April 15, 1989, carnegie newsletter by Carnegie Newsletter

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N E W S L --ETTE W

'401 Main S t . , Vancouver, B .C.

( 6 0 4 ) 665-2289

VCELUNTEE R RECOGNITION WEEK

April 15 22

Letters Editor, A d i s t o r t e d p i c t u r e of c o f f e e t i c kets w e l l , I ' v e been accused of worse t h i n g s , b u t , y e s , I admit i t my p i c t u r e was a l i t t l e d i s t o r t e d , but n o t d e l i b e r a t e l y . What I was going on were a few d i s j o i n t e d s t a t e ments & rumours, & you know me, any excuse t o bash t h e e s t a b l i s h men t I t h i n k I understand c o f f e e t i c k e t s b e t t e r though - l e g a l l y , c i t y h a l l c a n ' t fund v o l u n t e e r s s o t h e whole r h i n g i s r ~ v ~ r 'ny ~ r Ti ~ Kir_P chen, & t h e p r i c e s of food & c o f f e e actually subsidize volunteer t i c k e t s & i f there1& no p r e s s u r e & no cons p i r a c y , I ' m happy. But I s h o u l d a p o l o g i z e t o Max Beck f o r slamming him a s " r i c h & s u c c e s s f u l " - from my p o i n t of view, i t made s e n s e , b u t I guess I jumped t h e gun. C o r r e c t me i f I ' m wrong. TORA

...

The most c o w o n s t y l e of dancing i s t h e popular slow dance, c a l l e d t h e one-step. Take one s t e p f o r ward, backward o r t o t h e s i d e f o r every 2 b e a t s of t h e music. Next i s bhe good, o l d Bwo-step, q u i c k o r slow; w i t h s o many k i n d s of dancing, l e a r n i n g t h e s e two t y p e s w i l l add t h e joy t h a t almost d a n c e r s s e e k i n dancing. Words on paper - d i f f i c u l t t o make a good p i c t u r e : when you l e a r n dances l i k e t h e w a l t z mqny i n t e r e s t i n g steps and movements become p a r t of your f u n on t h e dance f l o o r . Of c o u r s e , how t o do a l l t h e s t e p s w i t h f l u i d movements on time w i t h t h e music c o u l d b e s t be e x p l a i n e d by your i n s t r u c t o r . Dancing i n s t r u c t i o n i s a v a i l a b l e through p r i v a t e l e s s o n s o r by j o i n i n g t h e group a t a dance s c h o o 1 ; ; t h e l e a s t expensive way i s j u s t t o come t o Carnegie and j o i n t h e Ballroom Dancing Class!

NEED HELP ? D E R A can help y o u with:

* * * * * *

any w e l f a r e p r o b l e m s UIC problems . getting legal assistance unsafe living conditions in h o t e l s o r a p a r t m e n t s disputes with landlords i n c o m e tax \

D E R A is located a t 9 East H a s t i n g s

or phone 682-0931. D E R A H A S B E E N S E R V I N G T H E DOWNTOWN E A S T S I D E F O R 15 Y E A R S -- -

1 I

Half Lotus ----------

A VOLUNTEER I S MORE t h a n a Coffee T i c k e t

I voluxtteer a t ~Garnegie. I t u t o r 4 s t u d e n t s and I f a c i l i t a t e P.O.W. meeti n g s and do advocacy. I a l s o v o l u n t e e r w i t h RAP. I get coffee tickets f o r t u t o r i n g only. What I g e t i n r e t u r n i s more t h a n c o f f e e t i c k e t s .

I saw h e r s t a n d i n g i n t h e Vancouver r a i n Like a dreamer by a wishing we&l. She t u r n e d around and found my e y e s And broke a n a n c i e n t s p e l l .

We walked ' t i 1 midnight i n t h e Vancouver r a i n Searching f o r t h e l o n g way home. IJe t a l k e d of t h e l i f e and l o n e l i n e s s ' From b i r t h o u r f a t e s had known. I Wed h e r s p i r i t i n t h e Vancouver r a i n Consummated i n t h e r i s i n g sun. We locked t o g e t h e r i n a double s o u l Where two become a s one.

I woke from dreaming i n t h e Vancouver r a i n A h e a r t l e s s d e a t h t o bear. Outside my wLndow I searched t h e sky For t h e ending of a n a n c i e n t p r a y e r .

I have had t h e p l e a s u r e of being i n a p o e t r y group and t a k i n g a roadt r i p t o Kamloops t o r e a d my work. I have been t a u g h t , witho u t c o s t , word p r o c e s s i n g - --on t h e computer. I a m a l s o going t o be learning video production f o r f r e e . I j u s t came back from a wonderful t r i p t o Nanaimo; a boat c r u i s e with t h e Seniors, seeing sea l i o n s and e a g l e s , w i t h lunch and supper, a l l f o r $2.00. I n t h e p a s t t h e Chinese have been g r e a t t e a c h i n g m e ballroom dancing ( u n t i i I h u r t my kneej. Most of a l l I ' v e met many wonderful people h e r e and made some r e a l l y good f r i e n d s . I b e l i e v e people v o l u n t e e r i n o u r Centre because t h e y care and are committed. T h i s i s what makes Carnegie unique. By SHEILA BAXTER

Garry Gust

Memories of Hope Lake ..................... chickens uncaged l a y i n g eggs i n chosen n e s t s .

