January 2010 Village Vibe by Fernwood NRG

January 2010

villagevibe News and views from the heart of Fernwood

Downtown success from Fernwood design studio Neighborhood quartet expands operations

 Stacey Curtis With a secret Fernwood locale studio and a hot downtown store at 533 Pandora Avenue, Floating Gold Iceberg designs has been hard at work creating artistic innovations in clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Since the company’s inception nearly two years ago, its four female co-owners (Laura Imrie; Angelica Reid; Cara Scott; and Jana Stevenson) have experienced exponential success and still maintained their essence, ethics and passion for what they do. Floating Gold Iceberg, a name derived from a song from the 1970s rock group The Band, stemmed from friends meeting at Reid’s large former Fernwood home. Eventually, the company outgrew the house. The young women rented studio space and shifted their focus from stocking other stores to opening and ﬁlling the shelves of their own store, which opened in May 2009. “Growth is welcome,” says Reid, FGI’s lead designer, “as long as it doesn’t mess with the art work and our business fundamentals.” Everything FGI adheres to three principles: hand-made; hand-drawn; and produced in house. “We’re happy to In addition to its signature line, FGI’s shop stocks wares from local brands, including Janamade and Dress Me Up. Photo by Johanna Henderson.

grow, as long as every [one of us] is happy growing.” The move from clothing design and production to opening their own boutique widened the creative bubble further. “Jana and I used to sell at the Moss Street Market,” says Scott. Owning their own store aﬀords the women this same opportunity to hear customer feedback. “The more we can satisfy our customers the more they come back.” While Scott performs hands-on screen printing and spearheads business operations, interacting with the customers allows her to bring that direct feedback into the studio and inject it into the group’s design process. She describes the practice of crafting any one single piece as “a layering of

contribution.” Each FGI lady has their own favourite article: the feel-like-a-girl-in-your long john skirt; the “designer’s dream” hot-ass vintage wool blend and handmade, lace slip lined kissey kissey skirt; and the wrist warmers Reid designed after purchasing her ﬁrst road bike and experiencing the dreaded “up-the-sleeve draft.” But top priority is how the clothing feels to customers. With well-cut and detailed designs, the FGI clothing satisﬁes a wide demographic. “It’s a big deal to accommodate all the phases of a person’s body. To give them something they can wear down the road.” Having achieved the sought-after combination of comfort and design, the FGI ladies’ line includes a third element: art.

Neighbourhood Non-Profit

Feature

Gleanings

Fernwood legal information clinic page 3

Geothermal works in Fernwood page 4

Winter gardening

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“It’s essential that we’re driven by the creative process; that’s why we came together and that’s how we explore pieces,” says Reid. If [one of us] thinks a skirt needs three separate prints, then that’s what it’ll get.” Scott adds that “having an illustrator [Stevenson] on hand helps.” After the group created the wear-it-ﬁve-ways circle scarf, Scott asked Stevenson to “jot-down” a quick how-to-wear-it illustration to include with the item at point of sale. Ten minutes later: a clothing label with style of its own emerged. This inspired group claims to have met in the usual Victoria way: “two degrees of separation.” Future plans include staying together and collaborating with other artists.

in this issue

editorial:

villagevibe

Fernwood is ready

Published by Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group Editor Lee Herrin

 Lee Herrin

Founding Editor Lisa Helps Contributors

Stacey Curtis Lee Herrin Rosalyn Cua Steve Parr Colin Rankin Deryk Houston Margaret Hantiuk Art

Steve Carey Johanna Henderson Linny D. Vine Production

Ellen Rooney Contact us

1240 Gladstone Street Victoria, BC V8T 1G6 T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509 vibe@fernwoodnrg.ca www.villagevibe.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

institutions and assets; 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;



We are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our neighbourhood’s heritage and diversity;



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

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meet the majority of our needs by walking a few blocks. We can build stronger bonds between neighbours by sharing cars, tools, books, making small loans to each other, teaching each other skills, and celebrating together at neighbourhood festivals. We can do all this, and more. And, in the next decade, we will. Regardless of what the future brings, Fernwood is ready. Email us at ready@fernwoodnrg.ca to share your predictions.

