villagevibe July 2007 : News and views from the heart of Fernwood FUN
ISSUE
Secret gardens
I
Pizza fun >> by Tronie Brown
O Photos: Veronique da Silva
t’s like we figured out the secret key. All of these apartments, all of these people living in them, and now we have a demonstration to show how each and every apartment dweller can grow some of their own food. Originally displayed at last summer’s World Urban Forum in Vancouver, the vertical pallet garden idea was brought to the table at a recent Fernwood NRG Food Security meeting. The idea was gobbled up, and chewed around a bit by the members, and eventually swallowed and digested into effect. On June 7th an excited group of old and young Fernwoodians participated in creating a demonstration food garden on the back deck of the Fernwood Community Centre. After a quick lesson and some hands-on practice, the group of 14 dove in. Food from the garden will be used for group potlucks and may also be sold at Fernwood’s Tuesday night market. The concept is easy, the visual is stimulating, and the implementation is smooth. All of the
materials used are recycled. Simply lining the insides of the pallets with cardboard allows for easy pouring in of the wet-soil/compost mix. Cut a few holes into the sides of the cardboard, insert some transplants, or perhaps if you’re feeling kind of wild, drop in the odd seed here and there. The pallets are excellent structures for this exercise. The roots of the plants have plenty of room to spread their legs south and extend their arms north. Watering is easy, as there are holes and spaces available to let the water spread and do its job. A bit of time must be spent considering what to plant, simply because of the vertical integration. Having heavy, weight bearing plants situated in the middle of the pallet doesn’t work, so making sure they are either at the top or closer to the floor, allowing for room to grow is essential. The Food Security group used common sense as a guide for placement of the transplants. With further luck and participation, walk through Fernwood on any given day, and glance upward. Perhaps you’ll be able to spot zucchini and tomatoes dangling from various balconies.
Photo: Veronique da Silva
>> by R ae Abbot
Let them groove >> by Joseph Avi Lambert
F
ernwood NRG’s 12th annual celebration of local talent and culture is going to be big this year. The ICA Folk Fest, Open Air concert series, and the Latin Caribbean festival were all cancelled this summer. James Kasper, Fernfest organizer, told me the board of Fernwood NRG decided to make some changes to this years Fernfest in order “to fill the void [left by the cancellations].” First of all, Fernfest 2007 is going to be longer. The festival will be extended to cover three days
over the Labour Day weekend. There will also be a location change. The festival will be moving from Fernwood square to Steveston park, behind the Fernwood Community Center. Because the ICA Folk Fest won’t be happening, the organizers have decided on ‘multiculturalism’ as the theme for this year’s festival. Be not afraid. The changes are many, but Fernfest 2007 is still free. That’s amazing considering the lineup and schedule of events. The first day of the festival on August 31st will feature an opening ceremony and a dance, a good ole hoedown in the ‘hood with local performers
– continued on page 7
n Tuesday June 5th, 18 eager preschool children from Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten walked up to Fernwood village. The children at Nightingale study a country a month according to the nationalities of the families. June was Italy. Off on a magic carpet the children went, through passport control and off to Do Forno Caffe in Fernwood square. Manager Jay had prepared flat whole wheat dough and bowls of cheese, olives, peppers, and salami on a table so that the children could actively choose their own fillings for their own calzones. Once the children had made their calzones, (with little supervision from their parents) the dough was placed in the oven and everyone waited in anticipation. We sang songs, children chatted, and before too long Jay appeared with each child’s calzone. Then there was silence as the children delighted in eating their own creation! One child commented that this was the best meal she had ever tasted! Certainly from the parents and staff ’s perspective this was truly a successful trip to a delightful café, even the parents were able to sample some delicious foods, homemade, and with natural ingredients.
Wish list? Fernwood Village. What’s on your wish list for shops and services you’d like to see in Fernwood’s core? What will bring you to the square more often? A Laundromat? A post office? Email your wishes to villagevibe@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca
editorial :
The essence of fun
Few stories that have come across my desk since the Village Vibe was born some two years ago have touched me as deeply as ‘The World in a Bubble’ (pg 3). The theme of this special issue of the Village Vibe is ‘Fun.’ The story of Fernwood Square’s own bubble man captures this
Community Centre. It isn’t only checking out Fernwood’s Tuesday market, or planting a garden, or sharing a coffee in the afternoon sunshine at the Cornerstone Café. There is more to fun than this, to true fun. To the kind of fun that brings joy.
