Cowichan Valley Voice - December 2015

DECEMBER 2015 ISSUE 85

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Issue 85 December 2015 Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Editors Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 - 6514 Wicks Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5V2 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Proofreader Distribution Event Calendar Diana Pink Robin Gale Angela Sheppard Advertising Enquiries Please Call Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline December 14 for January ISSUE 86 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next Event DEADLINE December 10 E-mail: Date, Time, Location, Event Title and Cost to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Bill Jones, Brad Boisvert, Pam Stiles, Lucinde Metcalfe, Tracey Hanson, Lindsay Campa, David Coulson, Nancy Wesley, Michelle Atterby, Judith Belton, Debbie Wood, Sue McKay, Volume One Bookstore, Julie Cormier, Chris Manley, Melanie Wickes, Lynn June, Susan Dumas, Pat Amos, Sophy Roberge, Kendra Thomas, Christine Pollard, Connie Gonyea, David Yaeger, Veronica Scott, Genevieve Singleton, 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 December Cover Image Felted Angel, Nancy Wesley www.nancdesigns.ca

2015 Ad Rate Cards Now Available JANUARY AD Deadline: DEC 14 Over 25,000 LOCAL readers pick up the Valley Voice monthly. For a 2016 Rate Card please contact us!

Contact Adrienne at 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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OUR COMMUNITY 2 Family Friendly Performances 5 December Events 6-7 Magic of Merridale Christmas 8 Mariners Market At Maple Bay 13 Providence Farm Christmas Craft Fair 19 Glenora Farm Christmas Fair 20-21 The Power of Giving Back 22 Experiences Make Us Happier Than Gifts 28-33 A Poem From Island Return It 37 Experience Downtown Duncan 40-49 The Evolution of Community 16 Days of Activism 47 Community Farm Store 50-54 Every Cup of Coffee Helps Children at Cedricks 56 Emails and Verbal Lint 60 Wreaths 60 Georgia Nicols December Horoscopes 61 Directory 62-63 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Moroccan Chicken with Preserve Lemon and Olives 9 Local Food and Drink Gift Ideas 10 Cowichan Truffle Lore 11 Holiday Stuffing Recipes 12 Local Pairings For A 50KM Holiday Dinner 14-15 Wild Salmon with Local Seafood Stuffing 14 The Cowichan Chefs Christmas Cookie Exchange 16 Gift Ideas for Cooks Bakers 18 HOME & LIVING Green Living 23 Designing Green Let There Be Air And Light 24 Rocket and Masonry Heaters 36 Pillows Give The Gift of a Good Night Sleep 44 LOCAL ARTS Teafarm Open House 10 John Reischman and the Jaybirds 26 Come Out And Celebrate Solstice In Song and Dance 27 Talking Arts Felt Designer Nancy Wesley 35 Words To Savour 39 Mosaics By Veronica Scott 57 BODY, MIND & SOUL Yoga For Wellness 23 Buddhist Teacher Celebrates 30 Years Celebrating Santa Lucia at Sunrise Waldorf School 34 Feeling Good? 55 PETS, RECREATION &NATURE Horses Teaching Teens Mindfulness Skills 38 Supplements 39 Nature Rambles in December 59

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Two Great Holiday Performances For The Whole Family To Enjoy ELF: The Musical, based on the motion picture of the same name, is a smash hit – a “tight, polished, expensivelooking affair that has enough jokes for adults and enough special effects for kids,” (Mark Kennedy, Associated Press).

The acclaimed show promises a wonderful experience of live music, superb singing, energetic dancing, laughable follies, and a charming story of togetherness. Featuring 18 seasonal songs, and an incredible ensemble cast!

ELF is a jubilant celebration of innocence, hope and naivety. It invites us to see the world through the eyes of the child. This Broadway musical treatment builds on many of the film’s eccentric delights. In staging the show we want to do the same.

Christmas to the max! So, feel free to take an elfie with Santa before the show, tap your feet when Buddy

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

December EVENTS Deerholme Christmas Truffle Dinner

clogs or try to say “Sparklejollytwinkle- jingley” three times fast. Runs to December 31 at Chemainus Theatre Festival Tickets from $25-65.

Dinner and show reservations available. Call the box office to reserve 250 -246 -9820 chemainustheatrefestival.ca Ballet Victoria’s The Nutcracker offers the magic of the traditional holiday classic with a modern twist.

Beautiful dance blend with humour and drama that will take the whole family on a fantastic artistic journey.

This interpretation of The Nutcracker offers exciting new vignettes and characters that join in the festive Christmas Eve party. A gift unleashes a torrent of unexpected surprises.

Traditional characters intermingle with modern day icons including Minions and the Frozen princess Elsa.

Enjoy the magic of this family holiday tradition Saturday, December 12 at 2pm & 7pm at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre www.cowichanpac.ca

• Saturday December 12 • Sunday December 13 Gift Certificates Available For full details visit for Cooking Classes & www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY Local Dinners

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450

affordable sliding scale fees

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FREE DIGITAL EDITION AVAILABLE NOW ELF: THE MUSICAL at Chemainus Theatre Festival Tickets $25-65. Dinner and show reservations available. Box office 250 -246 -9820 chemainustheatrefestival.ca Runs to December 31 TEENY TINY ARTWORK SHOW Portals art space info 250 746 1633 Mon-Sat 10-5pm runs to Dec 5

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COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE #103-44 Queens Rd, Duncan Frauke McCashin RAc 250 710 3581 12-3pm $15-$45 Tuesdays 1 8 15 SPANISH TAPAS DINNER & COOKING CLASS w/ Chef Gary Faessler Kilrenny Farm 1470 Cowichan Bay Rd 250 743 9019 6-8:30pm $65

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WINEMAKERS DINNER FEATURING SILVERSIDE FARM & WINERY Bridgemans Bistro Starts at 5pm.

Reservations 778 356 3568 COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE #103-44 Queens Rd, Duncan Frauke McCashin RAc 250 710 3581 5-8pm $15-$45 Wednesdays 2 9 16 DETOXIFYING YOUR HOME WITH ESSENTIAL OILS 6-8 pm Sweet Arts Studio, 131 Jubilee St., Duncan RSVP 250 7487494 $10 FAMILY DROP IN PLAY TIME Explore the equipment w/ your children Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics 2687 James St 1212:45pm $6 + insurance

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SEASIDE HOLIDAY SHOP & COFFEE DATE Local art crafts books free coffee & prize draw Mariners Market & Espresso Bar Maple Bay Marina 6145 Genoa Bay Road maplebaymarina.com 11-4pm FREE GUITAR NIGHT The Hub Cowichan Station 2375 Koksilah Rd 250 746 9456 7:30-9:30pm $2

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KNOTS BENDS HITCHES & SPLICES Cowichan Wooden Boat Society Workshop learn how to tie marine knots drop in 1761 Cow Bay Rd Sug Donation $5 7-9pm JACK & JILL Shawnigan Players Production asks the question what do humans want Queen Margaret’s School 660 Brownsey Ave, shawniganplayers@gmail.com Duncan runs to Dec 5 7:30pm $15

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10TH ANNUAL TEAFARM OPEN HOUSE 10am6pm 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme 250.748.3811 LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL St. Michael’s Church Hall Chemainus 2pm $20

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LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL Crofton Hotel Pub 250 324 2245 dinner reservations 6pm $25 GIFT GIVING STORYTIME & WORKSHOP A seasonal story time about gift giving then children make a gift for someone they love all children welcome Ladysmith library, 740 1st Ave 2-3pm FREE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS Ride 1910 steam locomotive enjoy thousands of twinkling lights music crafts bcforestdiscoverycentre. com Runs Dec 4-6 11-13 18-23 4-9pm Adults $10 Children $8

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CHRISTMAS FAIR at Providence Farm hay rides photos w/ Santa baked goods buy a tree & shop local vendors 1843 Tzouhalem Rd 9-3pm TRADITONAL CHRISTMAS TEA Lunch bake table silent auction thrift store sale Sylvan United Church 985 Shawnigan Mill Bay Rd 12-3pm $8 Family $15 CHRISTMAS WISHES presented by Cowichan Camerata String Orchestra Duncan United Church 7:30pm Adults $15 Students $5 Family $30 MOSAICS BY VERONICA SCOTT Solo glass mosaic exhibition PORTALS art space info 250 746 1633 Mon-Sat 10-5pm

FREE Runs to Dec 19 ADVENT(URE) FEAST OUR Ecovillage workshops storytelling music dancing yoga much more ourecovillage.org 1-11pm $20 + potluck item A MERRY CELTIC CHRISTMAS Presented by the Celtic Rhythm Dancers cowichanpac.ca Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St, Duncan 7pm

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FRANK SINATRA TRIBUTE w/ Ralph Barrat Crofton Pub 1534 Joan Ave 250 324 2245 2pm $15 BIRDS EYE COVE FARM MARKET 11-3pm 5881 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan JOHN REISCHMAN & THE JAYBIRDS Concert Fundraiser for the Cowichan Folk Guild & Providence Farm The Chapel at Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan 778 455 4710 1:30pm $25 CFG Farm Members & Youth $20

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BODHI BUDDHA ENLIGHTENMENT DAY 250 710 7594

THE EVOLUTION OF COMMUNITY 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence in the Cowichan Valley social action workshop kendraleigh.thomas@ gmail.com Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St 8-12pm $10 RSVP

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CONCERT FOR A WINTER’S EVE Seasonal winter whimsy of voice & instrument Brentwood College School brentwood.bc.ca 7:30pm $10 DOROTHY GETS SCROOGED mash up of Wizard of Oz & Christmas Carol Ladysmith Little Theatre 250 924 0658 4985 Christie Rd, Ladysmith $20 runs to Dec 30

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BEVERLY McKEEN BAND Travelodge River Rock Pub, 140 TCH Duncan mckeen@pacificcoast.net 9pm FREE UNDERWATER SANTA Get your underwater photo w/ Santa festive games Cowichan Aquatic Centre 2653 James St 6-9pm HEARTH & FIRE Encore! Women’s Choir Christmas concert Duncan United Church

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

246 Ingram St encorewomenschoir.com Dec 12 7:30pm Dec 13 2:30pm Adult $15 Child $5

James St, Duncan 7pm all proceeds to Cowichan Hospice

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ESSENTIAL OILS 101 WORKSHOP 6-8pm, Sweet Art Studio, 131 Jubilee St, Duncan RSVP 250 7487494 $10

THE NUTCRACKER Presented by Ballet Victoria Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St 2pm & 7pm Adult $26 Child $18 REWILDING FROM WITHIN Dance yourself free a journey through the chakras w/ conscious world & electronic music christygreenwood.ca Harmony Yoga 103360 Duncan St 7-9pm $15-17 MOOD MANAGEMENT W/ ESSENTIAL OILS -HAPPY WORKSHOP learn how to manage Stress...understand your “happy chemicals” and how they work. 10am12pm Sweet Arts Studio, 131 Jubilee St.Duncan RSVP 250 7487494 $10

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DEERHOLME FARM CHRISTMAS TRUFFLE DINNER with Bill Jones. $90+ tax and gratuity. Reservations Only 250 748 7454

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GLENORA FARM CHRISTMAS FAIR A magical festive celebration a wide variety of handcrafted items children’s activities puppet show & storytelling hayrides Christmas cafe w/ live seasonal music silent auction 4766 Waters Rd, Duncan glenorafarm.org 11-4pm CHILDREN’S BOOK READING w/ Roger Brunt at Merridale Ciderworks story reading and Orchard Light Up free additional costs apply meals reservations 250 743 4293 4pm SHAWNIGAN COMMUNITY CHRITMAS SING ALONG Sing w/ a choir to your favourite Christmas songs Shawnigan Lake Community Centre 250 743 1249 4pm by donation or food bank items SHEILA JOHNSON’S CHOIRS UNFOLDING DELIGHTS Chemainus Classical Concerts Chemainus United Church 250 748 8383 2pm $20 Child $5 BENEFIT CONCERT Cowichan Camerata String Orchestra all donations support a Syrian refugee family coming to live in the Cowichan Valley Sylvan United Church in Mill Bay 2:30pm Admission by donation CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY Share the World of Tea teafarm.ca 8350 Richards Trail, Duncan 10-5pm 1st ANNUAL FEEDING OUR FAMILY Enjoy a turkey dinner By Donation all proceeds to Cowichan Basket Society Oceanfront Suites 1681 Cowichan Bay Rd 12-8pm BIRDS EYE COVE FARM MARKET 11-3pm 5881 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED Reel Alternatives Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687

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Silverside Farm & Winery & Bridgeman’s Bistro invite you to join us for a Wine maker’s dinner Wednesday, December 2 - From 5pm Kick off the beginning of the holiday season tantalzing your taste buds with a 3 course meal paired with our award winning berry wines.

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SEASIDE HOLIDAY SHOP & COFFEE Reserve your seat (778) 356-3568 740 Handy Road, Mill Bay DATE Local art crafts books free coffee & LIGHT UP THE NIGHT Winter prize draw Mariners Market & Espresso Solstice Event City Square Bar Maple Bay Marina 6145 Genoa Bay Downtown Duncan 250 715 1700 Road maplebaymarina.com 11-4pm FREE SANTA is there from 6-8pm FREE GUITAR NIGHT The Hub Cowichan HANDEL’S MESSIAH Presented by Station 2375 Koksilah Rd 250 746 9456 Cowichan Symphony Society Cowichan 7:30-9:30pm $2 Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St, Duncan cowichanpac.ca 7:30pm WINTER SOLSTICE CABARET Presented by Lila Music Studio SECOND HANGER BOXING DAY Christian Reformed Church 930 Trunk Rd, SALE Enjoy 50% off! 10 - 4pm Duncan Tickets Ten Old Books 250 715 3541 Cobble Hill Rd 1383 7pm

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SHODAI One hour chant for info VIRetreats.com

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

BEVERLY McKEEN & RAY HARVEY Saltair Pub 10519 Knight Rd Chemainus mckeen@pacificcoast.net 6pm FREE

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ALINE HOMZY & MICHAEL DAVIDSON DUO Crofton Pub 1534 Joan Ave 250 324 2245 2pm $10

WINTER SOLSTICE CABARET ArtSpring Theatre 100 Jackson Ave, Saltspring Island Tickets artspring.ca

BIRDS EYE COVE FARM MARKET 11-3pm 5881 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan

SANTA IN CITY SQUARE 12-2PM Downtown Duncan

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SCOOPS ‘STOCK UP YOUR PANTRY’ CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY 15% off grocery items Whippletree Junction DUNCAN GARAGE BAKERY LAST DAY FOR CHRISTMAS BAKING ORDERS Order by phone at 250 748 6223 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Crafts activities swim photo w/ Santa Cowichan Aquatic Centre 2653 James St 10-1pm $5

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THE KEN LAVIGNE CHRISTMAS OLDTIME RADIO ROADSHOW Enjoy songs story and drama of a 1940’s Christmas radio show Chemainus United Church 9814 Willow St 250 246 3592 Dec 19 7:30pm Dec 20 2pm

108 EARTHLY DESIRES SERVICE Nichiren Peace Center viretreats.com

JANUARY 1st POLAR BEAR SWIMS COWICHAN BAY VOLUNTEER FIRE RESCUE POLAR BEAR SWIM! Registration 10:30am - Swim 11aM MAPLE BAY NEW YEARS DAY POLAR BEAR SWIM 11am Cannon goes off at noon Maple Bay Rowing Club SHAWNIGAN SHIVER SWIM 11am Registration Government Wharf Park

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GIFTWRAPPING Downtown Duncan 125pm December 21 till 8pm.

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BIRDS EYE COVE FARM MARKET 11-3pm 5881 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan

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HOLIDAY BAKING

by Chef Ashley Lee

formerly of Birds Eye Cove Farm

• Baked Goods • Savoury Bites • Canapés • Custom Platters Available by the dozen delivered to your door!

Ashley prides herself on using the finest of ingredients locally sourced, whenever possible. Your party stresses of baking and cooking are eliminated with a quick call!

