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villagevibe Photos: Miriam Mulhall

November 2007 : News and views from the heart of Fernwood

FAST exhibit: a studio tour preview >> by Anne Hoban

T

he preview exhibition of FAST, the Fernwood Artists’ Studio Tour group, opened at the at the Fernwood Inn, the Cornerstone Café and the Little Fernwood Gallery on Sunday, September 30th. Wine and delicious hors d’oeuvres were served at a well-attended reception graciously hosted by the Fernwood Inn. The appreciative crowd was also treated to the music of Julian Mulhall on the piano.

The Fernwood artists whose work is featured at the Inn include Al Williams (painting), Deryk Houston (mixed media), Anne Cookson (photography), Karen Skowron (textile art), Sean Newton (watercolour/linocut), Robert Ives (painting), Pete Rockwell (photography), CarollAnn Smedley (painting), Miriam Mulhall (photography) and Anne Hoban (mixed media/digital). Miriam Mulhall and Pete Rockwell also have work in the

Photo: Mark Sherman

Health care co-op

>> by Trish Richards

F

ernwood Community Centre Gym was abuzz on Friday, October 12th as some 100-plus people gathered to share thoughts and inspirations on co-operative health care. The Forum was sponsored by the Steering Committee of the Community Health Care Co-operative of Victoria, with the intent of involving the community in the formation of a co-operative through which to deliver health care services. The evening began with presentations from members of the Steering Committee. Mark

Sherman, M.D., spoke of co-creating a vision of integrated health care with the community. He stressed that the Forum was both about offering the Steering Committee’s vision of co-operative health care and about providing an opportunity for people to express their thoughts and concerns. He explicitly welcomed questions and ideas from the gathering. Dr. Carol Douglas generously shared her personal healing experience and challenged the group to consider who they would want on their team at a time of health crisis and how a health care co-operative could facilitate this. Howard Dieno, D.O. (UK) spoke of his excitement about the preventative potential of a health care co-operative and invited people to consider how a co-op could promote health and wellbeing both for individuals and for the community as a whole. The following breakout groups were alive with ideas and debate as participants were asked to consider a series of questions that compelled serious thought about health care issues:

– continued on page 7

Cornerstone Café. The Little Fernwood Gallery hosted the large-scale collages of Anne Hoban (many thanks to Clive and Graham for their assistance) until October 4th. The FAST exhibition continues at the Inn and the Cornerstone until November 11th. Our intention is to maintain an ongoing exhibit in which the work featured will change every six weeks or so. If you haven’t done so already, I would encourage you to take this opportunity to view this exciting selection of Fernwood art. FAST is looking for more local artists to sign up for Fernwood’s first annual open studio tour. The tour will be held next June in conjunction with Fernfest 2008. This two-day event will give people a chance to meet artists in their studios and to engage with them and their art in a more ‘up-close and personal’ way than is usually the case. It will provide opportunities to buy, commission, or simply browse and will, we are certain, be an entertaining, enlightening and above all fun weekend. For further information on the artists or the tour please contact Deryk Houston at dhouston@coastnet.com or Anne Hoban at ahoban@shaw.ca

in this issue Stirring it up in the Square Page 3 Feature: Claiming space and making place Page 4 Neighbourhood living room Page 6

editorial :

More measures needed for safety?

‘All-ages’ punk shows have been part of the Fernwood miasma for decades. The events, featuring local bands who often organize the shows themselves, attract scene kids from throughout the city to listen to their music and hang out with their friends in a welcoming venue. Once they start attending, often at as young as thirteen, they generally make a habit of it. The crowd tends to be full of familiar faces and the shows are hugely appreciated by the participants. On Friday, October 28th, the allages show at the Community Centre was marred by unprecedented violence

that has left both the scene and the community reeling. As we go to press, the situation is under police investigation. We can, therefore, only state what we currently know. As the show was wrapping up around 10:50pm, a group of older, unfamiliar kids started hassling the crowd as they left the show. In relatively short order, one of these newcomers attacked with an exacto blade. By the time the police and ambulances arrived five teens required hospitalization for serious facial injuries. Our sincere sympathies go out to all of those teens and to their families. Also,

declaration of principles and values We are committed to creating a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable neighbourhood; We are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood institutions and assets; We are committed to using our resources prudently and to becoming financially self-reliant; We are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment; We are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them; We are committed to taking action in