The kind of fun the world needs is just like Terry’s bubbles. They started out little and grew bigger over the years. They move people. They make people point and laugh. Someone screams out, “I love you Bubble Man.” The kind of fun the world needs is the fun that brings us all, each and every
Fun that changes the shape of someone’s day. theme perfectly. The essence of fun is in the kind of bubbles that Terry Wilson makes. Fun in Fernwood. It isn’t only sharing a few pints on the patio of the Fernwood Inn, or kicking around a hackey sack, or playing floor hockey at the Fernwood
The kind of fun that happens when something deep inside of us resonates with something in the world. Fun that provokes gentle laughter. Fun that lifts someone’s spirits. Fun that changes the shape of someone’s day.
declaration of principles and values
one of us, a little closer to ourselves, to each other, and to this great place, this little corner of the planet called ‘Fernwood’ that we all share. May we all, then, blow bubbles of fun!
More fun >> compiled by the Creative Writing Class, Central Middle School
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
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!
In June’s Village Vibe Stephanie Enevoldsen was featured in Faces of Fernwood. We got her lovely bench in but missed her lovely face. Above is Stephanie with her cob bench in Vic West. Stay tuned to the Village Vibe for information on cob building workshops right here in Fernwood.
In a medium saucepan, mix all together. Cook on low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon for 12 to 15 minutes until smooth and thick. Cool and divide the mix into different bowl for different colours. Add food colouring a little at a time until desired colour is reached. Store in a sealed container. Label: ‘Finger paint: not edible.’ Soap crayons 1 3/4 cups soap flakes (Ivory is best) About 50 drops of food colouring 1/4 cup water Mix water and soap flakes together. Add food colouring and put mixture into an ice cube tray, or small moulds that have been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Allow to harden. Place in a plastic bag and label: ‘Soap Crayons. not edible.’ Then when you have a bath, you can legally draw on the walls. Just be sure to wash off the pictures before you leave the tub. Or, make them for your little brother or sister.
We are committed to creating a socially,
support of neighbourhood employment;
Forgotten face of Fernwood
Make stuff Treasure rocks are great for kids at a birthday party. You will need to buy a package of small things to put inside the rocks, such as plastic bugs, fish, etc. Or, use loose change to stuff inside. Kids always like money. Don’t we all? 1 cup of used coffee grounds 1/2 cup of sand 1/2 cup of salt 1 cup (or more) of flour 1 cup of water Mix all ingredients and stir until dough-like. Shape into balls. Make a hole in the ball and put a ‘treasure’ into the hole, and fill in the hole. Air dry for 2 or 3 days, or for 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 150 degrees F. When totally dry, you can paint them different colours if you wish. Giant bubbles 1/2 cup liquid dish detergent 1 1/2 cups warm water 2 tsp. sugar Mix water and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add detergent and stir lightly. Place in a sealed container with a label: ‘Giant bubbles: not edible.’ To use, bend a wire coat hanger into a circle. Pour bubble mixture into a saucepan. Dip in hanger, and wave to make a giant bubble.” Finger paint 1/3 cup cornstarch 3 Tbsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dish detergent Food colouring
Page 2 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | July 2007
Activities Pack a lunch and go for a biking picnic with your friends. Take along some stale bread to feed the birds. See who can get the most seagulls to come to them. Did you know that seagulls will hover over you, waiting for bits of bread when you toss it in the air? They’ll even line up in the air and wait their turn for a treat. Get your friends to go door-to-door in your neighbourhood and collect magazines. Spend an afternoon with your friends making a bunch of cards that say ‘Have a fun day’. Bake some cookies and take them to the nearest senior’s home and hand them out. Call first and make arrangements when the best time is to go, and find out how many cards you will need to hand out. Some places will also allow you to take a pet for the residents to enjoy. Just make sure that your pet goes ‘potty’ before you go in. You wouldn’t want an ‘accident’ to happen, would you? While you are there, perhaps your group would like to entertain. Have someone announce that you are going to perform a Medley Of Songs. Have them name the songs that you are going to sing. One song for each person. Then, at the signal, everyone starts singing their songs at the same time. It’s over in a couple of minutes, and your have certainly provided some hilarious entertainment for the folks. Sit outside and write a letter to a relative that lives far away. Always enclose a picture. People love getting pictures. Have a treasure hunt. Get your Mom or Dad to make up a list of things to find. (red pebble, L-shaped stick, button, etc.) The person who finds them all should get a prize. Or, get a roll of pennies, and get your parents to hide them outside of the house. Toss some in the lawn, on a gravel driveway, in the garden, but make sure you find them all. You get to keep what you find.
