Wednesday November 15th, 2023
The Atlin Whisper “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead
FUNK II The Egress by Paul Lucas This particular night I was part of the audience. We were waiting for the headliner, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot as I recall, to hit the stage, and we were sitting at one of the long tables about half way back. Our drinks had just arrived. There was some sort of ruckus in the aisle, and suddenly a large man with curly red hair and matching beard came barreling down the table top on his belly … fast … sweeping everything in his path off and into the air. Evidently the roll of welded quarters in the fist (one of the tricks every bouncer knows) worked because the glazed look in his eyes suggested this troublemaker was on his way down. Drinks flew willy nilly, and lit cigarettes arc-ed like so many roman candles into the blackness. Everybody within twenty feet of the table got a little something on ’em. We raised our glasses just in time as that Chattanooga Choo Choo of a man slid by, then we slapped them back down and simply continued the conversation. So began another evening at the Egress. — There have been many clubs in Vancouver that featured the Blues, Folk, and Rhythm and Blues, but I suspect the Egress was one of the few designed specifically for that purpose. It was the brainchild of my old pal from the days of my first band John Bottomley, (nicknamed ‘Rackout’ because of his propensity for passing out before the party was over). He was a dreamer and with the Egress he dreamed up a whopper. By the time John hatched his bold plan, all concerned were thoroughly washed in the blood of Blues, R + B and Jazz, so commitment wasn’t a problem. Finding backing, location and connections however, was a different kettle o’ fish. He needed to learn more about the business, so he headed down to San Francisco and L.A. to check out the current blues/folk scene. It was here he met his future partner, Buzz Wright. Buzz was orphaned at an early age and worked on the carnival circuit ending up with Barnum and Bailey. He then worked nightclubs, including both the Boarding House and the Troubadour. He had the connections and had been around the block. If you want to know what’s happening on the ground, pair up with a carnie. Buzzy came north and the two partnered up.
Both the performers and patrons of Blues establishments can be tough customers, so the staff of the Egress needed to be able to take care of business. My old pals Jake (Jim Jacox) and Tony Gauvreau (‘Jackal’ because of his night time prowling tendencies) were part of this crew. After the ruckus at Ramblin’ Jack’s concert, Tony looked around and saw Buzz leaning against the wall with some sort of shit eating grin on his face. Going over to him he said, “What the hell are you doing back here. We needed all the help we could get with that dude.” Buzzy, who seemed to always have a plug of tobacco stuck in his cheek, just smiled and said, “I wanted to see how you chumps would handle yourselves.” When Charles Barkley joined the Phoenix Suns, before their famous run for the NBA title in the nineties, he pulled a similar stunt. At their first practice, as the story goes, there was this intra-squad matchup where he nailed Dan Majerle … hard, and the team got upset. It turned out that it was just Chuck’s way of finding out how quickly the players would come to the aid of their fellow team mates when they were attacked. Buzz Wright, I am guessing, was taking a page out of Barkley’s book that night at the Egress just to see how the staff would react to a situation. They did just fine. --The roster at the Egress was impressive. The first few months alone saw appearances by John Hammond, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee, Albert Collins, Mose Allison, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, Bo Diddley, Larry Coryell, Charles Lloyd and a young Steve Martin. John got a call from Steve Martin one afternoon. He was stuck at the Canadian border. Booked to perform that night, immigration wouldn’t let him through because they thought he was a madman - a perfectly reasonable assumption considering his appearance. You see, Steve had shown up at the booth with a half shaved face - full beard on one side and bugger all on the other. Not a good start. Then, when they opened up his suitcase, they found his toys … you know … the arrow through the head and all the rest of it. So it took a while. But eventually he was sprung to do his show which, that night, involved him egging on the crowd to follow him, like some kind of pied piper, out to the local burger joint for a snack; and later on, flinging open the back doors opening onto the stage to investigate an obnoxious racket coming from the alley. The racket, predictably, ended up being the city sanitation department. Those garbage men, suddenly flooded in light, stood rooted like deer in the headlights, stunned and wondering what the hell was going on. He invited them on stage, but they weren’t going for it. — I ended up being a staff guitarist of sorts for the Egress. Whenever someone came into town and needed a guitar player, I got to jump in - often with the likes of Sugarcane Harris, Bo Diddley and Albert Collins. Albert Collins was, at the time, the current king of Texas Blues, following in the footsteps of Lightin’ Hopkins and T Bone Walker. Occasionally mentors show up right when you need them - angels that change the way you think about everything. Albert was one of mine. I seemed an unlikely candidate for his attention because I was playing straight ahead jazz at the time, but the guidance did not involve genres. It was all about performance.
