villagevibe

in this issueBlue Eggs for Peace Page 2

Feature: Jim Diers Visits Victoria Page 4

Greater Victoria Citizens’ Trust Page 7

April 2009 : News and views from the heart of Fernwood

On the aft ernoon of March 21st

Fernwoodians gathered in the square to

paint Village Vibe boxes as part of the

Vibe team’s ongoing local distribution strategy.

Th e event got underway at 1:00 p.m. and by 2:30

p.m. there were about 20 people in attendance –

children, families, teens, and adults – and all the

boxes were accounted for. Emily Grav of Th e Paint

Box located in Fernwood Square instructed and

directed anyone who had questions about painting

techniques, colour choice, etc. Some boxes were

collaborations (one person drew the outline, then

left , the next person that came by painted the

background, then left , someone came and fi nished

the foreground).

Th ere were lots of people coming and going and

asking questions about the boxes and the Village

Vibe more generally. It was a great opportunity to

let people know about the Village Vibe and about

where they could pick up the Vibe hot off the press.

(See map above.)

Th anks to Emily Grav of Th e Paint Box for the

use of her brushes and tools and her expertise,

to Johanna Henderson of Fernwood NRG for

coordinating the event and to all of those who

spent a sunny day painting with your neighbours in

Fernwood Village Square.

Vibe Box Paint In

To get the Vibe digitally, sign up at

www.villagevibe.ca

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Village Vibe Box Locations

Fernwood Community Centre–1240 Gladstone

Cornerstone Cafe–1301 Gladstone

Mom’s Market–1358 Gladstone

Chez Beau Soleil–1317 Camosun

Fernwood Square–1284 Gladstone

Fireside Video–1508 Haultain

Koffi–1441 Haultain

Bicycleitis–1623 Bay

The Parsonage Cafe–1115 North Park

2232 Belmont

Arriba Coffeehouse–1610 Cook

Larsen Music School–1808 CookPh

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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

Last Saturday night at 8:30pm – like millions

of people around the world in their respective time zones

– I turned out the lights. I shut down the computer,

turned off the telephone, lit candles, and sat quietly.

Started by the World Wildlife Federation in Sydney

Australia in 2007, Earth Hour went global last year. Th is

year – as the Globe and Mail reports – more than 4000

cities in 88 countries participated compared to only 400

in 2008. Th e Globe credits this increased participation

as part of a push by environmentalists to raise awareness

about the new agreement to be reached in Denmark this

December to replace to Kyoto Protocol.

Perhaps.

But maybe there is something more going on.

Something more than concern about a (unenforceable)

protocol, which world leaders will come together – fl ying

on carbon emissions from their respective corners of

the planet – to design.

Over the past two years, the global warming crisis

rose as the hottest item in mainstream media. Th en the

economy crashed. And since then, the economic crisis

has out-performed the crisis in global warming in media

air time.

Maybe people are simply tired of so-called crisis.

Maybe people need darkness. And quiet. Maybe

people need – even if only for one hour on one night –

not to receive emails or phone calls but to connect with

each other and with themselves in diff erent ways. Maybe

that is why so many people turned out their lights. Th ere

was something really good about just sitting quietly with

candles. Something so good that I didn’t turn the lights

back on at 9:30pm, but rather crawled quietly into bed

thanking the universe for darkness. And for light.

editorial : Earth Hour

Page 2 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | April 2009 VillageVibe

On Monday, March 16 Fernwood

Placemakers were treated to the world premier of

Bubble Man. Th e creative endeavor of Fernwoodian

Chantell Mussell, the four minute docudrama stars

– you guessed it – Fernwood’s own Terry Wilson

and celebrates Terry’s place as the ‘bubble man’

of Fernwood and Gladstone. Th is delightful and

fi tting tribute to a special Fernwoodian was greeted

with thunderous applause. Th e star himself was in

attendance and met his adoring fans with his usual

quiet appreciation.

In response to audience demand, Bubble Man

will be screened again at the April 20 Place Making

meeting. Both the star and fi lmmaker will be in

attendance. You don’t want to miss this one!

Like the work of Fernwood NRG? Go to

CanadaHelps.org and donate

to Fernwood NRG.

>> by Deryk Houston

As an artist I have always been interested in

what is going on in the larger world. Th e subject of war has

always caught my attention because many of us can see very

clearly that it causes more harm than good – the collateral

damage, the innocent deaths, millions of refugees, fi nancial

ruin, etc.

I have to admit that attempting to create artwork or

even write about peace is a diffi cult task. Part of the problem

is that peace doesn’t come easily, one has to work at it all

the time. For example, if someone slaps me in the face,

my fi rst reaction is that I want to slap them back. History

teaches us that I am not that much diff erent from most

people. However, in my heart I know that slapping back is

the wrong approach to fi nding a solution. Creating art helps

set me on the right path to fi nd a better way to express my

feelings, my worries, and dreams.

