June 2015 Village Vibe

June 2015

villagevibe News and views from the heart of Fernwood

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FernFest's 20 Anniversary!

FernFest is packed with activities for all ages, June 19th & 20th

›› Kathryn Juricic

T

he 20th Annual FernFest is upon us, coming to life this summer solstice! Local bands, artisans, performers, businesses, artists, friends and family join us to help create a sense of wonder and shared celebration. This free event invites people of all ages to explore the sights and sounds of Fernwood and beyond.

Every year we are amazed at the local talent that graces the gazebo in the Square. We’ve got over 15 bands to enjoy at FernFest, including The New Souls, Bousada, Capital City Syncopators Trio and Slim Sandy and the Hillbilly Boppers.

Full details available in our FernFest Program on page 4 and 5.

You can now enjoy a Phillips Beer or Merridale Cider anywhere in Fernwood Square and with your family. Better yet, we’ll have more space to dance!

The festivities on Saturday will surely be an adventure. We’ve got the Field of Dreams and Kid’s Zone open from 10am to 3pm on the Vic High Field including the famous cardboard castle, face-painting, tie-dye and hamster balls! We’ve also got a massage tent, weaving, art activities and many more activities for everyone.

Saturday also offers the chance to peruse local goods from over 30 artisans at the FernFest Artisan Market on Gladstone Avenue open from 10am to 5pm. From soaps, jewelry, furniture, henna, handmade clothing and aromatherapy, you won’t leave unsatisfied.

Don’t miss out on some classic FernFest favourites on Saturday such as the Pancake Breakfast at 9am hosted by The Fernwood Inn, the Kidical Mass Bike Parade at 10am, Seniors’ High Tea at the Fernwood Community Centre and the Fernwood Art Stroll (happening Saturday and Sunday).

Everyone’s favourite MC, and Quiz Master extraordinaire, Benji Duke will be hosting!

One and all are invited to party on at FernFest, June 19 & 20, in Fernwood Square. Image: Mila Czemerys

FernFest owes big thanks to everyone who contributes to our festival. This free neighbourhood celebration could not take place without the generosity of our musicians, volunteers, amazing local sponsors, silent auction donors, neighbours, local businesses and Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group.

Inspired by the people and neighbourhood of Fernwood, we invite all of Victoria to delight in FernFest. We invite you build community, celebrate each other, enjoy the festivities, and dance! Happy FernFest!

Please visit fernwoodnrg.ca/eventsdirectory/fernfests for more information.

Fernwood Bites, Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group’s annual food and drink tasting fundraiser is back to delight with local tastes in Fernwood Square. We will transition the Square from a neighbourhood celebration into a delicious tasting event of the best that Victoria has to offer.

We are also excited to partner with Cook Culture and EAT Magazine again to make this a sensational evening.

Fernwood Bites is thrilled to offer an array of restaurants including Fernwood’s own Aubergine Specialty Foods, CaVa Bistro Moderne, Cornerstone Café, the Fernwood Inn and Stage Wine Bar. We’ll have some new restaurants joining us this year including Meat & Bread, Toque Catering and Vij’s Sutra. Other local favourites include Bon Macaron Patisserie, Charelli’s Cheese Shop and Delicatessen, Choux Choux Charcuterie, Origin Bakery, Wildfire Bakery and Yates Street Taphouse.

Nestled amongst these local restaurants are an array of Victoria’s fabulous drink providers including Bona Vini Wines Co., Category 12 Brewing, Discovery Coffee, Hoyne Brewing, Jusu Juice Bar, Merridale Ciderworks, Phillips Brewing, Renaissance Wine Merchants, Sea Cider, Sheringham Distillery, Storied Wine & Spirits, Tod Creek Craft Cider and Victoria Spirits.

We will be enjoying our eats alongside

Buzz

Feature

Mark Your Calendar

New Little Library page 2

FernFest Program page 4 & 5

Fernwood Friday Market page 2

Fernwood Bites 2015

the music of Jerson Hernandez’s band and highly sought after silent auction items.

Fernwood Bites raises funds and awareness for the many projects of Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group including Family and Child Care Programs at the Fernwood Community Centre, affordable housing, our garden projects such as the Community Orchard, Kitchen Garden and Spring Ridge Commons, and other community building events such as FernFest, the Pole Painting Project and Fernwood University.

