June 2014 Village Vibe

June 2014

villagevibe News and views from the heart of Fernwood

FernFest on summer solstice 19th Annual FernFest packed with activities for all ages

›› Kathryn Juricic

A

ttention Victoria, you are invited to join us in the square on Friday night and all day Saturday, June

20 & 21, to celebrate 19 years of FernFest and the summer solstice. The weekend is filled with an eclectic line-up of musical talent that you might not know but are guaranteed to love. FernFest always showcases the very best of Victoria’s vibrant local music scene. Did we mention the event is free and open to all ages?

FernFest is a unique neighbourhood music and arts festival that began in 1995.

For almost 2 decades, with the help of local businesses and many volunteers, this family friendly event has been transforming the neighbourhood into a carnival of wonder and shared celebration.

On Saturday, wake up and catch the Pancake Breakfast cooked up by the great folks of the Fernwood Inn. Explore the treasures of over 40 artisans and vendors, drop in for a capoeira demonstration on the Field of Dreams, play and make art in the Kid’s Zone. Don’t miss the Kidical Mass Bike Parade with Mike and Olena Russell, Fernwood Art Stroll, Fernwood Paint-off, Senior’s High Tea, painting the Bubble Man’s car, silent auction and many more fun filled surprises. Fernwood Square will be rocking all day and night with live music conveniently located in front of the beer garden. As per usual, we’ve got delicious Phillips beer and this year we’ve added Lonetree Cider on tap.

We are excited to announce that the FernFest Field of Dreams (the Vic High field) will be back for its second year!

The Field is going to be all things fun.

In addition to its own mini stage, we’ve got kid’s activities like hair streaking from Studio 1313, tie dye with the Fernwood Community Centre youth drop-in, a cardboard castle, face-painting, and more.

Keep an eye out for clowns, magicians,

One and all are invited to party on at FernFest, June 20 & 21, in Fernwood Square. Image: Mila Czemerys

storytellers, and hula hoopers! Don’t worry parents, we balance this circus extravaganza with a by-donation massage tent from ViVi Therapy.

FernFest always leaves you with a sense of wonder and celebration. The goal is to bring people together in the spirit of fun and shared experiences.

Thank you to all the local businesses, silent auction donors, musicians, artists and volunteers who come together every year to make this event possible!

There is no better place to be on the longest days of the year. If you want to help out in any way, there are lots of volunteer positions still available. Apply online through fernwoodnrg.ca or send an email to kathryn@fernwoodnrg.ca.

Can’t wait to see you all enjoying what this neighbourhood has to offer! See you in the Square June 20 & 21.

Full details available in our FernFest Program on page 4 and 5.

Fernwood Bites 2014 Fernwood Bites changes the pace on Sunday evening after FernFest into a cozy and exciting food and libation tasting event. Fernwood NRG’s annual fundraiser, Fernwood Bites, has been turning heads since 2008. We invite local food and drink artisans to showcase their delicious and unique taste sensations. This year, we are thrilled to be teaming up with local business Cook Culture as the main event sponsor.

Happening in Fernwood Square on Sunday, June 22, the event features an evening of food and drink sampling, live jazz and a silent auction of items donated by local artists and businesses. As a near zero-waste event, Fernwood Bites celebrates the Fernwood NRG’s value of environmental sustainability. Proceeds will help fund Fernwood’s food security initiatives including the Good Food Box, Fernwood Community Orchard, and Kitchen Garden Pilot Project.

From cheese fondue to crab cakes, macarons, fresh brewed beers and hand crafted wines, Fernwood Bites is a crowd pleaser. Prepare your taste buds for some of the best cuisine Vancouver Island has to offer.

We are grateful to all the food and drink presenters who generously donate their samples to our fundraiser every year. We look forward to enjoying these tasty treats amidst the sounds emanating from the Belfry patio from Kariba Surprise, our resident Fernwood Bites band. Tickets are selling fast so pick them up online and see you soon for an evening to remember.

