Wednesday November 24th, 2021
The Atlin Whisper “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead
Free Book Of The Month Free Book of the Month (December) All Creatures Great and Small by James Harriot The classic multimillion copy bestseller Delve into the magical, unforgettable world of James Herriot, the world's most beloved veterinarian, and his menagerie of heartwarming, funny, and tragic animal patients. For over forty years, generations of readers have thrilled to Herriot's marvelous tales, deep love of life, and extraordinary storytelling abilities. For decades, Herriot roamed the remote, beautiful Yorkshire Dales, treating every patient that came his way from smallest to largest, and observing animals and humans alike with his keen, loving eye. This is a wonderful family read.
Public commenting on the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project is now open online: https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/applications?id=6 179d2306f02d10023773305#details Please make your voice known
Visit your local Atlin Library on Fridays from 2:00 - 4:00 to enter the draw. There will be 18 winners. Winners will be announced then end of December. Sponsored by Decoda Solutions (Literacy Now)
Atlin Whisper Article We have an opportunity to comment until the end of December on the hydro project proposed by THELP (Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership). The project called AHEP (Atlin Hydroelectric Expansion Project) is still in the proposal stage. It has been created to sell energy exclusively to the Yukon to help reduce their need to burn diesel in the winter months. It would supply 8.5 MW of electricity for 6 or 7 months during the winter. The project will cost at today’s prices $200 million. We need to understand what this project entails before we can comment so this is a brief outline. Surprise Lake will be turned into a reservoir by artificially raising it 2 meters (6 feet) in the summer. This will flood grayling spawning areas and beaches and kill the vegetation but the company intends to create new spawning areas and cut down the dead trees. Then in the winter the level of the lake will drop 2 meters. From Surprise Lake the water will be carried by a series of power canals to feed 2 Francis turbines located in the vicinity of our town generator station. Spruce Creek will be diverted into this system to increase the flow of water. These turbines will produce a total of 5.7 MW. Because of the water diversion, Pine Creek Falls will have 50% less water than at its lowest water level. The company realizes this is will change the appearance but “THEL recognizes that this is subjective.” From the upper turbines a Right of Way (ROW) will be built to supply water to the lower turbine located on Warm Bay Road. This ROW will be 25 meters wide and 3.2 km long. The ROW will carry the buried pipes, transmission line and a service road. It will parallel Pine Creek and pass through the subdivisions on both sides of the creek. To minimize the impact to property owners the extensive bedrock in the area will be jack hammered instead of blasted where possible. Unfortunately, part of the Pine Creek Trail and the Pine Creek Campground will have to be eliminated. The flow in lower Pine Creek will be only 10% since 90% of the water will have been diverted. This will severely compromise the wetlands but the company assures us that the die off might give rise to new vegetation that could have even better browsing opportunities. The lower Francis turbine will be located on Warm Bay Road across from the residences on Monarch Mountain. It will produce 2.8 MW. To help minimize the noise from the industrial cooling fans, they will be directed over the wetlands and all attempts will be made to reduce noise levels coming from the power station. A tailrace leaving the turbine will bisect Pine Creek Flats and the wetlands. It will be comprised of a dike and a service road and enter Atlin Lake just north of the Pine Creek Beach. THELP feels this may actually help prevent the erosion of the beach area. B.C. Government is taking comments on this project until the 24 of December. You can email them at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/applications?id=6179d2306f02d10023773305#details Christine Ziegler lands.engagement@gov.trtfn.com Also contact Yukon Energy and Yukon Government with your comments.
