June 2023 Village Vibe

FernFest - June

Join your neighbours & friends and celebrate Fernwood

You are invited to FernFest, Fernwood’s annual free, community-based, music, art, and family festival organized by Fernwood NRG. It’s all happening on Friday, June 16 from 5-10pm and Saturday, June 17 from 11:30am to 10pm in Fernwood Square and beyond. Join the fun as we showcase local musicians and artists you may not have heard of but are bound to love.

There is something for everyone at FernFest. We have live performances by over 30 bands, musicians, and performers on 3 stages, booths from 60+ local makers in our artisan market, non-profits sharing their work, kid’s activities, games, bouncy castles, art activities, and installations on the Field of Dreams, bubbles, delicious food and drinks, an awesome online auction with great items donated by local businesses, magic, tours of the neighbourhood, surprises, a wishing tree for you to share your dreams and wishes, and a whole bunch of your best neighbours and friends gathered to celebrate.

There are volunteer opportunities if you are interested in getting involved— fernwoodnrg.ca/events-directory/fernfest/ volunteer

FernFest is free and everyone is welcome! Costumes are encouraged.

Please walk, bike, skate, or bus down to the event. We will have a free bike valet available during event hours located on Gladstone Avenue in the Vic High parking lot.

Check out our epic silent auction at airauctioneer.com/fernfest-2023-auction Bid on items and directly support Fernwood NRG’s programs and services including child care, affordable housing, youth, family, and seniors support programs, food security programming, and more!

A huge thank you to the City of Victoria and Creative BC for funding FernFest. We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

16

&

17

›› Mila Czemerys

village vibe

Published by Fernwood

Editorial Committee

Chantille Viaud Mila Czemerys

Founding Editor Lisa Helps

Contributors

Mila Czemerys Chantille Viaud

Nada Saad Kathryn Juricic

Margaret Hantiuk Jan Firstbrook

Art Caitlin McDonagh Miranda Maslany

Axel Webmeister Bud

Margaret Hantiuk Don Craig

Brother Sea Productions

Production Mila Czemerys

Contact us

1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 1G6

T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509 info@fernwoodnrg.ca | villagevibe.ca

To advertise, contact ads@fernwoodnrg.ca

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

We gratefully acknowledge that Fernwood, our community where we live, work and play resides on the territory of the Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

declaration of principles & values

›› 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;

›› 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;

›› We are committed to governing our organization and serving our 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!

editorial: Fernwood NRG Strategic Planning

›› Chantille Viaud

We’re taking a big step forward by embarking on a new strategic planning process, and we want you to be a part of it! But wait, you might be wondering, what exactly is strategic planning, and why should you care? Well, let us demystify it for you. Strategic planning is all about revisioning and clarifying our values and mission as an organization. It’s about setting goals, creating a roadmap, and making informed

decisions to better serve our community.

We’ve been hard at work, talking with our dedicated staff and valued participants to gather their insights and perspectives. Their input is vital in shaping our future direction. Now, we want to extend the conversation to all of you, the heart and soul of Fernwood.

Mark your calendars for June 17, because we’re hosting an interactive booth during FernFest. This will be a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with you,

cover: FernFest 2023

Continued from page 1...

Many many thanks to our sponsors: the Belfry Theatre, Phillips Brewing & Malting Co., The Zone @ 91.3, Vinyl Envy, Garside Signs, Merridale Cidery & Distillery, Fernwood Coffee Co. & Little June, Fernwood Community Association, Rise Health, Aryze, Metropol, Darcy Beck –Film and Media Production, Capital Bike,

Funtime Inflatables, GFL Environmental, Mclennan’s Island Meat & Seafood, Michells Farm, Origin Bakery, Orca Book Publishers, Phillips Soda Works, Portofino Bakery, Soma Active Health, St. John Ambulance, @TheFernwoodMakersParty, Thrifty Foods, and Wicked Clothing Co. Plus, we could not make this event happen without the support of our volunteer team!

listen to your thoughts, and hear your ideas for our community’s future. We value your voice and want you to be an integral part of this process.

So, come on down to FernFest, join us in the Field of Dreams, and let’s shape the future of Fernwood together. We can’t wait to see you there and embark on this exciting journey of growth and positive change. Together, we’ll make Fernwood an even more vibrant and thriving place for all.

We are so grateful for you!

