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villagevibe July 2008 : News and views from the heart of Fernwood

Fern Fest transforms the Square >> by Lisa Helps On the weekend of June 21-22, Fernwood Square was transformed for Fernwood’s 14th Annual Fern Fest, hosted by Fernwood NRG. For the thousand or so folks in attendance over the weekend, the square was no longer a passage space; it had become a gathering place, a place of music and magic, of storytelling and face painting, of eating and drinking, all with the sounds of laughter ringing off the walls of the Belfry. Friday night’s musical lineup got Fernwoodians up and dancing and brought them back Saturday longing for more. The Fernwood Inn kicked off Saturday’s events with a free pancake breakfast. The Inn staff – with the assistance of Victoria-Hillside MLA, Rob Fleming, and City

Photos 1 & 5: Pete Rockwell. Photos 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7: Kelly Heggart.

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hundreds with my faithful co-cooker, Fernwood NRG’s long time Best Babies coordinator, Germaine Asplin. We had a pretty good perspective, situated in the centre of it all. I looked up from the grill around 7:00pm just as Fernwood NRG’s own James Kasper took the stage with the CCR musicians. The sun had caught the corner of the gazebo-stage bathing the singers in light. Over yonder, the sounds of laughter and cheer percolated from the beer garden. To our left a woman sat at the picnic table, knitting and tapping her foot to the beat. In the background the bouncy castle on the Vic High field swayed with jumping children. I looked down, wiped away one of those tears that come from witnessing sheer goodness, and went back to work. For those who were there, Fernwood Square will never be the same again.

Councillor Dean Fortin – served pancakes to upwards of 350 people. At the same time, a bike obstacle course was underway on Gladstone, and Shoshana the storyteller held the attention of children and adults alike. Saturday’s musical lineup included some of the best of Fernwood’s best homegrown talent including John Gogo who shared the stage with his daughter Jenna Gogo. The father-daughter duo had the audience mesmerized with their clear and haunting sounds. The Cornerstone Collective Records (CCR) artists performed en masse, celebrating their first CD, Live at the Cornerstone Café, which was released at Fern Fest. And as night fell, Fernwoodians (and friends from around the city) were up boogying to the reggaelike sounds of the Mad Note. I watched the weekend unfold from behind the barbeque serving up hotdogs and veggie dogs in the

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Join Fernwood NRG! So you’ve been thinking about it. Why not sign up? Here are some good reasons to become a Fernwood NRG member: • To make the beating heart of our neighbourhood stronger. We have tremendous talent in Fernwood. The more connected we are to each other, the more we can accomplish. • To keep informed about special events and projects that are taking place in the neighbourhood and beyond. As a member of Fernwood NRG, you will receive emails to keep you in the loop.

To take part in decision-making that affects our community, making real change on a local level. • To support an organization that encourages local employment, social programming and environmental stewardship. • To help make Fernwood a model for neighbourhoods everywhere. • Membership is free! Over the span of a few short years, Fernwood has undergone a major transformation, largely because of people like you coming together to share your •

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in this issue Flower power goes sour Page 3 Feature: Tales from the Common edge Page 4 Local medicine man Page 7

editorial :

Volunteer appreciation

Festivals don’t happen on their own. Indeed, Fernwood NRG’s 14th annual Fern Fest held in Fernwood Square the weekend of the summer solstice illustrated the obvious: it takes a community to raise a festival. The weekend went off without a hitch – well, without many! – because of Fernwoodians like you. There were over 100 volunteers who helped make the festival happen; some came out and participated in a neighbourhood event for the first time, others were old hats at this. We thank you all. Thank you for volunteering to do the tedious job of waving a “slow” sign to calm vehicle traffic, protect the safety of pedestrians, and heck, probably attract more people to the festival. Thank you for painting children’s faces, for leading the bicycle obstacle course, for your Capoeria Like the work of Fernwood NRG? Go to CanadaHelps.org and donate

demonstration, for your enthralling stories, and for manning the now-famous bouncy castle. Thank your for serving tea and sandwiches to seniors, making Fern Fest truly an all-ages event. Thank you Fernwood Inn folks for providing a free pancake breakfast to upwards of 350 people. And thanks for the beautifully plated pancakes, adorned with fresh fruit and served with a smile. Thanks to the beer garden volunteers who checked ID, sold tickets, poured glass after (biodegradable plastic) glass of beer to eager Fern Festers. And thanks for keeping an absolute state of calm and decorum in the garden right to the very end of the night. Thanks to all of you who snapped into gear at the closing of the festival stacking chairs, folding tables, and loading trucks with eagerness, ease, and humor.

letters

to Fernwood NRG.

declaration of principles and values We are committed to creating a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable neighbourhood; We are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood institutions and assets; We are committed to using our resources prudently and to becoming financially self-reliant; We are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment; We are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them; We are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives; We are committed to governing our organization and serving our neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity and kindness; We are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self-worth, and excellence of our neighbours and ourselves;

