‘Weird pants’ erode pomp BY LYNN MCCANN
D
uring the 18 years we raised our grandchildren, we enjoyed one two-week period of peace and relative tranquility. For the first week, tenyear-old Amanda was away at Moorecroft, the United Church camp at Nanoose, while little Tony, aged 11, stayed home. The following week, Tony was at camp while Amanda was home with us in Powell River. The switchover weekend was the highlight of both their young lives. Due to a medical appointment in Vancouver, we did the circle tour to get to the camp. The switch of children was made and we enjoyed a delightfully dull trip to Little River. The ticket taker informed us that we would be parked beside the Lieutenant Governor, Iona Campagnolo’s official car. Well.... how about that! As soon as we parked, I made a dash for the biffy and as I was returning in a more leisurely fashion, Amanda leaned out the van’s passenger window and started hollering. “Hey Grandma.... (pointing to the kilt clad chauffeur standing next to his car right beside her) that guy is wearing a skirt!!! And.... he’s got a knife in his sock!!!! Grandma, Grandma... do you see the other guy’s pants?? They are sooooo weird!!!!” She had the complete attention of everyone in the lineup... including Mrs. Campagnolo, who was sitting in the car trying to keep a straight face. I quickly closed the gap between us, hoping Amanda would lower her voice accordingly. No chance! “No kidding Grandma... that guy’s got a really big knife hiding in his sock!!! Why’s he got a knife in his sock???” “I don’t know Amanda. If I wanted to know the answer to that, I’d ask the guy with the knife!” By this time, Mrs. Campagnolo was out of the car and standing beside the van giggling as Amanda was looking at the chauffeur in consternation, and he was trying to look nonchalant. Before Amanda could get her answer, over the parking lot loudspeaker, the offical party was invited to please board the ferry. They all scurried into their car and drove off, with Mrs. Campagnolo doubled over laughing in the back seat. Once we all boarded the ferry, Amanda, who was normally very shy and never spoke to strangers, and the Lieutenant Governor got together once more and soon were head to head, chatting about camp and the frustrations of wearing kayak skirts. (I couldn’t figure out why anyone would wear a skirt kayaking). Amanda told her how I made her behave nicely on the ferry and Mrs. Campanolo told Amanda how her mother gave up trying to make her and her brother behave on the old Union Steamship boats. When she discovered Amanda was a Girl Guide, her aide was dispached to the car to get pamphlets, pins and paraphernalia about her official office for Amanda to use towards her civics badge. The picture I took of the two of them showed two brand-new friends having a wonderful time together! It was obvious that this Queen’s representative preferred fun to protocol!
Canada’s current Governor General, David Johnston, came to the coast in late January, and accepted an honourary doctorate of laws from Vancouver Island University. Here’s what he said that week: At VIU On young people: “To say that you are responsible and that you can solve the woes that afflict our society may be a lot to put on your shoulders. But I do so because I know, from experience, that young people can handle it. You are resilient, creative and strong-willed. And you bring a fresh perspective wherever you go. We ignore your opinions and ideas—and minimize your contributions—at our own peril.” To the Vancouver Board of Trade On immigration: “As a nation that continues to be built on immigration, Canada must reaffirm its commitment to diversity, and to viewing it as a key asset for engaging with the world. The people-to-people ties that exist between Canada and the countries of the Asia-Pacific are deep and rich. We owe it to ourselves and to the world to find innovative ways to connect and form partnerships for mutual benefit.”
COMFORT COMES TOGETHER
Mon-Fri 7 - 9:30 • Sat & Sun 8 - 9:30 Town Centre Mall • 604.489.0099
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Max Cameron Theatre presents
Lynn McCann wrote this piece with the Powell River Public Library memoirs writing group.
Roofing you can trust. Don't miss celebrated vocalist and comedic performer Bridget Ryan's jaw-dropping and outrageous cabaret, Here's To The Ladies Who Laugh. It's one part musical theatre, one part stand-up and totally unforgettable. With Broadway blockbusters to obscure off-broadway gems, tossed in with a few 80s song mash-ups, you won't just be rollin’ in the aisles, you'll be dancing in them! Accompanied by the one and only Jen McMillan, this show is a really, really good time.
Tues/Wed March 10 & 11 7:30 nightly
Max Cameron Theatre presents
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Don't miss celebrated vocalist and comedic performer Bridget Ryan's jaw-dropping and outrageous cabaret, Here's To The Ladies Who Laugh. It's one part musical theatre, one part stand-up and totally unforgettable. With Broadway blockbusters to obscure off-broadway gems, tossed in with a few 80s song mash-ups, you won't just be rollin’ in the aisles, you'll be dancing in them! Accompanied by the one and only Jen McMillan, this show is a really, really good time.
Tickets $24 (Senior/Youth $20) from the Academy of Music Box Office, Breakwater Books on Marine Avenue and at the Max on of the day of the performance. For more information call 604.485.9633 or 604.483.3900
PR Women in Business Reception & Trade Show starting at 6:15, Tuesday, March 10 www.MaxCameronTheatre.ca • www.prwomeninbusiness.com
Better Business Bureau & Roofing Contractors Association of BC
www.nelsonroofing.com
(604) 485-0100
POWELL RIVER LIVING • march 2015 •
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