September 30, 2014

FALL 2014

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SUMMITSOF HOPE

Comox nurseson a quest

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SURVIVAL AT SEA A first person account

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Publisher Zena Williams

Features Editor Jennifer Cox

Editor Terry Farrell

Writers/Photographers Scott Stanfi eldErin HaluschakLeslie CoxJohn Cox

Creative Jacoba Primrose

Sales Manager Liz Royer

Advertising Peter DiespeckerDonna LafontaineTracey LawrenceLiz Tribe

Production Manager Susan Granberg

Advertising Design Debbie Salmon Leslie Eaton

Lenore Lowe

Cover Photo by: Terry Farrell

Available online: comoxvalleyrecord.com/eeditions/

Trio is the Comox Valley’s leading lifestyle magazine.To advertise or learn more about advertising opportunitiesplease send us an email at [email protected]

Mailing Address: 765 McPhee Ave,Courtenay, B.C., V9N 2Z71-250-338-5811

Trio is produced by:

Your community. Your newspaper.a division of

Trio magazine is published quarterly by Black Press. Th e points of view or opinions ex-pressed herein are those of the authors and do not necesssarily refl ect the views of the publisher of Trio. Th e contents of Trio magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

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FaLL2014Volume 2issue 1

COMOX

COURTENAY

CUMBERLAND

inside16 Summits of hope

Comox nurses, Jill Blacklock and Coral Forbes are on a quest to climb Everest, raising funds for cancer care at BC Children’s Hospital.

14

24 2620

1010 A Denman

Island oasis.A custom Denman Island home, designed by Etienne de Villiers, is an oceanfront refuge for homeowners.

14 Back tothe wild

Maj Birch and her team of dedicated MARS volunteers are on a mission to rescue and rehabilitate native wildlife.

20 Autumngarden

A rich tapestry of colour abounds in the autumn garden.

24 Naturalindulgence

At Legato Gelato, goats are milked by name and fed natural ingredients to create a rich, fl avourful gelato.

26 Survivalat sea

Suspended in mid-air 60 feet above the ocean, reporter Scott Stanfi eld joins 19 Wing Search and Rescue in a day of sea survival school.

F E A T U R E S

Features Editor, Comox Valley Recordwww.jenniferleecox.com

e are blessed to live in a community of caring individuals and natural resources. Th is issue of

Trio represents only a fraction of the in-credible bounty that surrounds us.

Turn to page 10 to read about an amaz-ing oceanfront home that utilizes local materials to create an oasis that drapes itself across the landscape, where eagles fl y overhead. herons stand regal, and seals bob their heads in the sea.

With such a diverse wildlife population, we are fortunate for individuals com-mitted to conservation and protection. At the Mountainaire Avian Rescue So-ciety (page 14), Maj Birch works with volunteers to help injured wildlife, be-cause she says, “Somebody needs to care!”

Caring is central to the work of nurses Jill Blacklock and Coral Forbes (cover story, page 16). If you see them around town in their hiking boots, give them a shout of encouragement because they are busy training. In November, the pair will be joining with a team of like-minded individuals to summit Ever-est in an eff ort to raise awareness and much needed funds for cancer care at BC Children’s Hospital.

It really is inspiring to see how much heart individuals around the Comox Valley put into their work. Th is truly is a community of caring!

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nn and Hamish Kimmins purchased their 15-acre oceanfront oasis on Denman Island in 1992. At the time they lived and worked in Vancouver,

she as a community health nurse and he as a professor.

Hamish has a deep appreciation for the landscape. His lifetime of work teaching and promoting environmental sustainability in forest management was recognized in early 2014 when he was appointed to the Order of Canada. Aft er dedicating so much of his career to the ecology of the forest, Hamish attributes deep meaning to the timber in his home’s construction as well as the surrounding property.

“I love Douglas Fir, the rich orange glow of the colour,” he says pointing to impressive beams of wood in the entranceway. Th ey were repurposed from a 700-year old log previously used on a logging bridge in the Nimpkish Valley.

“Canfor was replacing old wooden bridges with steel and concrete, so one could go up there and buy the stringer logs,” he explains. “Th is came from a 60-foot long log that I couldn’t see over!”

Th e Kimmins are proud of the fact that

much of the material used to build their home was sourced locally- even right on their property which is the grounds of an old quarry. Th e planks in their ceiling were made from second-growth Douglas Fir growing on their land.

Maples are a signifi cant feature on the property, which they call Maple Grove. Hamish and Ann have planted dozens of Japanese Maples with seeds collected from Vancouver street trees.

“I would cycle around in the fall when the colour was good and mark down the best trees,” says Hamish. “Th en I would come back in a month when they were producing seed, fi ll my pockets and sow them in our little nursery.”

When construction of their custom home began in 2004, they called on Denman Island home designer, Etienne de Villiers, to head up the design.

“I loved the fact that they wanted to do something diff erent,” he says. “Finding clients like Anne and Hamish is wonderful. It’s not an every day thing.”

All rooms on the left have a door, which has a connotation of private space while the space to the right is open and welcoming. Th ere are two bedrooms, Hamish’s offi ce, Ann’s art

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room and a comfortable den. Unlike the rest of the house, which is made with Douglas Fir, the den is designed with knotty pine to provide an informal refuge.

De Villiers is inspired by homes that are both playful and simple.

“I like to think that I design homes that are always interesting,” he says. “That if you’re there long enough you begin to see different elements.”

Set on a cliff overlooking 1400 feet of private waterfront, the home’s floor to ceiling windows are 18 feet high and up to 450 pounds, making them a challenge to install.

“The windows were just timbers and glass,” de Villiers explains. “It takes a lot more effort to make a house simply than it does conventionally

but the results are quite stunning.”

The house drapes itself across the landscape with a series of steps. From the deck a path flows down to the beach where the ocean begs to be swam in and kayaks wait to be floated across rolling waves.

