News: Community

Mill Lake Community Garden

Kayla Feenstra | August 13, 2010

In Spring of 2009, Kayla Feenstra began looking for a space for a community garden in the urban area of Abbotsford where she could grow some vegetables and herbs, as her apartment balcony did not afford the space or the light. Not finding any urban community gardens, a good friend of hers spurred her on to think about starting one herself. She researched some plots in the downtown area of Abbotsford, and after various leads fell flat, she decided to step outside of downtown and look elsewhere, still within the urban area. After speaking with Parks and Recreation at City of Abbotsford, City generously offered to lend land at Mill Lake for the purposes of a community garden.

Located on Adanac and Alta, Mill Lake Community Garden is situated in a quiet, off-the-path area that is still highly accessible and highly visible. Almost 15,000 square feet of land is currently being prepared for tilling so use for gardening can begin in Spring 2011! A shed was built on site last week, and a split rail fence will soon be constructed. Tilling and organic soil treatment will prepare for a winter crop, which will be plowed under in the early spring.

We are very excited to partner with amazing community organizations to provide the community with access to space to garden, education on gardening and food and water issues, connection, and community. Plots will be leased out at $20 per season, with a $15 deposit. Applications are available by contacting milllakecommunitygarden@gmail.com or 604.855.2624. All proceeds from applications will be used to purchase supplies, tools, organic materials, seeds, perennial plants and shrubs, and other needed items.

If you already have space to garden, we encourage you to utilize that space. If you need assistance in planning, plotting, or planting and maintenance, contact Kayla at dragonlilygardens@gmail.com or 604.855.2624. Also, send your contact information if you are interested in hearing about community gardening seminars.

We are looking for Committee members, volunteers, and sponsors. If you or your organization is interested in finding out more, contact milllakecommunitygarden@gmail.com.

Happy Gardening!

Jam in Jubilee

From July 8th to August 12th, Jubilee Park is set to be the host of Fraser Valley’s talent as community organizers put the final touches to the annual Jam in Jubilee concert series, a weekly display of art and musical diversity for the young and old alike.

Jam in Jubilee will take place every Thursday, beginning at 7pm. Organizers are honored to announce that You Say Party! (Formally known as You Say Party! We Say Die!) will be performing at Jam in Jubilee. The critically acclaimed band is returning to the stage for the first time since the tragic loss of their drummer, Devon Clifford, on April 18th. Other acts scheduled to attend include Alternative-country artist, Franklyn Currie, and experimental indie-pop upstarts, Oh No! Yoko.

Currie has been a fixture of Abbotsford’s music scene for over a decade. Recently Currie came in the top 20 of Country 107.1’s “Big Break” contest. Oh No! Yoko has been featured extensively on CBC Radio 3 and participated in the 2010 Vancouver Cultural Olympiad. In its sixth year, the organization of the Jam in Jubilee Committee has transferred from the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association to the Atangard Community Project. Their mission is to “restore the identity of Abbotsford’s downtown as a source of community and cultural expression.”
“Our desire is to maintain continuity with the success of previous years’ events while expanding to multiple performers, showcasing Abbotsford’s musical wealth,” says organizer David Jules Vandergugten.

As well as providing good tunes, merchant stalls will be set up to encourage support for small local businesses.

All members of the community are invited to attend Jam in Jubilee. Jubilee Park is located on McCallum Rd, near five corners and opposite Sehmi Sushi restaurant. There is no admission fee but donations in support of the free community event will be collected. People are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or a picnic rug.

For more information e-mail info@jaminjubilee.com.
Local businesses can e-mal vendor@jaminjubilee.com for information about merchant stalls.