VillageVibe
What do you like to do for fun during the summer? Views photos: Veronique da Silva
views from the street :
Emily, 5 years old
Sebi, 4 years old
Marcus, 4 years old
I like to play Volleyball with my daddy! I also like going to Pender Island and swimming at the outside pools.
I have a sandpit at home and I like to play in it the best!
I like to go swimming at the pool. I have my very own treehouse and I like to play in it and pretend it’s a big castle or a boat.
Seeking local recipes
The world in a bubble
By Jennifer Freeman Eating locally is a hot topic these days – but how can
>> by Mara Moon & Morgan Obendorfer When reflecting on fun in Fernwood, we both felt naturally drawn to speak with Terry Wilson, the ‘Bubble Man’ of Fernwood Square. While he was a toymaker with his own company in Winnipeg, Terry was featured in over fifteen magazine, newspaper, and television interviews. He earned a Bachelor of Environmental Studies at University of Manitoba as well as a Masters of Environmental Studies at York University, before evolving into his present incarnation, as a cherished Fernwood icon and celebrity. We sat together at the patio of Da Forno’s with a couple of Terry’s own intricate homemade milk carton sailboats and chatted about the finer aspects of life. How long have you been making stuff out of garbage? I make stuff out of junk now and I have been for decades. It’s too long to remember. My first milk carton boat, I made when I was eight or ten years old. My hero, who was ten, one of the big guys, showed me how to make toy boats. Then, in 1977 I started T. Wilson Designs in Winnipeg. We made big moveable toys with parts that came apart. Big letters, kids’ initials, and we made wooden names. How did you become the Bubble Man of Fernwood? Well if I am, it was because I started bringing the little jars of bubbles years ago! I don’t know why I first thought about it! I just enjoy them! I’d leave around jars for customers [in the square] to use with their kids. Then I invented a bubble machine that I could put in the square,
that blows bubbles automatically powered by the wind ... it automatically dips, lifts and blows! Wait ‘til you see it! The inspiration was Roberta (Martell, of Fernwood NRG). I met her, and we hit it off – BOOM! She’s great! She was babbling on and on about wanting a bubble machine for the Centre. And that motivated me; she was my muse to build a bubble machine. The first one I built, worked! It looks like magic because nothing makes it go except the wind! And then, coming out of a meeting late one night at the Fernwood Community Centre at least two years ago, I saw the air full of huge bubbles down here by the square, and two or three kids, so I came down to see what they had and it was a big bubble sword! Bought one the next day! Roberta got me to buy her one, and I’ve been making these big bubbles every since!
have grown to love require imported and non-seasonal items? Fernwood NRG’s website is being updated and will soon feature a new ‘What to Eat Now!’ section to help us solve this dilemma. ‘What to Eat Now’ will discuss both the simplicities and complexities of eating locally and will feature local seasonal recipes submitted by people like you. Recipes will be chosen based on their use of locally grown and/or locally produced ingredients. If you have a favorite recipe that you know uses great local ingredients but it is not quite the season for it, send it in anyways. It can be filed and then featured when the timing is right. Please give a little background to your recipe and give credit where credit is due. Did you tweak a favorite cookbook recipe or did you change your favorite great aunt’s casserole to include local ingredients? Recipes will most likely start being featured by mid-July; to get yours featured early, try recipes using zucchini,
I watch for beauty in the most unlikely places. I like fun! I’ve got touchable bubbles! I like dealing with people. I like play. So bubbles are a natural! People come out of the cafes, and the Fernwood Inn, customers and people who work there, to try the bubble wand. It’s just a great community feeling! And people tell me things like, “You made my day!” And a young gal, with a beer calls out, “I love you Bubble Man!” People laugh and point through the windows as they go by.
green beans, cucumbers, raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes, peas, lettuce … the list really goes on as so many things are available at this time of year. Send recipes to goodfoodbox@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca.