We gratefully acknowledge that Fernwood, our community where we live, work, play, and host this event, resides on the territory of the Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees, and the Esquimalt Nations. Find the full FernFest Program Guide at: fernwoodnrg.ca/fernfest/program Happy FernFest, friends!

Illustration: Miranda Maslany

FRIDAY, JUNE 16 5-10PM FREE

TimePerformerMain Stage in Fernwood Square

5:00pm

WELCOMEJOSEPH’S SINGERS AND DANCERS

Joseph’s Singers and Dancers are three generation performers, with multiple groups up and down Vancouver Island.

5:45pm SLIM SANDY’S ATOMIC COCKTAILS Slim Sandy’s Atomic Cocktails play swing jazz, jive, and rhythm and blues from the 30’s to the 50’s.

6:45pm BLACKWOOD KINGS

A progressive musical fusion from the Canadian left coast. Dub/reggae/ska/punk and whatever else.

7:50pm LA CHUPEROSA Latin Electronica shakes hands with Afrobeat and Cumbia in a kaleidoscopic vortex of love.

8:55pm BABYFACE BRASS High energy funky jazzy mesmerizing spectacle with flailing limbs and shiny instruments flying on whims.

TimePerformer Little Fernwood Stage at 1923 Fernwood Road

Curated by Vinyl Envy Record Store, space provided by the Fernwood Community Association

6:00pm AARON WYLDER

Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Aaron Wylder is a 25 year old Canadian singer songwriter. Now based out of Victoria, British Columbia, he can be found most often with a guitar in his hands.

7:00pm PONY GOLD West Coast Americana band Pony Gold deliver timeless and refreshing songs about escapism, purpose, love, and loss.

8:00pm DRAG HOUR WITH CHAZ AVERY & FRIENDS

Producer of King Fling’s shows at Capital Ballroom and Lucky Bar and Dinner & A Drag Show at The Mint, he will dance his way into your heart – and your pants.

9:00pm LAYTEN KRAMER Psychedelic Folk / Acid Western

FOOD Enjoy some tasty eats from our BBQ. We’ll be serving locally-made smokies, veggie sausages, and kid’s dogs, chips, and Phillips sodas. 5pm - Late DRINKS Hang out in Fernwood Square & Little Fernwood, listen to the music, dance, & enjoy local Phillips & Merridale brews. (All ages location, 19+ for alcohol) 5pm - 10pm

Volunteer with FernFest

›› Nada Saad

We have so many volunteer opportunities and would love to have you a part of our team. We would love support with festival set-up/ tear down, the artisan market, Field of Dreams set-up, beverage gardens, beverage ticket sales, BBQ, hospitality, and our green team. We also have a couple new volunteer opportunities in helping set-up/take down sound equipment, and helping out our bike valets.There are also quite a few volunteer opportunities for pre-event as well as postevent if you want to contribute.

As a volunteer, you will receive a free FernFest shirt, free snacks and coffee, a

ticket for the BBQ or beverage, and you’ll get to hang out with and meet lots of great people and support your community. We will also be hosting an Appreciation Party after FernFest on June 22 at Vinyl Envy with entertainment and refreshments as a thank you for everyone who donated their time to make FernFest a successful and fun event!

If you’re interested in getting involved, and want to meet like-minded individuals, this is the opportunity for you! Fill out our online FernFest Volunteer Application at fernwoodnrg.ca/events-directory/ fernfest/volunteer. We are so excited for everyone to come together again to have yet another fantastic FernFest!

Photo: Webmeister Bud

TimeActivityDetails

June 14 at 10:00am to June 18 at 5:00pm

11:30am5:30pm

Online Auction

Bid on an amazing selection of items including gift certificates, coffee, art, experiences, and more! Our auction will be held online at airauctioneer.com/fernfest-2023-auction. Bidding starts on Wednesday, June 14 at 10am and runs until Saturday, June 18 at 5pm. If you win an item, you can pick it up at the Fernwood Community Centre from June 19 to 23, 2023. Thank you to all our auction donors!

Artisan Market

Field of Dreams

60+ local vendors will be showcasing their unique items on Gladstone Avenue between Fernwood Square and the Fernwood Community Centre, bringing you handmade clothing, jewelry, soaps, art, treats, and lots more! Thanks to @thefernwoodmakersparty for collaborating on curating and coordinating this market!