we would like to thank those scene kids who acted decisively to contact the police, the police and paramedics who responded quickly and effectively and Fernwood NRG staffer, James Kasper, who dealt so competently with the aftermath. Their actions ensured that this dreadful situation didn’t escalate any further. We are definitely aware that it could have been much worse, even tragic, and we are thankful that that wasn’t the case. Fernwood NRG has canceled all booked shows and is discussing what measures we can take together with the show sponsors and the scene kids

themselves to ensure that we can once again provide safe, secure all ages shows. We are horrified by this act of deplorable, random violence. Given that it resulted from the actions of a gate-crashing group, we are cognizant that it could have happened in any neighbourhood. And, at the same time, we are appalled that it happened in our neighbourhood. Fernwood has been THE venue for safe, youth-driven, allages shows for decades and we want it to remain as such.

Fernwood author writes about the power of friendship >> Maureen Foxgord Fernwood’s Cornerstone Café was an apt setting for the October 18th launch of Robin Stevenson’s first book, Out of Order, given that Stevenson and the book’s central characters all call Fernwood home. Family, friends, coworkers, and fellow writers crowded into the cozy art-filled café as Stevenson greeted attendees and signed copies of her book. The author described how the novel grew out of a short story (based on memories of her own high school experiences), gradually taking on a richer life as she delved deeper into its characters, and fell in love with Fernwood – her young son in tow. Stevenson’s engaging writing style quickly draws readers into the world of her book’s characters, particularly its central character, Sophie Keller. Sophie has just moved the province and is anxious to leave her ‘loser’ reputation behind. Her plan to fit in seems straightforward at first, but as she starts to make friends and struggles to maintain a cool facade, Sophie’s life becomes complicated. Her two new friends are strong,

response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives; We are committed to governing our organization and serving our

She considers the idea that every experience – good and bad – has a place in our lives

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;

influential forces: Zelia is an energetic risk taker, while Max, a fellow horse lover, is more low-key. As these relationships evolve, it becomes clear that all three characters are harbouring secrets, and Sophie comes to realize that her own lack of authenticity – with friends, family, and herself – is costing her more than the past she is trying to leave behind. This book has strong and relevant messages for adolescents, particularly teenaged girls, about the power and complexity of friendship and family and, as Stevenson articulates so well, about “how we can both discover

We are committed to creating

ourselves, and lose ourselves, in our relationships with

neighbourhood places that are vibrant,

others.” It also explores the often uneasy issues of sexuality, eating disorders, peer pressure, and mental illness with a compassionate, matter-of-fact voice that never lets any one of these themes become the story. Ultimately, Stevenson

beautiful, healthy, and alive; and, most of all, We are committed to having fun!

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

says, Out of Order is about how we learn what it means to be ourselves; and, by the end of the book, Sophie takes a first step as she considers the idea that every experience – good and bad – has a place in our lives. It’s an idea that can be difficult to embrace at any age, but Stevenson respects her young readers enough to gently extend the challenge. When asked what she would ideally like to hear back from her readers, Stevenson said she would love to hear that readers related to and cared about the characters... “that readers saw some of their own feelings or struggles reflected in the lives and stories of the girls in the book.” Her readers will have further opportunities to care about the characters she creates, given that four more Robin Stevenson books are due out in 2008. With her writing career now gathering momentum, it seems that Stevenson, like her character Sophie and the neighbourhood the author has grown to love, has found a way to both honour the past and create a new beginning.

VillageVibe

What do you think of the art exhibit at Cornerstone and Fernwood Inn? Views photos: Veronique da Silva

views from the street :

Daniel Murphy “I love the idea of art coming together in a public space for people to see. Although it is not my type of art, it is lively and it is motivating me to get my own stuff together. I’m not surprised that there are many artists in Fernwood, as it does have the reputation of being an artistic hub.”

Gail Dunn, rmt

Louis Paulo

“I think it’s a great idea – I love it! It adds awareness and provides a different atmosphere. As a local business owner for the last 3 years (Little Fern Massage Studio), I have really seen this corner transformed into something fabulous. With the transformation came the feeling of community and of belonging, and the idea of complementing it with art can only help things progress even more.”

