Wednesday
February 15th , 2023 The Atlin Whisper
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.”
Margaret MeadDADS AND PIANOS, MOTHERS AND BOOKS
by Paul LucasSkagway,1980’s. I tottered down from my room in the brothel. Just another morning at the Red Onion Saloon. The joyous sound of stride piano greeted me at the bottom of the stairs. The bar was full and my pal, John Wilson, was already on the gig. He waved as he saw me wending my way through the crowd, coffee in hand.
John was an actor and piano player for the ‘Days of 98’ show just up the street. He also had the early shift at the R.O., playing ragtime and swing in that infectious stride style that lit up the room. My gig, running the Jazz jams in the afternoon, pretty well followed on the heels of John’s noonish appearance.
Both of us were also founding members of the Sisyphus Blues Band, a questionable group of individuals that included our friend Jerry Watson, trail boss on the Chilkoot trail by day and blues harmonica player by night.
I sat down at a vacant table right near the window, a few feet from the piano. I grabbed a coaster, dropped my cup on it, and sat down. The coffee immediately slopped over the side. It happened every time. The floor in the Red Onion might as well have come out of a pirate ship. Every table in the joint wobbled. I’m pretty sure half the drink napkins in Skagway went to shoring up the table legs in the Red Onion Saloon. Despite knowing all this, I still managed to spill my coffee every morning without fail. I guess consistency counts for something.
Sitting there looking out the window, drinking my coffee with that piano wailing away in the background felt as natural to me as breathing.
My childhood house rang. It always rang. I can’t remember a time when it didn’t. I heard that piano in the womb. It was an energetic, joyful, ‘all is well with the world’ sound. It reached every nook and cranny of the place, and permeated every fiber of its inhabitants.
My father had a built-in joy that was infectious. More than infectious, it was life-saving. If you are going to be an adventurer, you’d better have a positive attitude. That attitude infused everything he did, but it was best represented in his piano playing.
When he wasn’t on the job (he was a printer at the Vancouver Sun) or hard at work around the house, he was at the piano. And while he had a modest classical repertoire, his passion was stride - the style associated with Fats Waller featuring the left hand from hell. And he swung.
When I was a little kid, I remember sitting on his lap as he played - my tiny hands glued to the top of these meathooks, my skinny little arms flapping out and back, out and back, as he whipped through ‘Whispering’ or some such tune.
He worked evening shift, so he played mostly in the afternoon. Every day, when I walked home from school, (across the field, around the backstop, right at the lane, then down the back yard to the door), I would listen to see how close I could get to the house before hearing the piano. It was like a beacon to a lost pilot coming home on a wing and a prayer.
For 18 years, those tunes rattled around in my head like peas in a rain barrel. Being steeped in this music had a lot of advantages. When I started playing Jazz, I found I already knew most of the tunes. All I had to do was ‘remember’ the chord changes. This worked out well with the older swing and Dixieland players. I’m sure those guys didn’t think I had any business knowing all this music but, more often than not, they grinned from ear to ear, and they called me back.
My Mother was musical, and she sang, but mostly she wrote ... everything from prose to lyrics. She was the literary one, and the teacher. She loved knowledge, and she thought it would be a good idea if her kids loved knowledge too, so her games always included spelling, grammar, snatches of poetry and the like. And she made it fun. By the time I was five I knew the capitals of every country in Europe. I still do ... well ... with the possible exception Albania and Lithuania which, for some reason, remain hazy.
So much of life - from values, to habits, to opinions - is based on information digested as children. Along with my two sisters, Gillian and Joy, I grew up with a mother and father who loved us unconditionally and instilled in us the love of music and language. We were very, very lucky.
John Wilson broke into ‘Green Dolphin Street’ just as the front door to the Red Onion swung open. An entire horn section from the Pacific Princess walked in: trumpet, tenor saxophone and trombone. They travel like wolves, these guys - in packs. The trombone player looked around, nodded his head, and yelled, “Yep, this is it!”
And so began another raucous ‘Jazz at the Red Onion,’ jam. This was a three ship day, and it was gonna be a big one.
