Wednesday March 16th 2022
The Atlin Whisper “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead
IN THE MOMENT V The Rec Centre Bar Paul Lucas I slam the truck door and head towards the steps that lead down to the bar entrance, underneath the big log building that houses the Atlin Rec Centre. And there they are - Kindy Johnson and Wava Heineken, two women who have been in this town as long as I can remember. They are smoking cigarettes. Perfect. If I ask nicely, maybe they’ll offer me one. I quit smoking years ago, but I remain ticked to this day that such a pleasurable habit could possibly be so bad for your health. It’s one of many grievances I intend to bring up at the Pearly Gates - grievances such as the lousy design of the human knee; the injection of powerful hormones at puberty that make you a freakin’ maniac; and of course, the ludicrous location of the sex organs. Anyway, every now and then I up and rebel. I shake my fist at the heavens, bum a cigarette, suck the smoke deep into my lungs, and hurl epithets at the powers that be for designing such a shoddy universe. After chewing the fat with my smoking partners, I descend the three steps to the inside door leading to the pub, push it open, and walk inside. “Oh no, not you again,’ comes a voice from the end of the L shaped bar. “I thought you were out of town.” “Nope, I’m back,” I reply, “I want to make sure your life here is a non-stop misery.” “Well, so far you are doing a great job.” — The first time I set foot in the Rec Centre bar, the locals were meeting to address a couple of community issues. It was 1977, and I was visiting my old pal Jamie Stephen (the then Conservation Officer) for the first time. In attendance, to the best of my recollection, were Tom Kirkwood (Atlin’s unofficial mayor), Dave Dickinson (who would eventually help me with my cement pour), Shirley Connelly (wife of outfitter Tom Connelly), Diane Smith (author and artist), Arthur Mitchell (owner of the General Store), Dick Sneigocki (owner of the Trading Post), and Glen McKenzie (prop. of the liquour store) - folks who would become a part of my life in the years to come.
There were two topics of discussion that evening - one purely philosophical, and one entirely practical. The first was whether Atlin should allow TV into the community. Yes, you heard me … TV … in 1977! Most towns in the North had already welcomed television without question, assuming it was the next logical step in social progress. But not Atlin … no sir. Much of the citizenry thought that it would dilute the quality of life they loved - that it would interfere with the intimate connections they enjoyed in this place full of interesting and diverse individuals. It sounds quaint now in this era of digital connectivity, but the local fauna recognized the role TV was playing in all of this, and many of them wanted nothing to do with it. As it turned out, they were in lock-step with Marshall Mcluhan and his observation of the developing ’global village.’ (Mcluhan was a Canuck from Edmonton, Alberta. Just sayin’ … ). To this day, Atlin is known for its stubborn refusal to give up quality of life in favour of quantity - a position I heartily endorse, and one I am proud to say, still holds sway - the current discussion being whether or not to allow cell phone service into the town. Yep … you heard me … cell service! Marshall would be proud. The second decision on the schedule that evening was the proposed addition to the Rec Centre building. There were two options - one of them, an indoor swimming pool for the children, and the other, the development of the curling rink. The first of those options offered … well … a swimming pool for the children. The second, updating the curling rink, offered the chance of hosting bonspiels along with the other Northern communities - hugely popular events that featured, amongst other things, the consumption of frosty beverages. The curling rink was recently expanded and now boasts several sheets of ice along with an updated lounge and kitchen. Sorry kids. — The Recreation Centre has been the hub of community activity for many years. At the time of this early meeting though, it was a recently constructed, two storey log building - a welcome addition to a town that was rapidly running out of functional locations to hold meetings, dances and community events. The buildings that had housed such activities in the past were old - very old - many of them unstable, uninsulated and expensive to heat. One such building was the old Moose Hall. Atlin had no shortage of clubs and organizations in its history, and the ‘Loyal Order of the Moose’ evidently grunted its way on to the scene at some point. I’m sure it had all of the trappings - the secret handshakes, the initiations, the rolls of parchment and, of course, a hat of one sort or another. The building itself was a single storey structure in the gold rush style. It housed a double barrel 45 gallon wood heater, a few tables and chairs, several storage cabinets, and precious little else. One winter our band, the Ozone Rangers, got the bright idea to open the place up and put on a dance, so we spread the word, fired up the stove, set up the equipment, and flung open the doors.