“It is a great idea! It is a fabulous opportunity for artists to showcase their work, and be seen by members of the community.

review : Stirring it up in the Square >> by Joseph Avi Lambert

VillageVibe

jobs. Her background is in mass communications and anthropology. She said that growing up with parents from St Lucia, four sisters and friends from Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana, she had to learn to cook. It was on a family visit back to Toronto, while eating at the Patty King at Bathurst station that she had her gastronomic epiphany. She said, “I had a patty and a dream.” Tatem and Hayes are also organizers of the local Afro-Caribbean festival, which is going on its sixth year. She said they had been looking for a food retail space for four years. They were looking in downtown Victoria but didn’t get the same vibe as Fernwood, which they felt was

She said, “I had a patty and a dream.” is decorated with an assortment of Afro-Caribbean paintings, masks and weavings. It is a small space and it is filled with heady aromas. Tatem is the co-proprietor of the shop with Me-Kon Hayes. She was born in St. Lucia and raised in Toronto. She moved her family to Victoria when local TV station CHUM offered her and her husband

Photos: Veronique da Silva

I have always wanted Fernwood square to be more like Kensington Market in Toronto. For that matter, I have wanted every neighborhood I have lived in to be more like Kensington Market. I love and miss what I encounter strolling through Kensington, one of Canada’s National Historic sites. Kensington market sits in the heart of downtown Toronto alongside Chinatown. It is an old neighborhood that has had many incarnations. In the early part of the last century, it was a place for Eastern European immigrants to make their home. It is now host to immigrants from around the world as well as artists, activists, bohemians, musicians, anarchists, and more recently, posh city dwellers who are drawn to the market’s diverse and close-knit multicultural community. Fernwood Square has always felt like a Kensington Market in the making or something like Kensington combined with the feel of the old part of Quebec City. And now, after all the transformative changes in the heart of Fernwood, there’s a new restaurant in the square that’s

making me feel like my Kensington dreams are being realized. Stir It Up Caribbean cuisine is Fernwood’s newest food service addition, dishing up Caribbean specialties such as Jamaican patties, jerk chicken, cocoa bread, and my personal favorite, roti. Walking through the square, you can smell the patties before you find the door. At the time I went to talk with Natalie Tatem, there were two women hula-hooping in the square. Bob Marley was playing on the Stir It Up sound system, which was sitting below a chalkboard sign displaying the day’s specials. I talked with her between customers. The shop

more pedestrian friendly. One day while dropping her son off at school, Tatem said, she discovered the ice cream store in the old Rennie and Taylor building in Fernwood Square and inquired about the space. “We’re trying to serve comfort food and we try to work with love,” said Tatem. “The food is for anyone that wants to be reminded of home.” The food does taste home cooked and wholesome. The patties have a delicious flavorful dough and there are whole pieces of chicken inside. The food is made right next door in the kitchen. I had a roti, and it was fantastic. She gave a friend and I a very generous portion of fragrant saucy chicken wrapped in a thin, mildly spiced Caribbean crepe the size of a dinner plate. She also included a nicely dressed slaw side as part of the roti deal. She has five dollar lunch deals, which include a patty, cocoa bread, and a drink. It’s places like Stir It Up that are driving the positive transformation of our unique neighborhood core. Now that Tatem and Hayes have opened their restaurant it’s so clear. There’s so much we could do, with the Square. So come on, come on stir it up, little darlin’.

November 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 3

feature :