Contact for Menu and Pricing www.justaddbutter.ca I FBJust add Butter ashleylorilee@gmail.com I phone 250-327-4452

“It’s fresher from here”

Moroccan Chicken with Preserve Lemon and Olives Courtesy Chef Brad Boisvert Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese, Valley View Centre

Ingredients 3-4 Lbs,

SERVING COWICHAN VALLEY WINES & ISLAND CRAFT BEERS

2 Teaspoons 1Teaspoon 1 Teaspoon 1 Teaspoon 1/2 Teaspoon 1/4 Teaspoon ½ Teaspoon 2 Tablespoons 3 Cloves 1 Onion 6 Slices 1 Cup 1/2 1 Cup 1/2 1/4 ¼ To Taste

1 Chicken, Cut Into 8 Pieces or 3-4 Lbs Of Chicken Thighs And Legs Paprika Ground Cumin Ground Ginger Turmeric Cinnamon Freshly Ground Pepper Chopped Fresh Thyme Olive Oil Garlic, Minced Chopped Preserve Lemon* Mixed Olives* Cup Water Cooked Chickpeas Cup Raisins Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Cup Chopped Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley Salt

Method

1 Combine all the spices in a large bowl. Pat dry the chicken pieces and put in the bowl, coat well with the spice mixture. Let the chicken stand for one hour in the spices.

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2 If you are using a clay tagine (if you have one, you must soak the bottom in water overnight before using), Place the olive oil in the tagine and heat it on medium heat.

If you do not have a tagine, you can use a thick-bottomed, large skillet with a cover. Heat the oil in the skillet on medium high heat. In either case, sprinkle the chicken pieces very lightly with salt (go easy on the salt, the olives and preserved lemons are salty) and place skin side down in the tagine or skillet for 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Lower the heat to medium-low, add the garlic and onions over the chicken. Cover and let cook for 15 minutes.

3 Turn chicken pieces over. Add the lemon slices, olives, chickpeas, raisins, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer on medium heat, then lower the heat to low, cover, and cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and quite tender.

4 Mix in fresh parsley and cilantro right before serving. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve with couscous, rice.

Preserve lemon and olives can be purchased at Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese Located in Valley View Centre.

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

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

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w t C O f i t s t V h u c M m a r d a L m a t s

F a c 4 r S t w M h t

Magic of Merridale Christmas

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hroughout the holiday season, Merridale welcomes the public to the cider apple farm in Cobble Hill for their annual Orchard Light Up. This free, family-friendly event invites guests to “explore the magic of Merridale this season” by walking through the lights and candy canes.

Visitors can visit the cider house upon arrival to pick up a map and cookies for children. Adults can try Merridale’s special release mulled cider, Yule Fuel, as well as the latest spirits released from Merridale’s distillery, Cowichan Vodka and Copper Gin. The Orchard Light Up is open to the public most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 5-8pm throughout the holiday season.

Families are also invited to a special book reading for children on December 13 at 4pm. Author Roger Brunt will read his latest children’s book, Salt Spring Island’s Erskine the Elf Goes Home. Brunt is well-known as the Fairy Door Man of Salt Spring Island and his books for children feature the adventures of the elves

and faeries that live in coastal orchards and forests. The reading is free to the public.

The bistro will serve dinners most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning at 5pm; brunch on Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm; lunch 7 days a week; and special menus on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Visitors may find holiday sales in the farmhouse store and complimentary gift wrapping while dining in the bistro.

For 25 years, Merridale has produced craft cider with apples grown on their 20 acre property in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.

Since purchasing the property in 2000, owners Janet Docherty and Rick Pipes have grown the business into a cidery, distillery, bistro, farmhouse store, tourism destination, and wedding and event venue.

For more details on all holiday events happening at Merridale viait www.merridalecider.com

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LOCAL food & Drink gifts to consider...

Edible Gifts

Duncan Garage Bakery We have the most delicious gifts at the Duncan Garage Cafe. As well as our usual stellar range of Christmas cookies and fruitcakes,pies,and breads,this year we’re packing crates!Cute little crates,already wrapped,with three delicious jars of jam,or an expertly chosen coffee and tea sampler set.Of course all the teas,jams,pickles,cookies and coffee is still available separately, as stocking stuffers.Whether you want the good tastes for yourself,or to give somebody else the good tastes from the Duncan Garage Cafe, come down and check out our commitment to local, organic,natural vegetarian food.

The Blue Grouch Fan Club Blue Grouse Estate Vineyard • Quarterly Wine Shipment of 2 chosen bottles delivered directly to the door • 3 Tiers Available • Cost varies, quarterly charge

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he Blue Grouse Fan Club member receives a quarterly wine shipment in March, June, September and November. Depending on the tie, our Fan Club Concierge, will hand select wines that best suit your tastes and exemplify Blue Grouse and the Cowichan Valley. Selections including award winners, pre-releases, limited releases and library verticals.

An easy gift to give, simply fill out the form online and it will be delivered directly to their door. Payments will be charged 10-15 days before shipment posts. First shipment begins in March. www.bluegrouse.ca

Ceramics by Margit Nellemann

TeaFarm Open House

December 4-6

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ou are invited to our 10th annual open house Friday+Saturday+Sunday December 4+5+6 from 10am-

6pm. Share the warmth of the season by the wood stove as you enjoy complimentary teas and delectable sweets.

Bring a friend and experience Teafarm organic loose teas, handbuilt ceramics, artisan jams, beeswax candles and more. Relax and take your time to find the perfect local gift.

For full design/build service, give us a call

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

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hen we think of truffles, we often think of exotic locations like Italy and France. Few people are aware that the Cowichan Valley is home to both wild and cultivated truffles. The truffle is the fruiting body of an underground fungi. Truffles are found amoung the roots of certain trees, they are often cultivated in groves of Hazelnut and Garry Oak trees.

In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is a center for the harvesting of wild truffles. The white truffle (Tuber gibbosum) is the most significant but there are also black and brown truffles that are available in the market place. This may change in the future as there are several pilot projects underway to establish a commercial truffle cultivation industry on Vancouver Island, and other regions of southwest British Columbia. Other initiatives are taking place on the east coast of North America, from the Carolinas all the way up to Quebec. These efforts are in the development stage but with any luck new sources of truffles will be coming our way.

Cowichan Truffle Lore

The aroma that helps us find the truffle is also the key to its charm and value. The chemicals necessary to develop the odour are created only after the spores are mature enough for release.

Truffles reproduce by means of fungivores (animals that eat fungi). It makes sense that the aroma peaks when the truffle is ripened and ready to produce spores.

Truffles are often harvested with the aid of truffle dogs, which are able to detect the strong smell of mature truffles underneath the surface of the ground. The female pig was often used as they become excited due to their

similarity of the truffle scent to male pig pheromones. The use of pigs has fallen out of favour as they are difficult to control and they tend to eat the truffles before they can be wrestled away by the handler. Dogs have proven to be much more reliable.

We find wild truffles locally along the Cowichan River, usually in February when they ripen. Local cultivated black truffles usually mature in December and January.

The industry is just out of the starting gate - so expect to hear much more about this in the future.

Deerholme Farm will be holding truffle dinners in December based on imported white and black truffles and a sprinkling of unusual types from the region.

Saturday Dec. 12th is sold out but we have put on a second event on Sunday Dec. 13th. Both events will generate a donation for the local foodbanks – a delicious way to give back to the local community. Details at www. deerholme.com Bill Jones is a chef, author and food consultant based on Deerholme farm.

Reach him at www. deerholme.com

Eat, Drink and Support Local

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Holiday Stuffing Recipes From Some Favourite Local Chefs Bacon, Preserve Lemon and Sage Stuffing

Courtesy Brad Boisvert, CURE Artisan Meat and Cheese Ingredients 12 cups Cure dry bread cubes 3 tablespoons Cure preserve lemon chopped 12 ounces rendered Cure bacon cubes, and rendered fat 2 tablespoon Cure beer mustard 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery 3 teaspoons Vancouver Island salt 3⁄4 teaspoon pepper 1⁄2 teaspoon sage 1 cup melted butter 1⁄2-1 cup hot Cure chicken broth *All ingredients in italic print can be purchased at Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese

Method:

1.Combine cooked bacon and fat, lemon, mustard, onion, celery and all seasonings. Add melted butter. Toss gently to mix. Then add hot broth to moisten to desired consistency (but be careful NOT to make it soggy; a little dry is best since it will retain juices from cooking inside the turkey).

2.Pour all into a large casserole and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35-45 minutes, not letting the top get too crispy.

Classic Baked Stuffing

Courtesy Steve Elskins, Unsworth Vineyard Restaurant Ingredients 3/4 cup unsalted butter plus more for baking dish 10 cups good-quality day-old sour dough or focaccia bread 2 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions 1 1/2 cups 1/4” slices celery 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 1/2 cups good quality chicken broth – preferably home made 2 large eggs

Method: 1. Preheat oven to 250°F. Butter a 13x9x2” baking dish and set aside.

Scatter bread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until dried out, about 1 hour. Let cool; transfer to a very large bowl.

2.Meanwhile, melt 3/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add onions and celery. Stir often until just beginning to brown. Add to bowl with bread; stir in herbs, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in 1 1/4 cups broth and toss gently. Let cool.

3.Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk 1 1/4 cups broth and eggs in a small bowl. Add to bread mixture; fold gently until thoroughly combined.

Transfer to prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of dressing registers 160°F, about 40 minutes.

DO AHEAD: Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Uncover; let cool. Cover; chill.

4. Bake dressing, uncovered, until set and top is browned and crisp, 40-45 minutes longer (if chilled, add 10-15 minutes).

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Truffle Cornbread Stuffing Bill Jones, Deerholme Farm

This recipe is great as a cornbread to eat with a meal, or crumbled and used as a stuffing for turkey or chicken. The juices of the turkey soak into the bread so make sure the internal temperature of the stuffing reaches at least 150 F (66 C), Truffle paste is available in specialty stores or on line.

If you are fortunate enough to have real truffles, add them to the stuffing after it has been removed from the bird for serving.

Serves 4 Oven at 375 F

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup medium-grind cornmeal 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 1/4 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp.sugar 1 egg 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen) 1 Tbsp fresh garlic, minced 1 Tbsp truffle paste or real truffle oil 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Method:

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix the egg into the buttermilk and pour into the dry ingredients. If the mixture seems dry add a few more spoons od buttermilk until a thick batter is obtained. Fold in the corn, garlic and truffle paste.

Place oil in a cast iron skillet or casserole dish and distribute around the pan. Pour the batter on top and smooth with a spatula or spoon.

Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is nicely browned and the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan. Test with a toothpick and bake until it comes out clean of batter from the center of the cake.

When cake is cool, crumble into chunks and stuff in the cavity of the bird. Roast with the turkey until thoroughly cooked. Can be made up to 2 days in advance or frozen for up to 1 month.

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

Artist, Richard Shaw

Mariners Market At Maple Bay Marina Features Seaside Holiday Shop

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he Mariners Market & Espresso Bar at Maple Bay Marina is featuring two Seaside Holiday Shopping Coffee Dates in the month of December. Holiday shoppers will receive complimentary coffee between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm on two Thursdays in December; the 3rd and the 17th. Attendees are also eligible to enter to win a prize draw on a gift package prepared especially for the events.

The Mariners Market features a wide variety of locally crafted unique gift items for the holiday season. Art work ranges from mosaic glass, jewellery, carvings, and knitting to quilting pottery, turned wood, and candles. On display now, and available for sale, are spectacular wood

sculptures by Richard Shaw.

Using wood and re-claimed metal, Richard captures the grace, power and beauty of animals in all of his creations.

The Mariners Market & Espresso Bar also offers seasonal espresso and coffee drinks, an enhanced list of grocery items, gourmet artisan foods, pasta and sweets. Fresh produce is delivered regularly to complete a full compliment of conveniences for visitors and residents alike. Located at Maple Bay Marina, the Mariners Market & Espresso Bar is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the winter months.

For additional information, call 250.746.8482 or visit www.maplebaymarina.com.

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

OpenED Daily 8am-6pm Heated patio or take out

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

Dine In on our heated patio or Take Out! Cowichan Bay

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LOCAL PAIRINGS FOR A 50KM HOLIDAY DINNER Merridale Estate Cider Yule Fuel - Mulled Cider

A mulled apple cider that tastes just like Christmas! Deep spice notes of vanilla, peach, cinnamon, and nutmeg make this a perfect drink to enjoy hot or cold with turkey dinner or by the light of a crackling fire. This limited release was created in partnership with the Zone 91.3 and partial proceeds support the TLC Fund for Kids. Available by the bottle at private liquor stores and on tap for growler fills at Merridale’s farmhouse store. Growler fill $16.32 + tax + dep. + env.

Rocky Creek Winery On The Mark

Our easy drinking, inviting and reasonably priced red. This wine is named after the winemaker whose passion is to make great reds that everyone can enjoy. On The Mark is made with bolder varietals such as Cab-Foch, Tempranillo, Carmenere, Malbec and Marechal Foch blended with our Pinot Noir to soften the palate.

Fresh aromas of black current, blackberry, oak and hint of spiced coffee. It is made to be drunk young. A very food-friendly wine that pairs with a wide variety of meats accenting them with fruitiness but not overwhelming them with harsh tannins. Mark’s personal favorite Christmas dinner is Beef Wellington, and this wine is a perfect pairing for it. Like all of our wines, On The Mark is 100% Grown and Produced in the Cowichan Valley. You can pick it up from the winery or at the Duncan Farmer’s Market for $20 (ask about our case pricing!)

Delicate but intense.

Elegant yet earthy. Our Pinot Noir opens with an alluring bouquet of red berries & violets, tobacco leaf & caramel.

The silky, medium-bodied palate features rich black cherry & ripe plum flavours finished with a touch of spice & soft, supple tannins. A delightful pairing for traditional turkey dinner.

We recommend decanting prior to serving. $ 21.70 at the winery.

Averill Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir

LIVE CRAB • FRESH FISH • LOCAL SHELL FISH AND MORE!

Wild Salmon with Local Seafood Stuffing Amount 1

8 Ounces 1 Cup 1 1 2 1/2 Cup 1 Cup 2 Tbsp 4 Cloves 1/2 Cup 1/2 Cup 1/2 Cup 1 To Taste 1/2 Cup

Ingredients

Whole Salmon 4 - 6lbs, butterflied or 2 bone out fillets, skin on Crabmeat, freshly shucked or the meat from 1 crab, approx. 1.75lbs Handpeeled Shrimp or chopped Spot Prawns Onion, finely chopped Shallot, thinly sliced Celery Stalks, Panko bread crumbs Toasted bread cubes/croutons Butter Fresh Garlic, minced Fresh Chives, chopped Fresh Parsley, chopped Fresh Basil or Tarragon, chopped Lemon, Zest and Juice Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper Olive Oil for brushing

*In lieu of fresh herbs 2 Tbsp of a Seafood Seasoning of choice could be used. Many varieties available in our gourmet foods section.

Preheat oven to 425F

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Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5:30pm

Method

1. If using spot prawns, peel and cut in half. Have crabmeat shucked and ready to go.

2. Heat butter on medium, sauté onion, shallots, celery and garlic for 1 minute until soft and aromatic. If using spot prawns add these now and cook for 1 minute.

3. Fold in crab, shrimp, panko, croutons, herbs and lemon zest. Gently mix, season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

4. Lay whole salmon out, make 3-4 incisions in the salmon skin about 1-2” long evenly from head to tail to avoid the skin curling as it cooks. Open fish and squeeze lemon both inside and out and lightly salt and pepper.

5. Generously arrange seafood stuffing in the middle of salmon and close the fish. Gently tie with kitchen string for roasting or stitch with toothpicks to hold in place, brush with olive oil. If you have more stuffing than will fit place remaining stuffing into a roasting dish to cook covered separately.

6. Preheat baking tray, lay oiled salmon on hot tray and bake for 20-30 minutes, this will vary based on the temperature of your stuffing when starting. Do not over cook or it will be dry.

7. To serve, use two wide spatulas. Lift head end with one and middle to tail end with the other and swiftly slide onto serving platter.

8. Serve warm with all your other favourite Thanksgiving side dishes. *To prepare ahead follow steps 1-5 up to 1 day in advance, make sure to cool your stuffing before layering in the salmon. Bring to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking and allow for an extra few minutes in the oven.

