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villagevibe February 2007 : News and views from the heart of Fernwood

Green drinks take Victoria by storm >> by Trish Richards

D

o you have a passion for social, environmental, and economic sustainability? Are you committed to thinking globally and acting locally? Are you interested in meeting others similarly impassioned? How about a room packed with them; chatting over drinks and roving trays of tasty and wholesome snacks? Yes? Have I got an event for you! It’s Victoria’s Green Drinks!

On the second Tuesday of every month from 5:00 to 7:00p.m. the Queen Mother Waterside Café plays gracious host to Green Drinks. Begun last September by long-time community activist Roger Colwill, Green Drinks has certainly sparked the interest of Victoria’s sustainability minded. Roger’s invitation list currently tops 550 people. “It’s a good thing that they don’t all show up every time!” he said.

Still, it is standing room only by 5:15pm! And the excitement in the air is tangible. Standing back you see a shifting mass of people, heads bent together, talking, exclaiming, pontificating, laughing. Wading

in, you find warmth and welcome. These are people who want to share their concerns, dreams, and aspirations with you. As well as hearing about what you are up to, people want to connect, find points of convergence, maybe work together on a common concern.

Personally, I met a remarkable number of interesting and enthusiastic people over the course of two Tuesday evenings. I talked about the Bowker Creek watershed and day lighting Gorge creek, green building principles and the Dockside Green Development, pocket markets and food sustainability, bringing the vision of sustainability into our schools, green bucks and the Local Exchange Trading System (LETS), and climate change and “An Inconvenient Truth”. The conversation ranged widely through

Shift holds Zine class

problems, to possible solutions, to steps than can and are being taken. I arrived curious and left widely enthusiastic!

As Rogers says, “Take a look around. See any wallflowers? No one remains alone for long at Green Drinks. Close you eyes and listen to the voices rising and falling. It’s like the sound of a rushing creek!” He is right. There is a special synergy in this gathering.

Roger was inspired to begin Green Drinks in Victoria by a challenge from his friend and fellow activist Guy Dauncey (of Eco News). Green Drinks is an international phenomenon which began in London in 1989 and now boasts 178 affiliates throughout the world. The principle is simple: provide a comfortable venue, invite a number of diverse people who share sustainability concerns, and let the magic happen. Roger attributes the success of Green Drinks to the fact that it attracts a wide range of people, all of whom want to contribute to the wellbeing of others and seriously care about what is happening to our planet. He feels that there is a real “thirst” for connection with other like-minded

– continued on page 7

>> Jeremy Bezooyen

I

n December, Shift Natural Fashion in Fernwood organized a small workshop to teach local students about independent media (Zines). The class took place at the Fernwood Community Centre’s multipurpose room on December 12th, and there were about a dozen participants.

The workshop began with the group sitting in a wide circle where everyone got a chance to introduce themselves and their familiarity with the subject matter. Then the group talked a little bit about the history of Zines, touching on subjects like why people originally started making self-published media, or what sort of traits an average Zine might have. The group discussed the sort of topics that their own Zines could be about, and how they could use their media to create connections and discussions with others in the community.

Once everyone knew what Zines were all about, the class shifted into workshop mode. Everybody got a chance to work on a Zine of their own. Participants were encouraged before coming to the workshop to bring potential source materials with them. However for those that didn’t come prepared, there were also spare magaZines, scissors, and glue around for anybody to work with on the spot. The group was taught how to fold a single sheet of paper into an easy to make layout design that would be simple to photocopy.

– continued on page 4

in this issue Gung Hei Fat Choi! Celebrate Chinese New Year Page 3 Feature: Childcare... why it might matter to you Page 4 Gardening fitness tips Page 6

editorial :

Bad choice to choose

How can we think concerns about climate change and funding cuts to childcare together? Why should we even bother to try?

Childcare is the only thing that never made it officially into the social welfare state: mother’s allowances came in after world war one, the first old age pension scheme in the late 1920s, family allowances after the second world war, and national health care in 1968.

The state has cared for mothers, families, old people and the sick, but not for children, not directly anyway.

And what about the environment? If children have not been an object of government legislation and policy, neither has the environment. Not until recently anyway. Since the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962, which many see as the wake up call that sparked the environmental movement, people have protested corporate practices and lobbied all levels of government demanding that they put the planet before profits and so-called budgetary surpluses.

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,

Since the Conservative government came into power they’ve slashed the Liberal government’s childcare agreement with the provinces, downloading responsibility for childcare infrastructure and subsidy to the provinces. The Liberal childcare agreement runs out in March 2007; in mid January 2007, Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn and Environment Minister John Baird unveiled a $230million investment in clean-energy technologies.