Claiming space >> by Roberta Martell and Trish Richards

T

hanks to all the Fernwoodians who abandoned the last sunfilled Saturdays of our fading summer to attend two important resident-driven workshops: the Neighbourhood Forum and the Placemaking Workshop held by Fernwood NRG on September 8th and 22nd, respectively. Each of the events drew between 20 and 40 participants interested in assessing and brainstorming about Fernwood’s public spaces. Given the intimate size of the groups, we were able to have in-depth dialogue about specific issues in the neighbourhood, and to begin to explore some innovative solutions. Participants at the Neighbourhood Forum on September 8th identified three key concerns, which they felt the City of Victoria could assist in remediating. Fernwood NRG and the FCA agreed to send letters to City Hall outlining our shared concerns including standardizing the 30km speed limit along the length of Fernwood Road, traffic calming on Fernwood Road, pedestrian safety at the Gladstone intersection and the dumping of large household items in public areas in the neighbourhood. (See side bar). The follow-up Placemaking Workshop on September 22nd got people out of the Community Centre gym and onto the streets. There we focused on both the aesthetically appealing and appalling features of Fernwood Square and the blocks surrounding it. The day began with Fernwood resident and D’Ambrosio architect, Terry Kopek presenting D’Ambrosio’s 2002 neighbourhood facilities audit of Fernwood. Building on this base, urban planner and Fernwood resident Heike Schmidt led us through an exciting visioning exercise that took us out into the square and surrounds armed with pens and questionnaires to assess the core of the neighbourhood. Just as the rain began to fall, the small clusters of Fernwoodians made their way back to the Community Centre gym to share our thoughts over cups of Cornerstone Café coffee and baked goodies. The exercise provided a whole new way of looking at a place we all thought we were very familiar with. Seeing Fernwood Square with new eyes gave us fresh insight into the needs or the potential at the heart of our community and inspired a plethora of innovative ideas. We are currently working to compile the results of this exercise as well as gathering additional input from more Fernwood residents about their interaction with – and hopes for – the heart of the neighbourhood.

Some comments recorded by workshop participants include: > The square should become a destination; a place to go to, not simply to go through. > Let's make the square more people friendly, with comfortable seating, lighting and greenery. > How about a recycled bicycle sculpture that is really a bike rack adequate to the needs in the square? > The Fernwood and Gladstone intersection is a priority. There are serious pedestrian safety and traffic calming concerns that must be addressed now. > The Fernwood Gladstone intersection needs to be more integrated into the square. We should look at innovative street surfacing and sidewalk measures to achieve that. > People coming along Fernwood Road should be made aware that they are entering the centre of our community some blocks before the Gladstone intersection. Fernwood Road needs a dose of creative transformation. The creative give and take of both forums generated solid groundwork upon which to begin the process of Fernwood Square revitalization. Fernwood NRG has convened an ongoing action group to carry on this important work. The Placemaking Troupe's first order of business has been to organize a screening of Mark Lakeman's, The City Repair Project: Transforming Space Into Place. Please join us at the Cornerstone Café Wednesday, November 14th at 7:00pm to watch this inspirational story of urban activism in Portland, Oregan and to begin discussing how we might implement more resident-driven solutions in Fernwood. We’d also like to hear from other residents in addition to those already involved. Here are the questions Heike used to spur dialogue about the four areas that we defined as constituting the Centre of Fernwood: The Square, Gladstone east of the square to the end of the Cornerstone building, Fernwood Road north of the square to the Vic High Field, and Fernwood Road south of the Square to the end of the brick buildings (See map). 1. What do you like most about this area? 2. What don’t you like about this area? Please explain. 3. What major changes do you feel would have the biggest impact? 4. What low cost changes would you make in the short term? 5. Which local partnerships, funding or local talent can you identify that could help implement improvements? 6. Other comments? If you’d like to give input on these questions or are interested in working with the Placemaking Troupe, please send your feedback or contact information to placemaking@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca. Keep your eyes peeled and stay tuned to the Village Vibe for more opportunities to get involved!

Has the fall chill made its way to your bones? Want a hot drink to warm you up?

The Cornerstone Café is now open until 6 pm Warm up and chat with your neighbours. Every penny of profit from the Café goes directly back into neighbourhood programs and services.

Moms market A fresh approach to corner store shopping

Fernwood NRG’s 1st Annual Winter Craft Fair & Bake Sale

fresh produce, rising star breads, fresh juices, organic coffees, island farms dairy products, soy and rice milks, organic milks, yves veggie products, frozen foods, ice-cream treats, coca-cola beverages, the best penny candies around!

