villagevibeJanuary 2007 : News and views from the heart of Fernwood

in this issueMeet the Cornerstone Café Baristas Page 3

Feature: UVic’s Barrier Free Learning Initiative Page 4

Gardening Crossword Puzzle Page 6

>> by Lisa Helps

On Th ursday December 14th, homeless

residents of Victoria and their allies

held a funeral procession from

Our Place on Johnson Street to the Council

Chambers at City Hall. Led by a bugle player

followed by one large black coffi n and four

smaller white ones, the march was held to mark

the deaths of those who have died on the streets

of Canadian cities.

Anti-poverty activist Rose Henry had

‘decorated’ the coffi ns with the names of the

dead. “Th e names on these coffi ns,” she said,

“these are people who have walked through these

doors (of Our Place).”

Organized by the Ad Hoc Committee to

End Homelessness, the march was originally

motivated by information that four people had

died on the streets of Victoria during the most

recent cold snap in late November. Although

these specifi c deaths could not be confi rmed,

the group decided to go ahead with the Walk

for the Dead anyway in order to draw Council’s

attention to the need for emergency shelter beds

for the rest of the winter.

“Th e most important thing we can

do right now,” said Ad Hoc Committee

member Philippe Lucas of the Vancouver

Island Compassion Society, “is to keep

people alive through this winter.”

Th e Ad Hoc Committee to End

Homelessness began meeting earlier this fall and

was galvanized on October 22nd – National

Housing Day – when members acted as the

“outer circle” for Craig Ballantyne who squatted

the Janion Building at 1614 Store Street to

protest the lack of aff ordable housing in Victoria.

Since then, the Committee has met every

Wednesday at 7:00pm at Silver Th reads and

has become a regular force in Th ursday’s City

Council meetings.

Aft er placing the coffi ns at the doors of City

Hall, the marchers shared a meal and waited for

the council meeting to begin.

When he addressed Council, Lucas referred

to the City’s “Extreme Weather Protocol”

adopted in December 2005, which sees a

temporary increase in what are called ‘stage

two’ shelter spaces when extreme weather

conditions are forecasted and all the regular

beds are full. Speaking on behalf of the Ad Hoc

Committee, he requested that the City lobby

BC Housing in order to guarantee funding so

that a minimum of stage two shelter spaces are

available seven days a week starting January

1st and running until at least March 1st of

every year. Second, Lucas demanded that if

BC Housing in unwilling to provide fi nancial

support, the city cover associated costs using

its Aff ordable Housing Trust Fund, thereby

guaranteeing extra shelter spaces for the rest of

– continued on page 4

Walk for the homeless dead Layton tours

CornerstoneDecember 21st may have been the shortest and darkest

day of the year, but it brought some of the brightest

lights in Canadian politics to our neighbourhood! MPs

Denise Savoie and Federal NDP leader Jack Layton

came to Fernwood to visit the Cornerstone. Aft er a

lengthy tour, including visits with our tenants, a stop in

the café for a delicious lunch, and an orientation to our

innovative geothermal system, Denise and Jack hung

out and chatted with Fernwood NRG staff and board

members. Many fruitful ideas emerged such as creating

a National Alternate Energy Corporation through

the feds, (kind of like PetroCan was – but without

the greenhouse gasses!) which could directly purchase

and therefore develop a Canada-wide alternate energy

infrastructure. Stay tuned. Perhaps the feds will help us

cover the roof of the Cornerstone with photovoltaic

cells, and we can feed sun power back into the grid!

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

It seems that no matter how many

buildings are unboarded, how many pubs

refurbished and how many coff ee shops

open with large windows (albeit somewhat

steamy) looking onto the centre of Fernwood

Village, all is still not well in the ‘hood.

Sitting on our porch on the corner of

Vining and Fernwood recently, sipping

our morning coff ee, we encountered a

prospective neighbour, a man roaming the

streets of Fernwood looking to buy a house

in the neighbourhood. “How are things

here?” he asked. “Do you feel safe walking

alone at night?” “Absolutely,” we both

chimed. “It’s a great neighbourhod. A safe

neighbourhod. And with all the changes

that have been taking place recently (we

gestured around the corner towards the

village) it’s gotten even better.”

Th e next morning we came out and

found our car window smashed. Later

that day I was having tea at a friend’s

house at Forbes and Pembroke and

we noticed a police offi cer wandering

through his neighbour’s yard. “What’s

going on?” we asked. “Break in,” said the

offi cer, “in mid-aft ernoon.”

