Wednesday July 17th , 2024
The Atlin Whisper
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.”
Margaret Mead Atlin Waterfront Tailgate Sales for Summer 2024
Celebration of life for George Holman
Saturday July 20th 3 pm at the Rec center
Mark Your Calendar
August 3, September 7 11 to 3 PM
Location
Along waterfront in front of Atlin Inn
'kj munro, solstice haiku & friends'
Join us for an evening of Haiku accompanied by light Jazz improvisations
Solstice Haiku Members : Charmaine Arjoonlal, Mauretia Holloway, Charlotte Hrenchuk, Lillian Nakamura Maguire, & Ian Ruitenberg
Saturday July 27, 2024
Historic Globe Theatre
Doors Open 7:00 Readings Start 7:30
Enter by Donation
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/946971556417 exploreatlinsales@gmail.com
Coffee/Tea Service Available by Donation
Facebook: @ExploreAtlin Email exploreatlinsales@gmail.com Presented by Heather Keny/Explore Atlin
KJ Munro, members of Solstice Haiku, & friends
https://kjmunro1560.wordpress.com
Paul Lucas & Friends North of Sexy Musicians Musicians
https://paullucasmusic.com northofsexy.ca
https://danieljanke.com See posters for details
Facebook: @ExploreAtlin Email exploreatlinsales@gmail.com Presented by Heather Keny/Explore Atlin
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who contributed their time and efforts to make this year’s Tea on the Tarahne another resounding success!
To the organizers, phoners, bakers and donors of food, ironers of tablecloths, washers of tea sets, flower arrangers, servers, donors of prizes, presenters, cleaners, and helpers of all kinds: we could not do this without you !
Thanks particularly to the following:
Prize donors Larry DuGuay (pottery), Karyn Armour (jewellery), Judy Currelly (art cards), Corrine Johnson (stained glass), Trish Gobeil (canvas print), Atlin Mountain Coffee Roasters (coffee), Andrea Ross (wine holder), Amelie Remon (Kershaw’s gift certificates), Kate Harris (book), Helen Smith (prints and books), Jane Wilder (pot holders and cards), Maggie D’Arcy (wooden goblet), and the Atlin Museum and Gift Shop (Tarahne coffee mug)
Thanks to:
Adrianna Anttila
Ove Anttila
Rose Anne Anttila
Atlin Lake Grocery Store
Atlin Trading Post
Asa Berg
Carol Boyko
Kevin and Laurel Evans
Kate Fisher
Bob Gobeil
Nicole Gobeil
Trish Gobeil
Jennifer Hansen
Jan Harvey
Corrine Johnson
Pierrette Kavanagh
Susie Kuelbs and her young servers Abi, Anna, Willow, and Rebecca
Delphine Levesque
Wayne McManaman
Dani McNeil
Maureen Morris
Dorothy Odian
Jacqueline Pigeon
Andrea Ross
Sue Thorn
Lynn Turnbull
Bobbie Whelan and sister
Pat
All the generous cooks and bakers around town who provided the delicious treats
And, of course, the over 130 people who had a wonderful time, and enjoyed a lovely afternoon Tea on the MV Tarahne !
in JULY 2025
COME JOIN US FOR NEXT YEAR’S TARAHNE TEA
“Fairies in the Garden”
Jeff Salmon
One of my favorite pastimes is spending an hour or two working in my backyard garden with weeding and hoeing and such. You can find me there most mornings busy as can be without a care.
However, my best-loved time of all is relaxing by the garden of an afternoon with a cup of tea. When my mind becomes clutter free adorable pixie fairies, no older than kindergarten age, begin to make their presence known.
I see them having fun by flowers and plants they must find appealing. Some acknowledge me with a curtsey while most just carry on with games of hide and seek or bowling on the green. There are always some who love to dance as others sit at tables with teacakes.
Being privy to their innocent world of laughter and endless playfulness is truly the highlight of my week, especially with their acceptance.
When my mind is set free to imagine a whole new world comes into view that breathes life into my world. A most gratifying gift!
HILARY CRAIG
A Memorial
A few more by Paul Lucas
Savannah GA, 2006. How we managed to get three rows back from the pulpit was a mystery. Ilene and I were the only white folks in the congregation. The band started up. It was the opening groove in a James Brown concert, the call to arms in the Scottish Highlands. It was every tribal summons to the home place ever sung. It built, and it built.
The pastor, a woman with an Aretha Franklin voice, intoned:
“Is the spirit in the building?”
“Is the spirit in the building?”
And she waited ... as we waited ... until the place began to hum ... began to vibrate.
Then the choir bolted onto the stage, breaking into the opening hymn while still in motion and everybody stood. We had no choice. Every hair on the back of my neck was standing. I was vibrating. And suddenly there he was - Hilbo - the single white face at the back of the choir.
It was just one of those things. Something meant to be. Something this black congregation in Savannah GA thought appropriate - this congregation that saw fit to welcome three white people into its midst without judgment or comment; with only acceptance and love.
