October 2009 Village Vibe

villagevibe October 2009 : News and views from the heart of Fernwood

Bicycle Parking Comes to Fernwood >> by Lenore Rankin

P

lans are in the works to add more bicycle parking to Fernwood Village. Two City Councilors, City transportation staff, representatives from Fernwood Neighbourhoofd Resource Group, the FCA, the Belfry Theatre and several interested community members met onsite recently to discuss options for creating additional bike parking for Fernwood Village.

After considering several options, the group agreed that expanding the sidewalk on Fernwood Road in front of the Cornerstone Café and the 1921 Fernwood Road building was the best option (see Option 1 in illustration below). In addition to the creation of approximately 12 new bicycle parking spaces, the bulbing-out of the sidewalk opens up the option to add outdoor seating to the Cornerstone Café and beautification with the addition of new planters.

However, the greatest tertiary benefit of this plan is the increased safety for pedestrians. By narrowing the crosswalk, this very busy intersection will benefit from a natural traffic calming effect. Fernwood NRG is also negotiating with BC Hydro to re-position the hydro pole that is dangerously located at the foot of the crosswalk on the west side of Fernwood Road.

After informal chats with local cyclists, it’s become clear that covered bicycle parking is a high priority. Currently, that is not included in the scope of this initiative. However, Fernwood NRG has advised City staff that the organization would be willing to collaborate on incorporating a roof structure into the design.

While there’s cause for optimism about the bicycle parking initiative, it’s not a done deal. The final decision about whether or not to fund the project rests with City Council. If you are passionate about cycling infrastructure and urban sustainability drop Mayor Fortin, or Fernwood neighbourhood liaison, Councilor Lucas a note indicating your support for the project. They can be reached at mayor@victoria.ca and plucas@victoria.ca.

in this issue Neighbourhood Non-Profit: Dogwood Initiative Page 3 Feature: Re-Imagining Volunteerism Page 4 Above: Bicycle parking in Portland, Oregon.

Photo by Steve Carey.

Left: A drafting illustration indicates the identified options for bicycle parking in the Fernwood core.

Drawing courtesy of City of Victoria.

Cuba’s Organic Revolution Page 6 To get the Vibe digitally, sign up at fernwoodnrg.ca

villagevibe Published by Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group

buzz :

Pumpkin yard bids farewell

1240 Gladstone Street Victoria, BC V8T 1G6 T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509 vibe@fernwoodnrg.ca www.villagevibe.ca Contributors: Johanna Henderson Celine Trojand Margaret Hantiuk Lee Herrin Lenore Rankin Deryk Houston Sarah Walsh

Art: Steve Carey (1) Johanna Henderson (2,8) Morgan Cassels (3) Jenny Knee (4,5) Margaret Hantiuk (6) Canada World Youth (8)

Founding Editor: Lisa Helps

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

Sheryl Shermak takes a ghoul for a final spin in the pumpkin yard.

>> by Johanna Henderson Like the work of Fernwood NRG? Go to CanadaHelps.org and donate.

declaration of principles and 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!

Over the last 13 years, the Pumpkin Yard on Fernwood Road has showcased thousands of pumpkins. But after this year, it’s coming to an end.

The Pumpkin Yard is an all inclusive event for youth, seniors and everyone in between. From October 20 to 29, Sheryl Shermak and another master pumpkin carver will be working, carving hundreds of pumpkins and coaching others to do the same. The pumpkins are lit and available for viewing at 2527 Fernwood Road on October 30 and

31, just after dusk. Admission is by donation.

The Pumpkin Yard has lost the current site on Fernwood Road, and both Shermak and the other master carver are in doctoral studies, dealing with hectic schedules. Although they’re open to suggestions as to other venues and future pumpkin yards, this year will be the last Pumpkin Yard in the current location.

Shermak says she started carving pumpkins seriously when she was just 18 years old.

“I carved one, then two, then three, then four, then forty, and I thought ‘What are we going to do with all these pumpkins?’,” said Shermak. And Pumpkin Yard was born.

Shermak says pumpkin carving is an accessible art form. Anyone can carve, and anyone can learn.

The Pumpkin Yard encourages donations from carvers and viewers. For more information or to get involved, drop by the Yard at 2527 Fernwood Road.

Fernwood

Dead Wood

Separating the fertile from the flammable in 20 words or less

solutions

problems

hope

cynicism

pragmatism

ideology

engaging

reactivism

courage

caution

responsibility

abdication

be the change :

Fernwood NRG seeks Directors With a staff of more than 30 and an annual operating budget in excess of $1.5M, the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group Society (Fernwood NRG) is a charitable organization committed to urban sustainability. The Society provides a variety of services to the neighbourhood from childcare and family support, to recreation and affordable housing. We have also taken a lead role in revitalizing the neighbourhood through our purchase and restoration of the Cornerstone Building at 1301 Gladstone Avenue.