A few days later we received an email

from our Vining Street Blockwatch team

alerting us to a whole series of break-ins

and vandalisms in early December: 3rd,

theft under $5000, 1300 block Yates;

4th, mischief $5000 or under, 1900 block

Shakespeare, theft of auto under $5000,

1200 block Princess; 5th, theft under

$5000, 2000 block Shakespeare; 6th,

theft under $5000, 1100 block Johnson,

break and enter 1100 block Bay, break

and enter residence 1100 block Ormond;

7th, mischief $5000 or under, Harrison at

Johnson; 8th, break and enter residence,

1600 Block Chambers Street and on the

list goes I am sure.

What is a good Fernwoodian to do?

Is the answer more police patrols? Greater

surveillance of our neighbourhood? My

impulse is that this is not the answer. Most

people don’t steal for ‘fun’ but because

of poverty, addiction, homelessness, or

simply the need to feed one’s family.

Crime is a socio-economic not a personal

problem. One way out of this current

and ongoing conundrum, then, is to

lobby the appropriate bodies – the City,

the Province, and indeed the federal

government to address issues of systemic

inequality that lead to unsafety in our

neighbourhoods. Another way to help

– and we do this at our Vining Street

place – is to leave pop bottles, beer

bottles, and wine bottles to be collected

by those who will take them to the

bottle depot for a refund. Th is simple

act provides much needed income for

those who might resort to other means

to fi nd it. Th is is one solution among

many, to be sure. Yet it fosters a sense

of collectivity, of solidarity, even with

those who we might think at fi rst are

that notorious and dangerous ‘other’.

editorial : Neighbourhood Watch

Fernwood NRG update>> by Roberta Martell

At the Cornerstone, wild weather loaded us

up with snow, but thanks to Gary McLaughlin, Mark

Salter, Keith Dewey and the guys from Strongback, our

sidewalks were clear for the weather-weary Fernwoodians

making their pilgrimage to the Café. In a testament to

bio-regional sustainability, we were able to stay open

because we’ve hired (fantabulous!) locals, and we buy

locally. Th anks to all our wonderful baristas for making

their way in to serve up great treats to packed houses!

With all the red tape behind us, Fernwoodians George

and Linda Szasz have the green light to launch their

much anticipated Wine and Tapas bar in the middle

two suites of the Cornerstone! Th anks to everyone

who signed letters of support, and to the Belfry for

their assistance. Watch for an article in the next Village

Vibe profi ling George and Linda, and previewing

the newest, hottest restaurant in the ‘hood!

Th e Community Centre is hopping with Monday

Community Days and Dinners, drop-in fl oor hockey,

drop-in badminton, free yoga, senior’s lunches and

Best Babies Dinners. We hosted a city wide youth

committee meeting, an Ethiopian community dinner

and dance that was open to all and by donation, and

had to postpone – due to weather – the ‘Keep the

Fires Burning’ earth-based community dialogues.

Please consider attending this innovative event

at the Community Centre on January 25th.

With the Cornerstone now full, the Village square

revitalized and the Centre packed with programs,

it is time for us to celebrate the intense work of the

last few years, and to envision where it is we want

to place our focus. Is it on a renovation of the City’s

Community Centre? Is it on the square itself ? Is

it on the oft -discussed changes planned for Fairey

Tech, school fi elds and the parking lot at the school?

Recreation Renewal is back on our radar screens,

as the City is still looking at how to respond to its

aging recreation/community centre infrastructure.

Given all that’s on the horizon in Fernwood, the

board and executive of Fernwood NRG will spend part

of our time at our annual strategic planning retreat

this month looking at how we might proactively

address some of these issues. We are planning a

neighbourhood forum and have been discussing

inviting architect and planner Frank D’Ambrosio to

share his insights on Fernwood. Frank was the author

of the Fernwood Facilities Study in 2000; it would be

prudent to review and refl ect on his comprehensive

work as our neighbourhood moves forward.

All is still not well in the ‘hood’

It’s time to envision where it is we want to place our focus

declaration of principles and valuesWe 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!

VillageVibe January 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 3

views from the street : What are you thoughts and wishes for Fernwood this year?

“I think that it is great how the neighbourhood has

changed so far, how it has grown and still kept its sense of

community. If anything, I would like to see more of the

same in the coming year. I love Fernwood!”

“I love how the neighbourhood has been evolving.

Fernwood is my home and I look forward to growing with

it in the New Year. More good things coming for us both.”

