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

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.

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