Village Vibe
news and views from the heart of Fernwood
www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca
september 2005
Fernwood residents encounter public space Sunday August 28th at a street party to celebrate our newest neighbourhood asset - the Cornerstone. Led by a roller blading bee, a suitclad insect, and a dancing chicken, a children’s bike parade wended its way through the streets. Hot local music and two smoking barbeques kept the rain away for the better part of the afternoon. The street party rounded off the weekend-long Fernfest , a celebration of all things Fernwood hosted by the Fernwood Community Centre. From the Victoria Fire Department’s challenging obstacle course, to the beer garden, to the senior’s tea, there was fun for all, from the very young to the young at heart. For more on Fernfest and hot pics of the Cornerstone see inside.
Neighbourhood Imagination Captured by the Cornerstone Sponsor’s Corner *The Ministry of Children and Family Development *The Belfry *Ralmax *The Future Shop *Phillips Brewery *Glen Mitchell *Meadowvale Developments *Garde Collins *Chapman’s Ice Cream *the Victoria Fire Department *the Thin Edge *Hernandez
Overwhelming support from Fernwood residents has been the heartening theme of August! To date, with only three work (read fun) parties, one Belfry fund raising event and nearly four weeks under our ownership (read tool) belts, we have already logged over 2000 hours of volunteer labour, received over $12,000 in cost-free services, and Fernwood residents alone have contributed over $8,000 to renovate the heart of our community. Buy it, and they will come! The board, staff and volunteers of the Community Centre just want to say thank you one and all! We risked big, and we knew that as a neighbourhood, Fernwood would pull together, and we have! To date, we’ve cleaned up the entire bottom floor, almost complet-
ed renovations of the Corner suite, have begun negotiations with businesses that align with the desires expressed in a number of neighbourhood resident’s surveys, have begun the capital and monthly donations fund raising campaign, done a HUGE media blitz (we’ve found the Cornerstone story in places like the Business Examiner no less!) organized three work parties - including getting donations of safety gear - gutted the upstairs, and have just as of today (August 30th) received plans and elevations to submit to the City as drawn and donated by Garde Collins. Yikes! Throw into the mix that we are still cleaning up from the largest, most successful Fernfest EVER, and have continued on page 2
Village Vibe Fernwood Community Centre Society Declaration of Principles and Values 1. WE are committed to creating a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable neighbourhood; 2. WE are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood institutions and assets; 3. WE are committed to using our resources prudently and to becoming financially self-reliant; 4. WE are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment; 5. WE are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them; 6. WE are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives; 7. WE are committed to governing our organization and serving our neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity, and kindness; 8. WE are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self-worth, and excellence of our neighbours and ourselves; 9. WE are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our neighbourhood's heritage and diversity; 10. WE are committed to creating neighbourhood places that are vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and alive; 11. AND, most of all, WE are committed to having fun!
Village Vibe Volunteer Team Thanks to: Lenore Rankin, Roberta Martell, Dave Kesson, Tania Wegwitz, Margaret Hantiuk, Paula Debeck, Susan Salvati, Lisa Helps, the Garth Homer Society, Ron Spence, Anne Murphy, Lyn Schofield, Trish Richards, Patty Loveridge
To subscribe, contact, submit to or advertise in the Vibe, head to www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca /vibe or email villagevibe@fernwood neighbourhood.ca
2
Neighbhourhood Imagination
continued from page 1
just launched the second ‘It Came From Fernwood CD’ of neighbourhood musicians titled ‘Fernwood Rising’. We’ve got a village on the move! Jane Goodall’s question is, “Are we or are we not prepared to buy the future for our Grandchildren?” Fernwood’s response is, “Yes! Despite all the hype, we’re still just a small group of residents trying to make this small Fernwoodian corner of the planet a little bit better. So please, any and all one-time or monthly donations are greatly appreciated! To become a village building volunteer and/or a Cornerstone contributor, go to www.fernwoodneighbour-
hood.ca. Watch for work party schedules, business updates, and expect to see goods and services back in the heart of the neighbourhood before the year is out!
The 1400 block of Vining Street issues a Cornerstone challenge. On August 20th they raised $600 at a street party and garage sale. And your block?
