December2013 villagevibe

December 2013

villagevibe News and views from the heart of Fernwood

Victoria VeloTech More than high end road bikes

›› Kathryn Juricic

I

didn’t know my life would change so much after I stumbled into Fernwood’s mysterious new bike shop, Victoria VeloTech. My pedal was squeaking, I just wanted it to be quiet! Chris, the shop owner and sole employee, was enchanted with my vintage French Gitane Mixte that may or may not have been squeaking in more than one place. This was unexpected.

VeloTech is adorned with beautiful racing bikes of all stripes. What does this guy care about my rusty beater bike? Little did I know I would be embarking on an extraordinary relationship restoring my lady Gitane (translated Gypsy).

Victoria VeloTech is not just a shop for racing bikes. You don’t need to have race credentials or own a sleek carbon fiber racing machine. Don’t be intimidated by this shop, come hang out and be open to learning about your bike. Chris appreciates all types of bikes and can chat about almost anything under the sun. It’s about the relationships here; a perfect fit for Fernwood.

Chris’s unique credentials include qualification as a commercial pilot. He also trained as an aircraft power plant and airframe maintenance engineer. Working with precision tools and exotic alloys transferred into the world of bicycles. His skills are acquired over a lifetime of bike-love. This love developed into a new livelihood.

I also knew that he had a degree in Geomatics—think Google Earth on steroids—with majors in Geography and Computer Science. When, how and why did VeloTech materialize? A commercial air pilot seems like a pretty sweet job to dismiss. I was curious as to why Chris chose to switch professions.

Chris’s life took a dramatic turn several years ago when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer originating from the white blood cells.

After successfully battling cancer he turned to academia because the lasting side effects of the chemotherapy treatments prevent

(Left) Chris, Victoria VeloTech’s sole employee and owner in action. (Right, top) Kathryn Juricic’s French Gitane Mixte before she found Victotia VeloTech. (Right, bottom) Juricic’s bike frame after a fresh coat of paint. Photos: Alexandra Stephanson and Mila Czemerys

Chris appreciates all types of bikes, and can chat about almost anything... It’s about the relationships here, a perfect fit for Fernwood him from serving as pilot in command of commercial aircraft.

Bikes have been a constant for Chris’ entire life beginning at about the age of four. During his studies he began fixing and building bikes for his friends, a business plan soon followed which eventually evolved into Victoria VeloTech.

Chris finds tremendous satisfaction making customers happy. Bikes are our friends and he definitely is on board with all of them. Chris says that in the bike industry, a “great deal” is frequently confused with “getting a good price on

the wrong bike.” Where new bikes are concerned, Victoria VeloTech is all about finding the right bike for each customer’s cycling needs, budget, unique body morphology, and riding style.

Being able to trust your technician or supplier is so important when dealing with something as special as your bike.

The skills previously mentioned allow Chris to devise practical solutions for unique mechanical problems. The huge blue tool chest beside the workbench seems to contain enough tools to outfit two bike shops. You won’t have to buy six

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The Giving Tree page 3

Fruits of the Community Orchard page 4

Herbal Healthcare page 7

new parts just because of one issue.

This exemplifies Chris’ desire to work on all different types of bikes. They are complex machines that have been designed differently over the years. Instead of making you buy modern parts, Chris is interested in fixing your bike the way it was built. His skills allow him to manipulate what you already have instead of making you pay for modern technology. But if that what’s necessary or it’s what you want, he can assist that too.

Victoria VeloTech offers the normal tune-ups, fixing flats, and repairs. It also provides restoration, wheel building, bike fitting, and plenty of great chats. For more information, visit the shop located on 2002 Fernwood Road across from the Fernwood Inn or visit victoriavelotech.ca. It’s exciting to welcome Victoria VeloTech to the bike community in Fernwood.

in this issue To get the Vibe digitally, sign up at fernwoodnrg.ca

Published by Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group Editorial Committee

Lee Herrin Matt Takach Azelia Serjeantson Mila Czemerys Founding Editor Lisa Helps Contributors

Kathryn Juricic Micqualyn Waldie Shannon Auringer Margaret Hantiuk Lindsay Hounslow