Fruit tree project underway in Fernwood The Fernwood Fruit Tree Project is here! The Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group (Fernwood NRG) is working in partnership with Lifecycles Project Society to pick fruit from backyard trees and bushes that would otherwise go to waste. The fruit will be distributed among homeowners,
How long have you been doing this? Five years in the Square. The first three years were just little bubbles. In the last couple of years, the bubble machine and the big bubble wand.
volunteers, food banks, and community organizations within Victoria. Fernwood NRG will be using some of the fruit in our preserving workshops in the fall as part of the Fernwood Harvest Project. Help us locate fruit trees and bushes for
How does it feel to spread so much joy? It feels wonderful! And, it feels like it’s one of my real life’s purposes! I’ve looked for as much purpose or meaning in life as I can. It’s not easy you know, to find meaning, purpose, fulfillment and service at the same time ... I try and get as much out of everything in life as I possibly can. Mileage out of money, out of a car, out of fun.
– continued on page 7
VillageVibe
we actually go about it when so many of the meals we
harvesting and extra garden space in Fernwood. Come and check out our interactive fruit tree and sharing backyard garden map in the Cornerstone Cafe! Fill out a survey (page 6) and win big! We are currently looking for volunteers to help pick fruit. To get involved and to learn more about the Fernwood Fruit Tree Project and the Fernwood NRG Food Security Group email Susi Porter-Bopp foodsecurity@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca.
July 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 3
Photos: Veronique da Silva
photo montage :
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Photographer: Joseph Avi Lambert From floor hockey inside the Fernwood Community Centre, to hacking outside on the basketball courts, to the entertaining baristas at the Cornerstone CafĂŠ, Fernwood has it all. See calendar on page 8 or call 381-1552 for more information on Fernwood NRGs recreation and sports programming.
Fernwood Village Night Market (Fernwood @ Gladstone)
Tuesday Evenings 5:30-9:30
Local Organic Produce, Baked Goods, Artisans, and Entertainment
May 29 – September 18
Page 4 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | July 2007
VillageVibe
in our neighbourhood
{ { Denise Savoie, MP A Voice for Victoria in Ottawa 970 Blanshard Street 363-3600 www.denisesavoie.ca
VillageVibe
Photographer: Veronique da Silva Fernwood photographer Veronique da Silva ventures beyond the ‘hood seeking snapshots of fun. She chills out at the beach, visits the Beacon Hill Park petting zoo, and catches the Esquimalt dancers.
Photographer: Bonnie Groening For the third year in a row Fernwood’s Tuesday night market is hopping. Visit local craftsfolk and artisans, purchase carbon neutral produce grown right here in Fernwood, enjoy the live music, and chase the bubble man’s bubbles. There is now a table at the market sponsored by Fernwood NRG’s food security committee where neighbours can sell or give away their extra veggies. Don’t miss the fun in Fernwood square every Tuesday from 5:30pm – 9:30pm.