Raosters s t r u t i i n g

cows roaming f r e e l y i n t h e yard Sheep b i r t h i n g lambs i n warm comfort Wild t u r k e y s pecking a t s t r a n g e r s Cows milked by human hand memories... of a v i s i t t o CEEDS

RE CONSTRUCTION THE STRATHCONA COMMUNITY GARDENS Spring h a s f i n a l l y a r r i v e d and work a t t h e Gardens h a s stepped up. This i s i n s p i t e of t h e f a c t t h a t t h e pace h a s been s t e a d y a l l w i n t e r long. L a t e l a s t summer, y o u ' l l remember, City Council took ayay one a c r e of t h e Gardens ( t h e most h i g h l y devnl*n,.A r-rvyr-u

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Masons t o b u i l d a f o u r - s t o r e y seni o r s housing u n i t . I n October t h e Parks Board gave t h e Gardens a f i v e - y e a r l e a s e f o r t h e remaining t h r e e a c r e s . Those of u s l e f t a t t h e Gardens a f t e r t h e c i t y ' s blow decided t o r e - c o n s t r u c t . We s p e n t a l l w i n t e r t r u c k i n g (by hand i n wheelbarrows) t o n s of s o i l , rocks, l e a v e s and t r e e s o f f t h e l o s t a c r e . We laboured on i n s p i t e of snow, s l e e t , r a i n and l o t s of sub z e r o weather. Everything was moved o f f i n time f o r c o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e b u i l d i n g t o s t a r t on time. U n f o r t u n a t e l y , a l l t h i s wheelbarrow t r a f f i c i n such bad weather almost d e s t r o y e d our p a t h system. The c o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e b u i l d i n g h a s r u i n e d what was l e f t of o u r d r a i n a g e . The irri g a t i o n (water-piping) went r i g h t across the construction s i t e , so it no l o n g e r e x i s t s ! I n re-designing t h e a r e a and mapping o u t t h e work t o r e p a i r what we've l o s t , i t became c l e a r i t was going t o r e q u i r e thousands of d o l l a r s f o r g r a v e l , d r a i n a g e mate r i a l , w a t e r p i p e , e t c . Quickly i n November we made a p p l i c a t i o n t o t h e Parks Board f o r money from t h e i r annual budget i n March.

We a l s o r e a l i z e d w i t h s i n k i n g h e a r t s t h a t t h e l a b o u r would req u i r e THOUSANDS of p e o p l e hours. J u s t when we were a t a l o s s on how t o g e t t h i s done, a l o n g came a group c a l l e d t h e S t e r l i n g Community S e r v i c e Foundation. They o f f e r e d t o make May 6 & 7 t h e i r Community Work Day t h i s y e a r . On t h i s day, they go o u t and work on a p r o j e c t t h a t some community group has. T h i s y e a r t h e y picked t h e Gardens! They have o f f e r e d t o b r i n g o u t 200 people, many s k i l l e d i n t h e t r a d e s we r e q u i r e , f o r t h i s weekend n v - 4 *fit yLw.,LLL.

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them t o o r g a n i z e t h i s g i g a n t i c work p a r t y weekend. Everyone who wants t o h e l p o u t on t h i s weekend i s welcome!! We need l o t s of l a b o u r and hope t o have l i t e r a l y hundreds of people o u t o v e r t h e weekend. A l o t of p r e p work i s r e q u i r e d t o p r e p a r e f o r t h i s weekend. Between now and A p r i l 22nd we need 620 f e e t of i r r i g a t i o n d i t c h i n g dug. T h i s p a s t weekend, l o t s of p e o p l e t u r n e d o u t t o h e l p and about h a l f of i t i s dug. Next weekend, A p r i l 15 & 1 6 , t h e rest needs t o be f i n i s h e d .

On A p r i l ' 2 2 t h e S t e r l i n g crew a r e coming t o l a y t h e w a t e r l i n e . This means t h a t on May 6 & 7 t h e d r a i n s w i l l be p u t i n and t h e p a t h s b u i l t . The n e x t b i g problem we have i s MONEY. On A p r i l 3 , t h e P a r k s Board decided t h e y c o u l d n ' t a f f o r d t o h e l p t h e Gardens, b u t voted unanimously t o go t o C i t y Council and a s k them. L a s t Thursday, A p r i l 6, t h e i s s u e came up. Council a t f i r s t d i d n ' t want t o g i v e t h e Gardens any money. Then, a f t e r Ald. Rankin and Davies i n s i s t e d t h a t t h e Gardens be considered f o r money, Ald. P u i l (who w a s i n t h e c h a i r ) allowed Ald. Erickson t o move a motion f o r t h e Gardens. Mayor Campbell q u i c k l y moved t o d e f e r t h e motion t o t h e Supplementa r y C a p i t a l Fund, a fund which t h e y a l l p r e v i o u s l y agreed had l i t t l e money l e f t , u n t i l t h e y c o u l d check w i t h t h e developer t o see i f he would come up w i t h t h e $50,000 h e ' d o f f e r e d l a s t Spring. The Gardens h a s m e t w i t h t h e d e v e l o p e r and c o u l d n ' t g e t him t o a g r e e t o g i v e u s anything. The P a r k s Board h a s a l s o had l i t t l e success. L a s t A p r i l , when t h e Chinese F r e e Masons f i r s t approached t h e C i t y f o r t h i s a c r e , t h e y o f f e r e d t h e Gardens $5!Ii!IX! +n r o h c e t e . A t that tin2 w e s a i d t h a t we'd r a t h e r s t a y where we were, thanks, b u t Council decided t h e y ' d v o t e a g a i n s t u s and f o r t h e Freemasons. NOW, almost a y e a r l a t e r , we have done many hours of hard labour t o r e l o c a t e b u t have n o t s e e n any money from any s o u r c e f o r s u p p l i e s . Considering t h a t it i s s p r i n g and water i s c r u c i a l t o s e e d l i n g s and c o m p o s t , t l e a v e s , e t c . need t o be moved by wheelbarrow a l o n g p a t h s t o p l o t s , y o u ' l l understand why w e a r e a l i t t l e anxious when t h e Mayor s a y s , "Oh, w e ' l l t a l k t o t h e developer." I

By MUGGS SIGURGEIRSON-

happened a t Council a s an a p p e a l w a s made f o r c r u c i a l funds

...)

