May 2018 issue 114

owichan

MAY 2018 ISSUE 114 CVAC SPRING ARTS SHOW I WESTHOLME TEA FARM I CAMP PLANNER

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VINOTECA AT ZANATTA

by Tla-o-quiaht Master Carver Joe Martin Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre, Hecate Park, Cowichan Bay, xwaaqwum.com

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Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool & Kindergarten Open House 9:30-11am 2148 Lakeside Rd RSVP Required 250 743 7253 FREE Live in the Chapel Remembering John 7pm Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd www.barelynorth.com $20

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

Brunch on Sundays.

Shimmy Mob Multi Family Yard Sale 9-3 @Spinning Ninny Boutique 306 Duncan St FREE

Event Shuttle Available through

vinoteca.ca

Cinco de Mayo @ Merridale 11am-3pm Merridale Cidery & Distillery 1230 Merridale R

5039 Marshall Rd, Duncan I 250 709 2279

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Kim’s Convenience Chemainus Theatre Festival chemainustheatre.ca runs to 26 Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show 10am-5pm Portals Gallery Island Savings Ctr 2687 James St cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca $5 12&under FREE May 2-4 10-8pm runs to May 6

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Verdi’s Requiem w/Cow Consort Orchestra 730 pm Chr Ref Church 930 Trunk Rd Adults $20/ ages 17 & under $10 World Labyrinth Day Celebration 1pm Walk as One at One 1pm Waterwheel Park Chemainus FREE

Arts Show 11am-3pm Portals Gallery Island Savings Ctr cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca $5 12&under FREE A Walk to Remember w/ Cowichan Hospice 10am Registration/11am Start cowichanhospice.org Chemainus Classical Concerts: Michael Jones & Bruce Vogt 2pm Chemainus United Church 250 748 8383 $20/$5 Adv $17 Quaker silent meeting 1030am St Ann’s Garden Club Providence Farm www.cowichanvalley. quaker.ca FREE Learn to play Flute 1-330 pm Lake Cowichan reg @ rommyflutes@shaw.ca FREE Armchair Travel Guatemala, Cuba, Golden Hinde Chr Ref Church 930 Trunk Rd $2 Rob Wood: Off Grid State of Mind 11am Vancouver Island Homesteading Fair Cobble Hill Community Hall FREE

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Girls Golf Club 5-6 pm (ages 6-11) and 615-715 pm(ages 12-17) Arbutus Ridge GC 250 743 5000 FREE Cowichan Valley Garden Club monthly meeting, Guest speaker Solara Goldwynn St. John’s Anglican Church Hall, 486 Jubilee St Duncan

Live in the Chapel Kitty & the Rooster w/Soda Pony 7pm Providence Farm www.barelynorth.com $20

Vancouver Island Homesteading Fair Cobble Hill Fairgrounds FREE

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Vancouver Island Surface Design Association Portals Gallery 2687 James St 250 746 1633 FREE runs to June 1

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Paintings by Corrine and Joni Wilson Pastels and Watercolours by Doreen Green Imagine That! 251 Craig St FREE runs to June 1

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Tom Vickery Trio w/ Mark Lewis 2pm Pat’s House of Jazz Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $15

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Learn about Coast Salish Dugout Big Canoe 1 pm, See the canoe and take part in its carving, led

Averill Creek Vineyard Spring Open House 11am-5pm 6552 North Rd averillcreek.ca FREE LAST DAY Cowichan Valley Fine

Planting Peace in Palestine-A Discussion for Our Future 7 pm Sol Centre 5380 Trans Canada

Evening of Spoken Word, Agnes Marton, Luxembourg The Ou Gallery, 6pm 3091 Agira Road, Duncan.

FREE

Hwy by donation Best Pictures of the Year News Association of Canada Arbutus Gallery 2687 James St 250 746 1633 FREE runs to June 6 Cooking with Essential Oils 530pm Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree Jct reg 778 422 3310 also 17/24/31 $20

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April Verch w/Pharis & Jason Romero 730pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St 250 748 7529 $36 Play w/ Paint Night 7- 9pm. 139 Station St, Duncan preregister at beealiveinthehive@shaw.ca

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Art Show & Sale Senior Centre 10am-5pm 1507 Joan Ave Crofton FREE

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Children & Apple Pie Fun Fair 10am-3pm Cobble Hill Hall & Fairgrounds 3550 Watson Rd FREE Opening for ‘A Eulogy of Gravity’ Art installation (photographs, writing & video)

by Xan Shian, Montreal The Ou Gallery. 3091 Agira Rd, Duncan.

FREE theougallery.com Meet a Coach, Duncan Farmers Market 10-2pm Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club Plant Sale 9am until sold out Aggie Hall Symonds St & Ist Ave FREE Zoma Creative Maker Faire Fundraiser 11am -1pm Cobble Hill Fair Grounds Fisher Rd. zomacreative.com/events FREE Diversity Day 10am-3pm Charles Hooey Park ray@cis-iwc.org FREE Indigenous Voices w Della Rice Sylvester-Traditional Health & Medicine 2-4pm Cowichan Library 2687 James St FREE

Cowichan Valley’s Largest Open Show & Sale Tuesday, May 1 - Sunday, May 6 May 1 10am-5pm, May 2-4 10-8pm, May 5 10am-5pm, May 6 11am-3pm Admission $5 Children under 12 Free PORTALS & Cowichan Suite • Island Savings Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca cvartscouncil@shaw.ca

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

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International Migratory Bird Day 10:30am-3 pm The Raptors 1877 Herd Rd

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Second-Sunday Market at the Hub 10am-3pm 2375 Koksilah Rd FREE David Vest 2pm Pat’s House of Jazz Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $15 Dancestreams Piece by Piece 2pm Ladysmith Agricultural Hall www.dancestreams.ca $12/$10 seniors $ students Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet 11am-3pm Merridale Cidery 1230 Merridale Rd $29.95 pp/ age 2-9 $14.95

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Cowichan Valley Green Drinks 5-7pm Craig St Brewpub 3rd Floor FREE www. greendrinks.org/BC/ Cowichan%20Valley

Frank discussion of youth at risk w/ Nina Packebush 12-130pm Cowichan Library 2687 James St FREE Mural Festival 11am-2pm 9630 Chemainus Rd muraltown.com FREE Yin Yoga Class w/Nadia 6-730pm Harmony Yoga Centre 360 Duncan St FREE Connected Living Seminars: Connected Parenting 930am4:30pm Stonehaven Yurt connectedlivingseminars.ca FREE

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23rd Annual Maple Bay Wooden Boat Festival 10am4pm Maple Bay Marina maplebaymarina.com FREE

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Get Golf Ready GGR 1.0 (Beginners) 5:30-6:30 pm | 630-730 pm GGR 2.0 (Intermediate) 645-745pm FREE Arbutus Ridge GC 250-743-5000

Musical Feast 6-10pm Chef Bill Jones creates canapés and a 4-course dinner paired with Blue Grouse wines in a long table style w/ acclaimed NYC jazz pianist Misha Piatigorsky and his trio.

Blue Grouse Estate Winery 2182 Lakeside Rd 250 743 3834 $150 Limited Tickets Available

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Masala Sauce with Pam 530pm Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree Jct 778 422 3310 $30

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Play Cowichan Fundamental Movement Skills Workshop 530-10pm Quamichan Middle School Gym reg 250 749 6742 $55 Live Performance of ‘Topography: New Music for Solo Bass’ by Dave Riedstra, Victoria 8pm The Ou Gallery 3091 Agira Road, Duncan.

Tickets sliding scale $10-$20

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Low Tide Day 1030am Kil-pah-las Beach at the end of Botwood Lane CowichanBay info@ naturecowichan.net. FREE

Shimmy Mob online auction Facebook Cowichan Valley Shimmy Mob Silent Auction FREE Butter Chicken w/Pam 530pm Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree Jct reg 778 422 3310 $35 Teamaker’s Dinner 6-9pm Westholme tea farm and Hudson’s on First www. hudsonsonfirst.ca Play Cowichan Physical Literacy Info Session 530-930pm Island Savings Ctr 250 749 6742 FREE also May 31

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Spring Harvest Tea Garden Tour 1030am & 2pm Westholme Tea Farm www.

Mother’s or Father’s Day Specials 50% off 3x 1 hour sessions on the Omnium1 Mat $60 (Regular $120)

3x1 hour of Foot Reflexology and/or Reiki Sessions

$140 (Save $40)

Gift Certificates Available!

Terri Lewis RABC , IHM Reiki Master 250-701-8962 www.terriswellness.com

westholmetea.com $10 also 26/27 Hub Film Club The Shape of Water 7pm the Hub 2375 Koksilah Rd cowichanstation.org/ hub-film-club w/ membership or by donation Dayan Qigong Healing Hand Gestures Seminar w/ Michael Tse 6-9pm Glenora Hall 3660 Glenora Rd 250 748 4060 FREE Live in the Chapel The Great Regression 7pm Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd www. barelynorth.com $20

Live in the Chapel

Providence Farm

1843 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan ALL SHOWS Doors 7pm I Performance 7:30pm May 2 • $20 Kitty & the Rooster w/ Soda Pony

Surf rock from Vancouver and straight up rock from Whitehorse.

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Connected Living Seminars: Feeling Alive Fri 2pm-Sun 3pm Oceanfront Suites 1681 Cowichan Bay Rd reg connected livingseminars.ca $375 full weekend

May 5 • $20 Remembering John

A one man John Lennon tribute act.

May 25 • $20 The Great Regression

A group of stellar solo artists

together in one package!

Medford Singers Spring Tickets at Duncan Music, Providence Concert, Pearls ,Pomp Farm Store, and eventbrite.ca and Pageantry 2pm Lake Cowichan Senior www. barelynorth.com Secondary and May 27 2pm Duncan United Church Tix @ Volume Elders Gathering in Duncan 7pm One Bookstore $17 adv $20 @ Duncan United Church 246 door 12 & under free.

Ingram St Suggested $20

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Sahtlam School Sign Unveiling, 2 pm, 4410 Old Lake Cowichan Road, Duncan. FREE Annual Marine Garage Sale Fundraiser 9am-2pm Ladysmith Maina 901 Gladden Rd 250 245 4521 FREE

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Mill Bay Garden Club’s 7st Annual Community Flower and Garden Show, 9am-2pm silent auction, plant sale, plant and garden vendors, garden accessories, Master Gardeners, Strawberry Tea Cobble Hill Hall, 3550 Watson Ave., Cobble Hill Cowichan Valley Garden Club Annual Flower Show and Tea,1-4pm Guest speaker Andrea Strachan St. Peter’s Church Hall, 5800 Church Street, Duncan $4

Donation Children Free

Sam Kirmayer’s Quartet 2pm Pat’s House of Jazz Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $15 Virtuoso pianist Shoko Inoue, Dan Hayes, The London Chef and Cherry Point wines 6pm Cherry Point Vineyards Tickets 250.743.1272

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Plum Blossom Gong Seminar w/ Master Michael Tse 11am-3pm & Monday 6-9pm Glenora Hall 3660 Glenora Rd 250 748 4060 FREE

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Lentil Dahl w/Pam 530pm Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree Jct reg 778 422 3310 $2

Fundraiser for 42nd Annual BC

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May 2018 Issue 114 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Publisher Richard Badman Editor Sheila Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 6514 Wicks Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5V2 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Distribution

Mike Andringa Heather Lawrence

Events Calendar C. A. Linklater

Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline May 18 for June 2018 Issue 115 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next EVENTS DEADLINE May 15 for June 2018 Issue E-mail: Date, Event Title, Time, Location and Cost w/ subject “EVENT” to events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Mark Holford, John Magdanz, Monica Dockerty, Kurtis Howe, Marti Webster and Sheila Badman, Jens Barsballe, Lee Masters, Hisako Fujishima, Janet Sheppard, Carol Messier, Carolyn Prellwitz, Melanie Watson, Rose Wagner, Cheryl Painter Yonge, Roanne Weyermars, Tina Foster, Pam Stiles, Lindsay Campa, Pat Spezowka, Rhonda Maguire, Khaya J., Octavia J., Max C.M., Rosie K., Chelsea Abbott, Genevieve Singleton, Helga Feichtinger, Ruth Goodbody, John Magdanz, Kyle Christensen, Alexa Linton, Debbie Wood, John Scull, Pat Unger, Sandi Halvorson, Alistair MacGregor, Rick Dennis, Robert Massoud, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and David Suzuki.

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 May Cover: Canadian Tea Harvest at Westholme tea farm Photo Credit: Victor Vesely

Choose Valley Voice Magazine to be part of your 2018 marketing plan.

Contact Adrienne for details and a rate card

250 510 6596

adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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OUR COMMUNITY May Events 4-5 Cowichan Hospice 10th Annual Walk in Memory 13 Maker Faire 32 The 34th Annual Children and Apple Pie Fun Fair 33 Meet A Coach 28 23rd Annual Maple Bay Wooden Boat Festival 38 Remembering Sahtlam Schools 39 A Door Opens For A Greener Community 46-47 May Update From Alistair MacGregor 75 Downtown Duncan’s Business Improvement President’s Awards 44 Community Farm Store Pages 72-73 David Suzuki 76 Directory 78-79 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK The Musical Feast 9 Small Block Brewery 10 Spring Makeover at Rocky Creek Winery 11 A Celebration of Taste and Tactility 23 The Healthiest Lunch in The Valley 25 Have You Tried Tochu? 36 Chocolate Pearl, Bar None 43 Cooking With Essential Oils 49 Food Is The Great Connector 77 HOME, FARM & GARDEN At Home In Nature Author Rob Wood 24 Cowichan Beekeepers Society Welcomes You 26 Spring Into Beekeeping 27 Community Flower and Garden Show 28 Spring Colour 29 What Is Permaculture? 30 Benefits of Wildlife Trees 31 LOCAL ARTS CVAC’s Spring Fine Arts Show 8 Remembering John 12 Video & Poetry Installation by Xan Shian 14 Jazz Royalty Mark Lewis Comes to Crofton 15 April Verch and Pharis & Jason Romero 22 The HUB Film Club 40 CVAC May Arts Update 41 CHILDREN & FAMILY Something Special For Mother’s Day 20-21 Mom’s The Word 42 Gift Ideas For The New Mama 45 Little Owl Kids Fair 58 Explore Your Passion! 59 Summer Camps For Kids 59-64 Physical Literacy: An Athlete’s Not-So-Secret Weapon 69 BODY, MIND & SOUL Visiting Qigong Master Teaching Ancient Healing Skills For All 34 Caring For Your Body The Clean Way 48 Yoga For Wellness 49 I Bend So I Do Not Break 50 Cowichan Healing Arts Expo 51 Connected Living 52 Discover Your Spiritual Identity 53 Indian Head Massage-What Is It? 66 Ramadan-Islamic Holy Month More Than Spiritual Reflection and Prayer 67 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE One Tide Around The World 54 Nature Rambles 55 History Of Cowichan Bay’s Low Tide Day 68 Celebrating Kia And The Legacy She Leaves Behind 70 Lucky Dog- The Teenage Dog... 71

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

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Artist Name

Medium

Day

Time

Myers, Lindsay

Oil Painting

May 1

10:00-12

Rankin, Travis

Hammering Flower Petals And Shapes

May 1

1:30-2:30

Magdanz, Janet

Hand Building With Clay

May 2

11:00-12:30

Dueck, Pauline

Acrylic

May 2

1:30-3:30

Haggart, Charlotte

Water Colour Pencil

May 3

10:00-11:30

Roy, Mimi

Metal Smithing

May 3

11:30-12:30

Smith, Gwen

How To Use A Jeweler Saw

May 3

1:00-3:00

Jackson, Roger

Oil Painting

May 4

10:30-12:30

Irwin, Alison

Weaving

May 4

1:30-3:30

Kostiuck, Suzan

Framing

May 5

10:00-11:00

Berg, Alison

Charcoal

May 5

11:30-1:00

Schmaus, Bonnie

Painting

May 5

1:30-3:30

Boden, Penny

Drawing

May 6

11:00-12:30

Fraser, Catherine

Water Colour Painting

May 5

12:00 -3:00

Exquisitely hand-crafted works of art Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs 251 Craig St., Downtown Duncan

imaginethatartisans.com I 250-748-6776

1-778-554-5434 I tarynogormandesigns.com

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Ceramic artist Janet Magdanz demonstrating hand building with clay.

Hunting For Art A scavenger hunt at an art show?

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es, the Cowichan Valley Arts Council has added some new ways to experience the annual Spring Fine Arts Show, May 1 – 6. Of course, hunting for affordable art to take home and discovering talented artists have long been popular activities at Vancouver Island’s largest open show and sale.

This year, there are over 160 emerging and professional artists showing their creations, which include painting, printmaking, jewellery, sculpture, furniture, fibre, ceramics and photography. We have expanded the size limit this year so there will be some monumental pieces as well.

To help make this experience even more engaging, we are offering an interactive scavenger hunt for children and adults. For younger people, the hunt will involve looking for patterns, colors and how the art makes them feel. For people looking for a higher level of engagement, the scavenger hunt will include a short lesson on

elements of art.

For more inspiration, participating artists will be demonstrating their techniques ranging from watercolor pencils and oil painting to hand building with clay.

Check out the schedule below to decide when you would like to come and enjoy this amazing show.

Always exceptional, CVAC’s Spring Fine Arts Show will benefit from exhibiting in the newly repainted and renovated Cowichan Suite, including our Arbutus Gallery. It is a space that truly enhances and showcases the astonishing talent in the Valley and on the Island.

The 2018 event is the 48th annual arts show run by CVAC, and it continues to be valued as a spring awakening in the community. Don’t miss it!

The Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show can be enjoyed at PORTALS and The Cowichan Suite in the Island Savings Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan from May 1st to May 6th.

Submitted by Janet Magdanz

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

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Architecture award winning Blue Grouse landmark building

Stinging nettle hummus prepared by Chef Bill Jones

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Internationally acclaimed pianist Misha Piatigorsky Jones

A Musical Feast at Blue Grouse Vineyards

magine yourself surrounded by lush rolling hills, sipping old vine wines and sharing the company of your favourite friends or family. Now seat yourself at a white linened finely set long table as platters of seasonal Spring ‘firsts’ are set before you. Crisp freshly picked Cowichan Bay asparagus, live BC Spot Prawns caught in the Salish Sea, juicy grand fir spit fired spring lamb from a heritage farm in Westholme, fragrantly roasted local vegetables cooked over clipped vine cuttings. Tantalized? Wait there’s more.

Now fly in a sexy, internationally acclaimed jazz pianist from New York City to play four specially composed sets with a live trio to pair with this multi course symphony of the senses.

Okay now you’re with me. The event? A Musical Feast, a magical and enchanted celebration of spring foods, local sips and live music taking place at an architectural landmark, Blue Grouse Vineyards on Sunday, May 20 from 6-10pm.

The event conceived by acclaimed author and chef Bill Jones of Deerholme Farm and NYC composer Misha Piatigorsky (www.mishamusic.com) is the first of it’s kind on Vancouver Island. Jones is renowned throughout the Pacific Northwest for his exquisite local food dinners that take place monthly at his farmhouse. Guests book months in advance to enjoy multi-course tasting menus themed to the season. An expert in wild and foraged food, Bill has designed the Musical Feast’s four course menu

with spring in mind featuring a plethora of the finest ingredients. Inspired by the chef’s menu, Misha has composed lively and sultry jazz sets that will be performed with his trio throughout the event. Sold out events are the norm for these two and the Musical Feast is a rare opportunity to experience the finest in food, music and wine at one venue, for one ticket price.

best of local ingredients.” shares Chef Bill Jones, the Musical Feast’s main organizer. “Misha will set the tone for the courses with his performances and though he has played in famed venues in many parts of the world he is thrilled to be part of this dream gig.” This is one event that food and drink aficionados won’t want to miss.

The venue, one of Vancouver Island’s oldest estate vineyards will be serving exceptional wines made from established heritage vines. The event will also feature Ampersand Distilling Co. recently awarded Audience Favourite at BC Distilled, the province’s premiere festival of spirits. Charcuterie from The Whole Beast, experts in hand crafted and artisan cured and smoked meats.

Gold and silver international cheese award winners Natural Pastures Cheese Company. Westholme tea farm, the first and only commercial tea farm in Canada, producing a limited harvest, single origin, hand-processed organic terroir tea. Oak Bay Seafood dedicated to specializing in sustainable fish caught in the Salish Sea. Award winning craft bakery True Grain Bread, honouring the tradition of old-world style baking using freshly milled organic ingredients and hand formed loaves. Plus an array of small local family run farms providing organic vegetables, herbs, sprouts, salads and micro greens all grown fresh for the event.

Proud to assist the local community, the Musical Feast will be making a donation to Nourish Cowichan on behalf of the event to provide free healthy meals for students in the Cowichan Valley. What a great way to celebrate and help others in need.

“A stunning venue we will create a long table dinner prepared by some of the islands best chefs and featuring the

Leave the keys at home and call Cheers Cowichan for a ride! They are available for pick up and drop off services from to and from the event. To arrange call Susan at 250 710 7391.

Sunday, May 20, 6-10pm, Blue Grouse Vineyards, 2182 Lakeside Rd, Duncan $150 per person (plus gratuity and tax) Limited Tickets - only 100 available.

For a peek at the menu visit www.deerholme.com or www.bluegrouse.ca. There you can also watch a video clip with more details about the event. Tickets are available from the websites or call 250 743 3834.

