GAZETTE NORTH ISLAND
Publications Mail Agreement No. 391275
46th Year No. 09 THURS., MARCH 1, 2012
EDITORIAL Page 6
LETTERS Page 7
www.northislandgazette.com NORTH ISLAND LIFE Page 11
SPORTS Page 15-16
PAGE 11 Port McNeill figure skating club holds its biannual ice carnival under the big top.
Newsstand $1.25 + HST CLASSIFIEDS Page 17-19
Big Event a smokin’ success, says TV star What was your favourite part of The Big Community Event?
Kristi Walsh: “ That the whole community came out to support Hardy Buoys.”
Brittany Hogan: “There was music, good food and I got to meet Arlene Dickinson.”
Sergio Salas: “I got to meet Clifton Murray.”
Doug Johnson: “The pizza judging.”
CBC star Arlene Dickinson moments after arriving for the Big Community Event that Carol Dirom (r) organized for the new CBC show, the Big Decision. Sandy Grenier photo struggling, but established of non-alcoholic drinks of split the $5,000 prize. Both Mike D’Amour Canadian businesses to offer all types were given free teams donated the money to Gazette staff Port Hardy—In what was advice and maybe even cash to thirsty members of the local charities. The food bank also did arguably the biggest spec- to invest — if certain criteria crowd. In fact, all the food — well and received more than tacle on the North Island are met. In Carol’s case, she worked which included platter after 500-lbs of non-perishable during the past 50 years, the Big Community Event went with Arlene Dickinson and platter of candied, smoked food and $200 donated by off in grand fashion and was tasked organizing and salmon, salmon burgers, folks at the event. The event was vital in hosting a community event pizza and even some Asian without a hitch. determining whether Hardy “I was blown away by that would draw attention to food — was free. As was the entertainment Buoys gets a rejuvenating the turnout — I was over- the North Island. Based on that alone, Hardy that included two local jump start from Dickinson, whelmed by it,” said Carol Dirom, who, with husband Buoys would seem to be a bands, a First Nations’ dance who kept mum on what her display, face-painting and decision will be. Bruce, owns Hardy Buoys shoo-in to win. “I’m still mulling it over “I can’t really say what an appearance by Clifton Smoked Fish Inc. to be honest with you and It’s estimated more than happened,” Carol told the Murray. More than 22 teams I’m not going to play my 2,000 people showed at the Gazette Tuesday. “We don’t have all the entered the Big Flavour Face hand right here,” she said, Port Hardy Civic Centre to take part in the event, which details yet, but it was posi- Off, which saw that number moments before hopping was all part of the CBC show, tive (and) let’s just say Hardy whittled to eight for the final into a car to leave the Civic the Big Decision, that could Buoys will be around for a cook-off, which was won Centre.“But I can tell you by two teams, Tasty Tam’s I’m very appreciative of the save the distressed Hardy while yet.” So will memories of the Pizza, and the Executives — things they did do.” Buoys. Dickinson had high praise The Big Decision uses Big Event where more than a team of ladies sporting stars from its hit show, The 2,000 hot dogs were given Dickinson’s red locks with for the Diroms as well. Bruce and Carol are highly Dragons’ Den, to work with away. As well, thousands the shock of white — which
professional, highly motivated, highly ethical business people and I have appreciated the efforts they made — they’ve done a lot of the things I asked them to do,” she said. “Now I have just have to take closer look at some of the numbers and take a closer look at what the future looks like so I can make my decision.” At the end of the day Sunday, Dickinson said she was blown away by what Carol and the North Island pulled off. “This is an amazing community and you should be proud to live here,” she said. “I have travelled far and wide and have been all around the world and I have never seen the spirit I’ve seen right here in Port Hardy.” But Carol said she wasn’t surprised by the turnout. “There was never a doubt in my mind, I envisioned exactly what I’m seeing right now,” she said from the stage, overlooking the crowd. “There’s never a doubt in my mind that we as a community can do anything when we put our minds to it,” she said. “So, let’s not stop today, keep the momentum going — we’re not the only business on the North Island that has its share of struggles and if we can all help our friends and neighbours we can accomplish a lot.” The Big Decision begins airing in March, and the Hardy Buoys segment airs April 2 and there are plans to put it on the big screen at the Civic Centre. More on that in an upcoming Gazette as details become available. More pics on page 13.
Desiree Conway photos
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