Wednesday March 3rd, 2021
The Atlin Whisper “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead
Hello from the Atlin Historical Society
This was way back when - a brave man pole vaulting falling on a couple of inches of sawdust .... ouch. Do you have old photos from and around Atlin and you don’t know what to do with them? We are always on the lookout for Atlin History and would gladly take them off your hands. The year is not too much of an issue, since whatever we are collecting will be history in 100 years :-) This is how the ladies, who started the Atlin Historical Society 50 years ago, got this fun picture. You can contact Edith Sidler 250-651-7691 or Linda Reed 250-651-7726 or Atlin Historical Society 250-651-7522 or through email to atlinarchive@yahoo.ca.
Patricia Kother On the night of February 19th, Patricia Kother handed in her ring of keys for the Atlin Community Buildings for a well-deserved rest. Patricia was born in Peterborough, Ontario, youngest of three children. Patricia met Chuck while working in the travel industry. He saw her sitting in a room in the airport, and demanded, “Who are you and what are you doing!” Patricia figured he was just another pilot. Chuck asked her out to dinner and she finally relented, tired of living off of Mac & Cheese. They were married on September 29th in 1990. Living on the river in Idaho, they decided to drive the Alaska Highway to see Alaska, using the Mile Post as their guide. At Jake’s Corners they decided to take the road to Atlin and camped at the Pine Creek Campground. There was some land for sale that they looked at, but continued on back up the highway to Alaska. It was decided that they didn’t care for Alaska and headed back to Atlin and purchased the property where they built their home and lived for 30 years. AHS Patricia became involved in the Atlin Historical Society from the very beginning. She loved history and embraced Atlin’s history through study with Diane Smith, working in the AHS Archive, reading and doing searches for folks. She carefully collected newspaper articles, obituary notices throughout the years for the Archive Collection. Patricia was active in the Pioneer Cemetery restoration and the Tarahne Tea, in later years taking on its massive organization, rounding up donations of food, flowers and prizes, workers, Tea Servers and cleaning the ship, etc. The Tarahne Tea was the single most important fundraiser for the Society for many years. Patricia gave tours of the museum and yard and became well known for her Walking Tours around Atlin, taking visitors into Atlin’s past visiting the Tarahne, the Globe Theatre, the Court House and pointing out various other important landmarks, filling her talks with fun tidbits and stories. Patricia never charged for her time or the tours. Visitors were always pleased and were generous in their donations. With the changing of the guard in the AHS Patricia was elected Vice President. She became more involved in building maintenance, Chuck being her #1 volunteer. She was the point person for rentals of the ship and the Globe Theatre. Patricia checked the museum phone daily during the winter and collected mail. She arranged for shoveling in the winter and yard work during the summer months, sometimes paying out of her own pocket. She worked with Lloyd Brown getting the new outhouse and she arranged for a Music Festival bench in the museum yard with a gravel pad. She later took on organizing a team to set the Festival benches out each spring for visitors and collecting for them storage every fall in an AHS building.
Atlin Recreation Center Patricia was also involved in the Atlin Recreation Center, serving on its board and as Vice President. She organized the Fall Fairs as a Rec Center fundraiser. Patricia tended bar in the lounge. During the summer months she started a ‘Taco Tuesday’ dinner fundraiser in the lounge for resident members and the public when restaurants in town were closed. The Tuesday dinners were much appreciated by all, particularly the ‘Sort Crew’ after a long afternoon in St. Martin’s Thrift Shop. Patricia’s life in Atlin consisted of giving; giving of her time, energy, money, strong opinions and love to the community. And she was generous with all of the above. She loved children and dogs. She invited the school classes in the spring for Museum and Ship Tours. She invited young people to be involved in the Tarahne Teas. She reached out a hand to those in need. Called a friend on the phone when she hadn’t seen them in a while. Delivered a plate of Tea Goodies from the Tarahne to those who couldn’t attend. She was a fixture in the kitchen at the Rec, from making coffee to putting things away the next morning after a fundraiser. She helped the concessions crew at the Park, with hamburgers and breakfast sandwiches during Folk Festival and Ball Games. When choosing a burial plot, Patricia insisted she wanted to be buried in the Atlin’s Pet Cemetery. She was persuaded that might not be a good idea. In the end she was laid to rest with the ashes of her pets in the Atlin Cemetery. Patricia will be miss, but never forgotten.
COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION
Atlin COVID-19 vaccine clinic dates: Northern Health, First Nations Health Authority and the Government of Yukon are pleased to announce the dates for upcoming COVID-19 immunization clinics in Atlin, BC, thanks to the generous support of the territorial and provincial governments. All vaccinations will be by appointment only (no walk ins) due to transportation and logistics requirements of this vaccine (Moderna).
Everyone who received their first dose vaccine in Atlin on January 27th or 28th is encouraged to receive their second-dose at the COVID-19 immunization clinic scheduled for: March 3rd and March 4th, 2021 Residents will be contacted directly to book an appointment. If you have NOT been contacted by Feb 25th at 6:00pm, please contact the Atlin Health Center or TRTFN Health and Social team to book your appointment. For all Atlin residents who have not yet been vaccinated (age 18 and older), a general COVID-19 immunization clinic is scheduled for: March 17th (and if needed March 18th), 2021 Residents who have a phone and have visited the Atlin Health Center in the past will be contacted directly to book an appointment. If you do not have a phone or have NOT been contacted by March 5th at 6:00pm, please contact the Atlin Health Center or TRTFN Health and Social team to book your appointment. Appointments for the general clinic must be booked by March 10th at 4:30pm at the latest. Waitlist taken after this date.
Please bring your Care Card, Service BC card or provincial health number to the clinic. If you are not a full time Atlin resident, you may need to show proof of residency or employment for Atlin and/or Yukon. Atlin Health Center: 250-651-7677 Taku River Tlingit First Nation Health and Social team: 250-651-7900 If you have questions about your health and would like to discuss vaccination, please contact your health care provider in advance. More information on the vaccine can be found on the Government of Yukon’s website, Government of BC website and the First Nations Health Authority website
Announcing a new book by Paul Lucas
INTRODUCTION
THE NEW BOOK - A WORK IN PROGRESS The unlikely combination of musician and bush rat has found me in some odd and occasionally hilarious situations. Enough, in fact, that more than a few folks have muttered the equivalent of, “You can’t make this stuff up. You should write a book,” while managing to look serious at the same time. So, let me take you on a trip. You might find yourself recognizing one or another aspects of my double life as you accompany me, but you may not recognize both. It has been, and continues to be, a fantastic experience; one I never take for granted and one for which I am eternally grateful. And parts of it might tickle your fancy. If you are of a mind, then, pull up a stump. This thing is a living organism. I am knocking it out willy nilly and tossing up chapters as they materialize. Although I will do my best, there is no guarantee they will be in order. When stuff comes up like the day Hart burned down the outhouse, or I ended up having to wear an elf outfit on a particularly gruesome gig, they will need to be stuck in the right time frame after the fact. With that weasel clause out of the way, then, let’s get on with it. And thanks for coming along for the ride. P.S. I am tickled that Lynn Johnston (of ‘For Better or For Worse’ fame, and my mate/partner in crime), is contributing comic art to this epic of nonsense and tomfoolery. CHAPTER 1 A GUITAR PLAYER ON THE YUKON BORDER COYOTE Misery stared at us through a frosty twilight. We could see the eyes now; dolefully sweeping the rapidly shrinking distance between us. One paw, then the other, lifted, then back again, the road just too cold to bear. Rock hard tires pounded a fog of ice crystals up and over the hood, momentarily leaving us blind. “Do you think he’ll move?” I stirred. I hadn’t felt my left big toe for a while, and I was wondering whether I should check it out. “I really don’t think he cares whether he lives or dies right now.” “Well, he’d better make his mind up soon. As loaded as we are, we’re not going to be able to stop if he decides to commit seppuku.”
