Wednesday December 23rd, 2020
The Atlin Whisper “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL
Photo by Robyn McNeil
Because there was no place for them in the lodging room, the birth of the child took place under most humble conditions, with the newborn babe being laid in a manger. After hearing the angel say: “There was born to you today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in David’s city,” shepherds hastened to Bethlehem and there found the sign: Mary’s babe “bound in cloth bands and lying in a manger.”
The Real Story of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Please take time to read it. It is well worth it!! I wasn't aware of the full story behind this song. A man named Robert L. May, depressed and broken hearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old daughter, Barbara, sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob’s wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer. Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob. When he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob, after completing college, married his loving wife, Evelyn, and was grateful to get a job as a copywriter at the Timothy Eaton Department Store in Toronto, during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the poorer area of Toronto. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938. Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined a make one – a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again, Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there. The general manager of the T. Eaton Store caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. They went on to print “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946, Eaton's had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Eaton's to print an updated version of the book. In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Eaton's returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried, with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either. Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas." The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing. A true Canadian story; can you believe this? eh? Submitted by Helen Smith (originality posted by Tom McCarthy)
Ghost of Christmas Concert Past Atlin News Miner 1973 Diane S Smith I remember our first Christmas concert. We joined the crowd at the ageing Moose Hall that somehow looked beautifully festive that night. A sparkling tree stood near a shaky portable stage and loud whispers and titters came from behind homemade curtains. Mary Reid was the principle then and she and another girl attended twenty-nine students at a very old Atlin Elementary School. It was 1967. A fate which often falls to the man of a new family had befallen my husband that particular year. He was given the dubious honor of playing Santa Claus. His stage career was nil and his temperature was three degrees over normal. He was positive he had the flu, but it was probably opening night jitters. During his performance a persistent little blond kid kept tugging at his trouser leg while Santa muttered tersely, “Beat it, scram, and go find you mom” and tried to shake loose. Finally, the little kid said “Daddy” in a loud and insistent voice and Santa’s identity was blown to all. I can’t remember much about the program that night but I do recall wondering how those teachers managed all the excited kids in the tiny room backstage. After the program the ladies of the Community Club served cookies and sandwiches, and tea and coffee flowed like Pine Creek. The big Yukon wood stove crackled so efficiently everyone nearly roasted. Somehow this small discomfort was forgotten in lieu of the shining eyes of the smallest children as they received presents and candy from Santa-Daddy. How different that magical night from the last Christmas program I attended when my older boy was a tiny blue spot on a distant stage in a huge new auditorium. Hollywood lighting effects accompanied a nearly professional production. No cookies or coffee followed the program, only a tense drive home through crowded wet streets. The next two years Bob Grenhil was principal, the Christmas concert was held in the brand-new Atlin Elementary School (Two double wide trailers back to back). I remember Greg and Kevin Neufeld singing together at one of the concerts. Kevin the picture of sober concentration while Gregg grinned toothlessly from ear to ear. The next year Betty Thoma was co-teacher and producer with Bob. Greg Kirkwood and Mels Melberg cracked us up with a dazzling bit of stomach muscle virtuosity done to the tune of ‘alley cat.’ In 1970 and 1971 a livewire Australian couple, Wayne and Sandy Barwick, were our teachers. The town had grown and so had the school enrollment, so the concert was held again at the Moose Hall. Wayne had taught the kids some flashy tumbling routines that were a finale to his concert. John Harvey was new here, so he played Santa. He discovered a full black beard is quite a hindrance in the roll of the famous white-haired elf. The Christmas concert of 1971 was laced with certain nostalgia. We knew it would be the last time the Old Moose Hall resound with the sounds of familiar carols and ring with the high excitement of a Christmas concert. The curling club had just received a grant to build a new recreation center. The Old Moose Hall, which started life in Discovery during the gold rush as the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, would no longer be used for this all-important event. At that Moose Hall concert, a mixture of Australian and Northern humor turned “Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Boys” into “Tie Me Moose to a Spruce, Bruce.” Sterling performances were abundant, but one I remember was the lament of a “forty or so year old waitress” for the loss of her logger sweetheart. The lesson learned was that loggers and gentleman were synonymous and you can easily spot a logger because he, “stirs his coffee with his thumb.” The poignant accompaniments to this act was a harmonica solo recorded by Harold Colwell. Later, when the older children recited the haunting lines from Robert Service’s “The spell of the Yukon” a tear slid down the cheek of an old miner in the audience as memories of a lifetime in the North flooded back. The curtains closed on a page in Atlin’s history that night. After traditional coffee and cookies and presents given by Santa Clive Aspinall, new in town, who betrayed his own identity with his English accent, nearly 200 people left that last Christmas concert in the Moose Hall.