City Snippets Helen Hughes Volunteers at the Cornerstone: City Councillor Helen Hughes donated her time to Fernwood Saturday August 13th at the second Cornerstone work party. Armed with rubber gloves and a crowbar she fastidiously pulled nails from the soon-to-be restored fir floors. You’ve got our vote! Presentation to Council: FCCS staff and Board made presentations to City Council on July 23rd and August 11th to give them the heads up on number of neighbourhood initiatives underway. (Council cheered when Executive Director Roberta Martell let them know that a group of Fernwoodians was there to talk about something positive). The group presented Fernwood Council liaison Dean Fortin with a Fernwood Flag to thank him for his work in the neighbourhood. Rec Renewal: The FCCS Board of Directors met with City of Victoria staff in early July to hear the results of the consultation process to date
and provide further input. We await word from the city re. their plans for the project. New Art Programs: The City launched two new arts programs supported by Cultural Capitals of Canada: an Artist-in-Residence program and a Community Public Art Program. For more information and application forms, head to www.city.victoria.bc.ca/cityhall/dep artments_comdev_ccc.shtml Storm Water Quality Guidelines: The City has adopted new regulatory measures to prevent chemicals and contaminants from entering the stormwater system. The five new codes of practice apply to construction and development activities, automotive and parking lot operations, recreation facilities, outdoor storage yard and recycling operations. Fernwood residents can check www.restorerockbay.com to take their own pledge to keep our neighbourhood storm water clean as it flows into Rock Bay.
Fernwoodstock Celebrates All Things Fernwood boundaries of the 9:00pm cut off time. No one seemed to want to leave just as the party was getting started. Saturday morning activities got underway around 11:00am. Children had the opportunity to dabble in fire fighting in a Victoria Fire Department obstacle course - winding through the pylons to spray water Situated in the centre of the action Victoria on the imaginarily burning seniors take their afternoon tea at Fernfest. basketball standard and rescue the baby from the imaginary house. We all know that Fernwood rocks at The children’s biggest audience the best of times. And, the weekend of August 26-28 Fernwood resi- and greatest fans were the seniors. dents really rocked out and celebrat- Situated at the centre of the action ed all things Fernwood at the tenth they sipped tea, had lunch and annual Fernfest, dubbed this year watched the kids on the court. Inside the gym a giant whale had Fernwoodstock. taken over. At least 40 feet in length Hosted by the Fernwood the beluga was jumped, stepped, slid Community Centre, the weekendlong event kicked off Friday evening and maybe even danced upon by with beer, pizza, and live tunes - what Fernwood youngsters (and some not better way to spend a late-August so youngsters too). Crafters, artists, and community evening? Residents danced to the service groups set up around the cover tunes of Kooler who played a field peddled their wares, chatted three hour long set and pushed the
Community Art Project participants paint their hopes, dreams, and imaginings for Fernwood on wooden bubbles of hope. The artwork will be permanently posted on fences at the Centre. news and views from the heart of Fernwood
Cornerstone and Fernfest volunteers, “the wreckers” warm up the stage for the weekend acts Friday afternoon. with friends and neighbours and took in the scene. They were accompanied by live local music all afternoon and into the evening and occasional enthusiastic hoots and hollers from the beer garden. A big thank you to all the volunteers who made the weekend possible, and fun too! If you enjoyed the music you heard at Fernfest it can be yours for the small price of $10. For a copy of Fernwood Rising drop by the Community Centre at 1240 Gladstone.
Residents congregate, relax and bust a move too on sunny Saturday August 27th at Fernwoodstock.
3
T u r n i n g
t h e
C o r n er
With the Tuesday night market bustling in the background another enthusiastic Fernwood resident signs up to volunteer at the Cornerstone.
Work party volunteer holds one of many treasures found beneath the layers in the historic Cornerstone building.
.
.
.
Public spaces of encounter emerge at the Cornerstone as Fernwood residents drop by for a bite to eat, a boogie in the street, and an opportunity to connect with friends and neighbours, old and new.
Executive Director of the Fernwood Community Centre Society Roberta Martell and Lee Herrin, Chair of the Board of Directors, cart out an old bowl at Cornerstone work party August 20th.
Captured from all angles, Mayor Lowe enters the Cornerstone August 3rd when the Community Centre takes possesion. “Well Roberta,” he declares, “looks like you folks have got yourselves quite the fixer upper.” Cornerstone volunteers kick back and enjoy a cold one after filling the first of three 30 yard dumpsters.