BRAD THAYER Bradley (Brad) Knowlton Thayer,76. died suddenly at home in Toquerville, Utah on September 9, 2021. Born in Seattle, Washington on March 26, 1945.he spent his formative years in the Oroville-Tonasket, Washington area where his parents farmed apples. He graduated Oroville High School in 1963, spent some time in college and was drafted into the US Army in 1966, spending that time in California at the Presidio in San Francisco and in Heidelberg, Germany. Brad married Diana Chard of Placerville, California, June 22,1968. They bought and farmed their own orchard in Oroville and later Brad fulfilled his dream of establishing an orchard from virgin land near Wanapum Dam above the Columbia River. They retired 22 years later. Brad was an avowed atheist. He prided himself on doing individualistic things in his life. He was a good conversationalist and enjoyed a good debate. He was also a good listener and remembered what people had told him about their lives. Through the years, Brad became good at remodeling, and especially enjoyed milling distinctive molding to put in the family's homes. He appreciated history with an emphasis on World Wars I and II and the U.S. American Civil War. He utilized the Washington State area, from his youth, backpacking, hunting, and skiing. Traveling to new places was done throughout Brad's life, whenever and wherever he could. In the farming years, there were overseas trips and family backpacking outings. After retirement, Brad and his wife drove around North America in a camper van until discovering Atlin, B.C, Canada. Summers in Atlin included remodeling, boating, hiking, kayaking, trail making and photographing the wonders of nature. Many good and lasting friendships were established there. Winters were spent in the Red Rock Country of Utah and Arizona. Brad is survived by Diana, his wife of 53 years, daughter Tanya and grandchildren Bethany and Sebastian, all of Nelson B.C, Canada. He is also survived by his brothers Terry of Oroville, Washington and Greg of Leavenworth, Washington, their wives, children and grandchildren. Brad was preceded in death by his parents Mildred and Pete Thayer.
“To Have and Behold” The inside of my home is cozy and welcoming with possessions collected over a lifetime. A snuggly, comfy chair and old-fashioned sofa each draped with a quilt made by a friend, stained-glass lamp shades, a cherry-wood desk and a rare, ornate hand-carved church pew. On the shelves are a host of books and photos of family and friends, and on the walls artwork prints by Maudie Lewis of NS and Ted Harrison of YT. A closer look will reveal some items are weathered, as am I, and yet stand the test of time fairly well. All this adds up to being surrounded by the warmth of sweet memories in a comfortable setting, and as I walk in the door, my home greets me with a hug. How could anyone want for more? Jeff Salmon
Bohemian Waxwings The waxwings sweep in through the swirling snow, Attack the bountiful berries of the rowan. The berries have fermented. The birds are partying. Two hundred fluttering wings shiver the tree. Two late robins join the party. Their cohort has long gone south These waited for the right vintage. Magpies join the bacchanal They scorned the berries earlier. Party crashers. Power of suggestion.
A pair of hulking ravens flare in like thunderclouds, Swaying precarious on the tiny twigs, They ignored the berries all fall. The waxwings caught their lofty attention. The tree is almost stripped. The birds are happier now. Avian crapulence tomorrow. -by Wayne Merry
THE OZONE RANGERS Fun in the Land of the Midnight Sun “Oh, I’ve been working on the railroad … ” I sang as I toiled, “… all the live long day” And in the land of the midnight sun, that turned out to be a very long day indeed. Building with log is heavy work, especially when you’re on your own. I peeled, I hauled, I sawed, I notched. I fell off this, busted that, lost this, borrowed that. It was a humbling experience. To balance out all this nasty manual labour, many of us work-weary builders would gather in various wall tents of an evening to party and play music. Ahh, the wall tent - staple of the north - quickly erected, efficient accommodation for those involved in ‘more important tasks,’ - tasks such as exploration, fishing, hunting and, yes, building a structure permanent enough so that you wouldn’t have to live in the damn wall tent for the winter. The thing that separates a wall tent from just a ‘tent,’ is the floor and partial wall. It’s the one thing that takes time to build. Once that’s done, the rest of the frame goes up quickly. Attach a door, or anything that might pass for one, toss over the canvas tent, and you’re done ... well ... more or less. You need heat. But the heat source is one that has been around forever - the tin airtight an item that becomes of importance in a subsequent tale. In any event, while they built, the wall tent was the first choice in accommodation for most folks. Except for me, that is. My shelter was made out of sticks, plastic tarps and garbage bags, giving me great incentive to build something that had a real roof. Hilbo and Hart’s tent, on the other hand was deluxe. It had a real door, tables and chairs, a stove, a sink of sorts, and an outhouse. As a result, it became the centre of all the musical activity.
