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villagevibeMarch 2008 : News and views from the heart of Fernwood
A few of my favourite Fernwood things
>> by James Kaspar
Who 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.
Th e 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 fl oors,
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 fi ery red swirl, constantly moving and shaking and
breaking down walls and bursting out of boxes and
giant cakes. Th e organization has spun its way into
several satellite spaces and has sunk its teeth into a
cornucopia of ambitious ventures.
Th e circular motion of the NRG logo has
continued to spiral its way into the coff ee 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. Th e point
is that there is a new record label in town –
Cornerstone Collective Records. Th e name happens
to abbreviate as CCR, which means that the label’s
theme song could easily become “Down on the
Corner,” re-fi tted as “Down at the Cornerstone.”
Th is label was founded by ten local career-
minded, music business-savvy, community-focused
individuals: Caroline Spence, Pauline Edwards,
Adam Basterfi eld, 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 fi ercely artistic nature of the Fernwood
neighbourhood, the desire to make a much-
needed contribution to the industry component of
Victoria’s music scene, Fern Fest’s 2006 involvement
in Island Music Week, and the idea of off ering
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.” Th e label’s current
projects include creating or improving the artists’
press kits, coordinating events that showcase the
artists, networking with industry professionals,
CDs, swirls, coffee rings What’s in a square?>> by Krizsanta Greco
Aft er being away for two years, I have returned to
fi nd 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.
Th e square is the place!
Th e 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
sunfl ower. Wanting to create a space that encapsulated their
strong community, they reclaimed a public intersection,
slowed traffi c and increased community interaction, with
something beautiful and inspiring. Curious? Google “City
in this issueBluegrass jam Page 3
Feature: Wild women on wheels Page 4
New Common on Haultain St Page 6
– continued on page 7
Ph
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– continued on page 7
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
fi nancially 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!
declaration of principles and values
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.
Th e neighbourhood now has its own record label.
Th at’s right, Cornerstone Collective Records, founded
right here in Fernwood. Th e 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. Th ey are
an inspiration to all to dig up the boulevards and get
planting.
Th ere’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. Th e
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 eff ort 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.
editorial : Fueling the engine
>> by Philip Symons and Caspar Davis
People are worried. “The fabric of our society
is fraying in a variety of ways,” said the 12 Victorians who
comprised Canada’s fi rst Wisdom Council, held in Victoria
in March 2007. “Th ere 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: “Th ings 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 fi rst 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 infl uence 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.
Aft er 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. Th e statement may,
like those of the fi rst two Wisdom Councils, express concern
about what is happening to our world and our society, or it
might be completely diff erent.
A public Information Meeting held at the Fernwood
Inn on Jan. 28th off ered 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.
Th e Victoria Branch of World Federalists, sponsors of the
fi rst 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.
Th is 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.
Page 2 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | March 2008 VillageVibe
>> 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.
Th is month the spotlight is on healthy eating; Dietitians
of Canada has put together the “Dietitians Top 10 List.” Th is
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. Th ere 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 fi rst time or aft er a meal of spaghetti.
Th ese 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.
Ph
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Put the springin your step
Getting a say
VillageVibe March 2008 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 3
views from the street : What do you look forward to the most about the arrival of spring?
(A newcomer to Victoria!) I am looking forward
to seeing the fl owers that I’ve heard so much about!
Th is is a happy time of the year!
(A newcomer to Victoria!) I am looking forward to
the sunlight and to wearing booty shorts!
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!
Community-based acupuncture
Kathleen Cameron Michelle
>> by Christina Chan
In its simplicity, acupuncture is the
insertion of super-fi ne needles into specifi c locations,
manipulating blood and qi (energy) for therapeutic
benefi ts. For many, acupuncture still remains something
mystical and foreign. It is a practice greatly under-
represented and shrouded by skepticism. However,
in countries all over Asia it is a common and widely
accepted form of medical care.
Acupuncture began humbly as a peasant medicine
for the masses. Treatments were simple and numerous
until an ailment was resolved. Th is allowed a practitioner
to give basic treatments to multiple patients. Modern
research has shown that basic but frequent treatments
have the greatest therapeutic benefi ts. Th e North
American approach is vastly diff erent, 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
benefi ts are short term.
