Vibe_Mar2008 v2

villagevibe Photos: Pete Rockwell

March 2008 : News and views from the heart of Fernwood

CDs, swirls, coffee rings A few of my favourite Fernwood things >> by James Kaspar

W

ho invented the wheel? Cavemen?

Tarzan? Jane? Donald Trump?

(Irritating buzzer sounds) … Answer: None of the above.

Fernwood invented the wheel, and you can quote me on that.

The archetypal community centre is a square building with square stairs and square walls, which is largely oblivious to the world outside of it. Fernwood Community Centre has two floors, but no square stairs. Its stories are simultaneously separated and connected by a winding ramp, a Gulliver-sized incarnation of the playground slide just a few metres outside the building.

And Fernwood NRG, as an organization – the hub from which the Fernwood Community Centre spoke projects – is hardly square. Its logo is a fiery red swirl, constantly moving and shaking and breaking down walls and bursting out of boxes and giant cakes. The organization has spun its way into several satellite spaces and has sunk its teeth into a cornucopia of ambitious ventures.

The circular motion of the NRG logo has continued to spiral its way into the coffee rings of the Cornerstone Café logo, and now, a few spins later … wait for it …

You’ve got to be joking … a community centre with its own record label? But it’s no joke. Musical times call for musical measures. If music be the food of love, play on! One compact disc in the hand is better than two 45s in the bush. I’m not sure what that last one means. It doesn’t matter. The point

is that there is a new record label in town – Cornerstone Collective Records. The name happens to abbreviate as CCR, which means that the label’s theme song could easily become “Down on the Corner,” re-fitted as “Down at the Cornerstone.”

This label was founded by ten local careerminded, music business-savvy, community-focused individuals: Caroline Spence, Pauline Edwards, Adam Basterfield, Aidan Logins, Char Birkbeck, Hon Chow, Tom Glenne, Zoubi Arros, Tanya Lundquist, and yours truly. It was inspired by a myriad of muses including “It Came from Fernwood” and “Fernwood Rising,” the popular music nights at the Cornerstone Café over the past year, the fiercely artistic nature of the Fernwood neighbourhood, the desire to make a muchneeded contribution to the industry component of Victoria’s music scene, Fern Fest’s 2006 involvement in Island Music Week, and the idea of offering a non-prohibitive, accessible, and empowering resource for local musicians (who are looking for professional representation and artist development), producers (to assist with recording), artists and designers (to work on album art and promotional materials), photographers (for promotional photos), and pretty much anyone who wants to be a part of this exciting new venture.

“We value being independent artists,” Caroline Spence explains, “each with our own fresh and creative vision of where we want to go and what success means to us.”

Spence lists the label’s values as “contribution, commitment, enthusiasm, achievement, community, growth, creativity, and support.” The label’s current projects include creating or improving the artists’ press kits, coordinating events that showcase the artists, networking with industry professionals,

What’s in a square? >> by Krizsanta Greco

A

fter being away for two years, I have returned to find that Fernwood has blossomed into a vibrant place. Unique in all aspects, Fernwood is densely populated with interesting folk, and is an interwoven network of ideas, friendships, and family. All of this can be seen at Fernwood Square.

The square is the place!

The square is many things to many people: community members get their daily dose of smiles and pleasant conversations; the free box makes hipsters swoon; bubbles make children giggle; and the array of posters keep everyone well informed. With such fond thoughts of our Fernwood Square it is only a matter of time before people imagine a larger square … or even, more squares.

So, what’s in a square? In 1996 a community in Portland, Oregon, found their answer in a painted sunflower. Wanting to create a space that encapsulated their strong community, they reclaimed a public intersection, slowed traffic and increased community interaction, with something beautiful and inspiring. Curious? Google “City

– continued on page 7

in this issue Bluegrass jam Page 3 Feature: Wild women on wheels Page 4 New Common on Haultain St Page 6

– continued on page 7

Fueling the engine

I have always said that Fernwood NRG is the little engine that could. To follow the metaphor, then, the fuel for our engine is the vibrant, eclectic energy and the talents of our neighbours, Fernwood residents.

It is this collective energy that fuels us.

The neighbourhood now has its own record label.

That’s right, Cornerstone Collective Records, founded right here in Fernwood. The project? To support local musicians and give them control over the production of their own sound. And there’s the Collective Works Gallery, which celebrated its grand opening in early February, is comprised of mostly neighbourhood members, and, to boot, is mentoring young artists at Vic High. And well, we also have the Food Security Collective, members of which have spun off the new Haultain Commons and are almost ready to start

growing veggies where there once was grass. They are an inspiration to all to dig up the boulevards and get planting.

There’s something in all of these names that is striking: their “collective” nature. In an era of neo-liberal individualism – where looking out for oneself, a self notoriously divided from the common interests of others – this collectivity in Fernwood is refreshing. The Placemaking Troupe (like a collective) wants to paint a mandala at the intersection of Fernwood and Gladstone.

