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THE FISHBOWL • JANUARY 2020 • PAGE <ONE>
On Our Cover
Mike & Ken Celebrate
Fresh out of high school Ken Marr started working at Windsor Plywood driving a forklift in the yard in May of 1984, in ’89 he became the manager and in ’92 an owner. Mike first rolled into Windsor in the late ‘80s. Long hair, torn jeans (before they were fashionable), some drum sticks and driving a Westfalia. When Ken saw him drunk and w a n d e r i n g through a ditch one warm summer evening, he knew they were destined for greatness together. After touring for the last 7 plus years, making music, and running from groupies, it was either Salt Spring or a residency in Vegas… Immediately they became good friends and even better work, buddies. “Mike and I are very different in many ways, but we share incredible work habits the importance of excellent customer service and ethical treatment of others, but it’s our differences that really make us a remarkable team,” Ken says. Mike’s response is typical, “yes we share the same passion in our work but Ken appreciates my fashion consulting. However, it should be noted he did spike my Koolaid to get me on board.” Now a fabulous team of 58 with 2 locations (Rainbow and Beddis Road) things are going better than ever for this award winning duo. Taking home store of the year awards time and time again and from the SS
20 years of business partnership!
Chamber of Commerce Business of the year in both 2006 and 2014 and best customer service 2019. What’s your favourite thing about business on salt spring? Ken – Our customers are incredibly loyal and we develop deep long lasting relationships with many of them and our staff are dedicated to the success of each other and the business. We have a team atmosphere and all staff know that individual success is determined mostly by group success. Mike – The rewards from our efforts is the gratitude we receive ... Love to see the happy faces as a project nears completion What’s hard about running a business on salt spring? Ken – On hand inventory levels and selection to meet our customers’ demands. Adding our second location has really assisted us in the challenge by widening our selection and deepening our stock levels. Mike – Agreed and solid communication with our staff in their roles regarding purchasing and providing the best customer service. Any fun history to share from the early years? Ken – Mike is the fun side of the team Mike – Well well. Most history has not been declassified yet ... However, there was that time where the time when at the end of a staff party the last thing I heard was from Ken as he
was sitting in a chair with his robe on enjoying a cigar and shouting. “I Love You Guys” over and over and over... Other details I plan on including in my upcoming book Tell us about the expansion to the new lumber yard? Is that only for contractors or can I come by there too? Ken – Anyone can come to our Beddis road location, and it’s really convenient for people with trailers or large vehicles to easily manoeuvre. Our technologies are fully integrated between stores, so customers can use their account or pay with debit, credit card or cash. In addition, we have been able to broaden our selection and deepen our inventory to ensure we always have stock for our customers and enable us to remain very competitive Will we see changes to the current lumber yard on Rainbow? Ken – Yes, in addition to having more room for parking and material access for loading, we are expanding our showroom area and adding carpeting, ceramic tile, Marmoleum and high end flooring to our kitchen showroom selections. We are always looking for different product lines to add to our mix to serve our customers better, and our customers are always encouraged to suggest improvements… and we listen! What’s the weirdest thing someone’s asked you if you sold? Ken – Marriage counselling. In hindsight maybe we were good to decline.
Its very important to us that we do our best to ensure the safety of our customers and staff during this crisis. Its critically important that we all work to flatten the curve. To that end, we have instituted rigorous cleaning procedures of often touched surfaces and strict health guidelines for attending work as well as doing our best to isolate staff as best as we can. We are currently working on affordable delivery and curbside pick up service for smaller hardware orders to help our isolated customers do projects and home maintenance
THE FISHBOWL is brought to you by publisher Genevieve Price. Columnists: Lisa Sigurgeirson Maxx, John Bateman, Dorothy Price, Dr. Hannah Webb, Dr. Ralph Miller, & Mishka Campbell. Salt Spring Island’s #1 Source for Arts, Entertainment & Culture. Check out our Facebook page!
Occasional Contributors: Melinda Parks-Divers, Lis Bell Walton
Green Printing & Layout: Imagine That Graphics.ca Ad Sales: Deadlines are the 10th of the month previous to book ad space & submit content. Calendar events can be submitted up until the 15th. For rates & information call Genevieve today at 250.538.8427 or email thesaltyfishbowl@hotmail.com.
