Wednesday August 14th, 2024
The Atlin Whisper
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.”
Margaret Mead
These were my people
A poem by: Myrianna Colwell
This is my town, these are my people
They stand and share laughs; they sit warm until the ice cracks These mountains stay strong, people living with peace, never arguing for long This is my town, and these are my people.
We share wood for our fires, we share baked goods during our long holiday hours. The sun rises in the east, setting only in the west
Our mountain stands tall, watching even as some of us fall. We share stories, legends forever told, about these old dirt roads once trailed for gold.
Our families are strong, we know who we are. Though some come and go, those we loved are not far.
Lakes and rivers weave us together, our own tapestry across this small old Discovery. We were narrow minded, only having one way of life. But more people came, as well as new ideas to thrive.
Between hunting, fishing, gold, gardens, and beers, we couldn’t always repair things with merely new gears.
My childhood is based on laughing with Grandpa, and learning from Granny. Remembering the things she started, how strong she had to be. I’ll never know what she dreamed of, if there was a life she wished for but could never see.
What were we founded on? Was it all attempted in vain?
Or do we have a steadfast leader with strength, a way to fight through our pain? Perhaps only some of us know what it’s really like to be alone. But at least most of us, can call this place our real home.
I will remember it all, the strength it took to build our house here, and the time it takes to raise a family. What I wouldn’t give to do it all again, I had feared there wouldn’t be as much to hope for, after I’d only turned eleven.
But with school, new people, and society ever changing, I found my escape in my faith. Using words never to be forgotten as a chance to find my own way.
We will never stay the same, though I miss ‘before’ in a hundred different ways. Some of these folks really do remind me of wine, though the sweetest ones were gone before I could even say hi. It seems as though every face I used to recognize is no longer part of the view when we go for a drive. But if one day there is nothing left at all, I’d smile knowing that part of their essence is now part of my walls.
Part of me comes back to life when I walk the small streets to the dock, watching the water as it crumbles against the rocks.
Maybe there is more to its story, that we haven't yet learned Maybe this mountain has secrets, truths it will never tell to our small corner of earth. But if we were to look beyond our nose, and see the way it towers, Maybe we’d find joy in our suffering, a rainbow in the rain shower.
If we never look for something better, have hope for the kids of our day, How will we know that the faces missing now had a purpose in their own trials, did they really amount to nothing?
Will we just let their memory decay?
Of course, our appreciation goes only as far as our bitter tongues. But what if we were happy? We had love for the people we lost, and taught the small ones what those before had done for us?
Maybe they’d learn a little faster than we did, what it means to have empathy, or to fill in the places our guardian’s lacked presence or heart.
We’d know that we were original, that there was more than our backyard in this world.
If I’d known before, that raising a generation is the hardest thing to do, I would have been so much louder. Because if I could have shown them the simple strength it took to raise us here, they would know that their obstacles were only a fraction of what we’d grow to see.
The secrets that hide, behind every closed door, behind the slip of each sleeve, is proof to me that there has to be more than this. I won’t just sit here and grieve.
There are so many things that we need to tell, but maybe there’s a time for different pieces, a method to this mess that some may call hell.
Wisdom does not come easy, but the only price is grief.
And if we never appreciate the loss it took to gain, how will we ever learn from our mistakes?
If those islands out there are cursed, if giants are hidden in our graves or bigfoot lives in those old caves, we won’t ever know.
Does it matter, if that much is left unsaid? Or should we leave tomorrow for worry, and let the dead bury the dead?
What good do we do chasing secrets, lies carried long through our wind?
Arguments never paid us well, so why run after things beyond what we hope to be our heaven?
We only need our dreams, not a theory to cope. Our memories of what I can only pray Granny would have called hope.
So, when the ice does crack, and we taste the cold of our glaciers tears again, maybe the glaciers in our hearts will shatter and melt too.
If I would just let some things be, and allow those memories of ones I did lose to drift without feeling I’ve lost them all over again, my peace might find me, somewhere in Atlin.
Knowing that these were my people. And this was my town.
IN THE MOMENT IX
by Paul Lucas
Atlin, October, 2019. We flung open the front doors to the Globe, kicked aside the one gallon paint can that holds the lobby doors shut, and groped our way towards the little office and the light switches. I snapped them on one by one and the joint lit up from tip to toe; all except the stage lights, which seem to require some sort of secret incantation to bring them to life.