The mist cleared, allowing us to peer once again through the two tiny portholes that were the best a 401 cubic inch Ford engine could do to clear the windshield at this temperature. And he was gone. A moment of silence then: “Went home to get his boots?” The cab erupted in laughter. I scraped the frosted side window and stared out at the spruces flashing by, caped with snow and looking like so many old men huddled against the weather. There we were - a ship of fools, in the middle of nowhere, hauling guitars, amps and drums in the dead of the Yukon winter, loaded to the roof at 54 below and laughing our butts off. I reached down, rubbed my toe, and murmured to myself, “How in God’s green earth did I get here?”
History Repeats Compilation 005
Mother of Invention Afraid of the dark We invent fire Afraid of questions
The Spoils of Victory The Victors write the history The Vanquished become the ink Crash! If the straight line is Godless
We invent dogma.
And oh so unnatural
Afraid of each other
We’re heading in a hurry
We invent separation
Then these days Toward hard consequences
Afraid of the truth We invent stories. Wake up Call Forgetting the past Not learning the lessons We endanger ourselves To repeat our mistakes.
Prince Metternich’s Metaphor, Germany, 1848 Piling rocks on the lid of the boiling pot Does not stop the pot from boiling The more likely result is rupture Weapons of Mass Elusion, 2021 (Remember “Weapons of Mass Destruction” 2003)
If the most effective weapons But doing our homework
Are those that don’t have to be fired
Making the connections We realize our folly
The only weapons more effective
And make better choices.
Are those that doesn’t even have to exist
Instant Re-play History, they say, is cyclical What is past, is prologue. There is nothing new Under Heaven and Earth, We’ve seen it all before We’ll see it all again.
But, having seen it before We know what to look for And can rally our faculties
Galileo Redeemed To see the obvious We must step outside Our daily patterns Finding Freedom The past cannot be changed. Now is the first moment of the future. We decide where we wish to dwell.
-
Stephen Badhwar; 2008, Feb. 2021
The Second Silence The second silence of winter Has settled upon us. The first silence is subtle and slow. As autumn leaves turn, birds abandon us For warmer southerly sanctuary, Taking with them their songs and calls. The cheery morning wakeup songs of the Robin Fall silent as they sing their farewells. The swans and geese stop by with their noisy chatter, Then gather and fly high overhead in good formation For their long journey. The loons disappear with less ceremony. Their silence is their goodbye. Soon snow blankets the trees and shrubs and grasses And the first silence is upon us. One sound remains. Cold winds careen across the lake, Building waves that crash against the shoreline, Collapse and crash again in constant rhythm. The air cools extracting heat and moisture from the lake. Clouds collect and hover over the surface, Then deposit delicate ice crystals On the trees and shrubs and grasses Surrounding the lake.
To create something better.
Ice builds on the shoreline, Gradually reaching out toward the centre. Then winds whip up waves, Ripping up the ice in a fury. Crashing the ice against the rocks, A tumult of cracking, clanging, banging and slapping When the winds lapse. The freezing cold collects the broken shards of ice And rebuilds its reach into the lake. Another storm tears up the ice again. The cold mends. The storms breakup. The determined cold refreezes. Ice extends further into the lake. Finally freezing prevails. The lake freezes solid, motionless, And the second silence slips over the land. David Thorn February 7, 2019
“The Book of Life” Every year throughout our lifetime a chapter is being written about us in the book of life. Each page of that chapter represents one of our days. It includes what we said and did, and concludes with a measurement of our humanity for that day. Overall, the chapters may reveal someone who did more giving than taking, showed kindness and generosity, and stood up for fairness and justice. Even if some of our earlier chapters were not all we hoped them to be, each new page presents an opportunity to have our humanity measured anew. Jeff Salmon
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE Food Basket A great opportunity for the whole family to be involved. A thriving business in Atlin! The building, land, rental suite, and grocery store are all included. A great way for the whole family help make a comfortable living. Lots of room to build your house on site, with a great view of the lake, if you wish. $300,000 plus stock 2nd Street Stunning custom built home featuring fabulous open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, 2 bedrooms, full bath, a lift that takes you to the lower level with pantry, storage and a 16’x28’ heated shop with 10’ ceilings. R40 walls, R60 ceiling! Soffit has been completed and heated floors installed in the spacious bathroom! Private location