Price is
GISS Improv
Right Cancelled due to COVID-19
PRODUCT REVIEWS by: Genevieve Price
ARDELL
Magnetic Eyelashes These are great, like really great! I have never in my life successfully applied and left the house in false lashes. I’ve had it done by a friend successfully once and aborted the mission many times tossing them in the trash. They come with more magnetic gel then you will ever use and the applicator brush is perfect, nice angled tip and firm bristles. I also struggle applying eyeliner but this was easy! Incredible that 4 tiny magnets on each lash secure them in place. Step 1: Apply a thin line of magnetic gel to the top lash line. Step 2: Place lash on line, bam! Done! Of course I will mention a few notable things to consider. The gel liner is tough to remove calling for an oil based cleanser, soap did nothing and the liner is jet black. I got about 2 hours of house work done before having a whoopsie and rubbing them off my eye, only to turn to my son and say, do you see my eye lashes…I won’t be living that down anytime soon. And last, if they do pop off like mine did they won’t just pop back on, if of course you can find them. If this happens you’re meant to clean the lash and reapply the gel liner, in a pinch you can reapply without cleaning so don’t forget the liner when you leave the house. Sponsored by
We still wanted to share the great story of this wonderful group of students.
“The Gulf Island Secondary School improv team has earned a spot at the national tournament in Ottawa for the fourth consecutive year. Wow! The team won gold in 2017, silver in 2018, gold in 2019, and through balancing artistic aspirations with competitive ambition they hope to throw it all down on the stage this May on a national stage. The core four (Calla Adubofour Poku, Kahlila Ball, Jo Gaffney and Amelia McCluskey) are in their graduating year, and they are very excited for this opportunity to go back to the big stage and bright lights of our National Arts Centre, and to get to perform and compete alongside the 18 other regional champions from across Canada. This year they enthused to be joined by grade 10 multi-instrumentalist Owen Goertz. The team will make friends from coast to coast as part of this amazing community of loving competition. They will get to tour national museums and galleries, visit parliament and represent this little corner of the country at the nation's capital. Ottawa, Ontario is, however, a long way away from Salt Spring Island, and the team needs your help to get there. There are a multitude of ways that you can support GISS improv in their fundraising efforts. One of the best ways to stay informed and to see your support come to fruition is being an audience member to one of their shows on their upcoming Gulf Islands mini tour. Cancelled** The team will be performing at the Pender Island Community Hall on the 17th of April*, the Mayne Island Agricultural Hall on the 18th of April*, and to close off their series they will have a final home show on the 24th of April* at Mahon Hall alongside innovative regional improvisers and other special guests. GISS Improv will also be taking part in the Paper Street Improv Festival in Victoria on the 21st of April*. The team is extremely grateful for this islands continuous support in sending them back to nationals to play and learn in their last year. *It is important to note that all of these dates are contingent re best practice/public health.” ~ Calla Adubofour Poku
Health with Hannah Dear Clients, How can I help? As long as I have ingredients and the means, which is my wonderful kitchen and my health, lets talk about feeding you. Calling or emailing to discuss an order is working great! As we are all continue to take heed regarding contact with others, picking up at the kitchen can be done with little concern, as it is just you and I. But, if you don’t have the means to come to me, we are now offering delivery, which we can discuss at time of order. HERE ARE JUST A FEW SUGGESTIONS OR PLEASE ASK IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING IN MIND. • Large Quiche $23.00/Sm Quiche $5.00/4 minimum: bacon, goat cheese tomato pesto, blue cheese mushroom, caramelized onion Gruyere. • Layer Cakes, starting at $30.00 chocolate, carrot, vanilla... • Cookies $2.00, minimum 12 • Loaves, whole, starting at $15.00 carrot spelt, chocolate, fruited pound, banana spelt, pumpkin chocolate chip spelt • Muffins $3.00, minimum 6 Thank you! -Jana
Guided Journeys to the Inner Sanctuary with Veronika Mckee Feeling Stressed? Overwhelmed? Hard time sleeping? Hard time focusing? Feeling lonely? Feeling unwell? Body pain? Heartbreak? Sadness? Disease? Would you instead like to feel energized? Grounded? Calm? Joyful? Balanced? Connected? Healthy? Vibrant? Seeking guidance? Answers? What if everything you need exists within you? Would you like to access it? The ability to heal your heart, mind and body? The ability to connect with the best guidance available to you, your higher self? I’m hosting free live guided meditations online right now, twice weekly. If you’d like to join, it’s called Guided Journeys to the Inner Sanctuary. I welcome your participation. It’s great time to meditate in unity and community. It’s a very unique and powerful experience. “Friend” me, and then I can invite you to the group. https://www.facebook.com/veronika.mckee About me: I work with high impact individuals who want to make a difference. I am a creator, perpetual student of the human experience, action philosopher, writer, freedom teacher and lover of life.