“Fernwood is really coming together. It is so friendly and

warm. I don’t live in the neighbourhood, but I would

sure like to. I love coming here to drink tea! Good luck

in the New Year. You are defi nitely on the right track.”

Meet the Cornerstone Café Baristas ...

Obie Wilkins Sarah Kirby Denise Yeo

Th e Cornerstone Café is up and running and has been serving Fernwoodians and other Victorians for

almost two months. We’re ironing out wrinkles, trying to chase the steam from the windows, and keeping

your Fernwood NRG To Go a brewin’. Come in and join us for a hot chocolate, an organic soy latte or a

bowl of homemade soup; hang out in your neighbourhood living room and stop to chat with our energetic,

enthusiastic, and socially conscious staff .

My eyes open.Somewhere the sun lifts above the mountains,its joy spillsover everything.This joy,is what keeps the whole phenomena dance ecstatic.

Look,everyone participates!Birds are lifted into the sky.Plants expand and mimic that joy through their fl owers.The bees make it sensual,their kisses become honey.The ocean surges because of this shining.

Listen,everything is givenan open invitation to this loving!Our faces only frown when we forgetthat we already know all the steps to this great dance.In truth we make up each step as we go.Moved by the movement inside.

And when we remember,we always breath deep, relax,and give ourselves tothat mysterious music.The way the sun gently slides into the sea.

We are here to know love.The roots of this lovepenetrate deep into the fabric,the very ground of our experience.It ties our thoughts to our cells,and ornaments our minds with great star systems,reaching deeper into the mystery.

We breathe...and a million new things are born.Somewhere, right nowa woman gathers water,fl owers unfold in the cool morning.The ocean, and our blood movein cadence with the moon.

Each nightwe lie down and swimin the great water.Each morningwe are resurrectedfresh and new.

Each and every line of this great uni-verse songis written in every cell and impulse ofthis tiny infi nite mirrorbody.

Told in laughter and tears.Each momenta fresh page...

Awake! by Mark Bamford

this winter. Either way available shelter spaces would

be increased from 200 to about 260 for the next

few months. “It’s just a band-aid solution to a very

complex problem,” he said, “but sometimes a band-aid

stops the bleeding long enough to save the patient.”

Th e December 14th action by the Ad Hoc Committee

to End Homelessness followed closely on the heels

of NDP Leader Jack Layton’s address in Parliament

on December 7th. Layton asked the Conservative

government to declare a national state of emergency.

“Th e rising number of homeless people on the

streets of this country is a disgrace and we need federal

action now to establish emergency shelters and put

money into essential services to keep people safe this

winter,” he said.

On December 19th Diane Finley, Minister

of Human Resources and Social Development,

announced $526 million for the new Homelessness

Partnering Strategy (HPS) a strategy aimed at

combating homelessness in communities across

Canada and extending the Canada Mortgage and

Housing Company’s renovation programs.

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

>> by Annalee Lepp

On December 12th an information session was held

at the Fernwood Community Centre, which introduced

prospective students to two unique courses being off ered by the

University of Victoria: University 101, which just completed its second term,

and University 102 which will fi rst be off ered in January 2007. Both are free,

non-credit introductory university courses in the Humanities (101) and the

Social Sciences (102). Th ese courses are specifi cally designed for people who

might otherwise not consider university as an option because of economic,

social, and other barriers – single parents, those living close to the poverty

line, people with disabilities or with mental health and addiction issues.

Th e courses aim to be as barrier-free as possible, to provide an accessible

and engaging space for anyone who has the desire to learn, and to off er an

enriching and empowering learning experience in an environment of respect

and acceptance. As one fi rst term University 101 graduate stated, “I am really

going to miss this program; it has certainly enhanced the quality of my life.”

Two days later, on December 14th I attended a graduation ceremony for

24 University 101 students, which was held in the Senate Chambers at the

University of Victoria. For me, as one of the instructors and as a member of

the University 101 Advisory Committee, it was an extraordinary event as

each student, cheered by family, friends, former graduates, donors, and UVic

faculty and staff , went up to receive a completion certifi cate. Some graduates

took the stage and talked about the signifi cance of University 101 for their

lives; others spoke to me informally. Elizah told me that aft er experiencing

a brain injury in 2001, she felt that “her life shut down.” Participating in

the course, she said, contributed to “a renewed self-confi dence and showed

her a way into the university.” Jim talked about “his love of learning” and

expressed appreciation

for “the opportunity to

expand his knowledge

and consciousness.”