4
Village Vibe
Into
the
news and views from the heart of Fernwood
Future
5
Please support the Re-Creation of Fernwood Neighbourhood Help restore the ‘Cornerstone’ –a historic building in the heart of our village I want to support the Re-Creation of Fernwood
I would like to join the Village Builders Club and
Village. I wish to make an immediate gift of:
make pre-authorized monthly gifts of:
$15 $25 $50 $100 $other________
$10 $20 $50 $100 $other________
And/Or
*Tax receipts for one-time donations will be issued at time gift is made. Registered Charity # S-0014959
*I understand that I can change or cancel my gift at anytime by notifying the Fernwood Community Centre Society. Tax receipts issued at year-end.
If every family in Fernwood donates just $10 a month, building renovations could be completed in one year! I would like to pay by: Cheque (Payable to the Fernwood Community Centre Society)
Chequing Account (I authorize the Fernwood Community Centre Society to withdraw the amount indicated above on the 15th of each month. I‘ve enclosed a blank cheque marked void or 12 post-dated cheques.)
Credit Card (I authorize the Fernwood Community Centre Society to withdraw the amount indicated above)
Visa
Mastercard
Expiry Date: ______ /______
Card #: _________________________ Signature: __________________________ Other ways to get involved: I would like to co-own the neighbourhood ‘Cornerstone’ building by becoming a Fernwood Community Centre Society member for $1 Add me to your Village Vibe monthly e-newsletter list for project updates I would like to donate goods or services (tax receipt available) Please contact me about potential sponsorship opportunities I want to volunteer to renovate the building Please contact me about leasing opportunities Name(s): _______________________________________ Address:___________________________________________
The Cornerstone at 1301Gladstone
Postal Code:_____________________ Phone#___________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________
www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca
Fernwood Community Centre Society 1240 Gladstone, Victoria, BC V8T 1G6
Tel. 250-381-1552
Fernwood Granny Knows What to Do
by Susan Salvati
Gwendolyn Atkinson is new to Fernwood, but she is well known around the Community Centre. Speaking with her for just a short while, I can tell why. Gwendolyn’s smooth skin and sparkling eyes belie her seventy years. She appears energetic and it is energy she needs. Gwendolyn is “Granny” to three young children with special needs, two of whom attend programs at the Fernwood Community Centre. The story of how this came to be takes us down a curvy road. Gwendolyn began fostering children in Nova Scotia in 1967, in addition to having five children of her own. She hasn’t stopped since. Today she has permanent custody of a girl and a boy and has adopted a third little girl. Together they share a two-bedroom apartment. “We have a small place, but there’s a lot of love. They love their Granny.” Children have always been a part of Gwendolyn’s life. She is the second oldest of nine children and tells me emphatically that she loves children. “There are lots of children who don’t have homes and someone to comfort them. Every time I see a child
that looks so sad, I want to take it.” Given that her children have special needs, I asked if Gwendolyn ever feels the need for support. She tells me that she can’t learn from the book. Her wisdom and common sense come through strongly as she says, with arms outstretched, “It just comes natural.” Though the Ministry of Children and Families offers her respite, she doesn’t want it. “I’m so close to my
Gwendolyn Atkinson - Fernwood Resident, Granny Extraordinaire and Cornerstone Supporter
children, I worry about (them) when they’re out of my sight, and I don’t want respite,” she says. Given the unique challenges her children face in their lives, I ask her whether she worries about the future. Her faith in her children and her efforts is clear. She tells me that there’s nothing she can do but her best. She hopes that they will grow to be respectful and honest, and get a good education and a good job. “What else is there?” she asks. “I have three good kids,” Gwendolyn says, “It’s the way you bring them up and talk to them and teach them right from wrong.” Gwendolyn concludes our conversation by telling me that in Halifax her neighbours used to call her “The Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe.” Like her namesake, she does have many children, but this woman knows what to do. She considers it her duty to look after them, to give them love and care and do things for them. With a wide smile she says, “I’m sure they’re going to make it.” With Gwendolyn standing behind them, I’m convinced they will too.
Calling All Vic High Writers, Artists, Cartoonists, Journalists, Photographers - the Village Vibe needs you. Maximize your exposure for no extra work - we’ll give you an A. Submit all original works to the Vibe at villagevibe@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca. The next deadline is September 21, 2005.
