Village Vibe June 2009

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

Happy 4th Birthday Village Vibe A Farewell to Roberta

Y

ep it’s true. Roberta Martell, fearless leader The Cornerstone was only one of Roberta’s of the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource numerous accomplishments during her time at Group is moving on. After five and a half Fernwood NRG. She inspired and executed a great years of over-the-top service Roberta has decided to many projects. Our next issue of the Village Vibe ‘hang up her spurs’. will highlight Roberta’s unparalleled contribution to She leaves the neighbourhood looking radically the neighbourhood. different than she found it. For those of you around In the meantime, we would like to invite you to in 2004, you no doubt remember the ‘black hole’ share your thoughts and/or memories of Roberta that languished in the middle of Fernwood Village. and what it has meant for Fernwood, and for you, With resident frustration at an all-time high and to have her here. Please email farewellroberta@ hope at an all-time low, Roberta not only knew what fernwoodnrg.ca with your comments (before June to do, but how to do it.

15th if possible).

Delicate negotiations with Robin Kimpton for Additionally, please join us at Fern Fest on the purchase of the Cornerstone Building began Saturday, June 20 to send Roberta off in true long before the keys changed hands. Seemingly Fernwood fashion! endless phone calls went on for months before the deal was finally Her tenacity, courage, hammered out. But hammered out boundless energy and it was, and on August 2nd, 2005 resourcefulness formed into the residents of Fernwood got their an unstoppable resolve... neighbourhood back.

Thousands of hours of volunteer And the burning question…So what does the labour went into restoring the Cornerstone future hold for Roberta? building, but Roberta was the catalyst that made it For the time being she’s going to finish building all happen. Her tenacity, courage, boundless energy her off-grid cabin in the Gulf Islands, read, write, and resourcefulness formed into an unstoppable and ready herself for her next big adventure. We’ll resolve that would see the neighbourhood of miss you dearly my friend.

Fernwood totally transformed.

F

ernwood NRG’s Village Vibe has been broadcasting news and views from the heart of Fernwood for four years!

Join readers, writers, photographers, artists and the Vibe publishing team at the Cornerstone Café to celebrate the birth, growth and evolution of Fernwood’s only homegrown monthly paper – now beginning its fifth year!!

What It’s a party! Come share coffee, birthday cake, memories and warm wishes for the Vibe’s fourth birthday.

When June 4 – 6:30pm Where Fernwood’s living room – the Cornerstone Café, 1301 Gladstone Avenue

in this issue The Garden at 1293 Denman Page 3 Feature: Your Guide to Fern Fest Page 4 The 100 Mile Garlic Diet Page 6

To get the Vibe digitally, sign up at www.villagevibe.ca

editorial : The Heart of Fernwood A few weeks ago I took my coffee out – as I do each sunny morning – to the bench my friends and I recently built at the corner of Camosun and Johnson.

And there, on the bench was a copy of the Village Vibe with a tulip delicately placed on top of it. Now, there is a Vibe box right beside the bench and there are tulips right in my garden, so the Vibe’s secret admirer did not have to go far to produce this artful and heartfelt display. Yet I was touched. I was touched because this one late-night passerby reflected in a simple work of placemaking art what I think many Fernwoodians have come to feel over the past four years: that the Vibe is your neighbourhood newspaper.

Some four years ago now a small handful of us from the board of the then Fernwood Community Centre Society (now Fernwood NRG!) sat down and dreamed of starting a monthly neighbourhood newspaper. The

Like the work of Fernwood NRG? Go to CanadaHelps.org and donate to Fernwood NRG.

declaration of principles and values

word “village” entered our brainstorming circle almost immediately. With village in hand, we flipped open the dictionary to the “v’s.” “Village Venue,” we wondered.

“Village Verbiage,” we joked. “Village Verse,” we tried.

“Village Vibe!” Yes, Village Vibe. And when we chose “news and views from the heart of Fernwood,” as the tag line, what we meant was that the then (almost) newly purchased Cornerstone Building would be the heart of Fernwood. Fernwood NRG would own the building, and thus, we saw the village centre as the heart of Fernwood from which the newspaper would emanate.

But it occurs to me four years later – as I prepare to depart from the editor’s chair – that “news and views

Deep gratitude to all of you who have been the heartbeat of the Village Vibe in its first four years...

‘Noiseful Joy’ At Vic High

We are committed to using our resources prudently and to becoming financially self-reliant; We are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment; We are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them; We are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives; We are committed to governing our organization and serving our neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity and kindness; We are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self-worth, and excellence of our neighbours and ourselves; We are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our neighbourhood’s heritage and diversity; We are committed to creating neighbourhood places that are vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and alive; and, most of all,

Renovate for the Earth!

Photo: Paula Steele

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;

from the heart of Fernwood,” has been transformed by the writers, photographers, and artists who have made the Village Vibe their own. The news and views come from the hearts of the food-security enthusiasts, the gardening gurus, the artists, the activists, the innovative Vic High students, the musicians, the healers, the teachers, the chefs, and many, many others who have shared their stories and connected with each other in and through the pages of the Village Vibe.