Jillian emphasized that the course had not only resulted in the forging of

new and lasting friendships, but also “helped her look at things in new ways

in a wide open space.” She told the audience at the completion ceremony

that, “Knowledge is power; use it to the best of your ability.” Barbara told me

that she “enjoyed every minute of the course. I loved my classmates and the

instructors, and even the pressure of assignments and getting them done. I am

grateful that I got a chance.”

feature : University of Victoria’s Barrier-Free Learning Initiative

Walk | fr om page 1

Ask about our monthly specials!

Jim talked about “his love of learning.”

VillageVibe January 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 5

University 101 and 102 are modeled on initiatives launched elsewhere.

Th e concept began with the Clemente Course on the Lower East Side

of Manhattan. Th is course has been running for over a decade and has

expanded to six American states. Closer to home, the University of British

Columbia launched Humanities 101 in 1998 and has extended its off erings

to include Science 101 and Writing 101. Kristin Semmens, a UVic History

instructor and co-chair of the University 101/102 Advisory Committee, was

involved in the Vancouver program and was instrumental in spearheading

this initiative at UVic.

Now having completed its second year, University 101 off ers two hours of

classes, two evenings a week over a twelve week period at UVic’s Downtown

campus on Government St. Following an intensive student orientation,

which includes a library and computer lab tour, students are introduced to a

new academic subject by a new volunteer university instructor each week. As

one graduate of University 101’s fi rst term stated, “Th is is an extraordinary

opportunity for people

who are marginalized

to have exposure

to intelligent and

comprehensive material.” Th e topics covered this fall ranged from critical

thinking, professional and creative writing, police ethics and philosophy, to

British Columbia Indigenous fi lm and history, Hitler and the Holocaust,

Canadian and art history, as well as English and Mexican literatures.

University 102 will move away from academic subjects traditionally taught

in the Humanities and will focus on the Social Sciences (anthropology,

psychology, political science, economics, sociology, geography, and

environmental studies).

Th e structure of each class varies depending on the style of the instructor,

but the preparation of assigned reading materials as well as active,

participatory, and discussion-based learning are common elements in

each evening session. Such a learning environment not only introduces

students to diverse academic subjects, but also gives them the space to bring

their experiences and knowledge to the classroom. When teaching the

Introduction to Critical Th inking week of the course, I was struck by the

incredible engagement, energy, passion, and dedication of the students;

each student came to both classes having read the assigned readings (which

doesn’t oft en happen in a regular university classroom), fully prepared to ask

probing questions, share their perspectives, and debate the ‘big’ issues. While

creating these learning opportunities is in part made possible by the eff orts

of each instructor, equally integral to this process is the assistance and

support provided by eight volunteer teaching assistants (many of whom are

UVic graduate students) who attend each class and facilitate small group

discussions/activities. Each class also begins with a warm meal, which gives

students, teaching assistants, and the instructor the opportunity to discuss

the reading materials, to ask questions about written or creative assignments,

or simply to socialize.

University 101 and 102 off ers additional resources. Each student receives

a UVic Distance Education Card which gives them access to the UVic

computer labs, the library, and on-line resources. Students also have access

to UVic’s Counselling Services during the course, which is designed to

provide support to students experiencing any personal challenges that might

be interfering with their ability to participate fully in the course. Other

resources include free bus tickets, childcare subsidies, notebooks, and pens.

Launching such a course requires a lot of energy and commitment.

Becky Cory, the project coordinator, works tirelessly mentoring students,

addressing their needs, and juggling the minute details involved in the

successful operation of the course as a whole as well as each class – from

holding information sessions for prospective students to fi nding restaurants

and community organizations who are willing to donate meals to

transporting those meals to the Downtown Campus. Behind the scenes,

the University 101/102 Advisory Committee (which includes a small team

of University 101 graduates, university instructors, community people,

and UVic’s Continuing Studies Division staff ) plans the course and the

curriculum, discusses the budget, and engages in fundraising initiatives.

University 101 and 102 are partially funded by the Faculty of Humanities

and the Faculty of Social Sciences. Andrew Rippin, the Dean of Humanities,

who spoke at the December 14th graduation ceremony, emphasized

that fi nancial and institutional support for University 101 boils down to

the principle of educational equity and making the university learning

more accessible. “Th is course is a small eff ort in this regard,” he said. Th e

underlying vision is to bring education resources to the larger community,

to provide university instructors with an opportunity to share their love of

knowledge beyond UVic classrooms, and to demonstrate the university’s

responsibility to the community. “Not only can we give to the community,”

Dean Rippin said, “it is also our responsibility to do so.” With both the

generous UVic and community support put forth thus far, it seems that

University 101 and 102 are here to stay.