Only Hilbo could do this. Only Hilbo had the weight, the gravitas, to be invited to sing in the choir of this church in the belly of the South; the heart and intent that guaranteed his acceptance into this sacred place. And, as his family, we were invited along.
Hilary Craig was born on Aug. 28th in Orlando, Florida in 1947. All of us: Hart, Stecker, Hilbo and I were born in that same year. He came from a literary family. His father wrote for the Post, and managed the Florida Symphony. His mother was a psychologist and a woman of letters. Some of those letters described Hilary as ‘coming out like a bomb and waiting to detonate ever since.’
At some point Hil decided he wanted to play banjo. He learned it like he did everything else - with the hammer down - just like when he decided to sing rhythm and blues and gospel later on. But there were no banjos in Vietnam.
War scars your body your mind your spirit
Breathe in a saint
Breathe out a sinner
Same breath
Same body
A body that weighs so much more than it used to
All that carnage
That death has mass it seems
Weight you carry for the rest of your life
A life you sometimes wish would end
Then there’s that morning
The one with the breath of spring in it
The one where the blue jay greets you through the open window
And the warm, moist body of your woman stirs beside you as she wakes
Living with the the wounds of war is not for the faint of heart. Either you choose despair or you choose grace, as flawed as that grace may be. Hilbo chose grace. He continually marshaled his forces to become the best human being he could. And that human being was a joy to behold.
Sept. 19, 2019, Arlington VA.
Smack! Smack! Smack!
The sound of rifle shots richocheted across the field, off walls, bridges and monuments. The precision of the honour guard was magnificent. This was something these soldiers took very seriously - the loss of one of their own.
I was in Washington D.C. It was to be a visit full of ceremony. Lynn, my partner of three years, was the guest of honour at a show of her art work at the Canadian Embassy, and I was on a mission to visit Hilbo’s grave in Arlington Cemetery.
It was sobering - those graves arc-ing away across the land like so many shells on a beach. It took a while, even with instructions, to find him. Once there, I just sat down and stared at the stone. It didn’t seem big enough. I told myself it didn’t matter. He wasn’t there anyway. But still ...
I’d missed the original ceremony in 2007 - the honour guard with the horse drawn casket, the rifle salute, the bugler, the folding and presentation of the flag - but fate decreed I was to have a ceremony of my own.
Not far from Hilbo’s gravesite, a memorial service was just beginning, and I was invited to join it. Why, I don’t know. Not a word was said, not an eyebrow raised. Just a nod from the chaplain, and I was accepted without question into the family and friends of the fallen soldier so I could say my own goodbye to Bo. It felt pre-ordained.
The ceremony was beautiful: the pace, the attention to detail, the focus on the duty at hand of every one of those soldiers there to honour a fallen brother - it’s something I will never forget.
I wandered slowly back through Arlington, across the bridge to the Lincoln Memorial and down the National Mall towards the Capitol building. I was in a fog. I felt like I was swimming through molasses.
I was right in front of the Washington Monument when Hilbo started laughing:
“Lighten up for God’s sake. It’s just a freakin’ stone,”
I stopped dead in my tracks, shook my head and smiled.
“You turkey. What took you so long.”
“A Guitar Player On The Yukon Border” can be found at local bookstores and on Amazon.com. Paul can be found at paullucasmusic.com
HILARY LEWIS CRAIG 1947 - 2007
Message from the Atlin community representative on the G2G Forum.
The Taku River Tlingit First Nation-BC Government to Government Forum(G2G Forum) was established through the 2011 Wooshtin Yan too At Land and Resource Management and Shared Decision Making Agreement. The 2011 Agreement and G2G Forum set out the process the Province will follow to consult with TRTFN about proposed provincial decisions within their territory that could impact TRTFN’s constitutionally protected Aboriginal Rights. The G2G Forum also provides a strategic venue for dialogue between the two Parties about land and resource management topics, overseeing several Joint Initiatives (which are technical working groups to target shared priorities).
The Joint Initiative (JI) Working Groups address important issues on the land base, including mining and mineral exploration, protected areas, fish and wildlife management, as well as research and monitoring.
If you are interested in the Protected areas around Atlin, you can find the Management plans and/or locations of the Conservancies that were established in the Atlin Taku Land Use plan at these links:
https://bcparks.ca/about/management-plans/approved/ and https://bcparks.ca/find-a-park/a-zlist/
As your Atlin Community representative, I would like to hear from you about topics that are important to you so I can be the conduit of Atlin Community interests at the Forum.
The next G2G Forum is in Atlin on July 16-18. If you have questions for any of the BC government representatives that usually come to town for the Forum, you can contact me to get in touch with them.
Send me your questions or issues relating to the scope of the G2G by emailing infoatling2g@gmail.com
Åsa Berg
It would be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes, then come out wrinkle-free...and three sizes smaller.
Tip for a successful marriage: Don't ask your wife when dinner will be ready while she's mowing the lawn. Does anyone else have a plastic bag full of plastic bags, or is it just me?
