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

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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.

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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.

dfortin@victoria.ca

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: Savoie.d@parl.gc.caon 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.

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Rob Fleming, MLAVictoria - Hillside

1020 Hillside Avenue

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

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) 952-4214carole.james.mla@leg.bc.cawww.opposition.bc.ca

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: maggif@shaw.ca

fernwood marketplace

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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.

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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 dhouston@coastnet.com or Anne Hoban ahoban@shaw.ca.Collective Works – solo show featuring Sean Newton.Mar 7-27. Opening reception Fri, Mar 7, 7-10pm. 1311 Gladstone Ave.Live Music at Fernwood Inn.Open Mic Thursdays. 8:30-11:30pm. 1302 Gladstone Ave. FREE!Live Music at Logan’s Pub.1821 Cook St. For listings: www.loganspub.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 james@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca for info.Ear Acupuncture.Treatments 15-20 min. Mar 6 and 20. 2:30-4:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. By donation.Falun Gong.Peaceful meditation practice. All welcome! Wednesdays 5-7pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. FREE!Fernwood Autumn Glow.55+. Gentle exercise, lunch and activities. Monthly special guest speaker. Fridays 11am. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. $5.50 for lunch.Floor Hockey.Drop-in Co-ed. Adult (18+). Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-9:30pm. Saturdays 2:30-5pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $4, or get a punchcard: $40/11 sessions.**Indoor Soccer.Drop-in Co-ed. Adult (18+). Mondays 8:45-10:45pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $3.**Internet and Computer Access.Complete your one-time registration and then get online through the Community Access Program. Monday to Friday

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 ryan@rutleyventures.caFernwood’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 tveldhuis@gmail.comFernwood Pocket Market.Local organic produce and baked goods. Tuesdays 2-6pm. Cornerstone Café.Fernwood Sharing Gardens.Have a garden but no time? Time but no garden? Contact Rainey at 380-5055 or sharinggardens@gmail.com.Pollination Workshop with Billy Metcalf.Fernwood NRG Food Security Collective presents: Attract benefi cial pollinators, and build your own bee-hive. Sat, Mar 1. 1-4pm. Fernwood Community Centre. For info contact Billy Metcalf at exbox@islandnet.com

If you have a workshop or special event idea for the Fernwood Community Centre or the Cornerstone Café email james@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca