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Village Vibe

special edition

news and views from the heart of Fernwood august 2005

www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca

Fernwood Non-P Profit buys derelict building!

After years of dreaming about a revitalized village core, Fernwood residents have once again put the ‘act’ back into activism. The Fernwood Community Centre Society (FCCS) has negotiated the purchase and sale of the building at the corner of Gladstone and Fernwood. Getting this 'Cornerstone' of revitalization into neighbourhood hands means that we will be able to implement many of the basic neighbourhood services that Fernwoodians have been yearning for years!

Want a coffee? A loaf of bread?

How about dinner before the show?

Affordable housing with a great view! on the second story? More than merely providing conveniences, we know this project will create spaces of encounter, where neighbours meet neighbours; they linger, gather, and get to BE neighbours.

The FCCS bought this building for Fernwood. It took an immense amount of dedication, courage and vision by directors and staff and many

Sponsor’s Corner *The Ministry of Children and Family Development *The Belfry *Ralmax *The Future Shop

SOLD! August 2 Community Centre takes possesion of building.

Committment to develop affordable housing and shops and services for Fernwood Residents. hours of volunteer labour to put this innovative community development project into place.

Plans for the building include affordable housing for neighbourhood residents. Plans are drawn up for two 3 bedroom suites and two 2 bedroom suites. Downstairs, we’re getting ready to open “volunteer headquarters” in the historic corner suite so anyone wishing to drop in, find out what’s going on, and lend a hand will be welcome. The rest of the downstairs suites will be renovated and ready to rent for small businesses.

What do you want to see in the core.

Dream. Imagine. Volunteer. Act. To keep up to date on Cornerstone hap-

penings visit www.fernwoodneighbhourhood.ca.

It is time to bury the imaginary hatchet that has kept our Village divided for so long, and move forward with a New Story for Fernwood: A village core that is owned by and for the neighbourhood. A cultural and artistic enclave of tolerant and bohemian individuals. A lively and vibrant square filled with people of all ages, backgrounds and interests claiming public space. A tipping point for the revitalization that we have all been dreaming of. A beautiful pedestrian corridor. A soulful destination.

What do YOU want it to be? Now is the time to get involved.

Village Vibe Fernwood Community Centre Society Declaration of Principles and Values 1. WE are committed to creating a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable neighbourhood; 2. WE are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood institutions and assets; 3. WE are committed to using our resources prudently and to becoming financially self-reliant; 4. WE are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment; 5. WE are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them; 6. WE are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives; 7. WE are committed to governing our organization and serving our neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity, and kindness; 8. WE are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self-worth, and excellence of our neighbours and ourselves; 9. WE are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our neighbourhood's heritage and diversity; 10. WE are committed to creating neighbourhood places that are vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and alive; 11. AND, most of all, WE are committed to having fun!

Village Vibe Volunteer Team Thanks to: Lenore Rankin, Roberta Martell, Dave Kesson, Tania Wegwitz, Margaret Hantiuk, Susan Salvati, Lisa Helps, Bill Cino, Terry Wilson, the Garth Homer Society, Bill Coades, Ron Spence, Anne Murphy, Lyn Schofield, Trish Richards

To subscribe, contact, submit to or advertise in the Vibe, head to www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca /vibe

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Belfry Donates the House Want to have a fun evening AUGUST 1 - 20, 2005 out with pals or your sweetie and know that it “a captivating performance... will also help transform the leads the pack for best new show of the year” core of our neighbourBY ROSS DESPREZ Monday Magazine STARRING ZAC STEVENSON hood? Have we got a “an amazing story, original songs” Made-in-Fernwood deal for Jack FM, Victoria you!

A MUSICAL TRIP THE The Belfry Theatre and THROUGH COUNTER-CULTURE TICKETS Belfry the Fernwood Community REVOLUTION 385-6815 Theatre OF THE 60’s Centre Society are presenting a special performance of “The Ballad of Jim Fernwood and Gladstone. Have a Pane” Monday, August 8th. Billed great time, check out some local theas “a musical trip through the countatre, and know that you are working er-culture revolution of the 60s,” the to rebuild something of tangible play promises to deliver a captivating beauty in your neighbourhood village. story and a great collection of origiTickets are $20 and are available nal songs. at The Belfry (1291 Gladstone) and Better yet, full proceeds from at the Fernwood Community Centre every ticket sold for August 8th go (1240 Gladstone). to the renovation fund for the Many thanks to The Belfry for their Fernwood Neighbourhood generous support of this project and Cornerstone building at the corner of of our neighbourhood.