The volunteer Board of Directors creates the vision for the organization and works with the society’s management team to prioritize investments that will improve the quality of life in Fernwood for all residents.

Successes of the organization in the past 10 years include: • Purchasing and restoring the Cornerstone Building, re-opening the commercial space at street level and creating 4 affordable housing units upstairs, • Building Park Place on Yukon Street which provides affordable housing to 6 families, • Incorporating green energy solutions into our buildings through the inclusion of geo-thermal heating at the Cornerstone Building and solar-assist hot water heating at Park Place, • Owning and operating the successful Cornerstone Café, • Creating and publishing the monthly Village Vibe newspaper and distributing it to 3,500 homes in the neighbourhood.

• Working with the city to guide a $250k investment into improvements in Stevenson Park (immediately behind the Community Centre), • Renovating and restoring 1423 Fernwood Road and having it designated as a heritage building, • Installing a portable building behind the Fernwood Community Centre and opening an Infant & Toddler daycare centre providing care to 20 children.

Our work on the Cornerstone was recognized by awards from the Victoria Hallmark Society for being an innovative heritage restoration and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for exemplifying best practices in affordable housing.

As a Director, you will participate in discussions (also known as meetings) that will challenge you to be courageous, passionate, responsible and pragmatic. You will work with the rest of the board and senior staff to make decisions about our future investments in the neighbourhood that are consistent with our principles and values. Although our board is very involved in future-oriented decisions, we do not operate with a large committee structure so the time commitment is typically limited to 5-10 hours per month. This covers our monthly board meeting including preparation (with time for socializing afterward) and one or two other events per month depending on availability and interest.

We are the change we want to see in the world. If you live in Fernwood, are solution-oriented and experienced in making things happen, and are committed to urban sustainability, perhaps we are the change you want to see in your world.

Apply with a resume or a brief letter outlining your experience and commitment to the attention of Caitlin Davies, at chair@fernwoodnrg.ca before 9am on October 26th. We will respond to all applicants with further information about the process from that point forward.

Page 2 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | October 2009

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neighbourhood non-profit : We’re >> by Celine Trojand When I moved to Victoria in March and wanted to know the best area to live, I asked everyone I knew and put the word out on my networks. Fernwood was the overwhelming recommendation! When you’ve finished reading this article, take a look on the second-last page of this paper and check out the “What’s on in Fernwood” Section. You’ll see Green Drinks, community markets, environmental workshops, and Yoga. You’ll see the kinds of events that show a dynamic, educated, and engaged community. This community is just where I want to be and I’ve been doubly lucky to work with the Dogwood Initiative, a local NGO only a one-minute walk from my house.

Ten years ago Dogwood initiators realized that communities needed help organizing. They helped communities in BC mobilize and channel their passion in innovative ways to achieve ownership over their land and resources in order to secure a future for our children.

Big changes have occurred in BC over the last decade and more than ever, communities need to assert themselves.

We are facing the kind of political, economic and social climate that sees our Prime Minister cater to donut empires before our planet, BC’s government canceling environmental programs while pushing the Gateway

Project, and our regional district smoothing the progress of urban development in our wild coastal ecosystems.

There are lots of problems facing our communities but equally powerful is our potential to stand together.

Strong grassroots organization is the most effective way to shape real change in BC and it starts here, in Fernwood.

Like Dogwood, Ferwoodians are activists and thinkers who focus on what’s important to their

your dogs!

Each campaign is fundamentally based on the fact

that local communities rights are not being respected and all three are tied into the larger discussion of climate change.

You can get educated on the issues by visiting our

website www.dogwoodinitiative.org. We would love to hear what you have to say about our initiatives and the role we can play is creating a better BC. You can stay up to date by joining our Facebook page.

Like Dogwood, Ferwoodians are activists and thinkers who focus on what’s important to their neighbourhoods. neighbourhoods. So if you’re into social justice, environment, climate change, and community empowerment, we’re your dogs.

Dogwood is currently focusing its energies on three campaigns:

If you’re passionate about the issues why not stop by

• Keeping oil tankers off of BC’s north coast by inhibiting the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline project and calling for a legislated ban on tanker traffic in these waters, • Saving endangered orcas and ensuring a healthy coast for us all, and • Preventing urban sprawl from engulfing Vancouver Island

sustainable future. Could you be an elusive BC hero? Are

artist’s aside : Painting

our office at 1-1422 Fernwood Rd or give us a call 250370-9930 and volunteer your time. All I demand is that you leave your apathy at door and resolve yourselves to being bold! We need BC champions leading the way a you already? Time to come out of the Fern-woodwork.

Do you know of a great Fernwood non-profit organization (society, club, church, service group, etc) that is doing amazing things in our neighbourhood? Email us at vibe@ fernwooodnrg.ca to tell us about it!

outside the lines

>> by Deryk Houston I am fascinated by how people will view themselves as artists when they are children but then grow out of that belief as they move into adulthood.