Lee Herrin Mark Dickerson Mila Czemerys Kate Wallace

Art

Mila Czemerys Mark Dickerson Shannon Auringer Axel Lindsay Hounslow Alexandra Stephanson Production Mila Czemerys Contact us

1313 Gladstone Avenue Victoria, BC V8R 1R9 T 778.410.2497 F 250.381.1509 vibe@fernwoodnrg.ca www.villagevibe.ca To enquire about advertising in the Village Vibe, please contact ads@fernwoodnrg.ca The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NRG.

declaration of principles & values ››

We are committed to creating a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable neighbourhood;

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We are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or

It’s all about priorities Good ›› Food Drive Lee Herrin

Fernwood NRG has had held two community meetings so far to discuss developing the properties we have acquired in the heart of Fernwood Village (see “More housing for Fernwood,” in the October 2013 Village Vibe). At both meetings there was an overwhelming amount of support for the project and we are grateful to all those who have expressed kind thoughts and wishes for this project. However, there was an interesting difference between the two

The City of Victoria’s Official Community Plan seeks “to manage transportation infrastructure and services to give priority to the pedestrian, cycling and transit modes and link [neighbourhoods] with high capacity and frequent public transit service.” The City’s goal is that “a minimum of 60% of all trips by Victoria residents take place by walking, cycling and public transit by 2041.” The measurement in the 2006 Census was 46%, which was tied with Montreal for tops in Canada, so setting a target of 60% is ambitious, but achievable.

“The future ain’t what it used to be.”

-Yogi Berra meetings in terms of the priorities for the space between the buildings...

At the first meeting, when we presented a very high level overview of the new building footprints and the space allocated for parking, some asked: “Where is the green space? Why is so much of the site dedicated to parking? Don’t you know people aren’t going to be using cars in the future?”

At the second meeting, when we presented the same information, some asked: “Why haven’t you provided more space for parking? Don’t you know there isn’t enough parking in Fernwood? Why are you building in Fernwood Village? It’s congested enough already.”

We share the City’s goal of encouraging walking, biking and transit. Our aim is to enhance Fernwood Village by adding neighbourhood services that most people will walk or bike to, and to add more housing in the village core where there is already both services and transit. We believe our goal aligns with the City’s objectives to provide affordable housing, to add density in existing villages, and to create a walkable and livable city.

We know our modest development won’t solve all the problems of the world, and we are grateful for the support we have already received from the neighbourhood. Let us know what you think at fernwoodfuture@fernwoodnrg.ca.

Good Food Box is collecting donations to feed Fernwood families in need

›› Micqualyn Waldie Please consider donating to Give the Gift of Good Food, our holiday drive to provide fresh produce to families who might not otherwise have access to it. The great thing about this program is, instead of a one-time food hamper, it keeps giving the whole year.

Each family selected will receive a box of fruit and veggies every other week for 2014.

Families accessing food banks generally receive non-perishable items. Our goal is to add nutritious produce to the equation.

For every $18 donation, a family will receive one Good Food Box. For every $450 raised, we will provide one family with a year’s worth of Good Food Boxes.

Each donation, no matter how big or small, makes a huge difference and helps when it’s hardest for people to feed their family.

For more info, visit fernwoodnrg.ca. To donate, call 250-381-1552 ext.100. Thanks to all the amazing volunteers who keep this program going year round.

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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We are committed to governing our organization and serving our neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity and kindness;

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We are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self-worth, and excellence of our neighbours and ourselves;

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Please join us at our We are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our neighbourhood’s heritage and

Holiday Open House Thursday, December 12, 4–6pm at our Community Office Everyone welcome. Light refreshments.

diversity;

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Wishing you a joyous holiday season, and a Happy New Year!

We are committed to creating neighbourhood places that are vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and

Carole James

alive;

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Here to serve you at my Community Office

and, most of all, We are committed to having fun!

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villagevibe

MLA Victoria – Beacon Hill

1084 Fort Street, Victoria BC V8V 3K4 Phone: 250-952-4211 Fax: 250-952-4586 carole.james.mla@leg.bc.ca www.carolejamesmla.ca

December 2013

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

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The Giving Tree

Hounds of the ‘hood

Wicky Woo

Dexter

›› Shannon K. Auringer This Douglas Fir tree could be yours for the holidays. After Christmas, it will have a new home at Mount Douglas Park. Photo: Mark Dickerson

Living Christmas trees restore local forest

›› Mark Dickerson Christmas is coming! Many environmentally conscious people do not like the idea of using a cut Christmas tree. They would prefer to have a live Christmas tree that smells of the holidays.

