience and has more to do and see per square foot

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

Before

than any other city.”

Perfectly encapsulating those sentiments is the cornerstone of the campaign: our new tagline “Downtown Duncan.

Small. In a Big Way.” “By telling people that we’re small in a big way, we embrace the welcoming, small-town feel of the downtown and also celebrate the successes of over 300 independent shops and services and 25 restaurants and coffee shops that call Downtown Duncan home,” said Jean Cardno, DDBIA Marketing Chair and owner of Cardino’s Shoes, ‘it’s an exciting time to be in business downtown: the number of visitors from the island and elsewhere is steadily increasing.”

exactly how and where to find us. To address this issue, a straightforward messaging approach was adopted by updating 8 highway directional signs to include the following wording: “Get off the Highway,” “Downtown is Different,” and “Turn into Something Special.” And look for some fun and oversized images to support the BIG aspect of the campaign on highway billboards and street banners as well.

Downtown Duncan has an abundance of great things to see and do in a very compact area; we really are small…in a BIG way.

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34

Starting or Growing a business almost always takes money

“F

or small businesses in rural communities, Community Futures helps with their biggest barrier to starting and growing their business: access to financing and someone to take the risk on them,” says General Manager Cathy Robertson. “Almost always a great business idea needs money to get going, so that’s what we do.”

Community Futures (CF) are BC’s most important small business development organizations – based in the community and for the community. For over 30 years, CF Cowichan has loaned millions to local businesses.

By filling this need CFs are an important catalyst to job creation and retention in rural areas. 98% of private enterprises in BC are small business, which employ over 1 million people in the province.

It is vital these businesses get support, and that’s Community Futures’ mandate.

Being responsive to local business needs means we have micro loans of $5,000 for small start-ups, to over $250,000 for large growing businesses. We’ve helped these businesses with flexible loan terms when traditional sources of financing don’t meet their

needs. Compared with other traditional source financing options, the businesses of CF clients grow faster and last longer.

CF Cowichan has also initiated and / or funded many community and economic development projects. “Being involved in community development projects helps our region and economy to be as healthy as possible, which goes hand-in-hand with business loans. We know they are directly linked. For our clients to succeed they need customers with jobs, and a robust economy helps make them sustainable” says Robertson. “For many of us we know how it looks when the economy slips: job loss and empty store fronts. We need vibrant communities to support local businesses.”

To learn how Community Futures Cowichan can help you start or grow your business visit www.cfcowichan.ca Borrow. Grow. Succeed.

there as well.

Q&A – with Russ Posey from Joe’s Tire Hospital DDBIA: Tell us a little about your business?

RP: Joe’s Tire Hospital has been in business in the same location at 176 Government St. since 1930.

DDBIA: Where did the name come from?

RP: The name came from the original founder Joe Drennan.

My grandfather Gordon Posey bought it from him in 1956 and ran it until my dad Ken Posey bought it in 1974.

DDBIA: What kind of services do you offer?

RP: We offer new tire sales, used tire sales, tire repairs, installation, balancing and we also sell new custom wheels.

DDBIA: Joe’s Tire Hospital is a family run business – who all from the family is involved in the operation?

RP: Presently Ken and Russ Posey are the only family members working at the tire shop, but over the years, Ken’s brothers Brian, David and Glenn have all worked there.

Ken’s daughter Jeanne and nephew Mike have worked

DDBIA: What’s the best part about working with your father?

RP: The best part about working with my dad is the sense of pride that comes from working for a business that has been in the family for 60 years.

We get along well for the most part and we’re pretty lucky to have the father/son work relationship that we do.

NEW!! at

DDBIA: Are inner tubes still a big sale in the hot weather?

RP: Inner tube sales are still popular, but not in the numbers they used to be prior to the low water levels we have seen on the Cowichan River these past couple of years.

DDBIA: What do you like best about your Downtown Duncan location?

RP: People know where to find us because we have been in the same place for so long.

Downtown is a great little community to be a part of where everyone knows your name and asks about your day or your family.

DDBIA: Anything in particular you’d like people to know about Joe’s Tire Hospital?

RP: I would like people to know even though we are a small, independent business with old-fashioned service - it doesn’t come at a price. We are very competitive with the commercial box stores and our quotes include installation and labour, which is often added on to prices advertised at some of the bigger competitors.

AhNatureAll

Sharon Tillie Photography 360 Duncan St., Duncan BC (beside The Garage) Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4:30 pm

Free language classes, employment and settlement services for eligible newcomers WHERE CULTURES CONNECT www.cis-iwc.org 250-748-3112

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Glowing Natural Beauty & Fashion Ladies’ Night Join Prudence and Glow Juicery at the new Sol Centre to celebrate beauty, health and wellness. Doors open early for free yoga at 6 pm, activities officially beginning at 7 pm. We will be hosting a store wide sale, cosmetics demos and makeovers from Elate Clean Cosmetics and hands-on Butter London nail polish. Consult with our natural skin care specialist, Chloe, to find the perfect products for your skin. Enjoy free samples offered by Glow Juicery, as well as tasty organic raw food for a special ladies’ night discount. Rachel, raw food chef, will give a presentation on the many aspects of healthy eating, and the benefits of doing regular juice cleanses. The night

Music in the Park

will include music, demos, fashion, food and fun. There will also be some surprise activities to keep us glowing.

Enter to win a gift basket and bonus gifts drawn every ½ hour. Thursday, August 4 7pm Sol Centre, 5380 Trans Canada Hwy, next to the Community Farm Store.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Passion, chaos, magic, love!

The Shawnigan Players bring Shakespearian favorite “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to life on the outdoor stage for their fifth annual summer production at beautiful Gem o’ the Isle Farm in Cowichan Station. Featuring feisty fairies, demi-donkeys, rustic players, and bizarre love squares, this raucous romantic comedy explores the charmed madness of jealousy and love as characters are dragged willyBrought to you by the Cobble Hill Event Society

Every Thursday

6-8pm

All shows FREE August 4 Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young Night Good Times with a cadre of artists

August 11 Jon Middleton Special Night with Sierra Lundy Canadian Chill Folk, Album- ‘Another Noon’

August 18

August 24 Sam Weber

Mike Edel

Indie Folk Album‘India/Seattle’

Alternative, Album ‘Shadow in the Road’

Check facebook for possible Labour Day Summer Finale

Bring your blanket & lawn chairs to Cobble Hill Village Park 1461 Fisher Rd

36

For more info: cobblehillevents@gmail.com

nilly through a forest of waking dreams and haunted sleep.

This year, audiences can look forward to upgraded seating, a licensed concession, a unique sculpture garden, and live pre-show entertainment included dancers, jugglers, and fire spinners! Fresh from his directorial win for “August: Osage County” at Theatre BC’s SIZ Festival, Gallacher brings fresh faces and Valley favourites together in this dynamic and talented cast. Performances run August 4 – 6 and 10 – 13 at 7:30pm with a matinée performance on Sunday August 7 at 2pm. Gem o’ the Isle is located it 2465 Koksilah Rd. in Cowichan Station. Tickets are $15 advance / $20 at the gate. Family passes (up to five family members, max. two adults) are $35 advance / $40 at the gate. Tickets are available at Ten Old Books or email shawniganplayers@gmail.com to reserve.

Mike Edel Live Music There’s something about the way Edel presents personal experiences in a way that project universal understandings. Love and beauty, pain and confusion, the knowledge that all precious things are only precious because they can be lost. It feels a little bit like growing up - like the moment when everything that felt so close as a young person is all of a sudden so far away. It’s the comfort in finding that you aren’t alone. There’s a humanity in these discoveries, and listening to India/Seattle feels like watching Edel discover it for himself, and the product is a little bit of

each of us. Music in The Park Thursday, August 18 6-8pm, Cobble Hill Village. Hosted

by Cobble Hill Event Society.

FREE

Chemainus Jazz Festival Jazz 2016 presents a diverse and eclectic mix of great jazz musicians for your listening pleasure! A bit of New Orleans, Soul, Swingin’ Jazz, Improv, a touch of Rock and Latin grooves! Featuring Edie Daponte, Graham Shonwise Soul Jazz Quartet, Pablo Cardenas West Coast Cuban All-Stars, Decadence Band, Andrew Homzy’s N.O.L.A.Nighthawks, Connor Stewart Quartet Be sure to get your Mardi Gras “Bling” included with your admission!

Suggested donation $15. August 20, Noon start. Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

RE-STORY Storytelling Festival For as long as we have shared stories we have captured and reflected on experiences large and small as a way of keeping our narratives safe.

Storytelling can also play an

T a S r c a r H c b

important role in how we choose to shape/create our future. Over the course of three days of performances, workshops, panels, and roundtable discussions, the Re-Story Festival will bring together 16 storytellers, listeners and visionaries from around the world as we explore the idea of using story to imagine, shape, and manifest our shared future.