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Small Block Brewery

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he new kid on the block in Duncan’s craft beer scene is Small Block Brewing Co. Owners Cate and Aaron Scally, of Cherry Point, swung the doors open on St. Patrick’s Day with a lineup of four distinct beers precision crafted by brewer Zach Blake.

The name Small Block comes from Aaron’s lifelong fascination with hot-rod and rockabilly culture. We asked him “Why small block?”

“In hot rod culture it is the go-to for a custom built car.

We are like those “mighty mouse” motors – small in size, but able to power up some amazing things. We are getting a lot done with a little.”

Upcoming EVENTS Spring Feast (Mothers Day Weekend) Saturday, May 12 Master BBQ Class Cooking Class Saturday, May 26

For full details visit www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450 10

The tap room echoes that hot rod and old school culture.

From the garage like feel, the paintings on the walls to a chopped 1946 Chevy truck in one corner awaiting its own small block to get it up and going: it is all about doing it by hand. That hot rod must wait - the trio of Aaron, Cate and Zach have had their hands full with other tasks.

From September of 2017 they had many hands on deck and spent countless hours plumbing, mechanically installing, configuring and tweaking the brewhouse and the tap room to ready it for your tasting pleasure.

In the brewery they have crafted Hornet Blonde Ale,

Cate and Aaron Scally, Owners Small Block Brewery

Miss Lead Oatmeal Stout, Dagmar India Session Ale, and Nail Head Canadian Pale Ale. But they aren’t content with leaving well enough alone: customized cask-aged versions of those beers will be available on Friday nights, souped up with fruit, hops and other natural and locally sourced additives. A Best Bitter and India Pale Ale are conditioning now and will be rolling out for the first fire-up soon.

The beer is all natural, no preservatives, no filters, no animal products, and as an added piece of customization, extremely low in gluten.

Zach uses a naturally occurring enzyme to knock down those derided proteins to approximately 20ppm.

They have offerings for people who like it light, people who like it dark, hoppy, and not. fb:smallblockbrewery instagram: smallblockbrewingco/ Small Block Brewing, 203-5301 Chaster Rd, Duncan www.smallblockbrewery.com

Averill Creek Vineyard Spring Open House Sunday May 6 11am - 5pm 6552 North Rd, Duncan Free Admission New World. Cool Climate.

Uncompromising wines from Vancouver Island.

We look forward to welcoming you to Averill Creek Vineyard.

Wine, music & food! Our biggest event of the year and your chance to sample

all of our products including brand-new releases and premium reserve wines.

Enjoy gorgeous ocean & valley views, complimentary wine tastings & winery tours, delicious local cuisine from Farm’s Gate Food Truck and the Wandering Mollusk Oyster Bar plus live music on the patio featuring Victoria’s, Lust Life Jazz Band. www.averillcreek.ca Friday May 18, 8pm, doors open at 7pm. Live Performance of ‘Topography: New Music for Solo Bass’ by Dave Riedstra, Victoria. The Ou Gallery 3091 Agira Road, Duncan. Tickets sliding scale $10-$20, purchase online or at the door. www.theougallery.com

DELICIOUS MEALS MADE FROM SCRATCH

Saturday & Sunday Brunch Featuring our famous crêpes & bennys!

1765 COWICHAN BAY RD • 250 597 7373 Eat, Drink and Support Local

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music and life of Lennon.

Sands Funeral Chapel

Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan

by Arbor Memorial

Janice Winfrey Funeral Director

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

Remembering John

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“It took me a long time to resolve how to effectively present the show,” states Rossner. “I’ve been wanting to put together something in this regard for a very long time and have done a couple of shows just featuring John’s music, but I wanted to take it an extra step by adding a theatrical take on his persona as well.” As such, Rossner appears in the first-person as John Lennon during the show and imparts short introductions for each of the songs that reflect direct quotes from him (implementing the appropriate Liverpool accent), along with reflections on what was happening in John’s personal life at the time.

arely North Entertainment is trying something a little different on Saturday May 5th, when they bring one man John Lennon tribute act Remembering John for a show in the Chapel at Providence Farm (1843 Tzouhalem Rd.).

The show is on it’s first run and has been performed in several communities on Vancouver Island thus far, and plans to tour further are under way. Rossner’s performance has received warm receptions from audiences, with great reviews on it’s authenticity.

The show is a musical/ theatrical presentation of the music and persona of one of the great musical icons of our time—John Lennon.

Vancouver Island musician Phil Rossner, also known as Boz Roz, has dug deep to pull off a show that delves into the

Tickets are $20 at Duncan Music, Providence Farm Store, and online at www.eventbrite.ca.

Doors:7pm / Show: 7:30pm www.barelynorth.com

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

LACE UP IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE WITH COWICHAN HOSPICE

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he 10th Annual Walk in Memory with Cowichan Hospice is coming up Sunday, May 6th. Join us for a 1 or 3 kilometer stroll at beautiful Providence Farm in memory of a loved one and in support of hospice care in Cowichan.

Featuring face painting and performances by the Cowichan Spirit Drummers and the Lila Community Choir.

For Heather B., walker and former Cowichan Hospice client, the walk is an opportunity to remember her late husband, John.

“What I enjoy about the walk is that we are all there together for the same reason: to share memories and to acknowledge that we have not forgotten our loved ones. I hope they are watching from heaven and saying, ‘Yes! I am remembered.’ “

On April 6, 2013, three days before Heather and John were to return to Canada from their vacation spot in Florida, John died suddenly.

“We had planned for the future and in fact we had talked a lot about death because of his work, he was in insurance. You still don’t expect death to come so suddenly, without warning.”

Over a year after his death, Heather was urged by a friend to see what Cowichan Hospice had to offer for support through the grieving process.

“There was lots open to me at hospice. I had a wonderful volunteer, Judith, who would sit with me so that I could talk before she gave me a therapeutic touch treatment. It was so important to be able to release my emotions in a safe place.

With my head and heart so full, even after a year, I was happy that there were no barriers, no fees to think about.”

Cowichan Hospice is a registered charity that provides bereavement and palliative care support to over 800 people every year in the Cowichan region.

We hope you will join us as we put one foot in front of the other on the trails in memory of our loved ones. There’s still time to get involved – visit cowichanhospice.org to register for the walk or to make a donation.

For more information contact Cowichan Hospice at 250-701-4242

Walk as One at One Saturday May 5 1pm Start Waterwheel Park Downtown Chemainus Free

Join others around the globe to create a wave of peaceful energy washing across the time zones. A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. It represents a journey to our own centre and back again out into the world. The first 100 people to complete the Walk on the Mild Side will receive a certificate of participation the Society. There are more than 75 labyrinths on Vancouver Island.

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

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Video Projection, Installation Xan Shian

Video & Poetry Installation By Xan Shian

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pening May 12th at The Ou Galley is a photography, video & poetry installation by artist & poet, Xan Shian.

Currently based in Montreal, Xan was born in England, toddled through Spain, and spent a childhood in Sooke.

Her installation A Eulogy of Gravity is an exploration of the factions of memory which exist within, inform and predict our lives. Based on two similar experiences of drowning in a swimming pool in Seville, both times held below the surface by a friend at the age of four, the project uses the element of water and the moment of suspension as catalysts for exploring other types of trauma and memory.

Eulogy of Gravity explores the idea that memories as moments in time are cyclical; they return upon themselves, repeat and multiply as threads which wind, shift and ultimately break.

They become embedded in the sequence of our DNA and transfer across the span of a life

Drifters, Xan Shian

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to subsequent generations.

“My work tries to evoke the responses of memory and lived experience through the merging of the written word and the photograph; to develop further, deeper, more resolved ways of conveying those things which lie outside the communicable.

Together they (the image and the word) draft a new language, turn over stones to define rhythm and conversation between two mediums. As with darkness and light, they become reliant on one another for the articulation of their forms.

“In my artistic practice I explore the nature of truth by remixing my own archives to create fictionalised photograph and word-based narratives, often reimagining entire periods of my life. Such works question the nature of perceived reality, truthfulness in the digital epoch and the reliability of memory; they seek to deconstruct notions of fact through the questioning of my own capacity for recollection.

My practice reflects my experience as an artist, poet and woman living in and traversing other continents, systems and cultural paradigms.” - http:// xanshian.com The exhibition will run until June 2 and is open and free for the public Tuesday – Saturday from 1 to 5pm. Paired with the show is an evening of Spoken Word on Thursday May 10that 6pm. Find more information about these events and more at www.theougallery.com.

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

to be used for hearing instead. Says Lewis, “In the way that most people see everything at once when they walk into a room, I hear everything at once.”

He had surgeries until age two to let light into his eyes and only then began learning to process visual information. Seeing is still not automatic for him, but hearing music is. Today he uses largelensed glasses and outsized print to read his musical scores.

Jazz Royalty Mark Lewis Comes To Crofton

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azz royalty comes to Crofton on May 6 when Washington State master of the sax, flute and piano Mark Lewis teams up with Victoria’s Tom Vickery Trio at Pat’s House of Jazz at the Osborne Bay at 2 p.m.

Lewis is an amazing musician who, though profoundly visually impaired, has composed 1,700 works and has recorded and produced more than 30 records including albums with such notable jazz musicians as piano legend George Cables and vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson.

He also performed with trumpet player Randy Brecker at the Palo Alto Jazz Festival.

Born totally blind, it seems that the part of his brain that was intended for visual work started

Lewis lived in Victoria for 18 months almost 30 years ago when he was a feature at Hermann’s Jazz Club.

He also performed for the inauguration of former B.C. Premier Mike Harcourt.

But his long career has been an international one, spanning such vibrant jazz scenes as Rotterdam, Netherlands, where he spent 14 years, as well as Paris, San Francisco and Seattle.

He also owned his own record company and is an accomplished recording engineer. He recorded one of the legendary jazz drummer Philly Joe Jones’s last albums, The Rotterdam Session.

Lewis came by his musical talents naturally. His paternal grandmother was a concert pianist, while his maternal grandfather played a C melody saxophone, which Lewis started playing when just nine years old.

Lewis soaked up Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Art Tatum while investigating his parent’s record collection.

While he originally majored in both

physics and music, he finally realized he had to choose and went on to study composition, flute, electronic music and piano at Western Washington University and the Cornish Institute of Allied Arts.

Among his many mentors was drum master Otis “Candy” Finch, who encouraged him to get out of town. So, in 1978, the 20-year-old headed to Europe with a one-way ticket, his alto sax, and just $500 in his pocket. The rest is history.

At Crofton, Lewis teams up with one of Victoria’s busiest pianists, Tom Vickery, a former director of the Royal Roads Military Band, who has hosted a jazz jam for decades at Hermann’s Jazz Club.

Vickery’s exuberant playing fills the stage with energy and joy.

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS May 6• 2PM Tom Vickery Trio with guest Mark Lewis Lewis, a master saxophonist from Washington State, and Vickery perform ballads, bebop, originals and jazz standards of the very highest order

May 13 • 2PM David Vest

Boogie piano player, blues shouter, world-class entertainer and four-time winner of the Maple Blues Award for Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year celebrates release of new 2018 CD

May 20 • 2PM Holiday. No Show

May 27• 2PM Sam Kirmayer’s Quartet

Mainstream jazz, blues, From ballads and bop and ballads, with a side bebop to engaging order of straight-eight music from original music and jazz his 2017 CD Opening Statement standards, expect jazz of the very highest Osborne Bay Pub standard.

The concert is 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton presented by the All shows are $15 at the door Chemainus valley unless otherwise stated.

Cultural Arts Society.

Admission is $15. For reservations call 324-2245.

Rock I Funk I Blues I Reggae I Latin I Metal

Paul Jutras

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

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

778-422-1034 I chopsdrumschool@gmail.com

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Gift Baskets & Certificates Cocktail Supplies Meat & Cheese Platters Gourmet Foods Dine In & Take Out

surf rockers Kitty and the Rooster Barely North Entertainment is very excited to present Vancouver surf rockers Kitty and the Rooster (yes, they dress up as a cat and rooster on stage!) with Whitehorse’s Soda Pony for a seemingly themed full out rock show of epic proportions on Wednesday May 2nd in the Chapel at Providence Farm (1843 Tzouhalem Rd.). Tix are $20 at Duncan Music, Providence Farm Store, and www.eventbrite.ca.

Doors: 7 Show 7:30pm.

members of our communities, we are working with Indigenous Elders to share stories and skills related to Indigenous culture and experience. Come to hear Hyamiciyè elder Della (Rice) Sylvester share some of her knowledge on traditional health and healing. May 12 Indigenous Voices w Della (Rice)Sylvester Traditional Health & Medicine, 2-4pm, Cowichan Library, 2687 James St., Duncan FREE

Community Acupuncture

Traditional Health & Medicine with Della (Rice) Sylvester As part of Vancouver Island Regional Library’s efforts to facilitate reconciliation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous

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Acupuncture provides a wide range of health support, including mental, emotional or physical cause.

Community Acupuncture with Frauke McCashin, RAc, is offered every Wednesday from 5 - 8 pm (May 9,16, 23,30) and Thursday (May 10, 17, 24, 31) from 12 - 3 pm, at 103 - 44 Queens, Duncan.

Payment is $20-$40, whatever is affordable. Call 250-7103581 for an appointment.

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

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Spring makeover at Rocky Creek Winery

splash of colour from our creek. Katherine created the logo, photographs, and the following prints associated with the new look.

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The swirl on the logo of the creek is actually shorthand that Linda used in the corporate world and is Gregg shorthand for “rocky”. Our initial look was created quickly when we started in 2005 but now has grown encompassing our story. So the corporate suits are still there but the gumboots represent working the land and passing it onto our daughters and future generations.

ven wineries get tired of their looks after a while.

Our family winery is now starting to prepare for a second generation. We are celebrating our heritage going “from corporate suits to gumboots”.

We have a fresh design concept based on our family and our two daughters.

To do this we enlisted help from Maple Bay Graphics Design to update our labels and create a creek with a wraparound landscape design for our new bottles. But the story and the branding look is based on our daughters. The design is simple and elegant but with that wonderful

Our new labels will grace our new releases coming out May 1st.

Submitted by Mark Holford, Rocky Creek Winery

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Mother’s Day Pairings May on Vancouver Island always marks the opening of BC Spot Prawn season and Leana from Oak Bay Seafood in Victoria (formerly Cowichan Bay Seafoods) has shared a delicious way to prepare BC Spot Prawns that is perfect to serve to anyone on Mother’s Day, whether they have birthed or not.

Paired with recommended local libations from Cowichan Valley vineyards it is sure to be an unforgettable meal!

Ingredients

1 Lb 6 2 1/2 Cups 2 Tablespoons 3/4 Teaspoon 1/2 Teaspoon 10 Slices 1/2 Cup 2 Cups

BC Spot Prawns Eggs Milk Minced Fresh Parsley Ground Mustard Salt & Pepper Bread, Cubed (remove crusts) Panko Bread Crumbs Mixed Cheese, Shredded (Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere)

BC Spot Prawn Baked Brunch Casserole

Recipe courtesy Oak Bay Seafoods 2024 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria

Method

Peel and roughly chop spot prawns and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, parsley, mustard and salt.

In a greased 11” x 7” baking dish, layer with bread cubes, shrimp and 1/2 shredded cheese; pour egg mixture over top and add in spot prawns. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes top with remaining cheese and sprinkle panko crumbs. Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Check centre for doneness.

Let stand for before serving. Perfect for a special brunch.

l l i w ou om at y Me th e it! lov mad

For full design/build service, give us a call

p 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com 18

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

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With BC Spot P rawns Rocky Creek Winery Pinot Gris 2017

Averill Creek Vineyard Rosé

Our just released 2017 Pinot Gris has a beautiful combination of citrus notes on the nose and a long complex finish in the mouth, with the added bonus of a gorgeous pink colour which matches the colour of spot prawns beautifully. It’s as pretty as it is tasty. A wine with lively acidity which pairs perfectly with any local seafood.

This new 2017 vintage is composed of 100% Pinot Noir and is pale pink in color, featuring a fine balance of ripe red berry flavours and a splash of crisp citrus on the palate. Always an excellent choice to pair with prawns, our Rosé is also light-bodied and dry enough to complement the eggs, herbs and sharp aged cheeses included in the brunch casserole recipe.

Visit our Open House on May 6th to sample and purchase this brand new release! Cost $18

Emandare Vineyard 2017 Rosé Sunny days, seafood and delicious local wine. What more can you ask for!

Let our Rosé brighten your day as it seamlessly pairs with local seafood and sunshine. Here’s to summer, Cheers!

Blue Grouse Estate WineryEstate Ortega This wine reflects the best that warm Cowichan Valley summers can deliver.

Ortega is Vancouver Island’s signature grape and the perfect ambassador. Its delicate and floral aromas of almonds and orange peel are supported by a medium body and lively acidity which pair perfectly with our local seafood. $21

Other recommened pairings

Alderlea Vineyards, 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Cherry Point Estate Winery, Pinot Blanc

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Sunday, May 13, 11am - 3pm, 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill www.merridale.ca/ events/mothers-daybrunch-buffet-0

DANCE STREAM

MERRIDALE CIDERY & DISTILLERY Forget breakfast in bed! Bring Mom out to Merridale for a delicious Mother’s Day brunch buffet overlooking the orchard.

Capture a family moment with a fun photo in our orchard taken by one of our staff, complimentary when you join us for brunch.

Reservations required.

Dancestreams is offering a special Mother’s Day performance in Ladysmith. The Company, renowned for its ground-breaking professional choreography, will transform the Ladysmith Agricultural Hall into a performance space, with backdrops, wings and lighting. May 13, 2pm, Aggie Hall Ladysmith 1110 1st Ave Ladysmith Dancestreams.ca

BRIDGEMANS BISTRO

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Bridgemans Bistro. Brunch

Try Something Special specials, drink specials and a gift basket draw including a spa gift certificate for Monet Spa in Duncan. Reservations required.

778.356.3568 May 13th 10am – 3pm 740 Handy Rd, Mill Bay, bridgemans.ca

brunch all day on Sunday.

Choose from wholesome pastries, free range egg dishes, fresh baked bread, homemade jams, vegetarian lunch specialties, sweet desserts and delicious organic coffees and teas. May 13, 330 Duncan St, Duncan 8:30am -5pm

FARM TABLE INN Day brunch buffet at the Farm Table Inn on Sunday, May 13.

10:30am and 1pm seatings.

Reservations required.

Local, organic and homemade breakfast and lunch items as well as homemade desserts.

Also, enter to WIN our Mother’s Day Gift Basket! 6755 Cowichan Lake Road, Lake Cowichan www.farmtableinn.ca

DUNCAN GARAGE BAKERY & CAFÉ There’s no greater way to thank mom than with brunch at her favourite spot. The Duncan Garage Bakery will be serving

WESTHOLME TEA FARM Treat Mom to a 3course Tea+Sweet Pairing Experience that includes decadent cake, seasonal sorbet and a chocolate delight to finish. Your sweets are accompanied by a fabulous selection of organic loose teas all served in our cozy tearoom and bucolic garden setting.

Add a tour of Canada’s only tea garden as an exceptional option. Saturday+Sunday May 12+13 10am-5pm $18/person - reservations required.$23/ person with Tea Garden Tour (Sunday only) reservations required 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme 250.748.3811 www.westholmetea.com

B D F f a V w t 1 D f p

Your Doorway To Exotic Flavours and Aromas “Amazing food, great friendly service, beautiful atmosphere, we will definitely be eating there again!”

5.0

Be sure to ask your server about Our Daily Lunch Features

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Google Review

• Lunch & Dinner • Takeout/Catering • Gift Certificates • Local Wines & Craft Beers • Vegan & Gluten-Free Choices 148 Third St, Duncan 250-597-1483

Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30-2:30 | 5-Close | royaldar.ca

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

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For Mother’s Day! gifts. Buy a six month cheese of the month membership and get 2 months free - 8 months total for mom! That’s how you please mom with cheese. 5-1400 Cowichan Bay Road curemeatandcheese@gmail.com

ALL DAY BRUNCH FOR MOTHER’S DAY

Super-delicious! Vegetarian-Organic Mothers Day Brunch

BLUE GROUSE WINERY Blue Grouse Winery Mother’s Day Event features Farms Gate Foods will be creating 3 courses featuring ingredients produced and foraged in the Cowichan Valley paired with Blue Grouse wines and served in our upstairs tasting room mezzanine. May 13, 11:30 am, 2182 Lakeside Rd Duncan For reservations contact farmsgate@gmail.com or by phone at 250-466-5412

Special Event! May 13 • 8am - 3pm

GENOA BAY CAFÉ Mother’s Day Brunch Take a slow ride down the winding roads to the hidden gem that is genoa bay! Join us for our annual mothers day brunch, and sample the variety of both sweet and savoury fresh local offerings. Sunday, May 13, 5000 Genoa Bay Rd. Duncan www.genoabaycafe.com

GLOW JUICERY AND RAW FOOD CAFÉ Mother’s Day Brunch Take a slow ride down the winding roads to the hidden gem that is genoa bay! Join us for our annual mothers day brunch, and sample the variety of both sweet and savory fresh local offerings.

Sunday, May 13, 5000 Genoa Bay Rd. Duncan www.genoabaycafe.com

CURE ARTISAN MEAT AND CHEESE Cheese Please for Mom. Cheese fondue and Chive and Cheese Shortbread for brun. Cheese club

CHOCOLATE PEARL Make Mom’s day at Chocolate Pearl with exquisite chocolates, hand made with local Cowichan ingredients.

