What's Up Westshore - December / January 2014 - 15

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4 December / January 2014-15 What’s Up Magazine

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What’s Up Magazine is a locally owned and operated magazine printed in BC. No part of What’s Up Magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

What’s Up Magazine December / January 2014-15 5

Contents

Director of Operations / PublisherGerry St. [email protected]

Editorial TeamKevin ShantzSally Jennings

Advertising SalesGerry St Cyr 250 589 [email protected]

Design & LayoutKevin [email protected]

Cover Photo:Daria Minaeva / 123rf

Langford residents SAVE 20% on many drop-in activities with proof of residency

6 Prima Wild Mushroom Spread by Marcie Gauntlett

8 10 Ways to Save Money on Gifts this Holiday Season by Jennie Jacobson

14 The Ten Days Before Christmas: A Stress Relief Guide by Conrod Joseph

22 Your Pics!

24 Cross Country News by Kelly Hunter

26 2014-15 Victoria Grizzlies by Tony Burrows

28 Not All Successes Seen on the Scoreboard by Elise Pastro

32 Number Didn’t Deter Their Bite by Elise Pastro

34 Celebrate Our Winter Wonderland by Cindy Moyer

40 Community Events Calendar

42 Horoscopes

44 Distractions

45 Dear Clair

46 Dear Buster

pg. 8

pg. 26 pg. 24

pg. 6

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Recipe courtesy of Marcie Gauntlett, former owner and instructor of French Beach Cooking School.

The wild mushroom season is just about over and I hope you have had success in our pristine forests abundant with the scent of moss and fungi; yes, it takes time to forage and find,

but with good eyesight and perseverance, you are surely able to find some of our most illustri-ous mushrooms – right under that Douglas fir in your backyard! Below is, without a doubt, the epitome of the best of the best; if you don’t have morels on hand, then use honeys; they make a superlative spread; serve on crackers before dinner or use as amuse-bouche on small toasted

pieces of brioche.

DIREC T IONSP lace dried mushrooms in a large bowl and cover with cold water;

leave overnight to soak.

Pour mushrooms and all juice into a large frying pan; bring to a boil and simmer until almost all water has evaporated ... about 15 minutes.

Pour in the white wine and bring back to a boil; now simmer until most of the wine is gone ... another 10 to 15 minutes.

Pour over the 2 cups of whipping cream and add spices.

C ook on medium heat until this is a creamy, gooey mixture that you know will be perfect, on crackers or toast.

It’s the wealth of our wild forests personified, and such a treat for holiday guests; guaranteed to be remembered and treasured. Bon appétit!

This recipe works just as well with store-bought shitakes or oysters. The point of the dried variety is that is that drying intensifies the flavour to the max!

Ingredients3 cups dried morels or heneys

2 cups white wine (1 suggest P inot Grigio)

2 cups whipping cream

Salt

Pepper

Garlic

Chives

by Marcie Gauntlett

FROM THE KITCHEN:

Prima Wild Mushroom Spread

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With the holiday season now in full swing, you are prob-ably beginning to purchase holiday gifts. If you are like

the typical holiday shopper, you expect to shell out hundreds of dollars on gifts this year. Fortunately, if you cannot afford to spend a fortune there are ways to cut back on your expenses and save some serious cash. Read on to learn about ten easy ways to save money this holiday season.

Use Cash Instead of Credit

If you are prone to overspending, using cash may help you to save money this year. A recent study published in 2008 in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied found that con-sumers spent less money when paying with cash and more mon-ey when paying with credit cards or gift cards. The authors of the study theorized that buyers tend to treat credit cards and gift cards as “play money,” which causes them to spend more money.

To avoid overspending, determine how much cash you can af-ford to spend on gifts this year, withdraw that amount from the bank and go shopping. When the cash is gone, your holiday shopping is done!

Take Advantage of Free Shipping Deals

Many major retailers offer free shipping during the holiday season. For example, Old Navy and Gap provide free shipping when you spend more than $50 shopping online. Amazon also offers free shipping on qualifying items when you spend over $35.

Research free shipping offers during the holiday season to save money. Not only will you save money on gas by not driving to the mall; you will also save yourself the stress of fighting with holiday crowds.

Consider Shopping at Discount Retailers

Discount retailers such as eBay, shop.ca, and tigerdirect.ca offer brand name products, including purses, shoes, clothing, furni-ture and electronics at a fraction of department store prices. For example, overstock.com currently offers designer watches for up to 70 percent off, while eBay is selling brand new tablets for 33 percent off list price.

Seek Out Online Deals

Keep track of the latest deals offered by online retailers by check-ing out sites such as dealcatcher.com. This convenient website lists featured deals at various retailers. It also offers printable

10 Way to Save Money on Gifts this Holiday Seasonby Jenni Jacobson

Photo: 123rf

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what’s upcoupons and allows you to browse current deals offered by cer-tain retailers.

Redflagdeals.com offers coupons and a listing of daily deals fea-tured by various retailers. Retailmenot.com is another website featuring a list of discounts offered by retailers during the holi-day shopping season.

Consider Discounts Offered When Buying Multiples

You can sometimes get a lower price per item when you buy multiples of the same items. For example, Bath and Body Works sells three-wick candles for $20 each, but during the holiday season, these candles are sold at two for $22! Buy two, and you will have gifts for two friends for only $11 each. Bath and Body Works also offers mini candles at three for $10. This is an affordable gift option for your co-workers.

Victoria’s Secret sells panties at four for $28. Stock up on pant-ies and divide them among the women on your holiday shop-ping list for an affordable gift.

Choose Discounted Gift Cards

Browse giftcardgranny.ca to enjoy discounts on gift cards. This website features gift cards for sale for up to 60 percent off! For example, the site has sold $10 Walmart gift cards for as low as $4.

Although such great savings do exist, most gift cards are sold for about 10 to 25 percent off. The site has offered $50 J.C.

Penney gift cards for $45 and $15 Cold Stone Creamery gift cards for $10. These savings add up and can result in a smaller blow to your wallet during the holiday season!

Provide a Homemade Gift or Needed Service

Instead of purchasing one more sweater for your fashion-for-ward friend or yet another DVD for your movie-critic brother, consider using your time and talents to prepare a homemade gift or to offer a service.

For example, you could agree to offer an evening of childcare to your co-worker who has not been on a date with her hus-band since the baby was born, or you could make a batch of your famous peppermint bark for the neighbours. These from-the-heart gifts will likely be appreciated just as much as a store bought item.

Volunteer Your Time or Resources

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on gifts for your chil-dren this year, give them a gift that will last a lifetime: a lesson in the benefits of helping those in need. Agree on a family vol-unteer project during the holiday season, and skip gift giving this year.

You could “adopt” a local child in need and buy needed items for that child or you could volunteer at a soup kitchen on Christmas Day. Bonus: volunteering may provide mental health benefits. A 2013 study published in the journal BMC Public Health found that volunteering reduced depression, im-

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proved life satisfaction, and increased wellbeing. Agree to Cut Back on Gift Giving

The holiday season does not need to revolve around gift giving. Talk to your family and commit to cutting back on gift giving this year. You can still buy gifts for the children in the family, but agree that it is not necessary to buy gifts for the adult aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings this year.

