August 2011 Issue 33

August 2011•Issue 33

• Gourmet Seasonal Recipes •August Events Calendar •Community Food Gardens • Zero Waste Challenge •Whale Report from Cowichan Bay ISSN 1920-8200

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Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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August 2011 Vol 2 Issue 33 The monthly guide to living in the beautiful Cowichan Valley.

Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250-746-9319 Copy Editors Nichola Walkden, Maeve Maguire

Advertising Enquiries Please Call Diana Pink 250-733-2635 or e-mail diana@cowichanvalleyvoice.com *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Please upload your information through our website or e-mail the Date, Time, Event Title and Place Please be advised that space is limited to 1st sent, 1st printed.

Please send info by the 15th day of the preceding month to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Valley Voices

Heather Walker, Amanda Reimer, Margit Nellemann, Rick Dennis, Aaron Bichard, Ajay Appelar, Joy Story, Tracey Paleczka, Marisa Goodwin, Brad Boisvert, Jo Ludwig, Debbie Shkuratoff, Robin Massey, Jenn George, Karen Curtin, Jean Crowder, Jennifer Hedge, Pete Stacey, Simon Pidcock, Peter Sussman, Peggy Grigor, Dee Kinnee, Rick Juliusson, Nicolette Genier, Julia Star, Joanne Sales, Joan Cobham, Lynda Allen, Roger Foucher, Christy Lindell, Jason Greenwood, Ryan Hollett, Maeve Maguire, Gill Radcliffe, Kathy Holmes, Andrew Hudson, Linda Blatchford, Sue McKitrick & The Lovely Georgia Nicols

We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Valley Voice magazine reserves the right to 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 authors.

Valley Voice Magazine is distributed to 250+ 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, Courtenay and Tofino.

Cover Image Simon Pidcock, Remembering Faith www.oceanecoventures.com

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Thousands of readers just like YOU look forward to reading the Cowichan Valley Voice each and every month!

Pages

Table of Contents 4 Community Events Calendar 5 Grape Escape 6 Cowichan Gourmet 7 Island Farmhouse Poultry Grilled Chicken With Blackberry 8 On The Farm 8 Billie Bi Soup 9 Youbou Annual Regatta 9 Maple Balsamic New Potato Salad 10 From Our Farm To Your Table 0 Growing Food With Joy 11 Renaissance Women 12 Alexander Community Gardens 13 6 Taste Ancient Food Garden 14 Fiddler On The Roof - The Chemainus Theatre Experience 14 Summer Tap Dance Workshops 16 Chemainus Music In The Park 17 Square Dancing to Waltz Time 17 Raptor Centre 18 Whale Report From Cowichan Bay 19 Talking Arts: Jennifer Hedge 20 Taste of Tea 21 Cowichan Valley Artisans CRAFT 22 Arts On The Avenue, Ladysmith 23 Gourmet Glazes 23 Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Bio Fuels 24 Local, Handcrafted Fuel 25 Cowichan Recyclists Zero Waste A Lofty Goal 26 Green Living: Hydrogen Peroxide26 Evergreen Sports Court 27 Summer Foot Care From Cloud 10 27 Riches & Fame 28 Bonding With Massage 29 Elke Cole 30 Transform Your Intentions One Day At A Time 31 The Community Farm Story 32 Website, Emails and Verbal Lint 34 Helpful Garden: Succulent Summer 34 A Broom Story Of Hope 35 Local Green Hero: Tom Devereux 35 The Bard is Back 36 MoonBeams 36 Crowder’s Corner 36 August Horoscopes by Georgia Nicols 37 Outnumbered by Sue McKitrick37 Cowichan Valley Feature Listings 38 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Please contact the wonderful Diana Pink to request our September Rate Card by phone or by e-mail 250.733.2635 diana@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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Community Calendar

August 2011

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BC Day at Cowichan Valley Lavender Labyrinth 2349 Inverarity Rd, Duncan 250 701 2885

12, 13 & 14

Full Moon Paddle Cowichan Bay Kayak, Cowichan Bay 250 748 2333 to book

1 7pmish

Open Mic Song Writers Nite Dancing Bean Café, Chemainus Admission by donation

14 & 15

Cowichan Valley Grape Escape MS Bike Tour Multiple Locations Across The Valley

1,8,15,22,29 4:45pm

Drop In BINGO Every Monday begins at 6:40pm Chemainus Seniors Centre 9824 Willow St 250 246 2111

15

Comedy with Wes Borg Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $15

2 7pm to dusk

Music in the Park: Kendall Patrick & Elf Song Waterwheel Park, Chemainus By Donation

15

Contemporary Aboriginal Art Prize (CAAP) PORTALS Gallery 2687 James Street, Duncan

2 -5 9am 12pm

Earth Dance Kids’ Camp Music, Dance, and Eco-activities at OUR Ecovillage www.MoonDanceArts.ca

16 7pm to dusk

Music in the Park: Luv Train Waterwheel Park, Chemainus By Donation

12, 19, 26 6 - 7:30pm

Yin Yoga with Robin Massey (Om Tree)at the ArtHouse 1756 Wilmot Ave, Shawnigan Lake Village 250 743 5846

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5:30pm & 7pm

3rd Thursday Dinner Buffet: “Taste of Italy” Honeymoon Bay Lodge and Retreat 250 749 4252

18 - 20

Art Show Honeymoon Bay Lodge and Retreat 250 749 4252

19, 20, 21

Summer Tap Dance Workshops with Lynda Allen 250 748 0934 or lyndaallentapstudio@shaw.ca

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Open Mic Poetry Night El Centro, 150 Craig St 250 597 0150

20

9pm

Sister Girl from Revelstoke $10 or 3 /$25 Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 250 324 2245

Chemainus Wednesday Market 3,10,17,24 31 11-4:30pm Waterwheel Park parking lot, Chemainus

3,10,17,24,31 7 - 8pm

Hand Drumming Classes with Karin Lewis 250-748-6750 7 weeks Natasha’s Temple Studio, Duncan

4,11,18,25

Thursday Night Jazz at Cow Bay Pub Cow Bay Pub, 1695 Cowichan Bay Road

4,11,18,25

Thursday Farmers Market contact Field Beside Cobble Hill Hall Linda 250 510 8343

4, 5, 6, 7

Shawingan Players presents Glengarry Glenn Ross Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $15 Adv/$18 Door

21 8pm

Summer Squash Theatre - Final Episode Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan

5,12,19,26 7pm

John Wade Trio (no cover) El Centro, 150 Craig St, Duncan, 250 597 0150

22 8pm

Pelta-Tiller Duo Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan

5 6 - 7pm

FREEDOM Film Premiere - Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op Quw’utsun’ Centre, Duncan 250 597 1491

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Ladysmith Camera Club “Photographing Madagascar” Hardwick Hall, 3rd Ave , Ladysmith $5 250 606 7011

5&6

Collective Biofuels Conference Queen Margaret’s School, Duncan 250 597 1491

23 7pm

Music in the Park: Murray Atkinson Waterwheel Park, Chemainus By Donation

6 noon to 4pm

Music in the Park: Accordion Day Waterwheel Park, Chemainus By Donation

Community Drum Circle with Karin Lewis 250-748-6750 7 weeks Natasha’s Temple Studio, Duncan

6,13,20,27 10am - 2pm

Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market Every Saturday!

Coffee Mill, Honeymoon Bay 250 749 7233

26 7 -9pm 26,27,28

6 begins 6:30pm

Artist’s Reception Painter Pete Stacey El Centro, 150 Craig St 250 597 0150

26 9pm

Uncle Wiggley’s Hot Shoe Blues Band $10 or 3 /$25 Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 250 324 2245

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9pm

McCandless Family CD Release $10 or 3 / $25 Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 250 324 2245

27 6pm start

Latin Fiesta, Dancing, Tapas and Drinks $5 El Centro, 150 Craig St 250 597 0150

6,13 9:30am - 11:30

Imaginative Play Art Ages 6 - 12 Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, Ladysmith $10

till Aug 28

Jennifer Hedge Imagine That! Artisans Designs 251 Craig St., Duncan

7,14,21,28

Junction Artists’ Market - New Feature Artist Every Sunday Whippletree Junction 11 am - 5pm

30 8pm

For The Love of Words with Bill Levity Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $5 for readers /$10

7,14,21,28 4 - 8pm

Sunday Acoustic Jam Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 250 324 2245

30 7pm to dusk

Music in the Park: Tower Of Dudes Waterwheel Park, Chemainus By Donation

7,14,21,28 4 - 8pm

TLC’s Keating Farm Estate Summer Tours - Sundays 5250 Miller Road. 250-737-1401

31 10am 12:30

4th Annual Family Golf Day at GolfBC Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Cobble Hill 250 743 5000

9 7pm to dusk

Music in the Park: Lennon & Juggernaut Waterwheel Park, Chemainus By Donation

to September 3

Fiddler On The Roof Chemainus Theatre Festival 1 800 565 7738

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Leeroy Stagger Alt country, songwriter $10 or 3 /$25 Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 250 324 2245

Ongoing

Cowichan Valley Artisans Year Round Studio Tour Download brochure at www.cowichanvalleyartisans.com

2 - 7pm

9pm

7:30pm

7pm to dusk

Summer Tap Dance Workshops with Lynda Allen 250 748 0934 or lyndaallentapstudio@shaw.ca

“Remembering Faith” The cover photograph was taken two years ago in the early spring. It was the first Super Pod of the year with over 87 Southern Resident Orca Whales socializing and playing off Pender Island.“Faith” or L57 was my favourite whale from all of the Southern Residents. He was 31 years old when he died in 2009. All the residents have different personalities and Faith always loved interspecies interactions. Regularly he would ignore the whale watching regulations and swim circles around the boat giving all the passengers the “eyeball” and a big thrill. Courtesy Simon Pidcock www.oceanecoventures.com Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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The Grape Escape

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hough pledge-based fundraising in our economic climate may pose a challenge, the MS Society has created a way to make it amazingly fun with its series of national bike tours. The upcoming two-day Cowichan Valley Grape Escape on August 13th and 14th is a fully supported tour through wine country, allowing cyclists of all levels, to taste their way through the day – AND raise money for multiple sclerosis research and support for people living with this disease.

In its eleventh year, the Grape Escape is a well-oiled machine fueled by the dedication of hundreds of volunteers and by cyclists willing to fundraise the minimum of $325 (or more!) needed to participate in the tour. Long time sponsor, Experience Cycling, is on site for emergency repairs before and during the whole event. Owner, Will Arnold comments, “It’s an event that constantly amazes me – the spirit of the people involved is overwhelming.”

The tour begins at Brentwood College in Mill Bay, with cyclists heading north towards the Glenora region on a well- marked route. You can choose a shorter 40 km or longer 70 km route, both with multiple opportunities to pause at highlighted local attractions. There is also the option of the challenging Century Ride, a 100k route, only allowing for three stops. Cyclists are treated to lunch at Hecate Park in Cowichan Bay, snack stops at various points along the way, wine-tasting, a fantastic dinner, silent and live auctions, and musical entertainment. That’s just the first day!

On day two, cyclists fuel up with a pancake breakfast before embarking on one of three choices of distances. En route you can stop at several diverse points of interest, such as a glass blowing shop or the province’s first Estate Cidery. Winding your way back to Brentwood College by noon, you’ll be served up a BBQ lunch, after which the total amount raised for the MS Society is revealed at the closing ceremonies.

From wackily-dressed teams to families making this tour an annual tradition, for whatever personal reason - people of all ages show up, hoping to help, cycling to make a difference. The experience is unforgettable.

For more information: www.cowichanvalleygrapeescape.com Image of Start - Finish line c ourtesy MS Society of Canada South Vancouver Island

Karen Curtin lives works and plays on Salt Spring Island. As well as writing, she is a triathlete and personal trainer.

Cori McCaw, Mortgage Consultant Cowichan Valley Specialist DLC Prime Mortgage Works Inc.

250-743-CORI (2674)

cmccaw@shaw.ca

250-882-7119

www.corimccaw.ca

Best rates with National and Local Lenders.

You don’t have to negotiate – you get it automatically!

Ask me about ‘Green’ mortgage options & energy rebates!