Night after night, I would stand off to his left, slightly behind him and watch. I had to. There were no rehearsals. It was all cues. But in watching for those cues, I got to see what he did and how he did it. And it was an eye opener. Albert never ‘phoned in’ a performance. He was in the present at all times and he played with attitude. One of the best symbols of that attitude was the way he set up his equipment. First of all, he placed his Fender Quad amplifier, a very loud unit to begin with, on the front of the stage, right beside him - an unusual location as amps are usually placed behind the performer. That amp held four JBL speakers - some of the brightest and most efficient guitar speakers you can buy. Then he set the tone controls on some ungodly combination of full mids and highs so the sound cut like a knife. He combined all that with a ferocious technique and intensity that made his Fender Telecaster howl. His sound pinned you to the back of your chair. What it all said was, “I’m here! Now listen up!” What a lesson. I played with Albert over the period of a year. I went on the road with him whenever he came to the Northwest. Albert was generous with his players, and he would toss me the occasional solo. He would look at me and nod when the time came. But there was something else in that look, and the message was loud and clear: “Did you come to play, mother#$*&^@?” True confessions: I was a mediocre blues player at the beginning of all this. I was playing a lot of notes. Even so, Albert continued to let me off the leash, and I got better. I remember the night in Seattle when I made the cut. After my last note, he turned and looked at me with that comic wide eyed thing he did, and smiled. Everybody who played in that band came away with something. One player in particular, though, stands out. Henry Montoya was Albert’s drummer for a while. He also played guitar. It was evidently his first love because he sought out Albert’s help on becoming a better blues guitarist. He was dead serious and Albert saw that. He became a real mentor and father figure to Henry. Now ‘Coco Montoya,’ is on the road constantly and he’s kicking ass. Albert was a kind and generous man. It was privilege to play with him. — I can’t let this story go without telling a revealing tale about the blues world. It involves Taj Mahal in his early years. Taj played the Egress several times. He is a force of nature. At a special event put on by the club at the Gardens in Vancouver, a number of blues greats were gathered backstage. Muddy Waters, James Cotton, Howlin’ Wolf et al were laughing and trading stories. John, Tony and Jake were chatting with Taj near the stage entrance. Jake said, “Taj, why don’t you go over there and join in?” And he replied, “I can’t do that man. I haven’t paid my dues yet. I haven’t played the chitlin circuit. I need to be invited over.” Anybody who thinks the Blues is not serious business needs to think again.
‘A GUITAR PLAYER ON THE YUKON BORDER’ is available at local bookstores and Amazon.com
Kevin Louis Kitchenham June 30, 1951-October 10, 2023
Peacefully died at the home of his sister, after a very brief but courageous fight with lung cancer. Kevin is survived by his brother, Kerry Kitchenham of Paisley, ON, his sister, Aly Weitzel (Mike) of London, ON and his nephews Cameron Whyte and Curtis Hebb. Cremation has taken place and his ashes spread in a childhood park Kevin used to play in as a child in Ontario. Kevin and his quiet gentle nature will truly be missed by many, especially the community of Atlin.
Message from the Atlin community representative on the G2G Forum. The G2GF oversees several Joint Initiative (JI) Working Groups, each of which address important issues on the land base, including mining and mineral exploration, protected areas, fish and wildlife management, as well as research and monitoring. In regards to my previous comments regarding the Presentation that Andrea Scarth made at the Forum re AHEP we received an answer to the question about decommissioning/reclamation work done in case the project does not go ahead: land tenure documents for a Licence of Occupation typically contain clauses relating to termination of the Agreement. These include a clause requiring that the tenure holder restore the surface of the Land as nearly as may be reasonably be possible, to the condition that the Land was in at the time it originally began to be used for the purposes described in the agreement. There are also requirements relating to removing Improvements. The discussion about how to get the information out to the Atlin Community is ongoing. 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. Please send me your questions or issues relating to the scope of the G2G by emailing infoatling2g@gmail.com Åsa Berg
Atlin Historical Society is holding its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at 5:30 pm (BC Time) at 6:30 pm (Yukon Time) at the Atlin Rec centre (in the meeting room upstairs). AHS Board Elections President’s report Financial report
All welcome!
Land Act: Notice of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited from Atlin, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests (FOR), Smithers, for a Licence of Occupation for Aggregates/ Quarrying situated on Provincial Crown land located in the vicinity of Pine Creek. The Lands File for this application is 6409445. Please visit the website at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ to view the application and submit comments online. Alternatively, written comments can be directed to the Senior Authorizations Specialist, FOR, at Bag 5000 – 3726 Alfred Ave, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0. Comments will be received by FOR up to November 25, 2023. FOR may not be able to consider comments received after this date.
Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact the Freedom of Information Advisor at Ministry of Forests’ Office in Smithers.