Find the Field of Dreams at Stevenson Park, behind the Fernwood Community Centre. Family and kids’ activities galore & all things fun: bouncy castles, musical petting zoo, community art projects, community acupuncture, games, face-painting, performances, live painting, bubbles, magic, food & live music on the Field of Dreams Stage!

11:30am5:30pm

Art Installations

Non-Profit Hub

11:30am5:30pm Tours, + Workshops

Noon10:00pm BBQ & Drinks

Artists will be setting up installations for you to explore on the Field of Dreams. Check em out!

Talk to local non-profits about the cool things they do in the community! Located on the Field of Dreams.

All Day

12:00pm & 1:00pm

3:30pm

Self-guided Fernwood Mural Tour, Pick-up a map at the Info Booth in Fernwood Square, or find the map at fernwoodnrg.ca/fernwood-muralfestival/map.

Belfry Theatre Tours, Meet at Belfry Theatre stairs in Fernwood Square.

Thoughts into Lyrics Interactive Song Improv with Kady Savard At the Fernwood Community Association, 1923 Fernwood Road

The FernFest BBQ brings you delicious eats including locally-made smokies, veggie sausages, and kid’s dogs, Open 11:30am - Late FernFest will be pouring fresh Phillips Beers and Merridale Cider. Open Noon - 10:00pm (All ages location, 19+ for alcohol) All proceeds support Fernwood NRG!

TimePerformerField

11:30am IMINAH KANI

of Dream Stage at Stevenson Park

Iminah Kani is a west-coast, sland girl who creates beautiful music with elements of flamenco and folk.

12:30pm TAVIS & MICHELLE Folk duo with harmonies as smooth as butter on toast. Their sound may just melt your heart.

1:30pm ELLEN TROTTIER

2:30pm galgapoła

3:30pm DIRTY EDDY

4:30pm COYOTES IN THE MEADOW

Cathartic melodies, calming energy, romantic soul, and charismatic charm.

Their name means ‘we stand together hand in hand’

Dirty Eddy is a healthy dose of 90s nostalgia featuring razor sharp synths layered with notes of struggle, breakthrough, and resolve.

Coyotes in the Meadow plays dirty folk music straight from the street with hints of klezmer, bluegrass, and gipsy jazz.

12:00pm

1:00pm DILLY COONER

2:00pm SALTWATER HANK

3:00pm TK, THE ARTIST

4:10pm SOSOROMEO

5:10pm THE SPIRITUAL WARRIORS

6:10pm FUNKY MEETING

7:05pm PABLO CARDENAS & THE WEST COAST CUBAN ENSEMBLE

2:15pm FOLLOW THE SOUND

3:30pm THOUGHTS INTO LYRICS WORKSHOP WITH KADY SAVARD

4:45pm THE MONKEYS IN A BOX

6:00pm ELISE BOULANGER

7:00pm PEANUT BUTTER TELEPHONE

8:00pm LIAM MACKENZIE & THE MOONDOGS

9:00pm BLACK PONTIAC

Main Stage in Fernwood Square

The Vic High R&B Band, founded and formerly directed by Eric Emde, is a dynamic band made up of nearly 25 high school students ranging from grades 9 to 12, now under the leadership of Mr. Denver Rawson.

Influenced by folk, RnB, and pop, she has developed a unique, smooth sound, mesmerizing audiences whether she is crooning over guitar or piano.

d, mesmer hout songwrit ments are shown th ating sou

Tsimshian folk artist Saltwater Hank has a natural comedic timing throughout his songwriting and performance, and the many hours spent on all of his chosen instruments are shown through his skillful delivery.

Presenting Tk, the artist: A dynamic afrosoul/jazz fusion artist, captivating audiences with soulful vocals, mesmerizing drumming, and his electrifying band.

SOSOROMEO is Vancouver’s latest powerhouse pop-rock band. Fronted by Stevie Wise & Tyler Lanigan, they bring you harmony-driven dance music.

The Spiritual Warriors create music inspired by the land and life in the coastal mountains of the Lil’wat Nation.

Imagine a Friday afternoon meeting with your least favourite coworkers turns into an e-transfer with 5000 euros being wired directly to you from King Haile Selassie. This is Funky Meeting!

The West Coast Cuban Ensemble was created in 2011 by the internationally renowned Cuban Pianist and Composer Pablo Cardenas. This project was created to keep the Cuban music roots alive while adding the influence of modern musical tendencies.

