Wednesday May 25th, 2022
The Atlin Whisper “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead
BANDS - (Part 2) The Jerome Bishop Band - Our First Kick at the Cat Vancouver,1965. In the early days, we mix and mingle with potential playing partners, and it’s all very exciting, but when that first real band comes together, it’s a revelation. And that first R + B band of ours was no exception. That little band was good. And dedicated. All of us, Jake (Jim Jacox - drums), Dawes (Bruce Dawes - organ), Woody (Ron Woodson - bass), Willy (Bob Willy - vocals) and myself (guitar), loved Rhythm and Blues - James Brown in particular. And that’s what we played. Over several months, we had put together a show of sorts - one we were always trying to improve. Thing is, much of what we needed was equipment - good enough instruments, quality amplifiers, a proper sound system and the like. Our most recent concern seemed to be the lack of proper illumination. Most of the places we played had poor stage lighting and, damn it, we were an R+B show band. We needed to be seen. We needed lights! As I tended to be the Gyro Gearloose of the bunch, I got elected to work on the project. We were working on a shoestring. In fact, the entire budget went to buying eight sockets for the bulbs and a roll of lamp cord. The rest, the lights themselves, the bases and the plug had to be scavenged from somewhere. One of those somewheres ended up being my long-suffering father’s workshop. That man had to endure my mucking around in that little shed for my entire youth. Many times I would hear him crashing around in there looking for something or other, then stopping and breathing a long sigh as he realized its likely fate. “Hey, I am missing a two by four. You wouldn’t know anything about that would ya?” “Ummm … well … I was looking for something to make a pair of stilts with, and I couldn’t find any two by twos, so I thought I would borrow that two by four and saw it down the middle.” Then the look. “Borrow it?” And the dance.
“Uh … yeah ... it sure took a long time with that old crosscut saw though. Where’s that rip saw, the one with the …” But he’s seen this song and dance before. “Never mind,” he interjects, shaking an exasperated head. How many times have I told you not to cut up stuff without asking me first?“ “Uh ... yeah ... sorry. I promise. Next time.” Poor man. Anyway, a few pieces of ‘borrowed’ plywood and one wall plug later, we were on our way. All we needed were the spotlights themselves, and Jake and I had already hatched a plan to acquire those. Larcenous little buggers that we were, we had decided to liberate eight floodlights from one of the muck-a-muck properties in the Capilano highlands. It was Christmas, and the houses were lit up like Disneyland. Surely those folks didn’t need every single one of those floodlights did they? So one evening, crawling on our bellies like snakes through a particularly palatial front yard, we proceeded to unscrew eight bulbs in quick succession while our unwitting patron sat in his front window reading the newspaper. Every now and then his head would come out of the sports section as those lights went out one by one, and he would peer out over the garden with a puzzled look on his face. He was probably calculating the statistical likelihood of so many bulbs going south on him in such a short period of time. Still, he didn’t seem bothered enough to investigate, and we were happy to leave him in his reverie. --With all the components assembled on the workbench, I got busy - drilling holes, securing light sockets, and connecting wires. When I finally plugged in that jury-rigged line cord, I was thrilled to see the whole kit and kaboodle come to life. It was bright, and it was colourful. ’Wow,’ I thought, ‘that works just fine.’ Now at that moment, I should have just gathered the whole thing up and hauled it over to Jake’s house to give it a trial run ... but no. Evidently I had to find some way to make something simple into something complicated. It’s a failing, but there it is. Somewhere in my gene pool the rebel met the tinkerer and that was that. So I had to ask the question: ‘Is there any way I can make these things flash on and off? ... you know ... for intros, endings and such. I wonder ...‘ You’ve already met Woody. It”s now time for you to meet Bruce Dawes, perhaps the bravest member of the group. Bruce was our keyboard player. He was, without doubt, the most experienced of the five, having already played piano in a working dance band. His instrument of choice at the moment was the Hohner organ - a well built unit that had an entirely metal case protecting its innards - a fact that will become germane shortly.