“Ann always wanted a house that laid itself gently down a slope,” says Hamish explaining that they call their home the Falling House.

The acid-stained concrete floor continues in a smooth, fluid line as you step onto the deck so that apart from the walls there is no separation between indoors and outdoors. The concrete is cut with a diamond blade to give the impression of paving stones.

“Its one of the scariest things we did,” says Ann. “We had no idea how it would turn out.”

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Under the floor, hot water pipes heat the house.

“The concrete stores a lot of heat,” says Hamish. “But if it’s really cold outside and the heat pump is not able to keep up, we do have the fireplace.”

The rammed earth fireplace is a work of art, constructed with geological layers of earth acquired from the Kimmins’ property. The environmentally friendly construction of natural materials creates an organic centrepiece in the sunken living room where the Kimmins spend many hours reading, drinking tea and listening to classical music.

“I call this the inside outside room,” says Hamish. “If you stand in the corner you can see the inside of the house and the outside of the house at the same time.”

The home is expansive and open, in the tradition of a First Nation’s longhouse. Copper backsplash in the kitchen and dynamic light fixtures, that de Villiers custom-designed for the home, create a

warm, earthy ambiance while a flame-cut granite countertop provides subtle elegance.

“We sat for so many hours and talked about how we would use the space, ” says Ann. “The builders asked questions such as where do the egg cups go?”

Working closely with the designer and builders from start to finish helped ensure that the project did not just meet, but exceeded, their expectations. Ann and Hamish have huge respect for Etienne Design and the masterful craftsmanship of builders Luc Trepanier, Barton Goddard, and Randall Duncan.

“We were so lucky to have such amazing people to work for us,” says Ann. “We never once thought, this is such a complicated design, could we get someone to realize it? They were all extraordinary!”

“We are incredibly lucky to be here,” says Hamish. “Every day is a good day.”

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GLUTEN FREE BAKERY

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“PEOPLE AREREALLY MAD FOR CUPCAKES,”

says Sarah Vallintine, owner of Silly Cakes Gluten Free Bakery. Her special order bakery specializes in a variety of sweet and silly treats that range from bagels and bread to colourful birthday cakes.

Th e most popular fl avours are classic standards- chocolate, vanilla and lemon, but don’t be surprised if she pours a cup of chai tea into the icing for a creamy and slightly spicy infusion of fl avour.

“I love being silly!” exclaims Vallintine, who started her business in early 2013 aft er being laid off her job at a veterinary clinic - a position she held for over a decade. She began exploring her options, ultimately deciding to turn her passion for baking into a successful business.

Th e roots of Vallintine’s business go back to 2003, when she was diagnosed with celiac disease. Th ere is nothing silly about celiac! Th e disease aff ects an estimated 1 in 200 Canadians, and according to Health Canada many remain undiagnosed. As gluten damages the small intestine, it can lead to malnutrition, anemia and nutritional defi ciencies. It causes severe abdominal upset and can aff ect skin, hormones, bones and joints.

“I didn’t really bake before I was celiac,” Vallintine admits. Not wanting to miss out on the foods she loved, she pulled on an apron and began to scour recipe books. Over time, she mastered the art of creating light, fl uff y cupcakes and cakes as well as breads, bagels, scones, muffi ns and pies.

“My chocolate cake recipe was just a complete fl uke,” she says. “I started with a regular recipe, found the right combination of ingredients and tweaked it until I got it right!”

As the mother of two active boys, the ability to keep things silly is key to her success both at home and at work. She is also extremely dedicated. When her six-year old son asked for a Darth Vader cake he was certain his mom would make the best cake ever. He was right! You can fi nd a photo of the Darth Vader cake at www.sillycakes.ca

“My kids are always challenging me!” she laughs good-naturedly. “People coming to the party are expecting a good cake, and this is for my son so I have to live up to that expectation.”

Her philosophy is simple: “Gluten-free people shouldn’t have to miss out on fun events. No-one should have to go without cake!”

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FALL 2014 | Trio magazine 13

n American kestrel, with its square-tipped tail and falcon-shaped wings, was the fi rst bird Maj Birch rescued. It was 1986 and she was living in Tumbler

Ridge working in the mining industry. Her husband found the injured bird on the side of the road with a sprained wing and brought it home. Birch had never rehabilitated a bird before, but as an experienced fi rst-aider she felt confi dent that she could help. Aft er six weeks she was able to set the bird free, starting a journey towards her current role managing the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS).

Since forming the MARS non-profi t society in 1995, she has had a role in the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of injured birds and other wildlife. MARS treats over 500 creatures each year as part of a mission to “conserve and protect native wildlife and its natural habitat through education and rehabilitation.”

When the facility fi rst opened twenty years ago, there were only two cages to hold injured birds. Since then various community groups have come in to help with work parties to build up the facility. Birch has built strong relationships with local vets and spent many hours networking with members of the B.C. Wildlife Rehab Association where she has found a wealth of information and advice.

“I’ve learned quite a bit,” says Birch. “I had a

certifi cate that said I was a wildlife rehabilitator but still, each bird was a steep learning curve.”

Th e facility specializes in songbirds, waterfowl and raptors. “We rescue everything from bald eagles and trumpeter swans to hummingbirds,” says Birch. “But we have also had a huge number of mammals such as beavers, raccoons, minks and river otter. Our goal is to bring them back to the wild and that is our greatest reward.”

Every day, MARS receives phone calls from concerned citizens who have encountered injured wildlife. A common concern is small, injured birds that may have fallen from their nest. With these young birds the best help is oft en to leave them be.

“A baby bird on the ground does not always need to be rescued,” explains Birch. “People will say they’re worried about a cat catching the bird. We say catch the cat and leave the bird.”