Our society tends to reinforce that idea by placing an emphasis on the artist’s university credentials rather than basing the value on the quality of the work produced.

I think one of the most amazing and exciting things that distinguish a city culturally is their willingness to take risks. The movers and shakers of Dubai in the middle east for example, picked the architect for one of their most significant landmark building from an applicant who presented their proposal drawn simply on the back of a napkin. The jurors recognized that something important was in front of them and they followed their gut instincts and made it happen. In my opinion, organizations such as the Victoria Art Gallery wouldn’t have the courage to do that, simply because I believe that they don’t trust their own judgment of art. As an artist, it is like witnessing a broadcaster on the radio describing a horse race for the listeners. Our institutions are like the announcer that knows all the names and numbers of the horses and jockeys, but couldn’t ride the plastic pony at the local Mall if their life depended on it. I say that with a smile on my face and with no malice intended. They are a product of our education system.

I only mention this observation because when I walked into The Paint Box School of Art in Fernwood and met the owner, Emily Grav, my heart was overjoyed to see the other end of the spectrum of my art world. The images scattered all over the walls presented a complete lack of inhibition, which was refreshing.

This is where it all starts. I think Emily’s gift is that she recognizes the importance of her students willingness

VillageVibe

to take risks and explore. She is very much aware that the older students develop more hesitation in their work and so she makes a point of addressing that issue as well.

Her students come into her classes thinking one way and leave with a more open view of what art is about.

Emily is also receptive enough to know that the student often teaches the teacher.

The school is tucked away in a nice clean little space across from the Belfry and she works with groups ranging from as young as two years old through to teenagers, as well as adult classes. Each class often involves printmaking, lino cuts, painting, basic drawing skills as well as sculpture. If you like the idea of making Christmas cards, Emily is holding a special class this October, so make sure you register early for that.

There are no limits to the creativity of this wonderful, private studio.

As a professional artist I always like to encourage people of all ages to think of themselves as artists and to take the time to create some art. When you sign up for an art class you get to meet people and that can be one of the most rewarding part of the whole adventure because life is not compartmentalized. Art opens doors and has the ability to shape our world.

The visionary cultural leader and creativity expert, Sir Ken Robinson, believes that we are educating our children out of creativity. He has called for a massive inquiry into the significance of creativity in the educational system and the economy. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems and wants them to acknowledge multiple types of intelligence.

I think Sir Ken Robinson would like Emily’s approach to teaching art at the Paint Box School of Art in Fernwood.

October 2009 | www.fernwoodnrg.ca | Page 3

feature : Re-Imagining

Volunteerism >> by Lee Herrin

When I was growing up, my parents were out a lot. Not

Fernwood NRG is a charitable organization. Although

on page 2) and over the longer term, we hope to engage

at the same time, necessarily—we couldn’t afford a lot of

we have many paid staff, we are run by a volunteer board

more volunteers in our neighbourhood development

babysitting—but they both went out. A lot. When I was

of directors and provide many other opportunities for

activities. Stay tuned for more information about this in

younger, I didn’t really understand why they needed to

volunteering.

future editions.

go out so much. Of course, I was glad that my dad was

my soccer coach, and my baseball coach, but I couldn’t

has been with us for thirteen years, still works nearly 25

right away, please come to the Community Centre at

understand why my mom just went to “meetings” all the

hours per week, nine months of the year, in our daycare.

1240 Gladstone Avenue and become a member of our

time. I just didn’t get it.

Garth Homer Society brings four volunteers twice a

organization. Membership is free and our membership

week who each work for four hours cleaning toys and

form invites you to list your availability and skills for

helping with the recycling. At least 50 people volunteer

volunteering. Through the year, as projects come up, we

annually on the day of Fernfest to set up, organize events

might call you to see if you can help based on a match

and activities, provide information, and ensure the

between your interests and the nature of the work.

Our longest-serving volunteer, Anne-Marie, who

However, if you have a burning need to “get involved”

recycling gets done. Volunteers created and staffed this newspaper for over four years.

Thinking back a few years, we estimate at least 10,000

hours of volunteer effort went into the Cornerstone project (the equivalent of five people working full-time for a year). This represents everything from the Wreckers who showed up week after week to haul debris to the bin for hours at a time, to the hundreds of hours donated by our project manager to move the project to completion.