Deep gratitude to all of you who have been the heartbeat of the Village Vibe in its first four years, and in my time as your editor. And many wishes that the Vibe continues to be a place for Fernwoodians to connect, to share, and to celebrate this place on earth.

Using a blower door fan, the City Green Certified Energy Advisor depressurizes the home to quantify and identify air leakage areas. Air now ‘leaks in’ where it would normally leak out.

>> by M ark Hellman If you’ve passed by Victoria High School on Tuesday evenings during the past year, you may have heard the sounds of singing and laughter coming from the auditorium. What you were encountering is the ‘noiseful joy’ made by the Vic High Neighbourhood Choir (VHNC), Fernwood’s own community choir which has made Vic High its home since 2005.

The VHNC is pleased to invite Fernwood residents to an unofficial kick-off to Fern Fest, with their fourth annual concert “With One Voice,” featuring guest soloist Colleen Eccleston in an evening of song and celebration.

Under the direction of local performer/musician Mark Hellman, this non-auditioned choir, ages 20-70, is made up of Vic High alumni, Fernwood residents, and friends of school music programs everywhere. The choir meets regularly during the school year, exploring vocal ‘roots music’ from around the world: rounds, chants, gospels, folk songs, sea shanties, blues, and even reggae!

This year’s concert is lovingly dedicated to musical icon Pete Seeger, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

Expect plenty of opportunities for audience participation and singing along!

The choir is also most pleased to welcome back guest soloist Colleen Eccleston, who “blew the roof off the joint” at last year’s concert. Colleen is perhaps best known as one third of Victoria’s favourite Celtic trio, The Ecclestons.

She has also enjoyed a career spanning almost 30 years of singing, performing, song writing, and touring across Canada and the United States, including playing on the

We are committed to having fun!

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

– continued on page 3

>> by Paula Steele We Fernwoodians are shrinking our carbon footprints, and the signs are everywhere – colourful front-yard veggie gardens, bustling pedestrian traffic, and full-to-bursting bike racks.

But many of us live in older, drafty homes that cost a lot to heat and use a lot of energy. Building operations contribute about 30% of the world’s carbon emissions, so improving your home’s energy efficiency goes a long way towards a low-carbon lifestyle. Green renovations also increase the comfort of your home, save you money, and protect against rising fuel prices.

There are now more than $5000 in grants to support energy efficiency related upgrades to windows, doors, heating, ventilation, insulation, solar hot water and more from the Federal ecoENERGY and Provincial LiveSmart BC programs.

Through the program, homeowners receive: > a baseline home energy assessment, > a customized retrofit plan > expert advice on the most cost effective energy efficiency upgrades for the home. > access to two grant programs and City Green completes the paperwork for you!

– continued on page 3

VillageVibe

A Wonderful Life in Fernwood

The Garden at 1293 Denman

>> by Fernwood R abbit

>> by Deryk Houston “No man is a failure who has friends,” is one of the many memorable quotes from Frank Capra’s movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. Karolyn Grimes, who portrayed little “Zuzu” in this classic 1946 movie also starring Jimmy Stewart, has accepted Collective Works Gallery’s invitation to come to Fernwood and share her story.

Karolyn will give a presentation at the Belfry, Friday, June 19, starting at 7:00 pm. Afterwards she will join the Collective Works Gallery Artists and the Camosun Fine Furniture program students for an opening down the street at the Collective Works Gallery (1311 Gladstone Ave.) It’s a kick-off to the Fern Fest weekend street party as well as the Fernwood Art Stroll, so it will be a jam packed weekend filled with excitement.

In the true spirit of the community values depicted in the movie, the Belfry has offered the community a very supportive deal for the space.

Friendship has helped build this community with housing and created new businesses. It keeps us lingering in the square, or in the lovely little places where we can eat our cupcakes and watch people laugh at the bubbles. In fact, Fernwood has much in common with Bedford Falls, the caring, grounded community in It’s a Wonderful Life. It is a place where friendship overcomes problems. That is why we have invited Karolyn to come here and speak about the values of the movie and her life.

When we asked people during the February Month of Love event they said that they loved Fernwood because of the atmosphere, the arts, the great food, friendly, diverse people, the heritage, the parks, the ghosts, the gardens and the acceptance.

Karolyn will sign books and photographs after the show in the lobby of the Belfry as well as on the Saturday morning 11:00am -1:00pm at the Collective Works Gallery.

Tickets: $10.00 available at the Belfry box office 250-385-6815 http://wonderfullifeinfernwood.ning.com/

Renovate

| from page 2

Knowing how air, heat and moisture flow through the home is critical to preventing “one item at a time” renovations from causing more damage than good.

For example, if you increase air sealing with new windows, caulking and weather-stripping, you may cause

VillageVibe

I remember the sliver of land well. Adjacent to Fernwood Road and part of a too small yard – unfenced and neglected – it played host to feral morning glory, clump grass, cigarette butts and lost, blown away plastic grocery bags for at least two years before they came.