Predictably, everybody in town showed up, and the place was hopping … literally. I don’t know whether the Loyal Order partied much in the day, but one thing was clear - the building was not designed for dances. The old floor was bouncing and heaving like the deck of the Bounty rounding Cape Horn, and the roaring double barreled stove was hopping along with it. At one point, the door to the firebox popped open and a flaming log jumped out onto the dance floor. Fortunately, it was quickly kicked out the back door by the dancing throng, sizzling and farting all the way. You see, all that heat had melted the ton of snow sitting under the building, and with every jump and holler, water was now squirting straight up between the floorboards - up pant legs and skirts nature’s way, I am guessing, of preventing fires - in both buildings and humans alike. — But I digress. Where was I? Oh, right … walking into the Rec Centre bar … “Oh no, not you again,” comes the voice from the end of the bar … I shuffle towards the sound to confirm the identity of my assailant, partially cloaked as he is, in the shadows. Sure enough, it’s Shane Coutts who suddenly sticks his head into the light, nodding to indicate the free stool between him and T.J. Esquiro. I park myself between the two and swivel my head back and forth a couple of times. “Well, if this ain’t a bozo fest ...” Shane raises a hand, signaling our bartender, and makes the sign for a round. “Liquid refreshment for these bottom feeders, Jess. The cheap stuff.” Jess, is the daughter of Dick Feldman, a lost playing pal and the closest thing to Hank Williams Atlin ever got. “You comin’ by tonight?” T.J. turns towards me, slamming his empty beer glass on the bar. Every now and then, the local musicians and singers get together to knock out a few tunes at this little community watering hole. It helps to draw in customers as well as getting people out of their winter nests and mingling with the rest of their semi-bushed pals. “Let’s see … will there will be beer and vittles?” “Absolutely,” T.J. replies “Well then, my attendance you shall have.” T.J. is Taku River Tlingit, a member of the Jack/Esquiro family, and he has a great voice. We met at the Atlin Inn during the summer I was building my cabin. He was playing and singing an Everly Brothers tune, and I jumped in with the harmony. He stared at me with that ‘What the ...‘ look, and we have been pals ever since.
My wife Ilene did a lot of counseling for the Taku River Tlingit First Nation. She was eventually adopted by Antonia ‘Mum’ Jack into the Crow clan as a result of her work and her friendship. Her adopted sister, Jenny, became a lawyer and was a pivotal character in the famous Oka standoff of 1990 in Quebec. Brother George owns an electrical company, and TJ flew helicopters along with singing and playing guitar on the music circuit. — The after work coffee crew is getting ready to leave. Lance Fuller stands up, that famous grizzly tooth around his neck swinging out from under his shirt as he rises. He is followed closely by Eddie Feldman, mechanical wizard (brother to Dick), Donald Shaw, and Gary Thoma (son of John) - fabricators of all things metal. The door has barely closed when it swings open again and Bill Wallis (woodburning artist and brother of mining engineer Jim) walks in, sees us, and flops down on the stool next to TJ. The turnover to the evening trade is beginning. I glance out the window. It’s early, but the last of the light is leaving the sky. Winter. It has its pros and cons, but the locals in the North thrive in it. All of the projects and activities that were put off while making a living in that summer of endless days can now be attended to. Everyone feels free to roost. And roost they do, by gum. They will be roosting this very evening, right here in the bar, and I intend to be part of it.
