villagevibe News and views from the heart of Fernwood June 2013 Get ready to celebrate One weekend, two great events in this issue Editorial Fernwood is open for business page 3 Feature FernFest Program page 4 & 5 Buzz e art of conversation page 7 To get the Vibe digitally, sign up at fernwoodnrg.ca ›› Kathryn Juricic T his year—as FernFest and Fern- wood Bites come closer—Fern- wood NRG is working with local businesses and neighbours to build a great set of events to celebrate our neigh- bourhood’s unique vibrant culture. A big thanks to all of our sponsors; we couldn’t put these on without you. Fernwood NRG invites everybody to enjoy a weekend of festivities—June 21 st to June 23 rd . FernFest: Fernwood’s annual neighbourhood celebration is all-ages music and arts festival circus extravaganza is sure to please all stripes, please join us on Friday night and Saturday! Saturday morning, you’re going to want a good breakfast for a day packed of revelry. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Join us for our Community Pancake Breakfast, hosted by e Fernwood Inn, at 9:00am- 10:30am in the Square (by donation). New this year—Vic High field has been added to our range of celebrations transforming into the FernFest Field of Dreams. Here is where you will find great activities for every age including laughter yoga, capoeira, archery, volleyball and our Kid’s Zone. The Kid’s Zone will be rockin’ with a bouncy castle, face-painter, carnival games, button-making station by George Jay School, art projects & herb sale by the Fernwood Community Centre and lots more! Kids: Don’t forget to decorate your bikes before 11:00am in preparation for the Kidical Mass Bike Parade. Parents: Take turns watching your kids while your partner gets a massage in the ViVi erapy Massage tent—proceeds donated to Fernwood NRG. Nearby, local crafters will be set-up on Gladstone Avenue for FernFest’s Artisan Market from 10:00am to 3:00pm. ere will be many treasures to be found here: radical books & zines, artwork, tinctures, locally made jewellery, reclaimed & recycled kitchen ware, handmade hula hoops, crocheted hats, fairly traded handicrafts, pet formal wear, baked goods made with love, tarot card readings… to name a few. e party is taken to the next level with live music all weekend. Benji Duke, host of e Friday Night Quiz at e Fort Street Cafe and Fernwoodian, will be MCing FernFest’s stage. He will be introducing the groovy beats so get ready to laugh and bring the dance party because we have got quite the line-up this year! Some of the bands include e New Groovement, e Woodsmen, BoneHoof, as well as beats thrown down by DJ Grandpa Phunk and Microbongo Sound System. Come down to the Square and enjoy an ice cold brew from Phillips Brewery and take in tunes by uber talented musical artists hailing from our neighbourhood. For a full schedule of all of our activites & performers see pages 4-5. FernFest is 18 years old and gets bigger and better every year. at means we’ve got folks from all over town coming to check out what the ‘hood has to offer. Let’s show them what we’re all about! You bring yourself and community spirit and we’ll bring the live music, BBQ, Beer Garden, Field of Dreams, Heritage Walking Tours, Artisan Market, Kid’s Zone, Art Stroll, Pancake Breakfast, Senior’s High Tea, Stilt Walker, Silent Auction and so much more! Does that sound like an awesome deal? FernFest takes a community. Please join the volunteer crew if you can; there’s something for everyone. Email volunteer@ fernwoodnrg. ca to get involved. Bring your tie-dye, hula hoops, instruments, bubbles, groovy gear and open mind because you never know what surprises will unfold in front of you at FernFest! Fernwood Bites: Local Fare in an Urban Square Sunday morning the Square transforms from neighbourhood celebration to an atmosphere of locally crafted food, drink and smooth jazz. Fernwood Bites is a unique fundraiser for Fernwood NRG that celebrates local taste sensations and raises money for our sustainable food ini- tiatives. Fernwood Bites closes Fernwood’s big weekend in class. We have over 30 local restaurants, craft breweries, wineries and drink providers coming to join us. We are excited to present Fernwood favourites such as The Fernwood Inn, Cornerstone Café, Ca Va Bistro Moderne, Stage Small Plates Wine Bar, Aubergine Specialty Foods, Stir It Up and new to the neighbourhood, Norte. Many more incredible establishments will also be in attendance to dazzle you with their gastronomic creativity. is event promises to please. Proceeds from Fernwood Bites go to the Good Food Box, the Community Centre Kitchen Garden and the Fern- wood Neighbourhood Orchard. Fernwood NRG is committed to the visions that were presented by our neighbours at our last Neighbourhood Visioning Forum. A remarkably common goal was food security. Help us get there by attending this amazing and delicious event. Tickets are available at fernwoodbites2013.eventbrite.ca and are limited—this event sells out every year. Bring your friends!