Thank you to all of our restaurants, sponsors, supporters, volunteers and silent auction donors.

Please visit fernwoodnrg.ca/eventsdirectory/fernwoodbites for ticket sales and more information.

We acknowledge our celebrations are on the unceded territory of Coast Salish, Lekwungen and Songhees First Nations. FernFest and Fernwood Bites falls on the same weekend as National Aboriginal Day, June 21st.

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buzz:

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New little library in Fernwood

Published by Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group Editorial Committee

Lee Herrin Hayley Evans

Matt Takach David Segal Founding Editor Lisa Helps

›› Lee Herrin

Contributors

Kathryn Juricic Laurie Rubin Jillian Player Mike Parolini

Lee Herrin Shannon K. Auringer Ashley Medema Edie Irons

Art

Mila Czemerys Britt Swoveland Larry McCallum

Bruce Dean Morgan Leik Sam Blades

Production Mila Czemerys

Contact us

1310 Gladstone Avenue Victoria, BC V8R 1S1 T 250.381.1552 x117 F 250.381.1509 vibe@fernwoodnrg.ca www.villagevibe.ca

To enquire about advertising in the Village Vibe, please contact ads@fernwoodnrg.ca The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NRG.

declaration of principles & values ››

We are committed to creating a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable

Neighbourhood book exchanges have been around Fernwood for a while. There’s one on Chambers, one on Camosun, and probably a few others I haven’t seen yet.

However, what is undoubtedly the newest was installed in late April outside the Fernwood Community Centre. It was a gift to all Fernwoodians from Orca Book Publishers (an independent publisher based on Balmoral Rd.) to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

“Orca has always been committed to the idea of ‘reaching more readers’ and these little libraries are a really tangible way to connect books with readers, right in our community. Literacy is at the heart of a successful education and a vibrant community and we hope in some small way that these libraries reach another generation of readers,” said Andrew Wooldridge of Orca Book Publishers.

The idea is simple: when you go by the little library, take a browse and see if you find something that interests you. If you do, take it—it’s free! Then either read the book and put it back for someone else (just like the regular library), or bring a book of your own that you don’t plan to read again, and leave it for someone else to discover.

It’s only been a few weeks, but so far

Thanks to Orca Book Publishers for donating this Free Little Library. Photo: Mila Czemerys

some high minded literature has already changed hands through the library: Plato’s Republic, Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath, and Hamlet (note to high school students— “I left my textbook in the Little Library” will probably not get you off the hook in class!). Orca has committed to keeping the library stocked with some of its own backlist too, so there should always be a good selection. And if you see it’s running low, don’t wait for someone else—bring a handful of books down yourself. We’ve all got a few lying around.

Orca publishes everything from board

books for the youngest “readers” to adult fiction, but they have very successfully occupied the niche of providing easy-toread, interesting and exciting stories for school-age children and young adults. How can you tell they are successful? They’ve been in business 30 years and are thriving in an industry where most media stories are about business closures rather than milestone birthdays.

So there you have it: one more story about a great neighbourhood business giving back to the community. Thanks Orca!

neighbourhood;

››

We are committed to ensuring

mark your calendar:

neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood institutions and assets;

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Fernwood Market every Friday

We are committed to using our resources prudently and to becoming financially

››

self-reliant;

There’s a new market

We are committed to the creation

coming to Fernwood

and support of neighbourhood employment;

››

this summer!

We are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them;

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We are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives;

››

We are committed to governing our organization and serving our

›› Laurie Rubin The Fernwood Market will be held every Friday evening from 4-8pm on the Vic High School Plaza on Fernwood Road.

This market is organized by the volunteers of the Vining Street Party on the Plaza (VS POP).

Fernwood has grown to establish a resilient local economy and the Fernwood Market aims to build this strength. Home based businesses, local and regional farmers, crafters, artists and artisans will be available to peruse every week! Join the first market on May 29th and enjoy local goods every Friday until September 4th.

At the Fernwood Market, you will be able to find local fudge, sauces, granola, garden pastries, mushrooms, hemp photography, pottery and health and wellbeing services.

All proceeds derived from the Fernwood Market will go towards VS POP’s designated charities including Learning Disabilities Association of South Vancouver Island and Puppets for Peace. The last market of the year will be part of the 8th Annual VS POP on Sunday, September 13th from 1-9pm.

