Wednesday August 3rd, 2022
The Atlin Whisper “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead
ON THE ROAD IV The Ballad of Ellie May Clampett Alaska Hwy.Enroute-Ft Nelson. Back on the highway, I mulled over what must have been going through the drivers mind as he spun off the road, turned over and headed for the trees. I didn’t know it, but several years later a pal of mine would be involved in a similar incident where he might have lost his life if it hadn’t been for a little help from a friend. In this case, it wasn’t a guardian angel that came to the rescue, but a real flesh and blood saviour. Alaska Hwy,2011. Manfred Janssen is a staple in the Yukon music scene. Along with his partner Jim Vautour, they formed ‘Two Rivers’ – a duo that produced a couple of hits that became Yukon anthems. He was driving into town one day in the middle of winter, when he hit a patch of black ice, went over the bank, turned over, and wrapped his truck around a telephone pole. He ended up hanging in his seatbelt, upside down - trapped inside a vehicle that could not be seen from the road. It was cold and he was becoming hypothermic. It doesn’t take long at these temperatures to die from exposure. He had no idea what his injuries might be, but he was running out of breath and knew he had to get out of there. He tried wiggling out of the seat belt, but without success. Forty minutes later, he was still stuck, and time was running out. His dog, Ellie May Clampett, who was on his lap at the time, had simply disappeared, and Freddy thought to himself, ‘Great, on top of all this, I’ve killed my dog.’ Little did he know that Ellie May was, that very minute, running circles around the truck and raising hell. Finally, a neighbour, slowing to investigate the ruckus, recognized the dog, and braked to a stop. He looked over the bank, saw the wrecked vehicle with Freddy hanging upside down in his seatbelt, and called for an ambulance. It came just in time. Manfred was pretty close to checking out. In the end, he sustained a nasty gash to the head and a frozen hand, but otherwise, he was ok. And he was alive. Saved by the grace of dog. For her remaining days on the planet, you can be sure Ellie May Clampett lived the life of a princess.
OREST TONY CURNISKI Orest Tony Curniski passed away in Olds on June 22, 2022, peacefully with family by his side. He was born on August 29, 1940, in Claytonville, Sskatchewan, to Joseph and Elsie (Lydia) Curniski. From a young age he loved being in the outdoors and often as a teenager he would be gone all day hunting and trapping, returning at dusk. In his younger years, hockey was always a favorite sport and he enjoyed playing on local hockey teams. He attended the Nipiwin school but graduated from Carpenter High school, in Meadow Lake Saskatchewan. Orest continued his education and received his Teachers Certificate from the University of Saskatchewan. In 1961, he was hired to teach in Spirit River, Alberta. Two years later, in 1963 he took a teaching position in Olds, Alberta. This is where Orest met Doreen Newsham, his future wife. He knew he needed a partner to share in his enthusiasm for adventure and met his match in Doreen. In 1966 he attended University Calgary and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. During that summer he travelled through Europe. On his return he took a teaching position in Bowden. In 1968, after Doreen's tripto Europe, they made plans to marry. They married August 22, 1969 and settled in Bowden. Before starting a family, they spent a summer traveling in Australia. Orest was always interested in politics and community service and served on Bowden town council as deputy mayor. In 1973 the family travelled north to visit a friend and to see the Yukon. While there they stopped at Atlin, British Columbia. Later that year they bought a gold lease on Spruce Creek, east of Atlin. They still had a thirst for adventure and in 1977 they took the opportunity for Orest to teach in Haines Junction, Yukon. This was closer to the gold lease and the move gave opportunity for hunting-sheep, bear, moose, ice fishing, salmon fishing, snowmobiling to top of mountains, cross-country skiing, and living in Kluane National Park. Orest and Doreen fell in love with the north and quickly became a part of the small community. Orest became the town's mayor. In 1979 they decided to try something different and moved