Are they just going out with brushes ablaze? No, rather they’re taking the time to gather interest, support, and inspiration from those who will cross the mandala daily.

It is this collective effort that must fuel us all, must move us, and must ask us to interact in meaningful ways with the people with whom we share this little place on earth known as Fernwood.

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

Getting a say >> by Philip Symons and Caspar Davis

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, We are committed to having fun!

People are worried. “The fabric of our society is fraying in a variety of ways,” said the 12 Victorians who comprised Canada’s first Wisdom Council, held in Victoria in March 2007. “There is a growing disconnection between our government and the people.”

At a second Wisdom Council held just three months later, another group of citizens said: “Things will change for the better if we can increase public participation in government decision-making.”

And that’s what people want: society on our planet is going to hell in a handcart, the politicians are dithering, or worse, and the people want more say.

Wisdom Councils are the first step in an experiment in participatory democracy being conducted by a group of local volunteers. Where this experiment will lead, no one yet knows, but some Fernwood citizens will have an opportunity to influence it when the next Wisdom Council is held in Fernwood on March 28-29, 2008.

A Wisdom Council is a group of 10-12 citizens chosen at random by a method similar to that by which people were picked for B.C.’s Citizens’ Assembly (which recommended changing B.C.’s electoral system to the Single Transferable Vote). Unlike that Assembly, the Fernwood Wisdom Council will meet only on Friday evening, and the following day, and the participants will address whatever issues they feel are most important.

After their deliberations, Wisdom Councillors will present a statement to the public on Saturday evening, March 29th, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Fernwood Community Centre gymnasium, 1240 Gladstone Ave. The statement may, like those of the first two Wisdom Councils, express concern about what is happening to our world and our society, or it might be completely different.

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

Photo: Allison Powers

editorial :

Put the spring in your step >> by Janelle Hatch, Victoria Best Babies Dietician There is no time like the present to get up off the couch, put aside your pre-Easter chocolate and make your move to a healthier you. March is the perfect time to make some changes to your eating and activity habits, as it is Nutrition Month across Canada.

This month the spotlight is on healthy eating; Dietitians of Canada has put together the “Dietitians Top 10 List.” This list provides great tips, basically the essentials you need to learn how to eat healthily. Visit the website for the complete list, and for great tools that you can use to track your eating and activity or for suggestions on tasty, healthy meals www. dietitians.ca/eatwell.

At the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group, the Victoria Best Babies program is celebrating Nutrition Month in a couple of ways. We will be having a healthy eating challenge to see who can improve their eating throughout the month. There will also be a photo contest with people bringing in their favourite photos of children and food. You know the type – where a child has just been out blueberry picking for the first time or after a meal of spaghetti.

These are just a couple of ideas on how you, your family, your co-workers, and friends can make healthy eating fun by sharing in this challenge together. Isn’t that what food is all about – enjoying the taste while socializing with family and friends.

A public Information Meeting held at the Fernwood Inn on Jan. 28th offered a demonstration of Dynamic Facilitation, the special facilitation technique used in Wisdom Councils. In just over half an hour, the participants settled on the question, “What would make Fernwood a living example of a compassionate community?” and generated a long list of practical suggestions, some of which have already been implemented. Head to http:// fernwoodcommons.ca to see the results from this meeting.

Wisdom Councils are only one of a spectrum of possible deliberative processes that could increase people’s say in how our communities and ultimately our country are run.

The Victoria Branch of World Federalists, sponsors of the first two Wisdom Councils (the Fernwood one is being sponsored by the Social Responsibility committee of First Unitarian Church of Victoria) and the conveners of the councils are all committed to exploring ways of improving democracy and addressing the huge problems that confront our civilization.

This is an exciting and stimulating adventure, and the conveners have a lot of fun as they work to improve our democracy. If you think you would like to join them, or want more information, head to www.wisedemocracyvictoria.com and http://fernwoodcommons.ca.

VillageVibe

What do you look forward to the most about the arrival of spring?

Views photos: Véronique da Silva

views from the street :

Kathleen (A newcomer to Victoria!) I am looking forward to seeing the flowers that I’ve heard so much about!

This is a happy time of the year!

Bluegrass jam

Cameron

Michelle

I am looking forward to the bricks in the square being warm! I am counting down the days until summer! I like the smiling faces at this time of the year!

(A newcomer to Victoria!) I am looking forward to the sunlight and to wearing booty shorts!

Community-based acupuncture >> by Christina Chan In its simplicity, acupuncture is the insertion of super-fine needles into specific locations, manipulating blood and qi (energy) for therapeutic benefits. For many, acupuncture still remains something mystical and foreign. It is a practice greatly underrepresented and shrouded by skepticism. However, in countries all over Asia it is a common and widely accepted form of medical care.

traditional roots, acupuncture is becoming more of a luxury and less of a service to the community.