I work with the Fernwood Food Security Group and coordinate the Sunset Work Parties at Spring Ridge Commons. Many people have gotten involved lately, and a lot of great energy is making things happen. I am writing because of a recent incident at the Commons, and I was hoping the Village Vibe could help me out. This week one of our dedicated volunteers and a local Ferwoodian dropped off a large slab of marble at the Commons. He had found it at the dump and brought it in to create a beautiful bench for Spring Ridge Commons. A couple of days later is it gone! It probably looked like someone just dumped it and so someone else decided to take advantage of it. Would you be able to make a small note of this in the paper this month? Just ask for the return of the marble slab, no questions asked, in the spirit of community and the hard workers at this great community garden. Thanks, Serene Watson

NRG hosts free soccer camp

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!

Page 2 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | July 2008

And last but not least, thanks to the folks at Fernwood NRG who coordinated the entire effort, which began early last September: Garry McLaughlin, Wendy Magahay, James Kasper, Susan Salvati, Aaron Ellingsen, Roberta Martell, and Lenore Rankin.

Corrections Photo correction: Fern Fest headliners: > Niska Napoleon photo credit: Aldona Barutowicz > John Gogo photo credit: Madina Thorsteinson > Boxcar photo credit: Meghan MacIsaac Spelling correction: Erik Nortman, the Mandala contest winner’s name was spelled incorrectly in the June issue.

the Fernwood buzz In 2007, a weekend-long Fern Fest left one small, lone bag of garbage. This year, while folks were dancing to the fine music, bouncing on the castle, or munching on a veggie dog, Fernwood NRG’s Aaron Ellingsen and a small team of volunteers were hard at work. Armed with recycling and compost bins, rubber gloves, and firm directions they were determined to make the Zero Waste efforts a tradition. “Yes you can compost your beer glasses,” they repeatedly informed skeptical drinkers. “Um … chip bags can go in the blue box,” they interrupted gently as a Doritos bag was about to be deposited into a garbage can. The results of their efforts: > 2 days. > 5 eating establishments. > 9 kegs of beer. > 11 bands. > 634 hotdogs. > 1000+ of Fernwood’s finest folk and friends. > 1/2 of a kitchen-size bag of garbage for the landfill. Thank you, Fernwood, for two glorious summer days of good clean fun! Thanks also to reFUSE (www.refuse.ca), Pacific Mobile Depots (www.pacificmobiledepots.com), the CRD (www.crd. bc.ca) and this year’s fabulous team of recycling volunteers for the advice, resources and energy that helped Fernwood NRG reduce and reroute festival waste.

What? Opportunitas Aequa Summer Soccer Camp Soccer skills training, games, fun activities, a wrap up tournament, and lunch. When? 9am -1pm, July 7-12, 2008 Where? Victoria High School field Who? You! Kids from 6-14 years old, local soccer coaches and volunteers. Why? Improve your skills; get active; have fun! How? Register by contacting James at Fernwood NRG 1240 Gladstone Avenue Victoria, BC V8T 1G6 (250) 381-1552 (ext. 25) or james@fernwoodnrg.ca The camp is run by Opportunitas Aequa (OA) a local charitable society, with support from Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group. For more information about OA, please visit http://oaprojects.org

VillageVibe

views from the street :

What is the best thing

Views photos: Kelly Heggart

about Fern Fest?

Brent VanDaele The best things about Fern Fest are the youth and the people.

Rebekah and Ahmie Rempel

Barb Cavill

The best thing about Fern Fest is watching my baby girl dance.

Flower power goes sour

Join NRG

Photos: John Threlfall

>> by James Kasper “With flowers and my love both never to come back I see people turn their heads and quickly look away Like a new born baby it just happens every day I look inside myself and see my heart is black I see my red door and it has been painted black” – Rolling Stones, from ‘Paint it Black’ Inspired by Mark Lakeman’s recent visit to Fernwood, Beth Threlfall wanted to add a tasteful splash of colour to her Fernwood neighbours’ day, provide a more pleasant alternative to the tagging often seen around the area, and maybe even offer a traffic-slowing incentive. So, she set out with a stencil, brush, paint and the approval of BC Hydro to adorn their poles with sunflowers. “BC Hydro said ‘go for it’” Beth explains, adding that both of the representatives she spoke with were “enthusiastic and generous about everything” and even provided her with green paint and followed up with her weeks later to ask how the project was going. Her Fernwood neighbours responded positively as well. “It was just amazing. People were honking their horns. I had one lady pull over and get out of her car and give me a hug. People were really enthusiastic about it.” But this is the part of the A&E program where the sinister music creeps in and the narrator’s voice takes on a more ominous tone. Beth got up one morning and

VillageVibe

The best things about Fern Fest are the energy and spirit, the entertainment and sense of community.