Separating the fertile from the flammable in 10 words or less —

Fernwood

Dead Wood

creative rewarding potential sustainable self-reliant

run-of-the-mill fruitless spent untenable dependent

VIRCS goes fruit picking in Fernwood: a win-win-win scenario!

neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood



Now that we’ve shaken off the opening decade of the 21st century, what does the future have in store for us? Will the new year bring the rebound in the economy we’ve been hearing about for so long, or the next leg down of the “great recession”? Will oil and food prices stabilize at current levels, or will we go through further wrenching price changes such as occurred in 2008? Is the future more of the same, or are we living through “peak everything” as one blogger I read put it? The last decade, for most of North America, was a period of tremendous growth. Much of this was fueled by credit and low fuel prices. However, in the middle of the last decade, Fernwood was suffering greatly (we’re always bucking the trend here). August 2010 will be the fifth anniversary of Fernwood NRG’s purchase of the Cornerstone Building. In the last five years, we’ve built a strong neighbourhood, and we’ve proven that we can make change happen even when dollars are scarce. We’ve shown that we are both resourceful and resilient.

But there is much work left to do. We can do more to ensure we have real food security—growing fruits and vegetables, and maybe even raising a few chickens in our backyards. We can make ourselves more energy eﬃcient in or buildings and homes, and maybe even incorporate some clean energy technology (see this month’s feature). We can continue to create a vibrant village core, ﬁlled with goods and services we all need on a regular basis, so that we can

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

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 Rosalyn Cua It was a sunny and surprisingly warm autumn morning when a group of fruit tree pickers from the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre (VIRCS) gathered in front of a house on the corner of Pembroke Street and Fernwood Road. Many local residents are familiar with Lifecycle Society’s Fruit Tree Project, where volunteers harvest fruit from private yards that would otherwise go to waste and the fruit is then distributed among homeowners, volunteers, food banks and community organizations in Victoria. For newcomers, it is a great opportunity to learn about how to access local food and get involved in the community at the same time. Part of the Multicultural Environmental Education Program (MEEP), fruit picking is just one way VIRCS is making a commitment to increase environmental awareness among newcomers, new Canadians, and the multicultural community. Since January 2008 the program has organized workshops on topics such as growing food, healthy homes and bike safety, and has taken groups of newcomers on outings to local parks and farms. “It’s been really rewarding to see the multicultural community engaged in local green initiatives when presented in a way that is accessible to them, and goes hand-in-hand with their settlement needs,” says program coordinator Gagan Leekha. With a couple of ladders and a handful of apple picking tools the crew went to work. In less than an hour the group picked 45 kilograms of snow apples. Fruit picker Go remarked that fruit picking was “a lot of

January 2010

VIRCS goes fruit picking: Marianna, our happy fruit picker.

fun,” and how it reminded him of being on his Grandfather’s farm in northern Japan where he grew up. Another picker, Marianna, was content to take a few apples and pears home as a reminder of the experience and noted how our local apples were more delicious than the perfect-looking grocery store apples. It was a win-win-win scenario: homeowners, volunteers and the community beneﬁt, all without costing a penny. The Multicultural Environmental Education Program recently launched their Green is for Everyone action tips resource available in English, Mandarin, Punjabi and Spanish. They are promoting tips that are accessible (easy to do, save money and better for our health). These tips are currently being aired on the radio as multilingual public service announcements on CFUV (101.9 FM) and Village 900

CKMO (900 AM) in Victoria and ethnic radio in Vancouver. The tips also include local resources to encourage newcomers to get to know great organizations in the community such as the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group. In the tips, MEEP promotes the Good Food Box Program and the Fruit Tree Project as ways that newcomers can access local food that is fresh and affordable. “It’s definitely an area that we are just starting to tap into and there’s so much potential for bridging and sharing, says Gagan. “Newcomers have a lot to offer to the community given the right information and connections.” To hear our action tips, visit www.vircs.bc.ca/ environment.media.php. For more information, call 250-361-9433 ext 217 or email environment@vircs.bc.ca.

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

buzz:

New community acupuncture model is on point Starting in January, Fernwood will be host to a new model of acupuncture treatment. Local acupuncturists Christina Chan and Rob Grace will be providing treatment under a community model that will allow them to significantly reduce the cost of treatment while still maintaining a high quality of service. Christina was kind enough to take some time and give the Village Vibe the inside scoop on the project. Tell us a bit about you and Rob.

I completed my training as a Registered Acupuncturist at the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Victoria, BC. I’m currently completing a diploma of Doctor of Chinese Medicine as well as the Cranial Sacral Program at Langara College. I’ve practiced acupuncture in a variety of community settings including at the Vancouver Daytox Centre,Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society and our very own Fernwood Communuty Centre. As I’m originally from a medical background as well as lifeguarding and first aid training, my experience has to lead me to connecting holistic healing with individuals from all walks of life. Rob Grace is a registered acupuncturist and student of the Feldenkrais Teacher Training. Trained at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences in Nelson, BC, Rob adheres to the Meridian School of Traditional Chinese Medicinal strategies and sees the Fernwood Acupuncture Program as the ideal model for Canadians to access inexpensive and effective health care services. Rob currently lives in Victoria with his fiancee and two cats. What are you offering here in Fernwood?