Do we have to make a choice, climate change over children?

Do we have to make a choice, climate change over children?

The Canadian government is organized by what some have called a “silo model.” This siloing makes it impossible – fiscally anyways – to ask and form policy holistically. The question isn’t: what would it take, what would it cost to have a population of healthy well-fed well-educated children (turned adults) who live in a world where they can breathe?

Health care here, education there, the environment over there, and somewhere in the scratches of someone’s memory some kind of ministry that dealt with families, women, children.

Does the fact that the government has to make a choice about which form of life to spend money on – the planet or its people – reveal a fundamental failure in the liberal democratic state to deal with contemporary challenges? Have the 150 years or so of liberal democracy in Canada (where at least a veneer and rhetoric of liberty and equality prevailed) come to an end? Do we accept a neo-liberal state form in which ‘the individual’ is officially added to the formula of Canadian federalism alongside the federal, the provincial, and the municipal?

What tools do people need to choose to choose differently?.

follow up : Safety >> by Trish Richards As a follow up to our January editorial comments about how to make Fernwood a safer neighbourhood, another option you might like to consider is to make your block a Watched Block!

The Block Watch program is sponsored by the Victoria Police Department. The idea is simple: keep your neighbors informed of nefarious comings and goings on your block and get to know them in the process!

To begin you need two hearty souls, a Block Watch Captain and Co-captain, to take on the task of canvassing the block and collecting names and phone numbers of those who want to participate.

These are mapped out and given to the Block Watch Coordinator. Victoria’s coordinator is a delightful woman by the name of Bev Stewart who devotes her time and energy to guiding the uninitiated through the Block Watch process.

Next, everyone on the block gathers together in an initial meeting so that they can be briefed on how the program works and, most importantly, can put names to the faces of their neighbors.

You are then off and running! The simple advantage of Block Watch is that it works!

The police estimate that Block Watch programs in Victoria and Esquimalt have reduced break and enters by some 21% in recent years. And, some companies offer lower house insurance rates to Block Watch members. So, by simply making your block a watched block, you and your neighbors will have helped to stop crime in the neighborhood and you will have done it together!

For more information and lots of assistance get in touch with Bev Stewart, Coordinator of Block Watch, at 995-7400 or at stewartb@police. victoria.bc.ca.

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;

Fernwood NRG update >> by Roberta Martell

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!

Ahhhh 2007! With another busy year behind us, we mellowed into the new year … or not! Winter just kept right on raining and snowing and hailing, and our first order of business was fixing the gutters at the Cornerstone and shovelling the walks. Thanks to everyone for their help with this. In response to neighbourhood needs, resident Mark Salter has suggested Fernwood NRG coordinate local snow removal for seniors and shut-ins. We are currently looking into stockpiling shovels and salt for just such occasions, and will keep you updated on our progress!

At the centre, the new year brings many staffing changes. Long-time Fernwood front-desker Shauna Voss, affectionately referred to as Dr. Voss has left the centre after a decade in various roles. Our new accountant, Gwyn Thompson started in December, and has moved our financial systems forward, including parent billing and preparing for our yearly financial audit. Anne Russell, our family liaison worker who started with us as a UVic practicum student three years ago, is moving on to a

Page 2 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | February 2007

new job and new challenges at the end of January.

Our board and senior staff just held the first of this year’s annual strategic planning retreats on Saturday January 13th. We agreed that after the tremendous organizational growth and break neck pace we’ve maintained over the past three years, (Rec. Renewal, building the Infant and Toddler Daycare, working on the merger process, rebranding as Fernwood NRG, buying and renovating the Cornerstone) that it was important to pause, reflect and catch up to where we are! So beyond maintaining our current programs and services, the first part of 2007 will be about working on our systems and organizational infrastructure (yawn ... to some!) so that we can move forward to best serve the neighbourhood.

To this end we are planning a neighbourhood forum for late spring and would welcome input from Society members and Fernwood residents on what you’d like to see at your Community Centre and what you’d like to see in your neighbourhood. If you haven’t yet signed up as a member of the Society, you can learn more about it online at www.fernwoodneighbourhood. com or just drop by the centre at 1240 Gladstone, Monday to Friday 9 to 9 and sign up.

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Any advice for us struggling through these last rainy, dark days of winter? views from the street :

Jeremy Bezooyen

Evelyn Spencer

Karen Dennis

This is just winter as usual and although I try to take it that way, I get down in the same way as everyone does and tend to stay inside more, watch more movies. It’s best if I make the effort and get dressed for it and get out.

Get out on my bike.