Fernwood Bites runs from 5:30-8p.m. on June 22 in Fernwood Square. Tickets for this 19+ event are $50 and include all samples. Tickets are available online at fernwoodbites2014.eventbrite.ca .

For a full overview of who will be joining us at the 5th Annual Fernwood Bites, see fernwoodnrg.ca.

in this issue Buzz

Feature

Mark Your Calendar

Neighbours for Kevin page 2

FernFest Program page 4 & 5

Fernwood Paint-off page 7

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

guest editorial:

villagevibe

That kind of neighbour

Published by Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group Editorial Committee

Lee Herrin Hayley Evans

Matt Takach David Segal Founding Editor Lisa Helps

›› Karen Lee Pickett

Contributors

Kathryn Juricic Sarah Rouget Ruben Anderson Kate Wallace Kimberly Dean Laurie Hashizume

Karen Lee Pickett Shannon K. Auringer Josh Wagler Lifecycles Devorah Stone Garth Martens

Art

Mila Czemerys Sherri Kostian Kimberly Dean Alexandra Stephanson 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 enquire about advertising in the Village Vibe, please contact ads@fernwoodnrg.ca

My partner and I are standing over a waist-high, body-long pile of limbs and branches in our front yard, the product of our pruning our fruit trees. We have missed the city’s branch pick-up, and are trying to figure out what to do. Across the street, inside his ever-open garage door, we see our neighbour, Henry. He waves and trots over, seeing the problem immediately. “Let me get my wood chipper.”

Henry is that kind of neighbour. His house and verdant garden are meticulously maintained, and his garage is filled with every tool known to humankind, each scrupulously organized into a magic Tardis of hardware. He is endlessly generous in loaning, helping, fixing, hauling in his pickup and offering excellent advice. We moved

The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NRG.

declaration of principles & values ››

to Walnut Street in 2003, and Henry was the first neighbour to make a connection with us. He decorates at Halloween, and enjoys seeing the kids tramping up and down in their costumes; he always puts up lights and a tree at Christmas.

Henry moved into his rented duplex in 1973. He raised his daughter there, and has seen many shifts and changes in the neighbourhood. Last year, his landlord put the property on the market, and recently, it sold. The new owner is planning a complete renovation, which has already been started on the other side of the duplex. Last week, he gave Henry his notice. After 41 years, Henry must be out of his home by August 1.

“Renovictions” are not uncommon, and apparently Henry has no legal recourse. He grew up near Hillside and Quadra, went to Vic High, was employed at the Jubilee all his

working life and is spending his retirement tending his overflowing vegetable garden, which is decorated with bright wooden whirligigs he makes in his workshop, and making many other beautiful wooden objects: clocks, benches, furniture. He has a deep knowledge of the history of Fernwood: its landscape, the ebb and flow of its water, its people. He is the living memory of the street, of the neighbourhood. We are grateful for his connection and love of Fernwood, because that was the beginning of our connection and love for Fernwood.

Henry’s daughter has a lead on a garage apartment in Metchosin which might include room enough to keep some of his tools. When he goes, no matter how many people end up living in what was once his home, there will be a very empty space left behind. He takes with him the heart of Fernwood.

mark your calendar:

Neighbours for Kevin

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

››

We are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood 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

Photo: Sherri Kostian

in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives;

››

Block party will raise We are committed to governing our organization and serving our

money for Fernwood

neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness,

family who’ve lost father

inclusivity and kindness;

››

We are committed to developing the

and excellence of our neighbours and ourselves;

››

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

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

››

›› Sarah Rouget

skills, capacity, self-worth,

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

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villagevibe

June 2014

The annual Neighbours for Change block party on Gladstone Avenue in front of the Fernwood Inn hosts Fernwood locals and Victoria residents in a fun atmosphere that raises money for The Roger Colwill Fund.

This is a fund set up in 2008 in the name of Fernwood’s infamous ‘Community Liason’, Roger Colwill, father of Mike and Sarah, two of the owners of the Inn. Last year’s event helped to fund the Fernwood NRG’s Kitchen Garden Pilot Project at the Fernwood Community Centre.

Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 2-5 p.m. will

be Fernwood’s sixth annual Neighbours for Change community block party. While all the main attractions will be back—such as the dunk tank, auction, BBQ, marketplace, beer garden, and live band—this year’s cause is particularly important and certainly a lot more personal than ever before.

The block party will be an opportunity to celebrate the life of a cherished Fernwood local who lost his life to cancer on May 15.

Kevin Oneschuk was a devoted husband and proud father of two amazing kids. He worked full time as the bar manager of the Fernwood Inn for 7 years and was an integral part of the Fernwood community.

His warm, infectious smile and friendly nature helped to establish the business that now misses him dearly.

Help us pay tribute to this exceptional man and show our support to his family

by coming out on July 20 and celebrating Kevin. It is our great honor that this year the proceeds from The Roger Colwill Fund will be put in trust for Kevin and Meghan’s children, Devon (10) and Finn (7).

Make sure to save a few bucks for one of Devon’s chocolate dipped, frozen bananas and a glass of Finn’s lemonade. Dunk Mike Colwill in the dunk tank with a ticket sold by his very own mother, Barb! Do a do-sido with your neighbour to the toe tapping tunes of Bucko & Toad, Fernwood’s own country band. Peruse the local marketplace. Bid on a cruiser bike, fishing charter, or piece of art in the silent action and enjoy a cold beer and a burger or veggie burger hot off the grill.

This years’ block party is not one to miss!

We will see you there! For more info, contact neighboursforchange@gmail.com.

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

buzz:

Vic High making a difference in mental health awareness Vic High Leadership

not provide, the amazing staff will be sure to refer them to the specialized program that they may need. Sara Gifford works in youth outreach and can be reached at 250-388-3552. The clinic’s website can be found at victoriayouthclinic.ca.

Group donates $2500 to the Victoria Youth Clinic to support healthcare services

Even if you have a mental health disorder, it’s not a part of you. It’s not even a part of who you are; it’s just something you have

›› Shannon K. Auringer Mental health is something that we all think about and struggle with throughout our lives. It affects everyone in every phase and every age of their journey. This is something that the Vic High Leadership Group recognized and decided to be proactive about. Owen Erikson, Maggie Laver, Lilly Powell, Emma Hornell and Asia Le Mackay championed a three-day mental health awareness event called ‘Your Mind Matters: Let’s Talk about Mental Health’ for 710 students who attend Vic High.

This week was made up of workshops, guest speakers, and entertainment such as hands-on Zumba, frisbee games, and a rugby game. Of course, no one can forget the fantastic spread of free food that was used to draw in the crowds in order to bring this important subject into the spotlight.

When asked about the biggest problem that affects today’s youth in regards to their mental health, Owen Erikson replied, “Selfdiagnosis is a big problem.” Explaining what inspired the creation of this amazing

The Vic High Leadership Group (right to left) Emma Hornell, Owen Erickson. Lilly Powell, Maggie Laver and Asia Le Mckay (not present) took the initiative to organize an event for Vic High students to learn about mental health and wellbeing at the beginning of May 2014. Photo: Mila Czemerys

event, Maggie Laver said, “These things really affect everyone in one way or another and it doesn’t get addressed enough. The idea is to erase the stigma and get it talked about and this could also give people the tools to help their peers.”

A Victoria Foundation grant is available for schools to give to a non-profit organization of their choice. The Vic High Leadership Group presented a $2500 cheque to the Victoria Youth Clinic, which

buzz:

Solar hot water explained Learn about solar hot water at the Fernwood Community Centre, June 12 at 7p.m.

›› Ruben Anderson Who wouldn’t love a nice, hot shower— basking in water heated by the sun’s energy?

Well, CRD grant money could save you thousands of dollars on the solar hot water system you have dreamed of—all thanks to an expansion of the very successful Solar Colwood program.