In comes the revolution of community-based acupuncture. Acupuncturists Lisa Rohdler and Skip Vanmeter of Portland founded the inspirational and thriving Working Class Acupuncture (WCA). By taking the practice of acupuncture back to its roots, WCA offers basic group treatments with payment on a sliding scale. This clinic is community-run with the majority of its administration, advertising, and even fundraising

The WCA’s objectives are to use acupuncture as a tool for social change

The Cornerstone Cafe will be staying open a little later on Wednesdays to host a bluegrass jam. Ray France and Mike Brooks founded the Victoria Bluegrass Association in 2000 as a vehicle for developing a festival (the Sooke River Bluegrass Festival), weekly Bluegrass jams for beginners/ intermediate/advanced (the Orange Hall on Tuesday nights), and Bluegrass Workshops/Open Stage/ Concerts at the Orange Hall. Ray and Mike are joined by friends and other members of the recently formed Fernwood Bluegrass Coalition to help organize this advanced players Jam at Cornerstone Café on Wednesday nights. The result is a sound that will warm your heart and get your toes to tappin’.

For info on the local Bluegrass scene go to www. mountainjubilee.com.

VillageVibe

Acupuncture began humbly as a peasant medicine for the masses. Treatments were simple and numerous until an ailment was resolved. This allowed a practitioner to give basic treatments to multiple patients. Modern research has shown that basic but frequent treatments have the greatest therapeutic benefits. The North American approach is vastly different, focusing on lengthy one-on-one appointments that come at an equally lengthy price. With time and cost as barriers, subsequent treatments become few and far between and benefits are short term.

What got lost in translation in the journey from China to North America? Far removed from its

undertaken by its own patients. The principle guiding WCA is that health shouldn’t have a price tag. The WCA’s objectives are to use acupuncture as a tool for social change, as it empowers the community, breaks down socio-economic barriers, and provides sustainable health care.

Here in Fernwood we’re building on the WCA model. I run an ear acupuncture drop-in clinic at the Fernwood Community Centre and provide acupuncture by donation (to cover the cost of supplies). The NADA protocol (points in the ear) promotes natural healing and detoxification and decreases stress and anxiety. I hope to provide simple, cost-effective acupuncture to the community, while educating people about Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture has empowered me and I hope to use it to empower my community.

Ear Acupuncture takes place at the Fernwood Community Centre (1240 Gladstone Ave.) Thursdays from 2:30-4:30: March 6 and 20, April 3 and 17. For more information on working class acupuncture head to http://www. workingclassacupuncture.org/index.html

March 2008 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 3

feature :

Wild women on wheels

>> by Guy Necologist

O

n a cold Saturday on a taped out track, Haul Ass Hanna jostles elbows at high speed with Cement Kiss, keeping her teammates closely packed so that no skaters can pass. Five metres behind her are two women hell-bent on doing exactly that: Chokahontas, the opposing team’s Jammer, gets a point for every time she skates by one of Haul’s girls, but right now Haul’s attention is on helping Phoenix the Burninator, her own team’s Jammer, catch up and score. Distracted, one of the skaters makes a choppy crossover on the sharp left, the woman behind her losing control, spanking the rink’s unforgiving surface with the length of her thigh. The Jammers skip over, skate past, and the fallen rollergirl is up on her stoppers and pounding to catch up and get back in the game.

The whistle blows, and skaters slide down to their kneepads, laughing from adrenaline, tighten helmets, pound back water, and adjust fishnet stockings for the next jam a short 30 seconds away.

As this is a regular practice session, the women will switch teams and switch positions between bouts, getting to know one another’s styles and forging camaraderie. Winks and high-fives are passed back and forth, as are supportive comments on the last jam. On the sidelines, coach Colonel Lingus points out techniques to the new recruits, the ‘fresh meat’, who range from experienced athletes to women who may have never been on roller skates before in their lives.

By day these women are bankers, nurses, programmers, moms and graphic designers. But three nights a week they don their tough, sexy alter-egos (Betty Bumpers, Dixi Deathray, Concrete Candi), flashing raised welts and fist-sized bruises as trophies of the track. “I have never felt so close to so many woman while at the same time wanting to knock them all over” says Rocksalt Ruckus.

Phoenix, a veterinary assistant, adds, “When I skate I feel like I’m flying. I can’t imagine my life without derby and my girls now.”

Skater-run leagues of tattooed and attitude-enhanced women aged 20 to 40 in a high-speed combination of extreme sport and martial art This is Roller Derby. Specifically, Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby as it’s been reborn in the last four years; skater-run leagues of tattooed and attitudeenhanced women aged 20 to 40 in a high-speed combination of extreme sport and martial art. Accompanying the revival is the ironic retro-camp of burlesque theatre. What began as a endurance race for four-wheeled rollerskaters in the 1950s and evolved into a women’s-prison-movie-on-wheels in the 1970s is back – with a flirtatious, girl-power vengeance. And it is everywhere, with overnight leagues in every major city in North America and ad-hoc teams in any small town with a high-school gym and a first-aid kit.