The Historic Globe Theatre
Atlin Cabaret LIVE AT THE GLOBE THEATRE
Friday March 3, 2023
To kick off the Atlin Frosty Frolic events, we are having another Atlin Cabaret and you are invited.
Whether you are a performer of music, poetry, dance, comedy or you name it. Perhaps you enjoy the comforts of being a supportive audience member we have a great evening of talent planned for you.
On Yukon Time
Doors Open 7:30 Starts 8:00
Enter By Donation
Performer sign up
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/543305921637
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
Atlin Movie Club
WHEN:Sundays
DOORS: Open 6:30, Starts 7:00PM
TIME: Yukon Time
DROP IN: Everyone Welcome ☺
COST: Enter by donation
Concession fixed prices
Sunday February 19, 2023 – Sorry No Movie
Sunday February 26, 2023
La Grande Séduction - Subtitles
Doors Open 6:30 Runs 7:00 – 9:00
Starring: Raymond Bouchard, David Boutin, Benoît, Pierre Collin, Rita, LaFontaine
Directed by: Jean-François Pouliot
Quebec Comedy: In the little harbour village of Sainte-Marie-La-Mauderne, the vanishing fish stocks have plummeted a once thriving community into decline, forcing the fishermen to rely on government welfare. When a small company considers building a factory on the island, the inhabitants see an opportunity for the village to be restored to greatness. But the factory cannot be built without a resident doctor.
Sun March 5, 2:00-4:00 at the Atlin Christian Centre.
Bring your favorite recipe and/or word of wisdom.
For gift ideas go to myregistry.com search names: Emmalea Lubben or Matthew Ford.
Contact Laura at 651-7816
The History of 'APRONS'
I don't think most kids today know what an apron is. The principal use of Mom's or Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few. It was also because it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and aprons used less material. But along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.
It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes halfhatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven. When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids..
And when the weather was cold, she wrapped it around her arms.
Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.
In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.
When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
When dinner was ready, she walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men folk knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.
It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.
Mom's and Grandma's used to set hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.
They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.
But, I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron - but love
Author - UnknownNORTHERN 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. Bonus is a warm spring flowing through year around!
$239,000 Bubbling warm springs
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
Lake View
A great daily view awaits in this well built, 2 level home with a fabulous open floorplan on the upper level with a master bedroom and so much storage! The lower level boasts 2 extra bedrooms or bedroom and games room. Almost 1700 sq.ft., lots of room for the entire family and guests to enjoy! Double garage on lower level plus another garage for all those extras like boats, quads, sleds
$535,000 SOLD
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! 61,500 SOLD
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
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 I will be in Atlin Feb 17 & 18. Leave message via text or email myrnablake1@gmail.com While I am travelling Email via satellite at myrnablake1@zoleo.com Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
What are we doing?
People!
What are we doing?
Are we allowing beauty to erode?
Or upholding this world of splendour?
Are we dictating with our heads?
Or leading with our hearts?
Are we building walls to divide?
Or reaching out to join?
Are we creating fear between us?
Or opening our arms to embrace?
Are we fighting for security?
Or knowing that we are loved?
Are we divorcing us from them?
Or gathering all about?
Are we pushing each other down? Or helping each other up?
Are we slotting into a compartment?
Or looking at the whole?
Are we pointing our sharp fingers?
Or looking deep within?
Are we scorning this hard journey?
Or reveling in each small win?
Are we satisfied with the story?
Or searching for the truth?
Are we accepting the simple narrative?
Or digging deeper down?
Are we connected with the internet?
Or connected with Creation?
Are we loving all this stuff?
Or loving all the Love?
People! What are we doing?
Are we turning up the volume?
Or slowing down and listening?
Are we fearful of each next thing?
Or living life its best?
Are we working for our egos?
Or following divine plan?
Are we giving up our freedoms? Or spreading our wings to fly?
Are we isolating and distancing?
Or gathering and celebrating?
Are we judging and shaming?
Or respecting contrary thought?
Are we looking to the bright lights?
Or looking to the guiding Light?
Are we raising the pyramid’s capstone?
Or rejoining the sacred circle?