According to Statistics Canada’s most recent Survey

Unfortunately, although it is hard to imagine our

of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, the volunteer

organization, or even the neighbourhood, being the way

rate of British Columbians age 15 and older in 2007

it is without the contributions of volunteers, the absolute

was 47%. And a major reason people get involved in

number of hours contributed annually to Fernwood

volunteering themselves is that they had one or more

NRG is not something that is currently accounted for

parents who volunteered when they were children.

or measured. But our volunteers definitely do not go

Incredibly, the average number of hours volunteered

unnoticed. Many organizations like ours have a position

when the whole neighbourhood got together to build

annually by the average British Columbian volunteer is

“Volunteer Coordinator”—sometimes even a volunteer

a new playground at my elementary school. It sure

just over three hours per week. But a quarter of volunteers

“Volunteer Coordinator”—and this is the direction in

wasn’t any CSA-approved equipment—it had all kinds

put in more than three quarters of all volunteer hours—

which we want to move.

of structures that you could climb on, jump off, slide

the volunteer load is definitely not equally distributed.

So hopefully you are already a volunteer. But if

down, run through—in short, it was an accident

Regardless, all volunteers got a good feeling from their

not, why not? The most commonly cited reason for

waiting to happen. But those were the early 80s, and

work, with 93% of those who volunteered saying they

not volunteering is “I don’t have the time.” However,

our society wasn’t as litigious back then. Through my

did it “to make a contribution to the community.”

this one doesn’t hold a lot of water for me: the survey

early time at that school, a gravel playlot with a couple

Bringing the idea of volunteering closer to home,

results show that parents with school-age children are

of monkey bars and some cement pipes was passed off as

more likely than those with no children to volunteer,

a playground. It was pretty beat. My dad and his friend

and the employed are more likely to volunteer than the

hatched a plan and worked with the Community School

unemployed. Also, the vast majority of us watch TV, on

Association (my mom was President and “ran efficient

average for nearly 3 hours a day. Most of us have far

meetings,” according to my dad) to get permission to

more than enough time to do a little volunteer work on

design, fundraise, and build an adventure playground.

the side.

Donations of time and materials came from all over the

place, and one of the service clubs came through as a

More likely, in my opinion (and to the eternal shame

One of my fondest memories growing up was

of organizations that wish they had more resources), is

sponsor too.

that 44% of non-volunteers indicated a major reason

they didn’t volunteer is that “no one asked,” while 24%

who worked for one of the utilities showed up with a

said they “did not know how to become involved.” If this

truckload of donated poles and a truck-mounted auger.

describes you, wonder no more. Presently, Fernwood

Another dad, who was in the cement business showed

NRG is recruiting Board Members (see advertisement

up with a truckload of cement. Up went the poles.

On the first of two building weekends, one kid’s dad

Celebrate the Sunshine!

The Patio at the Inn Now open for Summer.

Join us daily from 11:30 1302 Gladstone

Page 4 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | October 2009

412-2001

VillageVibe

Parents backfilled the holes with their own shovels. The

creation. This doesn’t mean I don’t have bad days—days

firefighters from the neighbouring hall came and wet

where I despair that we will ever achieve our goals—

down the area so the poles would settle in.

or even experience conflict. Machiavelli cautioned the

The next weekend, the teams of carpenters set

Prince: “…it ought to be remembered that there is

to work, and three huge play structures began to take

nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to

shape. Someone came with an excavator and half-buried

conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take

a hundred oversized tires in a pathway around the

the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.

perimeter that became a challenging course to run and

Because the innovator has for enemies all those who

jump on. Others made sure the kids stayed out of harm’s

have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm

way, and still others laid out sandwiches and drinks to

defenders in those who may do well under the new.”

keep the crew working. In two weekends, a barren lot

I’ve been told I’m crazy more than a few times, but I just keep repeating my favorite mantra from Thoreau: it was sporting a new green field and a new playground.

“What people say you cannot do, you try and you find

Not too long after that, Fernwood NRG bought the

Cornerstone building. I was sure to bring my stepson down to the work parties at least a couple of times to pull nails and help with the clean-up. I wanted him to be able to say—maybe when as a teenager he would be hanging out with friends in the Cornerstone Café—that he had worked on cleaning up the building when it was being taken over by the neighbourhood.

In my own time as a volunteer, I’ve always been

drawn to the kind of volunteering that truly makes a difference. I’ve not been interested in “sticking my finger in the dike” only to find later I wished I had more was transformed into the best playground in the city

fingers, but rather to put my intelligence, creativity

(and frankly, the best playground I’d ever seen until it

and will toward identifying where and how the status

was torn down a few years ago by the safety zealots).

quo is failing and then working with others to shift the

that you can.”