“They” were a vibrant group of young people. You know the kind ... fire hula hoops, evening laughter, outside gatherings of people for spontaneous summer brunches; strains of guitar and coffee mugs on porch steps. One day they began hacking away at the concretized soil and before I knew it, they’d planted kale, Swiss chard, and tomatoes. Soon a sign went up, indicating that this was more than another playful, impromptu gesture – it was a calculated act of resistance and an invitation to all of us to join their cause! Food for thought, I mused, but would the garden last?

Being young and relatively carefree, their tenancy wasn’t long and they moved out (to a larger plot of land to grow food on in exchange for gardening work!)

Somewhere in between, the garden provided sustenance for those involved in supporting the tree sit on Bear Mountain and later a different group moved in. These ones posted little signs in their windows for all passersby to read: “Nice night, isn’t it?” and “Breathe freely, live freely.” The little niche garden was taking on personality and inviting us to engage with it. That group was followed by another who included a fellow studying ecology and soil reclamation who really developed and enriched the garden last summer.

Currently a mother lives in the space. And conscious of the need for both food security and to provide her children with the experience of “growing food and enjoying the taste of a real non-gmo, locally grown

tomato,” she has thrown her back into the project with power. This year, the garden will host lavender, rosemary, oregano, purple sage, strawberries, zucchini, peas, tomatos, blueberries, rhubarb, garlic, spinach, lovage, celery, as well as flowers that attract “beneficials.”

Not being the brightest rabbit around, I asked her what “beneficials” were – to which she replied “bees, butterflies, and creepy crawlies that are good for the soil.”

She says that she “loves watching people walking by harvest greens and calendula,” but then she goes on to remind me, perhaps because I am eyeing her garden hungrily, that while she is happy to share the bountiful harvest with all of us, the strawberries and the tomatoes are for her kids only.

As I’ve watched, this garden has flourished. The other day, I saw a passerby stoop down, pluck some greens from the stem and walk on, eating them merrily!

With the help of several different groups of people, the garden has continued to grow and develop, as does its relationship with the people who live around it.

Noiseful Joy

| from page 2

same stage as Pete Seeger many years ago – actually, Pete held Colleen’s baby while she went on stage to play!

So come on out to the Wallace Auditorium at Vic High at 7:30pm on Friday, June 19th, and get Fern Fest off to a wonderful, singing start! Tickets are $7/$5 at the door (suggested donation), and children under 12 get in FREE. Partial proceeds to the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

No reservations necessary.

For further information about the choir, please contact Mark at 250-382-7048.

mould and other moisture issues if you don’t also add mechanical ventilation (exhaust fans) to expel moisture produced in the home. Also, no sense installing a new, high efficiency heating system if you haven’t yet insulated your walls or attic; by reducing your home’s heating needs first, you can potentially choose a smaller sized heating system and reduce heat loss to the great outdoors!

To apply for the program, call City Green Solutions to book a home energy assessment. Call 250-381-9995 or go to our website for a complete list of grant-eligible products (www.citygreen.ca).

City Green is the only non-profit provider of the ecoENERGY program in BC. Proceeds support low income/ affordable warmth energy efficiency initiatives and public education campaigns.

June 2009 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 3

feature :

Your guide to Fern Fest 2009

It’s time for Fern Fest – June 20th!

Flowers have bloomed, the sun has come out, and on any given day, Fernwood Square is packed with locals out to enjoy the warm weather. There’s no doubt about it, summer has arrived. Of course, Fernwoodians know what that means...it’s time for Fern Fest!

Happening June 20th, this year’s Fern Fest is the last for local musician and former NRG employee James Kasper. Kasper is moving on to broadcasting school in Saskatchewan, but as a final farewell to Fernwood, he’s arranged an amazing line-up of performers for this year’s celebration.

Food Fern fest kicks off at 11:00am with the traditional pancake breakfast, prepared with love and courtesy of the fabulous foodies at the Fernwood Inn. Breakfast continues until 1:00pm, when Fern Fest’s fantastic Beer Garden opens. You can sip savory suds from local brewer Phillips Brewing Company until 11:00pm.

If hot beverages are more your style, you can join Fernwood’s finest for the Fernwood Seniors Tea from 2:00–3:30pm in the Cornerstone Café.

Hungry Fernwoodians will also be treated to flame-broiled hot dogs and hamburgers served from the grill by Fernwood NRG staff and volunteers.

Vegetarians, don’t worry, you won’t be forgotten!

If you’re looking for more diverse fare, check out one of the many eateries in and around Fernwood Square, including Lucy’s Market Cafe, the Fernwood Inn, Stage, Stir It Up, Pink Sugar Cupcakery, and of course, the Cornerstone Café.

Kid’s Events The famed Bouncy Castle is back! From 11:00am-3:00pm, children can preside over Fernwood’s most famous medieval relic. Fern Fest will also feature face painting from makeup artist Tasha Winters from 11:00am3:00pm, amazing bubble architecture from Terry the Bubbleman and clowning around with Dr. Kazoo the Clown. Kids’ events take the main stage at 4:30 with Shoshanna the Storyteller.