Our Office is Open to Serve You 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
July 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 5
questionnaire :
Growing food in Fernwood
Can we grow food cheaply and easily right here in our own community? The Fernwood NRG Food Security Group wants to know more about homegrown food and how we can work together to strengthen community food security. Please help by answering the following questions! This survey will help us with our Fernwood Fruit Tree Project (in partnership with Lifecycles Project Society). Backyard fruit trees and bushes are a valuable source of
food for the community. The Fernwood Fruit Tree Project harvests fruit from private trees that would otherwise go to waste. The fruit is then distributed equally among homeowners, volunteers, food banks, and community organizations. The Fernwood NRG Harvest Project will be hosting preserving workshops in the fall so community members can enjoy local fruit year round! We will be accepting completed surveys throughout the year. If you return your completed survey to the
Backyard fruit-bearing trees and shrubs
8. If you do not have access to a food garden in your yard, would you like to have access to a food garden? Yes No
1. I do not know what fruit-bearing plants may be in my yard, but I would like someone to visit and identify them. Yes No 2. Is there a fruit-bearing tree in your yard? (put a number beside all applicable e.g. 2 = there are 2 cherry trees where I live) apple pear plum cherry walnut quince other (please describe) There are no fruit trees in my yard 3. Are there fruit-bearing shrubs or bushes in your yard? (check all applicable) blackberry raspberry hazelnut saskatoon salmonberry oregon grape other (please describe) There are no fruit shrubs or bushes in my yard 4. If you answered yes to questions 2 or 3, are you interested in participating in the Fernwood Fruit Tree Project by allowing our volunteers to come and pick your fruit? Yes No Maybe, but I need to know more 5 a) Would you be interested in planting a fruit-bearing tree or shrub in your yard? Yes No
Cornerstone Cafe or the Fernwood Community Centre before Friday, July 20th you will be eligible for a draw for some FANTASTIC prizes! Including: > pass for two for a Green Lunch at the Fernwood Inn > lunch for two at the Cornerstone Cafe > lunch and a pound of coffee at the Parsonage Cafe > three months of the Good Food Box ($30 value) > bag of greens from CityFarm
Name _____________________________________ Telephone/email _____________________________ Address ____________________________________
9. If you do not grow food yourself, would you permit a gardener from Fernwood to use space in your yard to grow food for him/herself and for you? Yes No ********************************************
Please check items that interest you and leave us your name and contact info.
The personal information you provide here will remain confidential and will not be distributed or published. Do you have friends and neighbours who might be interested in completing this survey? Extra copies are available at the Cornerstone Cafe and the Fernwood Community Centre. Thanks very much for your interest and help! Don’t forget to return your completed survey to the Cornerstone Cafe or the Fernwood Community Centre before Friday, July 20th to be eligible for our AMAZING draw prizes!
I would like to volunteer with the Fernwood NRG Food Security Group. I would like to volunteer with the Fernwood Fruit Tree Project.
****************************************************************************************
For more information on this survey or the Fernwood NRG Food Security Group please contact: Susi Porter-Bopp, Project Coordinator, foodsecurity@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca
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Backyard vegetable gardens 6. Do you currently grow food in your yard or elsewhere in your home? Yes No 7. Is there space for a food garden in your yard? Yes No
Page 6 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | July 2007
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VillageVibe
Green drinks celebrates
A love story from the ‘wood
>> by Trish Richards
Chapter Two: making it work
Green Drinks has become the place to meet for Victorians who are passionate about the environment and sustainability. Since its inception 10 months ago, some 1400 people from business, government, academia, and the non-profit sector have enjoyed the informal social network at Queen Mother Waterside Café on the second Tuesday of each month. In July, Green Drinks will celebrate its coming of age. July Green Drinks will be a BBQ and Sustainability Challenge on Tuesday July 10th at Royal Roads University from 6:00p.m. until 8:00p.m. The cost ranges from $5-10 depending what you decide to eat or drink. Accept the Sustainability Challenge! Come to Royal Roads campus using the most sustainable means of transportation you can imagine. Whether you stroll, walk, piggy-back or run, come by kayak, baby carriage, hang glider, bicycle, hybrid, bus or carpool, minimize your footprint on your way to Green Drinks. Prizes will be given for innovation and imagination. Come along Fernwood and startle the judges with your unique entries. View the displays! Expect to see unique cleanrunning vehicles show-cased along with various exhibits by green companies and NGOs about sustainable energy, recycling, organic farming, and food security. Local green authors are invited to exhibit or sell their work. Fernwoodians interested in participating in the displays please contact Roger Colwill at r.colwill@shaw.ca or 598-0077. Have fun! Come for the ideas, the inspiration, the support and the opportunity to connect with other likeminded people. Enjoy the food, drink, and conversation. Enter the Sustainability Challenge and demonstrate your fun-filled commitment to minimizing GHG emissions. No registration required. Event details available at www.greendrinks.org (navigate to Canada and then Victoria, B.C.)