A Medicinal Immune Building Bone Broth The most nourishing of comfort foods, bone broth! Bone broth just feels so good when you eat it – it is soothing to the heart and to the belly. The difference between bone broth and soup stock is simply that bone broth is boiled for far longer, to really get all the nutrients, minerals, and collagen, out of the bones and veggies and into the liquid. In this version, I have added herbs that help support a strong healthy immune system. Onions, garlic, ginger, and turmeric and warming, anti-inflammatory, and even have antimicrobial properties. The culinary herbs I have included are anti-inflammatory and very nutrient rich. Astragalus, reishi, and chaga are “immune modulators”, meaning herbs that are best taken when you are NOT sick to build up your immune resilience. Here’s my basic recipe, written for you to learn HOW and then riff off of it from there. It’s a super versatile concept, so use what’s in your fridge, have fun, enjoy!! Mmmm. Recipe: 6 quarts water (or just enough to cover everything else) 2lbs high quality animal bones (beef, pork, chicken, fish…) 2 diced onions 2 diced carrots 3 diced celery stalks 3-4 crushed garlic cloves 1 thumb sized know of turmeric 1 thumb sized knob ginger
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 Tbsp salt 4 pieces Astragalus root A large handful of dried Reishi or Chaga mushroom Dried herbs: rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage Fresh herbs: parsley, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage
The veggie amounts listed above are loose estimates - you can use whatever you have in your fridge (mushrooms, cabbage, leeks, etc). Just make sure there is plenty so you get a rich flavourful broth. Add all ingredients except fresh herbs to a pot. Place on stovetop over high heat until comes to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low to simmer. Simmering times: 24-48 hours for beef bones 12-24 hours for poultry 4-8 hours for fish If you are using fresh herbs, add them at the end and simmer for a further 30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain out the vegetables and bones by pouring through a metal strainer into another pot. Place in the fridge until cool and fat congeals on the top. Use a spoon to gently scrape most, but not all, of the fat off. If you have used good ingredients this is good quality fat. Either drink by the cupful, or use as a base to make soup. Store in the fridge for up to a week, or transfer to containers and freeze.
By Dr. Hannah Webb, ND drhannahwebb.com | 250-999-9371 THE FISHBOWL • APRIL 2020 • PAGE 5
Chat with the Chamber with Jessica Harkema
Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce
How to Help Local Businesses Through the Pandemic
Social distancing, cancelled events, self-isolation, and working from home are supposed to help “lower the curve” of the spread of COVID-19, but it is likely to leave our local small businesses suffering. Without discounting the importance of public health and safety, it is also important to recognize that small businesses are going to need help to get through the pandemic. Unfortunately, the virus hits us at a tough time for business on Salt Spring, especially those that depend on the seasonal influx of visitors. Businesses are typically ramping up to welcome visitors to the island, whereas now they are trying to figure out how to keep their staff employed, pay rent, keep the lights on and their doors open. The Federal Government announced a Small and Medium Business aid package, however we are unsure what that will look like for local businesses. In turn, individuals can definitely do their part. Here are a few things we can all do to get our small business through this tough time while respecting public health and safety: 1. Shop local online and off: Many of our local businesses offer online or phone order shopping. If you are not sure, take a look at their website and social media or give them a call. Many businesses are making considerable changes to accommodate social distancing and in small community spirit may be willing to work with you to ensure you get the goods you need. 2. Buy gift cards to places you frequent regularly: If you frequent a small business regularly calculate what you spend in a typical week/ month period and pre-purchase that amount with a gift card. It will
The province has created a phone service to provide non-medical information about COVID-19, including the latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing. Information is available in more than 110 languages, 7:30 am - 8 pm at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888268-4319) or via text message at 604-630-0300. The B.C. health ministry has also established an online self assessment tool for people to determine if they need further assessment or testing for COVID-19. The online survey can be done by people for themselves or on behalf of a someone else who is unable to. https://covid19.thrive.health The BC Ministry of Health strongly urges anyone who has symptoms - including a fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, or difficulty breathing to self-isolate for 14 days. To protect yourself while out in public, wash your hands frequently and maintain a distance of about 2 metres from others. For more information on COVID-19, refer to www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19
THE FISHBOWL • APRIL 2020 • PAGE 6