Representing a range of storytelling traditions and using the latest in digital streaming technology Restorying Our Collective Future Storytelling Festival is an inclusive, expansive, and affirming return to our roots as narrative keepers and creators. ReStory is an all-ages festival, however not all sessions are suitable for children. August 19, 20 & 21, OUR EcoVillage, 1565 Baldy Mountain Rd, Shawnigan Lake.Various Various Ticket options include weekend passes, day passes and meal and camping combos. www.restoryfestival.com

Stolen Hearts Fundraiser The Blue Dirt Girl Band and lead singer Kathryn Sutherland plan to raise awareness, invite community interaction and to share in fund raising to support Stolen Hearts. Stolen hearts community project has been an ongoing initiative

in the Cowichan Valley for over the last 3 years.

Through Stolen Hearts of Cowichan an initiative Red Willow Womyn’s Society has been built to serve Aboriginal Mothers and their families Thursday August 25, Duncan Showroom Tickets $20 www.stolenhearts.ca

Warp and Woof at the Cobble Hill Fair Want to “throw a shuttle” and weave a few rows?

How about spinning some “art yarn”? Visit the Tzouhalem Spinners & Weavers Guild in the 4-H barn where we share space with rabbits, chickens and the talented 4-H Woolcraft kids. We’ll have needle-felting to try too, plus sheep fleece to work with. Come on down to this lively little fair on Saturday, August 27, 2016, 7am – 5pm and help us celebrate our agricultural roots and their cultural offshoots.

Check us out at tswguild. wordpress.com.

Bursaries for Performing Arts Our Mission is simple … To enrich the lives of Cowichan Valley youth through bursaries and scholarships dedicated to the performing arts.

Our Vision to is also clearly defined … To help support children in the Cowichan Valley to pursue their interests in performing arts programs by assisting in removing financial obstacles which may impede their participation in youthbased performing arts programs.

The Cowichan Valley Performing Arts Foundation provides funding assistance to applicants aged 18 and under residing across all communities within the Cowichan Valley regional district. Last fall, the CVPAF received over $10,000 in bursary and scholarship requests but were only able to award $6000. This fall, the CVPAF is gearing up for the largest intake of the year on September 1.

Interested applicants can visit our website at www. cvperformingarts.ca/howto-apply to find out the full details and download the application form. For more information contact Olivia Boudreau info@ cvperformingarts.ca

ni Chemainus ALL EVENTS AT Waterwheel Park TUES, August 2 • 7-9PM BLUEGRASS FEVER An Evening of Toe-tapping bluegrass.

Admission by donation

SAT August 6 • 11:30 AM-9PM THE VELVET RUT EXPRESS FEST 13 bands on 2 stages Many different genres of music $10 suggested donation TUES August 9 • 7-9PM LUV TRAIN Popular Rhythm & Blues band FRI & SAT August 12 & 13 ACCORDION DAYS

Aug 12 bands will appear in locations in Chemainus Old Town

Aug 13 - Fourteen accordian bands playing all afternoon at Waterwheel Park TUES August 16 • 7PM BIJOUX DU BAYOU Cajun and Zydeco music From fast-paced infectious tunes to a slow lovers’ waltz

SAT August 20 • Noon -6:30pm CHEMAINUS JAZZ FESTIVAL 6 great Jazz bands various genres $15 suggested donation TUES August 23 • 7-9PM NADEN BAND OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY Unforgettable performance Admission by donation TUES August 30 • 7PM BLUE MOON MARQUEE On Tour Across North America Gypsy Blues

www.cvcas.com

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Art extravaganza in Ladysm

Margot Page

Enamelling on Copper and Steel

For The Love of Arts - Call For Portals Volunteers Jewelery • Vases • Journals • Guestbooks

Frames • Bookmarks • Magnets • Lightswitch Plates

www.imaginethatartisans.com

www.margotpage.com

250 746 8446

BLINDED BY THE SUN? Choose Custom Designer Blinds SHEER• HORIZONTAL • HI LITE • WOOD

Specials throughout the month of October!

Up to 70% Off Suggested Retail Price !

Black Door Decor 2-740 1st Ave. Ladysmith Book your free consultation 250 245 2248

“Seven Days of Silence Make For a Wise Summer Retreat” Meditation 7 PM Tues and Thurs at Peace Center

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The CVAC art space, Portals, which is located at the Island Savings Center, just across from the library, is in urgent need of volunteers to sit in the art space during exhibitions.

Karen Severson, who has been volunteering for six months, recommends the experience.“It’s pleasant and fun! We volunteers greet visitors to Portals and get to view all the interesting exhibitions that Portals hosts from August to June. There is a variety of mediums from furniture-making and crafts, local painters, photography and more. Volunteer hours are two to three hours per week, and there is a training session before you begin.” Other bonuses are discounts on art supplies and framing and free CVAC membership after 30 hours. There is satisfaction in contributing to the arts community, meeting other artists and volunteers, and being informed of all the arts events that go on in the Cowichan Valley. I am continually amazed at the huge number of talented artists who live here!”

For more information visit Portals at 2687 James Street, Duncan or call 250 746-1633. cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca

Art Extravaganza in Ladysmith Where can you find an ART weekend like this? Only in Ladysmith. Always a delightful experience under the big white tents on First Avenue. A great way to end the summer.

Saturday night, August 27 Light Up the Night - from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Bring the family and stay up late. That’s right, a night festival for the family. The evening is filled with family activities: a night market, Tea leaf readings, chair massage, Family Painting, steam roller print demo, art competition with paint and glow sticks, art/ light display. Kids can create a cardboard glow in the dark car.

There will be free glow sticks and if you’re feeling crafty, be reflective and dress up in glow in the dark or reflective attire.

Sunday, August 28th - 18th Annual Arts on the Avenue – From 10am to 4pm. This iconic Art show and Sale Festival and is the largest of its kind in the Cowichan Valley. Art lovers from all over have found amazing treasures here. 55 artists, including First Nations, metal, fiber artists, wood, jewelry, photography and painting, to name a few. Come early, stroll the street, visit with artists, watch art demos, stay the day. Award winning Dan Gray is our guest Artist. Gray’s pastels are impressions of the moment.

Born in Vancouver B.C., he has worked in soft pastel since 1975.

All this held under the big white tents on First Avenue Ladysmith, Buller to Warren Street. Mark your calendar for August 27th & 28th and visit www. artsontheavenue.ca or 250-2451252 for more information.

7 Day Tien Tai Retreat August 14 -20 Info: Txt./Ph: 250. 710. 7594

Info: www.VIRetreats.com 2016 Retreats

vaganza in Ladysmith

Looking at a piece by Dominik J. Modlinski, at Gallery Meghan.

Let’s Look At Buying Art Differently

I

t is time to re-think buying art. Buying art is an investment. Original art, unique art that someone painstakingly and lovingly created, does nothing but increase in value. It is time to tell yourself that you deserve to be able to buy that piece that you saw and fell in love with, because it will hang in your home and you can enjoy it any time you would like. Put it next to your favourite reading chair, or hang it classically above the bed. Bring it into your home where you can fall in love with it again day after day.

Art makes a wall so much more than just a wall, and art in the home is a reflection of your style and passions.

As a gallery owner I see far too many occasions like this.

People come into the gallery, fall in love with a piece of art but are too scared to look at or ask for the price and walk out without it.

But the truth is, original art is attainable for everyone.

We live in a culture where many spend $25 a day on fancy coffees without thinking twice and yet are still saddled with the archaic notion that original art is unattainable. If spending $3000 on a patio set that can only be used for less than half the year is acceptable, then it

is definitely time to re-think buying original art.

Shoppers will go into a super store, and buy generic madein-you-know-where “art” because it appears affordable.

Here is something to think about - that super store “art” is not going to increase in value at all.

Head off the beaten path and browse the works in a local gallery instead. Visit a boutique and look for something to love. Think about this article. Don’t think you can’t afford it. Consider making your lunches at home for the week, fill a thermos with coffee. Saving money in these small ways will help put that piece of art in your home for you to enjoy for years to come. Starving artists are a reality, but if everyone who appreciated creativity and works made by hand were to consider buying an original our culture could be better off as a whole.

Head on over to Whippletree Junction and visit Gallery Meghan, and all of the other funky and fantastic little shops that Whippletree has to offer. Feel that wonderful sense of taking something you love home with you, and in turn help all of us starving artists and shop owners keep

The Clay Hub

Collective FALL CLASSES

now posted on our website

one time mug class August 12 6-8:30 PM August Open Studio hours

Tuesday Evenings August 2, 9 & 16 6pm-9pm

www.theclayhubcollective.weebly.com

our doors open for everyone’s enjoyment.