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Cowichan Gourmet

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usually write about local food and what is in season, but this month let’s talk about what goes well with local food.

Wine, of course! And we sure have an abundance of it here in the valley.

When it comes to pairing food and wine together, there are a few techniques, but the steadfast rule is drink what you like; this will give you the most pleasure, of course.

Another rule many of you have heard, which now I encourage you to forget, is white wine with fish, red wine with meat.

This is a rule of the past. For example, take a nice piece of beautiful sockeye salmon; poach it in Averill Creek Pinot Noir with fresh basil, chopped tomatoes, and crack pepper.

Now, you are going to want to pair that with a red wine, maybe even that Pinot Noir from Averill Creek, right?

There is our first technique: bridging. Bridging is using a wine to cook with and then serving it with the dish. Some call this cheating, but I think it works well. Another technique involves using a wine that

compliments the food you have prepared. For example, pair the Pinot Gris from Alderlea Vineyards with an earthy dish, such as wild chanterelle mushrooms on toast. The final technique is contrast: use a wine that contrasts the food.

For example, serve Venturi Schulze, Maranello Rosé, with its vibrant acidity to cut through the richness of some Quist Farm slow-roasted pork belly.

Whether red or white wine, fish or meat, remember side dishes and sauces are also affected by wine pairing. Have fun, play around, and come up with your own combination when it comes to pairing food and wine together.

A Culinary Institute of America trained chef, Bradford Boisvert combines his passion for local food with his passion for French cuisine at his restaurant Amusé Bistro in Shawnigan Lake.

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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On The Farm

This weekend I decided to take a walk around our farm, to see if I could identify any of our “weeds.”

After four years on this property the landscape is familiar and ordinary, but that changed when I took the time to sit and look up plants in my reference books.

“It’s fresher from here” Grilled Chicken with Blackberry Sauce One thing we have in abundance on Vancouver Island is blackberries! In the summer I drive my kids crazy by stopping to pick blackberries when we’re out for bike rides (I always keep a ziplock bag in my backpack) but I don’t hear anyone complaining when there are frozen blackberries in the freezer and blackberry syrup for pancakes available all winter long. *You may substitute frozen blackberries. in the winter.

Ingredients

Amount

Island Farmhouse Chicken Breasts Olive Oil Lemon Juice Salt & Pepper

6 boneless, skinless 1 Tablespoon 1 Whole Lemon To Season

Blackberries Butter Onion Dry Red Wine Blackberry Jam, Seedless Salt & Pepper

1 1/2 Cup 1 Tablespoon 1/2 Cup minced 1/2 Cup 3 - 4 Tablespoons 1/4 Teaspoon each

Method

Press blackberries through sieve to remove seeds and place in small bowl. Heat butter in a small sauté pan or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until tender. Add red wine and 1 Tbls of lemon juice. Bring to a boil; lower heat and simmer until reduced by about 1/2. Combine the blackberry pulp, jam or preserves, pepper, and salt; add to the wine mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Makes about 1 cup.

Preheat BBQ. Toss chicken, oil, lemon and salt and pepper in a bowl. Grill chicken until cooked through and arrange on a serving platter, spoon on blackberry sauce and garnish with whole blackberries. Enjoy!

1615 Koksilah Road Cowichan Bay BC 250-746-6163

www.farmhousepoultry.ca Available locally from The Duncan Butcher, Country Grocer Cobble Hill and Nanaimo, Duncan Thrifty Foods, Chemainus Foods and the Duncan and Chemainus 49th Parallel Grocer.

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grapes, cherries and mint growing wild here in the Cowichan. I ate a thistle stalk: it tasted like celery.

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he past four years at Makaria Farm have been a gradual process of getting to know our land: which path the water takes across the field when it rains in the winter; where the wild rabbits live; where the deer are mostly likely to attempt to breach our fence. After my July workshop with the Renaissance Women, I took this relationship with my farm to a new level.

In July, Roger Foucher took us for a walk around McAdam Park, pointing out edible, medicinal and poisonous plants. I was astonished to learn that we have wild pepper (not peppercorns, but a respectable substitute), plums,

I found abundant St. John’s Wort, lots of clovers and wild peas (or maybe it’s vetch?), way too many thistles for Brock’s comfort, chicory, burdock, daisies, dandelion and all its look-alikes, plantain, nettles, wild carrot, a thick stand of blackberry bushes, and much more. My best find was two healthy patches of Heal-All: nature’s polysporin.

Being able to name and understand our many “weeds” makes me feel more at home on our farm. It feels like I’m finally getting to know my neighbours.

Read Heather’s Renaissance Women blog at www. ayearofreskilling.com Heather Walker and Brock McLeod own and operate Makaria Farm Heather is a writer, editor and passionate seed starter. www.makariafarm.com

Annual Youbou Regatta August 13 Day begins at 10 am at Youbou Hall with a parade The yearly event starts off with a parade that Marshalls at the Youbou Hall at 10 am.

Parade starts at 10:30am from the Hall and ends at Arbutus Park. Everyone is welcome to participate. The parade is followed by the Clarence Whittingham ¼ mile swim, canoe races, swim races, chalk art contest, various games for kids, a volleyball tournament,

Billie Bi Soup

cannon ball contest and belly flop contest. Plus the favourite watermelon eating contest and the lifeguard relay challenge.

The watermelon eating contest is open to all ages. Group are divided into three teams and every team member has to put their hands behind their back and eat as fast as they can until the red part of the watermelon is gone…..they then step aside and the next team member steps up to a new piece of watermelon. The first team that finishes first sits down and is deemed the winner! .

For more details call 250 749 6742.

Recipe courtesy Chef Brad Boisvert, Amuse Bistro

I love Billie Bi Soup its history is long and not very certain where it exactly originated but never the less it is delicious.

You can also serve this soup chilled on a hot summer day.

Ingredients

Amount

Onions diced Parley stems Peppercorns cracked Mussels White wine Fish stock Saffron Roux Egg yolks Cream

12 ounces 6 each 6 each 4 pounds I 1/2 litres 1 1/2 litres 1/2 teaspoon 5 ounces 3 each 12 ounces

Method 1. Sweat onion until translucent no color.

2. Add parsley stems, and cracked pepper, white wine, fish stock and saffron.

3. Simmer for 45 minutes.

4. Thicken with roux* continue to cook another 20 minutes to cook the roux out.

5. Finish by whisking egg yolks and heavy cream together. Stir into hot soup a few ounces at a time.

6. Season with salt and pepper

7. Steam mussels till they open and place on top as garnish. * A roux is equal parts flour and butter cooked together, you will need 3 ounces for this recipe

Looking for best value seafood, from responsible and ethical merchants dealing in sustainable seafood and shellfish?

Open 10 am to 5:30 pm 7 Days A Week

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

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

For full design/build service, give us a call

 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com  Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.



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From Our Farm To Your Fork

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e love to feed people. Both my husband and I come from families that are passionate about feeding anyone that walks in the door of their homes. It’s not surprising that we have a food company and a farm. Our food business helps us afford to have

Maple Balsamic New Potato Salad Fresh and healthy take on Potato salad. Perfect for picnics.

Prep time 15 minutes. Active cook time 20 minutes Ingredients

Amount

New Potatoes red & white Purple onion

Red &Yellow Peppers

balsamic vinegar

olive oil Dijon Mustard Maple Syrup

Sea Salt Fresh Pepper Fresh Dill minced

3 1/2lbs 1 cup

2 cups 1/4 cup 1/3 cup 2-3 tablespoons 2 tablespoons 1 1/2 teaspoons To taste 2 heaping tables

a farm and having the farm is incredibly important to our family because it means we produce our own food.

We want our farm to be sustainable and to be sustainable it has to earn its keep. So our Method farm is now serving delicious 1.Clean potatoes and half any large ones. Place in a pot and cover food it has grown and raised with water. every weekend through to 2.Boil on med high till fork tender- approx. 20 minutes September. It is a natural progression for us to be serving gourmet 3.Half and slice the purple onions and peppers razor thin healthy food from our farm to your fork because it is our passion.

4. Blend the mustard, maple syrup, salt and balsamic vinegar Enticing people to eat something they have never experienced and together then having them enjoy it is a win. Like kohlrabi, delicious and 5. Whisk in the olive oil in a slow stream and add the minced dill similar to a juicy broccoli 6. Toss the dressing with the drained potatoes while they’re still stalk, can be grated into coleslaw, on a green salad or warm pickled in a sandwich. We 7. Add fresh ground pepper and serve either warm or cold love kale and use it a hundred wonderful ways. Bring your greens hating kids, spouse, friends or brother etc. and we’ll work to make them a believer.

Cooking seasonally is always inspiring and using an ingredient when in season, perfectly ripe, creates the best food. We are so lucky to live in the Cowichan Valley and be able to grow the abundance that is possible. Despite this year’s wet and chilly summer, we still have vegetables thriving. We have a ton of the leafy greens and our chickens, ducks, turkeys and goats appreciate the excess. Our birds’ eggs have never tasted better. Last summer we were a part of Island Grains CSA and through that learning process we now have over 1/2 an acre in grain. We are excited to make something delicious with these grains and some will definitely be in our handmade organic waffle cones! Every week we serve something new with what is now in season - lots of global flavours with hyper local ingredients. Our menu is up every week on our Facebook page and we serve food from 12-5 Saturday and Sunday, outdoors, under cover on our garden patio. Bring your whole family and enjoy the tastes of summer.

Marisa co-owns Organic Fair and is immersed in food, farm and family. www.organicfair.com

New vendors welcome Call Bob 250-749-7233 or 250-510-1113

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Growing Food on Little to No Land

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he idea of growing food on little to no land can be thought provoking and fun! This year I grew food in an old suitcase that won First Prize (Blue Ribbon) and People’s Choice Award at the Mill Bay Garden Club’s Annual Flower and Garden Show. The suitcase was called, “Salad to Go.” Not only was the suitcase fun to grow in and people loved looking at it, but it worked as well. After I harvested the greens, I replanted with summer crops of cherry tomatoes, lettuce and edible flowers.

August 5,12,19,26 • 6pm start

John Wade & The Night Shade Trio El Centro House Band no cover August 6,13,20,27 • 11am- 3pm

Market Brunch with Live Jazz John Wade and Special Guests no cover

August 6 • 6:30pm start

If you would like to try growing food in a suitcase, check out our blog at http://growfoodwithjoy.blogspot.com/ for more details.

My next project, which uses little to no land, is growing in burlap sacks. It’s also easy and fun. Simply fill the burlap sack with composted manure or compost, top with soil and plant directly into it. Potatoes work well, but so will herbs, greens or even a tomato plant. The beauty of burlap is that it composts back into soil.

If you know of any other good uses for burlap sacks, enter our “Burlap Sack Challenge” and win a year subscription to Grow Food Network Magazine, an online magazine for people who love to “Grow Food.”

To enter, send your suggestions to growfood@shaw.ca. You can also visit our website to order the magazine by the month or by the year. www.

Joy Story, offers on-site consultations growfoodnetwork.com growfood@shaw.

Plant a Garden – GROW FOOD

Artist Rece 4th- 6:00 pm runs the mo

Photographer Pete Stacey Artist Reception June 20

August 13 • 7pm

Celebra

TBA August 20 • 7pm no cover

Open Mic Spoken Word Night August 27 • 8 pm start $5

Latin Fiesta! with tapas, drinks and dancing 150 Craig St Duncan 250. 597. 0150 w w w. e l c e n t r o c a f e . c o m

Thursday Nights in Cowichan Bay

Cow Bay Marine Pub 1695 Cowichan Bay Road 250-748-2330

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Photo Heather Walker

Renaissance Women

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oger Foucher changed the way I see my garden of wild weeds. On a recent Renaissance Women outing at McAdam Park on the Cowichan River, Roger took us out on a Wild Food Walk.

We hadn’t walked twenty feet before Roger stopped to show us what looked like dandelion growing next to a fence. “Hairy Cat’s Ear,” he said, passing around the fuzzy leaf growing at the base of the weed. According to Roger, Hairy Cat’s Ear is full of beneficial oil and smells like chocolate in a jar. “Remember, it’s a dog park,” Heather whispered to me as a small piece of Hairy Cat’s Ear headed in the direction of my mouth.

