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THE ART AND CRAFT OF WOODTURNING

THE ART AND CRAFT OF WOODTURNING

From wood to wow

Words & photos by

Jim Whyte

LIVES OF LOGGERS AND FARMERS

LIVES OF LOGGERS AND FARMERS

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: KALI WEXLER

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: KALI WEXLER

FEATURED ARTIST: JARED POPESCU

FEATURED ARTIST: JARED POPESCU

BEAUTY BEFORE AMBITION

BEAUTY BEFORE AMBITION

Pianist Sarah Hagen has earned her place among the best without sacrificing her soul.

Words by

Mike B

Photo by

Karen McKinnon

40 YEARS OF VOLLY PATROL

40 YEARS OF VOLLY PATROL

Some dedicated folks who help keep the rest of us safe on the slopes.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

Jess Cavanagh

COMOX VALLEY TRANSITION SOCIETY

COMOX VALLEY TRANSITION SOCIETY

Safe, affordable housing makes all the difference.

Photos by

Meredith Rose

A LINK TO THE PAST

A LINK TO THE PAST

The history of the Grieve family barn.

Words & Photos by

Jim Whyte

A (SNOW) SHOE-IN

A (SNOW) SHOE-IN

Finding peace in the winter mountains.

Words & photos by

Joanne McElroy

FROM THOUGHT TO REALITY

FROM THOUGHT TO REALITY

Publisher's introduction to Vol. 36

Words & Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

THE COOL OF CURLING

THE COOL OF CURLING

There’s a place for everyone within the quintessential Canadian game.

Words by

Keith Parry

Photos by

Sara Kempner

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: LUC ANTAYA

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: LUC ANTAYA

Photo By

Luc Antaya

A BENEFIT FOR ALL

A BENEFIT FOR ALL

The Immigrant Welcome Centre helps new residents succeed in the Comox Valley.

Words by

Mac Newton

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

A student-led walk in the snow to help end homelessness.

Words by

Carrera Teal

Photo by

John Gower

THE GIFT OF LIFE

THE GIFT OF LIFE

It’s not on your driver’s license! Register to become an organ donor.

Words by

Sara Cherewaty

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

FAREWELL TO THE DENTAL BUS

FAREWELL TO THE DENTAL BUS

After over three decades, Peter Walford has parked his mobile practice.

Words by

Laura Busheikin

Photos courtesy of

Peter Walford

BY DESIGN

BY DESIGN

Using the language of architecture to build a life in a new country.

Words by

Vivian Dean

Photos courtesy of

Supermod

FEATURED ARTIST: SHELLEY VANDERBYL

FEATURED ARTIST: SHELLEY VANDERBYL

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: ANIUEMILIA

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: ANIUEMILIA

VIDEOGRAPHERS AND FILMMAKERS

VIDEOGRAPHERS AND FILMMAKERS

The Comox Valley is home to a diverse group of visual artists who use video to tell compelling stories about nature, humanity, and community.

Words by

WANTED: DEATH COMPANIONS

WANTED: DEATH COMPANIONS

We’re all going to die, but most of us don’t want to talk about it. Let’s reframe the conversation.

Words by

Madeline Christie

Photos by

Jennifer Jellett

MEET THE BOOT FITTER

MEET THE BOOT FITTER

When you’ve got happy feet, you just ski better.

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photos by

Luc Antaya

LITTLE VALLEY: AVA THOMAS

LITTLE VALLEY: AVA THOMAS

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Ava Thomas

Photo by

Sara Kempner

THE BLUE BUZZ

THE BLUE BUZZ

Wild swimmers are only ever one swim away from a good mood.

Words by

Kerry Hale

Photo by

Glenn Naylor

THE GIFT OF MOTION

THE GIFT OF MOTION

A new non-profit wants all queer athletes to have role models and cheerleaders.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Meredith Rose

GETTING THE DRIFT

GETTING THE DRIFT

As a vibrant poetry scene emerges in the Valley, a new anthology showcases over three dozen poets’ work.

Words by

Ed Varney

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

DROP INTO A DEEP READ

DROP INTO A DEEP READ

Photographer Duncan Hague creates space to tell mountain biking’s unsung stories.

Words by

Dave Flawse

Photo by

Duncan Hague

SALMON AND STEWARDSHIP

SALMON AND STEWARDSHIP

the K’ómoks First Nation Guardian Watchmen use the bounty of the sea to help protect the forest.