We are offering affordable acupuncture treatments ($20 and under with a $5 onetime paperwork fee for new patients) in a communal group setting. It diﬀers from

the one-on-one acupuncture sessions, which typically cost between $60-120. By decreasing the cost per treatment, patients are able to come in for treatments as often as needed so that they get well and stay well. Receiving treatments in a group environment helps to create a shared and stronger healing experience. Patients would be able to bring their friends and family along for treatments making it more of an enjoyable and relaxing experience. Our clinics will be taking place in the Multipurpose room on a drop-in basis Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4–8 p.m., with the last appointment at 7:30 p.m. Our opening date will be Wednesday, January 20 and we will be hosting an information night and FREE drop in clinic on Wednesday, January 13. Hope to see you there! Please show up wearing comfortable clothing. We will need to roll up sleeves and pant legs, so no skinny jeans, sorry! Feel free to bring any pillows, blankets, books, ear plugs, etc. to make your experience more comfortable. Since the space is shared by others, your patience and ﬂexibility is most appreciated. Our rates will be as follows: • $20 per drop in session • $140 eight-treatment punch card, valid for six months from purchase date ($17.50 per treatment) • $100 eight-treatment monthly punch card ($12.50 per treatment, non-transferable) Complimentary tea and mellow tunes are included in your experience. What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture works quickly, there are no costly procedures to be performed prior to treatments. It is extremely safe with possible mild side eﬀects, which may include minor bruising, bleeding or light-headedness. It

does not interfere with medications and has been safely used on children, elderly and pregnant women. Single-use, disposable, sterile needles are used. Needles are extremely fine and are shallowly inserted into the body. Positive change is usually seen by the end of the first session. Serious and/or chronic may require several sessions before normal health and function are restored. Generally, a minimum of four treatments are recommended for an acute condition and more if a condition is chronic. Most people leave a treatment feeling relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired for a few hours if the treatment has been particularly strong. Its recommended that you rest following a treatment. Common conditions treated by acupuncture include: • Musculo-skeletal pain, acute or chronic injuries • Nerve related disorders (neuralgia, post-herpetic pain) • Digestive issues, dietary allergies/intolerances • Seasonal allergies, respiratory conditions (asthma, colds/flu) • Menstrual disorders and menopausal imbalances • Stress and anxiety • Chronic fatigue • Psycho-emotional issues • Chemical dependency and detoxification Periodic treatments are also effective for: • Managing chronic disorders • Preventative measures, boosting immunity/resistance • General well-being (physical, mental, emotional) and increasing vitality Why is this model of health service delivery ideal for Fernwood?

Fernwood being home to many many

working class, students and young families, offering an affordable service outside business hours increases its accessibility and allows us to reach a population that generally doesn’t receive enough self-care. It just makes sense that this type of service would be offered at the heart of the neighbourhood. We would like to make it easier and more enjoyable for the Fernwood community to take care of their health and wellbeing. Health should be more of a priority. Healthy people make a healthy community. This being said, the invitation of healing is extended to other communities within Victoria and beyond.

The soul of Fernwood is grassroots and so is the way we would like to practice our acupuncture; “for the people, by the people.” What do you love best about our neighbourhood?

There is deﬁnitely a unique and friendly ﬂavor you pick up when you spend enough time in Fernwood. Having lived two years in the neighbourhood, I am always greeted by its warm welcome. I appreciate the independence, eco-conscious, eccentricity and community-mindedness you don’t find in any other neighbourhood in Victoria. The soul of Fernwood is grassroots and so is the way we would like to practice our acupuncture; “for the people, by the people.” Having the best yam fries courtesy of the Fernwood Inn doesn’t hurt either.

neighbourhood non-profit:

Fernwood Legal Information Clinic  Steve Parr Where can you ﬁnd free legal information in Fernwood? If you’re reading this in the Cornerstone Café, it’s right next door! Students from the University of Victoria Law school are on hand every Tuesday 6–7 p.m., between January and the end of March, in the Fernwood Community Association’s boardroom. Four students—two seniors and two ﬁrst-years—are available to listen to your situation, research the issue, and provide information to you by letter within two weeks. The clinic can provide information on a variety of legal matters, including: • Tenancy • Property under $10,000 • Contracts • Employment (excluding Unions) • Human Rights www.fernwoodnrg.ca

