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Reflexology shop opens in Duncan

What’s going on in the Cowichan business community
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Hui Lin is the owner of Island Foot Reflexology and Body Massage, which opened three weeks ago at #103- 489 Trans-Canada Highway. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

A new business has set up in Duncan that specializes in foot reflexology, which is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears to improve health and relaxation.

The business, called Island Foot Reflexology and Body Massage and located at #103-489 Trans-Canada Highway, is owned by Hui Lin, a former teacher from China who has studied reflexology in her 10 years living in the Cowichan Valley.

Reflexology rests on the ancient Chinese belief in qi (pronounced “chee”), or “vital energy.”

According to this belief, qi flows through each person, and when a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi.

This can cause an imbalance in the body that leads to illness, and reflexologists aim to keep qi flowing through the body, keeping it balanced and disease free.

In Chinese medicine, different body parts correspond with different pressure points on the body, and reflexologists use maps of these points in the feet, hands, and ears to determine where they should apply pressure.

It’s believed that a reflexologist’s touch sends energy flowing through a person’s body until it reaches the area in need of healing.

Lin said the technique is not well known in the Valley, and is excited to offer it to local residents.

“There are a lot of retired people here who would really appreciate reflexology,” she said.

“This is my first business and I’m looking forward to serving my clients.”

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A new meeting place featuring Indigenous art, history and information displays will be built by the Kaatza Historical Society in Lake Cowichan, with support from the Island Coast Economic Trust’s new THRIVE Small Capital Program.

The Ts’uubaa-asatx and Kaatza Historical Society Totem Pole Gathering Space project is a partnership to create a prominent outdoor seating area centered around a new and locally carved totem pole, alongside historical information panels in front of the Kaatza Station Museum.

The museum is located close to the mouth of the Cowichan River, a tourist hot spot in the summer.

The proximity to this attraction is expected to help attract more visitors and residents to the new gathering space.

The centrepiece of the project will be a newly built totem pole, designed and hand-carved by young Ts’uubaa-asatx artist Josh Watts under the guidance of Indigenous elders and community members.

The information panels flanking the pole will interpret the pole’s meaning, highlight carving techniques, as well as tell the story of the Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation.

The seats themselves will be designed and constructed as a collaboration between Watts and a local woodworker.

“This project perfectly aligns to the new THRIVE Small Capital Program goals of helping to drive innovation and energy back into our communities,” said Aaron Stone, ICET’s board chair. “The new gathering space will play an important role as a shared place for open exchange, across ages and cultures, and will help promote visitor interest and pull economic activity and growth back into Lake Cowichan’s downtown core.”

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Cowichan Tribes, Western Stevedoring and Pacific Industrial & Marine have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a cooperative working relationship regarding the Cowichan Terminal.

Both Western Stevedoring and PIM have operations on the terminal, located in Cowichan Bay, and the MOU is intended to establish a relationship between the three parties that will set up a framework involving learning, understanding and collaboration, thereby positioning the parties for success in future mutually beneficial opportunities related to the terminal, according to a press release.

The MOU calls on the three parties to communicate with each other regularly, with a number of topics identified for discussion.

These include collaboration on projects like fish and wildlife inventories, setting stewardship and restoration objectives for the Cowichan River and estuary, and addressing the heritage interests of Cowichan Tribes.

“Cowichan Bay is of pivotal importance to Cowichan Tribes, as it has provided sustenance for our people since time immemorial,” said Cowichan Tribes Acting Chief Cindy Daniels.

“Having greater involvement in the future of the terminal will help us achieve our goals for environmental and economic enhancement for Cowichan Tribes.”

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Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit this holiday season at Merridale Farm, located at 1230 Merridale Road in Cobble Hill.

Visitors are invited to embark on an enchanted free holiday walk through the farm’s festive light display.

Inside, you will find warm drinks, and savoury or sweet treats from the Farmhouse Eatery to enhance your walk.

You can also book on-line for your family and friend meal gatherings, and private tastings of Merridale Farm’s limited- release spirits from its library collection.

The Farmstore is open daily for shopping a range of cider, spirits, local culinary treasures and gifts. The holiday display will runs from Nov. 20 to Jan. 2, except for Christmas Day.

Hours will vary for other adventures, so check Merridale Farm’s website and social media channels for daily times.

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Members of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce are reminded of its AGM that will be held on Nov. 23.

This year’s AGM, which will be held at the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club from noon to 1:30 p.m., will feature special guest speaker Fiona Famulak, president & CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.

Members in good standing will also elect or acclaim new and returning chamber directors at the AGM.

Tickets are available for $30 plus GST.

Proof of full vaccination will be required to attend this event.

To register, go to https://www.duncancc.bc.ca and follow the links from there, to locate the events page.

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The Cowichan Wooden Boat Society will host its 7th Annual Christmas Tree event at the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre this holiday season.

The official Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre light-up event will happen on Dec. 2nd at 5:30 p.m.

Throughout the month of December, the public is invited to come down to the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre to view the decorated Christmas trees which have been sponsored by individuals, businesses, and organizations in the community.

Visitors can view and cast a ballot for their favorite tree, which will be on display throughout the museum’s timber-framed building.