>> by David McPherson
Comfortable in my pad in the heart of Fernwood and with Claire now beginning to manifest more completely, it was time to tidy up my life a little. Acting was not paying the kitty, so I was juggling two other straight jobs. I was flexing my muscles as a labourer in a food warehouse for the graveyard shift. Tendonripping, toe-crushing, occasionally rat-squishing work for $12.00 an hour. At eleven or midnight I would set out to Esquimalt on foot for a two to four hour shift. Tossing heavy sacks of sugar or lifting the six to a box, large cans of soup up to the top shelves. I ached constantly. I discovered I could sleep during the half-hour lunch break on the cardboard waiting to be compacted. So I slept, master of the art of power napping in the late night chill of the concrete bunker warehouse. I would then trudge home or on double shift days I would to pick up my cab. No buses at 2:30am so I would walk the hour long walk and start my twelve hour shift behind the wheel. Starting at 4:00am usually meant that unless there was an airport trip (a great way to start
local poets : by Mark Bamford The trick is to allow yourself to own everything about yourself. Stop saying this is right, this is wrong. Your shadow is a gift you haven’t yet understood.
Groove
@
VillageVibe
the day), I could turn up the radio, still not using the computer dispatch so ubiquitous nowadays, and sleep before the morning rush kicks in. You just hope to catch your call number, if it comes up. My car was #45, an old police cruiser. When not sleeping on those springy seats, I wrote. My first play was written in this car, while sitting in the dispatch zones that intersect in the middle of Fernwood Road. I could pull into the shade of a tree on Pembroke or Chestnut and be a stones-throw from the convenience of my own kitchen and bathroom. The day was best when I got home at 5:00pm and went up into my loft bed and cuddled up to the mumbling Claire, deep in the dreamland of an afternoon nap. I would sleep, while she puttered around, or watched movies in the living room. Then I would get up at 10:00pm to snuggle and have a late supper until I set out again for the waiting boxes, cases, and sacks. Snuggling because only that seems to stop the aches of this routine. As exotic as this life is, I soon realize I have to make a change if I want to make the best of this relationship. New love cannot do double shifts. See April’s Village Vibe for Chapter One.
The sky of reality
Instead, allow yourself to create high aspirations for you life experience, and your inner quality of being. Life is like water, always fluid and fresh.
the Southern Urge and the Beatles Revolution. There will be a beer garden. Saturday September 1st is the main event with a number of fun family activities. The third installment of the ‘It Came From Fernwood’ CD series will be launched on the Saturday and select musicians on the album will play on stage. Kaspar told me no big name acts will be playing FernFest “because you don’t have to look that far to have great music.” There will be a beer garden on Saturday as well. On Sunday morning there will be a pancake breakfast and a family sports day to wrap up the festival. Some come to sample the food. Some come to browse at the craft booths. Some just come to watch the crowd. Whatever your pleasure you should know that Fernfest is put on the by Fernwood NRG for all the members of the community that use its services. This includes children and families, seniors and everyone young-at-heart living in the neighbourhood and the greater Victoria community. Kaspar told me the organizers are expecting bigger crowds this year. Who could resist a summer festival? It’s a good reason to go out and have a good time, make some connections, and catch up with neighbours and friends. And after all, Fernfest 2007 will be the last hurrah before the fall. Volunteers are needed to make the festival run smoothly and to help with organizing the music, food,
Look around! Everyone is busy painting whole frescoes on the sky of reality.
Allow your nature to be like that freshness, evolving and new.
| from page 1
You can choose to experience anything you want, any way you wish! Start with that blank page and paint your beauty.
and event logistics. To find out more send James Kasper an email at james@fernwoodneighborhood.ca. There will be a volunteer appreciation party after the event.