A problem urban dwellers encounter is they have no place to plant the tree after Christmas. Those with limited space can still have a live Christmas tree. For the last three years GardenWorks Blenkinsop has sold live native Douglas Firs, delivered them for free to their guests, and picked them up after Christmas to be donated.

During the first two years the trees went to The Land Conservancy. Unfortunately

www.fernwoodnrg.ca

TLC no longer has the capacity to plant the trees. So last year GardenWorks teamed up with Saanich Environmental Services’ Urban Forestry Strategy. The Urban Forest Strategy provides a long–term plan for achieving a sustainable urban forest.

Thanks to this partnership, these native trees were planted in Mout Douglas Park.

This year, regardless of where these native live Christmas trees are purchased, if dropped off at GardenWorks after Christmas, they will be delivered to Saanich Environmental Services.

Why would Fernwood care about a program in Saanich? Because a large group of the people that participated in the program in past years have been from City of Victoria neighbourhoods. Communities like Fernwood tend to be environmentally conscious and have smaller yards.

Meet Wicky Woo, a fifteen year old Cairn Terrier and canine resident of Fernwood.

She enjoys spending her senior years on slow walks around the neighbourhood with her best friend and owner Cheera. In her younger years, Wickey Woo was a bit of a wild one and was known as a force to be reckoned with. She was often found running around the parks and sidewalks in vigorous play with other pooches.

These days she prefers a gentle pet and nice hello from the human residents, to the company of her fellow fidos. When asked what Wicky Woo finds the most exciting thing about living in the ‘hood, she replied with a boisterous woof, “When the garbage men come and give me a cookie, of course!”

Feel free to say hi to Wicky Wook and Cheera the next time you see them around the ‘hood. They love quick chats with neighbors.

Dexter is the lovable and high-voltage neighborhood boxer puppy who is the master of sneaky get-aways from his yard on Walnut Street. Every now and then he can be seen streaking at an incredible speed through the neighborhood and hiding on his owner. One morning, the saucy 70lb one year old even let himself into a sleeping neighbour’s house unannounced for a quick hello at 6 a.m. in her bed. Oh Dexter, so cheeky and such a trouble maker!

His favorite places to play were quickly discovered: the George Jay school field and Stevenson Park. At these spots he loves to roll and play with the other hounds of the ‘hood and his three kids, Logan, Savannah and Isabella. Dexter enjoys multiple walks throughout the day and evening, where he gets to stop for a hello and sniff of all those who wander past.

Next time you’re out and about, be sure to say hello to Dexter and his family they are all extremely friendly, social, and love to visit!

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feature:

Fruits of Fernwood’s Community Orchard On September 28, 2013, Fernwood became one of two neighbourhoods in Victoria with a Community Orchard

›› Mila Czemerys

F

ernwood is very lucky to be one of two neighbourhoods to house the City of Victoria’s Community Orchard Pilot Project. A Community Orchard is a grove of fruit or nut trees in a public park where a community group participates in the care, maintenance and harvesting of the trees. This project demonstrates a new way of growing food in the City in visible, public places. The food that is produced will be shared with the neighbourhood.

Black Mission Fig Ficus carica

Seneca Plum, European Prunus domestica

Originates from: Spain Introduced: 1768

Originates from: New York, USA Introduced: 1972

Very large plum with beautiful reddish purple skin and amber-orange flesh. Sweet, delicious freestone. Proven one of the best European plums in Western Washington, USA.

For now, here are 10 varieties of trees planted in the orchard to get you excited:

One of the most popular figs; originating from Spain and brought to North America

by Spanish missionaries. It is a medium to large, pear shaped, purplish-black fig. The flesh is strawberry colored with excellent flavor.

Orcas Pear Pyrus communis

Akane Apple Malus domestica

Red Gravenstein Apple Malus domestica

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

– Chinese Proverb

Fernwood is now home to 25 fruit trees; there is an assortment of apples, pears, plums, and figs. Each fruit tree variety was selected for its heritage value, disease resistance, ability to adapt to climate change, and flavour. The neighbourhood will have to be patient; it will take a few years for these trees to produce fruit.