As the top of the organ was the only flat surface available, we chose Bruce to operate the control switches for the new lights, along with a little device that allowed them to flash when engaged - the device born that morning on the workbench - a device that turned out to be death defying. The thing consisted of an old turntable motor with a slightly bent 1 1/2 inch washer soldered to the shaft. When the shaft rotated, it spun the washer, which intermittently contacted electrical ‘brushes’ - two bare lamp chord wires hanging precariously above its surface, that allowed current to flow and the lights to flash. There was no box for it, and the thing was a light show unto itself. Especially in the dark. Unfazed, Bruce operated the hair raising contraption without breaking a sweat, even though he knew that the metal case of the organ meant he was always just seconds away from electrocution. Like I say, the bravest of the crew. — Of the bunch, though, Bob Willey (vocals) was the undisputed star of the show. He sang James Brown like it should be sung. And he danced - slid across the stage on one foot, screamed and dropped to his knees. He was a real showman. I’ve run across heroes. Not many, but enough to know what they look like. Polio ran in Willey’s family, and his legs were bent out of shape. I don’t know what fierce spirit resided in that body, but it was something to see when it reared its head. Bob was not to be denied. He was going to sing Brown by God, and dance too, and that was that. Fact is, after the first few seconds of unwillingness to believe that a feat like that was even possible, any physical limitations Willey had were promptly forgotten. All the audience saw was a great entertainer doing his job. At the time, we had no idea what kind of drive and commitment was necessary to pull something like that off. It was simply beyond our ken. Not so much now. Bob Willey was the heart and soul of that band, and it was a privilege to share a stage with him. A Reunion - Mid 80’s
Bob Willey, Tony Gauvreau, Jim Jacox, Me, Penny Dawes, Bruce Dawes, Bob Hutchings I had breakfast with Jim Jacox yesterday. He ordered the same special he did 50 years ago. Some things never change. That’s how it is with bands.
ATTENTION CHANGES within the Atlin Volunteer Fire Department The Emergency Fire Phone will remain the same 250-651-7666 Fire emergency calls will be transferred to DISPATCH in Whitehorse INFORMATION NEEDED WHEN YOU CALL: - Community you are calling from: (Atlin) - Address of incident (Street & house number) - Your name and call back phone number - Any other pertinent information (house or chimney fire - forest fire – land description)
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
July 4th-8th Ages: Kindergarten – Grade 4 Time: 9-11:30 a.m. Place: Christian Centre Contact for Registration: Lynne 250-651-7861 Laura 250-651-7816 Bible Stories Games Crafts Snacks Songs
Annette Giesbrecht, Trustee Atlin Community Improvement District PO Box 388, Atlin, BC V0W 1A0 250-651-7582 atlincid@gmail.com
Thank You. A big thank you to the Atlin Volunteer Fire Department, Atlin Ambulance Service, Taku River Tlingit Water and LDM for their speedy response and hard work for coming out and fighting the fire at Red Bluff. And again, thank you so much to everyone involved. We apologize if we have omitted anyone we should be thanking. We would also like to remind people just how quickly a fire can spread if you aren’t mindful of your surroundings and practise common sense while camping… Annabelle Jewell, Pat Thompson, Wayne Dear and Dave Cahlnan.
WANTED Looking for indoor and outdoor furniture and decorations. Best if it is antique look or original. Please call me at 250-6512111 Amélie Remon, the local chocolatier.
LANDFILL SPRING/SUMMER HOURS *Effective – Saturday April 23rd, 2022* SATURDAY-MONDAY CLOSED ON ALL BC STATUTORY HOLIDAYS Victoria Day - Closed Monday, May 23rd ….…. Open May 21, 22, 24 Canada Day - Closed Friday, July 1st …… Open July 2, 3, 4 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
WANTED I am looking to buy a 1974-1979 Ford pickup with a decent cab. It does not have to be in driving condition. Phone number 867 322 1105. Email Chris.stubbins2019@gmail.com
HOURS 11 AM - 4 PM Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District
Mountain Shack Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C.
EAT IN OR TAKE OUT 250-651-7789
WANTED The Atlin Historical Society is looking for donations of tea pots. Please contact Mary at Grizzly Home Services 250-651-7463 If you can help.