Submitted by Meghan

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F

or many artisans, the road to selling originated as a hobby. Spurred on by encouragement from family and friends, coupled with the practical need to replenish supplies motivates many artists to try the retail route.

Imagine That Artisans’ Designs in downtown Duncan is a popular hub for more than

95 local artisans to sell their creative wares.

Painted glass cruet bottles by Bruce Coney

Turning one’s passion into profit can be scary, especially for new artists and artisans.

It’s one thing to give your labour of love to a family member or friend as a gift.

It’s quite another thing to sell to the public. Confidence comes with friendly encouragement and support from other artists.

The store opened twenty-three years ago. Four local artisans got together to sell their work, and to share advertising and accounting services. “It made sense to have a rental space and sell on commission,” says second-term President Margot Page who has been with the store for 20 years. “The store offers stability and broad exposure for artists and artisans. We’re open six days a week rain or shine,” she notes.

Turning an Artistic Hobby Into a Mini Career with Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs The original works of seven established glass artists as well as beautiful needlework

by Sandra Greenaway will be on display at Imagine That for the month of August.

The glass artists are: Joyce Leroux - Duncan (stained glass windows, boxes and sun-catchers); Bruce Coney – Saltspring Island (painted glass cruet bottles); Hazel Galey – Parksville (stained and fused glass windows);

Pendants by Peggy Brackett

Peggy Brackett - Crofton (fused glass jewellery); Gail Hook – Nanaimo (Lamp glass jewellery); Ted Jolda – Ladysmith (blown glass ornaments and party glasses), and Veronica Scott – Duncan (glass mosaics). Sandra’s creations includes kimono, jackets, bags and scarves.

40

Imagine That is operated entirely by volunteers who are artists themselves. “This little store is an amazing community of creative people,” she said. “It’s an ideal opportunity to meet other artists, to get ideas, and to acquire information. This is one of the most successful co-operatives in British Columbia. We’re always on the look-out for more local consignment artists.

We’re also interested in artists who would like to help oversee the operations of the store as ‘Members.’ This is a long-term commitment. We currently have three Members and 14 Helpers. If you would like more information, please contact the store at 250-748-6776.”

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

By CVAC writer-member, Veronica Scott

JD Stevenson Gallery 9786 Willow Street Chemainus Gallery Hours Wednesday -Sunday 11AM - 4:30PM (250) 324-1395 jdstevensongallery.com

A

fter a long career in advertising art, accomplished Canadian

landscape painter John D Stevenson has opened a new gallery in Chemainus.

“I started painting at age ten and selling my first painting for $50.00, gave me the drive to paint better and better.” shares the artist, “I also received instruction from my father, A.W. Stevenson as well as constructive criticism from him, to paint and draw where ever I went. I love to paint the natural world. I am always looking for the light and the way it wraps warmth around everything it touches.”

Stevenson finds in-exhaustible inspiration in nature’s evershifting colours and proportions.

His light-dappled compositions evoke the Impressionists

Talking Arts Painter JD Stevenson genres of art, while creating his own unique gestural style.

Working both in his studio and in outdoor locations throughout Canada’s wilderness, Stevenson applies thick oil paint directly to the canvas with a palette knife, before mixing and distributing colours. As a result, his rich compositions are complex fields of smooth and thick layers that dynamically respond to varying light conditions. “During my former illustration years, I used many different tools from brushes to knives.” John reveals “However, for the past 15 years I have painted strictly with pure paint and knives, building layers upon layers of paint, which form a more sculptural 3D presentation of the world I see around me.”

His painted surfaces evade strict realism in favour of textural beauty and a more

evocative, intuitive image that transmits a multi-sensory — rather than strictly visual — sense of a specific place and time. Stevenson combines his powerful choices of palettes and pure paint application with a dramatic flair for composition, capturing landscapes in their fleeting yet vast splendour. He is a recognized member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and his work has been exhibited in galleries throughout Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa , Perth, Kingston and New York City.

“The Emotional Wild” is an exhibition of original Stevenson works along with an array of other Canadian artists represented by his gallery. Show runs to to August 31.

Left Image;Close Up of West Coast Winds 36 x 30 inches Oil on canvas Top Image Mountain Pine 30 x 36 Oil on canvas Both works by John D Stevenson

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S

ea Shepherd Conservation Society has teamed with renowned Canadian biologist Alexandra Morton and actor/ activist Pamela Anderson for Operation Virus Hunter, a new campaign investigating the lawfulness of the salmon farming industry in British Columbia.

The announcement comes simultaneously as Sea Shepherd releases its latest Public Service Announcement about the dangers of consuming farmed salmon.

The PSA features Anderson, a Vancouver Island native who is also the non-profit organization’s Chairman of the Board.

Morton and Anderson and Canada’s premier environmentalist David Suzuki will be among those on hand to announce the campaign launch in a press conference at False Creek Harbor Authority on Monday July 18th at 1pm. (address and parking details below.)

ABOUT OPERATION VIRUS HUNTER Operation Virus Hunter, which begins this month in Vancouver, will see Morton travel aboard Sea Shepherd’s R/V Martin

Operation Virus Hunter Dream Team David Suzuki, Alexandra Morton, Chief Ernie Crey and Pamela Anderson

Sea Shepherd Launches Campaign To Investigate Farmed Salmon Industry With Alexandra Morton Sheen over the course of several weeks, tracing the major salmon migration route that stretches from mainland Vancouver to the north end of Vancouver Island.

Along the route, the Martin Sheen will be stopping at various salmon farms to conduct audits for disease and other factors, which will be done in a nonaggressive and non-harassing manner.

“The salmon farming industry thrives on secrecy, shrouding its activities from public view,” said Morton. “Operation Virus Hunter will shine a bright spotlight on this industry. Canada cannot claim it is protecting the oceans, including wild salmon, while at the same time, allowing the farmed salmon industry to release waste into the world’s largest salmon migration route.

Added Anderson: “Salmon farms keep pens in the ocean, where the fish swim in their own feces, and breed disease and sea lice that kill wild salmon, threatening the orcas’ ability to feed.”

In addition to Morton, Anderson and Suzuki, Sea Shepherd Captain Oona Layolle, and First Nations Leader Chief Ernie Crey will also be on hand at the July 18th press conference at 1 p.m.

“Ninety-four Nations of the Fraser River view wild salmon as being essential to who they are, and they have worked

42

to conserve those stocks for thousands of years,” said Crey.

“The recent salmon declines are a threat to our existence and we hold salmon farms as one of the culprits. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans chooses foreign salmon famers over our title and rights again and again.

We ask wild salmon be allowed to come and go to this river free from infection with farm salmon disease.”

Sea Shepherd founder Paul Watson stated: “It is personally very satisfying to me to send one of our vessels to my home province of British Columbia, to address one of the most insidious threats to biodiversity on the West Coast - salmon farms. Our mission is to investigate, document and expose an industry that is spreading disease, parasites and destroying the natural habitat of our wild salmon - the coho, the sockeye and the chinook. These exotic Atlantic salmon simply do not belong in these waters.” www.alexandramorton.ca www.seashepherd.org/canada Zorianna Kit Media Director Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

J2 - Granny in the background traveling with L87 - Oynx in the Strait of Georgia

ur summer season is in full swing and so is the marine life of the Salish Sea. We have been fortunate enough to have whale sightings everyday since April and the sightings just keep getting better and better.

On a recent trip we had a quadruple header with sightings of four cetacean species on one tour. We started our tour with 28 Resident Killer Whales including Granny the matriarch of J Pod and the oldest known Orca in the world. We then made our way to a feeding aggregation of over 20 Humpbacks when suddenly a Fin Whale lunges up past the Humpbacks with it’s mouth agape and krill streaming from the sides of it’s mouth. After having an amazing encounter we turn the boat and start heading back to Cowichan Bay only to find more members of L Pod on of our resident families of Orcas.

As we leave the Orcas we sight two Minke Whales lunge feeding at Hein Bank. Needless to say the tour got in rather late much to everyone’s appreciation. We are so fortunate to be able to spend time with all the gentle giants of the Salish Sea. www.oceanecoventures.com

I have never encountered so many Humpbacks lunge feeding in our waters. It is truly a Humpback explosion this year with groups of over 20 Humpbacks feeding over a few miles. Apparently there is enough feed in our waters to sustain over 100 Humpbacks in the southern Salish Sea. Humpbacks are now like flotsam and jetsam in our area.

The newest visitor to the Juan De Fuca Strait is mature Fin Whale, the second largest animal on earth. This animal is over 20 meters in length and has been found feeding with the large aggregations of Humpbacks. The first time we encountered the Fin Whale it was extremely hard to take any identification images as the 20 Humpbacks kept surfacing around the Fin, true whale soup

Simon Pidcock is Owner/ Operator of Ocean Ecoventures in Cowichan Bay

• • • • • •

Website Design & Development Social Media Solutions Internet Marketing & SEO Consulting & Training Workshops & Coaching Presentations & Speaking info@MAC5.ca

250-732-2937 I @MAC5WebDesign

www.MAC5.ca

YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD at CONTOURS AESTHETICS....