LANDFILL
SPRING/SUMMER HOURS
SATURDAY-MONDAY
CLOSED ON ALL BC STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
Victoria Day - Closed Monday, May 20th ….…. Open May 18, 19, 21
Canada Day - Closed Monday, July 1st …… Open June 29, 30 & July 2
BC Day - Closed Monday, Aug 5th …...…. Open Aug 3, 4, 6
Labour Day - Closed Monday, Sept 2nd ……... Open Aug 31 & Sept 1, 3
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation - Closed Monday Sept 30 …
Open Sept 28, 29 & Oct 1
Thanksgiving Day - Closed Monday, Oct 14th Open Oct 12, 13, 15
HOURS 11 AM - 4 PM
Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District
Big Water Society
We are pleased to provide the community with free professional mental wellness counseling.
We welcome Jan Forde (MSW)to provide confidential services to those in need of or to anyone that needs to talk to someone supportive.
Jan Forde (MSW)
Available every Wednesday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm by phone, also available for in-person meetings in the community.
Please call Jan at 867-333-6829 to book an appointment or talk.
Or email at:bwscounsellor@bigwatersociety.org
Big Water Society contact: Ph: 250-651-2460 or Email: bwsociety@bigwatersociety.org
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE
Spruce Drive
Over 2800 sq.ft., on two levels, all above ground, beautifully re-built with finishing remaining for you to complete to your dream. Most has been dry walled but likely enough material to finish. Vaulted ceiling on the upper level. Full concrete foundation, water and septic services, attached double garage plus huge 35’x26’, arched roof building waiting for your own specific plans! 1.32 acre, corner location with access from both sides. There is so much here that words cannot adequately describe! A great summer project!
$385,000
Lot F Fulton Street
Quiet street with just a short walk to the lake, great views of mountains and water, power in and ready for you to develop as you wish ... or simply park your RV. Vacant lots like this are hard to find ... this one is waiting for you!
JUST SOLD … more buyers seeking same!
$180,000
Watson Avenue
Two adjoining lots totaling 75x100’ providing ample room to build a new home while restoring a colorful and historic building, if you chose. No neighbors or roads to the north so lots of privacy.
$225,000
Surprise Lake Road
6 acres along the Spruce Creek with a fabulous meadow surrounded by the woods and the roaring creek, room for several guest cabins if you chose. Main house is 2 story and a main level cozy self contained mother-in-law cottage is perfect for guests. So much potential to expand.
$350,000
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
4th Street
400 sq.ft., one bedroom cabin plus a large workshop on two adjoining 50x100 lots, fully fenced. Quiet location with lots of room for expansion. Great potential for expansion.
$249,000
Historic Rant
This 3 bedroom bungalow appears to have been one of the Eaton catalogue pre-packaged houses, either original or salvaged with what appears to be solid beautiful Douglas Fir wood throughout just begging for restoration. With a fabulous view of the mountains and lake this is big enough for a young family. Plus, within walking distance of all amenities. An adjoining lot perpendicular to this homesite is also available. You could live here while building a dream home on the adjoining lot.
$175,000
Second Street SOLD
100x30 foot lot, sloping between the lake and mountain view. Great central location waiting for you. Develop your new home at your own pace.
$135,000
Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019
Please text or email a message (rather than voice mail) myrnablake1@gmail.com .or myrnablake1@zoleo.com when I am travelling Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
Gary Pumps Ltd.
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
Home Heating Fuel, Bulk Fuel Available
Phone 250-651-7463
Email garypumpsltd@gmail.com
Box 147
Atlin BC V0W 1A0
Office hours – Monday to Friday
8 am – noon
Closed all Statutory Holidays
With thanks, Gary McNeil and Jody Smallwood
Summer store hours
Store/Bakery Open
9am 5pm Mon Friday
39 Lake St, Atlin
Food and Drink Hours Starting June 1 2024
Restaurant-upstairs
Sunday: Soup & Sandwich
Lunch 12-2pm
Dinner 5:30pm-8pm
Monday: Menu
Lunch 12-2pm
Dinner 5:30pm-8pm
Tuesday: Menu Lunch 12-2pm
Dinner 5:30pm-8pm
Wednesday: Menu Lunch 12-2pm
Thursday: Lunch 12-2pm
Friday: Lunch 12-2pm
Saturday: Lunch 12-2pm
Saloon-downstairs
Wednesday: Wings and Chicken Fingers
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Thursday: Cantonese and Margaritas
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Friday: Pizza ect.
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Saturday: Burger and Beverage Special
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Atlin Christian Centre
Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us!
250-691-0128
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
St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE
AVAILABLE
Contact: Alain Vanier
250-651-0037 Reasonable Rates!
Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.
Charles Dickens
Smallwood Enterprises Ltd
We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems. We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, and Snow Removal. Please call (250) 651-2488 or email bobscontracting2020@g mail.com
The next Whisper is Wednesday July 31st
Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm July 28th
Library
Friday and Saturday from 2-4 pm Everyone is Welcome!
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 Dani McNeil and the RCMP Atlin. Delivery by Bobbie Whelan and Gary Hill. Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-867-334-7949 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!