Trout Lake Cedar Cottage Food Security Network

Feb 18th Markets and Trout Lake Community Centre Grand Opening

2012-02-17T16:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

For those of you that came out to the Community Potluck at Orchard- Thank you for all your amazing dishes and wonderful company. It was truly a great success and tons of fun.

We have exciting things going on this weekend as well. In addition to our pocket markets operating as usual at Brant Villa (10-12pm) and at Culloden Court (2-4pm), Trout Lake Community Centre will be celebrating their grand opening. The Cedar Cottage Food Network (us!) will be there from 12-3pm doing healthy cooking demonstrations. Come sample our yummy treats and learn more about your role in our community food system.

As I mentioned, we will be at both our usual '3rd Saturday of the month' locations.

Brant Villa: 2290 E.25^th Ave (near Nanaimo Skytrain)
We will be at this location from 10-12pm

Culloden Court: 1375 E 47th Ave
We will be at htis location from 2-4pm.

Here is what we are hoping to have at this week's market:

Beets
Red Cabbage

Avocado
Kiwi

Pears
Gala Apples
Garlic
Brocoli

Carrots
Bananas
Cucumbers
Tomatoes

Hope to see everyone there!

Feb 11th Market and Potluck Party!

2012-02-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Hope you all had a wonderful week and had time to enjoy some of that beautiful sunshine!

This Saturday morning, we unfortunately won't be at our usual location at Helping Spirit Lodge but we will be at our Orchard Park location for extended hours.

Orchard Park: 5988 Nanaimo St. (just at the corner of 45th and Nanaimo)

We will be there from 1-4pm. We are also having a community potluck. If you want to learn more about community food security in South Vancouver, connect with your neighbours or get health information come bring a labelled dish to share and join us!

Here is what we will hopefully be featured at this week's market at Orchard Park- Don't forget we also will have our incredible Tasting Kitchen to showcase this week's food!

Local:
Fuji Apples
Bosc Pears
Beets
Red Cabbage

Organic:
Avocados
Bananas
Sweet Potatoes

From elsewhere:
Blood Oranges
Garlic
Kale
Eggplant

We have tons of delicious produce items this weekend at really affordable prices. Come and check us out!

Also- check out our workshops at the new Trout Lake Community Centre- just look to their website and search for the Food Security workshops. We have a container gardening workshop this March!
http://vancouver.ca/parks/cc/troutlake/

January 21st markets

2012-01-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone!

Come and brave the cold and wet tomorrow and warm up with fresh produce and delicious recipes at our pocket markets.

Tomorrow we will be at Brant Villa (2290 E. 25th Ave) from 10am-noon and then at Culloden Court (1375 E. 47th Ave) from 2pm-4pm.

Here is what we are hoping to have at this week's markets:

From BC:
Gold Nugget Potatoes
Gala Apples
Red Onions

Organic:
Spring Mix (clamshells)
Bananas

From Elsewhere:
Beets
Hosui Pears
Navel Oranges
Broccoli
Carrots
Grape Tomatoes
Kiwi

Here's an example of what you can make with beets: Moist Chocolate Beet Brownies. Yum!

I hope to see you all there!

Happy New Year- January Markets

2012-01-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

I hope your holidays were filled with fun, family and food! Are you hoping to eat healthier in the New Year?
Markets will resume as always, at Helping Spirit Lodge & Orchard Park on the 2nd Saturday of each month and at Brant Villa and Culloden Court on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

Come check out our January Markets. This Saturday we will be at our usual spots.

Helping Spirit Lodge-
3965 Dumfries Street near Kingsway Ave (right across from the Rona on the West side)
We will be there from 10-12

Orchard Park-
5988 Nanaimo St near E. 45th Ave
We will be there from 2-4 (plus there is a tasting kitchen with some delicious recipes being made!)

Here is what we are hoping to have at this week's markets:

From BC:
Gala Apples
Beets
Red Nugget Potatoes

Organic:
Bananas

From Elsewhere:
Hosui Pears
Navel Oranges
Broccoli
Carrots
Baby Bok Choy

Please come down and check it out.

** In other news**

If you are interested in food security, and community health and development please come to our Community Engagement Meeting on February 1st from 6:30-8 held at the Kensington library.(Parking is available). Space is limited so please email me if you plan on attending at tlccfoodsecurity@gmail.com. It will be a great opportunity to get to know your neighbours, network with others and to provide some input into what's going on in your community.

Winter Markets: December 10th and 17th

2011-12-09T16:20:00.000-08:00

Happy December Everyone! The holidays are right around the corner. I love this season: warm clothes, frosty weather, festive music, but most of all I love the food. I love holiday baking- breads, cookies and pies; hearty soups and warm winter salads.

We have two markets coming up this weekend, and thankfully we will be indoors at both locations. Please take advantage of this great opportunity to shop in a warm and fun environment for incredibly beautiful and affordable produce.

Tomorrow morning (Dec 10th) from 10-12pm, we will be set up at Helping Spirit Lodge on Dumfries, just off of Kingsway. We will be indoors, but you'll have to come through the back parking lot. Keep your eyes open for our directional signs and the TLCC awnings.

Later on in the afternoon from 2-4pm we will be set up at Orchard Park inside at the Nancy Styles Hall located at the corner of 45th and Nanaimo. Again, look out for the awning and our signs if you can't find your way. At this location we have the wonderful tasting kitchen! Our kitchen crew will be putting together some beautiful dishes for you to sample showcasing the produce that we will be selling at our market. The tasters alone are enough reason to leave your home and come down to the market!

Here is an idea of what we are hoping to have at this week's markets:

Organic: Celery
Navel Oranges
Bananas

From BC:
Anjou Pears
Apples (golden delicious or braeburn)
Beets
Brown Crimini Mushrooms

From Elsewhere:
Onions
Yams
Cauliflower
Cantaloupe
Asparagus
Carrots

Please come down and celebrate the season, the holidays and food with us this weekend. We hope to see you there!

November 19th Market Updates

2011-11-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

Well, we've finally experienced our first snowfall. Winter is officially here. Last week was very wet, cold and rainy, but we still saw lots of smiling faces excited to get some fresh food into their homes. Please bundle up and come out to this week's markets! We'll be indoors at both the Brant Villa and Culloden Court locations, so take comfort in that. It's also voting day, there will be a voting poll at Culloden Court alongside the market, so please exercise your voting rights, and take advantage of our great selection of fresh, affordable produce.

This is what we are hoping to have this week:

From BC
MacIntosh Apples, Gala Apples
Green Cabbage
Red Peppers
Tomatoes
Bosc Pears

Organic:
Bananas
From elsewhere:
Cantaloupes
Yams
Snap Peas
Hosui Pears
Chinese Mandarin Oranges
Red Grapes
Come check it out! Hope to see you all there!

Addresses:
Brant Villa, 2290 E. 25th Ave near the Nanaimo SkyTrain Station
Culloden Court, 1375 E. 47th Ave near Knight Street

November Updates

2011-11-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

Happy November Everyone!

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the beautiful fall weather we've had so far. Lots has been going on with the TLCC Network and we have exciting news! We have finally found ourselves a place to call home. In the new year, the Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage Food Security Network will be moving into the brand new Trout Lake Community Centre on Victoria Drive. Keep in touch to hear about the happenings at the community centre! We are hoping to have some really wonderful workshops around cooking, canning and gardening!

In other news, the markets are running this month on Saturday, November 12th and on Saturday, November 19th. This Saturday (the 12th), we will be at Helping Spirit Lodge (Dumfries and Kingsway in the parking lot) from 10-12 and then at Orchard Park (41st and Nanaimo in the Nancy Styles Hall) from 2-4. There will be tasting kitchens so come by; sample some recipes and get inspired for Winter cooking.

Here is the list of goods we are expecting to have at this week's markets:
Local:
BC Gala Apples
BC Bosc Pears
BC Red Peppers
BC Winter Squash (butternut)

Organic:
Bananas from South America

From elsewhere:

Cantaloupes
Sweet Potatoes
Green Leaf Lettuce
Red Peppers
Broccoli

I hope to see you all there! Have a great weekend.

October Updates

2011-10-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! Happy Harvest Season! I love this season to enjoy delicious crisp BC apples, baked squash and mashed sweet potatoes! There is lots going on this month and for the fall season. Read on to find about food-related events happening within the community and around Vancouver and of course to check out what will be at this week’s markets, tasting kitchens and workshops!

At this week’s pocket markets:

This week’s markets are taking place at Helping Spirit Lodge (3965 Dumfries St-near Kingsway) from 10-12pm and at Orchard Park (5988 Nanaimo St-near 41st Ave) from 2-4pm. We’ll be having tasting kitchens at both of these locations and also a very special fall stew making workshop at Helping Spirit Lodge- email me if you are interested! It’s free and everyone is welcome! It’s a great way to learn about new ways to cook and integrate lots of different types of food into your diet!
email: tlccfoodsecurity@gmail.com

Here is what we are expecting to have at this week’s markets:

From BC:
Ambrosia Apples
Cauliflower
Romaine Lettuce
Spinach

Organic:
Baby Carrots- from Washington
Bananas- from South America

From Elsewhere:
Chinese Mandarins
Yams- from California
Black Plums-from California

Hope to see everyone out there. Remember if you haven’t yet bought tokens- you can buy them at Orchard Park, Brant Villa, Culloden Court, Helping Spirit Lodge, South Van Neighbourhood House, Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House or the Warehouse. Also, cash sales are available at all the markets for a small mark-up. Open to everyone, come check it out!

Events and happenings for October

FALL STEW MAKING WORKSHOP

October 8th 10-12 at Helping Spirit Lodge

Engage in a hands-on- learning approach to cooking new things. This month’s workshop will feature learning how to make a fall harvest stew! Come check it out.

Contact Aja for more information:
604-816-6769
tlccfoodsecurity@gmail.com

COMMUNITY KITCHEN LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS

During this workshop you will have the opportunity to find out more about community kitchens, different ways a group can work and how you can lead or start a community kitchen. Learn the history of the community kitchen movement and the effect it has had around the province. Hear about the different kitchen models that run successfully in our communities. Experience a community kitchen first hand! Lunch will be provided.

Dates/Times: Choose from one of the following dates:
Thurs, Oct 13, 2011, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm, Thurs, June 7, 2011, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Location: Vancouver Food Bank, 1150 Raymur Ave.
Cost: $45.00 (lunch provided)
To register: Contact Darlene Tanaka, at 604-216-2325 or darlenet@foodbank.bc.ca or

FRUIT TREE HARVEST CELEBRATION AND FILM SCREENING OF THE “QUEEN OF THE SUN: WHAT THE BEES ARE TELLING US?”

The Vancouver Fruit Tree Project and the Grandview Woodland Food Connection invite you to an end of harvest celebration and special film screening. Come learn about our efforts to harvest urban fruit. Meet others interested in local food security. Information tables, door prizes, silent auction, snacks.

