Greater Vernon Advisory Committee considers Vernon Community Music school

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 11, 2012 1:00 AM

The Vernon Community Music School is trying to tune into taxpayers’ support. The non-profit organization has suggested the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee could support fundraising for a new building foundation, although a specific dollar amount has not been requested. “The budget for this year is already approved so it’s late in the process,” said Doug Dirk, a GVAC director. A letter of support from the politicians is also being sought to leverage grant applications. “A letter of support is the easy one, it’s the money that’s difficult,” said Mike Macnabb, GVAC chairperson. The school is attempting to raise $300,000 to replace the foundation on the 1908 East Hill structure, and $125,000 has been collected to date. “Students and faculty have done a lot of fundraising,” said Bridgitt Johnson, music school director. The concern, though, is the work could cost more than anticipated — some estimates indicate it could be $340,000. The goal is for construction to begin in the summer of 2013, with new foundation completed by that September. The music school has 700 students enrolled under the guidance of 23 teachers. “We go from kindergarten to producing music teachers,” said Gerry Martselos, acting president. GVAC staff will review the funding request further and it will be considered by the board at its April 4 meeting.
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Funding pursued for Vernon community garden project

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 11, 2012 1:00 AM 
Plans for community gardens need to be fertilized financially, but that may be a challenge. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has been asked by the Community Farm Action Team to provide $10,000 a year for community gardens.  “The (2012) budget is already set so I’m not sure where we get the money,” said Mike Macnabb, GVAC chairperson. The money would go towards hiring an individual to co-ordinate the existing community gardens in the area and future projects, including a proposal for a farm-based operation at Okanagan College. But while the parks and recreation department may not have money, assistance could come from the Regional District of North Okanagan’s regional growth strategy. “The value goes far beyond parks,” said Trafford Hall, RDNO administrator. Staff will review the situation further and report back to GVAC directors April 5. Community gardens — which are part of broader food security activities — are currently run by volunteers. But action team members insist there is a need to move towards a paid co-ordinator. “Volunteers are great but that model is not sustainable and you need someone to take leadership,” said Wendy Aasen, spokesperson, of management and programming. Kindale Developmental Association has agreed to help facilitate the co-ordinator’s role. Presently, there are two community gardens in the BX and one at the former West Vernon school. Future initiatives could include gardens at Vernon Secondary School, Marshall Field and the farm at Okanagan College. Aasen believes community gardens provide a recreational, cultural, environmental and social benefit. “It’s a goodwill gesture that shows support for agriculture,” she said.