June 2020
villagevibe News and views from the heart of Fernwood
We love you Fernwood! Spring flowers, new routines and neighbourhood resilience
›› Kelsey Singbeil &
Fernwood NRG’s Board
E
vening walks through our neighbourhood bring me no small amount of joy these days. The spring flowers, the birds chirping—it almost feels… normal. But, our neighbourhood and lives aren’t normal these days. We’re all adjusting to a new way of living—new sacrifices, new routines, new joys and hardships.
What’s changed in Fernwood over the last few months?
“I’ve always loved how there’s always people walking and visiting and just being in Fernwood, especially around the square. But that really decreased, especially at the beginning of the physical distancing period. It’s starting to come back again a bit, I think with the nice weather.” - Lisa, board member COVID-19 has changed our way of life but it’s also highlighted opportunities for us to pull together and become more resilient as neighbours and a community. We’ve seen neighbours initiating— and the City of Victoria supporting—a free compost and leaf mulch pick-up at William Stevenson Park to encourage more community gardening. Fernwood NRG staff helped facilitate the drop-off and pick-up with a small number of volunteers – and the team is helping to distribute vegetable seedlings grown by the City to local gardeners in early June. Fernwood Facebook groups are sharing ideas, resources, and offers of help for people to support each other through these trying times. Virtual connections continue to be a great way to keep our social and support networks strong. Local businesses like the Fernwood Pizza Company, Stage, and Little June have pivoted their operations to promote take out options and services. Gift certificates,
You’re invited to cut out this heart and post it in your window. Image: Mila Czemerys
online orders, and now some in-person dining and shopping are a great way to support Fernwood businesses! What do you have a new appreciation for?
Victoria, Saanich, and Oak Bay!” – Eric, board member How else have you seen the neighbourhood adapt to our ‘new normal’?
Change always brings the opportunity for new ideas and appreciation. While reduced neighbourhood traffic has meant less business to the square and social interactions, it’s also meant quieter streets, more birdsong, and a newfound appreciation for the few social interactions we may have in a day or during the week. “I love how the field at Vic High has become such a popular outdoor space, breathing life into the neighbourhood on a sunny day. And I love how quiet it is!! So many birds in our urban hood.” – Sarah, board member “I’ve loved exploring the little nooks and crannies of the neighbourhood that we end up exploring (instead of going for coffee) - like the various sets of stairs around Vic High, which my toddler loves to climb up and down, every little twist and turn of Spring Ridge Commons, and the bike routes connecting Fernwood to the beaches of neighbourhood hoods in
“I think the biggest thing is more so a reminder of how our community is able to adapt and respond in such effective & caring ways—from innovating businesses like the Yoga Den going online to Stage becoming a delightful general store, to Fernwood NRG packing more Good Food Boxes than ever for people facing food insecurity during these uncertain times. We’ve continued to feel like a community despite not being able to gather in community places. Taking care of one another, from a distance.” – Sarah, board member Fernwood NRG is focusing on providing consistent support to our neighbourhood. We’ve continued to provide childcare for essential service workers since April, and are expanding our services as we can. Our staff have incorporated new screening and cleaning procedures to ensure child and staff safety. The Good Food Box is currently packing over 500 boxes each week for pick-up in Fernwood, and delivery to community centres in Fairfield, Burnside Gorge, and
Mark Your Calendar
Feature
Community Eats
Free veggie starts for your home garden page 3
Good Food Box expands in response to pandemic page 4
Support Fernwood eateries page 6
Oaklands. These boxes are making fresh fruits and veggies more easily available to people close to home. We’ve unfortunately had to cancel June FernFest this year, but are looking forward to new ways we can connect (and celebrate) our neighbourhood in the coming months. “Strong communities grow even stronger in challenging times. I know Fernwood will weather this storm together and will recover and thrive in the months to come!” – Michael, board member Our neighbourhood is strong and ready to support people who may need a helping hand. Please reach out to Fernwood NRG if you need support—we’re all here for each other! Donate to Fernwood NRG
If you have the means to make a donation to Fernwood NRG, please do. Our organization has lost key fundraising opportunities like FernFest and Fernwood Bites, but is trying to maintain our existing programs and supports. Your donation will help us continue to provide services and support to our community in 2020 and beyond! Visit fernwoodnrg.ca to donate. Thank you!
