You are not alone

Before my parents passed away, I was a family caregiver, from a distance.  Mom and Dad lived half a country away, in southern Ontario.  They lived apart, although in the same city.  I would visit multiple times a year (as would my siblings, who also lived at a distance), usually a week or two at […]

Mountain Equipment Co-op: A story of community values and enterprise

I’ve been a member of Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), Canada’s largest retail co-operative, since the 1980s. I love their stuff.  Yet, MEC is more than stuff.  This week I met up the Stephanie Sketchley, Sustainability Coordinator for the MEC store in Victoria, and learned more about MEC’s place in the community. About MEC MEC was […]

Good-bye to Warren Argo and Bob Boardman: May your spirits live on!

One of my favourite events is the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, located at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend, Washington, and not all that far from my home in Victoria.  Fiddle Tunes is a celebration of music, dance, tradition and community.  I’ve attended a number of times, and previously posted the many reasons […]

10 Big Picture community collaborations in Victoria that support the family

In Victoria there are many examples of people working together, i.e., collaborating, with the big picture in mind. I have a soft spot for these collaborations.  My experience is they are usually community-oriented.  They bring diverse peoples and groups together, bridge multiple interests, and work for a healthier community, for all.  These collaborations are systems […]

Caring to live with others: A new cohousing community is forming in Victoria

Building community is hard work.  So imagine you are living in a housing complex with 32 neighbours, people whom you care about, socially network, share resources, collaborate on decisions and tasks, practice sustainability, and just plain be in good relationship with.  That’s what lies ahead for you if you become a member of the Fernwood […]