If the weather is at all reasonable, get outside. Go bird watching. It’s a great time for birds. The feeders are full of them and there are so many varieties about right now and they are so fascinating to watch. The shore birds are particularly interesting.

Mostly I just get through it. I appreciate that it’s just Victoria weather and part of the trade off for living in this great city. You can always daydream about winning the lottery and taking off to somewhere hot for the month!

Creating a youth-friendly Victoria >> by Kate Butler On Monday December 18th, the YouthRoots Initiative was unveiled at City Hall; in attendance were service providers, non-profit organization leaders, members of the business sector, bureaucrats, and politicians. Most importantly, there was also a significant number of youth at the event, both presenting the initiative, as well as listening to what was being said by members of the community.

YouthRoots, a joint project between the McConnell Foundation and LifeCycles, is attempting to engage youth in their surroundings in order to build stronger, more vibrant communities. The idea behind YouthRoots is that there needs to be a central group or organization connecting youth, service-providers, government agencies, and resource groups in the Greater Victoria area. There are many interesting and useful projects and services in the community but too often, youth do not know how to access what they really need.

The investigative process of this project involved looking at previous research on Victoria youth, and what gaps in services, agencies and organizations existed. As well, a youth team went out into the community and held facilitations with youth and service-providers. A community-wide facilitation was held on December 5th at Fernwood Community Centre. Here, attendees discussed issues that existed in the lives of youth in Victoria today, and what possibilities for future projects might look like.

Serving Our Community 1020 Hillside Avenue Phone: 250 360 2023 rob.fleming.mla@leg.bc.ca

Rob Fleming, MLA Victoria - Hillside

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Gung Hei Fat Choi! >> by Caitlin Croteau At this time of year, after all the hoopla of the holiday season is over, it can seem like there’s not much fun to be had. Don’t be fooled – there’s always Chinese New Year to look forward to – all 15 days of it!

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is an ancient celebration marking the start of the Chinese calendar and honouring the return of spring.

One popular legend about the roots of the New Year celebrations centers around Nian, a demon from the Mountains who had a taste for human flesh. When people found out that Nian had sensitive ears and an aversion to the colour red, they used fireworks and red objects to scare him away. These mythical beginnings have since translated into one of the largest celebrations in the world.

Every year, usually in February, people of Chinese descent, or those whose cultures have been heavily influenced by the Chinese, gather together for the New Year festivities.

In the days leading up to the New Year, homes are thoroughly cleaned in order to sweep away bad luck and make room for incoming good luck. Brooms are not used during the season to avoid accidentally sweeping the good luck away. On New Year’s Eve, a reunion dinner is held and people from all over the world return to their family home. The next 15 days include various traditions and events to foster good fortune and prosperity for the year. Some common activities include handing out oranges and red paper packages filled with money.

On February 18th 2007, we will be entering the Year of the Pig. The pig is one of the 12 animals assigned to every year of the cycle of the Chinese calendar. Each year is assigned not only an animal, but also one of the five elements and either a Yin or Yang aspect. So this is in fact the Fire Pig Yin year! Fire Pig Yin years are considered quite chaotic and tumultuous, but contain the kind of explosive energy needed for positive change. (One analysis I read said to expect the toppling of governments!)

If you want to join in on the celebrations, Bryce Jackson of Hidden Dragon Tours tells me the easiest way to do so is to take part in the public Lion Dance. In Victoria, this usually takes place on the first Sunday preceding the New Year and runs along Fisgard Street in Chinatown.

Though the dance may seem haphazard, it is in fact highly choreographed to bless all the surrounding merchants and buildings, and to encourage prosperity in the new year. If you were born in the year of the Pig (like me), then there’s an extra way for you to get involved.

Because this is your year, the best way to get the most luck is to wear red underwear on February 18th!

If you want to learn more about Chinese New Year, or to find out what Chinese astrological sign you are, there’s lots of information online. A good starting place is to google ‘Chinese New Year’, which will give you links to various other sites. Be careful though when searching for your sign, particularly if your birthday is in January or February. Many sites tend not to take into account the fact that Chinese New Year starts on a different day each year, and instead base their calculations on our Gregorian Calendar!

February 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 3

Childcare... why it might matter to you feature :

>> by Roberta Martell

I

f I wrote, “Caring for children matters,” it would be a no brainer. A selfevident statement. Of course caring for children matters! No one would protest. There would be no outcry. But write “Childcare matters,” and the issue, to some, proceeds on slipperier footing.

But the fact remains, if you have children, stay at home with them, have them in family care, licensed care or unlicensed care, or even if you don’t have kids, or don’t even like kids, or have teens you wish you could put somewhere, just for the day! …Childcare matters.