Due to significant interest from neighbourhood residents, Fernwood NRG has arranged for James Smyth, of Pacific Solar Smart, to give an introduction to solar hot water systems at the Community Centre on June 12 at 7:00 p.m.

James is an award-winning instructor at

www.fernwoodnrg.ca

Camosun College’s solar training program.

In addition to being knowledgeable about all kinds of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, James has designed a solar hot water system optimized for Victoria’s climate.

Victoria gets more sunshine than the global leader in solar energy, Germany, and modern solar collectors are productive even on cloudy days. The solar collectors on Fernwood NRG’s Park Place apartments have been pumping out hot water and lowering utility bills since 2008.

Check out James’ website: pacificsolarsmart.com. You can read up on the solar hot water program, and list of FAQs at solarcolwood.ca/solar-hot-water.php.

Admission is free, but a suggested donation of up to $5 will be gratefully accepted to help Fernwood NRG keep offering valuable events like this to our neighbourhood. Send any questions to info@fernwoodnrg.ca.

Let’s go solar, Fernwood!

is a walk-in clinic located at 533 Yates Street that provides accessible medical care and psychiatric and counselling services for youth. This clinic runs on limited staff and volunteer support, and, due to funding, is currently open 16 hours per week: Monday and Thursdays 3-7 p.m., and Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11-3 p.m. The Victoria Youth Clinic provides a safe and confidential place for teens to seek medical related help.

If they require a service that the clinic does

While lined up for the amazing wraps and veggies, grade 9 student Brit McDougal was asked what her thoughts were on the whole event. She said that she attended the bipolar workshop and the depression & anxiety workshop, stating that she found them really interesting and informative.

She went on to say, “Even if you have a mental health disorder, it’s not a part of you. It’s not even a part of who you are; it’s just something you have.”

It was amazing and inspiring to see the youth of Victoria recognize such an important social issue, and hopefully we will see this initiative make its appearance again next year.

Carole James, MLA VICTORIA–BEACON HILL

Honoured to serve you in our community 1084 Fort Street Victoria, BC V8V 3K4 250-952-4211 Carole.James.MLA@leg.bc.ca www.CaroleJamesMLA.ca

June 2014

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Time

Time

Performer SIMON PATRICK RUSSELL

5:00pm

6:00 pm

DJ COLD BEEF

6:45 pm

7:00 pm

8:00 pm

9:00 pm

Main Stage - Fernwood Square Russell's style ranges from funky absurd and upbeat to down-paced contemplative romantic, with rhythm and heart at the root of it all.

FernFest resident DJ Cold Beef will be throwing down funky old school beats to get the festival groovin’ from the beginning.

Activity

9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.

Community Pancake Breakfast

10:00 a.m.

- 3:00 p.m.

Artisan Market

11:00 a.m.

Kidical Mass Bike Parade

11:00 a.m.

- 4:00 p.m.

Field of Dreams

11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Heritage Walking Tours

Noon 10:00 p.m.

BBQ & Beer Garden

1:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m.

Seniors’ High Tea

(a.k.a. Vic High Field)

UKULELE WITH PAUL LAVERICK

Paul Laverick and the Larsen Music Ukulele crew are back for the second year in a row to inspire and awe the crowd with the rhythm of the ukulele.

12:00 pm

FOX GLOVE

MEATDRAW

Fierce carnival music mixed with raging joy that transports into rock music.

These talented musicians mix stomp gospel dirges, power anthems, and carchase jazz with intricate musicianship.

1:00 pm

AARON WOOD BAND

BUCAN BUCAN

A modern spin on traditional Balkan music with spontaneous, theatrical performances. These eight musicians will liven the stage with their high energy.

2:00 pm

MEDANA

3:00 pm

SAN FELIX

HIGH SOCIETY

An unstoppably dramatic rockin’ soul and blues band from Vancouver, eager to fill your eyes and ears with euphoric excitement and inspiration. High Society is a unique blend of R&B, soul, folk, hip hop, & jazz.