If you are interested in learning more about University 101 and 102 – as a prospective student, the donor of a meal, or as a fi nancial contributor, please contact Becky Cory at 361-7014 or uni101@uvic.ca. Or check out the website at www.uvic.ca/uni101

Carole James, MLAVictoria - Beacon Hill

Our Office is Open to Serve YouCommunity Office1084 Fort Street, VictoriaP: (250) 952-4211F: (250) 952-4214carole.james.mla@leg.bc.cawww.opposition.bc.ca

Denise Savoie, MP

A Voice for Victoriain Ottawa

970 Blanshard Street363-3600www.denisesavoie.ca

Jillian emphasized that the course had “helped her look at things in new ways in a wide open space.”

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

>> by Margaret Hantiuk

As the Winter Solstice approaches, we all

await the return of light and warmth to our lives. So does

the garden.

Th is is the time of year to have a good look at our

gardens as we can really see the ‘bare bones’, the basic

design and structure. Is it interesting? Does it take

advantage of the natural landscape features (established

trees, rocks, waterways), the ‘aspects’: the ‘lie’ or slope

of the land, the directions? What is the surrounding

property like? Is there anything that would be good to

hide or perhaps to invite into your view? Do you have

privacy issues? How are your neighbours? A busy street?

It can be less expensive (and more attractive!) to plant

a laurel hedge than to build a good fence. How are the

views from the street? (‘Curbside appeal’ will dramatically

improve the value of your home.) How is the view from

your windows inside, especially where you sit or work and

look out? How do things look from the outside patio or

deck where you may have created an outdoor living space?

Th is is the time of year to look around, to walk

around, to plan and dream ... to summon your creativity.

Perhaps you are starting from scratch, renovating an old

garden, or adding some new features for interest. Could

an existing bed be enlarged or a beautiful shape created?

Straight lines are unnatural. Try using a rope to ‘draw’ a

new edge to shape your borders. Have you always admired

rockeries? Now is the time to plan and research! Could

you make your home more inviting with some beautiful

containers near the front door or around your patio/deck?

What about some lovely shrubs or small trees that could

be planted by the walks, a window, or the patio? Do you

want to invite wildlife? Could you add an outdoor living

space or enhance the one you’ve created? A pond perhaps?

Do you have a veggie garden that you’d like to

enlarge or do you want to transform it into a mixed

herb/kitchen cottage style garden that is more

fun and attractive? Plan a play area for the kids?

Always wanted your own fruit trees or roses? What

about a little path instead of a boring sidewalk?

Th ere are some lovely shrubs and small trees bred for

city gardens that have all-season interest: spring blossoms,

lovely summer foliage, fall color and even interesting bark

or twig color in the winter. Some shrubs and plants are

evergreen and have lovely foliage all year. Others have

a remarkable fragrance or winter blooms. A few new

perennials can be added and old ones may need separating.

Perhaps a whole bed needs to be renovated; you might

want to remove old perennials that do not do so well, are

too crowded or were poorly planted and badly sited.

Gardening is a learning experience, and this is a good

time to assess how the garden is doing. You may need to

move things around, to make a note of it for when the soil

is less boggy. Th is is also a good time to order a load of

good topsoil for a new bed or to dress your existing beds.

Most businesses will allow you to mix a load of topsoil,

compost, gravel or sand, and/or mulch. It’s also a good

season to visit the garden nurseries, to have a good look

around and to pick the brains of the staff when they are

not so busy.

Winter is also a good time to look at your existing

trees and shrubs to see what needs pruning and

perhaps even removal. Larger trees can be pruned or

‘limbed’ so that they are safer, more attractive and so

that more light comes through as well. Consult an

arborist or professional for larger jobs. Make a note or

tie brightly colored ribbons to limbs that you would

like to remove. It is easier to see what needs to be

done now, but pruning is best done later in March

although removal or limbing can be done at any time.

Lastly, do you want to add or replace any of the

hardscape – the walks/paths/paving, fencing, patios and

edging/rockery. Th is can be done by hiring professionals,

or if you have less funds, by looking around at less

expensive (and oft en more creative and interesting)

alternatives and doing it yourself. You can go to the

library to get ideas and info and both Glendale Gardens

(formerly the Horticultural Center of the Pacifi c) and the

Victoria Horticultural Society have wonderful libraries

that are free to members (membership in both is a small

yearly fee.) You may have material in your yard that can

be used as creative solutions or material from your travels

that can be recycled and salvaged.