Tlingit Homeland Economic Limited Partnership PO Box 408, Atlin BC V0W1A0 Dear Peter, Stuart, and the THELP Team, I am writing today to propose an economic development project that would benefit the entire community of Atlin on many levels without negatively impacting people’s livelihoods, nature’s ecosystem, our beloved recreation reserve or our residential areas. Today I propose to you, continue with your plans to build an extension onto the existing power plant and create an additional 5.8 megawatts of power which would create power to approximately 2600 homes plus an economic benefit to THELP and, to stop pursuing building the lower power house. The money and heart ache you would save could easily build another project that the community of Atlin would benefit from, would build more than the proposed 4-6 jobs, and would most certainly build the pride among the TRTFN residents of Atlin you strive for. As we are all fully aware Atlin has limited outside resources available to us, we are faced with being stuck between a rock and hard place on so many levels. One of the challenges we are faced with is the ability to educate ourselves. The head office of Northern Lights College cannot find a financial solution to our small class room attendance. The bureaucracy of keeping the doors open have been nothing short of impossible and therefore continuing education programs are almost non-existent. This is where THELP could step in. Build this community a college that can sustain itself with a small student body. The community of Atlin lacks greatly in medical resources. Our team at the Atlin Health Centre, Ambulance Attendants and Atlin Supportive Living Society have a huge responsibility and little resources to take care of our community. You have an opportunity to build the community of Atlin a State of The Art college that focuses on but is not limited to medicine. There is a great opportunity to teach holistic, traditional and western medicine. Highlighting on mental wellbeing, and home support for all ages. Right now, because we don’t have a facility or trained staff, we send our elders and seniors away…away from their loved ones, homes, and community to be cared for. Currently, the greater percent of our population is over 65 years of age. Without a deliberate focus on health care education to address our community needs, many more people will not be able to be cared for at home, in Atlin in the years ahead. There have been too many deaths by suicide and drugs to even start listing them. You would still be creating construction jobs but would also be creating jobs as teachers and jobs for people to care for our residents to stay in Atlin. There has been talk of expanding the facilities on the land that the current Health Centre sits on. With people properly trained in our community we could be offering a long term care home, drop in centre, full time position(s) for community counselling and so much more. There is also an ideal location that is already designated in the Atlin Official Community Plan, this area is large enough for the college building a decent parking lot and even a 20 room 2 story apartment complex, that won’t be in any current residential view’s but does have a great view of Atlin Lake. Every meeting I have attended to discuss the Hydro Expansion project, Peter talks about education for the people, here is a project the community of Atlin would greatly benefit from. THELP has the resources plus the desire to build economic development to build a strong community. That starts with education. Sincerely, Heather Keny 30 year Full Time Resident, Atlin BC
Atlin Spring Festival 2022 Saturday March 19 12-4pm Chili Cook Off $5/bowl Winner takes all. 4 spots available Register at atlinhotel@gmail.com or 250-651-7546 Other games: Tea Boil Dog Singing Hockey Bowling Ice Carving Register on site in front of Atlin Mountain Inn 39 Lake St.
More March Movies The Historic Globe Theatre
Sunday March 20: The Young Victoria Doors Open 6:30 Show Time 7:00 – 8:45 Staring: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Vallee
Rated G Directed by Jean-Marc
Historic Love Story: The story of Queen Victoria’s early rise to power. On the eve of her 18th birthday and succession to the English throne, young Princess Victoria is caught in a royal power struggle. But it is her blossoming love affair with Albert that will determine the strength of her reign.
Sunday March 27: Alan Partridge Doors Open 6:30 Show Time 7:00 – 8:30 Staring: Steve Coogan, Colm Meaney
Rated 14A Directed by Declan Lowney
Comedy: Steve Coogan reprises his most popular role as the iconic Alan Partridge, the famous local radio DJ and one time talk show host. Alan finds himself at the center of a siege when a disgruntled fellow DJ decides to hold their station hostage after getting fired.