Originates from: Orcas Island, Washington, USA Introduced: 1966

Cox’s Orange Pippin Apple Malus domestica Originates from: England Introduced: 1825

Horticulturalist Joe Long discovered this tree growing on his property on Orcas Island in 1966. Medium to large fruit, elongated, with broad base. Yellow skin with green dots and red-orange blush.

Juicy, mild flavour, small core.

This is the classic English apple, often regarded as the finest of all dessert apples.

It arose in the 19th century as a chance seedling, and has inspired apple lovers ever since. It remains unsurpassed for its richness and complexity of flavour.

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Originates from: Japan Introduced: 1937

Developed in Japan, Akane is an excellent early season apple with an unusually good balance of sweet and sharp flavors. The flesh is firm rather than crisp, but with plenty of juice. This apple is highly disease resistant and produces good crops each year even in bad spring pollination weather.

Originates from: Denmark Introduced: 1669

An attractive high-quality dessert and culinary apple. Gravenstein is the German name for the town of Gråsten in South Jutland, Denmark. Red Gravenstein is considered a ‘sport’ rather than a true variety.

wednesdays thursdays fridays

Bluegrass Pickin’ Parlor Live Music Open Mic

1301 Gladstone Avenue thecornerstonecafe.ca | 250.381.1884

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villagevibe

December 2013

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

Shiro Plum, Japanese Prunus salicina

Rescue Pear Pyrus communis

Originates from: USA Introduced: 1885

Originates from: Canada Introduced: 1987

Japanese plum trees were first discovered in China but largely cultivated in Japan. In the USA, Luther Burbank was the pioneer of plum-tree propagation, breeding several delicious Japanese plums including Shiro.

Yellow skin covers sweet, juicy flesh.

This pear is called Rescue because it was rescued in Canada by Knox Nomura of Washington. The tree was being destroyed during construction and he rescued scionwood. Creamy, smooth, buttery flesh, mild, sweet flavor.

In a few years—once the trees start to produce fruit—everyone in Fernwood will be welcome to harvest the tasty, local fruits throughout the year. Reference and photos: www.orangepippin.com and ‘A History of Fruit Varieties: The American Pomological Society’.

Mutsu Apple Malus domestica

Sunrise Apple Malus domestica

Originates from: Japan Introduced: 1930

Originates from: Summerland, BC,

Mutsu looks like a large Golden Delicious and indeed one of its parents is Golden Delicious so it has that lovely sweet honeyed flavour. It cooks superbly too; people used to call them ‘oven busters’.

Take a big one home and bake it and you have a feast for two.

Introduced: 1990s

Look for announcements of work parties, workshops on pruning, grafting, and processing in the Village Vibe. To join our volunteer list, email mila@fernwoodnrg.ca.

Thanks to the Roger Colwill Fund for the Environment, Real Estate Foundation of BC, and Vining Street Block Party for your donations to help make this project possible.

Thanks to Acorn & Branch Landscaping for installing the rock walls, to Permaculture BC for consultation, and to all the wonderful volunteers who planted these trees!

Canada

Sunrise is an attractive modern apple variety, developed in the late 20th century at the famous Summerland Research Station (home of the Spartan apple), and it is one of the best early-season apple varieties. Colours are red and yellow, just like a sunrise.

WE ARE OPEN! Products so local, we’re on a first name basis!

HOLIDAY HOURS

OPEN: Monday Dec 23rd & 30th - 930-630 Christmas Eve, December 24th - closed at 3:30pm Christmas Day, December 25th - CLOSED Boxing Day, December 26th - 11am - 5pm New Years Eve, December 31st - closed at 3:30pm VICTORIAPUBLICMARKET.COM New Years Day, January 1st - CLOSED

LOCATION HOURS OF OPERATION The Hudson Building Tuesday - Saturday 9:30-6:30 1701 Douglas Street, Victoria Sundays 9:30-5

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December 2013

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garden gleanings:

george jay:

Fruit Trees 101

Busy Fall

Care of your fruit trees

›› Margaret Hantiuk Choosing your trees Do research and buy from reputable nurseries. Pick trees that suit your locale, your needs and taste and finally, your site.