For me, though, the transformation was more personal.

dynamics in a way that leaves a noticeable and lasting

Never again did I look on any rundown place without

change.

even experienced what seemed at the time to be utter

thinking how it could be brought back to life by an

I see volunteering as a means to harness the creativity

chaos. Contrary visions were presented. Personalities

engaged neighbourhood.

and energy of citizens and neighbours to participate

conflicted. Egos competed. Tempers flared. Sometimes,

For me personally, I’ve always found a great deal of

together in creating a better world. This kind of

feelings were hurt. Friendships were severed. All seemed

fulfillment serving on the Fernwood NRG board. Looking

volunteering is in my mind a fairly radical kind of power

lost.

back, I’ve served on boards fairly consistently since 1995.

because it is the power that comes from positivity and

Sometimes, as a volunteer board member, I have

But in my experience, the chaos is all part of the

Like my own parents, I have struggled to explain to my

process. It isn’t necessarily pleasant; in fact, it sometimes

children why I need to go out to “meetings,” but I have

leaves me feeling quite ill. But it certainly leaves me feeling

had a few opportunities to concretely demonstrate to

alive. Nietzsche said “One must still have chaos in oneself

them the value of my “meeting work.”

to be able to give birth to a dancing star.” The bureaucracy

Once when my stepson and I were walking through

seldom produces anything fantastic or glorious. We can’t

Stevenson Park (before it was improved), I asked him

wait around for other people to solve all of our problems,

what he thought of the park. He said “It looks kind of

and we disempower ourselves when we try to push our

junky. Someone should fix it up or something.” I told

problems onto government. When people get together

him I would work on it. The game was rigged, of course,

and work together to collectively solve their problems,

because we had been working with the City to plan the

the result isn’t always pretty, but it’s always real. Or as an

improvements to the park and they were scheduled to

old friend who long ago invited me to my first meeting in

happen soon. But imagine his surprise when I brought

Fernwood said: “I guarantee you it will be more dramatic

him back to the park a few weeks later and, sure enough,

than anything you’ll see on TV.”

this autumn with Fernwood NRG Recreation!

Mondays - Kundalini Yoga Tuesdays - Hatha Yoga & Floor Hockey Wednesdays - Falun Gong Thursdays - Floor Hockey Fridays - Beginners’ Yoga & Fairuza Fridays Sundays - Karate & Women’s Soccer visit fernwoodnrg.ca for more information

VillageVibe

Denise Savoie

Member of Parliament for Victoria

 : 970 Blanshard Street Victoria, BC V8W 2H3 telephone: 363-3600 e-mail: Savoie.d@parl.gc.ca on the web: www.denisesavoie.ca

Your voice in Ottawa October 2009 | www.fernwoodnrg.ca | Page 5

gleanings : Cuba’s

organic revolution

>> by Margaret Hantiuk Recently I watched a wonderfully inspiring video that told of Cuba’s urban organic agricultural revolution of the past 20 years, presented by a new grassroots group: the Victoria Region Transition Initiative. Their mandate is to “raise awareness, build connections, and support positive vision and action to help create more resilient and joyful communities that no longer rely on fossil fuels as their primary energy source.” Cuba is considered to be a model for a post-oil society because they lost their fossil fuel source overnight with the collapse of the old Russian economy in 1990.

This disabled Cuba’s agri-industry and its citizens began to starve. So they got together and began to grow food in their cities. Because the manufacture of chemical fertilizers requires fossil fuels, and the U.S. enforced their trade embargo even more mercilessly at this time, the fertilizers were no longer available to Cuban farmers. Cuban agrologists began to implement organic agriculture, encouraging food cropping in Havana and all towns and cities on roof tops, spare lots, boulevards and parks—anywhere possible. Everyone became agrologist explains in the video: the privately held, the involved, and oxen were again used on small plots and co-operatives and the state farm—he said the most farms. At first food was rationed but then more markets successful is the privately held.) to sell produce opened up as the farms really started to And here is the kicker, because of the organic farming take off. People began making an income selling their methods (no chemical fertilizers that kill the natural food crops.

People are outdoors working and visiting together more

and at the markets buying the fresh produce, creating more community.

The end result is that Cubans are now much healthier.

Everyone is eating more fresh vegetables and fruits.

Because more people are working in their gardens and urban farms, they are active and fit. People are outdoors working and visiting together more and at the markets buying the fresh produce, creating more community.

Agricultural workers are now paid better than ever before, and many Cubans have their own farms and plots. (There are three kinds of farms, the Cuban

microbiology and instead the addition of manure, compost and green manure) the soil is becoming more fertile and alive. Crop yields are higher than they were before the crisis. As well, more food is now being grown, as in the past Cuba had to grow large export crops for Russia in exchange for the fossil fuels they imported.

Obviously, Cuba has a warmer climate and longer growing season than we do. But we can extend the season here with various methods: greenhouses, protected

microclimates.

There are also many tasty and nutritious crops that can tolerate colder climates. We can grow two crops a year in Victoria, with a little help and know-how.