Instead of going all out on gifts, plan a family get-together. You could host a potluck dinner and family game night or you could have a family cookie-decorating party. After all, time with fam-ily is more meaningful than gifts.

Hold a Secret Santa Gift Exchange

If you still want gifts to be a part of the holiday season but want to avoid spending a fortune, opt to have a Secret Santa gift ex-change. Each participant will draw a name from a hat and that is the person you buy a gift for this year. Set a reasonable limit, such as $30 per person, to keep spending at bay. You will save money by having to purchase a gift for just one person.

By tweaking your gift-giving routine and taking advantage of holiday deals, you can save money during the holiday season without feeling like The Grinch. At the end of the season, your padded bank account will be a gift you have given yourself! ◼

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Let’s talk about the holidays – the long lines, slaving over a hot stove, screaming kids, bickering adults, and all the mess.

Even the sanest of us can be overwhelmed. Our fight or flight response takes over, and our bodies start releasing cortisol, the stress hormone. During the holidays, it’s easy to get stuck in this mode. This can lead to even more stress because cortisol slows the body’s immune system and limits the ability to repair tissue. This is part of the reason you start feeling tired when you are stressed for a long time.

If stress is left unchecked, it may lead to extended periods of anxiety or depression. This is why you need to be proactive about your happiness. During this season of giving, give your-self the gift of stress relief. Taking some time out every day for yourself can be the difference between a jolly season filled with hearty laughter and a grating series of Grinch-like obligations.

Day 1 - December 15th

Buy a pack of gum. Seriously, buy yourself a pack or two of gum to help you deal with holiday stress. It’s cheap and research done by Professor Andrew Scholey of Swinburne University, Melbourne found that gum chewers in his study reported 17 percent less stress than non-gum chewers. Gum chewers were almost 20 percent more alert and showed close to 17 percent less anxiety. Also, it’s harder to get in a shouting match with gum in

your mouth. (medicalnewstoday.com/releases/119826.php)


Practise deep breathing. Have you ever been in one of those long holiday lines where the lady at the front of the line has the flyer out and is trying to explain to the cashier why the item she is buying is in the ad when it clearly isn’t the right item and then the cashier is on the phone calling a manager, and

The Ten Days Before Christmas: A Stress Relief Guideby Conrad Joseph

Photo: Lusheeta / Wikimedia CommonsAccording to studies gum chewers suffered 17% less anxiety than non-gum chewers

Photo: Kasia Bialasiewicz / 123rf

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you know it’s going to be at least five more minutes before this crisis is resolved? Then you know what it feels like when your blood pressure is rising and anger is welling up. Take three slow, deep breaths, the kind that reach all the way down to your toes. This breathing method slows down oxygen consumption by the body, lowers your heart rate and reduces blood pressure. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16765850)


Get yourself a lavender candle. The scent of lavender has long been associated with calming. When you’ve had it up to here and can’t take any more, go to your room and light a lavender candle. Take in the aroma for an hour or so. Pair this with deep breathing and gum chewing to get a three-for-one stress relief combo. In studies done with placebos and lavender smells, the lavender significantly reduced stress levels in all participants, re-gardless of age or sex. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19571632)


Take a long, warm shower or bath. Let your worries melt away as you focus on the warmth enveloping your body. If you choose a bath, add some Epsom salts to aid in healing the bumps and bruises that you got from fighting with the crowds to get those great deals. While it isn’t a spa treatment (which would be the The scent of lavender has long been associated with calming

Photo: Yanachka / Wikimedia Commons

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ultimate stress relief ), you can still put slices of cucumber on your eyes and slip into a relaxing bath.


Pick up some Puccini (or your favourite classical composer). There are countless studies about the effect of music on mood. In a study of emergency nurses where music was listened to for 30 minutes before a shift vs. sitting in a chair quietly, those who listened to music reported over 50 percent less stress during the following shift. If it works in the high-stress arena of emergency medicine, just think what it could do for you.

If you don’t have Puccini to relieve your stress, Mozart, Verdi and Vivaldi are some of the best choices (you could even get the new Yanni CD if you want something more contemporary). You may find this type of activity so soothing that you start listening

to classical on your way into work on the morning or in your ear buds when you finish your shopping in the days leading up to the Christmas Eve rush. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21645041)


Treat yourself to an indulgence. You’ve made it halfway to Christmas and it’s time to celebrate! So much of the focus dur-ing the holidays is on other people that you can forget to give to yourself. Take some time out to pamper yourself with a mag-nificent meal, colourful cocktail or decadent dessert. Since eat-ing is a basic form of self-care, care for yourself in a luxurious way. Focus on the moment and the flavours of the meal. Close your eyes and allow yourself to enjoy each note as it crosses your palate. And just like food for thought, studies indicate that dark chocolate can lower cortisol levels. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21558573)

Day 7 - December 21st

Slip away for some fresh air. Take a short walk (as long as it isn’t too cold). A short walk outside gets your blood moving through your body, allowing the kidneys to filter out toxins. It also promotes deeper breathing, which, as we have already learned, reduces stress hormone release. The key to a good, re-laxing walk is to take your time. Walking is as effective as yoga, tai chi and meditation when it comes to stress relief. Remember, it’s not a race. This is one time when you don’t have to fight your way to the finish line to be the winner. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1593511)“Edgar” by Giacomo Puccini

Dark chocolate has been found to lower cortisol levels

Photo: La Blasco / WIkimedia Commons


what’s upDay 8 - December 22nd

Hug and kiss your significant other. Sure, you may not be in a hugging mood when you get home, but if you do start hug-ging, you’ll get in a better mood. Studies have shown that hug-ging and kissing increase oxytocin (a bonding chemical) and lower cortisol (the stress hormone). The more you hug and kiss, the lower your stress will be. If hugging and kissing lead to the bedroom, well, there are studies that show sex is a great stress reducer as well.(ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15740822)

Day 9 - December 23rd

Try your hand at art. As you come into the home stretch of the holidays, the cumulative daily stress can really start to add up (even if you are practising your stress relief techniques and chewing your gum). Completely changing your mindset might do the trick. Most of your time has probably been spent us-ing the analytical side of your brain, and you could be get-ting burnt out. Flip the switch and do something artsy (the technical term for this is Art Therapy). It could be decorating Christmas cookies, drawing a picture, sitting down to some needlepoint or even building a snowman. Get out there and do something with your hands that doesn’t require a bunch of calculations or tough decision-making. Hugging has been shown to increase oxytocin

Photo: Podengo / Wikimedia Commons

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Participating in art has been shown to reduce stress

Photo: Pedro Simoes / Wikimedia Commons

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Watch a funny movie. When you laugh, your body produces beta-endorphins (the chemicals that alleviate depression) and decreases the production of cortisol and other stress-related hormones. Laughing also promotes healing by releasing hu-man growth hormone. According to a study done by Dr. Lee Berk at Loma Linda University, “The physiological effects of a single one-hour session viewing a humorous video appear to last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours in different individu-als. “So, go out and see the funniest movie in the theatres or pick one of your favourites for a Christmas Eve special. Just get yourself and anyone around you laughing. It’s contagious – the kind of contagion that you just might need to be able to enjoy the holiday.(the-aps.org/mm/hp/Audiences/Public-Press/For-the-Press/re-leases/Archive/08/10.html)

Following these daily suggestions will help you break the stress cycle that can take hold during the December holidays. You may find that one particular approach helps more than the others. Go with it. Do whatever works for you. Take proac-tive steps to keep yourself healthy and happy throughout the season and don’t stop there. Consider making these practices part of your weekly routine and living a happier, lower anxiety lifestyle. ◼

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Cross Country Newsby Kelly Hunter

EMCS cross-country has come to an end but it ended on a high note. Matthew Thomson competed in the B.C.