Words by

Lisa Levesque

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

BREWMOX VALLEY 2.0

BREWMOX VALLEY 2.0

Not even a pandemic has stopped our growing love for local craft beer.

Words by

Max Oudendag

Photos by

Sara Kempner

WHERE THERE’S WATER, THERE’S HOPE

WHERE THERE’S WATER, THERE’S HOPE

Clearflo Solutions was already working on the global clean water crisis. Then their technology was needed much closer to home.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

&

Jenny Deters

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS

Winters in the Valley aren’t what they used to be. What does this mean for our water supply?

Words by

Tim Ennis

Photos by

Brett Kroeker

LET THE RIVERS RUN

LET THE RIVERS RUN

Streamkeepers keep a watchful eye on the Valley’s precious waterways.

Words by

Tanis Gower

Photos by

Meredith Rose

THE DUBIOUS PLEASURES OF WINTER BIRDING

THE DUBIOUS PLEASURES OF WINTER BIRDING

Join the hardy, determined, somewhat anti-social ranks of winter birders.

Words by

Jason Straka

Photo by

James Mackenzie

BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED

BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED

From Cumberland to the Caribbean, Chicago, and back: a local couple comes full circle.

Words by

Anja Roberts

Photo by

Crystal Chowdhury

A LIFE LIVED WITH VOLUME

A LIFE LIVED WITH VOLUME

We dedicate this volume of the CVC to Thomas Dunn, who inspired family, friends, and entire communities to experience everything in a big way. He will be missed.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photo by

Nik Dunn

DEMYSTIFYING MUSHROOMS

DEMYSTIFYING MUSHROOMS

Move over, sourdough. The newest homesteading trend is mushrooms, and they’re popping up all over the place.

Words & Photo by

Darren Howlett

THE THREADS OF RECOVERY

THE THREADS OF RECOVERY

A former adrenaline junkie becomes a different kind of adventurer, exploring new cultures through weaving.

Words by

Andrea Townsend

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

SPEAKING FOR THE TREES

SPEAKING FOR THE TREES

The lush forest along the Puntledge River feels like a protected sanctuary, but some areas are slated for logging. A new local group aims to change that.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

FEATURED ARTIST: ZOEY MAYENBURG

FEATURED ARTIST: ZOEY MAYENBURG

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: JARRETT LINDAL

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: JARRETT LINDAL

HEALING DIRT

HEALING DIRT

Building up communities, one bike trail at a time, with Patrick Lucas.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Featured photo by

Scott Horley

LITTLE VALLEY: ZOË HENDERSON

LITTLE VALLEY: ZOË HENDERSON

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Zoë Henderson

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

COASTAL COLLABORATION

COASTAL COLLABORATION

In a pandemic season, tourism operators partner with First Nations to protect the shoreline.

Words & Photos by

Oriana Smy

RAISING WOMEN

RAISING WOMEN

Now in its 21st year, Comox Valley Girls Group provides a safe space for the development of female empowerment.

Words by

Allie Jenkinson

Photo by

Wendy Morin

CALLED TO THE BAR

CALLED TO THE BAR

Hornby Organic is building an energy-bar empire based on a family recipe.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photo by

Josh Dooley

TAKING THE TEMPERATURE ON GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

TAKING THE TEMPERATURE ON GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

When it comes to energy efficiency, what’s hot may not be that cool.

Words by

Daniel Booy

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

UNHINDERED GOOD TIMES ON FORBIDDEN PLATEAU

UNHINDERED GOOD TIMES ON FORBIDDEN PLATEAU

It was all fun and games ’til the roof caved in—but the former Wood Mountain Ski Park still delivers the goods.

Words by

Mike B.

Featured photo by

Lindsey Pattinson

CHASING SUNSETS

CHASING SUNSETS

During a fashion-shoot visit to Fiji, a photographer connects with the beauty of ocean and land.

Words and Photos by

Paige Owen

THE VANCOUVER ISLAND MOUNTAIN CENTRE AND SPORTS SOCIETY

THE VANCOUVER ISLAND MOUNTAIN CENTRE AND SPORTS SOCIETY

The Mountain Centre is here, but do you know why?

Words by

Alycia Traas

Photo by

Kyle Hansen

LITTLE VALLEY: KELLAN D’AOUST

LITTLE VALLEY: KELLAN D’AOUST

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Kellan D'Aoust

FEATURED ARTIST: ANOUK HARTWELL

FEATURED ARTIST: ANOUK HARTWELL

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: BRETT KROEKER

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: BRETT KROEKER

THE ELK IN OUR BACKYARD

THE ELK IN OUR BACKYARD

Cameras in hand, two determined documentarians spend a season in pursuit of the Comox Valley’s elusive Roosevelt elk.