But it isn’t easy, and every day I struggle against my

natural instincts, even when I know better. It is easy to

get embroiled in a heated discussion about the world

when someone points out that this or that country used

disproportionate force or talks about how one country

should or should not be allowed to develop nuclear power

for peaceful purposes.

I have to work at it to avoid focusing on that destructive

energy, and my art helps me do that. I’ve found that it is

more productive to talk about how fragile life is rather than

talk about how futile war is.

And so with that in mind, I displayed three large, six

foot by ten foot blue eggs at Beacon Hill Park with the

help of my friends from Collective Works Gallery here

Blue Eggs for Peace

the Fernwood buzz

Blockbusterfeatures Bubble Man

in Fernwood. Th e art project was a celebration of life

and peace. Th ere were paintings specially created by

children from Lochside School in Victoria, and these

were enclosed inside the eggs. Some of the artwork

came from children in Africa. Th e idea was my way of

injecting a bit of beauty into the world through art.

Th e eggs were set out in contrast against the wind

shaped bushes of Beacon Hill Park. Th ey were moved

around to diff erent locations, laid on the grassy slopes

and among the trees and the natural beauty of the park.

I chose this time of year because I liked the contrast of

the bare trees and the winter light. I also didn’t want to

disturb any natural fl owers that burst out over the area

in a few weeks. Th e City of Victoria gratefully issued

a permit to me for the one day, and it was fun to see

people’s faces light up with big grins full of curiosity and

joy.

Th e eggs were constructed out of very light plastic

panels covered in chicken wire and then thin fabric

painted in a nice robin’s egg blue colour and then tied

with rope to secure everything. I decided to make the

rope a feature rather than struggle to hide it.

‘If you would like to see more photos from the day,

please take a look at my website at http://coastnet.com/

dhouston/

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VillageVibe April 2009 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 3

>> by Amy Crook

Time stops in my busy world when I bite

into a homegrown, sun warmed, perfectly ripe tomato.

It is one of my joys and triumphs, and a highlight

of summer. Th ere are many techniques and tips to

growing great tomatoes. Join us for a workshop to share

knowledge and increase your success. We’ll cover lots of

>> by Anke van Leeuwen

As you may know, we go to the polls here

in British Columbia to elect a new provincial government

on May 12.

Th is time we again have an opportunity to change the

system by which we have traditionally elected our MLAs.

Th e referendum will ask: “Which electoral system should

British Columbia use to elect members to the provincial

Legislative Assembly?” If you want change, check the

box beside the choice for the “Single Transferable Vote

Electoral System.” In the 2005 election nearly 58% of

British Columbians voted YES, just short of the 60%

requirement that the Campbell government imposed for

the referendum to pass.

Unfortunately, many people are choosing not to

exercise their right to vote because they feel their vote

doesn’t count. And that’s understandable, because

under the current First- Past-the-Post (FPP) system the

composition of the government really doesn’t refl ect what

the voters asked for. Look at these fi gures:

- In 1996, the party that formed government received less

votes than the opposition.

- In 2001, the result was so lopsided that although the

opposition received 43% of the votes, only two NDP

MLAs were elected and BC ended up without an

offi cial opposition for the next four years.

- In 2005, over 13% of voters voted for smaller parties that

received no seats, and half of British Columbians are

represented by an MLA for whom they did not vote.

Th e proposed new electoral system, known as Single

Transferable Vote or STV, is a modern system designed

to ensure that voters have eff ective voices in government.

It has been used successfully for decades in many countries

such as Ireland and Australia. Most democracies in

the world are now using some form of proportional

representation system in which voters are free to support

the candidate or party that best refl ects their values. Only

Britain, the United States, Canada, and a few other ex-

British colonies are still using FPP.

To fi nd out more about BC-STV, go to www.stv.ca

And whatever you do on May 12, be sure to get out

and vote!

Growing Terrifi c Tomatoes

Single Transferable Vote

information, provide reference material, and plant

many varieties of tomatoes and peppers for you to take

home and grow.

Th e workshop will cover:

> Seeding, growing, and harvesting tips to help your

plants thrive

> Soil-building and location as keys to success

> Suitable seeds for our local area

> How to successfully save seeds

When: Saturday, April 4 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: Fernwood Community Center, 1240 Gladstone Ave.

Cost: $20

Presented by: Amy Crook certifi ed Master Gardener in

conjunction with LifeCycles Fruit Tree project

Th is workshop helps support LifeCycles Fruit Tree Project.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED as space is limited.

Please contact fruittree@lifecyclesproject.ca or 250-479-5475

for more information and/or to register for workshops.

Victoria Community Health Co-operativeCommunity Wellness Clinics

>> by James Christian

Clinic PhilosophyTh e Community Wellness Clinic off ers Co-op member-

participants complementary treatments from various

co-op natural health practitioner members at a pay-what-

you-can rate. Th e clinics are held the third Sunday of

every month; the aim is to increase access to integrated

multidisciplinary health care in an aff ordable and inclusive

way. From doctors to integrated energy workers, from

physiotherapists to hypnotherapists, from massage

therapists to homeopathic doctors all practitioners are

dedicated to working together to improve your health

and wellness. Th e donation money goes into the Co-

op Health Access Fund which is designed to support

member participants access to complementary health care

modalities. Th e practitioners are off ering their services

gratis to the community.