Cross Country Championships on November 1st, which were held at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre this year. There were participants from all across the province representing their schools. It was exciting to see so many athletes and schools in one area. Matthew competed against approximately 265 other runners in his age category. The trail was full of steep hills, muddy paths and quick turns. With much jockeying, Matthew was able to come around the first quarter in first place. After 18 minutes of racing, Matthew entered the final gate in 22nd place, an incredible finish for our EMCS runner.

The cross-country team ran four races in all, taking them through some rough courses such as Beaver Lake and Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre. There was some tough competi-tion but all our runners raced hard and finished well in their age categories. Our other runners who competed on various courses this season were Alex Campbell, Marina Bridal, Aiden Lindal and Lautoro Cepeda.

The EMCS Cross Country team would like to thank their coach Mark Zieglar for leading the practices through rain and shine and for driving our athletes to and from the races every

week.

It was a successful season. Thank you runners and see you in the 2015-16 season. ◼

EMCS cross country runner Alex Campbell

Image Credit: 123rf / rangizzz

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Our own Westshore Junior A hockey team, the Victoria Griz-zlies, started off their 2014-15 season with a bang, winning

both of the opening games held at the Prospera Centre in Chill-iwack. On September 20 we played the Vernon Vipers and on September 21 we played the Langley Chiefs. Each year the two season-opening games are played in Chilliwack and are considered as one home and one away game by the BCHL. All teams in the league have to play their first two games at this huge two-rink arena so that the hockey scouts from North America (representing hockey teams from the NHL to Junior B teams) can assess these players without having to travel all over the continent to see the young athletes play at their home rinks. This year saw about 120 scouts checking out the kids and you could see them chatting to lots of young prospects after the games.

After the Showcase, the Grizzlies have been playing some very exciting hockey. It seems that all the teams on the Island are pretty evenly matched this year and most of our games have been de-cided either in overtime or by an only goal! This has kept the fans on the edge of their seats and cheering their hearts out for the home team. The Grizzlies are playing exciting, fast-paced and hard-hitting hockey for the full 60 minutes every game!

The look of the Grizzlies has changed this season with the hiring of a new head coach and GM, Brad Knight. He has an extensive background in hockey and in business management. His busi-

ness ventures have included a management role with Bear Moun-tain Estates and with Crown Isle Estates. In his earlier days, Brad played for the Unanimous Clippers. He has coached the Langley Thunder and the Cowichan Capitals. He also coached the Na-naimo Buccaneers for two years before coming to the Grizzlies. An Island resident for the last 30 years, Brad is big into community involvement with his Grizzlies team. He is extremely approach-able and has told the fans on several occasions that he wants them to feel that they can come and talk to him at any time and bring suggestions or complaints. Brad has initiated a “social” after every game, which is held in the lounge of the Q Centre with the team there available to chat with the fans. This year’s team has excel-lent PR skills and they love talking to the fans about the Grizzlies and themselves personally. Come on out to a game and see what I mean. I guarantee that you will enjoy talking with the “boys.”

Another big addition to the coaching staff this year is Micah Aivazoff who has been hired as an assistant coach. With 40 years’ hockey experience as a player and scout he will bring a huge amount of knowledge to our young team. After playing with the WHL Cougars in Victoria for the ‘85 to ‘89 seasons, Micah played three seasons of NHL hockey with the Detroit Redwings, Edmon-ton Oilers and New York Islanders. Micah then joined the Tampa Bay Lightning team as a scout and served three seasons with them.

Last season the Grizzlies had a flashy first line with the Fitzgerald

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2014-15 Victoria GrizzliesStory and Photos by Tony Burrows


what’s uptriplets on it. When the three of them were healthy and playing together they put on an outstanding show. They were fast and deadly and all the other teams hated playing against them. This year they have aged out and Coach Brad Knight has put together a team that is deeper and bigger and very physical, so more play-ers are getting chances to score. In some ways this may be better because we do not have to rely so heavily on just three players to carry most of the scoring for the team.

The Grizzlies are still fine-tuning their roster, which includes only six players returning from last season. These players are Shawn McBride who is our captain this season, Jay MacKie, Garrett For-ster, Cole Pickup, Kevin Massey and Storm Wahlrab. We have two excellent net minders including Michael Stiliadis from Wood-bridge, Ontario who played with the Grizzlies in 2013-14 and is now returning after playing in the Royal Bank Cup with the Ver-non Vipers. The second net minder is Sean Cleary who comes to us after three seasons with Lake Forest Academy in Illinois, USA. The remainder of the team come from as far away as Nova Scotia and California. Attending the social after the games would be a great opportunity to chat with these athletes about their home-town and their previous hockey teams.

The Grizzlies play their home games at the Q Centre arena in the Juan de Fuca complex. For schedules and ticket information contact their office at 250 385 1555. You can get information from them on fan bus trips to up-Island arenas that are scheduled randomly throughout the year. ◼

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Not All Successes Are Seen on a Scoreboardby Elise Pastro, Photos by Rob Chernoff and Jeff Morrison

The Westshore Rebels were honoured to be named the 2014 BCFC Most Sportsmanlike team. On and off

the field these players stepped up their game and changed the image of this football program and the league as a whole took notice of the great changes. Well done players, change is happening. Very proud of you! Three Westshore Rebels players were named to the 2014 BCFC All-Star team. Linebacker Chris Pastro was been named a BCFC Conference all-star for the second straight season along with teammates defensive back Braeden Swatez and Receiver Jordan Rodinsky. Chris led the league in defen-sive stats and recorded 37 tackles, 16 assisted tackles, three quarterback sacks, two blocked kicks and a forced fumble, finishing his graduating season with 127 points. Braeden was also a league leader in interceptions with seven and 21 tackles, eight assists, three knockdowns, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries and finished his graduating season sixth in the BCFC defensive stats with 94 points. Jordan had 45 receptions and recorded 840 yards with six touchdowns finishing third in the league. Braeden Swatez was also hon-oured by being named one of the 14 defensive All Canadians for the Canadian Junior Football League. The 2014 BCFC Ken Smith Executive of the Year was

awarded to President Elise Pastro and Secretary/Treasurer Sue Fournier, chosen by the BCFC directors. The Canadian Ju-nior Football League then announced its major award win-ners at the 2014 Jostens Banquet of Champions. Along with numerous players being recognized for their work on and off the field, Westshore Rebels President Elise Pastro and Secre-tary/Treasurer Sue Fournier were again recognized but this time by the CJFL as the Stewart MacDonald Executive of the Year. This is only the second Rebels Executive that has won it since 1982, when President Roger Wade received the award.The Rebels held their year-end banquet and awards ceremony at the Langford Legion on Sunday October 26th. Congratu-lations to the following players:

Offensive Lineman - Jake HallFront Seven - Peter AllenCoaches’ Award - Tanner RodinskyDefensive Player of the Year - Chris PastroTop Defensive Back - Braden SwartezMost Inspirational - Malachi InceRookie of the Year - Kyle Harrington Passing Receiver of the Year - Jordan RodinskySpecial Teams - Johnny QuanMVP - Hunter Lake Offensive Player of the Year - Jordan Rodinsky