with guest cabin included. Cross country ski trail out your door! $295,000 SOLD Trond Gulch In a pastoral setting, backing onto Munro Mtn, this one-bedroom, 715 sq.ft. off-the-grid home on 9.88 acres surrounded by Crown Land. Sauna and guest cabin. Was lived in year around for many years. Truly unique with perfection evident throughout! $350,000 Third Street 2 bedroom, bright home on a quiet 75x100 lot with a 24x40’ shop with 12’ ceilings. Some updating needed but most rooms are 15’+. Major foundation and roof work already done. $189,900 SOLD 3rd Street Gold rush cabin on 33x100 lot plus a storage shed, right downtown. $59,700. SOLD $62,000 Warm Bay Road 12.4 acres with great mountain views, log home, several outbuildings and shop. Well on site. Off grid. Two titled lots. $195,000 SOLD for full price 4th July Bay Half acre lakefront property with log home that has one BR on main level and 2 more in walk out lower level. Well, large garage, greenhouse and wood shed completes the package. $299,500 FIRM SOLD 4640 Warm Bay Road Fabulous 3 level home on 2.6 acres high above Warm Bay Road providing an incredible view of Atlin Lake. $240,000. SOLD 6th Street 320 sq.ft. cabin on 50x100 lot, no plumbing. “As is, where is” $45,000 SOLD Above asking First Street 2500 sq.ft. basement entry home with 4 bedrooms, 24x24’ garage, 60’ shed for wood, quads or whatever you need, very private 2 acres. $187,000 SOLD Wilson Street Quiet mountain views from this four-bedroom, 1600 sq.ft. home on two acres. Open yard with raised beds and greenhouse. Where else can you find a kitchen like this at this price? Great value at $197,500 SOLD Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019 Leave message via text or email myrnablake1@gmail.com Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
LOOKING TO RENT
I am looking to Rent a house, or a spot to put my 28ft Travel Trailer for the summer. I will need access to Power. (Septic, and water would be a bonus) I will be there from May or June until September 2021. Or, if anyone needs a Caretaker for their property? I am a Licenced Security Guard. Contact info: Cell# 778-882-3394 Facebook: Flashatlin Email: atlinflash@yahoo.ca
Big Water Society We are still providing free counselling during this time As the community is aware, the way everyone is conducting business lately is shifting. Sometimes life can stress us out or make us anxious, particularly during this pandemic and the way it has disrupted many of the ways we enjoy our lives, jobs, and relationships with friends and family. Free mental health counselling will continue to be offered in a safe and positive way by Big Water Society and our counsellor Jan Forde (MSW, RSW) who will provide remote counselling service for the time being. Jan will be providing counselling via phone every Thursday of the week from between 9am-5pm. Please feel free to call and leave Jan a message at office Ph: 250-651-2189 0r cell Ph: 867-333-6829 Or email bannyforde@gmail.com to leave a message to book a time for Thursdays with her via phone. SOME CORNY PUNS 1. Dad, are we pyromaniacs? Yes, we arson. 2. What do you call a pig with laryngitis? Disgruntled. 3. Writing my name in cursive is my signature move. 4. Why do bees stay in their hives during winter? Swarm. 5. If you’re bad at haggling, you’ll end up paying the price. 6. Just so everyone’s clear, I’m going to put my glasses on. 7. A commander walks into a bar and orders everyone around. 8. I lost my job as a stage designer. I left without making a scene. 9. Never buy flowers from a monk. Only you can prevent florist friars. 10. How much did the pirate pay to get his ears pierced? A buccaneer. 11. I once worked at a cheap pizza shop to get by. I kneaded the dough. 12. My friends and I have named our band ‘Duvet’. It’s a cover band. 13. I lost my girlfriend’s audiobook, and now I’ll never hear the end of it. 14. Why is ‘dark’ spelled with a k and not c? Because you can’t see in the dark. 15. Why is it unwise to share your secrets with a clock? Well, time will tell. 16. When I told my contractor I didn’t want carpeted steps; they gave me a blank stare. 17. Bono and The Edge walk into a Dublin bar and the bartender says, “Oh no, not U2 again.” 18. Prison is just one word to you, but for some people, it’s a whole sentence. 19. Scientists got together to study the effects of alcohol on a person’s walk, and the result was staggering. 20. I’m trying to organize a hide and seek tournament, but good players are really hard to find. 21. I got over my addiction to chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. I won’t lie, it was a rocky road. 22. What do you say to comfort a friend who’s struggling with grammar? There, their, they’re. 23. I went to the toy store and asked the assistant where the Schwarzenegger dolls are and he replied, “Aisle B, back.” 24. What did the surgeon say to the patient who insisted on closing up their own incision? Suture self. 25. I’ve started telling everyone about the benefits of eating dried grapes. It’s all about raisin awareness.