Childcare matters. Why? For lots of reasons, many of which are argued so passionately by early childhood educators that we have become deaf to their mantra of Success by Six, and age and stage appropriate activities. It seemed as if their message had finally gained a modicum of respect when the previous federal Liberal government increased Childcare funding in October 2005.

As Infant and Toddler Supervisor Judy Smith explains it: “Our goal is to provide accessible quality care that is affordable to parents. We have been able to keep fees low with the benefit of the operating funding. With the reduction, we would need to make cuts somewhere without compromising the quality of the program. How to do this is the tough question. Do we cut back on art supplies and food or reduce our operating hours, or let go of staff ? None of these options is acceptable in a quality program. Raising parent fees may be the only option. The federal government childcare benefit of $100 per month should cover the fee increase, right? Not really, because it is a taxable benefit and is considered income in the parents’ pockets. At the end of the day, the real benefit may be $50 per month. We need to let our government know that children are our most valuable resource and child care resources need to be adequately funded. Our children’s future starts now.”

The impacts to our province will be the loss of ECE jobs, not only as daycares drop staffing levels to minimum ratios as set out by licensing regulations, but by potential closure of daycares which may not survive the cutbacks.

Furthermore, the disinvestment in childcare infrastructure weakens the industry. The downward spiral goes something like this: Because there is a limit to what parents can pay for daycare, and a limit to how many kids daycare workers are able to look after, daycare workers don’t earn what they’re worth. Because daycare workers don’t make much money, there isn’t a huge rush of people lining up at postsecondary institutions to get their Early Childhood Educator (ECE) or Infant and Toddler (I&T) certifications, 2 and 4 year courses respectively.

Write “Childcare matters,” and the issue, to some, proceeds on slipperier footing.

But last year, when the when the new federal Conservative government came into power, it tore up signed funding agreements with the provinces, effectively slashing daycare funding (… in all provinces except Quebec, where the federal government honoured the previous agreements and maintained the higher funding levels.) The burden of supporting the increases fell to the provinces, and here in BC, Minister of State for Childcare Linda Reid announced in early January that the government won’t be maintaining the same funding levels once federal support runs out in July. So what does this mean?

For a small non-profit like Fernwood NRG, where we offer care for 110 children, the impact of the cuts will mean a loss of nearly $3000 per month or $36,000 a year! This is money that we counted on when we implemented staff benefits, gave our early childhood educators a raise, and decided on our renewed fee structure for parents. It means that we are going to have to reassess the viability of some of our programs, and decide how to make up that money – whether through a lower staff complement or shorter hours, or increased parent fees.

Zines

| from page 1

There was a lot of positive feedback from participants, and everyone seemed to enjoy the opportunity to create their own media. It was inspiring to see how each individual had a unique interest and purpose for their production. While most attendees were able to complete something, those who didn’t finish were still able to take the foundations home to build upon later.

The workshop was only two hours long, so there will definitely be room for the students to explore their Zine creations on their own time. Based on

For these reasons, the number of educational spaces has decreased, resulting in a shortage of certified workers, which makes finding and keeping certified daycare workers a heck of a challenge. This makes opening and running a licensed daycare tricky, which is why daycare waitlists are painfully long for parents looking for care for their children. The demand for licensed childcare decreases as parents find other arrangements for childcare due to the lack of availability, so the demands are reported as artificially low. (Reminiscent of unemployment levels reading as artificially low when folks who have stopped looking for work are counted out.) The industry is diminished in its capacity to meet the needs of families. Job opportunities and advancement for workers is limited. And the subsequent draw for new potential daycare workers just isn’t there.

the success of the trial workshop, Shift plans to continue promoting other workshops and alternative education in the new year. The store is looking to work with other groups on projects that put the focus on healthy sustainability and community. Beyond just workshops, the store will also promote local Zine culture by allowing individuals to sell their creations at our store in Fernwood Square. The new Zine consignment terms and local media rack should be available by the beginning of February. Stop by the store to see what’s new and check out some local independently published media.

Page 4 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | February 2007

Ask about our monthly specials!

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The economics of it are this: Without government support, the financial bottom-line of daycare is that it’s simply not viable. Childcare is no different than roads or sewers or traffic lights or public schools, and just as important.

We spend our money on infrastructure that we value, whether it is selfsustaining or not. But, if you yourself are not raising a young child, aren’t you just being asked to foot the bill for other people’s kids? Why should any of this matter to you?

Because as our demographics shift into a more aged population, the GenXers who came after the Boomers, and GenNext behind them just aren’t keeping up in numbers. So who do you think is going to fix your Volvo or drive the bus or serve up coffee or schedule your appointment at the chiropractor?