Hilary Craig played Scruggs style banjo, Ilene Hart played flute, Dave Stecker, Howard Damron and Phil Langevin played various combinations of guitar and mandolin, and everybody sang. It was acoustic music – bluegrass, old country, rockabilly and gospel, and these folks could play. By the end of the summer, we were thicker than thieves. We even had a handle - the ‘Ozone Rangers’ – a name bestowed upon us by our pal Jeff McPherson. And it was pretty well on the money.
This was my new family. We played, built, drank, sang and laughed together. We laughed until our guts ached. We laughed, in some sense, because we knew we had escaped – escaped from what now looked like a mindless, restricted life in the mainstream. Not that it came up much. It was just an understanding - a feeling that everyone shared. A feeling like taking off a tight pair of underwear. --The summer drifted into fall and the work on the cabin continued. The walls rose a round at a time. Rafters were added and the roof went up, then I got to work laying the asphalt roofing. It was September now. It was starting to get chilly, and the asphalt had a tendency to crack when unrolled and applied. Fact is, I was starting to run out of time. The winter was approaching fast and I knew I had to pick up the pace if I was to get the job finished before the first snowfall. The floor joists were next, then the laying of the floor. Finally, it was time to add a door and windows. The windows, as it turned out, ended up being a special affair. My job at Border Lake involved several trips to Tulsequah - a defunct mine sight complete with a miniature town near the confluence of the Taku and Tulsequah rivers. The town was more or less an airstrip with buildings lining both sides of the runway - buildings that ranged from warehouses to residences to a cookshack and bar. The place had everything, including a bowling alley! ... and it was built to last ... with quality building materials and old school expertise. As a result, companies needing building supplies for camps often scavenged them from Tulsequah. Atlin, at one point, managed to get in on the bounty after several loads were brought out by DC3 and made available to the residents at a great price. I was lucky enough to grab two huge small-pane windows from one of those batches. They ended up, with a little modification, gracing the front and north walls of the cabin. Those windows are beautiful, with frames constructed of straight grained fir without a knot in it; built in the old style, with putty and glazing diamonds. What a coup. --Then one day, all of a sudden, the job was done, and I found once there was nothing but a clearing. Freshly peeled logs shone in the sunlight, brand new asphalt adorned the roof and, if you stood at just the right angle, you could see the reflection of Atlin Mountain framed perfectly in the classic front window. I was brown from head to toe and every muscle ached from working ‘round the clock, but I was grinning from ear to ear. Many of us had finished building that very same week, and a fine old party was planned to celebrate. I don’t remember much about it. I was so exhausted, I spent most of my time snoring in the easy chair by the stove. I wasn’t the only one.
45 Lessons Life has taught me. By 90 year old Regina Brett 1 Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. 2 When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3 Life is too short…enjoy it. 4 Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. 5 Pay off your credit cards every month. 6 You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself. 7 Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone. 8 It’s okay to get angry with God. He can take it. 9 Save for retirement starting with your first pay check. 10 When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 11 Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present. 12 It’s okay to let your children see you cry. 13 Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 14 If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it. 15 Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don’t worry, God never blinks. 16 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 17 Get rid of anything that isn’t useful. Clutters weights you down in many ways. 18 Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger. 19 It’s never to late to be happy. But it’s up to you and no one else. 20 When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer. 21 Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 22 Over prepare, then go with the flow. 23 Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple. 24 The most important sex organ is the brain. 25 No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 26 Frame every so-called disaster with these words: In five years, will this matter? 27 Always choose life. 28 Forgive. 29 What other people think of you is none of your business. 30 Time heals almost everything. Give time time. 31 However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 32 Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 33 Believe in miracles. 34 God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do. 35 Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 36 Growing old beats the alternative of dying young. 37 Your children get only one childhood. 38 All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 39 Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 40 If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we grab ours back. 41 Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you think you need. 42 The best is yet to come…. 43 No matter how you feel, get up, get dressed and show up. 44 Yield 45 Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it is still a gift. Sent in by Bobbie Whelan
Sunday Movies At the Globe Theater Continue on through the winter months I will not be posting current posters for the next couple There is however a great selection and variety picked out. Email or Face Book message if you have questions Facebook:@ExploreAtlin Email: exploreatlinsales@gmail.com
Doors open 6:30, Movie Starts 7:00
Chrissy Vanhorn (867)-333-9965 ChrissyVanhorn.Arbonne.com Chrissy.Vanhorn2@gmail.com Arbonne is a vegan, gluten-free, earth friendly and cruelty free company. We provide skincare, haircare, nutrition, makeup and body care, without the use of harsh chemicals! I love to help people feel better so feel free to email, text or call me!