in this issue To get the Vibe digitally, sign up at fernwoodnrg.ca
Editorial:
villagevibe
Families, we see you
Published by Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group Editorial Committee
Mila Czemerys Brett Gaylor
Shonna Bell Melissa Faye Reid Founding Editor Lisa Helps Contributors
Kelsey Singbeil Laura Benoit Brett Gaylor Kayla Siefried James Weller
Shonna Bell Mila Czemerys Ruben Anderson Lauren Gaultier Kevin Yee-Chan
Art
Mila Czemerys Knotty by Nature Kim Persley Aly Sibley
Alex Harned Axel Cara Gibson
Production Mila Czemerys Contact us
1240 Gladstone Avenue Victoria, BC V8T 1G6 T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509 info@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
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;
››
We are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment;
››
We are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them;
››
We are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives;
››
You are not working from home; you are home during a pandemic trying to work. When I first read this, I needed it. At the time, I had just finished a Zoom call where my toddler was launching herself on me from the couch and I was unmuting myself to spit out a quick sentence and trying to push mute again before she got an anatomy related word in. Fernwood NRG has the privilege of serving many families and members of our community. For those of you whose work cannot be done at home and are not working as a result, or those who are working out of the home, or whatever your individual circumstances are—this includes you. Although our doors are technically closed, we remain here for you. If for nothing else than to say: we see you. We see you playing in the parking lot puddle, using the Vic High track, walking though Spring Ridge Commons, and staying home when all you
When the playground is closed, Fernwood’s favourite puddle is there for you. Photo: Mila Czemerys
want to do is get outside. We see you doing whatever it takes to be the superhero parent you are, during a pandemic. I didn’t want this to be another suggestion of things for you to do while at home with your family. We have those for you if
you need them, please reach out. Some days I’m happy knowing I didn’t yell loud enough for the neighbours to hear. I used the whisper yell and that’s a win. Nothing about this is easy. To the families of Fernwood (and everyone else) you’ve got this.
buzz:
Welcome Knotty by Nature
a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable
››
›› Shonna Bell
We are committed to governing our organization and serving our
›› Laura Benoit Stephanie Papik and Ryan Davis are no strangers to Fernwood—in fact, the crafting couple met here. “We love Fernwood,” Davis says. “We love the community, the people, the businesses, and we are so grateful to be located on the land of the Lekwungen speaking people.” Since 2008, Papik and Davis have owned and run the fibre arts shop Knotty by Nature, now located at 1919 Fernwood Rd, former home of Freedom Kilts. “We are so happy to be part of the crafting community in Victoria,” says Davis. Why do fibre artists love to visit Knotty by Nature? “We offer a different style— maybe a little more chaos,” Davis laughs. “We offer products for many fibre crafts; knitting and crocheting of course, but also weaving, spinning, and felting. Many of our products are local.” In addition to
Ryan and Stephanie outside Knotty by Nature. Photo courtesy of Knotty by Nature.
selling materials, Knotty by Nature also offers crafting classes for knitting, felting, and more. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the
shop has been offering products for sale online, as well as gift cards. “Every day, we are putting new products on the website,” Davis says. “We really are a microbusiness. We wear all the hats. So lately, we have packing and shipping orders, and even offering interactive online classes.” During COVID-19, Knotty by Nature has continued to support our community, offering free needle felting kits in March for anyone in need of a fun project. When asked if he has any tips for those trying their hand at crafting while staying home, Davis has two recommendations: turn to YouTube for handy tutorials, and buy local. “It is a great time to support local fibre stores,” he says. “We are still open. We are still here for you.” Knotty by Nature continues to offer online sales, pickup and shipping, and classes. You can shop their website at kbnfibres.ca.
neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity and kindness;
››
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;
››
and, most of all, We are committed to having fun!
page 2
villagevibe
June 2020
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
mark your calendar:
Free vegetable starts for your home garden Fernwood NRG is teaming up with the City of Victoria’s Get Growing Victoria! to give out free vegetable starts Plant starts growing in the City of Victoria’s th
on Saturday, June 6
›› Mila Czemerys Get Growing Victoria! is a free food seedlings distribution program created by the City of Victoria in partnership with community and non-profit organizations to support communities disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parks nursery. Photo courtesy of Alex Harned.