Here’s how it works:

1) Become a Member of the Victoria Community Health Co-operativeTh e Wellness Clinic is open to member-participants of the

co-operative. You can either join the co-operative before

the clinic starts or you can join the co-operative at the

clinic itself. You can join the Co-op by visiting our website

at www.victoriahealthcooperative.ca

2) Choose Your PractitionerHave a look at the biographies of the practitioners and

what health benefi ts their modalities have to off er you.

Decide what type of treatment you would like to try based

on your current health concerns.

3) Set Up Your AppointmentOnce you have decided on your practitioner call the

VCHC telephone number (250-483-5503) to book an

appointment. If you have any questions about what is right

for you, you can talk to Nicole who is our volunteer health

navigator or you can email or call the practitioner directly.

Th eir contact information is included in their description.

Going to the Wellness ClinicOn the Sunday of your appointment come to the

Community Wellness Clinic being held at Alembic

Healing Arts Centre in Market Square, Suite #235,

560 Johnson Street at Store Street. Th e clinic is on the

second fl oor and can be accessed from the Pandora Street

entrance, as well. Please arrive 15 minutes before your

appointment to fi ll in a medical history and sign a consent

form. Aft er your session, pay what you can, knowing that

your donation goes towards helping to create a healthier

community.

Continuing to Improve Your WellnessMember participants are free to continue to work with the

practitioners outside of the clinic. Arrangements can be

made directly with the practitioner.

Th e Community Wellness Clinic seeks to establish

relationships between member participants, strengthen the

community of the VCHC and improve individual and the

overall health of member/participants.

To fi nd out more about the Victoria Community Health

Co-operative check out http://victoriahealthcooperative.ca

or see the Village Vibe Calendar for monthly Community

Wellness Clinic information.

Page 4 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | April 2009 VillageVibe

Th at’s the number one

requirement for community involvement, according

to Jim Diers, a veteran community organizer and a

member of the Urban Policy Committee for Barack

Obama’s Presidential campaign.

Diers spoke to a standing-room only audience

March 2 at Victoria’s City Hall. His message:

reconnect with your neighbours and you’ll discover

the skills and resources available to make your

community a better place. Together, people can

achieve things which would be impossible alone.

“I’ve got a friend from Calgary. He says, ‘Jim,

you know the problem with getting people involved

in community? It’s those G.D. activists.’ I say, what

do you mean? He says ‘Grim and Determined,’”

said Diers.

“It cracks me up. I know so many people like

that. Th e people who feel that civic life is their cross

to bear. Th e people who love to be sour all the time,

to always think the worst of everything, to always

be pessimistic and love to complain. Th ey’re oft en

the leaders of our community organizations, almost

self-appointed, because they drive everyone away.”

So, said Diers, start where people are, and

speak the language they do. Participate in causes

other than your own. Ask people what they care

about, and help them achieve it. Look at the half-

full glass, instead of the half-empty glass. Recognize

what you’ve got as a community, and don’t sit on

your assets.

“Every person has gift s to give. Gift s of the

head, knowledge. Gift s of the heart, compassion.

Gift s of the hand, unique skills. But the problem

in our society is labels. Labels that say they have no

gift s.” Labels like ‘homeless,’ or smearing ‘youth’ with

‘at-risk.’ “Labelling people ‘disabled’ — that drives

me nuts. Defi ning people as ‘clients’ rather than

‘citizens,’” said Diers. “We need to take those labels

off and recognize everyone has gift s.” But how do we

do that? How do we make real life more interesting

than TV? How can we compete against wardrobe

malfunctions and the season fi nale of Lost?

Build a BMX park under a bridge. Start a café.

Paint a mural. Set up a Drug Free Zone with citizen

patrols. Start an art crawl or a music festival or a

community garden. Get things done on a local level

with resident power!

Th e city of Fremont in Seattle put sculptures

in the streets, painted murals in city squares,

constructed a giant rocket, and then sent the word

out that it was aimed at City Hall if they wouldn’t

shape up.

In San Francisco, residents who wanted parks

created them. Th ey put money in a parking meter,

uppercased the PARK on the sign, rolled down

grass over the pavement, then sunbathed and played

croquet. Th ey fed a meter and sent a message.

In the community of Ballard, California,

residents planted trees along their boulevards, then

bought abandoned lots and turned them into parks

and gardens.

In Diers’ own Seattle neighbourhood, one block

in the business district had been empty for years.

Th ey revitalized it with murals of shops. It started

with one storefront, then a bookstore, a dance

feature : Resident Powered Neighbourhood

Evolution:>> by Steve CareyHave fun.