Film Screening: QUEEN OF THE SUN: What Are the Bees Telling Us? (2011) examines the dire global bee crisis through the eyes of biodynamic beekeepers, scientists, farmers, and philosophers. This engaging, alarming and ultimately uplifting film weaves together a dramatic story that uncovers the problems and solutions in renewing a culture in balance with nature.

Britannia Community Centre, Upstairs Canuck Family Education Centre (next to Grandview Park)
1661 Napier St
Friday October 14, 5 – 10pm. Film Screening 7pm
By donation
Information: 604-718-5895

FIRST STEPS TO PREVENTION

(Vancouver Coastal Health)- A fun and interactive prevention program for individuals at risk for chronic conditions who are ready to make Healthy Lifestyle Changes- including Healthy Eating!

Dates: Oct 20, Oct 27 and Nov3 – from 5:30-7:30 at South Community Health Centre (6405 Knight Street- Knight and 49th)

Call 604-267-4430 to register!

CHECK OUT THE SHARED HARVEST NEWSLETTERS

Shared Harvest Canada lets you find locally produced food or donate food to those in need. It's like an online farmers' market and food-bank rolled into one.

http://sharedharvestbc.blogspot.com/2011/09/shared-harvest-sept-2011-newsletter.html

Saturday September 17th Pocket Markets

2011-09-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Again,

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the Pocket Markets last week at Helping Spirit Lodge and Orchard Park. It was a gorgeous day and so wonderful to meet everyone!

We have two more markets coming up this Saturday at Brant Villa from 10-2 and at Culloden Court from 2-4.

Here's what we're expecting to have it store for tomorrow:

From BC:
Beets
Carrots
Red & Green Peppers
Broccoli
Cucumber
Apples
Peaches
Pears

Organic:
BananasFrom Elsewhere:
Oranges from California

Hope to see you all there!

September Updates- Pocket Markets are back

2011-09-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

September Newsletter

New TLCC Food Security Coordinator

Hey everyone! I’m Aja Peterson, and I am the new TLCC Food Security Coordinator. As a member of this community, resident of this neighbourhood and lover of great fresh food I am excited to take on this position! I look forward to meeting all of you at the upcoming pocket markets this September. See you all then!

POCKET MARKETS ARE BACK! Fall Schedule: Dates and Locations

The TLCC’s mobile pocket markets will be back in full swing starting September 10th. Take advantage of the harvest season and grab some wonderful fresh produce at affordable prices. Watch for our tasting kitchens at Helping Spirit Lodge and Orchard Park! See you there.

When: 2nd Saturday of the month
Time: 10am-12noon
Market dates: Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10
Where: Helping Spirit Lodge, 3965 Dumfries Street near Kingsway Ave

When: 2nd Saturday of the month
Time: 2pm-4pm
Market dates: Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10
Where: Orchard Park, 5988 Nanaimo St near E. 41st Ave

When: 3rd Saturday of the month
Time: 10am-12noon
Market dates: Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17
Where: Brant Villa, 2290 E. 25th Ave near the Nanaimo SkyTrain Station

When: 3rd Saturday of the month
Time: 2pm-4pm
Market dates: Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17
Where: Culloden Court, 1375 E. 47th Ave near Knight Street

* Here’s what we are expecting for Saturday’s Market*

From BC:
Apples, Pears, Peaches, Broccoli, Carrots, Cucumber, Lettuce, Tomatoes and Kale

From Elsewhere:
Avocados, Bananas

Upcoming events, workshops and information sessions:

Sept 9- Healthy Selves, Healthy Communities (program series)
Sept 10-8th Annual Corn Festival
Sept 16- UBC Farm’s 9th Annual FarmAde

HEALTHY SELVES, HEALTHY COMMUNITIES-AN INTERCULTURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM

When: Fridays 11:00am-12:30pm (10 sessions beginning Sept.09 and ending Nov.08)
Where: Little Mountain Neighbourhood House: 3981 Main Street (at 24th avenue and Main St).
What: Free health literacy program for newcomers and other community members. Includes free child minding, bus tickets, healthy snacks. Participants will receive a certificate of accomplishment and health manual. This program is a partnership between Little Mountain Neighbourhood House and BCIT Nursing Program, with funding from Vancouver Coastal Health.

Who it’s for: Newcomers and other community members wanting to learn how to live healthier lifestyles; increase their understanding of chronic diseases including stress and stress management; learn about nutrition and active living. Sessions are facilitated by trained nurses and staff. Program incorporates peer based focus groups, educational lessons, community building games and other activities. Learn different ways to manage health and wellness; Increase understanding of chronic disease and prevention; Learn about stress and stress management; Participate in health games, and activities, and presentations; Be involved in conversation and dialogue; Share experiences and learn from others; Approach health and wellness from a multicultural perspective

REGISTRATION is necessary. For more information or to register contact: Welcoming & Inclusive Communities Coordinator, Jennifer: 604-879-7104, ext. 315 or email: jennifer_wesman@Lmnhs.bc.ca

8th ANNUAL CORN FESTIVAL

Come and share in the Latin-American community’s corn harvest celebration. Free family fun! Enjoy a day of Latin-American art and entertainment and try delicious ethnic dishes like pupusas, tamales, tostadas and more. Check out the kid’s zone and the yearly “Queen of Corn” contest for girls.

Organized by CELSAN (Canada El Salvador Action Network) and CEBES (Comunidades Eclesiales de Base de El Salvador).

Saturday, September 10 Britannia Community Centre, Gym “D”, 1661 Napier Street.
11pm to 5pm.For information: José: 778-385-5394 or cornfestival2011@gmail.com

UBC FARM’S 9th ANNUAL FARMADE

Come on out to this free-admission, all-ages event to celebrate food, music and community at Vancouver's last working farm!
Please stay tuned for updates on our 9th annual event. This year, we're excited to feature:
- Family-friendly local bands
- Audience-participation square dancing!
- UBCimprov
- Belly dance performances
- Vegan, vegetarian and beef burgers
- Smoothies & juice from The Juice Caboose (organic, vegan, gluten free and soy free)
- Farm-fresh corn and organic UBC Farm veggies
- A beverage garden featuring handcrafted brew from East Van's Storm Brewing
- A supervised children's area with face painting, bubble wands and more!
- Free tours of the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm
- Free shuttle van and bicycle valet

Mobile Pocket Markets

2011-07-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

NOTE: There are no markets in August 2011.

We've put wheels on our pocket market .

TLCC's Mobile Pocket Markets are now at 4 locations each month (except August) bringing fresh produce at affordable prices to these neighbourhoods.

Check out the schedule below and map to see the dates and times of all 4 market locations in the TLCC and South Vancouver areas.

When: 2nd Saturday of the month
Time: 10am-12noon
Market dates: Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10
Helping Spirit Lodge, 3965 Dumfries Street near Kingsway Ave

When: 2nd Saturday of the month
Time: 2pm-4pm
Market dates: Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10
Orchard Park, 5988 Nanaimo St near E. 41st Ave

When: 3rd Saturday of the month
Time:10am-12noon
Market dates: Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17

Brant Villa, 2290 E. 25th Ave near the Nanaimo SkyTrain Station

When: 3rd Saturday of the month
Time: 2pm-4pm
Market dates: Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17
Culloden Court, 1375 E. 47th Ave near Knight Street

June 18th Market

2011-06-17T22:50:00.000-07:00

Here is what we are expecting to have at the market tomorrow. Lots of BC produce is now finally becoming available after a slow start this spring. This weekend we will be at Brant Villa from 10am-12pm and Culloden Court from 2pm-4pm.

LOCAL (BC)
Beets
Cucumber
Green kale
Green leaf lettuce
Orange peppers
Rhubarb
Strawberry tomatoes
ORGANIC
Bananas
Strawberries
NOT LOCAL or ORGANIC
Fuji Apples (Washington)
Anjou Pears (Washington)

At the Mobile Market This Weekend

2011-06-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

The Mobile Market will be at two locations this Saturday June 11th. We will be at Helping Spirit Lodge (3965 Dumfries Street, around the back in the parking lot) from 10am - 12pm and then we move to Orchard Park (5988 Nanaimo Street) from 2pm-4pm. Here is what we are expecting to have at the markets:

Local BC

Long English Cucumbers

Butter Lettuce

Kale

Orange Peppers

Radishes

Rapini

Rhubarb

Strawberry Tomatoes

Summer Turnips

Organic

Strawberries (California)

Valencia Oranges (California)

Not Local or Organic

Royal Gala Apples (Washington)

See you there!

April Newsletter

2011-04-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

This month’s newsletter includes:

New TLCC Food Security Network Coordinator

April 16 Next Pocket Market

April 16 EYA Seed Swap at Strathcona Community Garden

April 26 Seed starting workshop at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House

April 30 Maximum Balcony Harvest Workshop with April Reeves

April 30 The Great Turning Conference

May 1 Spring Fling Fundraiser at Cedar Cottage Garden

New TLCC Food Secuirty Network Coordinator

Hello everyone, my name is Carissa Murphy and I am very excited to be starting as the new TLCC Food Security Network Coordinator. I look forward to working in the community and to hearing your questions, feedback and experiences.

TLCC's next Pocket Market!

At this week’s market:

LOCAL

Ambrosia Apples

Orange Peppers

Red Nugget Potatoes

Cucumber

ORGANIC

Bananas

NON LOCAL OR ORGANIC (from Washington or California)

Yams

Pears

Butter lettuce

Kale

Carrots

Avocados

Date: Saturday April 16th
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: 2290 E 25th Ave (Just west of the Nanaimo SkyTrain station).

See you all there!

Environmental Youth Alliance Seed Exchange

The Environmental Youth Alliance is holding a seed exchange. The emphasis is on exchange, so no money will be trading hands, only seeds. Everyone is welcome to attend, even those who have no seeds to trade as you’ll still be able to get your hands on some free seeds!

Date: Saturday April 16th

Time: 10am-1pm

Location: Eco-Pavillion, Strathcona Community Garden

Seed Starting Workshop

As a part of South Vancouver Neighbourhood House’s Food Security Workshops, they will be hosting a free seed starting workshop. Learn to grow seeds indoors, take home your own seed pots with a variety of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers

You can join the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House once a month for workshops all about FOOD. Learn from experts how to grow, enjoy and save your harvest. Workshops are 1-2 hours and are at SVNH or in the South Van area. Meet new people and have fun! All ages are welcome

Date: Tuesday April 26th

Time: 3:30pm-5pm

Location: 6470 Victoria Dr., Vancouver (SVNH)

To register: Please sign up at the SVNH front desk or email foodsecurity@southvan.org or call 604-324-6212

For more information about SVNH go to www.southvan.org

Maximum Balcony Harvest Workshop

Growing vegetables in containers can provide you with plenty of fresh food if you do it correctly. Learn how to get the most out of your balcony or patio by using vertical space resourcefully, selecting appropriate types and combinations of plants and containers, and more. Bring a photo of your balcony to share and get personalized advice. This class will be taught by April Reeves.