Words by

Dave Flawse

Painting by

Christine Boyer

THE PERKS OF PLAYING PRETEND

THE PERKS OF PLAYING PRETEND

Roleplaying games open up a world of adventure and exploration… and it’s all in the players’ imaginations.

Words by

Curt Carbonell

and

Sam Larente

THE BIG ONE

THE BIG ONE

In 1946, Forbidden Plateau was the epicentre of the Island’s last big earthquake. The Comox Valley experiences minuscule tremors all the time—are we due for another big one soon?

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photo by

Ron Pogue

BRAVO FOR BUCKET OF BLOOD

BRAVO FOR BUCKET OF BLOOD

This is the first of a series where the book-loving Nora Bingham will recommend books by BC-based authors, often with an Island connection.

Words by

Nora Bingham

Illustration by

Claire Guiot

YOU’LL BE GLAD TO HEAR: UNION BAY 2040

YOU’LL BE GLAD TO HEAR: UNION BAY 2040

A local writer imagines the letter his daughter will write him about her return to Union Bay 20 years from now.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photo by

Alexandre Crouzet

A BACKCOUNTRY, MODULAR ROOM OF ONE’S OWN

A BACKCOUNTRY, MODULAR ROOM OF ONE’S OWN

How one award-winning company is reinventing a classic design for modern adventurers.

Words by

Dave Nowak

PROFILE OF COMMUNITY IN ACTION SPONSORED BY NORTH ISLAND UROLOGY

PROFILE OF COMMUNITY IN ACTION SPONSORED BY NORTH ISLAND UROLOGY

Think you’ve lived in the Comox Valley a long time? These women run a farm that’s been in the family since John A. Macdonald was prime minister.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

THE SONSHINE LUNCH CLUB: A LOCAL LIFELINE

THE SONSHINE LUNCH CLUB: A LOCAL LIFELINE

Turns out there is such a thing as a free lunch. Five days a week, the Sonshine Lunch Club in Courtenay provides a nutritious meal and a gathering place for people who need a little help.

Words by

Mac Newton

Photo by

Sara Kempner

THE ORIGINAL SPIN SESSIONS

THE ORIGINAL SPIN SESSIONS

Black Creek’s spinning community has nothing to do with stationary bikes, and everything to do with the art and craft of wool.

Words by

Meagan Roberge

Photo by

Meredith Rose

CONTINENTAL DRIFT

CONTINENTAL DRIFT

During a kayaking trip to Ecuador, a local photographer’s interests converge with like-minded North American adventurers.

Words & Photos by

Dave Prothero

THE WATERS WITHIN

THE WATERS WITHIN

Reflecting our past through a lens of sustainability to voice our hope for the future.

Words & Photos by

Paige Brown

PLAYING THE LONG GAME

PLAYING THE LONG GAME

A lot of change comes with the passing of multiple decades, but a committed gathering of floor hockey players shows that some good things stay the same.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

BEARING WITNESS

BEARING WITNESS

Just across the Salish Sea, only 70 kilometres from Campbell River as the crow flies, the Xwémalkwu (Homalco) people share the land with dozens of grizzly bears—and awe-struck visitors.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

LITTLE VALLEY: CADENCE HERRON

LITTLE VALLEY: CADENCE HERRON

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Cadence Herron

FEATURED ARTIST: JENNIFER EATON

FEATURED ARTIST: JENNIFER EATON

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: SHERYL HANULA

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: SHERYL HANULA

GROUND RULES

GROUND RULES

In a rapidly growing community, development sprawl and the preservation of common space is a tense subject. Despite new demands and changing ownership, our old habits are hard to break.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photo by

Dave Ingram

WHAT TIME LEAVES BEHIND

WHAT TIME LEAVES BEHIND

The Trent River’s unique ecology has made its banks host to many exciting fossil discoveries, by palaeontologists and casual visitors alike.

Words & Photo by

Pat Trask

WINTER FUN FOR EVERYONE

WINTER FUN FOR EVERYONE

Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports strives to make the joy of skiing and snowboarding accessible to all.