Summertime!

SUN is here to remind us of the magic of the great outdoors. And being outside with our very best look means feeling good, too!

Let us tint your lashes and brows and paint your toes for your summer fun!

Call us today to book an appointment with Kelly. www.contoursaesthetics.com

O

The Quadruple Header

Contours Aesthetics 3515 Cobble Hill Rd • 250-715-7935

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T

he Glenora Store & Café at “The Corners” of Marshall, Glenora and Indian Roads has a rich and varied history serving residents of Glenora and the Cowichan Valley for more than seven decades. If there is a downtown Glenora, this is it. Its lasting presence is a testament to all of its past owners, leasers and to the people of Glenora who have kept a vision and purpose of a community store alive. The site is under consideration for inclusion in the CVRD’s Heritage Registry that supports heritage conservation and planning.

The store is owned and operated by The Ita Wegman Association, a non-profit organization which also operates Glenora Farm, a 90-acre farm on Waters Road.

Glenora Farm is a Camphill community where those with special needs live and work together with their caregivers.

The Glenora Farm runs a weavery program in the second building on the site and weave tea towels, baby blankets, scarves, bath towels and other quality items.

The story of “The Corners” really begins in 1950 when a garage was built by Warren & Cliff Wall (Wharncliffe Road is named after them) and housed an automotive repair shop with one service bay and two gas pumps. The Walls did not own it for long and sold it to a family that made it their home for many years. Bob & Mrs. Pascoe, with daughters Betty & Grace, bought it from Walls in 1952. They added the two-story building that held the first store downstairs, living accommodations upstairs and a second service bay to the garage. Bob was known for his friendliness and people marveled how Mrs. Pascoe, well into her 70’s, could jump up on the counter to reach things off the top shelves.

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Richard Buck provides an old photo of The Glenora Country Store.

Circa 1987 – 1992.

The Glenora Store and Café Since 1950 A Strong History Rooted in Community Don Pontious, a member of a long time Glenora family, and his business partner Dave Rinehart bought the establishment in 1975. Don and Dave worked at the north end of Vancouver Island building logging roads. Dave’s wife Donna Rinehart (nee Pontious) ran the store and family members lived in the upstairs apartment. The gas pumps were in operation, however, the service bays were not. Rinehart recalls enjoying the business and describes Glenora customers as “the salt of the earth”, who paid their credit accounts trustingly. Don and Dave Contracting is still in business in Okotoks, Alta. The store business proved all consuming for Rinehart and provided little to no time off. It sold to Lawrence and Carol Gosling, who bought it for their children to run.

The Store changed hands again in 1987/88 when Richard and Laurie Buck enthusiastically took ownership. They had a new concept for the area and opened a business called Mountain River Equipment Ltd. Buck states they did well selling fishing equipment, dry goods, clothing, gloves, sleeping bags etc. as well as

fire arms and ammunition for hunters. For a reason unbeknownst to him, security safes also sold very well.

Bucks closed down the automotive service bays and moved the convenience store into that space so they could keep a better eye on the gas pumps. “People would drive away without paying for their gas” he remembers. They operated both the sporting goods store and the corner store staying open 365 days a year. Christmas was one of their busiest days, he recalls. Mountain River Equipment Ltd. closed in 1992 when Canada’s GST came in, along with 8,000 other sporting goods stores across the country, Buck reports.

The businesses, lands and buildings were all sold again.

Prior to the sale Octavia Altemueller leased the downstairs from Bucks and started a health food store and bakery called The Community Farm Store. This was the humble beginnings of The Community Farm Store now located at 5380 Trans Canada Hwy and the Duncan Garage Café and Organic Bakery. Octavia owned and operated Altemeuller’s Farm on Marshall Road, the first

certified biodynamic farm in the Cowichan Valley and sold produce from her farm at The Community Farm Store.

When Bucks sold, a group of eight community minded people purchased it in support of Octavia and her vision in 1992. Octavia and husband Christof were among this group and began the first Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program with their organic and local food box program. At its greatest capacity, there were more than 220 families picking up a weekly box of organic and local fruits and vegetables.

The group of eight remodeled Purple Echinacea flowers in the garden.

known in familiar circles, moved The Community Farm Store and The Corfield Café into the Duncan Garage in 2003. The Café has since been renamed The Duncan Garage Café and Organic Bakery.

Customers enjoy sitting at the retro counter and watching activity around “The Corners”.

Cheryl Galloway

the store as a country general and sparked repairs and store adding hardware items renovations of the Glenora such as nails, screws, hammers Community Hall and the etc. Nellie Van Leeuwen Glenora Ball Fields. Jack managed the store and was Bone, a frequent visitor to the known for being handy with store, was a huge player in a hammer. She describes upgrading of the ball fields. developing the store into her “The store was the hub of the concept as an extreme amount community, it brought people of work with no together” says profit but it did put Van Leeuwen. food on the table In August, all Mary Jean scooped ice and paid wages Weatherbee, for staff. Coffee a Glenora cream at The was available by General Store Glenora Farm donation. She Store is 25% off! employee bought recalls a small the business round table with and leased five or six chairs in the corner the building and continued of the store, with as many operating it for many years as as 15-20 people sitting or a general store. Weatherbee standing around drinking remembers the film industry’s coffee and smoking while she interest in the site when a kept the coffee pot brewing. location crew discovered the Smoking indoors led to quaintness and charm of the problem solving discussions Glenora Store and Café. It for a smoke-free environment was the site for the pilot of and an outdoor patio was the TV series “Eureka” in added. A door was cut into the June 2005. Many locals hired side of the store for access to on as extras, making their the new patio and a washroom Hollywood debuts. “The accessible from the outside Engagement Ring” a made was added to the back of the for TV movie starring Patricia store. These additions Van Heaton was also filmed in Leeuwen recalls attracted 2005. The Glenora Store and children and families to “The Café remain on the locations Corners”. This same patio, list for the Vancouver Island door and washroom are in South Film and Media much use today for lunches, Commission. ice cream and gathering.

Business partners Susan Van Leeuwen reminisces that Minette and Sue Wells these coffee conversations purchased The Community brought a community together Farm Store and bakery

business from Altemuellers in 1999 and leased the building.

They also ran a small café with four tables and eight chairs serving coffee, blueberry bran muffins, sought after cinnamon buns, (Altemueller’s recipe) and offered a daily healthy soup such as Mexican pinto bean or corn chowder made from Altemueller’s biodynamic corn.

Minette also operated the first certified organic farm in the Cowichan Valley, “The Bright Angel Farm” located in Cowichan Station. Along with the Altemueller’s biodynamic farm this farm was the beginnings of the organic movement of the Cowichan Valley we enjoy today.

“The Susans” as they were

The Ita Wegman Association acquired the lands and buildings in 2004. Today, The Glenora Store and Café continues to feature local products and serve the community. Glenora Farm residents create high quality products along with the weaving such as herb combinations, beeswax candles, and felting which are available for purchase at the store. The Café serves daily homemade lunches and some baked items as well as offering nourishment and refreshments to users of the Trans Canada Trail or Glenora Trails Head Park. Friday pizzas are very popular. The month of August will feature all scooped ice cream at a 25% discount.

Come and enjoy The Glenora Store and Cafe and share in its ongoing history. *This article is based on anecdotal information from personal interviews.

Submitted by Cheryl Galloway Administrative Assistant Ita Wegman Association of BC for Curative Education & Social Therapy

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Self Tanning Options elf-tanning products are S sunless tanning products (lotions, oils, creams, gels,

mousses, cosmetic wipes and sprays) that you apply to your skin. It gives you an instant or gradual tanned look for a healthy glow.

S OU L E S CAPE

ESTHETICS Est. Since 2006

Purchase 3 Eminence products and get your serum for free! (retail $48+tax)

NEW!!!

Organic Self Tanner from Ireland has arrived!

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

Organic Self Tanners In organic self tanners the active ingredient is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and is derived from sugar beets or cane sugar. The skin-browning effect is the result of a nontoxic reaction between DHA and the amino acids which are part of the top layer of the skin’s surface, much like the browning effect in food caramelization.

The resulting colour is similar to the melanin that our bodies produce naturally when exposed to UV rays. Basically skin will only turn as brown as it naturally would when exposed to sunlight, which is great if clients decide to use self tanner at home but are not sure how much is too much. You can not over do it! These tanners create a more naturally-looking tan, and fades more evenly, than chemical tanners. It is also considered the safest form of tanning over chemicallyderived self-tanners and sun exposure. The tan produced by DHA will not wash away due

to sweat, water, or soap, but will fade gradually over the course of 10 days.