Bubbles
| from page 3
What advice would you offer for living a meaningful and magical life? Golly! Don’t buy the common propaganda baloney that you hear. Don’t be one of the six billion followers, you know. Try and think for yourself ! People had to show me how to feel for myself. I try to think and feel for myself. You’ve got to sorta watch what the majority does wrong, and then not do it. Or do the opposite! And wonderful friends. (I had) wonderful friends when I was a kid too, who developed that in me.(Also), some terrible hardships, burdens ... I get fun wherever I possibly can. It’s important. I need it. Need the fun and the joy! (And) watch for beauty in the most unlikely places, like in your own garbage can or recycling bin! The beautiful colours of so much of the things we use everyday and throw out! The beautiful rich colours enrich me! What do you like best about Fernwood Square? The Spirit of so many of the people. The fun, adventuresome, imaginative Spirit, and the humour! Colourful people! And I like the kids and the dogs (laughter), in neither particular order.
July 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 7
what’s on in Fernwood July 2007
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Art, Theatre, and Entertainment
www.geocities.com/dominic_new_art/
FREE Internet and Computer Access
fernwoodgallery.html
Complete your one-time registration and
Live Entertainment at Cornerstone
Belfry Theatre
then get online through the Community
Café, 1301 Gladstone Ave.
2007-08 Season Announced! For info.
Access Program. 9:30am to 5:30pm,
Every Friday: local/touring performers,
check: http://www.belfry.bc.ca or call
Monday to Friday. Fernwood Community
8:00 – 10:00pm. July 6: Cross-Canada
Belfry Box Office - 385-6815
Center Community Room. Free!
Tour Kick-off Show for Caroline Spence
Theatre Inconnu
FREE Yoga
Band and Toronto’s Shauna Major, with
The Trutch Street Women. By local
Tuesdays, 10:30am - 12:00pm. Fernwood
special guest alt-folk band Heavy Grin.
playwright Ellen Arrand. Wednesday
Community Center MPR Room.
July 13: Robin Banks (progressive folk
through Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm,
Holistic Health & Healing
rock). July 20: Slim Sandy (one-man
June 20 - July 7. 1923 Fernwood Rd.
Healing meditation based on Chinese
blues band). July 27: Kristia diGregorio
Information and reservations: 360-0234
Five Elements, Ongoing Mondays, 10:00-11:30am. Fernwood Community
(Female Vocalist of the Year @ 2005
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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 Assistant Editor: Trish Richards Photographer: Veronique da Silva
Island Music Awards). Every Saturday:
Kids & Families
Center MPR Room. FREE!
Bohemian Open Mic 8:00 – 11:00pm.
Community Family Day
Falun Gong
Hosted by James Kasper. Check in at
Fernwood NRG invites families to
Peaceful meditation practice. Ongoing
the Cafe for details.
come and get involved in Community
Wednesdays, 5:00 - 7:00pm. Fernwood
Live Music at J.K. Do Forno Cafe
Day family-directed and facilitated
Community Center MPR Room.
Fernwood Square. Free! Mondays: Bill
programming. Mondays, 9:30 - 11:30am.
Everyone welcome, FREE!
Cino, 6:30 - 9:00pm. Seeking musicians
Fernwood Community Center Gym, Free!
Fernwood Autumn Glow (55+)
for other days. Call for info: 386-8446.
Parent & Tot Playgroup
Gentle exercise, lunch & activities.
Live Music at Fernwood Inn
Snacks/Crafts/Circle Time. Ongoing
Ongoing Fridays, 11:00am. Fernwood
5 nights per week, including an open
Tuesdays & Thursdays. 9:30 - 11:30am,
Community Center MPR. $5.50 for lunch
mike on Thursdays, 8:30 - 11:30pm.
Fernwood Community Center Gym, $1
1302 Gladstone Ave.
Rhythm Circle Time
Special Events
Live Music at Logan’s Pub
Drop-in: 10 Weeks per session. Tuesdays
Fern Fest 2007! Labour Day Weekend
1821 Cook St. For listings, check out
3:00 - 4:00 pm, Fernwood Community
Outdoor Concert of the Year! August
www.loganspub.com. Sunday, July 22:
Center Multi-Purpose Room. Free!
31, Sept 1 & 2. Stephenson Park. We
Aphrodesia 10-piece Afro-beat band from
Mother Goose
are looking for volunteers & children’s
San Francisco. Doors 8:00pm - Showtime
Songs, rhymes & stories. Tuesdays.
entertainers! Call James 381-1552 x 22.