allow the business to get the cash now and you can redeem it for goods later. Purchase online or call in and pay for it over the phone by credit card if you are unable to go into the location. Remember when you are redeeming your credit, to do it spread out over time so that you continue to soften the blow. 3. If you’re looking at spending some time at home, stock up (Don’t hoard!) on entertainment or materials you need to finish your projects or pieces of art: We are not sure what is to come as this pandemic progresses, but if you are still comfortable going into the local shops stock up on books and other entertainment, purchase the can of paint to finish painting your guest room, or get the art supplies you need to explore your creativity while you are social distancing and do this from our local businesses! 4. “Get Take-Out for dinner”: One of the industries that will be most affected by this is hospitality! But on Salt Spring, most your favourite local establishments are still open and have ramped up on cleaning measures, are monitoring the health of their staff and are making most of their menu available for take-out. Don’t stop going out, but maybe change how you go out. Get take-out, go at off-peak times or find a business that delivers. 5. If you can, tip a bit more than you usually do: Though it doesn’t go to the bottom line of the establishment, it will help the serving staff keep their own rent paid, fridges stocked and lights on. 6. Phone calls, emails, and e-transfers go a long way: Keep in mind that there are many businesses and services that do not require in person contact. Here are some examples: Accountants, bookkeepers, financial services, landscapers, web and graphics designers and many more. 7. Focus on purchasing locally produced products: The Artisan and farming communities are two sectors that will be heavily affected over the next little while. Consider a weekly CSA box and look to purchase local food and artisan products as gifts if you are in need. 8. Ask how you can help: Business owners know their business best. If you just want to help them out, give them a call or drop in and see how you can help them keep their business open and staffed. It’s important to remember that we are all in this together. Just as we need to look out for public health and safety, we also need to look out for our small businesses through these potentially devastating times. Once we are through the pandemic, we will want to experience life the same way as we were before it, and our local businesses play an integral role in our community’s culture and identity.
celebrating Genevieve thesaltyfishbowl@hotmail.com 250.538.8427
celebrating
30
years Dick Durante, Jamie MacDonnell, Barry Edwards and others were the founding partners when Moby's first opened on May 18, 1990. Several owners, a new marina, and 30 years later, Moby's has never been more excited about the future. Dale & Susan Schweighardt are anxious to welcome of Moby's patrons past and present to a planned 30 year celebration May 18th 2020.
celebrating
28
years ‘On April 1st, 1992 shortly after leaving his home in Vancouver, Matt Steffich opened an art gallery downtown Ganges. Nearly 30 years later, Steffich Fine Art is not only an island institution and a place to purchase top quality art - it’s a place to gather, and a place to build dreams upon.’
11
years
Successful small business owners are driven by their passion to create something meaningful. We are builders, makers, creators, innovators–you name it! The primary reason I launched this business is to help others do what they love! The artists, the makers and the shakers of Salt Spring all needed a voice and that’s what the Fishbowl is. Your true grass roots community bulletin board. Whether you are an advertiser or not we will always share your story or event, space permitting, just send us the details and we’ll help get the word out! I believe in small business and its ability to make a community thrive. They say every dollar spent locally re-circulates with other local businesses creating $2-$3 of local economic activity.
celebrating
15
years Al’s Gourmet Falafel and Fries is Salt Spring’s original food cart. Since 2011 we have been committed to making all our food from raw ingredients, some of which we buy locally or grow in our home garden. We are also passionate about garbage reduction and we compost 99% of our food waste and packaging and avoid all single use plastics.
celebrating
celebrating
years
years
16
On May 19th Auntie Pesto’s Café will be celebrating our 16th anniversary and starting our 17th year of business on Salt Spring Island! We’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, have weathered a few storms and survived a blur of Augusts but the one thing that has stayed the same is the unwavering support we get from this amazing community. We are really thankful for all of you hungry people!
celebrating
15
years C Me Communications stands for Creative, Media, Expression and was born in Fulford Village in 2005. Behind the scenes of my successful career as a publicist and media relations specialist is my company C Me. I’m very proud to be turning 15 in May and to be representing clients on Salt Spring Island and across Canada.
7
Bohemia is celebrating its 7th year in business this May. We would love to take this opportunity to thank our wonderfully vibrant and amazing community for opening the hearts (and closets) to us and supporting our small business throughout the years. We wouldn’t be here without you all. Cheers to 7 years and here’s to 7 more!