Renewal in the garden is a natural process that we can

use to create an uplift ing experience for the garden, the

gardener, and for all who are fortunate enough to catch a

glimpse of our creations.

garden gleanings : Renewal in the garden

Gardening is a learning experience, and this is a good time to assess how the garden is doing.

Fernwood General Gardening Crossword

Crossword Creator: Lee StempskiMy name is Lee Stempski and I have been living

in Victoria since 1994 (in Fernwood since 2003)

and haven’t looked back! I am originally fr om

Toronto but grew up abroad in places such as

Barbados, St. Lucia, Tanzania, and Kenya.

I did my horticultural schooling in

Ontario (Niagara Parks Commission School

of Horticulture, University of Guelph) and

completed my Diploma in Adult Teaching at

Vancouver Community College.

I’ve had many jobs in Victoria: Head

Gardener/Instructor for the Horticultural

Centre of the Pacifi c; Gardener at the University

of Victoria; Parks Assistant for the City of

Victoria Parks Department. Presently I work for

a

small organic landscaping company – Helios

Landscaping. We are a chemical-fr ee company,

highly committed in using environmentally

sound practices. (www.helioslandscaping.com)

I also do some consulting so if any of you

readers would like some gardening advice why

not give me a call (inquire via villagevibe@

fernwoodneighbourhood.ca) and I would love to

assist you in any way.

>> by Susan Salvati

Sue Mulholland, is one of those people who swirls like a

powerful storm. Owner of Fernwood’s own gallery, She

Said, Sue is a centre around which creativity whirls. You

need time to enjoy She Said gallery because the beauty of

the small space is everywhere; it enchants all of the senses.

And you need time to get to know Sue.

On a torrential aft ernoon, I sat in the store rocking

chair to chat. In between ringing up sales for some

Vancouver visitors and rushing to show a regular patron

some new pieces of vintage clothing, Sue sat for a while.

She is fun; her style breathes energy. On this day she is

in her green square eyeglasses, black bouclé sweater, a

black feathery and beaded bracelet and a huge pendant

and bead necklace that is one of her signature pieces. Ever

playful, she is wearing a set of pink angel wings on her

head, a gift from her staff .

I learn that Sue’s past includes travels throughout the

world, modeling in the US, waitressing, and work in

construction. She has also worked in Prince George

in the Reconnect program for street kids in addition

to spending fi ft een years as a family support worker in

Vancouver for the Ministry of children and families. All

this until she discovered her artistic side. When I ask how

she describes a dream: “I was sitting on a mountainside

painting the ocean, Katharine Hepburn-like, and there

was a Mr. Right.” Sue remembers telling her husband

Paul about the dream. Later for Christmas, he gave her

everything she needed to begin watercolour painting.

Mostly self-taught, Sue rented studio space in Fernwood

for a couple of years where she continued to paint, as

well as delving into mosaic and jewelry making. She also

showed her art from this space.

In May 2004, she had a conversation with the owner

of Secret Village, a bead store that previously operated

where She Said now stands. Th e owner was looking to

transition out of the business and suggested that Sue

might take on the venture. She immediately thought that

this could be a place where she could show her art and

that of her many artistic girlfriends. She phoned Paul

to tell him about her idea and he gave his full support.

Within an hour the rental agreement was signed.

Aft er renovating the space, Sue opened the gallery

in June 2004. Walk into the gallery today and you will

immediately begin to melt into the beauty that surrounds

you. Th ere is a jazzy CD playing, and the sound of a wind

chime. Th ere is the aroma of soap and a string of small

lights soft ened with boa-like feathers. Strands of semi-

precious stones hang suspended, inviting touch, as do the

beautiful, fi nely-knit shawls, the wool felt toys, and the

one-of-a-kind purses. Th ere are vivid paintings, mosaic

mirrors, candles burning, and, behind the desk, a fresh

carrot cake just brought in by a staff member. Sue off ers

me a piece and explains the philosophy behind She Said.

“I want to support and promote local creativity. Th is

is not so much about having a gallery. Art is such a perfect

way for me to relax and it is such a joyful experience to

create. Th at is what I want to support and encourage in

other women.”

