The Atlin Whisper, March 2, 2022

Wednesday March 2nd, 2022

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

Margaret Mead

IN THE MOMENT IV Fill Your Tank at Pine Tree Services

The Table of Knowledge

Locally it’s called the ‘Table of Knowledge.’ Every small town has one. Ours sits in the front window of the cafe. The cafe hasn’t changed in forty years. Mostly it’s known as the ‘Pine Tree,’ but the names have changed with various managers and owners over time. Currently, it’s ‘The Mountain Shack.’

But it’s the same layout: Local art adorns the walls, ranging from paintings, to wood burnings, to old photographs - my favourite being a picture of the Atlin Inn in the old days with a vintage aircraft on skis pulled up to the frozen lakeshore. A number of small tables cling to the walls, and the same big old oblong table looks out over the parking lot, much as it always has, at the gas pumps and at the sign that displays up and coming community events.

A gathering of locals sits around the Table throughout the day to shoot the shit.

They rotate as the day progresses. Every now and then someone returns for one more kick at the cat. The light changes, marking off time as it flickers across the far wall … morning, noon, evening.

I occasionally occupy a chair there myself, being long enough in the tooth to hold my own on that sacred ground - my ability to sling the bull having been judged up to par by our local denizens of the deep. The talk is mostly work related, the state of the road, mechanics, weather, lake conditions, politics, the latest scandal ... the regular fare. Every now and then I field a question about my musical activities. It’s comfortable. Tribal. There is joy in the sense of continuity. Steinbeck would be right at home.

This particular morning, I am huddled in the far corner of the room, sorting my mail - not the type of activity conducive to the free flow of ideas at the Table. Still, I wasn’t entirely out of the loop.

The talk drifted across the room and I let the conversation wash over me - the gossip, the community concerns, the complaints, the weather - all of it framed in that wry sense of humour that keeps little towns like this upbeat the world over.

“How you doin’ with your house? Got the roof finished yet?”

“Yeah, I took the scaffolding off last week.”

“That must have been a big day. It’s been up there 27 years hasn’t it.”

“More coffee?”

“Sure. Is that fresh or is it the same stuff we had last year?”

My breakfast arrives. It doesn’t get any better than this - chowing down on bacon and eggs and drinking bottomless cups of coffee with my species at the local cafe.

I chuckle.

“What?” comes the response from across the room.”

“Nothing,” I reply.

A brief silence, then the chatter continues. I return to my task.

“You seen the price of toilet paper? I’m gonna have to go back to using the Sears catalogue.”

“Don’t bother ... with that glossy finish it’s not even good for wiping your arse anymore.”

More silence. Then the inevitable: “What are you doin’ over there anyway? You know we let guitar players sit over here as long as they promise not to crap in the corner right?”

“Bills.” I grunted.

“Oh.” — In a small town, everybody is connected to everyone else in one way or another. There is a particularly good sampling of codgers at the Table this morning, and I’m tickled to see it’s weighted towards musicians.

Appropriately, fiddler Harry Colwell, the senior member present, is at the head of the table. Rick Sudlow, guitarist and singer, sits next to him with his back to the window and a singing pal, Chris Rye, sits beside him.

Across the table are Lloyd Brown (picked my teeth out of the steering wheel in my conquest of the Pine Creek bridge), along with his mate Anne Campbell, Bill Boyko (famous for his bare-ass shower on the bar under the roof leak at the Atlin Inn), and Bobby Whelan (arrived in Atlin on exactly the same day I did), sitting with her husband and local fishing guide/taxidermist, Gary Hill.

There are no flies on any of these folks; no shortage of skills. Need something done? Check in with the Table of Knowledge. Perfect example: Chris Rye is, like me, one of the remaining ‘wood and water’ cabin dwellers in the area, and has lived down on the lake shore for many years. We occasionally sing Stan Rogers songs along with our pal Ian Coster at the Rec Centre Bar - a habit tolerated, for the most part, by the other patrons of that fine establishment.

Chris is a train guy, having worked in the rail yards for many years. He has a model train layout running through his house that rivals anything I’ve ever seen. He’s headed out of town soon, because he’s also a pilot, and he’s off to Africa to fly a DC3 in some war zone or other. Like I say no shortage of skills.

Harry stands up just as George Holman walks in. George is the unofficial mayor of the town (Atlin continuing to be unincorporated per the strident wishes of its residents).

“You leaving?” George calls out.

“Yep,” Harry replies. “I can’t just sit around here with these fools all morning. I have stuff to do.”

George takes his place at the head of the table, and chairs scrape the floor to accommodate Athea Boucher who has also just arrived - one of our Atlin Board of Trade members, and the bubbliest addition of the morning. She is followed by Sheldon Sands, son of Lyman (of ‘Pine Tree Services’) a long standing Atlin family. Johnny Reid, a fellow Geordie from Tyneside and former manager of the Hydro plant, shuffles in. A full quorum has arrived. It’s the changing of the guard.

The chatter continues and the coffee flows.

“Did you hear those ravens making that racket this morning? What are they up to out there?”

“I’m pretty sure they’re mating. Which is more than I can say for me ...”

I’m guessing the world wouldn’t stop turning if the Table of Knowledge ceased to exist, but I don’t think anyone around here is willing to take the chance.