K to Grade 8 COBBLE HILL 3515 Watson Avenue Phone: 250 743-2433 Small class size Integrated learning Sense of Community Innovative teachers 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.

www.evergreenbc.net

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Among other things, Roger showed us how to identify Queen Anne’s Lace, otherwise known as Wild Carrot, which I did taste and (aside from the dirt) is just like a turnip. He showed us St. John’s Wort, known for its moodenhancing effect, to which Sheila asked, “Could this be used recreationally?” I noticed later Sheila had a healthy looking twig of St. John’s Wort poking out of her back pocket.

There is an entire set of plants devoted to oral hygiene: grasses for flossing, the tips of thistles for teeth cleaning, Oregon Grape for toothaches, and wild mint for fresh breath.

In re-educating our palates, we can re-discover amazing flavours all around us. “We live like kings and queens,” he said, “and it’s only a matter of time before the earth can’t sustain this lifestyle.” I’ve thought that too, especially when I buy fruit shipped from a near-tropical country to our near-tropical island.

One or two royals in a community?

Fine. All of us? Unsustainable.

It’s only a matter of time. We’ll know the time has come when McDonald’s starts selling a wildweed salad combo with fermented St. John’s Wort soda and a side of sourdough fries cooked in Hairy Cat’s Ear oil.

Note: Roger’s day job is educating kids about wild food. He and the kids have created a fabulous garden near the Cowichan High School.

Go check it out, and if Roger’s there, say hi to him for me.

By Maeve Maguire www.cowichandale.com

Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club Registration for September’s Ongoing Gymnastics is OPEN! Contact us to inquire about class times and days.

Island Savings Centre, Duncan – 250-746-0193 – www.ddgc.ca

Alexander Community Garden

S

omething very exciting is happening in the school yard of Alexander Elementary School this year, and you can be a part of it. Cowichan Green Community, Ceres Edible Landscaping, Rotary and a team of dedicated volunteers have been constructing a beautiful permaculture garden. The garden site is situated on the east side of the Alexander gymnasium and on the north side of Beverly Street. It was designed based on criteria recognized by the community, by children at Alexander Elementary, and discussed at CGC community events.

Volunteer lends a helping hand.

Image courtesy Cowichan Green Community

With the completion of the design, the building of the garden began in March, 2011. The first step was to create living soil, since the garden site was on gravel fill. The gardens were sheet mulched using cardboard, newspaper, compost, alfalfa and inoculated with effective microorganisms (a very effective permaculture technique to bring life to soil). After the sheet mulch was completed we planted a variety of fruit trees, shrubs and herbs. A pergola and a couple of raised vegetable gardens were then built by the dedicated volunteers from Rotary. Thank you Rotarians! Under the direction of David Pink (Warm Land Water Works) we installed an elaborate micro-drip irrigation system. Thank you David, for generously donating your time.

In a few short years, cherries, apples, gooseberries, currants, loquats, strawberries, blueberries, sunchokes, blackberries, raspberries, mulberries, grapes, saskatoon berries and a wide variety of herbs will be flourishing and overflowing with edible abundance.

The old saying for fruit trees and perennial shrubs is, “first year they sleep, second year they creep and the third year they leap.”

This isTo where need your Come Home Thewe Crofton! help. In order for everything we planted to leap into creating us food they will need some tender loving care. The next work party for the Alexander Gardens is on Saturday, August 13th at 10:00am, 2471 Beverly St. We will be applying compost tea to the plants, mulching with straw, spreading gravel and most importantly, having a great time. If you want to create community, meet some new friends, and learn something new then this is your chance. Also at 3:00pm on the same day, Jason Greenwood, Ceres Edible Landscaper and urban agriculturalist, will be giving a tour around the Alexander neighbourhood of the various urban gardens he has helped create. For more information on this amazing project and to be a part of other community building events contact Cowichan Green Community at 250.748.8506.

Jason Greenwood is passionate about caring for the earth and creating edible food gardens all over the Valley. He can be found on Peace of Paradise Farm building soil, planting edible perennials and enjoying the fruits of his labour.

Cold Wine & Beer & Liquor Store

Check our website for Entertainment Schedule

Artist Recepion, June 4th- 6:00 pm start, show runs the month of june

EVERY SUNDAY

August 7,14, 21, 28 • 4 - 8pm Acoustic Jam Voice, guitar, banjo, fiddle, flute...

All are welcome! no cover

Saturday August 6 • 9pm McCandless Family CD Release

Saturday August 11 • 9pm Leeroy Stagger Alt Country, Folk, Rock

Saturday August 20 • 9pm

Sister Girl Country flavour from Revelstoke, BC

June 20 -24 •Summer menu launch

Celebrate Summer Solstice! menu

Friday August 26 • 9pm Uncle Wiggley’s Hot Shoe Blues Band “A rollicking slide guitar, honking sax and a good walking bass line” SaturdayAugust 27 • 9pm Tower of Dudes Most enjoyable, Rock’ n’ Roll

Pub Open 7 Days a week from 11am Beer on Tap • Daily Menu Specials

1534 Joan Avenue Crofton

www.croftonhotel.ca

250-324-2245

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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6 Taste Ancient Food Garden Roger showing us Wild Mustard Image Heather Walker

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new educational food garden has been created in the Cowichan Valley. The garden is open for viewing at the Kinsmen Park, on Alderlea St. in Duncan, next to the Cowichan Green Community gardens. This garden offers a unique perspective of ‘the common-to-be-found ancient foods’ that have been eaten

Fiddler On The Roof

Chemainus Theatre Festival Running till September 3 1 800 565 7738

www.chemainustheatrefestival.com

W

ith eager anticipation Aubrey and I looked forward to an unexpected treat.

Dinner and musical theater in Chemainus! In every way

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by our families for thousands of years, around the world, before we began to live in cities. Most of these plants you can see within a 10-minute walk from your home. A 25-foot diameter stone circle shapes the 6 taste areas of sweet, sour, salty, pungent bitter, and astringent, which aids the viewer to more readily our night out exceeded our expectations.

The elegant, buffet-style dinner was excellent. The main course featured lamb, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding; salmon, spicy meatballs and all were highly rated. The salad bar, with lox and pickled herring, was outstanding. Desserts were decadent and plentiful, and the chocolate fountain was

recognize the effects of food on their bodies.

The Ayurvedic principals of balancing foods for a person’s own body constitution is a central theme in this garden design. Each plant is placed according to its strongest taste. Signs alongside of the plants describe additional tastes each plant might have, the plant’s heating or cooling effects, drying or moistening, the plant’s actions upon the body, and any other important information and cautions.

At present, there are over 70 different plants covering winter-oil plants, and wintersweet plants, warming and cooling plants, those helpful for toothaches, first aid, starches, antibiotics, etc. Indigenous plants and introduced plants share this garden, with particular appreciation given to those plants that rebuild soil from

an added indulgence. Service was efficient and friendly, and throughout it all, the wonderful piano stylings of Dwight Siemens added to the festive and relaxed atmosphere.

Take a sweater! I found the air conditioned dining room a bit chilly.

Fiddler on the Roof is a favourite musical, and one most people have seen — but

rock, and continue that same rebalancing in our bodies.

This is an excellent learning opportunity for those who want to become familiar with some of what grows locally for winter and summer foods.

People will be amazed at just how much food there is around us and how readily the plants respond with more growth. Flavours range from licorice and vanilla to nutty milk and chocolate, with more than a dozen mustards. Join in the wild-food revolution and make yourself a rollup with the six main flavours and you will never forget it. Create a garden like this in your town or neighborhood and spread the peace that comes from such understanding.

Roger Foucher is a wild food enthusiast who is persuaded by all the creatures around us that they see it right.

wait! How does Chemainus Theatre do it? With their small stage and limited resources, it takes great innovation to produce the best Fiddler we have seen.

Of course, Aubrey identified with Tevye, himself the father of five daughters and an overanxious (nagging) wife. The continued on next page

continued from previous page

talented cast not only acts, but with the exception of the two leads, is the orchestra! They glide unobtrusively on and off the stage, accompanying the singing. The music, acting, and singing are all strong. I found the story of a man steeped in his “tradition” but beset by a new world order—including the expulsion of his Jewish village from Russia—very moving and incredibly up-todate. Humour and poignancy, great music and skillful direction, it’s all here! And did I mention they played to a full house, and got a well-deserved standing ovation?

Hurry and get your tickets!

Fiddler plays until September 3rd. Matinees and evening shows available.

Joan and Aubrey Cobham are the parents of 7 and grandparents of 3.

They live in their “off the grid” cabin in the Sansum Narrows

Beautiful Glenora Farm

Summer Horse Camp at Providence Farm

August 15-19 and 22-26 Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association $250 To register 250-746-1028. info@ctra.ca Campers aged 7 -16 of all abilities and experience levels are invited to join CTRA for another round of half-day summer camps August 15-19 and 22-26. Camps are located on beautiful Providence Farm and include riding lesson, stable management lesson, and hands-on horsemanship. Camps are $250/camper. Bring a friend and you both will get a 5% discount! For more information or to obtain a brochure contact CTRA at info@ctra.ca or 250-746-1028.

Glenora Farm Summer Fair August 28

11am - 4pm 4766 Waters Rd, Duncan 250 715 1559 It’s the Glenora Farm Summer Fair featuring the acclaimed and award winning Glenora Farm Handbells Ensemble. The day will also host an array of of live musicians and special entertainers as well as showcase dance, theatre, homemade food, vendors, auctions, a lapi-

dary (jewel making) and weavery demonstration, farm tours plus a fabulous raffle. It will be a time to get together for fun & play and a a great opportunity for all of you to get to know our Community better. Come and join the festivities!

The Chemainus Wednesday Market 11am to 4:30pm • EVERY WEDNESDAY

Waterwheel Park

Make It, Bake It, or Grow It.

From June 1-September 7

• crafts • home baking • fresh produce and much more!

Come spend a fun day exploring Chemainus!

Contact Chamber of Commerce: 250-246-3944 for more information

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Shady Grove Folk Arts Society Presents

TRAD-MAD Festival

Old Time Music and Dance have their day in Cowichan Valley

September 17, 2011

Duncan United Church Duncan, BC

9am - Late

Immerse yourself in Old Time Music and Dance!

Feature Workshops

 Explore Clawhammer Banjo Playing with 25 year veterans Ruari McLennan and Bob MacNevin.  Square Dancing American Square Dance Group veteran Peter Sussman will have both beginners and advanced dancers of all ages swinging and dancing within a half hour.  Fiddle Master, Daniel Lapp will take musicians through the wonderful world of Traditional Fiddle and Dance Tunes.  Examine Flat Picking with Todd Butler and improve your techniques and style.  Sing Traditional Songs from around the world with vocal coach Cari Burdett.  Alan Law will demonstrate the important role of Guitar As A Fiddle Accompaniment  47 year veteran mandolin virtuoso Rick Van Krugel, will explore the Old Time Role of the Mandolin PLUS morning, afternoon and evening jams a showcase concert performance and public Old Time Square Dance with live music, caller, Peter Sussman and others! What a day it will be! 

Workshops • Dance • Jams 

Cost for the day is $125 (includes workshops, refreshments, meals, jams and evening concert).

Dinner, concert and dance only $45 To register or for more info visit www.Trad-Mad.org or contact peter@shadygrove.ca 250-929-8226

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Summer Tap Dance Workshops

August Workshops Aug 19,20,21 (Fri Sat Sun) Aug 26,27,28 (Fri Sat Sun) The workshops will include 1 1/2 hours of instruction per day.

The cost of each 3 day workshop is $45 250 748 0934 or lyndaallentapstudio@

shaw.ca “Tippa tappa tippa tappa”

M

usic to our ears. Local tap dance professional Lynda Allen is offering two short summer workshops for beginner, intermediate and advanced dancers who want to build up their endurance for the Vancouver International Tap Festival on Sept 2nd,3rd and 4th 2011.

As an accomplished musician and dancer, Lynda brings an extensive knowledge of the rhythms and syncopated beats that are so necessary when creating the perfect choreography. Students will learn historical and traditional aspects of tap and also have the opportunity to practice new and innovative beats and rhythms. Dancers of all ages will be encouraged to speak volumes with their feet and make music using their body as their instrument and eventually develop their own personal dance style.