4:00 pm

DOWNTOWN MISCHIEF

5:00 pm

MUFARO

6:00 pm

THE LEG-UP PROGRAM

7:00 pm

SHOESTRING BOURBON

8:00 pm

KIKEYAMBAY

9:00 pm

THE NEW GROOVEMENT

HUNGRY?

Enjoy some tasty delights from our BBQ. We’ll be serving Stage Wine Bar sausages, Field Roast veggie dogs, and kid’s hot dogs.

Open from 5-8p.m.

Time

Performer

THIRSTY?

Hang out in our refreshments tent with the best seats in Fernwood to watch the music & drink some local Phillips beer & Lonetree Cider.

Open from 5-10p.m.

T

1

1

PRIVATE PILATES ACUPUNCTURE PHYSIOTHERAPY MASSAGE THERAPY

1

ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE!

2

1358 GLADSTONE AVE / 250 590 6612 / SOMAVICTORIA.CA

3

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villagevibe

June 2014

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

Details We start the day off right with a by-donation pancake breakfast in the Square, generously prepared and donated by The Fernwood Inn. Over 40 local vendors will be showcasing their unique items on Gladstone Avenue from Fernwood Square to the Fernwood Community Centre. A variety of tables bring you handmade clothing, jewelery, furniture, soaps, baked goods, and more.

Kids! Decorate your bikes (starting at 10 a.m.) and glide through Fernwood in style. Meet at the Field of Dreams (Vic High Field) and tour through the 'hood escorted by Vic PD. Family and kid's activities galore & all things fun: tie dye, carnival games, face painting, art, info tables, massage, and mini stage (see schedule below).

Nick Russell, Keith Thomas, & the Victoria Heritage Foundation will lead you on a guided tour of the heritage buildings in our neighbourhood. (Meet in Fernwood Square) Our BBQ brings you gourmet Stage Wine Bar sausages and Field Roast veggie sausages, plus kid's dogs. Wash that down with an ice cold Phillips beer or Lonetree Cider in the beer garden. (Located in Fernwood Square) Join in on some good ol' fashioned fun at the Fernwood Community Centre.

Scones, tea, and good conversation. (55+ years please)

Main Stage - Fernwood Square This female trio is back for another year at FernFest. Illuminating the gazebo with grace, these ladies create a fresh sound with haunting yet enchanting harmonies.

Bringing you the best of rhythm, blues, and groove from yesterday and today.

Combining elements of Latin, Cuban, Brazilian, funk and jazz to produce a well greased dancing machine!

Energy and eccentricity mixed with West Coast folk, San Felix brings a fresh sound that will leave you happy in the beer garden or dancing in the Square.

Hip-Hop hammer of that drippity-drop-beat-leave-your-seat-hit-the-street-style equalize relax relax.

Exciting, polyrhythmic marimba band playing music from Zimbabwe that will get you groovin' with a smile on your face. Happy music.

A creative collaboration exploring the possibilities for fun, dance, and education. This orchestra of a band will bring the funk, soul, R&B, reggae, latin, and world beats to the Square all in one show!

Bringing back the 60's and 70's, Shoestring Bourbon plays modern electric blues with a twist. A strong female lead and wailing slide guitar, the band brings together the best of the blues.

Made in Fernwood Join us at Fernfest on Saturday, June 21 from 11 am to 4 pm We’d love to show you what we do and how we do it. We’ll have free building tours where you can see all of our nooks and crannies and where we create some of the best contemporary theatre in Canada all made in Fernwood.

Check in at our table in the square or meet us in the lobby for this and the other family friendly activities we have planned.

Kikeyambay’s upbeat blend of West African, Zimbabwean, reggae, hip hop, jazz, gospel, and soul music always gets people on the dance floor! Don't miss this chance to hear these world renown musicians live.

An eleven-piece funk machine will make you shake everything you got! Seemlessly blending elements of R&B, soul, and hip-hop to create a funkified feast for the ears.

FernFest is excited to have The New Groovement back to headline our festival!