LANDFILL *WINTER DAYS* *Effective – Sunday, November 5, 2023* SUNDAY & MONDAY 11 AM - 4 PM … PST
CLOSED at temperatures -28 C & below ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLOSED ON ALL BC STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
Remembrance Day (Saturday) - Open Nov 12, 13 Christmas - Closed Monday, Dec 25th …… Open Dec 24, 26 New Year - Closed Monday, Jan 1st …… Open Dec 31, Jan 2 Family Day - Closed Monday, Feb 19th …. Open Feb 18, 20 Easter (Good Friday) - Open Mar 31, April 1 Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District
Canada
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE
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 storey and a main level cozy self contained mother-in-law cottage is perfect for guests. So much potential to expand. $350,000 Watson Avenue Two adjoining lots totalling 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 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 43.6 Beautifully maintained, inside and out, this cosy two bedroom home is so private featuring a second cottage with sleeping loft (often used as a B&B), a third cabin for guests, great garage/workshop, plus various other craft/workshops and fencing. Mountain views in every direction plus a short walk to Atlin Lake sandy beaches. Just waiting for you! Viewing by appointment ONLY. $597,000 Pearl Street 1700 sq.ft. historical building suited for combination comfortable living plus retail. Living room, kitchen, two bedroom and huge third room to adapt to your needs! Recent extensive foundation and roof restoration plus interior renovations utilizing the original wood and fixtures. This is the original Atlin and your opportunity! $395,000 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 Warm Bay Road This gem is off grid, well maintained and absolutely the perfect retreat. Two bedrooms, large open dining/living room, galley kitchen and spacious pantry. Storage in walk out cellar plus numerous out buildings. Bonus is a warm spring flowing through year around! $230,000 Second Street 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
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 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MENU Daily and always available: Coffee, Fresh Made Sandwiches & Bakery Pastries All items OVEN baked ~ not deep fried Monday 9:30-5:00
Tuesday 9:30-5:00
Wednesday 9:30-5:00
Thursday 9:305:00
Fresh made sandwiches and pastries.
Chicken, Beef or Veggie, Cheese, Loaded Nachos. Starts at 11am until sold out. Small $14 Large $25 Roasted Whole Chicken. Starts at 3:30 until sold out. $20-$25
Wings hot and ready to go. Sold by the pound. Starts at 11am until sold out. $21.99 per pound All variety of sauces available. Choice of naked or breaded
Roasted Whole Chicken.
Friday 9:30-5:00
Saturday 9:30-5:00
Sunday Closed
Fried Chicken Dinner with Potato Wedges and choice of Salad. Starts at 11am until sold out.
Pizza Day. All in house made fresh. Starts at 11am until sold out. $ 18 - $43
Shani’s Rest Day
2, 4, 8 piece or 12 piece Family Bucket w/potato side and choice of salad. Price for 2 - $ 12 Price for 4 - $ 21 Price for 8 - $ 37.50 Family Bucket $ 65
Pizza by the slice while supplies last $7
Starts at 3:30 until sold out. $20-$25
*Pre-order meals by 4pm the day before – Roast Chicken, Roast Beef, Pork Ribs * Available Tues, Wed, Friday, Saturday
~Catering, Donut, Pizza available any day when booked 48 hours in advance~
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“One Billion Girls” Each and ev’ry day… one billion girls on planet Earth look for, pray for their heartfelt dream of living life with a worthy future.
When their elders want this for them too their hearts fill with joy for being valued, for being nourished, for being cherished.
Then and only then… one billion girls will feel uplifted knowing their best days are on the way. Nothing else could make them happier. Jeff Salmon
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 and Bulk Oil Available
Atlin Mountain Inn FALL Food Hours (Sept 15-Dec 1st) Sunday: Restaurant: Dinner 6pm-8:00pm Monday: Restaurant: Dinner 6pm-8:00pm Tuesday: Restaurant: Dinner 6pm-8:00pm Wednesday: Restaurant: 6pm-8:00pm Thursday: Restaurant Closed Friday: Restaurant: Dinner 6pm-8:00pm Saloon: Open 5pm to close-Pizza 5-8pm
Phone 250-651-7463 Email garypumpsltd@gmail.com Mailing address is Box 147, Atlin BC V0W 1A0 Office hours – Monday to Friday 8 am – noon With thanks, Gary McNeil and Jody Smallwood
Saturday: Restaurant: Dinner 6pm-8:00pm Saloon: Open 5pm to close Every Day!! Self-serve cafeteria in the restaurant 8am-8pm
Atlin Pet Care 287 Tatlow Street
Your pets home away from home!
Winter store hours (Starting Sept 20) Please take note that we will be closing on Sundays Monday - Friday 9:30am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday Closed Also closed on all Statutory holidays. Will operate on MST this Fall/Winter. ~Weekly freight truck run on Mondays and freight runs available upon request~
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
Atlin Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us!
St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday
forgetting what
250-691-0128
Everyone welcome!
receives.
Friendship consists in one gives and remembering what one
Sewing Machine Cleaning, Repair, & Setup Terry 250 651-7769
Alexandre Dumas
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
Atlin Community Library Due to the Courthouse repositioning, will be closed from August 13th onward. Reopening date unknown, but watch for announcements.”
The next Whisper is Wednesday November 29th Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm November 26th 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!