Words by

Peter Gardiner-Harding

Photos by

Chris Baikie

SMOOTH MOVES

SMOOTH MOVES

Through hard work and distinct vision, a network of local trail builders are carving out the future of mountain biking in Cumberland.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

A CHILLING TURN

A CHILLING TURN

For a pair of spirited river surfers, a surge of excitement for ideal conditions quickly turns dangerous.

Words by

Curtis Parker

Photo by

Ali Marie Parker

WHAT MOVES US

WHAT MOVES US

The rivers of the Comox Valley have the power to carry us home.

Words by

Mike B.

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

LONG MAY YOU RUN

LONG MAY YOU RUN

Dancing In Gumboots is an intimate portrait of a bygone era on the coast, telling the tales of bold and inventive women arriving to the Valley in the '60s and '70s.

Words by

Allie Jenkinson

Photos courtesy of

Jane Wilde

AN ELEGANT STRUGGLE

AN ELEGANT STRUGGLE

The tranquil experience of our riverbanks betrays the life-and-death cycle that is central to the health of our forests and watersheds.

Words by

Kristen Walters

Photos by

April Bencze

UNIVERSAL LOCAL

UNIVERSAL LOCAL

Dancer and teacher Cathy Stoyko’s many cultural contributions include a multi-purpose space in Cumberland dedicated to inclusivity and creative freedom.

Words by

Zoë Cooper

Photo by

Shane Philip

THE STAY-AT-HOME DEFENCEMAN

THE STAY-AT-HOME DEFENCEMAN

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, former NHL player Willie Mitchell embraces the captain role at Clayoquot Sound’s newest resort.

Words by

Allie Jenkinson

Photos by

Jeremy Koreski

ANCHORED IN ICELAND

ANCHORED IN ICELAND

An experienced traveller connects the past, present, and future on a sail and ski adventure.

Words & Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

A COMMUNITY EMERGES

A COMMUNITY EMERGES

Redefining the curriculum to create a better chance of success for Indigenous students.

Words by

Rory Mcclure

Photos by

James Headrick

LITTLE VALLEY: INDI NEUFELD

LITTLE VALLEY: INDI NEUFELD

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Indi Neufeld, age 9

EVERYDAY INDULGENCES

EVERYDAY INDULGENCES

Favourites during the season of coziness and comfort food, certain chocolate and cheese varieties offer positive (and surprising) neurological effects.

Words by

Elisabeth Lee

Photo by

Meredith Rose

READY AND ABEL

READY AND ABEL

Iconic and quirky, Mount Cain is more than a mere ski hill. It’s a cog set of individuals making turns for themselves, and for the better.

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photos by

Patrick Kitto

ON A SWELL AND A PRAYER

ON A SWELL AND A PRAYER

In one year a local paddler goes from rookie to evangelist in the fastest man-powered boat on the water.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photo by

Dave Prothero

POWER MOVE

POWER MOVE

A longtime admirer of hip hop dance gets out of the corner.

Words & Photo by

Bevin Clempson

GOING PUBLIC

GOING PUBLIC

Collaborating towards a beautiful future through art initiatives in the Comox Valley.

Words & photos by

Ross Bodenmann

TOUGH LOVE

TOUGH LOVE

Four artists collectively known as the Wood Vibe Tribe are refreshing woodworking traditions and using the power of camaraderie to shape their own identities.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Opening photo by

KAIN McCOLLUM

THE SWEET SPOTS

THE SWEET SPOTS

Using Shinrin-yoku and the beauty of our surroundings to heal during times of transition.

Words by

Terry Folks

&

Wendy Turner

FIELD OF DREAMS

FIELD OF DREAMS

Turning the tides to de-industrialize the estuary in the heart of our community.

Words by

Tim Ennis

Featured photo by

Robert Lundquist

HEROES, BIG AND SMALL

HEROES, BIG AND SMALL

For over 30 years, YANA has been assisting Comox Valley families struggling to cope with their children’s medical emergencies. The organization, and the passion of its volunteers, is as strong as ever.

Words by

April Trigg

Photos by

Karen McKinnon

THE CONSTANT GARDENERS

THE CONSTANT GARDENERS

A determined settler and a reflective musician find solace in a single piece of land, decades apart.

Words by

Katrina Kadoski

Illustration by

Laurel Meyer

JAPOW

JAPOW

Magic on the slopes of Japan.

Words & Photos by

Max Oudendag

NANAIMO

NANAIMO

Appreciating the old and discovering the new.

Words & Photos by

SERENITY IN SEAL BAY

SERENITY IN SEAL BAY

Finding beauty on the trails.