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What’s Up Magazine October / November 2014 29

Top Defensive Lineman - Tanner RodinskyTop Linebacker - Tyler LeaderTop Receiver - Nathan LesderTop Defensive Back - Braden SwartezMost Improved - Patrick Warren

Westshore Rebels finished their 2014 season early, not quali-fying for playoffs but celebrated many successes other than what the scoreboard reflected. In our rebuilding year, we tackled old debts that plagued the team’s ability to thrive. We worked diligently improving the community awareness of our program, which will lay the groundwork for continued successes in our upcoming 2015 season. Congratulations to our graduating seniors Josh Beauchamp, Jake Hauge, Terry Houngbo, Nathan Leader, Rob Mar, Brandon Nelms, Chris Pastro, Tanner Rodinsky, Kelly Schiarizza and Braeden Swa-tez. We wish you well in your future endeavours. Save the Date! Westshore Rebels will be hosting their second Annual Superbowl Party at the Langford Legion on Sunday, February 1st. Visit www.westshorerebels.ca for more details. REBELUP! ◼

2014 Board of Directors: Top L-R Rob Chernoff, Doug Mor-rison. Middle L-R Sue Fornier, Elise Pastro, Silke Allard. Bottom L-R Jim Worth, Trish Worth


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#21 - Jake Hauge

#35 - Chris Pastro#46 - Tanner Rodinsky#12 - Kelly Schiarizza

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#30 - Rob Mar #9 - Braeden Swatez

#11 - Josh Beauchamp#32 - Brandon Nelms#35 - Chris Pastro


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Numbers Didn’t Deter Their Biteby Elise Pastro

The 2014 Belmont Varsity team had all the talent they needed to clinch a playoff spot in their second AAA sea-

son but unfortunately they lacked depth in their roster to take it beyond round one. Having a small 21-man roster and a few major injuries was a big factor for the Dawgs. Having very strong first halves proved their ability but having players never come off the field proved to be just too much, leaving exhausted players without enough power to finish what they started. Playing against teams with a 60-man roster made it impossible to compete when the defensive and offensive squad got to rest after each series, compared to the Belmont players who, once on the field for the game kick off, stayed on the field till the game was finished.

Despite the small roster, the varsity team had great success as scoring leaders in the AAA Conference. QB Brandon Holland

finished in first place in the BC High School AAA Confer-ence throwing 1599 yards, completing 105 of 179 attempts. Belmont finished their season with three receivers ranking in the top 20. Court Boice finished in first place with 747 yards in 54 receptions adding eight touchdowns, Josh Tipton fin-ished in ninth place with 330 yards in 18 receptions adding one touchdown. Edgar Nelson finished 19th with 221 yards in 15 receptions. Matt Pastro ranked 11th in rushing yards with 68 rushes for 391 yards.

Best of luck to our graduating senior Belmont Bulldogs: Court Boice, Hayden Crothers, Kolton Henderson, Brandon Holland, Cade Wilcox-King, Will McBride, Edgar Nelson, Matt Pastro and Josh Tipton. Your future is bright. Embrace every opportunity! ◼

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Varsity Captains L-R Edgar Nelson, Matt Pastro, Kolton Henderson and Court Boice


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Celebrate Our Winter Wonderlandby Cindy Moyer

Winter is a wonderful time on the West Shore. We enjoy the smiling faces of families heading home from the

rink through the streets of twinkling house lights and whim-sical holiday displays. There’s something special and timeless about the season, and colourful handcrafted treasures and live performances add to memorable experiences that carry us through dark December and into the promise of a bright New Year ahead.

We’re lucky to be living along the Pacific Marine Circle Route, which is an international tourist destination that fea-tures one of the highest concentrations of creativity in the country. Artists and artisans are drawn here from around the world by the region’s inspiring natural features and sense of place conducive to the creative process. With all that talent, it is easy to find the perfect hand-hewn something special this season.

The Coast Collective Art Centre at Colwood’s Esquimalt La-goon is a one-of-a-kind centre featuring the work of over 100 artists in the region’s largest continuous collection of local and original fine art and fabulous crafts. There you discover wooden toys, CDs, books, jewellery, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, sweaters, scarves, hats, slippers, children’s clothes, crystal decorations, fragrant soaps, incredible beeswax can-

dles, and a generous selection of art cards. The Coast Collec-tive Gallery’s Gifts & Wishes exhibit runs through December 21st and brings together a delightfully diverse collection of glorious gift-able items in the waterfront art gallery of his-toric Pendray House. Visitors can shop in style with festive décor and complimentary refreshments at 3221 Heatherbell Road, Colwood. Open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. www.coastcollective.ca

In Metchosin, Glow Art Studio and Gallery is celebrating a Glowing Christmas from November 29 to December 7 at their Metchosin Arts and Cultural Centre Home at 4495 Happy Valley Road (in the town centre across from the café). They’re showcasing individual and affordable paintings, glass, clay, fibre and painted items to warm your home for the holi-days. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can find out more about Glow on Facebook.

If you or someone you love has been talking about taking a creative getaway in the New Year, give them the gift of a learning adventure/retreat at the Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts. MISSA takes place for two weeks each summer on the picturesque campus of Pearson College. It is entering its 31st year of producing a diverse program of two-, five- and seven-day hands-on workshops in the arts.

Enjoy some invigorating winter weather watching at Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site.


what’s upThe school has a reputation as an arts getaway unmatched on the west coast. Hundreds of students explore a multitude of media, and turn the United World College campus over-looking Pedder Bay into a temporary artists’ enclave that can only be described as “magical.” Friends of MISSA member-ships are available and are perfect for holiday gifts because they qualify participants for advance registration in dozens of popular workshops that usually sell out quickly. www.missa.ca

After wrapping up your holiday shopping, take time to make a memory with a terrific seasonal workshop. Get some friends or colleagues together to create your own festive greenery for the home or workplace with the Coast Col-lective’s Holiday Swag Workshop on Friday afternoon, De-cember 5th, when Judy Nault and the 12-acre Havenwood Estate provide the special ingredients for making your own holiday wreaths and garlands. Or pair your wreath-making with a tasting of local cider on Thursday evening, Decem-ber 4th. If you love the design versatility of polymer clays such as Fimo and Sculpey, you’ll love the special Christmas Make & Take for Parents (or Grandparents) and Children happening on Saturday, December 13th, or Kathy Camer-on’s Magic with Mixed Media workshop on Saturday and Sunday, December 13th and 14th (www.coastcollective.ca).

There’s a full-day Green Christmas hands-on workshop to enjoy through Continuing Studies at Royal Roads Univer-sity on December 13th. Acclaimed wild crafter, Betty Foote, will lead a relaxed Saturday of creating fragrant Christmas decorations from the wild offerings of Hatley Park National Historic Site (www.c.studies.royalroads.ca).

West Shore Parks and Recreation are offering a number of holiday-themed workshops for children to get everyone in a festive mood. It’s a Homemade Holiday, for eight- to 12-year-olds, offers an afternoon of make-and-take crafts to decorate for the holidays on December 13th. Children from six to ten years have a chance to enjoy the experience of Cookies for Christmas, when they can bake yummy cookies to share with their family and enjoy for the holidays. Check out other fun workshops at www.westshorerecreation.ca.