near Sundre, Alberta to try ranching. The ranching did not work out, so Orest did a variety of odd jobs. He spent the winter working at an underground gold mine, near Atlin. He also bought gold from the miners, for Delta Smelting, in Vancouver. (One shipment was 90 ounces.) Next, he took a landman position with Antelope Land Services. In 1982 this led to Olds College asking him to set up a Land Agent Program. He taught there for 15 years. Starting an entire college program from scratch was no easy task. Orest was agile and knew what would work for the oil and gas industry. In 1992, the College asked Orest to travel for two months in Russia and the Ukraine to explore oil and gas possibilities. Since he was fluent in Ukrainian he agreed and returned with innovative ideas and connections. Orest was a busy Dad, watching his children participate in many activities. He was always there cheering them on and full of tips for the next game. The job at the college worked out well for Orest - he would get two months off every summer, pack up the family and head north to Atlin ,B.C. Summers were spent in the old cabin on the gold lease on Spruce Creek. It was rustic living, with no running water, heat or electricity. After working at the college, Orest went into consulting for the Beaver Indigenous Band at Prophet River, British Columbia. He was their oil and gas coordinator for five years. Again, there was many opportunities to hunt and fish. On two different occasions he also went gold prospecting in Columbia, South America. Before retiring he did contract truthing for different oil and gas companies in the Grande Prairie area.
Orest lived a life that was big and full. He loved his wife and us kids unconditionally. He always encouraged his children to do their best, be fearless and work hard. He was an avid outdoorsman and naturalist and would spend hours bushwhacking through wild or uncultivated wilderness prospecting for gold. The northern experiences he lived with his family, are too many to tell. In total he spent 42 summers gold mining in the Yukon and British Columbia Orest loved to talk and debate - many will remember long conversations about mining, politics, or the oil and gas industry. He will be remembered as stubborn, headstrong, passionate and opinionated as well as a loving father, cherished friend, funny uncle, proud grandpa and a loyal husband. Orest will be lovingly remembered by his wife Doreen, three daughters and son, Tanya, (Jeff) Natasha, Tara (Greg), and Jonathan (Rebekah), as well as nine grandchildren, Matthew, Skylar, Logan, Brooke, River, Summer, Rain, Ocean and Paige. He will also be remembered by his sister Savelia Orest was predeceased by his parent, Joseph and Elsie (Lydia) and brother Ronald.
LANDFILL NEWS
BRUSH AND OTHER BURNABLES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE LANDFILL UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
SATURDAY-MONDAY CLOSED ON ALL BC STATUTORY HOLIDAYS BC Day - Closed Monday, Aug 1st …..… Open July 30, 31 & Aug 2 Labour Day - Closed Monday, Sept 5th ……….. Open Sept 3, 4, 6 Thanksgiving Day - Closed Monday, Oct 10th ... Open Oct 8, 9, 11 HOURS 11 AM - 4 PM Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THANK YOU ATLIN Thank-you! to the people of Atlin for a remarkable two-day visit. We came to your out-of-the-way community as we have known about "Switzerland of the north" for many years, but we did not know how welcome we would feel. Norm got us settled at the Norseman Campground and shared some of his knowledge of the lake and vicinity. Allison and Shannon at the Food Basket and Bakery took time to orient us and suggested that we attend the Globe Theatre film night, which we did. Judith at your wonderful Art Gallery shared some of her experiences of the north. Beth and Jim greeted us as we walked the road allowance to town and paused to chat for a while. Edith at the General Store and Post Office was also fun to talk with. We strolled in town, drove out to Discovery and ventured out as far as the Grotto on Warm Bay Road. Although we arrived in the rain, our full day in Atlin was a sunny jewel of a day and we could savour the beauty of the scenery to the full. We are taking fine memories of Atlin home with us. It was a highlight of our trip to the Yukon (even though you are technically outside their border...). Thank-you very much for being who you are! Jan and Martin Bracken Delaware (London) Ontario July 26, 2022
