August 2015
villagevibe News and views from the heart of Fernwood
Paint your telephone poles! Keep our neighbourhood funky & vibrant. Paint a telephone pole!
›› Kathryn Juricic
T
he Pole Painting Project returns for its fifth year, beautifying the neighbourhood one hydro pole at a time. This is a fun and exciting event is organized by Fernwood NRG, with creators and partners Beth Threlfall and Emily Grav of The Paint Box School of Art. Everyone is welcome to paint a pole. Have you ever walked through the streets of Fernwood and stopped at a pole that caught your eye? Have you ever felt at home when you drive into our neighbourhood because of the art that is splashed throughout the streets? Well, it’s that time again to pick some paint, a pole, a brush, and reclaim your neighbourhood. This September 12, walk through the streets of Fernwood and say hi to your neighbours painting their telephone poles. Perhaps you can trade some paint, ideas, and names. This is your chance to meet! How to Paint-A-Pole: 1. Pick-up a Pole Painting Kit at Fernwood NRG’s office at 1310 Gladstone Avenue, September 8 to 11 between 10am and 5pm. 2. Design your pole! Visit our page fernwoodnrg.ca/eventsdirectory/fernwood-pole-painting-project for some tips and a
video on how to paint a pole. 3. Prime your pole with a basecoat of paint on Friday, September 11 so it has time to dry. As always, please remember to check with your neighbours before painting a pole. 4. Paint your design anytime on Pole Painting Day on Saturday, September 12. 5. Clean-up all your supplies & paint, put up a wet paint sign, come down to Fernwood Village to celebrate and hear live music!
Fernwood NRG will be hosting the Pole Painting Project to paint telephone poles in our neighbourhood for its fifth year. Design: Mila Czemerys
Pole Painting Day Celebration Paint a pole, then celebrate with food and live music with your neighbours. What: We will have our pole painting headquarters in Fernwood Village. Come by to make stencils, get paint and information anytime between 10am and 4pm. From 12:30pm to 3pm, celebrate with live music by West My Friend and other special guests. When: Saturday, September 12 from 10am to 4pm. Where: Paint poles throughout Fernwood, then the celebration will be in Fernwood Village. Who: Fernwoodians! Frequently Asked Questions: What does a pole painting kit include?
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An information sheet and link to our “How to Paint-a-Pole” video
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One large container of primer paint Four to five containers of colourful paint (you choose the colours) Signage: “This pole has an artist”, “Drive Slow”, and “Wet Paint” signs A letter for your neighbour letting them know what you would like to paint on the pole you’ll enjoy together Paint brushes Sponges Shelf liner/MacTac (to create stencils)
When do I paint my pole?
Pick up your Pole Painting Kit between September 8 and 11. Paint your pole on Pole Painting Day—Saturday, September 12. How long does it take to paint a pole?
It takes approximately 3 hours to paint a pole. You will need to apply a basecoat (primer) and potentially clean up the pole before painting. We suggest doing this on Friday evening. Then Saturday, paint your design. We recommend preparing your
design beforehand and using stencils to create your graphics. My pole is already painted, am I allowed painting over it?
The beauty of the Pole Painting Project is the temporary nature of the art, the community spirit, and vibe it creates. While it is not our jurisdiction to choose who gets to paint which pole, we highly suggest using our letter to inform and discuss with your neighbour before painting. If it has been tagged but the pole is beautiful, please take this time to restore your pole! If it is looking old, perhaps some new art is welcome. This is all up to you, the neighbourhood! I would rather the pole near my house not be painted, how do I ensure this?