If you’re not ready for the festival - but looking to rekindle and old love of tap or try it for the first time, Lynda offers individual or group lessons at a beginner, intermediate or advanced level.

Register for a beginner workshop to hear what music your toes can make.

It is about the whole beat,the syncopated beat and nothing but the feet!

Wonderful Wednesdays

Some Chemainus merchants are extending business hours until 7 pm on Wednesdays.

Whether you are visiting Chemainus’ Wednesday market or a matinee or evening theatre performance, you can now include Willow Street to make it a full day out. Plan to come early, stay late all summer long. Look for street musicians and artists to entertain you while you shop.

See you Wednesday!

Music In The Park Series JUNE EVENTS

Music In The Park

www.cvcas.com

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f all you need is music, sweet music, then dance your way down to Waterwheel Park in Chemainus.

There’s a concert every Tuesday evening at 7pm, and, all afternoon on Aug 6.

On Aug 2, Kendall Patrick & Elf Song will entertain with original, Celtic & Folk tunes. Squeezeboxes take over the park during Accordion Day on Aug 6 from noon to 4. On Aug 9, Lennon & Juggernaut will wow you with Hip Hop, Funk, Reggae. Celebrate with Luv Train as they launch their new CD on Aug 16. Murray Atkinson, rock guitarist with the Odds (recently the Canucks house band), will rock your world on Aug 23. The Tower Of Dudes brings their eclectic sound (cow punk, folk, Flamenco & Roots) to town on Aug 30.

For details, go to the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society website at www.cvcas.com Or, join their email list at MusicInTheParkSeries@gmail.com Ask about the Super Getaway Raffle! Win a minibreak to Tofino, Vancouver and Victoria. Tickets available at: Coastal Community Credit Union, Toad Hall Emporium, Twisted Sister’s Tea Room, Old Town Coffee Shop & 49th Parallel Printers.

Square Dancing In Waltz Time?

W

hen Peter Sussman was a young teenager in New York City in the early 40s, he could leave high school in the early Spring to work as a farm hand because the men were absent, fighting the Second World War. Every Friday night, after a hard week of harvesting cucumbers and haying, he would go to the local Grange Hall for an evening of dancing. There were three rounds and three squares, always ending the night with a square dance in three quarter time called the “Waltz Promenade”.

Having studied violin at the Manhattan School of Music,

and as the youngest member of The American Square Dance Group, Sussman was acquiring his life-long loves as a fiddler, dancer and square dance caller.

Aware of the many talented young musicians in the Cowichan Valley it became apparent last Spring that the void left by the Duncan Fiddle Fest, which had died a couple of years ago, needed filling with some kind of event for local musicians to hone their skills.

Unhappy with the competitiveness of fiddle contests, Sussman saw the need for workshops, but having experienced the needs for other instruments through attending an Old Time jam in Victoria every Monday, he began to make plans for all day workshops in fiddle, mandolin, guitar and banjo.

Musical friends urged him to add singing, and, what better use for old time music than the accompaniment of dancing.

Thus the Trad-Mad-

Waterwheel Park, Chemainus Admission by Donation Rain or Shine August 2, 7pm Two Acts!

Kendall Patrick & Elf Song Original, Celtic & Folk August 6, Noon - 4pm

Accordion Day!

Also in Old Town Aug 5 August 9, 7pm Lennon & Juggernaut Hip Hop, Funk & Reggae more August 16, 7pm • Luv Train CD Release!!! R+B, Motown August 23, 7pm Murray Atkinson Rock guitarist from the Odds Aug 30, 7pm Tower Of Dudes Cow Punk, Folk, Flamenco & Roots

Traditional Music Gourmet Hotdogs and Refreshments for Sale and Dance, festival Presented by Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society was born. Musicians musicintheparkseries@gmail.com who attend will have Waltz Promenade within 15 the opportunity to minutes or less. work with some of the best teachers of Old Time music, Visit: http://Trad-Mad.org to and to combine their talents check out more info about the with others to “Play, Jam, Eat, September workshops and Drink(non alcoholic)Dance other activities. and be Merry” at Duncan United Church on September Dr. Peter Sussman is Artistic Director 17th. of Shadygrove house The workshops are being concerts in Mill Bay. limited to 10 participants (Except for singing and dance) so it’s advisable to sign up soon. Peter guarantees that any one who attends will learn

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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For an even more interactive experience, try the short “Hawk Walks” and “Owl Prowls” for a small additional fee. Walking along a beautiful forest trail with our staff, the bird follows above your head and comes down for a safe but exciting landing on your own gloved arm.

Pacific Northwest Raptors Centre

Herd Road, Duncan Admission $10 Adults $10 Youth and Seniors $6 Children Under 3 FREE 250 746 0372 www.pnraptors.com

P

acific Northwest Raptors Ltd. runs a unique Bird of Prey facility that is dedicated to the conservation of raptors.

Located in the Cowichan Valley, the birds are not just in cages. Captive bred eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures are let go daily to fly free. They return to PNWR as it is their home, and these flights make for thrilling, exciting and educational flying demonstrations.

Our primary goal is to learn – and share – as much as possible about these amazing top predators. We strive to raise awareness for birds of prey and all wildlife, protect their habitats, and inspire awe in visitors.

We run programs tailored to all levels. Our dynamic flying demonstrations run every day at 1.30pm and 3.30pm, showcasing the aerobic skills, speed, stealth and strength of these invaluable members of our natural ecosystems.

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Kids 5 day summer camps are a great favorite; and each week culminates in an eagle nest-building contest.

Longer courses for adults include “Eagle Encounters”, half day “Raptor Experiences” and full day “Raptor Days”, and 2 or 3 day apprenticeships.

These provide more depth on handling, feeding, care, and ecology of raptors. We also run guided tours for groups.

We also run programs elsewhere.

Check out “Birds up Close” this summer at the Vancouver Aquarium, or visit our birds over the vineyards at Church and State wines in Saanich.

We also visit other sites for special short programs - see the CRD “Hawk Watch” at East Sooke Park on September 24th, or visit “Raptors in Richmond” August 21st.

Witness the action as eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures fly free above you! Daily flying demos, hands on experiences with birds of prey, courses, groups, school programs and more! Unique, exciting, educational and fun for all.

Pacific Northwest Raptors

www.pnwraptors.com 250-746-0372 1877 Herd Rd Duncan

Whale Report from Cowichan Bay and the Salish Sea

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t the turn of the century, humpback whales spent large amounts of time in and around the Salish Sea. There was even a resident population in the Saanich Inlet in the late 1860’s, but this local population was hunted to extinction by the early 1900’s.

Whale sightings in our area have been very eventful this

season. Early this spring for three consecutive days, over 31 transient orca whales were observed in Sansum Narrows between Cowichan Bay and Maple Bay. I personally documented 31 individual transients in the first days’ encounter. It is rare to witness more than 8-10 transients travelling together at any one time. There has been only one

other documented occurrence where such a large number of transient orcas were witnessed socializing together in these waters. They still didn’t seem to make a dent in the seal population in Sansum Narrows.

In early spring we saw transient (mammal eating) orcas in and around Cowichan Bay. Then the humpback whales showed up for the Prawn Festival and stayed for the next two weeks. Currently the Southern Resident (fish eating) Orcas have been in our waters almost daily for the last month and a half, with numerous super pods consisting of over 80 whales.

Quite a sensation was created in May when up to four individual humpbacks spent over two weeks in the waters between Ladysmith and Saanich Inlet. It is exciting to witness the humpback whale increasing in numbers and re-populating their traditional feedings grounds.

In May of this year, Southern Resident Orcas appeared in our local waters. We have primarily been viewing “J Pod” and “K Pod”. In early July we sighted a new calf travelling with “K 27/Deadhead”, a “K Pod” member, and later that day found out that the new calf is a male. Interestingly enough the same day the new calf was born the rest of “K Pod” and most of “L pod” showed up.

There are now over 80 resident orca whales in the Salish Sea. Simon Pidcock Owner/Captain @ Ocean EcoVentures Whale Watching Cowichan Bay www.OceanEcoVentures.com

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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The Sky Unties Her, Acrylic 48 x 60

Jennifer Hedge www.jenniferhedge.ca Showing at Imagine That!

251 Craig Street, Duncan on view till August 28

The Tides of March Acrylic, 30 x 40

Talking Arts • Jennifer Hedge

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ennifer Hedge has spent most of her life in coastal B.C. She moved back to Vancouver, her birthplace, after attending the Fine Arts degree program at OUC in Kelowna.

Looking for a way to put her training to use, Jennifer discovered scenic painting, and quickly landed a job as a scenic artist at the Arts Club Theatre in Vancouver. She has painted for theatres across western Canada, and has held a faculty position at the Banff Centre for the past 20 years.

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For several years Jennifer did not paint seriously for herself.

She had the impulse to create, but motivation was harder to come by after painting all day at work. Also, having been told what to paint for so long, she found it difficult to find her own voice. Finally, after expressing her frustration to an artist friend, he told her she should just start; she should put the paint on the canvas and not worry about it. It turned out to be sage advice. She did just that, and hasn’t stopped since.

The use of acrylics in her theatre work has enabled

her to acquire considerable knowledge of, and skill with, this particular medium. As a result she has become adept at using acrylics to their full advantage in her own paintings.

Layers of glazes and washes are used to achieve effects of colour and depth.

only determining our sense of identity but also has an impact on our sense of belonging within our environment. The paintings Jennifer is currently showing portray the coastal world in which she feels at home, and the places that she loves: open beaches, the ocean, and haunted forests.

Jennifer’s current work explores the role our environment plays in defining who we are. She believes that when we connect with the place that we live, the landscape plays an important part in not

Jennifer hopes her work reminds people of the beauty which surrounds them, and paying closer attention to the details leads to more protection for these exquisite landscapes.

Richards Trail by Victor Vesely

with our teafarm. It is also an official bike route. Cyclists, as well as motor cyclists, enjoy the spectacular views and exhilarating curves of the Trail.

For more information about cycling routes in the Cowichan, including mapping of Richards Trail, go to www. naturecowichan.net and for more about improving your riding experience in the Cowichan visit www.cyclecowichan.ca.

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ichards Trail is a fivekilometer-long road located at the northern end of the Cowichan Valley.

From its beginning at Herd Road, it meanders along the valley bottom following Richards Creek, then Sollys Creek, where it flows into the Westholme Valley.

Set solidly to the north, the contours of Mount Richards help outline the magical twists and turns of Richards Trail. Once home to several copper mines, the mountain is now a little-known treasure of trails and hikes. From its peak at 342 meters, Mount Richards offers gorgeous views of the valley below.

Richards Trail has guided people from Herd Rd to

Taste Of Tea Westholme for a little over 100 years. It is named after Mount Richards. Although, legend has it a British gentleman who, at the turn of the past century, owned two properties (one off Rice Rd and one off Westholme), used Richards Trail as his route between the two homes. In its centenary existence, the road has become somewhat of a legend to many local people.

It was only paved recently and many local people remember Richards Trail as a destination for recreational outings.

Margit Nellemann is a tea farmer and ceramic artist. margitnellemann.com teafarm.ca

Today, Richards Trail is home to several interesting businesses. There is a recording studio, a bellydance and yoga studio, a cranberry farm, as well as several other farms, along

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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craft The Cowichan Valley Artisans are professional craftspeople making their living by producing the most creative, honest and authentic work that they can. Their studios and workshops are their private worlds where they do the hard work of creating. They are spaces full of contradictions where there is fun, inspiration, sometimes failures, and where they do things for the first time and things they’ve done a million times before. These spaces contain a vast assortment of specialized tools, machines and materials that are integral to what they do and produce. Many people find these spaces fascinating and inspiring. The Cowichan Valley Artisans welcome the public to shop for, and experience, their work in the place where it was made, and witness the process by which they transform their raw materials into unique and personal creations.

Throughout August, Peggy Brackett and Jo Ludwig show their fine glass in the small window of Imagine That!.