And the choices we make each day
Fishing Charters
Custom Fish Art- Fiberglas and Wood GARY HILL’S FISH ART
GARY HILL’S – CUSTOM, FISH REPRODUCTIONS PHONE 250 651 7553 EMAIL – garyphill59@gmail.com
Gary Hill, Atlin B.C. V0W 1A0 Licensed, B.C. Guide
7 MONARCH Drive – ATLIN – BC. V0W 1A0
Call -250 651-7553 Email garyphill59@gmail.com
Sewing Machine Cleaning, Repair, & Setup
Terry 250 651-7769
Downtown Atlin Right beside The Gold Claim (Jessica’s café) On 6th street across from the Rec Centre • •
SVOP Licence, 24 ft. Boat, Transport Canada Commercial Registration – Insured
$850.00 per day - $550.00 per 1/2 day
Atlin Lot for Sale
WEB SITE – http://gary-hill.com
Friday and
St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday
Saturday
CLOSED
Atlin Community Library Open Every
2-4p.m. Everyone Welcome
• • •
50’wide x 100’deep Lot is a flat and level gravel pad Clear of any obstructions Room for parking along 50’ frontage
Great site for
business or home $90,000 Contact: Elissa Miskey atlinwellness@gmail.com Message: 604-265-5700
To love another person, is to help them love God. Soren Kierkegaard
Please note that calls for same day water delivery service must be received no later than 11 a.m. of said day. Thank you! Heating Oil delivery available
Delivery days are Monday through Friday Our mailing address is Box 318, Atlin BC V0W 1A0 You can also email us at grizzlyhomeservices@gmail.com 250-651-7463
With thanks, Dana and Mary Hammond
Sincerely Yours General Store & Canada Post Location OPEN
Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm Closed for lunch 12:30 – 1:30 CLOSED weekends and Statutory Holidays
OPPORTUNITIES Need your driveway plowed or sanded? Call Bob’s contracting at 250-651-2488 Firewood getting low? $270 per cord or $300 per cord for same day delivery. Call Bob’s contracting 250-6512488 Atlin Cabins are open year round. 2 bedroom kitchenettes cabins with TV, wifi, running water, bbq deck, pet and non pet cabins available. Lake and mountain front views. Call 250-651-2488 or email atlinhouseboat@gmail.com for our winter rates.
The next Whisper is Wednesday March 17th . Submissions are due no later than Sunday 9pm March 14th. Compiled and edited by Lynne Phipps. Paper for printing courtesy of Northern Homes Real Estate Printing courtesy of RCMP Atlin; Ink costs courtesy of Literacy Now. Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-250-651-7861 or lynnephipps@hotmail.com if you have, pictures or articles you would like to submit. Please note that submissions should be sent in either WORD or JPEG whenever possible. PDF must first be printed and then scanned back into the computer in order to format it into the paper. This costs in both paper and ink. We know that at times a PDF is the only way, which is okay when necessary, but otherwise, as the Whisper is a FREE community service we appreciate your support in helping to keep the costs down as much as possible. Thank You!