Date: Saturday April 30^th

Time: 9:30am-12pm

Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden

Cost: Member: $30 / Non member: $40

Registration forms cam be found at http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/vandusen/website/adultEducation/adult.htm

Or to register by phone call 604-257-8322 or register in person at:

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Registrar’s Office, 5251 Oak St.

Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1

The Great Turning, An Un-Conference to be the Change

Join hundreds of change agents and over 40 passionate community leaders to explore how we can create a sustainable future through action, innovation, and consciousness.

Engage with leaders from Greenpeace, Village Vancouver, Oxfam, and dozens of other organizations in a day of inspiring broad vision talks, intimate circle dialogues, artistic performances, and organic vegetarian lunch.

There are many pieces to the puzzle of our emerging future, and your role is pivotal. Come join us and Be The Change at the Great Turning Un-Conference on Saturday, April 30th, at the Maritime Labour Centre in Vancouver!

Date: Saturday April 30th

Time: 9:00am to 5:30pm (Coffee, yoga, and registration at 8:00am)

Location: The Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver

To register: www.bethechangeearthalliance.org

Spring Fling

Cedar Cottage Garden’s Spring Fling, a celebration of gardens and community, will be taking place on May 1st in the garden plaza on Victoria Dr @ Hull. The afternoon will be filled with opportunities to mingle and meet new neighbours, and to enjoy entertainment and garden tours. Drop by for some baked goods, a plants and seedlings sale, an arts and crafts market, and plenty of activities for children.

Date: Sunday May 1^st

Time: 12noon-3pm

Location: Cedar Cottage Garden @ Victoria & Hull

www.cedarcottagegarden.wordpress.com

March 2011 newsletter

2011-03-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

This month's newsletter includes:
March 31 deadline: East Vancouver Neighbourhood Small Grants Project
March 25 and 26: Presentation and workshop on sustainable cities by Mark Lakeman
March 20: Potato Fusion, event
April 27: Earthquake preparedness workshop at the Roundhouse
March 19 & 20: Two gardening workshops presented by Grant Watson
Pocket Market
Date: Saturday March 19th
Time: 10am-1pm
Address: 2290 E 25th Ave (just west of the Nanaimo SkyTrain station).
Map:

Our monthly pocket market is on again this Saturday. The range of product this week will be,

LOCAL (BC)
Lettuce, living head, $1.30 each
Russet Potatoes, $1.00 per bag

ORGANIC
Hass Avocadoes, $1.30 each
Carrots, cello organic, $1.00 per bunch

NOT LOCAL or ORGANIC
Broccoli, $1.30 per bunch
Oranges, $0.30 each

See you there!

East Vancouver Neighbourhood Small Grants Project
How would you like to make your neighbourhood a better place?
Do you live in the Cedar Cottage, Frog Hollow or Kiwassa neighbourhoods? Do you have great ideas to improve your neighbourhood or bring people together, but need a little support to help make them happen?

Then you might want to consider applying for a Neighbourhood Small Grant!

The Neighbourhood Small Grants Project is funded by the Vancouver Foundation to support residents to initiate activities in their communities for the benefit of local people. Groups of two or more neighbours can apply for a grant of $50 to $500 to work together on small projects that benefit their neighbourhoods socially, physically, culturally or environmentally.
All kinds of projects can receive funding. For example, you could paint a mural, plant a neighbourhood garden, teach a cooking or art class, put up a community bulletin board, celebrate a cultural holiday, put on a music recital, hold a dialogue or talking circle, organize a community clean up, write a neighbourhood cookbook or have a block party!

Deadline for submissions is March 31st, 2011
Decisions about which projects will be funded will be made by April 30th. For more information, tips, ideas for projects or to download the Application Form from the website: http://www.froghollow.bc.ca/neighbourhood_sub3.html

Mark Lakeman: Presentation and Workshop on sustainable cities
Portland City Repair co-founder, Mark Lakeman, brings lessons from one of America's greenest cities to Vancouver. Mark Lakeman is a co-founder of the City Repair Project in Portland, Oregon and served as the Co-Director of Creative Vision from 1996 to 2008. City Repair is a multidisciplinary, non-profit organization, which works with place-based communities to creatively transform the infrastructure of the public commons where people live.

Whether converting street intersections into public squares, or organizing other forms of permanent or ephemeral place interventions, City Repair is effectively engaging citizens in the reinvention of the public landscape. All of these projects are ecological in emphasis, using natural building and Permaculture techniques. City Repair projects are underway in dozens of cities in the USA and Canada.

Mark is also the principal of Communitecture, a private design firm specializing in ecological building and planning projects at many scales. He also sits on the Board of Directors of Southeast Uplift, Portland's proactive neighborhood coalition that is undertaking numerous initiatives to remake the civic landscape.

The Village Lives
Mark Lakeman, offers an inspirational and cutting edge model for how cities can develop sustainably, powered by people at the neighbourhood level. Mark’s presentation The Village Lives provides numerous examples of urban Permaculture initiatives that are inspiring transformation across the social and political spectrum of Portland.

Mark will emphasize the benefits of broadly activated citizen vision and participation in the development of a truly sustainable culture. Mark’s presentations includes an overview of unsustainable cultural patterns, followed by examples of how urban spaces can be transformed into vital social and ecological commons.

Date: Friday, March 25
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: W2 Storyeum,
Address: 151 West Cordova, Vancouver, BC

‘Eco-Dreaming Vancouver’
Workshop with Portland’s City Repair Co-Founder Mark Lakeman and Power of Hope's creative facilitators Rup Sidhu and Sara Dent, along with Village Vancouver members, will offer a day of community building focused on how City Repair processes can be applied in Vancouver. Participants will build community, look at our city on a neighbourhood by neighbourhood basis, and learn about intersection and block repair processes.

Date: Saturday, March 26th, 2011
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm,
Location: W2 Storyeum,
Address: 151 West Cordova, Vancouver, BC
Registration: http://ecodreamingvancouver.eventbrite.com

Event Supporters
Thanks to the City of Vancouver Sustainability Group for their support of the event and Car Free Vancouver! In association with W2 Storyeum. People powered by: Village Vancouver, Power of Hope, Community Arts Council of Vancouver.

Event: Potato Fusion
The World In A Garden will be hosting the Second Annual Potato Fusion event, where we will plant highly nutritious organic potatoes & lettuce in used burlap coffee sacs! All proceeds will be donated to The World In A Garden & Project Somos, an eco-village for abandoned and orphaned children in Guatemala.

Date: Sunday, March 20th
Time: 11am or 1pm
Location: West 57th & East Blvd. (across the street from Choices)
To register: Contact Alicia Baddorf via phone 604.257.5151 ext. 213 or by email abaddorf@jfsa.ca
www.theworldinagarden.com

Earthquake preparedness
We have all witnessed the recent earthquakes in Japan and have seen first hand the devastation they cause. Living in Vancouver, we too could be faced with a major earthquake, yet few of us have taken the necessary steps to ensure we and our families are prepared. This session will teach you how to be prepared for any emergency or disaster you may be faced with. You will learn personal and family preparedness, how to develop a family emergency plan, how to perform a home hazard hunt and how to prepare for your pets. Cost: Free

Location: Roundhouse Community Centre - 181 Roundhouse Mews
Date: Apr 27, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM
Registration Information: Phone: 604-713-1800

Gardening workshops
Grant Watson is teaching a series of gardening workshops this weekend. Go to www.gourmetgardens.ca/workshops/

Intensive Urban Microfarming
Date: Saturday March 19
Time: 12:30-3:30 pm
Location: Strathcona Community Centre
Address: 601 Keefer Street
Registration: Call Strathcona Community Centre at 604-713-1838
http://www.gourmetgardens.ca/intensive-urban-microfarming/

Food Crops: Selection & Care
Date: Sunday March 20
Time: 2 – 5 pm
Address: 2478 E 23 Ave
http://www.gourmetgardens.ca/workshops/food-crops-selection-care/

You can contact Grant Watson at 778.869.4060.
Visit his website at, www.gourmetgardens.ca

TLCC Job Posting

2011-02-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage Food Security Network Society (TLCC)

JOB POSTING

Position Title: TLCC Coordinator

Reports to: TLCC Board of Directors

Term of Contract: Starts immediately until end of June 2011 with possibility of extension

Hourly Wage: $20.00/hr, 10 hrs/wk. Flexible schedules can be negotiated.

Deadline: Applications must be received by 4:30pm, March 8^th 2011

Description of Position:

The TLCC Coordinator will oversee overall TLCC coordination and support related activities with the following goals:

Primarily responsible for actively pursuing & securing sustainable and ongoing funding for the TLCC activities
Support and maintain the existing pocket markets at Brant Villa and developing one new pocket market.
Regular distribution of relevant information to Network members. Coordinate and facilitate monthly TLCC Board meetings
Build community capacity to be involved in food security initiatives and increase awareness of available food security resources and networking opportunities.

Roles and Responsibilities:

· Identify funding opportunities, develop grant proposals and create a “sustainability plan”.

· Identify and sustain opportunities for capacity building and partnerships between community leaders and agencies which would help support the work of the TLCC over the long term.

· Maintain and develop an email distribution list and blog. Develop promotional materials for Network activities.

· Monitor program finances, maintain accurate financial records, and ensure responsible budget implementation.

· Collaborate with other food security networks in Vancouver to share resources and identify opportunities for strengthening working relationships.

Qualifications:

· Sound understanding of food security principles and the spectrum of food based programs in Vancouver

· Confident leadership experience with community development and capacity building approaches to project development.

· Experience with community work and committee based processes, particularly related to pocket markets or farmer’s markets

· Grant and funding report writing skills

· Strong communication and computer skills, organization and time-management

· Must have a valid Food Safe certificate or be willing to obtain one.

· Experience with volunteer supervision, recruitment and training

NOTE: this position requires use of your own vehicle and may require access to a home based workspace.

Applications will be accepted until 4:30pm, March 8^th 2011.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

TLCC Food Security Board of Directors

Attn: Marlene Bell at spiritros@telus.net or Fax: 604-873-4402

2011-02-04T15:17:00.000-08:00

Talk Green Vancouver potluck on Wed. Feb 16

TLCC Newsletter, February 2011
This month's newsletter includes:

Talk Green Vancouver neighbourhood potluck in Cedar Cottage
Information about a new seed saving collective in Cedar Cottage
News about the first ever House of Commons debate on genetic engineering and what you can do to support it
Two local food related job postings

TLCC's next Pocket Market!
Date: Saturday February 19th
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: 2290 E 25th Ave (Just west of the Nanaimo SkyTrain station.
Map: TLCC Pocket Market location

The TLCC Pocket market has great prices as always on organic or local produce. Shop and save while supporting access to healthy foods for those who have low income! The Pocket Market Coupon model has worked so well that it will be used as part of a food security program run by South Vancouver Neighbourhood House for residents in their area.