looked out her window to find that one of her sunflower poles had been painted black. “It made me sad,” she explains, but adds that she went right out and painted the sunflower all over again. Beth discovered, however, that some possibly-Rolling Stones-inspired artist had painted all of her poles black, and her forest of sunflowers had suffered a veritable clear-cutting. In response, Beth wrote a letter to her neighbours, and she and her three-year-old son handdelivered it to 25 households on and around her block. Beth’s letter states: “I know it was not the City because they no longer paint poles, and BC Hydro will only do it if you call – and they only use green paint.” She goes on to say the letter’s purpose is “to let the people of our block and the surrounding area know that a group of our neighbours do indeed want these poles painted again.” The letter closes with an appeal for hope in the positive power of art. In response to her recent letter, Beth has already had requests from neighbours who want her to paint sunflowers on the poles outside their houses. When asked what she would say to the Sunflower Spoiler if she were confronted with them, Beth says: “I would want to know why black is better. Why do they find sunflowers offensive?” Beth is encouraging anyone who “liked or hated” her sunflower poles to e-mail her at t-house@shaw.ca and to call BC Hydro representative Ted Olynuk at (250) 755-7180 if they have any concerns about the poles. And so, in conclusion, a shout-out to the Black-Pole Bandit: Why?

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dreams, hopes, talents, and energy. We are at a point where Fernwood NRG is acting to support groups of neighbours who are inspired by possibility. The very active Food Security Collective and Place Making Troupe are but two examples. If you are a resident of Fernwood, fill out the form below and send or bring it in to 1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, B.C. V8T 1G6. We look forward to your involvement in future projects.

Membership Form Name: _____________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ Email: _____________________________________ Telephone: _________________________________

Interested in (please circle choices): Food Security, Placemaking, Event planning, Fern Fest Village Vibe, Childcare, Other: ____________________ Skills you're willing to share:

_______________________________________________ Membership is Free!

Uni 101 Free University Course September 2008 Info Session: Fernwood

Community Centre (1240 Gladstone)

5pm August 5th

July 2008 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 3

feature :

Tales from the Common edge

Photos: Margot Johnston

>> by R ainey Hopewell

... they contemplated their grass-infested boulevard and saw lusty veggies and luscious berries sprawling in shameless abundance

O

nce upon a time called now, in a mythical place called here, two funky Earthlings were dazzled by an otherworldly vision: they contemplated their grass-infested boulevard and saw lusty veggies and luscious berries sprawling in shameless abundance. And as the Earthlings lingered in the theatre of their minds, they realized that the bounty of their boulevard was begging to be eaten by all who passed. They saw their neighbours sharing seeds and seedlings, working and laughing together while growing their food on public land. They saw the harvest shared by all alike, the whole community sharing, for the simple, honest, common good. They’d caught their first glimpse of the Haultain Common. Grass Be Gone! It’s taken more than the waving of a wand, but with lots of help, the Haultain Common has emerged from a wasteland. Nestled in the valley called Haultain St., on the absolute edge of Fernwood and Oaklands, this little Common has joined a modest subtext in the massive makeover tale of our time. Arising from the planetary saga of peak oil, climate change and food crisis, the Haultain Common is another of those small, humble projects weaving the threads of food security, place-making, street reclaiming, city-repair, permaculture, and locovorism into a homespun story of community empowerment. Only 100 feet long and 11 feet wide, Haultain Common has captured the imagination of its neighbourhood, but the midwives’ learning curve has been steep.

Lessons in Birthing a Boulevard Common There are 120 miles of publicly owned boulevard in Victoria. Some of the boulevards are taxed and maintained by city workers. Some of the boulevards are untaxed and maintained by homeowners, largely at their own discretion despite being required to do so. Since the boulevards around our house are untaxed, we initiated our gardening activities there without consulting the Parks Department. We assumed that since we’re responsible for maintaining our boulevards, we could choose what to maintain. About the time we finished our sheet mulching, we discovered via a photo-snapping city worker, that the folks at Parks expect to be consulted about gardening activity on both taxed and untaxed boulevards. By the time we’d finished consulting with them we’d accumulated considerable information to share with others who may be planning to reclaim their boulevards for life-loving purposes. (See side bar: What We’ve Been Told). Because a city worker took pictures of our boulevards and told us our gardening activity there was problematic, we submitted a comprehensive retroactive information packet to the Parks Department as quickly as possible. In addition to a site plan and utility clearance information, we included colour photos, a rationale for our activities and a request to meet with relevant Parks officials.

Dean Fortin

Victoria City Councillor Working for strong, healthy and sustainable communities.

dfortin@victoria.ca

Page 4 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | July 2008

VillageVibe

Who is this “Sueâ€? from America, anyway? All our meetings with City officials have been non-adversarial dialogues. Various city workers have told us that the City of Victoria supports urban agricultural activity officially in principle, but that boulevard gardening challenges that support because some boulevards contain underground service paraphernalia near the surface. The city workers also told us that Canadians have become more litigious than we used to be, and that city workers are the ones who must hold the tension of this spiraling litigious activity. We also feel sorrow for this burgeoning aspect of Canadian society. A culture obsessed with suing becomes a culture shaped by the fear of “what if.‌â€? Pernicious fear limits our creativity, which limits our possibilities, which limits our choices, which limits our behaviors, which limits our experiences, which limits our chances to move beyond the human patterns that have created the troubles of our time.

