The West Boundary Sustainable Foods and Resources Society took the strawberry social to the next level at a tea they hosted immediately preceding their first-ever annual general meeting last Saturday in Bridesville Hall.
Over three dozen people from across the West Boundary attended. As they entered the Bridesville Community Club served strawberry shortcake. If that wasn’t enough to whet their appetite they were offered seconds, or perhaps they might like a plate of strawberry tarts to share at their table while they listened to three presentations before the AGM began.
Karly Olsen and Leda Leander presented an overview of the Phoenix Foundation of the Boundary Communities Vital Signs project.
Peri Best then delivered a short talk entitled “The Wonderful Strawberry” followed by more information on the history, growing and different varieties of plants by FAR president Leda Fair. Six handouts were available covering everything from the history of the strawberry to growing and care. FAR’s mission statement is to improve food security by cultivating a healthy, sustainable local food system through education and community action.
Their AGM had a very personal and heart-felt touch with those currently involved given the opportunity to share their personal reasons for being part of the group.
Leda Fair paid tribute to immediate past-president Vivien Browne for her “ideas, leadership and dogged persistence in getting the group started.”
Many others were recognized and thanked too, including: the Kettle River Recreation Society for giving permission to build a community garden at the Little Red Schoolhouse, the Midway Community Garden for providing a 9x24 metre plot, Freeman’s Country Store for inviting FAR to their annual Springtastic gardening day, and many families whose efforts have helped through the past year—the Haynes, Harpurs, Pownalls, Fitzsimons, Turnbulls, Friesens and Terry and Judy Lyon for the donation of 23 kg of fresh strawberries that made the tea possible.
Under the “Seed to Table – Passing on the Knowledge’ Program”, funded by a New Horizons for Seniors grant FAR is planning a food forum in September and an alternative building and energy symposium in October. As well a new logo has been drafted by Judy Singers that will grace a website now under development.
Fair invited the public to be in touch with the group. “We need input from the public. What do they want to learn? What knowledge do they want to share?”
Officers and directors for the coming year are: president – Leda Fair, vice-president – Rick Steingard, secretary/treasurer – Vicki Gee, and directors Cathy Straume and John Fair. Erika Tafel serves as director for the New Horizons for Seniors Grant public education project currently underway. For more information about FAR contact Leda Fair at 250-449-2639 or visit their Facebook page.