Please come by our office to pick up a “Please keep this pole blank” sign & post it to your pole near your house that you do not wish to be painted.
in this issue Buzz
Feature
George Jay Corner
Need legal support? page 2
The Belfry Theatre turns 40 page 4
Finishing touches underway page 7
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guest editorial:
villagevibe Editorial Committee
Geoff Cross
Lee Herrin Hayley Evans
Thank you for your
Published by Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group Matt Takach Mila Czemerys Founding Editor Lisa Helps Contributors
Kathryn Juricic Laurie Rubin Mark Dusseault Jillian Player Ben Clark
years of work as our
Abby Cronk Didier Vincent Mila Czemerys Tania Wegwitz
board member at
Axel Jillian Player Breeze Photography
Fernwood NRG is a non-profit organization with a dedicated Board of Directors. One of whom, we are sad but excited to announce, is heading East to pursue a career in Law, attending Osgoode for Law School. Fernwood NRG board member and friend, Geoff Cross, is departing the neighbourhood. His commitment
Fernwood NRG
›› Kathryn Juricic
Art
Mila Czemerys David Leclerc Kate Wallace Mike Parolini
Production Mila Czemerys Contact us
1310 Gladstone Avenue Victoria, BC V8R 1S1 T 778.410.2497 F 250.381.1509 vibe@fernwoodnrg.ca www.villagevibe.ca
to our neighbourhood has been greatly appreciated. Geoff has been on the Board for Fernwood NRG for 3 years with a dedication to affordable housing and youthful voice. You may know Geoff from selling tickets at FernFest, or knocking on your door canvassing for Fernwood NRG’s most recent plan at 1310 Gladstone. He is always first to volunteer and his advocacy holds true to the values and missions of the neighbourhood. In asking Geoff to reminisce about some favourite memories at the NRG, he mentioned the affordability focus in housing and supporting families, as well
as access to healthy food mentioning the effectiveness of the Good Food Box as a “big buyers club.” Geoff also works towards affordability advocacy and housing undertaking outreach and policy for the Dandelion Society. I’ve even caught him backstage at a mini show on opening night at the Belfry Theatre or at Theatre SKAM’s SKAMpede playing bass for his partner’s theatre company, Zopyra Theatre. All these things combined, we wanted to write a special goodbye for Geoff, and thank him for his dedication to Fernwood NRG and advocacy work for those in need. Here’s hoping he comes back!
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buzz:
The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NRG.
Do you need legal support?
declaration of principles & values ››
a socially, environmentally,
neighbourhood; We are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood institutions and assets;
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We are committed to using our resources prudently and to becoming financially self-reliant;
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We are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment;
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We are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them;
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We are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives;
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at the Fernwood Community Centre, families can access free legal support
We are committed to creating
and economically sustainable
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Starting in September
We are committed to governing our organization and serving our
›› Abby Cronk Fernwood NRG is excited to announce that the Fernwood Community Centre will be offering a free legal clinic starting September to families accessing the family programs and walk-in patrons. The creation of this clinic has been motivated by the increasing number of inquiries for support with family matters such as navigating the family court system and finalizing custody arrangements. This new service will be focused on family law to support families navigating their individual situations, but is also open to additional personal inquiries. The clinic will be offered once a week with a rotating roster of lawyers who have graciously offered their time to support the Fernwood Community Centre. The appointments have been structured into 30-minute increments, giving enough time for the clients to share their situation and
have feedback provided to them with the next possible steps. The Family Law Act has caused some confusion among families on what they should do next. This Act promotes the safety and well-being of the child while their parents go through a separation or divorce. It also clarifies parental responsibilities and the division of assets if relations break down, addresses family violence, and encourages families to resolve their disputes out of court. While the intentions of this Act are to support families outside of the court system, we as workers are still witnessing families who are struggling through
family breakdown and finding the legal system a barrier to support. We feel by offering a free legal clinic at the Fernwood Community Centre—a central location for the City of Victoria—will be an invaluable service not only to our centre, but to our community. It is a starting point for families to move forward with their lives and create not only a healthy environment for their children, and also themselves. If you have any further questions or would like to inquire about signing up for an appointment, please connect with Abby Cronk, Family Resource Worker, at abby@ fernwoodnrg.ca.
neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity and kindness;
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We are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self-worth,
More stories & info at www.vcml.ca
and ourselves;
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We are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our
VICTORIA
and excellence of our neighbours
Interested in starting or expanding your own small business but can’t get a loan from a bank?
neighbourhood’s heritage and diversity;
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“ I feel like I have a purpose. I feel unlimited.”