From community events and storytelling to festive musi-cal performances, there are ample opportunities to bring comfort and joy to you and your family on the West Shore. Colwood’s Annual Light-Up at City Hall kicks off lighting displays again this year on Wednesday, December 3rd from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Join friends and neighbours as Mayor Carol Hamilton and Council host an evening of communi-ty celebration with music, holiday treats and Santa Claus in

Children discover the joy of paper folding during the 2014 West Shore Literacy Tour in the sundrenched lower gallery of the Coast Collective Art Centre.


what’s upa fire truck (www.colwood.ca). On Saturday, December 6th, it’s the turn of Langford Mayor Stew Young and Council as they gather at Veteran’s Memorial Park for the annual Lang-ford Christmas Light-Up and Craft Fair just in time to greet the arrival of the Island Equipment Owners’ Association An-nual Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive. The Westshore Community Concert Band will entertain (www.cityoflang-ford.ca).

The halls of historic Hatley Castle will be decked out on Wednesday, December 10th when the Arts Council teams up with the WestShore Chamber of Commerce and Royal Roads University to enliven the chamber’s annual Christmas at the Castle with music from Colwood resident and inter-nationally renowned musician Miguelito Valdes and Friends. Tickets are available through www.westshore.bc.ca.

If you have young children who love stories, the Juan de Fuca Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library is host-ing Christmas Storytime on Thursday and Friday, December 11th and 12th from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for young children

Light your winter nights with a fragrant handcrafted bees-wax candle available at the Coast Collective Gift Shop at Esquimalt Lagoon

Westshore Art Exhibits and Calls to Artists

January 7 to 18

BEGINNINGS 2015: Showcase of Emergin ArtistsOpening reception, Saturday, January 10, 2:00 to 4:00pm. Open call to amateur artists; deadline for sub-missions is December 30, 2014

January 21 to February 1

Warm the Winter: ABSTRACTIONOpening reception, Saturday, January 24, 2:00 to 4:00pm. Open call to artists; deadline for submissions is January 1, 2015

January deadlines for other 2015 art exhibits:

January 15

Submissions to the Love & Happiness Exhibit, showing February 4 to 15, 2015

January 29

Submissions to the Asian Influences Exhibit, showing February 18 to March 1, 2015

Save these Dates!2015 Family Learning TourJoin Your Literacy West Shore on Saturday, January 24th for another community tour to highlight the im-portance and enjoyment of literacy in its many forms. Visit the Goudy and JDF library branches, Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, Coast Collective Art Centre and more, to discover great ways to improve family literacy! (www.sookewestshoreliteracy.ca/westshore)

Haiku & Beyond I: Haiku Poetry in the 21st CenturyTen Poets You Should Know with Terry Ann Carter, President of Haiku Canada, at Royal Roads Univer-sity on Saturday, January 24th at Royal Roads Univer-sity; $50 + taxes. (www.c.studies.royalroads.ca)


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and their family. Call ahead because pre-registration is re-quired. Or you can be transported by the ethereal sounds of local harpist Phillip Gawthrop when the GVPL presents a Winter Harp Concert on Sunday, December 14th from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the JDF Branch (www.gvpl.ca). The nearby JDF 55+ Activity Centre is hosting their annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 13th. Enjoy an afternoon of holiday entertainment presented by talented seniors involved in the popular centre’s extensive arts programs. Call for more info: 250.474.8618.

Four Seasons Musical Theatre performers of all ages gather for a Christmas Variety Show on Saturday, December 13th at the Isabel Reader Theatre in Langford. The afternoon of fam-ily entertainment will feature choral excerpts from Handel’s The Messiah and dance from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, along with some seasonal skits, jazz carols and a warm and wonderful holiday sing-along (www.fsmtheatre.ca).

If you’re yearning for a taste of history with an invigorating side of winter weather watching, venture out to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites over-looking the Salish Sea. Get to know more about our rich maritime and military history with Parks Canada, while you discover the natural features of this special urban national park. The grounds are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the Lighthouse and Fort buildings are open Sat-urdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The ex-hibits are open holiday hours on December 27th to 31st and January 2nd and 3rd from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed December 25th, 26th and January 1st (http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/index.aspx).

There’s plenty in store on our portion of the Pacific Marine Circle Route after the holidays, too. Stay in touch with com-

munity arts, culture and heritage through the West Shore Arts Council (www.westshorearts.org). ◼

“The Forest of His Heart” by artist Deb Clay was included in the 2014 BEGINNINGS Showcase of Emerging Artists at the Coast Collective. New artists looking to participate in their first art show are encouraged to submit to BEGINNINGS 2015.

Celebrate the season with great family entertainment at Four Seasons Musical Theatre’s Christmas Variety Show December 13th at Langford’s Isabel Reader Theatre.


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250-391-9000250-391-9000www.lalimo.ca [email protected]

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On some tours a minimum passenger count is required.Mention this ad to get 10% off our regular rates!

Internationally renowned trumpet player Miguelito Valdes and Friends entertain at Christmas in the Castle December 10th at historic Hatley Castle

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Winter Holidays atCity Centre Park


City Centre Park(250) 391-1738 www.citycentrepark.ca

2015 Family New Year’s Party

December 31st • 7:30pm - 10:30pm

Bring the kids to a New Year’s Party the whole family can enjoy! Crafts, Games, Door Prizes, and much more. See website for more information.

Book Your Private EventOur facilities make the perfect place for your holiday events. From corporate parties, to skating events, to children’s parties, we’ve got the space and expertise to make your event a night to remember!

Christmas Light Trolley Tours

Dec. 11-14 & 18-21 • 6:30pm & 7:15pm

Take the Langford Trolley for a tour of the best Christmas light displays on the Westshore! Pick-up & Drop-off at City Centre Park

Skate with Santa

December 7th • 3pm - 7:30pm

With the help of a little Christmas magic, Santa’s taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the Westhills Arena. See website for details.

Free Public Skate

December 20th • 3:30pm - 5pmCourtesy of

Island Savings and City Centre Park are proud to offer an afternoon of free ice skating the last saturday before Christmas!

Outdoor Ice PondCome out and take in the fresh air while skating on our outdoor rink. Enjoy a hot chocolate, and warm yourself at one of our many firepits.

Open Dec. 1st - Jan 4th


December / January Events

December 1 - January 6Victoria Festival of TreesFairmont Empress · 721 Government St.Every year, Victoria Festival of Trees trans-forms The Fairmont Empress into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Founda-tion. Sponsors, local businesses, organizations and individuals of this event come together and decorate trees - in a sometimes wacky, often irreverent and always beautiful fashion.

December 2Darryl Lenxo (feat. Ivan Decker)Heckler’s Bar & Grill · 123 Gorge Rd. EastDon’t miss your chance to see the one and only Darryl Lenox (featured on Conan O’brien) perform one show only at Hecklers Bar and Grill in Victoria, BC. Opener Ivan Decker has been called ‘The best comic under 30 in Canada.’ Don’t miss your chance to see two world class comedians for one low price!

December 6IEOA Truck Light ConvoyThroughout VictoriaEvery year the Island Equipment Owners Association gets together, decorates their big trucks and parades throughout our city. The parade starts at 5:45 pm at Ogden Point, winds along Dallas Road and through Oak Bay and ends at roughly 8:15 pm at Western Speedway.