• • • • • •

Consumer Issues and Debt Small Claims procedures Family (excluding children or divorce) Immigration Business and Corporate and some Bylaw issues

Unfortunately, the clinic is unable to provide information on some legal matters, including: • Criminal law • Personal injury • Motor Vehicle (accidents, tickets) • Litigation • Matters involving children • Urgent matters • Anything in which lawyers are already involved The clinic is a good source of information on legal matters. While the students

are not lawyers, they can provide you with relevant information to help you navigate your situation. Because the volunteers are students, they are not able to provide legal advocacy or representation of any sort. The student research is also overseen by professors. Students will also be able to provide you with referrals to other free or low-cost legal information and advocacy organizations in Victoria. The clinic runs on Tuesdays, 6–7 p.m., from January 5 until March 23. Walk-ins are welcome, however appointments are encouraged. The clinic is located at 1923 Fernwood Road, in the boardroom of the Fernwood Community Association building. The boardroom is at the back of the building, up the wheelchair ramp. To make an appointment, please email fernwoodlic@gmail.com.

Thank you, Yellow House Collective! The Yellow House Collective, a Fernwood based aﬀordable housing project, disbanded this past summer after two years of successful cooperative living. The YHC members voted to donate their remaining funds to Fernwood NRG to support the development of more aﬀordable housing in our community.

January 2010

villagevibe

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feature:

With the Cornerstone Building— we are making a diﬀerence!

hen Fernwood NRG committed to revitalizing the Cornerstone Building almost ﬁve years ago it was with the intent of creating a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable neighborhood centre. Today we can see many signs of success and rewards for the hours of volunteer commitment and risks we took on. The community has gained aﬀordable rental apartments, successful businesses and spaces for art and conversations. But what of the less tangible—every bit as important—elements that contribute to a sustainable neighbourhood? How do we heat and power our community? How we use energy has an unseen but critical impact on our environment—locally and globally? The heart of the Cornerstone Building energy system is a ground source heat pump (or “geo-exchange”) that draws heat from the earth to warm the building. Some

Measuring Energy: Energy—from electrical sources, the sun or fossil fuels—is measured in a common unit called a joule (named after a “famous” English physicist). One joule is about the energy needed to lift an apple one metre upward, one hundred joules is the amount of energy a person at rest releases in one second, and a megajoule (one million joules) is approximately the kinetic energy of a one-ton vehicle moving at 160 km/h. Measuring Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions: GHG emissions are the release of gases (primarily carbon dioxide— CO2) into the atmosphere. They are measured in metric tonnes (one tonne is 2,000 kilograms). The amount of GHG released from burning fuel can be calculated from chemical equations—burning one litre of fuel in your car, for example, results in 2.5 kilograms (more than 5 pounds) of GHG emissions.

 Colin Rankin Cornerstone Building: Energy Use and GHG Emissions

may remember Dr. David Suzuki’s 2006 talk on Fernwood and urban sustainability to raise funds for an “alternate energy system” for the Cornerstone Building. We met many financial and technical challenges installing this system, as well as making provision for future installation of solar panels for hot water heating. After three years of operation, we thought it was time to ask ourselves how much of a diﬀerence is this system making . . . are we really reducing our footprint? Does it work? How much money are we saving? Local energy management group (BlueMap Sustainable Solutions) volunteered its services to provide an Energy Assessment of

the Cornerstone Building. Analyzing electricity bills, natural gas bills and the energy management system of the building, they concluded that every year the Cornerstone Building’s alternate energy system has reduced greenhouse gas emissions (and their impact on global warming and climate change) by more than 14 metric tonnes (28,000 kilograms—the equivalent of burning more than eleven thousand litres of fuel) saving over $5,000 in a year at 2008 fuel prices. The full Cornerstone Building Energy Assessment report is available on the Fernwood NRG website. Here are a few highlights from the report.

Reducing energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions results in lower impact on the environment and reduces costs to our community. Accomplishing this is easier than one might think. The Cornerstone Building uses over one million megajoules of energy in a year. This provides heating, hot water and electricity for the building’s users. Energy used to heat and power the Cornerstone Building in a year results in over 38 tonnes of GHG emissions. Use of a ground source heat pump to provide most space heating, and a portion of hot water heating, for the building reduces emissions by about 14 tonnes a year. The table below summarizes the results of the Cornerstone Building energy assessment. Energy Conservation

The amount of energy consumed in a building (and potential for energy savings) is related to four factors: Conversion – the energy used or lost in the conversion of a raw energy source into a useful product or service (for example, from fuel oil to heat in a furnace) Distribution Loads – associated with energy lost (unproductively) in transferring energy from source (such as a gas or oil boiler) to the point of use (for example,