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

Z T

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

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

re is b c T e Z $

Blue Grouse Estate Winery Quill Riesling 2014

A perfect accompaniment to your holiday dinner! The Quill Riesling would pair well with turkey, squash, spiced duck or even crab. This vintage exemplifies Riesling characteristics starting off with petrol notes as well as steely minerality. The fresh acidity highlighted by herbaceous notes and citrus fruit awakens the palate in this medium-bodied wine. $20

Unsworth Vineyards This port style wine is the perfect match Ovation (Solera) for cooler weather.

A light, not too sweet, balanced dessert wine that warms you up from the inside out. Serve this wine at room temperature with shortbread, chocolate, or your favorite blue cheese, or as a perfect after dinner alternative to dessert, especially when shared amongst friends. $21.50 Zanatta Tradizionale Brut

This year I am planning to cook a goose, if I can find one. This years goose will be cooked in the company of sage and thyme and with this in mind a rich white wine with a lot of sparkle is the best companion. Tradizionale, as the name implies, is made using the traditional blend of grapes as well as the traditional method used to make the sparkling wines of Champagne. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines are blended together then bottled and left to re-ferment and rest on the lees for 8 years. The end product is rich in texture, with fine persistent bubbles, full in body with buttered toast and caramel notes, yet dry(Brut). In fact our Tradizionale feels fresh from the start and ends with a fresh and long satin finish. All Zanatta wines are 100% grown in Glenora. $25.22

Red Arrow Brewing Co. Midnite Umber Ale This local brew pours ruby brown and has notes of candied apricot, toffee and brown sugar balanced by a solid hand of southern hemisphere hops. The best of tease and temptation for the holiday season. $5.19 for 650mL bottle

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NOW

OFFERING BREAKFAST!

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The Cowichan Chefs Christmas Cookie Exchange

othing says community more like pulling together a group of local chefs who are prepared to bake hundreds of cookies this Christmas, all in the spirit of giving. These cookies are going to be extraordinary and delicious; most importantly, proceeds from the sales of these cookies will go to the Cowichan Valley Basket Society.

La Petite Auction House in CHEMAINUS

is now collecting quality consignment goods for our FebRUARY auction.

Call or email dawn at dawngeddie@gmail.com to arrange a drop -off time

9686 Chemainus Rd, 250-701-2902 16

Between now and December 15th cookie lovers can place their orders online through the Unsworth Vineyards web-site, or by visiting or calling Unsworth Vineyards.

The cookie boxes can be picked up at the Unsworth Wine Shop Christmas Party on Sunday, December 20th between 12pm and 3pm.

There are three cookie box sizes to choose from: • A box of 24 cookies for $25 • A box of 40 cookies for $35 • A box of 60 cookies for $45 Each box will have a collection of cookies from each of the local chefs, with the recipes included.

“I can’t wait to see all of the different cookies the chefs come up with to add to the boxes – I’ve even ordered a few boxes myself to give away as gifts. What a creative idea and a great way to raise some money for the local food bank.” Steve Elskins, Unsworth Restaurant.

Participating Chefs include: Bill Jones of Deerholme Farm, Matt Horn of Cowichan Pasta, Steve Elskins of Unsworth Restaurant, Dan Hudson of Hudson’s on First, Mark Primmer of Well Bred, Liz & Lance Steward of Craig Street’s Brew Pub, Fred & Ingrid from Saison Market, and the Baking Team at The Duncan Garage.

Order your cookies by phone: 250.929.2292 ex 2, or online: www.unsworthvineyards. com/shop-online, or at Unsworth Vineyards – 2915 Cameron-Taggart Road in Mill Bay.

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

17

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f you have an extraordinary cook or baker on your list, consider gifting them with a new kitchen gadget that will keep the goodies coming!

Mixers – The number one appliance for food preparation. Beyond mixing up delicious batches of bread, cookies and muffins, these all in one kitchen centres can be expanded to include attachments that blend, slice, shred, process and even grind meats. Heavy duty home mixers like the Bosch Universal Plus can handle up to 7 loaves of bread, 220 cookies, 6 dozen muffins and 3 cakes in one single batch.

Smaller mixers like the Bosch

Styline or Compact can still turn out moderately large batches. Designed to make quick work of numerous kitchen chores, mixers are a very well received gift!

Grain and Flour Mills – Baking with fresh milled flour, both conventional and gluten free, not only significantly increases the nutritional value of your food, but the taste is incomparable. Modern grain mills are available with both stone grinders and stainless steel micronizers that grind and crack wheat, grains, lentils, legumes and rice on demand. Purchasing bulk grains and grinding flours as you need them is both a wise economical decision and also a key step in building up your food storage and security. Electric mills like the Nutrimill Classic, Plus

Christmas gifts for sale, all proceeds go to KIDS International Charity

Gift Ideas for Cooks & Bakers

Bosch Mixer

Flaker and Harvest make quick work of small and large batches.

Manual grinders like the Victorio Hand Mill easily clamp onto kitchen counters and are perfect for small batches of flour. The easy to clean Victorio can also be used to grind spices.

Flakers – Homemade oatmeal, granola and cereals have grown in popularity.

Did you know that you can flake your own oats at home?

In fact, flakers can roll a variety of grains including wheat, spelt, kamut, quinoa and even rice. All these grains can be purchased in bulk and processed at home.

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Grain and Flour Mill Flakers are available in electric and manual versions, or can be adapted to attach to a mixer.

Visit us at Scoops Natural Foods or online at our parent company www. healthykitchens.com for more information and demonstrations on these and many more great small appliances.

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

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

(250) 715-6888

A big selecton of wood crafts will be available for sale at the Christmas Craft Fair

Providence Farm Christmas Craft Fair

C

ome one, come all to Providence Farm’s Annual Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, December 5th, 2015 from 9 am to 3 pm. Experience a decorated winter wonderland with hay rides, Santa photos, kids’ crafting corner, and a hot Farm-made lunch, along with over 30 local vendors to shop from. All Farm hands are on deck for this yearly Farm fundraising event.

The spinners are spinning wool, the weavers are weaving blankets, the horticulturists are making wreathes and swags, and the woodworkers are working the wood. The diversity of programs at Providence Farm provides horticultural therapy and vocational training to

Birdhouse made by Jill and Andrew in the wood program.

adults and seniors in need, but also produces an abundance of farm-made goods. That’s right, foods and goods are made with caring hands every day on the Farm in the Cowichan Valley, and the Craft Fair is your chance to come see them all. Rag rugs, wool blankets, balls of wool, wood bowls with salad claws, wooden pens, Christmas ornaments, traditional Christmas baking and food, are just some examples of these farm-made goods.

Providence Farm’s primary mission is to provide a caring and healing community for

a true sense of purpose and belonging. Therefore, buying a blanket from the Farm carries a lot more spirit and care than one would think a blanket could carry. We ho-ho-hope to see you at the Fair! Saturday, December 5, 9am - 3pm Providence Farm.

Blanket woven with wool from sheep raised on the farm.

folks in need of support, either mentally, emotionally or physically, and making these Farm foods and goods together is part of gaining

Wooden Pens made in the woodshop by program participants.

WHERE CULTURES CONNECT

250-748-3112

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

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GREAT CHRISTMAS IDEAS at Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery

W

inter is here and preparations are underway for another eagerly anticipated Christmas fair at Glenora Farm.

Cookies are baking, decorations are going up, and all the craft workshops are in top gear. Our Christmas Fair is a magical event, a mix of craft market, delicious food and live music, with an atmosphere of celebration and the meeting of old and new friends.

As many of you know, Glenora Farm is a farming community for adults with special needs and many live-in volunteers. It is a community of not-forprofit caring, teaching, and life-sharing. We are a member of the Camphill Association of North America; there are over 100 Camphill communities worldwide in which people of all ages and differing abilities live and work together.

Tis The Season... For the Glenora Farm Christmas Fair

The staff would like to wish all of our customers a Happy Holiday season and all the best for 2015.

GREAT NATURAL GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE! Himalayan Salt Rock Lamps • Tea Lights • Stocking Stuffer Gifts • Hand Made Soaps • Diffusers & Ionizing Misters - Large Range Of Pure Essential Oils • Creekmore Coffee • Denman Island Chocolates • Beeswax Candles • Amber & Hazelwood Jewellery • Gemz Bracelets • Natural Body Products And Bath Products • Natural Beauty, Skin Care & Make Up • Selection of Hostess Fruit & Nut Gift Baskets for Under $10!

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

Village Green Mall, 4-180 Central Avenue, Duncan

250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com

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Our own grown and dried herb products include tinctures, ointments, oils, herb salt, garlic powder or salt, and many types of herb tea

making Christmas candle holders, folded tissue paper stars and woollen fleece angels. There will be a puppet show and storytelling, and of course our Cookie Cave where a Christmas angel helps each child choose their own cookie from within the colourful, twinkling cave. And no Christmas fair would be complete without Bo’s Handmade by our weavers - colourful scarves, Hayrides!

This year, we will be hosting plenty of children’s activities;

bags, tea towels, and many other items from allnatural fibres.

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

We will have candle dipping in the warm, beeswax-scented candle workshop.

There will be a special little cafe in the woods with all the yummy food and treats we always offer. There will be lots of vendors offering hand-made A selection of cards printed from original images, artisanal gifts and including a number of colourful collages made by treats, both in the one of the residents of Glenora Farm. main house and in our brand new Harvest Hall! It is a lovely new building built for us by students of Vancouver Island University; a big, bright, cheery space, which will house not only vendors but also a silent auction and a draw for some lovely items.

Also new this year is a Christmas-themed photo booth, where guests can have single or group portraits taken and have them emailed to use for Christmas letters, cards or Hand-dipped from pure beeswax, they give off a lovely scent and a warm ornaments! glow. You can try your hand at dipping From the farm itself, we will be offering our usual range of woven products from the weavery, beautiful creations from the felting workshop, homemade baked goods and food, hot drinks and cookie bags. In the cafe will be a wonderful programme of live music including the famous Glenora Farm handbell choir and ending with our everpopular Christmas Carol sing-along.

your own candle at the Christmas Fair!

Come and help us make some warm Christmas memories...

We hope to see you there!

Holiday Baking Now Available!

ORGANIC & GLUTEN-FREE PIES, CAKES, BREADS, ROLLS & COOKIE PLATTERS

Sunday, December 13th, 11am - 4pm 4766 Waters Rd, Duncan. For nore information visit www.glenorafarm.org.

Submitted by Lucinde Metcalfe

Denise McLean

CERTIFIED LIFELINE™ PRACTITIONER Activate the subconscious mind and have a direct impact on genetic expressions affecting the health of your body and the relationships in your life.

250-732-0247

azstarplays@yahoo.ca

Infinite Love & Gratitude

By Appointment in Cobble Hill

Holiday Baking, Desserts & EDIBLE GIFTS Order By December 19 For Christmas Pick Ups.

21

THE SECOND HANGER

The Power of Giving Back

BOUTIQUE CONSIGNMENT

page of course!

An amazing opportunity to bring both my ince it’s the season of parties store and the I should really speak to the community topic of holiday dressing but together. I am joining Cowichan That’s so last year!!

Valley Social Media Club as a Why not speak about how drop off location amazing it feels to give to others! for non-food items.

SATURDAY DEC 26 •10-4pm The list is long for Since I purchased the Second items which are 50% OFF BETWEEN 10-12 ALMOST Hanger 7.5 years ago I have needed including Toys, Toiletries & Toques. The EVERYTHING IN THE STORE! met so many wonderful people. collection will be donated to local Food Banks.

I can honestly say that I look SELECT ITEMS ON SALE forward to seeing them when Of course there are many opportunities to give just AT 50% 12-4PM they drop in for a shopping visit. a little more of your time, compassion and love.

3541 COBBLE HILL ROAD In conversations with these same The world would simply be a more peaceful and In the heart of Cobble Hill amazing people I have learned healthier place if we could show more kindness. that many of them are very I encourage you to look for opportunities this involved in their communities season to give and to help others in need. thesecondhanger@shaw.ca in so many ways. I have been interested in doing more in the I intend to.... If you would like more details community since being involved with Hospice a few years ago. please call us at the store. Thank you for your generosity! The Second Hanger, 3541 Cobble Hill This year I have had an amazing opportunity fall into my lap via a face book Road, 250-743-7802

S

250 743-7802

Ask About Our Express Lunch Meeting Packages

LUNCH MEETINGS I CONFERENCES I WEDDINGS I TOUR GROUPS IBANQUETS

events@travelodgeduncan.com

140 TRANS-CANADA HWY, DUNCAN

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250 748-4311

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

Green Living

A

s the holiday season approaches I find myself searching for ways to reduce the commercialism and inject more meaning into the season for my family. It occurs to me that as much fun as receiving is, in most cases it is a short term joy whereas the joy that comes from giving is so much deeper. What a great lesson to pass along to children especially in today’s instant gratification centered culture.

There are lots of simple and fun ways to include children in small acts of giving and the holiday season is a great opportunity to shift that focus from receiving to giving. Here are some ideas: - go through a drive-through and pay for the person behind you so they get a nice surprise when they get to the window - knock on a neighbour’s door and see if they need help with anything, ie rake leaves, carry groceries, walk their dog - go to a busy parking lot and leave a candy canes on all the windshields of the parked cars - donate warm clothing and blankets to a local shelter for people in need - make handmade thank you cards for local volunteers and

service providers, ie mailman, veterinarian, fire department, coaches etc - bake cookies for the admin. staff at your kids’ school - notice the person behind you in line at the grocery store, let them go first - donate food and old towels or blankets to an animal shelter - write a loving note for family members with dry erase marker on a mirror in your house - leave change in a vending machine for the next person to find - volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank - leave post-its with positive messages on them around your workplace or neighbourhood I’ve tried to teach my boys that when you have an opportunity to do something kind for someone you just do it without hesitation because a small, thoughtful act can have a huge impact on a person’s day. The trick is to practice noticing when those opportunities present themselves and it sure can be fun to plan and create those opportunities as well.

Happy Holidays!

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

I

YOGA FOR WELLNESS

n the twilight of winter, the time of turning inwards is again upon us.

Shorter days offer a different pace, and a time of reflection in the waning light.

I love the low light and the feeling of hibernation and coziness that winter brings.

Although the time of increasing darkness can bring challenges, the opportunity to settle in, reflect, and recharge is ripe.

What does it mean to turn our gaze inwards and feel our own breath moving in our bodies?

How can you take care of yourself, and offer yourself rest, repose and relaxation this season?

In the last year I have watched my personal yoga practice change and adapt to the changes in my own life.

I find it hard to create the time to lay out my yoga mat these days, but I am deeply grateful for the practice of yoga, whatever forms it takes in my life.

Lately, I take 5 minutes most days and put my feet up the wall.

I practice deep cleansing breaths, and say a kind word to myself while lying in repose.

I take this time to reflect in gratitude for the supports in my life, and allow this warm feeling to spread throughout my body.

Viparita Karini

(Legs up the Wall Pose) This pose is especially wonderful If you are healing from any injury, illness, are pregnant, healing from birth, or have any swelling in the legs or ankles.

Practice daily or whenever possible; it is great for unwinding in the evening before bed time or after work.

Take 5-10 minutes for this pose with the only goals being to feel your body and find your breath.

Bring a pillow and blanket to the

wall, you can do this on your bed or using a yoga mat or blanket on the floor.

Begin lying on your side, and then wiggle your hips towards the wall and slowly bring your feet and legs up the wall.

Allow the legs to float upwards, and if the hamstrings (backs of legs) feel tight or pull, move the hips further away from the wall.

Knees can be straight or bent.

Find a comfortable easy position and begin to feel your body sinking down into the ground or earth. Perhaps a pillow under the head, or even a folded blanket under the hips.

Feel the back of the skull on the ground, backs of the shoulders, the bones of the pelvis releasing into the ground.

Allow the back of the body to begin to melt. Take 3 deep releasing breaths here.

Feel the thigh bones nestling down into the hip sockets.

Notice what is happening in the jaw, the face and the skin, and see if you can soften in these places.

Feel the breath moving in, filling the body, and moving out.

Feel the ankles, feet and toes.

Send cleansing breath towards the feet and ankles, gently circling them a few times.

The practice of yoga is a gentle and forgiving one. May you enjoy your body and your breath in your practice.

Lindsay Campa is a member of the Forest Yogini Collective. She works as a Registered Massage Therapist, and her Yoga classes will resume in Duncan in the New Year. www.thehealingbody.ca

23

DESIGNI NGgreen LET THERE BE AIR AND LIGHT

E

arlier this year we were challenged by a family of six (four very active boys) on how to create a connected space that called the kitchen, the heart of the home.