The veteran skaters of The Victoria Rollergirls started two years ago, under a series of shifting team names and re-organizations. Most recently known as “The Miss Fits,” the three-dozen-strong Victoria Rollergirls have made the commitment to transition to a regular league with four full teams, a manager, major sponsorships, and a gruelling recruiting, training, draft, and competition schedule – all in the next nine months. Rather than focus on one traveling franchise, the league is building deep local roots and creating opportunities for South Island women to get as much exposure to the sport and track time as possible.

Skate fast, turn left, watch out.

Team Captain Chokahontas speaks to the ambitious plan: “We wanted to create an approachable local sport with balanced teams and a wide variety of skill levels. That means the lowest-ranking team in the league this season will have the first draft picks for next season. This is about pushing each other as hard as we can, and you can’t do that if there’s no hope of getting better or if you’re getting benched all the time. It is really competitive and it is really aggressive, but it’s also supposed to be fun. That means it has to be fair.

Here’s how it works: The two teams skate tightly together in a pack, led by their Pivots – pace-setters who function like quarterbacks and keep their eye on the clock – the refs, the score, and the Jammers. The pack gets a head start, with the Jammers fifteen feet and a blown whistle behind them. Only the Jammers can score, by passing the Blockers, who, to put it mildly, are not going to make it easy. Grabbing, hitting and tripping result in penalties, but ramming collisions are pretty much the norm.

The first Jammer to pass the pack becomes the Lead Jammer, and only she can call off the jam before the two-minute clock is up. She might do that if one of her players is injured or if the other Jammer starts racking up points.

Fernwood hits the Financial Times Whoever would have thought that news of our humble little neighbourhood would travel all the way to the United Kingdom? Well, it has. To see Fernwood featured in the Financial Times head to: www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5229fd36-da8d-11dc-

“Our primary goal is to promote excitement and support throughout Victoria with something we’re all extremely passionate about. Our secondary goal ... red-hot girl-on-girl action!”

Dean Fortin

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

dfortin@victoria.ca

9bb9-0000779fd2ac.html

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

VillageVibe

Photos: VĂŠronique da Silva

It’s Friday night, and the Rollergirls are in full gear at the Victoria Film Festival launch to promote the following night’s screening of the documentary Hell on Wheels. The girls roll down the ramp between the theatre aisles, whooping like banshees and camping it up, all the while tongue planted firmly in cheek. At the Festival Gala, derby uniforms dominate the event – and the dance floor – to the bemused “what was I thinking� looks of Festival organizers. Amidst the usual Victoria culture vultures, the Victoria Rollergirls seem like Amazons; confident, bawdy, invincible.

At the Saturday night screening, after much roaring and screaming as the women see themselves on the big screen in a recruiting promo, is Hell on Wheels; the soap opera struggles of a handful of women rebooting roller derby in Texas. The dynamics of finances, injury, relationships, organizational stress, and publicity are all too familiar to the derby-savvy audience. Outside the theatre is the merchandise table, where sales of tee shirts, raffle tickets and pin-up calendars of team members all contribute to offsetting the staggering cost of rink rental which is over $13,000 a year.

True to form, on their way out the Victoria Rollergirls can’t resist one final rule-breaking skate down the curving ramp of the Capitol 6 theatre, screaming a battle cry all the way.

Photos above: The wild women on wheels practice weekly right here in Fernwood at the Fernwood Community Centre.

Getting Started > Information: Point your browser to www.victoriarollergirls.com for rules, schedules, and how to get involved as a skater, referee, or supporter. > Gear: Just under $200 for skates, helmet, knee and elbow pads, wrist and mouth guards. To start with, odds are a rollergirl will lend you her skates at practice to get the feel of it. You’ll be twelve again in seconds. > Costume: Knee-sock obsession and fishnet addiction seem to be the norm.

Could be financially ruinous. > Fees: $40 a month towards your share of rink rental. > Insurance: $60 a year, and lets you travel worry-free to other bouts. > Time: At least 3 practices a week to start, two hours at a time. Also plan for team meetings, off-track workouts, social time and plenty of fundraising hours. > Experience: None necessary. You’ll be taught how to skate, how to fall safely and get back up, how to play the game, and how to win it. The Victoria Rollergirls are actively recruiting for skaters, referees, scorekeepers, and helpers.

&%2.7//$ 2%!, %34!4%

72?<:2 =2.0<08 Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;°Ă&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;i}Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;°Ă&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;iÂ?Â?Â&#x2C6;}iÂ&#x2DC;Vi°

6Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160; iĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;i*i>VÂ&#x153;VÂ&#x17D;°VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C; Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x20AC;i>`Ă&#x160;Â&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;ÂŤĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;°

Denise Savoie Member of Parliament for Victoria

Serving Our Community

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

Your voice in Ottawa

1020 Hillside Avenue

250 360.2023 rob.fleming.mla@leg.bc.ca

Rob Fleming, MLA Victoria - Hillside

Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;ÂŁxäÂ&#x2021;näxĂ&#x160; Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x20AC;`>Â?iĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;* \Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;xäÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x17D;n{Â&#x2021;nÂŁĂ&#x201C;{

VillageVibe

March 2008 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 5

gleanings :

Japanese style gardens

>> by Margaret Hantiuk Japanese style gardens are easily created in our locale, as our climate is similar to that of northern Japan; many of the plants they use we can as well. They use lots of natural rock also found in Victoria, so this style can be easily incorporated into our gardens. Add some of the elements and features described below to achieve a look and feel you like.