There is renewed interest in community resilience, food security, and learning how to grow food at home. In April 2020, City Council directed staff to temporarily reprioritize operations in the existing municipal nursery in Beacon Hill Park for the growth and distribution of food starts to be shared over the 2020
growing season. Over 75,000 edible plant starts are being grown by the City, to be distributed by over 30 community partners who directly serve members of marginalized communities. Organizations, like ours, are acting as distribution sites for community members to pick up seedlings to be transplanted at home. Some community partners are growing the seedlings in their existing operations to distribute the fresh produce through their programs. What is being grown?
This program will provide a selection of vegetable and herb starts for easy growing by the novice gardener, and suitable for a variety of locations, such as garden beds in yards or container gardening on patios.
Local seeds were procured from Southern Vancouver Island farms and through the BC Eco Seed Co-op. Where can you get plant starts?
Fernwood NRG will be distributing free vegetable starts on Saturday, June 6th at the Fernwood Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. If you are interested in picking up plants, email info@fernwoodnrg.ca to preregister or drop by between 1pm and 2pm when we open to the general public. Seedling varieties will be selected by participants on site, while supplies last. Orders will not be placed in advance. We will be following COVID-19 safety and distancing protocols so bring along what you need to be comfortable if there is a line-up.
faces of fernwood:
Meet Kim Persley ›› Brett Gaylor
the best in the city. What has most surprised you during the pandemic?
Kim Persley has been a Victoria resident since 2003. She went to college here, started her 15 year career in the music industry here, met her husband and started their family here and hopes to never leave. A specialist in digital communications, branding and strategy, she currently is a Project Producer and part of the founding team at Partner Creative.
I thought my sons (aged 3 and 6) would be so upset about all the things they could no longer do. School, the playground, the pool, the library and of course seeing friends. But really at this age, the people they want to be with most are their parents. So while it’s been a whole lot of ups and downs, they have surprised me with their ability to just roll with this whole thing and not question such a radical shift in their reality. I think the spike in how much TV they are allowed to watch certainly helps too, haha.
Tell us a 3 things about yourself, one that is a lie.
I got kicked out of an awards show for obnoxiously yelling about everyone being a bunch of “C-listers” I named Rifflandia I went to Michael Jackson’s funeral Why do you choose to live in Fernwood?
I’ve always been enamoured with Fernwood since I moved to Victoria in the early 2000s. I love how it’s kept its mix of cool, urban uniqueness with such a strong community feel. Aside from that, we chose Fernwood for our family because it’s so close to downtown, all our friends live close by and it allows us to live a lifestyle where
What have you missed most about pre-Covid times?
we can walk and bike almost everywhere and not lose our time commuting. What has changed in Fernwood since you’ve been here?
I feel like it’s just gotten better, with more shops and restaurants getting established, it brings people to our neighbourhood from other parts of the city to enjoy the vibe. Both Fernwood Square and North Park Village have some thriving local businesses, particularly food related, that are some of
Oh without a doubt parties, events, concerts... any kind of group socialization. I miss hanging and yapping with my friends SO MUCH. I’ve been re-watching Schitt’s Creek and just seeing footage of a house party or backyard BBQ gives me real pangs of longing!
like a maternity leave reprise. My husband Luke and I are both typically working full time and it can be such a grind sometimes. So getting to slow down and also realize we can manage with much less has been the most valuable part of this bizarre hellscape. What is your hope for Fernwood in 10 years?
That Fernwood keeps its cool, caring, and vibrant attitude. 5 years ago when I told my hairstylist (at the time a Fernwood resident) that we were moving back to Fernwood cause we were lucky to have bought a house here. She said, “You better not be one of those people who move to Fernwood and then try to change it.” After being offended that she thought I would be, it’s something I have kept in mind. We chose this area because we love it, so we have aimed to become a part of the neighbourhood, rather than expecting it to bend to meet our specific needs. Faces of Fernwood is a new series at the Village
What will you miss most in postCovid times?
Vibe where we meet some of the neighbours
I am trying to be aware of this being precious and rare time with my kids, it’s
one in mind? Drop us a line! Email villagevibe@
that make our community great. Have somefernwoodnrg.ca.