What we’ve been told The information below is compiled from our conversations with Parks Department officials and our gleanings from bylaws concerning traffic safety, often quoted in the vacuum regarding boulevard gardening activity.

Despite “Sue’s� entrenchment at City Hall, we are delighted to announce that we have received temporary permission to proceed with the Haultain Common. Provided that we maintain acute awareness for public safety as outlined in the side bar, we may proceed for this year at least: a positive outcome, for now.

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There is no policy or by-law in Victoria concerning boulevard gardening specifically.

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Call “BC One-Call� before digging. 1-800-474-6886. It connects you to Hydro, Terasen, and Telus data bases and determines whether you have utility service equipment under your boulevard, and if so,

Meanwhile, Back at Parks Central We’re told that the Parks Department is creating a new boulevard gardening policy, which will be more flexible than the Department’s previous policy. It’s scheduled for presentation to City Council in the fall. Whether Victorians will be consulted about its content is yet to be revealed. We hope so, because we suspect that public contribution might create a more balanced policy than “Sue’s� influence alone will yield. A policy informed mainly by fear of litigation is less likely to support the new urban agriculture resolution or place-making phenomena arising from the city repair movement. We’ve heard conflicting answers to our questions about public discourse, but overall indicators suggest so far that Parks officials are creating the new policy without public collaboration.

where. •

Submit an application to the Parks Department before digging. Call 250-361-0600 or go to 100 Cook St. (in Beacon Hill Park). This call will initiate a search for the locations of water and sewer lines under your boulevard. Include a site plan with your application, describing your intentions.

The Harder Parts •

Be prepared to wait for an answer (the municipal services search takes about 10 days)

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Be prepared for the possibility that the answer might be “no� because of underground services near ground level

Riding the Common Whirlwind Widespread boulevard gardening seems new in Victoria at this time. Right now we’re still constructing the edges of the jigsaw puzzle. The edges are always the hardest part because it’s not so clear how the pieces fit together. Eventually, a beautiful picture of a green, growing city will emerge in the centre, stretching in all directions, all the way to the edges we’re piecing together now.

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Be prepared to maintain anything you create

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Be prepared to lose everything you create, if road repair work is required

About Planting

While awaiting the new boulevard gardening policy, Haultain Common fans will continue bearing witness to its growing popularity. Folks are loving it: they’ve brought potatoes, tomatoes, squashes, cabbage, onions, raspberries, organic kitchen scraps, and grass clippings. They’ve come to mulch, plant, water, and weed, and to talk, talk, talk about the Common. Common news has appeared in Fernwood’s own Village Vibe, Outlook and Victoria News, on CFAX Radio, and on CHEK and Shaw TV.

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Nothing over four feet high

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Nothing more than two feet high within nine feet of an intersection

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Nothing near a fire hydrant

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Nothing around or over a maintenance cover

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Don’t block access from the curb to the sidewalk completely

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Don’t lay concrete paths or make other permanent structures

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Don’t use any path material that might cause injury (no bricks, stones, pavers, tiles, aggregate or wood chip allowed: paths must be bare ground only, without edging of any kind)

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Don’t incorporate any dangerous structures in your landscape (sprinkler heads, holes or trenches, tomato cages, hothouses, cold frames, burms, chairs, benches, swings, slides, sculptures,

All of this for an idea so simple and so old that our ancestors knew it well. The Common: those lands owned collectively and shared by all alike, by the community as a whole, for the common good. We believe humans can reclaim this aspect of being human, and we believe that when we are sharing for the common good, we are also caring for each other and for the Earth.

signs, etc.) •

Do plant with your neighbours, have fun, live at the common edge!

We are Rainey and Margot. For more information about boulevard gardening or the Haultain Common, or to become involved, call 250-380-5055 or email hope_of_rain@islandnet.com.

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Denise Savoie Member of Parliament for Victoria

constituency office: 970 Blanshard Street Victoria, BC V8W 2H3 telephone: 363-3600 e-mail: Savoie.d@parl.gc.ca on the web: www.denisesavoie.ca

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VillageVibe

July 2008 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 5

gleanings :

The good, the bad and the ugly

>> by Margaret Hantiuk

they’re not stressed, injured, or already ridden with pests or foliar diseases, and that the roots are good and not potbound). Purchase plant varieties that suit our climate and that are disease resistant. Plants should be placed in a suitable location (soil type, sun/shade, wet/dry, ample room), planted well, watered sufficiently, and then pruned as needed. If the right plant is put in the right place and then well cared

toxic chemicals for home garden use in order to save our endangered land and marine wildlife. Sometimes we just don’t realize how sensitive the environment is, the toxic effects of the chemicals we use, and how their use cascades harmfully through our world around us. I don’t like perfect gardens and lawns any more as I suspect they are sterile (void of microbial life due to use of chemicals.) This style of gardening is not sustainable,