If you are a vendor, exhibitor, performer, or volunteer interested in joining or helping out at the Fernwood Market, please contact Laurie Rubin, fernwoodmarket@gmail. com or visit fernwoodmarket.wix.com/ fernwood-market.

neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity and kindness;

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We are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self-worth,

More stories & info at www.vcml.ca

and ourselves;

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We are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our

VICTORIA

and excellence of our neighbours

Interested in starting or expanding your own small business but can’t get a loan from a bank?

neighbourhood’s heritage and diversity;

››

“ I feel like I have a purpose. I feel unlimited.”

We are committed to creating neighbourhood places that are vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and alive;

››

Learn more about how Charlane got her business started at www.vcml.ca

and, most of all, We are committed to having fun!

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villagevibe

June 2015

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

buzz:

AC/BC Angels Chopper Bicycle Club hit the streets of Fernwood AC/BC is all about choppers, friends & supporting community

›› Shannon K. Auringer FernFest is excited to welcome a new participant to the festivities this year: AC/ BC Angels Chopper Bicycle Club. This unique non-profit organization will be bringing a variety of tricked out chopper style bicycles to showcase for the ‘hood.

As some of these bikes have ‘rock’ roots such as the Selena Gomez Bike, The Oz Bike and the Canucks Bike plus many many more, it is strictly a look but don’t touch presentation. AC/BC will be part of the Kidical Mass Bike Parade and will also feature a dance performance with the Angels Dance Troupe.

The club was founded in 2007 by the Harrington family because of their love of bikes, riding with friends and family and giving back to the community. In 2011 the club branched out and the

AC/BC will be part of FernFest this year. Catch them at the bike parade and on the Field of Dreams with their amazing bikes. Photo: Bruce Dean

Harrington’s daughter Sophia developed the AC/BC Dance Crew to share her love of expression through dance. The group performs at local events throughout the year and is committed to helping to mentor those interested in dance and developing

their own choreographed dances. As of 2012 the AC/BC Bicycle Club became an official incorporated non-profit association in which it holds weekly meetings where they fix and ride bikes. The club also offers a food program in which they help

to support the growing demand within Victoria to feed families in need.

All kids big and small are welcome every Sunday to the clubhouse located right here in Fernwood at 1761 Stanely Avenue between the hours of 12:30 to 2:30pm. Parents and family members are all encouraged to stay and hangout experiencing everything that the club has to offer together. This space offers a safe and friendly environment to ride and learn how to fix bikes for all levels of experience.

There is even a weekly borrow-a-bike program in which club members can sign out bikes for a week at a time to enjoy.

Affordable memberships come as individual or family. Everyone of all ages are welcome to join. Donations and support can also be made to the club to help ensure this amazing association stays a vibrant part of the community.

For more info on memberships, donations or other inquiries contact Mike Harrington of AC/BC Bicycle Club at amsa4@shaw.ca or 250-383-1870. More information at acbcbikes.com.

artist’s aside:

Fernwood Art Stroll over FernFest weekend Catch a glimpse of Fernwood based artist's studios during the Annual Fernwood Art Stroll, June 20 & 21 from 11am to 4pm

›› Jillian Player I’m sitting outside on Margaret Hantiuk’s sunny back deck, gazing out at her established lush garden. We are talking about art—not just her art, but the community of art that makes Fernwood unique. Margaret has been a longstanding member of the Fernwood Art Stroll and is the group’s secretary. Since its inception in 2007, along with a lot of trial and error, artistic differences, and sheer conviction, the group now runs like a well-oiled machine. For two days every summer in June, Fernwood artists throw open their doors, carports, back yards, and studios to let in the crowds of eager viewers. Be ready to see a wide variety of art, from artisan crafts like textiles, pottery, mosaic tiles, and wood crafts to fine-art paintings, which range in style from traditional to

www.fernwoodnrg.ca

contemporary. The artistic spectrum is from amateur to acclaimed. Some artists form groups and share a venue, and some like to keep to themselves.

The “Stroll” is artist-run and volunteerdriven and organized. As it is an unjuried exhibition, anyone who practices art can join the group. The only criterion for the artists is that they live or have a studio in Fernwood. Viewers have an opportunity to engage with artists and their work.

Artists have the opportunity to promote their work in the comfort of their home or studio while having a great deal of exposure.

If you are an artist and would like to find out more information on how to participate in the Stroll, visit their website.