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Cornerstone: the story

VillageVibe April 2009 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 5

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

studio and a toy store mural. People got excited.

“People wanted to stop and shop! Eventually

people wanted to get in on the action,” said Diers.

One by one, the painted stores were replaced with

real businesses and real patrons.

“Th e way to fi x the neighbourhood isn’t to

drive people out but to put legitimate businesses

in,” said Diers. “Th e best way to deal with crime

is to bring in legitimate activity, to create a

vibrant space.”

Th e fi rst director of Seattle’s Department of

Neighbourhoods, Diers served in the position

for 14 years. He is currently the director of the

University of Washington’s Seattle Community

Partnerships Program and teaches courses in

community development.

Diers is the instigator of “the Seattle Way,”

initiating community involvement from the

bottom up. His book, Neighbor Power: Building

Community the Seattle Way, was released in

January 2005. Cities such as Melbourne, Beijing,

and Austin have adopted its bottom-up style of

involvement and development.

Following Diers’ Victoria appearance, three

small group discussions were held on community

success stories. Th e Fernwood NRG presented

on the Cornerstone Building and neighbourhood

involvement, Victoria West presented on

Th e Victoria West Visions Project, and the

Fairfi eld Gonzales Community Association

presented on their funds matching program.

All are grassroots initiatives that use the power

of people to their advantage.

“We need to start thinking about how we

get satisfaction and meaning out of our lives by

connecting with and supporting each other, by

caring for the place we share rather than how

we get ahead by accumulating more,” said Diers.

“When we lose everything else it’s community we

have to fall back on.”

Fernwood NRG’s Infant

and Toddler Daycare is

looking for the following:

• Paint for interior and

exterior of building

• Wood to build a deck• A tree for shade in the

summer• Walkie talkies• Video monitors• New exterior light

• Storage shelving• Storage cupboards• Food processor• Digital camera• Emergency supplies• Large bulletin board

• Kitchen & food toys• Large foam blocks• Outside play house• Wooden kitchen set• Mini sofa and chairs• Trains

Spring Cleaning? De-Cluttering?

If you can help us out, email info@fernwoodnrg.ca or call 250.381.1552, ext. 22

>> by Trish Richards

In a breakout session following Diers

presentation, I shared the Cornerstone story with

some 30 interested folk.

I told them how the inspiration for the

Cornerstone purchase began with notes scrawled

across paper banners by neighbours attending

our Visioning Forum in the spring of 2004.

When asked: “What can we do to reclaim our

neighbourhood?” Fernwoodians answered: “Do

something about the boarded up building at

Fernwood and Gladstone!” So aft er some months of

creative negotiation and much nail-biting suspense,

on August 2, 2005, Fernwood NRG bought the

building, festooned it with Fernwood fl ags and

renamed it the Cornerstone. And the amazing

transformation began!

I talked about how ‘Demolition Saturdays’

became a Fernwood tradition and how neighbours

turned out in droves to put 10,000 plus hours

into restoring the Cornerstone. I told them that,

as a result, the centre of our neighbourhood is

now graced by a beautifully reclaimed, geothermally

heated heritage building that has become a leverage

point for the ongoing invigoration of Fernwood

village. I acknowledged how proud Fernwood NRG

is of housing four families in its upstairs suites

and of Stage Restaurant, Collective Works Gallery

and of course the Cornerstone Café, Fernwood’s

living room.

Jim Diers Visits Victoria

I characterized the Cornerstone as the

bricks and mortar of an amazing neighbourhood

revitalization. Just as important as the building

itself was the process that brought people together

and continues to inspire ongoing initiatives like

our award-winning Food Security Group, our Place

Making Group, the Fernwood Artists’ Collective,

the Cornerstone Record Collective, Park Place and,

yes, the collective voice of our neighbourhood, the

Village Vibe.

Concerned about my tendency to longwinded

ramblings, I stopped there and shared with them

the Cornerstone Power Point, a photo montage that

takes viewers on the Cornerstone transformation

journey in a way no words of mine could ever do.

(If you haven’t seen it yet and want to, let the Village

Vibe know and we’ll hold a screening! Email

villagevibe@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca.)

It is a story that many of you have heard and

many of you have played a part in. But telling it

to folks who are not familiar with it takes on a

whole diff erent feel. People in the audience spoke

to me later of being moved and inspired by the

Cornerstone story and of wanting to talk further

about how they could walk the Fernwood walk in

their own communities!

And I am moved and inspired all over again

each time I tell the tale. We – and I mean you and I

together – have achieved something amazing in the

Cornerstone and as we continue to meet and talk,

work and play and dance under the stars at Fern

Fest, together we can only achieve more.

Resources

For a video of Jim Diers’ presentation, visit www.jimdiers.blip.tv For more information on Diers and his book, visit

www.neighborpower.org For more information on upcoming City of Victoria events, visit www.Victoria.ca, or as

always, the Fernwood NRG’s website, www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca

Diers recently published a paper titled From the Ground Up: Community’s Role in Addressing Street Level Issues.

