The Atlin Whisper, December 22, 2021

Wednesday December 22nd, 2021

The Atlin Whisper “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.”

Margaret Mead

A CHRISTMAS BLESSING May God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; The warmth of Christmas, which is love; The radiance of Christmas, which is purity; The righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; The belief in Christmas, which is truth; The all in Christmas, which is Christ.

Wilda English

Courtesy of Gerri Johnsen

Grizzly Home Services would like to wish all of its customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2022 We will not be delivering water or doing sewer December 24th 25th,26th, 27th or January 3rd Normal Friday deliveries will happen on Thursday and normal Monday deliveries will happen on Tuesday The Gas Station will be open the following hours: December 24th Closing at 3 pm December 25th Closed December 26th Closed December 31st Closing at 3 pm January 1st Closed Thanks to everyone for keeping driveways plowed, sanded and pathways to fills kept clear and clean of debris We would like to thank you for your continuing support throughout the year and all the best in the New Year Dana & Mary Hammond

LANDFILL *WINTER DAYS* *Effective – Sunday, December 12, 2021*

SUNDAY & MONDAY 11 AM - 4 PM … PST CLOSED at temperatures -28 C & below ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLOSED ON ALL BC STATUTORY HOLIDAYS Christmas - Open Dec 26, 27 New Year - Open Jan 2, 3 Family Day - Closed Mon, Feb 21 Open Sun & Tues, Feb 20, 22 Easter - Open April 17, 18 Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District

IN THE MOMENT II Wood, Water and Rodents (Part1)

by Paul Lucas “Well, this ain’t gonna get any better,” I mumbled to myself.

I’d spent the last hour trying to record a new guitar piece, and it just wasn’t happening. “ ‘Clam Fest,’ that’s what I should call this tune. I can’t seem to get through it without making one mistake after another.”

The recording setup in my cabin is very cool indeed. It’s spartan, but functional. For the technophobes out there, it consists of a recording program, Reaper at the moment, a stereo A/D converter, Yamaha NS10s with a sub if needed, a Mackie board and a Crown power amp.

My guitar mic is an AKG ribbon and/or two Rode small diaphragm condensers. I’m recording primarily on classical guitar these days.

Powering this setup requires a little forethought. If I am simply recording, I can monitor the result with my headphones. If I need speaker playback, I have to fire up the Crown and NS10s. That usually requires a full charge on my battery/inverter system or my generator to be running - which works fine as it’s a well isolated, mighty quiet little Honda. But none of this stuff was helping today.

Besides, it was chore day and those chores weren’t gonna take care of themselves. Although cabin life’s a pretty simple business, there are a number of things that need maintaining. If you let them go too long, you’re likely to find yourself up the proverbial creek. One visit up the creek took place early in my cabin dwelling life, and it left an indelible impression.

It was in a February of some year or other, and I had stumbled through the door after a particularly long and raucous band rehearsal. Yes, even in the North, bands rehearse.

My guess is it was twenty below - positively balmy for the Yukon border that time of year. The welcome blast of warm air hit me as I entered, and I smiled, like I always do when I walk into this little cabin, warm and cosy as it is in the Yukon winter. It always feels like I just won the lottery.

I stumbled over to the little semi-circular table that has its home next to the front window. It looks out over the porch onto a spruce and pine forest. Tonight, it featured Atlin Mountain crowned with a full moon. I found the paper matches easily in the moonlight and struck one, whipping the glass off the kerosene lamp with my left hand, lighting the wick and adjusting the flame with with my right. After you light a thousand lamps, the process is all of a piece.

These were the early years. Kerosene lamps were everywhere along with water buckets, tin airtight stoves and a slop bucket under the sink - if you had a sink. And yes, paper matches were my first choice for the job of lighting most anything, There was a reason for that.

Do you remember those strong, bright and efficient wooden matches you could buy at the local hardware store - the ones that struck first time and burned efficiently and consistently down the full length of the shaft? What happened to them?

“I’ll tell you what happened to them!” Harry had opined down at the bar last time I brought it up. “Some bean counter found a way to buy cheaper materials, that’s what. So now we have to live with matches that barely strike and go out as soon as the head’s burned off. And that’s if you are lucky enough not to have snapped off the cheap wood shaft in the process.”