Lots to choose from including pre-made boxes of 12 and 24 chocolates. 133 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan. Open Tuesday to Friday 10 AM to 5PM, Saturday 9AM to 4PM www.chocolatepearl.ca

JOIN US FOR HAPPY TURKEY NIGHT MEETS CRANBERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Monday, June 18th 5:00-7:00pm A Unique Culinary Event Tickets $12 Over 40 Farm-Made Cranberry Products

Open 11am-5pm Daily

4532 YELLOW POINT RD, LADYSMITH YELLOWPOINTCRANBERRIES.COM I 250.245.5283

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April Verch and Pharis & Jason Romero headline a double bill folk music performance

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he Cowichan Performing Arts Centre presents an eclectic night of folk music featuring a double bill performance by April Verch and Pharis & Jason Romero including an opening performance by Parksville’s own Annie Lou on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 7:30pm.

April Verch is perhaps best known for playing traditional fiddle styles from her native Ottawa Valley, Canada. Her performances extend into oldtime American and Appalachian styles and beyond. She is currently touring the world with her band featuring bassist and clawhammer banjo player Cody Walters and guitarist Alex Rubin to share songs from her 11th album -The April Verch Anthology. One might suspect a performer with as many talents as April Verch would pause to take a breath or need to somewhat compartmentalize her skills during a live performance. But on stage she is almost superhuman, flawlessly intertwining and overlapping different performative elements as she steps, sings, and fiddles with a fresh and feisty approach.

She step-dances while fiddling. She sings while step-dancing.

Sometimes she sings, steps and fiddles all at once, with apparent ease and precision.

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Verch is - as they say - a triple threat in performance, her live show a beautiful companion to her music: versatile, robust, and masterfully executed. It is a trifecta of talents that is brought together simultaneously to jawdropping effect. www.aprilverch.com Juno award-winning Pharis & Jason Romero have returned from a year -long sabbatical celebrating with a new album Sweet Old Religion.

Literally rising like a Phoenix from the ashes, the musicians and renowned instrument makers at J. Romero Banjo Co. had taken time off from touring and recording to welcome their second child, build some banjos, and rebuild their house in Horsefly, BC. But, as they worked to build their new home a fire came in the night to claim their workshop. The Romeros found themselves surrounded by the community that came to support them. These experiences and the growing sense of gratitude connected through music becoming Sweet Old Religion, Pharis & Jason’s first album made up of entirely original songs. Their new album carries a wide spread of influences, spanning from early 1920s jazz, blues, and country to 1960s songwriters like Levon Helm and The Band. The album also features songs inspired by their deep love of old music and rural life, with archaic banjo tunings where Jason moves between several of his own handmade instruments to bring out unique tones for each song. www.pharisandjason.com

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

A Celebration of Taste and Tactility with Westholme Tea Company experience around each tea. Westholme is committed to building the most authentic tea culture experience in Canada.

Spring harvest first pluck Image courtesy Westholme Tea Company

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pring marks the arrival of another harvest season in Cowichan. At Westholme tea farm, it is known as “first flush” the harvest of Camellia Sinensis.

Tea plants.

Westholme Tea Company is building a home for tea culture in Canada. This year, they invite the public to celebrate the spring harvest and the rare Canadian tea that is grown right here in the Valley, with experiences that are sure to inspire the mind and the senses.

An eleven-acre organic tea farm, teashop, tearoom and gallery, Westholme tea farm is the first and only commercial tea farm in Canada, producing a limited harvest, single origin, handprocessed organic terroir tea.

Husband and wife team, Victor Vesely and Margit Nellemann, also import and sell premium organic loose teas from around the world, create artful tea blends, and unite taste and tactility with original teaware.

They take pride in cultivating the homegrown leaves, blending the finest organic teas from carefullysourced farms, and hand-crafting ceramics to create a distinctive

The journey to the first Canadian tea began as an experiment in 2010, when 200 Camellia Sinensis seedlings were planted on the south-facing slopes of the farm.

The young, resilient plants survived the first deep freeze of winter, and have since thrived in the local climate.

Another 400 plants were added in 2014 and 200 more in 2015.

In celebration of the spring harvest and the creation of a home for Canadian tea culture, Westholme Tea Company invites the public to honour the season in four days of experiences, starting with the inaugural event, “A First on First” Teamaker’s Dinner in partnership with Hudson’s on First.

The intimate event will combine the distinctive and authentic experience of Westholme’s rare Canadian teas with awardwinning, locally-sourced fine dining. The long table dinner will offer a 5-course pairing menu uniquely featuring fresh tea leaves, processed tea and culinary innovations using the Camellia Sinensis tea plant.

Together, Tea Maker Victor Vesely and Executive Chef Corbin Mathany have designed a taste adventure that will exquisitely shift the perspective on tea – down to Margit Nellemann’s teaware. Each tea will be served in specially-made, handcrafted teacups, encircling the experience in tea culture.

A First on First is sure to be an intimately informative, entertaining and inspiring evening Thursday May 24th.

Tea Garden Tour at Westholme Tea Farm. Photo Credit : Nick Neisingh

This taste exploration will extend into the weekend, when the public are invited to join in the spring harvest celebrations at Westholme Tea Company. Be the first to enjoy the new release of Tree Frog Green, Swallow Tale Oolong and White Mist teas.

Guests may attend guided tours of the tea garden, taste delectable pairings in the tearoom, and

explore original teaware creations in the gallery. The farm is open 10am-5pm Friday May 25th, Saturday May 26th, and Sunday May 27th with tours each day at 10:30am and 2pm.

For more information visit the Journal section at www.westholmetea.com.

A First on First

Thursday May 24, 6pm

A Canadian Culinary Premiere Victor Vesely of Westholme Tea Farm and Hudson’s on First Chef Corbin Mathany partner to create an unparalleled five course Teamaker’s Dinner.

Open Tuesday through Sunday

LUNCH  BRUNCH  DINNER 163 First Street, Duncan

www.HudsonsOnFirst.ca I 250 597-0066

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Meet Author Rob Wood at the Vancouver Island Homesteading Fair May 6 | 11am

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our perspective on this book will depend on how you relate to the content. As one fortunate to have sailed and adventured in and around the Desolation Sound area, I lovws Rob Wood’s memoir At Home In Nature; A Life of Unknown Mountains and Deep Wilderness. Familiar sights and references to one of the most beautiful and rugged areas on Vancouver Island kept me in his story. Adventure begins immediately with the first page setting a wild wilderness tone paced with great attention to nature, surrounding landscapes and his evident strong will.

An Englishman by birth, this avid sportsman’s love for big mountains led him to Canada in the late 60’s. An epic climber, we learn firsthand how these early experiences strengthened his resolve to be able to successfully live and support an unconventional off grid existence.

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The chapters, presented as questions, walk us through the narrative as the author, a sustainable small home designer, shares his deepest thoughts, planning strategies and the wonderful meeting of his love Laurie who shares this incredible life. They raise a daughter Kiersten in remote wilderness and meet many other colourful characters that were part of their unique cummunal island community.

Two of my favourite chapters were about animals. ‘Domestic Animals’ shares the story of the various creatures that became a part of their family. Riskie, Kirsten’s boat riding horse with ‘an impressive ability to find her way back home after long outings to the interior of the island’ was particularly entertaining. The other chapter “Wild Animals” contained intimate and suspenseful accounts of chance meetings with wolves, bears and cougars.

Reading this book felt like sitting at a campfire, mesmerized by stories shared by ‘Uncle Rob’. His warm and honest rapport weaves the reader into his cozy cabin, then back out to work on the land. We are led down rocky paths, hop onto his boat for tidal adventures and then the pages journeys right back into

your heart. After each long day at work I looked forward to curl up to this book and unfold another mysterious chapter of living off grid and off the land.

He didn’t romanticize it. It was hard work - but they did it and lived to share their story of how it can be done. A remarkable inspiration, the author , now 71, still homesteads with Laurie on the same island that they began on. An excellent tale Vancouver Island enthusiasts will love this book.

“My motivation for writing was to share our discovery of how our happiness, meaning and security that we experience through engagement with wildness (the natural high) induces a wider and deeper sense of what we mean by self reliance.” shares author Rob Wood.

Rob will be presenting at the Vancouver Island Homesteading Fair. time to visit this remarkable and inspiring man who has written a beautiful memoir on living a life deeply rooted in the natural world, where citizens are connected to the planet and individuals work together to help, enhance and make the world a better — and sustainable — place. Rob’s presentation is on May 6 at 11am.

The 3rd annual Vancouver Island Homesteading Fair hosts a lineup of presentations and vendors focused on earth conscious, sustainable living.

Presentation topics include: rainwater harvesting, humic acid and myccorhizal fungi in the garden, sourdough bread, raising rabbits, offgrid living, farm tools, music, food and more! Come to learn and connect with our local homesteading community.

Entrance is FREE, donations appreciated. May 5 & 6, 10 -4pm, Cobble Hill Fairgrounds, 3550 Watson Ave , Cobble Hill.

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

By Sheila Badman

The Healthiest Lunch in the Valley

GLOW RAW FOOD CAFE

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ince Mahatma Ghandi ate fresh fruit topped with raw macadamia butter and Norman Walker opened the first juice bar in California in the 1920s, the raw food movement has evolved and ripened into thousands of delicious recipes. Glow Juicery is the latest hotspot to showcase the flowering of slow-food. The café, which features dozens of savoury and sweet raw food dishes, as well as an extensive juice, smoothie and elixir bar, is nestled like a bookend in the community hub of the Sol Centre off Hwy 1 south of Duncan.

We arrive, a little frazzled and sleep deprived, and settle into a cozy booth which provides an anchor in an otherwise light and airy space. Attracting an eclectic clientele, from 20-yearolds in yoga pants to fit looking seniors, and even a couple of working-class men in flannel shirts, sipping Bulletproof drinks, those in search of healthy food range in demographics. Local naturopaths often prescribe Glow juice cleanses to their clients, and young people come in for smoothies, imbued with Chinese herbs and superfoods. We’re flanked by prayer flags on one side and a view of sacred stones and gems on the other. Before sampling the first dish, we are enveloped in a tranquil vibe.

Owner, Brandy Mandrusiak, looking like the poster-woman for a healthy lifestyle: clear skin, eyes like a blue-lagoon, fit as a leopard, may seem cool as a cucumber at first, but we find she’s much more like the Green Goddess smoothie she serves up: the subtle taste of sweetness (banana), a lovely warm undercurrent that comes as a bit of a surprise (ginger), and three

cups of spinach – it’s good for you, now go ahead and drink it, she seems to say. It’s also blended with moringa powder, the latest superstar antioxidant, and gotu kola with a reputation as a herbal anti-depressant.

We order and split everything because it feels like the kind of place where you share both food and stories. Montreal bagels, the darlings of the bagel world, are nothing compared to the more nutrient dense sprouted version made at Glow. Served with a side of the smoothest organic cashew cream and a bouquet of Salt Spring Island pea shoots, it is well worth the extra dollars for the clean and satisfied post-bagel afterglow. The most popular take out item on the menu - we learn that it takes nine hours to prepare this delicious breakfast or lunch item, also available as a special order by the dozen or 1/2 dozen.

One of us (Marti), not wanting to waste a drop of the precious stuff, even ends up licking the last bit of cashew cream out of the ramekin.

by some sources to be the most nutrient dense food on the planet, may just be the holy water (or the holy grail providing eternal youth?) of the 21st Century.

A menu favourite, Glow’s raw food pizzas now come in three different versions. Today we order the organic spinach pizza. A crisp and flavourful sprouted red beet and sunflower crust, spread with organic sprouted almond and sunflower “pizza sauce” and topped with cashew pesto, fresh sliced tomato, red onion slivers and fresh spinach leaves, served with a generous sprinkle of brazil nut cheese and garlic. Yum. Marti once went on a camping trip with a raw foodist. “We spent 48 hours before departure slaving over recipes and soaking, sprouting and dehydrating vegetables, nuts and seeds. It made me realize that making raw food is truly a labour of love.”

When asked why she decided to open a raw food restaurant Brandy shares a personal story behind her recovery after her youngest child was plagued by continuous rupturing ear infections leaving her utterly

sleep deprived and stressed until her organs began shutting down.

“I don’t think I slept for a year.”

Now she’s on a mission: I’m not just going to heal myself, I’m going to try and heal everybody.

People need to know they can heal themselves with food.”

If raw food is the antidote to our habit of eating over-processed foods while standing at kitchen counters or driving in our cars, then Glow Juicery in Duncan is the answer for the Cowichan Valley: slow food, prepared with care and an exalted blend of organic ingredients. Ghandi and Walker reminded us to tune-in to our bodies, and Brandy at Glow reminds us to tune-up. The Glow experience was like pressing the reset button. We leave feeling clear, energized and so clean, as if we’ve been laundered in a blue lagoon. This is probably the healthiest food in the valley.

Other dishes we enjoyed: Black Bean Quesadilla, Bulletproof Earl Grey Tea, Mexican Taco Salad, Afterglow Green Juice Glow Raw Food Cafe, 5380 TCH, Duncan www.glowjuicery.ca

By Marti Webster and Sheila Badman

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

Try A Glow Cleanse!

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

Remember Snickers bars, when you used to eat them once a week or even as Brandy admits, once a day? The Glow version looks totally decadent, and if angels ate dessert, this would be it. It’s not too sweet, light as a cloud and totally guilt-free. Picture a layered bit of heaven made with sprouted organic almonds and cashews, date paste and maple syrup and a few other ambrosial ingredients. And even better, you can now order a whole cake version for special occasions.

Our E-Live shot arrives looking like a drink for astronauts. The deep sea blue drink, derived from blue green algae, and lauded

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

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Cowichan Beekeepers Society Welcomes You

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he Cowichan Beekeepers Society is a group of people dedicated to the wellbeing of bees, principally honey bees, but by association also wild bees, for what is good for honey bees also tends to be good for all bees.

Some of us are commercial beekeepers but the majority are people just interested in raising bees.

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250-732-2937

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1- 855-622-5932

The Shape of Water Hub Film Club

May, 25 7pm 2375 Koksilah Rd Cowichan Station hubfilmclub@gmail.com

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Members of the Cowichan Beekeepers get together once a month to discuss a variety of things. One of which is pest management which is a major concern and the number one detriment to the well-being of bees.

A benefit to belonging to an organization like the Cowichan Beekeepers is the wealth of knowledge that is shared by experienced beekeepers with those interested in raising bees as well as the inexperienced beekeeper.

The Shape of Water - from acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro. Winner of the 2018 Best Picture Oscar, this beautifully realized otherworldly love story is set against the backdrop of Cold War era America, circa 1962. USA 2017/Rated R. Doors and concession open at 6:30pm, film 7pm.

Admission free with club membership or by donation at The Hub in Cowichan Station E:hubfilmclub@gmail.com

Raising bees is not as simple as buying your bees, putting them in a hive, and then coming back in August to collect the honey. As a beekeeper I have heard many stories of people who have lost their bees. Even as experienced beekeepers we have loses, and in some years greater than others.

Hopefully you set your wasp traps up in the beginning of March to catch the queens.

The queen wasps are looking for sweet food at this time to start their new colonies.

There are a variety of traps that you can purchase but the

top cut off of a two litre pop bottle and then inverted into the bottom half works well.

I like to leave my traps up throughout the year to help keep the wasp population down. We need to keep the wasp population down as wasps can destroy a hive in the fall.

Spring is the time the bees reproduce rapidly and if they run out of space they swarm. Swarming is the way bees multiply and create new colonies. There are several things that can be done to control swarming but the simplest thing is to not overcrowd the bees and add another box.

If you would like to learn more about beekeeping please come to our meetings. You can also visit our website at www.cowichanbeekeepers. ca. There you will see when and where our meetings are as well as any field days that we have. If you have any questions you can email us at cowichanbeekeepers@gmail. com Providence Farm main building, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd Next meeting May 16, Newcomers please arrive by 6;30pm regular meeting 7pm.

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

John Magdanz President of the Cowichan Beekeepers

for years. To see a list of these breeders and local equipment makers, head over to:www. cowichan beekeepers.ca/ suppliers.

Spring Into Beekeeping Chelsea Abbott is the beekeeper of Lenora Bee Apiary. lenorabee@gmail. com www.lenorabee.ca

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pring is here; and so is the rush to plant seeds, work gardens, and get honey bees!

Being a beekeeper comes with great responsibility.

Since our livestock can fly up to a 5km radius of their hive, beekeepers have a responsibility to keep their hives as healthy as possible, mitigating the spread of disease from their colony to other neighbouring colonies.

Honey bee colonies are now being affected by parasitic mites, microsporidian fungi, and other pathogens. The new age beekeeper should be informed as to the best way to monitor and control for these pests and diseases.

However, with all this responsibility, comes joy.

A well-managed honey bee colony smells fantastic, is very gentle, and (hopefully) produces honey! As a

beekeeper you will notice flowers blooming everywhere, and even more importantly, you will recognize their importance to your honey bees!

When buying honey bees, there are two options, a package, or a nucleus colony (“nuc”). A package is usually 2 or 3 lbs of bees, and a Queen, that come in a mesh box or tube. A local package of honey bees costs around $180 and is available around May 15.

A nucleus colony, or nuc (pronounced “nuke”), is 4 or 5 frames of drawn comb, with honey, pollen, brood, and bees. A nuc will grow a bit faster than a package because of the food stores and brood that they already have.

Locally produced nucs cost anywhere from $200-$250.

If you don’t want to launch straight into buying your own bees, there are other options available.

For a more hands on approach to beekeeping, look at your local Hive Share program.

This program offers the full experience of the Cowichan beekeeping season with hands on learning workshops twice a month.

Your Hive Share group will cover everything from swarm control to honey extraction.

For more information on the Hive Share and other educational services head over to www.lenorabee.ca or call 1-250-715-8106.

Here in the Cowichan Valley we have many talented bee breeders. These are beekeepers who have bred locally selected honey bees

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Manor Bridge

Mill Bay Garden Club’s Flower & Garden Show

and provides their ever popular and oh so yummy Strawberry Tea, this year with outdoor bistro seating. Bring your appetite and your charitable donations!

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ore than 70 years ago, a group of dedicated garden and flower enthusiasts from Shawnigan Lake held the first annual Community Flower and Garden Show. In the spirit of community involvement and in celebration of the unique and amazing corner of the world we occupy, the Mill Bay Garden Club now continues to host this annual event held at the Cobble Hill Farmers Institute Hall.

The theme for this year’s show is “Garden Party” and all design entries must follow the guidelines for this year’s theme. 67 other entry categories of flower, plant and edible classes of display round out the amazing show of color collected from gardens all over the Cowichan Valley. Last year more than 270 entries were registered! It’s a huge show!

This community event raises thousands of dollars each year for local charities and beneficiaries. It also helps support a bursary fund established by the Mill Bay Garden Club to provide financial assistance to qualifying local students entering higher education in agricultural studies.

The amazing silent auction has dozens of items donated by club members, artisans, sponsors and local businesses.

Last year’s donations ranged from a truck load of bark mulch to a beautiful vintage bird bath.

The South Cowichan Healthcare Auxiliary joins in

La Petite Auction House Auction Sunday May 6 & 20 • 1pm

Accepting goods throughout the week

Viewings

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

9686 Chemainus Rd, 250-701-2902

Entries for the judged classes will be taken on Friday May 25 from noon till 6:30pm.

Entry fee is .50 per entry with no limit on the number of entries you’d like to show in. Programs are available locally at Bucker fields, Thrifty Foods, Country Grocer, Dinter’s Nursery or download it from our website www. millbaygardenclub.com Admission is $2.00 for adults.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

May 26, 9-2pm Cobble Hill Hall 3550 Watson Avenue, Cobble HIll $2 Submitted by Pat Spezowka

Garden Pals FREE gardening program for kids and parents at Jubilee Community Garden in Centennial Park. Children learn where food comes from by growing some. Seniors help with work and there’s always a healthy snack and take-home.

GardenPals meet every 2nd and 4th Saturdays, either at 10:00 or 1:00, depending on response.

Phone 748-0580 for information or to register. Carol Sim carolsim@shaw.ca

Planting for Summer Colour Monica Dockerty, Dockerty Gardens horticulturist and Dinter Nursery employee.

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pril’s showers bring May flowers, but what about flowers in June, July, and August? Avoid the mid-summer lull in your garden and plant for colour all season long. Whether you love dramatic annuals, low maintenance shrubs, or classic perennials, a bit of planning can help bring colourful blooms to your garden from now till September.

When Della Walters, the Greenhouse Manager at Dinter Nursery, was asked what tender plant she thought brought the most mid-summer colour to the garden, what was her answer? Dahlias!

These tender tubers require being lifted from the ground in fall, being stored over winter, and planted again in spring. Bushy plants support large, spectacular blooms in a rainbow of colours.

They begin flowering in mid-summer and will bloom non-stop untill the first frost.

Picking your dahlia blooms for beautiful bouquets will only increase their flowering performance.

In addition to dahlias, many other annuals offer superior summer colour. These include salvia, tender rudbeckia, and

Article courtesy Westcoast Seeds

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

Image courtesy Alexandria Gardens

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marigolds. These plants also attract beneficial insects to the garden. Other colourful classics include carnations, sweet peas, geraniums, petunias, and celosia.

The name of the game with annuals is deadheading.

Annuals are hardwired to produce as much seed as possible, and as soon as they start producing seed they stop producing flowers. It is essential for gardeners to deadhead because it encourages as many blooms as possible.