Conventional Self Tanners When using chemical self tanners the colour created depends on the pH of the skin.

Skin that is more alkaline will turn brown,- often way too brown. Skin that is acidic will turn orange. Never a dull day right?!

Spray Tanning Spray tanning and self-tanning products can be applied professionally by airbrushing or with spray tanning booths.

These techniques use sprays or misters to apply a solution to the body in a very short time.

Bronzers Bronzers are cosmetics that temporarily tint the skin’s surface a golden-brown to give it a tanned look. They include tinted moisturizers, foundations and brush-on powders. Bronzers are generally considered to be safe to use and can easily be washed off with soap and water.

Most sunless tanning products do not protect your skin from sun damage, so you still need to use sun protection when exposed!

Submitted by Eva Walker

La Petite Auction House Auction Sunday AugUST 14

Early viewings Wed - Fri 11am- 3pm Plus viewings on Sat before the auction 1 - 4pm.

SAME DAY viewing from 10am -1pm.

To consign email dawngeddie@gmail.com

Auction begins at 1pm

9686 Chemainus Rd, 250-701-2902

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

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Aromatherapy is the New Luxe What are essential oils?

Essential oils are the volatile liquids found in a variety of plants, trees, shrubs, and citrus fruit rinds. They’re what give herbs, flowers, and fruits their distinctive scents.

They’re also some of the oldest known “natural health products”.

For several thousand years, people all over the world have been extracting these oils using methods such as steam distillation, cold pressing, resin tapping, or absolute extraction. Essential oils aren’t there by accident, or just because a flower decided to smell nice. The chemical components help the plants function and fight pathogens, disease and stress.

For instance, these components can: • act as chemical messengers and hormones • protect the plant from bacteria, fungi, and viruses • protect the plant from environmental stressors such as heat We evolved with the plant kingdom and what works for them, also works for us.

How do we use them?

The three most common methods for using essential oils are: • topical application • inhalation • ingestion.

Most pure essential oils can be used all three ways — but be careful! Not all essential oils are pure. Only use therapeutic grade oils for inhalation Essential oils are most known for their odour (hence the term aromatherapy). Inhaling essential oils stimulates any of more than 1,000 receptors in the nasal cavity, which transfer signals through the olfactory bulb to the limbic system, the center for our emotions. From there, they can affect the autonomic nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

When essential oils reach the lungs, they pass from the alveoli into the capillary blood vessels. Once in the

bloodstream, they are small enough to pass through the blood-brain barrier.

Inhaling certain essential oils may: • help improve mood, emotions, and libido • support sleep quantity and quality • increase focus or alertness • reduce feelings of stress or occasional anxiety

Topical application

You can apply essential oil on its own or diluted with a “carrier oil” such as avocado, coconut, olive, or sesame.

Diluting essential oils minimizes the sensation on the skin and slows absorption.

Dilution is especially important if you’re using the oil on a child, older or infirm person, It also allows you to spread the oil across a larger surface, and helps the oil’s effect last longer.

After penetrating the skin, essential oils can act locally, or they can act systemically, throughout the body. If you’re looking for a systemic effect, one of the best places to apply the oil is the soles of the feet, since the pores there are large and essential oils are thus absorbed quickly.

Topical use of certain essential oils may: • help target specific areas such as the sinuses, lymph system or the stomach • have many of the benefits associated with inhalation • relieve muscle soreness or joint stiffness or other minor aches and pains

Ingestion

The ingestion of essential oils might be one of the most debated topics in alternative health today. I would not, under any circumstance, recommend ingesting cheap, perfume-grade essential oil.

Although most pure essential oils can be ingested, there isn’t always a good reason to do it. Research indicates that ingesting certain essential oils may: • help us digest and absorb food • help relieve occasional digestive distress • help relieve symptoms of digestive issues like gingivitis,

colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and dysbiosis • support the immune system • support normal inflammatory levels Essential oils are hydrophobic, meaning they rise to the top when mixed with water. Taking them with a fat-containing meal or a small amount of carrier oil helps disperse them through the digestive system and eliminates fragrant burps.

Other Interesting Facts about Essential Oils

Herb oils, fennel and all the citrus oils fire us up, stimulate and uplift us.

I love a drop of wild orange and peppermint rubbed between my hands and inhaled for a quick pick me up when my energy is waning.

Rose and all the wood oils, including Frankincense, Sandalwood, Arborvitae, Douglas Fir, White Fir and Patchouli and Vetiver Oils chill us out.

Jasmine improved sleep quality. Jasmine is often used as a perfume, as many find its aroma seductive therefore, also considered a potent aphrodisiac.

Inhalation of Ylang Ylang lowers blood pressure, increased sexual desire, lowered stress levels and stimulates the endocrine system.

Sandalwood essential oil is the closest aroma to mimic human pheromone making it a very strong aphrodisiac for both men and women.

The pursuit of health and beauty can sometimes be an overwhelming and confusing place....but it doesn’t have to be! Dr Chris and Miss Judi are here to take all the overwhelm out of your journey back to vibrant health. www.mydoterra.com/ sagewomen Submitted by Judi Minckler sagewomen@ gmail.com www.mydoterra. com/sagewomen

HEALING WORK SHOPS

with doTerra

Fragrant Pharmacy

ALL SUMMER WORKSHOPS 6:30 - 8:30pm UNLESS STATED

ESSENTIAL OILS 101...BECAUSE YOU ARE DEFINITELY WORTH IT! In this 2 hr informal session, we talk and sample essential oils in a relaxed setting, and really work out which essential oils will help you. By focusing on the top selling essential oils for work, home and play you’ll be able to feel comfortable stepping into your own wellness lifestyle. You can ask anything you like about the oils in this experiential format.

Thursday, August 4 Monday, August 22 Thursday, August 25 Saturday, August 27 1-3pm TOPICS COVERED • Improve fatigue, lower stress and balance mood • Promote healthy digestive function and gastrointestinal health • Assist with minor scraps, skin irritations, bumps • Promote healthy metabolism and long term weight loss • Improve vitality and overall happiness, positive outlook • Reduce pain and aches from exercise recovery and past injury • Promote better sleep for adults and children • Revitalise your beauty routine with pure and natural make your own products And so much more….

Find out why it’s so important to look after yourself and why doTERRA is leading the way with the best essential oils on the planet.

Sweet Arts Studio and Gallery, 131 Jubilee St., Duncan RSVP Essential : Miss Judi or Linda Barrett-Stone 250 746 4431

sagewomen@gmail.com

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he debate about cannabis legalisation is complex and encompasses many different aspects of legalisation from distribution models, the rights of medical patients, Canadian’s right to choice, to large scale commercial production also known as “Big Weed”. Much focus is on medical cannabis users and dispensaries and more to the point, the quality of medicine available at dispensaries.

When any new industry launches, there is a flurry of excitement and new companies racing to participate, and this holds true for cannabis in Canada.

Dispensaries are proliferating at an unprecedented rate, and while many are genuinely putting patient’s needs first, there are some entrepreneurs who are looking to capitalize simply on a new market and as

such are less concerned with providing the information and education that medical cannabis users need in order to get the most therapeutic benefit from their medicine.

Understanding where your medication comes from and what, exactly is in it is critical.

While its understandable why dispensaries operating today don’t disclose their sources, this is one thing that must change for us to progress toward medical standardisation. If we are to treat medical cannabis as a true medicine and afford Canadian patients the opportunity not to be taxed, to have their insurance providers cover the cost in whole or in part then we must adhere to the same rules and regulations that all medicine is subject to.

Regulating the source of the drug allows physicians and patients alike to study and

Refocusing the Debate Around Medical Cannabis better understand how their medicine works in concert with other pharmaceuticals, or with various conditions and lifestyles. Medical cannabis has different effects on different people and treatments must involve not only the medicine but education around the

medication, personalised treatment plans, and regular follow-up care.

It’s important to distinguish between medical users and recreational users so that medical patients aren’t overlooked as we race toward legalisation.

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

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

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

Through prohibition, the medical community has overwhelmingly been denied the chance to study the effects this plant has on the human body so we have quite a bit of catch up to do. Access is a great start, but it’s not enough.

We need more trained nurses and health professionals with the ability to guide patients in the right direction, to support them on their journey to wellness through medical cannabis. In some cases, patients will choose a dispensary as their primary source and the dispensaries that provide independent test

results and counselling will be better suited to serving the 450,000 Canadians who rely on cannabis for medical purposes. Harm reduction is best achieved through education so if Canadian’s choose to get their medical cannabis education through a dispensary, a pharmacy or a counselling clinic such as Lift Resource Centre (liftcentre.ca located at the Matraea Centre in Duncan) we need to ensure that those who are dispensing the information understand why and what Canadians need to know. In short, we need to look at regulating the source of the product just as we would any other Natural Health or medicinal product rather than focusing solely on the distribution model.