Sunday April 3: Smashed
Admission Donation Concession items marked All proceeds go towards enhancing Theatre Assets
Facebook: @ExploreAtlin Email: exploreatlin@gmail.com Presented by Heather Keny
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE
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 STUNNING – Inside and Outside Incredible views, quiet location and fabulous home. 1700 sq.ft. on main level, beautifully renovated with gyproc interior, lots of updated windows, open floor plan, kitchen, dining area, living room, bar/games room plus 2 bedrooms. Basement offers 3 more bedrooms, two baths, kitchenette and large living room with ground level access. One of a kind waiting for you. $349,000 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 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. Truly unique with perfection evident throughout! $350,000 SOLD 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 Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019 Next anticipated visit March 11 & 12, subject to weather forecast Leave message via text or email myrnablake1@gmail.com Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
I Stand on Guard for Thee Oh Canada I stand on guard for thee I stand for our Charter of Rights and Freedoms I stand for our Constitution I stand for the rule of law And a ‘just society’ True patriot love I love my fellow Canadians I love with all my heart I love my Brothers and my Sisters And I love all regardless of their choices With a glowing heart I embrace all Canadians I accept all Canadians for who they are I honour indigenous peoples and their cultures And I acknowledge un-ceded lands and waters From far and wide We are a nation built from immigrant people We are strong due to our diversity We learn and grow from each other And we accept all people who come in peace The true north strong and free I protect our country from foreign forces I protect our freedom from government overreach I stand strong to face emerging totalitarianism And I do so peacefully and through due process God keep our land glorious and free God has a glorious plan for Canada God guides us through His Word Our obedience to Him keeps us free As it frees us from our servitude to man So we can lovingly serve Him -
Stephen Badhwar, February 24, 2022
I am Canadian I am Canadian I stand on guard for thee I stand for our Charter Rights: I stand for its opening statement: “Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law.” I am Canadian I stand for freedom of conscience and religion I stand for freedom of thought and belief I stand for the freedom of opinion and expression I am Canadian I stand for fair and open media I stand for freedom of the press I stand for free and informed consent I am Canadian I stand for the freedom of mobility I stand for the right to pursue a livelihood I stand for the right to life, liberty and security I am Canadian I stand for freedom of peaceful assembly I stand for freedom of association I stand for lawful protest I am Canadian I stand for honour and dignity I stand for love and compassion I stand for duty and responsibility I love all Canadians, I love all truckers Those hard at work hauling freight Those hard at work fighting for our charter rights God Bless our Charter of Rights and Freedoms God Bless all those fighting to protect it.
Atlin Community Improvement District ELECTIONS & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Atlin Community Improvement District (ACID) has the object of operating the following services: • • • • • • •
Drainage Fire Protection Sidewalks Solid Waste Disposal Street Lighting Waterworks Representing the Community in communication with provincial agencies on land use matters and advising or making recommendations to the Minister of Community Development on land use matters
The ACID meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm at the Fire Hall. Meetings are usually 2 hours in length. Each trustee receives an honorarium per regular board meeting (currently $100.00/meeting). Attendance at as many meetings as possible is extremely important.
TRUSTEE ELECTIONS will be held at the AGM on 12 April 2022 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: March 2 – March 31, 2022 3 Three-Year Terms are open for the position of Trustee
Persons entitled to vote at an election must be: • • • •
a Canadian citizen at least eighteen years of age an owner of land in the improvement district a resident of the province for the previous six months, or the legal representative of an owner of land in the improvement district who has died, become insolvent or insane.
When more than one person is registered on title as a landowner each person may vote as long as they meet all requirements set out above. One vote is also allowed for each board or corporation that owns land within the improvement district. The board or corporation must designate one person to act as an authorized agent to vote on its’ behalf. This must be done in writing for the polling clerk to verify the voter’s eligibility. Each person is allowed only one vote regardless of how many properties they own. However, if a person also meets the qualifications as agent, set out above, that person may place a vote on behalf of that board or corporation.
Every person qualified to vote in an improvement district is also qualified to be a trustee.