For gardeners interested in low maintenance midsummer colour, consider incorporating shrubs into

the garden. Caryopteris or bluebeard begins blooming in July. This heat loving shrub produces rich blue flowers, is deer-resistant, and being in the mint-family, is pollinator-friendly. Lavatera, commonly known as rose or tree mallow, grows 4-7 feet tall with pale lavender to pink flowers blooming heavily through the summer.

Thriving in dry and hot sites, Lavatera is deer resistant and attracts butterflies, birds, and hummingbirds to the garden.

Other shrubs that offer excellent summer colour are butterfly bush, roses and the chaste tree.

There are also many perennials that bloom

prolifically in the summer.

Echinacea, shasta daisy, coreopsis, and yarrow are low-maintenance perennials in the daisy family that thrive in a variety of soils. Shasta daisy offers pure white blooms, coreopsis blooms brilliant yellow, and echinacea and yarrow flower in a variety of colours.

Russian sage and nepeta bloom lovely shades of lavender purple and thrive in hot, dry sites. The perennial Salvia blooms pink, purple, and white and is generally deer resistant, along with Russian sage and nepeta.

Other reliable summer bloomers are geranium, penstemon and red hot poker.

There’s nothing quite like taking a walk through a vibrant and colourful summer garden. Whether you want a place to witness insect and pollinator activity, a growing ground for beautiful bouquets, or a colourful and uplifting space to enjoy your morning coffee, if you plan for summer colour now you will reap the rewards later.

Plant Summer Colour in May

We have everything from pots to soil to create the magic of garden colour that lasts to October.

May 11 • 3pm to 5pm

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experience harmony, health WHAT IS & joy within your living PERMACULTURE? experience.

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Kurtis Howes Permaculture Designer, Organic Master Gardener, Herbalist, Father and ownerr of Lunar Bloom Ecological Design.

ermaculture is a design system & philosophy that encompasses many modalities that strive to create sustainable cultures on the planet. Originally stemming from organic agricultural components, it also includes initiatives like water conservation, habitat restoration, food forestry, green building, net positive energy & zero waste systems, urban design & economic structures of varying degrees.

The philosophy follows some essential Ethics & Principles, which act as guidelines to create sustainable, wholesystems thinking outlines for people & planet.

Below are The Ethics, the core of the philosophy:

Fair Share – create equalstratification systems that provide resources, when able/in times of abundance, to all beings in the Web of Life (though, regardless of abundance in context of resources, be fair to each other and provide where able).

From The Ethics stem The Principles, utilized to create design systems: THE PRINCIPLES: 1. Observe & Interact – by taking time to engage with nature we can design solutions that suit our particular situation.

2. Catch & Store Energy – by developing systems that collect resources at peak abundance, we can use them in times of need.

3. Obtain a Yield – ensure that you are getting truly useful rewards as part of the work that you are doing.

Earth Care – care for the Earth, as we are inherently linked to her sentience, and thrive when in symbiosis with her.

4. Apply Self-regulation and Accept Feedback - we need to discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems can continue to function well.

People Care – care for yourself & others of all descent, be them human & non-human animals, to

5. Use & Value Renewable Resources & Services - make the best use of nature’s abundance to reduce our

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consumptive behavior and dependence on non-renewable resources.

6. Produce No Waste - by valuing and making use of all the resources that are available to us, nothing goes to waste.

7. Design from Patterns to Details - by stepping back, we can observe patterns in nature and society. These can form the backbone of our designs, with the details filled in as we go.

8. Integrate Rather Than Segregate - by putting the right things in the right place, relationships develop between those things and they work together to support each other.

9. Use Small & Slow Solutions - small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and producing more sustainable outcomes.

10. Use & Value Diversity diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique

nature of the environment in which it resides.

11. Use Edges & Value the Marginal - the interface between things is where the most interesting events take place. These are often the most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system.

12. Creatively Use & Respond to Change - we can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing, and then intervening at the right time.

Ultimately, Permaculture philosophy is quite gentle & harmonious with nature. In fact, one of the key design methods is to mimic nature to create logical, efficient systems that work with nature instead of against her. This, in turn, creates less labour & resource demanding systems, while still providing abundant outcomes & yields for all to enjoy. lunarbloom@gmail.com

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

whole tree fails. The length of time that a dead tree can stand depends largely on the cause of its demise. If it is a natural cause, like drought, the tree will probably be structurally sound for some time. On the other hand, if the cause is root rot, failure could be imminent.

Benefits of Wildlife Trees

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wildlife tree is a dead or dying tree that is left to decompose and deteriorate naturally. It is an important part of the forest’s ecosystem providing valuable habitat for the conservation and enhancement of wildlife.

A wildlife tree is a food source and habitat for mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, fungus and bacteria. In British Columbia more than 90 species of vertebrates and invertebrates depend to some extent on wildlife trees.

Additionally, 18% of all bird species use the cavities of wildlife trees for breeding.

Trees have a lifespan just like all other living organisms, at some point they die. The causes can be many; drought, fungal, insect infestation or simply old age. A dead tree does not automatically need to removed; it can often be left to become a valuable wildlife tree.

A dead tree is often sound for several years before parts or the

Dead and dying trees that do not endanger people and property can be left to decompose and deteriorate; they will eventually fall on the forest floor creating habitats there. Trees or parts of them that have the potential to fall on people and property will need an initial assessment by a qualified tree risk assessor to established if they are good wildlife tree candidates. Regular inspections and assessments on these trees are essential as it will decipher if they can be left, be modified, or need to be removed.

To conclude, a dead tree has many benefits to wildlife and the ecosystem. Often the tree can be left for several years before in needs to be removed.

Modifications or removal may be needed if there are safety concerns for people and property.

Initial and ongoing assessment of these trees are important as it will establish what actions are needed for making them valuable and safe wildlife trees.

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Limited Space Available for September 2018

oma Creative’s first annual Maker Faire is coming! A family friendly event created

by Make magazine to “celebrate arts, crafts. engineering, science projects and the Doit-Yourself (DIY) mindset� encourages participation of all ages (1-100). Zoma Creative provides dynamic homeschool enrichment programs for ages 6 and up.

Th 2018 Maker Faire is designed to engage participation of all ages. A major focus is on engaging local individuals and businesses to showcase their skills at vendor booths - the focus being to teach hands on workshops to children, families and all demographics of the Cowichan Valley. Workshops range from painting, artisan breadmaking, electrical circuit building and workshops focusing on nature and music building skills.

11am -2pm

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Proceeds from the Faire will go directly towards purchasing educational materials and to host community speakers and events at the Zoma Creative.

Maker Faire Enjoy a silent auction and workshops with a hands-on craft/science fair approach.

Local business and individuals will be involved in hosting workshops with topics spanning art, science, cooking and more.Families and people of all ages are invited to enjoy, participate and engage in the local community and business. This is a fundraiser with a focus on interaction and engaging in learning new skills! Families and individuals will enjoy creating projects to take home as well as new friends and memories.

Saturday, May 12, 11am-1pm at Cobble Hill Stu Armour and Youth Hall.

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

Stop by the Concession and fill up on tasty, fresh, and healthy fare before heading to the Bake Table to satisfy that sweet tooth.

The fair’s celebrated handcrafted Apple Pies will be available to purchase, these delicious treats always draw a crowd!

The 34th Annual Children & Apple Pie Fun Fair

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vergreen Independent School is excited to host the 34th Annual Children & Apple Pie Fun Fair. Saturday May 12th, from 10am – 3pm at the Cobble Hill Hall & Fairgrounds.

This family festival and community celebration is the school’s primary fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting the specific programming that shape Evergreen students’ education.

This years festival features something fun for everyone!

Face Painting, a Bouncy Castle, and the Fish Pond are always popular with the small children, and older kids have a chance to be inspired at the Woodworking Table, a challenging round of Mini Golf, or work on their aim in the games area - and who doesn’t love a pony ride?!?

There will be a spectacular Silent Auction, featuring unique and inspired donations from great local artists and businesses. In addition, there’s a chance to win big in this year’s raffle, which features four fantastic prizes for $10 per ticket.

Come early as in years past, pies have sold out before noon! With every pie purchased you have a chance to win jewellery from celebrated local Cobble Hill Artisan, Mimi Roy. The live entertainment lineup includes many talented local musicians and dancers.

Evergreen Independent School has been an integral part of the Cowichan Valley Community since 1983, providing balanced education where academic excellence and individual development are equally valued, and where the inherent joy of learning is nurtured in a caring and respectful community.

Evergreen is accepting applications for September 2018. Limited space available, so apply now!

Children & Apple Pie provides an excellent opportunity to visit with Evergreen teachers at the Information Booth, take a guided tour of the school (just across the street from the fairgrounds), and meet the amazing community that supports the school.

For more information please contact the school at 250-7432433 or e-mail evergreen@ evergreenbc.net Children and Apple Pie Fun Fair, Saturday, May 12, 10am – 3pm Cobble Hill Hall & Fairgrounds

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Visiting Qigong Master Teaching Ancient Healing Skills For All

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ou never know! At the end of this month, you could find yourself registered in a Qigong seminar with Qigong Master Michael Tse. He has been regularly visiting the Cowichan Valley for the past 23 years, bringing the skills and knowledge for better health and happiness to many an appreciative local student. Master Tse is the founder of the vibrant and international Tse Qigong Centre and was taught by Grandmaster Yang Meijun who was the 27th generation inheritor of the precious Wild Goose Qigong skill.

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Cowichan Valley

On the Friday night, he is teaching about the meaning behind some unusual Qigong hand gestures and how we can use them for directing the Qi (energy) for healing ourselves and others. There will be a lecture portion of the evening, followed by demonstrations and explanations of some gestures and how they are used, and an opportunity for us to practise using them.

On the Sunday from 11am~3pm and the Monday evening, we’ll be learning, step by step, movement by movement, a beautiful form called Plum Blossom Gong. You may be surprised by the end of the seminar

that, through Master Tse’s experienced way of teaching, a beginner will actually be able to string together a series of movements which will facilitate the flow of the Qi (pronounced Chi) around the body. With practice, these movements bring energetic balance and better health and well being. This particular form focuses on the three main energy centres of the body, using unique hand gestures for stimulation and refinement.

With a rise in stress-related health problems, every day people are becoming more aware of the real need to nurture themselves through relaxation techniques. A few simple Qigong movements can release the stress and tension from the body and invigorate all our inherent subtle health-giving systems.

When weather permits, we practise outside to connect with Nature. Over hundreds of years, the forms in the Wild Goose Qigong system have proven to bring about and establish the habit and benefits of that invaluable relaxation.

Don’t miss taking advantage of this opportunity on May 25 and/or 27, 28 at the Glenora Hall. For more information and to register, contact Lee Masters at 250 748 4060 or email rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca.

WildGooseQigongCentre.com.

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S i w o a S C r o F a O A C

Chemnainus Festival of Murals

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oin the celebration as the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society dedicates five new pieces in the Community Art series as well as two new murals in the original Historical Series, and a ‘welcome back’ salute to the Steam Train on Bridge over Chemainus River mural that was removed with the demolition of the old Visitor’s Centre and Fire Hall. Celebrations begin at 11am on May 19th, at the Orca mural on the Chemainus Ace Hardware building at 9630 Chemainus Rd. The Town Crier

will announce each piece of art, while a piper and drummer will lead participants to the Kew Gardens Flagpole mural on the Back to Britain Pubs building.

From there the group will move to Willow Street for Lest We Forget on the Post Office and a ‘welcome back’ salute to the Steam Train on Bridge over Chemainus River mural that was removed with the demolition of the old Visitor’s Centre, on the Telus Building. Then it is off to The Five Cent Candy Bar war mural on Neighbourhood House.

The tour ends at the Chemainus Labyrinth in Waterwheel Park around 12:15pm. Festivities continue at Waterwheel Park with entertainment provided by Masimba Marimba from Bopoma Music. Chemainus Rotary Club members will be barbequing hotdogs and serving drinks (by donation) and there will be activities for children, as well as prize draws for those who get a Mural Passport stamped at each of the art induction ceremonies.

Muraltown.com

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NOT JUST TOFINO ANYMORE

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TOFINO EXPRESS Vancouver / Victoria / Nanaimo / Parksville / Port Alberni / Tofino

VANCOUVER FERRY SHUTTLE Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal to and from Vancouver Bus Depot (more details link)

See our schedule: Tofinobus.com

Zak Stolk Violin Maker

25 Years Experience of Lutherie in the Italian Tradition.

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

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

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Tochu Tea

ochu, as it is known in Japan, and “Du Zhong” in Chinese Traditional Medicine has been used as a folk drink and functional food for several thousand years. In the West, Tochu is known by its Latin name eucommia ulmoides and one can find many research studies expounding the health benefits of its use.

Tochu Green is 100% tochu green leaf powder from Japan.

The tochu leaves used in Tochu Green are harvested from farms in the Nagano area and a proprietary process ensures the healthy benefits of tochu are maintained during manufacture.

My experience with tochu green leaf powder and the Tochu Green drink began in Japan with my friend’s company, who produces Tochu Green for the Japanese and Chinese market. Since moving to the Cowichan Valley to

study English, I realized people living in this area are more interested in healthy lifestyles and open to the use of natural health products.

I feel incorporating Tochu Green into your daily routine will provide many benefits.

Tochu Green is often confused as being a tea, like green tea or matcha, a green tea leaf powder. They share similarities in being antioxidants, but Tochu Green is much more having antiinflammatory, antiallergic, and antimicrobial properties.

Tochu Green has no caffeine, is naturally organic and with zero additives. Each package of Tochu Green contains 1.5g of 100% tochu leaf powder and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

For more information on Tochu Green, send inquires to info@tochugreen.com.

Submitted by Hisako Fujishima

music, along with local multiinstrumentalist Tania Gillespie on piano.

The event will also feature a rarely-seen act of the Blue Eagle Drum Group, which plays traditional Dakota songs on a Pow Wow Drum.

The group members are from Nanaimo and Duncan and are generously sharing their scared music with us for this special event in honour for the Elders. “This is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together with our neighbours in the spirit of celebration, and Sing for One Heart One Mind reconciliation partnership,” says Nuts’a’maat shqwaluwun Chief Seymour.

Sunday, May 27, he Lila Music Centre’s Doors open 6:30pm, show at Community Choir, 7pm.Duncan United Church, directed by Cari Burdett, with 246 Ingram St Suggested the support of the Cowichan $20 Donation, Children Free Tribes Elders Gathering Fundraiser for the 42nd Team, will present a multiAnnual BC Elders Gathering cultural program of songs being held in Duncan as a fundraiser for the 42nd Annual BC Elders Gathering.

Lake Cowichan at the Lake Cowichan Secondary School, Saturday, May 26 at 2:00 p.m. and at Duncan United Church, Sunday May 27, 2:00 p.m. Tickets available at Remax Lk.Cowichan and Volume One bookstore , Duncan $17 advance/$20 at the door. Children 12 and under --free

Medford Singers Spring Concert

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earls, Pomp and Pageantry; Last Night of The Proms. The choir is conducted by Simon Leung and accompanied by Michael Gaudet .Celebrating all things British ,traditional favourites will be performed.

Songs such as Rule, Britannia, William Blake’s ‘ Jerusalem’ and ‘ Land of Hope and Glory’ are the rousing, patriotic pieces as well as our Canadian Maple Leaf Forever will

be included. Soft, quiet, reflective ones to be sung are All in the April Evening and The Lord is My Shepherd . A well- known Classical work,’ Zadok the Priest ‘ by Handel rounds out the afternoon along with guest soloists that include Medford Singers Bursary Winners singing a variety of songs.

Bring your flags ,we look forward to a rousing afternoon of fun for all!

Concerts will take place in

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The choir is part of the Ubuntu Choirs Network, honouring Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Ubuntu means “I am because we are” – a theme resonant with One Heart One Mind Nuts’a’maat shqwaluwun that is so important to the Cowichan people and this community.

The concert will feature the community choir singing songs from Estonia, Sweden, and Ghana, well-known versions of pop songs like “Let the River Run,” by Carley Simon, and songs by the Wailing Jenny’s.

Special Guests include the talented youth duo of Quin Etheridge-Pedden on fiddle and guitar, and Tai McGillivray on mandolin and guitar, who at the young age of 15 will perform original folk-inspired, up-tempo

Event at Cherry Point Estate Winery

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herry Point Estate Wines is delighted to present an evening pairing piano, fine dining and wine. Virtuoso pianist Shoko Inoue will be at the piano, Dan Hayes, The London Chef from Victoria, will create a menu to accompany the piano and Cherry Point wines will enhance the senses. Join us for this special evening on, May 27, 6 pm 840 Cherry Point Rd, Cobble Hill

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Meet A Coach

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he International Coach Federation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, credentialing and developing high ethical standards for this emerging profession.

This year, the week of May 7th – 13th celebrates International Coaching Week in approximately 40 countries around the world. Here in the Vancouver Island Chapter of the ICF, we are organizing events to raise awareness and understanding of professional coaching in the broader community – for individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses.

Coaching is quickly becoming one of the leading tools that successful people use to live extraordinary lives. Through coaching conversations, people can identify what is

most important to them and align their thoughts, words, and actions accordingly. The right coach will work with individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners to help them identify what they want personally and professionally, and will support them in achieving the life they really want and love.

If you are planning to attend the Duncan Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 12th, we hope you will come by and chat with ICF credentialled coaches, to learn more about what coaching is and how it can help you create a life you love , gain clarity on your values, and enable more meaningful choices and consistent action.

Janet Sheppard, Director of Community Relations, Mid Island Chapter of the International Coach Federation.

Maple Bay Marina Hosts The 23Rd Annual Maple Bay Wooden Boat Festival

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aple Bay Marina will host the 23rd Annual Wooden Boat Festival on Saturday May 19th and Sunday May 20th. The event pays homage to the tradition and history of wood boats, and the people who are their caretakers. Visitors are given an opportunity to view classic boats and rub elbows with others that appreciate these wooden beauties. Popularized by enthusiasts who honour this industry, the event provides us glimpses of the past and features modern wooden vessels too.

The public is encouraged to join the festivities and vote for their favourite boat; admission is FREE. Visitors will enjoy added attractions which include a pool with model boat display and demonstrations, live music, and local art. This is an ideal opportunity to meet local artists and take time to browse the wide variety of

products made available by other vendors. Live music in the afternoons will enhance the lively atmosphere of the festival. Brent Hutchinson, founding member of Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band, will be performing Saturday afternoon.

Sunday entertainment to be announced soon.

“I really enjoy learning about our maritime history; such fascinating stories,” says Carol Messier, the event coordinator.

Maple Bay Marina is one of the largest destination marine centers in British Columbia.

Located at the most southern end of Maple Bay in the Cowichan Valley, Maple Bay Marina is just 10 minutes east of Duncan, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. www.maplebaymarina.com.

Submitted by Carol Messier

Meet your local coaches!

Saturday, May 12 10am -2pm Duncan Farmers’ Market www.vicoaches.org

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Remembering Sahtlam Schools

he first Sahtlam School was a log structure built in 1890 on land owned

by Daniel Currie along the wagon road to Cowichan Lake. While under construction classes were held in a Menzies Road house owned

by John Blair credited with the landscaping of Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park. His daughter, Jeannie, was the first teacher.

Sahtlam School District was formally created by the BC Government in 1918; however, ownership of the schoolhouse land was still with Daniel Currie. This was rectified by his son, John, with the sale of the lot to the Sahtlam schoolboard in 1922 for $100. By this time, the schoolhouse was the last log edifice in the Cowichan Valley that had been erected for school purposes.

A new wooden schoolhouse was erected in 1922 with the log schoolhouse retained as a play space for students. The latter was demolished about ten years later.

A brass plaque bearing the names of two former pupils killed during WWI, Henry John Payne and Charles

Sahtlam School, 1919

Stuart Jordan, was mounted in the school library and unveiled in November 1931.

In 1946 Sahtlam School came under the mandate of the newly created School District 65 (Cowichan). Two years later, it and Bamberton School to the south were the only schools in the new district having grades 1-8 students in the same classroom.

A modern one-room flatroofed school was built beside the second schoolhouse in 1955. Both schoolhouses operated together until September 1965 when Sahtlam School became an annex of Tansor School for grades 1-4 only. The 1922 schoolhouse was demolished about 1968.

Thirty-seven years later in 2002 Sahtlam School, still a Tansor School annex, was closed by the school district.

Then, in 2008, property and schoolhouse were sold to

private owners, Barry and Rose Lehna.

Sahtlam School was the last vestige of Sahtlam pioneer history. Recognizing this, the Lehnas agreed to the installation of four signs commemorating the three former schools on the fence enclosing their property.

At 2:00 pm Saturday, May 26, 2018 the Cowichan Valley School Heritage Society will unveil a fifth sign at the site,

4410 Old Lake Cowichan Road. Former students and teachers as well as interested public members are invited to attend. Parking in nondesignated stalls is available at the Sahtlam Fire Hall.

Please bring school photos and memories to share with others in attendance.

Submitted by Carolyn Prellwitz Retired teacher, SD79 (Cowichan Valley)

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Creature from the Black Lagoon meets Amelie! An unmissable otherwordly tale. USA/International 2017, rated R.

“When there is nowhere to go, nowhere is home” Acclaimed 2017 doc on the global refugee crisis from artist Ai Weiwei. PG13

From director Sally Potter (“Orlando”) comes a comedy of tragic proportions. Hilarious yet powerful Brit Flic. 2018, rated PG

Shana is a very gifted musician but to make her violin sing, she must follow the wolf. A First Nations/Can/Swiss prod. rated PG Admission to films free with Membership or by donation.