Please drop by on the 19th!

Talk Green Vancouver Potluck Invite
Join your friends and neighbours for a community potluck and Greenest City conversation!

TLCC and Talk Green Vancouver (the City of Vancouver's Greenest City initiative) invite you to share a meal, share some great conversation and share your ideas about Vancouver’s plan to become the Greenest City in the world by 2020. It’s going to take actions – small and large – from the whole city to achieve the vision of a bright green future for our city and our planet. Thousands of residents contributed to creating 10 draft action plans. Find out what’s in them, add your feedback and share ideas with your neighbours about how you can help create the greenest city in the world.

Please bring food to share, serving plate and spoon as well as a plate, fork, knife etc for yourself. We will have access to the kitchen to heat things up if necessary.

Join us and talk green!
Date: Wednesday Feb 16th
Time: 7:00 to 9:00pm
Location: Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House, 4065 Victoria Drive

Give your input to the draft Greenest City plans and find out how you can get involved at www.talkgreenvancouver.ca

Cedar Cottage Seed Saving Collective
A new group has formed through Village Vancouver in Cedar Cottage that will focus on seed saving in our neighbourhood. They are interested in creating a local source of seeds as a way to address global pressures from the patenting of seeds, genetic modification and climate change. They are looking for others who have experience with growing and seed saving using natural "organic" growing methods to join the collective.

Their next meeting is, a vegetarian potluck is on:
Date:Sunday Feb, 6th
Time: 10am -noon
RSVP: www.villagevancouver.ca/events please RSVP through the Village Vancouver site.

email: ccseedsavingcollective@gmail.com
blog: ccseedsavers.wordpress.com

House of Commons debate on genetically engineered seeds
Victory for Canada on Genetic Engineering! Unprecedented debate on Bill C-474, February 8.The actions of Canadians like you are working! Despite biotech industry attempts to shut down debate, on December 1st in the House of Commons, the New Democratic Party secured a new 5-hour debate on Bill C-474 and the impacts of genetic engineering for February 8. Bill C-474 would support Canadian farmers by requiring that “an analysis of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of any new genetically engineered seed is permitted.” If the Bill is passed this February it would stop GE wheat and GE alfalfa. The final vote on Bill C-474 will happen on February 9th in the House of Commons and there will be a 5-hour debate the day before! This type of debate on genetic engineering in the House of Commons has never happened before! Now every MP will have a chance to participate in the debate on Bill C-474.

Watch the video on Bill C-474: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH9NwvrVh3U

Actions before Feb 9th to support Canadian farmers:
Email your Member of Parliament to ask them to support the Bill and speak up in the debate – you can send your letter instantly from http://www.cban.ca/474action

Jobs in Local Food

PART-TIME COORDINATOR: FARM TO SCHOOL COORDINATOR, GREATER VANCOUVER AREA
The Public Health Association of British Columbia in conjunction with their partners at Vancouver Coastal Health, the Vancouver School Board, the Richmond School Board and the University of British Columbia’s Eat&Think Green@School Initiative are pleased to announce that they have received a grant from Vancity enviroFund to increase the amount of local food served in five schools in the Richmond, Vancouver and West Vancouver area.

The Group, the Greater Vancouver Farm to School Committee, seek the services of a Farm to School Coordinator The one year part-time coordinator will be responsible for sourcing local foods and farms for schools and developing agreements with farmers to grow foods for 5 schools. Details are outlined in job description at
http://communitykitchens.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/feb14-farm_to_school_coordinator_jd_vancouverregion.pdf.

Interested applicants must email their resume and cover letter to Sarah Carten, sarah.carten@vch.ca by noon on Monday, February 14th, 2011.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Sarah Carten, (604) 675-3988 x 20340, sarah.carten@vch.ca
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, February 14th, 2011.

FARMFOLK/CITYFOLK LOWER MAINLAND FEAST OF FIELDS COORDINATOR
For job description and details on how to apply, visit the FarmFolk/CityFolk website at: http://www.ffcf.bc.ca/about_us/get_involved.html

CONTRACT DATES: April 1, 2011 to October 31, 2011
LOCATION: Vancouver, BC
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15.

==============================

=

That's it for this month.

Erin
blog: tlccfoodsecurity@blogspot.com

Trout Lake Cedar Cottage Food Security Network Newsletter for January 2011

2011-01-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

Hi, I hope that 2011 got off to a good start for you.

If you have a hankering for food security at its best, I suggest registering for Will Allen's free presentation at the Croatian Cultural Centre on January 27th. This man has been very successful in teaching people with his special brand of enthusiasm how to grow food in the urban core. Registration details below. It's bound to fill up fast as the date approaches.

Of course there is also tomorrow's Pocket Market where you can buy fresh quality produce at VERY reasonable prices. The market has moved to Saturdays:

TLCC Pocket Market
Day: Saturday January 15th
Time: 10am to 1pm
Place: 2290 E 25th Ave, just west of the Nanaimo SkyTrain Station

Just follow the directional signs. Here is the array produce you'll see tomorrow:

LOCAL (BC)
Ambrosia Apples
Cabbage
White Mushrooms
Yukon Gold Potatoes

ORGANIC
Bananas, South America
Carrots, California

NOT LOCAL or ORGANIC
Avocados, Mexico
Oranges, California
Broccoli, California

Will Allen, Growing Out of Hunger
Day: Thursday, January 27, 2011,
Time: 7-9pm
Place: Croatian Cultural Centre 3250 Commercial Drive (and 14th)

This lecture is free, however pre-registration is required.

There is still time to register for the second annual Bruce and Lis Welch Community Dialogue featuring Will Allen, CEO, Growing Power Community Food Centre, Milwaukee & Chicago: Join us and find out how Will Allen, urban farmer and community activist, is dedicated to supporting low income and small family farmers and bringing healthy, affordable food to urban areas. Will has over fifty years experience in farming, marketing and distributing food and has shared this knowledge with youth, adults, community groups, immigrants, farmers and consumers. Winner of the $500,000 MacArthur Genius Fellowship in 2008, Will Allen is transforming the cultivation, production, and delivery of healthy foods to under-served urban populations.

Visit Will Allen's blog.

Tree Pruning Service by Vancouver Fruit Tree
The Vancouver Fruit Tree Project wishes you a happy, fruitful new year! We are excited to announce that we will be offering small scale pruning services! Martin Anevich, a senior undergraduate student in Human Geography at UBC, has been trained pruning fruit trees in the Okanagan, and his university specialization is urban food systems. While not a professional, Martin is still able to give your fruit tree some tender lovin’ care, to help it develop more healthfully, beautiful, manageable and fruitful for the coming years. The service will be offered by donation, and proceeds will support the Vancouver Fruit Tree Project and offset the pruning program's transportation and equipment costs. As the cost of professional pruning can often be quite substantial, this is a great opportunity to care for your trees while supporting the Project’s community work. Unfortunately, because a service is given in return for the donation, we cannot issue tax receipts for pruning.

This service will begin in a couple weeks! If interested, you can email Martin at: manevich@interchange.ubc.ca or call him at 604-700-4460.

Workshops: Winter Cultivating Food, Cultivating Community Series
Over a dozen workshops, presentations, and gatherings focusing on growing food and cultivating community from January 9-March 27th. Organized by Ross Moster, Village Vancouver and Strathcona Community Centre.

Location: Strathcona Community Centre (601 Keefer St)
Workshops and dates:
Jan. 23 Garden Planning & Preparation workshop with Grant Watson
Jan. 25 Backyard Chickens 101 workshop with Duncan Martin
Feb. 6 Food Crops: Selection and Care workshop w/Grant Watson
Feb. 8 How to Create a Village in a City dialogue w/Ross Moster
Feb. 20 Food Crops: Selection and Care workshop w/Grant Watson
Feb. 27 Seed Saving in the City workshops with Robin Wheeler and other BC Seedswomen
Mar. 6 Soil Fertility and Plant Health Management w/Grant Watson
Mar. 19 Gardening for the Faint of Heart w/Robin Wheeler
Mar. 19 Intensive Urban Microfarming workshop w/Robin Wheeler
Mar. 27 Soil Fertility and Plant Health Management w/Grant Watson
Mar. 29 Backyard Chickens 101 workshop w/Duncan Martin

Community Kitchen Leadership Workshop
During this workshop you will have the opportunity to find out more about community kitchens, different ways a group can work and how you can lead or start a community kitchen. Learn the history of the community kitchen movement and the effect it has had around the province. Hear about the different kitchen models that run successfully in our communities. Experience a community kitchen first hand! Lunch will be provided.

Date: Thurs, Feb 10, 2011
Time: 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Vancouver Food Bank, 1150 Raymur Ave.
Cost: $45.00 (lunch provided).
To register: Contact Darlene Tanaka, at 604-216-2325 or darlenet@foodbank.bc.ca or complete and send in the Community Kitchen Leadership Workshop Registration Form.

Please note: Payment required upon registration. Cancellations must be done at the latest, 72 hours before. No refunds for no-shows. The workshop may be rescheduled if registration numbers are not met.

Subsidies: Due to a grant from Campbell Company of Canada, travel and accommodation subsidies are available to those traveling in BC for more than 100 km to get to the workshop. You must apply by Thurs, Jan 21 for this February workshop. For more information, see our application form

Workshop: Foodsafe Level 1
We all have questions when it comes to food safety. What should we be concerned with when handling food in our kitchens? What's safe and what isn't in our day-to-day work in the kitchen? Come learn the basics about safe food handling in a friendly classroom environment. This is a provincially recognized course taught by qualified instructors. It is suitable for individuals who have a grade 8 or higher reading comprehension level.

Date/Time: Sat, Feb 5, 2011 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Vancouver Food Bank, 1150 Raymur Ave.
Cost: $50.00 - $95.00 (sliding scale)

To register: Contact Darlene Tanaka, at 604-216-2325 or darlenet@foodbank.bc.ca or complete and send in the FoodSafe Registration Form.

For more information: Visit our FAQs on the FoodSafe course. Please note: Lunch is not provided, so please bring a lunch. Registration is limited to 20 per class. Payment required upon registration. Cancellations must be done at the latest, 72 hours before. No refunds for no-shows. The workshop may be rescheduled if registration numbers are not met.

Grant: The Rebuilding Nature Grant Program
Application deadline: Feb 11, 2011.For community groups to cover the costs of tools and building projects, native plants and trees, and other expenses in support of environmental stewardship projects.
Amount: $1,000, $3,000 or $12,000 plus $2,000 in The Home Depot gift cards. For more information: Visit Evergreen. Supported by The Home Depot Canada Foundation and led by Evergreen.