6
Village Vibe
by Trish Richards
Chambers: A Watched Block
The inaugural meeting of Chambers Street Block Watch was held at the FCC on Thursday July 7th. Chambers St. residents between Pembroke and North Park gathered en masse to pick up information packages about the Block Watch program and meet their neighbours. The feature presentation was an informative talk by Corporal Laurie Cardiff of the Victoria Police Reserves and her able assistant, Kyle Sims. Judging from the quantity of coffee and cookies consumed, everyone found the meeting useful and highly enjoyable! Step two of establishing the
Watched Block is currently in the works. Official Block Watch signs will soon be erected on Chambers Street and the information network should be up and running by month's end. Also of note: the evening witnessed a made-in-Fernwood inspiration. All participants received homemade Block Watch fridge magnets containing contact information with the names and phone numbers of the Chambers Street Captains. Rumour has it that these may be adopted by the city-wide program in the not too distant future! Thanks go to Corporal Cardiff and Kyle Sims for their assistance, to
Blanche Black for her scrumptious cookies, and to the Chambers St. residents for being there! Chambers Street is on the move. How about your block??? Block Watch fans will have noticed that the Block Watch information booth was missing at Fernfest. This was due to unforseen circumstances beyond our control. Our apologies to those who kindly came out to volunteer at the booth. To waiting with baited breath for Block Watch information, please keep tuned to the Villabe Vibe for upcoming events. We assure you the Fernwood Blockwatch initiative is alive and well!
Putting the Spring Back in Spring Ridge by Tania Wegwitz "I've never had a duster yet," said Fernwood resident Ron Welch as he stepped back and eyed his collection of pipes, gears, motors and winches working to seek water in a corner of Stevenson Park. A veteran well douser and driller, 85-year-old Welch was working on his highest-profile project yet: creating a new community well by tapping into the historic springs that were Victoria's first source of water and which gave Spring Ridge its name. Fellow residents and Community Well Project and Parks Upgrade Committee members Bill Goers and Todd Doherty were on hand to help. Just after 11:00 am and at only 13 feet below the surface, the team hit water before a crowd of about twenty community well-wishers. The three spent the rest of the weekend on July 23rd and 24th sinking pipes and capping the new well. A culmination of many years' work, the new well will be the crowning centrepiece of recent improvements made to Stevenson Park through the
efforts of the Fernwood Parks Upgrade Committee. The Committee is made up of representatives from the City of Victoria, Fernwood Community Association (FCA), Fernwood Community Centre Society (FCCS), and neighbourhood residents. Donations from the Cook Street Do It Centre, Andrew Sheret, and Victoria Landscape Gravel Mart made the well project possible. "And the staff at the City of Victoria's Parks Department were really helpful and were great to work with on this," said Doherty. FCA President Joanne Murray said that after the well is capped, the next phase in September or October will be to install a hand pump and artful spillway for the water. Other Stevenson Park work in the months ahead will include installing a water-themed mosaic in the bench near the park's arbour. As FCCS Director and Parks Committee member Margaret Hantiuk summed it up: "Linked by the theme of the historic
news and views from the heart of Fernwood
spring at our source, all of these projects work together to bring beauty to our neighbourhood and remind us of our roots." Have an idea for what the Community Well hand pump and art installation might look like? Submit your ideas to FCA and FCCS Parks Committee members by clicking on to the form at www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca/environment.