Saturday December 1st 11am – 3pm All donations go to Fernwood’s Parent & Tot Program

1358 Gladstone at Stanley

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

VillageVibe

and making place 17 September 2007 Dear Mayor and Council On Saturday September 8th I participated in a Fernwood Neighbourhood Forum hosted by Fernwood NRG. The purpose of the forum was to bring together Fernwood residents to discuss and assess the changes that have taken place in Fernwood in the last few years and to ask, “Where do we go from here?” Incidentally, this forum also provided an opportunity for members of the board of Fernwood NRG and the FCA to come together in an informal setting and to move from positions to interests in the service of neighbourhood. As Chair of the Board of Directors of Fernwood NRG, I feel it is my responsibility to appeal to you on behalf Fernwoodians and to ask for the City’s assistance with the mandate that has been given to us by Fernwood residents. Forum participants raised three key concerns that we feel the City could play a role in remediating: 1. On Fernwood Road between Hillside and Fort, the speed limit fluctuates between 30km/h and 50km/h, which encourages the use of Fernwood Road as a thoroughfare. In the interests of pedestrian safety and resident well-being, Fernwood NRG and the FCA request that the City set the speed limit of the entirety of Fernwood Road at 30km/h. 2. Related to the first issue, residents expressed a more specific concern regarding the safety of pedestrians crossing Fernwood Road at Denman St., Grant St., and Gladstone Ave. The latter intersection is of particular concern. The revitalization of Fernwood’s core has resulted in an increase in pedestrian traffic at the intersection of Fernwood and Gladstone. On September 22nd Fernwood NRG is hosting a Placemaking Workshop to address Fernwood Square and surrounding area. Fernwood NRG and the FCA request that the City consider resident-driven solutions to the these traffic challenges and that the City work with the neighbourhood in creating traffic calming solutions at the aforementioned intersections. 3. Unlike most other neighbourhoods in the city, Fernwood has of late experienced an increase in incidents of “freecyling” where old couches, mattresses, and other large items are left on curbs and in public places around the neighbourhood. Fernwood NRG and the FCA request that the City work closely with the neighbourhood in developing a plan to remove these items in a timely manner and to discourage the dumping of such items in Fernwood. Thank you for your continued commitment to our neighbourhood. Sincerely,

Lisa Helps Chair, Fernwood NRG Board of Directors

The exercise provided a whole new way of looking at a place we all thought we were very familiar with.

Meet your MP and MLA Cornerstone Café 1301 Gladstone Ave. Saturday, November 10th, 10am to Noon Drop by, grab a coffee, and have a chat with Victoria-Hillside MLA Rob Fleming and Denise Savoie, Victoria MP. Denise and Rob want to hear what’s on your mind. For more info call Denise Savoie’s office at 363-3600 or Rob Fleming’s office at 360-2023.

VillageVibe

November 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 5

Rhododendrons: burst of colour

Photo: Margaret Hantiuk

gleanings :

>> by Margaret Hantiuk

Photos: Pete Rockwell

Neighbourhood living room

Many of us are familiar with this evergreen shrub seen in so many Victoria gardens. The good news is they are easy to grow when placed correctly and cared for properly. Rhodos (as they are commonly called) come in many sizes and colours of bloom, though most are in the white to pink to red range. Azaleas are actually in this family but are a little different: they generally take more sun where rhodos prefer light shade, and many azaleas are deciduous, with very fragrant, smaller and more vivid flower colors including warm yellows, hot oranges and corals. Azaleas usually grow slower and are smaller. Besides providing light shade, especially from midday sun, there are two growing conditions that must be met for rhodos to flourish. One is that their natural habitat (in Asia for the most part) is opposite to our climate in rain patterns: while we have rainy winters and dry summers, they have rainy summers and dry winters. To compensate, we must regularly water our rhodos in the dry summer months and we must provide excellent drainage so that they will survive our rainy winters. This leads to the second requirement: well-drained and acidic soil. If your soil is heavy with clay, it is better to dress the soil with compost and bark mulch, which is acidic. Then plant your rhodos close to the surface with the soil mix placed lightly over the roots. While they must be planted well enough to withstand our winds, they do like their roots near the surface in light soil, as they grow naturally on mountainsides where there is little soil and excellent drainage because of the rocky grades. Never dump huge piles of compost over the roots; it’s better to put it under while planting and place