What got lost in translation in the journey from
China to North America? Far removed from its
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
off ers basic group treatments with payment on a sliding
scale. Th is clinic is community-run with the majority
of its administration, advertising, and even fundraising
undertaken by its own patients. Th e principle guiding
WCA is that health shouldn’t have a price tag. Th e
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). Th e NADA
protocol (points in the ear) promotes natural healing
and detoxifi cation and decreases stress and anxiety. I
hope to provide simple, cost-eff ective 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.) Th ursdays fr om 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
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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. Th e 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.
Bluegrass jam
Page 4 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | March 2008 VillageVibe
>> by Guy Necologist
On 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. Th e
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.
Th is is Roller Derby. Specifi cally, Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby as it’s
been reborn in the last four years; skater-run leagues of tattooed and attitude-
enhanced 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 fl irtatious, 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 fi rst-aid kit.
Skate fast, turn left , watch out.
Here’s how it works: Th e 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. Th e pack gets a head
start, with the Jammers fi ft een 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.
Th e fi rst 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.
Th e whistle blows, and skaters slide down to their kneepads, laughing from
adrenaline, tighten helmets, pound back water, and adjust fi shnet 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-fi ves 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), fl ashing raised
welts and fi st-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 fl ying. I can’t imagine my life without derby and my
girls now.”
Th e veteran skaters of Th e Victoria Rollergirls started two years ago, under
a series of shift ing team names and re-organizations. Most recently known
as “Th e 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.
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. Th at means the lowest-ranking team in the league this season will
have the fi rst draft picks for next season. Th is 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. Th at means it has to be fair.
“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!”
�
feature : Wild women on wheels
Skater-run leagues of tattooed and attitude-enhanced women aged 20
to 40 in a high-speed combination of extreme sport and martial art
Dean FortinVictoria City Councillor
Working for strong, healthy and sustainable
communities.
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-
9bb9-0000779fd2ac.html
constituency office:970 Blanshard StreetVictoria, BC V8W 2H3
telephone: 363-3600e-mail: [email protected] the web: www.denisesavoie.ca
Denise SavoieMember of Parliament for Victoria
Your voice in OttawaYour voice in Ottawa
VillageVibe March 2008 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 5
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. Th e girls roll down the ramp between the
theatre aisles, whooping like banshees and camping it up, all the while tongue
planted fi rmly in cheek. At the Festival Gala, derby uniforms dominate the
event – and the dance fl oor – to the bemused “what was I thinking” looks of
Festival organizers. Amidst the usual Victoria culture vultures, the Victoria
Rollergirls seem like Amazons; confi dent, bawdy, invincible.
At the Saturday night screening, aft er 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. Th e dynamics of fi nances, 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, raffl e tickets and
pin-up calendars of team members all contribute to off setting 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
fi nal rule-breaking skate down the curving ramp of the Capitol 6 theatre,
screaming a battle cry all the way.
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 fi shnet addiction seem to be the norm.
Could be fi nancially 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. Th e
Victoria Rollergirls are actively recruiting for skaters, referees, scorekeepers,
and helpers.
Ph
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s:
Vér
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Rob Fleming, MLAVictoria - Hillside
1020 Hillside Avenue
250 360.2023 [email protected]
Serving Our Community
Photos above: The wild women on wheels practice weekly right here
in Fernwood at the Fernwood Community Centre.
Page 6 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | March 2008 VillageVibe
>> 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. Th ey 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 oft en in densely populated urban centers, they seem
spacious. Th ey have a sense of harmony and quiet refuge.
Th e 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. Th is 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. Th ey 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. Th ere 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, fl owering 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,
and the smaller magnolias are splendid as well. Th e
Japanese also use evergreen conifers beautifully to create a
background in their gardens during the winter. Th ere 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. Th ey require shade from hot sun and
shelter from bitter north winds. Th ey 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.
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 refl ect. Th ese quiet spots
are oft en hidden amongst the greenery or around a bend
in the path.
Th e new solar lights can be added as the Japanese
oft en had lanterns in their gardens to guide their evening
strolls. Water features are very important but if a small
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.
gleanings : Japanese style gardens
>> 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 sheet-
composting our Haultain Street boulevard. We’re
suppressing grass growth and making soil for the
fi nest 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.
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 fi nish the sheet-
composting (and learn for free how to do it, so you,
too, can kill grass without using poison)
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!
Committed to Supporting
Community Associations
Carole James,
MLA
Victoria - Beacon
Hill
Community Office1084 Fort Street,VictoriaP: (250) 952-4211F: (250) [email protected]
New Common on Haultain
Japanese plant breeders have been cultivating excellent foliage plants for many years, and they are available in Victoria.