Jo makes those well known glittering little vessels he calls “Things of Beauty” (“ToB” for short) and the “UFO Treasure Boxes”. Now “Pocket Planets” enter his repertoire.

And Peggy is making a name for herself here in the valley designing, and painstakingly creating, dichroic glass jewelry the quality of which is second to none. From the initial colour matching, through the assembly, fusing, cutting, re-assembly and final grinding, Peggy pays careful attention to all the details that make apparent the high quality and craftsmanship of her finished work. The same care and craftsmanship is evident in the most recent additions to her line: hair clips and strong, chunky adornments for men that she calls “Tablets”.

Belt buckles for ladies and cufflinks (for men) are on her drawing board. Peggy and Jo welcome visitors to their studio. Call ahead (250-246-3991) or take a chance.

Brochures are printable from the web site and are available at Excellent Frameworks and Experience Cycling in Duncan. www.cowichanvalleyartisans.com

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Arts on the Avenue Sunday, August 28 First Avenue Ladysmith 10 am – 4 pm Over 50 artists all under the white tents.

Guest Artist Tammy Hudgeon Glass and Mixed Media www.artonavenue.com

For 13 years at the crack of dawn on the last Sunday of August, enormous white tents emerge from the gray pavement on First Avenue in Ladysmith. Sleepy-eyed ghosts drift with the rising sun, working hard to get Arts on the Avenue ready for another stellar event.

Arts on the Avenue is a one-day outdoor celebration of the arts. You will find accomplished, famous, and emerging artists all together displaying and selling incredible art of all disciplines. Glass painting, metal work, painters of various mediums, fused glass, jewellery, watercolours, photography,

hat makers, potters, carvers and fabric art line the street, ready to excite and titillate your senses. You will find hidden treasures. You can spend the day visiting with friends, listening to music, checking out artisan food and what the community has to offer. Come early for the best selection. Take your time; spend the day. You will be surprised at what you will find. Bring the kids and let them express their inner artist at the Kids’ Art area. Bring the whole family; there will be something for everyone—but leave the dog at home. This year a no dog policy will be strictly enforced.

Guest artist Tammy Hudgeon will delight you with her fused glass and multi media. Tammy is known for her intensely colourful, functional and decorative pieces that grab your sense of fun and take it for a spin. Tammy’s art is like Tammy: engaging, cheerful, alive. One cannot help but feel uplifted and charmed.

Take a moment to find out more about Tammy at Arts on the Ave. This celebrated artist will capture you and make you look at glass in a whole new light. www. tammyhudgeon.com

Take-Out Bento Box Lunch Special

Tuesday to Friday 3 kinds - $4.99

9875 Maple Street, Chemainus 250-246-1046 Garden and Patio Seating Available Open 11-.3pm for lunch and 4 - 8pm for dinner Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Alternative Fuel Collective Biofuels Conference

Queen Margaret’s School, 660 Brownsey Ave, Duncan Aug 5 - 7 $175 Gen Admission $135 Co op Rate To register 250-597-1491 jessy@cowichanenergy.org

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n August 5 -7th, the first Collective Biofuels Conference (CBC) to be held in Canada will take place in Duncan. It features 20 workshops on sustainable community-scale biofuels from grass-roots initiatives to successful business case studies from across North America.

This unique opportunity will allow locals to network with biofuels professionals, other sustainability advocates and learn about innovative alternative energy that can

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be produced in our own backyards!

The CBC’s objective is to share information on alternative fuel initiatives and brings renewable energy experts, enthusiasts and interested beginners together to share information on biofuels, with a focus on communitybased biodiesel.

Scheduled talks will cover all aspects of biofuel production, distribution, and use, including technical aspects of safe biodiesel production, the mechanics of maintaining a bio-fueled vehicle, running an alternative fuel gas station, and a business development workshop facilitated by the Conference Gold Sponsor, Vancity. Keynote speaker Lyle Estill, co-founder of Piedmont Biofuels and author of Biodiesel Power and

Small is Possible - Life in a Local Economy will discuss “Biodiesel’s New Leaf” covering the success stories and failures of community scale fuel production. Lyle’s third book, Industrial Evolution; Community Solutions for a Low Carbon Economy, released this past May. The Conference will kick off on Friday, August 5th, in the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre, with an international film premiere of Freedom by Josh Tickell.

Freedom takes a hard look at North America’s ever-growing addiction to foreign oil, and delves into the pros and cons of the “black sheep” that is ethanol. After the screening a local panel will focus on energy and food security issues raised in the documentary. Mixer and appetizers at 6pm; screening

at 8pm.

Tickell’s 2009 film, “FUEL” was a winner of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award, and was described by the Seattle Times as “Dynamic, stirring…a must-see, and not just for environmentalists.”

For a complete listing and information about tickets for the film and conference visit www.collectivebiofuels.org.

The CBC conference is hosted by Cowichan Energy Alternatives a local Non-Profit dedicated to improving local energy options for Vancouver Island, Canada. The Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-operative distributes 100% bio-diesel made from recycled waste vegetable oil to members as petro-diesel alternatives.

Local, Hand-crafted Fuel

a founding member. “Even at the beginning we were already talking about a big shiny processing plant. It’s just taken a lot of sweat equity, creative fundraising and a collaborative approach to get here.”

T

The series of stainless steel inverted conical vats, tubes, pumps and hoses is kindred to a micro-brewery leading Roberts to refer to the yields as a “handcrafted, local solution to energy security.”

In fact, it may be located within the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

The waste vegetable oil is collected from restaurants using a vacuum truck cobbled together with recycled parts, customized pumps and invention. Homeowners also drop off their old oil at a collection kiosk at Bings Creek.

he answer to bleeding oil reserves and the harsh environmental effects associated with burning fossil fuels in cars may be closer than you think.

In a sky blue industrial warehouse well within sniffing distance of Bings Creek, the CVRD’s busiest trash transfer station and recycling depot, a handful of innovative individuals have pulled together a processor capable of pumping out 1,000-litre batches of fuel per day.

And the resource they are tapping is old cooking oil that used to find its way down the drain.

“When we started producing in 2005 we were changing waste vegetable oil into batches of bio-diesel in a small warehouse and selling it by the jug at the Duncan Farmers’ Market,” said Brian Roberts, President of Cowichan Bio-Diesel Coop and

being sold per month.

continues to move ahead.

“We’ve been on a production treadmill struggling to keep up with demand,” Roberts said, adding the processor will alleviate the pressure on co-op producers. “The CVRD has interest in using a blend of bio-diesel in their fleet vehicles, which will increase the production needs as well.”

The processing plant is a major piece in the co-op’s vision to create an Island-wide bio-fuels network and turn waste cooking oil from around the Island into fuel.

Despite such roadblocks as the provincial government’s insistence to charge a carbon tax on the eco-fuel, and the recent cracking of one of the solar thermal oil-heating units, the dream to share fossil fuel freedom with more people

“It’s liberating to be off the fossil fuel grid and know the fuel you are using comes from your neighbours,” Roberts said.

“Now we want to get as many people as possible to join us.”

For more information on the processing plant or the co-op, visit www.smellbetter.org.

By Aaron Bichard

Image Top L; Daryl making the magic happen: overseeing a fuel transfer for the co-op cardlock at Cowichan Petroleum Sales at 2999 Allenby Road.

Image Below L; The bio-crew celebrate making the first 1000 liters of biodiesel at the new facility: (L to R) Daryl Giesbrecht, Brian Roberts, Miles Phillips and Joe Bezdek.

Images courtesy Cowichan Energy Alternatives

Through processing, the vegetable oil molecule’s glycerin is replaced with alcohol, and a fuel able to be burnt in any diesel vehicle is created.

Through a partnership with non-profit Cowichan Energy Alternatives and the CVRD, the co-op has access to the processor, which ultimately will turn 60,000 litres of old oil into fuel for vehicles.

Currently the co-op’s membership sits at 170, with about 3,000 litres of bio-diesel

International Film Premiere August 5th Mixer 6pm, Screening 8pm Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre: 200 Cowichan Way, Duncan Tickets are $25 each and include appetizers

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Amazing Hydrogen Peroxide

Zero Waste a Lofty Goal

H

D

ydrogen peroxide is an amazingly versatile, household cleaner, disinfectant and bleaching agent. It is completely earth friendly because it breaks down to just oxygen and water, which makes it safe for people, plants and animals. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-mold/mildew. On top of that it is odorless, doesn’t produce any residues or gasses and is very affordable.

Hydrogen peroxide is available in different forms and dilution rates most commonly sold in a 3% solution diluted with water is a safe and effective way to use it.

uring a recent interview for the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s Zero Waste Challenge campaign, we hesitated when asked if achieving zero waste is possible.

“We know people who are doing it now, so we suppose it is possible,” we offered.

“Personally, we’re not quite there, but we are getting closer”.

Thanks to the CVRD’s latest salvo in the war on waste, now everyone in Cowichan can move closer to the bold, and indeed challenging, goal.

Without a landfill, Cowichan’s uncommon situation of exporting waste provides an obvious economic argument for reducing garbage. But the real reasons for taking responsibility of one’s own waste are universal — like our actions, we must be held accountable for our waste.

The CVRD is encouraging individuals and businesses to talk up the challenge and to take action toward zero waste.

Central to the campaign is the addition of a new, more important “R” in the ReduceReuse-Recycle triad: Refuse.

Simply put, it means buy less stuff. Make smart shopping choices by buying locally, well

Here are a few ways to put it to work around your home. made items in less packaging.

Avoid one-time use items and revisit the ideas of renting, borrowing, and sharing with friends and neighbours.

- To use as an all-purpose cleaner, pour into a spray bottle and spray onto counter tops, sinks, toilet bowls etc., wipe off as you would with any cleaner.

The website, www. zerowastecowichan.ca, is rife with tips, fast facts, zero waste calculators and other tools.

- Great for sanitizing toys. Spray on, let soak, rinse and dry.

There’s information on hosting zero waste events and challenging friends and coworkers to produce less garbage.

Reaching zero waste is good for the region, for our neighbours and for us. Check out the website and take the challenge.

Aaron Bichard coowner of Cowichan Recyclists an ecologically sustainable and responsible company helping businesses reduce their impact on the environment.

Kundalini Yoga Classes

Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Denman Island 250-597-8849 kundalinicowichan@shaw.ca or http://kundalinicowichan.shawwebspace.ca

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- Clean cutting boards by spraying all over the surface, scrub with a brush and let sit while it fizzes, rinse and repeat until the fizzing diminishes.

- Clean toothbrushes by soaking overnight, rinse well before using.

- Use as a streak-free window cleaner. Mix 8:1 with water.

- Add a few teaspoons to a large bowl of cold water wash and rinse fruits and vegetables to clean and prolong freshness.

- Pour ½ inch into the bottom of the compost bucket. It cleans the bottom but also stops food scraps from rotting so quickly and can go straight into the compost bin.

- Leave a spray bottle in the shower and give the whole area a quick spray after every shower to prevent mold and mildew as well as soap scum build up.

- Whiten whites by adding 8 oz to your load of laundry instead of bleach.

- Soak kitchen sponges and scrub brushes in a jar of peroxide between uses.

Keep in mind that the disinfecting power of hydrogen peroxide increases the longer it sits on a surface and it will break down with exposure to light so store spray bottles and soaking items in a dark cupboard or use light resistant containers.

Tracey Paleczka, local mompreneur and owner/operator Clean Choice EcoFriendly Cleaning Services www.cleanchoicecleaners.com

professional builders among them.

Dennis Cage, of Island Irrigation and Landscaping, will supply the heavy equipment needed to level the site.

After a year of fundraising, Koehn said Evergreen will be ready for stage two: a massive timber-frame roof that will shelter the court under 40-foot spans cut of local Douglas Fir.

Evergreen Sports Court

W

hen Cobble Hill residents got a new school way back in 1915, it was parent volunteers who framed and roofed and finished it.

Ave. school.

“Community involvement is huge for us,” says Chris Koehn, president of the Evergreen School Society.

Skip to the 1980s, and again, it was parents who held the hammers— this time to restore the old school and add new classes. Seven local families had just started Evergreen, an independent school where about 60 kindergarten to Grade 8 students study in small, multi-age classrooms.