Grant: TOYOTA EVERGREEN Learning Grounds School Ground Greening Grants
For schools wishing to create outdoor classrooms and food gardens to provide students with a healthy place to play, learn and develop a genuine respect for nature. Amount: $500 to $3,500 for publicly funded Canadian schools (JK-Grade 12); $500 to $2,000 for not-for-profit daycares. Now accepting applications. Deadlines: March 4, 2011 (spring planting), June 3, 2011 (late spring/early summer or early fall planting). For more information go to Evergreen's website

Contest: Good Food Hero Comic Contest
Students from across Canada are invited to create their own comic and enter it in the Canada's Good Food Hero Comic Contest. There are 3 age categories for the contest: 1) Kindergarten - Grade 4 2) Grade 5 - 8 and 3) Grade 9 - 12. Application deadline: March 1, 2011. This is your chance to get creative and create awareness about food in Canada. Winners will receive awesome prizes, and the top 10 entries from each age group will be featured in the Good Food Hero Comic. Book, to be printed and distributed across the country in a 32-page colour booklet! Review the criteria and contest guidelines and complete the application form. For more information: Visit the Food Secure Canada website
--
Trout Lake Cedar Cottage Food Security Network
email: tlccfoodsecurity@gmail.com

2010-11-30T17:15:00.000-08:00

Pocket Markets in 2011

3rd Saturday of the month,

January 15

February 19

March 19

April 16
May 21

June 18

Last Pocket Market in 2010

Sunday, December 5th

Produce for this Sunday's pocket market

LOCAL (BC)
Gala apples
Cabbage
Beets
White mushrooms
Yukon potatoes
Campari tomatoes
Butternut squash

ORGANIC

Green leaf lettuce
Sweet Potatoes

Mandarins oranges

Trout Lake Cedar Cottage Food Security Network newsletter for November 2010

2010-11-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

A few people have asked how far their money can go at TLCC's monthly Pocket Market. In the photo you see what $10.40 in cash (or 8 Pocket Market Coupons) was able to purchase at the last Pocket Market held on Nov 14th. We think it's a great deal!

Local organic: Swiss chard

Non local, organic: Bananas

Local non-organic: Gala apples, russet potatoes, beets, peppers, tomatoes and carrots

Low income, Pocket Market Coupon participants buy 8 coupons for $8.00. TLCC then buys local and/or organic produce at a wholesaler and passes these savings on to coupon holders. Cash sales have a small mark-up over wholesale prices. Profits from these cash sales go to support the program.

In October, TLCC asked you what you'd like to see more of in 2011. Overwhelmingly, members chose workshops. Sometime between February and the end of March we will be hosting 2 workshops, 1. Growing mushrooms, 2. Drying fruit and vegetables. I am looking for workshop facilitators. If you or someone you know has the skills, knowledge and appetite to give a workshop on these topics, let me know!

Next TLCC Pocket Market:
Day: Sunday, December 5th
Time: 10am to 1pm
Place: 2290 E 25th Ave, just west of the Nanaimo SkyTrain Station
Link: Map to Pocket Market
Link: December winter food calendar "wallpaper" for your computer

Here's a summary of this month's newsletter:

Bella Coola Flood - Farm Fundraiser Film Event
Evergreen Foundation, a chance to give back to a really great organization
Community Kitchen Leadership Workshop
Permaculture Design and Community Resilience Workshop

Bella Coola Flood - Farm Fundraiser & Film Event
Day: Tues, Dec 7,
Time: 6pm
Place: Britannia Community Centre - Canuck's Family Education Centre (Upstairs Eastside Family Place)
Cost: $10, Silent Auction, food

Bella Coola farmers were recently hit by sever floods. Due to the realities of the agriculture industry the Bella Coola farmers work off the farm to make ends meet and are thus ineligible for Provincial Emergency Assistance. These farmers are key players in regenerating their local food system and in increasing the community's access to high quality local produce. The community lost over 270 tons of winter feed, livestock, fencing, equipment, tools, heritage seeds, heritage fruit trees, corrals and paddocks, barns, market gardens, pasture, and acreage washed down the river. We depend on our farmers for our food and they are appealing for our help.

Grandview Woodland Food Connection, FarmFolkCityFolk, Discovery Organics presents
Film: Mammalian, Canada, 2010
Day: Tues, Dec 7
Time: 6:30 - 7:30pm

Frank Wolf and Taku Hokoyama strike out on a 2,000 km Arctic canoe journey through the largest wilderness area in North America. With a sense of humour and purpose, they track down politicians, First Nation chiefs, elders and others living in the few communities that frame the wilderness in order to present a clear picture of the area and the issues that face the land and its people.

Official Entry - Vancouver Film Festival, 2010

Film: Force of Nature, Canada, 2010
Day: Tues, Dec 7
Time: 8 - 9:30pm
(Please note: Film change. Wasteland cannot be screened at this time)

The film interweaves the Force of Nature lecture with scenes from Suzuki's life and lifetime – the major social, scientific, cultural and political events of the past 70 years.

In this biography of ideas, Suzuki articulates a core, urgent message: We have exhausted the limits of the biosphere and it is imperative that we rethink our relationship with the natural world. He looks unflinchingly at the strains on the interconnected web of life and offers up a blueprint for sustainability and survival.

Evergreen Foundation, a chance to give back to a great organization
You may have seen the amazing work being done by members and volunteers of the Cedar Cottage Garden. This was in part funded by the Evergreen Foundation through their Walmart Grant.

Evergreen has submitted a project called Nature Playground to the Aviva Community Fund and they need you to help them succeed. Nature Playground will provide the opportunity for children to connect with nature at Evergreen Brick Works in the best way possible: through food, play and hands-on learning. For more information about Evergreen Brick Works, please follow this link: http://ebw.evergreen.ca/

Help children connect with, play in and learn from nature by voting daily and telling your friends.
The way the fund works is that Nature Playground is competing with other projects through an online competition to make it to the final round of judging. Show your support for Evergreen and the Nature Playground by voting here: http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf9748

Community Kitchen Leadership Workshop
Day: Thurs, Dec 2, 2010
Time: 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Vancouver Food Bank, 1150 Raymur Ave.
Cost: $45.00 (lunch provided).
To register: Contact Darlene Tanaka, at 604-216-2325 or darlenet@foodbank.bc.ca
or complete and email the Community Kitchen Leadership Workshop Registration Form to Darlene.

For those of you who are interested in attending but must travel over 100km to get to Vancouver, travel and accommodation subsidies are available. For more information, see their subsidy application form.

During the leadership workshop you will have the opportunity to find out more about community kitchens, different ways a group can work and how you can lead or start a community kitchen. Learn the history of the community kitchen movement and the effect it has had around the province. Hear about the different kitchen models that run successfully in our communities. Experience a community kitchen first hand! Lunch will be provided. See their poster and share it in you community.

Please note: Payment required upon registration. Cancellations must be done at the latest, 72 hours before. No refunds for no-shows. The workshop may be rescheduled if registration numbers are not met.

Permaculture Design and Community Resilience
Saturday November 27th 9 - 5 and,
Sunday the November 28th 9 - noon
Cost: $100 / $50 students and seniors / scholarships available; no one turned away for lack of funds.
To register: Strathcona Community Centre 604.713.1838 (course no. 46500.401ST)
For scholarship or general information: Erin Innes erininnes@gmail.com or Ross Moster ross@villagevancouver.ca or visit www.villagevancouver.ca
Free public Post Carbon Visioning event to follow from 1-5

About the Workshop:
Learn how the fundamentals of Permaculture design can come out of the garden and into all aspects of our lives and community! This two-day workshop will show you the tools that Permaculture has to offer to redesign our social and cultural landscape for a localized, low-energy future. From our personal frustrations and fears to the global challenges we all share, this workshop is your chance to engage your head, heart, and hands in creating a more resilient and participatory response to peak oil, climate change, and energy descent.

What is Permaculture?
Permaculture is a system of tools, strategies, and methodologies for designing human systems that function like natural systems. Permaculture presents a way of understanding and taking action in the world that allows us to create a "permanent culture," from farming to economics to education, that is sustainable indefinitely and that becomes more abundant with time.

What is Resilience?
Resilience is the ability of a system -- an ecosystem, an economic system, a culture -- to withstand shocks, stresses, and upheavals, to evolve and adapt without losing its basic cohesion and form.

Eat well and eat local.

TLCC Food Security Network News October 2010

2010-10-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

With October being the harvest time of year there are lots of activities and news items. Please share with friends and family!

The Trout Lake Cedar Cottage Food Security Network is now a registered society with the Province of BC. I’d like to introduce you to those who will be guiding TLCC over the next 12 months. Our 5 board members are:

Charito Gailling, Community Developer – Seniors, Vancouver Coastal Health
Darlene Richardson, Community Developer for BC Housing
Marlene Bell, Program Manager, Reclaiming Our Spirit
Sherri Maunsell, community member
Tabitha Marie Geraghty, Operations Manager, Helping Spirit Lodge

If you’d like to get involved, have ideas for projects or want to put on a workshop please let me know. Send an email to tlccfoodsecurity(a)gmail.com.

In this edition of the newsletter:

TLCC Survey
TLCC Winter Food Calendar Project
TLCC Pocket Market
EYA’s Green Graffiti at the Lux
October food events

TLCC Survey
Taking a page from the Talk Green to Us campaign from the City of Vancouver TLCC has created a survey to learn what you want to see and do in our neighbourhood. Front and backyard gardening parties? Neighbourhood chicken coops? Gardening and canning workshops? Tell us your ideas by Wednesday October 27th. Then, in a November survey you can vote for your favourite suggestion. The top ideas will guide TLCC grant applications in 2011 and I hope will draw like minded people together to work on projects.

Go to: TLCC Survey

TLCC Winter Food Calendar Project
We are heading into the cold season now. Some of you may be growing hardy greens or perhaps you’ve turned to canning and drying. We invite you to share your vision of local food in the winter and be part of the TLCC Winter Food Calendar Project. These monthly calendars will show a beautiful winter food photo with a calendar which you can use on your computer desktop at home or at work.

From October until April TLCC will include a calendar image for your computer desktop with the monthly newsletter. Send me a photograph (landscape format, jpeg high resolution, 1000 or more pixels wide) and a paragraph on how you have been winterizing your food supply, by the 20th of each month. Our new TLCC board will pick the best photo and story for the upcoming newsletter and calendar.

October’s calendar image is from my neighbour Tony and Lina’s greenhouse which is still full of big, beautiful, green (and blight free) tomatoes. They save their seed every year and plant a forest of tomato seedlings in the early spring which they then plant in their unheated greenhouse. Over the years I have been the grateful recipient of many tomato seedlings. The photo of their tomatoes is available at: flickr.

If you still have healthy green tomatoes on the vine, here is how you can store them and ripen them indoors, into late November:

“Pick from vigorous vines. Sort tomatoes for ripeness. Pack green tomatoes one or two layers deep in shallow boxes or trays for ripening. Separate with layers of paper or individually wrap each tomato. At 55˚F mature green tomatoes will ripen slowly in 25–28 days. At 65˚F–70˚F tomatoes will ripen faster-in about 14 days. Store in unheated room or airy cellar.”