BEFORE The boys were relegated to the basement games room as it was the only space big enough to live out all the activities that pre-teen and teenaged boys have in common when the soccer pitch is not consuming their time away from home.

Mom and dad felt left out, disconnected from their boys in spite of the close relationship they have.

The problem: too small a kitchen, too small a dining room along with a too small a kitchen table, too small a living room and even a too small media room, all on the same floor and separated by those cage like walls typical of the 60s through 80s. This home did have some mini Westcoast features of vaulted ceilings and second storey overlooks down into the sitting room but each room was too small for any group beyond four so the family was never together at the same time. Like so many homes we see of this era, the original plan tried to pay homage to every room without creating a single room that really worked. “Do we stay or

24

do we go?”

On top of that, the kitchen did not have a window and the views from each of these rooms was a breathtaking scenic mountain and valley scene.

The only recourse was to go outside onto the scenic deck and escape the confines of the home. Yet another disconnected space. So we really want to stay, but how?

AFTER This is the challenge that really excites me. Lose the walls! Give me a view to the outside from the kitchen and create movement by adding more doors out to the deck and creating circulation.

Stripping out was so easy and thank goodness for the long summer we had as the whole family moved into the garage for their temporary summer kitchen. It was really like camping out at home and we made sure enough cabinets could be spared from their old kitchen to provide the makeshift dining en plein air.

Be prepared for a three month hiatus for a project this involved, but when it is complete, you will see why the wait was worth it.

Also, prepare yourself for a $75K investment or more to pull this many rooms together.

Not much more than the cost of buying, selling and moving,

right?

All fixed, we moved Before forward to create a dream kitchen connected to every room on the main floor.

Different counter levels allow the visitor or guest to be greeted by a raised bar, showing off new Removal granite bar tops but cleverly disguising the working kitchen that is always in action.

The immediate mountain views are shared by all as the new window Stage 3 on center of the kitchen (and entry) is only second to the awe inspiring open concept inside.

And should one want to move to the outer decks where dad is all over the barbeque, After two sets of French doors lead out on both the right and left side of kitchen, leaving one with no need to decide. That’s the key! Make it easy to move.

I can almost imagine a Christmas tree set up on the deck with the festive season approaching.

Viewed from all rooms, it could be large and potted and ready to replant in spring.

Happy Christmas to all!

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

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

O

n

December 8th, our Buddhist Teacher, Messenger, Monk, #TMHenry celebrates his 30th Anniversary since taking his personal Nichiren Buddhist Vows.

I have known Henry for six years since taking my Buddhist Vows and during that time I have attended several Retreats Buddhist Teacher under his leadership.

He takes into account Celebrates 30 Years each participants yet fully learned. The Sunday interests and understanding of meetings on the Float Home, the practice of our Buddhist Russell Street, more addresses, philosophy and the pathway more moves and then the to enlightenment a primary coming to the WarmLand of goal of the Buddha -way. Of the Cowichan Valley. The particular note to me has been growth, continuance, decline “The Eightfold Pathway” and rebirth of the Vancouver which our Teacher did a Island Nichiren Sangha, wonderful job of explaining the thread never breaking, and I use it in my daily life. never a moments doubt, a My spiritual guide Henry promise fulfilled with care provides constant insight an discipline. The Provincial and patient leadership to our Non Profit, the Federal Community Sangha in so Charity, the Community many ways. His devotion, energy and sense of humor are evolving, a caring Board of Directors, a compassionate unparalleled. Henry’s vision growing membership. Now of a Nichiren Peace Center and Retreat Garden here in our here on this two Hectores of Lotus Land, here deep in the Cowichan Valley is becoming forest, alongside the Heritage a reality.

Cowichan River. Our K. Roberston beginnings of a Legacy for others, a permanent Vancouver The people and loves coming Island Retreat Garden, and going, the turmoils of life Nichiren Peace Center, a and personalities a reality the Buddha gives warning enough Buddhist Community of spiritual sustain-ability and about, hard to fathom in our peaceful means. human perspective.

Inspiring Henry, you are truly a genuine, loving individual The Eightfold Pathway that monk with a beautiful spirit. leads away from suffering not

“Standing, sitting, walking, being silent, in meditation, insight arises, awakening within” Weekly Meditation - TUESDAYS VIU Cowichan Campus

Thank you so much for jump starting my journey and may your blessings and of those here on this Retreat resonate thoughout our planet like the vibrational energies of a butterflies wings.

Glenda McLean

Prudence

Natural Beauty & Fashion

155 Craig St, Downtown Duncan

In honour of Henry’s 30th anniversary the Nichiren Buddha Hokkeko Society Board of Directors has authorized a new permanent Friendship Gateway at the entrance of their property.

Nichiren Peace Center and Retreat garden is a Buddhist community open to people from all Visit our new site for more cultures, all walks great winter clothing, in life, with a vision to share with all accessories and gifts who come here, to prudencenaturalbeauty.ca find health of body, mind and spirit; who have taken a vow to inner happiness and spread the philosophy of prosperity. Led by Henry wisdom and peaceful means Landry, they are a devoted where ever they walk. community of like minded, www.viretreats.com spiritually engaged Buddhists

Join us for New Years Day “Gantan” Ceremony Info: www.VIRetreats.com INFO: 250. 710. 7594 or peace@viretreats.com

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All Jazz Shows $10 unless stated

December 4 & 5 • 8pm Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Griil $25

Musical about Billie Holiday. Book table for dinner reservations 6 pm Call 250-324-2245 to reserve

Sunday, Dec 6• 2-5pm Ralph Barrat presents Frank Sinatra Tribute

Celebrating Sinatra’s 100th Birthday

Sunday, Dec 27 - 2-5pm Aline Homzy and Michael Davidson from Toronto Violin and Vibes duet

1534 Joan Avenue Crofton

rovidence Farm and the Cowichan Folk Guild are pleased to present John Reischman and the Jaybirds in concert on Sunday afternoon December 6th.

You can expect the usual intimate performance, stunning instrumentals and soaring harmonies from these masters of acoustic music.

John Reischman is one of the acoustic world’s top-ranked mandolin players and composers, renowned for his exquisite taste, tone and impeccable musicianship.

Joining John in the Jaybirds are Jim Nunally, guitarist,

vocalist, composer and producer from the San Francisco Bay Area; Trisha Gagnon on bass and vocals from Chilliwack; Nick Hornbuckle, from Nanaimo, on 5string banjo, and from Spokane, Greg Spatz John Reischman and the Jaybirds on fiddle. The band has five critically Farm and the Cowichan Folk acclaimed albums, Guild. Sunday December 6. two Juno nominations, and Doors at 1:30 PM - Show at 2 two Canadian Folk Music PM The Chapel at Providence Award nominations. Their Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Road, live show has a genial blend Duncan. Tickets/Info at 778 of story-telling and side-show 455 4710 or at Providence humor behind their studied Farm office General $25 performance of original CFG & Providence Farm songs, instrumentals, and Members & Youth $20 freshly arranged traditional Fundraiser for the Cowichan material. Proceeds will be Folk Guild & Providence split between Providence Farm

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

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s the days, get shorter and nights grow longer; this time of year creates wondrous opportunities - both quiet and exuberant.

We become introspective as we warm ourselves around a fire, tuck into a bowl of stew; or, settle down for a cup of tea, a favourite novel and an early night. As winter approaches, the focus is on our families, friends and traditions. These traditions help us celebrate the winter solstice - the shortest day of the year, the first day of winter and the day that signifies the returning of the light.

But, winter solstice is also a time for lively festivals.

Communities gather to share meals, gifts, stories, song, dance, annual traditions as well as religious and spiritual beliefs.

The Winter Solstice Music Cabaret is a traditional Cowichan Valley celebration now in its 5th year! Presented

by Cari Burdett & Lila Music Centre, the Winter Solstice Cabaret melds music, vocals and movement to present an unforgettable evening of joy and peace.

Every Winter Solstice Cabaret is unique. Different combinations of musicians, songs and original compositions intertwine with music and dance improvisation to create a one-of-a-kind experience for all.

Natural Make-Up & Beauty - We have it all!

This year’s show combines the vocal prowess of Cari Burdett, an accomplished performer in a plethora of genres. Cari’s love of languages and culture inspired the release of her first world music album, ‘Magnolia.’ Joining Cari is vocalist Sara Marreiros. Sara grew up in both Portugal and Victoria so has been influenced by many musical traditions. Drawing upon the styles of Portuguese fado, jazz, folk and vocal improvisation, audiences delight in Sara’s special blend of heartfelt song.

Some big names in Canadian music will join the celebration.

Nationally acclaimed artist Richard Moody (violin) is a member of the Juno authentic movement and contact nominated band The Bills, improvisation. Marisa’s dance the Victoria gypsy jazz group style illustrates her personal Brishen, World music duo, and journey and is a deep metaphor Moody Amiri. Miles Black for community. (piano, sax, guitar) is a highly Winter Solstice Cabaret Takes respected musician and brings Place a wealth of musical experience.

He is known as one of Canada’s most accomplished jazz pianists Duncan: Fri, Dec 18, 7pm Christian Reformed Church, and is highly acclaimed as an 930 Trunk Rd, Duncan arranger, producer, composer, Tickets: Ten Old Books, 330 session musician, guitarist, Duncan St (250) 715-1383 vocalist, bassist, saxophonist, songwriter and musical theatre director.

Anne Schaefer (composer, piano, guitar, vocals, songwriter) has attracted national and international attention with the 2005 Canadian release of her debut album, ‘Twelve Easy Pieces’ and her 2012 release of ‘Waiting Room’(Nominated for Album of the Year, 2012 (VIMA). Dance artist Marisa Jackson expresses music with

Salt Spring Island Sat Dec 19, 7pmArtSpring Theatre, 100 Jackson Avenue Tickets: ArtSpring Box office. www.artspring.ca Victoria, Mon, Dec 21, 7pm Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell St Tickets: Ivys Bookstore 250 598 2731 www.cariburdett.com

ROWAN HAMILTON MEDICAL HERBALIST

Diploma in Phytotherapy, MNIMH, SCS, DTCM

at a healing place...

250 510 0062

Cowichan Valley

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

Come in and find a great array of natural gift ideas, eco-clothing, holiday treats and stocking stuffers.

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

Come Out And Celebrate Solstice In Song and Dance

HOLIDAY EVENTS In VICTORIA

The Owl Designer Fair - 1240 Gladstone Fri Dec 4 6-10 Sat Dec 5 10-6pm PRETTY THINGS CRAFT Fair 1004 North park st Sat Dec 5 10-4pm Sun Dec 6 10-4pm fox den 2015 1887 haultain st Sunday, Dec 3 1-5pm

AVAILABLE AT copper owl last minute xmas market

Spinning Ninny 1900 douglas st 306 Duncan St, Duncan

Sunday, Dec 20 12-6pm

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EXPERIENCES

MAKE US

HAPPIER THAN GIFTS

Some of the Valley’s most unique experiences will make great gifts this season.

Waterfront Dining serving Modern-Comfort Inspired West Coast Cuisine.

WEDNESDAY – Halibut & Chips $10 THURSDAY - Appies starting at $5 5-9pm SATURDAY – Surf & Turf, $5 Off Wine HOLIDAY GIFT CARD PROMOTION!

Buy $50 and receive $10 or Buy $100 and receive $25

Call for Reservations 250-597-4353

LOCATED AT BLUENOSE MARINA 1765 COWICHAN BAY RD

Food & Drink Experiences Cheese Clubs, Cooking Classes, Monthly Wine & Restaurants Memberships For those who love their food and drink consider some of these great ideas. Unsworth offers a Community Supported Restaurant (CSR) Membership. Give the gift of five 3-course dinners that can be enjoyed at the Unsworth Restaurant now through April 2016. $175 per membership. www.unsworthvineyards.

Paula Maddison offers A Discover Cheese Making Intensive Day on Gabriola Island. For $250 the gift includes pick up from the ferry, lunch and wine. This 10am - 5pm class will teach cheese lovers how to make sour cream, cream cheese, boursin, ricotta, mozzarella, Neufchatel, chevre, cottage cheese, feta and panir.

If your loved one would rather eat it than make it, CURE Artisan Meat and Cheese at Valley View Centre has a CURE Monthly Cheese

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Club! Each month the recipient will receive a staff selected cheese paired with a house-made condiment. Also included is information about the cheese, how to cook with it, what to serve it with and a recommended beverage pairing. Cost is $15 per month or $140 per year.

Call 250 929-2873 to purchase.

Deerholme Farm offers gift certificates in any numeration that can be used towards seasonal dinners ($95), specialty cooking classes ($105) or the infamous wild

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

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food forages! ($142). Led

by Chef Bill Jones, these events often sell out and are by reservation only. For your convenience gift certificates can be quickly emailed as a PDF for you to print off and pop into a card or emailed! www.deerholme.com *Tax and gratuity not included.

Another great gift idea - Make Cheese offers a DIY cheese experience. “Bring 4 litres of milk to our workshops and have a hands on lesson with extra tips on how to

make your favourite cheese. $50 for 3 hour session. Kits for mozzarella, feta, poutine cheese curds, farmhouse cheddar or soft cheese varieties available from $35 - $55 and make between 30 and 9 batches depending on the kit. For more details contact Joan at 250-213-3470 for gift purchase details.

Cheers Tours offers a special Cowichan Winery Tour special for two people!

Tour Cowichan’s award winning wineries - includes transportation and all tasting fees. *lunch stops include Unsworth Restaurant, Vinoteca, Old Firehouse Wine Bar...and more.

Gift certificates for 2 are available in two trips - $150 for 3 hours or $300 for full day including lunch. Susan also has a Girlfriend Spa and Shopping Getaway-Treat you girlfriend to a day or overnight shopping and spa trip. Day Trips start at $190/pp.

Overnight starts at $290/pp Includes transportation and and spa experience.

For more great tour experiences visit www. cheerscowichan. com.

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NEW! NOW OFFERING PERMANENT COSMETIC E S CAPE ESTHETICS TATTOOING Est. Since 2006 • Eyebrows • Eyeliner • Lip Contouring

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OU

The art of implanting small amounts of pigment into the dermal layer of the skin to enhance and define the natural features!

DECEMBER SPECIAL

with 1 procedure save $50 with 2 procedures save $100 with 3 procedures save $150 #4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca The first and only Green Spa in the Cowichan Valley.

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Creative Sessions Watercolour Sessions, Knitting Mentors, Furniture Restoration, Music Lessons, Dance Instruction,

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.

Watercolour Lessons for Adults. Learn to paint with watercolours in a natural Waldorf style way and engage the soul with direct experience of colour.

Eight weekly sessions starting January, 2016.

For beginners or advanced. Call Josef for more information. 250-709-8583

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

Duncan, Mill Bay, Crofton, Ladysmith

9 Week Session $105 or $14 Drop ins t C ome ry a Siblings welcome 25% off F c l a R EE

www.jumpintomusic.ca 778.835.4541

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s s!

Leola’s Studio. No matter what level your creative skills are at, Leola will help foster a love for textures, colour and process. 2 of her most popular workshops are Rag Rug in a Day - $100 - all materials included and you go home with a handmade woven rag rug. Crazy Socks Workshop $75 - 3 sessions, all materials and needles included. a great way to begin the new year - learning to knit socks! Call ahead and drop into Whippletree Junction to pick up your gift sessions 250 597 0820.

F m M o T l i C I D a a s a s

K y

One of the most inspiring places to be in the Valley is

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

h i a t h h

women with a flair for decorating.

The sessions enable them with new skills to take their interior design interests to the next level!

Participants will learn 6 different techniques to refurbish and refresh furniture using the full line of cottage paint products. Cottage Paint Workshops $125 and Image Transfer to Furniture $75 For gift certificates call 250 746-9809 www. embellishhome.ca

Embellish has a great workshop for budding designers interested in restoring furniture.

Cottage Paint™ lessons are a great gift idea for creative

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

Native American Flute Playing Lessons.

Participants will learn how to play the Native American Flute.

Classes are 3

w c i s w

M c G W q f t

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hours long. Cost is $40. Flutes are available for those who do not have one. www. heartsongflutes.ca For budding musicians, Lila Music Centre offers Children, Teen and Adult lessons, suited for each individual style and voice.