Read it at the Canada West Foundation’s website, www.cwf.ca

Page 6 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | April 2009 VillageVibe

>> by Margaret Hantiuk

By what I see in my own yard I think the

growing season is about two weeks late this year. We need

to be patient and spend this time planning, getting ready,

and purchasing supplies. We can do some cleanup, though,

pruning dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs

that may have suff ered winter injury.

It is wise to wait for new growth to see what is really

dead. Some tender shrubs may have ‘die-back’ on branches

even as far down as the basal (ground) area. When you

are sure (areas of no growth when everything else is well

into leaf ) prune back to ‘green wood’ or to just above new

growth, always neatly and at an angle.

On a shrub, cut above an outward-facing leaf sprout,

so the shrub grows outwards, increasing air circulation and

sun access. Tree branches should be cut close but not into

the ‘collar’ (the swelling where the branch joins the larger

stock) so that this collar may grow over and eventually

cover the open cut. Th is can be rejuvenating for many

shrubs so don’t rip out a shrub you think is dead in

early spring.

With a cold spring, it may not be worth planting

your veggies too early (unless you have a green house, cold

frame or cloche covers). Th ey will grow slowly if at all, and

you may lose them to rot and insect infestation. Seedlings

are best put out when smaller, as they are less vulnerable

to ‘vernalization’, the stress response to cold temperatures

where seedlings fl ower prematurely and then do not

mature properly.

If your yard has low areas or heavy soil that stays

soggy late in spring, delay working in these areas, as it is

damaging to soil structure to stand on heavy, wet soils.

Th is is the advantage of raised beds: they drain well and

warm up early. Th ey should be built small enough to be

reached from all sides; without standing in them the

soil isn’t compacted and requires less cultivation. Because

there is less wasted space, added soil amendments go

further and are easier to apply. Watering and weeding are

easier too.

Soil amendments that should be added annually

to build up your soil are compost and, in our region,

an annual dressing of agricultural (dolomite) lime, as our

winter rains tend to leach this out of our naturally more

acidic soils. While there are some acidic loving plants

that shouldn’t be limed (blueberries, rhodos, azaleas

for example) garden veggies, lawns and most fl owering

plants and shrubs do benefi t. Bone meal contains a small

amount of it.

As lime leaches slowly down into the soil, the annual

dressing maintains the Ph balance that most garden

plants thrive in. A 500g yoghurt container should cover

about two square meters; apply before rain or prior to

cultivating.

If you don’t have enough compost, there are some

excellent amendments that can be purchased at a good

garden center. Th e fi rst is Seasoil, a composted mix of

wood and fi sh wastes that can be bought bagged or in

bulk. It is expensive, but it’s rich and should be spread just

an inch thick.

Th ere are also organic fertilizers (Gaia Green All-

Purpose for example) that are not chemical based, but

rather natural materials such as ground rock (greensand,

gypsum, glacial rock dust) plant materials (alfalfa, kelp,

seaweed) and also bone and blood meal. Some of these

materials represent diverted waste.

Organic fertilizers contain trace minerals that

chemical fertilizers do not, and being slow release don’t

‘burn’ plants or create imbalanced growth. Integrity Sales,

up on the Saanich peninsula at Keating Cross Rd, mixes

its own organic fertilizers at reasonable prices.

Wood ashes may also be spread over your beds. Alaska

or Pacifi c fi sh fertilizers are liquid mixes that may be

diluted and then applied to containers or heavy feeders

(roses, tomatoes, etc.) Compost tea is easily steeped in

large pails of warm water for a week or so, then applied

diluted to plants as they grow. Plants love this organic

stuff , and so does the soil and microorganisms: it’s a total

diet that lasts a long time.

Ready? Let’s grow!

gleanings : Getting Ready to Spring Into Action

– continued on page 7

what is usual size?

>> by Alex Kerr, Chair North Park

Neighbourhood Association

We have had a busy few months in North Park,

as several projects came together.

First, we had a planting bee at the Native Plant

Garden on the corner of Pembroke and Vancouver where

we planted more than 100 shrubs. We fi nished it on the

Saturday, and it snowed on the Sunday. But they all seem to

be doing just fi ne.

We then had a work party at the corner of Cook and

North Park to start work on the rest area. We poured the

cement for the two benches and a bulletin board. As well,

we put down some gravel on the path across this area. Th e

bulletin board and benches have now been installed. Th e

Do It Centre has also installed a new sign to refl ect their

name change to Castle Building Centre.

We wish to thank Do It Centre for all their help on the

busy Saturday of work. Th ere will be ongoing changes to

this area with a perennial garden and new walkway. Drop

by, relax and read the news.

We then had another planting bee at the Pembroke

and Vancouver corner where neighbours planted another

350 perennials. Th is Native Plant Garden will also

have signage to identify the plants etc. We are also

developing a website to answer your questions about

plants. Th anks to Todd Doherty for all his work and

planning on this project.