December 6Langford Official Christmas Light UpVeterans Memorial ParkBring the family and enjoy music, shopping, crafts for the kids, and free hot dogs & hot chocolate, as we light the official Langford Christmas tree! We will also be collecting your non-perishable food donations to assist those less fortunate.

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December 9 - 11Mother MotherRoyal Theatre · 805 Broughton St.Five-piece Juno-nominated Vancouver outfit, comprised of Ryan Guldemond, Molly Gul-demond, Jasmin Parkin, Jeremy Page, and Ali Siadat, rose to indie acclaim with their first two albums Touch Up (2007) and O My Heart (2008) while the nation took notice. Their next two albums Eureka (2011) and The Sticks (2012) delivered the Top 5 radio hits “The Stand”, “Bit By Bit” and “Let’s Fall In Love”, making the band the second most aired alternative act in Canada in 2012 and 2013.

December 10Christmas at Hatley CastleHatley Castle · 2005 Sooke Rd.The WestShore Chamber of Commerce wel-comes you to kick-off the holiday season at the historic Hatley Castle. The castle will be decorated for the holiday season and Truffles Catering will be providing appetizers, des-serts, coffee and tea. If you’d like to have a drink or cocktail, there will be a full service bar available. LA Limo is providing shuttles to and from the parking lot and there are rumors of a “special guest” from the North Pole who might be attending. There will be live music, entertainment, prizes, a silent auction and a charity raffle to raise funds for the Goldstream Food Bank. This event will sell out, so get your tickets today.

December 11 - 14 & 18 - 21Langford Christmas Light Trolley ToursCity Centre Park · 1089 Langford Pkwy.Get your family into the Holiday spirit with a Christmas light tour on the Langford Trolley. Vote for your Top 3 residential and business light displays on the Westshore. Trolley tour pick up and drop off from City Centre Park, and don’t forget to end the night off with a skate on the outdoor ice pond!

December 14Metchosin Fire Christmas ParadeMetchosin Fire Hall · 4440 Happy Valley Rd.Fire Trucks and Emergency Service vehicles will be decorated with bright lights and fes-tive decorations as they tour the streets of Metchosin. The parade starts at 6pm from the fire hall and takes about 90 minutes to complete.

December 19 & 21Victoria Symphony: Handel’s MessiahFarquhar Auditorium · 3800 Finnerty Rd.Rejoice with the Victoria Symphony for Handel’s majestic Messiah. One of the great-est choral works ever written, it leaves audi-ences uplifted every year. Come feel the mu-sic and join in with the “Hallelujah” chorus. Tickets available at tickets.uvic.ca

December 25Empress Room Christmas DinnerFairmont Empress · 721 Government St.Enjoy a spectacular five-course traditional Christmas dinner in the warmth of the Em-press Dining Room. As you sit by the fire, from the first bite to the last, it will be a deliciously memorable meal. The evening is highlighted with live entertainment for your enjoyment! For reservations or more infor-mation, please contact Dining Reservations by phone at 250 389 2727 or by sending an email to [email protected]

December 27 - 29Ballet Victoria presents “The Gift”Royal Theatre · 805 Broughton St.An original, magical Christmas story set to the music of The Nutcracker. Young Padora befriends a host of new characters including some inspired by Frozen. The fusion of clas-sical music with modern pop musical inter-ludes will have your toes tapping and your hands clapping. Contact the Royal Theatre Box Office for tickets.

What’s Up West Shore


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December 316th Annual Family New Years EventCity Centre Park · 1089 Langford Pkwy.Bring your family out to the Westshore’s family friendly New Years event! Your fam-ily can enjoy ice skating, crafts, face painting, party favours, snacks, and much more! With a 10pm “midnight” celebration for the kids! Tickets available at City Centre Park

January 1A Viennese New Year’sRoyal Theatre · 805 Broughton St.Take part in a worldwide New Year’s Day tradition celebrating the romantic Vienna of Johann Strauss and his contemporaries. Our sixth annual concert starts the year off right with music, dance and song! Alain Truedel conducts Leslie Ann Bradley and Adam Fisher in this beautiful and beloved holiday concert. For more information: victoriasymphony.ca

January 12Bryan Adams 30th Anniversary TourSOFMC · 1925 Blanshard St.As Canada’s best known ambassador, Bryan Adams has spent the last three decades mak-ing music history. He has sold upward of 65 million records, toured six continents and achieved #1 status in over 40 countries around the world. He has been awarded the Order of Canada, has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and has a Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Adams has been nominated for, and won several Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Grammy’s, has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been inducted into Wembley’s Square of Fame.

January 15 - 18Victoria Whiskey FestivalHotel Grand Pacific · 463 Belleville St.The Victoria Whisky Festival is an annual event that features the finest whiskey school, masterclasses and tastings. Hugely popular, booking well in advance is recommended.

January 17Snowed in Comedy TourRoyal Theatre · 805 Broughton St.The Snowed in Comedy Tour returns to Victoria after last year’s stellar show received amazing reviews! Four international come-dians come together to create one amazing show - each bringing a unique and hilarious take, providing something for everyone. Re-turning is Arj Barker with two Letterman ap-pearances and most recognized from the hit HBO sitcom Flight of the Conchords. He played Dave, their best friend. Just for Laughs winner Dan Quinn is back, along with the wild man MC Craig Campbell.

January 18Victoria Bridal ExhibitionPearkes Rec. Centre · 3100 Tillicum Rd.As Vancouver Island’s largest bridal fair, this show gives brides and grooms all the informa-tion needed to plan their special day. Tickets are just $15 and are available online or at all Vancouver Island Thrifty Foods locations.

January 19A Midsummer Night’s DreamRoyal Theatre · 805 Broughton St.Beloved characters, including Puck, Oberon and Bottom, come to life as Shakespeare’s beautiful story is intertwined throughout Mendelssohn’s incredible score. Narration and choral voices add to the majesty of this remarkable work. For more information: victoriasymphony.ca

January 22 - 24Glorious GershwinRoyal Theatre · 805 Broughton St.Get wrapped up in the rhythms and melodies of the legendary George Gershwin! Magnetic pianist Ian Parker returns to perform classic Gershwin tunes including the famous “Rhap-sody in Blue”. Conducted by our beloved Bri-an Jackson, this concert of symphonic works and brilliant show tunes showcases the best of one of the greatest composers of both Broad-way and the concert hall.

January 2450th Jubilee Faculty ShowcaseAlix Goolden Hall · 907 Pandora Ave.January is Ballroom season, and what better way to get in the mood than with a concert that features music for dance! Dancers from Ballet Victoria join VCM Faculty Artists to perform a diverse selection of music written for dance: Minuets, Polonaises and Waltzes, Slavonic and Hungarian dances of the Classi-cal and Romantic, modern contemporary, Ar-gentinian Tango, Flamenco, Celtic, and Jazz.

January 25Jack and the BeanstalkRoyal Theatre · 805 Broughton St.This classic tale is sure to delight as the audi-ence follows unlucky Jack. First he trades the family’s beloved cow for some magic beans, then he tangles with a giant when he tries to fix things! Join Dandi Productions and the Victoria Symphony for this wildly entertain-ing concert providing plenty of unexpected twists, and a constant parade of inspired the-atrics. Tickets available at the Royal Theatre box office.