bark mulch on the periphery. In addition, let the leaf litter that drops stay as a light mulch. Planting is best in fall or early winter. Now is a great time to plant rhodos! Remember to not plant or dig right under these shrubs, as you will damage their surface roots. Also, because of their shallow roots, they can be easily moved in fall and winter. Although they are hardy, it is advisable to not plant in a frost hollow and also to give them some winter wind shelter to minimize leaf damage. These shrubs are a backbone for the garden, and can add a distinctly Asian look. They are spring bloomers, for the most part, with huge trusses of gorgeous flowers. Generally, the larger the leaf, the more shade that is required. Some rhodos have a lovely, cinnamon brown felt on the undersides of their leaves. It pays to read the labels or do your research to determine the ultimate size, as the size range is huge and they need adequate room to look good. Pruning is easy and helps to keep some rhodos from becoming leggy. It is best to prune young plants to force more leaf buds. If you have the time, rhodos will look tidier and be more vigorous if you dead head the spent flowers, but do be careful while doing this as you must not snap off next years’ two little buds beneath each of the finished flowers. There are several beautiful public gardens close by that have rhodo collections: the Abkhazi Garden at 1964 Fairfield, the Winter Garden at Glendale Garden (formerly the Horticultural Center of the Pacific) on Quayle Rd. in Saanich, and Finnerty Gardens at the south end of UVic campus. The last is free and open all the time. Check the times for the others. Here is a local website as well: www.victoriarhodo.ca

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Who says trains are for kids? Fernwood resident

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Terry Wilson certainly doesn’t think so. One sunny Sunday in October, Terry set up his meticulously crafted train set in the Cornerstone CafÊ for all to see ‌ and play with. Local photographer Pete Rockwell

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spontaneous afternoon happening at the CafÊ, which is fast becoming like the neighbourhood’s living room. The great thing about the Cornerstone is that you never know what you’ll encounter there from afternoons of live music to an ever-changing exhibit of made-inFernwood art to evening readings by local writers.

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

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VillageVibe

Carving away at the heart of Fernwood

Photo: Aaron Ellingsen

faces :

>> by Aaron Ellingsen When I met Earl Lace, he was hard at work at the Fernwood Inn, where he has been living and taking care of things since before it re-opened. He worked on the renovations, enjoys the space, and has no plans to move on. Earl tells me that he drove into Victoria 20 years ago, in early October of 1987, for a friend’s memorial service. He’d planned to help his buddy Bruce move into an apartment in Esquimalt, hang out for a few days, then carry on. But he says that as he helped Bruce move in, “there was a guy in the window next door carving – actually he was adzing. His arm was moving up and down really fast, and I just couldn’t figure out what he was doing. So of course I had to find out. I went knocking on his door, and he invited us in.” It was renowned carver Pat Amos, and the meeting was formative for Earl. Pat’s place was a creative chaos. Earl describes the scene: “When I walked in, I looked over at the kitchen. The place was covered in woodchips. There was wood and feathers and kids and cats everywhere ... There were three TVs and five couches, and different shows on each TV. “I looked over at the kitchen, and there was a wolf headdress …When I saw, it I said to myself: ‘That’s me. That’s it. That’s all I want to do with the rest of my life.’” Earl says he fell into a pattern of “carving every day

– actually, I wasn’t carving. I was helping a carver. But I loved it right off the top. About a month and a half into it I met Pat’s stepfather Tim Paul. They took me on. They said, ‘Earl, we’ve noticed that you’ve taken on a real liking for the carving and the culture. If you like, we’ll take you on for a three-year apprenticeship.’” Earl found himself at the centre of a local carving community including Pat, Tim, Gene Brabant, and others. The group worked and played constantly and furiously.

Strong, simple lines and stylized figures belie a designed-in complexity. It is a well-storied mask. Earl remembers frenzied activity, constant carving, people coming and going, partying and moving: “About three months down the road we got evicted. We probably lived in 13 places over those 12 months. It was wild.” “One day Pat said: ‘You’re good enough. You’ve learned what most people should learn in three years in a year.

Health

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“What is important in health and healing for you?” “What do you see as the challenges in our current model of health programs and services?” “What are the solutions?” “What is your vision for a community health co-operative?” Lively discussion continued as the larger group reconvened later in the evening. Topics covered included everything from the co-operative structure, the logistics of co-op operation, and the facility location. One person suggested having a virtual co-op rather than base it in one facility! An important topic of conversation was what services could be offered and their relationship to existing services.