Time

Performer

Mini Stage - Field of Dreams

11:00am

Storyteller

Lise-Lotte Loomer's dazzling and creative stories will begin the day.

12:00 pm

Kid's Dance

Stephanie Corazza will have a fun warm-up, circle time, group activities, props, and free dance lessons for kids!

1:00 pm

The Great Giffoni

All manner and sort of fanciers of the mystical arts are invited, and the curious, the wary, and the merely skeptical are dared to be amazed by his magic.

Fantastico!

2:00pm

Kid's yoga

Lead by Rachel from the Fernwood Yoga Den, this class is a great wind down to an exciting day.

3:00pm

Capoeira

For all audiences, Professor Caju and his capoeria team are a talented group that are bound to impress.

www.fernwoodnrg.ca

June 2014

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commons corner:

george jay:

Gooseberry

In the midst of The Flood

›› Josh Wagler June is a busy time in the garden, and two words come to mind: turbulence and florescence. The soils are still moist with the lingering spring rains, and the heat provokes massive growth this month as we approach the Summer Solstice. The garden offers a vast abundance at this time, including rosemary, lavender, mugwort, clover (look for the beautiful self-seeding annual crimson clover), mint, nettle, borage, malva, fennel, lovage, milk thistle, calendula, rose petals, camas lily, and bay leaves. June also marks the beginning of berry season… Keep an eye out for currants and gooseberries!

Plant of the Month: Gooseberry, Ribes hirtellum

The gooseberry is an often overlooked berry, yet there are over 100 varieties in North America. The leaves of the gooseberry look much like a currant. The fruits of both are edible, although there are more species of currant with an unpleasant,

mealy or tannic flavor than there are of gooseberries, which are universally tart and a little sweet. Gooseberries set flowers and fruit in a line underneath the branches.

Currants flower and fruit in clusters at the end of branches. The berries are great on their own, but make a delicious sauce or syrup, traditionally served with wild goose.

There is lots going on at Spring Ridge Commons this month (at the corner of Gladstone Ave. and Chambers St.). It’s a perfect time to get involved and lend a hand: On June 7 & 8, join the Spring Spruce Up & Block Party! The grass has become out of control and it is time to do something about it. Lunch, music, and good cheer for all those who come give a day of their time. (10a.m. - 4p.m., both days) For more info, call Nick Poeta at 250-6617689.

On the third Sunday of each month (June 22 & July 19) , there is a work party facilitated by Brent Howard of Garden Roots Landscape from 1:30 - 3:30p.m.

›› Kate Wallace It has long been a dream to put on a theatrical play at George Jay School—but it hasn’t been an easy task. It’s taken quite a bit of work to connect with families from around the neighbourhood—and around the world—as well as the First Nations families, who make up 30 percent of our school population, given the language and cultural barriers. But with the help of the Belfry Theatre and with permission from the creator of the Raven Tales books and TV show, we have now created a unique play based on a First Nations story called The Flood.

The creation of a new play has ignited both school parents and the business community who are excited and eager to share and help. The Flood is a play that speaks to many cultures, as it is a folk tale where the smallest of us—the children—are not heard at first but with clever thinking actually save the day. Who doesn’t like a story where the hero is the underdog?

With The Flood, we have a story originating from First Nations culture now transformed into a play by a Belfry Theatre artist, using set pieces borrowed from Pacific Opera Victoria, and props found and built by our teachers and parents. The costumes will be traditional capes designed and made by hand by parents, under the direction of designer Jennifer Johnson, who is also a parent in our school.

We also have a First Nations choreographer and drummer working with the kids. The children in the play have been rehearsing on their lunch breaks twice a week for over a month now. There are 50 kids in the play, some with lines, others singing in the chorus. Children who are not directly involved onstage have the opportunity to help paint props and make costumes, ensuring that everyone has a hand in creating our show.

Please check out our ad in this issue of the Vibe for ticket information and bring your family on Wednesday, June 18. The Flood is theatre for everyone!