Gill Polard is the founding chairwoman of Women Grow; Vancouver Island.

Nazim Garden Designs Let the beauty of what you love be what you do (Rumi)

ROWAN HAMILTON MEDICAL HERBALIST

Diploma in Phytotherapy, MNIMH, SCS, DTCM

at a healing place...

250 510 0062

Cowichan Valley

Return to a clean home and workplace.

• Sustainable, Naturalistic, Garden Designs • Garden & Property Maintenance • Installation & Consultation • Water Conservation - Micro-Drip Irrigation VANCOUVER 604 283 7432 COWICHAN 250 732 7758 nazim@nazimgardendesigns.com

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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Dynamic Pathways

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

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

Dynamicpathways.biz | fstefan59@gmail.com | 250-815-5029

in the back, neck, arms, shoulders, head and face. It balances the four higher chakras and sends an infusion of fresh Reiki energy to bring the whole body back into balance.

These massages can help with insomnia, headaches, migraines, tension, fatigue, sinusitis, and even premature hair loss.

Other benefits include boosting the immune system, restoring energy flow to the body, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and assisting with lymphatic drainage. Sessions are psychologically uplifting by offering an increased feeling of awareness and a sense of calm, peace and tranquillity.

The blissful experience ends with five minutes of acupressure on the face. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Why not give it a try – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain! A 3-session package costs $150 which can be redeemed for Indian Head Massages or Reflexology! A super deal to mix and match.

The Indian Head Massage Experience

I

Julia Allen MA

Masters Counselling Psychology Registered Clinical Counsellor

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

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

ndian Head Massage is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has become increasingly popular in the west. The word Ayurveda is Sanskrit, the ancient language of India. Ayurvedic medicine evolved in India, and is considered to be the world’s oldest healthcare system and means “knowledge of life”.

The experience is unique, with the client sitting upright in a comfortable chair for 50 minutes.

With a firm and gentle touch, meridians and pressure points are worked on throughout the massage to stimulate circulationan effective way to de-stress.

The purpose of an Indian Head Massage is to release blocked negative energy in the body by releasing stress found in tissues, muscles and joints located

SOMATIC INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES

naturalheelingreflexology.com

Helga Feichtinger is a Certified Reflexologist Indian Head Massage Practitioner 250-732-7988

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

MELISSA BROWN

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

BRETT HOLLAND

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

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

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Learning From Bees

W

hat began as an observation about bees in my presence, has grown into a fascinating experiment in which I am both the scientist and the study. It began 3 years ago when I noticed an unusual amount of bees that encircled me while I hiked on the trails. This was a hard time for me, taking a toddler with behavioural problems on a hike every day to exercise our new ‘high maintenance’ rescue dog. Anyone who saw us could say that our trio was emitting frustration much of the time. It seemed that the more stress I felt, the more the bees would encircle me.

I also noticed that at home, when I was at rest in the yard or garden, the bees didn’t do it. Very interesting.

What is it about the stressful energy that makes the bees behave this way? From my animal communication experience, I have learned that the bees encircle a person to determine ‘friend or foe’.

When the bees sense negative energies, they become more aggressive. And so began my experiment of checking myself every time that a bee encircles me. What energy and I putting out right now? Can I choose to radiate love or gratitude or peace instead? Now every time a bee approaches me, I stop what I’m doing and say, “Hello Bee. I am friend,” while radiating a greeting like I would to a dog or a cat who comes up to say hi. The results of this have amazed me. 95% of the time the bee flies off right away. Then something incredible happened. The act of consciously shifting my energy several times a day began to improve my life. I began paying more attention to, and being more responsible for, what I put out into the field around me.

The path to increased selfawareness need not require long periods of mediation or silent retreats. All that it takes understanding that our energy affects the world around us (whether that is a negative or a positive effect), and a genuine attempt to raise our awareness about that. So let the bees this summer inspire you towards more positivity in your life.

Rachel Allen uses Reiki, Tellington TTouch, Animal Communication to help others find balance beingsinbalance.ca

The folks at Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine are NOW ONLINE sharing all the wonderful ways to eat, live, play and shop in the Valley.

Geared at visitors outside Vancouver Island - the aim is simple. HELPING TRAVELLERS PLAN WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO AND WHERE THEY ARE GOING TO DO IT - BEFORE THEY ARRIVE.

Interested in this market? Feature your business alongside the best local stories, exciting images and lifestyle features this area has to offer!

INTRODUCTORY SIGN UP OFFER! * On special until September 30, 2016

www.explorecowichan.ca For info: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Helping animals and people find balance.

Rachel Allen Tellington TTouch

250 882 4198

Reiki Practitioner Animal Communicator

BeingsInBalance@gmail.com

Denise McLean

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

250-732-0247

azstarplays@yahoo.ca

Infinite Love & Gratitude

By Appointment in Cobble Hill

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content dogs by smashing glass in their faces and Outside Inside Time to hauling them out of Reach comfortable cars. There is a public shaming machine 24 °C 38 °C 10 min that has created a war 24 °C 49 °C 30 min like divisiveness among normally rational people.

29 °C 32 °C 5 min If you see a dog in a car 29 °C 38 °C 7-10 min and you are concerned call the SPCA cruelty hot 29 °C 49 °C 30 min line (1-855-622-7722) 38 °C 60 °C 15 min and they will walk you through the process and lease don’t break that help you find out if the animal window just yet. There is in distress at all. Smashing is a pervasive hysteria about a window can terrify the dogs in cars these last few animal; it might escape past summers. There are videos of you and it might bite you. “heros” terrorizing perfectly And public shaming is just

Lucky Dogs...

VEHICLE TEMPERATURE

P

Lucky Dog U Bath Just north of

1059 CANADA AVE DUNCAN Power Lunch

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Air Conditioned Drop-in Daycare!

U Bath or WE Bath

Grooming!

250 597-7DOG

www.luckydogubath.ca

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Hot Dogs

wrong.

Dogs process heat differently than we do. They do not sweat to cool off; they pant.

Just as evaporation of the sweat off of our skin has a cooling effect, dogs create cooling evaporation through their lungs and mouths. A panting dog is not necessarily over heated, but may just be cooling down. Signs of over heating are a curled up spoon shaped tongue with heavy panting. Dry mouth or thick saliva, red eye and gum tissues, weakness, vomiting and obvious distress.

If you suspect your dog is over heated place her lower legs in cool water. A cool wet towel can be draped over the dog and applied to the groin and face. Do not immerse the dog in cold or ice water as this can create more problems, the same goes for a cold water hose over the dog.

Cool water on the extremities is the safest. And yes, a drink of cool water is in order.

Dogs normal temperature is warmer than ours; 100-102

degrees.

This is also the time of year when people want to shave down their dogs to help them cool. Double coated dogs, as most fluffy dogs are, actually use their thick coat to insulate from the sun. They do not cool off through their skin.

A good grooming without shaving can do wonders. If your dog is hot, keep her in a cool place until the sun goes down. We all adapt to heat within a couple of days, but common sense must prevail.

After all, only “mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun.”

Here in the beautiful Cowichan Valley the temperatures can change quickly and you might have left home in the rain, but found that Duncan has heated up and you brought your dog into town. No fear! You can still shop and lunch. Drop your dog off at Lucky Dog U-Bath for only $5 and hour in an air conditioned and safe environment. We are here seven days a week and FirstAid certified. 1059 Canada Avenue, next to Prevost Vet Clinic. 250-597-7364 Debbie Wood is a certified Small Animal Naturopath and can be reached at 250597-7DOG.

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t t F p f o f w s b E b o t a y n fl Y h t t

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107th Cobble Hill Fair

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f you enjoy an Old Fashioned Country Fair then Cobble Hill’s 107th is the place to be! This year’s Fair will entertain you while providing an affordable day for the entire family. Join us on Saturday, August 27th from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. as we celebrate our past and showcase the wonderful bounty of Cowichan.

Earn a year’s worth of bragging rights! Check our online catalogue then follow the easy entry procedures and get set to win with your handicraft, baking, needlework, field produce, flowers, pottery or poetry.

You can always enter your homemade wine or many of the other divisions featured at the Fair.

How far can you Wang a Welly? New this year and certain to be loads of fun is the

Welly Wanging competition.

The Great Pumpkin contest is also new as is the woodworking division where you can show off your skills by entering your wonderful birdhouse, hand carving or homemade wooden toys.

South Cowichan Rotary’s delicious pancake breakfast starts at 7 a.m. Watch the parade at 9:30 a.m. then view the Official Opening at 10 a.m. The children’s games, sheep dog trials and the 4-H and miniature horse shows always delight. Don’t forget to indulge in the fabulous Women’s Institute luncheon and be sure to check out some of Cowichan’s finest photography displayed in the Youth Hall. There will be plenty of vendors on hand along with historical displays and the Mill Bay firefighters who always delight in sharing their skills with the next generation of volunteers.