With striping for street hockey, tennis, basketball, and hopscotch, Koehn said the court will be open to everyone outside school hours.

This July and August, Evergreen parents will keep that home-grown tradition alive as they dig, level, and lay the foundation for a new sports court beside the Watson

Co-funded by a $28,500 grant from the Cowichan Valley Regional District and the school’s own fundraising, stage one of the project includes a 50- by 80-foot concrete floor and the engineering plans for stage two.

Koehn said the Evergreen families are lucky to have several

S L OU

ESCAPE

ESTHETICS Est. Since 2006

“There is no other structure like this anywhere in the valley,” he said.

Koehn, who is also a member of the international Timber Framers Guild, is the project manager for the timber roof. His wife Ruth, a professional designer, drew up the building plans.

“I’m up to my neck in Evergreen,” he said, laughing.

Summer Foot Care

Members of the Timber Framers Guild travel to sites across Canada, the US, and Europe. Past projects include a windmill in Indiana, a boathouse in southern England and a 156-foot covered bridge in Golden, BC. After a year of fundraising, Koehn said he will invite 24 of the Timber Framers to build the court roof in Cobble Hill.

Asked how he got involved at Evergreen in the first place, Koehn said it started when the family enrolled their two sons at the school.

“They place respect for others and getting along very high in their list of things to teach,” he said, adding that Evergreen teachers are also very good at teaching kids to learn on their own.

Submitted by Andrew Hudson

O

n a recent “Girls Day Out” Shirley and I decided some TLC was owed to our tired, dry feet.

Always up for new experiences we booked in with Cloud 10 in the Mount Tzouhalem area. Tina is not an esthetician, she is a foot specialist. Her Intensive Pedicure Treatment is about maintaining foot health not jsut about making them pretty. Beginning with a foot analysis, she consults with you about your feet determining what tools she will need for the treatment.

We begin with a Gehwol herbal soak, the heat and aqua massage conditions and prepares the feet for service. Next comes out the magnifying lamp and Bohemian Crystal file - no throwaway cardboard here, Tina is dedicated to using the top of the line tools in the most sustainable mindset. After filing, Tina applies a special electric sanding tool.

The tools operate with special disks chosen according to your skin, calluses, corns... This is where many estheticians would pull out the paddle file, working away with elbow grease and muscles. Tina professionally sands away at the skin, leaving the surface impeccably soft like a baby’s cheek. Truly remarkable.

The first and only green spa in the Cowichan Valley.

Now Shirley being a yoga instructor for resorts all over the world has had pedicures EVERY WHERE.

Offering Certified Organic skincare Eminence from Hungary. We specialize in skin care, foot care and offer a full range of spa treatments.

“Tina’s pedicure was the best one that I have ever had by far. She is so concise, taking the time to repair and smooth out every flaw, noticing foot problems that even my doctor has missed.”

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

After the sanding, Shirley added on a foot scrub and I added on a foot masque. Full foot treatment, for the price of a mere pedicure. Perfect way to get the feet looking beautiful for the summer. I can’t stop looking at mine and that’s a first! Cloud 10 Esthetics 250 597 3333

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Riches and Fame

Try This!

1. Think about one thing you have fantasized about getting-more money, recognition, better relationships. Winning the million dollar lottery!

2. Visualize yourself having your fantasy. Really feel that you have these things here and now. I feel happy, excited, as if I now have the power to do anything.

3. Identify the mind quality of this fantasy. I feel free and powerful when I visualize having all this money.

4. Now visualize that you have this quality without the outer trappings. I feel free within my life to do what I want to, even within the confines of my financial situation. Perhaps my efforts won’t turn out exactly how I expect, but I will enjoy working towards it anyway.

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iches and fame may or may not bring personal success.

Basic to the theme of desire and our sometimes discontent, we often find ourselves thinking, “I want x.” Perhaps we think that x can bring us more happiness, security or love. Perhaps we think that having x will liberate us from the burden of our own suffering, a relief from the unsatisfactory nature of our lives. When we identify something outside of ourselves as capable of engendering a mind-quality, we are living within an illusion.

We hope that riches will bring us appreciation and a lasting sense of joy. We hope, often unconsciously, that work and productivity will bring us security, in ourselves, in others and in the All. What we are really craving is trust and appreciation, which no amount of money can buy.

The common argument which is raised on this point is- “I need some things to be happy-food, clothing, shelter, the necessities of life”. That is true. We are

incarnate beings and must provide for our earthly needs first. But once our basic needs are satisfied, the Earth Way aspect within us immediately tries to dominate all other aspects of ourselves. The deep fear which this aspect holds can tyrannize all the other parts of us-our relationships, our faith and our journey towards greater inner satisfaction.

A desire for fame or esteem is really a hunger for connection with the All. It arises from the mistaken view that human recognition will bring us a soul satisfaction. But the human world is not a measure of personal success. A deep connection to the All and a soul sense of success in life may not have any human recognition at all.

Personal success may or may not bring riches and fame.

Julia Star is a spiriutal counsellor in the Cowichan Valley. She is the author of “The River Books-Love, Work, Wisdom For appointments call 250-709-9673.

Helping small businesses get online

• domain names • web hosting • e-commerce marketing • web design rbadman@gearth.com 250.746.9319 Duncan, BC

g earth

establish yourself online

Julia Star

Let g earth Internet Services help establish your online BHD.BEd presence to come: get Domain names, Web Hosting, Website Design, eCommerce kits, Marketing and Traffic Generation help and more!

Spiritual Counsellor Solving life’s problems with your own inner guidance.

Working with the Whole Person

250-709-9673 $60 / hour www.longboatcounselling.com info@longboatcounselling.com

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Bonding with Massage like this.

Organic cooking oil like olive or sesame with organic lavender essential oil is a beautiful combination for babies and children encouraging healthy circulation of blood an lymph, and relaxing the nervous system.

Be mindful to only massage your baby with oils that you would eat.

For Babies and Beyond

B

abies thrive on being touched, cuddled and massaged. The nurturing touch of massage is a beautiful way to support bonding with a baby and caring for their emotional and physical health.

It also offers a caregiver time to focus on relaxing breaths and anchoring into gratitude for the child they love.

No formal routine for massage is needed, just use your intuition to guide your strokes. Focus on peaceful thoughts while massaging your baby to enhance the experience for both of you.

Gently squeeze, use feathery touches, soft kneading and effleurage circles to comfort and soothe your baby to support them in discovering the wonders of this new body. Slowly bending, straightening and circling the knees supports digestion and circulation in the hips and legs.

Wiggling and rotating the little joints of the toes and fingers is often enjoyed by infants and brings awareness to those amazing hands and feet. The entire emotional and physical body thrives on healthy touch

On warm summer mornings, getting you and your undressed baby out in the early sun for a little massage on a blanket can be wonderful. It’s an opportunity to soak up healthy sun energy and Vitamin D before the sun gets too warm. (although we haven’t had too much of that this summer!)

Bringing massage into the lives of children and teenagers helps continue the bonding experience with caregivers and parents. Massage during puberty is especially supportive and grounding as big changes are taking place on many levels of the growing child.

Massage is wonderful for caregivers also. It helps them relax and remember how to receive during a time of much devotion and commitment to others. Massage is an ancient practice for giving and receiving.

The benefits are innumerable for both giver and receiver. Enjoy!

Christy Lindell offers massage, healing bodywork, dance, yoga and more in her healing hut and Teepee at Reflections on Peace of Paradise Farm. www.ReflectionsHolisticRetreat.com

Kundalini Yoga Classes Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Denman Island 250-701-8448 SunriseYoga@shaw.ca

Sunday Morning Meditation 10:30 am to noon The focus is on calming abiding practise and cultivating mindfulness.

1555 Longwood Road Cowichan Bay

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

250 709 9673

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Elke Cole: OUR Natural Building Ambassador Elke’s loving, skilled hands fashioning a cob oven at OUR Ecovillage.

(Inset) Name that Cowichan Valley woman... Elke Cole with the Tanzanian women’s group she’ll be returning to this fall. images by Sue Taylor

names and square footage (“What is a ‘den’ anyways?” she muses). It builds relationships between owner-designerbuilder-supplier, and between house-land-sun.

And it’s accessible. “In that workshop in 1994” she shares, “I was excited by the idea that anyone can take a workshop and build a house. I’ve been chasing that simplicity ever since.”

Not just chasing, but creating.

Her legacy here in the Cowichan Valley includes thousands of people who have been inspired and trained by Elke, and then brought that natural building awareness and skill back to their own communities.

F

rom Shawnigan Lake all the way to East Africa, people are lucky that Elke Cole attended a Natural Building workshop in 1994. From that spark, Elke built her own cob house then launched a career in developing and promoting earth-friendly building and design.

OUR Ecovillage is lucky.

That’s where Elke has taken her unique skills in natural building design to create a program for builders to hands-on learn about techniques such as cob,

straw bale, natural light, passive solar, living roofs, rainwater collection… The list may sound run-of-the-green-mill these days, but it’s people like Elke who have been pioneering these technologies and educating people since 1998 to bring them into our collective consciousness. It’s a sign that, as Elke says, “natural building is growing up.”

The women of Mnenia Village in Tanzania are lucky. Elke and her partner are leaving in September to continue assisting

the women’s group in building an income-generating store, and creating new kitchen designs that minimize smoke inhalation and firewood use. But this time, instead of a short-term visit, they are just going, for as long as they are needed.

Elke’s definition of Natural Building is as simple as her motto: “Houses That Love You Back.” Her design process focuses on people energy more than mechanics. It starts the actual space needs of people, not the standard box of room

Not that she’s really leaving.

Elke intends to build bridges between the women in Tanzania and women’s groups here. She welcomes and leads volunteer teams. She has trained new leaders at OUR Ecovillage to continue the natural building internships and workshops (www.ourecovillage.org). And we can all share her journey at http://elkecole.com

Soul Comfort Factory Store

On discontinued line of goods 20 to 50 % off

50% off - Decorative pillows, Hemp men’s vest, Hemp women’s vest, Dog jackets (8 styles) Long wool vests (breathable nylon/reflective) 20% off - Decorative blankets, ALL baby goods, Slip-ons(hard sole only), Rubber sole ankle

Visit us at www.soulcomfortsheepskin.com • Jubilee and 4th Street, Duncan • 250 737 1281 30

Rick Juliusson supports non-profits with sustainable fundraising and organizational development.

FreeRangeConsulting.ca

W B S c a e i a e f T v t t F t 2 j

Transform Your Intentions One Day At a Time

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he system of Reiki hands us the key to purifying our habits, changing our behaviour, and breaking free from our conditioned actions by releasing our anger, worry, fear, attachments etc. This is a wonderful gift to have and anyone can learn Reiki.

The first step to self-healing within the system of Reiki always begins with the foundation practice, the Reiki precepts: For Today Only: Do not Anger Do not worry Be Humble Be Honest in your Work Be Compassionate to Yourself

and Others These precepts describe actions to be undertaken, guiding you in ways to create a peaceful mind without anger and worry. By observing each action that we undertake we become more compassionate to ourselves and also to others. The precepts are instructing us to transform our intentions and purify our mind, thoughts, & actions thus creating a better life for ourselves and others.

Debbie Shuratoff Reiki Master-Teacher, Foot Spa Detox Practitioner, Natural Health Consultant. www.reikiwellness.ca

TLC Volunteer stands with Birkin print.

Pete Stacey

Limited Edition Print For Samsun Point When Stoney Hill Artist Jeffrey Birkin first heard about the TLC Sansum Point park purchase campaign he got out his iPad and produced a sketch of the endangered Point. The sketch is now being sold to help raise awareness and funds. The limited edition of ten prints is available for purchase through the Land Trust or at various associated venues. 100% of the funds raised through sales of this print will go towards the park purchase.

For more information contact the Cowichan Land Trust at 250 746 0227 or the artist at jeffreybirkin@hotmail.com

Images of India Aug 6 Opening Reception 6:30 pm start El Centro Tasting Room Downtown Duncan

All of the photographs in this show are hand printed and are in part an attempt to document the artist’s journey across the Indian sub-continent. The images present a glimpse of what India means to him; joy, acceptance, resilience, beauty and the unflinching reality that life just is. “I’ve been taking pictures since I was about 10, and I am still constantly blown away by the power of the photographic image and it’s ability to provoke a powerful emotional reaction.