The Gardens accepted t h e Mayor's promise t o " t a l k t o t h e developers" and a motion was made by Ald. Davies t o j u s t s e t t h e a b s o l u t e minimum a s i d e ; i f t h e d e v e l o p e r s continued t o r e f u s e t o f u l f i l l t h e i r promise then t h e Gardens would s t i l l have a l i t t l e money t o begin. P u i l was p r a c t i c a l l y foaming a s he c a l l e d t h e gardeners squatter^'^ and Campbell s a i d n o t h i n g a b o u t meeting with o r even a r r a n g i n g a meeting w i t h t h e developers. Ald. Rankin s u b j e c t e d P u i l ' s Pomposi t y t o h i l a r i o u s r i d i c u l e and both Davies and Aid. Erickson gave f i r m support t o t h e r e q u e s t . Ald. Baker spoke a g a i n s t t h e Gardens b u t when t h e v o t e w a s c a l l e d f o r he voted i n favour. Ald. P r i c e a l s o supported t h e a l l o c a t i o n of money. These f i v e were e q u a l l e d w i t h f i v e v o t i n g a g a i n s t t h e motion, and because i t was a money motion r e q u i r i n g 8 v o t e s t o p a s s , t h e r e q u e s t was d e f e a t e d . Council members v o t i n g a g a i n s t i t were Campbell, P u i l , Owen, Taylor and Wilking. The S t e r l i n g Group made a p r e s e n t a t i o n and none of t h o s e v o t i n g no wen asked t h e m any q u e s t i o n s . I n t h e a f t e r m a t h of t h e d e f e a t of

the motion, Gardeners Society members voiced some insights into 'why?': "When we exercised our democratic rights a number of council members started to reason like four-yearolds. They expected us to fold up and just move when the one acre was first promised to the Freemasons. We demanded a rezoning hearing, as was our right. Their hypocrisy was obvious to a large number of people and they were embarassed. We have the right to appeal, did, and again these same councillors took it personally. It's like they're saying "How dare you question our decision!" When almost all other funding requests in the city are approved,and the Gardens are repeatedly slammed there is no other conclusion. You have rights and access to the democratic process only so long as it doesn't embarass the decision-makers. Campbell's promise to "talk to the developers1'. just hat air. "

By PAULR TAYLOR

The Ivory Ghost ---------------

Garry Gust Stoned in the graveyard with Molly, Pott, and Sue. Suddenly a tombstone fell and cracked in two. Standing - in the shadows stood a set of bones, picking at its skull holes, singing off-key groans. We watched this ivory ghost dancing over the graves, freeing other spirits making them his slaves. "Get those stoned mortals" s'nriekeci i i ~ ei v u l y &GS t "Light them with matches, burn them to toast."

"Rip out their livers, pluck their eyes for the worms." Molly flung back her hair and spoke in stately terms: II Sir, your assumption that we four are alive is mere speculation and pure turkey-jive. "Who would call this living doing - what we four do? We are Gods of body and soul and have powers over you. "Flesh is our corruption thus, we judge, you scum, that we 1;ave two physical evils, while you have only one. "We died the death of being born; my three good friends and me. Now we're trapped in the night until life sets us free." "I've heard enough," screamed the ivory ghost sticking two bones in his phantom ears. "Does she e'ver shut up?" he asked us, sobbing pitifully queer.

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With that, he spun down into his grave taking his unholy class. We floated off to Crab Park and laid down in the grass. .

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and be t h e r e t o comfort you down through t h e y e a r s . . . but i t w a s cloudy t h a t day and I w a s l a z y s o I s t a y e d i n bed j u s t t h i n k i n g about i t .

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I s p e n t t h e day d r i n k i n g c o f f e e smoking c i g a r e t t e s and l o o k i n g i n t h e m i r r o r p r a c t i c i n g my s m i l e .

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I wanted t o w r i t e you and t e l l you t h a t maybe l o v e songs from l o v e r s a r e unnecessary. We a r e what we f e e l and w r i t i n g i t down seems f o o l i s h sometimes without v o c a l sound...

t e l l i n g you o n l y how l i k e y o u r s e l f you a r e . . . b u t by t h e time I t b u g h t of i t found a pen, p u t t h e pen t o i n k the ink t o paper W G L S

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and s o t h i s l o v e song has no words.

I wanted t o w r i t e you one l a s t . . l o n g l o v e song t h a t s a i d what I f e e l one f i n a l t i m e . Not comparing your e y e s t o t h e s t a r s but

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Especially for VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION WEEK! Mon., 17 April: ------------Seniors Dance Theatre..6:30-9:30 - the Metro Seniors Band will play - door prizes, snacks & lots of fun so everyone is welcome but Seniors will be treated special! Let's dance our feet off!!! Saturday, 6 May: ---------------Seniors Wellness Festival at Kerrisdale Community Ctr .................................... War Danc,e will represent Carnegie, speaking in his native tongue about Indian life and the activities and respect given the Elders in his culture. If you're interested in attending, contact Donalda. Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood Lunch

A small group of people working with Seniors in the Downtown Eastside have come up with the idea of a Senior's walk around the neighbourhood, visiting places that have activities for Seniors. These walks will finish with lunch and a social gathering in Oppenheimer Park. This activity has been slated for the summer but the exact dates haven't been set yet. If you'd like to participate and help plan Carnegie's part in this event, let Donalda know. The next planning meeting is Monday, 17 April, at 10 am at Jennie Pentland Place.

Do or Die: that's the story from Capilano. Besides fishing, eating & hiking, last year's champs are at it again. Bowling ------- seems to be the #1 sport at camp. ~ugoslaviafBdbi,,Danny,I Bell, Granny) Cuba-(Andy, Donalda, Cuba, George) Yugoslavia beat Cuba at the Grouse Mountain Triangle. ! Next up is Irene, Norman, Joe & Bud. The finals will be reported next issue.

Wildlife Cruise A bus full.of Seniors left our Centre on April 4th to travel on the ferry to Nanaimo. Our destination was the 66 ft. motor yacht "Bastion City", operated by a family* in the waters near this Island port., They had a warm hospitality, with home-baked goodies and the captain's entertaining narrative. Promised and delivered were sights of hald eagles, seals and sea lions; thousands of seabirds were also in the area. Natural sculptures like Elephant Rock and the rag on's EIouth highlighted the pleasant trip. Near Newcastle Island and piper's Lago?n there used to be a whaling station and decaying shacks are still to be seen. The plentiful wildlife made this a great trip away from the Wildlife of Vancouver!

Irene Schmidt

...

People never really change

positive thinking can be helpfui.