I ran up the tiny staircase at the back of the office - stairs barely wide enough to accommodate the most moderate of asses, and absolutely unclimbable if you happen to be carrying anything larger than a loaf of bread. They lead to the old projection room, if you can call it that, cramped, cluttered and ancient as it is. I fully expect to move some old 1920’s crate up there one of these days to find Atlin’s equivalent of the humpback of Notre Dame huddled behind it.
My latest trio, featuring Kerry Galloway (Bass) and Tom Keenlyside (flutes, reeds), was kicking off a northern tour right here at the Globe, and it was gonna be lot of fun. The whole business had been booked by Jazz Yukon and Duncan Sinclair (saxophonist and northern jazz impresario).
This was a great opportunity to play with two of my favourite people. It wasn’t, however, the original lineup for the tour. Just a few months earlier, I had asked harmonica player Keith Bennett to do the dates with me.
I first met Keith in the 80’s. I was recording a few pieces at the old Aragon Studios (eventually Mushroom studios) on 6th St. in Vancouver, and I wanted him to play on a tune of mine called ‘Lullaby.’
The sound of the chromatic harmonica was perfect for the piece, but I had, as it turned out, done a poor job of paying attention to the range of the melody. It ended up sitting way up in the high register –a location notorious for producing a thin reedy sound on the instrument.
With all kinds of grace, however, Keith managed to get both tone and performance out of that high register, without complaint, and without comment. It was a lesson well learned - on both counts. I still have that recording.
One of the few truly virtuosic harmonica players on the planet, Keith had a hell of a career. From recording work, to touring work, to performances with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, he did it all, including recording many of his own albums.
An indication of just how good the man was became clear when he entered the World Harmonica Competition in 2013 in Trossingen, Germany: He ended up taking 5th in solo chromatic jazz, and 6th in solo diatonic blues/folk/country, and was the top North American finisher in both categories.
One of his favourite things to do, though, was to tour with his pal, guitarist David Sinclair. With David he really got to stretch out, getting to sing and play guitar in addition to being featured on harmonica. They
were the best of friends. Then all of a sudden, David died. From cancer. In December of 2018. It just wasn’t right. It never is. Keith was devastated.
One night several months later, and after many years of not seeing each other, we met at a house concert. We had our instruments in tow, and ended up playing a few tunes together. Suddenly there it was - a connection. After that, we started playing together and it looked for all the world like we were headed for something.
That first something was to be a tour of the Yukon. We were rehearsed and raring to go. The material we chose was tough but, taken by the challenge as he always was, Keith ended up killing it - negotiating parts usually played on oboe and soprano saxophone, and pulling it all off with panache. It sounded fantastic. This was gonna be fun.
Then some weird physical stuff started to happen. Keith went to see the doc and promptly got diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. Within a few months he was gone. It was unbelievable. And so fast. I was floored. And Shelley, the love of his life ... well ... what can I say.
A band is like a family. It is more than the sum of its parts. The loss of a member changes everything from the music to how each individual operates in the world. Earlier I wrote: ‘With all kinds of grace, Keith managed to ...’ The beginning to that sentence could apply to practically anything Keith turned his hand to.
You learn a lot when you play with someone. I learned that Keith was an immensely talented, hard working musician; but more importantly, that he was a kind, inclusive, and considerate human being who went out of his way to help all those around him. Vaya Con Dios my friend.
Keith Bennett
“A Guitar Player On The Yukon Border” can be found at local bookstores and on Amazon.com. Paul can be found at paullucasmusic.com
Atlin Waterfront Tailgate Sales for Summer 2024
Mark Your Calendar September 7 11 to 3 PM
Location
Along waterfront in front of Atlin Inn
LANDFILL
SPRING/SUMMER HOURS
SATURDAY-MONDAY
CLOSED ON ALL BC STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
Victoria Day - Closed Monday, May 20th ….…. Open May 18, 19, 21
Canada Day - Closed Monday, July 1st …… Open June 29, 30 & July 2
BC Day - Closed Monday, Aug 5th …...…. Open Aug 3, 4, 6
Labour Day - Closed Monday, Sept 2nd ……... Open Aug 31 & Sept 1, 3
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation - Closed Monday Sept 30 …
Open Sept 28, 29 & Oct 1
Thanksgiving Day - Closed Monday, Oct 14th Open Oct 12, 13, 15
HOURS 11 AM - 4 PM
Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District
Big Water Society
We are pleased to provide the community with free professional mental wellness counseling.
We welcome Jan Forde (MSW)to provide confidential services to those in need of or to anyone that needs to talk to someone supportive.
Jan Forde (MSW)
Available every Wednesday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm by phone, also available for in-person meetings in the community.