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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DUNCAN GARAGE 8th ANNIVERSARY & COMMUNITY FARM STORE EXPANSION CELEBRATION Come to the Duncan Garage on Saturday, September 10th and participate in a full day of anniversary / expansion celebrations. Live music, outdoor bands, dancing, draws, cake, face painting, demos and much more. It’s been eight whole years since The Community Farm Store moved from Glenora to downtown Duncan and it’s been eight whole years since Longevity John opened the Duncan Garage Showroom. We think that’s a pretty good excuse for an all-day party! Stay tuned for details – it’s going to be fun!

The Community Farm Store Story

S

ome of you might remember the Community Farm Store when it was a cute little organic grocery store in Glenora. Well, it is still rather cute, but little is no longer the word for this thriving business that has grown by leaps and bounds, since it moved downtown in the summer of 2003.

Down memory lane...

A look back to our humble beginnings would take us back to Glenora, 1993, when Octavia Altemueller and her husband Christoff thought to open a small organic grocery store, just down the road from their biodynamic farm. The little store offered fresh baking, homemade soup, locally grown produce, eggs, chicken and wholefood groceries.

The store attracted customers seeking certified organic food who enjoyed the “community” aspects of a small store in a rural setting. It was a cozy place where everyone knew everyone and there was always time for a good conversation over an organic cup of coffee and maybe one of Octavia’s famous cinnamon buns.

Despite the not-so-convenient location and rather tiny premises, the store thrived. Octavia’s mom

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Alice helped with the baking and soon more staff was hired to help.

First Box Organic Box Program In 1995 the bakery was moved above the store and in the years to come, The Community Farm Store offered the first organic “box program”. At the height of the program there were more than 220 families receiving a box of vegetables and fruits per week - and much of it local! Many of those 220 families are still regular shoppers at the store today.

Garage” building in downtown Duncan. With the great atmosphere and open mall design offered by this heritage building (thanks to the vision and restoration efforts of Brant Weninger and Charlie Webb) together with over 2000 square feet and one of the best vegetarian chefs on Vancouver Island (Susan Minette), it was perfect timing to expand the grocery and baking business to include an organic Coffee Bar and Café which they called Corfield Café, after Norman Corfield, the original owner of the Duncan Garage. Susan had had a hunch that a wider variety of simple wholesome lunch foods would appeal to the healthy Duncan community and she was right—the cafe was an overnight success.

Welcome Nicolette!

In the summer of 2004, Nicolette Genier, an enthusiastic shopper at the Glenora store since moving to the island in 1995 from Alberta, came to manage the grocery store.

Nicolette worked at the store in Glenora from 1996 till 1999 and was very happy to come back.

In the months to come, Sue Wells moved on to new adventures and Nicolette became the new third owner.

More changes!

In August, 2006, the store expanded, gaining another 500 square feet on the other side of the hall and in 2007, after five years of active involvement, Gail Maier, stepped away from the Farm Store business and together with Rose Wagner, opened Leaf and Petal on Station Street.

Perfect CFS Partners!

Since then it’s been a wonderful journey of mutual admiration and collaboration for Susan and Nicolette. Susan continues to meticulously manage the café with unbelievable inspiration, creativity, diligence and thoroughness while Nicolette runs the “Farm Store” in the organic, expansive, visionary

New owners...

Ownership of the store changed in 1999 when Christof and Octavia decided to sell the farm and the business. The store was bought

by Susan Minette (who had been working at the store as the baker since 1997) and Sue Wells.

The farm in the meantime was purchased by Fiona Driehuyzen and her family. Fiona is currently the produce manager at the Community Farm Store where she has been working since 2006.

CFS moves to Duncan!

In 2003, Gail Maier came on as a third owner and the store moved from Glenora to the beautifully restored “Duncan

Store: 250 748 6227 Café: 250 748 6223 Organic Whole Food Grocery, Organic Bakery, Organic Coffee Bar *All Vegetarian Café “Supplying our community with organic baked goods, organic produce and whole food alternatives since 1993”.

and rather unique manner that her customers and staff have come to expect and enjoy.

Making it Work!

Over the next few years, the staff, customers and selection of quality products grew and grew. “There were growing pains to be sure but no matter how many times we found ourselves exploring the possibility of moving to another location, we kept coming back to the realization that we were meant to stay right where we were,” says Nicolette. “Customers affirmed again and again that they loved their Duncan Garage and wanted us to stay put. Truth be told, we love Downtown Duncan and we love our building. Despite the difficulties presented by a building that seems too small, we have learned countless lessons on making it work”.

space upstairs for storage, staff and administration. By 2010 the café had been branded the “Duncan Garage” so it only seemed fitting to officially change the name to the Duncan Garage Organic Café and Bakery.

2011 Expansion

This year, we helped Claudia to compact and renovate her bookstore so as to give the Community Farm Store another 300 square feet of much needed retail space. As you can imagine, we are not having any problem filling the space. We hope you will all come and see our changes!

W

Farm Store Expansion

ell, we did it. We waved a magic wand over Ten Old Books and lo and behold, a new, much needed space appeared for our store. A miracle indeed!

We’ve been happily reorganizing our entire store - building shelves, moving product and if you haven’t seen the changes yet, you are in for a big surprise. It’s brighter, it’s lighter and it’s definitely easier to find the items you are looking for. There are new freezers, coolers and all sorts of new shelving to better display the huge selection of healthy, ethical, healing, delicious and locally produced products that we are so proud to be offering. We are especially excited about our new and improved space for superfoods, probiotics, omega oils, baking ingredients, gluten free products, pet foods and cleaning products. Other sections of the store that have been revamped include the clearance items, pastas, teas, spices, herbs, supplements, remedies, beauty products, cheeses, eggs and dairy, produce and much more.

Of course, it’s still a work in progress and by the time we are done, it’s likely to be just as full and funky and market-like as ever – but what the heck – that’s who we are! We hope you will come to our big grand opening and anniversary celebration on September 10th. We should have it pretty darn finished by then.

A New Name and More Space

Last year the café’s seating capacity increased by adding tables inside the bookstore and by renting

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ORGANIC!

Thank you to all of you original shoppers who have been on this journey with us since 1993 and thank you to all of the new shoppers who have since chosen to be Duncan Garage / Farm Store customers. We commend each and every one of you for your passion, dedication and convictions to sustainable lifestyles, organic living, healthy food and community creation.

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History of The Duncan Garage

n 1911 Norman Corfield and his team of mechanics drove the first car over the Malahat, opening up vehicle traffic to the City of Duncan and the Cowichan Valley. He then proceeded to build “the most complete up to date, fireproof garage on More Duncan Vancouver Island” (quoted from Canadian Motorist MagazineGarage “Firsts” May 1913 issue) After 65 years the Duncan Garage set a provincial record for the longest running business in the same location. Ninety years later, the Duncan Garage was completely restored and designated a heritage building. It has since become a destination spot for locals and out of towners – a happy buzzing market place with a number of friendly businesses which include The Community Farm Store, The Duncan Garage Organic Cafe and Bakery, The Duncan Garage Showroom, Tenold Books, Everyone Knows Hair Design and Time to Heal.

• Sold the first fire truck to the City of Duncan

Happy Summertime to all!

May you find light, laughter, peace, purpose, strength, happiness and trust in all that you do.

• Designed the first Ford station wagon • Invented the automobile air lift

Nicolette Genier is the wonderfully happy store manager of The Community Farm Store.

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER: Chuck McCandless has had a lifelong love affair with music and says it has always been a dream “to share that passion for music with the family.” Introduce us to the brood, Chuck. “Cara & Bruce Hallum are married and so are Dennis & Annaliese Atkins. They are my daughters.

Ethan is my son.” Together they make up McCandless Family Band. Their self-titled CD (chock full of folk flavored originals) is available at gigs and at Wear in the World in downtown Duncan. You can sample audio clips from the CD on the quintet’s myspace page and hear the band in person Aug. 13 at Chemainus Legion and Sept. 4 at Brigantine Inn in Maple Bay. ANGEL FLYING CLOSE TO THE GROUND: “I have been thinking about angels recently,” writes regular reader Franya Elizabeth, “and I heard about some real live ones right here on earth.” According to Fran, five year old Reegan Sellars and mom Lindsey saw a group on Facebook about a two year old girl, Maddison Rose Draper-Earl, battling a rare form of stage 4 cancer called hepatoblastoma which has attacked her liver, lungs, and abdomen and is near her heart. “After enduring countless rounds of chemotherapy Maddison lost her hair. Upon reading her story and seeing her pictures, Reegan said `I can give my hair to her, Mommy!` Reegan says she wants Maddi to feel better and be able to brush her hair like Rapunzel. So she took action, donating 12 inches of her locks and raising $1500 to have a wig made for Maddison. These two little earth angels are an inspiration and prove that no matter how big or small, everyone can make a difference.” To join Maddison’s Facebook group log onto http://www.facebook.com/groups/ maddisonroseandfamily.

TWO SHELLEYS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE DONATION: It’s always fun to co-host Special Woodstock with Shelley Vaags. The 12th annual event Aug. 21st (11am-6pm) at Providence Farm will also feature Cowichan cowgirl Shelly Dubois. It was Shelley Vee’s idea to organize a day of musical activities to “encourage, nurture and inspire the talents of artists and musicians with special needs”.

The event has become an annual summer tradition with the financial help and volunteer support of Lions Clubs all over the Island. Admission by donation. For the complete lineup of musicians (60 musicians sharing 2 stages!) check out specialwoodstock.ca

By Rick Dennis

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Helpful Garden Succulent Summer

T

he coffee table on my deck is home to perhaps the most simple but most commented on piece of garden art. A chunk of local Renfrew rock, it has a quartz vein through it and a small indentation. Into that dent I mashed a 4-inch pot of Sempervivum (hens and chicks). A star was born!

It has won a blue ribbon two years running at the Community Flower and Garden Show. People can’t say enough superlatives about it. Guests to our home even take pictures of it.

I love these simple succulents in all their forms. They’re low care, fast growing and come in an astonishing variety of forms and colours.

Sedum (stonecrop) and Sempervivum are from the Crassulaceae family and most thrive in our climate.

Garden centres have numerous varieties available and it’s fun and easy to make your own succulent garden. Sedums grow long creeping stems that root as they touch soil or gravel. Sempervivum grow from a main rosette that quickly begins to clone itself, one rosette turning into many by the end of the growing season.

You can create a succulent garden in almost anything that will hold a bit of soil. Old boots, broken tea cups, rocks.

I’ve even seen an old vinyl handbag with hens and chicks spilling out of it. Use your imagination.

Buy a selection of 5 or more different but complimentary types of Sedums and Sempervivum in 4-inch pots. Put a bit of soil in your container and stuff these tough little plants into it. Water well and enjoy the show!

Soil and nutritional requirements are minimal and once established, a once weekly watering is usually fine. In winter, just leave them out in the elements.

Sempervivum will bloom in July and August, looking like something from a Dr Seuss story. Picture the Lorax sitting under a crazy bloom that looks like part Joshua tree and part sea anemone. After blooming, the rosette will die off but the chicks it puts out will soon fill the hole left behind.

Sedums also bloom, but with a more conventional cluster of star shaped flowers in yellow, pink and white. Most Sedums are trailing forms and will establish a large colony, making for a profusion of blooms.

Minimal care, maximum enjoyment, fun hobby plant for all ages. It doesn’t get much better then that. Enjoy your summer!

Ajay Oppelaar is President of the Mill Bay Garden Club. For club membership information or other questions contact him at dangerboy2490@ hotmail.com.

It Can Be Done! Qualicum Beach is

Local Green Hero: Tom Devereaux

Almost Broom Free!

T

he bright yellow flowers of the invasive Scotch broom seemed to be everywhere this season. There seemed to be something between panic and sad resignation about the degree that Scotch broom has spread. In fact, the BC government is hesitant to even declare Scotch broom as a noxious weed – because it has spread so densely and extensively.

Critics say that we will never get rid of Scotch broom – so why try? Volunteers in Qualicum Beach have proven that we CAN control Scotch broom. Not alone – but together.