Washington State University: EB1326 Storing Vegetables and Fruits at Home.

TLCC Pocket Market
The next Pocket Market will be on Sunday October 17th at 2290 East 25th just west of the Nanaimo SkyTrain Station. Come buy local and organic fruit and vegetables at reasonable prices right in our neighbourhood. This market goes indoors on rainy days and will continue throughout the winter. Have a cup of tea while you shop! Where else can you do that!

Here is a map showing the TLCC Pocket Market location.

Mark your calendar with the upcoming dates for the Pocket Market.

2010-2011 schedule, Sundays from 10am to 1pm:

November 14
December 5
2011 dates, to be announced

Green Graffiti at the Lux
On Sept. 16^th, 2010 The Environmental Youth Alliance joined with professionals to complete the installation of a living wall at The Lux at 65 East Hastings Street. The living wall is part of the EYA’s Green Graffiti Project, and the Lux - a transitional housing program- is one of four sites chosen for the project. A crew from EYA worked together with carpenter and long time EYA ally Sal, and Kevin from Streamline Enterprises who graciously volunteered his time. Green Graffiti is a project to engage local citizens in the green building movement through the creation of green or living wall gardens. The next step at the Lux is to teach residence there how to maintain the wall, and grow there own, fruits, veggies, and herbs from the wall.

EYA on the web: www.EYA.ca

October and November food events
Instead of re-listing events and activities here, take a look at the events calendar at SharedHarvest.ca where you can see everything at a glance in the convenient calendar view.

Here are a few event highlights to entice you:

Oct 16 Fermentation workshop
Oct 16 World Food Day Market
Oct 21 YWCA Farmers Market in downtown Vancouver

For the full list go to: www.SharedHarvest.ca/MetroVancouver

That's it for now. Please take the time to fill in the survey (it's short) and I hope to see you either at an event or at the Pocket Market.

Erin Nichols
Trout Lake Cedar Cottage Food Security Network
email: tlccfoodsecurity(a)gmail.com

TLCC Pocket Market Coupon Program

2010-08-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well, after a 6-month hiatus TLCC is back, addressing food security in Trout Lake Cedar Cottage!

TLCC was one of five Neighbourhood Food Networks chosen to receive the Greenest Neighbourhood grant from the City of Vancouver as part of the City’s Greenest City 2020 initiative. TLCC received funding for the Pocket Market Coupon Program which will bring affordable, local and/or organic produce to our neighbourhood. The pocket market will be located near Vanness Ave and Nanaimo St at BC housing's Brant Villa, just east of the Cedar Cottage Garden.

A pocket market is like a small farmers’ market except that farmers don’t usually do the selling. Instead, produce is bought at wholesale prices, either directly from farmers or through a distributor, and sold in areas that don’t have convenient access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Brant Villa is situated in an area that Vancouver Coastal Health has identified as a food desert as there are no grocery stores within walking distance.

The TLCC Pocket Market is a great way for all neighbours to contribute to neighbourhood food security in TLCC.

There are two ways to shop at the TLCC Pocket Market:

With pre-paid Pocket Market Coupons (produce at cost for those on low income)
With cash (a better price than retail)

The Coupon portion of the Pocket Market Coupon Program helps those who are on low income. At the beginning of the month, Coupon Program participants pay $8.00 for 8 Pocket Market Coupons. They then redeem these coupons for produce at the pocket market near the end of the month. The $8.00 they pay is pooled to buy produce at wholesale prices and these savings are passed on to the participants. This means that they receive more produce than if they spent the same $8.00 at retail. Coupon sales will happen through agencies in the area. If you, or someone you know in the neighbourhood is on limited income, look at the coupon sale dates listed below.

To help fund the program for the long term, we will also have cash sales at the Pocket Market. Produce will be priced with a lower-than-retail markup and the profits will be put back into the program. The hope is that in time, the TLCC PMCP will be financially self sustaining.

There will be 10 pocket markets over 10 months at Brant Villa. Here are the dates for the first 5:

Sunday, August 15th
Sunday, September 12th
Sunday, October 17th
Sunday, November 14th
Sunday, December 5th

TLCC Pocket Market
Brant Villa
2290 E. 25th Ave (just west of the Nanaimo SkyTrain station)
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Coupons are available at Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House, 4065 Victoria Dr.

How else can you participate?

Come to the Pocket Market and buy organic and/or local produce
If you are low income, purchase Pocket Market Coupons
Share this blog with friends and family in the area
Volunteer to help set-up the market

Two Block Diet

2009-10-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

At the TLCC Food Security Network meeting in September, Kate Sutherland and Catherine Shapiro came to tell us about the "Two Block Diet", a homegrown success story in Mount Pleasant.

It started with a block party and a conversation about growing food. Kate was talking to one of her neighbours about her lack of garden space and the neighbour offered part of her yard for Kate to grow in. From there the idea of sharing yards to plant gardens emerged and grew into the Two Block Diet.

Their first meeting was held in November of 2008 where about 13 people gathered to discuss how they could support each other to grow more food, reduce their CO2 footprint, teach their children about where food comes from, and build community. The eldest was in her 90’s and the youngest a baby; Catherine, a master gardener, was the most experienced grower and there were others, like Kate, who had never successfully started their own seeds indoors. Together the group shared information and “played”, envisioning what a Two Block Diet would look like.

Through the darker colder months they planned gardens and bought seeds together. Some had yards and others just had balconies; some owned and some rented. During their meetings, often held in someone's living room, they’d plant seeds, just like the old quilting bees! These seeds would be germinated in warm, darker places and then, once they'd sprouted, they were placed in one of the neighbour’s basements under two grow lights the group had bought together. From the city they ordered compost, which they distributed during one of their monthly work parties. At another work party they built a greenhouse, which one of them had bought second hand. As another way to reduce CO2, they strung a clothesline for one of the neighbours in the group, a free and green way to dry clothes. Surprisingly the most onerous task for the group didn’t entail a wheelbarrow, or a hammer, but rather a calendar in order to discuss and set a standard time to meet in their busy lives.

In the spring, the power of many hands was extended to a plant sale so they could raise money to buy bees. (Just in case you are thinking of doing a neighbourhood fundraiser, they found that basil plants were their very best seller.) Raspberry canes were also bought and planted, and in one of the yards they established a collective potato patch.

The neighbours grew for themselves, shared and traded and ate two-block-meals together. The kids foraged and learned how food their food was grown, and everyone learned about community. Two neighbours who had lived just doors away from each other for over 12 years, finally visited each other’s homes. When one of the group fell ill and was in the hospital, they all pitched in to water her garden. That's community.

To start a Two Block Diet group in your community, find at least one other neighbour to help you spread the word. Post some flyers and invite your neighbours to a meeting. Talk about everything your Two Block Diet can be and then start small. If the group doesn't have a master gardener, have a look Robin Wheeler's book, Gardening for the Faint of Heart. Kate and Catherine attribute the group’s success to staying focussed on one thing: to grow more food. With that uncomplicated agenda they were able to grow a great deal more.

Organic Master Gardener Courses

2009-08-31T14:58:00.001-07:00

It's time to register for the Organic Master Gardener Course. Finally, a comprehensive organic gardening course for urban garden enthusiasts! Come and gather with like-minded environmentally conscious students and,

* Learn to create fabulous food and ornamental gardens without pesticides and other harmful chemicals
* Become a SOUL Organic Master Gardener and share your knowledge with others through mentorship programs, workshops, talks and many other creative ways
* Gain essential skills to start or enhance your own business in the rapidly growing organic land care industry

Everyone is welcome. No previous experience required. Just come, learn and have fun. This is a practical experience-based course consisting of lectures and hands-on exercises. To receive a Certificate of Completion students must attend all sessions and complete and present a satisfactory assignment. All courses are taught by Heide Hermary.

Daytime Course (Course Number: 074-1, Cost: $695.00)
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays
September 29th to November 19th

Night Course (Course Number: 183-1, Cost: $695.00)
6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays
September 29th to November 14th

To register please phone Burnaby Adult and Continuing Education at (604) 664-8888, or register online.

A Shorter Course in Soil Management

Don't have enough time for the Organic Master Gardener Course? Check out the 3-Day Intensive Organic Soil Management Course also offered through Burnaby Adult and Continuing Education. Register online, or call (604) 664-8888.

Daytime Course (Course Number: 079-1, Cost: $549.00)
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
November 27th to 29th

Soil is the foundation of landscape health. Whether you grow ornamental gardens, turf or vegetables, you need to understand how soil works. In the past we have looked at soil primarily as a "growing medium" - something lifeless and sterile. But soil is the exact opposite - it's an ecosystem, and needs to be managed as such. The greatest biodiversity on earth occurs - or should occur - in the top few inches of soil. Soil ecosystem health and plant health are inseparably linked. Soil processes are universal, applying equally to ornamental landscapes, turf and agricultural crops. Our job is primarily one of fine-tuning.

In this three-day intensive, professional workshop you will learn how to,

* assess the health of your soil, and
* support the natural processes within the soil that result in plant health.

You will also gain a deeper understanding of organic horticulture, and how you can integrate organic practices into your own. For more information please visit Gaia College.

The KCC Neighbour: Call for Articles

2009-08-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

The KCC Neighbour is a community newspaper by and for people living in the Kensington/Cedar Cottage area that is distributed to 15,000 households and local businesses and organizations. Look for the next exciting edition in October 2009.

They Need Your Content by September 21st, 2009.

The KCC Neighbour focusses on the strength and spirit of the people in our community and emphasizes the partnership between residents, businesses and organizations. Help build the future of this paper.

You can contribute by:
• Writing a story. Some examples include showcasing a member of the community who is making a difference, sharing your community concerns or highlighting the cultural diversity of our neighbourhood. They welcome your ideas!
• Sending in photos. They encourage submissions for their cover and to accompany stories in order to illustrate life in Kensington/Cedar Cottage.
• Providing information about local programs or upcoming community events.
• Advertising your local business in their marketplace pullout. Call for ad sizes and prices, 604-874-4231.
• Joining their dedicated and dynamic Newspaper Committee to help with layout, advertising, editing and overall production. They look forward to your participation!

Year 'Round Harvesting Workshop

2009-07-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Community Agriculture Network (VCAN) and the Environmental Youth Alliance (EYA) are again co-hosting a FREE workshop on year-round harvesting.

Come learn how to design your garden so you can enjoy it all year long. Free seedlings and seeds will be given away too.