There are no difficult problems that cannot be solved in our life. If we contribute our intelligence and energy to do anything, we can overcome them. We know that one of the most important elements of suceess is a strong mind. A great man always has a strong will and an inflexible spirit. One will never succeed in one's life without a firm will. As usual, great achievements are defined by men with strong minds. For example, Dr. Sun Yet-Sen, the founder of the Republic of China, helped the Chinese people through a long period if hard struggle. Finally, he led the patriotsin overthrowing the Manchu government. A student without resolution will never succeed in his studies. The same is true of people in every walk of life. If we wish to succeed in business, we must have a strong resnliiti~n~

In conclusion, positive thinking is very helpful to human success. By SHANG LIAO (Mr. Liao is over 70 years old. He was in the armed forces of China in World War I1 and has been in Canada since the early 80's. - Ed.)

We know that everyone has an original character. A baby is born innocent. The baby's behaviour will be influenced by his family's situation. If someone is brought up in a respected family, he will grow up and become a good citizen. On the contrary, if someone lives in poor circumstances, he can do nothing. For example; a long time ago a famous pickpocket was always stealing passengers' money in the railroad station. One day he stole money from a woman who was also a famous pickpocket. After that they became acquainted with each other and finally they got married. Pretty soon a child was expected. Unfortunately, the baby was born with a deformity. His right hand was clasped and could not open. Although his parents sent him to the best surgeons, they could do nothing. In desperation, the parents took their child to a quack doctor. He decided to try a primitive method to treat the child. Therefore he took a gold watch on the end of a gold chain and. holding i t ahnnt s i x inches above the closed little hand, swung it to and fro many times. At that time, the child's hand started to open little by little. Without expectation, in the child's hand was an object: the midwife's wedding ring. This astonished his parents. The baby was definitely his parents child ! From the above example, we can reach the conclusion that the hereditary characteristics of mankind are not changeable. By SHANG LIAO

R.S.V.P. I need a l i n e t o start a poem But t h e h o t e l ' s c l o s e d , t h e bozo's gone home. A l l such conversations we had h e r e Ten Guiness s u r e d i s p e l s t h e f e a r Of bombs and war, marriage & mortgage The fog obscures r e a l i t y (such a l o v e l y boon) To d i s p e l t h e l i f e ' s longevity I n a caroust? a t noon.

There i s only s o much l o v i n g Only s o much l i f e But I want my f u l l s h a r e and perhaps a l a r g e s u r p l u s Women young and o l d become such l o v e l y c r e a t u r e s It seems t h e magic brew d i s p e l s Their t r u e a r r a n g i n g n a t u r e s Would a l l t h e r e were a l o a f of bread a jug of wine and thou my own t r u e l o v e Anon, anon, I ' v e gone too f a r waxing e r u a i t e Perhaps a duet a t Pigeon Park. I ' l l meet you t h e r e tonight. (Bring your own wine) Tom

A Thought Unbidden

Put i n a m a t e r i a l world a r e w e ; Given m a t e r i a l e y e s , M a t e r i a l hands, material f e e t , M a t e r i a l works t o d e v i s e ; Dependent o n , m a t e r i a l means Our m a t e r i a l l i v e s t o keep; Yet bound t o shun m a t e r i a l j o y s Our "Peace on Earth1' t o r e a p . Were we c r e a t u r e s of s p i r i t f i n e , Put i n a world d i v i n e , Given a l o v e o f s o u l f u l t h i n g s , A wisdom s u p e r f i n e ; Would we be f o r c e d t o shun a l l t h i n g s S p i r i t u a l , good and t r u e And t r e a d t h e p a t h s o f m a t e r i a l l u s t s Our "Heavenly R e s t " t o woo?

(1925)

Bea Ferneyhaugh

G i r l how you gave ' ti1 t h e r e was n o t h i n g l e f t i n the w e l l And q u i e t l y s u f f e r e d through y e a r s of h e l l g i v i n g your l o v e s o s w e e t l y t o a black hole you gave ti1 t h e r e was n o t h i n g l e f t t o g i v e

I am you and you are m e w e a r e a l l t h e same I f e e l what you f e e l and I f e a r what you f e a r though l o g i c t e l l s m e otherwise, and e x p e r i e n c e i s on my s i d e , and I d o n ' t know why t h a t ' s j u s t t h e way I am.

There a r e t h o s e t h a t would t e a r you down and c r i t i c i z e Because t h a t ' s t h e way they a r e But you d o n ' t have t o l i s t e n To t h e i r h a t e - f i l l e d l i e s J u s t be be what you a r e .

I d o n ' t know how you d i d i t You broke t h e code o f s e c r e t s and I am a l o n e ; Where do you g e t your i n f o Who t o l d you t h i n g s I a l o n e knew Who t o l d you t h i n g s even I d i dn' t know? H e r e ' s t o you. E l i z a b e t h Thorpe

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d i d n ' t you know you d i d n ' t have t o g i v e s o much? o r respond t o e v e r y t o u c h l a v i s h some l o v e on y o u r s e l f f o r a change l i t t l e Asian g i r l I l o v e your s m i l e so shyly I hope you n e v e r l e a r n t h e r e a r e t h o s e who would p r o t e c t you from my s m i l e l e t me p r o t e c t you from their hate

E l i z a b e t h Thorpe

Haven "Do you mind?" I ' d l i k e t o s a y , Ringing t h e b e l l and s t a n d i n g Awkwardly, t h e r e on t h e l a n d i n g ; " I ' d l i k e t o come i n , i f I' may." She'd s t e p back - g r a c i o u s l y , p e r h a p s , Say "Welcome", - g r a c i o u s l y , and l e a d Me i n t o t h a t room; and a n h o u r ' d e l a p s e While I ' d t a l k , perhaps; c e r t a i n l y g a z e and r e a d . I ' d l e a v e t h e n , w i t h my l i f e r e s t o r e d . Having gazed on b e a u t y , having pored O'er beauty - s e e n t h e p a i n t e r ' s c o l o u r e d f l i g h t And harkened p o e t ' s s t r o n g d e l i g h t .