VillageVibe

There’s the door. It’s time for you to spread your wings.’ “And I did. I did a lot of travelling. I carved every day – 12, 16, 18 hours a day. All I did was carve, carve, carve. Five years passed, then ten years….” Just before he sat down to speak with me, Earl ran downstairs and grabbed a mostly-complete eagle mask. The carving is finished, and the painting well underway: intense blues, yellows, reds, white, and black. The eagle is a composite: male and female eagles, a mixed-breed human, Tsonoqua (the wild woman and baby eater), a salmon, killer whales, fire snake, and raven all figure in the completed mask. Strong, simple lines and stylized figures belie a designed-in complexity. It is a wellstoried mask. Earl tells me that his carving has taken him “to a lot of remote places, meeting artists, getting ideas – a vision.” All his pieces are his own designs, although they show the influences of the carvers he has known and worked with: Gene Brabant, Kevin Cranmer, Tony Hunt, Art Thompson, and others. He’s been carving everything from talking sticks to rattles, masks, and totem poles for two decades. His work can be found in local galleries, and in museums and private collections around the world. Current projects include a Raven mask, talking sticks, a killer whale pod table, and a frog moon hawkman mask memorial to Fernwood activist Roger Colwill. Like his work, Earl is a many-storied man. If you’d like to see his carvings or inquire about commissions you can find him at the Fernwood Inn. You probably won’t find any cats, but look out for the couches, maybe the odd child, a feather or two and the TVs. You’ll find Earl in the piles of woodchips.

While the concerns, thoughts, and recommendations ranged far and wide, the group shared an obvious enthusiasm for the co-operative model of health care provision. It was clear that a community of shared interests was forming and that as people continued to communicate, the shared vision would continue to emerge. The group agreed to “dream big and start small” and to go from there. This was one in a series of Community Forums planned by the Steering Committee. For further information on coming Forums and the Community Health Care Co-operative itself, take a look at the Co-op Blog at http://victoria-health-coop.blogspot.com or contact the Committee at communityhealthcoop@ gmail.com. Also, stay turned to the Village Vibe for continuing coverage on this emerging and emergent community initiative.

November 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 7

what’s on in Fernwood Nov 2007

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Art, Theatre, and Entertainment Bohemian Open Mic at Cornerstone Café. Saturdays. 8-11pm. Feature performer at 10pm. 1301 Gladstone Ave. Hosted by James Kasper. Everyone welcome! FREE! Live Music at Fernwood Inn. 5 nights per week, including open mic Thursdays. 8:30-11:30pm. 1302 Gladstone Ave. 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. FAST Exhibition. Art exhibit by members of the Fernwood Artists Studio Tour Group. Continues to Nov 11th Fernwood Inn and the Cornerstone Café. Fernwood at Gladstone. For info contact Anne Hoban ahoban@shaw.ca. Belfry Theatre. HOCKEY MOM HOCKEY DAD by Michael Melski. Oct 23-Nov 4. Belfry Arts Centre Studio. GLORIOUS by Peter Quilter. Nov 6-Dec 9 Season tickets still on sale. For info contact Belfry Box Office at 385-6815 or www.belfry.bc.ca Theatre Inconnu. POSSESSIONS by Kevin Land. Oct 17-Nov 3. 1923 Fernwood Rd. For info contact 360-0234 or tinconnu@ islandnet.com. Metro Theatre. Suddenly Dance Theatre presents ROMP! – A FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENT DANCE Nov 1-4 Canadian College of Performing Arts presents CITY OF ANGELS Nov 9-10 For info www.metrostudiotheatre.com/ events.html#header. 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. Call for Submissions. Fernwood musicians and poets to be featured on our 3rd Fernwood CD! For info contact james@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca.

Kids & Families Community Family Day. Family-directed and facilitated programming. Mondays 9:30-11:30am. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. FREE! Parent and Tot Playgroup. Snacks/Crafts/Circle Time. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-11:30am. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $1 per family. Rhythm Circle Time. Tuesdays 3-4pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. Drop in. 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). Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Course. Sponsored by Fernwood NRG. Thursdays.1:30-3:30pm. 6 sessions. Oct 4 to Nov 8. Cook and Pembroke Health Unit. 1947 Cook St. Childcare provided. To register contact Shelley at 381-1552 ext 132 or shelley@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca. FREE!