Classical, Musical Theatre, Impro-visation, Folk.

Director Cari Burdett holds a Masters degree in Voice and excels in coaching students to find their voice and feel confidence in their singing.

Know someone who is yearing to learnguitar?

Massimo Pintus is known for his warm and loving approach to working with music and students. Gift certificates available for introductory sessions or a season of instruction. www.joythroughmusic.com.

Many of us yearn for creative dance experiences.

Give the gift of movement.

Warmland Dance offers quality dance instruction for all ages and styles in the Cowichan Valley. This

gift experience includes one month of dance lessons in the style of your choice for both adult and children. Offering one month of ballet for ages 3-13.

For hip children

and teens One Month of Hip Hop for ages 7-14 and Adult Beginner/Intermediate Tap or Jazz. Cost range varies $42 -$49. A great introduction to see if they like dancin’!

250 -818-9086.

Jump Into Music offers engaging music programs for parents and children 6mo4yrs. Sing, dance, drum, have fun in locations in Duncan, Mill Bay, Crofton, Ladysmith A gift package of 9 week session $105 or $12 a class. Great local gift idea for the grandparents to take part in too! www. jumpintomusic. ca

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Educational Gifts Mobile Device Lessons, Herbal Workshops, Wordpress Sites, Tutoring As Stocking Stuffers

You supply content. We’ll set it up.

You do the rest!

SITE SET UP SERVICES HELPING YOU GET YOUR IDEAS ON THE INTERNET! 250 746 9319 rbadman@gearth.com

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

101 Mobile Device Sessions for Seniors (Ages 65+).

Would you like to help your favourite senior get the most out of their phone or tablet. WestView Learning offers one on one sessions at the studio or in their own home. Special holiday rates from $35 and up per hour.

Gift cards are available. westviewlearning.ca A great stocking stuffer for the any struggling student in your life are tutoring services to help them get through the most difficult of subjects. Tutor Pro in Shawnigan Lake offers Individual tutoring in calculus, pre-calculus, chemistry, biology, physics, general math and science. Ms Bennett helps her students improve understanding of topics, develop study habits and increase marks all resulting iin an increase in self-confidence.

3 sessions $120 info@tutorpro. net for gift certificate details.

Herbalist Judi Minckler from Fragrant Pharmacy offers monthly doTerra Essential Oil Workshops. Choose from Essential Oils 101, Detoxifying the Home or Mood Management. 2 hour workshops just $10 each.

Engaging, educational, affordable gifts.

Call 250 748 7494 for more details.

Have a friend or family member with a new business or idea that is not yet on the web? Surprise them with a new website! WordPress sites have come a long way and can be easily modified and updated by it’s owner. Help them get online with hobbies, blogs or even a cottage industry marketplace. Available add ons - calendars, shop online features, social media collaborations and more.

Richard offers WordPress Site Set Up Services in the Cowichan Valley starting at $40 an hour. Now scheduling new site set ups for 2016.

Call 250 746 9319.

s

Gifts of Good Health Time With Horses, Sessions in Yoga, Reiki, Qi Gong, Home Cleaning...

How about some precious horse time for someone who loves them? Michelle Atterby at Spirit Gate Farm has the perfect gift. Experience the practice of Mindfulness in the company of horses. Learn how to lower stress, communicate more effectively and increase self awareness a 30 minute introductory session. Cost ranges from $75$125 michelle@ spiritgate.ca

This deeply relaxing experience is for any level student seeking to reduce the effects of stress. The mindful breathing and slow gentle movement dissolves physical and mental tension. This class will leave you feeling alert and rested. Yoga with Paulina Kee, the Bliss Class, Mondays at the Hub, 9 am to 10:15 am. Classes start

January 11, 2016. $70 for 6 classes gift pass. paulinakee@gmail. com.

Sifu, Lee Masters offers people of all ages Traditional Chinese exercise for health. Wild Goose Qigong offers gentle movement and helps to bring physical and mental balance.

Annual Membership to the Wild Goose Qigong Centre is $40 and classes are $16 each. For more information wildgooseqigongcentre.com Give the gift of a time and a clean home to enjoy it in!

Professional, eco-friendly cleaning services for residential properties. One time or regular bookings welcomed. Costs start at $30/ hr and services from 1.5 hrs/ week marriage saver cleans which takes care of the basics like bathrooms and floors to full, top to bottom of all surfaces in all rooms.“We’re here to help! Gift Cleaning Certificates. 250-929-8381 cleanchoicecleaners.com

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

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

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

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F

estivals play an important part in Waldorf education.

They allow us to follow instinctively the rhythms of the seasons, and therefore the rhythms of our own bodies as we adjust to the changing light, temperature, and feeling in the air. Festivals are a cultural celebration, which mark the passing of time. When we celebrate together in this way, we have an opportunity for contribution, shared consciousness, and to create unity in our community life.

Every December at Sunrise Waldorf School, we celebrate the festival of Santa Lucia. Our grade eight students will bake special saffron buns, and walk the halls of our school singing the traditional songs that marks this festival. They will visit each of the classrooms and offer their song and food

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Celebrating Santa Lucia at Sunrise Waldorf School to the younger students and teachers. What makes this festival so visually stunning is the crown of lit candles that is worn by the eldest girl in the eighth grade class, as her classmates (also adorned with special hats and white gowns) walk behind her in procession and song.

Santa Lucia, Thy light is glowing All through the darkest night, comfort bestowing Dreams float on wings of night, Comes then the morning light Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia Through silent winter gloom, Thy song comes winging to Waken the Earth anew, Glad carols bringing, Come thou, oh queen of Night, Wearing thy crown so bright, Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia Santa Lucia, Christmas foretelling, Fill hearts with hope and cheer, Dark fear dispelling, Bring to the world’s call, Peace and goodwill to all, Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia

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Lucia Day is on December 13th and celebrates the life of Saint Lucy and light for the longest night of the year (under the old Gregorian calendar this was the Winter Solstice). Some stories say Lucia was known as a medieval saint who brought food and drink to a province of Sweden during a period of famine. Other stories

point out the Sicilian origins of Lucy and tell about how she brought food to the poor souls living in the catacombs. In all stories, Santa Lucia is seen as a symbol of hope and light during the darkest of Winter.

This festival is yet another example of how we can mark the Christmas season with reverence. It is a way to make simple offerings that fill us with the feeling of togetherness, the smell of delicious treats, the feeling of coming together in song, and the celebration and warmth of light.

h w y “ e p b h w o p s f b m o c n w I a n b p o w s e I fi

H d n t t p

Artist Nancy Wesley hand dyeing wool.

Nancy Wesley Nan C Studio www.nancdesigns.ca FB:nancdesigns

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Talking Arts • Felt Designer Nancy Wesley

reative contemporary felt Felted Mandala Workshop designer Nancy Wesley has been teaching felting workshops in the Valley for 6 years out of her home studio.

“I’m a people person. I really enjoy sitting in a group of people, while our hands are busy working, joining our hearts to one creative process while we chat and share stories of life. Teaching is a favourite part of my creative work.” smiles Nancy. “I learnt to felt when my son was in the baby back-pack looking over my shoulder at the wet mess of raw fleece I was washing, carding, and felting. He’s 14 now – and I’ve come a long way in skill over that time.

I’ve been working full time as a fibre artist for 6 years now. I have a graphic design happy with what they have background and have enjoyed created with their own hands painting, pottery, and many and a simple felting tool.” other art forms, but I’ve stuck Even experienced felters have with felting the longest. My discovered many tips and tricks sketch book is full of a never ending supply of ideas for things in a Nan.C Workshop. “I create new workshop projects based I want to try to create with wool on the influence of the seasons. fibres.”

Bunnies in the spring and tree toppers at Christmas time. My Her adult classes are mostly bunnies are probably my most designed for those that have requested class and I can never never felted before. “Those that make enough of them for sale think they are creative – and either. Each one comes out those that are sure they aren’t. I different – good thing bunnies promise everyone leaves very multiply easily! Sometimes it’s

ou! y or f t if Ag

Prudence Natural Beauty & Fashion

155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

Mr. Fox felting workshop for January

Felted Angel

just an idea that has been living with me for a while, and once I create it, people ask me to teach them how to make it and another workshop is created.”

“My favourite things to felt are the large needle felted wallhangings. Each piece is one of a kind. They are like paintings. I start by hand dying roving in the colours I want to create a specific image. I lay down tuffs of wool, like brushstrokes of paint, then felt it all together. Many layers of wool and many hours go into each piece but it’s my most creative, and thus most enjoyable, process.” Nancy’s workshops are often booked in advance and fill up quickly but

if you have a group of friends interested in learning together she also teaches workshops to private groups. “ These are always fun to teach as I’m joining a group of people who are already friends on some level. You pick the workshop project, invite your friends to work around your kitchen table, and I supply everything else that is needed.” Most needle felting workshops are 4 hours long and start at $52 including all supplies. The larger wet felting projects, like the mandala mat, take 6 hours and cost $85.

Next workshop: Mr. Fox: needle felting workshop Saturday January 16th, 12-4.

Registration is $52 online. www.nancdesigns.ca

Bring in this coupon with your purchase of $75 or more of Elate Cosmetics and receive a gift from us A vegan special editon Mat & Nat bag.

shop online at www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

While supplies last.

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Pat Amos is a wilderness guide and natural builder.

250 748 2089 amos.hearth works@gmx.com

Rocket and Masonry Heaters

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s a builder of both traditional masonry heaters and rocket cookers/heaters I am sometimes asked ‘What is the difference?’ The answer is: ‘Not much and lately less so.’

To start with, lets look at the commonalities between the two. Both are time-honoured techniques of firing biomass (usually wood) at very high temperatures (up to 1300c in bigger rocket cores). Both have specially designed fire chambers made of high-heatduty refractory materials. Both offer highly efficient combustion of gasses (smoke) that have been pyrolized (drawn) from the wood. Both can then harvest (utilize) the rapidly produced heat in various ways.

For gradual heat delivery into the dwelling the gasses can be directed through flues and bell chambers in a large mass of earthen material (cob, brick, stone... all much the same).

This mass can be shaped a variety of ways, ranging from vertical contra-flow, to a long comfortable bench, to an in-floor hypocaust. The intensity and duration of the fire, thickness of mass, and heat losses of the dwelling determine the delay and rate at which the heat is radiated from the mass. This time lag between combustion and heat release is known as the ‘flywheel’.

For more immediate (short flywheel) heating applications the gasses can be directed into thinner masonry or hollow metal chambers. For example, when a 55 gallon metal barrel is placed around the heat riser of a rocket core the system gains the element of a (fast) radiant heater, much like a metal bodied wood stove. Flue gasses can also be directed to heat up a griddle, oven, or open burner (so long as the space is well ventilated) and can then continue on through a body of dense mass (long flywheel) to ‘harvest’ most all of the remaining heat.

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Until recently, the main distinctions between masonry and rocket heaters have been the shape of their fuel feed chambers, and where the secondary combustion takes place. Traditional rockets have an open feed-chamber shaped as a horizontal or downward tunnel.

Combustion takes place in a sharp elbow and up a ‘heat riser’ (vertical tunnel) creating a very concentrated zone of heat at the exit. The rate of combustion in L and J feeds is controlled by rate of fuel delivery, which is ideal for most cooking applications. A rocket-fired oven can offer both quick heat via convection (which is great for pizzas), and gradual heat from the inch or two of mass in the dome and deck (which is fine for baking and slow roasting.

Masonry heaters, by contrast, have a relatively large enclosed fuel-feed chamber that is loaded once and burns for an hour or two. This chamber is like a fire-box but usually taller with a specially designed exit throat and air port up top where secondary combustion occurs. These bigger firing systems are particularly good at heating large areas of mass, including high mass ovens (ideal for extensive baking and roasting) by sending the flue gasses either through or around them. They require no tending aside from the initial loading and (in some designs) adjusting of a start up bypass damper. A large (but not too large) glass door also makes for great viewing of the primordial television.

As a sweeping generalization, the advantage a rocket with openfeed chamber has for cooking is a disadvantage for mass heating, in that frequent reloading with thinner-than-usual firewood can become a chore. By the same token, masonry heaters with large feed chambers involve less user input to heat a large area, but with the large body of fuel

combusting all in one blast they are not as well suited for on-demand cooking applications during which one wants to concentrate the heat into small areas and/or modulate the length and intensity of the burn.

With these pros and cons in mind, much effort has gone into creating hybrids that solve every shortcoming. The advent of open source sharing via internet has made possible an international collaboration of stove/ heater builders and researchers, resulting in a cross-pollination of building traditions from around the world. The results have been VERY fruitful. As we share our experiments and findings, we are evolving new features and combinations of techniques to achieve unprecedented combustion and harvesting efficiency.

To view working examples of traditional rocket cookers, check out the L-feeds I built in Centennial Park.

For examples of traditional masonry heaters check out Carl Sidl’s advertisements in this publication.

For an example of my latest hybrid rocket/ masonry cooker and mass heater, go to: http://donkey32. proboards.com/thread/ 1563/vortex-stovevariant?page= 1&scroll To=19222

A Holiday Poem from Island Return It The Holiday Season is suddenly here, so bring on the joy and bring on the cheer!

Bring on the mountains of bright wrapping paper, and bring on the fruit cake you get from your neighbour.

The parties, the presents, the real and fake trees, the packaging, lights, and the cheesy CD’s.

Yes, this is the season for cheap decorations, and knocking back eggnog with friends and relations.

Now hold on, this sounds like a season of WASTE, so here are some tips to keep trash in its place.

Forget about cheap decorations this time, they just clog up the landfills, we all know the kind.

Instead, search your house, get creative this year, homemade can be simple, there’s no need to fear!

If you throw a big party, provide close at hand, a place for your guests to put bottles and cans.

And presents don’t have to be something you buy, it means so much more to give people your time.

But if you get new electronics and stuff, be sure to dispose of your old one’s with us.

This list could go on, but the point is sublime, in these festive days keep the planet in mind!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Island Return It!

Start the new year with a clean home and workplace.

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

Providing professional, eco friendly cleaning services.

250 929 8381 www.cleanchoicecleaners.com Licensed - Insured - Bonded Home Cleaning Gift Certificates available for Family & Friends!

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H

orses directly improve the lives of Teens in significant ways through the practice of Mindfulness.

Horses help Teens learn and practice these skills: • Improve concentration, focus and memory • Increase Emotional

regulation and self

soothing • Improve and stabilize moods • Decrease anxiety, frustration, depression and anger • Increase a sense of well being, self awareness and confidence • Improve stress management skills • Help develop social skills and manage peer pressure • Increase a sense of

calm, relaxation and self acceptance • Build Empathy and

compassion

How do Horses contribute to this learning?

Horses help bring awareness to teens inner and outer experiences by mirroring behaviour both positive and negative. A horse will become confused, uncertain and mis trusting if they receive mixed or incongruent signals and will therefore respond in clear and direct ways such as walking away, resisting, pushing into you and taking over. These interactions bring a reflective quality into teens actions, encouraging them to take notice of their thoughts, emotions, intentions and responses.

An example of this is approaching a herd of horses in a field, with the intention of placing a halter on the horses head and leading them away from the herd. If the horse is approached with an ‘I’m in charge’ kind of attitude, chances are they will just walk away….repeatedly. This is

Helping animals and people find balance.

Rachel Allen Tellington TTouch

250 882 4198

Reiki Practitioner Animal Communicator

BeingsInBalance@gmail.com

Horses Teaching Teens Mindfulness Skills where mindfulness practice begins, an awareness of our posture, breathing, emotions, and intentions must come into presence in order to create a conversation with the horse. A genuine intention of connection and ease establishes trust, the reward is that the horse will respond positively if they feel emotionally safe.

The transition through Adolescence presents developmental challenges in physical, social, intellectual, psychological, emotional areas. The teenage brain is still developing and continues to do so until their early twenties. During this time the laying down of neural pathways related to emotional management are being shaped and will have a direct effect

on how they manage their emotional lives as adults. Teens experience intense emotions and as parents this can be difficult to navigate. This is such a vulnerable time in their lives as their self esteem is being so directly shaped.

Teens need all the support they can get through this challenging period.

Research suggests that mindfulness practices supports brain development in positive ways and horses, are one way to assist them.