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 4
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Location: Eco-Pavilion in the Strathcona Community Gardens (Prior and Hawks).
Reservations: Email hartley@eya.ca

Winter Gardening at CCG

2009-07-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

Cedar Cottage Community Garden will be hosting a Winter Gardening Workshop,

Date: Saturday August 8th
Time: 10:30am - end time TBA
Location: Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House
Address: 4065 Victoria Drive
Registration: Email Simon at dash.rockmore@gmail.com

The workshop is open to all and will be led by Sharon Hanna, a regular contributor to GardenWise magazine (her blog is available at: gardenwiseonline.ca/shanna. She suggested this date since early August is the perfect time to get your beds ready for winter planting! It seems a long way off with all this beautiful weather, but early planning makes for a successful winter.

The workshop will start at the neighbourhood house and then move to the garden site so that we can have some hands-on learning.

Admission is by donation.

Farmhouse Farm Summer Permaculture Workshops and Courses

2009-07-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

Permaculture Water Conservation Strategies – July 18th

This one-day workshop will focus on Permaculture concepts for water conservation in the home and garden. Participants will learn foundation concepts and strategies for reducing water consumption, and will have the chance to work on one or all three of a series of water conservation, filtration, and recycling systems that we’ll be building.

July 18th, 10.00 am to 4.30pm.

Pay-What-You-Feel, suggested donation $75 – $120.

Introduction to Permaculture

A two-day (12 hour) course that will present the ethics, principles, and strategies of Permaculture as a design methodology for creating self-sustaining human systems. Topics will include Permaculture ethics and principles, the importance of design, climate and landscape factors, site analysis, closed-loop system design, input/output analysis, functional analysis, forest gardening, and Permaculture in social and economic systems.

Two separate sessions will be offered, July 25th-26th, and August 22nd-23rd.

Pat-What-You-Feel, suggested donation $135 – $285.

As always, workshops are offered on a pay-what-you-feel basis and trades/barters are always welcome. Mutually supportive relationships create abundance for all.

TO REGISTER EMAIL: farmhousefarm (at) gmail (dot) com.

www.farmhousefarm.wordpress.com

Sunday, July 12th, 11 am - 1 pm: FREE Tours of Community Gardens

2009-07-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

Join gardeners at 16 different community gardens on July 12th, between 11 am and 1 pm, as they tour you through Vancouver's hidden gems. These free personalized tours have been developed to supplement a new brochure outlining self-guided walking or biking routes created by the City. The brochure encourages people of all ages to discover Vancouver’s rich network of community gardens through 8 individual self-guided routes. With 44 gardens to see, the walks lead you from the oldest gardens to the newest, the smallest to largest. Each route is less than 3 km one-way, and takes in 3 to 6 gardens, all with their own unique character. Some routes are close enough to one another that you can combine a few in one day.

On the July 12th, between 11 am and 1 pm, you can find personalized guides at the following 16 community gardens:

* Strathcona (Hawks & Prior)
* Cottonwood (Hawks & Malkin)
* Hastings Street Folk Garden (117 - 123 East Hastings)
* Jacob's Well (449 East Hastings)
* My Own Backyard - MOBY (East 11th, east of Commercial Dr.)
* Cedar Cottage (Hull & Victoria Dr.)
* Means of Production (St. Catherine & East 6th)
* Sahali ((Fraser & East 8th)
* Grandview (Grandview Hwy & Woodland Dr.)
* City Hall North Lawn (West 10th & Cambie)
* Tea Swamp (East 15th & Sophia)
* Nelson Park (1100 Comox St.)
* Cypress (West 6th, Burrard - Cypress)
* Pine (West 6th, Burrard to Fir)
* Urban Acres (West 1st & Fir)
* World in A Garden (West 57th & East Blvd.)

Brochures can be found at libraries, community centres, garden centres, City Hall rotunda, and Vancouver’s farmers markets. For more information about community gardens and the walks, visit www.vancouver.ca/gardens. You can also download tours directly by clicking here.

Original notice came from,

Andrew Pask
Social Policy | Social Development Department
604-871-6864
vancouver.ca/socialplanning

Vancouver Fruit Tree Project: Request for Volunteers

2009-06-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Fruit Tree Project is looking for both volunteer pickers and volunteer pick leaders. Climbing trees is not required! Come meet like minded people, have fun and make a difference. Read below for role descriptions.

Volunteer Picker

Volunteer pickers will receive weekly emails regarding the upcoming picks they are invited to participate in. They RSVP with the pick coordinator about any that they would like to attend. There is no minimum requirement for participation, it’s just whatever you can make it out to. At the picks the pickers will use picking poles and orchard ladders to work in a group to pick the tree, sorting the fruit into boxes for delivery to our community partners such as daycares, neighbourhood houses, food banks, and community centres. Volunteers can help with equipment set up and take down as well. Picks usually take between 1-3 hours and happen mostly on weekends and week-day evenings and sometimes during weekdays.

Volunteer Pick Leader

The Vancouver Fruit Tree Project is looking for pick leaders who can commit to leading one pick per week. The pick coordinator will try to schedule you for picks in your neighbourhood but you may be asked to lead a pick in another area of town. The pick coordinator will arrange a team of volunteers and will set up a community partner for the fruit to be donated to. The pick leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to and from the pick, bringing and returning the equipment, delivering the fruit to the community partner, and of course, leading the volunteers in a fun and safe pick. Having your own transportation (with a roof rack for ladders) a benefit but is not required, as we can set you up with a car sharing membership through the VFTP.

Contact Liz Perkins
Coordinator of Picks
Vancouver Fruit Tree Project
604-708-1987
liz(at)vancouverfruittree.com

This Canada Day, Say "Hi"

2009-06-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Our conversation started simply enough, I was walking by and she was weeding. After exchanging "hellos" I learned here name was Kerry and that she had recently moved from Alberta.

“I’m so surprised at what grows here, like these grapes.” Since April she has tended her MOBY Community Garden plot on 11th, just off Commercial Drive. The gardener before had planted grapes which are now nearly four feet high. Other green shoots are sprouting up too. After I took her photo she laughed, “Maybe someone can tell me which ones are the weeds”.

Community gardens, children and dogs; I’ve begun to feel that these are the essentials for a convivial neighbourhood. Dog owners group around while their dogs run, strangers talk to babies and then, maybe, their parents and gardeners with a bit of dirt on their knees seem like easy people to smile at. The small act of weeding near the sidewalk or in a community garden can be the beginning of a whole new friendship. My tomato plants came from 2 different neighbours, both of whom I met while passing the time, talking about gardening.

This Canada Day, say “hi” to a neighbour. You never know who you’ll meet. Erin Nichols

Spring Fling

2009-05-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

The big red A at Victoria Drive and Hull was even more lively than usual on Saturday May 23, as the Cedar Cottage Garden launched its annual Spring Fling fundraiser.

Cease Wyss, a member of the Skxwu7mesh and Sto:lo Nations and an active participant in the garden, opened the event with a traditional song of welcome.

Visitors were invited to tour the garden accompanied by Jill Dalton, who pointed out over-wintered spinach with leaves as big as your head and red clover brighter than a Pantone colour. Local musicians played on the plaza stage. Faune fired up audience creativity with a poetry contest. A friend bought several tomato plants at the plant sale and there were kids activities too, like the simple art of chaining daisies.

It's hard to imagine that just over a year ago this vibrant green community space was a place of trepidation; hidden from the road and littered with trash and needles. New garden plots have just been built, bringing the total to 59. Contact us if you live in the neighbourhood and need a place to grow!

Pictured from top left going clock-wise: Cease Wyss, garden plot, Whitney Peterson of the band Soft Serve, a young gardener, Spring Fling MC: Leslie Kemp a garden member, Jil Dalton, salad greens, the new beds and young apple tree, red clover. Centre: the big red A, gateway to the garden.

Autumn Celebration at Cedar Cottage Garden

2008-09-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

At Cedar Cottage Garden, we have placed gravel in the pathways between our new garden beds to provide drainage of water between garden beds. On Sunday Sept 21, as the leaves fall and the winter vegetables start to grow, we will be dancing and stomping down the gravel pathways between the garden beds.

Please join us with some musical instruments to get those feet moving in the garden pathways!

Cedar Cottage Garden is located at Victoria and Hull St, under the SkyTrain.

Community Kitchen Success at Trout Lake

2008-08-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

There is something new brewing at Trout Lake Community Centre...! A group of 15 people from the Trout Lake neighbourhood have been meeting monthly to develop their cooking skills together, in a social atmosphere. Many of the participants met while using the Food Bank Depot at Trout Lake Community Centre.

Tenny Bache, the volunteer coordinator of the Community Kitchen at Trout Lake, says "we focus on cooking new and interesting recipies that are affordable and healthy. We have cooked all types of food - we choose recipies as a group while we eat together at the end of each kitchen." They have gotten together 3 times and the upcoming Kitchen session will end with a picnic by the lake!

The Kitchen is supported by Vancouver Coastal Health and Fresh Choice Kitchens, and there has been so much interest in the Kitchen that they are looking to set up another one. If you would like to volunteer to start up and new community kitchen in Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage, contact tlccfoodsecurity@gmail.com

Open Stage at Cedar Cottage Garden

2008-07-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

Shadows and shapes make their way
Under the skytrain tracks, to the big Red "A"
Complete strangers coming together
Each with our own reasons to dream
About growing food in this place
We are fighting against frustration and learning about patience
Understanding that it takes just as long to build community
As it does to make a garden.

The 2nd monday of each month is Open Stage at Cedar Cottage Garden. Bring a poem, song or story to share: 6-8 pm, everyone is welcome!

EPiCENTER! A great success at Commercial Drive Car Free Festival

2008-06-17T16:58:00.000-07:00

Volunteers served up loving spoonfuls of "stone soup" at the Car Free Festival on Sunday June 15th at Commercial Drive. This free meal was a delicious example of the wonderful creations that can occur when many members of the community contributes something small, like a carrot or cabbage.

There were also demonstrations on worm composting and small space gardening, brought to you by the Trout Lake Food Security Network. Thanks to everyone involved!

The next Network meeting will be on Monday June 23rd, from 6 -8 pm at the Trout Lake Community Centre, in the Boardroom.

Creating Community Gardens Seminar

2008-05-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

On Sunday June 1st, the Environmental Youth Alliance (EYA), helped Cedar Cottage Gardeners take a big leap forward in creating our neighbourhood's newest community garden!

We mapped out our community assets and made plans to obtain soil and compost and start planting flowering herbs in the Purple Planter Boxes next Sunday June 8th, from 2-4 pm. Everyone is welcome to join in, and if you have any flowering herb plants to contribute, please bring them along.

Cedar Cottage Garden is located at the Austrian Heritage Plaza under the skytrain line at Victoria Dr. and Hull St.

2008-05-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

Work Parties every Sunday at Cedar Cottage Garden!

Cedar Cottage gardeners are clearing invasive plants and cleaning up the garden site.

We are also planting native plants, including salmonberry, red currant, and strawberry.

Work parties take place every Sunday from 2-5 pm.The garden is located at Victoria Dr. and Hull St. below the skytrain tracks. Look for the big red 'A'. Everyone is welcome!