North Park’s Neighbourhood festival this year will

be on September 12. Th ere will be more to follow in later

issues of the Village Vibe.

Make sure to go to our website at www.npna.ca for the

latest news. Take care and enjoy life.

North Park News

VillageVibe April 2009 | www.fernwoodneighbourhood.ca | Page 7

>> by Lisa Helps

In the early 1930s, 25% of Victorians were

unemployed. Th ere was a severe housing crisis. Th e cost

of living was skyrocketing. And small local businesses

were being forced to close their doors. In the summer

of 1931 a group of citizens, recognizing the needs of

their neighbours, came together to form the Citizens’

Emergency Relief Fund. Th ese people realized that taking

action was a more powerful response than waiting for the

government’s stimulus package to trickle down.

In July 1931 alone the Citizens’ Emergency Relief

Fund raised more than $50,000. A July 29, 1931 Victoria

Daily Times headline proclaims, “Relief Fund Passes

$50,000,” and the article notes the recent contributions of

citizens. R.P. Butchart had donated $5,000 that week. G.

Bornsfelt had contributed $5.00. And every contribution

mattered. By the time the Relief Fund had disbursed its

last dollar in the summer of 1934, the Fund had aided over

5,000 Victorians in need.

Th e Greater Victoria Citizens’ Trust – created in part

by a number of Fernwoodians – is a 21st century response

to a similar economic crisis. Th e Greater Victoria Citizens’

Trust will provide loans to small local businesses, social

enterprises, and citizens hit hard by the current economic

crisis.

Th e Trust will be structured as a micro-credit fi nance

fund. Th is does not mean that the Trust will expect

payment in cash back from everyone it loans money

to (though in most cases it would). For example, the

executors of the Trust may decide to fund an impoverished

citizen’s necessary dental surgery, or pay the damage

deposit so that someone can rent an apartment. Th e

recipient may not be able to pay the Trust back in cash

– perhaps, for example, he or she is also a musician and

could play at a fundraising event, or is an artist and could

produce goods for sale by the social enterprise arm of the

Citizens’ Trust.

Th e Trust is premised on the fact that there are lots of

ways to contribute to the community, to give back what

is taken, and that everyone has something to off er that is

worth something if we look with a broader lens at what

“worth” is.

Th e Trust is founded on the principle that small, local,

socially-conscious and community-engaging businesses

are integral to the local economy and to the fabric of the

community more generally. Businesses – oft en hived off

as a separate “corporate” sector – are run by citizens

who are making critical and visionary investments in

the city’s present and future. Th ey should be invested

in, supported, sustained, and asked to contribute to the

community in return.

Th e Citizens’ Trust will raise money through

community engagements eff orts. Th e fi rst public event

was a singalong in Bastion Square on a freezing cold day in

early March where citizens came out and withstood the

cold to raise a few dollars for their fellow neighbours.

Like the singalong, other fundraising events will be

community building eff orts. Part of this is encouraging

and assisting so-called “average citizens” to realize that they

can make a diff erence in their communities in big

and small ways and supporting them to do so.

Part of the very fundraising strategy, then, is

about community engagement and empowerment. In

other words, both the input and the output are about

community engagement.

Th e Trust is fl exible and as such will help create new

opportunities for imagining and enacting visions for

Victoria. For example, the Trust could create something

like an Urban Sustainability Fellowship through which

folks from across the country might apply to come to

Victoria and share and teach and learn what they know

about urban sustainability. Th e Trust might cover living

expenses, rent, and an honorarium, etc., in exchange for

a year of engagement in and dedication to contributing

to Victoria’s sustainability. Or the Trust might fund a

Leadership Mentorship (maybe in conjunction with

Leadership Victoria), which might enable an amazing

leader from somewhere in the country/world to come,

fully funded, to Victoria for a year to mentor local leaders.

Or perhaps – even better – we likely have urban

sustainability and leadership mentors right here in the city.

Th e Fellowships/Mentorships could support those people

for a year to focus all of their eff orts in those areas.

To fi nd out more or to donate to the Greater Victoria

Citizens’ Trust head to www.victoriacitizenstrust.ca

Greater Victoria Citizens’ Trust

What in the world are

Christian Science Reading Rooms?

Come to our Open House and fi nd out!