She explains how a woman might come in and

mention that she has started to make some jewelry. Sue

encourages her to bring it in and then might give her

some suggestions. She believes that the gallery serves

to assist women in developing their self-esteem and

confi dence around their work. She also insists that the

artists and artisans set their own pricing and sees this

as tangible measure of self-esteem. Th en, she says, “I

call them to come get a cheque, and they fl ip out.” Th e

artist takes 70% of the sale price, a ratio that is very

generous comparatively. Th e gallery is completely local

and presently houses the work of ninety-eight artists

and artisans, including Sue’s own work, at least a third of

which are from Fernwood.

Sue is also the face behind the Fernwood Market.

For two summers She worked very hard to bring life to

the square, investing personally in the venture. She was

successful in creating a network for vendors wishing to

come to Fernwood. Th ough she is looking to pass on

this project to another interested neighbour, she did

graciously provide Fernwood residents with a place of

encounter for two seasons.

As a local entrepreneur, Sue speaks very highly of the

neighbourhood in which she lives and works. “Without

a doubt, it’s the best neighbourhood. Both of us (she and

Paul) feel so supported here. It’s the most welcoming,

supportive and kindhearted neighbourhood. I love

Fernwood!” Sue feels it is her responsibility to promote

our community to those who don’t live here. “Many

have the false impression that Fernwood is a frightening

neighbourhood, which in fact it is not. Fernwood is

a wonderful place to visit, enjoy the theatre, and have

a great cup of coff ee or a She Said Martini at the new

Fernwood Inn.” Sue said it, so it must be true.

Th e She Said gallery off ers very reasonably priced classes

in beading and jewelry making, mosaic art, card making,

knitting and crotcheting. Classes are ongoing and

enquires can be made to the gallery at 361-3372.

VillageVibe January 2007 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 7

faces of fernwood : Sue Mulholland says it’s so.

Thank youFernwood’s Community Day families and staff would

like to give a big thank you to BOLEN BOOKS

management and staff. For the second year, we have

received a lovely donation of children’s books for our

Festive Winter Party. Kudos! We greatly appreciate

your generosity!

WantedVolunteer to help with Saturday Plastic Recycling at

the Fernwood Community Centre. Your time is only

needed for two hours the second Saturday of every

month. Contact Sue at tpepsue@shaw.ca.

Home Based Businessesin FernwoodWe’re looking for you … are you looking for us?

An upcoming Village Vibe feature story is on

home-based businesses in the neighbourhood.

Contact us to be interviewed (villagevibe@

fernwoodneighbourhood.ca) or to advertise your

business in the Marketplace (marketplace@

fernwoodneighbourhood.ca).

FreeNew-ish wheelchair to good home. Contact

Fernwood Community Centre for more info.

381-1552

Furniture Fundraiser Come on into the Cornerstone Café and see the chair

that Ted built. Ted Hodson has donated one of his

beautiful handmade chairs to our neighbourhood

living room. Can you spot it? In support of the

Cornerstone Café, Ted is offering our neighbourhood

an opportunity to fi ll the Cafe with these creations.

He is graciously offering his chairs at $250.00 each

($100.00 below his usual asking price.) In addition

to the logo, each chair will have a space for an

inscription, dedicating the piece to an individual,

group or business. This is a limited opportunity as

there will be a total of forty chairs. To place an order,

come into the Cornerstone Café today, sign up and

help make your neighbourhood space even cozier.

Advertise HereYour ad could be here! $5.00 for three lines.

$1/additional line. Send an email to marketplace@

fernwoodneighbourhood.ca. Ads due the 10th

of the month for the following month’s issue.

fernwood marketplace

JANUARY 2007

"COMMUNITY KITCHENS "

Cooking on a budget?Start the New Year cooking up a storm!Join others in Fernwood to plan for and

make five nutritious meals once a month.• Save time• Save money• Try new food• Learn new recipes• Get to know your neighbours

Call the Fernwood Community Centre 381-1552 ext 132 for more info

(Priority given based on need)

Ever playful, she is wearing a set of pink angel wings on her head, a gift from her staff.

TUESDAYS!

Beer and Burger – 100% Ground

prime rib burger or nutburger and a

Pint $7.95

1302 Gladstone 412-2001

what’s on in Fernwood

Make Yer Neighbourhood NicerTotal Plastics Recycling Day

Sat, Jan.13, Back of Fernwood

Community Centre (FCC) 10am - Noon.

(Every 2nd Sat of Month) Recycle

plastics of all kinds (Styrofoam packing,

soft plastics and bags, and ALL hard/

rigid plastics) plus old electronics.

By donation to cover transportation.