While Japanese gardens are usually small, as they are often in densely populated urban centers, they seem spacious. They have a sense of harmony and quiet refuge.

The use of natural materials in the hardscape (bamboo cane, rock, sand, pebbles) is restful, and repetition-creating pattern lends a sense of order.

Simplicity is an underlying theme: there are not too many plants and objects crowded together. Leaving bare ground between plants and pebbled paths is restful to the eye. Texture is another key visual element. This is achieved with mulch on the ground; with lovely details such as lattice or woven fencing, railings or edgin; with rock, sand and pebbles; and with carefully chosen plants. Foliage becomes as important (if not more so) than blooms.

Plants selected should always and easily look good, having more than one season of interest. Japanese plant breeders have been cultivating excellent foliage plants for many years, and they are increasingly available in Victoria. They have also been breeding smaller varieties of shrubs and trees for city gardens and have been key in the breeding of plant varieties that have variegated

leaf patterns for added interest. There are some gorgeous foliage plants in plant nurseries now.

Some of the perennials used in Japanese gardens are hostas, iris, hellebores, primulas, spurge, ferns, and peonies.

In the shrub area there are the bamboos (make sure you get the clumping!), rhododendrons, azaleas, flowering cherry and almond, dogwoods, and quince. Any small shrub with good, tidy foliage can be used: witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis), Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo), Pieris, Euonymous,

Another feature of these gardens is their lovely little sitting spots. A wooden or concrete bench situated where there is a particularly nice view or beside a beautiful shrub then becomes a place to sit and reflect. These quiet spots are often hidden amongst the greenery or around a bend in the path.

The new solar lights can be added as the Japanese often had lanterns in their gardens to guide their evening strolls. Water features are very important but if a small

Japanese plant breeders have been cultivating excellent foliage plants for many years, and they are available in Victoria. and the smaller magnolias are splendid as well. The Japanese also use evergreen conifers beautifully to create a background in their gardens during the winter. There are many lovely smaller pines, cedars, and cypress available in garden centers now. Ornamental grasses can be added to increase texture, and vines such as clematis, honeysuckle and wisteria for more screening.

Of course the star of these gardens are the Japanese maples (Acer palmatum). To grow well they must be placed carefully. They require shade from hot sun and shelter from bitter north winds. They need a rich but well draining soil and will slowly die in wet, heavy clay. Always use compost in the hole when planting them and refrain from chemical fertilizers, as they dislike salts. Give them room – there is a range in size so check your reference sources or the label at the nursery.

New Common on Haultain May the veggie prevail

pond is beyond your ability then a glazed pot full of water with a water lily or two is a close second (empty in freezing weather). A statue of the Buddha meditating adds inspiration, and some wind chimes can add another delightful dimension.

Caring for these gardens is easy. Always apply mulch with a good compost or sea soil in late fall or early spring. Raking and sweeping up the debris to compost helps keep the simple, tidy look. Pruning can be minimal or you can learn to prune the elaborate styles for which the Japanese are so famous. To keep the foliage of plants looking healthy and beautiful, water deeply in dry and hot weather.

fernwood marketplace Lost cat

Photo: Rainey Hopewell

Our 6 month old cat has gone missing, and we miss

It may take a while to turn so much space from clay-based grass to soil-based food, but it’s a do-able task. And you can help us! If you like the idea of another place in your neighbourhood where you can pick some vegetables or snip fresh herbs for your supper, right now you can: > Bring us your organic kitchen scraps and poison-free grass clippings to help make soil > Join a light work party to help finish the sheetcomposting (and learn for free how to do it, so you, too, can kill grass without using poison)

him terribly. Have you seen him? > All black, short-hair > Male, neutered > Still a kitten (6 months old) > VERY affectionate > Responds to his name, ‘Oscar’ He was a present to my 5 year old son for surviving open-heart surgery. Please return him if you have taken him in. No questions asked. Phone 598-1987 email: maggif@shaw.ca

>> Rainey Hopewell Coming at last, to our very own neighbourhood: the Food Not Lawns Haultain Common! If you’ve strolled by the corner of Haultain and Asquith lately, you may have noticed us sheetcomposting our Haultain Street boulevard. We’re suppressing grass growth and making soil for the finest use of a boulevard we can imagine: growing food for all of us to share. And although none of the plants will be more than three feet high, there are many food-bearing plants and perennial herbs that don’t grow higher than the City’s three-foot limit.