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villagevibeNews and views from the heart of Fernwood
June 2013
Get ready to celebrateOne weekend, two
great events
in this issueEditorial
Fernwood is open for business
page 3
Feature
FernFest Program
page 4 & 5
Buzz
Th e art of conversation
page 7
To get the Vibe digitally, sign up at fernwoodnrg.ca
Here are some local Fernwood homes that will be listed and available for purchase with
the RealEstateDynamics.ca Team this spring. For your free home evalua on or to view your next home today, please visit RealEstateDynamics.ca or call 250.294.6363.
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Your Home HereSoldSold
Coming Soon$425,000 $299,900 4 Bed, 1 Bath
New trees represent
growth at George Jay
›› John Threlfall
Two trees have just been planted on the
grounds of George Jay Elementary School
and it’s no coincidence that they’re maples.
They were chosen for the shade they’ll
provide to the equally new playground but
also for the balance, promise and practicality
they represent—all values shared by George
Jay teachers and families alike.
“We are always looking for ways to
connect the school community with
Fernwood as a whole,” says George Jay PAC
president Kate Wallace. “Now that so many
families are coming to George Jay to use
our beautiful new playground, we wanted
to create a shady meeting spot. Families
are lingering longer, which promotes a
stronger community.”
If you haven’t walked past George Jay’s
century-old heritage building on Princess
Avenue lately, you may well be surprised
by some of the recent changes. Th ere are
new trees and adventure playground, yes,
but also a walking labyrinth and the garden
boxes which are a part of Lifecycles Project
Society’s Growing Schools program.
Then there are the surrounding painted
telephone poles, which were Fernwood’s
first large-scale pole-painting initiative
and served as a pilot for Fernwood NRG’s
successful annual Pole Painting Project—
once again showing George Jay’s active role
in the neighbourhood.
Together these initiatives involve all
three levels of George Jay’s community—
families, volunteers and teachers—and
embody the school’s motto of “Learning
to Care, Caring to Learn.” George Jay is
a microcosm of Fernwood; a diverse and
vibrant place focused on learning, caring
and community engagement. Essential
school philosophies include a code of
citizenship that fosters self-control and
concern for others, a positive restitution
approach to confl ict, and an inclusive envi-
ronment where kids can interact based on
who they are and not what they have.
A mix of George Jay parents, teachers
and students had a booth at the recent
Quadra Village Day where current students
led activities for younger kids and former
students made a point of stopping to visit.
Whether it was the chap who graduated in
nineteen fi fty-eight (and was keen to come
back for a tour) or the girl who graduated just
last year but was excited to reconnect with a
favourite teacher, George Jay clearly continues
to hold a valued place in the community. Be
sure to drop by their table at FernFest!
Caff e Fantastico’s Ryan and Kristy Taylor
are George Jay parents, and they feel the
school refl ects their own attitudes as indi-
viduals and small business owners. “Living
local is very important to us and that also
means being a part of our neighbourhood
school,” says Kristy. “George Jay has been
an amazing place for our kids and family.”
If you’re looking for a world of learning
and caring that’s equally concerned with
instilling positive values in the next
generation, look no further than your
friendly neighbourhood elementary school.
Considering George Jay has been around
longer than Fernwood itself, it’s not much
of a stretch to say that Fernwood’s values
started here.
george jay:
Growing Change
New maple trees planted at George Jay Elementary School. Photo: Kate Wallace
Living local is very important to us and that also means being a part of our neighbourhood school. George Jay has been an amazing place for our kids and family.
page 4 villagevibe June 2013 News and views from the heart of Fernwood
Time Performer Details
5:00pm DYLAN STONE TRIOFolk-rock style music. Dylan Stone and band of merry men are Fern-ies through
and through. Think Wilco meets Bob Dylan.
5:45 pmDOWNTOWN
MISCHEIF
Super fresh 5 or 6 piece (weather dependant) Downtown Mischief is an
amalgamation of two funky feels spawning from Boots of Mischief & DownTown
HoeDown. Mixin’ it up into psychedelic concoctions of next level freestyle Oneness.
6:30 pmMASALA WORLD
PERCUSSION BAND
Masala’s goal is to use music to bring people together in celebration of
community and culture, inspired by traditional rhythms from Africa, Cuba and
Brazil.