January 27The Best BrothersBelfry Theatre · 1291 Gladstone Ave.A touching new comedy by Daniel MacIvor. A freak accident at Toronto’s Gay Pride Pa-rade leaves Bunny Best’s sons to mourn her, to celebrate her and to ponder the big ques-tions like “who did she like best?” and “who gets the dog?” Contact the Belfry Theatre for tickets.

January 28Gerry Dee: Live in VictoriaMcPherson Playhouse · 3 Centennial Sq.Gerry Dee is the star and creator of CBC’s hit sitcom Mr. D, and author of Teaching: It’s Harder Than It Looks. He also appeared on Gerry Dee Sports Reporter on The Score. The 2013 winner of a Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor in A Continu-ing Comedic Role, he is a former Canadian Comedy Award winner for Best Comic in Canada and was on NBC’s Last Comic Stand-ing. ◼


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HOROSCOPES | December 2014future. Your determination sets off a chain reaction for success. In the meantime, celebrate the season. This is your reward time so don’t dismiss romance or travel. Those more daring may enjoy a secret dalliance.

Aries March 21 to April 20

The mood is a happy one, although some family members are still capable of drawing you into those predictable “annual” spats every December, like clockwork. Better news: an unexpected financial reward. Love also looks exquisite as the year unwinds. When the sun aims his desires towards Venus, erotic temptation pulses through every vein.

Taurus April 21 to May 20

Time out is rare, but this is what December offers, so enjoy it. There’s every chance that you’ll cement a long-lasting alliance and whether it’s romantic or platonic is up to you. And if you’re inclined to mix business with pleasure during festivities, why should the cosmos interfere? Your finances also get a boost, so spoil yourself and others.

Gemini May 21 to June 21

Surrender the sterner stuff to the past year and indulge the silly season. If affections have been under lock and key, Venus declares an amnesty. Don’t concern yourself with money issues. This month’s message – free up and unwind. Look forward to a renewed openness with family or an estranged friend. The divide might not be as great as you think.

Cancer June 22 to July 22

Expect greater freedom with each passing week. As frustrations ease, work efforts bring greater rewards, easing anxieties. Just before Christmas, the cosmos hints at a financial jackpot. Property matters look promising, as does passion. Singles may face a choice of admirers and those in relationships plan a

romantic getaway … without extended family in tow.

Leo July 23 to August 22

Even though your busy schedule continues through December, it won’t be at the expense of festivities. Tidy your affairs in the first few weeks and you can still enjoy a magical Christmas. After the 11th, in particular, your social life and sexual magnetism soar. Enjoy the downtime while you can. It’s all systems go again in January.

Virgo August 23 to September 22

December ensures that life is effortless, like a summer breeze. You have more charisma that you know what to do with so schedule important meetings and hot dates to make the most of this time. Luckily, you won’t have to make final decisions about your myriad of options until the New Year. For now, you need only be committed to having fun.

Libra September 23 to October 22

Right now, you’re interested in doing anything except what’s expected of you. Many are being contrary just for the sake of it. It’s so unlike true Libran behaviour. Consider, instead, letting certain resentments drop. Yes, of course, it’s difficult to let go of long-held beliefs but in this, the season of goodwill, do yourself a favour. Forgive and forget.

Scorpio October 23 to November 21

After two long years Saturn finally leaves Scorpio on the 23rd, releasing you to enjoy happier days. Reckless Venus will encourage you to act impulsively and say things you shouldn’t. Exchanges with potential lovers will be tumultuous and passionate. Consider this when you’re tempted to flirt with your boss at the office party! ◼

Sagittarius November 22 to December 21

Saturn, the disciplinarian of the zodiac, enters your sign for the next two years. It’s a period when old patterns are broken, and new friendships and interests are developed. Powerful affirmations such as “I can…” “I succeed…” become your mantra. You realise that many habits have to go, including things and people. But there’s no hurry. All should be done at a gradual, graceful pace. In the end, the only surviving situations will be those of your choosing. In the meantime, enjoy your birthday season. Even though you may be joining the party late, you should still be lucky in love. Month’s end brings a time for raiding the sales. Don’t be shy about spending a few dollars because you deserve it. For now, you need only exert yourself in the pursuit of pleasure.

Capricorn December 22 to January 19

As the hardest working sign in the cosmos, you rarely choose pleasure over business, but this month you’ll be able to embrace both. Your networking may even bring a potential lover. Don’t make any commitments (either personal or professional) until the Sun moves into your own sign on the 21st, but do have as much fun as possible!

Aquarius January 20 to February 18

Someone’s sneaky behaviour has been causing suspicion lately so you may want to clear the air before hitting the social scene. Thankfully, a happier cosmos lightens the mood after the 21st. Professional plans are put on the back burner. It’s not surprising really, as it’s Christmas! Mars encourages flirty communication and financial flamboyance.

Pisces February 19 to March 20

Everything needs a great finale, including a year like 2014. It’s been a troubling time, but you’re now resolved to grab a flourishing


what’s up

HOROSCOPES | January 2015matters is what you do today. Also, ease off your spending – a difficult ask, perhaps. Still, not everything in January gives cause for concern. Love and romance look delightful.

Taurus April 21 to May 20

There’s always someone who will try and nudge you into a reluctant corner, which isn’t usually a problem for headstrong Virgos. But if you’re finding it difficult to retain your autonomy, lock into the slipstream of the Sun, which is happy to steamroll opponents out of your way. Mars also offers assistance, encouraging you to revise personal boundaries. As the borders change, so do the rules. They become your rules.

Gemini May 21 to June 21

Obsessions, or one particular project, rule January’s agenda. Ideas become more intense as spiritual and intellectual awareness deepens. Geminis seek greater personal power through the use of knowledge, travel or meditation. For many, this means a step up the career ladder. Others notice your talents and welcome you into a new work arena. Interestingly, too, business and romantic alliances may not be too far removed.

Cancer June 22 to July 22

January brings a more relaxed mood, so catch up on daily chores. Life starts to make more sense and you can expect a time of better communication. The planets stir up a hunger for knowledge, so expect to spend more time on study or travel. Even if this isn’t feasible, expect an upturn in happiness. Romance is high on the agenda. For couples, the month is about making joint plans.

Leo July 23 to August 22

Be assertive, Leo. Extract yourself from everyone’s beck and call and give lessons in self-management. You have your own needs to attend to. If something’s no longer working, you’re probably ready to make changes. A tough ask, perhaps, but by discarding outworn attitudes

you’ll be carrying less baggage, making personal and professional matters easier. Consider this your finest hour, with many insecurities laid to rest.

Virgo August 23 to September 22

When we look at other people, we see many of their qualities in seemingly random ways. Yet the qualities that we see in the people around us are directly related to the traits that exist in us. “Like attracts like” is one of the spiritual laws of the universe. We attract individuals into our lives that mirror who we are. The question is, who are you drawn to now?

Libra September 23 to October 22

Domesticity takes up much of your time this month. You may redecorate, move house or simply organise a family reunion. Friends and family could plan a surprise for you. Whatever the case, the Sun and Mercury put you in the mood to commit. It’s also a heart-to-heart time, which could mean airing long-held grievances. The upside? You’re no longer held captive by hidden feelings.