The very folks who are being forsaken by both levels of government and who are trying to raise young families. And if you think this doesn’t affect you, think again! A recent Man Power Inc. poll indicated that 66% of employers in Canada are having trouble finding suitable people to fill positions. Try walking into any business and find one that doesn’t have a now hiring plea in their window. Go to Tim Horton’s and see that they’re not only

giving away uniforms and scholarships, but hell, you can work whenever you see fit! How can they make it work “for you?” And while it’s novel to have the shoe of power on the worker’s foot for a change, this kind of labour shortage is detrimental to our economy by the very uncertainty it creates. It is a reality of our world today that many young parents require support to return to the workforce, and it would behoove us to support all those who choose to!

So, does daycare funding matter? Yes. For reasons over and above the mountain of social and developmental evidence. Yes, if you want an economy that thrives. Beyond the obvious importance of developing our next generation of Canadians, if we want a dependable, reliable work force with which to maintain our healthy economy and our quality of life, we will need to provide more genuine support for families.

In response to these cuts please join us Saturday, February 24, 10a.m. to noon at S.J. Willis Alternative School, 923 Topaz Avenue (childcare provided) as we work with MLAs from Saanich and Victoria to find solutions to these issues.

Photos this spread / Views from the street / Faces of Fernwood: Veronique da Silva

childcare matters

This kind of labour shortage is detrimental to our economy by the very uncertainty that it creates.

Our Office is Open to Serve You Denise Savoie, MP A Voice for Victoria in Ottawa 970 Blanshard Street 363-3600 www.denisesavoie.ca

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Community Office 1084 Fort Street, Victoria P: (250) 952-4211 F: (250) 952-4214 carole.james.mla@leg.bc.ca www.opposition.bc.ca

Carole James, MLA Victoria - Beacon Hill

February 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 5

garden gleanings : >> Margaret Hantiuk What could herald the return of the sun more than the cheery sight of spring bulbs blooming in the garden? As I write, snow has blanketed my garden once again ... but the sweet buds of the wee snowdrops are almost open. Soon to follow will be the crocus, aconite, and the fragrant hyacinth. Then come the sunny daffodils along with a procession of the various magnificent tulips.

Our native Camass is a lovely spring bulb as well.

Bulbs are easy to grow if you plant them in the right spot: most require full sun and excellent drainage to do well. The early ones (snowdrops, crocus and early daffs) may be planted under deciduous trees, as they are finished by the time the leaves are out. In our climate all but the most tender survive outdoors all year; the crucial issue is the drainage.

Turning on the light

them as often. (This is required when they no longer bloom and just grow leaves.) Remember to plant them where you can view them, from your windows, walks, or entry. Many bulbs do very well in a nice pot. Daffodils ‘face’ the sun, so plant them where their faces will also turn to the yard or house – not the fence! I love the spring Anemones for their woodsy look.

Squirrels love bulbs – especially crocuses. If you don’t have a dog to chase away squirrels, you may lose some. They are so reasonably priced and so precious that I replant a few bunches every now and then. Little bulbs (snowdrops, crocus, and rockery daffodils and tulips for example) should be planted along walks, or elevated in pots, rockeries, troughs or boxes so that all may enjoy their exquisite blooms up close. All spring bulbs look best in clusters and they can be left to naturalize or to spread.

Because most bulbs come from alpine terrain, they are

What could herald the return of the sun more than the cheery sight of spring bulbs blooming When planting bulbs, follow the package directions for how deep to dig the hole. (Generally bulbs should be planted to a depth of three times their height.) At the bottom of the hole, throw a handful of sand or gravel to prevent rot and a handful of bone meal for food. Resist the temptation to plant your bulbs in a row – they look much better in a more natural pattern such as a random cluster. Follow the directions for spacing between the bulbs so that you won’t have to dig them up to separate

hardy and like to dry out in the summer. Since we don’t have to lift most bulbs here in the winter, it’s best to plant them where they will not be watered extensively in the summer. Some people like to plant them in ceramic pots that will dry out and can be moved. You can plant them in sunny spots and have perennials planted over top that also are drought tolerant and like dry soil. (It’s a good idea to plant perennials over top that will hide the leaves as they slowly become yellow, wilt, and die off. The leaves must

Gardening Fitness To prevent the weekend garden warrior syndrome, pace yourself the first time you go out into the garden for the season.

Begin with a maximum of one, to one and a half hours the first weekend. Then do a 20 minute session each day during the week and by the next weekend you will have laid the ground work for injury-free gardening.