Consider dwarf, semi-dwarf or full size fruit trees. Look for specimens that are healthy and varieties that are disease-resistant. A good nursery will carry the best cultivars for this area. Some fruit trees are grafted onto a different rootstock for added vigour—make sure the graft union is healthy. Check if you need more than one tree for pollination.

This is not a concern if there are similar fruit trees nearby. Encouraging native bees and growing flowers that attract bees will improve fruit yields; try a ‘mason bee’ workshop at the Compost Education Centre.

Planting It’s best to plant fruit trees in the late fall or early spring before bud break; choose a sunny spot with lots of room for air circulation. The soil should drain well. If it doesn’t, the planting hole can be amended with 1/3 compost. The hole should be about three times the size of the root ball in width and as deep as the root ball. Firmly pack the soil to exactly the same level at the trunk ‘flare’ and if there is a graft union it must be above soil. Remove all burlap, wire, or twine.

The roots should be teased out or scored if root-bound.

If you are planting more than three trees, it is wise to have a soil test. You can get your soil tested at Integrity Sales on Keating Cross Road. Staking young trees is unnecessary except in exposed, windy sites. If staking is needed, pound two heavy stakes across from each other into the undisturbed soil and use ‘Harbour Tie’—a webbed, biodegradable material that will not injure the tree. Stakes should be checked after storms to ensure they are intact. Remove stakes after two or three years as they can maim a tree as it grows.

Apply a two to three inch mulch of compost and/or wood chips—not cedar or walnut—around the tree to the drip line annually. Make sure the mulch does not touch the base of the truck as it will rot and eventually kill the tree.

Every species has different needs and growing habits. Keep your tree watered the first two seasons and in droughts thereafter.

Trees planted against a south-facing wall, under eaves, or in containers may need more watering. Many fruit trees don’t like to be over-watered and generally occasional deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering. Good drainage is necessary in our wet winters. Most fruit trees need no fertilizing other than an annual thick mulch of compost. Clean up dropped fruit to prevent harbouring insects. If bugs, birds, or animals get your fruit before you do, consider netting your tree or purchasing the small cloth bags that are tied over the fruit clusters or fruiting branches while they ripen. Russell Nursery on Wain Road sells these products. If pruned properly and with good care, a fruit tree in a good spot can naturally resist disease.

Pruning your fruit trees Check to see if your fruit tree sets fruit on new wood or previous season’s wood. It is important to know that every pruning cut is crucial, especially with young trees, and will impact the fruiting.

Tools needed:

•

Good seccateurs (Felcro #2 is the best), small pruning saw, loppers, pole pruners—all kept sharp and cleaned occasionally with Lysol • Bonsai wire, twine, ‘Harbour Tie’ or Velcro ties First, the old rule applies here: always prune for the 3 D’s: dead, diseased, and damaged wood is removed to the source.

Learn to make a proper pruning cut: just up to the ‘collar’ of the originating branch— don’t leave stubs. Otherwise, the general rule of thumb for fruit trees is: prune to downward and outward facing buds and branches and prune off all upward and inward facing buds and branches. The aim is to create an umbrella shaped tree that is not too high, for fruit accessibility, and one that has space in the interior to allow sunlight and air in, to discourage disease.

Never prune too much in one year, as

a stress response will be triggered. Suckers or water shoots are the result. These shoots don’t fruit and will rob the tree of its vigour.

The less cuts the better unless you are pruning for the ‘espalier’ or ‘cordon’ styles of growing, which means alongside a wall or fence, that requires constant pruning the first few years.

Pruning should be done in late winter before the sap rises—water shoots can be removed anytime. Bonsai wire may be used to train young branches to grow more horizontally instead of cutting them.

The fewer wounds the better as each wound is a potential entry for disease or bug infestation. Bonsai wire is wound around the young branch in the spring and is removed at the end of the season.

In days past, small rocks or weights were tied to young limbs to train them to not grow up. The leader can also be weighted or bent once it has reached the desired height. When branches point downward their vigour is slowed and more energy goes into the fruiting.