Keeping Fernwood Community Healthy Physiotherapy /D^ ^ŚŽĐŬǁĂǀĞ Pelvic Floor Health ůŝŶŝĐĂů ŽƵŶƐĞůůŝŶŐ
NaturopathLJ ŚŝƌŽƉƌĂĐƚŽƌ Vestibular Rehab RMT Massage
*Therapeutic one-on-one or small group sessions available
Ph: 250-381-7473
www.risehealth.ca
1275 Bay Street
*referrals not required
*online booking available
(at Fernwood) *free parking
RISE TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH www.fernwoodnrg.ca
June 2020
villagevibe
page 3
feature:
Good Food Box expands in response to increase The Good Food Box is filling hundreds of bags with fresh fruit and vegetables every week
›› Ruben Anderson
F
or over a decade, Fernwood’s bulk-buying produce bag has been packed by a very dedicated team of volunteers, and distributed by community centres or delivered to homes around our neighbourhood and region by volunteer drivers. And now the Good Food Box’s service is more essential than ever. The Fernwood Community Centre closed down in early March with other City-owned buildings, but the need to help people who were self-isolating was very clear. Figuring out how to safely operate in the new paradigm was very difficult, but we started packing produce again on the first of April and have been feeding more and more people every week. The
Good Food Box’s service is more essential than ever Good Food Boxes are packed on Tuesdays and Wesdnesdays at the Fernwood Community Centre. Photo: Mila Czemerys
staff of Fernwood NRG has also secured funding for Rapid Relief bags and is now accepting applications—we are packing so many vegetables we have added a second packing day—we are at about 600 bags every week, and still growing. • 180 families are supported by the Gift of Good Food in 2020 • With funding from Community Food Centres Canada, we are now packing 77 bags of produce, plus fresh bread and local eggs for the next two months. These bags are being distributed through community
centres. • With funding from Victoria Foundation Rapid Relief Fund, we are packing 200 bags for 18 weeks. These bags will be picked up in person at the Fernwood Community Centre, or distributed by volunteers to folks who cannot get out. Apply for the Good Food Box Rapid Relief program at tinyurl.com/ GoodFoodBoxRR. These much-needed bags are also
supported by customers—people all over the city who buy the Good Food Box, which helps increase our buying power. And this pandemic has clearly shown how fragile our local food system is— another thing the Good Food Box aims to help change. Averaged over the year, about half the produce we buy is local or regional. Spring is the lean season on local farms—seeds are in the ground, but the plants have not yet matured. Soon we
will have new crops from Michells Farm in addition to their overwintered leeks and storage beets. We have been buying hyperlocal mixed greens from Mason Street City Farm and rotating them through our bags so hopefully everyone will get to enjoy the incredible flavour every few weeks. We sourced bread from Bond Bond’s Bakery and free run eggs from Farmer Ben. If you would like to donate to help get food to folks who have been impacted
THE LOCAL GENERAL STORE An old-world 21st century general store carrying unique local artisan foods and organic produce, sustainably-sourced household goods and gifts.
1440 Haultain Street, Corner of Belmont and Haultain (778) 265-6225 Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat 9:30am-5:30pm www.thelocalgeneralstore.ca
page 4
villagevibe
June 2020
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
d need during pandemic
Ruben Anderson, above, is our Good Food Box coordinator. Thanks so much Ruben for all your work to keep the Good Food Box running in these challenging times. Photo: Mila Czemerys
by illness, job loss, or isolation, please go to thegoodfoodbox.ca and click on the ‘Donate’ tab. All donations $20 and above receive a charitable donation receipt. If you would like to order a bag of produce for yourself or a friend, please click on the ‘Order’ tab. The deadline for ordering is Saturday at midnight (new deadline!) for the following Wednesday. Home delivery is available south of McKenzie and east of Admirals for only $3.
www.fernwoodnrg.ca
And if you would like to be in the volunteer pool for packing, handing out, or delivering Good Food Boxes, please email info@fernwoodnrg.ca. We are not sure how many volunteers we will need to fulfill the Rapid Relief bags—and the situation is changing so quickly it is great to have more people. Our ideal volunteer is passionate about food, under 55 years old, very healthy, and able to make a weekly commitment on Tuesday or Wednesday.
June 2020
villagevibe
page 5
garden gleanings:
No time like the present to get growing! ›› Kayla Siefried Since the onset of this pandemic, we’ve noticed an immense increase in peoples gardening, soil and composting interest here at the Compost Education Centre. It’s a hopeful thing amongst these uncertain times, to see people so keen to turn to their gardens, balcony pots, and boulevards for some recreation. The reasons for growing your own food are many: it’s healthy for us, our community and the environment. And it sure does taste really good! But the how-to-grow-food is the important bit at this time of year! Here are some solid tips to get you going: Start with the soil!