With a growing network of volunteers eager to tend to rescued wildlife, Birch now has time to explore her passion for conservation.

“Each year we see more and more trees disappearing,” she says. “Th is spring a tree was cut down that had three nests in it. A tree should always be

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assessed before being cut down but for some reason it wasn’t!”

Birch is a member of the Comox Valley Environmental Council and works tirelessly to educate the community on the importance of tree protection.

“Trees help support the rivers and lakes, and our estuary,” she says. “Th is habitat is so critical. Th e old veteran trees that the eagles prefer are few and far between now. Th ere are many trees here but not all those trees are suitable for an eagle’s nest, and those trees support many other species as well.”

Th e fi rst time Birch rescued an eagle she admits being intimidated but she has learned to overcome her fear.

“It is important to be calm before you go deal with them,” she says. “I think all birds can see the energy coming off of us, like an aura. If we’re in a rush or feeling nervous it will take three times as long to catch them.”

She explains that any time wildlife is being held is extremely stressful. Staff and volunteers try to examine them as quickly as possible to minimize the stress of captivity.

“You have to be aware of the stress on the animal. Th ey think they’re going to be eaten because that’s what happens in the wild.”

Working with wildlife has been central to Birch’s life for decades.

“I think it’s taught me to listen more, to be more observant,” she says.

“We share our world with all this amazing wildlife and you see so much loss on the highways, oil spills… Somebody needs to care. We need to promote more understanding so other people care too.

PHoToS ProViDeD BY moUnTainaire aVian reSCUe SoCieTY

by Jennifer Cox | Features Editor | Comox Valley Recordwww.jenniferleecox.com

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thirst for adventure and a heartfelt desire to raise funds to aid cancer patients in their recovery has inspired two local nurses on a quest to climb

from the small Himalayan town of Lukla to the world-renowned Everest Base Camp, November 2-24, 2014.

At an elevation of 18,204 feet, this is not a trip for the lighthearted but nurses Jill Blacklock and Coral Forbes are not intimidated. � ey have already purchased hiking boots and have been preparing for the climb by breaking in their shoes on local trails.

As part of their weekly training regime, the nurses climb the stairs at Goosespit. As they climb the 168 steps to the top, they visualize themselves in the Himalayas making their way towards the summit of Kala Pattar. (Suddenly that steep staircase doesn’t seem so di� cult!)

In addition to water and daily supplies each climber will ascend with their backpack � lled with hope � ags inscribed with messages from donors. Anyone donating $40 or more towards the climb has the opportunity to include a message to be � own at the summit. Each message is forwarded to the individual climbers to personally inscribe on a colourful � ag before the trip.

� e � ags share heartfelt messages such as, “sorrow stretches the heart to make a room for joy.” � ese � ags are a moving reminder of the lives being impacted through the climb.

“� e trek to basecamp isn’t just about us,” says Blacklock. � e hike is part of an expedition organized by the not-for-pro� t association, Summits of Hope. � e society is an o� cial partner of the BC Children’s Hospital foundation, dedicated to promoting care, advocacy, research and education.

“Every cent we raise goes to BC Children’s Hospital,” says Forbes. She diligently researched the funding and asked lots of

questions before committing to the climb. Fundraising does not come naturally to her so she wanted to be absolutely sure that she could tell her friends and family where the money was going before asking for their support.

In her research, Forbes discovered that Summits of Hope has used funds to support important resources, such as the salary of a social worker to help children integrate home a� er cancer treatment.

Fundraising e� orts include bottle drives, selling ra� e tickets and sharing their story by word of mouth. Each participant in the climb is required to raise a minimum $5,000 (not including travel expenses).

� e team that Forbes and Blacklock are heading to Everest with call themselves Care for Cancer. To raise awareness, Forbes sometimes wears her hiking gear to work. � is gives her an opportunity to share the excitement of her upcoming trip.

“� ey love it,” she says when asked how people respond. “Our patients are so supportive.”

She has many patients who bring in their cans to help her fundraise, including one couple who made a special trip to the hospital to bring her a bag of recycling a� er hearing her story.

"I’m learning that sometimes you just have to ask and you can be amazed at the results,” says Blacklock who has been humbled by the generosity of friends and family, including many nursing school alumni who she studied with decades ago. “It’s hard to generate that � rst letter asking for money but I sent a request and was amazed by who donated.”

As di� cult as it is to raise funds and train for this hike, the patients they see in their clinic each day have been a constant source of inspiration for Blacklock and Forbes. It is especially di� cult to see a child struggle with cancer. � e letter they sent out requesting funds states, “Although this will

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be an incredible challenge for us physically and mentally, it cannot compare to the challenges and hardships faced by our children and their families when a child is diagnosed with cancer.”

� e trip to Everest is their way to raise awareness and fundraise for a cause close to their hearts.

Forbes is humble about their quest.

“I’m just a regular joe,” she says when asked about her fundraising e� orts. “I’m just touched when people bring me a bag of cans.”

“� e biggest challenge is altitude,” says Blacklock, on preparing for

their climb. “� at’s the thing that scares me the most. � e highest altitude I’ve been at is Mount Haleakalā in Hawaii.”

When asked how long it took her to climb from sea level to the top of Mount Haleakalā at 10, 023 feet, she laughs. “I didn’t climb it, I drove up.”

Despite a lack of experience, Summits of Hope promises to ease them into the climb safely. � e organization specializes in the best non-technical routes to get beginner climbers up the mountain safely while raising funds for an important cause.

PHOTO BY TERRY FARRELL


Anyone interested in donating or wanting more information can visit www.summitso� ope.com

or contact Jill Blacklock at 250-702-4676

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enerally speaking, parents aren't adamant about their off springs' career path. Th e most important thing is that their children love what they are doing.

Th at said, if it so happens that a child follows in a parent's footsteps, it brings an added level of pride to the parent.