I had to agree. And that’s why, after burning the side of my index finger countless times on the alternative - my lighter - a device never designed for lighting lamps, I had reverted to the simple paper matchbook.

I was beat and ready for bed, and I needed to stack up the stove for the night - one dry stick to one green stick - the old trick for getting your fire to last all night without having to get up at 4 a.m. in your underwear to feed the damn thing. Fortunately, there was enough of both in the woodbox by the stove. Job done, I hopped into bed and was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

When I woke in the morning, it was clear my ‘green stick to dry stick’ proportion had been out of whack. The stove had burned through its stack and the place was cold. Not just cold, freezing. I glanced out of the window at the thermometer and it was 33 below. What was left in the water bucket was frozen solid.

Climbing into my rigid long johns, pants and wool shirt, I scampered outside to grab wood from the porch, knowing it was going to take some time to heat the place back up to operating temperature. But the porch sat bare - not a stick of firewood, green or dry, and not a sliver of kindling.

“You idiot!” I muttered.

You see, my woodpile strategy of late had devolved into heading out on snowshoes every few days with my chainsaw to cut deadfall, then hauling it back to be bucked up and split in front of the cabin at my leisure. But I had been taking the whole leisure business a little too seriously lately, and now I was about to pay the price ... now I had to climb into my frozen parka, stick on my snowshoes, and drag a chainsaw that was unlikely to start, into the bush to look for deadfall at 33 below ... all before my morning coffee.

It only takes once for that lesson to sink in. After that, maintaining the woodpile became part of the essential chore list. Wood and water tops that list followed closely by keeping the driveway plowed, sweeping the chimney to avoid chimney fires, and chinking the logs to keep out the mice. Chinking was the item on the list today. TO BE CONTINUED ,,,

I've read the last couple of editions that tell a few stories about Hilary (Hilbo) Craig and I knew him after his time in Atlin and it was his stories of Atlin that got me interested in the North and how I eventually ended up in the Yukon in 1998 and off and on again for the past 20+ years. Atlin is where my heart has been and the reason, I moved North but not to Atlin at the time.

I met Hilary in the early 90s in Point Roberts, WA. I worked at the Reef Tavern and he was a customer there once in awhile but was dating my co-worker Maureen at the time so we would see him in the bar once in awhile.

He was still working in the film industry in Vancouver and area at the time but also operated an "on the down low" restaurant out of his home once in a while. I can't recall all the details as it has been some time. I do remember Maureen saying that his passion was opening his own restaurant and cooking as he was a fantastic cook. He would tell me stories about helping open a restaurant in Skagway and living in Atlin.

The internet and having a computer were just becoming a household thing in the mid-90s and when I finally got my 486 and dial up connection, I was researching the North. There wasn't nearly as much on the north then as there is now and I decided to go to school in Whitehorse at Yukon College (now Yukon University) and that's how I ended up in the North.

The way Hilary talked about the north and its beauty was not a lie. Atlin is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited and if the stars align, perhaps one day, I will live there (feel free to reach out if you have accommodation and job(s)).

Hilary opened his own restaurant called Alligator Soul in Everett, WA in the late 90s I believe and then another one in the Seattle area. The Seattle area one sold and then he and Maureen sold the Everett location and moved to Savannah, GA and opened the Alligator Soul in 2003, which is still there today. You can find them online and it has a short history of their restaurants there.

Sadly, Hilary passed away in 2007 but Maureen continues to run the Savannah, GA location of the Alligator Soul (the other locations were sold and are now closed).

The last time I saw them was at the Everett, WA location of the Alligator Soul around 1997 (I think) for Maureen's birthday party. I have attached photos as well.

I haven't really kept in touch with Maureen or Dacey but wanted to share my story as a unique connection to Atlin I had from a man that I'm now reading about in the stories published in the Whisper.

It's a small world sometimes huh!

Merry Ho Ho Atlinites...have a wonderful holiday season!

Laurie Schamber Mid-90s in Point Roberts at Christmas dinner Hilbo and Dawson.