In 2006, the roads of Qualicum Beach were lined with huge broom. That year about 10 volunteers took loppers and began cutting.

The town council was totally supportive. Since 2006, volunteers have continued to cut, and the town hauls it away. By cutting alone the impossible will soon happen.

A town on Vancouver Island once covered with broom will soon be broom free!

Sure, seedlings return, but once the grass thickens or trees grow, the seeds give up.

This success story can be repeated anywhere. It takes a supportive town, willing volunteers and loppers to cut in bloom.

Now that the seed pods have formed, you can still successfully cut broom in a “cut and drop” area. These are wilder areas, along forest edges, trails, and in large pastures, where the broom can be cut and left where it is.

In some situations, the broom can be safely stashed into the forest like a fallen branch. In the fall, these branches can be gathered to burn, or left to decompose. Broom cut during hot weather will still die.

After September, it is best to pull smaller plants, and leave large broom plants to cut next spring. Do not pull the plants if it disturbs the soil, as that will cause the millions of broom seeds to sprout and you’ll have more broom instead of less! Broombusting is fun. Start planning now!

Broombusters can help. www.broombusters.org.

What to do with August Broom?

towers at the Earth Day Celebrationyou take great pride and personal responsibility to empower others. By sharing what you have and what you have learned, you are a hero because you wholeheartedly work for the service of others.

“Ring the bell that still can ring, forget the perfect offering. There is a crack, a crack in everything. That is how the light gets in…that is how the light gets in”. - Leonard Cohen

T

om Devereaux, you are awesome! You are a visionary that truly puts your heart and soul into everything you do in our community. Whether it’s helping out your family, neighbours, friends, friends of friends, fellow gardeners, or people you will never actually meet, your hard work is acknowledged and appreciated far more than you will ever know.

As CGC’s superstar volunteer at the Kinsmen Community Gardens, you go above and beyond the call of duty because you are passionate about helping others. From transplanting flowers and strawberries from your own garden into this community space, to building a number of potato

According to Tom’s daughter, Fiona, every single time her dad visits, he brings a new plant or teaching about existing plants within her oasis garden… which he also helped Fiona design and build. “We are so lucky and grateful”, Fiona adds, “he can see and create beauty from almost everything he touches, especially in nature or using natural elements”.

What’s so inspiring about Tom is that he’s incredibly humble and down to earth. He doesn’t want a pat on the back for helping others, he just simply does what he believes is the right thing to do. If something is broken, he fixes it. If someone needs helps, he helps them. On behalf of the community, thank-you Tom for shedding your light on the lives of others!

Amanda Reimer is a writer for the Cowichan Green Community. www.cowichangreencommunity.org

The broom seedpods are popping. There isn’t much we can do at the moment.You can pull small broom. If you cut or pull broom now, pile it in an infested area. Don’t move it! You don’t want to spread the seed. Just cut and drop. And be ready to cut in the spring.

Joanne Sales is the Director of Broombusters an organic blueberry farmer, writer and founder/ director of Broombusters.

Image above Volunteers in Qualicum Beach working together to cut the Broom.. Courtesy Broombusters.

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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The Bard Is Back.

Bard: Person who composed and recited poems, often while playing the harp, lyre, or the like. *

H

e sings songs. Songs about the sublime truth of beauty. Songs of how memory’s wispy strands bind us. Songs about the ache and ecstasy of love. Songs that vary in theme and tone as the seasons vary in temperature and daylight hours. In short, he sings about your life.

“Where can I find this Bard?” I hear you ask. Truth is, you would miss his songs if you didn’t stop your world long enough to absorb what is going on around you. I know I did.

Like a bird who shares simply because that is why it is here, Joseph doesn’t demand attention from his perch on top of his red electric scooter. He told me once for him singing is as instinctual and necessary as breathing. I can feel what he means when I sit and watch him play his music, eyes closed, singing to the pedestrians shuffling through the downtown streets.

A few of you will have recognized our songster by now. Maybe you’ve caught a line while hustling for hot yoga, or maybe you’ve

taken in an original before depositing your pay, or, maybe just connected with his warm and smiling eyes.

For those who don’t know, Joseph is a professional busker who plays at the corner of Craig St. and Station St. in downtown Duncan.

I hadn’t noticed Joseph around over the winter and asked him where he had been. He had gone back home to the east coast to visit his mother for the first time in 34 years. He said there were only a few of the musicians he grew up with left back home. Joseph was a an entertainer for 17 years, playing rock and roll on the road. He has also spent time teaching guitar to children, a job he quit because he felt too much pressure to sell expensive books rather than teach a child to “play”, and is now working on his first book.

Like the migratory bird whose song has returned to the forest canopy, we’re a richer community to have Joseph back with the sun. So next time you pass by, walk a little slower and listen for the soundtrack to your life. * From Dictionary.com.

By Ryan Hollett

WINGS III Opportunity Store You’ll always find a treasure!

Donations Gratefully Accepted

Bring your quality womens and childrens clothing, natural fibres, household gadgets, jewelry, nick nacks and small furniture.

250 746 9906 Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm 193 Station St at Jubilee, Downtown Duncan

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Moon Beams Moon Pathways & Movements

F

or those of you who have been curious enough after last month’s article and started charting the Moon’s pathway, you may have discovered that the moon appears to travel east to west as does the sun. But believe it or not it actually moves from west to east, which is counter clockwise if observed from high in the north. It appears to rise in the east and set in the west because of the rotation of the earth. The Moon`s orbit creates the phases that we know as new moon, first quarter (right half), full moon, and the last quarter (left half). The in between phases are the crescent and gibbous moons.

July`s Full Moon at 11:40pm on the 14th has various names such as the Rose Moon (Neo Pagan) indicating the short strawberry harvest season in their area, Hay Moon (English) is a sign of the time to harvest hay before the next rain, Buck Moon (Algonquin) as

the young deer buck being to push our their velvety antlers, Mead Moon (English Medieval) mead means ‘July’ and is also the name of a traditional alcoholic beverage made with newly harvested honey mixed with water.

The theme of this month`s Capricorn moon is having a desire to accomplish and experience triumph by finding comfort whatever you define as `work`.

Its energy provides patience and perseverance knowing that anything can be accomplished when a step by step plan is followed through. What kind of goals and plans do you have this month?

Jean Crowder has been the NDP Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Cowichan since 2004. Crowder.J@parl.gc.ca 1-866-609-9998

Robin Massey is a yoga & junior bellydance instructor in and around Shawnigan Lake. www.theomtree.com

Crowder’s Corner

A new coalition is trying to address the lack of rental housing in British Columbia and across Canada – a problem theVancouver Island Real Estate Board has also tried to highlight.

The Rental Housing Supply Coalition started in MetroVancouver with developers, municipalities, builders, landlords and tenants all coming together to demand senior levels of government do more to encourage rental housing development.

They call specifically for the federal government to change tax policy to stimulate construction and investment in rental housing by reinstating the ability to defer capital gains tax upon reinvestment, accelerating depreciation, and allowing landlords the ability to deduct losses against other income.

At the provincial level, they are calling for changes to property assessments that over-value rental properties as strata properties.

As part of a National Housing Strategy the Coalition is asking that provincial and federal governments move beyond funding parameters that only focus on homelessness and seniors and look at the range of housing needs.

The coalition had a boost at the June 2011 Canadian Housing and Renewal Association congress when delegates voted for a resolution urging the federal government to put in place measures that will increase the supply of Canada’s rental housing stock.

If you are interested in joining the coalition go to rentersspeakup.org.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This month is party city for your sign!

This is a fabulous time for vacations, romance, love affairs, parties and social events, as well as exploring the arts. Since many of you are performers and artisans, youíll love this chance to express your creativity. Not only are you in a fun-loving mood, fiery Mars now boosts your communication skills.(Since partnerships are so challenging now, what a welcome relief.) Hallelujah!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You’re focused on home, family and domestic matters. Many of you are re-decorating and finding treasures for your home. Furthermore, since you have such amazing financial savvy, very often your purchases turn out to be investments! (Which is why youíre so hip to televisionís Antiques Roadshow. Some of you have likely been on it!) Family gatherings might help with home repairs. Not a bad idea. Many hands make light work.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This month your desire to communicate with others will increase. Many of you will take short trips and spend more time with siblings, neighbours and relatives. The pace of your days will accelerate as you run around talking to everyone, crossing off errands on your To Do list. (ìIím done!î) You love to be busy, as long as it’s your kind of busy. That means fun busy!

Even hectic busy is not too bad. But insane busy is terrible.

living? How do you want your next year to be different? Hmmm?

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Money, money, money. Some of you are looking for work or a better job.

Some of you are trying to improve your current job or get a raise. Some of you are contemplating major purchases and checking out your cash-flow scene. No matter what your apparent focus on money is all about ñ the underlying theme in your life right now is actually all about your basic values. You want to know what really matters! You don’t want to be 85 years old one day, looking in the mirror and thinking, ìKid ñ you blew it.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Ah ha! The Sun is back in your sign for the next month, re-juvenating your energy and giving you a wonderful boost. Not only will you feel lighter and more enthusiastic about life, you will inexplicably attract favourable circumstances and important people to you. Yay! It’s like magic. Mercury is also in your sign and Venus will join it very soon. This combination makes you talkative, curious about everything and oh so charming and diplomatic. (Sweet!) Friends and partners will enjoy your company.

New relationships can begin for some of you.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Each year, this is the time just before the Sun is about to enter your sign.

(The Sun will energize you and thrust you to centre stage!) Therefore, prior to this flashy moment ñ you need to mentally, physically and psychologically re-group. You need time to think about what you want your new year (birthday to birthday) to be all about.

Therefore, this is the time to look back over your shoulder at the last year.

How well are you doing at the art of

Get out your fancy clothes and your dancing shoes because you’re headed into a very busy social monthñ probably longer. Suddenly, everyone wants to see your face! By all means, accept all invitations. Now is the time to join clubs, groups, classes or professional organizations. You’ll enjoy schmoozing with others, not only for the social hit and the fun enthusiasm this generates within you, but also because these contacts can help you!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

The Sun is at the top of your chart.

This happens only once a year. It indicates that others notice you now, especially bosses, parents and people in authority. (By the way, this includes the police.) Obviously, this is your chance to make the most of it.

If you have the attention of powerful people ñ use it to your advantage.

Ironically, not only do they notice you ñ they see you in a very favourable light. You look competent, capable and successful. Milk it for all it’s worth! Accept offers of increased responsibilities. You will shine!

Sagittarius(Nov.22-Dec.21) Life is getting exciting because the heavens now urge you to travel.

Basically, you want to broaden your horizons. Ideally of course, any Sagittarius will choose travel first. But if you can’t travel, you can explore the world through books, classes, education, talking to people from other countries and different backgrounds, film and even just being a tourist in your own town.

The point is to do something different! (If you want something you’ve never had ñ you gotta do something you’ve never done.)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Right now, Mars is making you work hard to the point of delegating to others. (Bark!) Venus is beautifully paving the way for you with partners and friends. And both Mercury and the Sun now offer you an opportunity to delve deep into your psyche. You don’t want to just “knowî things -- you want to ìfeelî them at the deepest level. You’re hungry to learn in an experiential way. From a mundane point of view, you’re also concerned with taxes, inheritances, shared property and insurance matters. And on top of all this, you’re moving into a self-improvement kick. Wow.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This week the Sun moves directly opposite your sign. This happens only once a year but when it does, itís an indication you will be low-energy.

In fact, you’re going to need more sleep. Respect your need for more rest. Another thing this opposition of the Sun does is focus your energy on partnerships and close friendships. Expect to be absorbed with a relationship and wondering where you stand? How do others view you?

Are you giving them what they want?

What is really going on?

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Romance, fun times and vacations appeal to you now. Nevertheless, fiery Mars is stirring up your desire to renovate and make changes at home. And the Sun is urging you to get better organized. That’s why you’re going to go through closets, desk drawers and cupboards. You’ll be turfing what you don’t need and recycling stuff. Youíll love yourself when it’s all done. You’ll feel proud of your digs and more in charge of your life. Yes! (This is what you want.)

www.georgianicols.com

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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