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

Lucky Dog U Bath Just north of

1059 CANADA AVE DUNCAN Power Lunch

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

U Bath or WE Bath 38

Now Grooming & Teeth Cleaning!

250 597-7DOG

www.luckydogubath.ca

Lucky Dogs...

Supplements

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upplements are just that; supplements. They are not a replacement for fresh, whole, species appropriate food and adequate exercise.

But people love to play around with supplements.

Seeking the “magic bullet” for their pet’s itchy skin or chronic digestive upset people spend a lot of money and waste a lot of time buying supplements for their pet’s subpar diet.

I do recommend certain supplements for certain conditions, but only after the diet and environment has been perfected for that animal.

Supplements come later.

One diet addition I do recommend for every dog, everyday is salmon oil. If your dog is on any diet, salmon oil can help almost every part of your dog’s health, inside and out. You can use mackerel oil or herring oil or some other fish body oil, but salmon oil is easy to find in pet stores and you just follow the directions on the label. Fish body oil (not cod liver oil) helps balance the omega 3/6 fatty acids that can get buggered up from feeding our modern raised foods. Don’t use your

omega 3/6 oils if they are from seeds; your carnivore cannot digest them and they just go out the other end.

Over the counter herbal blend supplements can be tricky.

Herbs are powerful medicine and need to be used with care and reason, not just willy-nilly because you saw a headline on Facebook. Fortunately most over the counter herbal blends are so stale, they won’t do any harm, but they likely aren’t helping, either. This is when people tell their friend’s “Oh I tried turmechamochilroot and it didn’t do a thing.” (Hmmm) If you do find something that you must try, it is important to only use herbs as supplements to a fantastic diet and never give them everyday. Only give herbs when needed.

Herbs and seaweeds aside (they have more stuff than just nutrition to their powers) remember that dogs are carnivores and cannot get the nutrients out of non-meat items as efficiently as we do, so berries and seeds and greens just aren’t going to be as beneficial to your dog as they are to you. Remember that dogs are not vegetarians, they eat vegetarians. Everything we get from lentils and quinoa can be found in the raw flesh, bone, and organs of other animals; and it’s easier for dogs to digest.

I do recommend plenty of supplements, but only based on that dog’s needs. It takes a little more effort to find the right supplement, but I know it will work because I’ve done the work. Now go forth and feed raw...

Trees by Birds/ Geography I Rogue apple tree blossoms at tide’s edge its creator a seed-spreading bird undeterred by salty ground.

In northern March, near Terrace, (my sister tells me), stand leafless trailside birches mute, nude branches holding only drooping catkins and leaf buds just beginning to swell.

Now, thousands of singing leaves – small pine siskins -attach themselves, clothing the trees with their own spring fluency.

At a particular time in the year after summer and only for a few days, a rowan bush, (grown rangy and tree-like, at the outer edge of our lawn), lights fuses and detonates small red berries; soon after, noisy explosions of well-fed thrushes and waxwings.

An alder has wind-fallen in the woodsnow we see, by precisely drilled holes in the bark, the “garbage tree” had been a sapsucker’s lifelong nectar-feeding-place.

That rogue apple and other such, cherry for example, that turn up unexpectedly at the whims of birds these are endangered on the island of Guam where birds are now extinct.

Judith Belton is a writer and bird-observer living in Mill Bay.

GOLDA’S LITERACY NUGGETS Debbie Wood is a certified Small Animal Naturopath and can be reached at 250597-7DOG.

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

info@gopesto.com I www.gopesto.com

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Small-town Christmas Charm

by Catherine Macey

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hen I first moved to the Cowichan Valley 24 years ago, I knew it was a special place, but it wasn’t until I experienced Downtown Duncan at Christmastime with a light snow falling that I realized it was magical. Like a scene out of It’s a Wonderful

Life, I half expected to see Jimmy Stewart slipping and sliding down Station Street under the light-festooned trees and shop awnings.

Our lovely downtown sparkles this time of year and there is no mall anywhere that

can emanate the kind of Christmas feeling and spirit found on our festive streets.

From hand painted banners to monumental wreaths to a forest of decorated trees in City Square – our downtown knows how to deck the halls and we do it beautifully.

Growing up in Vancouver, admiring the seasonal windows in Woodward’s Department Store was a much-anticipated annual event and on a smaller (yet just as endearing) scale are the wonderful Downtown Duncan holiday windows that shop owners put much care, creativity and love into.

Many of our shops are housed

DOWNTOWN DUNCAN EVENTS Dec 21 6pm - 8pm Light Up the Night Santa in City Square Dec 19 12pm - 2pm Dec. 21 6pm - 8pm Gift Wrapping Dec 19 12pm - 5pm Dec 20 12pm - 5pm Dec 21 12pm - 8pm Dec 22 12pm - 5pm Dec 23 12pm - 5pm in older buildings which provide deep window that lend themselves perfectly to

A b 2 – o

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

showcasing holiday decorations, gift ideas and our own annual downtown tradition of a different stuffed holiday mascot each year.

December is a lovely time to gather with family and friends and count our blessings.

If you find yourself caught up in the busyness or excess of the season, take the time to quietly stroll our sparkling downtown streets and spend a few moments appreciating the beauty of the season and the special community we are all part of.

Perhaps a light snow will begin to fall and remind you… it really is a wonderful life.

Light Up the Night Winter Solstice event Although it may not feel like it, by winter solstice on December 21st the days are getting longer – come celebrate the return of the light in City Square as

Downtown Duncan hosts a new event called Light Up Although it may not feel like it, by winter solstice on December 21st the days are getting longer – come celebrate the return of the light in City Square as Downtown Duncan hosts a new event called Light Up the Night.

Santa will be in his new Santa Station, an 8ft tall illuminated angel will be handing out glow necklaces, carols will be playing, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and gift wrapping will be available (by donation for fundraising) and at 7:30 on City Square stage Vesta Entertainment will present a professional Fire Show. The kids are out of school, Christmas excitement is building and shops are open late – so come downtown and Light Up the Night on December 21st.

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JOIN US FOR

LUNCH + DINNER

OPEN

7 DAYS A WEEK

look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

theoldfirehouse.ca

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hen my youngest child finished school, I decided it was time to do something for myself, so starting on a shoestring budget, Magnolia opened in March 2004. As long as the store could pay the rent and increase inventory, life was good and within 2 years we doubled our square footage.

Image above Kendall from Magnolia

With all the talk of sweatshops, I felt it was important to know where my products came from. This was the beginning of many trips to Thailand and a better understanding of third world workers. I have made incredible friendships and I’m very proud of what I call fair trade – paying a fair price for products and letting my customers know about the love and pride that are put into their goods when they are made.

In June of 2012, our neighbour business was destroyed by fire. As I stood and watched the fire with other Jubilee partners, little did I know this would become Magnolia’s new home in October 2014.

Available at Resthouse 126 Station St, Duncan Unique Furnishings by Designer David Martinello 250 701 2771 I www.alternativewoodworks.com

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With the new address came a different direction. We offer an affordable collection of casual and dressy “West Coast“ fashion, which is a distinct style: mixed but matched, colourful & casual, eclectic & easy, affordable with quality. We carry a terrific assortment of scarves with an abundance of texture, patterns and colours.

We offer every level

Magnolia of jewellery, including Kameleon, and we also carry the Silk Road tea line - as you wander through our treasures, you will likely be offered a sample. And in August of 2015, Maura of Something Celtic joined us with her stylish line of Irish sweaters.

I have always been a “valley girl” and it is a thrill to be part of Downtown Duncan - I’d like to share a few examples of why: • A 9-year-old boy bought his first girlfriend’s gift from us (with mom hovering in the background) and 11 years later we continue to be his goto gift shop.

• A young girl bought her first purse from us and now delights us with bringing in her 3 children.

• Another gentleman came the first Christmas Eve I was open and made my day with scarf purchases – he has not missed a Christmas Eve yet!

Submitted by Sue McKay

including a medical line, infant/baby items, bedding, pet beds/mats, equine, vests, jackets, slippers, vehicles, motorcycle, bikes and more!

Anyes de Laat from Soul Comfort Sheepskin DBIA: Tell us a little about yourself – are you originally from the Cowichan Valley?

Anyes: I was born and raised in Quebec by Dutch parents who went through World War II and grew up with a full appreciation of wool. I came to the Cowichan Valley because once upon a time, it was a sheep valley.

DBIA: Is Soul Comfort your first business and how did it come to be?

Anyes: With the birth of my first daughter, I wanted to make sure she was nice and warm for winter and having had frozen feet all my life in Quebec, I knew that synthetics wouldn’t cut it and that’s how the whole Soul Comfort business started.

DBIA: Tell us a little about your products: Anyes: We have products to help your body feel its best from head to toe. We carry a wide variety of instore locally made products

DBIA: What are your most popular products?

Anyes: Our footwear and bedding. We offer more than 20 styles of footwear and will custom fit to your needs.

DBIA: What is your favourite thing about your downtown location?

Anyes: We feel a great sense of community and it has easy access from the Highway.

DBIA: What would you most like people to know about your business?

Anyes: Wool is the answer to so many ailments. It has more benefits for the body than any other fibre.

Beautiful Skin Begins With Exceptional Skincare

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• HydraFacial MD® • Acne Treatments • Mineral Makeup • Soft Tissue Filler

• Spray Tans • Rosacea Treatments • Latisse™

WWW.VIVAMEDICALAESTHETICS.COM #4 -177 FOURTH ST, DUNCAN 250 746 6512

DBIA: Any future plans for the business?

Anyes: Long term I would love to have a world-wide coop for sheep related products – from sheep farms to retail.

DBIA: What is your idea of a perfect and cozy evening?

Anyes: It would start with walking my dog and end with enjoying a lovely glass of wine in front of a fire while relaxing on the warmth of a beautiful sheepskin.

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Pillows - Give The Gift of a Good Night Sleep

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e know from experience that getting your pillow right can greatly improve your sleep. That means knowing when a beloved old pillow has past its usefulness, and choosing it’s replacement wisely.

Are you primarily a side sleeper?

In our experience side sleepers need a little extra support, When you are looking to buy a and body pillows are often pillow, we start first by asking suggested. A body pillow is a you some unique questions: long and narrow pillow that runs the length of your body, supporting both your top • What kind of “feel” do you leg and arm throughout the like in a pillow? night. Side sleepers need two pillows to ensure a quality sleep.

• Do you like a soft, sink your

head into the pillow sensation, or a pillow shape that stays consistent in form?

• Do you like to “punch” your pillow into shape?

• Do you fold or stack your pillows?

• Are you a pillow cuddler?

• Do you sleep on your back or on your side?

Are you a tummy sleeper?

A little of everything?

We take this information and begin the fitting by laying you down on a mattress similar to your preferred firmness, lay as you would at home, and then we start bringing you pillows to try.

This way you get to take as much time as you need to experience each type of pillow, and see if it works for your sleep needs.

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Almost all of the pillows we recommend at Resthouse are customizable. That means they come to you overstuffed so that you have ultimate say in how full your pillow is. At any time you can add or subtract stuffing to maintain your best loft preference. Simply remove what you don’t need at the start, and save it for future use. We find this extends the lifespan of your naturally filled pillow closer to 3 years, rather than the 6-month recommendation of conventional pillow manufacturers.

Simply put, a pillow choice is a science more than an art, and certainly more involved than just pulling a pillow off of the shelf and hoping it will “be the right one”. Many sleep issues can be addressed with the correct pillow and taking the time to get it right is more than just a little bit important. It is vital.

Visit us at 126 Station Street or shop online at www.resthouse.ca

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p s H b C m

T H a K r d b u u w

T b i t a t n o S s

J q f G L d g

The Deerholme Vegetable Cookbook

by Bill Jones.

Vibrant, diverse, and unexpected vegetable recipes from awardwinning chef Jones that will revitalize your approach to plant-based eating.

Holiday Book List

Bill Bryson, in his first travel book in 15 years, returns to his beloved topic –Britain- in his new book The Road to Little Dribbling: More Notes from a Small Island. He sets out on a brand new journey from

I

t’s that time of year when searching for the perfect gift can be fun… or sometimes discouraging.

Here’s a list of a few of the books we recommend this Christmas season to help make it a little easier.

The Illegal by Lawrence Hill is a fast-moving, timely and compelling story of Keita Ali, a boy in the refugee underground. Hill’s depiction of life on the borderlands of society urges us to consider the plight of the unseen and forgotten people who live among us.

The Sleeper and the Spindle

by Neil Gaiman; Chris Riddell illustrator. In this darkly funny tale for young adults, Gaiman and Riddell have twisted together the familiar and the new to tell a brilliant version of Snow White’s (sort of) and Sleeping Beauty’s (almost) stories.

Johanna Basford is the current queen of colouring books for grown-ups. The Secret Garden, Enchanted Forest and Lost Ocean provide beautiful, detailed experiences you can get lost in.

Bognor Regis on the south coast to Cape Wrath on the northernmost tip of Scotland.

H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald is an extraordinary and honest account of Macdonald’s struggle with grief over the sudden death of her father, and the difficult process of trying to tame a goshawk at the same time.

Come into Volume One Bookstore and check out our diverse collection of books to make your Christmas shopping easy!

Submitted by the staff of Volume One Bookstore

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Purse by Kate Daniels Image Bonnie Hayward

Imagine That Artisan Katie Daniels

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or many of us, rag rugs evoke pleasant memories – a cozy kitchen, a rocking chair in front of the fireplace, and wonderful aromas from the oven. So it is with Katie Daniel’s colourful, crocheted rag rugs and tote bags, cotton aprons and jewellery rolls. There is something quite comforting and evocative about her needle work.

Katie is the newest member of Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs in downtown Duncan. She joined the cooperative last spring, just a few months after moving to Lake Cowichan from Alberta.

Dancing Into Emptiness Event

R

ewild from within and dance yourself free through the ancient map of the chakras.

The revolutionary tools of Kundalini Dance combined with conscious world and electronic music invite you to lean into the transformational treasures of expressive moving meditation.

Root into the creative pulse of the earth, blossom towards the

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sun and explore the portals of music and movement. Christy is a healing artist, dance machine and student of motherhood, music, plant allies and the Great Mystery. She offers her authentic self and playful energy while holding a deep and sacred space.

Dec. 12, 7-9pm, Harmony Yoga, #103-360 Duncan St. $15-$17

www.christygreenwood.ca

In addition to her impeccable sewing skills, Katie brings to Imagine That! years of experience in marketing, communications and advertising, skills she acquired while working in arts administration.

While she thoroughly enjoyed her career, Katie’s passion has always been sewing, a skill she learned at an early age from her mother. In those days, knowing your way around a sewing machine was a must if you wanted clothes, she explained.

Sewing was also a big part of Girl Scouts and 4-H. Years later, while cleaning the attic at the family home in Nebraska, Katie found herself with several boxes of fabric scraps. Wondering what to do with it all, she recalled the

colourful rugs of her childhood made with fabric scraps. She had a eureka! moment and it wasn’t long before she was selling her rugs at Christmas craft fairs and craft stores around Alberta.

Since becoming a member of Imagine That!, Katie is enjoying similar success. Her rugs and aprons have become quite popular. Creating the rag rugs takes a surprising amount of fabric, she explains, and she has become quite the scavenger at yard sales and thrift shops to find the right materials. A rug can take many hours to complete, from acquiring and prepping the fabrics, to the actual crocheting.

She’s made them in many sizes, and takes custom orders with pleasure.

As a newcomer to the Cowichan Valley, the store has provided an ideal opportunity to meet dozens of artists and artisans. She is particularly impressed with the eclectic array of hand-made gifts and the pride of the community takes in the store, she said.

Imagine That! will be open on Sundays for the month of December. Be sure to drop by for that very special, affordable, gift this season.

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

“The Evolution of Community” 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence in the Cowichan Valley

V

iolence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is based on socially ascribed differences between males and females. While men and boys can be victims/survivors of some types of GBV (particularly sexual violence), GBV has a greater impact on women and girls. It undermines the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its victims,

yet it remains shrouded in a culture of silence. Cutting across ethnicity, race, class, religion, education level, and international borders GBV is derived from unequal power relationships between men and women. Violence is directed specifically against a woman because she is a woman. An estimated one in three women worldwide has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is a global campaign calling for the elimination of all forms of violence against women highlighting significant dates Nov. 25th— Dec. 10th. In response to the levels of relationship abuse and/or violence against women and young girls in the Cowichan Valley, Warmland Women’s Support Services Society is hosting a social action workshop in support of 16 Days of Activism!