The Little Drummer Boy By John Horvat II Once upon a time there lived, in the faraway deserts of Arabia, a very poor boy. His mother had died when he was still very young, and his father was the guardian of a well where the caravans of travellers stopped to slake their thirst on their way across the desert. Then great crowds of men would arrive with many camels, and everyone was busy getting water from the well. This was how the poor man earned his living. But it was not well paid, and so he never had enough money to buy any toys for his little boy. The guardian of the well loved his little son, and he sighed on seeing him without toys. He wanted his boy to be able to entertain himself like any other child. So one day he made him a drum from a sheep’s skin stretched over a small barrel that had lost its bottom. From that day onwards, the little boy was never seen without his drum. During the day, while his father sat next to the well, he played on the drum alone in the tent that was their home. He also played it to greet the caravans that came to the well for water. At night, when the desert was totally silent, the boy made up the songs he would sing the following day as he played his drum. And some of them were quite beautiful! All over the desert the little boy became known as ‘the drummer boy’. One night, a big, mysterious star appeared in the desert sky. The star was much brighter than any other, and it seemed to move in the direction of a nearby village called Bethlehem. Most of those that saw it were frightened by it. But the little drummer boy was not afraid. This star that shone so high in the heavens was too beautiful to be a bad sign. It seemed to announce something good was happening on the earth. So, taking up his drum, he played a song in honour of the star, just as he did when greeting arriving caravans. The star was still shining when a long line of shadows appeared out in the desert night. It was a caravan the likes of which had never been seen before! The animals were adorned with gold and precious stones and walked more majestically than other animals. They were carrying heavy loads, full of marvels. Three kings preceded them. As soon as the cortege stopped in front of the tents and the animals had finished drinking, the kings explained to the people, who pressed around them, that they had been travelling for many days. They had seen the star in their far away lands and had understood—because they were Magi—that it shone in order to guide them to the stable where the Child Jesus had been born. The small boy was not a wise man like the Magi. He did not know that this Child Jesus was the Messiah announced by the prophets, but he listened very attentively to everything being said. He was moved by the idea that this Child Jesus was so poor that they had to lay Him in a manger where the ox and ass eat. Fortunately, the Kings were taking Him gold, incense, and myrrh as presents. The little drummer boy wanted to go to see this Child Jesus himself. He wanted to take Him something. But…he was poor and had nothing to offer. Suddenly, the little boy remembered his drum. Why not go and play for the Child in the manger? Why not go and offer Him, in the name of all poor boys, the most beautiful of his songs? The little boy left with the Kings to Bethlehem. As soon as they arrived at the stable, he started to sing to the Child, Who smiled as He lay in between the ox and the ass. And then, oh marvel, the angels started singing along with him! THE END
Sent in by Bryan McNeil
“That Magic Time” by Jeff Salmon
Imagine when your make-believe Adds color to the world you see. Imagine when you close your eyes It’s make-believe you visualize. When rainbows show where dreams come true Or mermaids whisper words to you…oh my! When falling snow turns to marshmallow You’re in the magic time of make-believe. When lollypops climb mountain tops Or teddy bears can ease your cares...oh my! When moonbeams carry you beyond the stars You're in the magic time of make-believe. That magic time brings so much joy To each and every girl and boy. The magic that is make-believe Will warm your heart and set you free.