Here are some sites to help you grow food crops locally: • Compost Ed Center: 1216 North Park, 250-3869676, Email: office@compost.bc.ca • Veggie Gardening Bulletins: www.lindagilkeson.ca or www.saltspringenergystrategy.org • The Garden Path Nursery: www.earthfuture.com/ gardenpath • Organic Gardening Courses: www.gaiacollege.ca and www.hcp.bc.ca (Glendale Gardens) • The Victoria Horticultural Society has a Veggie Group: www.vichortsociety.org

Get to know Victoria Emergency Management >> by Sarah Walsh The Victoria Emergency Management Agency (VEMA) is tasked with coordinating city departments and other community organizations to plan and respond to emergencies and disasters. We also assist evacuated residents in the City of Victoria if they are forced to leave their homes because of a fire, gas leak, or other life threatening event. The task of preparing a community is not something one agency can do alone. Individuals,

businesses, neighbourhoods, and community based organizations are all part of the solution.

How can you become prepared and get involved with local emergency management?

• Build your family preparedness kit so that you will have enough food, water, and emergency supplies to be on your own for a minimum of 72 hours.

• Volunteer with one of the many groups working to prepare and respond in times of emergency or disaster. VEMA has several volunteer components:

Page 6 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | October 2009

Auxiliary Communications Services, Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program, Evacuee Assistance (ESS), and Victoria Search and Rescue.

• Attend a free emergency preparedness workshop offered by the Victoria Emergency Management Agency.

For more information on putting your emergency kit together, volunteering, or to attend a workshop please call us at (250) 920-3373, email vema@victoria.ca, or go to preparevictoria.ca.

VillageVibe

what’s on in Fernwood Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

9:30-11:30am: Parent & Tot Playgroup @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

11:00am: Seniors’ Exercise, Lunch and Activities @ 1240 Gladstone.

3:00pm: Work party @ Springridge Commons.

4:30-5:30pm: Tai Chi @ 1240 Gladstone.

5:30-7:00pm: Flow Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-9:30pm: Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-9:30pm: Fernwood Youth Fridays @ 1240 Gladstone.

8:30-11:30pm: Open Mic @ the Fernwood Inn (1302 Gladstone).

7:00-11:00pm: Bumbling Sisters Open Mic @Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone)

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

9:30am: Sunday Storytime @ Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone).

7:00-8:30pm: Kundalini Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

9:30-11:30am: Parent & Tot Playgroup @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

9:30-11:30am: Parent & Babe Playgroup @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

9:30-11:30am: Parent & Tot Playgroup @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

11:00am: Seniors’ Exercise, Lunch and Activities @ 1240 Gladstone.

10:00am-1:00pm: Outrageous Recycling Day @ 1240 Gladstone.

5:00-7:00pm: Falun Gong @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

4:30-5:30pm: Tai Chi @ 1240 Gladstone.

5:30-7:00pm: Flow Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:30-10:00pm: Bluegrass Jams @ the Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone).

7:00-9:30pm: Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-9:30pm: Fernwood Youth Fridays @ 1240 Gladstone.

8:30-11:30pm: Open Mic @ the Fernwood Inn (1302 Gladstone).

7:00-11:00pm: Sound Spa @ Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone)

1:00-2:30pm: Drop-In Karate @ 1240 Gladstone.

2:00-6:30pm: Pocket Market @ Fernwood Square.

5:00-6:30pm: Drop-In Soccer @ 1240 Gladstone.

3:30-5:00pm: Hatha Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:30-9:30pm: Life drawing sessions @ Collective Works (1311 Gladstone).

7:00-9:30pm: Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00pm: Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage @ Norway House (1110 Hillside).

7:30-10:00pm: Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam @ Orange Hall (1620 Fernwood Rd.)

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9:30am: Sunday Storytime @ Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone).

7:00-8:30pm: Kundalini Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

9:30-11:30am: Parent & Tot Playgroup @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

9:30-11:30am: Parent & Babe Playgroup @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

9:30-11:30am: Parent & Tot Playgroup @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

11:00am: Seniors’ Exercise, Lunch and Activities @ 1240 Gladstone.

3:00pm: Work party @ Springridge Commons.

7:30-10:00pm: Bluegrass Jams @ the Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone).

4:30-5:30pm: Tai Chi @ 1240 Gladstone.

5:30-7:00pm: Flow Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-9:30pm: Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-9:30pm: Fernwood Youth Fridays @ 1240 Gladstone.

8:30-11:30pm: Open Mic @ the Fernwood Inn (1302 Gladstone).

7:00-11:00pm: Bumbling Sisters Open Mic @Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone)

2:00-6:30pm: Pocket Market @ Fernwood Square.

1:00-2:30pm: Drop-In Karate @ 1240 Gladstone.

3:30-5:00pm: Hatha Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

5:00-6:30pm: Drop-In Soccer @ 1240 Gladstone.

4:50-6:50pm: Green Drinks @ the Belfry Theatre (1291 Gladstone).

7:00pm: Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage @ Norway House (1110 Hillside)

7:00-9:30pm: Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:30-10:00pm: Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam @ Orange Hall (1620 Fernwood Rd.)