April 16-19, 20091205 Pandora Ave at

Chambers St Thurs: 12 noon - 7pm

Fri, Sat, Sun: 12 noon - 5pm

www.victoriachurch.ca250-383-0216

it is the scale

of this city that makes things

workable not elsewhere

like the singer in black

tight velour striped pants

bound up to the neck

in black leather studded somethings

you know the kind I mean that match

belts with two lines of silver holes

leather boots stomping

beside him at the microphone cowboy

in too tight jeans

and fl annel shirt pocket

ripped from one too many

local poets Hootenany by lisa helps

a pack of the harshest brand

and yet they sing in almost perfect harmony

as the Hootenany host

pushes her tongue

into another woman’s mouth

in the perfect spot

the two of them

to block the fl ashing lights

of the ambulance

pulled up in front likely

to pull a recent patron

from the pavement

or maybe to collect

again a person without

a home gathered in front

of the Sunday pub

where generous regulars

high on something like music

easily spare a smoke or a toke

while inside someone pulls down the blind

and as the ambulance pulse fades

we turn our attention again

to the perfect punk and cowboy

to this city

where scale grace and good will

dictate that dissonance

might be something like

almost harmony

Page 8 | News and views from the heart of Fernwood | April 2009 VillageVibe

what’s on in FernwoodArts, Theatre and EntertainmentBelfry Theatre presents:THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. An award-winning comedy by Morris Panych. Directed by Amiel Gladstone, and starring Paul Fauteux, Vanessa Holmes, James Long, Lucas Myers and Camille Stubel. Apr 4 to May 17. See website or call for showtimes or additional info. 1291 Gladstone Ave. Info: 250.385.6815 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!Collective Works Gallery.icon. Works by Lia Crossley. Show runs Mar 27 to Apr 9. TELLINGS STORIES. Works by Jenny Waelti-Walters, painter-printmaker and Jan Johnson, sculptor. Opening Apr 10, 7-9pm. Show runs Apr 10 to 23. Gallery hours>11am-6pm Tues to Thurs; 11am-8pm Fri+Sat; 11am-6pm Sun; closed Mon. 1311 Gladstone Ave. 250.590.1345. www.collectiveworks.caLive at the Cornerstone – 1301 Gladstone (at Fernwood Ave.)Tues, Apr 14. 8pm>Music – an intimate evening with REVIVAL DEAR, on the road for their cross-Canada He Said/She Said tour. By donation.Mon, Apr 20. 7pm> Victoria Magazine Cabaret. Everyone welcome.Thurs, Apr 23. 7pm> Book night with selected local authors from Touchwood Editions.Ongoing Friday events at the Cornerstone, Fernwood’s living room:> First and third Fridays (Apr 3 and 17). “Sound Spa.” Down tempo and dub reggae with local and guest djs.>Second and fourth Fridays (Apr 10 and 24). “Shot in the Dark” open mic night with hosts the Bumbling Sisters. Bring your poetry, music, jokes, stories, etc.Thank you for supporting independent touring and local musicians and your neighbourhood!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. www.loganspub.comMinistry of Casual Living.1442 Haultain St. Info: www.ministryofcasualliving.caVictoria Bluegrass Association Jam.Tuesdays 7:30-10pm. Orange Hall. 1620 Fernwood Rd. $2 to play ($3/non-members). Listen by donation. Info: www.victoriabluegrass.caVictoria Folk Music Society.Sundays. 7:30pm Open Stage. 9pm Feature Performer. (Apr 5>JOHN WORT HANNAM. Apr 12>JIM PAGE. Apr 19>HEADWATER. Apr 26>CLOVER POINT DRIFTERS.) Norway House. 1110 Hillside Ave. $5 feature performer nights/$3 all open stage night. www.victoriafolkmusic.ca

Kids and Families at the Fernwood Community CentreFamily Community Day.Family fun directed and facilitated by the participants. Snacks, crafts, play equipment and varied themes. Mondays 9:30-11:30am. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. FREE!Food Skills for Families Workshop.Workshop provides participants with the tools and inspiration to create nutritious, interesting and delicious meals while having fun in a social setting.Six-week session started Mar 28. Saturdays, 3-6pm. Fernwood Community Centre. For info contact allison@fernwoodnrg.ca or 250-381-1552 ex.122. FREE!Parent and Tot Playgroup.Snacks/Crafts/Circle Time. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-11:30am. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $1 per family.

Youth, Adults and SeniorsFairuza Fridays.Drop-in Co-ed. Ages 10-14. Nintendo Wii, big screen movies, basketball, fl oor hockey, roller skating, music. Fridays, 7-9:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre. Info: 250.381.1552 ext.25 FREE!Falun Gong.Peaceful meditation practice. All welcome! Wednesdays, 5-7pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. FREE!Fernwood Seniors.55+. Gentle exercise, lunch and activities. Monthly special guest speaker. Fridays, 11am Fernwood Community Centre MPR. $2 for lunch.Floor Hockey.Drop-in Co-ed. Adult (18+). Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-9:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $4, or get a punchcard: $40/11 sessions.**Flow Yoga.With certifi ed instructor Jay. Adult. Fridays 5:30-7pm. $5. Fernwood Community Centre Gym.Hatha Yoga.With certifi ed instructor Elke. Gentle poses, breathing practice, deep relaxation and meditation. Tuesdays, 3:30-5pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $5.Karate.Drop in. Adult Co-ed. Instructor Lucas Trottier. Sundays, 1-2:30pm. Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $3.**Kundalini Yoga.Mondays, 7-8:30pm. $5 drop-in. Fernwood Community Centre.Moksha Yoga.With instructor Lena Simmons. Tuesdays. 7:30-8:30. $5 drop-in. Fernwood Community Centre.Tai Chi.Thursdays. 4:30-5:30pm. Fernwood Commu-nity Centre. 1240 Gladstone. $5 drop-in.Women’s Soccer.Drop-in. Sundays 5-6:30pm, Fernwood Community Centre Gym. $3.**