Tips for a good garden workout: • Rotate tasks often • Change sides; use your weaker side at a 1:3 ratio • Plant a little at a time

be left on as they provide nutrients and energy for the bulb.) It’s also a good idea to mark where the bulbs are so that you don’t inadvertently dig them up while planting something new. Compost always helps too.

Most spring bulbs are planted in the late fall. There are many spring bulbs that are less known but as easy to grow as those I have mentioned and as rewarding in their beauty: try Chiondoxia, Scilla, Renunculus and Tritelia.

They are small but gorgeous!

>> by Blanche Black

• Use a shovel with a long handle • Lift safe loads (28lbs for women in general

and 64 lbs for men) • Bring tools along to save yourself from getting up and down • Use the appropriate sized pruner – both hands on the tool indicates it's too small!

• Wear good boots with hard soles for digging (protects the feet and knees) • Water to soften hard soil, let drain, dig later • Stretch often!

Stretches provided from Garden Fitness video (available at She Said Gallery). Fernwood physiotherapist Ron Johnson suggests that stretching two to three times a gardening session prevents injuries. Check out April’s Village Vibe for more gardening stretches!

Baking History myspace.com/doforno

Page 6 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | February 2007

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faces of fernwood :

fernwood marketplace

Babes in Fernwood

Wanted

>> Susan Salvati

1 bdrm apt. in Fernwood for mature female Ph.D. student and two indoor cats. Non-smoker and good

Walk along the streets of Fernwood any morning and you might meet up with Elsa Morrison, a familiar face in the neighbourhood. She can frequently be found starting her day at the Cornerstone Cafe. On Mondays she is often accompanied by her two-yearold grandson, Noah, who sips hot chocolate out of an espresso cup. But she won’t be sitting for long.

neighbour. $700ish/month. Fireplace on dream list but not a necessity.

Wanted Volunteer to help with Saturday Plastic Recycling at the Fernwood Community Centre. Your time is only needed for two hours the second Saturday of every month. Contact Sue at tpepsue@shaw.ca.

The neighbourhood is alive with babies, it seems, and people are finding the store.

Furniture Fundraiser Come on into the Cornerstone Café and see the chair that Ted built. Ted Hodson has donated one of his beautiful handmade chairs to our neighbourhood living room. Can you spot it? In support of the Cornerstone Café, Ted is offering our neighbourhood an opportunity to fill the Cafe with these creations.

Elsa is a busy woman as proprietor of Babe, a specialty shop selling “things for wee ones.” The shop, which popped up in an unlikely spot on Chambers Street just eight months ago, is a big success.

When Noah was born and Elsa looked for certain basics, she thought there might be a niche in the city for infant and toddler goods. At that time, what she found in Victoria were mainly consignment stores and upper end children’s stores. It turns out that Elsa’s hunch was right.

The neighbourhood is alive with babies, it seems, and people are finding the store.

Babe is immediately welcoming, filled with warm pieces of furniture to display its products: cloth diapers and diaper covers, organic creams, baby slings, bedding, original artwork, stuffed toys and more. Elsa tries to buy as many Canadian products as she can. There is a sofa where customers can rest awhile. Elsa tells me that she encourages the parents to come in. “Often they have no family around and they want to talk,” she says.

Elsa has even deeper ties to Fernwood, however. In 1992 she opened The Parsonage Cafe with her daughter Tara. The popular cafe was named after the parsonage in which Elsa lived off of Wilkinson Road.

The parsonage grew out of a business Elsa had had for four year producing jams, chutneys and vinegars, which she supplied to Murchie’s and Butchart Gardens.

He is graciously offering his chairs at $250.00 each

It was natural that Elsa should open a cafe given her training in hotel and restaurant administration in Scotland. Other experience includes teaching in London as well as working in Camosun College’s restaurant program operating out of Dunlop House in the seventies.

“I love food and I love cooking,” Elsa says.

Though she did leave Fernwood after selling The Parsonage Cafe, Elsa soon returned. “I just knew I always wanted to live in Fernwood. I always felt there was a community here.” For a time she lived with a friend on Queens Street. She describes how five years ago she “walked the streets for six months looking for a place to buy,” a little cottage that she has since restored and for which she has acquired heritage status.

Elsa has found the community she was looking for in Fernwood. Neighbours come in and offer things to display in the window of her new store. They come to shop, but they also come to chat. “Its so lovely to be here,” Elsa says. “I know I’ve chosen the right place.” With such a positive attitude it seems that Elsa has what it takes to get through the trials and tribulations of starting a new neighbourhood-based business. We wish her luck.