Words & Photos by

Kyle Hansen

COMOX VALLEY’S CRAFTING COMMUNITY

COMOX VALLEY’S CRAFTING COMMUNITY

Connecting a community of Comox Valley crafters with the world

Words by

Nat Raedwulf Pogue

Photos by

Ron Pogue

A LIFE’S WORK, IN PROGRESS

A LIFE’S WORK, IN PROGRESS

An interview with Comox Valley’s Poet Laureate Kevin Flesher.

Interview & Photo by

Ross Bodenmann

ABUELO’S CORN TORTILLAS

ABUELO’S CORN TORTILLAS

A local business grows by staying true to their origins.

Words & Photos by

Ross Bodenmann

COMPLEX TERRAIN

COMPLEX TERRAIN

Navigating art and nature in the heart of Vancouver Island.

Words & Paintings by

Clive Powsey

DANCING IN THE DARK

DANCING IN THE DARK

Vancouver Island’s greatest discoveries may lie beneath the rainforest and mountains it is most known for.

Words by

Terry McKall

QUIETLY QUADRA

QUIETLY QUADRA

At once, this peaceful destination typifies “island life” while following a path of its own.

Words by

Annette Yourk

Photos by

Boomer Jerritt

LOVE IS A BURNING THING

LOVE IS A BURNING THING

Words by

Mike B

FUMBLING TOWARDS GRACE

FUMBLING TOWARDS GRACE

A writer finds her groove while cross country skiing in Strathcona Park.

Words by

Sandra Szabo

Photo by

SHOW OF PROGRESS

SHOW OF PROGRESS

The stories told during the World Community Film Festival voice the passionate and varied work of present day activists and artists.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

FINDING FORBIDDEN

FINDING FORBIDDEN

Separating truth from fiction in the Comox Valley’s backyard.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Illustration by

Ian Adams

PULLING PLASTIC

PULLING PLASTIC

Indoor climbing gives wet weather adventurers a new way to play on rainy days.

Words by

Dave Benton

Photos by

Lorenz Jimenez

TOFINO

TOFINO

Surf, storms, and serenity.

INSPIRED BY SOUND

INSPIRED BY SOUND

Two of Cumberland’s citizens build a legacy of music from behind the stage.

Words by

RJ Herron

Opening photo by

Kove Photography

BRIDGING HISTORY

BRIDGING HISTORY

The Trent River Trestle connects Cumberland and Royston with more than steel and timber.

Words & Photos by

Bevin Clempson

SEWING WILD

SEWING WILD

A man, his sewing machine, and a passion for new experiences come together in a Cumberland business.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

YOUTHFUL CYCLE

YOUTHFUL CYCLE

A Comox Valley adventure prodigy looks to the future without stressing about the present.

Interview by

Amber Zirnhelt

Photos by

Chris Webster

MATERIALIZING THE SOUL

MATERIALIZING THE SOUL

Three Comox Valley jewellers carry on the tradition of hand made, wearable art while applying distinct creative visions.

Words & Photos by

WHEN HERRING SPAWN

WHEN HERRING SPAWN

An ecological highlight of the Comox Valley winter arrives alongside these fascinating fish.

Heather & Keith Nicol

LITTLE VALLEY: SHOLEH KERRIGAN

LITTLE VALLEY: SHOLEH KERRIGAN

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Sholeh Kerrigan, Age 9

OUT OF THE BLUE

OUT OF THE BLUE

An interview with Marla Limousin.

A TREASURE IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD

A TREASURE IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD

The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa.

Words by

Susan Jane Griffin

THE VERDANT VALLEY

THE VERDANT VALLEY

A trio of greenhouse gardeners share their secrets for a bountiful backyard.

Words by

Nik Dunn

Photos by

Nik Dunn

LAKE OF DRAGONS

LAKE OF DRAGONS

An accomplished paddler reveals how Comox Lake’s appeal extends well beyond summer.

Words by

Allie Jenkinson

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

WHERE THE TRAIL BEGINS

WHERE THE TRAIL BEGINS

The reverent, irreverent, and occasionally inappropriate stories behind Cumberland’s eclectic trail names.

Words by

Ryan Parton

Photos by

Lorenz Jimenez

VAN ISLE SKI TOURING

VAN ISLE SKI TOURING

Words & Photos by

Drac’s Castle

Drac’s Castle

Merville, Vancouver Island

Words & Photos by

Ross Bodenmann