The group starts organizing in January for the coming summer. There is a small promotions fee, and you will be expected to do some volunteering. If you are an art lover, visit the website to learn about the artists, download a map, and check dates and any other information. You will also find handy brochures located around town, with artists’ info and a map. This year, the Fernwood Art Stroll is on June 20th and 21st, 11am to 4pm and coincides with FernFest. More information available at fernwoodartstroll.ca.

June 2015

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Time

Time

Performer

5:00 pm

5:30 pm

6:30 pm

7:00 pm

DJ COLD BEEF

FRIED BANSHEES

Artisan Market

11:00 am

Kidical Mass Bike Parade Field of Dreams

Starting at 11:00 am & at 1:00 pm

Heritage Walking Tours

Noon 10:00 pm

BBQ & Refreshments

1:00 pm 2:30 pm

Seniors’ High Tea

This all female group is based in Fernwood (Square).

KNACKER'S YARD

Get ready for the explosive musical energy of traditional instrumental, reels and jigs. Song-tales of lost love and betrayal, the misdeeds of ramblers and rakes, emigration, hard drinking and hard living, sea shanties and worker’s songs.

8:00 pm

A modern take on prohibition-era jazz and country swing. This eccentric 3-piece plays hot jazz, novelty songs, and hits from the 1980's. Dance party will be in full force by the end of this performance.

9:00 pm

THE NEW GROOVEMENT

An eleven-piece funk machine will make you shake everything you got!

Seemlessly blending elements of R&B, soul and hip-hop to creat a funkified feast for the ears. FernFest is excited to have The New Groovement back to headline our festival! More on page 7.

Enjoy some tasty delights from our BBQ. We’ll be serving pulled pork sandwiches, beef dip, veggie dogs, and kid’s hot dogs.

Open from 5 - Late

June 2015

10:00 am 5:00 pm

Slangin' tracks you will love. A Fernwood local and friend. Going to start the party right.

15 piece youth fiddle orchestra playing intricate arrangements of traditional, original and contemporary fiddle tunes from around the world. More on page 7.

villagevibe

Pancake Breakfast

Main Stage - Fernwood Square

CAPITAL CITY SYNCOPATORS TRIO

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9:00 am 10:30 am

11:00 am 4:00 pm

COASTLINE

HUNGRY?

Activity

Time

Performer

12:00 pm

SUZANNAH

1:00 pm

TRAVEL LIGHT

2:00 pm

SLIM SANDY & THE HILLBILLY BOPPERS

3:00 pm

BOUSADA

4:00 pm

MASALA

5:00 pm

THE TOWER OF DUDES

6:00 pm

CATHEDRALS

7:00 pm

BROTHERS IN FARMS

8:00 pm

MAN MADE LAKE

9:00 pm

THE NEW SOULS

THIRSTY?

Hang out anywhere in Fernwood Square to listen to the music, dance & drink some local Phillips Beer & Merridale Cider (2 pieces ID required).

Open from 5 - 10pm

(aka Vic High Field)

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

Belfry Living Room Details We start the day off right with a by-donation pancake breakfast in the Square, generously prepared by our friends at The Fernwood Inn.

Join us at Fernfest on Saturday, June 20 from 10 am to 4 pm

Over 30 local vendors will be showcasing their unique items on Gladstone Avenue from Fernwood Square to the Fernwood Community Centre. A variety of tables bring you handmade clothing, jewelery, furniture, soaps, baked goods and more.

Kids! Decorate your bikes (starting at 10 a.m.) and glide through Fernwood in style. Meet at the Field of Dreams (Vic High Field) and tour through the 'hood escorted by Vic PD. Family and kid's activities galore & all things fun: tie dye, cardboard castle, hamster balls, face painting, art, info tables, massages and mini stage (See schedule on page 6).

Victoria Heritage Foundation’s Nick Russell and Keith Thomas will lead you on two different guided tours of the heritage buildings in our neighbourhood (meet at the Hallmark Heritage Society’s tent in Fernwood Square)

Building Tours | Onstage Photo Booth | Parents’ Lounge | Baby Changing Station | Children’s Activities | Chalk Drawing | Mask Making + More

FernFest BBQ brings you delicious eats while watching your favourite bands. Wash them down with an ice cold Phillips Beer or Merridale Cider in Fernwood Square.