We are committed to creating neighbourhood places that are vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and alive;
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Learn more about how Charlane got her business started at www.vcml.ca
and, most of all, We are committed to having fun!
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villagevibe
August 2015
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
mark your calendar:
Vining Street Party on the Plaza
buzz:
Embrace your inner Katniss
A family-oriented party to celebrate Fernwood on Sunday, September 13th
›› Laurie Rubin The 8th Annual Vining Street Party on the Plaza (VS POP) will be held on Sunday, September 13 from 12pm to 9pm. One and all are invited to celebrate our vibrant Fernwoodian community and to raise funds for community projects. For eight years and counting, Vining Street residents host a family-oriented party for the neighbourhood to enjoy. Join the community, with special guests Puppets for Peace ( puppetsforpeace.org ), for many activities including a vendor market, a huge Silent Auction, BBQ, live music and performances, magicians, clowns, stilt walkers, hula hoopers, face painting, bean bag U:launcher, and other games for all ages. You can also watch renowned children’s music performer Rick Scott and a Puppets for Peace Parade and activities. All the proceeds from VS POP 2015 will support the Learning Disabilities Association of BC and Puppets for Peace, an intergenerational celebration of peace through the art of puppetry. VS POP is a volunteer-driven event with no outside funding. Please come to enjoy the eclectic lineup of activities and performers! See you on the Vic High School Plaza on Sunday, September 13 from 12pm to 9pm! For more information, visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/Vining. Street.Block.Party, or their web page at viningstreetparty.com.
www.fernwoodnrg.ca
This year at FernFest, Clash of Arrows hosted a fundraiser for the Dandelion Society and raised $120 through donations. Photo: Mila Czemerys
Clash of Arrows brings a Hunger Gamesstyle activity to Victoria where participants can release their inner Katniss, Legolas, or Hawkeye
›› Didier Vincent While you’re dodging arrows and shooting down enemies, you won’t realize how fast time passes by! Our main goal is to provide an exciting and new activity that is adrenalinepumping, affordable, and inclusive to
everybody. The most important thing for newcomers to know is that while Clash of Arrows is thrilling and fast-paced, it is still very accessible. Regardless of age, social status, or fitness level, you can lock down on your target, aim, and fire! During FernFest, Clash of Arrows hosted a charity event for the Dandelion Society where we collected sleeping bags, tarps, and socks in exchange for a ticket to play a few rounds. The event was a blast for all the participants who experienced the rush of Archery Tag. By accepting both items and monetary donations, we were able to raise about 7 big bags of equipment and a $120 donation towards the cause. “The Dandelion Society does a great job at taking care of our community and being a prime example for all of Victoria’s
residents to follow. Giving back to our community is important to us and we will continue to do so,” said Didier Vincent, owner of Clash of Arrows. Clash of Arrows is also a new birthday party activity in town. With our equipment being mobile, we can meet you at your chosen field or you can book online for one of our facilities. Teamwork is important to win in Archery Tag; therefore, businesses interested in booking will have an exciting time through this team-building activity, as well. Bows, arrows, and helmets are provided. Just bring your “A Game” and get ready to clash with arrows! You can book online at clashofarrows.com. Get in touch at 250-419-2855. Follow us at on Facebook at facebook.com/clashofarrows or on Twitter at @Clashofarrows.
August 2015
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feature:
40 years of theatre in Fernwood The Belfry Theatre has been producing shows in Fernwood for four decades; the rich history of the building spans 130 years
›› Mark Dusseault
I
n the last 40 years over two million people have ventured into Fernwood and crossed our threshold. Some have come to laugh; some to cry. All have come to share a few hours in the dark with friends and strangers to listen to a story and to learn a little bit more about what it means to be human. The Belfry has experienced its share of ups and downs. We’ve produced and premiered plays that have gone on to international success in far-flung places like Melbourne and Sydney, London and Berlin, San Francisco and Kamloops. We’ve also produced a few, umm, turkeys. Plays we never mention by name. And we’d prefer you didn’t either. The magic of theatre is when the stars align the experience can’t be beaten. The whole experience can be summed up in this scene from the film “Shakespeare in Love”: Philip Henslowe: Mr. Fennyman, allow me to explain about the theatre business. The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster. Hugh Fennyman: So what do we do? Philip Henslowe: Nothing. Strangely enough, it all turns out well. Hugh Fennyman: How? Philip Henslowe: I don’t know. It’s a mystery. And when the stars don’t align? When there is no mystery? Well, that’s part of being human. Things don’t always go our way, in life or in the theatre. Thankfully, things have gone our way.