Late 90s at the Alligator Soul in Everett, WA with Dawson, me, and Maureen on the right

“A Godsend in 1941 London” She lived a long, long time ago A true brave soul you’d love to know Who survived a time of pain and sorrow Never sure if she’d see tomorrow.

The enemy planes dropped bombs at will On all those in and around Slag Hill.

She was a nurse welcomed in each door A true godsend to the sick and poor Who brought hope and healing to ease their strife And the gentle hands of a skilled midwife.

To this day stories are being told Of her tireless effort, her heart of gold And how so many in this neighborhood Follow in her footsteps of doing good.

(She carried the spirit of Christmas on her rounds throughout the year.)

Jeff Salmon

CONGRATULATIONS Bobbie Whelan & Gary Hill Upon your retirement of 25+ years of keeping Service BC, The RCMP, Northern Health Clinic and all other Government Buildings SPOTLESSLY CLEAN. Great Job! Well done!

You’re going to love retirement.

Your Rec Centre Membership Will Expire December 31, 2021 ✓ Lounge after 4 pm Tuesday to Sunday ✓ Office 1:30 to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday ✓ Mail Box 149 Memberships $35 per year

Thank You for Supporting Your Rec Centre!

tlin District Board of Trade

A Covid Christmas Twas the night before Christmas, but Covid was here, So we all had to stay extra cautious this year.

Our masks were all hung by the chimney with care In case Santa forgot his and needed a spare.

With Covid, we couldn't leave cookies or cake So we left Santa hand sanitizer to take.

The children were sleeping, the brave little tots The ones over 5 had just had their first shots, And mom in her kerchief and me in my cap Had just settled in for a long winter's nap.

But we tossed and we turned all night in our beds As visions of variants danced in our heads.

Gamma and Delta and now Omicron These Covid mutations that go on and on I thought to myself, "If this doesn't get better, I'll soon be familiar with every Greek letter".

Then just as I started to drift off and doze A clatter of noise from the front lawn arose.

I leapt from my bed and ran straight down the stair I opened the door, and an old gent stood there.

His N 95 made him look pretty weird But I knew who he was by his red suit and beard.

I kept six feet away but blurted out quick “ What are you doing here, jolly Saint Nick?”

Then I said, "Where's your presents, your reindeer and sleigh?

Don't you know that tomorrow will be Christmas Day? ".

And Santa stood there looking sad in the snow As he started to tell me a long tale of woe.

He said he'd been stuck at the North Pole alone All his white collar elves had been working from home, And most of the others said "Santa, don't hire us!

We can live off the CERB now, thanks to the virus".

Those left in the toyshop had little to do.

With supply chain disruptions, they could make nothing new.

And as for the reindeer, they'd all gone away.

None of them left to pull on his sleigh.

He said Dasher and Dancer were in quarantine, Prancer and Vixen refused the vaccine, Comet and Cupid were in ICU, So were Donner and Blitzen, they may not pull through.

And Rudolph’s career can't be resurrected.

With his shiny red nose, they all think he's infected.

Even with his old sleigh, Santa couldn't go far.

Every border to cross needs a new PCR. Santa sighed as he told me how nice it would be If children could once again sit on his knee.

He couldn't care less if they're naughty or nice But they'd have to show proof that they'd had their shot twice.

But then the old twinkle returned to his eyes.

And he said that he'd brought me a Christmas surprise.

When I unwrapped the box and opened it wide, Starlight and rainbows streamed out from inside.

Some letters whirled round and flew up to the sky And they spelled out a word that was 40 feet high.

There first was an H, then an O, then a P, Then I saw it spelled HOPE when it added the E. “Christmas magic” said Santa as he smiled through his beard.

Then suddenly all of the reindeer appeared.

He jumped into his sleigh and he waved me good-bye, Then he soared o'er the rooftops and into the sky.

I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight "Get your vaccines my friends, Merry Christmas, good-night".

Then I went back to bed and a sweet Christmas dream Of a world when we'd finished with Covid 19.

Submitted by persons too numerous to name.