Nourish your soil by adding homemade compost and keep your soil covered in leaf mulch or straw. Compost and mulch breed helpful soil microbe life, replenish nutrients and add all important organic matter to the mix. And, know that the best soil you have, is the stuff that’s already under your toes. Plan for a small garden if you are new to it
Celebrate your successes. Easy and fast growing plants are rewarding for everyone, so try some lettuces, kale, peas, beans, and potatoes.
Kayla Siefried planting tomatoes in the Compost Education Centre’s demonstration garden beds. Photo: Cara Gibson
Water mindfully
Poke your hand in the soil a couple centimeters. Does it feel dry 2cm down? If so, water your garden. When you have delicate small seeds that are waiting to sprout, you need to water more often. Once
plants are established, water deeply, meaning a longer more abundant water that will sink deeper in to encourage healthy established roots. Shallowly watering more often will result in weaker roots. Try to
water in the morning, before the sun gets too hot, and to minimize overnight moist loving pest damage. Be resilient!
Pests and bugs munch things—it’s part
of the gardening experiment! Know that when your soil is healthy, it will be better able to support the resilience of your plants. So, try again, with more compost and organic matter!
community eats:
Support Fernwood eateries Go ahead; get take out tonight
›› Lauren Gaultier I think we can all agree that these past couple months have been both challenging and insightful. We all have a new appreciation for hugging friends, the importance of washing our hands, and supporting local. We are witnessing our favourite local businesses struggling to navigate these murky waters, trying to adapt their business models amidst uncertain futures. Here is a list of 24 Fernwood restaurants, bakeries, and cafés and their current operating info (at the time of writing this article). It is up to us to support these businesses and see them through this uncertainty. I challenge you to try out a different establishment each week and spend to support our microeconomy and to show Fernwood small businesses how much we appreciate them. We’re rooting for their success!
page 6
villagevibe
1. Cold Comfort: 1pm - 9pm daily, offering in person ordering from their side window (the Can-Canteen) and $10 delivery within 4km radius on $36 order minimum, coldcomfort.ca 2. Cosmos 2 for 1 Pizza: 4pm - 10pm daily, cosmospizzapandora.ca 3. Fern Café + Bakery: 9am-5pm MonFri & 9am-6pm Sat & Sun or until sold-out, offering window take-out or delivery through doordash and UberEats, ferncafeandbakery.ca 4. T h e F e r n w o o d I n n : 11:30am10:30pm (or earlier) daily, offering inperson dining, or order take-out online or by calling ahead, fernwoodinn.com 5. F e r n w o o d P i z z a C o m p a n y : 3pm - 8pm daily, take-out orders available online, by phone, or inperson from their side window, fernwoodpizzacompany.com 6. Haultain Fish & Chips: 11:30am 7:30pm Tues - Saturday 7. Hearth: 10am - 5pm Mon-Fri & 10am - 3pm Sat, take-out orders available in
June 2020
8.
9. 10.
11.
12.
13.
14. 15.
person or and delivery through doordash and UberEats, hearthvictoria.ca Jones Bar-B-Que: 11am - 8pm daily, offering take-out and $3-$5 delivery (12 - 9pm) up to Mackenzie Ave & Admirals Rd, jonesgotmeat.com Koffi: 9am - 3pm Tue-Sat, offering a limited take-out menu, koffihouse.ca Little June: 7am - 3pm daily, take-out orders available online or in-person, littlejunetogo.com Little Thai Place: Take-out or delivery through skipthedishes, doordash, and tuttidelivery, littlethai.com Marta Café + Pantry: 10am - 2pm Wed-Sun, online & in person orders for pick-up, martacafeandpantry.com Mesa Familiar: 3pm - 8pm, Fri/Sat (or Sun), offering limited take-out by phone or in person, mesafamiliar.ca Mount Royal Bagel Factory: 7:30am - 5:30pm daily Origin Bakery: 11am - 2pm, Tue-Fri, for online order pick-up or delivery through Geazone store.originbakery.