Observe – become a junior scientist and a true partner in your habitat It’s the time of year where gardeners may find themselves at war in their own backyards. Perhaps you are out for a stroll to pick some strawberries or salad greens and become aware that your garden is not feeding just the humans in your household. This can be upsetting if you have invested a lot of time, energy, and money. But this is life in the garden. Rather than run to the store to purchase the heavy artillery (toxic chemicals) ...wait! There are approaches that are less harmful (we know from what is going on out in the world that war is complicated and so often the victims can be the good guys). However, there are many tactics that work and are less dangerous to your habitat. First, healthy plants are not as vulnerable to attack. So buy healthy plants. (Check them out to make sure

for, the battle is won even before it starts. Keep your existing plants healthy with good mulches added yearly, deep watering as needed, and properly pruned. Plants may be moved to a better spot in the fall or spring. There are difficult pests and foliar diseases – you may have inherited them, or a neighbour may be harboring them. The first step is to watch over your garden so that you can spot these problems before they are out of control. Next is to identify the problem correctly and figure out the likely cause. Then choose the least risky action. Most professional gardeners are now trained in IPM (Integrated Pest Management) where every attempt is made to be as safe as possible to the environment: people, pets, the “good� plants and beneficial bugs and birds. The CRD is about to introduce a new bylaw to reduce the use of

as once the good bugs and birds and microorganisms of healthy, vital soil are gone (due to use of chemicals) there is no choice but to continue their use as the natural ecosystem has been weakened. Having healthy soil (lots of humus from compost, not overly cultivated, mulched yearly, without toxic chemicals that destroy the balance and vitality, and watered as needed to stay alive) is the foundation of organic gardening and the only way it can be successful. Everywhere gardeners are trying different tricks, recipes, and remedies that are less toxic to deal with the peskiest pests. Next month we’ll learn of some of them. Meanwhile, get to know your garden and yard well – observe – become a junior scientist and a true partner in your habitat. It’s a rewarding pastime in so many ways.

The Fernwood freeway Photo: Penny Lloyd

downtown area, I assure you that concern for their safety and health would be a popular answer. Many people in Fernwood risk their lives cycling in busy city traffic. Furthermore, cyclists are penalized for choosing a healthier, environmentally friendly lifestyle. Cyclists inhale an unhealthy amount of benzene, xylene, carcinogens, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. The City of Victoria has signed onto the Climate Action Charter, pledging to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2012. The City espouses “support for alternative transportation modes with emphasis on cycling and transit.� Some of the goals in the City of Victoria’s Bicycle Master Plan include:

>> by Penny Lloyd Imagine hopping on your bicycle with your family or friends for a leisurely, safe bike ride through Fernwood connecting you to the Galloping Goose. This would not be your average inner-city ride filled with cars driving alongside you emitting harmful exhaust. This ride would be a semi-extension of the Galloping Goose! Following the example of Europeans, the City of Victoria could create a city bikeway or “bicycle boulevard� that is mainly meant for cyclists. If you were to ask most non-cycling residents why they do not feel comfortable biking in the Fernwood/

• To create a network of bikeways to safely serve major

activity centres throughout the City, and to make all city streets enjoyable for cycling; • To increase cycling’s share of the total city trips to 12 percent by the year 2010; • To adopt a map of bikeways that link downtown to its neighbourhoods.

Goose, specifically by creating a bicycle boulevard linking Balmoral and Fisgard from Fernwood Road to Store Street. There are a large number of cyclists who already use Fisgard and Balmoral Street as part of their bike route to the Goose as they are less busy streets. Johnson and Bay Streets are congested and unsafe routes for cyclists. The Fernwood Freeway would turn Balmoral/ Fisgard into a one-way street with a full lane just for cyclists and pedestrians. Trees could be incorporated into the landscape to create a natural barrier between cyclists and vehicles. Bicycle routes could be planned to align with new residential development, such as the Hudson Building. Moreover, this route would decrease the need for cyclists to use Bay Street, which is a dangerous, overly congested emergency vehicle route. The City should create more than just a few bike lanes on busy streets. Let’s build on the success of the Galloping Goose Trail and create the Fernwood Freeway for Cyclists! You can email the Mayor of Victoria (mayor@ victoria.ca), the City’s Cycling Advisory Committee, the Capital Walk and Bike Society (johnluton@shaw.ca) or me (penelopel@shaw.ca)

I am proposing that the City of Victoria create a safe cycling route connecting Fernwood to the Galloping

Fernwood Village Night Market (Fernwood @ Gladstone)