Join in on some good ol' fashioned fun at the Fernwood Community Centre. Scones, tea and good conversation. (55+ years please)

We are your local choice for band and string instrument rentals, repairs, sales and lessons.

Main Stage - Fernwood Square SUZANNAH is a singer songwriter with a smooth jazz voice and clever lyrics.

An indie rock band whose sound is based on tight grooves, flowing melodies and good times. Bring on the daytime dance party!

A combination of original compositions and interpretations of classic rockabilly, Western swing, and country blues songs from the 30's to the 50’s.

Lyrics, rhythm and flow, performed live with a loop machine. BOUSADA will get you dancing, singing and laughing. More on page 7.

1833 COOK ST | 250.389.1988 | WWW.LARSENMUSIC.CA

An all-acoustic percussion ensemble that brings big beats and funky grooves where people are ready to dance! Good thing they're playing at FernFest! More on page 7.

An East meets West gypsy punk accordian rock band with an expansive repertoire of original songs for all music lovers.

Futuristic hip-hop based project with a definitively dark and otherwordly style. With richly hued, organically textured beats, cAthedrAls explores both unsettling and uplifting elements of a spritiual landscape.

Committed to spreading their infectious and danceable music of friendly folk!

Electronic elements combine with distortion; blues currents slam into progressive rhythms and it all runs together to form Man Made Lake’s unique sound.

Earnest, authentic, creative and funky. Our headliners are gunna break it down for you!

THERE'S MORE! Check out the Mini Stage schedule on page 6...

www.fernwoodnrg.ca

June 2015

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FernFest Program continued - Saturday, June 20 Time

Performer

Mini Stage - Field of Dreams

11:00am

Kids' Yoga Class

Lead by Fernwood Yoga Den, this is a great way to start the day.

12:00 pm

Creative Dance for Kids

A fun warm-up, circle time, group activities, props and free dance lessons for kids!

1:00 pm

Tickles the Clown

Get ready to laugh!

2:00pm

Surprise Guests!

Join us on the Field of Dreams for these special guests. You won't be disappointed.

3:00pm

Capoeira

For all audiences, this capoeria team is a talented group that are bound to impress.

FernFest has lots of great activities for all ages. Come join us in celebrating our unique neighbourhood.

FernFest is presented by Fernwood NRG. More info is available at fernwoodnrg.ca/events-directory/fernfest

commons corner:

Spring into Spring Ridge Commons A new chapter for Fernwood's permaculture garden

›› Ashley Medema If you’ve walked by Spring Ridge Commons on Chambers Street lately, you’ve seen that the space is bursting with life. Much of the beautiful greenery are edible and medicinal plants that all are welcome to harvest. With all the growth of spring and summer, this is a great time to get involved with the Commons.

At a public meeting at the Fernwood Community Centre on April 28 th , neighbours and friends of the Commons came together to discuss how to support the long-term sustainability and vitality of the site. The meeting is part of a resurgence of volunteer energy to bring a greater level of coordination and cooperation to the maintenance of Spring Ridge Commons.

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June 2015

Hand-painted signs are popping up all over Spring Ridge Commons. Photo: Mila Czemerys

Participants started planning and organizing around outreach and volunteering, design, maintenance, and fundraising.

The meeting brought out new and existing volunteers with invaluable skills and energy, and more brains and hands are very welcome to join these efforts.

Spring Ridge Commons is one of the oldest community food forests and permaculture gardens in North America.

The Commons is a local treasure, but this hub for learning, culture, and food security

requires community support to thrive.

Feel free to attend “Bee in the Garden” any Sunday from 1:30-3:30pm, where fresh tea from the Commons is served with good company. Bring your gloves and a favourite weeding tool if you’d like to dig in, or just come and visit. The Commons is located on Chambers Street between Gladstone and Pembroke.

Please ask about joining the email list when you attend, as fresh minds and willing hands are always needed to help

build the future of this unique urban oasis.

The Commons is a special place for community gathering and for sharing hands-on knowledge about permaculture and ecological food-growing practices. It is also a great example of how to incorporate permaculture into an urban setting.

Learn more about upcoming meetings and events on the Spring Ridge Commons Facebook page, or on the website at springridgecommons.ca . Come help "Spring the Commons" into action!

News and views from the heart of Fernwood

music scene:

buzz:

Live music at FernFest Shared tools for all Here are a few of the

COASTLINE

talented musicians who will be performing at FernFest...