The HUB at Cowichan Station 2375 KOKSILAH RD, Duncan

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http://cowichanstation.org/hub-film-club/

T

he HUB Film Club at the HUB at Cowichan Station is about to start it’s third year of existence! Thank you to everyone who has come along to see the films. We are so happy to be part of the growing film scene here in the Valley!

The Film Club is a community/ volunteer-run cinema aiming to bring people of all ages together over good movies and of course, popcorn. The Club screens a film on the fourth Friday of every month all year long and we invite you to be a part of it, all are welcome. Admission to movies is free with club membership or by donation if you just want to dip your feet in... This year we also hope to bring you some 4D movie events! No, not hi-tech physical effects like chair motion or strobe lighting (we could get someone to stand behind you and shake your chair with a flashlight in their hand..) but look for screenings combining live perfomance and culinary treats inspired by the evening’s film. We also have a fabulous array of DVDs for sale this season kindly donated to us

by Erfan Vaezi of the recently closed Pioneer Video (after serving the Valley so well for many years).

You can join the club!

Memberships are now on sale for the 2018/19 year starting May 1st. Annual membership is just $25 per person and for the first time this year we are offering Family Memberships for $50 (2 adults and up to 4 children aged 18 and under).

People under 18 are also very welcome to become members in their own right but there will be

some R rated films during the year. Once you have become a member all series films are free, what a deal!

We endeavour to create an eclectic program; both classic and new, Canadian and International, for families and for adults. We have access to new theatrical releases approximately 4 months after their 1st run in professional theatres through our film licence with Criterion Pictures Canada.

You can become a club member at the door at any film night (cash or cheque accepted). All proceeds support the HUB. *Films start at 7 pm (doors and concession open at 6:30). If you are planning on coming to see a film, remember to bring a cushion to put on your seat for extra movie-watching comfort!

Or bring your own couch!* We welcome anyone who would like to help make the movie nights happen, if you feel like that might be you, please get in touch.

For more information contact Melanie Watson at hubfilmclub@gmail.com or on Facebook @HUB Film Club.

Check out our website too http://cowichanstation.org/hubfilm-club/. For a complete list of upcoming films for the Spring/ Summer series clip thead to the left and post on your fridge.

Next film, May 25, 7pm “The Shape of Water”. See you at the movies!

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

Melanie Watson runs the HUB Film Club.

She’s a Film Buff.

Are you?

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MAY ART EVENTS PORTALS AND ARBUTUS GALLERY to May 6 Cowichan Valley Spring Fine Arts Show (in both)

PORTALS

May 9-June 1 Vancouver Island Surface Design Association

ARBUTUS GALLERY

May Arts Update

“F

or me a camera is a sketchbook, an instrument of intuition and spontaneity,” said famous photographer Henri CartierBresson.

The results may look spontaneous, but for many photographers, the planning starts long before the shutter clicks. Photography enthusiasts in the Cowichan Valley can see some modern day masters at work in the Best Pictures of the Year, a show from the News Photographers Association of Canada, featuring the finalists and award winners. In other words, the best in Canadian photojournalism. The show runs from May 10 to June 6 at the Cowichan Valley Arts Council’s Arbutus Gallery at

the Island Savings Centre.

On the NPAC website (npac. ca), many of the finalists have shared their thoughts on how they got an outstanding shot. Whether it was waiting at the Quebec border at

night for illegal migrants to cross or asking for access to the Olympic Stadium roof for a different angle on a baseball game, professional photographer plan to be in the right place at the right time.

News photographs are great storytellers, and in this show that features the best pictures of the year in Canada, each photo really is worth a thousand words. In this age when the public can’t often tell real from fake news, these images deliver truths that are immediately evident. Many are about humans and their achievements or destructive actions. The photographers themselves are exceptionally brave and inquisitive, going to extremes to find the real image behind the façade.

May 10 - June 6 Best Pictures of the Year, News Photographers Association of Canada

2687 James St, Duncan (250) 746-1633 I cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca

The Cowichan Valley Arts Council will have a professional photographer give a talk on how to get the shot you want, as well as offer a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes before the shot appears on the front page. The talk will be on Saturday May 12 at 1 p.m. Watch the CVAC website for more details.

Susan Down is a freelance writer and president of CVAC.

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Mom’s the Word

M

other’s Day 2018 occurs on Sunday, May 13 in North America, and is observed in different forms throughout the world.

Have you ever wondered how we came to celebrate Mothers, with a day devoted specifically to them?

I have, being a Mother myself, and in my professional life I’ve spent much time sourcing gifts, taking orders, creating and delivering beautiful things for other Mothers, all in support of their special day. Let me share with you some of what I’ve learned.

Originally, Mothering Sunday was celebrated by Catholic and Protestant Christians in some parts of Europe, mostly the UK and Ireland, falling on the 4th Sunday of Lent.

Mothering Sunday was also known as Refreshment Sunday because the fasting rules for Lent were relaxed that day.

It was a day when children, usually daughters, who had gone away to work as domestic servants, were given a day off to visit their families and mothers. It was quite common in those days for children to leave home for work once they were ten years old!

In the 16th century, most Sundays in the year churchgoers in England worshipped at their nearest parish or ‘daughter church’. Inevitably the return to the ‘mother’ church became an occasion for family reunions when children who were working away as domestic servants and apprentices returned home. So each year in the middle of Lent, everyone would visit their ‘mother’ church - the main church or cathedral of the area.

Historians say that the returning children, as they walked home along the country lanes would pick wild flowers or violets to take to church or give to their mother as a small gift.

The North American incarnation of Mother’s Day was created by the childless Anna Jarvis in 1908 to honour her own hardworking mother Ann. It became an official U.S. holiday in 1914 celebrated on the second Sunday of the May - although Ms. Jarvis later renounced the holiday due to her feeling that the

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“ b o p

F

event was becoming overcommercialized.

“Mothers need to be celebrated!” President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed May 9, 1914. He asked Americans on that day to give a public “thank you” to their mothers and all mothers for their love and care of their families.

Presently, simple Mother’s Day gifts can include a sweet card, maybe breakfast in bed, lunch out, a posy, or some chocolates to say “Here’s to you Mom!”

Submitted by Rose Wagner

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

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d B e d t m t t y C p c “ “ s

I p w a O t a r i c a t s

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Chocolate Pearl, bar none “Do not dwell on the chocolate bars of the past. Concentrate on artisanal chocolate of the present.” – Buddha

F

ull disclosure, Buddha never said that. My husband did. But it does encapsulate Buddha’s original quote – the essence of which is, “Don’t dwell on the past, concentrate the mind on the present moment”. The segue Nigel was trying to make has to do with the chocolate of our youth. If you’re 45 years or older and Canadian, you may recall such pre-packaged, twenty-five-cent confections as “Sweet Marie”, “Cherry Blossom”, “Wig Wag”, “Malted Milk” or the exoticsounding, “Cuban Lunch”.

I’m not even sure if these products are still around, but we stopped buying them long ago in favour of fine chocolate.

Of course, this is because one’s tastes mature over time. Just as you may opt for fine wine rather than Pepsi with dinner, it’s likely that the chocolate you crave afterwards is artisanal and not mass produced. As our teenage boys will attest, there’s still a place for candy bars, but

if you’re like us and your tastes have matured with age, you’re going to want some really good handmade chocolates.

At Chocolate Pearl, we have dozens of exquisite, handmade chocolate varieties to choose from. Many of these we make with ingredients sourced from right here in Cowichan, like wine, ale, lavender and fruit.

Samples are available to all (young and old) and thanks to a suggestion from our neighbour, Leilani at the Ginger Room, we now offer a handmade version of the “Cuban Lunch”! Mmm. Chocolate Pearl is located at 133 Craig Street in Downtown Duncan. www.chocolatepearl. ca Notes on chocolate

by Duncan Chocolatier, Cheryl Painter Yonge

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Hudson’s on First winner of Shirley McGuinness Memorial Award

Downtown Duncan Business Improvement President’s Awards

T

he Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area’s (DDBIA) President’s Awards were handed out at the Annual General Meeting last month.

Selected by President Chris Manley, the awards celebrate the business people who have made an important contribution to Downtown Duncan through their commitment, passion, and leadership.

The talented trio of Vicky Gamble, Christina Hoffman, and Stephanie James-Robinson were awarded Business of the Year for Forte School of Music.

These three hardworking music teachers are all highly qualified, professional, and passionate about sharing their gifts for, and love of, music from their warm and welcoming studio at 122 Station Street.

The New Business Award was presented to Ian Smith of Victory Barber & Brand North. Open less than a year, this modern take on the classic barber shop has already garnered a loyal

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following and offers friendly staff, excellent customer service, a cool vibe, great coffee, and even a pool table!

They are a true downtown business success story and a wonderful addition to our community.

The marathon music festival that is the 39 Days of July won The Spirit of Excellence Award. Accepting the award on behalf of the DuncanCowichan Festival Society, was Longevity John Falkner, who brought the 39 Days of July to life through his vision, passion, and determination. Now in its 7th year, this inclusive community event has over 250 artists performing to an estimated audience of 40,000 throughout its duration.

Hudson’s on First was chosen by the BIA Board of Directors as this year’s recipient of the Shirley McGuinness Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding commitment to the beautification of Downtown Duncan and an exceptional effort to improve the appearance and overall experience of the downtown community. The award was presented to Andrea Hudson who, along with her team, has beautifully transformed both the interior and exterior of the century house at 163 First Street into the perfect setting for the exceptional dining experience that Hudson’s on First offers. Congratulations to all the award winners for their outstanding contributions to Downtown Duncan!

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

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas For The New Mama

F

or many families, this is a new year of celebrating Mother’s Day. We asked Rebeccah Moore, owner of Matraea Baby Boutique for her recommendations for great gifts for new mamas. Having been a new mother herself and the curator of her downtown Duncan baby boutique who better to ask than an expert “mompreneur”.

MATRAEA NOURISHING NEW MAMA TEA Nourishing New Mama Tea, a rejuvenating organic herbal tea best enjoyed while recovering and building strength after giving birth.

It supports new moms with breastfeeding and the transition to life with the new baby. The perfect postpartum tea for supporting new, tired mamas.

MATRAEA SOOTHING NIPPLE FIX Organic Nipple fix is made with soothing Calendula and nourishing Shea Butter, helping to protect cracked, sore nipples. Formulated by midwives, this all-natural, lanolin-free, nipple balm is safe for baby. No need to wash it off before nursing MATRAEA RELAXING MASSAGE OIL Certified organic massage oil for labour is a light, gentle, softening oil that is safe for use during pregnancy and birth. It is great for promoting comfort and relaxation

during labour and is most importantly fragrance-free as women can react to strong smells during labour.

STORK AND DOVE BOOBY BOONS LACTATION COOKIES Booby Boons Lactation Cookies are made specifically for breast feeding moms!

Booby Boons are wheat free, soy free, non GMO and made with the purest of ingredients. Booby Boons are wholesome, safe and made with Stork and Dove’s proprietary blend of natural, non-herbal galactagogues proven to increase breast milk supply naturally and safely.

A healthy, nutritious cookie to aid in the production of a mother’s breast milk.

MATRAEA SOOTHING BATH SALTS Pour a handful of these heavenly scented epsom salts into a hot bath to enjoy blissful relaxation. Perfect for easing the aches and swelling that accompanies pregnancy and for after birth to soothe tired muscles and minds.

Matraea Baby Boutique, 170 Craig St, downtwon Duncan

Matraea Baby Boutique Pure • Safe • Loved

Natural, Organic Quality Products and clothing for Baby, Pregnancy and Birth.

Silkberry, Baby Soy, Parade, Kewe, Toad In A Tree, Lulu Lollipop, The Wild, Little & Lively, Aden and Anais, Lulujo, Ringley and much more...

170 Craig St, Downtown Duncan I 250-597-8255

www.matraeababyboutique.com

Looking for Linen?

Prudence has a great selection of styles to choose from.

BUY MOM A GIFT CERTIFICATE AT PRUDENCE AND GET A FREE ALL-NATURAL LIP BALM.

NEW STYLES FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

OPEN SUNDAY - FRIDAY

Prudence

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics • 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

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B

JOIN US FOR DINNER

OPEN Tuesday

Happy Hour 3-5pm

to Saturday

look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

www.theoldfirehouse.ca

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Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

uilt in early 1900’s and restored in 19992002, the historic house on 126 Ingram Street in Duncan is affectionately known as the Green Door House. This home was saved from demolition and becoming a parking lot almost 20 years ago by the Green Door Society. With a vision to revitalize the downtown core and restore the home, the Green Door Society was founded by a group of committed citizens, among them David Coulson and Tom Marek.

The Green Door, Image Roanne Weyermars

A Door Opens for a Greener Community

While the Green Door House stands as an important part of Duncan’s heritage, it has also given start to many projects and entities including the non-profit organization, Cowichan Green Community. In fact, Cowichan Green Community first began as an environmental-based community outreach project centered on “greening” homes and community. Working in a small structure at the back of the Green Door House, Rose Wagner and a small team were trained how to look for evidence of a healthy home. They travelled by bike to residences in the Valley to deliver these energy audits and offer reports in an effort to provide education and initiate positive actions for more efficient homes.

Soon after this first outreach initiative, passionate volunteers created an informal committee and Cowichan Green Community was born. Its mandate at the time was to promote energy efficiency, healthy housing and environmental sustainability in the Cowichan Valley. Several years and locations later, in 2004, Cowichan Green

Community registered as a BC Society with a board of directors and expanded staff base.

Cowichan Green Community then updated its mandate in 2007 to focus on improving food security by developing strong relationships with local food producers and increasing urban and rural food production.

With this renewed focus, there are countless initiatives that have been spearheaded by Cowichan Green Community worth mentioning.

One project that has had a positive impact since 2010 is the Buy Local! Buy Fresh Cowichan Region Food Map. The goal of this project was to improve the viability of local farms and to promote local food producers as a part of a larger food security initiative. For eight years and counting, more than 8,000 copies have been printed and distributed annually to residents and tourists. As a result, the food map has had a significant impact on the success of small local farms and Cowichan Region food producers. The map enhances the local economy by promoting

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

Edible community garden behind The Station installed by CGC

these local food producers as well as restaurants, farmers markets, garden and grocery stores.

Another turning point for Cowichan Green Community brings us to its home today. In October, 2012, the organization relocated to the old Phoenix Station Motor Inn in downtown Duncan. A year later, CGC then made a very bold move to purchase the hotel! Through this acquisition, Cowichan Green Community gained a permanent home for its office and storefront to continue spreading the message of food sustainability and environmental

responsibility.

Now named “the Station”, the building has been rezoned and renovated. The improvements ranging from “green sensitive” anchor tenants like Cycle Therapy and Harmony Yoga through to edible landscaping on the exterior have helped revitalize this area of downtown Duncan. The twenty hotel rooms upstairs have been upgraded and converted into affordable downtown living apartments.

The Island Health certified commercial kitchen is rented by community groups and small scale food producers saving them from the worry of kitchen

overhead.

The Green Door House and Cowichan Green Community each play an important role in the continued revitalization of the community. Today, the Green Door House offers a vibrant community space and is home to seven modern offices, a bachelor suite and green space open to the public year round.

The achievements of the Green Door Society are certainly rooted in the landmark house – as well as the realization of Cowichan Green Community and its ongoing mission to cultivate food, community and

DOWNTOWN

DUNCAN

resilience.

Cowichan Green Community 360 Duncan St, downtown Duncan

Roanne Weyermars is a Cowichan Green Community board member and sustainability advocate.

• Skin Care Services • Esthetics Services • Natural Sugaring Hair Removal • Onsite Gel Nail Artist • Facial Bar

250 510 8700

#105 80 Station Street - Please use Craig St entrance

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Caring For Your Body, The Clean Way

E

ating as close to nature as possible is ideal for a clean and functioning happy body! What about what we slather on our skin and wash with? Our skin is the largest organ and it protects all our other organs and inside mechanisms. It is also very absorbent, so would we

want to be using chemicals day-to-day, and be inhaling these foreign agents as well?

Over time especially, this can cause great harm. Consider eliminating chemicals in what you put into your mouths, and into your environment such as self-care products and household products as well.

The body will thank you!

Not to mention the earth and oceans in which the stuff that goes down your drain ends up in.

Here at Lynns Vitamin

INTUITIVE HEALER • Certified Clinical

Hypnotherapist • Certified Quantum Touch Practitioner

HEATHER LAUZON

250-732-1405

www.emeraldhealingplace.com

15% off Prairie Naturals Hair-Care Products in May

Gallery, we prefer to offer the community a wide range of clean and natural products thats are not harmful to you or to the environment.

Prairie Naturals is one such company that has been around for decades and is also Canadian! Not only do they have a wonderful full range of supplements to help you achieve your health and nutrition goals, they have a great line of award-winning hair care products. These are formulated with natural ingredients for healthy and beautiful hair, without the harmful additives, featuring concentrated nutrients, botanical extracts, and pure

plant essential oils. All products are pH-balanced and free of sulphates, DEA and DHA, parabens, and petroleum. Biodegradable and environmentally-friendly, they are never tested on animals. Shampoos and conditioners are available in many different varieties to choose what works best with your own unique and fabulous head of hair! Damaged scalp or tresses? Why not try a restorative serum such as ‘Moonshine Silica Serum’ to repair, a scalp nourishing treatment ‘White Lightning’ to restore scalp health, or a shine and moisture treat ‘Coconut Breeze’. Your hair, and body, deserve the best that nature can offer.

Tina Foster, RHN is a registered holistic nutritionist in Duncan MineTheHarvest@ hotmail.com 2507488774

Lynn’s will be closed June 1 – June 17th for Renovations. Grand Re-Opening June 18th.

Visit us at Lynn’s - Village Green Mall

4-180 Central Ave, Duncan (Save On Foods Mall) 250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com

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

lemon sugar

the oils in a way that best keeps the therapeutic benefits as intact as possible, the options are limitless.

use essential oils. A lot!

Very often I get asked if essential oils are safe for ingestion.

For many years, I have been taking oils internally such as oregano oil for colds and clove oil for tooth pain. And although I often recommend oils for the purpose of aromatherapy or topical use, it has only been recently that I have been using essential oils to flavour my food and drinks.

Many food flavourings contain essential oils in some form or another, very rarely are they purely oils without having been blended with other oils, alcohols or sweeteners.

Health Canada recognises many essential oils as Natural Health Products (NHPs) however, they require that oils suitable for ingestion be labeled differently from other oils.

When cooking with these oils, be sure to use appropriately labeled oils and learn how to handle them correctly. For example, a drop of culinary lemon essential oil can add the flavour equivalent of the juice of 2 lemons. If your recipe relies on the liquid, as well as the flavour of 2 lemons, add more liquid accordingly.

A great way to get started with culinary essential oils is to create your own condiments. These can be used to amp up the flavour of your meals, snacks and drinks.

Once you have mastered flavour combinations and how to use

Radiant Mother: Holding Space

I

Here are some ideas to get you started: Lemon Sugar ¾ cup Organic Cane Sugar 5 drops Culinary Lemon Essential Oil Blend ingredients, stirring thoroughly to ensure the oil is fully dispersed. Store in mason jar. Sprinkle on sugar cookies, muffins, cakes and deserts

n a yoga workshop recently we explored the concept of Tensegrity (tensional integrity) and how it applies to the body in movement.

We collectively discussed a definition of the feeling of tensegriy within the body: feeling the connection to centre, and the tensile ability of the body to move from the core.

Lime Salt ½ cup Himalayan Salt 4 drops Culinary Lime Essential Oil Blend ingredients, stirring thoroughly to ensure the oil is fully dispersed. Store in mason jar. Sprinkle on popcorn, freshly made tortilla chips, sliced pickles

This technique of holding (finding connection) and letting go (finding space) within the body seemed profound to meI could not help but see the similarity to my experience being a mother.

Cooking With Essential Oils

I

YOGA FOR WELLNESS

Simple Syrup ½ cup Organic Cane Sugar ½ cup water 5-6 drops of Culinary Orange, Lemon or Lime Essential Oil Bring sugar and water to a boil in saucepan. Simmer until syrup is formed. Remove from heat.

Once cooled, stir in Essential Oil. Use in drinks. Mix with soda water on ice for a refreshing summer drink. Add to cocktails.

To learn more about cooking with essential oils, the best brands available, how to use them properly and keep as much of the health benefits intact, join us at Scoops Natural Foods for our upcoming Cooking With Essential Oils classes.

This results in a connected, strong, resilient and fluid structure.

The act of mothering is not linear, nor is it logical. It is a wild journey of twists, turns, and dives into the unknown.

I often feel like a warrior; nurturing precious life and growth in the face of such challenging (planetary) times. I have come to know fierce and determined parts of myself along the way.

I feel like an anchor; tightening up in the most fundamental of ways, while learning to let go of

my grip when I can.

Mothering has gifted me with growth, rubbing over stubborn edges and self-limitations, and slowly softening my outdated beliefs.

I am widening the river of love, kindness, caring, as I discover deep roots and tender shoots within my being.

Radiant Breath Lying on your back with knees bent (Constructive Rest Pose) feel your body supported by the floor.

With a soft internal gaze, scan the points of contact with the floor: the feet, back of pelvis, back of shoulder blades, base of skull.

Perhaps begin with a big intentional breath in or out to assist your arrival here.