Helen Austin knew that wouldn't be the case with her daughter, Daisy.

“She was dead-set against ever being a musician,” said Helen.

“For as long as I can remember, I've always said

there is no way at all that I would ever be a musician,” echoed Daisy.

Th e tour started last week.

Daisy accompanied Helen on the Big Little Lions mini tour in Cincinnati, Ohio – homeland of the musical duo’s other half, Paul Otten.

Big Little Lions launched their fi rst CD earlier this year, and the band performed live for the

G

PHoTo BY TerrY FarreLL

MUSIC: A FAMILY BOND

“She was dead-set against ever being a musician,” said Helen.

Daisy accompanied Helen on the Big Little Lions mini tour in Cincinnati, Ohio – homeland of the musical duo’s other half, Paul Otten.

Big Little Lions launched their fi rst CD earlier this year, and the band performed live for the

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� rst time – with Daisy included – at Filberg Park on Aug. 24.

� at Daisy would follow a musical path comes as no surprise to Helen, considering her own upbringing.

"I come from a very classical background,” she said. “My mother was a pianist and my dad, he played piano as well. So I was brought up on classical music... and a little bit of ABBA.”

Helen’s � rst musical instrument was the violin. Not entirely coincidental then, that the violin is Daisy’s instrument of choice.

“A little bit of pride there, absolutely – but I am a terrible violinist. I gave that up when I was 12,” she said. “My kids have already gone far beyond anything I can do. But yes, I am so proud of them.”

Helen’s son, Charlie, also plays violin.

“I think it was a computer game that I learned when I was about three, and I said ‘I want to learn that’, so we started taking violin lessons,” said Daisy, of what drew her to the � ddle.

� ere was never any pressure from Helen’s parents to steer her in a musical direction, nor has there been any from Helen (or her husband Trevor) toward Daisy.

� ey are simply products of their environment.

“It (playing music) is just what we did in my house, and that’s what I’ve done with my kids,” said Helen. “I � gure if you grow up in a house where you just do it, then you’re not likely to get all upset and question it.

“I mean, we’re just brainwashing our children really, aren’t we,” she added, showing a bit of her past life in the process.

Helen’s � rst profession was not as a musician, but rather a musical comedienne.

“Yes, university was to blame for that,” she said of her career in comedy. “I went to university to acquire a performing arts degree with the � ute and when I was there I started thinking ‘I don’t want to play the � ute. What can I do with a � ute?’ So I started taking voice lessons ... and from there, I started writing song parodies and did the comedy circuit in England.”

Although comedy was not a passion for Helen, she said that had the family not moved to Canada, she might still be doing it today.

“When I was living in England, it’s really di� cult to turn down well-paid work, but

when I got here, I thought this was my chance to concentrate on music,” she said. “I knew there weren’t any comedy clubs on the Island and it didn’t make much sense to travel to Vancouver to do a gig for $50 when you pay $100 for the ferry.”

She would occasionally travel back to England to do the circuit, but eventually turned her focus onto music full-time.

Daisy was � ve years old when the family moved from downtown London to Union Bay, in 2002, and already showing signs of musical prowess.

“Daisy started the Suzuki Method when she was three years old and she has just (� nished training) to be a Suzuki teacher,” said Helen. “She is going to teach violin.”

Dead-set against a musical career, you say?

“It was never going to happen – I was never going to do anything to do with music,” iterated Daisy, who will graduate from Mark R. Isfeld Secondary this year. “But then a couple of years ago, my mom’s friend had a son who really wanted to learn violin and there wasn’t a teacher available, so they insisted I teach him, and now I am teaching.”

Daisy credits a performance at the Zocalo Cafe in Courtenay as the turning point in her de� ance.

“Mom was playing a gig at the Zocalo, about three years ago, and I don’t know why, but I asked her if I could sing harmony with her,” said Daisy. “So she taught me how to sing harmony for three of the songs and got me on stage.”

Now she takes the stage any time she can.

Helen said that her only advice for her children is to do what you love and love what you do.

“I’ve always told them to � nd what lights you up, � nd what you love to do, and then � nd a way of making money at it. My daughter has discovered that she just loves teaching kids the violin. My son, he says he wants to be a Lego designer, but we’ll see where that goes.”

Another gig at the ‘Zo’ might be in order.

by Terry Farrell | Editor | Comox Valley Record | [email protected]

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he advent of the autumnal equinox is usually bittersweet to a gardener, especially in regions where much of the garden will soon be disappearing from view.

Fewer hours of daylight and colder weather patterns will soon force plants into hibernation until the following spring. But before the plants completely disappear, they regale us with one last hurrah.

Colour. Rich, vibrant, glorious colour abounds in an autumn garden. Red, burgundy, purple, copper, gold, yellow, orange... colours that are brilliantly lit with the lowering sun at the end of the season. It is enough to make your heart

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sing with its beauty.

But what a surprise it is, isn't it? Who really plans for fall colour when they are designing their landscape?

We most certainly had no forethought when we placed a Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora' under an Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'. Simply put, the shrub's vase-like form, green stems and spring-time yellow double flowers were the deciding features for our side border. So it was purely a fluke that the autumn scene of the entrance path into our back garden becomes brilliantly lit in a blaze of yellow kerria leaves under the lustrous coppery halo of the Norway maple.

Having said that, I must admit fall colour

was definitely one of the deciding factors of replacing a too-large blue cedar with a slower growing Stewartia pseudocamellia; mainly because it would hold a spot of some importance in the front garden. All factors of the intended plant must indeed be considered in this instance.

What a happy surprise, come its first autumn in the garden, at how well the iridescent red of the Stewartia complimented the dark autumn burgundy of the doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum) nearby. I wish to take credit but it was another pure fluke.