(1931-32)

Bea Ferneyhaugh

April 22 Assembly Site

Financial Support British Columbia's Walk for Peace will be a tremendous success this year if you give your support by coming to the Walk and giving financially. We receive no direct financial support from any governmental department so the Walk For Peace is dependant on the generous support of individuals such as yourself. The money you give ensures the Walk is safe, comfortable and fun for you, your family and friends. Please support your Walk For Peace with a financial contribution. Write: E.A.R.,1708West 16th, Vancouver, BC, V6J 2M1

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The Loss of Something Weak You taught me how to cry, And then I stopped hating, And I lost something weak; I met you, And I was in a dream You showed me I was hostile And I let down my defences And I lost something weak;

5* ".

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I was shoved around, And the world hated me, I reached out to an angel In a dream,

A n 6 ICSC ~ ~ ~ ~ t hWie af, K !i g

...

Revenge My Insanity To dream the nightmare that shall do me no harm TO revenge the insanity that lies within my sleen -r How I pray for the maddened dream to cure my madness The waking times of day drive my desire away from being sane SO much loss in thought No longer do I see a clear vision My walk no longer exists in straight 1 lines of hope & glory Glory seems to be further away from every step I take Shattered glass is spread before me yet doesn't break under my step The insanity of life has left me with no weight in desires Still I pray for the nightmare of insanity to revenge the madness I need the nightmare of insanity to drive my desire for being sane. Alan King

Observe this boat . Sailing on lines. Penciled water, Curlicued waves and sun contained in A half-cut cantaloupe Abuttment of stone wall all pencil on paper. So then even here In Art, The picture's of wasted energy To be hung on a wall Making mock of the saving Nat~re

Wasting paper from trees Wood from trees; Give ti1 it hurts the affluent But never never park your car To walk to the marina Save the Whale, Save the Sea and fuck the ecology -en on paper. Tom Lewis

DECENT MEN Decent men. s p e e d i n g drunk down t h e road l o o k i n g t o k i l l you, l o o k i n g t o m a i m your k i d s j u s t boys p l a y i n g w i l d , l u s t d e c e n t men on a t o o t i p i l 1 i n g blood and g u t s , burning, b u r n i n g ' t o wdrm t h e i c y autuoln i n t h e i r bones.

m e r e a s n o t h i n g e l s e t o d o on a S a t u r d a y , a man i n a r e s t a u r a n t e x p l a i n s t o h i s a d o r i n g companions. SO you go d r i n k i n g . They nod A man's been working a l l week n e e d s something t o do on a S a t u r d a y , - e l s e t o do on a S a t u r d a y , , ~f t h e r e was something what would i t be, I wonder. Now t h e r e ' s o n l y bowling, c u r l i n g , squash, r a q u e t b a l l , t e n n i s , When Jill came back from A u s t r a l i a movies, theatre, s h e found h e r husband had moved i n v i t h a n o t h e r woman. swimming p o o l s , s k a t i n g r i n k s , ill hadn't been a b l e t o l e a v e him b e f o r e amateur hockey, because h e c o u l d n ' t s u r v i v e on h i s own volunteer jobs, needed a woman amateur drama, c h o i r s , t o keep t h e c h i l l y winds o f autumn from h i s bones. night school courses, The n e i g h b o u r ' s boys grew t o b e men r e c o r d s , t a p e s , books, and i n t h e p r o c e s s , smashed up twenty s i x c a r s . libraries, Uar , h a r , k n i t t i n g , c r o c h e t i n g , embroidery, twenty s i x c a r s , l o n g walks and s h o r t walks, har, her, p a r k s co s i t i n , twenty s i x c a r s , hobbies, c r a f t s , c o l l e c t i o n s , har, har , thousands of games, some p a r t i e s , and t h e r e a r e houses t o c l e a n , h a i , har. d i n n e r s t o cook, Boys w i l l be boys, you know. s h i r t s t o iron, Gotta l i v e , g o t t a d r i n k sc,-.]es t o lounge around l o o k i n g a t b e f o r e t h e c h i l l y winds o f autumn r o t t h e i r bones. and t h a ' s n o t even h a l f of i t a l l -When J a n i e was d r i v i n g back from S e a t t -l e so :she picked up a h i t c h i h i k e r i f t h e r e was a n y t h i n g e l s e t o do on a S a t u r d a y n i g h t , 'who preached t h e v i r t u e s o f s o b r i e t y . what, I wonder, would i t be? -He had been s o b e r and d i d n ' t d r i v e You want f r i e n d s , you g o t t a d r i n k , he s a y s . k n c e he had run a red l i g h t Do you e v e r c o n s i d e r what happens? I ask. a t h i g h speed The a c c i d e n t s , t h e l o s e e s , t h e e a r l y d e a t h s ? drunk t i l l e d f o u r people. fe s u r e l e a r n e d h i s l e s s o n . I suppose, h e s a y s . lanie wondered what t h e f o u r p e o p l e had l e a r n e d . ~o you t h i n k someone w i l l l o o k a f t e r you? ' u l t u r e s i n v i o l e n t pubs aok4ng fnr yncng z;: lnac rhere w r l i he nurses t= c a r r for your p ~ i s c i i e dbudy, e a r f u l l y proclaim l o v e c o u n s e l l o r s t o e a s e your p a i n lead relationship f a m i l y and f r i e n d s t o c a r e f o r you? s t h e y d r i n k young blood Do you c o n s i d e r t h a t r i g h t now, a s you t r a i n 0 e a s e t h e Pain of a g i n g i n t h e i r bones. t o drink yourself sick, d rink yourself crazy, he boys l o n g f o r manhood o t h e r s a r e t r a i n i n g t o h e a l you? mven't y e t broken up t h e i r f i r s t I suppose, he says. r i t t e n f i l t h on w a l l s i n drunken this bother t a t up a g i r l , j Not r e a l l y , he s a y s . aashed up a c a r r e i r whole l i v e s s t i l l ahead o f them Yet 1 do n o t mean now r i l e t h e y yearn towards manhood, ( t o speak a g a i n s t a l c o h o l i c s , !arning f o r t h e r o t t i n g o f t h e i r bones. but a g a i n s t t h e i r g l o r i f i c a t i o n . i s n o t o n l y men who d r i n k They s t a r t d r i n k i n g because i t ' s f u n ; it drunk women a r e a l r e a d y d i s g u s t i n g because everybody d r i n k s . e r e a s men d r i n k i n g a r e funny, As they s l i d e s l o w l y i n t o t h e a b y s s of a l c o l ~ o l i s m , d tragic they d r i n k , they s a y , and we b e l i e v e , d kindl o f because t h e i r l i v e s a r e d i f f i c u l t , mantic. / t h e i r wives dowdy, , t h e i r mothers inadequate.