We invite you to join us for breakfast, enjoy the company of the fine community that we are, and engage a dialogue about our community’s role in addressing gender-based violence. This is a community workshop lead by community

for community and everyone is welcome because we are all affected by GBV – professionals, social responders, advocates, neighbours, family members, teachers, parents concerned about youth dating violence. Wed. Dec. 9th from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St. $10 registration is rsvp. As this event is not funded we gratefully accept donations of more than $10 for registration to help cover expenses :-)

HEALING WORK SHOPS

with doTerra

Fragrant Pharmacy

ALL WORKSHOPS $10 UNLESS STATED

Tuesday, Dec 1 • 6-8pm Essential Oils 101 Workshop Wednesday, Dec 2 • 6-8pm

Detoxifying your Home with Green Cleaning and Essential Oils

Sat, Dec 5 • 10am-12pm Give the Gift of Healing Workshop Wednesday, Dec 9 • 6-8pm Give the Gift of Healing Workshop Saturday, Dec 12 • 10am-12pm Mood Management with Essential Oils

Tuesday, Dec 14 • 6-8pm Essential Oils 101 Workshop As a community our individual Reinventing Healthcare.... Cheaper, and collective Safer and Natural. Gifts of the Earth voice has power.

Sweet Arts Studio and Gallery, How we talk to 131 Jubilee St., Duncan each other and RSVP: Tel: 250 7487494 when we talk to each other about violence against women has a direct and dramatic impact.

Join the conversation! From peace in the home to peace in the world, it starts with us! “We” are the answer we’ve been waiting for.

Registration: kendraleigh.thomas@gmail.com 250-710-8177

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ell the first thing you will notice is our name change to The Garden Pantry Store, then the next thing you will notice is that we have some great new products to go with the new look and feel of the store. So what is this all about?

It’s about supporting our local Island artisans and producers in a way that lets them concentrate on what they do best…. making beautiful work and producing delicious food products, and creating a venue for them to sell those products within a brick and mortar setting. We call these spaces and places “Showcases”!

And we focus on vendors who fit into our Garden and Pantry theme and direction.

Sale up to 50% offOur vendors in the Showcases

receive 100% of their sales.

No commissions, no fees, no minimums. We charge a nominal for our Massive Sidewalk

space rental fee and that fee goes directly to the Cowichan Green Community. With that rental fee our vendors also receive all the merchandising, marketing and inventory control they need for increasing their sales, where they don’t have to be personally present. And although we have only been offering our Showcases since the fall our vendors are doing well and each week is better than the last!

We would really like to invite you down to see how this all works and to enjoy the fruits of these talented artisans and producers, labours… it really is worth the trip!

There are incredibly good for you Rawkolates, handmade raw vegan dark cacao bars that are beyond delicious, great risotto dishes you can make up in 20 minutes by Rockin’ Risotto in 3

delicious combinations, Nani’s Secret Sauces and Chutneys that are the perfect compliment to just about any dish (and yes, the recipes really are secret!).

Kin Park Preserves, produce grown on our own urban farm and then preserved in our commercial kitchen.

Yum! The best and most thoughtfully designed market bags, in the most stunning and fun fabrics, we have seen in a long time by Elizabeth Evans Designs, beautifully handmade kitchen accessories in gorgeous woods for example in his tea caddies) and paint colours on his salt boxes available in several sizes by Jamie at l’atelier Orion. For the holiday table we have the amazing dried flower arrangements and wreaths by Christine Pollard (Crack Pot) created from flowers and foliage from her own land. When you need some soothing to get you through the holiday stresses or to help your aches and groans,

Something’s New at the Cowichan Green Community Store! we have HedgeWych Wylds handcrafted, traditional West Coast Healing oils, creams and salves.

Our store hours are: Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 4:30 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 5:00pm. In December we are open Sundays, Dec. 06, 13 and the 20th.

If you or someone you know would like more information on our Showcase program, please email leslie@ cowichangreencommunity.org Garden Pantry Store 360 Duncan St, Duncan

Happy Holidays and Thank You for your patronage from the gang at Cycle Therapy

Havoc Pro Scooters - Runner Bikes - Kids Bikes - Bike Accessories • Great Gift Ideas For The Cyclist In Your Life 360 Duncan St, Duncan I Mon - Sun 9:30pm - 5:30pm I 250 597 0097 I info@cycletherapy.ca I www.cycletherapy.ca

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

Why We Love Wool!

Meeting an Alpaca in Peru Image Courtesy La Llama

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f you’re like me, you look forward to the changing of the seasons. I especially love the crisp cool weather and the wearing of boots, layers and sweaters.

I love wool, it looks and feels amazing and in addition to its’ warmth, its’ luxurious softness and drape are second to none.

Wool does not cling to the skin and it allows the air to circulate, which is part of the comfort of it. From socks and slippers to organic wool bedding, to cozy sweaters and stylish coats.

There are many types of wool in addition to sheep wool and lambs’ wool. There is Merino, Cashmere, Pashmina and Alpaca to name a few. Many of these are available in blends like Cashmere/Merino, or mixed with other fibres such as silk, bamboo or cotton. Acrylic/ wool blends are available for those that are sensitive to wool and finer wools like Merino or Pashmina can be fine for the thin skinned too.

Why is wool so loved? It has qualities that cannot be imitated by man-made fibers. There are many beautiful and stylish sweaters made from acrylic, but if you want a garment that does more that look pretty, you want wool. Let’s face it, nothing can keep you as warm, protect you from the elements and be worthy of keeping in your wardrobe for 20 years or more, to hand down to the next generation. Wool has been

used for clothing since ancient times. It resists rain and keeps you drier than other materials, naturally. Wool keeps the body at an even temperature because it does not trap heat, but is an excellent insulator.

Wool is renewable and biodegradable and if properly cared for will last forever.

My shop Prudence specializes in natural fibres and I carry all of the above mentioned types of wool in many styles of sweaters, cardigans, ponchos, scarves, gloves, mittens, hats, arm warmers and leg warmers. We stock Canadian made sweaters, and fair-trade artisan crafted pieces from Chile.

We have beautiful hand knit Alpaca garments from Peru, Pashminas from Kashmir and India and traditional knits imported from the U.K. made with British lambs’ wool, cashmere and merino. If you are not sure of a size, Small World Imports stocks us with a selection of bright felted wool hats and purses from Nepal and purchased via fair-trade principals. “Rara Felts in Kathmandu, Nepal is run by a woman named Shoba.’ shares Sue Darlington of Small World Imports “She employs about 20 women and the felt products are all made by the cold, hand rolled method of felt making. Shoba is very understanding with the women and their needs. If they must be at home to care for a child or such she will give them felt and thread to take home to do the small piece work for the felt items like the flowers and the stitching and that sort of thing. This way they can still make some extra rupees to supplement their family’s income.

Prudence

Natural Beauty and Fashion

155 Craig St, Downtown Duncan

For a complete listing of all our products

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

The work shop where the felt products is clean and airy and a comfortable place for the women to work. They are able to earn a living wage under good working conditions.” Come see the great selection of wool accessories at Prudence. www. prudencenaturalbeauty.ca Submitted by Connie Gonyea

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Feeling Good?

•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

“I don’t feel good.”

H

ow many times have you said that to yourself?

Sometimes it’s just a headache, or indigestion, or some other ache or pain. But other times, when we are really honest with ourselves, we know that the reason why we don’t feel good is because of some past emotional event.

Maybe it was in childhood with a harsh parent. Maybe it was a bad break-up or divorce. It doesn’t matter exactly what it was. It just keeps us from feeling good.

For many, the mere mention of negative emotions is enough for them to close the door firmly on any other thought in that direction. It’s too painful; it’s in the past; why dig that up? I’d rather ignore it and hope that it will go away. But it doesn’t go away. It stays inside and festers.

What if there is a way to simply release all of that stuff and then really feel better?

Well, there is. It is called the Emotion Code. It was discovered and developed

by Dr. Bradley Nelson during his career as a holistic chiropractor. He wrote it all

into an easy-to-read book and published it in 2007.

With The Emotion Code, it is easy to release the trapped emotions that have kept us not feeling good for so long.

An Emotion Code practitioner helps you discover and release those old emotions without having to talk out the terribly painful things that happened to you. There is neither a need to share embarrassing details, nor to re-live the event in order to release the emotional charge that got stuck years ago.

An Emotion Code practitioner follows the old doctors’ dictum: First do no harm.

Delving into the work of The Emotion Code has two possible outcomes. The worst case scenario is nothing happens and no harm is done.

The best case scenario is that life gets better.

Consider approaching this Holiday Season feeling better than you have in years.

David Yaeger is a certified Emotion Code practitioner living near Duncan.

Phone 250-5973686

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Inside cozy Cedricks Coffee Shop

Every Cup Of Coffee Helps K.I.D.S. International at Cedricks The Mission edrick is a Jester of wide vision and imagination. He has created a unique resource for people of the Cowichan Valley to gather, share conversation and enjoy a delicious cup of tea or coffee. He invites people who visit the Coffee House to assist him in supporting Kids International a very worthwhile Vancouver Island charity.

C

Valleyview

Centre

So much to offer!

Fitness

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd

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

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Food

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

We Welcome New Patients!

The Story of Adrianne and Rick Fourteen years ago, Adrianne Dartnall and Rick Lennert lost their only child, the beautiful twenty-one year old Danielle, who was killed by a drunk driver, near their home in Nanaimo.

In their profound loss and terrible grief, they decided to do with their lives what Danielle was planning to do with hers - educate children. Since that time, Adrianne and Rick have devoted three to four months of every year to work on behalf of children and families living in extreme poverty.

When they arrived in Cambodia, they discovered they were not alone in their grief. One third of the population had been decimated by the Khmer Rouge (the “Killing Fields”). Cambodia is a country still struggling to recover from this unimaginable horror.

In 2008 Adrianne and Rick formed Kids International Development Society (K.I.D.S) and received Canadian charitable status. Adrianne is an educator/ social service administrator and Rick is a carpenter. Together

with the generous donations of others, K.I.D.S has built clinics, schools, provided clean drinking water systems and is committed to enhancing the well-being of local communities. They fund a children’s shelter for girls who have been at risk, orphaned, or on the streets.

They also support a women’s weaving cooperative to assist women to make a decent living.

They provide bicycles for children to get to school and solar lights for them to study, as they have no electricity. As well, they provide school supplies, libraries and lunch programs.

Some children are so anxious to learn, they will cycle many kilometers a day to get to school.

In isolated communities, both in rural Cambodia and on the Tonle Sap Lake, they support health care and provide funding for medical supplies and salaries for healthcare professionals to assist communities that would otherwise receive no such services.

The Coffee House Project While friends and family have supported this work through generous donations each year, we are certain that Cedrick’s Coffee House in Crofton will provide them with substantial funding for many years to come.

This is truly a place where a cup of coffee will contribute to changing a child’s life.

Cedrick’s ,1610 Joan Avenue Crofton, 250 324-1064

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s p g w a “ s i y t w S u h b n e ‘ t g p t Y t o ‘ m a

Complimentary Facial when booking AN appointment • Full Hair and Esthetics Services • Natural Sugaring Hair Removal • Onsite Gel Nail Artist

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Featuring So Pure natural hair care line with organic essential oils

Mosaics By Veronica Scott

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y journey as a stained glass mosaic artist started with a scrap of plywood, a bucket of broken glass and some encouraging words from my sister, an accomplished artist in Texas.

“Enough talking. Just do it,” she said. I had taken a brief introductory course several years earlier, enough to know that this was something I wanted to take up seriously .

So, I cleared out a small un-used bedroom, while my husband tiled the floor and built some shelves. For the next three years, I spent every waking hour in my ‘studio’. I was determined to master the art of cutting, gluing and grouting small pieces of glass on to a board to form a picture.

Years later, the act of transforming little pieces of disparate glass into a ‘painting’ still strikes me as magic. Stained glass offers a glorious colour palette

and an equally wide range of textures. I am especially drawn to the reflective nature of glass, the way it creates movement and a feeling of ‘aliveness.’

From fields of flowers to scenes of the Cowichan Valley , my subject matter is wide and varied. Over the years, I have ventured from small pictures to large wall hangings. I sell my mosaics at Imagine That! In Duncan, The Maple Bay Marina, Merridale Cider Works, the Southshore Gallery in Sooke and Butchart Gardens. veronicascottmosaics.com Dec. 5 - 19, “Mosaics” by Veronica Scott. Solo glass mosaic exhibition. PORTALS art space. 2687 James Street, Duncan Island Savings Centre Mon - Sat 10 - 5pm.

Free. Info 250-746-1633 Image: Le Coq by Veronica Scott 21” x 25”

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Having a Party?

Pick up a sushi platter and some local handmade chocolates in the Village!

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

EYE ON Shawnigan I

n Shawnigan, the company managing a contaminated soil facility approved by our provincial government, admits that it’s water filtration and settling pond is not working the way it’s supposed to.

Unsettling Waters: A Shawnigan Water Update

There is grass growing in the bottom of the settling ‘pond’ where water should be or should have been. We ought to see silt or some standing water. There is none; it “infiltrates faster than it should”... aka leaks.

Standing at the site, you can hear and see water flowing underneath where they have piled rock and tried, unsuccessfully, to improve the settling pond. There is a steady stream of what can only be groundwater (coming from underneath the bottom of the pit year round... even during extreme drought). Pumper trucks remove contaminated water/sludge from the upper part of their filtration system because it hasn’t been able to handle heavy rains.

We are in two Supreme Court of BC legal battles. One a Judicial Review led by the Shawnigan Residents Association, which has revealed a secret profit sharing deal between the company and it’s supposed arms length engineers, and one that addresses CVRD zoning that was never compatible with contaminated soil remediation.

Rachel Allen 250 882 4198

Reiki Practitioner Animal Communicator

They are going favourably, but the legal system is slow. While we wait for a court date from one and a decision from the other, the trucks full of stinky sludgy contaminated soil dump steadily. They’re barging it from the mainland over to the island to dump above a community drinking watershed??? What could soon be illegal is still legal today because our government (specifically the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Energy and Mines) has allowed the professional reliance model to reign, and failed to effectively enforce ongoing non-compliance.

We know now that this is very much in our Minister of Environment, Mary Polak’s hands. There are a couple of reasons for a minister to step in, even if it’s before the courts. One is non-compliance, and one is misrepresentation.

Blue Tree Creative Custom made wood

by Bonnie Tytel bluetreecreative@gmail.com 250-507-6922

See you at the Shawnigan Shiver 11am January 1st!

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This project has failed technically; they cannot contain surface water runoff and will not even admit the presence of groundwater. And we continue to see more and more evidence of non-compliance. The company (and their business partner/profit sharing engineers) have misrepresented themselves in the permitting process so extensively, anyone who takes the time to read the evidence can plainly see that these people should never have been granted a permit.

Because of a non-use water advisory issued on November 13th by the Island Health Authority, as well as an apparent breach of one of the containment cells on November 16th, the Ministry of Environment sent a letter to the company on November 18th. In this letter the MoE indicated that they were considering reducing or suspending the operations authorized under the Permit.

So in Shawnigan... We wait, We protest, We wonder.

When will our government take action to protect our drinking water? When will Mary Polak exercise her power to do what is right for the community of Shawnigan Lake?

Submitted by Georgia Collins

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

Sea Lions by Eric Marshall

Nature Rambles in December

T

he holidays can be I only went out for challenging for many a walk and finally of us. Sometimes we are concluded to stay out till lonely, sometimes our hearts ache for loved sundown, for going out, ones who are no longer I found, was really going with us, and sometimes in.” we cannot meet family ― John Muir expectations. Recent research from Stanford University (Daly, 2015) smart in their festive feathered has found quantifiable evidence vests. Chestnut-backed that walking in nature can lead Chickadees, Oregon Juncos, to a decrease in depression.