Community Kitchens

This popular program is now back!

Cooking on a budget? Start the New

Year cooking up a storm! Join others in

your community to plan for and make

fi ve nutritious and delicious meals once

a month. Save time and money and

meet some new recipes and neighbours.

Call #381-1552 ext 132 for more info.

Special EventsLand Marks: A Lecture Series on

Public Art

“Passions and Perspective: Public Art in

the Capital Region” a panel discussion

with presentations from artists Robert

Wise, Douglas Sent, and Linda

Stanbridge with Q & A to follow. Wed,

Jan. 24, 7:00pm, Victoria City Hall, Free!

Neighbourhood Emergency

Preparedness Program Workshops

Individual and Family Preparedness,

You may be on your own for up to 72

hours before help arrives. Learn how

to prepare. Mon, Jan. 22, Yates St.

Fire Hall (use Camosun St Entrance),

6:45 – 8:45pm, Free!

Free Skate

Free skating at the Memorial Centre

Arena (this month, with the Salmon

Kings), Sunday, Jan. 21, from 3:00

– 4:30pm. Free spaces limited to 300.

Pick up tickets up to two weeks ahead

at the arena or at the Crystal Pool.

Kids & FamiliesParent & Tot Playgroup

Ongoing Tuesdays & Thursdays. FCC

Gym, 9:30am - 11:30am, $1 per family,

snacks/crafts/circle time.

Rhythm Circle Time

Drop-in select Tuesdays 3:00 pm to

4:00 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room.

Free!

Mother Goose

Pre-register-10 weeks per session.

Tuesdays (Call 381-1552 Ext.22 to

register and for info) FCC Multi-Purpose

Room, 1:00pm - 2:30pm, Songs, rhymes

& stories-Free! ($2 for songbook)

Community Day Parent Group

Family directed and facilitated

playgroup! Ongoing Mondays, 9:30am

– 11:30am. Proposed activities for

January include Italian stone soup,

knitting/crocheting, felt puppet making,

and a parent education speaker.

FCC Gym, Free!

Youth, Adults & SeniorsDrop-in Badminton

Ages 12 to Adult, everyone welcome.

Ongoing Tuesdays, 5:30pm to 6:45pm,

FCC Gym, $2 per person or $5 for a

family of 3!

Free Internet and Computer Access

Complete your one-time registration and

then get online through the Community

Access Program. FCC Community

Room, 9:15am to 8:30pm, Monday to

Friday, except for 11:00am to 3:00pm

on Wednesdays. Free!

Drop-in Floorhockey

Co-ed Adult (18+), all equipment

provided. Ongoing Tuesdays and

Thursdays, FCC Gym, 7:00pm –

9:30pm, $4, or get a punchcard:

$40/11 sessions. No wooden sticks.

FREE Yoga!

(Vinyasa Flow): Tuesdays, 10:30am

– 12:30pm, in the FCC multi-purpose

room.

Holistic Health & Healing

Healing meditation based on Chinese

Five Elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water,

Wood, plus discussion of topics chosen

by group. Ongoing Mondays, FCC,

10:00–11:30am, Free!

Falun Gong

Peaceful meditation practice. Ongoing

Wednesdays, FCC, 5:00pm – 7:00pm,

everyone welcome, Free!

Fernwood Autumn Glow (55+)

Gentle exercise, lunch & activities;

Ongoing Fridays, FCC, 11:00am, $5.50

for lunch.

Music, Art, Theatre, and Entertainment“Honour” at the Belfry Theatre

A “frank, honest play that cannot fail

to move anyone who has ever put their

trust in another human being.” Jan 16

to Feb. 11, for tickets call 385-6815 or

head to www.belfry.bc.ca.

Victoria Bluegrass Assoc. Jam

Ongoing Tuesdays Orange Hall, 7:30

– 10:30pm, $2 to play, free to listen.

(Last Tuesday of month is open stage/

feature night; cost varies).

Lee Hamer

Canadian folksinger performs select

Weds at J.K. Do Forno Café in Fernwood

Square. 6:30pm – 8:30pm, free!

Live Music at Logan’s

For listings, go to www.loganspub.com

M T W Th F S S M T W Th F S S M T W Th F S S M T W Th F S S M T W

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Jan 2007

For submission guidelines and for more info, go to

www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca/events

Page 8 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | January 2007 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

Contributors:

Mark Bamford

Margaret Hantiuk

Annalee Lepp

Roberta Martell

Trish Richards

Susan Salvati

villagevibe