Begin to observe the natural flow of breath. See if you can sense the natural outward movement of the inbreathe, and the gentle sense of gathering back to centre with the out breath.

With each breath in, see if you can begin to imagine a radiance or warmth spreading outwards into the body. With each breath out, feel the gentle pull back centre space.

Lindsay Campa is a mother, yogi, and massage therapist in the Cowichan valley.. thehealingbody.ca

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

778-422-3310

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Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga

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

Every Thursday at 5PM Drop-ins Welcome 250-897-5576 Email: info@movingpresence.center Web: movingpresence.center

Spirit Touch

I Bend So I Do Not Break Rhonda Maguire is a Certified Natural Health Practitioner and Registered Yoga Teacher.

Yoga and Wellness

Bring more ease of movement into your life Small Gentle Yoga and Mindful Movement Classes Perfect for Seniors, Chronic-pain Sufferers, Injury/Surgery

Classes offered in Mill Bay and Duncan Call Rhonda Maguire – 250-661-7309 spirittouch@live.com or Fb Spirt Touch

Julia Allen R.C.C. MCP, IMHA, BA

Masters Counselling Psychology Registered Clinical Counsellor

Shamanic Practices, Therpeutic Altered States Therapy

250-709-9673 50

www.longboatcounselling.com info@longboatcounselling.com

“Oh

no, not me! I can’t do yoga.

I’m too old for that. I’m not flexible at all.” This is often the response I receive when I ask someone older than 30 if they have thought about bringing yoga into their lives.

Not surprisingly, due to media and general opinion, yoga has developed a reputation that stereotypes thin young men and women in spandex, twisting their bodies into unthinkable poses. These yogis look beautiful, but the images don’t help most people to see themselves in a yoga class.

In truth, yoga and mindful movement is for everybody that moves. The aesthetics of yoga, how you look in a pose, is secondary to finding ways to move your body more freely. Yoga can be for chronic-pain sufferers and anyone recovering from injury or surgery. Yoga can be for anyone who would like to find more ease of movement in their lives. A weekly yoga class is a wonderful supplement to any massage, chiropractic or physiotherapy session. Mindful movement and yoga is a way to be your own physiotherapist.

Over the years our bodies respond to daily stresses and life’s traumas with muscular reflexes. The muscles involved ‘forget’ how to relax and return to a neutral state. After a while these muscles no longer remember how to move freely.

We begin to move habitually to avoid the discomfort that these reflexes cause. We protect ourselves from pain by unconsciously avoiding moving in ways that are uncomfortable causing those muscles to become even more stiff and sore. It becomes more and more difficult to bend over and tie our shoes, or get up and down off of the floor, and we gradually lose balance inviting injury and further pain.

A combination of gentle restorative hatha yoga poses and somatic yoga principles and exercises will begin to remind your body how to move with more flexibility and range of movement. Classes are slow and gentle. It will sometimes feel like you are not working your body at all. Beyond movement and yoga practice, you will learn more about the mechanics of your body and how you can avoid pain and injury. You will be encouraged to become more aware of how your body moves, consistently listening to your body’s cues.

With weekly practice you can learn to become more consciously aware of the way you move your body and you will find that your balance and flexibility will improve.

Classes are offered in Mill Bay, Friday 9am, Monday 10am, Thursday 7pm, and in Duncan, Tuesday and Thursday 10am and Noon. Evening classes possible with interest. Give yourself the gift of yoga and call 250 661-7309, email spirittouch@live.com, or connect with Spirit Touch Yoga and Wellness on Facebook for more info.

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

Cowichan Healing Arts Expo

A

re you eager to be inspired? Are you longing to be empowered?

Are you yearning to be transformed? Becoming masters of our own health and well-being is a choice every one of us must make.

It takes courage to face ourselves with honesty and say, “I am open to inviting healing into my life. I am ready to receive.� Holding intentions for greater health is a good start that needs to be followed by action. Action is the catalyst to manifesting our desires. Do you dream of better health? Do you imagine your life without the damage of past traumas? Do you seek guidance to help you deeper along your spiritual path? All of the answers and inspiration that you need to kickstart, or boost your path to greater health, are together in one collaborative circle at the Cowichan Healing Arts Expo. This event is created with intention annually by the dedicated group who call themselves Cowichan Healing Arts. The Healing Arts Expo was born out of the desire to make healing and health information accessible to everyone in our community. The Healing Arts is thriving in the Cowichan Valley! We are so blessed to have such an abundance of heart-centered practitioners sharing their gifts throughout

our communities. The Healing Arts Expo brings everyone together in the spirit of sharing, and creating something larger than ourselves - a gift to the people. Dozens of vendors bring their own inspiration to their tables. Downstairs in the Healing Room you will find methods ranging from Reiki to Shamanism to Rainbow Healing to Tarot Readings. Take your time to explore what is being offered and allow your intuition to guide you to the right practitioner. A full range of Free Workshops are being held both days indoors and outdoors. Musical guests throughout the weekend will be delighting our souls with refreshing sounds.

The time is now to become the master of your own health. Make a choice for yourself, take action and see how wonderful your life becomes. There is no limit to what we can achieve when we have health, support and community within our reach.

We look forward to seeing new and familiar faces on June 1st, 2nd and 3rd at the picturesque Duncan Community Lodge, 2244 Moose Rd. Duncan, BC To see our Practitioner Directory, and for information about the Expo including the Full Schedule of Workshops, Events and to Buy Advance

Tickets, please visit cowichanhealingarts.org Schedule Of Events Friday June 1st 7-9pm Sound Healing Concert with SacredFire $ 25.00 each Sat. June 2nd 7-9pm An Evening Of Mediumship with Al Olson & Ayla Spirit

Whisperer $ 25.00 Saturday June 2nd & Sunday June 3rd 10am to 5pm 2nd Annual Cowichan Healing Arts Expo. $ 10.00 weekend admission, 16 and under free.

Submitted by Rachel Allen

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•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

250-597-3686

First appointment free!

David Yaeger

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner davidyaeger650@gmail.com https://www.healerslibrary.com/global-practitioner-map/ (find me just north of Duncan)

locally grown, organic and delicious

Ol’ MacDonald Farm arugula, radishes Asian greens, Salad mix Baby kale, Spinach, Garlic Free range eggs Delicious, local grown food with love.

Available Saturdays at Duncan Farmers Market or from www.cow-op.ca - pick up Thursdays.

250 715 6174 52

Connected LIving

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onnected Living Seminars is offering a weekend workshop called “Feeling Alive,” on May 2527th, exploring connection with self, others, and the world itself. Many of us move through life without the connection that would make us feel seen, heard, and known. Our relationships with family, friends, or even colleagues or neighbours, can feel fraught with expectations and criticism, or are sometimes just flat, as though we’re going through the motions or putting on a good face. If our relationships feel close, it’s sometimes because we’re completely attuned to the needs of others and have devoted our energy to taking care of them emotionally, abandoning our own needs.

While it may be tempting to find shortcomings in others when our relationships unfold in these ways, the truth is that all connection with other people begins with a connection to ourselves - to our authentic self. When we are in communication with our inner voice, our connection with others is filled with vitality, aliveness, love and acceptance.

present to themselves, in their relationships, and in the world. Founded on a dynamic collaboration between four facilitators, these experiential workshops lead participants to relate authentically rather than from a defended place.

The goal of each seminar is to empower people to become more of who they really are - present, whole, and fully alive.

In the May workshop, you’ll be guided to delve more deeply into the existential issues of meaning, purpose, aloneness, authenticity, aging, and impermanence. Through movement, boundary, presence and breathwork, you’ll connect to your energetic spirit and enliven it so that you can live a life of profound meaning and purpose. This workshop is facilitated by Dr Margie Gayle, Jodie McDonald, Sybille Webb and Shawna Hett, and will take place at the Oceanfront Suites in Cowichan Bay. The cost is $375 for the weekend.

To register, or for more information, call Shawna at 250-709-5501 or visit www. connectedlivingseminars.ca

In the workshops at Connected Living Seminars, connection to self is the central theme, with a goal of helping people become more

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

Discover Your Spiritual Identity

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hristian Science, a religion and health care system, has been practiced in the Valley for over a hundred years.

The first location was at the corner of Ingram and Jubilee Streets in Duncan. Since then the church has been relocated to 6118 Lane Road, and now includes a Reading Room, a place to purchase and study the Bible and Science and Health with key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, as well as other publications from our church. Part of our mission is to sponsor lectures in the community.

Our lecture this year is: Discover your spiritual identity.

It is being given on May 26th at 11:00 in the Heritage Hall of the Duncan United Church and provides answers to these questions: Do we have a spiritual origin?

If so, can we discover what it is? What about our family origin?

This lecture also shows us a fresh, completely different approach to finding the answer to the questions “Who am I”; “What is my real identity?”

You can find out how, by understanding more in detail our spiritual origin, we can be free of all kinds of limitation, even to the point of physical healing. It shows how this kind of self-knowledge can be used in the workplace, in sports, wherever we are. Rather than

needing a special healing talent, the lecture explains that the whole purpose of Christ Jesus’ career was to show every one of us can understand God and our unity with Him in such a way that we can demonstrate this in every aspect of our lives. Examples of how we can heal naturally are are given throughout the lecture.

The lecturer, John Tyler, has spoken to audiences in every imaginable venue, from prisons to secret meeting places behind the Iron Curtain. He has given talks in six languages on five continents. Before committing himself to full-time healing work as a Christian Science practitioner, John began to see his work as an activist wasn’t as important as understanding and working within God’s government of the universe, rather than relying on man’s attempts to govern. This led him to a full-time profession of spiritual healing as a Christian Science practitioner.

Despite his love of teaching, he discovered there is nothing as fulfilling as healing through scientific prayer. In his healing practice of over 30 years, he has seen God heal many supposedly incurable cases. He loves sharing his understanding of the Bible and Mary Baker Eddy’s works on Christian Science.

Discover Your Spiritual Identity Gain health and freedom from limitation through prayer.

International speaker, John Tyler, is a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing and a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.

Saturday, May 26 11:00am Duncan United Church, Heritage Hall

246 Ingram St. Duncan

Heritage Hall is wheelchair accessible This free lecture is sponsored by:

Christian Science Society, Duncan For more information call 250 597 7554 or email: christianscienceduncan@gmail.com

Block of 6 hours of customized deep cleaning flat rate - $180 + gst

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PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN

OPEN HOUSE

One Tide Around the World SATURDAY, MAY 5 RSVP Required 9:30AM - 11:00AM

Sunrise Waldorf School (SWS) is an independent school, supporting choice in education for discerning parents. We welcome your family to visit and see what we have to offer. Space is limited. Please RSVP.

2148 LAKESIDE RD, DUNCAN I 250 743-7253 www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org

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ow much junk and trash accumulates along the shore in a year? What will you find if you scour the beach? There more to a beach than flotsam, jetsam, and refuse. What are the different kinds of clams and other critters in the mud at the beach? What fish and other creatures live in the eelgrass just off shore? The answers to these and many other questions, along with lunch, music, and fun can be found in Cowichan Bay at Low Tide Day on Saturday, May 19.

trail, then at noon they return to Kil-pah-las beach for lunch and live music.

The citizen science activities begin at 1:30. Volunteer biologists use a seine net to collect creatures from the near offshore environment and everyone can learn about the many creatures who live there. The animals are returned to the sea and and we move on to the “critter count�. This is a quadrat survey of the animals living in the mud.

Once the animals are returned to the mud, everyone Low Tide Day is a free goes home with a new community and familyunderstanding of the diversity friendly event that combines of life on, off, and under the environmental stewardship, beach and the importance of science education, food, and caring for the intertidal zone music. Everyone is welcome by always being mindful at this opportunity to have of what we do to the water fun while learning about, and the shore. After all, celebrating, and caring for the we all live downstream shore and the intertidal Zone. from something. For more information email info@ The day begins at 10:30 with naturecowichan.net or call the beach cleanup check-in John at 250-715-5261 or Jeff at Kil-pah-las Beach just east at 250-252-1400. of Cowichan Bay Village.

Thanks to Cowichan Tribes John is a retired for permission to use the psychologist beach. Teams are assigned to and university clean sections of shore and professor.

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

re u t Na bles Ram Genevieve Singleton: mother​ and enthusiastic nature interpreter​, twinflower4@gmail.com

“Is the spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?”...

“It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...”

Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

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f you are in the areas surrounding Quamichan and Somenos Lakes please look out for the Western Bluebird.

They are small birds with the males having an orange breast and bright blue back and wings and the females having lighter colouring.

These colourful flying jewels disappeared from the Valley over twenty years ago due to the loss of tree cavities due to urbanization, pesticide use and other issues. By putting up appropriate boxes designed for bluebirds stewardship groups are trying to duplicate the missing tree cavities. The Cowichan Valley Naturalists are now the lead of the Bring Back the Bluebird Project. The project is in its seventh year of re-introducing this iconic bird back to the Valley. There are several hundred boxes dotted around in North Cowichan in suitable habitat, which are large meadows with lots of perching places and areas to forage for insects. Last year our Bluebird numbers dropped, perhaps due to the hard winter of 2016. We hope very much for success this

year and would appreciate hearing from you if you have a sighting. Please email cowichanbluebird@gmail.com or call 250-710-5618. Thank you to the many landowners, volunteers and supporters making this project viable.

Sometimes the scale of problems facing our world, especially the environment seems just too large. This is the time to set some time aside for a walk on the wild side, and it doesn’t need to be a faraway walk to take your mind off things and find your soul. Recently friends and I visited a rotting log and within a few minutes we were entranced to meet a variety of small creatures, often not noticed in the regular rush of life. If you see a rotting log not fully decomposed and not too large gently roll it back and see what you can discover.

Sometimes it is disappointing to find only a few spider webs and rotting leaves. Sometimes however you hit the jackpot as we did on this special day.

Remember, if you are going to roll back a log do so very carefully and put it back gently, so as not to crush any creatures. Same rules apply if you are exploring beaches and looking under stones. On this day my friends and I found an Ensatina, an intriguing lungless salamander with googly eyes with its head sticking up looking around. It is important with a lungless salamander not to hold it since they breathe through their skin and your skin may compromise their breathing.

Then we were over the moon to find a Red backed

salamander. Hwukw’netsum is the hul’q’umi’num’ word for salamander. Then joy, we found the Lancetooth Snail, with purple head and feelers and a beautifully patinaed shell. Did you know that snails and slugs have four feelers and the top two have simple eyes?

If you look carefully you can see small black spots on the tips of the antenna, which are the eyes. It is important when finding these little critters to look at them carefully and then return them to their natural habitat to live. If you look carefully at the top of the rotting log as you return it to place you will see miniature forests made of moss, lichens, maybe a baby tree. An ant marching through looks in place is in its own miniature jungle. Just remembering this mini nature walk to a rotting log calms me, try your own quiet walk on the wildside!

MAY NATURE SIGNS Qw’uqw’sutsun’, Swallows and Purple Martins are back.

Look for the condo housing for Martins on Cowichan Bay pilings.

Speenhw, Camas flowers will be in bloom in our Garry Oak meadows and rocky outcrops, along with many other lovely flowers. Please leave them be, for others to see!

HAPPENING NATURE THINGS: May 4, 1 pm at Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre, Hecate Park, Cowichan Bay, come

CONNECTED PARENTING Parenting stirs up unresolved issues from how we ourselves were parented. Trying to do better, we often engage in “overcorrection,” creating new problems.

Learn to practice compassionate connection with yourself and your child through somatic work.

For details, visit www.connectedliving seminars.ca or call Sybille at 250-715-6957. learn about the first Coast Salish Dugout Big Canoe carving in over 100 years. See the canoe and take part in its carving, led by Tla-o-quiaht Master Carver Joe Martin. www.xwaaqwum.com/ Saturday, May 12 and 13, 10:30 to 3:00 pm Migrating Birds Day at the Raptors Centre, Herd Road. Come and learn what Vultures and Bluebirds have in common!!

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

Indian Head Massage – What Is It?

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ndian Head Massage is an ancient Ayurvedic practice and is becoming increasingly popular in the West. The word Ayurveda comes from Sanskrit, the ancient language of India. Ayurvedic medicine evolved in India, and is considered to be the world’s oldest healthcare system and means “knowledge of life”. This form of massage addresses those areas where we tend to hold a great deal of tension.

Indian Head Massage is a wonderful and unique experience with the client sitting upright in a comfortable chair for the duration of the 50 minute treatment. By using a firm and gentle touch, meridians and pressure points are worked on throughout the whole massage to stimulate circulation and become an effective way to de-stress. It is not just a physical massage, it works on an emotional level also, calming the spirit and promoting relaxation. This blissful experience ends with five minutes of acupressure on the face.

The purpose of Indian head massage is to release stored or blocked negative energy in the body and releasing the stress found in the tissues, muscles and joints in the back, neck, arms, shoulders, head, and face. Along with an infusion of fresh Reiki energy and balancing the four higher Chakras, Indian Head

Massage can bring the energy of the whole body back into balance by creating a deep sense of peace, calm and well-being.

Clients undergo an Indian head massage to relieve stress, insomnia, headaches, migraines, tension, fatigue, sinusitis, and even premature hair loss.

Some of the benefits include nourishing tissues and to promote healing, boosting the immune system and assisting with lymphatic drainage, psychologically uplifting, eliminating muscle tension, fatigue, relief of sinus congestion, increasing the blood flow to the head, neck and shoulders, an increased feeling of awareness and a sense of calm, peace and tranquillity due to the rebalancing of the chakras, release of stagnant energy and restore the energy flow to the body, activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation. Sounds wonderfully relaxing, doesn’t it?

Why not give it a try – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain! naturalheelingreflexology.com Helga Feichtinger is a Registered, Certified Reflexologist and Indian Head Massage Practitioner Cowichan Valley.

Beverly Corners Market Place 109-921 H Canada Avenue, Duncan 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca

Valleyview

Centre

So much to offer!

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd Fitness 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.

Healthcare

Food Country Grocer 250 743-5639 Bakery, Meat, Seafood, Produce, Deli & Floral, Supplements Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese 250 929-2873 Charcuterie, Cheese House Made Pates Pizzeria Prima Strada Cobble Hill 250-929-4655 Wood-fired pizza, meatball sandwiches, local wine & craft beer

Cobble Hill Dental 250-743-6698 Friendly, Family Practice

We Welcome New Patients!

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

Planner

is designed to get and keep sailors excited about sailing for life. Lessons for youth, ages 8 to 18. Private lessons available for youth and adult. More information at Maple Bay Yacht Club 250 746-4521 Wilderness Kayak Camp in Maple Bay

Maple Bay Sailing Camp

WILDERNESS KAYAK CAMP

Maple Bay Yacht Club CANSail Learn a new lifelong skill, meet new friends and have fun. What is CANSail?

CANSail is Canada’s updated sailor training standards. CanSail programming means lots of time on the water in a safe fun and active learning environment.

Sailors learn the skills and enter fun and challenging experiences suited to their age and stage of development. The programming

Bring your friends to Maple Bay and try Sea Kayaking, Stand up Paddle Boarding or join in on a Youth kayaking day trip. Kayak Kids camp ages 6-12 - an introduction to kayaking $125+tax July 16-18; Aug 13-15. Learn kayak skills and safety, basic weather interpretation, on water games and more…

Youth Tour ‘N’ Learn kayak tour ages 12+ - this 3 day/ 2 night trip combines all the basic sea kayaking skills, trip planning and preparation while paddling to a local Gulf Island for the overnight adventure. $225 +tax For more information call 250746-0151 or email info@ wilderness-kayaking.com

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WESTVIEW LEARNING CAMP

Kinpark Kids Camp

Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Camp

Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics CAMP KinPark Kids Camp Each day we organize a diversity of fun activities that focus on sustainability, food, nature, teamwork, and health.

Kids learn how to plant, harvest, cook and eat fresh local food, identify plants and insects, make crafts, play in the park, do yoga, swim, and make friends.This green-themed day camp for ages 6-12 is

based at Kinsmen Park (5789 Alderlea Street) and Cowichan Green Community’s kitchen at 360 Duncan Street. Camp runs July 3rd to August 31st, at $150 per week (with the exception of the weeks following Canada Day and August long weekends, which cost only $120). For more information and to download a registration package, please visit our website: cowichangreencommunity.org/ project/kinpark-kids-camp-2/”

Duncan Gymnastics is hosting Weekly Summer Camps for ages 5 - 12 (K – G7). Experience gymnastics for the first time or practice your skills so you don’t get rusty. Best buy is to book a full week or you can choose a morning or an afternoon. *So Flexible*.

3-Day Summer Camps are also available for the preschoolers (age 3-5).

Announcing WestView Learning’s summer learning for children, families and seniors. Five week long camps foster creative, active learning in 3 themed MakerSpace Camps and 2 Robotics Camps. New this year are Parent/Child classes in programming, and a Senior’s Tech Boot Camp! WestView Learning’s Somenos Classroom is a space where all ages and abilities practice digital skills, coding, robotics, and hands-on making. For more information contact Heather.

250-701-3359 heather@ westviewlearning.ca www.westviewlearning.ca

For more information, or to book now, please visit our website – http://ddgc.ca Westview Learning Camp

Summer Kids Camps 2018

Day Programs & Overnight Camps Register Online Now at coastalbliss.ca

1 800 896 9525 60

coastalbliss@shaw.ca

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

Got Kids? Love Yoga?

Check out Kidding Around Yoga with Lulu For boys and girls, ages 6-8 years with wiggle room of course.