There are two kinds of ‘buds’ on fruit trees: the flower/fruiting spurs and the leaf bud. The flower/fruit spur is thick and knobby while leaf buds are usually smooth and pointy. Good pruning encourages as much fruiting spurs as possible: ‘hands’ or clusters of fruit spurs along the branches are ideal. Leaf buds are also needed as the leaves feed the tree.

With restoration pruning, have a fiveyear plan. Remove no more than twentyfive percent each year, slowly bringing the tree back to a healthy size and better ‘scaffolding’ for fruit production and access.

Fruit can be thinned in early summer if a branch is too loaded.

Recommended pruning book:

•

American Horticultural Society Pruning and Training by Christopher Brickell & David Joyce

Local fruit tree nurseries:

•

•

•

Salt Spring Apple Company, 529 Fulford-Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, 250-537-4935 Fruit Trees and More (Bob and Verna Duncan), 724 Wain Road, North Saanich, 250-656-4269 Le Coteau Nursery, 304 Walton Place, Saanich, 250-658-5888

›› Kate Wallace It certainly has been a busy fall at George Jay Elementary. Our annual Halloween Party was a blast—we had a phenomenal bake sale. Some great games were loaned from Central Baptist Church, Coast Capital’s Leadership Group also helped out, and the Vic High Dance Troupe entertained us.

Thanks to our community supporters and parent volunteers!

We held a beautiful Remembrance Day ceremony. Families were invited and the children’s choir sang. We had a veteran come to speak to us about the importance of remembering the soldiers who fought for our freedom. I am so proud of our wonderful children who really paid attention and were respectful throughout the event. Thank you, children.

We also received news that the Victoria School Board has approved George Jay as a French Immersion school, starting with one kindergarten class in 2014. We are thrilled that Fernwood families now have the option of taking part in the French Immersion program and staying close to home.

Now, we’re gearing up for our Holiday Emporium. This is annual event allows children to purchase gifts for their families for only $1 per item. In tough economic times like these, it can be very difficult for families to afford gifts for everyone. This event allows children to feel like they are contributing to their family’s holiday time. If you have any new (or lightly used) products that are in good condition and are willing to donate to this great cause, please drop them at the school at 1118 Princess Avenue.

Donations will be accepted between December 2 and 17 only. Remember, the kids are buying gifts for their entire families, so we’re looking for more than just toys. ‘Dad stuff’ is always very welcome!

Finally, George Jay is looking for volunteer readers. We have many new immigrant children in our school, so our teachers rely on volunteers to join us and help our children learn to read. If you can spare one hour each week and would love to share the joys of literacy with children, please call 250-385-3381.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season, and many happy returns!

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

December 2013

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

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mark your calendar:

Herbal Healthcare in Owl Designer Fair our Community

Over 30 vendors will be showcasing their goods at the Owl Designer Fair. Photo: Mila Czemerys

Dec 6, 6pm-10pm & Dec 7, 10am-6pm at the Fernwood Community Herbs and medicinals can be kept on hand in your home and garden to help combat common colds

Centre

and flus. Photo: Lindsay Hounslow

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Lindsay Hounslow, RHT E-RYT

There was a time when each household had plant-based medicines on hand for simple, acute conditions, such as colds and flus. Medicines were sourced from kitchen spices, gardens, and local herbalists. Each household had someone with knowledge from previous generations about healthcare using simple remedies. What remains of this traditional household knowledge is very valuable to our communities, alongside the knowledge provided by modern science.

Colds and flus are common and, while modern antibiotics can’t treat these viruses, herbs can support the healing process and immune system. We can use anti-viral herbs like elderberry or immune modulators such as echinacea and reishi mushrooms. We can use mullein to soothe irritated respiratory tissues and to generate a more efficient, less fatiguing cough. We can also use linden and chamomile to ensure good sleep to aid recovery from illness.

Thyme is an herb that most households grow or keep in stock. Medicinally, it’s useful for digestion as well as for treating respiratory infections. Like thyme, chamomile and meadowsweet

are traditional household medicines used to remedy nausea and other digestive symptoms of the flu.

For both colds and flus, diaphoretics such as peppermint, elder, and linden support the immune reaction of fevers.

They don’t stop the natural process of fever but open peripheral circulation bringing heat to the surface to assist the sweating that eventually cools the body.