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The Belfry is a success because of two things; the building and people. The Belfry started life in Fernwood in 1887 as the Spring Ridge Chapel (Spring Ridge being what Fernwood was called back then; today the Chapel serves as our lobby). Fifteen burgeoning Baptists were enticed by cheaper land prices outside of the city and built the Chapel. We say burgeoning as it wasn’t until a few years later that the congregation was officially recognized as the Emmanuel Baptist Church. It truly was a case of a few individuals believing in something they felt needed to be done. By 1892 the Baptists were booming and they built the Sanctuary (it now houses our Mainstage theatre) and continued to be a mainstay in the community until the 1970’s. Upheaval was a way of life in Fernwood in the 1970’s. The church congregation moved and the building sat empty until the enterprising Cool-Aid Society saw an opportunity to turn part of the building into a youth hostel. After a few years and under much opposition, including two fire-bombing incidents, Cool-Aid turned its youth hostel into a homeless shelter—sadly then, as today, a much-needed facility. Cool-Aid only used two-thirds of the building for their services—the Chapel served as the women’s dormitory, plus medical, dental and administrative offices. The back of the building, a gymnasium built in the 1950’s, served as the dining hall and men’s dormitory. That left the Sanctuary empty, until a couple of aspiring theatre artists decided it could be used as a performance and rehearsal space. In 1974 the Spring Ridge Cultural Centre was born. It was a rocky start. At the time there were few government funds available for presenting houses (or road houses as we call them—venues that just rent their space to touring artists). But funding was available for producing houses, so in December of 1975 the
August 2015
The Belfry Theatre is an iconic part of Fernwood Village — both as a physical presence and as a cultural entity. Photo: Mila Czemerys
space was renamed the Belfry and given a mandate to produce contemporary plays with a focus on new Canadian work. Magic struck immediately. Four gentlemen (and we use that term loosely) put up $8000 to mount the Belfry’s first show, Puttin’ on the Ritz. It was a huge hit and eventually toured to Vancouver and
the Stratford Festival. The four, who collectively called themselves The Quack, The Dwarf, The Pornographer and The Drunk (it was another era, folks, we’re just doing the reporting) made their money back and promptly reinvested it the Belfry’s next show.
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
Rick Millers stars in BOOM at the Belfry from August 4 - 23. Photo: David Leclerc
The Belfry is a success because of two things; the building and people They lost everything — but the theatre survived. One of the original investors, a part-time rancher at the time, said “My father told me to never invest in anything that eats while you sleep. I chose cows and theatre and failed on both accounts.” Over the next fifteen years the Belfry experienced tremendous growth and horrendous lows, coming to close to closing more times than anyone cares to remember. One turning point, in 1990, was Cool-Aid’s announcement that they were moving to new premises downtown. In the intervening years they had bought the building and it was now up for sale. The Belfry, in the best financial position it had been in years, decided to raise the funds, buy the building and begin what would turn out to be twelve years of renovations to restore the nineteenth century church. That decision sparked a renaissance at the Belfry. For the first time the theatre had everything in one place. The carpentry, wardrobe and props workshops, the rehearsal hall and theatre were all under
www.fernwoodnrg.ca
one roof. Plus there was a lobby, patrons didn’t have to line up in Fernwood Square and the staff didn’t have to have meetings on the stairs to the balcony. With more space, the theatre could mount more productions, workshop new plays, develop high school programs and engage in new audience enrichment activities. As the Belfry grew so did our audience, our volunteer base (300 people donate thousands of hours to the theatre each year), and our donor list - those kind folks who donate money to the theatre year in and year out. This year we’re celebrating all of those people who have made an impact in their community, those who believed something needed to be done and did it. We’re also celebrating forty years of incredible theatre in this little part of Victoria. Where two million people have come together to laugh, to learn, to be entertained and to be in one another’s company, sitting in the dark and learning about what it means to be human.
