about us

CCFN is an active collaboration of community members, agencies, service providers and organizations working together to enhance the health and well-being in our neighborhoods by supporting and coordinating local food security initiatives and improving access to community health, social services and community-based programs. Join us. It's free, fun and makes a difference! Email the coordinator and receive our monthly e-newsletter.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Organic Master Gardener Courses


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.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The KCC Neighbour: Call for Articles


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!