Cornerstone Building Energy Assessment Building Description: Cornerstone Building, mixed use (residential/commercial) brick construction, built in 1909, natural gas boiler and ground source heat pump (geo exchange) space heating, natural gas on-demand and storage tank hot water heating, utility-provided electrical services. Energy Type and Use [Note: annual use is estimated using data from summer 2007 through winter 2008-09]

Annual Amount

Annual Energy Cost

Annual GHG emissions

(megajoules)

($$)

(tonnes)

Savings achieved by installing ground source heat pump (geo exchange) vs. 100% natural gas boiler. GHG Emissions Reduced (tonnes)

Cost Savings (Estimated $$)

Electrical – Space Heating

74,302

1,280

1.99

14.2

5,300

Natural Gas – Space Heating

81,500

1,340

4.24

Electrical – Other Uses

528,986

9,110

14.1

Natural Gas – Hot Water Heating

346,400

5,700

18.01

Solar (Passive) – Hot Water Heating TOTAL

Potential to reduce natural gas use – (GHG emissions reduction and cost savings) 1,031,188

17,430

38.34

14.2

5,300

Come in from out of the cold. Join us daily from 11:30 1302 Gladstone

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January 2010

412-2001

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

Building Energy Systems

GHG Emissions

Solar Energy

Heat Loss from exhaust, ventilation, walls, windows and doors

electrical use in the building or development of a conservation program for residents and businesses in the Cornerstone Building. Opportunities for savings exist in terms of energy use patterns, and new energy eﬃcient lighting and appliances and building systems. What Next?

Electricity

Natural Gas

Geo Exchange

from a boiler to an apartment space) Functional Loads – the energy needs (or “demands”) of the occupants or equipment in the building (such as heat, light and fresh air) Building Envelope – everything that separates inside from out—including exterior walls, insulation, rooﬁng, foundation, ﬂooring, windows and doors Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions from buildings are dependent on: Level of Activity – the timing, nature and amount of use—dependent on the behaviour of building users and settings of controls such as thermostats Efficiency of the Energy System – the efficiency of heat production (fossil fuel boilers, electric baseboards or other components) and the distribution system Types of Fuel Used – greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuel sources are relative to the emissions from other sources of energy (for example, electricity generated from hydro dams has fewer associated GHG emissions than electricity generated from coal-fired power plants— you may not know that some of the electricity we use is generated from coal-fired power plants in Alberta and imported for use in B.C.) How the Cornerstone Building’s Geo Exchange System Works

A ground source heat pump or “geo exchange” system uses the earth or ground water as a source of heat. Two wells have been drilled below the Cornerstone Building. A geo exchange loop between the

Heat Loss — grey water and black water

two wells delivers ground water to a heat exchanger where heat is drawn oﬀ, transferred to indoor air and distributed through the building. The Cornerstone’s system operates only from October through April. The system could also be used during the summer months to cool the building by taking heat from the air and transferring it to the ground through the well system, but a more eﬃcient method (opening windows) is used instead. The geo exchange system used in the Cornerstone Building is not “geo thermal” power drawing on hot water or steam from underground sources. It uses the heat in the ground as a source for exchanging heat in a similar manner to air source heat pumps that heat and cool many homes and commercial buildings. Further Opportunities for Savings

There are two areas with signiﬁcant opportunities for savings—hot water heating and electrical use. Hot water heating for the Cornerstone Building is largely provided by a natural gas boiler—every year it costs almost $6,000 to fuel and releases about 18 metric tonnes of GHG emissions into the atmosphere. When the building was refurbished, the plumbing for a rooftop solar hot water heating system was installed, but funding ran out before the system was purchased and installed. Electrical use for appliances, lights and cooling the Cornerstone Building costs over $9,000 a year (at 2007-2008 rates) and results in about 14 metric tonnes of GHG emissions. The energy assessment did not include a detailed investigation of

The Cornerstone Building has in many ways re-energized Fernwood. It provides a place to meet and share stories, aﬀordable living space and places to work in the core of the neighbourhood. We have shown that we can breathe life into an “old shell” with these new ways of providing heat and energy. The Cornerstone Building and the committed people who helped in its restoration are visible and viable demonstrations of sustainable community—living, loving, changing and lasting! Individually, we can change the way we think about and use energy—change our behaviour and invest in energy saving light bulbs, appliances and heating systems. As a

community there is even more opportunity to inspire others, to be different and reduce our energy footprint showing that it can be done. Transforming our relationship with power and the ways that we use energy opens many possibilities—air source heat exchangers, ground source heating and cooling, solar power and hot water heating, and even heat from our waste and sewage. Thinking beyond individual buildings, Fernwood could become the first Victoria neighbourhood with its own energy supply. While the bioenergy power plant at Dockside Green has garnered attention and accolades, it is powering new and expensive condos and cubicles. What about an energy system that provides renewable energy to an existing neighbourhood and returns benefits to the community of Fernwood? Why not? If you have any ideas that you would like to share or questions about the energy assessment you can contact Susan Pratt of BlueMap Sustainable Solutions: susan.bluemap@gmail.com.