Weekly from June 29 to August 28 at the Fernwood Community Centre 250-381-1552 x107 | www.fernwoodnrg.ca
August 2015
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buzz:
Thank you Fernwood ›› Kathryn Juricic & Mila Czemerys FernFest What an amazing celebration of music and community! Thank you, Fernwood. We are beyond grateful to everyone who helped bring our 20th Annual FernFest to life. While FernFest has recently grown, it remains an inclusive, fun, and free celebration of local talent and our neighbourhood. The amazing musicians who performed at FernFest were The New Groovement, The New Souls, Capital City Syncopators, Man Made Lake, Brothers in Farms, cAthedrAls, The Tower of Dudes, Masala, BOUSADA, Slim Sandy & the Hillbilly Boppers, Travel Light, Suzannah, Knacker’s Yard, Coastline, Fried Banshees, and Fernwood favourite and friend, DJ Cold Beef.
Our friends who generously sponsored FernFest include Friendly Giant Window & Gutter Cleaning, Aaronson’s Pharmacy, Ocean Grown Medicinal Society, Larsen Music, Phillips Brewing Company, Merridale Ciderworks, Garside Signs, The Belfry Theatre, The Fernwood Inn, SOMA Active Health, ViVi Therapy, ReFUSE, Pigeonhole Home Store, Used Victoria, The Zone at 91-3, Aubergine Specialty Foods, Coastal Community Credit Union, Discovery Coffee, Coast Environmental, Games2U, Modo, Paladin Security, Shortt Sound and the Province of British Columbia. Thank you to our local artisans, who bring creativity to our streets, and to all our performers and groups on the Field of Dreams, who create a wonderful environment for families to hang out in! A huge thank you to all the lovely people
who volunteer their time and energy to Taphouse, Yonni’s Doughnuts, Bona Vini FernFest. We could not do it without all Wines Co., Category 12 Brewery, Discovery our amazing volunteers. Happy FernFest! Coffee, Hoyne Brewing Co., Jusu Juice Bar, Merridale Ciderworks, Phillips Brewing Co. & Phillips Fermentorium Distilling Co., Fernwood Bites Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, Sheringham Fernwood Bites is Fernwood NRG’s annual Distillery, Storied Wine & Spirits, Tod food and drink tasting fundraiser that tops Creek Craft Cider, and Victoria Spirits. We are so excited to continue to work off our weekend in Fernwood Square. All of our presenters generously with our sponsors Cook Culture and EAT donate their bites. Thank you Aubergine Magazine in making this a special and Specialty Foods, Bon Macaron Patisserie, unique event. All profits fundraised over the weekend Ca Va Bistro Moderne, Charelli’s Cheese Shop and Delicatessen, Cook go towards our family programming, Culture, Cornerstone Café, Cosmo Meens child care, affordable housing, and urban + Hot & Cold Café, Fernwood Inn, sustainability projects at the Fernwood Meat & Bread, Chef Michael Williams, Community Centre and throughout the Olive the Senses, Origin Gluten-Free neighbourhood. We are thrilled to offer Bakery, Stage Wine Bar, Toque Catering, these events that support and celebrate the Vij’s Sutra, Wildfire Bakery, Yates Street neighbourhood at the same time.
artist’s aside:
Margaret Hantiuk Fernwoodian artist, Margaret Hantiuk, has lived in Fernwood for the past 27 years
›› Jillian Player Margaret Hantiuk has lived in the same house in Fernwood for twenty-seven years. Originally from Alberta, she studied art at the Alberta College of Art then moved west. She settled on the Island in the 1980s, where she completed her BFA at UVic with a focus in abstract painting. Since then, she has been a postal worker and mother, keeping her hand in art through drawing, photography, and gardening. Margaret has been a constant student of art, and she learns new skills and different mediums by taking courses at Vancouver Island School of Art. Since retiring five years ago, she has been concentrating on landscape painting. During this time, she went on a road trip to New Mexico and was powerfully
Margaret Hantiuk in her studio at 1580 Artist Run Gallery located on Cook Street. Photo: Jillian Player
inspired by the colours, textures, and shapes of the desert. She realized that her long love of old western movies was for the landscapes (and not the cowboys!).