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9:30am: Sunday Storytime @ Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone).

7:00pm: Place Making Troupe @ Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone).

9:30-11:30am: Parent & Tot Playgroup @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

9:30-11:30am: Parent & Babe Playgroup @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

9:30-11:30am: Parent & Tot Playgroup @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

11:00am: Seniors’ Exercise, Lunch and Activities @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:30-10:00pm: Bluegrass Jams @ the Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone).

4:30-5:30pm: Tai Chi @ 1240 Gladstone.

5:30-7:00pm: Flow Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-9:30pm: Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-9:30pm: Fernwood Youth Fridays @ 1240 Gladstone.

8:30-11:30pm: Open Mic @ the Fernwood Inn (1302 Gladstone).

7:00-11:00pm: Sound Spa @ Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone)

10:00am-4:00pm: Community Wellness Clinic @ Alembic Centre (235 Market Square.)

1:00-2:30pm: Drop-In Karate @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-8:30pm: Kundalini Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

2:00-6:30pm: Pocket Market @ Fernwood Square.

3:30-5:00pm: Hatha Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-9:00pm: Food Security Collective Meeting @ 1240 Gladstone.

5:00-6:30pm: Drop-In Soccer @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-9:30pm: Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00pm: Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage @ Norway House (1110 Hillside)

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7:30-10:00pm: Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam @ Orange Hall (1620 Fernwood Rd.)

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9:30am: Sunday Storytime @ Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone).

7:00-8:30pm: Kundalini Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

2:00-6:30pm: Pocket Market @ Fernwood Square.

9:30-11:30am: Parent & Babe Playgroup @ 1240 Gladstone Ave.

4:30-5:30pm: Tai Chi @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-9:30pm: Fernwood Youth Fridays @ 1240 Gladstone.

3:00pm: Work party @ Springridge Commons.

7:30-10:00pm: Bluegrass Jams @ the Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone).

7:00-9:30pm: Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey @ 1240 Gladstone.

5:30-7:00pm: Flow Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

8:30-11:30pm: Open Mic @ the Fernwood Inn (1302 Gladstone).

7:00-11:00pm: Bumbling Sisters Open Mic @Cornerstone Cafe (1301 Gladstone)

1:00-2:30pm: Drop-In Karate @ 1240 Gladstone.

3:30-5:00pm: Hatha Yoga @ 1240 Gladstone.

5:00-6:30pm: Drop-In Soccer @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:00-9:30pm: Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey @ 1240 Gladstone.

7:30-9:30pm: Life drawing sessions @ Collective Works (1311 Gladstone).

7:00pm: Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage @ Norway House (1110 Hillside)

Arts, Theatre and Entertainment Belfry Theatre presents: BORDERTOWN CAFÉ. A gentle and funny slice of Canadiana, filled with quirky and endearing characters. Sept 15 until Oct 18. Info: 250.385.6815 or www. belfry.bc.ca Collective Works Gallery.

Miriam Mulhall & Nicholas Williams“Victoria Revisited… the Other Side” Show runs October 9-22.

Carrol Ann Smedley, Margaret Nicholson & Michael Leger - “Metamorphosis” sculpture, painting, mixed media Friday October 23 Opening Reception 7-9 pm. Show runs Oct 23- Nov 5 Life drawing sessions. Facilitators Marnie Miiller and PJ Kelly. First and last Sunday of the month, 7:30-9:30pm. $10 drop-in.

Live at the Cornerstone – 1301 Gladstone (at Fernwood Ave.).

BLUEGRASS WEDNESDAYS. Fernwood NRG and the Fernwood Bluegrass Association present Wednesday night bluegrass jams at the Cornerstone Café.

7:30-10pm. FREE! SOUND SPA. Fridays, 7-11pm. Resident DJ Nate + guests spin dub, dubstep and other tasty beats. ALTERNATING WITH THE BUMBLING SISTERS. Fridays, 7-11pm. Sarah and Megan host a night of audible potpourri.

YARNS. Story time for kids of all ages.

Every Sunday morning at 9:30. Come join us to listen or tell.

FERNWOOD PLACE MAKING TROUPE. Mon, Oct 19. 7pm at the Cornerstone Cafe.

Cornerstone Café showing Pesto Art through September.

Live Music at Fernwood Inn. Open Mic Thursdays. 8:30-11:30pm. 1302 Gladstone Ave. FREE! Live Music at Logan’s Pub. 1821 Cook St. www.loganspub.com Ministry of Casual Living.

1442 Haultain St. Info: www. ministryofcasualliving.ca Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam. Tuesdays 7:30-10pm. Orange Hall.

1620 Fernwood Rd. $2 to play ($3/nonmembers). Listen by donation. Info: www. victoriabluegrass.ca Victoria Folk Music Society.

Sundays. 7:30pm Open Stage. 9pm

VillageVibe

7:30-10:00pm: Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam @ Orange Hall (1620 Fernwood Rd.)