9:00pm Tickets: $13 Advance/Door
1:00 - 2:30pm, Fernwood Community
Neighbourhood BBQ Potluck Picnic
Available at Lyle’s Place (cash only)
Center Multi-Purpose Room. Pre-
Sunday July 15th, Noon - 3:00pm.
382-8422 or www.hightideconcerts.net &
register - 10 weeks per session. Free!
Harris Green/Space/Boulevard at
www.aphrodesia.org
($2 for songbook) Call 381-1552 Ext.22
Pandora & Chambers St.
Call for Fernwood Artists
to register and for info.
Bring an item to BBQ, beverage &
sustainability minded people over
something to share. Everyone welcome!
lunch. Wednesday, July 25. Noon-
Seeking Artists with studios in Fernwood
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Contributors: Rae Abbot Mark Bamford Tronie Brown Central Middle School Bonnie Groening Jennifer Freeman Joseph Avi Lambert David MacPherson Mara Moon Morgan Obendorfer Susi Porter-Bopp The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NRG.
for the first Fernwood Art Studio
Youth, Adults & Seniors
Fernwood NRG Food Security Group
2:00pm. Fernwood Inn. Reservations
Tour. Planning for Spring 2008. Also,
Indoor Hacky Sack
Monthly meeting: Tuesday July 17th,
Recommended. Call: 412-2001
discussing Fernwood Artists’ Directory.
Drop-in Co-ed Adult (18+); Ongoing
7:30 - 9:00pm, Fernwood Community
Fernwood Business Network
Contact: Ritha Mason ritha@uvic.ca or
Sundays, Noon – 2:00pm. Fernwood
Centre, MPR. New volunteers welcome!
Launch of mutual support network
Deryk Houston dhouston@coastnet.com
Community Center Gym. $2 per person.
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
for Fernwood businesses, Monday,
Call for Submissions
Indoor Soccer: Drop-in Co-ed Adult
Interested in giving and/or attending
September 3, 10:00a.m. – Noon,
from Fernwood musicians and poets to
(18+); Ongoing Mondays, 8:45 -
a raising urban chickens workshop in
Fernwood Inn. For additional information
be featured on our 3rd Fernwood CD! e-
10:45pm, Fernwood Community Center
Fernwood this summer? foodsecurity@
please call or write to Roger Colwill, at
mail james@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca
Gym. $3 per person.
fernwoodneighbourhood.ca
598-0077 or r.colwill@shaw.ca
Victoria Bluegrass Assoc. Jam
Drop-in Floorhockey
Green Drinks Celebration
Total Plastics Recycling Day
Ongoing Tuesdays, 7:30 - 10:30pm.
Drop-in Co-ed Adult (18+); Ongoing
BBQ and Sustainability Challenge.
(2nd Saturday of every Month) Saturday,
Orange Hall, Fernwood Road. $2 to play,
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00 - 9:30pm,
Tuesday, July 10, 6:00 - 8:00pm. Royal
July 14, 10am - Noon, Back of Fernwood
free to listen. (Last Tuesday of month is
and Saturdays, 2 - 4:30pm. Fernwood
Roads University Campus, 2005 Sooke
Community Center. Recycle plastics
open stage/feature night; cost varies).
Community Center Gym. $4, or get a
Road. No registration necessary. Event
of all kinds. Styrofoam packing, soft
Art Exhibit
punchcard; $40/11 sessions. We accept
details available at: www.greendrinks.org
plastics and bags, and ALL hard/
Dominic Fetherston, Now You See It.
Sports Trader Bucks & Canadian Tire
(navigate to Canada, then Victoria, B.C.)
rigid plastics plus old electronics. By
Fernwood Gallery, 1923 Fernwood Road,
Money at face value!
Green Lunch
donation to cover transportation.
June 2 to July 4. Preview available at
Meet, chat and connect with other
TUESDAYS! Beer and Burger – 100% Ground prime rib burger or nutburger and a Pint $7.95 1302 Gladstone
412-2001
Under new ownership! Page 8 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | July 2007
VillageVibe