Red-breasted Nuthatches and So grab some warm clothing Spotted Towhees are visiting and give yourself the gift of my birdseed feeder regularly. time in nature! A walk on A great birding spot to take the the wild side, whether it is family for a ramble is down as simple as a walk through Dock Road in Cowichan Bay your neighbourhood or a little where the wintering flocks of further afield to one of our American Widgeons, Gadwalls, CVRD parks, the Cowichan Mallards, Northern Pintail estuary, Cowichan Lake or our ducks and Trumpeter Swans rivers will relax and rejuvenate are in full force. The Trumpeter you.

Swan is a good news story At this time of year there is since it was on the verge of a lot of bird activity. One of extinction and has made an the loudest birds here for the amazing comeback. Look for winter is our provincial bird, the black beaks which identifies Steller’s Jay, which many the trumpeter. We also have think is a Blue Jay. However, Mute Swans here, which were the Blue Jay does not live introduced years ago. Their on the Island and is a much neck is curved more than a lighter blue. If you have a suet trumpeter and has orange on feeder you will find Northern the beak. Watch along the Flickers visiting looking very estuary for the long-necked

black coloured IN DECEMBER - LOOK FOR: birds roosting on • Sea lions on Government Dock, Cowichan Bay the pilings. These • Salmon spawning in creeks and rivers are Double-crested • Red-tailed Hawks in trees in open areas Cormorants. Did • Western Bluebird-Quamichan and Somenos you know that they Lakes area (contact me if you see one!) fly back every night • Bald Eagles in Estuary and above Mt. Tzouhalem to their resting spot • Large flocks of American Widgeon ducks in Cherry Point area in trees near the Garth?

THINGS TO DO IN NATURE IN The miraculous DECEMBER arrival of salmon is • Embark on streamside restoration projects the driver of much • Set up a birdseed and suet feeder of the activity you • Take a child on a walk and see how many signs of winter you can find will see in birds and • Keep hummingbird feeders full, if you have mammals at this hummers visiting time of year. Bald • Attend the Christmas Bird Count Jan. 1st, Eagles and seagulls contact below are especially keen on salmon feeding 10AM ON WEDNESDAYS and you can hear Every Wednesday, until spring the Cowichan their calls in the Valley Naturalists meet at the dog park at Beverley and Lakes to count swans and other river areas. Sleek birds. Everyone welcome.! river otters can be seen along water edges, and despite their name abstract design of fruiting they are very common in bodies of lichen and wee salt water habitats. Visit the insects hiding in the cracks. government dock in Cowichan Very occasionally you can see Bay to see the California sea after a night of zero degree lions who bark and the Steller weather something wondrous sea lions who roar. Most are called ice hair. This looks very males and they generally leave much like candy floss and is between Christmas and New ephemeral in nature produced Year’s. Seventy five per cent from fungi growing in rotting of them are Steller’s. They will wood. It exists if cold tolerant travel a long way up the rivers fungi like Exidiopsis effusa feeding on salmon. Keep an are present. Some interesting eye out on the ocean bays for research is going on regarding seals, porpoises and maybe this phenomenon right now even an orca all hunting for (Hofmann, Preuss, Metzler, salmon! Orcas also enjoy a 2105). tasty meal of sea lion.

Everywhere we turn there is In the plant world mushrooms wonder and beauty in nature. are at their glory. Look for Fill your heart and soul with it. the fabulous fluffy cauliflower fungus; witch’s butter, which With thanks to David Aldcroft, is a bright orange jelly fungi; Eric Marshall and Derrick and the amazing wrinkly morel Marven of the Cowichan Valley mushrooms. Remember to eat Naturalists for information nothing in the outdoors unless you are with a knowledgeable Genevieve Singleton, nature person. Go for a tiny walk interpreter, twinflower4@ by looking at tree bark up gmail.com 250-746-8052 close and be amazed by the

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Wreaths are made and used all year round across many cultures for many purposes, from household decorations, head dress or crowns, funerals and memorials, to spring, midsummer and harvest celebrations.

Wreaths can be also be used as centrepieces for table decoration with a candle holder placed in the centre adding a richness to meal celebrations.

Wreaths are easy to make. The circular frame used to attach flowers and foliage can be vines from your garden, such as Virginia Creeper, Grape or Honeysuckle vines. Now would be a good time to harvest vines as they are supple enough to train to the shape you want. I cut the vines as long as possible and wind them into a bucket to create the circular shape. When I remove the Grape vines from the bucket, keeping the shape I want, I wrap the lighter weight Virginia Creeper or Honeysuckle vines around the Grape vines to keep the framework in the circular shape.

Of course you can always go to a craft store and just buy a Grape Vine wreath. If you do go to the craft store, you can also choose a dry or wet foam wreath, or a wire wreath shape frame. The dry foam wreath can be used for dried flowers and foliage while the wet foam wreath would be used for a fresh flower or foliage wreath. The wire wreath shaped frame can be lined with moss, filled with potting soil and planted with living material such as ground covers, herbs or succulents. So now you have chosen your base.

If you want a simple evergreen wreath, you can use either a Grape vine wreath or dry foam.

If you hang the wreath outside it will last a long time in the cooler temperatures over winter.

Any evergreen can be used, Fir,

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WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT By Rick Dennis

Wreaths Cedar, Hemlock or Pine. Use whatever is bountiful in your garden. Some nurseries also sell the evergreen foliage. If you are using a Grapevine base, cut your foliage into lengths in proportion to the diameter of your base. Tuck the stem ends into the vines securely, working in one direction, overlapping the foliage so the tucked in ends don’t show. Sometimes winding wire or strong twine around the foliage as you go along, being careful to hide the wire or twine as you add new foliage. With the dry foam, just poke the stems of foliage into the foam on an angle, again working in one direction so that the poked in ends don’t show. You are not limited to evergreen foliage. You can use twigs, leaves or dried flowers. If you want to use fresh flowers then you would choose a wet foam base so that the fresh flowers and foliage are kept hydrated. This wet foam will have to be submerged to take up the water, then drained until dripping stops before you start to assemble your wreath. Once you have your base made, then you can attach additional decorations like bows, ornaments or cones, whatever will enhance your celebrations!

Enjoy and remember, you are only limited by your imagination!

Christine Pollard of Crackpot Florals, Find us at The Garden Pantry, Duncan Farmers Market

THE REEL DEAL: So we should all know that Reel Alternatives is a fund-raiser for Cowichan Hospice Society and that each selection is cherry-picked from the bill of fare at the world famous Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). But I bet you didn’t know the names of the volunteers. So it’s time to shine the spotlight on those dedicated folks working behind the scenes.

MaryAnn Deacon, one of the volunteers at Reel Alternatives, tells me the original committee included Janet Hicken (chairperson), Barb Grimes (sponsors), Brian Hosking, Diane Branter, Mona Kaiser, Dianne Whetstone and Charles Rowling,”all of whom are still involved to a degree.” Later additions to the group have included Darlene Taylor, Louise Ketilson, Annette Gupton, Maeve Maguire, Alan MacInnes, Howard Martin and, of course, Ms. Deacon, who says it is “great fun and wonderful to have such variety from which to choose.” The next film in the series “Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed” is, despite the reference to a key phrase in the Beatles Strawberry Fields Forever, a Spanish language film. (Don’t worry. There are subtitles).

Tickets are twelve bucks a piece. (Five dollars for students. Rows A-C) And in addition to seeing a film on the big screen at the Cowichan Theatre (that you would probably have to drive to Victoria and/or wait until it came out on DVD or Netflix ) you have the satisfaction of knowing that you have contributed to a worthy organization.

Films are divided into Fall and Spring seasons. For more information on the quality films in the Spring 2016 season log (I like to call them “gourmet films) log onto cowichanvalleyhospice.org and click on “Spring Season Info Here.”

And on behalf of the entire staff at “Websites, E-Mails and Verbal Lint” (in other words, me, Rick Dennis) the best wishes for the holiday season (however you wish to celebrate it.)

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) This month is exciting because you will do everything possible to broaden your horizons through study and travel. You will seek out adventure and unfamiliar experiences. You will delight in meeting people from different backgrounds and other cultures. It will also be a great time to sign up for a course or start a new hobby. You will be fascinated by profound discussions about religion, philosophy, metaphysics, astrology and politics. You want to be smart; and you want to feel smart; and you want to look smart!

Yeah!

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This month you have a strong desire to experience life on a feeling level – the nittygritty truth. Sex and physical intimacy will be intense; but you will be equally intense about psychological self inquiry and soul-searching.

Einstein said, “Have the courage to take your own thoughts seriously, for they will shape you.” At another level, you will focus more on financial matters, especially the finances, wealth and assets of others. One reason you’re focused on money is you’re planning a vacation.

Packing tropical?

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This is the only time all year when the Sun is opposite your sign, which means it’s as far away from you as it gets all year. Since the Sun is your source of energy, this means you will be exhausted and will need more sleep.

Factoid. Respect your need for more rest by taking naps and going to bed earlier.

Venus and Mars will continue to bring party opportunities your way, which in turn, will be fun but exhausting. More sleep! This oppositional Sun will help you see that for your

own good, you must be as beneficial to your partner as he or she is to you.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You’ll be keen to get better organized this month because you want to manage your life more efficiently. You want to arrange duties and tasks so they flow easily and you feel good about what you do. You will refine your techniques because you want the most bang for your buck in terms of your energy output. This desire for an improved way of doing things will be expressed in your desire for better health as well. You might also explore a new exercise regime. Maybe it’s time to stop eating cold Chinese takeout for breakfast?

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) All Leos have a playful month ahead! This will be a happy time because you will grab the freedom to express yourself any way you want.

For starters, you want to get out and have a good time!

You will feel lighter about life!

You’ll enjoy playful times with children, as well as romantic dates and social diversions.

Get dressed up and go out in full dazzle because this is the one time of year where you can really be yourself.

Venus and Mars will make you charming and direct in all your communications with others.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Home, family and your private life will be your primary focus this month. In part, this is because many of you will tackle home repairs at this time. In addition, family discussions will be significant.

This makes sense because in the coming year, your focus is primarily about securing a home base for yourself and establishing a firm anchor in life. You need something for yourself and your family that you can rely on. Meanwhile, you’re working hard to earn money and enjoying purchases of beautiful things, perhaps for your home?

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Your daily pace will begin to accelerate now because this month, you will be busy with a jam-packed schedule!

Short trips, increased reading and writing, visits, mucho errands plus conversations with everyone will keep you off your heels. Lately, you have been enjoying buying clothes for yourself, and you will continue doing this because it’s fun! Venus and Mars in your sign make you proactive about being more attractive. Libra is the sign that rules haute couture, which is another way of saying you like clothes and you like looking good.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This month you will think about money, cash flow and earnings. Your thoughts will be more than just, “Where’s the money?” You will seek ways to have greater control over your life through what you own. You also want greater happiness in general by handling your money more wisely. This will be your goal. That’s because the Sun will make you reflect upon your values; as well as your relationship to the resources in your life and how they serve your needs. You might also be pleased with a new purchase or gift and want to show something off.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Happy Birthday! The Sun is now in your sign recharging your batteries for the rest of the year, and making you want to express yourself with more force than usual. You make a great impression on others at this time, which is one reason you will notice that others are attracted to you. It’s all good! Meanwhile, Mars and Venus will hype your popularity. You will enjoy socializing with others, especially creative, artistic types. You might also be in competition (physically) with someone. Expect a fun, busy month with you leading the pack.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Two opposite energies are at play. One makes you

DECEMBER withdraw from the busyness of the world, which is appropriate because you need to think about your goals for your new year. How do you want your new year to be different from this last year?

Ideas? Be specific. Make goals with deadlines. So yes, you will need solitude for some navel gazing. The opposite influence is that Venus and Mars, are cranking up your ambition and giving you opportunities to schmooze and make a great impression on everyone, especially bosses. In fact, this impression might be quite cozy. Hmmm.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You’re popular! Everyone wants to see your face this month. Enjoy spending time with friends, colleagues, groups, clubs and associations. This is an excellent month to sit down with others and share your ideas and goals for the future.

Not only can you build upon each other’s ideas, but if you share your dreams for the future with others, their feedback will help you. This is also a good time to study your friends because they are a reflection of who you are.

And remember, your friends influence you! Meanwhile, travel for pleasure appeals majorly.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This month others, especially bosses, are impressed with you! This is why someone will ask you to do a special job. Don’t worry because whatever you do – you will please everyone because good lighting is everything!

This is also the time of year when you ponder your life direction, and also the reputation that you have with your peers. This is serious stuff. Meanwhile, expect a sexy month because you feel passionate! Romance will be sweet and memorable. Plus, gifts, goodies and favours from others will come your way!

Not too shabby. www.georgianicols.com

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Valley Voice Magazine now offers readers a new directory 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.

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

DIRECTORY

Deadline December 10 for January Issue 84

Boatworks & Timberframes

Accounting Services

www.alternativeaccounting.ca

Woodland Boatworks and Timberframe

Alternative Accounting for Small Business Bookkeeping $38/hr. 25 Years Experience Free Consultation. Client Loyalty Discounts.

On or Off Site Service. Quickbooks Training.

281 Canada Ave, Duncan 250-709-3660

Wooden BOATS,TIMBERFRAME, DESIGN, and Solid Wood CONSTRUCTION

Pat Woodland 250-743-1810 www.biostave.com

Computers Repair and Help

Collector Buying

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anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress self-esteem, life transitions alison.breakthroughcounselling@gmail.com 250-324-3040 www.breakthroughcounselling.ca

Education and Tutoring

Remedial Reading Teacher Now Available at the HUB. Kate Woodland, BEd BC Certified Teacher readnow180@gmail.com 250-743-1810

PRE NATAL CLASSES:

- 6 week series - weekend series - one day intensive workshops

Robin Gale 250 732 5859 Farms and Food

More than a Meat Shop

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

The Duncan Butcher 430 Trans Canada Hwy 250 748 -6377

CHEESE MAKING CLASSES Visit website for schedules and times. www.maddacres.ca

Paula Maddison

cheesemakingclasses@gmail.com I 250 247 8635

REAL FARM TO FORK EXPERIENCE

Serving Local Beer & Wine • Wood Fired Oven Pizza Night • Rotisserie Organic Chicken Night

Alderlea Farm and Cafe

3390 Glenora Road, Duncan, 250 597 3438

Open Friday - Monday for lunch & dinner Reservations Recommended

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

MELISSA BROWN PATHWAYS OF CONNECTION

50% OFF • Hellerwork Structural Integration YOUR FIRST • Therapeutic Massage, VISIT! • Body Centered Counseling 250-661-1687 MELISSA BROWN

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pathwaysofconnection.com

Customizable Organic Mattresses, Pillows, Linens and More

BIOMAGNETISM

Are you suffering from chronic illness, fatigue, or want to boost your immune system?

Certified practitioner & Energy Healer Kathryn Lowther info@biomagcanada.ca www.biomagcanada.ca 250-891-5138

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

RELEASE, RECONNECT, RECLAIM YOUR POWER & HEALTH

HEATHER LAUZON MONICA MURPHY Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist •Certified Certified Massage Practitioner - Sessions offered Quantum Touch Practitioner • Intuitive Healer with Therapeutic Amethyst Biomat heather@emeraldhealingplace.com 250-732-1405 monica@emeraldhealingplace.com 250-510-1698

Gift Certificates Available www.emeraldhealingplace.com Framing and Local Art

Music, Movement and Yoga 139 Station St. 250-748-3311 ssgfs@telus.net

Professional Framing •Local Art •Unique Gifts Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

Yum Yoga & Dance Studio Cow Bay Weekly Yoga & Dance Classes Nia Dance (www.nianow.ca) Sound Healing Journeys, Sacred Sundays Check out FB for Events and workshops

Erin Collins 250 746 0390 Marketing & Web Design

Prudence

Your Cowichan Valley source for Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

www.MAC5.ca

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

• Website Design • Social Media • Online Marketing 250-732-2937

Pet Care

Want to be part of Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine?

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

PUPPY Extended Stays or Just A Day PATCH Lots of Love & Attention On a Fenced Acreage Your Dog’s Best Friend while you are Away.

Dogs Sleep In Home Duncan 250 748 8323

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SPRAY TANNING Summer may be over but your tan doesn’t have to be. Office location or in the comfort of your home 250 510 1963

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

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 Wordpress Site Set Up

Wordpress Site Set Up RICHARD BADMAN

rbadman@gmail.com 250.746.9319 Duncan, BC

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