Fall colour combinations are fun but sometimes we are caught up in the wonderment of a solitary specimen radiating a rainbow of pure pleasure. Hypericum androsaemum 'Albury Purple' is one such delight in our garden. Its leaves – dashed in green, lime green, yellow, pink, red, burgundy – are singularly punctuated with purple-black berries throughout the fall months.

Not to be outdone, we have discovered certain members of the grass family exhibit some fall colour. Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' waves golden-green in the cool breezes. The ruddy red flowers of both this grass and Miscanthus sinensis (maidenhair grass) look positively stunning when backlit.

However, autumn remains a sad time of year as the garden slides into decline. Thankfully, we are still blessed with bright gems in the borders.

Is there anyone who does not momentarily pause at the breath-taking beauty of dahlias? And although they may be plain, and sometimes a rigorous nuisance, I adore the pale pink flowers of Japanese anemone 'September Charm' and the pure white of 'Honorine Jobert' in the border.

Then there is Helenium 'Morheim Beauty'. This sneezeweed has been such a flowering fool for so long by the time September rolls around, its flower heads are a burnished bronze from the summer heat.

The autumnal equinox. Give thanks for the rich tapestry it brings to your garden.

Leslie Cox co-owns Growing Concern Cottage Garden in Black Creek.

Her website is at www.duchessofdirt.ca and her column appears

every second Thursday in the Record.

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tanding amidst thousands of excited fans in Hyde Park, London, listening to Neil Young belt out tunes on an elaborate stage with artifi cial oak trees curved around giant screens projecting the onstage action, Rob Phillips couldn’t be happier.

He was grinning like a little kid as he hummed along to acoustic favourites such as Heart of Gold, or Young’s amazing cover of the Bob Dylan classic Blowin’ in the Wind.

But unlike other fans in the crowd, seeing Neil Young was not the high point of his day. Th at moment came hours earlier as he watched his son, Dylan Phillips, perform an opening set on that same stage- a stage that has been a platform for rock n’ roll legends since the 1960’s.

Dylan is a member of the popular Canadian indie rock band, Half Moon Run. Th e band is based in Montreal, Quebec but three of its four members hail from the Comox Valley. Since releasing their fi rst album in 2012 they have toured Canada, Europe and Australia, building a growing fan base with their complex arrangements and rich sound.

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Dylan initially moved to Montreal to study classical piano at the conservatory. He didn’t have aspirations of forming a popular indie band when he began jamming with Devon Portielje, and Conner Molander in his time off school, but from the time they started making music together they knew they had something powerful. Th is energy continued when Isaac Symonds joined the band.

Rob laughs as he recalls his son’s stories of running down the streets of Montreal with pieces of a drum kit and guitars, trying to get their equipment to a gig when none of the band members had a car. As he watched them rock the stage in Hyde Park as part of the Barclaycard British Summer Time concert series, he was struck by how far the band has come.

“Th ey toured Europe fi ve times last year, 171 gigs, fi ve European tours, three American tours, a festival in Iceland… Th ey have tightened up their whole sound,” Rob says proudly. “Th ey can aff ord roadies and a tour bus. It’s not as exhausting!”

In the days following the concert, Rob had the chance to explore London on a walking tour that included landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Regent’s Park, Hyde Park; and the British Museum of Natural History. It was a memorable experience from start to fi nish but the highlight of his trip was the chance to spend time with his son.

by Jennifer Cox | Features Editor | Comox Valley Record | www.jenniferleecox.com

DEAR FRIENDS & FAMILY

I linked up with my son mid-afternoon on the

twelfth, to get my back-stage pass and my media

pass, having a short visit before the concert. The

huge benefi t of the media pass was access to be

right in front of the stage. You could stay for the

fi rst three songs of each band before having to

re-join the crowd. I could handle that! Of course I

did this for Half Moon Run, who were well received

by the swelling crowd. Hard to estimate how many

were there as they were the second act of four.

I would guess in the realm of 20,000 – 30,000.

By the time Neil came on stage, it was a packed

venue, guessing the capacity of 80,000. Being up

front for Neil Young was so cool. His tendency to be

a jammer meant that none of his tunes lasted less

than 10 minutes, so, I got to be front and center for

at least 30 minutes! HE WAS EPIC!

To: FRIENDS & FAMILY

in the Comox Valley

Vancovuer Island

BC, Canada

Wish you were here!

PHoTograPHY BYroB PHiLLiPS

-Robthan 10 minutes, so, I got to be front and center for

at least 30 minutes! HE WAS EPIC!HE WAS EPIC!HE WAS EPIC -Rob

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ucked away on a rural property just off the highway in Fanny Bay, Karen Fouracre and Jaki Ayton raise a rambunctious and joyful group of Toggenburg goats. As small-scale farmers, they take pride in the fact that they know their goats by name. Th ey have been raising goats since

they purchased their rural property together eighteen years ago. Best friends since high school, the resourceful pair determined that co-ownership would allow them to realize their dreams faster. So they pooled their fi nances, bought a small farm on Holiday Road and haven’t looked back.

“It was Jaki who was huge into goats,” Fouracre explains. “So we started breeding and showing, starting off with 16th

and 17th place and now we have grand champions.”

Feeding and caring for their goats is a labour of love so when an opportunity arose to provide goat’s milk to Saltspring Island Cheese Company they jumped at the chance to have their animals

earn their keep. Th ey formed Snap Dragon Dairy to meet a growing demand for goat’s milk but when they found themselves with milk left over they knew they had to develop a secondary business plan.

“Everyone was making cheese and some are making it really well,” says Fouracre explaining that they didn’t want to compete with existing businesses on the island.

In 2012, they launched Legato Gelato, craft ing small-scale artisan gelato, which they see through every step in the process. As Fouracre demonstrates her morning milking routine she jokes that dairy processing plants are only slightly more monitored than nuclear reactors.

