Reflections by Bonnie Hutchinson

School Daze

Back to school is in the air. That bittersweet mix— tinges of regret that summer is ending; excitement and maybe some apprehension as a new school year begins; maybe looking forward to seeing friends again; wondering what the teachers will be like… For many years, the rhythm of the school year was the rhythm of my life. There were of course the student years—Grades 1 to 12 and some university years after that. During the seven years I was a public school teacher, the rhythms of the school year dominated. A few years later, for a brief but intense time I experienced being a public school board trustee—quite a different rhythm.

First day

Remember the first day of school? Remember enjoying the new supplies, wondering what the new school year would bring? “Fresh beginning” and “anything is possible” is the mood I remember.

Flashback to my first day of Grade 1. My dad drove me to school and, as it turned out, took me to the wrong school. There was some confusion as I was shuffled around to the correct school later that day. In both locations, as a not-quite-six-year-old, I had never before been in a room with so many other children, or even in a room with desks. Lots to take in.

A different memory a generation later: First Day of Grade 1 for my firstborn child—releasing him into an environment dominated by adults and children beyond my control. How would my child do in that environment? Would he be safe? Would he make friends? Would he have fun? Noticing other parents having the same experience… and later, with both my children, dealing with the fact that The teacher was now often a more important adult than I was in the life of my child.

Before the beginning

Like everything in life, the first day is never really the first day. It’s a marker but it began earlier…

Students and parents have been gathering supplies and arranging whatever else will be needed. A while ago, my now-middle-aged daughter reminded me of her excitement the day her grandma took her shopping for a First Day of Grade 1 outfit. For young adults leaving home to go away to school, many more aspects need to be arranged.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, others are taking care of administrative things—staffing, facilities, supplies, funds. For teachers and administrators, the official First Day of School when students arrive is not the first day. I live near a school and several weeks ago noticed the parking lot began to fill with vehicles of adults preparing for the day the students arrive.

The millennials

Something else occurs to me. Nearly all students in Grades 1 to 12 were born in the 21st century. The majority of students going to college, university, trade school or some other post-secondary education were also born in the 21st century.

Makes me think. All that my grandparents, parents and my generation experienced in the 20th century probably has no meaning for today’s public school and post-secondary students. This reminds me of another Great Divide – those who have never experienced Life Before Digital and those of us who have had to adapt to Digital.

Done

One thing different about school compared to every other job I’ve ever had—you actually do finish. Whether you’re a student, a teacher or an administrator, once a year you’re done. The school year is complete. For better or worse, done well or not, you are done, done, done. It is finished.

And once a year, ready or not, you begin with a fresh start. There’s something therapeutic about a rhythm where you can mark completions and new beginnings–with a break in between.

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I’d love to hear from you. If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, send an email to Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com. I’ll happily reply within one business day.

Hazel Alberteen Naslund

Hazel Alberteen Naslund passed peacefully on April 12, 2022 while in the care of the Eagle Park Nursing Home in Qualicum Beach, BC. She was 96 years old. Hazel was predeceased by her husband Harold Naslund and will be forever remembered by her children: Colin (Jo-Anne), Nathan (Catherine) and Valerie (Ian) as well as her grandchildren, John (Yulin), Eric (Olena), Tom and Hannah. Hazel Alberteen Grahn was born November 16, 1925 in Kingman Alberta. The daughter of Thor and Mabel Grahn, younger sister to Lloyd and older sister to June. Hazel grew up in central Alberta in the communities of Kingman and later Armena. For a large part of her childhood her parents ran a general store where Hazel eagerly helped out once she was old enough.

Despite strong family and community ties, life during the Great Depression was hard. The values laid down during that period were evident throughout Hazel’s life. She also held dear the traditions of her Swedish heritage. Family and friends enjoyed her specialty baking and celebrations right up to the end of her life.

At the age of 17, in 1942, (the height of World War II), Hazel moved to Vancouver to work in the war effort. She lived in a rooming house and worked in a ship building factory. Weekends were spent waitressing at a jazz club in Chinatown. You can only imagine what a spunky young woman living in Vancouver could get up to. Hazel had rich stories regarding this tense and exciting time in our nation’s history. When the war ended and all the jobs for women dried up, Hazel returned to Alberta. After reconnecting with Harold Naslund, they were married in November 1945.

Hazel and Harold settled happily into married life. After a brief stint in Edmonton, they moved to the Camrose area and started their family. In 1950, they moved onto their farm just outside Camrose and it was still Hazel’s home until she passed.

The 50s and 60s were busy years. Harold farmed and worked as a carpenter. Together they raised the family. During this time Hazel also decorated wedding cakes, bred Siamese kittens, and was actively involved in a variety of community pursuits, as well as activities with the Camrose United Church (particularly those involving youth). Always a trailblazer, Hazel was the first woman member of the Camrose chapter of Toastmasters. Using her first initials to register (they were the same as her husband’s), they only realized she was a woman after she had joined.

In 1965 her various community and church activities cumulated in the perfect job for Hazel, when she was hired by the Alberta government to be a social worker. She loved her work, which involved responsibility for an extensive caseload covering a large rural territory. She remained in that role until her retirement in 1987.

Her job as a social worker allowed Hazel and Harold to update their old farmhouse and provide them the opportunity to travel. They enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Australia, Europe, Sweden, as well as travel throughout the US and Canada. But above all, Hazel’s favourite spot was Venice, Italy. She travelled there several times, her last trip in 2012 at the age of 86.

In the early 1990s, Hazel and Harold purchased a home in Qualicum Beach, BC. From then on Hazel spent the warm months in Alberta and enjoyed her winters on Vancouver Island. She loved having the best of both worlds, summer on the prairies and mild winters on the beautiful West Coast. Only in the last few years did health conditions prevent Hazel’s yearly trek between provinces.

Hazel was an unforgettable presence. With sharp intelligence and interest in a wide variety of pursuits, she was a renaissance woman in many ways. Her flare for the dramatic was evident in her personal style, (who could forget all her hats, glasses and jewelry), her love of entertaining and her enjoyment for performing. Whether it was public speaking, dramatic readings or recitations to her grandchildren, Hazel embraced the thespian part of herself. She often mused if a life on stage may have existed had she been born in a different time or place.

Hazel’s strong personality and determination afforded her a full and interesting life. Relying on her beloved CBC radio and the Globe and Mail, she stayed informed and current about Canadian politics, social issues, and the events of our world. “A woman before her time”, Hazel was never shy about sharing her opinions. A feminist in her own way, she was pro woman’s rights, pro gay rights and a great friend to those who knew her.

A celebration of Hazel’s life will be held at the Camrose United Church on September 17, 2022, at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow.

Hazel requested any donations on her behalf go to support CBC radio at: friends.ca (formally: friend’s of CBC).

Memorial Poems

Available for publication in The Camrose Booster. Ask for our 24-page booklet of poetry. Words of comfort to remember someone special.

In loving memory of Joseph (Joe) Cramer

1931 ~ 2012

We thought of you today But that is nothing new We thought about you yesterday And days before that too We think of you in silence We often speak your name Now all we have are memories And a picture in a frame Your memory is our keepsake, With which we’ll never part

God has you in his keeping, We have you in our hearts Always loved, never forgotten Forever missed by Paula and Family