Fernwood dowser Ron Welch with able assistant Bill Goers drill for water in Stevenson park on Saturday, July 23rd. 7
Fernwood What’s On: September 2005 A monthly roundup of neighbourhood shindigs. Head to www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca/events for more listings or to submit your event. 1 Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat
5 Mon 6 Tue
7 Wed
10 Sat
Parent & Tot Playgroup: FCC Gym, 9:30am - 11:30am, $1.00 per family, snacks provided. {+ ongoing Tue & Thu} Fernwood Autumn Glow (55+): Gentle exercise, lunch & activities; FCC, 11:00am, $5.50 for lunch. (+ ongoing Fri) Mother Goose Circle Time Drop In: Songs, rhymes & stories; FCC Infant & Toddler Centre, 11:30am 12:30pm, $2 (+ Sep 17) Next registered class starts Oct. 15. Call Lyn at 381-1552 for details. Labour Day: FCC Closed. (Barbecue a hotdog for us, eh) Drop-in Floorhockey: Co-ed Adult (18+), all equipment provided. FCC Gym, 6:30pm - 8:00pm, $3. [+ ongoing Tue & Thu] Victoria Bluegrass Concert: Foggy Hogtown Boys, Orange Hall, Doors 7:30pm, $15 members, $20 nonmembers. Holistic Health & Healing: Qi Gong exercises and meditation; FCC, 10:00–11:30am, Free! [+ ongoing Wed) Falun Gong: Peaceful meditation practice. FCC, 5:00pm – 7:00pm, everyone welcome, Free! (+ ongoing Wed) Fernwood Neighbourhood Revitalization Group. Join others actively working to make Fernwood even more vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and alive. FCC, 7:30pm, Free! Cornerstone Work Party: Help restore the heritage building at 1301 Gladstone, our neighbourhood’s newest asset. Wear close-toed shoes. 9:00am – 4:00pm, Lunch provided, sense of accomplishment is free. (+ ongoing Sat) Total Plastics Recycling Day: Back of FCC 10am - Noon. Composting Basics Workshop: Compost Ed. Centre, 11:00am – 1:00pm, Free! Compost Club Lecture: Using Weeds & Herbs for Healing: Compost Ed. Centre, 2:00pm – 4:00pm, members free, non-members $10.
the Blue Fox Cafe Breakfast all Day - In a Big Way organic coffee homemade pies 101-919 Fort St fresh baked bread local ingredients 380-1683
Drop in to the Community Drumming Cirle. Tuesdays September 6, 13, 20 & 27. 7 - 8:30pm. Admission by donation. All ages welcome. Email casahaywire@shaw.ca Village Vibe
12 Mon
13 Tue
14 Wed
16 Fri – 18 Sun
Community Rhythm Circle: Join Barry (Bazza) Hayward for a unique family friendly rhythm experience. Bring any hand drums or percussion instruments. FCC, 7:00pm 8:30pm, by donation, proceeds to FCC (+ ongoing Mon) Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program Workshop: Individual & Family Preparedness. Burnside Gorge Centre, 484 Cecelia Road 7:00 - 8:30pm, Free! Hatha Yoga: For beginners and intermediates. Mats provided or bring your own. FCC, 7:30am – 8:30am, $18 for three classes (+ ongoing Tue) Girl in the Goldfish Bowl: Charming and quirky award winner. The Belfry, Tickets: 385-6815. Show continues to Oct 9. Victoria Bluegrass Assoc. Jam: Orange Hall, 7:30 10:30pm, $2 to play, free to listen. (+ Sep. 20) Puddle Jumpers Preschool Open House: Parents can view the classroom, meet the teacher and reserve spaces for classes starting September 19, 2005. George Jay Elementary School Room 107, 5:30pm 6:30pm, Free. Call Lyn at 381-1552 for more information on this and other FCCS Childcare programs. Kindercare and Out-of-School care spaces also currently available for September. Compost Educator Volunteer Training Program: Compost Ed. Centre. Fri 6:00pm-9:00pm, Sat & Sun 10:00am – 5:00pm. Pre-register at 386-WORM.
19 Mon 24 Sat
Pro D Day – Vic High Students Sleep In Gardening Without Pesticides Workshop: Know Your Soil. Compost Ed. Centre, 2:00pm – 4:00pm, members $9, non-members $10. Garage Sale, Salmon BBQ and Movie: FCC Garage Sale 9:00am – 4:00pm, BBQ 4:30 – 6:30, Movie 6:30 – 8:30pm. Garage Sale Tables, $10 for one, $15 for two. Call the FCC at 381-1552 26 Mon Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program Workshop: Disaster First Aid, Part 1. Learn how to triage and apply first aid. Wear comfy clothes and bring a blanket. Burnside Gorge Centre, 484 Cecelia Road 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Free! (Part 2 on Oct 3) 29 Thurs Vic High Meet the Teacher 7:00pm
FCC Welcome to Fall - Garage Sale, Salmon BBQ and a Flick. Saturday, September 24th. Garage Sale 9:00am - 4:00pm. Salmon BBQ 4:00pm - 6:30pm Movie 6:30 - 8:30pm *Garage sale tables 1 for $10 or 2 for $15. Saturday Plastic Recycling - Second Saturday of Every Month - Bring all those goods that the Blue Box Folks won’t take to the Community Centre. Small donation required. news and views from the heart of Fernwood