THE BELFRY THEATRE PRESENTS THE OTHER GUYS THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION OF

THE BALLAD OF JIM PANE

1291 GLADSTONE AT FERNWOOD WWW.BELFRY.BC.CA

On Friday July 22, Fernwood residents claimed the ‘Cornerstone’ at Fernwood and Gladstone. Down went the For Sale signs and up went inspirational quotes, in pink no less!

Cornerstone Fast Facts

Learn more about our neighbourhood’s newest community asset: Years Built: 1910 for the section at Fernwood & Gladstone, 1911 for the second piece on Gladstone.

Architect: C. Elwood Watkins.

Watkins also designed Vic High and George Jay school, among others.

Constructed by: The Parfitt Brothers. The Parfitts had their office in this building until the mid

1920s and also constructed several buildings in the core, as well as many others in Fernwood.

Previous Home To: local businesses, including Fernwood Pharmacy and the Fernwood Meat Market, grocers, barbers, a beauty salon, bakers, and other retail merchants.

Tenants in more recent years have included the Prancing Pony and the Thin Edge of the Wedge.

Please support the Re-Creation of Fernwood Neighbourhood Help restore the ‘Cornerstone’ –a historic building in the heart of our village I want to support the Re-Creation of Fernwood

I would like to join the Village Builders Club and

Village. I wish to make an immediate gift of:

make pre-authorized monthly gifts of:

$15 $25 $50 $100 $other________

$10 $20 $50 $100 $other________

And/Or

*Tax receipts for one-time donations will be issued at time gift is made.

Registered Charity # S-0014959

*I understand that I can change or cancel my gift at anytime by notifying the Fernwood Community Centre Society. Tax receipts issued at year-end.

If every family in Fernwood donates just $10 a month, building renovations could be completed in one year!

I would like to pay by: Cheque (Payable to the Fernwood Community Centre Society)

Chequing Account (I authorize the Fernwood Community Centre Society to withdraw the amount indicated above on the 15th of each month. I‘ve enclosed a blank cheque marked void or 12 post-dated cheques.)

Credit Card (I authorize the Fernwood Community Centre Society to withdraw the amount indicated above)

Visa

Mastercard

Expiry Date: ______ /______

Card #: _________________________ Signature: __________________________ Other ways to get involved: I would like to co-own the neighbourhood ‘Cornerstone’ building by becoming a Fernwood Community Centre Society member for $1 Add me to your Village Vibe monthly e-newsletter list for project updates I would like to donate goods or services (tax receipt available) Please contact me about potential sponsorship opportunities I want to volunteer to renovate the building Please contact me about leasing opportunities Name(s): _______________________________________ Address:___________________________________________

The Cornerstone at 1301Gladstone

Postal Code:_____________________ Phone#___________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________

www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca

Fernwood Community Centre Society 1240 Gladstone, Victoria, BC V8T 1G6

Tel. 250-381-1552

Fernwoodstock: Hot Summer Fun

by Anne Murphy

The celebration of all things Fernwoodian kicks into high gear the weekend of Aug 26 to 28. The 10th annual "FERNFEST" takes hold at the Fernwood Community Centre and Stevenson Park. Hosted by the FCCS, the event is expanding to three days to even better celebrate our culturally and socially diverse neighbourhood.

Dubbed “FERNWOODSTOCK” in honour of the 10-year milestone, the event has something for everyone.

There are activities planned for neighbourhood families including live entertainment, a community market,

children's games (including water games - so bring along a towel and a change of clothes), an obstacle course organized by the Victoria Fire Department, community art projects, "Art-In Springridge" festivities, holistic healing demonstrations, information booths, food vendors, local musicians, dancing and much, much more.

An event of this nature, requires all hands on deck! Hundreds of hours of volunteer time have already gone into planning, securing displays, entertainers and the like. Come on out and volunteer a chunk of time!

It’s the perfect family-volunteer opportunity!

This year’s event will also showcase neighbourhood performers from our second ‘It Came from Fernwood’ CD. Musicians, performers, artisans, stylists, or community services call us to take part. We are also seeking lumber donations for the Community Art Project.

to Volunteer or donate lumber call Anne at 381-1 1552

Be part of the It Came From Fernwood II CD. Drop off a track or two for Gavin at the FCC, 1240 Gladstone. (gavinmolloy@hotmail.com) Perform on August 28 at Fernwoodstock. See your name in lights!

Fernfest Schedule FRIDAY, August 26 Community Dance: 6pm -10pm Enjoy some of the best things life has to offer: live music, dancing, pizza, and beer.