Entertainment This year’s Fern Fest lineup has something for everyone! The main stage entertainment kicks off with Rockabilly Magic, a local magic show with a beboppin’ flair, at 1:00pm. At 2:00pm, long-time Fernwood resident Sabrina Kufner takes the stage with her guitar to provide some local singer-songwriter fare. She’ll be followed by the Celtic strains of Cookeilidh at 2:30pm, who are back again for a second set at 5:00pm. Other musical guests include the Latin grooves of Los Gringos Locos at 3:30pm and the rhythms of percussion group Masala at 5:30pm.

Local bluegrass favourites Boxcar return to Fern Fest at 8:00pm. They’ll be followed by artists from Fernwood’s own record label, Cornerstone Collective Records, at 9:00pm. The whole evening will wrap up with a rousing set of rockin’ blues, reggae, and everything in between from Harris Gilmore and the Mojos at 10:00pm.

If you’re looking for dancing, check out the back-to-back presentations from Cabri Creative Dancers at 3:00pm and Palomitas de Maiz at 4:00pm.

The movin’ and shakin’ resumes at 7:00pm with the Cerise Fantasy Belly Dancers.

Goodbye Roberta Fern Fest 2009 is our last with local hero Roberta Martell as Executive Director. Come to say farewell to the woman who helped build Fernwood into what it is today.

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

VillageVibe

Fern Fest at a glance Time

Activity / Performer

11:00am

Pancake Breakfast

Art Stroll

Face Painting with Tasha (11am to 3pm)

Bouncy Castle (11am to 3pm)

12:00pm

Pancake Breakfast

1:00pm

Beer Garden Opens

Rockabilly Magic

1:30pm

Rockabilly Magic

2:00pm

Seniors Tea

Sabrina Kufner (Solo singer-songwriter)

2:30pm

Cookeilidh (Celtic band)

3:00pm

Cabri Creative Dance

3:30pm

Los Gringos Locos

(Instrumental Latin guitar-virtuoso duo)

4:00pm

Palomitas de Maiz

Belly dancing, percussion, guitar.

4:30pm

Shoshanna the Storyteller

5:00pm

Cookeilidh

5:30pm

Masala

6:30pm

Sabrina Kufner

7:00pm

Cerise Fantasy Belly Dancers

8:00pm

Boxcar

9:00pm

Cornerstone Collective

10:00pm

Harris Gilmore & The Mojos (Rockin’ Blues,

Reggae, and anything in between)

Fernwood Art Stroll On June 20 and 21 stroll on down to Fernwood, an eclectic community in the heart of Victoria for their annual Artist Studio Tour. Be prepared for the unexpected as this vibrant community opens its doors to the rest of Victoria.

Held in conjunction with Fern Fest, a neighbourhood celebration, this stroll unabashedly celebrates the eccentricities of the people who chose to live in funky Fernwood. Established artists show their work and emerging artists open their studios for the first time.

Discover B.C.’s first ordained Maggidah and find out more about this ancient art. Venture through the doors of a wood studio designing pergolas as sculpture.

Find out what it means to “Mosaic the City.” What is Ikebana and how is it practiced? Glass art, photography, painting and sculpture are just some of the more “traditional” mediums that round out these “non-traditional” artists.

Artists have historically chosen to live in Fernwood with its long history of alternative lifestyles and support for artistic freedom.

Converted Victorian houses, Asian gardens, and families of artists living and creating together are just some of the interesting aspects of the artist stroll.

Begin and end your tour in the Square at Fernwood and Gladstone where you will be entertained by local musicians, dancers and storytellers participating in Fern Fest, the annual celebration of all things Fernwood. Finish your day with a bite to eat at one of the many local cafes and restaurants.

For more information contact Frances Sidhe at 250-889-2308.

Denise Savoie

Member of Parliament for Victoria

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

Your voice in Ottawa VillageVibe

June 2009 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 5

Gardening Tools –Gearing Up, part ii

Photo: Margaret Hantiuk

gleanings :

>> by Margaret Hantiuk In the last issue of the Village Vibe Gleanings columnist gave readers tips on tools. Here are more of her suggestions.

Composting Starting in the kitchen, I love my

stainless steel compost bucket; it is large, cleans well, is tightly lidded to prevent odours, and it looks good!

Outside, I use two large plastic composting cones for kitchen compost (no cooked food, fats or breads). Then I have a large bin in the corner for garden waste (leaves, stalks, weeds). There should be room to turn it (minimum is 3’x3’x3’) and I try to keep branches separate. Some gardeners use a large, coarse sieve for screening debris from their compost as they apply it to the soil. Chicken wire formed into a large container can be used to compost leaves into good leaf mould, loved by rhodos, camellias, pieris, heaths, etc.

Containers While most unglazed pottery is not frost proof, some terracotta is, as is cast concrete. In our climate it’s essential to have drainage holes if plants will be over wintered. They should be raised onto feet or stands if placed on concrete or a patio. Plastic pots are cheaper

but will not insulate well in hot or cold weather and will deteriorate in sun. If using wood, cedar doesn’t rot (and don’t use toxic creosoted wood!).