Eventually, you’ll be able to: > Contribute seeds and/or seedlings for veggies you’d like to share with your neighbours > Contribute as you’re able to the ongoing gardening tasks of food production > Harvest fresh vegetables and herbs grown within walking distance of your own home > Meet your neighbours, who also will be harvesting fresh food from Haultain Common We are Margot and Rainey, and you can contact us anytime at 380-5055 for more information about Haultain Common. Yea for food not lawns; may the veggies prevail!

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

Committed to Supporting Community Associations

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

Carole James, MLA Victoria - Beacon Hill

VillageVibe

Working with moms in the ‘hood

Photo: Emily Ellingsen

faces :

>> by Aaron Ellingsen Germaine Asplin reflects: “Sometimes I feel like: ‘What am I doing to make a difference?’ The reality is I’m dealing with families. Whether I’m dealing with people who are homeless or people who are wounded or who have poverty issues … Some people’s barriers are virtually invisible. Everyone has their story, and some of their stories are very, very painful.”

The question isn’t an easy one, but her answer reveals something about who she is, something closely related to how she has approached her work at Victoria Best Babies for the last 15 years. I spoke with Germaine in her office at the Fernwood Community Centre.

Best Babies is a federally funded pre-natal and postnatal outreach program providing support, information, and resources for Victoria women at risk due to factors ranging from drugs, poor nutrition, and poverty to homelessness and transient or abusive relationships. Its mandate is to work with expectant mothers and new mothers with babies up to six months old.

The organization’s catchment includes Victoria and bordering municipalities, a population base of about 80,000. Originally providing support and access to

CDs, swirls

| from page 1

attracting a higher-profile musician for the artists to share a stage with, creating and releasing a third compilation album featuring Fernwood musicians and poets, creating and releasing albums from individual musicians, and acting as an ongoing resource for local artists. And on and on and around and around it goes.

Like a record, baby.

The Cornerstone Collective group meets every Sunday afternoon at 2:30pm at the Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Avenue. If you are interested in getting involved, fire off an e-mail to james@ fernwoodnrg.ca. For more information check out www. cornerstonecollectiverecords.com Cornerstone Collective Discography: “It Came From Fernwood” – Various Artists (2004) “Fernwood Rising” – Various Artists (2005) “Free Rock” – Tom Glenne 5.5 (2007) “The Old Fashioned Way” – James Kasper (2007) And more on the way!

VillageVibe

resources for 15 women, today Best Babies staff works with closer to 100 at a time, a number that reflects increased capacity and an increased need. “Risk factors have grown,” Germaine says. “Poverty is huge. It’s tough to get shelter. It’s tough to get benefits. It can be pretty bleak.”

With an average of around 5,000 client contacts per year, the organization has worked with about 80,000 clients.

Germaine shares details about her work readily. I suggest shifting our conversation toward her for a few minutes. “I’m not good at answering questions about myself,” she says. “You can put that in.”

She grudgingly comes forward with a few personal details: She likes downtime and alone time. She enjoys good food. She’s a chronic channel-flicker. She loves to travel and watch things happening in different cultures.

She feels lucky and supported in her life.

It becomes clear she genuinely doesn’t like to talk about herself. Fortunately, a wonderful thing about speaking with someone about their passion is how telling it can be about their broader character, their priorities and their worldview.

I ask Germaine whether she’s worried about burnout after so long as a frontline social worker. She laughs before answering:

judgments to support clients’ needs.

Best Babies provides access to basic dental care, legal information, a public health nurse, dieticians – working with mothers to put together healthy, well-balanced meals four days every week – and a Good Food Box program as well as emergency food vouchers and support and information on many areas of sexual, pre-natal and postnatal health, depression and anxiety.

“The organization’s not set up to provide therapy,” Germaine tells me. “It’s a solutions-based service provider.”

This means assessing acute crisis and evaluating how available resources can be enlisted to help a person through their difficult time. Sometimes it’s helping someone see a problem where they haven’t been looking.

Germaine is energetic, empathetic and enthusiastic – inspired, really – when she talks about her work. She’s a good listener, and I sense her genuine consideration for my questions before and during her answers, even when some comment I make during her answer sends us off on a tangent.

She’s been working in Fernwood since she started working and speaks of a deep connection to the physical neighbourhood and the young and at-risk population of mothers she works with. She’s passionate about her clients.

You can’t be afraid to ask the hard questions.

“I enjoy what I do. I think if people really have a passion and enjoy what they do.… There’s been tough times, but I’m pretty good at detaching and really focusing on clients’ needs in the moment. At the same time I’m really clear on what you can do for people. Ultimately, it’s that person’s choice.

“You’ve got to be real. You can’t be afraid to talk. You can’t be afraid to ask those hard questions.

“I’m kind of maybe just ‘me’ with doing my job.”

Germaine’s not into passing judgments. As we discuss this a bit, though, she fesses up to her awareness that she makes judgments all the time. She suggests it’s really about being able to suspend – or maybe see through – your

Square

| from page 1

Repair Project” and see all the amazing placemaking initiatives from different grassroots groups.