7:00 pm THE WOODSMEN
Electoronic and prog rock mixed with blues and indie. Which is novel. Their
trademark energetic performances and critical acclaim have earned them a
place as one of Victoria’s more established acts.
8:00 pm GRANDPA PHUNKThe youthful funkster DJ with the elder’s ear from Belmont and Pembroke. (The
Soul Selector)
9:00 pmMICROBONGO
SOUND SYSTEM
Live 3-piece Electro-Brazilian dance band combining live instrumentation with
electronics. Get ready to dance!
HUNGRY?
THIRSTY?
Visit the BBQ: enjoy some tasty delights from the grill open from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Stage Wine Bar Sausages - Hot Dogs - Hamburgers & Veggie Burgers - Drinks - Treats
Visit the Beer Garden: open from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm with the best seats in Fernwood to
watch the talent & drink some local Phillips brews - Blue Buck - Hop Circle IPA
Time Activity
9:00 am -
10:30amPancake Breakfast
10:00 am -
3:00 pmArtisan Market
11:00 amKidical Mass Bike
Parade
11:00 am -
4:00pm
Field of Dreams
Activity Centre
11:00 am -
4:00pmKids’ Zone
11:00 am &
1:00pm
Heritage Walking
Tours
Noon -
10:00pmBBQ & Beer Garden
1:00pm -
2:30pmSeniors’ High Tea
Time Performer
12:00 pm THE GLEESONS
12:45 pmGEOFF HOWE
BAND
2:00 pm FOX GLOVE
3:00 pmTHE SWEET
ENDINGS
4:00 pm ESTELLA
5:00 pm GOLD & SHADOW
6:00 pmGOLDEN COUNTRY
CLAN
7:00 pm WAVES OF DAYS
8:00 pmTHE NEW
GROOVEMENT
9:00 pm BONEHOOF
www.fernwoodnrg.ca June 2013 villagevibe page 5
Wake up with usnow open at 6:30am weekdays
Details
Get set for a full day of FernFest by starting things off right with a hearty breakfast,
brought to you by the Fernwood Inn. (By donation)
Done breaky? Head to our Artisan Market! 30 local vendors will be showcasing
their unique items and reveal the best fi nds around. (On Gladstone Avenue between
Fernwood Square & the Fernwood Community Centre)
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No... it’s a mass of kids on bicycles!!! Jump in on the fun,
decorate your bikes and ride into FernFest with style. (Meet at Field of Dreams)
NEW! FernFest has added a whole fi eld of fun to the table. Vic High fi eld will be
packed with activities. See box to the right for more info...
The best spot to entertain the little ones! (On the Vic High fi eld) See box to the right for more info...
Nick Russell & the Victoria Heritage Foundation will lead you on a guided tour of the
heritage buildings in our neighbourhood. (Meet in Fernwood Square)
Get some delicious bites at the FernFest BBQ. Our cooks are whipping up
something special just for you... And wash that down with a ice cold Phillips beer in
the Beer Garden.
Pip-pip and cheerio! Join in on some good old fashioned fun. Scones, tea and good
conversation. (At Fernwood Community Centre - 55 yrs+ please)
Main Stage - Fernwood Square
The Gleesons are a local Fernwood family band whos members range from age 11
to 27. They specialze in 70’s rock, folk and blues. Wear your tie dye and bring your
hippies. (Deadheads allowed)
Blending 60’s vocal groups, jangly power pop, whiskey tinged country and
confessional soul balladry. Geoff has just released his debut solo album “Hard Folk”
and is excited to introduce you to his band.
An amalgamation of three very different female voices. With the help of a suitcase fi lled
with instruments, this trio brings a collection of eclectic originals, as well as their own
unique twist on songs that you may or may not already know.
These guys will delight any audience with their take on post war Chicago blues and
rock ‘n’ roll.
Estella is a four piece electric folk-rock band based out of the West Shore, consisting
a guitar, bass & drums but adding counter-melodies with violin, vocal harmonies & the
fanfare of a trumpet.
This Nanaimo based band will capture your heart and mind with original, organic art-
rock that innovates and inspires. Infl uenced by the likes of Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and
Bon Iver.
Country and western from a select troupe of Fernwood’s fi nest. The always entertaining
David P. Smith leads the group.
Early eighties power pop favourites fl avoured with slide guitar. Imagine Elvis Costello
meets Hank Williams!