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, 1 a

nut they d r i n k because a l c o h o l i s cheap and s o c i a l l y n e c e s s a r y . They would have u s b e l i e v e t h i s is freedom. Books, movies and songs would make d r u n k a r d s romantic u n t i l we have a g e n e r a t i o n screaming from t h e p a i n of a l c o h o l i s m . Mix i n d r u g s t o make i t more p a i n f u l . P a i n is romance t h e s e days. Out of t h e b o t t l e , out of t h e j o i n t , o u t of t h e n e e d l e , t h e y suck p a r a n o i a and p a i n and s e l f - p i t y . I f everybody d r i n k s t w i c e a s much t h e r e w i l l be f o u r times a s many a l c o h o l i c s . When t h e r e were fewer, we t r a s h e d them. They made d r i n k i n g u n p l e a s a n t by l i v i n g o u t t h e p r e d i c t i o n s of p r o h i b i t i o n i s t s . Now t h e r e a r e a l o t , s c i i i ~ e p rchem a s p a r t of t h e scene. We s a y t h e y ' r e n o t r e s p o n s i b l e , we s a y t h e y ' r e r o m a n t i c , we pretend_ t h e y ' r e c r e a t i v e , we s i n g p r a i s e s t o t h e god of dying c a p i t a l i s m . Are e not y e t weary o f t h e c a r n a g e ? Who d a r e s whisper p r o b i t i o n ? O r a t l e a s t a monumental i n c r e a s e i n t h e p r i c e of a l c o h o l ? The ocean of a l c o h o l now h a s o n l y one i s l a n d M

under:,!. und a n a r c h i s t network o f s o b r i e t y and hope. Only t r o u b l e i s , i t ' s f o r a l c o l ~ o l i c s . In a Christian society o n l y s i n n e r s c a n be s a v e d ; compassion i s r e s e r v e d f o r t h o s e who have done wrong

and i f , a s they s a y , we a r e a l l s i n n e r s then p r e v e n t i o n is i r r e l e v a n t . Did you t h i n k i t would be e a s y ? The drunks d i d . The f r u n k s s t i l l do. I f i t i s n ' t e a s y , t h e y won't d o i t . They a r e r e a l men and c a n b e a t up any woman o r c h i l d who d e n i e s i t . They're s i c k , you know. Tht. cannot be blamed. You, who d o t h e y ' r e work, c a n be blamed because e v e r y t h i n g is a n a d d i c t i o n and everyone is s i c k and where do you g e t o f f c a l l i n g a l c o h o l ba vhen y o u ' r e a n i g n o r a n t i n t o l e r a n t a s s h o l e who c a l l s a l c o h o l bad? A t l e a s t a d d i c t i o n t o a l c o h o l f r e e s you from a l l t h o s e o t h e r a d d i c t i o n s l i k e work, l i k e c a r i n g and s h a r i n g and r e s p o n s i b i l i t y m d iove and s l e e p and food and f i n a l l y , even l i f e . An a l c o h o l i c d o e s n o t t r o u b l e a dying s o c i e t y w i t h t h e n e e d s of a l i v i n g , growi& person. The d e s t r o y e r s are more s o c i a l l y u s e f u l than t h e b u i l d e r s i f d e s t r u c t i o n i s t h e goal. And, oh, how t h e y l o v e t h e i r d y i n g , dying, worship w i t h t r e m b l i n g hands t h e i r d y i n g , weeping i n s e l f - p i t y , screaming i n s e n s e l e s s r a g e , burning, burning, t o speed t h e r o t o f autumn i n t h e i r bones; to keep t h e c h i l l o f autumn i n t h e i r bones. Helen Potrebenko

GRASSROOTS POETS GO TO C.E.E.D.S.

urban gorillas A vanful of those darned Downtown Eastside Poets terrorised the Fraser Valley and as far north as the Caribou on a 4-day spree Mar. 30-Apr.2nd. In Chilliwac they unleashed their biting tongues (translation: read their poetry) at the Chilliwack Museum. This Museum looks a lot like the White House, so the pwts did their best to outdo Geoge Bush's bland, oratorial style. Their infam n n s re-die 2 ~ 2 &~::ff~~ s r~, b Sarti, was heard muttering Mussoliniishly on the balcony. The Museum archivist, Jim Bowing, let us spend the night at his house. After shopping madly at thrift stores, the group headed up the Coquihalla Highway - Bill Bennett's multi-billion dollar bungle. All of the signs along the Coquihalla are done in irrelevant Shakespearean quotes. I guess this is Bennett the Corporate Bum's way of saying, "Hey, I'm a classy guy (Or maybe he figured us poets would appreciate that literary touch. Thanks, Bill.) At our rest stop (translation: 1

smoke break), Tom Lewis gave us a Sermon on the Snowbank. It was good to have Tom's morally upstanding presence to keep the rest of us rascals in line. We pulled into Kamloops, only to find that we had to go on television in less than an hour. Hey, they all think that just because we're poetic pros that we can give readings on demand! Somehow, we managed to muster up the muse - because the show must go on. PJ Flaming said the ' f ' word on TV and rambled on about all the Holy Rollers in Kamloops.