Propagating Cold frames and various plastic cloches (covers) that can be used over plants right in the garden start the season earlier and extend it later. There is the handy potting bench or table that can be set up inside or out, keeping the propagating and potting gear handy and organized while allowing for the comfort of the propagator. There are all kinds of grow lights, and many varieties of soil mixes and containers. There are even tools to make your own containers out of newspaper which can then be planted out. Dibbers poke holes into soil and there are seeding tools as well. If growing your own cuttings and grafted shrubs, there are rooting hormone powders and grafting tools. Remay is a light, woven plastic sheeting that covers plants to protect them from bugs and frost.

Stakes and Ties Recent innovative ties have broadened the range from the old jute twine. Now gardeners can purchase velcro type tape on a roll, bubble wrapped wire that won’t injure bark as much, and thick plastic adjustable bands. ( Just remember to remove twine or tight plastic ties as trees grow, as strangled limbs will die.) For stakes, I use whatever I can scrounge: a mix of broken hockey sticks, drumsticks, bits of wood and old branches. Aesthetics may be a factor for some and if so, bundles of bamboo stakes can be purchased.

Clothing For a sunny garden, a good, broad rimmed hat, tied for windy days, is smart. Waterproof shoes are a must in our climate, lined for warmth in winter. I use the open, plastic crocs in summer but have sturdy boots with heels for digging, climbing on ladders or mowing. I love my apron, which keeps me and my clothes protected and has big pockets for my handiest items (twine, ties and pocket knife, pruning saw, and secateurs). I have

kneepads and a spongy plastic kneeling pad for comfort.

Last, but not least are gloves, which I use all the time. The old standard was leather gloves, which some gardeners still prefer, but now there are wonderful synthetic gloves that are easier to wash and are almost as protective as leather. They fit and stretch like your skin. For winter, I use lined waterproof synthetic gloves. Rosarians may want to purchase the old leather gauntlets that are heavy hide and protect the lower arms from thorns as well.

Care and Storage Well cared for tools will last longer. Wooden handles should be wiped off and can be oiled with linseed oil. Debris should be scraped off. Try this handy tip to keep blades clean: dip them in a bucket of sand to which you have added a little veggie oil. I have a heavy coir boot cleaner by my back door, to clean the muck off of my shoes. Keep screws tightened and blades sharpened. An 8” medium file can be used for sharpening most tools, keeping a 45-degree bevel while moving away from the body, lifting on the backstroke and resetting on the new stroke. Mowers and saws should be professionally sharpened.

Keeping your tools stored well means that they will last longer and be where you want them when you need them while not in the way when you don’t need them. There are various systems of dowels, hooks, cam holders, and pegboards. I use pails and bins for stakes, small supplies and short tools. I have a few shelves for containers, seeding supplies, gloves and my hoses and sprinklers. I stack the plastic pots that purchased plants come in and then either recycle them or donate them to nurseries. I have a place to hang my clothes to dry them. I also have a place to store all my gardening info that I want handy (including my reminders/cheat sheets). I do keep notes of what, where, and when I plant things, so keep a pen and paper handy for that.

Photo: Susan Tychie

The 100 Mile Garlic Diet

>> by Susan Tychie Growing up with an Anglo Saxon mother in the sixties meant dishes prepared with a smidgeon of powdered garlic. Even the Slavic side of the family could not change her habit, though she did cook Ukrainian cabbage rolls, perogies and borscht for my father. The only exception was when it came to making Polish dill pickles. Then it was fresh garlic!

Why was garlic ever dried and ground into a powder you might wonder. You can always find fresh garlic right there in the grocery store. Well take a second look and you will find it most often comes from off the continent from February to June! So before the global food machine started shipping garlic from Argentina and China, powdered garlic was better than nothing.

As a home gardener and local shopper you can shorten the “powdered garlic” months. Garlic is planted in the fall. Bulbs from the summer harvest are split into cloves and the largest cloves are planted for the next season’s harvest. For years I planted the smaller ones and ate the large ones until someone told me large cloves equal large bulbs next season! That’s a well known farmer secret. Of course you’ll want to plant enough so that you can eat lots of large cloves as well.

Part of the “100 mile garlic diet” is to plant some of the smaller cloves . These will grow into garlic greens – like green onions – that can be harvested March to May. Forgettabout the powder! Plant the little bulb in a separate row so you know who they are in the spring!

The best way to store garlic is to hang it. Garlic comes in two main groups: hard neck and soft neck. It is easiest to braid garlic using soft neck varieties. Hard neck varieties do better in cooler climates but need a bit more care in planting (cloves pointy end up) and in snipping back the flower stalks. But there is an eating advantage here too! Those flower stalks start shooting up in June and need to be cut back so the energy can go back to make that bigger bulb. These are called garlic scapes and will be appearing at a Pocket Market near you after the garlic greens are finished.

In late June/early July the first of the fresh garlic bulbs will be back on the scene. Fresh (uncured) garlic is stored in a cool spot and used up quickly as it is more

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

perishable. Most garlic is cured by hanging up to dry in a shady well ventilated spot for a week or more. Curing develops the garlic flavour so be patient. Damaged bulbs deteriorate quickly so eat them up first. Cured garlic is then best stored in a cool dry place and in the best conditions can keep for six to eight months. That takes you to January or even February with your 100 mile garlic.