Ruckle Heritage Farm Day May 3, 2020
Ruckle Heritage Farm Day has been a long standing educational family day for the community and visitors alike. Scheduled for Sunday May 3, 10am to 3pm, this event displays heritage farming and crafts side-by-side with nature in the beautiful Ruckle Farm setting. As few free family events remain, this day has proven in the past to bring out a large crowd to experience the beauty of Ruckle Provincial Park, made particularly unique and special with “the oldest working farm in BC” tucked right into the middle. The day is geared toward educational heritage farm related themes from the days of old, and free family fun! This event invites participation on every level, be it volunteering, attending, or taking part in the day’s many hands-on-activities. Many volunteers give of their time to make this day happen. Typically, the day and event will look something like this… Educational booths are located in the Heritage Farm area demonstrating such old crafts as spinning and weaving, basket making, quilting, and more. Lots of action alongside the old log forge building where you will find the Blacksmithing group demonstrating their talents. There will be butter churning next to the old milk house with the Jersey cow stationed nearby. Our Volunteer Firefighters will be on hand with the old vintage fire engine on display, and log-sawing as it used to be done invites your participation. You will find archive displays, stuffed dolls will suggest the era of the one-room-school-house, as well as old equipment on display inside the old barn. Also in the barn are ongoing films with Peter Prince showcasing the early settlers of Salt Spring, including the Ruckle Family. Picnic seating is available near the Lions Club making BBQ’d burgers & hotdogs, with a new option for lunch being Mystic Pizza. Don’t miss the Sheep Dog herding demonstration with Mike Lane and the Ruckle Farm Border Collies at 1:00 sharp. Also for your enjoyment we have scheduled Marianne Grittani and Rose Birney for musical entertainment at 11:30 and 1:30. You are sure to find the farm’s poultry, and the bottle-fed lambs as you walk around the grounds enjoying the farm and the friendly faces of Salt Spring Island. Hope to see you there under sunny skies. Interested vendors and volunteers may contact Marjorie Lane at 250-653-4071 or rucklefarm@shaw.ca
THE FISHBOWL • APRIL 2020 • PAGE 8
celebrating
20
years “[Stagecoach] is a nice space to relax and be in an atmosphere with people I can trust where I get to unwind and be somebody else for a couple of hours.” ~Stagecoach Student In the summer of 1999, Simon Henson, Lynda Jensen and Margaret Jardine started Stagecoach Theatre School with the goal of creating an out-of-school program to instruct Salt Spring kids in the performing arts. Over the last twenty years, hundreds of kids have moved through the program and several have gone on to be part of the GISPA program at the high school. “[Stagecoach] is a nice sense of community. And, acting helps me express myself.” ~Stagecoach Student While self-presentation and confidence are the obvious skills in theatre training, our programming is important for other aspects of childhood development. Studies have shown that theatre education can boost literacy and vocabulary, encourage communication, imagination and lengthen attention span. Being transported into the hearts and minds of imaginary characters, places and times encourages empathy and compassion. “I really like Stagecoach because it gives me a home in a world where I feel alienated.” ~Stagecoach Student Stagecoach programs are for kids who feel for whatever reason that they ‘don’t fit in.’ A place where they are encouraged to be their authentic selves, to make mistakes and try new things. We have watched LGBTQ kids find a home with us to explore their feeling of “otherness” in a safe and supportive environment. Since, the spring of 2000, Stagecoach has produced a yearend show at Artspring Theatre which includes performances from children in three main classes – Intermediate, Improve and OnStage. Over the years, students have been fortunate to learn from many talented people on Salt Spring including Joi Freed-Garrod, Rachel Jacobson, Lynda Jensen, Don Keith, Oona McOuat, Sue Newman, Maggie O’Scalleigh, Andrea Rabinovitch, Robbyn Scott, Jill Smith, Bob Twaites, Kate Nash, Kim Thompson, Brett Little, Adina Hildebrandt and Christina Penhale. Last year, we presented an original production, Eldritch Manor, written by local author Kim Thompson with original music and lyrics by Kim Thompson, Cole Thompson, Keith Olrenshaw and Caroni Young. Stagecoach would like to thank the over 80 businesses and organizations that have contributed time and money in order to sustain 20 years of teaching and helping kids on Salt Spring.