Scorpio October 23 to November 21

January encourages co-operation, delegation and teamwork. Mix a little tact with a lot of ambition and you have a sure-fire recipe for success. Bear in mind, though, that there are promises and there are “maybes.” If you’re planning to renege on something, you’d do well to know the difference. It would be courteous, too, to consult those who are party to any arrangements. Fair’s fair.

Sagittarius November 22 to December 21

January threatens to send finances into a spin. Remember, while grandiose schemes give you something to aspire to, they can also break the bank. Fortunately, your sensible side should step in before spending gets too out of hand. In addition, a friend or relative wants you to hold their hand. If they’re being too intrusive, set them straight. Sometimes, even loved ones have to learn by their own mistakes. ◼

Capricorn December 22 to January 19

Like celebrations, birthdays usually trigger a review of the previous year and initiate new resolutions. Until the 22nd, put a temporary restraint on spending. While you’re not exactly cash-impaired, you’re still a target for hidden small print. In the meantime, the sun restores your confidence, giving you the certainty to pursue your chosen path. It should be easier to pinpoint that elusive common ground between home, personal and professional interests. Resolution of this problematic triangle has recently proven difficult, but fairness is an inherent quality of yours and this month you find that your innate diplomacy pays off. The way opens up for new romance, which could come parcelled with studies or retraining.

Aquarius January 20 to February 18

This month, you fall into a meditative mood with important matters best tackled after some thought. And if you’re still feeling uncertain, do what most do in times of confusion and call in the experts – be they financial, physical or spiritual. It’s a sure bet someone else has already mapped the pitfalls and plotted a safe way home. There’s a mine of good advice for the tapping. You don’t need to do everything yourself.

Pisces February 19 to March 20

Dust off recent confusion and pull your self-esteem out of its tailspin. With inspiration and drive, now’s the time to reconnect the autopilot. With cosmic allies promoting love and ambition, you begin to regain a sense of control. Romantic dabblings encourage warmth, although expect tenderness rather than torrid passion. Saturn inspires you to find imaginative ways to improve your income.

Aries March 21 to April 20

The current grouping of planets in your 10th House puts pressure on career matters. But even if you feel overwhelmed, it’s better to commit yourself to action rather than give in to anxiety. Stop worrying about tomorrow. All that

what’s up

Solutions page 46

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what’s up


Dear Clair,

My relationship with my 16-year-old daughter has been strained and difficult but recently I found a used pregnancy test in the outside garbage. I know she has been seeing a guy for the past year but they are both young and I didn’t think they were having sex yet. I am really not sure how to approach this without losing my mind and sending her to a nunnery. Please help. Scared Potential Gramma Dear Potential Gramma,This is a terrifying situation to be faced with. I can imagine your fear and worry over this situation but you need to keep your cool. You need it now more than ever. If you are scared, your daughter is a thousand times more terrified than you are. If you lose your cool and freak out on her, she will run. You will lose her forever. If you want to help her through this you need to keep calm. Set up a meeting with her school counsellor. This should be a one-on-one meeting where you can judge whether s/he has any good advice. Judge if s/he would be the person to meet with you and your daughter to help you talk about problems. Sometimes having a mediator can help you keep your cool as well as help your daughter express herself without any fear of repercussion. I’m not saying she is afraid of you but that she is in a terrified state right now and she needs a reassuring place to talk about her options. If the school counsellor doesn’t seem suitable perhaps the local health unit or the Women’s Health Clinic could assist you.

The most important thing is to open the lines of communication with your daughter and let her know you will help in whatever capacity you can. She needs you more than ever right now.

I will keep my fingers crossed that it was her friend’s test and it isn’t your problem to deal with. Sincerely,Clair

Dear Clair,

I am in a relationship with a guy and it is going nowhere. My partner wants to move forward but I am just not feeling as I used to. I feel that there is more for me out there and I’m stifled by him. He doesn’t like it when I go out with my friends. He wants to be completely co-dependent and I am just not that person. How do I break it to him gently without hurting him? How do I tell him that I am just not ready for more and would like to break up? Wanting to be single again

Dear Single,You sound like a pretty independent woman who has a lot of outside interests besides your boyfriend. This is a good thing. It is great to have a relationship where you can be with your partner and do fun things together but also do things separately. This gives you time to miss each other but gives you interests to talk about – exciting adventures you can discuss at dinner while laughing at your fun times.

Missing each other in a relationship is healthy and keeps things new and exciting. Spending every waking moment with each other is exhausting and can lead to resentment when you want to do something without the other person but that person won’t let you. He may not be controlling and overbearing but just feeling left out and wondering why you don’t want to spend all your free time with him. Why now? This may be insecurity rather than controlling behaviour. If you feel the relationship has played its course and you are no longer interested in your partner then you need to step out. If there are no other factors such as marriage, kids, pets, that you need to think about, the first person you should be thinking about is you. I know you don’t want to hurt him but you need to live your life as well. Life is too short to be stuck in a relationship where resentment grows and festers. The best way to avoid hurting him is to stop the relationship going on any longer than necessary. Be honest and kind and tell him from the heart how you are feeling. You don’t have to be cruel to tell him.

Enjoy being single again and I hope you find the right match for your independent nature. Sincerely,Clair ◼


what’s up

Dog Tipsby Buster

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Dear Buster,

My owners have got a puppy. He is very cute and all, but in his manners with other dogs he is like a crazed Tasmanian Devil. One minute he is friendly and sniffing and playing nicely and the next minute, another dog comes along and he is barking and growling and snarling. I am concerned he may need bi-polar medication. I am embarrassed to go anywhere with him but I’m not sure what his problem so I don’t know how to make him behave better. He is still very young. Will this get better with age? Am I being too harsh in expecting him to behave well with other dogs? Feeling like a stick in the mud Dear Stick,You are certainly not expecting too much from him to behave with other dogs, however you may have to teach him how. He is lucky to have such a well behaved dog in the house to model his behaviour on. Here are a few things you can do to help mould him into a better dog that can fit into society with ease.

Take him to the dog park often. Even though it is embarrassing for you to be in public, this is the best place for him. At home or when it is just the two of you he knows how to behave with you and not go too far. At the park he is trying to be the “big dog around town” and the other dogs will take him down

a notch or two and teach him a lesson. In this way it won’t always be you nagging him about his behaviour – the other dogs will put him in his place. They will growl and snarl back if he is getting too crazy.

Take him for walks on busy streets with lots of pedestrians. Downtown Victoria any time of year is a great place to encounter lots of people. He will get used to being approached by strangers. He will learn it is not okay to jump up or lick strangers’ faces. This is a disgusting habit. Do you know what people do with their faces?? Not a good idea. Also being in this busy environment he will learn to walk nicely beside you and your person because if he doesn’t he will get stepped on or kicked or tied around a tree. The traffic

will keep him on edge and more aware of his surroundings.

Most importantly, model the behaviour you want to see. If he does something inappropriate, do the same thing but do it correctly. Your person will then praise you and he will see that and want the praise too so he will slowly learn the proper behaviour. Good positive reinforcement is always helpful too. Lots of hugs and rubs and treats from your person will encourage him to act like a normal dog and not some crazy Cujo dog that people are afraid to be around. Good luck and happy training,

Buster ◼

What’s Up Magazine June/July 2014 47

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