Please call Jan at 867-333-6829 to book an appointment or talk.
Or email at:bwscounsellor@bigwatersociety.org
Big Water Society contact: Ph: 250-651-2460 or Email: bwsociety@bigwatersociety.org
Sunset
The day has gone to bed
Man has become still
Not a creature is stirring
The wind has ceased
The waves ebb low
And there is nothing to hear
But the blessings of God
Revelation
Ultimately,
Things are getting better
The light is getting in
The truth is coming out
The people are waking up
And the darkness cannot hide
Balance
Heart as leader
Head as follower
Together in balance
Blessings
Joyous are we that have found love
Blessed are we that know love
Happy are we that share love
Acceptance
I see you I hear you I love you
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us eyes to look
Thank You for opening our minds to see
Thank You for offering us this chance
Thank You for allowing us to choose
Thank You for the long hard journey
Thank You for showing us the way
Thank You for giving us courage Thank You for walking beside us
Thank You for trials and tribulations
Thank You for this opportunity to learn Thank You for exposing us to wisdom Thank You for teaching us to grow
Freedom
The past cannot be changed
Now is the first moment of the future
We decide where we wish to dwell
https://stephenbadhwar.substack.com/ - August 2024
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE
Watson Avenue
Two adjoining lots totaling 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
Lot F Fulton Street
Quiet street with just a short walk to the lake, great views of mountains and water, power in and ready for you to develop as you wish ... or simply park your RV. Vacant lots like this are hard to find ... this one is waiting for you! SOLD … more buyers seeking same!
$180,000
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 story and a main level cozy self-contained mother-in-law cottage is perfect for guests. So much potential to expand.
$350,000
Seeking True Remote?
Above Jade City on the old Cassiar Highway, in the middle of the gold fields, 0.5 hectares (not surveyed) on the banks of Troutline Creek, License of Occupation, 10 year terms with current term good until 2032. Story and half cabin plus outbuildings. Current holder has had a small farm with goats and chickens. Telephone service. 4.4 km from main highway.
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. $45,500
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
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
Second Street SOLD
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
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.
“Memory Lane”
Let’s take a walk down memory lane when love was fresh with clear blue sky, when decency was our code of honor, when country roads led to faith in dreams, when a skipped heartbeat meant we were happy.
Sixty years hence; Not quite so graceful, memory uncertain, some bumps in the road yet love and honor remain steadfast. These days sweet dreams are for our young ones hopeful they’ll achieve a strong sense of worth. Now a skipped heartbeat means call the doctor.
Jeff Salmon
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Thank you,
A HUGE THANK-YOU
I would like to express my heartfelt thank-you to the Atlin
community for the Love, Prayers, and Support received in George's passing.
Thank-you for all the cards, flowers, money, donations of food and the many volunteers that came to my aid for his celebration of life.
Your thoughtfulness and kindness will never be forgotten.
Marj Holman & Family
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 Available
Phone 250-651-7463
Email garypumpsltd@gmail.com
Box 147
Atlin BC V0W 1A0
Office hours – Monday to Friday
8 am – noon
Closed all Statutory Holidays
With thanks, Gary McNeil and Jody Smallwood
Summer store hours
Store/Bakery Open
9am 5pm Mon Friday
Food and Drink Hours
Restaurant-upstairs
Sunday: Soup & Sandwich
Lunch 12-2pm
Dinner 5:30pm-8pm
Monday: Menu
Lunch 12-2pm
Dinner 5:30pm-8pm
Tuesday: Menu
Lunch 12-2pm
Dinner 5:30pm-8pm
Wednesday: Menu Lunch 12-2pm
Thursday: Lunch 12-2pm
Friday: Lunch 12-2pm
Saturday: Lunch 12-2pm
39 Lake St, Atlin
Saloon-downstairs
Wednesday: Wings and Chicken Fingers
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Thursday: Cantonese and Margaritas
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Friday: Pizza ect.
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Saturday: Burger and Beverage Special
Dinner 5:30-8pm
Atlin Christian Centre
Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us!
250-691-0128
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
St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE
AVAILABLE Contact: Alain Vanier
250-651-0037 Reasonable Rates!
Every blade of grass, each leaf, each separate petal, is an inscription of hope.
Richard Jefferies
Smallwood Enterprises Ltd
We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems. We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, and Snow Removal. Please call (250) 651-2488 or email bobscontracting2020@g mail.com
Atlin Community Library
Open Friday and Saturday from 2-4 pm Everyone is Welcome!
The next Whisper is Wednesday August 28th
Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm August 25th
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!