The sun always shines on the Cobble Hill Fair, so it will be a fine day to meet with family and friends in a wonderful rural setting.

Whether your interest is in old farm machinery, livestock, home crafts, domestic science, needlework, stage entertainment or the horseshow, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information about

Life and Leadership Coaching…

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

www.spiritgate.ca

michelle@spiritgate.ca

250 737 1484

the Cobble Hill Fair pick up a catalogue or view it online at www.cobblehillfair.ca Email your enquiries to schfias. secretary@gmail.com

Don’t forget to mark Saturday, August 27th on your calendar.... SEE YOU AT THE FAIR! Submitted by Gerry Giles.

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

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Valleyview

Centre

So much to offer!

Fitness

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd Food

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

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

We Welcome New Patients!

The Living Wage in the Cowichan Valley

W

hat is a living wage? In a nutshell, a calculation based on two-parents, employed full time, two-child family, identified as an average family size in BC. The figure represents the hourly wage a person living in a community needs to make to cover basic living expenses like food, clothing, rental housing, utilities, transportation, childcare, medical premiums, plus a small amount for emergencies.

Why is this important? First Call and the Living Wage Campaign have demonstrated how childpoverty rates in BC are largely a product of low wages paid to working parent(s). In the recent 2015 B.C. Child Poverty Report Card, the Cowichan Valley is first place for children living in low-income families, yes that’s right, first place. Which makes knowing the reality of the cost of living here for families a vital part of our story as the living wage seeks to ease stress levels associated with families trying to make ends meet.

What is our living wage in the Cowichan? For 2016 it is $18.81, a jump of $1.26 from the $17.55 calculation in 2015.

The calculation process was updated this year to include additional childcare costs, and to account for the federal and provincial Children’s Fitness and Art Tax Credits. It is important to understand that the living wage amount does not include debt

repayments, savings, education, costs of caring for ill, disabled or elderly family members or anything beyond minimal recreation and entertainment.

Considering all these factors, it is clear that a minimum wage of $10.45/hour in BC does not come close to meeting the needs for families. In fact, the difference is staggering, our family of four working for minimum wage earn $43,472 leaving them $34,777.60 short of covering the basic living expenses needed to live in the Cowichan Valley.

What can we do? Well, employers who have taken on the challenge say becoming a living wage employer is equally as beneficial for people as it is for businesses, it creates happier, less stressed employees, increases productivity and decreases employee turnover. For more information about becoming a living wage employer, or to find out more about the living wage in the Cowichan Valley and read our full report, please visit our website at www. socialplanningcowichan.org.

Note: we recognize that a 2 parent, 2 child household is not an average household size in our region, and will be adding in other demographic living wage calculations in next report.

Submitted by, Michelle Staples and Summer Golden Social Planning Cowichan

Faizal Charania REALTOR®

faizalcharania@shaw.ca 250-732-5250 fuzzyrealtor.com

2610 Beverly St, Duncan BC V9L 5C7

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

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Your Rainbow Bridge - 4 Day Yoga Intensive Namaste Yoga Studio

*For Intermediate and Ongoing level students.

I

n these Intensives we will explore your energy anatomy according to the yogic perspective of different bodies or layers of being (koshas), energy channels (nadis) and centres (chakras).

The main 7 centres of your chakra system are traditionally represented as lotus flowers resonating to the colours of the rainbow.

Their opening and unfolding correspond to different stages of Consciousness development and evolution.

Each day we will practice postures, breathing and meditation designed to cultivate a sense of awareness and openness of your chakra system.

Our days will also include chanting of chakra seed (bija) sounds and deep relaxation / sound healing using chakra attuned singing bowls.

Namaste Yoga Studio 2424 Heather St. Duncan, August 8 - 11 -- 9:30 AMnoon & August 15 - 18 -- 6:30 - 9:00 PM., $147 includes

GST Lilian Bianchi has been teaching Yoga since 1982. Her teachings are rooted in the classical eight-limbed system of Patanjali. She understands Yoga as an energy-based healing art for the integration of Body, Mind, and Spirit. Lilian is an honorary member of the International Federation of Yoga.

Salt Spring Music and Garlic Festival

Cari Burdett and friends will be on Main stage Sunday, August 7 11:30am

“T

he best festival I’ve played in years” (Valdy, world class musician), is looking even better this year.

The music line-up includes: Valdy and the Hometown Band, The Odds, Cari Burdett, Carmanah, Jesse Roper, Barefoot Thieves, Shred Kelly, Jon & Roy and many more!

silent auction, children’s activities and the Arvid Stage - featuring illusionists, children’s performers, music workshops and local musicians.

Proceeds of the Salt Spring Music & Garlic Festival go towards music, art and farming grants and bursaries in the Salt Spring Community.

The Salt Spring Music and Garlic Festival , August 6-7, Paradise within Farms, 255 Musgrave Road, Salt Spring Island Price: $40/day $75/ weekend, Children under 12 FREE Music loving folk of all ages! www.saltspring musicandgarlic festival.com

YOGA with Lilian Bianchi

Honouring

BODY, MIND & SPIRIT Lilian Bianchi has been teaching Yoga since 1982, in Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver, and in the Cowichan Valley for the past 20 years.

FALL SESSION September 6 - November 28 • Introductory, Intermediate and Ongoing levels • Gentle Yoga • Restorative Yoga

Special Workshop:

Body Rolling with Taylore Carre September 30 & October 1 Lilian is an honorary member of the International Federation of Yoga.

Morning and Evening classes held at Namaste Yoga Studio and other locations in Duncan.

250-746-0327

www.namasteyoga.ca

Complimentary Parking and Shuttles from Vesuvius and Fulford Harbours.

Do not miss out on the garlic cooking competition,

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WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT By Rick Dennis

T

YOGA FOR WELLNESS

here is nothing quite like practicing yoga outside in nature.

Summertime in the Cowichan Valley is a wonderful time to take your practice outdoors.

Yoga offers the powerful gift of connection with our true nature.

It offers us a doorway into the knowledge of our wholeness.

When we take our mat outside and open ourselves to the beauty of the surrounding nature it can become an even more powerful opportunity to open to the fullness of ourselves.

One of my favourite things is to get off my mat, and connect to the cool earth with my feet under a beautiful shade tree. It seems that I awaken and begin to grow and flow. As soon as my feet touch the earth I feel deeply rooted to something bigger than myself, grounded and whole. As I slowly start to move through my practice I often notice a bright presence in my body, and a greater sense of peace and contentment. The birds singing overhead, supporting me with their songs, and the sweet smell

of flowers on the gentle breeze. I learn to be more flexible as well, the earth is bumpy, even in the flattest spots, and I have to adjust my body to its contours. It seems that the fresh air encourages me to breathe more deeply, to move more consciously, and I notice that I am never in the mood to hurry and finish. I savour this time. It feels sacred and special.

When savasana comes I wander deeply in consciousness, noticing the expansion of my being, feeling held by the earth and as light as the sky.

Try it out for yourself, pick a special spot in your yard, in the forest or a quiet park and enjoy.

Listen to your body and make sure you stay cool. Wearing a hat, or finding a tree to practice under, having lots of water close by, and of course matching the intensity of the practice to the temperature outside (the hotter it is, the slower, the more mindful the practice should be). St. Anne’s garden at Providence Farm is a beautiful place to practice- and there are also weekly yoga classes there on Wed, from 4:30-6pm.

Asrael is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yoga Teacher in the Cowichan Valley. Join her for yoga in the gardens at Providence Farm on Wednesday’s from 4:30-6PM. www.ayurvedicbliss.com

Delicious East Indian Cuisine

Butter Chicken Curry Chicken Vegetarian Specialties Chana Masala Pakoras Samosas

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

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NOT JUST HORSIN’ AROUND: I recall a shoot I did a number of years ago as a reporter for Shaw TV’s Duncan Programming Dept. (You can still pay your bills at the Duncan office but the programming dep’t has been phased out.) We were at the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA) headquarters at Providence Farm. I’ll never forget the smiles on the faces of disabled youngsters as they rode the healthy and gentle horses! Suddenly the kids had legs! ”She has gained confidence, endurance,strength, and is now able to participate in activities that keep her active and healthy.” reads one endorsement on the website.

This month CTRA marks three decades of service to the community and to observe the occasion Colleen Hunt tells me there will be a 30th Anniversary Celebration Saturday June 18th in the CTRA Outdoor Ring between 2pm and 4pm sponsored by Peninsula Co-Op and featuring riding demos, an auction, a RideA-Thon Picnic and other treats.

According to the website therapeutic riding has been used for people with arthritis of the hips, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and various degrees of autism to name just a few of the conditions equine therapy has proved to be beneficial.)