“Everything is recorded,” she says noting that her intimate knowledge of the goats in her care helps ensure that Legato Gelato is made with 100% wholesome, natural ingredients. She knows what her goats have eaten for breakfast and believes that their diet has a direct aff ect on the high quality gelato produced.

T

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LEGATO GELATO: aNatural inDULgenCe

Serving the Comox ValleySince 1969



“I’ve raised them all from babies,” says Fouracre proudly. “I know their personalities, how much milk I can expect out of them. I know them intimately.”

Th ey milk the goats twice daily until they have 30-litres of milk. Th ey then transport it to the Canadian Cultured Dairy Plant in Royston (the home of Tree Island Yogurt), where the milk is pasteurized.

Th e pasteurized goat’s milk is mixed with Legato Gelato’s secret recipe that includes organic eggs, organic sugar and organic cornstarch. Th e batch is cooked for several hours, forming a rich, fl avourful custard ready to be mixed with a coulis of fresh fruit. Fouracre is proud to state that all berries are picked on local farms.

Legato gelato is processed in a commercial kitchen at Lush Valley. Th e community kitchen is shared with other regional food producers as part of a shared vision, promoting the production of local food. Th e kitchen is an ideal space for small-scale food production and Fouracre really appreciates having access to it.

As business grows, Fouracre hopes that more people will become open to trying goat’s milk.

“Some people have a built in negative attitude towards goat’s milk. My mother’s never had goat’s milk in her life but she knows it tastes bad. She won’t even try it,” says Fouracre as she puts together samples to share. Once people have tried gelato they are able to see the fl avour diff erence fi rsthand, and better understand its value.

“Gelato is much denser than ice cream and because we are only using real food, our fl avour is more intense,” she says.

“Most ice creams, if you read the ingredients, are not even made with real dairy anymore. Th ey are made with emulsifi ers and preservatives. Our gelato has none of that. We’re using real food from start to fi nish. And because we’re raising the goats we know exactly what they’re eating.”

Knowing where their food comes from is important to Fouracre and Ayton. Th ey joke that when the hundred-mile diet was popular, they were following the one-mile diet, purchasing their food from neighbouring farms and vendors at the farmer’s market.

Fouracre smiles proudly, stating her philosophy on eating local: “It’s important for our community and important for our health.”

Legato Gelato is available at local retailers across Vancouver Island. For information visit www.legatogelatocanada.com

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� e morning started with a brie� ng from Elmes at the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue Sea Survival Detachment at 19 Wing's Goose Spit site. I found myself sitting amongst 25 young pilots attending the � nal day of a four-day course in sea survival school. Call it "self-preservation," in the words of Jeremy Gordon, who was part of the class of 20-somethings that included just two girls. � ey were preparing for a transition training exercise starting at the platform and � nishing at Tree Island near Denman Island. Elmes started out on a light note before explaining the morning agenda: a full-on simulation of post-ejection from an aircra� . � e exercise involved water entry, swimming to a para egress ring — or parachute training

ring — to simulate a parachute landing on top of a pilot following a water landing, and then swimming to a single-man lifera� . � e latter is contained in the seat of the aircra� and exits the plane upon ejection.

Besides the necessary gear, Elmes suggests sunscreen might be in order.

� e students � led out of the classroom and into change rooms where we helped each other into

I had put my trust in strangers, walking backwards atop a platform, barely three feet from plunging 60 feet into the ocean.

Looking towards Mount Washington, I stepped o� the platform but didn't fall because I was attached by harness to a cable that angled into the water about half a football � eld away. Upon receiving instructions from

two military personnel — warrant o� cer Mark Glowach and Sgt. Derick Dixon — I gave the thumbs up and was sent on my way, ziplining towards the water. I landed so� ly in the ocean, where I was greeted by training sergeant John Elmes, a Search and Rescue Technician who helped me release the harness and in� ate a � oatation vest — technically called an LPU (life preserver underarm).

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a wetsuit, fl oater coat and para-harness. Donning helmets and water boots, we formed two lines outside where Elmes took roll call. One by one the pilots called out their number. "Twenty six?" a grinning Elmes said, glancing in my direction. "Twenty six," I acknowledged.Weighted down by the wetsuits, we trudged a few hundred yards to the platform, where small groups ascended the stairs before taking the plunge. I watched as each student received instructions before ziplining.Finally it was my turn, anticipating the cooling eff ect of the ocean. It was like a furnace underneath the wetsuit. I must not have listened closely enough to the instructions because I was rotating as I ziplined through space. I was facing the water as I neared entry — which was the wrong direction — but managed to get my back turned at the last second.

by Scott Stanfield | Record Staff [email protected]

Upon hitting the water, I used a combination of front crawl and backstroke (so to speak) to reach the parachute. Students need to orient their way underneath the chute to simulate a real-life situation. We did so by holding the chute up with one hand and swimming with the other, guiding our way across its diameter. Th en it was time to tackle the liferaft , into which I fl opped on my stomach. I then needed to fi nd linen cups Velcroed to the raft , used to bail water. When I was satisfi ed the raft would not sink, I needed to attach by Velcro two fl aps which form a tent. Once accomplished, it was remarkable how quickly the raft heated up. Apparently they work well, even in frigid temperatures. I climbed out of the raft and up a ladder back onto land, where I chatted with my classmates, who came from all corners of Canada.Gordon is a 25-year-old Vancouverite who was a civilian pilot before joining the military. "It's a lot of information," he said of the four-day survival course that combines classroom and practical instruction. "You learn things that are counter-intuitive."Be that as it may, these things will save a pilot's life if and when the time comes to hit the ejection button.

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strong sense of commu-nity and a dedication to organic, sustainable food attracted Arzeena Hamir and Neil Turner to the Comox Valley.