**We accept Sports Trader Bucks and Canadian Tire Money at face value!

Special EventsFern Fest 2009!!Sat, June 20, 2009. 11am-11pm. Come out and help us in our celebration of the wonderful Fernwood Community! Live entertainment, family activities, beer garden, BBQ, Workshops and more! Free admission.Wise Daughters workshops:>Starting Apr 1, Wise Daughters is pleased to be hosting a six-part series of interactive home design talks presented by Wo-Built, a local women-owned construction/design company. Perfect for new home owners or anyone contemplating improvements to their living space.>Come make a sock monkey on Apr 8, conquer your fear of drawing April 18, and get in touch with your inner diva April 26. There’s something for everyone next month!>Plus weekly Sit ‘n’ Stitch, of course – come for great conversation and a chance to fi nish those projects languishing in your closet.For info call 416.761.1555 or see www.wisedaughters.comFernwood Business Network.Everyone welcome. Tues, Apr 7 (fi rst Tues monthly). 10am. Fernwood Inn. For info contact Ryan Rutley at ryan@rutleyventures.caVictoria Green Drinks.An inclusive gathering of the sustainability-minded for refreshments and conversation. Tues, Apr 14 (second Tues monthly). 5-7pm. Canoe Brew Pub, Marina and Restaurant 405 Swift Street. For info see www.greendrinksvictoria.caFernwood’s Outrageous Recycling Day.Bring your CLEAN plastics, styrofoam packing and food trays, electronics and foil-lined coffee/chip bags. Sat, Apr 11 (second Sat monthly). 10am-1pm. Across from Fernwood Community Centre. By donation. Fernwood’s Outrageous Recycling Day seeks volunteers! Come help us make it all happen! For info: villagevibe@fernwoodneighbourhood.caCommunity Wellness Clinic.Victoria Community Health Co-operative. Experience complementary modalities to support your well being. Clinics by members for members. Sunday, Apr 19 (third Sun monthly), 10am-4pm, Alembic Healing Arts Centre, Market Square, Suite #235, 560 Johnson St. Book appointments at 250.483.5503. More info at: www.victoriahealthcooperative.caTaiko in Fernwood!Uminari Taiko offers a three-hour workshop on Taiko Japanese drumming. Apr 19. EuroStudios, 1821 Cook St., Unit 3F. $49/$45 before Apr 12. Pre-register at: info@uminaritaiko.com, and come prepared to have fun!Fernwood Place Making Troupe.Come out and talk Place Making with Fernwood’s new City Council Liaison, Phillipe Lucas. The evening will begin with a screening of BUBBLEMAN. A quintessentially Fernwoodian event! Mon, Apr 20 (third Mon monthly). 7pm. Cornerstone Café. All Welcome!

Published by Fernwood NRG (Fernwood

Neighbourhood Resource Group)

1240 Gladstone Street

Victoria, BC V8T 1G6

T 250.381.1552

F 250.381.1509

villagevibe@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca

www.villagevibe.ca

Editor: Lisa Helps

Assistant Editors: Aaron Ellingsen,

Trish Richards

Contributors:

Steve Carey

James Christian

Amy Crook

Margaret Hantiuk

Deryk Houston

Alex Kerr

Anke van Leeuwen

Jo Roueche

The views expressed in the Village Vibe

do not necessarily refl ect the views of

Fernwood NRG.

villagevibe

Come on in out of the cold, where neighbours gather!

Open daily from 11:301302 Gladstone 412-2001

Fernwood NRG Food Security Collective.All welcome! Tues, Apr 21 (third Tues monthly). 7-9pm. Fernwood Community Centre MPR. foodsecurity@fernwoodneighbourhood.caFernwood Community Kitchen.Cook nutritious, creative meals with your neighbours! Info: fernwoodkitchens@gmail.comSpring Ridge Commons Workparties!Come get your hands dirty in Fernwood’s only public food garden. Saturdays, 10-12pm at the Commons. Please bring tools if you’ve got ‘em.Village Sustainability Workshops.Ongoing workshops at the Oak and Fern Centre. Contact Rainey and Margot for information at 250.383.9171 or hope_of_rain@islandnet.comThe Fernwood Commons: A Fernwood Community Communication Forum.For info on Fernwood comings and goings and neighbourhood news and views, check out The Fernwood Commons online: http://thevillagevibe.ning.com/

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

If you have a Fernwood event you would like listed in the Village Vibe calendar please send an email with the subject line “vibe calendar” to villagevibe@fernwoodneighbourhood.ca