Tuesday Evenings 5:30-8:30

Artisans, and Entertainment

Local Organic Produce, Baked Goods,

Page 6 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | July 2008

VillageVibe

Photo: Aaron Ellingsen

faces : Local medicine man

>> by Aaron Ellingsen “There’s a lot of talk about the 100-mile diet. How about 100-mile medicine? There’s a lot of talk about food security. What about medicine security?” Don Ollsin describes himself as “an eclectic entrepreneur, a healer, a naturalist, a Fernwood community member and a pioneering educator in herbal medicine.” Over the years he has seeded this area with ideas about herbal and holistic healing by bringing in Cherokee medicine man Rolling Thunder and holistic healers like Bernard Jensen and Louise Hayes, among others. He’s also an authority on herbal medicine in his own right. He’s been involved with and teaching herbal medicine since 1969, has taught courses in herbal medicine at Langara College in Vancouver and at Royal Roads University here in Victoria. He has also operated herb shops for close to two decades. Don brings abundant energy and enthusiasm to our Saturday morning conversation on herbalism and Fernwood as a vital neighbourhood. Roots are one of Don’s favourite images. People know that roots nourish and anchor the plants we see above ground. Using carrots as an example, he points out that although many see the carrot itself as the root of the plant, carrot root systems actually extend to as deep as eight feet

beneath the surface of the soil, drawing vitality through a microscopic, almost infinitely fine web. Traditionally people, communities and even societies have functioned in much the same way – and the relationship to the soil is only partially metaphorical. The pharmaceutical industry produces pills and capsules to treat an ever-increasing array of health concerns. How these products work, where they come from, and how they’re manufactured are mysteries. Don grows upwards of 50 medicinal herbs in his yard. He knows that calendula

communities. “There’s something special,” he says, “ about going out mushroom hunting with my kids, with other people.” Despite our perception that traditional societies relied on medicine men for all their medicinal needs, Don describes how in fact everyone, from the very young to the old, had a baseline knowledge of how various medicinal plants worked. Although that idea might seem to hearken to the depths of pre-history, it’s not really so. Don and his wife were treated to an herbal tour of a farm they visited

He knows that the willow in his yard originally provided the active ingredient for aspirin is a powerful anti-inflammatory, that echinacea stimulates the immune system, that the plantain plant outside his door could save his life in the event of an allergic reaction to a bee sting or spider bite. His birch tree provides a kidney function stimulant. His hawthorn tree provides a heart medicine. He even knows that the willow in his yard originally provided the active ingredient for aspirin. Whereas most of us must take it on faith that pharmaceuticals are what they advertise, herbalists watch, nurture, grow and propagate their ingredients. The process is organic and genuinely rooted in a place. Whereas the workings of pharmaceuticals are understood only by chemists and pharmacists, knowledge of the beneficial effects of herbs comes to us down millennia-long lines of traditional knowledge. By comparison, pharmaceutical science is a blip on a time line. Aesthetically speaking, too, Don points to the benefits of herbal medicine. “Do you ever wake up, go to the medicine cabinet, take out your bottle of aspirin, pour some in your hand and think: Are these ever beautiful? But I go out my door and see my willow tree. Wow, is it ever beautiful. It’s a rich way to live.” Today we have a very “David Thoreau” relationship to nature, where we go out to “find ourselves” in the forest. Don appreciates that sentiment, but points out that many traditional cultures have also interacted with nature as

in California some time back – by the farmer’s four-yearold child. Children pick up that kind of knowledge easily, and have traditionally played an active and productive role in collecting herbs and foodstuffs for their families and communities – a community nurtured by its smaller roots. “What a rich way to live,” Don says again. “It seems to me that people in Fernwood are seeking to build a rich place to live. We’re planting the boulevards now, and if we start introducing medicinal plants …. Can you imagine people living long, healthy lives? Medicinal plants are part of that.” Don is well-rooted in the Fernwood community and he’s well-rooted in herbalism. “Once you’re rooted in things,” he points out, “you can really start to develop them in a sustainable way – and herbal medicine is sustainable.” As a teacher, Don perpetually seeks ways to nurture healthy and sustainable individual and community lifestyles through education. Herbal medicine is a piece of that sustainability. Don Ollsin offers workshops in his backyard oasis on herb awareness for the purposes of life-enhancement, preventative applications and, last but not least, treatment. If you’re interested in attending a workshop or have questions about his work or interests, please email him at don@herbalhealingpathway.com

A well-balanced weekend >> By Matt Christie Balancing time on the water with time in the Fernwood Square made the Victoria Youth Paddling Club’s (VYPC) May long weekend training camp an extraordinary experience. High performance athletes from across BC converged in Fernwood to participate in the kayaking camp hosted by our local flatwater paddling club. “VYPC focuses on developing well rounded athletes for life. With that in mind I thought I’d design a training camp rooted in the principles of balance for the body, mind and soul,” commented camp organizer and local Fernwood resident Matt Christie. While the paddling took place on the Gorge, all of the development workshops and activities took place in Fernwood. “I wanted the camp to have a low carbon footprint so all of the activities had to be within walking distance of Ocean River. VYPC already has a strong relationship with the Fernwood Community Centre, so I decided to organize the camp in Fernwood.” Over the weekend, athletes enjoyed pizza from Wildfire Bakery, played floor hockey in the Fernwood gym and soccer on the Vic High fields, held discussion groups in Spring Ridge Commons and participated in Iyengar Yoga sessions. It’s important to introduce people to different ideas. Athleticism can be very individualistic and the emphasis

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on winning can become overpowering. That’s why it was important to introduce the athletes to different perspectives on sport. While practicing yoga and meditation athletes had an opportunity to clear their minds and become alert to their surroundings. It was also important to lead them through a discussion on ethics in sport as issues like performance-enhancing drug use, political responsibilities of athletes, and an athlete’s role in society are often completely ignored. Part of the goal of the training camp was for athletes to be aware of what’s going on around them and the responsibilities they have to themselves and society. As for the ecological footprint of the event, physical activity has become far removed from the outdoors – people play hockey on indoor rinks, soccer on artificial turf, and run on treadmills. Exercise is about connecting with nature and using our bodies for what they were intended. Sport should be about getting outside and having a good time. By walking to activities and eating local food, physical activity becomes less compartmentalized and being physically active becomes a way of life. That’s what our club vision hopes to achieve: developing well-rounded athletes for life. For more information on the Victoria Youth Paddling Club please visit www.vypc.ca

July 2008 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 7

what’s on in Fernwood Arts, Theatre and Entertainment

Youth, Adults and Seniors

Belfry Theatre. ANYTHING THAT MOVES. by Ann-Marie MacDonald with Alisa Palmer. Music by Allen Cole. July 29-Aug 16. 1291 Gladstone Ave. For info contact Belfry Box Office at 250-385-6815 or www.belfry.bc.ca Bluegrass Wednesdays. Fernwood NRG and the Fernwood Bluegrass Association present Wednesday night bluegrass jams at the Cornerstone Café. 7:30-10pm. FREE! Collective Works Gallery. “Towards the Sun” (group show). June 20July 10. “Elements of Nature” (group show). July 11 to July 31. Gallery hours>11am-6pm Tues-Thurs; 11am-8pm Fri+Sat; 11am-6pm Sun; closed Mon. 1311 Gladstone Ave. www.collectiveworks.ca Cornerstone Collective Records. Cornerstone Collective Records (Fernwood’s own non-profit community-driven record label) welcomes new members Sun, July 13. 2:30pm. Drop-in to “talk shop” with us and launch your music career! For info call James: 250-381-1552 ext.25. Live Music at Fernwood Inn. Open Mic Thursdays. 8:30-11:30pm. 1302 Gladstone Ave. FREE! Live Music at Logan’s Pub. 1821 Cook St. www.loganspub.com Ministry of Casual Living. “Blinking Mud” Evan Locke, June 27-July 6. “Lady Sasquatch” Deb Wertman, July 7July 24>Opening Fri July 11, 8pm. Stephanie Bjornson Installation, July 25-Aug 7>Opening Fri July 25, 8pm. 1442 Haultain St. www.ministryofcasualliving.ca Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam. Tuesdays 7:30-10pm. Orange Hall. 1620 Fernwood Rd. $2 to play. FREE to listen. www.victoriabluegrass.ca Victoria Folk Music Society. Sundays. 7:30pm Open Stage. 9pm Feature Performer. (July 6>DON ALDER, July 13>ANGUS LYON and RUIARIDH CAMPBELL, July 20>MORGAN DAVIS, July 27>CELTIC CHAOS,). Norway House. 1110 Hillside Ave. $5 feature performer nights/$3 all open stage night. www.victoriafolkmusic.ca

New! Power Flow Yoga with Jenny Hyslop. This more intense yoga session will leave you invigorated and rejuvenated! Adults>Fridays 5:30-7pm. $5. Children ages 3-7>Saturdays 1-2pm. ages 8-12>Sundays 2-3pm. $3. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. New! Free Youth Soccer Camp. Free youth soccer camp. Ages 6-14. July 7-1, 9am-1pm. Victoria High School field. Register at 250-381-1552 ext. 25. Interested soccer coaches and volunteers please call. Presented by Opportunitas Aequa & Fernwood NRG. Ear Acupuncture at the Fernwood Community Centre. Treatments 15-20 min. Thursdays 2:30-4:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. By donation. Everyone welcome. Falun Gong. Peaceful meditation practice. All welcome! Wednesdays 5-7pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. FREE! Family Floor Hockey. Sundays 3:30-5pm, Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $5 per family.** Fernwood Autumn Glow. 55+. Gentle exercise, lunch and activities. Monthly special guest speaker. Fridays 11am Fernwood Community Centre MPR. $5.50 for lunch. Floor Hockey. Drop-in Co-ed. Adult (18+). Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-9:30pm. Saturdays 2:30-5pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $4, or get a punchcard: $40/11 sessions.** Hatha Yoga. (off for summer – will resume in September) With certified instructor Elke. Focus on gentle poses, breathing practice, deep relaxation and meditation. Tuesdays 3-4:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. Suggested donation $5. Indoor Soccer. Drop-in Co-ed. Adult (18+). Mondays 7-9pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $3.** Internet and Computer Access. Register and get online through the Community Access Program. Monday to Friday 9:30am-5pm. Fernwood Community Centre Community Room. FREE! Junior Youth Empowerment Program. Assisting youths age 12-14 to take steps to discover their capacities, express themselves and become empowered as agents of positive change in their communities. Sundays 2-5pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. For info call 381-1552 ext.25 Nintendo Wii Fridays. Drop-in Co-ed. Ages 10-14. Fridays 7-9pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. FREE!!. Concession open. Scrabble Saturdays. Ages 13-adult. Saturdays 2-5pm. Fernwood Community Centre. Drop in and meet fellow Scrabbleheads. FREE!