City gardening grows

2008-03-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

Paula Luther visits a community garden site on the corner of Victoria Drive and Hull Street.

City gardening grows

Community gardens provide precious space for urban green thumbs and sanctuary searchers

By MARINA SHEVCHUK

Gardening isn’t just for your grandma anymore. Getting down in the dirt can be a great way to get some physical activity, grow delicious food and connect with people in your neighbourhood.

The main obstacle urbanites are facing when it comes to gardening is finding land, which is why community gardens are becoming more popular.

“Community gardens are very important for a few hundred reasons, but as our cities become busier, as people’s lives become more stressful, gardening generally is a really good way to feel better, de-stress and you get the added benefit of exercise and some healthy food,” said Mike Levenston, founder of cityfarmer.org, a website that promotes city farming and urban agriculture.

According to Levenston all you need to begin farming in the city is a bit of land and sunlight. “If you want to start a community garden, first find a vacant piece of land and second, find out who owns it and go and see if you can get permission,” Levenston added.

Paula Luther is a coordinator at the Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage Food Security Network. She said that another way to begin city farming is to join a local community garden, particularly if you’re inexperienced.

“It brings people together and we get to share our knowledge and learn from each other and it crosses those cultural and social barriers,” Luther said.

According to Luther, community gardens have the power to lighten the burden on emergency food provisions such as food banks.

“They can also transform neighbourhoods,” she added.

Gardening volunteer Christine Boyle said that an isolated sports field at Grandview Elementary School was used by drug addicts and sex trade workers before a community garden began there in 1999. And although their garden gets raided and vandalized periodically, Boyle believes that it has brought their community closer together. “It’s really neat to have these intergenerational connections around something as important and vital as food and the earth,” Boyle said.

Visit cityfarmer.info to find gardens in your area or log onto the City of Vancouver food policy website to find all the tools you need to start one.

http://www.langara.bc.ca/voice/voice_200810/documents/16a05.pdf

happy spring equinox!

2008-03-19T11:37:00.001-07:00

om
asatoma satqamaya
tamasoma jyothir gamaya
mrithyorma amritam gamaya

like a seed moving from darkness to light
lead us from ignorance to truth
and from death to eternity
let peace prevail erverywhere

It has been proven once again: Food brings people together

2008-02-05T19:08:00.000-08:00

On a dark, cold night in November, the Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House filled with the aroma of hot drinks, fresh fruit and other snacks, and the sound of excited voices. More than 40 people attended a community meeting to discuss our concerns and ideas about local food security.

Interests within the group included swapping surplus garden produce, cooking together in community kitchens, starting food projects for children, and building on the local food culture through public art and an upcoming magazine called Edible Vancouver… Many people were interested in the connection between medicinal plants and health care, and almost everyone in the room expressed interest in supporting new community gardens.

Facilitated by the Trout Lake Cedar Cottage (TLCC) Food Security Network and the Vancouver Food Policy Council , the community meeting was successful in identifying the many strengths of existing food programs, the gaps that need to be filled, and opportunities for community members to take action and get involved.

The TLCC Food Security Network continues to meet each month to move forward on the ideas initiated at the community meeting. An area of land near the Nanaimo SkyTrain station has been identified as a potential site for an intergenerational, cross-cultural garden with native plants, fruit trees, public art, and beyond.

Partners in the network, include Vancouver Native Health, the Environmental Youth Alliance, and the Vancouver Community Agriculture Network, Your Local Farmers Market, community members, Vancouver Fruit Tree Project, Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House, Trout Lake Community Centre. EYA & TLCC Food Security Network are partnering in a workshop series for the 2008 growing season:

February 16 – soil, compost and planting apple trees
March 29 - garden planning & seed starts
April - bed building & planting
June & July - winter gardening
September - seed saving & putting garden to bed

There will be a Community Meeting scheduled for the end of February for community members to discuss engage & actively participate in the creation of the garden, and to grow & evolve the garden. Join in as we grow together, eat together & work together.

To register for any of the workshops, or to get involved, contact Paula Luther, Coordinator – tlccfoodsecurity@gmail.com To stay informed check out our blog – tlccfoodsecurity.blogspot.com

Jill Dalton
TLCC Food Security Network member
local resident
keen gardener

job posting

2007-12-11T16:33:00.000-08:00

JOB POSTING
COOK /FOOD SERVICES COORDINATOR
MOUNT PLEASANT NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE
ASSOCIATION OF NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES OF GREATER VANCOUVER
Posted: December 6, 2007
Closes: December 20, 2007

Duties:
Reporting to the executive director, the food services coordinator / cook duties include:
• Planning and preparing menus, ordering and purchasing ingredients, and costing items
to appropriate programs and services.
• Developing MPNH’s catering services and liaising with catering customers.
• Assisting in developing MPNH’s food security programs by partnering with others in the
community to develop nutritionally sound food programs while following City, Provincial,
and federal regulations and guidelines.
• Recruiting, training and overseeing volunteers and part-time staff.
• Providing hands-on cooking and food preparation activities.
• Maintaining a kitchen environment that supports healthy food habits and safe food
handling while maintaining program integrity and customer satisfaction.
Qualifications:
• A Certificate in Culinary Arts (or completion of an equivalent 1 year program at a
recognized post secondary institution)
• Food Handler’s Level 2 (Advanced) Certificate
• WCB Level 1 (or higher) First-Aid Certificate
• Two years experience in food production, catering, or field related food service, and
experience with oversight of a variety of food and nutrition programs and services.
• Demonstrated success in supervising staff and volunteers.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to maintain good working
relationships while working under pressure.
• A working knowledge of computer applications for information gathering and
dissemination, and organizing of information and records.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, community members, and
community organizations in a multicultural setting.
• Knowledge of Mount Pleasant area and East Vancouver an asset.
• A clear Criminal Record check.
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license is required and a valid Class 4 is desirable.
• Ability to work flexible hours (including some evenings and occasional weekends).
Terms: 30 hrs per week starting early January. Salary: $16.68 (Band 6 of ANH’s salary grid)

Please send resumes and cover letters to Jocelyne Hamel, Executive Director:
jhamel@mpnh.org or fax to: 604-879-4136. No phone calls please.
MPNH is a non-profit, community based organization located in East Vancouver.

For more information on MPNH please visit www.anhgv.org.

needs assessment

2007-11-16T13:23:00.000-08:00

hot off the presses!
check out www.ffcf.bc.ca/TLCC for full details on our recently completed Needs Assessment.
thanks & kudos to Jeff Nield for a great job.

October 15th Update

2007-10-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage Food Security Network

Purpose:

To enhance the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage neighborhoods by supporting and coordinating local food security initiatives and improving access to community health, social services and community-based programs.

October 15^th Update:

Needs Assessment in progress
- Identify assets within community
- From this – gaps can be identified & will give direction to programming
- To be completed end of October

Organic growing initiatives:

Charles' Dickens school gardens
- 2 gardens onsite – a children's garden & a native garden
- Need support from within the school to help with the sustainability of the gardens, as the school is K – 3, they are finding it needs to be resurrected every three years.

VCAN
- Possible partnership for community garden
- Possible location – Copley @ Vanness (1 block west of Nanaimo @ 23^rd)
- http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=49.253801,-123.056488&spn=0.013445,0.040169&z=15&om=1&msid=108311271336797701509.00043c8ad3fde406fe0b1
Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House
- garden beds need help – location & materials (built with treated wood)
- EYA has some ideas

EYA
- possible partnership for workshops
- ideas for CCNH garden beds

Food Sharing Initiatives

Community Kitchen
- Take a Break program
- Civic labour dispute now resolved – will connect with Trout Lake Community Centre
- Received donation of kitchen supplies for Community Kitchen

Knowledge Sharing

Workshops
- community input via community consultation (November?)
- EYA possible partnership
- Community Kitchen possible partnership

Partnership building

Renfrew/Collingwood Food Security Institute

VCAN
- Possible partnership with Community Garden

EYA
- Possible partnership
  - Workshops
  - CCNH garden boxes

Oxfam World Food Day
- Attend October 16^th event @ SFU

Vancouver Food Policy Council
- In touch with Council members
- Updates passed onto Council

VCH School Nutrition
- Will be meeting with Melanie Kurrein, RD

Your Local Farmers Market Society
- Interested in participating with the Network
- Community table @ Trout Lake market in Spring – outreach

Emergency Food Security @ VGH
- Paula, Helen & Kristina attended

Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House
- Article in fall newspaper
- Will contribute to next newspaper (~January)
- Donna Chang, ED attending Network meetings

Trout Lake Community Centre
- Strike is over!

Charles Dickens School
- Possible partnership for School Garden project

MOBY
- Try connecting again

Posted by Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage Food Security Network at 4:52 PM 0 comments

Friday, October 5, 2007

Improving Food Security in Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage

Everyone enjoys a good hearty and nutritious meal when they are hungry. We all take comfort in our favourite foods, and many times the kitchen is the busiest spot in the house where families come together. But unfortunately for too many low-income families in Vancouver, being able to afford healthy food choices on a daily basis is often beyond reach.

The “Take a Break” program has been serving food bank participants at Trout Lake Community Centre for over 8 years. After they have shopped at the food bank, participants are invited to “Take-a-Break”, have a healthy snack and learn more about how to cook on a budget using food items commonly distributed at food bank depots. Health professionals are on hand to demonstrate healthy low-cost food preparation and recipes, answer health and nutrition related questions, and can also help food bank participants to access community kitchens, dental programs, neighbourhood houses, ESL services, mental health, addictions services, and other community resources.

Take-a-Break is a great place to socialize, have a snack, and learn more about healthy cooking ideas – but there is so much more we can do together to address hunger in our community! With funding support from the Community Food Action Initiative, a new Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage Food Security Network is being developed and we are looking for interested residents and/or community agencies who would like to support or get involved.

The Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage Food Security Network (TLCC FSN) is a new project, which brings together local residents and service providers to create action around food security needs in the northeast Vancouver area. Our goal is to increase community awareness of food security and available resources by coordinating educational workshops on food security issues (i.e. cooking on a limited budget, creative lunchbox ideas, etc). We are also working on developing a local community kitchen where residents will be invited to learn more about low cost healthy meals, take part in cooking together, and share community meals.

Steps towards the creation of a sustainable food system may also include food growing initiatives such as developing a community garden, food sharing projects, etc. This new food security initiative is modelled after the highly successful “Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security Institute” which operates out of Collingwood Neighbourhood House. We very much appreciate their support as we develop a similar community based initiative in Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage!

The TLCC FSN is a partnership project supported by Trout Lake Community Centre, Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House, Evergreen Community Health Centre, the Take a Break Program, Vancouver Community Agriculture Program, Vancouver Community Kitchens Project, and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

If you would like more info on the Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage Food Security Network or are interested in participating contact us - tlccfoodsecurity(at)gmail.com