August Summary The Historic Globe Theatre
Movies Sunday August 7: Sorry No Movie Sunday August 14: Dawson City Frozen Time Doors Open 7:00 Runs 7:30 – 9:30 Documentary: Part fever dream, part historical record, Dawson City Frozen Time tells the bizarre true story of some 533 silent film reels, buried for almost 50 years in a sub-arctic swimming pool, deep in the Yukon permafrost. Musicians Saturday August 13 Lucie D Album Release Jazz Pop https://lucied.info
Saturday August 20 The Compassion Pill alternative folk blues
Monday August 22 A photographic portrayal by Skip Schiel The Ongoing & Relentless Nakba: The Palestinian Catastrophe 1948 to Today skipschiel.wordpress.com Friday August 26 Ryan McNally & Ellorie McKnight https://ryanmcnally.ca/ https://elloriemcknight.bandcamp.com Facebook: @ExploreAtlin Email exploreatlinsales@gmail.com Presented by Heather Keny
The Historic Globe Theatre
Lucie D album release Saturday August 13, 2022 Through a backdrop of probing pictures, honest lyrics, tight harmonies and a jazzy pop feel Lucie D’s new album Être humain explores the human struggle. This album highlights what happens when life events collide with true grit, resiliency, and hope. This evening will highlight Lucie's musical collaborations with composers Oliver de Colombel and Paul Lucas. This intimate night includes musicians Lucie D, Keitha Clark and Andrea McColeman. All proceeds from this album will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association Suicide Prevention Program in honour of Lucie’s son Stéphane, who lost his battle with depression June 23, 2018.
https://lucied.info/
https://lucied.bandcamp.com/
Doors Open 7:30 Concert Starts 8:00 Tickets $15 in advance, $20 @ the door https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/391410137257 Email exploreatlinsales@gmail.com
Coffee/Tea Service Available by Donation We are respectfully asking that everyone who attends comes in good health, and is not required to be in quarantine Facebook: @ExploreAtlin Email exploreatlinsales@gmail.com Presented by Heather Keny
24’ Aluminum BOAT FOR SALE 1998 L&J Marine Enclosed 3/8" thick Aluminum hull, 2' swim deck beyond 24' enclosed length. Inboard John Deere Marine diesel with a closed engine cooling system, 15 hp gas Suzuki 4 stroke kicker. 2019 Sunbrella canopy on stern deck. Interior 3/4" hickory flooring on ceiling & walls, Trex flooring. Interior LED lights, custom-built woodstove with double insulated chimney. Queen & twin bed. Interphase Probe forward scanning fish finder, marine radio. Includes spare brass prop (value $800), two anchors, 250' line. On an included Easy-Load Trailer in Atlin, BC. Price $75,000 OBO Email: 1dcthayer@gmail.com or Phone: 250-651-0012 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSE FOR SALE IN ATLIN
2.5 acres on Warm Bay Rd==160 degrees view of Atlin Lake and surrounding mountains through floor to ceiling windows==. One bedroom plus loft.-==16’x28' outbuilding with electricity,R60ceiling, unfinished 8" walls.== Interior & Exterior of home cedar finished with impressive cedar molding. ==Triple pane Low E - Double Argon windows== Wrap-around deck== Registered summer-use creek water for irrigation== Artesian well for domestic water== Heat Recovery Ventilator installed== Wood heat with electric back-up.==Option to buy furniture and mattresses with price negotiable $495,000. Contact Diana Thayer 1dcthayer@gmail.com or phone 250-651-0012 / 605-421-0749
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE Warm Bay Road This gem is off grid, well maintained and absolutely the perfect retreat. 2 bedrooms, large open dining/living room, galley kitchen and spacious pantry. Storage in walk out cellar plus numerous outbuildings. Off grid. $239,000 43.6 Acres Beautifully maintained, inside and out, this cozy 2 bedroom home is so private with a second cottage with sleeping loft (often used as B&B), a third cabin for guests, great garage/workshop, plus various other craft/work shops and much fencing. Mountain views in every direction plus short walk to Atlin Lake sandy beaches. Just waiting for you! Viewing by appointment ONLY! $597,000 5 Acres With power, small log cabin, tenant occupied near the upper end of the acreage, application for subdivision has been submitted/approved to create two 2.5 acre parcels. Slope facing Atlin Lake. Build your dream home to take advantage of the view and keep the tenant as caretaker! $259,000 Fourth of July Basic lake side cabin, 3 bedrooms, lots of big windows, hidden in the trees, on .544 acres, leased lot until 2042. Very private! $97,000 4th of July .78 acres of Crown Land lease, gated, partly cleared, the perfect spot to keep your RV and recreational necessities, there for year around enjoyment. Lease term to 2042. $53,500 HIDDEN GEM This stunning gem in an Enchanted Forest has been lovingly crafted by the hands of this talented owner – never to be duplicated! On 4 acres with guest cabins and a short walk to hidden lakes plus easy access to the highway, $399,000 SOLD STUNNING – Inside and Outside Incredible views, quiet location and fabulous home. 1700 sq.ft. on main level, beautifully renovated with gyproc interior, lots of updated windows, open floor plan, kitchen, dining area, living room, bar/games room plus 2 bedrooms. Basement offers 3 more bedrooms, two baths, kitchenette and large living room with ground level access. One of a kind waiting for you. $349,000 SOLD Atlin Highway 72 acres along the Atlin Highway with fabulous view of the mountains and lake, overlooking Surprise Lake Road as well. Not suitable for subdivision but offers an incredible homesite. $185,000 SOLD $187,500 Trond Gulch In a pastoral setting, backing onto Munro Mtn, this one-bedroom, 715 sq.ft. off-the-grid home on 9.88 acres is surrounded by Crown Land and extremely private. Sauna and guest cabin. Truly unique with perfection evident throughout! $350,000 SOLD Mi 43 Atlin Highway 34+ acres of land, surrounded by grazing lease, with 1700 sq.ft., 2 BR, full basement home, great well, septic field, solar and generator plus lots of extras. If you wish, will come with 2 loveable nags who consider this home. Quick possession is possible. $535,000 SOLD Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019 Leave message via text or email myrnablake1@gmail.com Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
FOR SALE – Atlin Property at corner of 3rd Street and Pearl Avenue In the middle of the Atlin townsite but tucked away for tranquility and privacy. Spacious backyard with greenhouse (6x12 feet) and three raised garden beds, various fruit trees and shrubs (cherry, apple, haskap, saskatoon, raspberries etc.) and an outhouse. Property right next to the Alkali slough with great accessibility to walking and cross-country ski trails and with a view of Atlin Mountain General info: •
Total property size fully fenced: 3 lots (125 x 200 feet, ~0.5 acres)
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Finished area: 1050 sqft – living space all on one floor
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Interiors extensively renovated in 2009
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Cistern with 2300 litres capacity
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Septic tank and field – redone in 2020
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Wood heat with Pioneer Princess wood cook stove hand-crafted by the Amish; back up oil and electrical heating
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R65 insulation in ceiling/attic
Features: • 2 arctic entrances •
2 bedrooms
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1 full bathroom (and 1 outhouse)
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Open kitchen, dining and living area
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Storage room with cedar wood infra-red sauna
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Large root cellar below
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Oversized garage with ample parking and storage space
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Large woodshed with some wood
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2 additional storage sheds
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Appliances: washing machine, stove, fridge, dish washer Price: $350,000 Serious inquiries at cziegler@unb.ca ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlin Tailgate Sales Mark your calendars for 2022 Location: Atlin Lake waterfront in front of Atlin Inn Saturday Dates: August 27 Time: 10 – 2 PM In event of really bad weather we will postpone until the following Saturday. Call Jane to reserve a spot or 250-651-7697 or message. Drop In space is available on most days. $5 for a table or by donation.