Colds can be treated with herbs that relieve sinus congestion, such as elderflower, or with herbs that have a specific affinity for the lungs (such as elecampane and marshmallow leaf ). Lung herbs can be stimulating, drying, and warming (like thyme), or softening, moistening, and cooling (like marshmallow), and can be applied to the opposite type of cough.

Each plant brings unique characteristics to the healing process and each person resonates with certain plants. I would be honoured to offer assistance in personalizing herbal formulas - whether the herbs come from my apothecary or from your garden.

I offer private appointments and a Saturday morning drop-in clinic that focuses on simple conditions, including colds and flus.

Visit Linden Lotus in Fernwood Square or at lindenlotus.ca.

›› Mila Czemerys The Owl Designer Fair is one of Victoria’s most creative holiday fairs. All items are handmade or upcycled by local artists and designers. Live music, workshops, and unique gifts make this show a must

for anyone looking for some style in their Christmas shopping.

Live performances by Mark Ednie, Sarah Elizabeth, Deer & Coyote, Jessica Benini, Joey Clarkson, and Shauna Janz.

Workshops hosted by Crossed Heart Forge, Luz Gallery, Toy & Ming, Platinum Floral Designs, and The Makehouse. Workshops are free and you can sign up for them in person at the show—first come, first serve.

Admission is $3 at the door & partial proceeds go to Fernwood NRG. More information is available at facebook.com/ owldesignerfair.

FERNWOOD NRG WINTER PROGRAMS JANUARY - APRIL 2014 (Reg) Registration Required

(DI) Drop In

MONDAY Hot Mama Health & Fitness (Reg) Fernwood Family Dinner (DI) LifeRing Alcohol & Drugs Support Group (DI) Victoria Street Soccer (DI)

Jan 6 - Mar 24 Ongoing Ongoing Jan 6 - Feb 24

9:45am -10:45am 5:00pm - 7:00pm 6:45pm - 8:00pm 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Ongoing Ongoing Jan 7 - Apr 22 Jan 7 - Apr 22 Jan 7 - Apr 22 Ongoing

9:30am - 11:30am 12:00pm - 1:00pm 4:00pm - 5:00pm 5:30pm - 6:30pm 7:00pm - 8:30pm 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Jan 15 - Mar 26 Ongoing Every other week Ongoing

10:00am - 11:30am 12:00pm - 3:00pm 1:00pm - 5:30pm 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Ongoing Ongoing Jan 9 - Apr 24 Ongoing

9:30am - 11:30am 12:00pm - 3:00pm 5:30pm - 6:30pm 7:00pm - 10:00pm

TUESDAY Family Resource Program (DI) LifeRing Alcohol & Drugs Support Group (DI) Capoeira for Youth(Reg) Victoria Bootcamp (Reg) Dancing Lotus Hatha Yoga (DI/Reg) Youth Drop-in (13-17yrs) (DI)

WEDNESDAY Mother Goose (Reg) Best Babies (Reg) Good Food Box Pickup Nuu Chah Nulth Drumming (Closed)

THURSDAY Family Resource Program (DI) Best Babies (Reg) Victoria Bootcamp (Reg) Victoria Sport & Social Club (Reg)

FRIDAY Kinder Gym (DI) Ongoing Autumn Glow Seniors Program (55+yr)(DI) Ongoing Youth Drop-in (9-12yrs) (DI) Jan 17 - Apr 25

9:30am - 11:30am 12:00pm - 2:30pm 7:00pm - 9:00pm

SUNDAY Volleyball (Closed) Floorball (Reg)

Ongoing Ongoing

11:00am - 12:00pm 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Holiday closures on January 1, February 10, and April 18 & 21.

WORKSHOPS / SPECIAL EVENTS February Fox Fair - Feb 7, 5-9pm & Feb 8 10am-4pm The Clean Bin Project Movie Screening - Feb 21 Vintageous Fair - Feb 28, 1pm- 9pm Permaculture Design Certificate - Starting March 7

For more information & to register contact: Fernwood Community Centre 1240 Gladstone Avenue, Victoria, BC T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509 info@fernwoodnrg.ca

fernwoodnrg.ca/fernwood-nrg-programs/recreation/

www.fernwoodnrg.ca

December 2013

villagevibe

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Scene in Fernwood : Faces