Cornerstone Building Energy System Estimated annual emissions based on 2007-2009 energy use data GHG Emissions related to Electrical = 16.1 tonnes

Geo Exchange GHG emissions reduction (reduced natural gas use) = 14.2 tonnes

Lighting, Equipment, Appliances, etc.

Meters

Electricity

Potential for Solar Hot Water

Geo Exchange Wells and Water Loop

Natural Gas

GHG Emissions related to Natural Gas = 22.25 tonnes

Space Heating 80% from Geo exchange

Heat Exchanger

Natural Gas On-demand Hot Water Heater

Reduction of natural gas use and related GHG emissions

Domestic Hot Water Space Heating 20% from Natural Gas

Gas Boiler

The figure above outlines the elements of the Cornerstone Building’s energy system. Electricity from BC Hydro, natural gas and a ground source heat pump provide heat and power to the building. There is a potential to use solar energy for hot water and power. Power and heat is distributed through the building through air ducts and cables. Heat and moisture are lost through the building walls, windows and doors, as well as from waste water. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are associated with the amount and type of energy used. Energy conservation and GHG emissions savings opportunities can be seen by examining these elements—taking into consideration the nature of the Cornerstone Building and the ways in which occupants and visitors use it.

Denise Savoie Member of Parliament for Victoria

constituency office: 970 Blanshard Street Victoria, BC V8W 2H3 telephone: 363-3600 e-mail: Savoie.d@parl.gc.ca on the web: www.denisesavoie.ca

Your voice in Ottawa www.fernwoodnrg.ca

January 2010

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artist’s aside:

The creative energy of artists  Deryk Houston People are often curious about artists and how we think, because, more often than not, artists are viewed as a tiny bit crazy or at least oﬀ-the-wall. Some of you might argue that it is not fair for me to generalize about a group of people, but those of you who have lived with an artist will be nodding their heads vigorously. Keep in mind that I believe in the idea that there is an artist lurking in all of us, I think it is not so much that artists are actually crazy. It might be kinder to describe us as people who think in a counter intuitive way. They are willing to try something new even if it means failing. They can struggle over a piece of art for days and then toss it all away by introducing an experimental element into the work. This is part of the creative process and it is the secret that breaks new ground, allowing something special and unique to be released. Fernwood is busting at the seams with artists. When one walks into the “She Said” gallery on Gladstone Avenue, it is like ﬁnding the motherload of creative energy. The new owner, Marnie Hueston, describes the gallery as the kind of place she would like

Neighbourhood artist Linny D. Vine takes a creative look at the intersection of Fernwood Square, Fernwood Road and Gladstone Avenue in her painting “In the heart of Fernwood”.

to discover when she is visits an unfamiliar city. It is a wonderful space to explore and all your senses are restored and healed by the scents of essential oils, the colours and the imagery. It is no surprise to learn that it is all women represented in this gallery. There are close to one hundred and ﬁfty artists jam packed into this labor of love and the hand crafted items range from jewelry, paintings by talented artists such as Linny D.Vine, pottery, sculpture and local authors. If you ever want to learn more about Fernwood for example, then look for Karen Skowron’s “Fernwood Strolls”. She takes you on a journey around her neighbourhood through her lovely, personal, pocket-sized book. If you ever get the chance to meet her in person, you will feel like you have stepped back in time. It is such a pleasure to know this gentle and beautifully grounded person. I visited her house a while back and as we sipped tea, I asked her to explain the many unusual and old fashioned suitcases stacked on top of each other forming dressers. She explained that it allowed her to be independent. If she ever chose to move, she could simply walk out the door with a suitcase under each arm and not be reliant on anybody. Welcome to Fernwood.

gleanings:

January gardening  Margaret Hantiuk To start the new year (and a new decade) I’d like to offer helpful gardening tips each month using a great book I’ve discovered: the ‘Timber Press Guide to Gardening in the Pacific Northwest’, by Carol W. and Norman E. Hall. This book is current (2008) with good gardening insights and advice that is relevant to our locale. Despite January being our coldest month, it is not harmful to hardy plants unless there are heavy, wet snows that can break branches and boughs. In this case, gently remove as much as you can as soon as you can. Winter gales can dislodge young or new shrubs and shallow rooted conifers in rain soaked soils. Check on these and firm them in if ‘wind-rock’ has lifted them. (It is a good idea to stake new trees for their first two years, but do remove it after that, as more damage than good can be done after this time.) Piling fallen leaves around your shrubs and perennials (not the crowns) will help protect them in sub zero weather.