WANTED I would like to buy a Linda O’Neil oil painting if anyone has one, they would be willing to sell. My contact info is Kathy Musial 867-332-4104
Grizzly Home Services would like to wish all of its customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2021 We will not be delivering water or doing sewer December 25 or January 1st Normal Friday deliveries will happen on Thursday The Gas Station will be open the following hours: December 24 Closing at 3 pm December 25 Closed December 26 Closed December 31 Closing at 3 pm January 1 Closed Thanks to everyone for keeping driveways plowed, sanded and pathways to fills kept clear and clean of debris We would like to thank you for your continuing support throughout the year and all the best in the New Year Dana & Mary Hammond ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join us for a Drive-in showing of “A Charlie Brown Christmas’ “Wednesday December 23, 7 pm in the parking lot of the Atlin Christian Center. Tune your FM Radio to channel 101.5 to hear the audio. Bring your own snacks and have some FUN with your Family or Covid bubble. Hope to see you there.
This is how it happened........ I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I looked into the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out. "What are you doing " I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat, as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement , "TEACH THE CHILDREN" I was puzzled, what did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children about the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning now-a-days Christmas has forgotten." Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a FIR Tree and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green colour of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven." He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Saviour for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise." He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light, we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness." Once again, he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous circle, neverending." He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Saviour. The red holly berry represents the blood shed by Him. He then pulled from his bag an ornament of himself. "Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will during the month of December." Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten SON. This is the Greatest GIFT of all, that whosoever believes in Him, will have everlasting life." Santa looked back and was pleased. I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One who gave us the GREATEST GIFT." Author Unknown
Submitted by Barb Tait
A PRAYER FROM THE CHRISTMAS: MOVIE “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE "Dear Father in heaven, I'm not a praying man, but if you're up there, and you can hear me, show me the way. I'm at the end of my rope." That prayer is whispered by a broken-down George Bailey, the character played by Jimmy Stewart in the classic film It's a Wonderful Life. In the now iconic scene, Bailey's eyes fill with tears. They weren't part of the script, but as he spoke that prayer Stewart said he, "felt the loneliness, the hopelessness of people who had nowhere to turn." It broke him. Bailey's prayer, boiled down, is simply "Help me, God." There are seasons in our lives when "broken down" says it all. In such times it can be hard to know what to pray. Our loving God will respond to our simple prayer for help................."Help me, Lord my God " - Psalm 109:26 Dear Heavenly Father, some days are hard. They feel hopeless. Turn my heart to You in my brokenness. Give me strength to simply ask for help, because you are our Hope. (excerpt from Our Daily Bread Dec 7, 2020) submitted by Barb Tait
Love at your fingertips Love is the root And love is the way Love is the reason And love is the cause Love is the beginning, middle, and end. There is nothing else, Nothing else but love. Fear is the anomaly. Take away fear And you’re left with the core:
Fear’s Folly When we are afraid Things seem not what they really are. The root looks like a snake And the rock looks like a bear. But breathe a little And you will see. That when we are afraid Things seem not what they really are.
God’s Sweet Music Hear the music It’s playing over there Over there Through the mist And through the hail Through the hardship And through the toil Hear the music It’s just right there
Pure
Dancing on the Bridge
Hear it
Truthful
On the far side of the bridge is Love
Can’t you hear it?
Beautiful
On this side is fear
It’s playing so sweet
Love.
In between is Courage.
Fear is the absence of love It is brought on by not knowing. But fear is not convincing It is based on deception. It is love that is convincing It is love that understands It is love that endures. And Love Shall Inherit the Earth Love is patient It knows it shall endure.
“All you need is love” Love is all there is There is nothing else Nothing else but love. All the rest Is just the chaos In love’s diminishment.
“Love is all there is” “Love is all there is.”
Love is patient It always wins in the end.