May the veggie prevail Lost catOur 6 month old cat has gone missing, and we miss
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: [email protected]
fernwood marketplace
Ph
oto
: R
ain
ey H
op
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attracting a higher-profi le 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 March 2008 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 7
faces : Working with moms in the ‘hood
>> by Aaron Ellingsen
Germaine Asplin reflects: “Sometimes I feel
like: ‘What am I doing to make a diff erence?’ Th e 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.”
Th e 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 offi ce at
the Fernwood Community Centre.
Best Babies is a federally funded pre-natal and post-
natal 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.
Th e organization’s catchment includes Victoria and
bordering municipalities, a population base of about
80,000. Originally providing support and access to
resources for 15 women, today Best Babies staff works
with closer to 100 at a time, a number that refl ects
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 benefi ts. 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 shift ing 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-fl icker. She loves to
travel and watch things happening in diff erent 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
aft er so long as a frontline social worker. She laughs before
answering:
“I enjoy what I do. I think if people really have a
passion and enjoy what they do.… Th ere’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
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 post-
natal health, depression and anxiety.
“Th e organization’s not set up to provide therapy,”
Germaine tells me. “It’s a solutions-based service provider.”
Th is means assessing acute crisis and evaluating how
available resources can be enlisted to help a person through
their diffi cult 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.
She likes helping them out, and fi nds 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.
CDs, swirls | fr om page 1
Repair Project” and see all the amazing placemaking
initiatives from diff erent 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 fi ll 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 traffi c on Fernwood Road.
If you are wondering what image says Fernwood,
well so are we. Th e fi rst 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
the whole. Usually, a Mandala is a concentric design,
where each layer represents a diff erent aspect of the
centre. At the moment all we have is a fern at the centre.
Th e rest of the layers need to be fi lled in by everyone and
everyone includes you!
“Does it have to be a Mandala?” Th e 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. Th ese will be
hung in the Cornerstone so that the neighbourhood can
vote on Fernwood’s perspective of the universe! Th e 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 fr iend 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
Square | fr om page 1
You can’t be afraid to ask the hard questions.
Ph
oto
: E
mily
Elli
ng
sen
Page 8 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | March 2008 VillageVibe
what’s on in Fernwood
Arts, Theatre, and EntertainmentBohemian 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 Offi ce at 385-6815 or www.belfry.bc.caBluegrass 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 [email protected] or Anne Hoban [email protected] 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.comVictoria Bluegrass Association Jam.Tuesdays. 7:30-10:30pm. Orange Hall. 1620 Fernwood Rd. $2 to play. FREE to listen. For info see victoriabluegrass.caVictoria 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
nights/$3 all open stage night. For info see www.victoriafolkmusic.ca
Kids and FamiliesCommunity 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!
Youth, Adults and SeniorsCornerstone Records Presents: Musicians Networking, Promotion, Workshops and Song Circle.Sunday afternoons (times change weekly). FREE! Email [email protected] 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
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.25Yoga.Everyone welcome. Tuesdays 10:30am-12:30pm. 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!
Special EventsFernFest ‘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 [email protected]’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. 5-7pm. The Canoe Brewpub, Marina and Restaurant, 450 Swift St. For info see www.greendrinksvictoria.caFernwood 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
March 2008
Published by Fernwood NRG (Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group)
1240 Gladstone StreetVictoria, BC V8T 1G6T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509villagevibe@fernwood neighbourhood.cawww.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca
Editor: Lisa HelpsAssistant Editors: Aaron Ellingsen,Trish RichardsPhotographers: Pete Rockwell, Veronique da Silva
Contributors:Christina ChanCaspar DavisKrizsanta GrecoMargaret HantiukJanelle HatchRainey Hopewell James KasparGuy NecologistPhilip Symons
The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily refl ect the views of the Fernwood NRG.
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neighbours! For info contact Tracey at [email protected] 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 [email protected] Workshop with Billy Metcalf.Fernwood NRG Food Security Collective presents: Attract benefi cial pollinators, and build your own bee-hive. Sat, Mar 1. 1-4pm. Fernwood Community Centre. For info contact Billy Metcalf at [email protected]
If you have a workshop or special event idea for the Fernwood Community Centre or the Cornerstone Café email [email protected]