KIDS YOGA DAY CAMP!

All camps 9AM-12PM Camp #1 Mon. July 9th Wed. July 11th Fri. July 13th

Camp #3 Mon. August 6th Wed. August 8th Fri. August 10th

Camp #2 Mon. July 23rd Wed. July 25th Fri. July 27th

Camp Fees

Standard Fee $120

• Select a camp and attend • Yoga mat and healthy Camp #4 snack provided Mon. August 20th • Certificate of Wed. August 22nd Completion Fri. August 24th • Swag Bag

Day Drop-in Fee $50

• Drop in on any camp day for 3 hours • Yoga mat and healthy snack provided

Early Bird Special $90 Select a camp and pay before the special ends (see dates below)

Early Bird Registration end dates: Camp #1 special ends June 10th Camp #2 special ends June 24th Camp #3 special ends July 8th Camp #4 special ends July 22nd

Call Lulu Schmidt to inquire at (250) 710-1901 Luraluyoga.com Email: Lulu@luraluyoga.com Location: Heart of Duncan @ 60 Queens Rd.

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an experience for children.

Camps run Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am12pm. Early Bird and Day Drop-In rates available. www.luraluyoga.com

CAMP PRINGLE

Kidding Around Yoga Camp

KIDDING AROUND YOGA CAMP Kidding Around Yoga incorporates yoga, music, games and other activities to help children focus their minds and stretch their bodies, all while having loads of fun. Run by a certified Children’s Yoga Teacher, Lulu Schmidt, who specializes in sharing yoga and meditation with children ages 6-12.

Yoga and meditation has been considered for a long time as a wonderful means of stress management proven to lower cortisol levels. She uses a system based on the classical study of yoga transformed into

Camp Pringle Kids Camp

Discover fully-accessible Camp Pringle at Shawnigan Lake. Kids will enjoy experiential adventure-based activities, develop greater self-awareness and build confidence. We offer Classic Co-Ed Camps, Family Camp, Day Camp and more. Try our Leader or Counselor in Training programs, or join Crew. Learn to build positive relationships with your peers and the environment. We welcome new or experienced campers and all families.

Come for a week that lasts a lifetime! Please call for more info 250-743-2189 or email

registrar@camppringle.com. www.camppringle.com

MARINE BIOLOGY NATURE CAMP If you find yourself hearing the question “why?” on a daily basis, the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre has the summer camp for your kids! Science Summer Camps are being offered for curious kids ready to dive into nature.

From jellyfish to whales, butterflies to bumblebees, kids are going to discover the answers to questions they are dying to know. Camps run Monday to Friday 9am-3pm in July and August for age groups 5-7 and 8-10. Cost is $215. Registration is at: http//:www.cowichanestuary. eventbrite.ca

A fun time to paint, work with clay, sketch and work with mixed media!

WEEKLY Camps or DAY Drop Ins.

Tuesday - Friday 9am until 3pm Cost is $50/day per child.

t bou a rn Lea es and r Be in ou ty rk wo muni ! n com garde Bee

Saturdays 10am until 3pm

www.beealiveinthehive.com I 139 Station Street, Downtown Duncan

Summer Camp Days at the Hive Art Studio 62

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

Coastal Bliss Adventure Camps

Planner

BRENTWOOD SUMMER CAMPS Nestled on the pristine oceanfront of Mill Bay, Brentwood College School summer camps offer a wide range of day and overnight options this year. This July and August, Brentwood is hosting 9 diverse and fun camps offering a summer experience rich in fun, friendship, learning and adventure for kids from 8 to 17. These camps range from half and full-day to overnight, and are designed to cover everything from academics and arts to athletics. Campers can pick from: Academics

Camp Canada, Debate Camp Canada, Musical Theatre, Rowing, Rock Band, Rugby 7s, Soccer, Tennis, and even Ukulele! For more information visit camps. brentwood.ca

Coastal Bliss adventure Camps Coastal Bliss Adventure summer camps have been running since 2012 in the Cowichan Valley, with inspired children returning annually, or progressing onto leadership rolls as junior instructors. Our camps provide a mixture of water and land-based camps including: Kayaking, canoeing, Standup-paddle-boarding, surfing, backpacking and nature exploration as main focuses, with an assortment of exciting afternoon activities. Register early: programs fill up quickly! Program Ages 9 – 12; and 13 - 16, Visit: coastalbliss.ca or Phone: 1-800-896-9525

Musical Theatre Camp at Brentwood Summer Camps

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Marine Biology Camp, Cowichan Nature Estuary Centre

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Wilderness Kayaking LESSONS • TOURS • RENTALS • SALES

www.wilderness-kayaking.com

Summer Youth Programs From Maple Bay • KAYAK KIDS - INTRODUCTION TO SEA KAYAKING July 9-12, July 23-26 Sessions Monday - Thursday 9am - 1pm • YOUTH TOUR N’ LEARN - GULF ISLANDS 3 DAY OVERNIGHT TRIP July 16-18, August 13-15 AGES 13-16

BENEFITS OF SUMMER CAMP

ummer camp is a great way for children to spend their free time doing something fun and meaningful during the break. For some camp is an opportunity to learn new skills and hobbies.

Others explore new arts, music or computer classes.

Many camps offering exciting opportunities to engage in the outdoors with forest, beach or ocean adventures. But for all camp is just a whole lot of fun.

When I asked my boys what they liked most about camp their answers changed depending on which camp they attended. They love kayak camp because it is a guided experience on the ocean that they don’t normally get to do with us. They are shown skills, techniques and

special areas in Maple Bay that are only accessible by water. They love soccer camp because it is a never ending play of a game they love. They really enjoyed marine biology camp because of the hands on nature of the activities.

After a few consecutive years they were proudly able to identify everything we came across on the beach and the intertidal zones. Their most recent favourite is general day camp where they play, learn, do arts and crafts, swim at the river and sing songs.

A genuine camaraderie gets built over one or two weeks as campers share multi faceted experiences together.

Whichever great Cowichan camp you choose. Your kids will love you for it. A good camp can foster confidence, leadership and skills that they will carry with them for a lifetime.

• YOUTH DAY TRIP ADVENTURES - LEAD BY EXPERIENCED GUIDES - July 13, July 27 Fridays 9am - 3pm

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

Call for more info or to reserve.

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

info@wilderness-kayaking.com

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

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s r s c p a o l h t f T s f a s i F f t t f b t q w g

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Little Owl Kids Fair June 3 10am-5pm Shawinigan Lake Community Centre 2804 Shawnigan Lake Rd

love handmade things! It means so much more to make something for someone or to receive something that you know someone made with thought and care. Buying locally handmade products bring you quality one of a kind items that are also easier on the environment and support local makers. I started running handmade markets 11 years ago to bring unique makers together for a great market experience.

The shows have evolved into some of the south Island’s favourite handmade markets and it has become a passion to support and grow the handmade industry. The Little Owl Kids Fair has been running in Victoria for 4 years and this is the first time the show is being hosted in the Cowichan Valley. Little Owl focuses on handmade goods for babies and kids. There are 25 of the best local makers bringing quality locally made clothing, waldorf inspired toys, dress up gear, decor, pottery, wooden

toys and much more! The fair also showcases young makers selling their art and designs.

For some of them it is their first experience selling at a market.

It has been incredible to see the talent in these young makers and also to see their confidence grow with this experience. Little owl also hosts free craft workshops so that you and your child can learn a new skill and start your own artistic journey. Workshops this year will include painting, designing a dream catcher, making a super hero mask and more! There will also be a black and white photo booth where you can have a portrait made

by E/A Photography. The Owl markets have a commitment to community and at each show there is a fundraiser for a local non profit with a by donation door prize draw. You may enter for a chance to win a basket of goodies from all of the vendors.

The venue is fully accessible for all and the show will run from 10am-5pm. Entrance fee is $3 per adult and youth and kids are free! Come out and support local makers and bring home something beautifully handmade!

Find out more information at www.owlfair.com.

Submitted by Emmy McMillan

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Explore Your Passion!

GRADE EIGHT INDEPENDENT PROJECTS AT SUNRISE WALDORF SCHOOL: USING PROFESSIONAL MENTORS AS INSPIRATIONAL GUIDES.

Northern Flicker, Image Khaya J

How I See Through the Lens Being a lover of nature, I became interested in photography through seeing birds in flight and feeling in awe of nature photos that I had seen. I really wanted to be able to take such amazing shots. I saved up and bought myself a Canon Rebel T6, but you see, a Canon T6 comes with an 18 -55mm lens which is very small and not great for zooming in and taking photos of birds, unless you sneak up until you are five feet away from the animal you are trying to photograph.

I then used a 75 – 300 mm lens which was a huge help in many ways and I didn’t have to put on farm clothes every time I wanted to take photos. My mentor, Jeremy, a professional photographer, taught me so many techniques and tricks for taking photos, such as waiting for an object to pass by the viewfinder and taking photos of moving objects. If you have the time and interest, I suggest you get a nice camera; they’re tons of fun!

Khaya J ;oves soccer, photography, drawing and being outdoors.

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Our Brain…

When We Sleep In Grade Eight at Sunrise Waldorf School, we do a big independent project on all sorts of different topics.

I decided to study the brain while we sleep and dream and the effect of screen time before bed. My mentor is a neuroscience professor at Vancouver Island University.

He studies human biological rhythms and sleep. Many people are unaware of the blue light that your electronic device has. It can actually keep you up throughout the night even if you think you are sleeping just fine. Did you know we dream more than 1,800 times a year? But we don’t remember all of them! What I enjoyed most about this project is reading about all the different kinds of dreams we have. Although I don’t want to take this up as a career, it many be helpful to know this stuff in my everyday life. Who knows! I could teach someone a thing or two about the brain!

Octavia J.has a passion for reading and writing.

The People Behind the Music I chose studio recording for my project because I knew a little about recording and had a curiosity to discover more. I also have a very big interest in music due to learning guitar. My mentor is a professional studio owner who has owned a recording studio in the Cowichan Valley for about 20 years. I immensely enjoyed learning all the little details about studio recording that only a professional would know.

One of the important things I learned is that, in my mentor’s experience, there is a point where the law of diminishing returns comes into effect and it’s best to go home and try again tomorrow.

I hope to record something of my own as an artistic and practical piece of my project. Overall, this has been and hopefully will continue to be a very fulfilling and interesting project and I hope to further these studies in high school.

Birth as a Conscious Welcoming This year, I chose to learn about pregnancy, birth and the newborn. I’ve always loved babies, and I had little knowledge beyond their adorable appearance, so I wanted to understand more.

My project mentor was Christina Hamill, a craniosacral therapist who supports babies and families. I really enjoyed getting to know her as my project unfurled. Christina lent me some books for research, and I discovered that I learn well by talking to people.

So I interviewed a pregnant mother, a mother of four, and Nancy, the midwife who attended my own birth fourteen years ago in San Francisco.

I loved writing an essay on home birth. I learned that babies are more conscious than we acknowledge, during pregnancy, birth and as newborns. Personality throughout one’s life is strongly affected by pregnancy and birth experiences. I think birth is just as intense for the baby as for the parents.

I’ve decided that in the future I want to be a midwife, to help women face birth with grace and support.

Max C.M. is a music-interested Grade 8 student at Sunrise Waldorf School.

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

Rosie K loves singing, playing ukulele and fibre arts.

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Physical Literacy: An Athlete’s Not-So-Secret Weapon facing the problem of children choosing and pursuing a single sport too soon. Elzinga has submitted a grant application to Island Health to help kickstart a multi-sport program in the Cowichan Valley.

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“I think there’s a problem with early specialization, as kids focus on one sport too early in life and don’t become comfortable and confident with a variety of movements,” says Elzinga.

“When the child or young adult decides not to participate in their sport of choice any longer, they don’t know what to fall back on.”

Physical literacy is an exciting philosophy defined as “the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.”

Play Cowichan and the 2018 BC Summer Games, which will be hosted in the Cowichan region this summer, are sponsoring five upcoming sessions on physical literacy to help coaches, rec programmers, teachers, parents and other adults that work with children learn how to incorporate physical literacy principles into their curriculum and training:

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Kyle is a sports enthusiast, reporter at 89.7 JuiceFM, and proud volunteer with the Cowichan 2018 BC Summer Games.

he typical model for kids’ participation in sport is generally to focus entirely on one or two sports from an early age, and when they go as far as they can, they’re left wondering, what do I do now?

Stephanie Spencer is a Sport Consultant with the Highland Region in Nova Scotia and she’s playing an active role in a physical literacy program, giving kids the chance to try a number of sports before the time comes to specialize.

Spencer says, “We run 10 sports for 10 months here and it’s all about building confidence, a skill-set and motivation within our children at a young age (five to eight-year-olds), creating a love of sport as early as possible and making it as positive as we can.”

John Elzinga, the General Manager of Community Services with the Cowichan Valley Regional District, is spearheading an effort to bring a physical literacy or a multi-sport program to the Cowichan Valley.

The Cowichan Valley, like many other regions and provinces, is

• Fundamental Movement Skills workshop, May 17, 5:30 to 10 p.m., Quamichan Middle School Gym ($55).

• Physical literacy information sessions, May 24 & 31, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Island Savings Centre (free).

• High Five Training Workshop, which is a full-day session aimed at front-line leaders and including topics like bullying and conflict resolution, June 2, 9a.m. to 4:30p.m., Island Savings Centre ($50).

• Quality Physical Literacy Experiences Workshop, which will develop physical literacy in program design and delivery, June 7, 5:30 to 9:30 pm, Island Savings Centre, ($104.95).

For information and to register, call (250) 749-6742 or email clradmin@cvrd.bc.ca.

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History of Cowichan Bay’s Low Tide Day

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re people becoming more responsible about what they dump in the water and on the beaches in Cowichan Bay? The answer seems to be “yes.”

For the past 20 years, on the weekend in May with the lowest daytime tide, the community has been cleaning the shores of Cowichan Bay and learning about the many living things who depend on clean beaches. In the first few years, several tonnes of refuse were found. Since then, the amount of flotsam, jetsum, and other refuse has declined by about ninety percent.

International Low Tide Day began in 1995 with an “Eco Fayre” in Brighton, England, celebrating “One tide on one day around the world.” In 1999 Cowichan Bay became the first Canadian community to join the world-wide event. This is

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our twentieth Low Tide Day in Cowichan Bay. The first Cowichan Bay Low Tide Day was co-sponsored by the Marine Ecology Station, Cowichan Land Trust, Cowichan Estuary Preservation Society, Cowichan Bay Improvement Association, and Cowichan Valley Naturalists, with support from Cowichan Tribes.

The event was founded by the late Dr. Bill Austin of the Marine Ecology Station. He participated every year until 2014 with the help of Jeff Quinton, John Scull, Madeline Southern, and many staff and volunteers from the Cowichan Land Trust and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Jeff and the Land Trust continue to organize this event each year.

In addition to the community beach cleanup, the event has included a quadrat study of the beach using protocols Dr. Austin developed for the Georgia Strait Alliance. More recently,

volunteers from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans added a beach seine to make it possible to observe animals in the water off shore. Once these diverse critters living in the waters on the edge of the beach are identified, photographed and counted, they are carefully returned to their homes in the water or mud.

This year that marks the 20th anniversary of Low Tide Day also commemorates Dr. Austin, who passed away recently. He was an eminent marine scientist specializing in sponges, a committed environmentalist, and a gifted teacher and leader. In addition to Low Tide Day, he inspired several generations of young people with his school programs and summer camps at the Marine Ecology Station. His work has been carried on by the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sydney and locally by the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre www.cowichanestuary.ca.

Bill Austin

at the core of Low Tide Day, but there has been pure fun, too. Every year has included a community lunch, live music, and displays by community organizations. Sometimes there have been art activities and games. To keep in the spirit of caring for the environment, the lunch at Low Tide Day is a zero-waste event. In 2000 CBC television’s Country Canada did a short documentary about Low Tide Day that can be viewed at http://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/ low-tide-day.

Cleaning the beaches and doing hands-on science have been

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

John is a retired psychologist and university professor.

family and friends break the fast by sharing Iftar (the evening meal). Travellers, pregnant and nursing women, children, the elderly and the ill are excused from fasting.

Ramadan – Islamic Holy Month More Than Spiritual Reflection & Prayer

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t dawn on May 16th, the 30 days of Ramadan begins and ends on June 15th.

Ramadan is the holy month of the Islamic faith, a month of forgiveness and mercy. Islam is marked by Adhan, five daily calls to prayer, and, during Ramadan, after the first call to prayer at dawn Muslims mark their devotion by daily fasting Sawm (daily fasting).

I had the pleasure of chatting with Syrian refugees, Zeiad and Ghosoun, who shared their traditions during Ramadan.

Although both are learning English quickly, Cowichan Intercultural Society Interpreter Baraa Mohammed graciously helped translate.

Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and prayer, reading the Qur’an, mindfulness, discipline, empathy, and sharing among family, friends, and strangers. It is a way to get back to one’s true self, about positively adjusting one’s habits and teaching those habits to children and

students. It’s about self-control and creating self-awareness as observing Muslims; a month wherein the faithful try to be the kindest, best persons they can be.

It is a time to regenerate the positive aspects of life, such as charity works for those less fortunate. Zeiad and Ghosoun explained that fasting heightens awareness of hunger and reducing meals to two daily results in savings, which the faithful donate to the needy. Called Zakāt, it is an obligatory form of alms-giving – one of the five pillars of Islam. Other pillars are: Shahada (Faith), Salah (Prayer), Sawm (Fasting), and Pilgrimage to Hajj or Pilgrimage to Mecca.

After sunset, for Iftar, they end the long fast with a light soup and salads such as tabbouleh and fatouche which gently reintroduce food into the stomach, followed by a main dish of either meat or chicken with rice. Desserts include haressa – an Arabic cake made with semolina and sweetened with rosewater syrup – and snacks such as pistachios, nuts, coconut and sesame.

Favourite juices include erq sous – licorice root juice to revive low blood pressure – and tamer hindi – tamarind juice. In Canada, Zeiad and Ghosoun have good access to ingredients for making their own desserts and sweets. To aid in digestion, Zeiad makes a special bitter Syrian coffee by gently boiling the grounds with fragrant cardamom and serving it in demi-tasse cups.

When the final fast is over, Muslims celebrate the threeday festival Eid al-Fitr by

Fasting is incorporated into the daily rhythm of family, work schedules, and responsibilities.

No food or water are taken from after Suhor (the morning meal eaten before sunrise at which time is the first call to prayer) until sunset when

visiting with relatives and friends. Everyone brings a delicious food item and always receives one in return.

Children often receive new clothing, enjoy lots of play time, and are encouraged to ask for Eidjiyah (coins) from parents and relatives, so that they can learn to save money.

Zeiad and Ghosoun are no longer surrounded by as many family members and they miss sharing those meals, enjoying Syrian evening street markets where specialty sweets are sold, and their connection with community. They also miss hearing the ‘call to prayer’ because there are no nearby mosques. However, they are making new friends and connections to community in Cowichan. Zeiad is setting up his tailoring business and both are enjoying raising their 5 children, including Duncanborn son Terek.

Ruth Goodbody has a Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication (MAIIC), is a facilitator and is a volunteer for Cowichan Intercultural Society.

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Celebrating Kia And The Legacy She Leaves Behind

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ast month, my beautiful little dog Kia passed with the loving assistance of Nancy Holling of Sitka Veterinary, a group of her favourite people and animals holding her. It was a remarkable moment, sad yes, emotionally rich, definitely, but also incredibly peaceful and beautiful. In her passing, the timing was perfect, her support team was with her, the weather was gorgeous and the spot she picked to be laid to rest couldn’t have been more apt. I credit this in entirety to Kia, who, even to her last moment was a lady boss, a dog who knew what she wanted and asked for it. The only credit I give myself was to have developed my animal communication skills to a point that I could actually receive her lady boss instructions for final transition.

She was officially diagnosed in the fall with mitral valve dysfunction, or more simply, a heart murmur. Common to her breed, Kia was put on medications that immediately improved her quality of life,

Image Devon Gillott

and allowed her to live almost seven more months.

I wrote a book on this stuff and called it Death Sucks, because, it really does. A few months after her diagnosis Kia pulled the fire alarm and I was certain she was on her way out. She was sharing with me that she was ready and I was getting pictures in my mind of the spot and exactly how the rocks should be placed around her grave. Understandably, I was a mess. She was struggling for breath. and I booked a tentative session with her vet. And then, she bounced with the gush of a second wind carrying us for the next four months. I really don’t know what shifted things. But even though I had told myself I was ready, I absolutely wasn’t.

Over the coming months I listened deeply to her needs and requirements for rest. I got it right some of the time and messed up others. We’d go for a walk a little too long (because she loves to hike) or she’d get a little too fiesty and pay for it. But we found our balance. I can say now that she did what no one has ever got me to do - slow- right- down. We spent time snuggling and watching movies. She got many yummy things. We spent time teaching our new dog Reilly how to take over when she was gone. We did healing sessions together with her favourite people, because that’s what she wanted to do, Kia lying on their legs as their bodies and souls found unwinding. She wandered about doing dog stuff, eating gross things and ignoring my calls completely - she was so “over” being well-behaved.

This past Friday, her heart took charge, literally. She collapsed, and then went into crisis overnight. She bounced thankfully, but a smaller bounce this time, with less energy to find her stride. She shared her readiness to go with me, but I still wasn’t ready. When she

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collapsed in a ditch two days later, I knew it was time and there was no turning back. As per her instructions, we didn’t leave the property from that point forward, sharing time until the vet arrived almost a week later. On the day, we held her as she waited for each person to arrive to be witness to her passing. Seven women held space, including my mother. She slipped away with only a fraction of the substance normally needed, her heart only hanging on by a thread, but her body remaining completely adorable even when her heart had stopped.