It’s playing so sweet It’s saying: I am Hope It’s saying: I am Faith It’s saying: I am Love Hear the music: Hope, Faith, Love
-
Merry Christmas, Stephen Badhwar
Fear is worried It knows it cannot survive. Fear is worried It always loses to Love. Ten Things Atlinites Can Do Today to Boost Their Immune System and Be Well 1. Get outside and absorb some sunshine. 2. Take a walk in the forest and deeply inhale the sweet healing scent of the conifers. 3. Look around you. I mean really look around you. We live in Paradise. 4. Be grateful for all that you have. We are so blessed. 5. Drink lots of water. Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake to avoid dehydration. 6. Eat your leafy greens and cheerfully coloured veggies and fruit. Avoid sugar. 7. Turn off the news and internet for one full day once a week. Enjoy the cleansing silence. 8. Know that everything that we hear may not be true. 9. Early to bed, early to rise makes us all healthy, wealthy, and wise. 10. Smile, laugh, pray, dance, read, write, play, cry, be human.
Love and Light, Stephen Badhwar Ps: small rink at Palmer Lake shoveled for all to skate. Come New Year’s Eve for Bonfire Skate.
Atlin property for sale, corner of 3rd and Pearl Avenue In the middle of town but tucked away with very private backyard. Accessible ski trail behind the house Fully fenced Flat, open ground 125 x 200 feet. Interiors extensively renovated in 2009 Finished area 1050sqft One full bathroom, one outhouse Delivered Water Septic Tank and field, redone June 2020 Mainly wood heat with back up oil and electrical heating Arctic entrance 2 Bedrooms, open kitchen, dining and living area, Storage room with cedar wood infra-red sauna Large root cellar below storage room. Oversized Garage, Ample parking. Large wood plus 2 additional storage sheds. Established garden with big delicious domestic raspberry patch, 3 raised beds and greenhouse Includes all appliances and Ikea style furniture and more Our best price 299'000.inquiries at atlinhomeforsale2020@gmailcom
ATLIN BC – BOULDER CREEK PLACER LEASES FOR SALE For sale are two Placer Leases on Boulder Creek located about 17 kilometers northeast of Atlin. Title Number 636524 – Map Reference: 104N063 totaling 30.89 hectares Asking Can $45,000 and Title Number 636525 – Map References 104N063 & 104N064 totaling 46.13 hectares Asking Can $140,000 Boulder Creek is quite well known in the placer mining world. The term of those placer leases is 10 years beginning on September 18, 2019. The work permit is current until March 31, 2021 The buyer will assume any outstanding reclamation obligation. The buyer will be responsible for replacing our bond with theirs. Contact: Richard Tillberg Ph: (780) 369-2299 Email: tillbe328@gmail.com
TAKU WILD is in no way affiliated with “Wild Taku”
Atlin Health Centre Box 330, Atlin, B.C. V0W 1A0 (P): 250-651-7677 (F): 250-651-7687 www.northernhealth.ca
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS If you are experiencing symptoms of the cold or influenza or have questions about COVID-19 please call the Northern Health COVID-19 information line @ 1-844-645-7811. They will provide you with the necessary information and direction. The directive is still for people to stay home, self-isolate and practice the recommended hand washing procedures. At this time we are asking all clients to please call 250-651-7677 prior to coming to the Health Centre for any reason at any time. HOURS OF OPERATION Open Monday through Friday 9:00 – 12:00 pm & 1:00 - 4:30 pm. For emergencies a nurse is on call after hours and on the weekends and can be reached at 250-6517677. We have also implemented front door screening procedures at the Health Centre in response to the Pandemic. Pick up the black telephone to your right at the front door; one of the staff will answer the phone inside and you will be screened for cold/flu, respiratory symptoms prior to entering the building. The phone is cleaned and sanitized after each use The Atlin Health Centre staff wish to thank-you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe and virus free. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. We hope everyone stays healthy and happy, we will get through this
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
WEB SITE – http://gary-hill.com
• • •
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
Atlin Community Library Open Every
Friday and Saturday
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
2-4p.m. Everyone Welcome
St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday
CLOSED
Atlin Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Services Sunday CLOSED Come join us! (778) 721-0710
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE AVAILABLE Contact: Alain Vanier 250-651-0037
Reasonable Rates!
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
WANTED An Office desk, maximum length 50 inches. Preferably an older model or an antique, but not necessary. xkellywhitex@icloud.c om 867-332-0836.
The next Whisper is Wednesday January 6th. Submissions are due no later than Sunday 9pm January 3rd . 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!