Are we abdicating all our power?
Or exercising our fundamental rights?
Are we acquiescing to government over-reach?
Or protecting our constitution and statutes?
Are we relinquishing national sovereignty?
Or standing fast with our beloved nations?
Are we fine with one world government?
Or do we build a world that is fair?
Are we succumbing to grand deception?
Or opening our eyes to see?
Are we serving something else?
Or devoting our hearts to God?
People! What are we doing?
- StephenBadhwar,February2023
BIG WATER SOCIETY COUNSELLING SERVICE
COUNSELLOR: Katie Israel, GN, MA, RCC
At Big Water Society we recognize the realities of human experiences, the diversity of innate worlds and states through these experiences, and we believe that we can, when we connect and share these experiences. Be it traumatic experiences, emotional turbulences, depressive and anxious states, we are here to join hands with you and work through your unique experience. You do not have to go it alone.
Phone: (250) 651-2189; (867)334-9524
Email: bwscounsellor@bigwatersociety.org
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality – Martin Luther King, J r
Please note that requests for same day water delivery must be received no later than 11 am of said day. Thank you!
Water delivery and Sewer Removal are available Monday through Friday
Did you know we sell and service Toyo Stoves? We offer competitive pricing on the latest models. Call the office for more information
Phone 250-651-7463
Email grizzlyhomeservices@gmail.com
Mailing address is Box 318, Atlin BC V0W 1A0
Office hours – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 8 am - noon
With thanks, Dana and Mary Hammond
ATLIN LAKE GROCERY STOREWinter store hours (starting Jan 1) MST
Monday - Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday - 11am – 4pm
~Weekly freight truck run on Mondays and freight runs available upon request~
Did you know that Big Water Society provides the community with FREE professional mental wellness counselling?
If you feel you would like to talk to Katie Israel, please call her at: 250-651-2189 or 867-334-9524
Fishing Charters
SVOP Licence, 24 ft. Boat, Transport Canada Commercial Registration – Insured
Gary Hill, Atlin B.C. V0W 1A0
Licensed, B.C. Guide
Call -250 651-7553 Email garyphill59@gmail.com
$850.00 per day - $550.00 per 1/2 day
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
7 MONARCH Drive – ATLIN – BC. V0W 1A0
WEB SITE – http://gary-hill.com
Atlin Pet Care
287 Tatlow Street
Yourpetshomeawayfromhome!
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
“Color”
All through the night a darkness prevails though a brotherhood of stars comfort us by twinkling their messages of hope. Yet, they are too far for their light to reveal color hiding in the inkiness. Be patient. There will be a transition.
Just before the sun peeks in on us a blue/white light slowly proceeds to cover the lower sky. This background lighting will coax leafy trees to appear before our eyes as dark silhouettes like the pen and ink drawings of an artist. A precious gift from the art gallery.
Shortly, color will begin washing over the landscape with tree leaves and grass boasting shades of green as they come to life. In turn, others will be inspired to show off their array of color, as a watercolor artist will do. A delicate gift from the gallery.
Within a relatively short period of time, a myriad number of nature’s bounty will reveal color in the red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet range… on occasions with fine brush strokes, other times with swaths of bold color, as an artist who paints with oils will do. Another gift from the heart.
Jeff SalmonAtlin Christian Centre
Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
Service and Sunday School Sunday
11 a.m.
Come join us!
250-691-0128
St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!
The time to get your spiritual instrument in tune is early in the morning before the concert of the day begins.
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Sewing Machine Cleaning, Repair, &Setup Terry 250651-7769
Mountain Shack
Café Restaurant
Fast Fancy Food
Great Service
110 Discovery Avenue
In Atlin, B.C.
EAT IN OR TAKE OUT
Wednesday thru Monday
250-651-7789
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE
AVAILABLE
Contact: Alain Vanier 250-651-0037
Reasonable Rates!
Smallwood Enterprises Ltd
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
The next Whisper is Wednesday March 1st
Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm February 26th
Atlin Community Library
Open Every Friday and Saturday 2-4p.m. BC time
Everyone Welcome The Library is closed at -20 c.
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!