Youth, Adults & Seniors Indoor Soccer. Drop-in Co-ed Adult (18+). Mondays 8:45-10:45pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $3.** Floorhockey. Drop-in Co-ed Adult (18+). Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-9:30pm. Saturdays 2-4:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $4, or get a punchcard: $40/11 sessions.** **We accept Sports Trader Bucks and Canadian Tire Money at face value! Internet and Computer Access. Complete your one-time registration and then get online through the Community Access Program. Monday to Friday 9:30am-5pm. Fernwood Community Centre Community Room. FREE! Falun Gong. Peaceful meditation practice. All welcome! Wednesdays 5-7pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. FREE! Fernwood Autumn Glow. 55+. Gentle exercise, lunch and activities. Fridays 11am. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. $5.50 for lunch. Ear Acupuncture. Treatments 15-20 min. Nov 7 and 21 (1st and 3rd Wednesdays every month).

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

Special Events Fernwood Pocket Market. Local organic produce and baked goods. Tuesdays 5-8pm. Fernwood Square. Fernwood at Gladstone. THE 100 Mile Diet Lecture Series with Sharon Rempel. Wed, Nov. 7: “Bringing Culture back to Agriculture” Wed, Nov. 14: “Re/Creating ‘Old Wives’ Wisdom for Safe Food and Healthy Families” Royal Roads University. Register by phone at 391-2600 ext 4801, email continuingstudies@royalroads.ca or online www.royalroads.ca/continuingstudies. $15.00 + GST per lecture. Fernwood’s Outrageous Recycling Day. Bring your plastics, styrofoam packing and food trays, electronics and foillined coffee bags. But PLEASE make sure it’s clean. Nov 10 (2nd Sat every month). 10am-1pm. Back of Fernwood Community Centre. By donation. Green Drinks. An inclusive gathering of the sustainability minded for refreshments and conversation. Tues, Nov 13. 57pm. The Canoe Brewpub, Marina and Restaurant, 450 Swift St. Claiming Space and Making Place. Fernwood NRG hosts screening of Mark Lakeman’s “The City Repair Project: Transforming Space Into Place.” Discussion of resident driven solutions to revitalize Fernwood Square. Wed, Nov 14. 7pm. Cornerstone Café. 1301 Gladstone. FREE! Conference: Water – Ours to Protect. Conservation/governance/watersheds/ privatization/sustainable sewage treatment/groundwater and more. Speakers include: Vicky Husband, Rod Dobell, Ian Graeme and Stephen Salter. Sat, Nov 17. 9am-4pm. St. Aidan’s Church 1468 Ryan St. Register by phone at 380-1197, email gvwwc@shaw.ca or online www. greatervictoriawaterwatchcoalition.ca. FREE! Fernwood NRG Food Security Collective. All welcome! Tues, Nov 20. 7-9pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. Fernwood Sharing Gardens. Have a garden, but no time?

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villagevibe Published by Fernwood NRG (Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group) 1240 Gladstone Street Victoria, BC V8T 1G6 T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509 villagevibe@fernwood neighbourhood.ca www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca Editor: Lisa Helps Assistant Editors: Aaron Ellingsen Trish Richards Photographer: Veronique da Silva Contributors: Aaron Ellingsen Maureen Foxgord Margaret Hantiuk Anne Hoban Joseph Avi Lambert Roberta Martell Trish Richards The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of the Fernwood NRG.

Have time, but no garden? Contact Rainey at 380-5055 or foodsecurity@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca. Introduction to the Music Business. Presented by Vancouver Island Music Awards. Learn about the ins and outs and dos and don’ts of the music business for independent artists: building a promotional kit, recording your first CD, booking performances, talking to the media, career direction and more. Sun, Nov 25. 4-6pm, Fernwood Community Centre. $20. Fernwood NRG’s 1st Annual Winter Craft Fair and Bake Sale. Sat, Dec 1. 11am-3pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. Admission by donation (donations go to Fernwood’s Parent and Tot Program). For info or to book a table contact Shelley at 381-1552 ext 132 or shelley@ fernwoodneighbourhood.ca. Green Lunches and Fernwood Business Network. Green Lunches and Fernwood Business Network meetings at the Fernwood Inn postponed until further notice.

Christmas is Coming! Book Your Staff or Family Functions with us in our private Dining Room. Custom menus and Entertainment Available. Children Welcome

Under new ownership! Page 8 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | November 2007

1302 Gladstone

412-2001

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