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May 2001
As it is my turn to edit our newsletter, I hope to begin a policy where the editor includes a personal observation relevant to our neighbourhood--in my case, about structuring community. I have always liked the suggestion that "the unplanned meetings with others are the glue in a community."
We in South Jubilee are a quiet lot, apparently having little to draw us together other than the occasional development crisis, plastic recycling, and of course our annual Streetfest. It would seem that most of us, with the exception of our concerns for traffic and parking, appreciate a neighbourhood the way it is and would hope that our Neighbourhood Association would at least protect and maintain the status quo.
Assuming I am right, I have no argument with this position. At the same time, however, I am aware that nothing ever stays the same--there is always change taking place. Along with this "neighbourhood caretaker" note, I have always felt that no matter how perfect something seems, there is always room for improvement. In our neighbourhood's case, improvements that respond to individual visions of how we could make our small community a better place to live for all of us--starting a dialogue that would build new consensus.
When we talk about building consensus, we normally associate such a process with leadership. As you know, we have a loyal Board of Directors but since my retiring from the role of president, the Board has chosen to operate with a rotating chair. Without a specific leader this means that the initiative and leadership may need to rise from the neighbourhood at large. I invite you to consider participating in the meaningful evolution of our community coming together to talk. The next formal opportunity for discussion will be the AGM on May 22 at Sundance School. Of course, nothing replaces informal, neighbourly conversation.
Roger Smeeth
595-3914
Annual General Meeting
Sundance School 2nd floor
AGENDA The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is required for our registration as a society. It is also a great opportunity to air ideas that can affect us all. Tim Galavan will talk to us about traffic and parking. The following persons have agreed to stand for election as Directors of our Association. Nominations can also be volunteered from the floor: Gerald Cavin, June Cliffe, Liz Hoar, John Meckbach, Martin Monkman, Dorrie Murphy, Roger Smeeth, Tory Stevens, Lucie Stuart, Ruth Turner.
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Early in March, a small group of Merchants and residents from Jubilee and Gonzales met to explore the formation of a Merchant's Association that could join with the Residents in speaking for the future development of Oak Bay Ave. There was considerable interest expressed in improved parking, more crosswalks, and slower traffic. Forms of identification for our Avenue were discussed. Any merchants that would like to pursue these ideas are invited to call Kathy of The Frame Up Shop (595-4244), who offered to network this process.
A note from June Cliffe, our wonderful (and tired)
organizer of the past Streetfest Raffles...
Dear Neighbours:
If this popular family event is to continue, some new ideas
and participation in the setup and organization is required.
There is a feeling that the Fest is getting a little stale and
a boost is definitely needed. Please let us in on ideas that
you may have for a new format.
June Cliffe 595-1010
The Raffle:
It has become obvious that the process we have been using to prepare for
and organize the Raffle has created a huge, onerous and at times thankless
task. The value to Streetfest and our Merchants is questionable. We think
we could find better ways whereby those Merchants could participate meaningfully.
The Kids:
"Tickles the Clown" has been a great asset, but there is a feeling that
additional activities could be provided to allow more active participation for the
children up to the age of 12. This could take the form of races, games and/or contests.
Obviously, this would take a fair bit of organization to produce the desired fun and
would need a person or persons who enjoy kids to step forward. Anybody?
Information and Education:
Demonstration, presentation and information tables could help us learn new and
useful things. Is this an idea some of the merchants might like? And how about
local causes, other than political?
The Kids:
"Tickles the Clown" has been a great asset, but there is a feeling that
additional activities could be provided to allow more active participation for the
children up to the age of 12. This could take the form of races, games and/or contests.
Obviously, this would take a fair bit of organization to produce the desired fun and
would need a person or persons who enjoy kids to step forward. Anybody?
The Music--Entertainers Wanted!
Over the past few years, music has been an important part of the annual
Streetfest. This year, we'd like to involve more folks from the neighbourhood,
so it becomes a showcase of local talent. So if you're an entertainer with
a talent to share, please let us know! Musicians of all stripe are encouraged,
as are jugglers, magicians, and story tellers. Don't be shy! Please contact
Martin Monkman (370-1413, or
southjubilee@coastnet.com)
or June Cliffe (595-1010).
Plastic Recycling CautionWe have noticed that an increasing number of recyclers are leaving their bags at the pick up site before the truck gets there. We appreciate your participation, particularly those that leave a donation with their bags. Please understand that this process is run on donations and that there is a charge levied by our recycling partner ($1-3, depending on the bag size) for soft plastic because it must be taken to Vancouver. Thanks.
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If you have any articles or news items to contribute to the next newsletter,
contact Liz Hoar
phone: 595-2685
fax: 595-4148
or Alice Drengson at alicedrengson@hotmail.com