Of course, all this takes money. CTRA estimates that it costs approximately $2500 a year to provide feed and care for one therapy horse. That is where you may come in. CTRA welcomes donations (yes, tax receipts are available) and if you cannot donate (or you have donated and wish to do more) you can become a volunteer. “Each riding session has over 100 riders, many of whom require two sidewalkers to help steady them. With multiple sessions per year, that’s a lot of volunteers needed!” For all the details on this very worthy community organization email info@ctra.ca, check out the website at ctra.ca or phone 250-746-1028.

Beauty Bar Not all lashes are created equal Certified lash technician Free consultations

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Lashes Extensions and More

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) Lucky you! Your focus now shifts to parties, social occasions, the arts, movies, sports events, and enjoying yourself with others. Yes, “Good times!” is your motto.

This fun month also favours romance, love affairs and new flirtations. It’s also an excellent time for playful activities with children. You are a creative sign who has skills in the arts and crafts; and now you will want to explore new ideas to create something exciting. You want the freedom to just be who you are and set your own priorities.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You love your home. In fact, as an archetype, Taurus is considered to be the country squire. This month, home repairs and home-redecorating projects are tops on your agenda. Family gatherings might prompt frenzied cleaning sprees, ambitious culinary forays and exciting purchases. If you entertain at home, everyone will enjoy good food and good drink plus lively conversation. This month is also excellent for real-estate opportunities. Enjoy your home.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This month suits you perfectly because you hate to be bored; and August will be a fast, exciting pace as you schmooze with others!

Errands, short trips plus demands to read, write and study more will keep you busy. (This schedule demands an accelerated daily pace!)

If you can swing it, grab a quick vacation because you will appreciate the beauty in your everyday surroundings.

In addition, let others know how much you love them.

Don’t leave this up to their imagination or guesswork.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Now your focus is on money, earnings and possessions.

At a subtle level, you are wondering what you truly value. What matters in life?

Some of you will make a major purchase this month and will want to show it off.

Basically, you realize that it’s time to establish greater control over your life through the things that you value.

Don’t keep stuff just for the sake of keeping it. (Your Achilles’ heel.) But do get stuff you really want to make your life easier and happier.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This month is our hour! No wonder you will be serious about having fun. And you will do it with drama and style!

Naturally, the Sun will pump your energy and recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. Venus in your sign will encourage you to shop for beautiful things – jewelry, arts and clothing. (For the best success, shop for wardrobe treasures before August 5.) This month, you are so empowered and articulate, your odds for success are stellar! Happy birthday!

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

Call or Email

First appointment free!

David Yaeger

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

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Two contradictory influences exist now: Mars strengthens all your communications. You will mean what you say and say what you mean! Lucky Jupiter attracts favourable people and auspicious circumstances to you creating a fortunate time for you! However, the Sun, Mercury and Venus are hidden; and they send a completely different vibe. They promote secret activities and clandestine trysts. You want to play things low key. This is why you will enjoy working alone this month.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) As your focus now turns to friends and relationships, you will be more aware of the role they play in your life. Do you hang out with quality people?

Remember that the people you befriend are a reflection of who you are. Enjoy fun times and schmoozing with friends; but you can also expect to be more involved in classes, clubs, groups and organizations. Good time to formulate future goals. (“My goal is to have an Aubusson rug and a four poster.”)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This is the only time all year when the Sun is at the top of your chart casting a flattering light on you like a magic spotlight. Other people will notice you more and they will admire you. Therefore, this is the perfect time to ask for permission or approval from a boss, parent or someone in a position of authority! If someone approaches you with a task with increased responsibilities – accept!

Whatever you do will please them; and you won’t have to do anything special. That’s the power of good lighting!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month Sagittarians want to blow town because they need a change of scenery.

The allure of new places, new faces and exciting adventure will tempt you; and the boredom of your daily routine will prompt you. The carrot and the stick. Take advantage of these planetary vibes.

AUGUST FORECAST Visit exotic places! Travel for pleasure! Make new friends from different cultures. Some will also explore new angles in publishing, the media, medicine, the law and higher education. Make those reservations now!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This month, you will strive to be the best that you can be. It might be a physical competition or you might compete with yourself to improve a skill. It might also be a quiet challenge. You might decide to drop some bad habits. The bottom line of your soul-searching is one of ultimate self-improvement.

Meanwhile, deal with loans, mortgages, inheritances, insurance issues and shared property. Finish what you can to help streamline your life.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) The Sun is 180° opposite your sign now, which is as far away from you as it gets all year.

Since the Sun is your source of energy (symbolically) you will need more sleep. It also helps you to learn more about how you relate partners and close friends. This month is a good time to form working units with others because you have a better appreciation of how partnerships work. It’s also a good time to consult experts.

(An expert is someone who is far from home.)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This month is like a cleanup time for you because you want to run your life more efficiently. You want to be productive and effective in everything you do. You want to be physically healthier, which is why you might stop a bad habit. You might give more thought to what you eat. You might start to exercise more.

Make lists and think about waking earlier to begin your day. Many successful people attribute their success to rising early. (The only downside is – who is around to admire your effort? ) 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 + 10-15 word listing COLOUR 1x $62, 6x $52, 12x $42 BW 1x $51, 6X$41, 12x $31 Directory Size B - 1 logo + 1 image + 30-50 words COLOUR 1x $121 6x $111, 12x $105 BW 1x $90, 6X$81, 12x $71

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

Deadline AUGUST 15 for SEPTEMBER Issue 94 Accounting Services

Beauty Services

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Alternative Accounting for Small Business Bookkeeping packages from $65 Business setups.

Taxes. 10% Loyalty discounts. QuickBooks training.

• Remove unwanted hair from face and body

106-225 Canada Ave, Duncan cindybaranuik@gmail.com I 250 746 7570

281 Canada Ave, Duncan 250 709 3660 Computers Repair

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

Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com for a SUMMER 2016 Rate Card.

Concrete • Polished Concrete • Placement & Finishing

250 884 1658

Counselling

Anxiety, Depression,Trauma, Chronic Stress, Self-Esteem, Life Transitions Alison Etter RPC, RTC, MEd 250-324-3040 www.breakthroughcounselling.ca

• Decorative Concrete • Leveling and Repair

Call For A Free Quote

www.concrete-evolution.com

Education and Learning

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

Farms and Food

More than a Meat Shop

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

FRESH HOMEMADE burgers, pan fried

The Duncan Butcher 430 Trans Canada Hwy 250 748 -6377

potatoes , breakfast and goodies.

Phone ahead or pop by for GOOD FOOD at the corner of Allenby 250 510 4082 and Boys Rd

Health and Healing

Ananda Ayurveda with Asrael • Luxurious Hot Oil Massages • Ayurvedic Treatments, Consultations & Counseling • Jyotish Astrology and Yoga 250 597 3973 www.anandaayurveda.com

m

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

Biomagnetism & Energy Healing ~ Feel better now ~ Certified Practitioner - Kathryn Lowther 250-891-5138 www.biomagcanada.ca Reflexology, Reiki, Indian Head Massage

Denise McLean

Enabling your body to heal itself, naturally.

TO FEEL BALANCED AND CENTRED

CERTIFIED LIFELINE™ PRACTITIONER

www.naturalheelingreflexology.com 250-732-7988

250-732-0247 I azstarplays@yahoo.ca

Horoscope

Landscaping

ASTRO GUIDE Plan for Success

Landscape Design & Build

“It made me a happy millionaire” First contact/session FREE astroguide1936@gmail.com Arie:250-619-1277

Introducing practices in landscape design and build incorporating the “Seven Principles of Xeriscape” Contact Mike Leslie @ (250) 246-0281 • www.ecobalancecontracting.ca

Natural Beauty

Music Lessons & Programs

Prudence

Engaging & Entertaining weekly program for parents & children 6 months - 4 years.

Drop Ins welcome!

2 locations!

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

• 5380 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan • 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

www.jumpintomusic.ca 778.835.4541

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

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

Cowichan’s Exclusive Boarding Resort for Cats

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

Dr. Brenda’s ORGANIC REMEDIES for RADICALLY HEALTHY PETS!

• CANCER, ALLERGY, ARTHRITIS SUPPORT • Holistic Vet CONSULTS www.cowichanvet.com (250) 932-5552 Wordpress

Wordpress Site Set Up RICHARD BADMAN

rbadman@gmail.com 250.746.9319 Duncan, BC

Debbie Wood Certified Animal Naturopath Carnivore Nutritionist

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

Roofing ROOFING & CONTRACTING INC. Roofing • Fences • Landscaping • Home Renos

Glyn Williams 250-466-5201 white.rhino@outlook.com Yoga

Yoga on The Docks

Morning and Evening Classes Mill Bay Marina Call Merle for info 250 217 6255

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