Kids and Families at the Fernwood Community Centre Family Community Day. Family Fun directed and facilitated by the participants. Snacks, crafts, play equipment and varied themes. Mondays 9:30-11:30am. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. FREE!! Parent and Tot Playgroup. Snacks/Crafts/Circle Time. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-11:30am. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $1 per family.

Tot Soccer. Ages 3 to 5. Instructor Bobby Kenny. Sundays 11am-noon. Rain or shine. Learn the basics and have fun. Whether you call it soccer or football, this game is great for one and all. Please bring a kickable ball. In the field behind Fernwood Community Centre. By donation.

villagevibe Published by Fernwood NRG (Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group) 1240 Gladstone Street

**We accept Sports Trader Bucks and Canadian Tire Money at face value!

Special Events NEW! Fernwood Village Night Market. Local organic produce, baked goods, artists, artisans and entertainment. Bring your family and friends for a fresh, funky experience. Every Tuesday until Sept 16, 5:30-8:30pm. Corner of Fernwood and Gladstone. Fernwood Business Network. Everyone welcome. Tues, July 8. 10am. (second Tuesday monthly!) Fernwood Inn. For info contact Ryan Rutley at ryan@ rutleyventures.ca Green Drinks. An inclusive gathering of the sustainabilityminded for refreshments and conversation. Tues, July 8 at Royal Roads University. For info see www.greendrinksvictoria.ca Fernwood’s Outrageous Recycling Day. Bring your CLEAN plastics, styrofoam packing and food trays, electronics and foil-lined coffee bags. Sat, July 12. 10am-1pm. Back of Fernwood Community Centre. By donation. NEW! Fernwood’s Outrageous Recycling Day seeks volunteers! Come out for an hour or two and help us make it all happen! For info or to volunteer contact villagevibe@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca Fernwood NRG Food Security Collective – Monthly Meeting. All welcome! Tues, July 15. 7-9pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. foodsecurity@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca Fernwood Place Making Troupe. All Welcome! Bring your ideas for the square and the neighbourhood. Mon, July 21. 7pm. Cornerstone Café. BBQ Potluck Picnic-in-Park. Friends of Harris Green invite you to celebrate a healthy Pandora greenspace by attending a BBQ & potluck picnic on “The Green” at the corner of Chambers St and Pandora Ave. Sun, July 27. 12-3pm. Bring a BBQ item plus something to share. Everyone welcome. Entertainment, games, and 2pm tour of heritage First Church of Christ, Scientist. Fernwood Community Kitchen. Cook nutritious, creative meals with your neighbours! For info contact Tracey at tveldhuis@gmail.com Fernwood Sharing Gardens. Have a garden but no time? Time but no garden? Contact Rainey at 380-5055 or sharinggardens@gmail.com. Spring Ridge Commons Workparties! Come and get your hands dirty in Fernwood’s only public food garden. Thursdays, 5-7pm. Please bring tools if you’ve got ‘em.

Victoria, BC V8T 1G6 T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509 villagevibe@fernwood neighbourhood.ca www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca Editor: Lisa Helps Assistant Editors: Aaron Ellingsen, Trish Richards Photographers: Kelly Heggart, Pete Rockwell Contributors: Matt Christie Rainey Hopewell Margaret Hantiuk Margot Johnston James Kasper Penny Lloyd Susan Salvati Serene Watson The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NRG.

The Fernwood Commons: A Fernwood Community Communication Forum. For info on Fernwood comings and goings and neighbourhood news and views, check out The Fernwood Commons on line: http://thevillagevibe.ning.com/ If you have a workshop or special event idea for the Fernwood Community Centre or the Cornerstone Café email james@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca If you have a Fernwood event you would like listed in the Village Vibe calendar please send an email with the subject line “vibe calendar” to villagevibe@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca

Have a cold one … On our hot new patio! Open daily from 11:30 Under new ownership! Page 8 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | July 2008

1302 Gladstone

412-2001

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