($100.00 below his usual asking price.) In addition to the logo, each chair will have a space for an inscription, dedicating the piece to an individual, group or business. This is a limited opportunity as there will be a total of forty chairs. To place an order, come into the Cornerstone Café today, sign up and help make your neighbourhood space even cozier.

Is your group looking for a casual place to meet?

Consider the Cornerstone Café. We’d be glad to put a reserved sign in a corner of the café, and turn the music down low to let your conversation flow.

Volunteer Opportunities Got a few extra hours per week? Consider volunteering at the Cornerstone Café. Opportunities include working behind the coffee bar with the Baristas, helping to prepare our homemade soups and baked goods, helping out with maintenance and odd jobs, or to help us stay on top of our recycling and composting programs. Hours flexible, training provided. Come out and meet new folks while helping to build a strong neighbourhood … from the grounds up! To get involved, sign up at the café or

Babe Things for Wee Ones Telephone 361- 4733 2201 Chambers Street, Monday to Saturday, 10 to 5

leave a message at the centre, 381-1552 local 22 or e-mail Lenore@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca

Advertise Here Your ad could be here! $5.00 for three lines.

local poets :

by Terry Wilson Baseball Spam – brand new game In the baseball hall of fame Good for kids ‘cause it’s so wholesome Playing keeps them out of Folsom First you pull it from the can Throw it to the pitcher man See him rub it on his glove Watch him wind – up from above Now he throws it at the batter See him swing and watch it splatter

Baseball Spam

Little pieces are illegal Even could be from a seagull Helmets help if its an eagle Big one heads for baseman Johnny Got to catch it – it’s a honey What went wrong – I do declare Johnny’s legs are in the air He has slipped on something yucky On the ground there was a gukky Chunk of stuff that sent him spinning Lying from another inning

Biggest chuck will be the “ball” Screw the others – they’re too small

Hard to find the balls that landed Squashed to flat that they stay stranded In a field of mud and grass They will put you on your ass Big one through the air is gliding Little Johnny’s still asliding

Can you see it – where’d it go?

Kids are running to and fro

Other kids are heading for it Spam is good and they adore it

Hard to tell which chunk to watch for With a glove you’re sure to catch more

VillageVibe

$1/additional line. Send an email to marketplace@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca. Ads due the 10th of the month for the following month’s issue.

Fastest runner leads the bunch He will get this flying lunch Now the spam is getting closer Try and catch it – little hoser Got no glove, this funny one He is holding up a bun He is ready – never flustered Bun has even got some mustard Watch the fence my little bud Too late – Jimmy’s going thud But the Spam goes flying on Now we see it – now it’s gone Little batter’s got a homer Good for you – you little gomer Happy Jimmy, little man Knows there’s still another can

Green Drinks

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people. What better way to quench that thirst than through Green Drinks!

If you feel the need to connect, share your passion about sustainability and grab a cool one at the same time, get yourself on the list by emailing greendrinksvictoria@yahoo.ca. Plan to head down to the Queen Mother Waterside Cafe, 407 Swift Street, on Tuesday, February 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you are underage, never fear, Youth Green Drinks was successfully launched in January and will be regularly held prior to the general event from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more info: www.greendrinks.org.

Hope to see you there. Cheers!

February 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 7

what’s on in Fernwood Feb 2007

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Make Yer Neighbourhood Nicer Total Plastics Recycling Day Sat, Feb.10, Back of FNRG 10am Noon. (2nd Sat of each month) Recycle plastics of all kinds (Styrofoam packing, soft plastics and bags, and ALL hard/ rigid plastics) plus old electronics.

By donation to cover transportation.

Block Watch Meeting Mon. Feb.5, 6:30-9pm, FNRG MPR Room, 1240 Gladstone Ave. Composting Basics Workshop Sat, Feb. 3, 11:00am-1:00pm at the Victoria Compost Ed Centre, Free!

Gardening Workshops: Planning your Veggie Garden, Part 1 Spring/Summer Sat, Feb. 3, 2:00pm4:00pm; Fruit Tree Grafting Sat, Feb. 24, 2:00pm-4:00pm; both at the Compost Ed Centre. Discount for members, $15 non-members.

Special Events Childcare Forum Come out and discuss current childcare issues, including government cuts. Local politicians in attendance. Sat, Feb. 24, 10:00am-Noon, S.J. Willis Alternative School, 923 Topaz Avenue. Child care provided.Free admission.

Green Drinks A inclusive gathering of the sustainability-minded for refreshments, conversation, and inspiration. Queen Mother Waterside Cafe, 407 Swift St. Tuesday, Feburary 13. YOUTH event at 3:00 pm, GENERAL event 5 - 7pm.