For Ever yone
Yoga
with Salt Spring Island teacher Dorothy Price
Are yoou good at conversation? Most of us could do with some help in this area! Health experts say that staying engaged with family and community positively affects our health. Staying engaged helps us to understand others more fully and helps with bonding and closeness. The suggestions listed below will help you improve your conversational/ communication skills. • Listen. Really listen. Give your undivided attention to what the other person is saying before adding your thoughts to the conversation. Listen to understand. Listening is half (and sometimes more) of the conversation! Sometimes we monopolize the conversation, and it becomes a “me me me” approach. Often we listen only enough to reply with our own thoughts and opinions. While the person is talking, we are thinking about what we are going to say next. Listen until the other person is completely finished. Everyone wants to feel heard. • Don’t be shy. Speak up. Some of us are shy and introverted. It takes effort to engage in conversations. It is good to come out of your shell once in a while! You will learn more about other people, and they will learn more about you. You will feel a sense of connection. Just be yourself. Don’t worry about what people think about what you say. Get used to the fact that someone might disagree with you. It is all part of being in conversation. Be brave! • Practice empathetic listening. Empathetic listening involves letting your response be active and constructive: 1. Listening to the other person fully 2. Repeating what the other person said 3. Asking questions if you don’t understand 4. Rephrasing what they said to show that you’ve understood. 5. Reflecting on what they have said with your answer • Allow others to talk about themselves and their interests. Whether you want to admit it or not, most people like to talk about themselves. • Ask for advice. It shows that you place value on their thoughts and opinions. It will encourage them to engage more in the conversation. • Emphasize similarities. You can drive the conversation towards topics you’re both interested in. • Be nonjudgmental. • Don’t make assumptions when listening to others. And don’t overlay your own point of view. • Use someone’s name as you are talking. Not only using someone’s name initially but remember their name later. It is very endearing for someone to hear their name. • Pay honest compliments. Yoga and meditation can help us to be better communicators by loosening the ego’s grip. The unchecked ‘over-inflated’ ego can cause self-centredness affecting your ability to really hear what others say. A ‘fragile’ ego will not allow you to express yourself freely in conversation due to worries about being judged on what you say. It takes practice and awareness to change.
See you on the mat! ~ Dorothy Dorothy teaches yoga classes, pranayama, meditation & retreats locally & worldwide. Visit www.santosha-yoga-retreats.com or phone 250-537-7675
the singing
AMMA *amma = grandmother in Icelandic
Lisa Sigurgeirson Maxx, ECE Nurturing, empowering & educating families for over 30 years
Dear Parents, Grandparents and Community-members-at-large, Although this column will post on April 1st – playfully known as April Fool’s Day – it has become blazingly apparent that the novel coronavirus, Corvid-19, is no laughing matter. We’ve had a LOT of information circulating through all forms of media, sometimes to overload, so I hope to offer here some gentle reminders, and as well some less commonly thought of ways which families - and individuals - can deal with keeping our mental health and immune systems strong for the duration of this viral pandemic. Children are like little sponges they absorb so much of the energy around them. They are also like elephants – they hear everything. It is extremely important to keep our own energies calm, and to be really mindful about the conversations we engage in about this topic. Limiting media exposure for children and teens is crucial, the younger the child, the less exposure - meaning little to none. Limiting our own exposure is important, too, since repeated exposure to stressful topics is proven to be a massive anxiety-enhancer. Reading, watching or listening to just enough of the right kind of media – informative, accurate, factual – and then turning it off is strongly advised. Be informed, stay calm, and explain, in simple language, just enough factual information, at your child’s level, so that their concerns are addressed. This situation is a global stress. Remember, children process stress differently than adults do. Some children may be emotionally expressive right away, others may absorb it all and it’ll leak or burst out at some later time. Some may become quiet, other’s may cry others may be angry, others, clingy. Any emotion is acceptable. Be there for them to bring their worries or upsets to. Listen with compassion, Give them reassurances that you, and your family plan, are there to keep them safe. Instinctually, our ability to stay calm is connected to our sense of preparedness. Wash. Your. Hands. This simple life-skill cannot be amplified enough. Watch videos online to refresh the 20-second hand washing details, practice it yourself and teach it to/do it with your children. Even older children and teens may need a refresher course in what adequate, effective hand washing looks like. Adults might, too. This simple action, repeated many times throughout the day, could save lives. As could keeping hands away from faces. Eyes, nose and mouth is where the virus enters the body. Drink lots of water - staying hydrated can increase healthy immune functioning. Get the whole family outside. Time in fresh air and nature can be a powerful stress and anxiety reliever. Plus, amazingly, breathing in airborne chemicals produced by plants, called phytoncides, increases white blood cell levels - the body’s helpers in fighting off infections and diseases. And laughter. Laughter cannot be underestimated in the help it can provide. It uplifts moods while decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. Humour helps us cope, while minimizing stress and it’s negative impact on the immune system.