An eleven-piece funk machine will make you shake everything you got! Seemlessly
blending elements of R&B, soul and hip hop to create a funk-i-fi ed feast for the ears,
this is a show you won’t want to miss...
Circus blues, classic rock and psychedelia. The last 12 months have seen BoneHoof
play Riffl andia, Rock of the Woods, Campbell Bay Music festival.
Victoria Meet-up Group (Closed) Every other week 7:00pm - 9:00pm
SUNDAYIntro to Kyudo (+16yrs) (Reg) May 5 - May 26 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Intro to Kyudo (+16yrs) (Reg) July 7 - Aug 25 1:00pm - 3:00pm
buzz:
A Festival of Th oughtsChristopher Bowers is
an artist of conversation
›› Jack Derricourt
Bowers is a lifelong advocate of the r elaxing
quality of a fresh question: “What’s the
twist?” “What is a moment that stood out
in your enterprise?” “What is your opening
line?” Th ese are the kinds of direct, inspi-
ration-seeking queries that he will bring to
the people at this year’s FernFest—along
with some slick looking, pro-conversation
buttons.
While some may shake their heads and
mourn the transition towards tweets and
blogs in this digital age, there are signs that
the art of conversation is alive and kicking
harder than ever. The overwhelming
popularity of story and conversation-based
podcasts like This American Life or The
Moth demonstrates that people want to
branch out from their understanding of the
world by hearing diff erent experiences and
perspectives. Th e Fernwood community is
lucky to have their own digital conversation
champion in Bowers.
As a hardworking school teacher bound
in weary marking and testing, Bow-
ers says he fell under the “tyranny of the
immediate,” and was unable to give his
students a full picture of the real world.
To remedy this, he sought out community
members to contribute to the classroom
with their thoughts on life. Bowers found
the process so enlightening that he started
hosting courses on the power of personal
story for adults.
Now, out of the classroom and
accompanied by a digital camera, Bowers
looks to record controlled moments of con-
versation, whether it be at a music festival or
an art crawl. He has captured the thoughts
of aboriginal elders, chocolatiers, urban
sketchers, the genius behind Star Wars (the
one-man version), and so many more. Each
clip is a restrained—under two minutes—
exploration of a person, a moment, plain
and simple, but full of insight.
It’s not always easy. Bowers is quick
to praise Fernwood’s wonderful atmo-
sphere of conversation, but he sees room
for improvement. When it comes to the
average person on the street, he says, “It’s
pretty hard to access them.”
To make it easier on attendees at this
year’s FernFest, Bowers has organized a
delightful solution. Buttons will be on hand,
ready for would-be conversationalists. Th ey
read simply “Open to a Conversation.”
Bowers wants to help people indicate
that they are “safe and ready to go” for
hearty talks, stories and thought-sharing.
It’s another small gesture in Bowers’ long
career of moving people towards a central
realization: “Th e solution to your challenge
is often one conversation away.”
Check out more of Christopher Bowers’
clips at conversationworks.ca—and don’t
miss out on the wonderful conversations at
this year’s FernFest on Saturday, June 22.
mark your calendar:
Fernwood Art Stroll
Th e 7th annual Fernwood Art Stroll is being held on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June
23 from 11 am to 4 pm. Twenty-one local artists and artisans will open their studios to
the public. Original works of art will be on display including paintings, furniture, fashion,
photography, fl orals and pottery. It is a chance to walk the tree-lined streets of Fernwood,
purchase unique pieces of art and meet local artists. Come and join us! Check us out at
www.fernwoodartstroll.ca for a downloadable map and more information. Brochures
will be available at most local businesses, art stores, coff ee shops and local galleries.
PLUS: Pandora Arts Collective is holding a silent auction at 1923 Fernwood Road
featuring art by local artists and great products and services from local businesses.
Bagasse, 2009, acrylic on panel, 300” x 78”—painting by Charles Campbell, one of the twenty-one
artists in this year’s Fernwood Art Stroll. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Fernwood in 2070. Can we reach forward and touch
the future? Yes, we can!Join facilitators Lehna Malmkvist & Sarah Adams for an evening of me travel, imagina on, and future thinking about the Fernwood neighbourhood in 2070 and beyond. We are looking for a small group of crea ve thinkers to join this experimental and interac ve workshop on June 17 from 6:30 to 9:30pm at the Fernwood Community Centre. We want to give you the opportunity to think deep and wide
about the future.
This is a free event, but space is limited. Register