Barry over at Den Cor Farm on Pender Island has been experimenting this year with providing garlic greens for the Pocket Markets in March and they have been very

– continued page 7

Experience God

at St. Barnabas Anglican Church Sung Mass at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday.

Low Mass at 9 a.m. on weekdays; 7 p.m. on Wednesday 1525 Begbie Street, Victoria Church Office: 250-595-4324 www3.telus.net/stbarnabas/

VillageVibe

4H Club in Fernwood

>> by Anna R asmussen Many people have heard about 4H clubs but have only a vague idea that the organisation somehow involves youth, learning and farm animals. While this is true, 4H is so much more!

A few weeks ago my daughter came home with the idea that she might like to participate in a 4H club to make new friends and to learn about animal care and various crafts. Immediately we went online and discovered what amazing opportunities 4H provides. Register excitement!

Then we checked out the local clubs and our spirits sunk.

We are a dedicated car-free family living in Fernwood.

Most of our activities are situated close enough to home so we can commute by foot, or bicycle, or occasionally by bus. Unfortunately none of the listed clubs were within range of making our participation a reality. Register disappointment. My daughter, never one to give up easily, suddenly sparked a brain wave. “Why don’t we start a Fernwood club?” Well, why not? The benefits to children, adults, and the community are manifold. Read on to find out the merits of a local 4H club.

100 Mile

| from page 6

well received. Both garlic greens and garlic scapes are filled with that pungent garlic flavor. They are milder than a fully cured whole clove but after a hard cold winter and a few weeks without any garlic they are exactly what we need! Dice them in salad dressings and sauté them into sauces. Remember to plant some extra garlic just for its medicinal properties in keeping colds, viruses, and vampires away.

Speaking of garlic and making pickles – did you know FoodRoots will be offering bulk organic produce this coming season at the Pocket Market and for pickup at the warehouse, starting with cherries in July. Watch for our canning workshops too!

To get on the list bulk ordering list email us at info@ foodroots.ca.

The 4H program provides young people with an opportunity to learn how to become productive, selfassured adults who can make their community and country a good place in which to live. This is fostered through project and program work, experiences with their4H club members and leaders and their participation in district, regional and even provincial programs.

The goal of the 4H program is youth development.

The objectives of 4H clubs are 1. knowledge, 2. leadership, 3. citizenship, and 4. personal development. 4H is an organization dedicated to young people. The purpose of the 4H program is to prepare girls and boys for their future as adult citizens. 4H stands for head, heart, hands and health. The 4H pledge describes the significance of the four H’s: I pledge: > My HEAD to clearer thinking, > My HEART to greater loyalty, > My HANDS to larger service, > My HEALTH to better living, For my Club, my Community and My Country.

The philosophy of the4H program is explained by the 4H motto: Learn to do by Doing. 4H is: young people, parents, and other interested adults working together for the benefit of youth, family, and community. 4H spells OPPORTUNITY for everyone involved in the program.

4H youth run from the ages of 6 to 21. The 6 to 8 year olds enrol in a program called Cloverbuds. Youth aged 9 to 19 as of January 1st can choose a 4H project. Nine to 12 year olds are considered junior 4H members. After turning 13, members can write their Junior Proficiency Exam, which proves that they are ready to continue in their projects as senior 4H members. Senior 4H members are from 13 to 19 and can apply for many 4H opportunities, including 4H conferences and travel. For senior 4H

North Park News

>> by Alex Kerr, Chair NPNA The following changes are coming for the Bulletin Board Park at the corner of Cook and North Park: pavers in front of the benches, a perennial garden and new walkway. Drop by, relax, and read the news.

The native plant garden at Pembroke and Vancouver

Tuesday Evening Markets in the Square are back!

Fernwood’s Tuesday Evening Market in the Square is currently accepting applications for summer vendors.

Markets are held Tuesdays from May 26–Sept 15, 5:30–8:30pm in Fernwood Square (Fernwood & Gladstone).

Vendor applications are available at the She Said Gallery.

VillageVibe

members who wish to continue in 4H past the age of 19, a special program has been created for 20 and 21 year olds.

Each 4H project consists of numerous “units” that a member may take. Some are progressive in nature; others are specific to the animal or skill being learned. The variety of units means there’s lots to learn and lots of challenge for both younger and older members. As part of each project, 4H members keep records of their work throughout the year. Clubs also plan activities such as demonstrations, judging, building educational displays, public speaking, camping, fundraising or just having fun!

Statistics show that less than one out of every ten current 4H members will have a future in farming or ranching. Thus, 4H project work must be a means to an end rather than an end in itself. The 4H program therefore designs its projects to prepare youth for their future as adult citizens of any community, not just rural or farm communities. 4H project work not only promotes knowledge, skill development and selfconfidence, but instils pride and a sense of cooperation among BC youth and adult volunteers. Through this, the goal of the 4H program can be realized, the personal development of youth.