1. Become a Seed Library Member: Attend a Seed Library Member Orientation and sign a membership agreement.

Orientation sessions are 1.5 hours long and will be offered monthly, from MarchOctober, at rotating library branches.

2. Borrow Seeds: Once you become a member, you will get access to a catalogue detailing the Seed Library’s holdings and you can sign out up to six varieties of seeds. Visit the Seed Library at the Central branch on June 7 and at the Nellie

McClung branch on June 21.

3. Save Seeds: Seed Library Members are responsible for maintaining the stock of seeds available through the Library. LifeCycles and GVPL will offer workshops on how to grow and save seeds.

4. Share Seeds: Collect seeds from your healthiest or tastiest crops and return them to the Seed Library to share with others.

For more information, contact LifeCycles at 250-383-5800 or diggers@ lifecyclesproject.ca.

garden gleanings:

Victoria Seed Library ›› Lifecycles Project Society The Victoria Seed Library offers free access to seeds and seed saving education. Our goal is to support local food security and steward our region’s biodiversity. Locally-raised seeds are more resilient and better adapted to our soil and microclimate.

LifeCycles and the Greater Victoria Public Library created the Victoria Seed Library as a way for hobby and beginner gardeners to share seeds and other gardening resources,

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June 2014

and to connect with other seed savers.

You must become a member of the Victoria Seed Library in order to participate. Membership is free and includes access to seeds, classes and other resources.

You do not need to be a member of the Greater Victoria Public Library to become a member of the Seed Library.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the official launch of the Seed Library on Friday, April 11, 3:30-5:30 pm in the courtyard of the Central branch.

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

mark your calendar:

artists aside:

Fernwood Paint-off

Pandora Arts Collective

FernFest is getting even

Where art and life

artsier this year!

›› Kimberly Dean Templed Mind and Fernwood NRG are presenting an art challenge open to all Fernwood residents: Fernwood Paint-off at FernFest 2014. Show us how Fernwood inspires you creatively!

On Saturday, June 21st look for Templed Mind’s table on the Vic High field to pick up your free wooden panel to create a Fernwood inspired art piece. Please bring your own art supplies.

Photo: Kimberly Dean

For the Fernwood Paint-off, participants will receive a 6” by 6” wooden panel to paint or draw on. This event is free to participate in. Please bring your favourite painting or drawing supplies and your sense of discovery.

On Saturday, June 21 between 10a.m. and 12p.m., be among the first 36 people to check-in with us at the Field of Dreams (Vic High field) to receive your wooden panel. Search for creative inspiration within Fernwood’s boundaries (Bay St., Shelbourne St., Pandora Ave., Cook St.).

Everyone is invited to take part and explore their creative side. No experience necessary.

The paintings will be collected at noon and combined to form a large community mosaic which will be part of a free public exhibition at Templed Mind Studio Gallery on June 27 and 28, from 12p.m. to 4p.m.

To further celebrate our creative community, there will be a closing party for this exhibition on Saturday, June 28. Local musicians, Dia-Nos will perform at 8p.m. at Templed Mind, 2006 Fernwood Rd. Doors at 7:30p.m., $15 cover. Refreshments will be provided.

All artists will be able to keep their piece after the exhibition.

This is your chance to be part of a neighbourhood-wide collaborative exhibition and celebrate local arts in our community!

mark your calendar:

Local artists gearing up for art stroll Fernwood Art Stroll June 21 and 22 11a.m. to 4p.m.

›› Laurie Hashizume Several Fernwood artists are putting the finishing touches on new works and tidying their studios, preparing to welcome the public into their homes/studios during the annual Fernwood Art Stroll on June 21st and 22nd, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors and residents are invited to explore Fernwood’s artistic community by visiting homes and studios as unique as the artists, learning more about the participants’ creative processes, taking in current and older works, asking questions, and perhaps enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. There will also be plenty of opportunities to purchase an original piece of art, if desired.

‘The Stroll’ has functioned together with FernFest every year since 2008, adding an extra dimension to this annual celebration of our community. This year, 13 artists encompassing a variety of mediums—

www.fernwoodnrg.ca

including basketry, woodworking, pottery, photography, and, of course, paint and canvas—will welcome the public to their homes and/or studios.