Before buying their family-run farm in 2012, they spent hours driving down country roads, wandering downtown shops and visiting the farmer’s market. A series of serendipitous events led them to their 26-acre property but from the beginning they felt like they were moving to a community of like-minded individuals. “It’s amazing how easy it’s been to fi t in and fi nd folks who care as much as we do,” says Hamir who is committed to organic, sustainable farming.“It’s very diff erent from when we lived in Richmond,” chimes in 9-year old Amina. “We make a lot more friends here because it’s a better community.”“Th e things we get to do here are

diff erent,” explains her older sister, Inara. “Instead of streets and heavy traffi c we have lots of space to move around.”A typical day on the farm sees the family awake by 6 a.m., feeding animals and doing chores but they also make time for play. “Th ere is something happening every day,” says Hamir. “But we’re in this for the long haul so we make sure to take some down time.”Hamir and Turner did not grow up in farming families but a commitment to sustainable food production is what brought the couple together. Th ey met while studying at the University of Guelph.Aft er spending a few years working in international development with CUSO they headed to the University of London to pursue masters degrees. Hamir studied sustainable agriculture while Turner specialized in environmental policy. One of

APHoTograPHY ProViDeD BY amara FarmS

STEWARDSOF THE LAND

the projects they worked on aft er graduation involved researching indigenous technical knowledge in India.Turner explains that this involved studying, “the knowledge held by people specifi c to a region, building on what’s already there, and appreciating that people living in a certain area have generations of knowledge of how things grow or don’t grow.”Th is concept is as true in developing countries as it is in our own region and the sharing of knowledge is just as important on Amara Farm as it was when the couple worked in international development.“Even though we have an educational background in agriculture, there is so much we don’t know,” says Hamir. She is working with the Black Creek Community Association to bring in agricultural experts for a series of courses such as how to raise chickens, small market vegetable production, and cultivating healthy soil.Another initiative she is passionate about is bringing vegetables into local schools. Every Tuesday throughout the school year between 70-80 teachers and students participate in a salad bar program at Huband Elementary. Hamir would love to see others

follow their lead and is happy to guide interested schools in the process.

“It’s amazing,” Hamir says on the kid’s response to the salad bar. “Now they go home and ask for salad. What parent is going to say no to a child asking for salad and vegetables? It’s incredible the impact it has!”

Amara Farm loves to welcome visitors to their property to learn about farming. Last fall they invited students from Glacier View Alternative high school to experience the harvest.

“Th at type of experience, for kids who don’t have access to growing food at home or even going to a farm, it can create quite an impression,” says Hamir.

Amara Farm grows organic produce year-round based on organic principles. Th e mission of the farm is to grow healthy food for the community.

“Our vision means no synthetic fertilizers, no pesticides and no GMO’s. We are trying to do this in a way that is sustainable,” says Hamir. “We want to close the loop, to have as much of our fertility local as possible. I don’t think Neil and I feel like we are the owners of this land. We are stewards of this property and trying to make it better.”

by Jennifer Cox | Features Editor | Comox Valley Recordwww.jenniferleecox.com

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Blue Moon WineryLiving the dream on a 24 year old farm and re-thinking fruit by creating award winning wines and soon to be ciders.See our ad on page 7.

Francis Jewellers Ltd.Celebrating 80 years serving the Comox Valley. Our customer service combined with our pricing is unmatched by any competitor. We carry a large line of jewellery, clocks, watches and gift ware.See our ad on page 20.

Penny Lane Property Management LtdProviding Property Management and Real Estate service to the Comox Valley since 1995. Whether you are looking to rent or buy, drop by our of� ce for a positive experience.See our ad on page 20.

Locals RestaurantLocated at the The Old House, Locals menu showcases local foods-bison, crab, oysters, rabbit, venison, duck, artisan cheeses and Chef Ronald’s amazing desserts.See our ad on page 29.

Runge’s European Deli Offers a “taste of Europe” with a great selection from cheeses & meats, candies to jams, spices to chutneys & deli meats along with a great selection of gift ware and gift baskets. Order a sandwich and a salad for lunch.See our ad on page 24.

Thrifty FoodsOpen 7 days a week our grocery stores are focused on food, driven by our fresh expertise and supported by superior customer service. For those who need assistance ask about the Sendial Program.See our ad on page 25.

Colonial CountertopsWe specialize in the manufacture and installation of kitchen, vanity countertops, tub surroundings, shower walls, desktops, work surfaces and reception areas, ... we do it all.See our ad on page 19.

Berwick Comox Valley is the retirement residence of choice located in the heart of downtown Comox. Offering Independent Supported Living, our hospitality services are designed to offer all the privacy and independence you desire.See our ad on page 17.

Comox BIADowntown Comox is a wonderful destination with a wide range of services, unique shops and enticing restaurants, cafes and pubs for all to enjoy.See our ad on page 32.

Art KnappMore than just plants, Art Knapp carries everything from home décor, furniture, clothing and jewelry for all your shopping needs.See our ad on page 21.

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Blinds & Bubbles BoutiqueThe North Island’s only Hunter Douglas Showroom.Call us or stop in to set up a complimentary in-home appointment.See our ad on page 3.

SublimeLocal owner Dierdre strives to create an exciting mix of eclectic fashions with traditional � air and a modern twist.See our ad on page 22.

Dynamic Spine, Sport & WellnessBy combining Chiropractic, Active Release Technique@ (ART®), Graston Technique®, Registered Massage Therapy and various rehabilitation techniques, patients receive the highest standard of care.See our ad on page 16.

The Mex Liquor StoreWe take the time to know you.Located next to Super Store at 1003 Ryan Road. We have a wide selection of beer, wine & spirits for you to choose from. Let us make you part of our family.See our ad on page 25 .

Acheson Whitley SweeneyFoley HolekampWe represent people injured in motor vehicle accidents, slip & falls, or by defective products. We represent the injured person, never the insurance company. See our ad on page 11.