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It is wise to not cut back perennials and to not prune in late fall, as stalks protect plants and late pruning encourages new, vulnerable growth. That being said, this is the time of year to prune grapes, kiwi and some fruit trees because they are dormant. If you have a peach tree or other fruit trees that are infested with pests, it is also time to carefully spray with lime sulfur/ dormant oil. Otherwise, a good bout of cold is good for killing over wintering pests. Tender plants require special treatment: very tender (zone 9 and above) being brought into a shed, basement or greenhouse, or if borderline (zone 8) they’ll survive with heavy mulching of conifer boughs, straw, burlap or lots of leaves. Placing tender plants in south facing, sheltered spots or moveable pots is the best answer. Protect winter veggies with heavy mulching or remay cloth covers secured with rocks or wood. Besides checking for any winter damage, this is the time to wander about your garden and plan what you will change in

January 2010

the coming year, as you can see the ‘bones’ or structure so much better. If you have planted some winter winners, you can enjoy them from inside as well if you have placed them wisely. Besides the lovely conifers, bamboos and broad-leaved evergreens, here are some hardy and easy winter stars worth growing:

• • •

Berries/fruits:

• Flowers:

• • • •

•

Mahonia X media ‘Charity’ (all winter, yellow, attracts hummingbirds) Sarcococca (‘sweet box’, fragrant, shade tolerant, evergreen small shrub Viburnums (various, some such as X bodnantense ‘Dawn’ are fragrant) Skimmia (small, shade tolerant evergreen with either red berries or ﬂowers) Hamamelis X intermedia, Mollis cultivars (witch hazel) bright late Jan ﬂowers

thickets) Acer griseum (paperbark maple, small tree) Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ (coral bark maple, small tree) Betula utilis var jacquemontii (Himalayan birch)

• • • •

Some roses have colorful hips, especially the rugosa hybrids Holly (there are varieties that are spineless, with variegated foliage) Cotoneasters (many diﬀerent, easy varieties) Pyracanthas (ﬁre thorn—they do have spines, for walls, fences) Callicarpa bodinieri var. Giraldii (‘beautybush’, bright purple berries, small shrub)

Winter perennials:

•

Primulas, Hellebores and winter pansies, Calluna cultivars (heather)

Bark:

Bulbs/Corms:

•

Cornus varieties: C. alba, C. sanguinea, C. sericea (bright red, yellow

Eranthis (Aconite), Snowdrops (Galanthus), Cyclamen coum

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

what’s on in Fernwood: January Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday Storytime 9:30am

Laughter Yoga 10:00-11:00am @ Orange Hall

Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Parent & Babe Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Hatha Yoga 3:30-5:00pm

Community Acupuncture Grand Opening—Free Drop-In! 4:00-8:00pm

Laughter Yoga 10:00-11:00am @ Orange Hall

Seniors’ Exercise, Lunch and Activities 11:00am

Work party 3:00pm @ Springridge Commons.

Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Fernwood Youth Fridays 7:00-9:30pm

Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm

Music 7:00-11:00pm

Drop-In Karate 1:00-2:30pm Drop-In Soccer 5:00-6:30pm Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage 7:00pm @ Norway House

Kundalini Yoga 7:00-8:30pm LifeRing Secular Recovery 7:30-8:45pm

Legal Information Clinic 6:00-7:00pm at 1923 Fernwood Rd. Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm

Bluegrass Jams 7:30-10:00pm

Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam 7:30-10:00pm @ Orange Hall

Like the work of Fernwood NRG? Go to CanadaHelps. org and make a donation.

Open Mic 8:30-11:30pm @ the Fernwood Inn.

Sunday Storytime 9:30am

Laughter Yoga 10:00-11:00am @ Orange Hall

Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Parent & Babe Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Hatha Yoga 3:30-5:00pm

Community Acupuncture 4:00-8:00pm

Laughter Yoga 10:00-11:00am @ Orange Hall

Seniors’ Exercise, Lunch and Activities 11:00am

Walking Group 10:00am start @ Fernwood Square

Legal Information Clinic 6:00-7:00pm at 1923 Fernwood Rd.