›› Mike Parolini MASALA

Founding member Chris Simons has lived in the Fernwood neighbourhood for seventeen years, so he knows what he's talking about when he calls FernFest, "the best street party on the island". It would certainly explain why Masala keeps coming back - this year marks their fifth in seven that they will be performing at the festival.

What is it that draws them in? "Something about the people here when they come together in the square, there's a joie de vivre there, an exuberance. People here are real."

For fifteen person string ensemble Coastline, this summer is shaping up to be an exciting one. In addition to performing for the first time at FernFest, the group is preparing to head to Aberdeen, Scotland to represent Canada at the International Youth Festival.

For several months now, they've been hard at work fundraising for the trip, playing a variety of shows around Victoria. Joshua Litton describes the support from the community as, "huge. Without the community there's no one to actually support us." Ceri Osborne adds, "I think that's kind of what fiddle music, and music in general, is about.

It's about community."

Those wishing to help Coastline get to Scotland can do so through the group's GoFundMe page ( gofundme.com/ coastline) or in person at FernFest.

THE NEW GROOVEMENT

BOUSADA

Hard at work putting together his set for this year, BOUSADA is letting Fernwood itself seep into his sound. "Yesterday I started on the drum track, a piece of styrofoam being rubbed on cement and a bag of wood being lathered around, and those two combined are the hi hat. It's just these things that I'm finding in the neighbourhood and then recording. The environment has been getting into the music literally, but emotionally too."

BOUSADA is relatively new to Victoria, but this is already his second time playing at FernFest, though his first solo performance (last year he filled in for an injured bass player). He calls last year's festival as one of the best days he had all summer, and it's easy to see his excitement building for this year's iteration. "Fernwood is a really open kind of place in terms of music and culture. People are stoked to support you, you know?"

www.fernwoodnrg.ca

Tools will hopefully soon become a part of the sharing economy in Victoria. Photo: Edie Irons

Momentum is building for the Victoria Tool Library

›› Edie Irons A group of residents are working to start a tool library in Victoria—a place where locals can get easy and affordable access to a wide range of tools, and also gain the skills and confidence to use them.

There are successful tool libraries across Canada and North America, and more are in development. Vancouver, Halifax, and Calgary all have tool libraries, and Toronto's also has a kitchen library that lends cooking equipment and small appliances. Seattle has three different tool libraries in different neighbourhoods.

“This is an idea whose time has come,” said Laura Hébert, one of the organizers of the Victoria Tool Library. “Whenever we tell people about it, they get really excited about the idea. There’s such a strong DIY culture in Victoria, we need a tool library here.”

The Victoria Tool Library will be a welcoming community hub where

residents of the Greater Victoria area can come to borrow tools, learn skills, and expand what is possible in their home, garden, and neighbourhood. Annual membership fees will be as affordable as possible, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

“Right now we’re in the planning phase,” said Cheryl DeWolfe, another organizer of the project. “We hope to find a location and launch a tool drive later this year, but there’s a lot to do before then in order to be successful.”

The organizers of the Victoria Tool Library are collecting input from the community through an online survey available at VictoriaToolLibrary.org. They hope to reach a broad cross-section of the population, and for all people to feel welcome and invested in the tool library.

“The Victoria Tool Library will be an inclusive, empowering place,” said Rea Fenger, another organizer. “We want people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, genders, and skill levels to feel comfortable in the space, checking out tools, and asking questions. Everyone should have access to tools and all that they make possible.”

Fernwood holds a special place in the hearts of The New Groovement. Listening to drummer Reuven Sussman recount tales of the early days, heading down to the Square, having to borrow gear—and sometimes even electricity—from the locals, or their neighbours responding to band practices not by asking them to tone it down, but instead to open up a window or two so they can hear the music better, it's clear that they have deep roots and a deep appreciation for the neighbourhood.

"The love that we feel from the fans and from the people, makes FernFest consistently one of our top gigs of the year, from the first time we played it, so we have to keep playing. It's just too much fun."

True to their word, they will keep playing, as this marks the third consecutive year that The New Groovement will grace the festival. "The reason this band exists is not for moneymaking purposes. It's because we enjoy getting people dancing and feeling the vibe from the community. FernFest is the epitome of that."

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Scene in Fernwood : informal exchanges

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