HO! HO! HO! 10% Christmas Discount On all of Bill Wallis’ wood burnings and oils. Check out this great Christmas gift opportunity! All art pieces are displayed at the Atlin Inn.
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE
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 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 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 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. Was lived in year around for many years with well established raised garden beds. Possible to be totally self sufficient in this hide away! Truly unique with perfection evident throughout! $350,000 SOLD 2nd Street Stunning custom built home featuring fabulous open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, 2 bedrooms, full bath, a lift that takes you to the lower level with pantry, storage and a 16’x28’ heated shop with 10’ ceilings. R40 walls, R60 ceiling! Soffit has been completed and heated floors installed in the spacious bathroom! Private location with guest cabin included. Cross country ski trail out your door! $295,000 SOLD Third Street 2 bedroom, bright home on a quiet 75x100 lot with a 24x40’ shop with 12’ ceilings. Some updating needed but most rooms are 15’+. Major foundation and roof work already done. $189,900 SOLD 3rd Street Gold rush cabin on 33x100 lot plus a storage shed, right downtown. $59,700. SOLD $62,000 Warm Bay Road 12.4 acres with great mountain views, log home, several outbuildings and shop. Well on site. Off grid. Two titled lots. $195,000 SOLD for full price Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019 Leave message via text or email myrnablake1@gmail.com Next visit November 26 and 27 Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
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 Summer Office hours – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 8 am - noon With thanks, Dana and Mary Hammond
HELP WANTED Driver - Class 3 with Air Brakes To do Water Delivery and Septic Pump outs for the community. Monday – Friday hours Wage Negotiable Potential for Year Round Employment APPLY TO DANA OR MARY AT 250-651-7463 GRIZZLYHOMESERVICES@GMAIL.COM OR STOP BY THE SHOP
COUNSELLOR KATIE ISRAEL @ BIG WATER SOCIETY Do you experience mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, substance use and addiction? Maybe you are at a crossroads and feel stuck? Come and let’s join hands in creating new pathways to increase wellness and inner peace.
CONTACT: bwscounsellor@bigwatersociety.org Office: (250)651-2189 Cell: (867) 334-9524 Mondays and Wednesdays
Sincerely Yours General Store & Canada Post Location OPEN
Mountain Shack Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C.
EAT IN OR TAKE OUT 250-651-7789
Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm Closed for lunch 12:30 – 1:30 CLOSED weekends and Statutory Holidays
Atlin Lot for Sale
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 Marj Holman 250-651-7758
Custom Fish Art- Fiberglas and Wood GARY HILL’S FISH ART
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
Atlin Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Services Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us! (778) 721-0710
Downtown Atlin Right beside The Gold Claim (Jessica’s café) On 6th street across from the Rec Centre • 50’wide x 100’deep • flat level gravel pad • Clear of any obstructions • Room for parking along 50’ frontage • Great site for business or home REDUCED from $90,000 to $75,000 Contact: Elissa Miskey atlinwellness@gmail.com Message: 604-265-5700
GARY HILL’S – CUSTOM, FISH REPRODUCTIONS PHONE 250 651 7553 EMAIL – garyphill59@gmail.com
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE AVAILABLE Contact: Alain Vanier 250-651-0037
Reasonable Rates!
7 MONARCH Drive – ATLIN – BC. V0W 1A0 WEB SITE – http://gary-hill.com
St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!
As long as one can admire and
Sewing Machine
young forever.
Cleaning, Repair, & Setup
Pablo Casals
Terry 250 651-7769
love, then one is
SHORT TERM RENTAL Short term rental available: December to January 31st OR December 15th to January 31st Contact Rhoda @ Dancing Aspens 651-7668
Bob’s Contracting & Services 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 Open Every
Friday and Saturday 2-4p.m.
Everyone Welcome
The next Whisper is Wednesday December 8th Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm Yukon time December 5th. 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!