Send your parenting questions to: singingamma@gmail.com or facebook.com/thesingingamma | www.thesingingamma.com THE FISHBOWL • APRIL 2020 • PAGE 9
Mishka’s
Book
Reviews with Mishka Campbell
The Overstory By Richard Powers
This book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction about a year ago. Somehow, I missed its presence on all 2019’s must read lists, and only just picked it up. Environmental fiction isn’t at the top of my favourite genres list, and this one in particular can veer a bit towards melodrama. However, it made for a really unique literary experience, one in which the author very purposefully orchestrates an almost spiritual awakening to the complex lives of trees. We start this book exploring the individual lives of nine different characters, and their connections and relationships to and with trees. It almost reads like a collection of short stories. With only the fact of the trees themselves in common, I assumed that was the whole point; to read essentially disparate tales, and then to marvel at the wisdom and majesty of our environmental world. I am not afraid to admit I was wrong. These stories only make up the “Roots” section of this vast and complex novel. The rest of its segments: “Trunk”, “Crown”, and “Seeds” weave these characters lives together with alarmingly intricate connections and passions, in a way that is altogether unexpected. The opening chapters feel poetic, and also gentle when compared to the intense activism and I’ll just say it, anger, that unfurls towards the midway point. And why shouldn’t we be angry, as the author uses science and his characters as tools to teach us a lesson that you’d think we are already well aware of…but clearly we could all stand to hear it said one more time and with feeling. I think I’m overusing this word, but this book shows that we’re all CONNECTED. It’s a universal truth. These characters, and their trees and the way reading this book will likely make us feel. Guilt and hope simultaneously. My favourite sections are those of Patricia Westerford, a scientist whose interest in nature is from early childhood nurtured with both literature and experiments. Her thoughts and writings are so profound, and the pain of her initial rejection in the scientific community so realistically written, you will forget that she’s a construct. Her father gifts her a kid’s version of Ovid’s Metamorphosis, and the first line is quoted many times, “Let me sing to you now, about how people turn into other things.” This novel is a song…time to open your eyes.
The Green Isle Enterprise
Holistic Psychology, Health & Education By: Ralph D. Miller, Ph.D
Gardeners of the Earth? I read in The Book the other day that we’re the Gardeners of the Earth. Well, our performance in this job so far can well be met with tears—or mirth. If we are the Gardeners of the Earth, I think we should be fired. Our planet would be better off if we had all retired. Our Mother handles things just fine, with beauty and with grace. She only asks that we clean up our mess around the place. We see ourselves above it all—Kings and Queens of Our Domain. We think we are improving Earth; in vain, we have inflicted pain. Such hierarchical vanity sure borders on insanity. Our speciocentricity defies imagination. We are but fairly hairless apes whose egos need deflation. All Nature’s viewed as a “resource” created for Our use. We think it’s all here Just For Us, our minds are so obtuse. We boss around Her animals as though we’re not the same. They’re valued only for their roles as pawns in Our Own Game. We think She benefits from Us, The Critics of Creation. We make the choice what lives or dies, blessed or gets damnation. We kill off competition for the land that’s Ours—we think. And many who have dared transgress have long since gone extinct. Countless species gone forever; more and more are lost each day. Ignoring Life’s Community, we’ve blindly blundered on our way. We chop and clear, destroy Her “weeds,” replace them with Our Stuff. Our Mother’s been quite tolerant, but now She’s had enough. The ozone layer’s like Swiss cheese. Earth’s warmed up quite a bit. We’ve transformed life’s environment. Now we no longer fit. We foul the air and oceans, pollute the fields and streams, while all our trash and garbage dumps are bursting at the seams. We’re altering genetic codes—custom rearranging. Earth’s evolution’s not quite fine; DNA needs changing. Our population’s doubling soon, so fast we reproduce. Looks like we’ll have to give up sex—a Procreation Truce! And on that point, another thing: Earth does not need more mothers, but we sure could use more mothering. Some leaders of our primate strain sure act as though deluded. They seem to see but dollar signs while landscapes are denuded. The rich are getting wealthier; blind corporate fools run loose. Yet widespread poverty goes on. Greed is tightening the noose. Our wars destroy both life and land. Why are we so pugnacious? We have the choice to live in Hell or share Love, free and gracious. This Earth, which is Life’s habitat, is not Our Cake, three-layers. To live in humble harmony’s, the answer to our prayers We think we’re Stewards of the Earth—like She needs our tending! We should be stewards of our myths—beliefs in need of mending. We need not plan creation’s themes with well-intentioned fuss. All we really need to do is protect all Life from us. Earth does not need our stewardship, our arrogance quite less. She’ll do just fine if we just mind our business and our mess.