Somehow, it h y p a s s e d t h e

mesmerising music of the Mama Coyote band got us dancing demonically, as the Northern Lights shimmied across the sky in answer to our howls. Dave McConnell was howling to dawn! Let it go on record that none of the above had anything to do with homemade Paskatoon berry moonshine! It was a grumpy and sleepless lot of poets (and one hostage) that stumbled into the van the morning after the night that never ended. A snatched catnap in Kamloops helped us come to our senses. Leaving our hostage to return comfortably to bed, the poets pushed on. Life on the road can be - 2 - L U U ~ L -L y u,u- LULUW. LUUL u a v l u & LLLC JCA, I drugs and rock 'n roll that other superstars have to keep 'em going, we I had to rely on a little sleep, coffee and Bob's stories about old gladiator movies filmed during his youth in ancient Rome. Being on tour means long hours and not knowing what day ' it is or where you are supposed to read next. Hey! It ain't all glamour. and groupies! We were glad to have persevered because we ended up visiting a few orgL

local censors! After an intimate reading at a union hall (translation: we had a small turn-out), we absconded with two hostages: Pat Chauncey of the Feed the Hungry Kids Program and Donna Biro from the Kamloops Unemployment Action Centre. We ended , up on a dead end road at Deadman's Creek in the dead of night. Luckily we wandered across a hoedown hootenany at Paula and Mendel's house. They let us stay because any friend of David Bouvier's is a friend of theirs. The

Horsey love

anic farms run by C.E.E.D.S. (NOT D.E.E.D.S.) near 100 Mile House. I shortly after our arrival, Sheila Baxter fell in love with one of the horses. Between the two farms there were baby lambs a sucklin', fat pigs a rollin', wild turkeys a gobblin', cows a milkin', banjos a strummin', bellies a fillin' and homemade mead.a flowin'! We even had our own log cabins to sleep in! It was a true "urban-poets-meet-rural-farmers-andfall-in-like" kind of story. So much so that the farmers were fool enough to invite not just a handful of us hooligans, but the whole lot of the merry wordsters back for a return All of the Downtown Eastside visit! Poets are heading up there for 4 days (Apr.30-May 2) to celebrate MayDay, meditate about the meaning of poetry and poultry, and just generally mince verbal bullshit with their real bullshit! YeeHaw! So I'll keep y'all posted, and send ya home news via pony express from Horse Lake. Stay tuned for the answers to these and more questions about more poets: What gladiator movie will Bob tell us about next? What has David Bouvier got to do with La La and th'e . . (gDo Do's?- Will Sheila be able to ride ~ sr-e r-zge v-ich cer.7 w n t a , n n ~nxro./ Will Tom Lewis become that country boy he keeps trying to tell us that he is at heart? Will Dave McConnell realise his true calling as a coyote? Will PJ ever stop writing this article? ,Just a few of the musings of the ->-&a"

"' C '

HEALTH PROJECT

- April Program -------------

- MENOPAUSE SUPPORT GROUP meets from 5-6pm, giving women an opportuni-ty to share experiences, knowledge and insights. Apr.19 - SELF DEFENSE FOR WOMEN A 6-week course - 11-lpm with basic instruction in ways to ward off an attacker, blocking and delivering blows, etc. This is a 1980's life skill, open to all women. Apr.19 - VIDEO: Living with Sound & Fury: Living with Schizophrenia Shows viewers what living with this illness is like from the inside out. Apr.20 - WORKSHOP ON HEALTH ISSUES To explore the meaning of health and, seeing the obstacles to better health, what can be done to improve health. This workshop will launch the Video-production by the Health Project to be called Health For Women: Issues & Obstacles Apr.18

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?~planationof Mania & Depressic Apr.26 - SELF DEFENSE FOR WOMEN (See Apr. 19) Film Project As outlinedin "Apr .20" the Health is producing a video on the health problems facing women in the Downtown Eastside. All interested women are asked to call the Women's Centre at 44 E. Cordova and ask for Joanne or Judy. The number to cal' --s681-4786. First Aid Course If enough women show interest, the Centre will ask St. John's Ambulance come and give their basic course.

COMMUNITY POETRY EXCHANGE & FESTIVAL Poets and poetry groups interested in learning how to obtain funding, publish their own works and organize readings & tours are invited to this event to be held Saturday, 22 April, at Carnegie Community Centre. Poets and poetry groups from the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley will participate. Resource people from the B.C. Federation of Writers, the Carnegie Centre Programming staff, the Normal Arts Society and the Downtown Eastside Poets will C-zlcl,nlt hnr.?-t_- r.rnrl7-LA-n u L z L u r l v p ~a --a rlu L d-C L - ~- - -L- -U ? L ~ ~ L L e xU t ~r i~ ~ i i n ~ eon s r ~ n p f ~ 512~h g ZS:

How to secure funding from foundations, government agencies and other sources for poetry activity.

* *

How to produce books, pamphlets,leaflets and other media at low cost.

How poets in a community can organise themselves into a group and develop links with other types of community groups. How to perform in public.

The event is being organised by the Downtown Eastside Poets, with the assistance of the Canada Council Explorations Programme. The Downtown Eastside Poets are not professional or academic poets, but a group of local residents who write about life and experience in their own low-income community. The workshops will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In the evening, starting at 7:30 p.m., a public Festival of readings by some of the visiting poets will be held in the Carnegie Centre Theatre. The entire event is free, and open to the public. Arrangements will be made to billet out-of-town poets. For more information, or to arrange billeting, please contact Sheila Baxter at 324-5801 or at 665-2220 (to leave a message). ,,

I I

COMMUNITY POETRY EXCHANGE AND FESTIVAL SATURDAY, 22 APRIL, from 1 P.M. to 1 0 P.M. CARNEGIE COMMUNITY CENTRE

I Leaving Me Meaningless Remember t h e S p r i n g when Things were growing And t h e bond between you and m e Had meaning, Love was f r e e , Because God came f i r s t Then c i v i l i z a t i o n brushed me a s i d e And you l e f t me meaningless. A freedom was o u r s And we were a t one w i t h t h e Universe, But a s t a r exploded And you l e f t me meaningless.

CAMBRIDGE MASS (A C o l o n i a l Supper) Spicy foods make Hot ! Foreign language Alumni taught I refuse t o f e e l Guilty ' b o u t b e i n g m i d d l i n g Aged b u t t i n g b u t t s o u t on the floor

Conquistador an I m p e r i a l i s t s s t o p t h e Rip Off ( t h e Buck s t o p s h e r e ) t i d y up t h y Cosmic Corner

The N i t e Before W.W. Jolly golly Sessil solly Tofo f e e l s soggy.