The Westerly HotelIt all happens at The Westerly – literally! Whether it’s Sushi or Tapas, Karaoke or Sports; Tiki Bar or Family Restaurant; Conference facilities or a dip in the pool. We have it covered.See our ad on page 4.

Kevin Reid Coast Realty Group (Comox Valley)A Comox Valley resident for over 40 years. With his years of experience Kevin can provide the insight to the real estate market and is committed to the highest quality service possible.See our ad on page 9 .

Affordable Sewing& Vacuum CentreNorth Vancouver Island’s largest sewing machine outlet, “after the sale, it’s the service that counts”See our ad on page 13.

Pre Loved FashionsA wide selection of women’s clothing and accessories. We are located at 307-D 14th Street Courtenay B.C. Visit us at www.prelovedfashions.com or call us at 250-871-0373See our ad on page 15.

Axis Heating & Cooling2nd generation, family business operated by Kristen & Mikhail Pronick. We are the authorized installation provider for heat pumps, furnaces & generators through the Home Depot and your local Trane & Mitsubishi dealer.See our ad on page 10.

Pearl EllisA volunteer run non–pro� t society showcasing local artists all year long.See our ad on page 9.

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Meet OUR ADVERTISERS

Courtenay ApplianceCome and visit our luxury appliance showroom which is continually updated, you’ll get hands on experience with our appliances. Our team will help you � nd the perfect ingredients to cook up your dream kitchen!See our ad on page 15.

Orca Family DentalWe place the needs of our patients above everything else. We take special care of each one of our patients. You receive the � nest quality dental care options available to maintaining optimum oral health. See our ad on page 29.

Thermo Tec MechanicalA local Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration company in business since 2005. Owned by Shawn Dunn and Mike Nelson who have many years of experience in the industry.See our ad on page 28.

Graham’s Jewellers Family owned independent jewellery & giftware store serving the Comox Valley by the Big Clock since 1970. Offering a broad range of products and services including jewellery and watch repairs & custom orders.See our ad on page 18.

Courtenay ToyotaFamily owned since 1983, Courtenay Toyota is the Comox Valley’s oldestsingle franchise dealership.See our ad on page 5.

Comox PharmasaveNot your ordinary drugstore! We offer extensive pharmacy and Home Healthcare services and also carry a wide variety of clothing and fashion accessories. Stop by and see for yourself!See our ad on page 12.

Paradise PlantsWe do landscaping, garden designs, installations, irrigation, walls, patios and ponds. Come visit us at our garden centre. 2480 Hardy Rd., Courtenaywww.paradiseplants.caSee our ad on page 20.

Slegg Lumber Kitchen and Window Blind Design CentreWhether you’re building your dream kitchen or renewing your window coverings, Laura and Tanya offer free in home consultations to help get you started.See our ad on page 12.

Comox Valley Elder CollegeThe Comox Valley ElderCollege at North Island College is an educational community run by its members and committed to meeting the learning needs and educational interests of older adults in the Comox Valley. See our ad on page 18.

Comox Valley AirportThe Comox Valley Airport offers friendly, personalized service and daily non-stop � ights to/from Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.See our ad on page 23.

Siefferts Farm MarketOpen 7 days a week until Nov. 10. Our fall hours 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Stock up on all your Winter Vegetables. Potatoes all winter. Located 1 km past the Airport on 720Knight Rd. Comox 250-339-2988See our ad on page 25.

Smoke on the WaterWe offer a wide variety of pipe tobacco, smoke accessories, dry/wet vaporizers, electric cigarettes, Zippo lighters, de-tox & test kits and more. Located at 493 Puntledge Road, Courtenay or call 250-871-8818See our ad on page 26.

True Dimension Hair DesignLocally owned & operated for over 20 years. We offer Men’s & Women’s hair cuts, hair colours, etc and a variety or retail hair products. Walk ins welcome.See our ad on page 18.

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took up photography 'seriously' in 1980 when I bought my fi rst Minolta SLR camera, soon followed by a medium format Yashicamat for black and white work. Aft er years of taking slides and producing black and white photos in my darkroom,

I entered a slow period in the 1990s that ended with the purchase of my fi rst digital camera in 2000. I now enjoy the editing process as much as taking the photographs. I retired in 2011 and am now able to devote much more time to photography since moving to Courtenay where I have been active in the Comox Valley Camera Club and as a volunteer photographer with various local organizations.I have always been attracted to the natural

environment, especially rock and water combinations. Th e interplay allows for many interesting compositions at varying scales. A recent example is this photograph taken at the foot of Karst Creek Falls in Strathcona Provincial Park. I was fortunate to catch a small rainbow as falling water splattered on the rocks. Architecture and abstracts also are continuing interests for me, but increasingly I fi nd myself turning to public events and focusing on people, both formal portraits and informal candid street photography. With Bill Jorgensen I have been documenting the jazz scene in the Comox Valley as my major project for the past year.

Much of my work is posted on my website at prsimages.zenfolio.com.

IPETER SINCLAIR

P H o T o g r a P H e r

P A R T I N G S H O T


SHOP& DINEin Comox!

Unique boutique shops, delightful dining possibilities, beautiful parks, a gorgeous golf course, a picturesque waterfront and so much more create an experience unparalleled. The welcoming seaside town of Comox is your perfect year-round Vancouver Island destination.

Everything is within walking distance. Pick up a copy of our walking tour brochure and fi nd your self-guided route for shopping, dining, our working harbour with catch of the day, as well as our scenic waterfront.

THE ALBERNI PROJECT- HMCS Alberni Memorial,

located in the Comox Centre Mall, offers a glimpse into the stories and lives

of Canadians during the Second World War’s longest battle.

www.comoxbythesea.com

www.facebook.com/comoxbythesea

@comoxbythesea

BRING THE KIDSto COMOX for

Halloween FamilyFest

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September 30, 2014