Ralph's roles include: extending-family guy, student/teacher, psychologist/scientist, musician/actor. ralph@islandroots.ca
This Year Marks the
50th Anniversary of International Earth Day
The global theme is Climate Action. Fifty years ago thousands of people across the globe took to the streets, town squares and political centers of their communities to demand that we take better care of the Earth. Due to COVID-19 and efforts to protect our community this years Earth Week celebrations have been cancelled. But we all know Earth Day should be every day so we’ve created a list of 30 things we think you can manage to help lower your carbon footprint every day. 1. Refuse, Repurpose, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 2. Pick up trash every day, especially at the local parks or beaches. 3. Use environmentally-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products. 4. Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with efficient CFLs or LEDs. 5. Carpool, ride your bike, use public transportation or drive an electric or hybrid car. 6. Keep your tires properly inflated and get better gas mileage. 7. Change your car’s air filter regularly. 8. Teleconference instead of travelling. 9. Stop using disposable plastics, especially single-use plastics like bottles, bags and straws. 10. Donate your old clothes and home goods instead of throwing them out. When you need something, consider buying used items. 11. Use cloth towels instead of paper ones. 12. Change your paper bills to online billing. Just think of the trees you’ll be saving. 13. Read documents online instead of printing them. When you need to use paper, make sure it’s 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Fishbowl is printed on Recycled paper! 14. Recycle batteries from small appliances and your electronics. Use rechargeable batteries instead! Collect used printer, fax, and copier cartridges to recycle. 15. Use reusable bottles for water, and reusable mugs for coffee. 16. Bring reusable bags when you shop, after the pandemic of course. 17. Pack your lunch in a reusable bag. 18. Buy local food to reduce the distance from farm to fork. Buy straight from the farm, frequent your local farmers’ market, or join a local food co-op. 19. Buy organic food to keep your body and the environment free of toxic pesticides. Support farmers and companies who use organic ingredients. 20. Reduce your meat consumption to curb carbon emissions from the livestock industry. 21. Compost kitchen scraps for use in your garden — turning waste into fertilizer. 22. Take a shorter shower and use a water-saving shower head. 23. Fix leaky faucets and shower-heads. 24. Run your dishwasher only when it’s full to save water and energy. 25. Conserve water outdoors by only watering your lawn in the early morning or late at night. Use drought-resistant plants in dry areas. 26. Wash your clothes only when necessary, use cold water and line dry. 27. Turn off and unplug electronics you’re not using. This includes turning off your computer at night. Turn off lights when you leave a room. 28. Install solar panels on your roof. 29. Lower the temperature on your water heater. 30. Contact your utility company and find out about renewable energy options.
Scopes Brought to you by our own in-house astrologer who now goes by her numerologically correct name of “Ya Righta”
^ Aries
d Libra
Your driver’s license just expired.
The
Happy Birthday.
be your stupidity, if you are
greatest
danger
could
hoarding toilet paper.
_ Taurus If you have chickens, you should probably set them free.
e Scorpio Your selfish ways will not improve this week as you continue to
` Gemini
mass buy toilet paper.
Hard work pays off in the future.
f Sagittarius
Laziness pays off now. Just relax,
Peel your bananas upside down.
you’re winning!
It will change your life.
a Cancer
g Capricorn
It must suck being born under a
All the other horoscopes are
sign that kills so many people.
wrong, except this one.
h Aquarius
b Leo The
only
successful
Leo
is
DeCaprio. Give up now.
Three is the magic number, but you may find that one is sufficient for you today seeing as
c Virgo
you are still self-isolating.
Not that today is going to be
i Pisces
the worst day in your life, but
The way you dance around
you may want to buy more toilet
the office may cause some to
paper. You my friend are going
question certain parts of your
to actually need it.
personal life.
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