Victoria: Vibrant City, Vibrant Neighborhoods - Neighbourhood Workshop Series 2007 Greenways: “The Walkable, Bikeable City” How do we create pedestrian friendly (walking, biking and nonmotorized transport) neighborhoods connected to each other and our downtown? Hear from Joe Daly,

Manager of Research, Planning and Design with the City of Victoria and other local organizations and project administrators who are making this happen. Share your ideas. Mon, Feb. 19, 7:00pm-9:00pm, City Hall Ante Chambers. Free!

Kids & Families Parent & Tot Playgroup Ongoing Tuesdays & Thursdays. FNRG Gym, 9:30am - 11:30am, $1 per family, snacks/crafts/circle time.

Rhythm Circle Time Drop-in select Tuesdays 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room.

Free! In tandem with Mother Goose program.

Mother Goose Pre-register-10 weeks per session.

Tuesdays (Call 381-1552 Ext.22 to register and for info) FNRG MultiPurpose Room, 1:00pm - 2:30pm, Songs, rhymes & stories-Free! ($2 for songbook) Community Day Parent/Family-directed and facilitated playgroup! Ongoing Mondays, 9:30am – 11:30am. FNRG Gym, Free!

Youth, Adults, & Seniors Free Internet and Computer Access Complete your one-time registration and then get online through the Community Access Program. FNRG Community Room, 9:15am to 8:30pm, Monday to Friday. Free!

FREE Yoga! (Vinyasa Flow) New day & time TBA, call 381-1552, Ext.22 for info.

Holistic Health & Healing Healing meditation based on Chinese Five Elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, plus discussion of topics chosen by group. Ongoing Mondays, FNRG, 10:00–11:30am, Free!

Drop-in Indoor Soccer Co-ed Adult (18+), Ongoing Mondays, FNRG Gym, 5:30 – 6:45pm, $3, or get a punchcard: $30 for 11 sessions.

Drop-in Floorhockey Co-ed Adult (18+), all equipment provided. Ongoing Tuesdays and Thursdays, FNRG Gym, 7:00pm – 9:30pm, $4, or get a punchcard: $40/11 sessions. No wooden sticks.

Falun Gong Peaceful meditation practice. Ongoing Wednesdays, FNRG, 5:00pm – 7:00pm, everyone welcome, Free!

Fernwood Autumn Glow (55+) Gentle exercise, lunch & activities; Ongoing Fridays, FNRG, 11:00am, $5.50 for lunch.

Music, Art, Theatre, Entertainment, Special Events Live Music at The Cornerstone Cafe Live Music Launch! Friday, January 26, 8pm, 1301 Gladstone Ave., featuring Fernwood artists: Los Gringos Locos, Mike Demers, Bill Cino, James Kasper, and other special guests. Free! Showcases of local and touring artists: Ongoing Fridays, 8:00 – 11:00pm.

Bohemian Open Stage Come Out and Play With Us! Bring your instrument or just come out and watch! Ongoing Saturdays, 8:00 – 11:00pm. Free. Info: james@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca, www.myspace.com/jubileeopenstage ‘Honour’ at the Belfry Theatre A “frank, honest play that cannot fail to move anyone who has ever put their trust in another human being.”

Continuing to Feb. 11, for tickets call 385-6815 or head to www.belfry.bc.ca.

Victoria Bluegrass Assoc. Jam Ongoing Tuesdays Orange Hall, 7:30 – 10:30pm, $2 to play, free to listen.

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villagevibe Published by Fernwood NRG (Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group) 1240 Gladstone Street Victoria, BC V8T 1G6 T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509 villagevibe@fernwood neighbourhood.ca www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca Editor: Lisa Helps Contributors: Jeremy Bezooyen Blanche Black Kate Butler Caitlin Croteau Veronique da Silva Margaret Hantiuk Roberta Martell Trish Richards Susan Salvati Terry Wilson

(Last Tuesday of month is open stage/ feature night; cost varies).

J.K. do Forno happenings Saturdays & Tuesdays: Shade Tree Review (roots music): 7 – 9:30pm. Fridays: Fireside Friends Open Stage, 7 – 9:30pm at J.K. Do Forno Café in Fernwood Square. $3 Beers all 3 nights! Free admission! Info: Graham, 386-8446, www.myspace.com/doforno Live Music at Logan’s For listings, check out www.loganspub.com Greater Victoria Public Library For complete event listings, visit: www.gvpl.victoria.bc.ca

www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca/events

TUESDAYS! Beer and Burger – 100% Ground prime rib burger or nutburger and a Pint $7.95 1302 Gladstone

Page 8 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | February 2007

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