com 16. The Parsonage Cafe : 7am - 3pm daily, take-out orders available online or in-person, fernwoodcoffee.com 17. Patisserie Daniel : 7:30am - 3pm Tue-Fri & 9am - 3pm Sat, available for take-out, patisseriedaniel.com 18. Shine Café: 9am - 2pm daily, phone ahead for curbside pick-up or $5 delivery with a minimum $20 order, shinecafe.ca 19. Stage: 1pm - 7pm daily, available for in-person general store purchases with evolving offerings and free delivery within Fernwood, stagewinebar.com 20. Standard Pizza: Reopening June 3rd 21. Sun Wah: Reopening June 2nd from 4pm - 8pm Tues - Sun 22. The Tartan Toque: 3pm - 8pm daily, offering limited take-out menu, thetartantoque.ca These restaurants have temporarily closed as a result of COVID-19: 23. Ithaka Greek Restaurant 24. Logan’s Pub
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
buzz:
How to pass the time during quarantine ›› James Weller
they’re reading something they care about.
After weeks and weeks of sitting at home, you might be quickly running out of things to do. You’ve watched all of the shows you’ve been meaning to watch. You’ve caught up on all of the work you’ve been meaning to catch up on. And most likely, you’ve Zoomed with everyone you could possibly care to Zoom with. Now what? Here are a few ways to pass the time that are fun, time consuming, and some in instances, even productive:
Walking as an activity isn’t for everyone. However, it’s a great opportunity to get some fresh air while getting in your 10,000 steps. If you feel like walking is aimless, wait until you have a chore to do and take the long route to get there. This will give you a sense of purpose on your journey. You could also try exploring a new area near you that you’ve never ventured to before on foot. If you find walking boring, try listening to music or a Podcast. Walks are a great time to finally listen to that new album from a favourite band, or learn something new on a podcast.
Read a book
Balancing work, family, your commute, and your health have probably forced you to stop a lot of activities you used to love. Likely, reading is one of them. With the extra time you have to yourself, now is the perfect time to read that novel you’ve always wanted to read, or finish that book that you ditched half way. You might be saying to yourself, “I’m just not a reader.” However, you might just not be reading the right things. Think about your interests, hobbies, and fascinations. Then, do some research on leading books for those topics, and order one of them from a local book store. Anyone can be a reader if
Go for a walk
Cook dinner
You’ve likely never had the time before to make a gourmet meal and relied on frozen foods, take-out, or easy to make dishes. Right now is the perfect time to view your food as more than just sustenance. Instead of avoiding complicated recipes online like you used to, embrace them. Spend time on dinner, and make it an activity that you and those you live with could do together. You’ll see that your food tastes much better after you’ve given it proper time and care.
Take up a new hobby
Do you have an old guitar that’s collecting dust in a closet somewhere? Or paint and a few brushes that hardly get touched? While you’re at home, you could take up a low-stress hobby, or revisit one that got neglected in the hustle and bustle of your daily life. Hobbies to try could include knitting, drawing, baking, playing an instrument, or even learning a new language. There are no shortage of places online where you can order essentials for these hobbies, and no shortage of apps that can help you master them.
buzz:
What is essential?
›› Kevin Yee-Chan Over the last two months (which may have felt like two decades), this question has come up in many different ways. With time, there’s undoubtedly been shifts in our responses to this question. Stages of denial, grief, challenge, relief, repose, isolation, connection… we’ve witnessed a myriad of experiences within ourselves and others that we may not have felt so strongly for a long time. Or… ever. That can be pretty uncomfortable. Anything new can be uncomfortable at first. In yoga, it’s sometimes said, “the posture begins when you want to get out of it.” For me, this means that these moments at the edge of comfort—when we choose to show up and stick around in a real, honest way—reveal our character. It’s in these moments where I repeatedly remind myself that discomfort might just be the cracking
www.fernwoodnrg.ca
open of a shell that has kept me in safe gestation toward a new world. A shell that may not be needed anymore. As we begin to reemerge into this new world together, it is my hope that our eyes can connect in that humbling human way of seeing just how similar we are. How essential each one of us is in building this community we call home. At Fernwood Yoga Den, we’re looking to reopen our studio space on June 15th. You can keep up-to-date with this phased opening by visiting our Facebook and Instagram (@fernwoodyogaden). We’ll also send a newsletter to our members at the appropriate time with all of the necessary information. It probably won’t go as planned—what does these days? What we do know is that you—each one of you in this community— is essential. As always, our passion is to provide a space and experience where you can remember that in a real, honest way.
June 2020
villagevibe
page 7
Scene in Fernwood : Porch Portraits
Photos by Aly Sibley, @alysibleyphotography