SATURDAY, August 27 Fernwoodstock: 11am - 10pm The big event! The first burger and hot dog hit their the buns at 11:00am.

11am - 3pm Art in Spring Ridge Community Info Booths & Crafts Wellness and Beauty Spa 1pm - 4pm Children’s Activities Fire Department Obstacle Course Community Art Project 1pm - 10pm Live Local Music Beer Garden Outdoor Movie at dusk

news and views from the heart of Fernwood

SUNDAY, August 28 Noon - 1pm: Children’s Parade Kids and their parents can bring a decorated bicycle, trike, or stroller to Fernwood & Gladstone to go on a short parade around the neighbourhood.

1pm - 4 pm: Street Party!

Celebrate summer and the core of our neighbourhood at Gladstone and Fernwood. Lemonade and ice cream will be available at nominal prices.

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Fernwood What’s On: August 2005 A monthly roundup of neighbourhood shindigs. Head to www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca/events for more listings or to submit your event.

1 Fri

2 Tue & ongoing Tues

3 Wed

BC Day: FCC Closed The Ballad of Jim Pane: A musical trip through the counter-culture revolution of the 60’s. The Belfry, Tickets: 385-6815. Show continues to Aug 20. See listing for Aug 8 for special Fernwood benefit performance.

Parent & Tot Playgroup: FCC Gym, 9:30am – 11:30am, $1:00 per family, snacks provided. (+ ongoing Tue & Thu) Youth Writing Workshop: Looking for youth journalists, writers, photographers and artists aged 13-25 to contribute to new youth magazine and website. FCC, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Free! More info: 386-6328 (+ Aug 9, 16) Fernwood Village Market: Local organic produce, baked goods, artists, artisans, and entertainment. Bring your family and friends! Fernwood Square (Gladstone at Fernwood), 5:30pm – 8:00pm, Free! (+ ongoing Tue) Drop-in Floorhockey: Co-ed Adult (18+), all equipment provided. FCC Gym, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, $3. (+ ongoing Tue & Thu) Victoria Bluegrass Assoc. Jam: Orange Hall, 7:30 10:30pm, $2 to play, free to listen. (+ ongoing Tue) Holistic Health & Healing: Qi Gong exercises and meditation; FCC, 10:00–11:30am, Free! [+ ongoing Wed)

5 Fri 6 Sat

7 Sun 8 Mon

13 Sat

26 Fri – 28 Sun

Fernwood Autumn Glow (55+): Gentle exercise, lunch & activities; FCC, 11:00am, $5.50 for lunch. (+ ongoing Fri) Mother Goose Circle Time Drop In: Songs, rhymes & stories; FCC Infant & Toddler Centre, 11:30am – 12:30pm, $2 (ongoing alternate Sat to Sep 24).

Composting Basics Workshop: Compost Ed Centre, 11:00am – 1:00pm, Free!

Gardening Without Pesticides Workshop: Planning for Winter Prevention, Compost Ed Centre, 2:00pm – 4:00pm, members $9, non-members $10.

Fernwood Kids Soccer Camp: For kids ages 5–10; Cost: $25.00 per child. Call Lyn at 381-1552 for more info and to register. (+ Aug 21) Cornerstone Benefit: Help rebuild a neighbourhood heritage building by seeing The Ballad of Jim Pane, at the Belfry Theatre, 8:00pm, $20. (see Page 1) Community Rhythm Circle: Join Barry (Bazza) Hayward for a unique family friendly rhythm experience. Bring any hand drums or percussion instruments. FCC, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, by responsible donation. (+ ongoing Mon) Plastics Recycling Day: Back of FCC 10am – Noon.

Compost Club Lecture: Organic Landscape Design; Compost Ed. Centre, 2:00pm – 4:00pm, members free, non-members $10.

FERNFEST!: Dance, eat, hang out with your neighbours, and celebrate the truth, beauty and awesome delight that is Fernwood. Baby, there’s NO excuse to go camping THIS weekend. (See pg. 3 for schedule details).

Saturday Plastic Recycling - Second Saturday of Every Month - Bring all those goods that the Blue Box Folks won’t take to the Community Centre. Small donation required.

Residents enjoy music, art, and local fine food at the Fernwood Village Market. The Market happens every Tuesday evening from 5:30pm to 8:00pm in Fernwood Square, at Gladstone & Fernwood.

Village Vibe

the Blue Fox Cafe Breakfast all Day - In a Big Way 101-919 Fort St 380-1683

organic coffee homemade pies fresh baked bread local ingredients

news and views from the heart of Fernwood