The empty, haunting space of the desert, so different from the prairies where she grew up, related to her abstract aesthetic. Her palette of earth tones transfer to wide,
spatially divided blocks on large and small canvasses. The work reflects abstraction, but the shapes are pulled into recognizable forms of sage green plants, ochre rocks, and burnt sienna mesas. The paint is highly blended into a soft, cotton-like quality. Her work is comforting yet compelling. The paintings, especially the large ones, invite you to walk into a landscape that is at odds with our green and grey west coast environment. Margaret is very busy with a gardening business and volunteering in Fernwood. She is one of the founding members of the Fernwood Art Stroll and is a contributor to the Fernwood Mapping Project. She has also been a contributor to the Village Vibe’s “Garden Gleanings” column. Margaret is a member of the 1580 Artist Run Gallery on Cook Street and has a studio there. Make an appointment to see her studio work or check out her website margarethantiuk . com . Also, be sure to visit her beautiful garden full of her paintings at the Fernwood Art Stroll every summer.
MARGARET HANTIUK GARDEN SERVICE SUSTAINABLE GARDENING Pruning. Bedwork. Designs. Consults. Senior-friendly
Email: mmhantiuk@shaw.ca Phone: 250.595.1684 Cell: 250.882.1929
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villagevibe
August 2015
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
george jay corner:
oaklands news:
Finishing touches underway at George Jay
Oaklands Sunset Market in full swing Oaklands Sunset Market creates a scene you want to be a part of
›› Ben Clark
New murals will soon be installed at George Jay School as a welcome back for students. Photo: Kate Wallace
Students and staff will return to their upgraded school this September
›› Tania Wegwitz George Jay Elementary is in the final stages of its seismic upgrade and kids, parents, and staff are excited to be heading back to the school’s Princess Avenue location in September. Over the past year, students have been attending an interim location on Richmond Avenue. “The year at Richmond went very well, but we are so excited to see our new school and be back in Fernwood,” said outgoing PAC President Kate Wallace. New President Shannon McLeod agrees: “The kids can’t wait to check out what’s been added.”
www.fernwoodnrg.ca
And a lot has been added. Beyond the refurbishments to the school building itself, the renovations are bringing new landscaping and a soaring covered entranceway. A nature-based playground is also in the works and a large and colourful mural will soon add further beauty and welcome. Artists Joanne Thomson, Jennifer Johnson, and Beth Threlfall worked with students to create the mural, which was made possible through generous donations from Fernwood residents, the Market on Yates, Cook St. Castle Building Centre, Opus Framing and Art Supplies, Taiga Forest Products, and the donation jars at Wellburn’s Market. And what’s another thing being added in September? With George Jay’s enrollment growing by leaps and bounds—a whole bunch more happy kids.
Over 50 vendors including farmers, artisans, gourmet food products, food trucks, and community services can be found at Oaklands Community Centre every Wednesday night until September 2. On alternating weeks there is either a Hoyne Brewing & Merridale Ciderworks beer garden or bottle sales, tastings, and growler fills. The Sunset Market continues to be a fantastic showcase for local live musicians and a special kids market. The Market has grown significantly in the past few years and is one of the most successful special events run through the Oaklands Community Association. It is also a great way to meet your neighbours and support the local economy. There is currently a call out for individuals interested in being on the Board of Directors of the Oaklands Community Association. This is a fun and rewarding role that requires
Photo: Breeze Photography
a few hours per month to attend monthly board and committee meetings, review material and make decisions, and volunteer at special events. Aside from three vacant mid-term board positions available, there are also opportunities to join committees that focus on Land Use, Parks, Community Markets, and Communications. For more information, drop by the centre on Belmont Avenue, surf the web over to oaklandscommunitycentre.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
August 2015
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Scene in Fernwood : FernFest
Check out the FernFest 2015 video at https://youtu.be/9IRbsD83gVk