Placemaking is a tried and successful endeavour in numerous communities coast to coast and, thanks to your neighbours involved in Fernwood NRG’s Placemaking Troupe, it is coming to a Fernwood near you!

A group of Fernwoodians hopes to paint the heart of our community in true Fernwood fashion. We want to fill the intersection at Fernwood and Gladstone with an image that encompasses all that is Fernwood. For this we need everyone’s help and support. Including everyone may seem like a huge undertaking, but to be representative of Fernwood, everyone is necessary.

With everyone’s input we will better understand what the neighborhood envisions for Fernwood’s future and get everyone involved in actualizing it. At the end we will have fostered an even stronger sense of place and as a community we will have created something that is both beautiful and meaningful, while encouraging slower traffic on Fernwood Road.

If you are wondering what image says Fernwood, well so are we. The first idea posed was a mandala. A mandala is a beautiful expression of Eastern Philosophy that uses geometric patterns to represent the universe from the human vantage point. Spiritually, it is a tool for establishing scared spaces that unites the individual with

She likes helping them out, and finds her work rewarding.

She tells me she sometimes thinks about what she might do “when this work is done,” but she quickly becomes vague. I don’t really believe her.

She’s helping people out here in Fernwood pretty much every day, and she doesn’t really need that to change.

For info about Victoria Best Babies call 381-1552 or 385-8979 or drop by the Fernwood Community Centre at 1240 Gladstone.

the whole. Usually, a Mandala is a concentric design, where each layer represents a different aspect of the centre. At the moment all we have is a fern at the centre.

The rest of the layers need to be filled in by everyone and everyone includes you!

“Does it have to be a Mandala?” The answer is nope, it does not. But, it needs to be a clean, aesthetic and a relatively simple design, so as to compliment the gorgeous buildings that are its pillars and maximize neighbourhood involvement.

To accomplish this fantastic placemaking project I am sending a call out to the artist in you! Everyone is asked, and encouraged to add ideas, or a piece of an idea, to the concentric pie. ‘Collective Works’ will be accepting submissions beginning in April. These will be hung in the Cornerstone so that the neighbourhood can vote on Fernwood’s perspective of the universe! The plan is to construct the Mandala during Fernfest which will be held in the Square in late June this year.

If you have any ideas, want to be involved in any part or are simply curious to see how many parts of this there are, please, bring a friend and join us at our next Spaces to Places meeting, Monday, March 17th, 7:00pm at the Cornerstone Cafe.

Or check the Mandala discussion on our online Fernwood communication forum at http://fernwoodcommmons.ca/ Or, for further information contact placemaking@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca

March 2008 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 7

what’s on in Fernwood March 2008

S

S

M T

W Th F

S

S

M

1

2

3

5

8

9

10 11 12 13 14

4

6

7

Arts, Theatre, and Entertainment Bohemian Open Mic at 8pm hosted by the Infamous Paul and Drew – Cornerstone Concerts at 10pm.

Saturdays. March: “Local Ladies Month” (Mar 1>NICOLA LINDE, March 8>KATE STEELE, Mar 22>LIZ BEATTIE, Mar 29>CHELSEA RICH). April: “Tribute Month” (Apr 5>BOB DYLAN, Apr 12>LEONARD COHEN, Apr 19>NEIL YOUNG), May: “Youth Talent Showdown Month” (Ages 6 to 16. Singing, Poetry, Juggling, Air Band, Magic, Dance, Acting…). Still booking for Apr & May series – let us know if you’re interested!

381-1552 ext.25. Cornerstone Café. 1301 Gladstone Ave. FREE! Belfry Theatre.

THE JOSEPHINE KNOT by Meg Braem.

Feb 28-Mar 15, 10pm. LÉO by Rosa Laborde. Mar 4-8, 8pm. THE SHOES

by Lee Cookson. Mar 11-15, 8pm. MY CHERNOBYL by Aaron Bushkowsky.

Mar 26-Apr 5, 8pm. 1291 Gladstone Ave. For info contact Belfry Box Office at 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! Call for Fernwood Artists.

Seeking Artists with studios in Fernwood for the 1st annual FERNWOOD ART STUDIO TOUR. (planning for June 2008). For info contact Deryk Houston dhouston@coastnet.com or Anne Hoban ahoban@shaw.ca.

Collective Works – solo show featuring Sean Newton.

Mar 7-27. Opening reception Fri, Mar 7, 7-10pm. 1311 Gladstone Ave. 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. For listings: www. loganspub.com Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam. Tuesdays. 7:30-10:30pm. Orange Hall.