NOMINATION & OTHER FORMS are available at the Atlin Service BC Office Completed Forms are to be submitted to the Atlin Service BC Office Before 3:00pm March 31, 2022 Atlin Community Improvement District PO Box 388 Atlin BC V0W 1A0 Phone/Fax: 250-651-7582 Email: atlincid@gmail.com
Stained Glass Workshop “Sun Catcher”
Join Yukon Stained Glass and Mosaic artist Kim Roberts in this 3 hour INTRODUCTORY Stained Glass Class. Participants can choose between either a stained-glass feather or a stained-glass heart. Students will: • Learn to safely use cutting tools, glass nippers, grinders • Learn to score & break glass • Learn to foil, solder, polish your piece • Ages 12 & up Location: Atlin Teen Center Date: Sunday March 20th 10-1pm: 6 spots available 2-5pm: 6 spots available Cost: $75 ***Participants MUST bring indoor footwear*** To register or get more info contact: Kim Roberts (867) 689-8569 Email: kimroberts99@hotmail.com Facebook: Yukon Reflections Stained Glass
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 Family Day - Closed Mon, Feb 21 Open Sun & Tues, Feb 20, 22 Easter - Open April 17, 18 Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District
Global Peace Prayer
Global Prayer for Compassion
Dear God, Creator, Source of All We pray for peace on Earth We are all your children We are all connected We are all one
Dear God, We are all your children Help us to live in compassion Help us to truly practice compassion Help us to walk each step with compassion
When one of us hurts, we all hurt When one of us dies, we all mourn We are all brothers and sisters We are all human We are all love At our core we are love We thrive on love, we emanate love
Darkness is deceiving us Separating us one by one Dividing us into isolated, polarized camps Making us fear each other Making us hate each other In order to conquer us by dividing us thus This Darkness has spread far and wide It has separated man from woman Parent from child, child from family Neighbour from neighbour Nation from nation One from the other
But even in the light of day we can be so deceived Such that we see only black and white Us and them, this and that And we suppress our love And fall into fear And our fear leads to anger And anger leads to hate And hate leads to conflict
But. we are not fooled We see clearly that there are two paths And we choose the path of love As it leads us through compassion To understand that we are all human We have differences and we have choices But we are all part of the same family
And we kill each other; for no; real; reason Other than a perceived polarity A belief that we are different That we are opposite But, we are one in the same We are truly; all; one
We can live with each other We can live in harmony We can live with respect We can practice compassion We can listen, and we can hear We can open our hearts wide We can expand our minds
So, when we pray for peace, dear God We pray that our eyes be opened wide Opened to look through our petty differences Opened to see our natural connection Opened to see our inherent unity, our intrinsic love So be it, Amen. -
Stephen Badhwar, March 5, 2022
We will it so. Amen. -
Stephen Badhwar, March 5, 2022
“Courage Under Fire” There are times when monsters rise up in the world to do unspeakable harm to millions within and outside of their borders. This is one of those times. Brave people, courageous souls are standing up to fight against this cruelty at great peril to themselves. No matter what the cost there are men and women, young mothers and grandparents who are standing strong. They refuse to allow their homeland be subjected to this tyranny. Heroes are standing up even without weapons.
When overwhelming deadly force is brought to bear against a smaller non-threatening nation and its civilian population, it is a crime against all of humanity. Their neighboring nations need to stand with them before it is too late. Tears flow as my heart is shattered… with just one wish…that my tears can bring peace. Jeff Salmon
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
WANTED Wanted smaller size office/computer desk. Maximum length 53 inches. Looking for quality construction, not particle board.
xkellywhitex@hotmail.com 867-332-0836
Mountain Shack Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C.
EAT IN OR TAKE OUT 250-651-7789
OPEN AGAIN!!! St. Martin’s
Thrift Shop will resume regular hours as of this Friday, March 18th 2-4 p.m. Everyone Welcome No appointments necessary
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
Custom Fish Art- Fiberglas and Wood GARY HILL’S FISH ART
Smallwood Enterprises Ltd
GARY HILL’S – CUSTOM, FISH REPRODUCTIONS PHONE 250 651 7553 EMAIL – garyphill59@gmail.com
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
7 MONARCH Drive – ATLIN – BC. V0W 1A0 WEB SITE – http://gary-hill.com
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 Marj Holman 250-651-7758
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
Atlin Mountain Inn Restaurant Hours (now licensed!) Breakfast 7:30 am-4 pm every day (coffee & continental, self-serve) Lunch 12:00 pm-2 pm every day except Friday Dinner 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Wednesday Wing Night 6-8 pm Sunday Dinner 6:00-8:00 pm Friday Take Out Pizza Night 5:00 pm-8:00 pm Follow us on Facebook for deals and specials!
Atlin Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Services Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us! (778) 721-0710
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!
"Laughter, songs, and dance create emotional connection; they remind us of one thing that truly matters when we are searching for comfort, celebration, inspiration or healing: We are not alone." -Brene Brown
WANTED Rental or Lease to Own For May 2022
Sewing Machine Cleaning, Repair, & Setup Terry 250 651-7769
Atlin Community
Contact: Carmen Email: carmen.nantel@g mail.com (705) 785-9539 EST
Library Open Every
Friday and Saturday 2-4p.m.
Everyone Welcome
The next Whisper is Wednesday March 30th Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm Yukon time March 27th 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 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!