Her cuteness did not fade. We wrapped her in a cozy blanket and lay her in the sunshine, the only glimpse of the sun we had all week (nice one Kia, not sure how you organized that), and lay her to rest in the spot she had chosen, covered in daisies, under a beautiful protector tree. The peace was palpable. Like delicate sun rays on your face, and soft breezes on your skin. Laughter was in the air, because that was a part of her legacy. Don’t take life too seriously, she shared. Enjoy this ride.

I give thanks for this teacher and for having the language to listen to her wisdom. May all passings be so beautiful.

Image Jenny Holden Submitted by Alexa Linton www.alexalinton.com

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Lucky Dog

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

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omewhere between six and fourteen months your puppy will become a monster for three of those months.

Just like humans, dogs have a distinctive time in their development between being a puppy and being an adult. And they share many of the same “qualities” as human adolescents. Acne on their chins and chests is not uncommon and will clear up on its own.

Your teenage dog may seem to forget all the training she learned before. This is a time to be patient and firm.

Going back to school may be beneficial for both of you at this time if your dog is being defiant.

They seem to just be plain stupid sometimes and may have impulse control problems. Being socially inappropriate needs to be dealt with right away or it will continue into adulthood as perceived acceptable behaviour. Our teenage dogs

always need to know that we have their backs and that they can trust us, but they need guidance about what we want from them; just like humans.

Puppies have small bladders and housebreaking accidents happen because of physical issues, not because your dog is “bad”. Some dogs don’t have a large bladder through their adolescence, either. If your young dog is piddling in the house and the spots are small, more outside potty breaks are needed for another month or two.

This is the time they eat the most and want to eat more.

Keep your adolescent dog slim. Those joints are just starting to mature and need to move freely without added stress of weight. And they need to burn energy, lots of exercise will help keep your adolescent dog from making her own fun by unupholstering the furniture and removing the cabinet doors.

It’s normal for your dog to test her independence and she will try to think for herself, just like a human teen. This age is the most common age for dogs to be re-homed. They can be more than a handful and people are just surprised at the work needed to get through this part. If you’re losing your hair and think you have a monster in the house, get some professional help for both of you.

It will be well worth it.

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Cowichan Lawn Bowling Welcomes You The sport of lawn bowls, as we know it today, has been played since before the days of Sir Francis Drake. In fact, the oldest club in England, in Southampton, has been in constant operation since it was incorporated in 1299 ! Though lawn bowls is generally thought of as a senior citizens activity, it is enjoyed by players of all ages, all over the world.

I tell you this because, you may not be aware, that there exists, right here in Duncan, the Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club. The club is located in beautiful Centennial Park, at the west end of 1st Street. Our season runs generally from early May to early to mid October (weather permitting). As the club begins its 20th year of activities, everyone in the Cowichan Valley is invited and encouraged to attend our FREE Open House on April 29th , 10am to 2pm and our Coaching Week, Monday, April 30th to Friday May 4th, 10am to 2pm each day. Our coaching team will be on hand to explain how the game is played, demonstrate the proper delivery of the bowl and give attendees an opportunity to try it. Don’t worry if these dates don’t work, individual arrangements can be made suit your schedule. And, remember, lessons are always FREE! Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club is a member-built and member-maintained not-for-profit society. I hope you will seriously consider joining the club to enjoy some gentle exercise, the fresh air, and the making of new friends. Our many activities include competitive league play and tournaments, as well as our very popular, and highly social events, such as Saturday Bag Lunch Bowls, Friday Bowls & BBQ and Sunday Fun Days, to name just a few.

Hoping to see you on the grass. www.cowichanlawnbowling.com Submitted by Pat Unger, President Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club

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There Is Support For Grandparents

Are you, or do you know, a grandparent or other kin raising a relative?

In BC there are an estimated 13,000 children and youth aged 0-19 being raised by grandparents or other relatives, because the children’s parents are unable.

Reasons include: mental and physical health issues, substance use, even death.

The numbers are growing.

Imagine you are unexpectedly raising your grandchild. You have no idea what to do, and as you start to investigate, you realize there is a maze of legal and government systems to navigate.

In order to raise the children, you may need to adjust your housing, quit your work, or cancel retirement plans, or even return to work. You find yourself spiralling into poverty. Yet there is little to no financial support. What does exist, is difficult to access.

As you take on caring for young kids, you lose your network of friends who cannot connect to the issues you face.

You feel isolated. You may feel tired and stressed out and you know if you don’t step up to the plate, your grandchildren may be placed in government care.

Parent Support Services Society of BC provides peer-to-peer Parenting Support Circles across BC, including groups that are specifically for grandparents and others raising a child of a relative (kinship caregiver). In these Circles, kinship caregivers talk with others in similar situations. They share challenges and joys, exchange information and make new connections. These groups, co-facilitated by trained volunteers, are confidential and free.

What participants say: The Support Circle is “A lifeline”, “Helped me to understand my grandchild”, “I am grateful to know that such a group exists and grateful to feel less isolated as a Grandparent Raising a Grandchild.”

In Duncan, the Circle meets monthly (next meeting – evening of May 10th).

For more information about this group or other Circles on the Vancouver Island, contact Sandi at 250.468.9658 or

parent@telus.net.

Parent Support Services operates a Support Line for grandparents and others raising a child of a relative. The line is staffed by advocates (a lawyer and a social worker) who help callers navigate and understand complex legal and government systems. 1-855-474-9777 or GRGline@parentsupportbc.ca We also hold a two night nature camp on Galiano Island, for kinship care families.

For more details please contact Sandi at 250.468.9658 or parent@telus.net.

To find out more about all of our services: Check our website parentsupportbc.ca Submitted by Sandi Halvorson local Program Coordinator - Parent Support Services Society of BC

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Cut Broom in Bloom

So you want to cut down some broom? Are you wondering where you should cut? And how to do it? Here are some other tips.

A broom plant cut flush to the ground will die in the summer’s heat. You want the grass and ground cover to suppress seeds of previous years, so don’t disturb the soil by pulling or digging. Go after single plants and small infestations first.

Big plants die easily! If 2” diameter or larger, just cut off all green branches. Patch too big?

Cut off all flowering branches on the outer edge before seed pods form – to stop the spread. Clear an area and draw the line – No Broom Here!

Volunteers in the Cowichan Valley are currently organizing in Maple Bay, Chemainus, Southend, Sahtlam, Cobble Hill, Lake Cowichan and Compton. They are your neighbors and they need you - for two hours a year. Protect native plants and young forests, and prevent forest fire.

Check Broombusters.org for videos and local cuts.

What can you do with the cut broom? A cut broom stalk with only flowers is harmless.

Flowers do not turn into seeds. So stacking, moving, chipping and taking to the dump will not spread broom. But seed pods do turn into seeds. After seed pods form in late May, be careful. So cut the broom early! Maybe this afternoon? Have fun! www.Broombusters.org

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

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May Update from Alistair MacGregor Alistair MacGregor is the MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford and the federal NDP’s Critic for Agriculture

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remain steadfastly opposed to the expansion of the Kinder Morgan pipeline, and I salute everyone who is working together to try and stop this project from going forward.

The furor over the pipeline expansion has become one of the most politically charged issues in British Columbia, if not all of Canada. The project was given approval to proceed by the Trudeau government in November 2016, despite clear electoral promises to respect constitutionallyprotected First Nations’ rights and to submit it to a renewed environmental review process. The BC provincial government has stepped up its claims against Kinder Morgan, and I believe it is well within its right to safeguard the coast and protect against the possibility of a disastrous diluted bitumen oil spill.

The expansion of this bitumen exporting pipeline would represent a seven-

fold increase in tanker traffic in the Salish Sea. The environmental risks alone should be cause enough for us to be alarmed by this proposal, but even smart economics might be on the side of stopping this project in its tracks.

Policy makers are striving to keep global temperature increases below two degrees Celsius. This would require decreasing oil demand by 20 per cent by 2030. To succeed in these efforts, the market share of the most expensive, lowest value petroleum on the planet will be the first to go. Alberta’s huge oilsands deposits cost too much to dig up, refine, and ship. They rank among the dirtiest to refine into gasoline, aviation fuel, or home heating oil.

The climate math and carbon budget is there for anyone to see, and it does not include the continued investment and expansion in fossil fuel infrastructure.

The world is undergoing rapid change, but our preparation for the future’s challenges has been seriously lacking. We need to start the hard work now of building the transition to a green energy economy.

There is an opportunity for our country to be at the forefront of the environmental revolution, and we must start taking advantage before it’s too late.

The debate over Kinder Morgan is often framed as a battle between the economy and the environment.

It’s unfortunate that this is the case, because the economic, social, and environmental considerations all lean towards us firmly saying no to the Kinder Morgan expansion, and yes to a greener, richer future.

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT By Rick Dennis SOULFUL MEMORIES has moved a few doors down the street. In its former premises is a new business. Or, should I say, a series of new businesses. To quote from the ARTISANS NEST website they “ are not a traditional consignment store.

As a partner you are a small business owner leasing micro retail space from the collective.” For more details (or to join the collective) check out www.nestcollective.ca. Grand opening is May 5th in downtown Duncan.

If you are a blogger like me you should really check into search engine optimization or SEO for short at MAC 5 in Duncan. (I saw their ad in the April 2018 ish of Cowichan Valley Voice). It can turn what was once a hobby into a moneymaking proposition. Of course, SEO is just one of the services offered. Whether you are dealing with a computer on your own or have a business, large or small, click on www.mac5.ca and see what Mark Collins and company can do for you.

Cafe La Vie in downtown Duncan has a Spoken Word event which I attended recently. Basically it’s a monthly get-together where a group of people chat, laugh and read original pieces of writing or their favorite poems, excerpts from novels (I read a page from a Raymond Chandler short story), whatever.

Admission is free and there is no pressure to order from the vegan menu. Several people had their supper there, I had a sausage roll and coffee and the person next to me didn’t appear to order anything. There is no competition with the more structured monthly Spoken Word event at Duncan Showroom hosted by Bill Levity. In fact, Bill tells me he has attended the Cafe La Vie soiree. The next Spoken Word at Cafe La Vie is May 8 at 7 pm or thereabouts. The Spoken Word events at the Showroom is on the last Tuesday of the month at or around 7:30 pm. (The next one is May 24) Attend them both! In the meantime, check out Cafe La Vie’s Facebook page for their mouth-watering vegan menu.

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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 your focus shifts to money, earnings and assets.

This is timely because this year you can more easily get money from other sources like funding from others, an inheritance or a loan from a bank, including a mortgage. In a nutshell, the month ahead is all about money for you! Yes! Mercury will no longer be retrograde in your sign, which means you will be forward thinking and eager to make money or use it to your best interest. Hey, money is energy to get things done. ìLots of money is only useful if you spend it.î Taurus (April 20-May 20) Yay! The Sun is in your sign for the first time in a year!

(Once a year, the Sun is in your sign for four weeks and when this occurs, it attracts important people and favourable situations to you.) It also gives you a chance to replenish and restore yourself for the rest of the year. Yes, itís fortunate and energizing! This is a great time to buy wardrobe goodies, which is a wise idea since you want to travel and go places!

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Because your personal year is coming to an end, you feel the urge to prepare yourself for your future. In a month, the Sun will enter your sign ushering in new year for you ñ just you. It will offer you new beginnings and new possibilities. But not yet. Therefore, use this month to think about what you have achieved in the last year and what you want to achieve in

your coming year. Ideas? Write down three goals.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Itís schmooze city for Cancers!

This month youíre more popular! You will enjoy seeing friends and they will enjoy seeing you. Expect to be more involved with clubs, groups and organizations. In particular, artistic, creative people will be more prominent in your life.

Because Mercury will no longer be retrograde at the top of your chart, you feel more comfortable about focusing on future goals and future plans. Indeed, this is the perfect time to bounce your ideas off someone to get their feedback.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Oo la la! This month the Sun moves to the top of your chart to stay for four weeks. (This happens only once a year.) This signifies a symbolic spotlight on you that is flattering! You look attractive and capable in the eyes of others, which in turn, means the next four weeks are the best time all year to push your agenda and demand the advantage. You rock! (Use this blessing to your advantage.) Ya think?

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You want to travel. You want to explore other cultures and talk to people from different backgrounds. Some of you will start a romance with someone who is ìdifferent.î If you canít travel, then take a course or a workshop or learn something new to develop yourself. Youíre hungry for adventure and a chance to discover and learn more about life. Meanwhile, Mars wants you to be yourself and express yourself freely.

Enjoy sports, the arts, playful activities with children and hot sex.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This month something unexpected will occur that relates to the wealth and assets of others. It might also relate to your debt or dealings with taxes and inheritances. Your focus on inheritances, taxes and debt will be stronger than usual. You will feel intensely about these issues.

Be careful because this could stir up tension on the home front or within your family. Meanwhile, in another vein (different arm) your sex drive is heightened! Ah ha! Itís not a boring month.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) With Venus opposite your sign, you are oh so charming and diplomatic. People love you!

The Sun is opposite your sign this month. (The only time all year this occurs.) This means you need more rest and more sleep. It also means your focus on a close friend or partner will intensify. The good news is you will have the best chance in the entire year to observe your style of relating to your closest relationships. This also means itís your best chance to learn how to improve them. Major bonus!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You have a strong focus on health, a pet and your work.

(You love animals.) This means you might improve the appearance of your work area.

You might get praise or a raise.

You might improve your health.

You might be delighted with a pet. One thing is certain: you will work hard because you want to be efficient, productive and effective in everything you do. You are setting high standards for yourself. (Not surprising because you are the optimist who always thinks big!)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You want to play and have fun! Itís time to get away on

May Forecast a vacation because your top priority this month is YOU. And why not? You want to be free to express yourself and be who you really are. This is the best month of the year to get out and have a good time. You feel lighter!

Romance and love affairs will flourish! All your relationships will be fun! You will also enjoy opportunities to express your creative talents. Sports will appeal because itís all systems go!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Many of you are redecorating and buying beautiful goodies for home and family. This month is all about family and perhaps a parent. You want to cocoon at home and be comfortable among familiar surroundings.

You will buy goodies for your home to make it look more attractive. You might explore real-estate possibilities or ponder a residential move. (Not surprising because youíre in a two to three-year window when you will give up places, people and possessions.)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Something unexpected might impact your wealth. Check your banking and credit card details.

Good news! You are looking at a busy month ahead. Your urge to travel is heightened. You have things to do, people to see and places to go! Your interest in your daily surroundings will perk up; and you will be interested in others. You will learn more from your daily surroundings. This is a gift to those who write, teach and act.

Fascinating month ahead! www.georgianicols.com

ry Eve c i us Fro m eM Li v u n day 7p m S m4p

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

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

“

W f I t e T m Z o i

T 2 P c w b w p o t c t w r j d o o t l g p a c u b i

O t

world. The only true solution is acting in human and meaningful ways that bring real people together.

Robert Massoud is an activist from a business background living in Toronto.

“I

eat to live,” says one; “I live to eat,” says another.

What they are both saying is that food is life’s great connector.

It connects us to the earth and to each other; human life is essentially about connection.

That is the inspiration and message of a project called Zatoun which brings fair trade olive oil from Palestine. Zatoun is the Arabic word for olive.

The initiative was founded in 2004 to connect Canadians with Palestinians in a dimension of culture, of feeling, of realness which is absent from the usual barrage of words and images which many Palestinians feel portray them unfairly. Think of Zatoun as their voice telling their story. The olive is the ideal carrier for the message as it is the universal symbol of peace, warmth, light, divinity; and it represents the land of Palestine just as the western red cedar does British Columbia. The olive represents livelihood, the olive was the first fruit of nature to be transformed by human labour - unlike the apple or the grape, olive is inedible until it is processed. Harvesting, bottling and selling olive oil are the challenges of gaining livelihood under military occupation where business and life as we know it is impossible.

Our olive oil is certified fair trade and organic. It uses

Food Is The Great Connector olives grown and harvested through the Palestine Fair Trade Association (PFTA) comprised of 1700 small-scale farmers.

We help foster cooperative structures and democratically-run organizations at the grassroots in real life activities and social environments. We are part of the culturally appropriate, on-theground economic development that is crucial for a viable Palestinian state.

We believe that value-added work be local - olive press operators, bottlers, printers, carton makers and labourers. Each year the project contributes over $240,000 to Palestinian livelihoods. By supporting our products you are automatically connected to a project called Trees for Life – Planting Peace in Palestine.

Using proceeds from sales we have planted over 40,000 olive tree saplings in the West Bank on farms that have had trees

destroyed by Israeli settlers or the military, and to women-led farms where husbands have been maimed, killed or imprisoned by the same forces. Buyers are also helping Palestinian youth in refugee camps; $220,000 from sales has been used to fund “art as therapy” such as painting, drawing, dance, acting and other activities to help relieve the trauma of childhoods stolen by military occupation. In these ways Zatoun provides a connection to a place, a people and community.

In today’s polarized and confusing world, we are supposed to stay away from “politics.” But Islanders know everything is political - buying local, non-GMO, organic, or fair trade - is all saying something about how we choose to live.

Insisting on anything outside the conventional or corporate offering is automatically political.

We should not be afraid or make apologies for being political when we speak out.

These are opportunities to be fully human and social; to create our own rules guided by the public good, by our common human heritage and life invested in the planet and together.

Zatoun is one such opportunity to connect with each other over Palestine-Israel, an issue that has divided and endangered the

The goal of Zatoun is not to convince people concerning Palestine-Israel but to connect them to the Palestinian story.

Having voice and making a connection is where everything human begins. The simple fact is that when we are connected to something we listen differently - we pay attention. So next time you hear or read about Palestine or Israel, recall this article; listen with an open heart and a critical mind tuned to the reality shared here.

Zatoun is a not-for-profit and has not increased prices in 10 years in order to keep Zatoun affordable and accessible. Zatoun is sold mostly through the grassroots, faith groups and fair trade network. Only a small percentage is sold by retailers - all of them co-ops or neighbourhood grocers.

Consider giving olive oil instead of wine as a gift for dinner or house warming.

Robert Massoud is a PalestinianCanadian and is invited to speak to a range of audiences with a unique message of creative participation and nonviolent resistance engaging Canadians to learn and be in solidarity with Palestinians. His message is that Israel-Palestine is of direct interest to all humanity and its resolution vital to peace in the world and ultimately to the health of the planet.

He will be at the Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St. on Wednesday, May 9 at 7pm to speak on “How a Just Peace in Palestine-Israel can save our planet” and another talk “Trees for Life – Planting Peace in Palestine” at The Sol Centre on Thursday, May 10 at 7pm.

Image above: Olives (Nabali variety) in vicinity of Sebastia in West Bank Image Robert Massoud

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DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES

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

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

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

Deadline MAY 12 for JUNE 2018 Issue 115 Ayurveda

Natural Beauty

Prudence

Ayurvedic Life Transformations

Uniquely Tailored Explorations Into The Self

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

Coaching, Counselling, Yoga Therapies & Bodywork

• 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

Asrael 250 597 3973 www.ayurvedicbliss.com

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

Childcare Services

MID-BRAIN ACTIVATION

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

FOR CHILDREN 6-12 YEARS OLD Unlock your Child’s Inner Genius

250 710 4062 www.hhchildcare.com

250-889-9732

infinitemind.org

Computers

In-Home Computer Lessons

Organizing your computer Office Programs Business Office Assistance

Social Media Website Building PC’s and Mac’s

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

Employment

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

Photography

Raindog Camera Services Photos that help tell your stories. www.facebook.com/fotomatic5/

Promotions

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

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

Farms & Food

More than a Meat Shop

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

The Duncan Butcher 430 Trans Canada Hwy 250 748 -6377

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

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

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

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

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

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

ISLAND ROLFING

REFLEXOLOGY

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

REALIGN YOUR BODY

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

FEEL BALANCED & CENTRED naturalheelingreflexology.com

BRETT HOLLAND I 250.920.8818

Call Helga 250-732-7988

Bioenergetic Balancing with Magnets & Energy Healing

Join Brett Holland for Jingui Golden Shield Qi classes every Wednesday

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

50% off your first month of Qi Gong!

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

Kathryn Lowther Certified: Biomagnetism & HUE Energy Healer

WWW.GOLDENSHIELDQIGONG.CA

250-891-5138 www.biomagcanada.ca

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY

Receive Relaxing Reflexology and Empathic Listening On a pay what you can basis!

Reiki, Thai Foot Reflexology, Indian Head Massage

PEMF Mat/pad

Relaxing your body to increase your bodies ability to heal itself!

In My Studio or Your Home.

30 Minutes for $20.00 (& FOR PETS)

TERRI LEWIS 250-701-8962 www.terriswellness.com

Stephanie Cerins 250-732-4599 or happinessishealthy@gmail.com www.happinessishealthy.com

Relax, Rest & Repair, to help your body heal naturally

Handyman

For plumbing repairs/installations and handyman services

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

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

please call Al @250-710-7856 Nutritionist

WAKING WELLNESS NUTRITION

Tina Foster, RHN Registered Holistic Nutritionist

250 748 8774

MineTheHarvest@hotmail.com

Pet Care

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

Welcome Spring

Debbie Wood Certified Animal Naturopath Carnivore Nutritionist

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

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