ATLIN DISTRICT BOARD OF TRADE Incorporated 1904 *************************************************************************************

Public Open House *************************************************************************************

Tuesday January 4, 2022 - 6PM BC Time, 7PM Yukon Time Homemade Baking, Coffee & Tea provided.

Atlin Recreation Centre Hall AGENDA Discuss the long and short term impacts of the THELP proposed Atlin Hydroelectric Expansion Project on the community of Atlin, The ecosystem of Atlin and surrounding area.

* Recognition of Elizabeth Clarke & John Nesgaard for outstanding service to the Pine Creek Campground * Presentation by Atlin District Board of Trade re: Hydro Expansion Project * Question & Answers from the public

Impacts we will discuss: The community Designated Recreation Reserve established 1981, Neighbouring Properties, Pine Creek Campground, Wildlife, Wetlands, Pine Creek Falls, Pine Creek Trail, The Lower Pine Creek, Diverting Spruce Creek, Pine Creek Beach, Noise Pollution, Visual pollution, Power lines length of Atlin Road Multiple infractions against the current Wóoshtin wudidaa Atlin Taku Land Use Plan of 2011, Road access through designated non motorized areas, Surprise Lake grayling spawning areas, beaches, and vegetation, Jack Hammering and blasting in residential zones, Impacts on peoples existing water wells.

COVID Safety Practices will be followed – limited to 50 seats first come first in

NEW

We will also be recording the meeting with audio and video you can email for the meeting link.

You can send an email to: BOTopenhouseRSVP@gmail.com

OPPORTUNITY If you've never been to the Atlin Public Library, please come and see what's there. You might be surprised at the variety of books available. If you're not a reader, we have audio tapes and DVDs. We have a Children's Room. All materials can be borrowed for three weeks.

Atlin Health Centre Christmas Holiday Hours Open: 9-12 Noon (PST) Friday Dec. 24th Closed: 1-4:30 Pm (PST) Friday Dec 24th ====================== Closed:

Mon Dec 27th

Closed:

Tue Dec 28th and

Closed: Mon Jan 3rd ======================= FOR EMERGENCIES THE NURSE ON CALL CAN BE REACHED AT 250-651-7677

WANTED Wanted smaller size office/computer desk.

Maximum length 53 inches. Looking for quality construction, not particle board.

xkellywhitex@hotmail.com 867-332-0836

HO! HO! HO!

Chrissy Vanhorn

10% Christmas Discount

ChrissyVanhorn.Arbonne.com

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.

(867)-333-9965 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!

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

Mountain Shack Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C.

EAT IN OR TAKE OUT 250-651-7789

Food Basket Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year!

Christmas Hours Dec 23 - 9am - 6pm Dec 24 - 9am - 2pm Dec 25 - Closed Dec 26 - Closed Dec 27 - Dec 30 - 9am - 6pm (freight) Dec 31 - 9am - 2pm Jan 1 - Closed Jan 2 - back to regular hours.

Thanks for all your support in 2021.

Sincerely Yours General Store & Canada Post Location OPEN

Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm Closed for lunch 12:30 – 1:30 CLOSED weekends and Statutory Holidays

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

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

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

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

Custom Fish Art- Fiberglas and Wood GARY HILL’S FISH ART

GARY HILL’S – CUSTOM, FISH REPRODUCTIONS PHONE 250 651 7553 EMAIL – garyphill59@gmail.com 7 MONARCH Drive – ATLIN – BC. V0W 1A0 WEB SITE – http://gary-hill.com

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 Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Services Sunday 11 a.m.

Come join us!

(778) 721-0710

SHORT TERM RENTAL Short term rental available: December to January 31st OR December 15th to January 31st Contact Rhoda @ Dancing Aspens 651-7668

St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!

Covid 19 restrictions apply

MOBILE WELDING SERVICE AVAILABLE Contact: Alain Vanier 250-651-0037

Reasonable Rates!

Love one another deeply from the heart.

1 Peter 1:22

Sewing Machine Cleaning, Repair, & Setup Terry 250 651-7769

Atlin Community Library Open Every

Friday and Saturday 2-4p.m.

Everyone Welcome

The next Whisper is Wednesday January 5th Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm Yukon time January 2nd.

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!