The Baan Baans are a local Victoria band, rooted in deep musicianship and silliness. Their pop grooves will make you move.

unky ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING JUNE 7 6:30PM-9:30PM ALL NEIGHBOURS WELCOME www.thefca.ca VENUES FOR RENT: Paul Phillips Hall FCA Boardroom @the_fca_ Book Now

Little Fernwood Stage at 1923 Fernwood Road

Curated by Vinyl Envy Record Store, space provided by the Fernwood Community Association

High-energy pop, funk, and soul from Victoria’s most in-demand busking collective. Featuring Rowan Farintosh on sax, Josh Warren on bass, and Leo Farintosh on drums.

Thoughts Into Lyrics: Expressing yourself through lyrical improvisation with Kady Savard! Join Kady for a fun and creative interactive workshop learning to write and share lyrics. Everyone is welcome!

Playing a mixture of pop-rock and original tunes, the big sound of these neighbourhood kids will knock your socks off!

Hailing from Nanaimo (Snuneymuxw), Elise Boulanger is a chamber-folk-pop artist who completely captivates audiences with her haunting avalanche of a voice.

Peanut Butter Telephone’s distinct sound draws from jazz, alternative, indie, and prog influences, blending them into a psychedelic rock experience like no other.

Liam Mackenzie and The Moondogs are a groove-heavy rock’n’roll outfit that takes its cues from the heartland to the American South, mixing country and roots with some blue eyed soul and 70’s funk thrown in for good measure.

A cultural osmosis of indie, pop, rock, funk, and hip hop aesthetics hailing from Vancouver, BC.

fernwoodnrg.ca/fernfest facebook.com/fernfest.fernwoodnrg

@fernwoodnrg

#FernFest2023

office@thefca.ca 1923 Fernwood Rd. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!

mark your calendar: Fernwood Art Stroll 2023

Visit the Art Stroll on Saturday, June 10 & Sunday, June 11

›› Margaret Hantiuk

The 2023 Fernwood Art Stroll will be taking place on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11 from 11am to 4pm.

This free, fun, family focused event is an opportunity for everyone to visit the participating Fernwood artist and artisans in their home studios. Many of us have lovely gardens, providing a delightful experience at this lovely time of year.

There are 23 artists and artisans on the Stroll this year: including oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings (abstracts, landscapes,

portraits of both pets and people); drawings (collage, digital, pastels, multi-media); fine art photography and fine art prints; unique painted furniture; ceramics; garden art (birdbaths and whimsical driftwood sculpture); live edge knife racks and charcuterie boards; woven seaweed baskets; and painted wood and glass collaged pieces.

Families may be especially interested in one of the participants: a poet and storyteller, and the Pandora Arts Collective will again be hosting a hands-on art experience for everyone at the FCA Paul Philips Hall during the event.

To preview what will be available and on display, go to fernwoodartstroll.ca , where all this year’s participants are profiled and a tour map can be downloaded or used on your phone. We also have our

buzz: Goodbye Shonna Bell

Thank you for your over 12 years of work with Fernwood NRG

Chantille Viaud

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it comes to saying farewell to a valued member of our team. This month one of our longest team members, Shonna Bell, had her last day with Fernwood NRG. Shonna has been an exceptional asset to our organization for over 12 years! As Shonna embarks on a new journey, we take a moment to reflect on her remarkable contributions and the lasting impact she has made during her time with us.

Shonna has been an inspiring force within our team, consistently demonstrating dedication, and a genuine passion for her work. Her unwavering commitment to families in our community has served as a shining example to us all. What started as a job as an on-call sub years ago, led to her final position as Director of Community

Programs, taking on the role of acting Executive Director in 2020. Through her creativity and innovative thinking, she has played an instrumental role in countless successful projects, particularly with Best Babies and Family Outreach, leaving an indelible mark on our organization.

Beyond her exceptional skills and accomplishments, Shonna’s warm personality and unwavering support have made her a beloved colleague and friend. Her ability to bring a smile to our faces even during challenging times will be dearly missed. Shonna has fostered a positive and inclusive work environment, always willing to stop what she was doing and provide guidance to her teammates.

As we say goodbye to Shonna, we extend our deepest gratitude for her unwavering dedication and significant contributions to our team. Her legacy will continue to inspire us, and the impact she has made will be felt for years to come. We wish her every success and happiness in her future endeavors, confident that she will continue to shine brightly wherever her path may lead.

brochures out: look for them about the neighbourhood at one of our sponsors or at various outlets.