Bluegrass Jams 7:30-10:00pm

Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Fernwood Youth Fridays 7:00-9:30pm

Community Acupuncture 4:00-8:00pm

Music 7:00-11:00pm

Work party 3:00pm @ Springridge Commons.

Drop-In Karate 1:00-2:30pm Drop-In Soccer 5:00-6:30pm Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage 7:00pm @ Norway House

Kundalini Yoga 7:00-8:30pm LifeRing Secular Recovery 7:30-8:45pm Fernwood Community Mapping Project 7:00pm An update of what we’ve accomplished so far and a look at where we’re going. A Spring Equinox Mapping Day is in the works. We need your input, ideas, and energy. Everyone welcome. Email dotter@seaside.net for location.

Food Security Collective Meeting 7:00-9:00pm

Friends of the Malahat 7:00-10:00 pm @ Orange Hall. Join local literary magazine The Malahat Review for author readings, silent auction, music and more. For details, visit malahatreview.ca.

Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm Open Mic 8:30-11:30pm @ the Fernwood Inn.

Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam 7:30-10:00pm @ Orange Hall

Where’s that event? Fernwood NRG 1240 Gladstone Ave.

Belfry Theatre 1291 Gladstone Ave.

Orange Hall 1620 Fernwood Rd.

Cornerstone Cafe 1301 Gladstone Ave

Fernwood Inn 1302 Gladstone Ave.

Norway House 1110 Hillside Ave.

Sunday Storytime 9:30am

Laughter Yoga 10:00-11:00am @ Orange Hall

Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Parent & Babe Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Hatha Yoga 3:30-5:00pm

Community Acupuncture 4:00-8:00pm

Laughter Yoga 10:00-11:00am @ Orange Hall

Seniors’ Exercise, Lunch and Activities 11:00am

Work party 3:00pm @ Springridge Commons.

Legal Information Clinic 6:00-7:00pm at 1923 Fernwood Rd.

Bluegrass Jams 7:30-10:00pm

Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Fernwood Youth Fridays 7:00-9:30pm

Community Acupuncture 4:00-8:00pm

Music 7:00-11:00pm

Drop-In Karate 1:00-2:30pm Drop-In Soccer 5:00-6:30pm Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage 7:00pm @ Norway House

Kundalini Yoga 7:00-8:30pm LifeRing Secular Recovery 7:30-8:45pm

Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm

Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam 7:30-10:00pm @ Orange Hall

Open Mic 8:30-11:30pm @ the Fernwood Inn.

1 February

Sunday Storytime 9:30am

Kundalini Yoga 7:00-8:30pm

Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Parent & Babe Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am

Drop-In Karate 1:00-2:30pm

LifeRing Secular Recovery 7:30-8:45pm

Hatha Yoga 3:30-5:00pm

Community Acupuncture 4:00-8:00pm

Seniors’ Exercise, Lunch and Activities 11:00am

Walking Group 10:00am start @ Fernwood Square

Legal Information Clinic 6:00-7:00pm at 1923 Fernwood Rd.

Bluegrass Jams 7:30-10:00pm

Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm

Fernwood Youth Fridays 7:00-9:30pm

Work party 3:00pm @ Springridge Commons.

Drop-In Soccer 5:00-6:30pm Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage 7:00pm @ Norway House

Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm

Open Mic 8:30-11:30pm @ the Fernwood Inn.

Music 7:00-11:00pm

Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam 7:30-10:00pm @ Orange Hall

mark your calendars:

Stepping Out Into Fernwood  Carmon Currie Walking is a great way to get out into a neighbourhood and become part of the community. Starting a walking group can help make neighbourhoods better places to live by drawing attention to what makes a community walkable, while enabling participants to experience the beneﬁts of physical activity at the same time. Beginning in January 2010, the Fernwood Walking Group will give you an opportunity to get outside and walk with your neighbours. Fernwood and the surrounding neighbourhoods provide many wonderful routes to choose from. The walking group will meet in Fernwood Square at 10a.m. on alternate Saturdays beginning January 9 (check calendar for dates). The group will walk for one and-a-half to two hours ending back at the Square and then participants www.fernwoodnrg.ca

can choose to go for coﬀee or lunch or just carry on with their day. Why walk in groups? • Makes walking more enjoyable and motivating • Provides a chance to meet and talk to others • Creates opportunities to walk in new places What do you need? • A good pair of shoes • Water bottle • Rain coat in the event of showers January is a great time to start new things. Let’s create a group for walkers who enjoy the great outdoors and would like to make new friends. If you would be interested in leading a walk or if you have any ideas for routes, please let me know at carmon.currie@ gmail.com. January 2010

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Scene in Fernwood : Textures