The Atlin District Board of Trade “Serving the Community of Atlin since 1904” New members welcome Meeting’s 1st Tuesday of every month 7 p.m. Watch for notices ADBoT is currently working on the following: Cell Service, Senior’s housing and Health services, Roads, TRT/Atlin Joint ventures – Community Plan, Mining Activity, THELP Hydro Expansion project, etc. We advocate to ensure that the whole community receives fair and equitable representation! PO Box 106, Atlin, BC V0W 1A0
“A Fair Balance” There are times when the grayness of clouds covering the sky wear me down as does the rain coming too often and staying for days. My cheerful disposition will all but disappear. I feel sorry for myself and for those around me who suffer from my grumpiness. In time a break comes in the dreariness as the sun graces us with a happy face. I cherish this time of renewal as I find myself rise up to greet the day and those around me with a joyful bounce and much appreciation. More often than not the grayness and showers and rain return too soon, before I’ve had a full measure of sunshine. However, I know for sure that on the other side of the gray is the sunny side to lift me up. This time I’ll be stronger and better able to cope. All I ask for in weather and in life is a fair balance with more sunshine than cloud. Jeff Salmon
Land for Sale by Owner Three 30x90 lots in central Atlin, near Tarahne Park. One lot includes an historical cabin and garage. Would prefer to sell the three lots together. $275,000 Drive by at the corner of Munroe and Second St. to view. If interested, call 250 651-7502.
The King The earthly king rules through his whip And our coerced obedience to follow The Divine King rules through His Word And our willing obedience to follow. Stephen Badhwar
Fishing Charters
Custom Fish Art- Fiberglas and Wood GARY HILL’S FISH ART
SVOP Licence, 24 ft. Boat, Transport Canada Commercial Registration – Insured
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 Call -250 651-7553 Email garyphill59@gmail.com
7 MONARCH Drive – ATLIN – BC. V0W 1A0
$850.00 per day - $550.00 per 1/2 day
WEB SITE – http://gary-hill.com
Atlin Pet Care 287 Tatlow Street
Your pets home away from home! Indoor/Outdoor Runs Heated Kennels Boarding-Grooming-Pet Supplies Emergency Care-Veterinarian Referrals SPCA AGENTS George Holman 250-651-7717 or Marj Holman 250-651-7758 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
CANADA POST CONTACT INFORMATION Inquiries or concerns? sebastien.bernier@canadapost.ca www.canadapost-postescanada.ca
Atlin Mountain Inn Restaurant Hours (now licensed!) Breakfast 7:30 am-4 pm every day (coffee & continental, self-serve) Lunch 12:00 pm-2 pm every day except Friday Dinner 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Wednesday Wing Night 6-8 pm Sunday Dinner 6:00-8:00 pm Friday Take Out Pizza Night 5:00 pm-8:00 pm Follow us on Facebook for deals and specials!
Atlin Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us! (778) 721-0710
Mountain Shack Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C.
EAT IN OR TAKE OUT Wednesday thru Sunday 250-651-7789
St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday
Write it on your
Everyone welcome!
Emerson
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE AVAILABLE Contact: Alain Vanier 250-651-0037
Reasonable Rates!
heart that every
Sewing Machine
day of the year.
Cleaning, Repair, & Setup
Ralph Waldo
Terry 250 651-7769
day is the best
Smallwood Enterprises Ltd
Atlin Community
We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems. We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, Firewood and Snow Removal. Please call (250) 651-2488 or email bobscontracting2020@ gmail.com
Open Every
Library
Friday and Saturday 2-4p.m.
Everyone Welcome
The next Whisper is Wednesday August 17th Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm August 14th The Purpose of the Atlin Whisper is to encourage, build-up and inform the people of Atlin concerning ongoing community events and happenings. The Whisper is not a political mouthpiece.
Compiled and edited by Lynne Phipps. Paper for printing courtesy of Northern Homes Real Estate Printing courtesy of RCMP Atlin. Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-250-651-7861 or lynnephippsatlin@gmail.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!