Sounds great doesn’t it? We would love to have you join in and help us create a 4H club for Victoria city folk.

There are many different kinds of wonderful projects that we can support and encourage our children to accomplish. To initiate a 4H club two leaders, six members and at least one sponsor is required. If you would like to become a founding member, leader or sponsor for this Fernwoodian 4H club email me, Anna, at hhhh.rasmussen@gmail.com

is up and growing. The signage is the next part of the project and should be in place in the next month. The website is up and running to answer plant questions.

Why not visit www.npnativeplantgarden.ca or go to www.npna.ca for the link. The garden is also listed on Google maps. Thanks to Todd Doherty for all his work and planning on this project.

The bike racks have been installed at the Parsonage and WIN and are being well used. Proof positive that we need more bike racks!

We are also having a Special General Meeting to set new directions for the next six months and to pass a new constitution and bylaws. The meeting will be held on June 9 at 7:30 at North Park Manor Hall. The guest speaker will be Mayor Dean Fortin.

Our festival this year will be on August 29. There will be more to follow in later issues.

Make sure to go to our website at www.npna.ca for the latest news.

Take care and enjoy life.

June 2009 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 7

what’s on in Fernwood Arts, Theatre and Entertainment

Youth, Adults and Seniors

Bluegrass Wednesdays.

Fernwood NRG and the Fernwood Bluegrass Association present Wednesday night bluegrass jams at the Cornerstone Café. 7:3010pm. FREE! Collective Works Gallery.

SALMON RUN. Works by Cindy Shin-Min Wang. Show runs until June 5. THE ROAD AND THE WILDERNESS: Paintings and drawings from the Peruvian Amazon. Works by visiting artist David Hewson. Reception: 7pm Sat, June 6. Show runs June 7 to June 18. Gallery hours>11am-6pm Tues to Thurs; 11am-8pm Fri+Sat; 11am-6pm Sun; closed Mon. 1311 Gladstone Ave. 250.590.1345. www. collectiveworks.ca Live at the Cornerstone – 1301 Gladstone (at Fernwood Ave.) Ongoing Friday events at the Cornerstone, Fernwood’s living room: > First and third Fridays (June 5 and 19).

“Sound Spa.” Down tempo and dub reggae with local and guest djs. > Second and fourth Fridays (June 12 and 26). “A Shot in the Dark” open mic night with hosts the Bumbling Sisters. Bring your poetry, music, jokes, stories, etc.

Thank you for supporting local musicians and your neighbourhood!

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

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

1620 Fernwood Rd. $2 to play ($3/nonmembers). Listen by donation. Info: www. victoriabluegrass.ca Theatre Inconnu.

John Mighton’s 1992 Governor General’s Award for Drama winner A SHORT HISTORY OF NIGHT. June 2 to 20, Wed to Sat with exceptions. Tickets $10/$12. For reservations call 250.360.0234. 1923 Fernwood Rd. (across from the Belfry). www.theatreinconnu.com Victoria Folk Music Society.

Sundays. 7:30pm Open Stage. 9pm Feature Performer. Norway House. 1110 Hillside Ave. $5 feature performer nights/$3 all open stage night. www.victoriafolkmusic.ca

NEW!! Ear Acupuncture.

Back for Summer! Thursdays 2:30 to 4:30pm.

Fernwood Community Centre MPR. Everyone welcome. By donation.

NEW!! Fernwoodian 4H Club.

Want to learn new stuff and make new friends? 4H has lots of great projects like bicycles, foods, wool craft and small engines!

Families interested in starting a local 4H club please contact Anna or Bailey at 250.380.1724 or hhhh.rasmussen@gmail.com. Start-up meetings will be Monday nights at 6:30pm.

(See Vibe article, page 7.)

Fairuza Fridays.

Drop-in Co-ed. Ages 10-14. Nintendo Wii, big screen movies, basketball, floor hockey, roller skating, music. Fridays, 7-9:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre. Info: 250.381.1552 ext.25 FREE! Falun Gong.

Peaceful meditation practice. All welcome!

Wednesdays, 5-7pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. FREE! Fernwood Seniors.

55+. Gentle exercise, lunch and activities.

Monthly special guest speaker. Fridays, 11am Fernwood Community Centre MPR. $2 for lunch.

Floor Hockey.

Drop-in Co-ed. Adult (18+). Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-9:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $4, or get a punchcard: $40/11 sessions.** Flow Yoga.

With certified instructor Jay. Adult. Fridays 5:30-7pm. $5. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. Hatha Yoga.

With certified instructor Elke. Gentle poses, breathing practice, deep relaxation and meditation. Tuesdays, 3:30-5pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $5.

Karate.

Drop in. Adult Co-ed. Instructor Lucas Trottier.

Sundays, 1-2:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $3.** Kundalini Yoga.

Mondays, 7-8:30pm. $5 drop-in. Fernwood Community Centre.

Tai Chi. Thursdays. 4:30-5:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre. 1240 Gladstone. $5 drop-in.

Women’s Soccer.