Borrow h i s U n i v e r s a l Broom Read d e s i g n s Limelight on you Purple corner o u t t a t h e b l u e my e y e s my mind, omn

Simple dimple Cunning pimple Tofo T a s t e s pukey.

S t r e e t l i g h t s F l a s h Out ~ o m b e r ' sw a r r i n g A i r Raid w a i l i n g Red & Green : Xmas s c e n e Helmeken & Howe & Reds & Whites ~ i r e s t r u c k / / ~ o oand k Ladder Club Taum Dan Y Creag

Boil i t s p o i l i t In the t o i l e t Tofo w i l l n o t f l u s h . N u t r i t i o u s & cheap It s i t s i n a heap I f o n l y i t could b l u s h . Garry Gust

Access to CRIIB krlr -

The E d i t o r is

... awake?

Under, o v e r , a c r o s s 3 ways t o g e t p a s t o b s t a c l e s t h a t won't move ( o r be removed). C o u n c i l ' s commit t e e t o s t u d y a l l t h e o p t i o n s has done j u s t t h a t , w i t h every p o s s i b l e l o o k a t about 14 d i f f e r e n t ways f o r r e s i d e n t s of o u r neighbourhood t o g e t t o o u r park. The one, major c r i t e r i a n o t t a k e n i n t o account ( y e t ) i s p u b l i c o p i n i o n . I f we, as r e s i d e n t s ,. r e f u s e t o u s e t h e a c c e s s provided ( s a f e t y , d i s t a n c e , convenience, s e c u r i t y ) t h e r e w i l l b e no p o i n t t o g i v i n g i t any f u r t h e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n , On Sunday, 30 A p r i l a t 4 pm t h e r e w i l l be a p u b l i c meeting i n t h e Carnegie T h e a t r e t o s e e what t h e b e s t o p t i o n s a r e , why o t h e r s a r e no l o n g e r o p t i o n s , and Regardless of g e t as s o l i d a d i r e c t i o n as p o s s i b l e . t h e outcome, we demand p r o p e r a c c e s s t h i s summer. By PAULR

~ r i l c l . . r e p ~ e e a u t*ha vlaum 01 I n J I v l d u a l Robert S.-$20 J a n c i s A.-$20 c o n l r i b u l o ~ eand not o l the A s e o c l s l l o n . Louis P.-$20 Tom - $4.02 I'lllili - c l o ~ l s l l o l , s ~ c ~ c i o ( ~ l u o . Narg. S.-$10 L.B.T.-$100 C l l y l o f u e t a f f c a n ' t accept S h e i l a B.-$2 Ted B.-$5 donot lona for t h l s N e w s l e t t e r , eo Doug -$25 Bea F.-$25 I f you cnn Ilelp, f l n d Paul Tnylur L i l l i a n H.-$20 James M.-$50 and h e ' l l g l v e you a r e c e i p t . 1.MacLeod -$lo0 K e l l y -$3 Anonymous -$11.23

TAYLOR

THAT WAS A GOOD FALL

: 0

1 g

Some Most Some Most

are b e t t e r t h a n o t h e r s a r e a l l t h e same go q u i c k as s i l v e r d r i f t slowly lame

B i t t e r ones are h a r d t o t a k e Sweeter ones are rare Some a r e o v e r w h e l m i n g l ~ Sad and o t h e r ones are f a i r Now t h a t t h i s o n e ' s almost gone H e r e ' s a l l I have t o s a y ~t might sound c r u d e and whiney b u t I t ' s been a s h i t t y day G. Gust

-i RUE HASTINGS T o l l due (I'm doomed) Money f o r a c a b f a r e Plucking n o t e s b a c k s t r o k e motion Wishing. Life wouldn't b e s o c o l d

Play a t u n e f o r a buck une P l a s t r e r e a l l y c o o l Dud

Rookie of t h e Yea* t o t a l Shots on Goal Open up a Donut Shop Robson S t r a u s s working t a s t e s

----t

FIREBIRDS

S o f t b a l l & Hardball

There i s a need f o r 16 women, between t h e a g e s of 25 and 45, t o make up o u r team t h i s summer. P r a c t i c e i s e i t h e r Tuesday o r Thursday from 1:30 t o 4:30. I f you're interested, c a l l t h e Downtown E a s t s i d e women's Centre a t 681-8480. - Erica Keller

She stopped every automobile You look l i k e a fisherman l i t t l e shrimpkin sailing into the rain c o a s t a l humid c l o u d b u r s t Rainmen bouncing i n t h e downpour t r a f f i c agleam through pavement s l i c k b l a c k crown t o p Broke, You? Taum D.Y.Creag.

Volunteer Recognition Sat. 15 April:

------------Special Dance with the Fabulous 50's - Door Prizes for Volunteers - *

Mon. 17 April:

Special Breakfast ...Cheese/Bacon/Mushroom omelets -----------------

7pm Theatre

Reduced price $1.00 for Volunteers

Starting today and all week Volunteers will be receiving personalised Carnegie Volunteer buttons

Tue. 18 April:

Special prizes at tonight's Cabaret! Gardens Bingo ... -------------

Wed. 19 April:

Free admission for Volunteers with passes - *

Volunteer Recognition Dinner starts 4pm Theatre ............................ - Musical performance by John Lyons -

Thu. 20 April: Dinner sponsored by the CCCA Thanks Volunteers!

7:00 pm "No Mean Feet" Hoedown Squaredance Band ....................................... All welcome; special door prizes for Volunteers. (Another) ......................... Special Weekday Breakfast - Cost to Volunteers will be $1.00

Fri. 21 April:

Volunteers Bowling Excursion ............................

- Friday afternoon; details during the week

Free Popcorn - at tonight's movie -----------Atiba has the tickets for these events!! Free Coffee & Cookies - will be served at various times throughout the week.

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VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERS

ARE ARE ARE ARE ARE ARE

SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL

PEOPLE! VOLUNTEERS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE!!! PEOPLE!! VOLUNTEERS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE!! PEOPLE! ! ! VOLUNTEERS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE! PEOPLE! ! ! VOLUNTEERS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE! PEOPLE!! VOLUNTEERS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE!! PEOPLE! VOLUNTEERS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE!!!