Please do join us in celebrating the culture of our beautiful and interesting neighbourhood and meet some of the creative people who live here. You will be supporting local artists, hand-made art and meeting your neighbours.

Help nurture community and culture in Fernwood

›› Kathryn Juricic

Fernwood Community Association will be hosting our Annual General Meeting in the Paul Phillips Hall (Little Fernwood) on June 7 at 6:30pm and welcome all neighbours to attend.

We also encourage neighbours to run for a Director position with the organization! Our vision of Fernwood is a thriving and collaborative community that values diverse voices and holds creativity at its heart.

It’s a great time to join a renewed FCA— building on community feedback we have new strategic and operational plans in place setting a strong foundation for the organization to thrive! Our mission, “nurturing community and culture in Fernwood”, is held up by our ability to offer venue, studio, and garden space at affordable rates.

The Hall is consistently packed with events and shows, Little Fernwood Gallery hosts a new artist every month, the Land Use Committee is working towards having more green space in the neighbourhood, we are collaborating with community organizations and the FCA is working together with Fernwood NRG. Things are looking up for the FCA!

There have been countless volunteer hours poured into creating a foundation for a thriving community arts organization.

Thank you to everyone who has put in their time, energy, and heart towards making this happen!

I look forward to discussing all of the achievements we have had over the past year, reflect on challenges, and our vision of what the FCA could be at our AGM on June 7. Find out more and join our newsletter at thefca.ca!

Park revitalization ›› Jan Firstbrook

At the corner of Fernwood Road and Pembroke Street, there is a neglected park that is part of a busy thoroughfare. The Fernwood Land Use Committee (LUC) is planning on applying for a My Great Neighbourhood Grant this summer.

Our goal for the grant is to transform a section of Gower Park into a place to keep cool during the summer heat, socialize under the trees, and take in the beauty of native pollinator plantings. The design concept includes a round picnic table with gapped seating for accessibility surrounded by 3 or 4 planters.

Drop by our table at FernFest on June 17 in the Field of Dreams to sign up as a volunteer to help make this revitalization project a reality and check out our mapping project. We’d love to hear from you!

Reach the LUC at fernwoodlanduse@ gmail.com

Photo: Margaret Hantiuk

in memory: Honouring BOUSADA

›› Kathryn Juricic

This year’s FernFest will mark a sad anniversary for many members of the Fernwood community and beyond. Just two days after last year’s festival, treasured community member Graeme Bousada passed away after a tragic accident at just age 32.

You may remember Graeme from his various roles at FernFest. I first met Graeme after his first performance at FernFest in 2014, when he played with Medana. In the ensuing years, he played several sets as BOUSADA. In 2016, he hosted the FernFest TV series as Johnny Dangus. And in 2019, he convinced me to help choreograph a dance for ourselves and friends to perform at FernFest. Many laughs were shared during our rehearsals in the shared Crystal Pool workout room. He also helped behind the scenes over the years and was often spotted rocking a FernFest t-shirt.

Bousada performed for the final time at last year’s FernFest when he shared a couple of acoustic tracks in the Musicians in the Round session. Weeks later, his memorial service was held on the Field of Dreams,

behind the Fernwood Community Centre.

While Graeme was a talented musician, he was known and loved for much more than his music. He was a husband, a father, a caring ear, a voice of wisdom and reason, and someone who brought the community together to grow, make, and share food. He was a moral compass for many people.

His legacy lives on in so many of us, but none more than his wife and son. I like to think that we keep Graeme’s spirit alive in many ways, whether it’s grooving our hearts out on the dance floor, tending a garden, hosting a potluck, gathering friends and serving them a meal, putting on a great party, having a little bonfire, being there for a pal, or giving direct and wise advice.

Funky Meeting will be covering a few BOUSADA tracks under the gazebo at this year’s FernFest, where we will all be dancing our hearts out.

Bousada, G, Graeme, Bousy, Bousi, Bous, Bous-dawg, my dawg, our dawg, Graemeso, Juicy Bousy, B-O-U-S-A-D-A, G Baby, Graeme Harimbe Bousada. Oh, Graeme. He made a huge impact in a short time, and will always be remembered.

FERNWOOD

MAY - AUGUST

Graeme Bousada (right) performing at FernFest 2017.

Photo: Webmeister Bud

Scene in Fernwood : FernFest