Spring Cleaning at the BC Parks and COS compound! We have several items to give away - they are older but still functional and looking for a good home!. As there is currently no Share Shed at the dump, these items will be outside at the Compound at 246 McBride Blvd from 10:00 to 18:00 on May 28th ONLY. Whatever is left, we will bring to the dump the next day. It will be first come first serve pickups only, no holds. There will be: -4 studded winter tires (LT245/70R17) -2 old coolers -Large metal framed backpack -Office chair -Snowmobile seat -Large corner desk (unassembled) -4 older Mustang life jackets BC Parks and COS. Emma Upton Atlin-Tatshenshini Area Supervisor BC Parks Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Northern Region Office 250-651-0111 Cell 867-689-5755 Email: Emma.Upton@gov.bc.ca
“Remember When” Remember when you were a child you believed… Magicians did the impossible, Superheroes really existed, Your dolls and stuffed animals were real, Good always triumphed, Adults always protected children.
Which friends would be in your class. What treat your mom had for you after school, Which neighborhood friends were available
Remember when you were young you were told…
What presents you’d get on your birthday, The last day of school.
Come home in time for dinner, Wash your hands before you eat, Eat everything on your plate, Make sure you do your homework, Listen to your mother. Remember when you couldn’t wait to see…
to play.
Remember when… Jeff Salmon
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE Fourth of July Basic lake side cabin, 3 bedrooms, lots of big windows, hidden in the trees, on .544 acres, leased lot until 2042. 3 Very private! $97,000 Hidden Heaven! 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 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 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 Coming Soon This gem is off grid, well maintained and absolutely the perfect retreat. 2 bedrooms, spacious living area and kitchen with pantry. Several outbuildings and a natural spring running through. Hopefully should soon be available for viewing. 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 Next visit May 27 & 28 Leave message via text or email myrnablake1@gmail.com
Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
The Time
Another Narrative
Now is the time
God is Love
To open our hearts, and love
You are beautiful
To open our minds, and expand
You are Loved
The Ostrich
The Beast
Too much information, too many choices Lots of cool dark sand The Sheeple Yes, the label is insulting But the liberating thing is We choose the group with which we belong
The Beast May have horns And nasty sharp claws And it may breathe smoke But it also has eyes And eyes are always soft And when we stand firm
The Boy
And look deep within those searing eyes
The boy who cried wolf
And we stand in our strength
After a couple false alarms Avoids the wrath of his people And does not cry out when he sees a shape Hoping that the shadows hide only a local dog. But, this time it is indeed a wolf And the sheep disappear One by one The Meek And the meek shall inherit the earth And the overlords know it And thus they scramble and make haste Headed for Agenda 2030 But it’s a little too late for the slave-drivers The capstone has yet to be erected And the slaves are wandering in the desert Headed for the Promised Land One Narrative God does not exist You are weak and fearful You need the state to save you
And we stand in our truth And we stand in our power And we admit that we are frightened Yet not immobilized by our fear It is then that the beast falters As it does not know what to do With someone who stands their ground And finds their power within The Time Now is the time To pray whole-heartedly, and believe -
Stephen Badhwar, May 2022
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
Smallwood Enterprises Ltd
GARY HILL’S – CUSTOM, FISH REPRODUCTIONS PHONE 250 651 7553 EMAIL – garyphill59@gmail.com
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
7 MONARCH Drive – ATLIN – BC. V0W 1A0 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
St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!
The Seed One seed is all it takes To start anew To plant afresh To rebuild our
Sewing Machine Cleaning, Repair, & Setup Terry 250 651-7769
Garden Stephen Badhwar
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE AVAILABLE Contact: Alain Vanier 250-651-0037
Reasonable Rates!
If you're not supposed to eat at night, why is there a light bulb in the refrigerator?
Atlin Community Library Open Every
Friday and Saturday 2-4p.m.
Everyone Welcome
The next Whisper is Wednesday June 8th Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm June 5th 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; Ink costs courtesy of Literacy Now. 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!