Drop-in. Sundays 5-6:30pm, Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $3.** **We accept Sports Trader Bucks and Canadian Tire Money at face value!

Kids and Families at the Fernwood Community Centre Parent and Babe Playgroup.

For caregivers with children under 36 months. Fernwood’s Parent and Babe group is a comfortable and relaxed setting where parents and caregivers can nurture their babies through parent discussion, music and storytelling. Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am.

Fernwood Community Centre Gym. Coffee, juice and snacks provided. FREE! Parent and Tot Playgroup.

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

Special Events Fern Fest 2009!!

Sat, June 20, 2009. 11am-11pm. Come out and help us in our celebration of the wonderful Fernwood Community! Live entertainment, family activities, beer garden, BBQ, Workshops and more! Free admission. (See Vibe centre spread for event info).

Fernwood Community Market.

Bringing the goods to the ‘hood –- Fernwood’s very own Pocket Market. Tuesdays. 2-6:30pm.

Fernwood Square.

Victoria Green Drinks.

An inclusive gathering of the sustainabilityminded for refreshments and conversation.

Tues, June 9 (second Tues monthly).

5-6:45pm. Canoe Brew Pub, Marina and Restaurant 405 Swift Street. For info see www.greendrinksvictoria.ca North Park Neigbourhood Association Special General Meeting.

Meeting to set new directions for the next six months and pass a new constitution and bylaws. Guest speaker Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin. Meeting June 9, 7:30pm at North Park Manor Hall, 875 North Park St. (See Vibe article, page 7.)

Fernwood’s Outrageous Recycling Day. Bring your CLEAN plastics, styrofoam packing and food trays, electronics and foil-lined coffee/chip bags. Sat, June 14 (second Sat monthly). 10am-1pm. Across from Fernwood Community Centre. By donation. Fernwood’s Outrageous Recycling Day seeks volunteers!

Come help us make it all happen! For info: villagevibe@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca It’s a Wonderful Life in Fernwood.

Karolyn Grimes is coming to Fernwood to present a talk and presentation at the Belfry Theatre on Fri, June 19, 7pm. (Karolyn played the little girl, Zuzu, in the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart) Book and photo signing at Collective Works following talk, as well as on Sat, June 20, 11am-1pm.

Tickets available through the Belfry Theatre at 250.385.6815 or Collective Works Gallery.

(See Vibe article, page 3.)

Sustaining the Feast – A Fundraiser for FoodRoots and the Pocket Markets.

“The Illusion of Abundance: The fragility of the global food system and what we can do locally.” An educational evening with Herb Barbolet. June 19, 7 pm. St Ann’s Auditorium and Patio. Tickets: $35. The event will include a tasting of local foods from your favourite farms and chefs on the patio. Cash bar of local beer and wine. For tickets or info call Susan at 250.595.6742.

The Vic High Neighbourhood Choir 4th Annual Concert – “With One Voice.”

Featuring guest soloist COLLEEN ECCLESTON. Friday, June 19, 7:30pm.

Wallace Auditorium, Victoria High School 1260 Grant St. Tickets at the door. Suggested Donation $8 (adults), $5 (students/seniors).

Children under 12 FREE! (See article, page 2) Community Wellness Clinic.

Victoria Community Health Co-operative.

Experience complementary modalities to support your wellbeing. Clinics by members for members. Sunday, June 21 (third Sun monthly), 10am-4pm, Alembic Healing Arts Centre, Market Square, Suite #235, 560 Johnson St. Book appointments at 250.483.5503. More info at www. victoriahealthcooperative.ca Fernwood Place Making Troupe.

Being eternal optimists, the Place Making Troupe is adjourning to enjoy the summer sunshine! Watch for our return in the fall, and plan to join your neighbours on Monday, September 21, 7pm at the Cornerstone Cafe for our usual inspiring and convivial evening.

All Welcome!

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@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca www.villagevibe.ca Editor: Lisa Helps Assistant Editors: Aaron Ellingsen, Trish Richards Contributors: Margaret Hantiuk Mark Hellman Deryk Houston Alex Kerr Anna Rasmussen Fernwood Rabbit Jo Roueche Paula Steele Susan Tychie The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NRG.

Fernwood NRG Food Security Collective.

All welcome! Tues, June 16 (third Tues monthly). 7-9pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. foodsecurity@fernwoodneighbourhood. ca Fernwood Community Kitchen.

Cook nutritious, creative meals with your neighbours! Info: fernwoodkitchens@gmail.com Spring Ridge Commons Workparties!

Come get your hands dirty in Fernwood’s only public food garden. Saturdays, 10-12pm at the Commons. Please bring tools if you’ve got ‘em.

Village Sustainability Workshops.

Ongoing workshops at the Oak and Fern Centre. Contact Rainey and Margot for information at 250.383.9171 or hope_of_rain@ islandnet.com 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 online: http:// thevillagevibe.ning.com/ If you have a workshop or special event idea for the Fernwood Community Centre or the Cornerstone Café email villagevibe@ 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

Come on in out of the cold, where neighbours gather!

Open daily from 11:30 1302 Gladstone

Page 8 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | June 2009

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