March Movies The Historic Globe Theatre Sunday March 6:

Youth Without Youth

Doors Open 6:30

Rated 14A

Show Time 7:00 – 9:15

Staring: Alexandra Maria Lara, Bruno Ganz, Andre Hennicke Coppola

Directed by Francis Ford

Drama: Romania 1938, As linguist professor Matei crosses the street, he is struck by lightning. Badly burned and nearly dead, he amazes the doctors by healing in a short time. He defies science and ages in reverse from 70 to 40. There’s seemingly no limit to the wonder and love he can find in his new youth. He pursues lost dreams, endless knowledge and the secrets of life until his secret is discovered.

Sunday March 13:

Detonator II – Night Watch

Doors Open 6:30

Show Time 7:00 – 8:45

Rated 14A

Staring: Pierce Brosnan, Alexandra Paul, Michael Shannon

Espionage Action: Top UN Spy Mike Graham is on a mission to recover a missing Rembrandt. Crossing the globe, the secret agent stumbles upon a North Korean bomb designed to destroy the communications system of the west.

Sunday March 20:

the Young Victoria

Admission Donation Concession items marked All proceeds go towards enhancing Theatre Assets Presented by Heather Keny Facebook: @ExploreAtlin

Email: exploreatlin@gmail.com

Obituary for Beth Belflower The family of Nona Elizabeth (Beth) Davis Belflower announces her death on February 19, 2022, at the age of 82. She was born March 22, 1939, in Cordele, Georgia, to Robert H. and Violet Webb Davis. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert (Bob) Davis.

Beth is survived by her husband of 60 years Estol R. Belflower, sister Sidney Lee Davis Kimbrough, sister-in-law Janet Belflower Hegenderfer (Don), and numerous nieces and nephews, and her special friend Laverne Bell.

Beth grew up in South Georgia and graduated from Albany (GA) High School in 1957. She earned her undergraduate degree from Oglethorpe University in 1961. Immediately following her college graduation, she married Estol Belflower and joined him in Augusta. They lived there until Estol received his Medical Degree from the Medical College of Georgia. Their next move was to Alaska with the United States Air Force. After completion of Estol's tour of duty, they remained in Alaska for 50 years.

Beth began her career as a librarian at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska in 1966. Upon their move to Juneau, Estol practiced radiology, and Beth was employed for 17 years at the Juneau-Douglas High School, retiring in 1989. She was an active member of Chapel by the Lake in Juneau and volunteered in the church library for 23 years.

Since both Estol and Beth were avid birders, it was only natural for her to volunteer at the Juneau Raptor Center and promote enthusiasm among young birders in the community. Their love of flying took them to many interesting points, often remote, throughout Alaska and the Lower 48 in their Piper Super Cub. Beth loved her Atlin summer home overlooking the lake and town. Cataloguing the Atlin library, organizing a cemetery cleanup, and restoring tombstones were among her many community endeavors.

She was an enthusiastic supporter and participant at the Tea on the Tarahne and the annual Canada Day parade. Beth was a weekly attendee at St. Martin’s Anglican Church.

A celebration of Beth's life will be announced at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Boys and Girls Club, P.O. Box 688, Quitman, Georgia 31643.

Maxwell-Purvis Funeral Home in Quitman, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

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.

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

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

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

WANTED Wanted smaller size office/computer desk.

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

xkellywhitex@hotmail.com 867-332-0836

Phone 250-651-7463

Email grizzlyhomeservices@gmail.com

Mountain Shack Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food

Mailing address is Box 318, Atlin BC V0W 1A0

Great Service

Summer Office hours – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 8 am - noon With thanks, Dana and Mary Hammond

110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C.

EAT IN OR TAKE OUT 250-651-7789

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@GMAI L.COM OR STOP BY THE SHOP

“Franz” At age 40, Franz Kafka, (1883-1924), author, who never married and had no children, walked through a park in Berlin where he met a young girl who was crying because she had lost her favorite doll. They both searched for the doll unsuccessfully. Kafka told her to meet him there the next day so they could look for her doll again.

The next day, after an unsuccessful search, Kafka gave the girl a letter "written" by her doll saying “Please don't cry. I took a trip to see the world and will write to you about my adventures."

Thus began a story which continued for months until nearly the end of Kafka's life. During their meetings, Kafka read letters from the doll carefully written with adventures and conversations that the girl found adorable and made her happy.

When Kafka knew he couldn’t continue meeting with the girl as his health was failing, he brought a doll that he bought and told her the doll had returned to Berlin.

"It doesn't look like my doll at all," said the girl.

Kafka handed her another letter in which the doll wrote: “You may not recognize me, as my travels have changed me." the little girl accepted this, hugged the doll and happily brought her home.

Many years later, the now-adult girl found a letter inside the doll. In the letter, signed by Kafka, it was written: “Embrace change. It is inevitable for growth.”

Submitted by Jeff Salmon

Atlin Mountain Inn Restaurant Hours (now licensed!)

Breakfast 7:30 am-11:30 am every day (coffee & continental, selfserve) Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat. Lunch 12:00 pm-2 pm Dinner 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Sunday Dinner 6:00-8:00 pm Friday Take Out Pizza Night 5:00 pm-8:00 pm Yukon Time (MST) Follow us on Facebook for deals and specials!

Fishing Charters

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

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

7 MONARCH Drive – ATLIN – BC. V0W 1A0

$850.00 per day - $550.00 per 1/2 day

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 250-651-7717 Marj Holman 250-651-7758

Atlin Lot for Sale

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

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

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

God’s gifts

Everyone welcome!

best dreams

Covid 19 restrictions apply

put man’s to shame.

Elizabeth Barrett

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

Browning

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

Reasonable Rates!

WANTED Rental or Lease to Own For May 2022

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 16th Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm Yukon time March 13th 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!