1620 Fernwood Rd. $2 to play. FREE to listen. For info see victoriabluegrass.ca Victoria Folk Music Society.

Sundays. 7:30pm Open Stage. 9pm Feature Performer. (Mar 2> ROB LUTES AND ROB MacDONALD, Mar 23>THE BUCCANEERS, Mar 30>DUST POETS 1110 Hillside Ave. $5 feature performer

T

W

Th

F

S

S

15

16 17 18

nights/$3 all open stage night. For info see www.victoriafolkmusic.ca

Kids and Families Community Family Day. Family-directed and facilitated programming. Mondays 9:30-11:30am.

Fernwood Community Centre Gym. FREE! Mother Goose.

Songs, rhymes and stories. Tuesdays 1-2:30pm, Fernwood Community Centre MPR. 10 weeks per session. To register call 381-1552 ext 22. FREE! ($2 for songbook).

Parent and Tot Playgroup.

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

Rhythm Circle Time.

Tuesdays 3-4pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. Drop in. FREE!

M

T

W

Th

F

S

S

M

19

20

21

22

23

24 25

9:30am-5pm. Fernwood Community Centre Community Room. FREE! Junior Youth Empowerment Program.

Sundays 2-5pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. For info call 381-1552 ext.25 Yoga.

Everyone welcome. Tuesdays 10:30am12:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. FREE! Youth Floor Hockey.

Drop-in Co-ed. Ages 9-18 (Group 1/ages 9-13. Group 2/ages 14-18). Sundays 3:30-5pm, Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $3.** Youth Video Gaming Night.

Drop-in Co-ed. Fridays 7-9:30pm.

Fernwood Community Centre Gym. By donation. Concession open. **We accept Sports Trader Bucks and Canadian Tire Money at face value!

Youth, Adults and Seniors

Special Events

Cornerstone Records Presents: Musicians Networking, Promotion, Workshops and Song Circle.

Sunday afternoons (times change weekly). FREE! Email james@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca for info.

Ear Acupuncture.

Treatments 15-20 min. Mar 6 and 20.

2:30-4:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. By donation.

Falun Gong.

Peaceful meditation practice. All welcome! Wednesdays 5-7pm.

Fernwood Community Centre MPR. FREE! 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.** Indoor Soccer.

Drop-in Co-ed. Adult (18+). Mondays 8:45-10:45pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $3.** Internet and Computer Access.

Complete your one-time registration and then get online through the Community Access Program. Monday to Friday

FernFest ‘08 June 20 and 21.

Fernwood Square.

Come out and celebrate our wonderfully eclectic and ever-evolving neighbourhood! FREE! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Call 381-1552 ext.25.

Fernwood Business Network.

Tues, Mar 4. 10am. Fernwood Inn. Everyone Welcome. For info contact Ryan Rutley at ryan@rutleyventures.ca Fernwood’s Outrageous Recycling Day. Bring your CLEAN plastics, styrofoam packing and food trays, electronics and foil-lined coffee bags. Mar 8 (2nd Sat every month). 10am-1pm. Back of Fernwood Community Centre. By donation.

Fernwood NRG Food Security Collective.

All welcome! Tues, Mar 11. 7-9pm Fernwood Community Centre MPR. Green Drinks.

An inclusive gathering of the sustainability-minded for refreshments and conversation. Wed, Mar 11. 57pm. The Canoe Brewpub, Marina and Restaurant, 450 Swift St. For info see www.greendrinksvictoria.ca Fernwood Placemaking Troupe.

All Welcome! Bring your ideas for the square and the neighbourhood. Mon, Mar 17. 7pm. Cornerstone Café.

Fernwood Community Kitchen.

Cook nutritious, creative meals with your

T

W

Th

F

S

S

M

26

27

28

29

30 31

villagevibe Published by Fernwood NRG (Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group) 1240 Gladstone Street Victoria, BC V8T 1G6 T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509 villagevibe@fernwood neighbourhood.ca www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca Editor: Lisa Helps Assistant Editors: Aaron Ellingsen, Trish Richards Photographers: Pete Rockwell, Veronique da Silva Contributors: Christina Chan Caspar Davis Krizsanta Greco Margaret Hantiuk Janelle Hatch Rainey Hopewell James Kaspar Guy Necologist Philip Symons The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of the Fernwood NRG.

neighbours! For info contact Tracey at tveldhuis@gmail.com Fernwood Pocket Market.

Local organic produce and baked goods.

Tuesdays 2-6pm. Cornerstone Café.

Fernwood Sharing Gardens.

Have a garden but no time? Time but no garden? Contact Rainey at 380-5055 or sharinggardens@gmail.com.

Pollination Workshop with Billy Metcalf.

Fernwood NRG Food Security Collective presents: Attract beneficial pollinators, and build your own bee-hive. Sat, Mar 1. 1-4pm. Fernwood Community Centre.

For info contact Billy Metcalf at exbox@ islandnet.com If you have a workshop or special event idea for the Fernwood Community Centre or the Cornerstone Café email james@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca

Open For Lunch!

From 11:30 Daily Check out our new Lunch Specials Under new ownership!

Page 8 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | March 2008

1302 Gladstone

412-2001

VillageVibe