Many of the artists sell their work in shops and galleries, and/or do commissioned work. But the stroll provides a unique opportunity to mingle with those interested in their work, within the comfort of their own studios. A sampling of first-time participants includes Laurie McAmmond (watercolour paintings which reflect her west coast roots) and London Hoft (wooden boxes with Japanese paper), both of whom are fairly new residents of Fernwood. Laurie comments that she looks forward to sharing her workspace and garden with visitors, and London is excited about the opportunity to share playful creations and meet more neighbours.

Fernwood Art Stroll 2014 brochures— which include participant information, a map, and list of our sponsors—are available in Fernwood shops and businesses.

Alternatively, the brochure can be found online at fernwoodartstroll.ca. We hope to see you there!

collide, spirit blooms

›› Devorah Stone Art and life are colliding in a group show, a community art event, and silent auction for the Pandora Arts Collective Society (PACS) during the annual Fernwood Art Stroll.

Watch, support, and participate during our grand opening in the Little Fernwood Gallery at 1923 Fernwood Rd. on June 21 and 22 from 11a.m. to 4p.m.

In the Little Fernwood Gallery, find our group show Where Art and Life Collide– Spirit Blooms. PACS provides a safe and creative space for artistic endeavours, an open studio for everyone regardless of circumstance or ability, every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 4p.m.

Beside the gallery, look for the studio

door where you will find the PACS’ fourth annual Fernwood Art Stroll community art event. Are you between 3 and 93? We believe that art is for everyone and everyone can do art. Let your spirit bloom. It is open to everyone and it’s free! Together with you, we have built a large collective mobile, painted banners celebrating Fernwood architecture, and created paper dolls representing our inner artists.

You will also find the PACS silent auction in the studio, featuring original artworks and merchandise from businesses in the Fernwood neighbourhood. All proceeds support the PACS open studio, a resource for creativity and wellbeing open to all. Join silent auction supporters such Aubergine Specialty Foods, Cornerstone Cafe, Fernwood Inn and many more by bidding on the goods, services, and art.

This year, come help us make a thousand spirits bloom.

literary arts:

Prologue ›› Garth Martens Forget where you were going. The Whitemud, the Yellowhead, air warping from the cranked-down window through the truck, lead you out the tourist district, past tall townhouses, their vinyl yellows, greens, blues, stacked as if to keep you out.

Through the overpass these give way to the concrete silo, a rail station, canola, wheat.

Turn right onto a road that doesn’t quite exist. It aims someplace, but won’t make it through the mud. Scrapers and bulldozers, straining on caterpillar tread, carve hills at either side, mounds of soil stinking and black. Semi-trucks flank the route, drivers rushing to relieve their freight. Snagged in branches of black poplar and tamarack fronting the road, bag after bag is blown tight, the plastic wrinkled or stretched, mask-like. Cresting wooded slopes, you approach the site and the sun burns, foiling behind black thundercloud, molten like the light of a welder’s tool. Nylon

camping tents, hundreds along the ditches and clearings, streaked with scum, flare in the gusts. Men who have sailed every fjord or hunted every animal for a little pay have come here now with their many languages. They pack tylenol, meat, razors, coffee, news, migrating from trailers to their tents. Women wait for them, backs to the corrugated siding, smoke trailing from their nostrils. Think ahead to the bonfire at night. The sky that fills with a monument of flies, embered leaves, voices lit with whiskey. It is dark when you reach the excavation and you don’t know if the road starts or ends here. If it’s abutment, chimera, hole.

This is an excerpt from Garth Martens’ debut book, Prologue for the Age of Consequence, about the tar sands and industrial projects of Alberta, and the men who work in them. Garth, a Fernwood resident, worked on this book in our very own Cornerstone Cafe for hundreds of hours. Congratulations Garth!

June 2014

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Scene in Fernwood : Moms rule