Feature Performer. Norway House.

1110 Hillside Ave. $5 feature performer nights/$3 all open stage night. www. victoriafolkmusic.ca Kids and Families at the Fernwood Community Centre Parent and Babe Playgroup.

For caregivers with children under 36 months. Fernwood’s Parent and Babe group is a comfortable and relaxed setting where parents and caregivers can nurture their babies through parent discussion, music and storytelling.

Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. Coffee, juice and snacks provided. FREE! Parent and Tot Playgroup.

Snacks/Crafts/Circle Time. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-11:30am. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $1 per family.

Youth, Adults and Seniors Fairuza Fridays.

Drop-in Co-ed. Ages 10-18. Nintendo Wii, big screen movies, basketball, floor hockey, music. Fridays, 7-9:30pm.

Fernwood Community Centre. FREE! Falun Gong.

Peaceful meditation practice. All welcome! Wednesdays, 5-7pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. FREE! Fernwood Seniors.

Fridays, 11am. $2. Gentle exercise, lunch and activities (55+). Fernwood Community Centre.

Floor Hockey.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-9:30pm. $4.

Drop-in Co-ed. Adult (18+). Fernwood Community Centre Gym. Flow Yoga.

Fridays 5:30-7pm. $6. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. Hatha Yoga.

Tuesdays 3:30-5pm. $6. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. Karate.

Sundays 1-2:30pm. $4. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. Kundalini Yoga.

Mondays 7-8:30pm. $5. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. Tai Chi. Thursdays 4:30-5:30pm. $5. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. Women’s Soccer.

Sundays 5-6:30pm. $4. Fernwood Community Centre Gym.

Special Events Victoria Green Drinks.

An inclusive gathering of the sustainability-minded for refreshments and conversation. Second Tues monthly.

4:50-6:50pm. Belfry Theatre. www. greendrinksvictoria.ca Fernwood’s Outrageous Recycling Day. Bring your CLEAN plastics, styrofoam packing and food trays, electronics and foil-lined coffee/chip bags. Sat, Sept 12 (second Sat monthly). 10am-1pm.

Across from Fernwood Community Centre. By donation. Fernwood’s Outrageous Recycling Day seeks volunteers! Come help us make it all happen! For info contact villagevibe@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca Community Wellness Clinic.

Victoria Community Health Cooperative. Third Sunday monthly, 10am-4pm, Alembic Healing Arts Centre, Market Square, Suite #235, 560 Johnson St. Book appointments at 250.483.5503. More info at www. victoriahealthcooperative.ca Fernwood NRG Food Security Collective.

All welcome! Tues, Oct 20. 7-9pm.

Fernwood Community Centre MPR. foodsecurity@fernwoodnrg.ca Fernwood Community Kitchen.

Cook nutritious, creative meals with your neighbours! Info: fernwoodkitchens@ gmail.com Fernwood Community Market.

Bringing the goods to the ‘hood – Fernwood’s very own Pocket Market.

Tuesdays. 2-6:30pm. Fernwood Square.

Spring Ridge Commons Workparties.

Starting in September, Commons work parties will be Saturday afternoons at 3pm. Please bring tools if you’ve got ‘em.

Village Sustainability Workshops.

Ongoing workshops at the Oak and Fern Centre. Contact Rainey and Margot for information at 250.383.9171 or hope_of_ rain@islandnet.com If you have a Fernwood event you would like listed in the Village Vibe calendar please send an email with the subject line “vibe calendar” to vibe@fernwoodnrg.ca

It’s easy to support Fernwood NRG... ...Especially if you make your charitable contributions through a workplace payroll deduction program. If you’re looking for a convenient way to support Fernwood NRG in its efforts to: • build more affordable housing • provide much-needed quality childcare • offer low and no-cost family support programs • spearhead neighbourhood revitalization initiatives • make neighbourhood-based environmental projects a priority ... …then please consider designating all or part of your workplace charitable contribution to your neighbourhood.

Both the United Way of Greater Victoria (UWGV) and the Provincial Employees Community Services Fund (PECSF) provide the option for you to support the charity of your choice. Just tick the designation box and insert Fernwood NRG as your organization of choice.

With your help we can make Fernwood the best ­— and most sustainable —neighbourhood in Canada, maybe even the world!

We are an equal opportunity organization. So for those of you who don’t have a payroll deduction option, don’t despair, we want to hear from you too. Please visit the ‘donate’ section of our website fernwoodNRG.ca to give online or find out about other giving options.

If you like to keep things simple and real, drop by our reception desk at the Fernwood Community Centre and tell them you’d like to make a donation. We’ll roll out the red carpet ­— just kidding, but we do have a sweetie jar!

October 2009 | www.fernwoodnrg.ca | Page 7

Scene : in Fernwood