The Atlin Whisper, October 12, 2022

The Atlin Whisper

Atlin Community Improvement District

ALL OF ATLIN THANKS YOU OUR ATLIN VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS!!

Scott Odian

Brian Hanslit

Richard Reiley Hannes Schraft Bob Smallwood

Dani McNeil

Vicky Robertson Shannon Whelan Laura Lubben Heather Keny (Dispatch)

Special Thanks for the Extra Hands & Help from Donald Shaw / Sheldon Sands / Jody Smallwood Ralf Lubben / Raylene Robinson (Ambulance - BCEHS) Dana Hammond (Water Truck - Grizzly Home Services) Gary McNeil (Water Truck - Lakes District Maintenance) Irv Krumins (Water Truck - Taku River Tlingit First Nation) Jeremy Lancaster (Food, Water, etc - Atlin Hotel) RCMP (Atlin Detachment)

Atlin Community Improvement District PO Box 388 Atlin BC V0W 1A0 Phone/Fax: 250 651 7582 Email: atlincid@gmail.com

“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead

A SMALL TOWN IN THE NORTH - PT. 3

The Language, Characters and Terminal Irreverence of A Small Town in the North by Paul Lucas

BART DE HAAS

January,2022. I dragged one of the last logs off my dwindling woodpile. It was a mighty affair when I left in the fall, but I’d steadily raided it throughout the winter and then we had this cold snap ...

Of course, I didn’t know there was gonna be a cold snap ... didn’t know ‘til I stepped off the plane in my weenie urban outerwear after returning from the southern climes. Thirty three below with a wind, the pilot had said, and suddenly there I was pounding through a foot and a half of snow; trying to find my truck, sliding around with my ‘slippery city shoes on,’ and gradually losing the feeling in my digits.

Still, I’m not a total idiot. I keep winter gear in the back seat a parka, packboots, gloves, and fourteen pairs of long underwear; all ready to go. Still, I had get to them. But a white truck covered in a blanket of snow ... well ... you get the idea. And that engine still had to start at thirty three below.

Cold snaps are a part of life in a northern winter. In Atlin, they generally last a week or two then things warm up again. This, unfortunately, was only the beginning. The temperature went rapidly down to minus 45, decided to stay there, and now I was running through wood like shit through a goose.

I bucked up the spruce log I had just hauled from the pile, split it and stacked the stove for the evening. I was headed out for dinner with some friends, and I wanted to come back to a warm cabin.

One of the guests I was looking forward to seeing that night was Bart De Haas a Dutch emigrant who came to the Canadian North in the 80’s looking for a wilderness experience. It was an experience he ended up getting in spades. Bart had a story to tell.

Bart De Haas was a soldier in the Dutch army and airforce; sixteen years in regular forces and twelve in the reserves. Along with his many other skills, he is an extraordinary bushman. This tale is about his experiences in the country bounded by Yukon’s north coast, the Stikine River, and the Spatsizi Plateau of British Columbia.

In 1988, Bart conspired to get himself dropped off on Herschel Island, just off the north coast, in the Beaufort sea. His intention was to hike south, through the Yukon and into Northern B.C., and he figured this was a good place to start.

The first leg of this odyssey was a hop south east to Shingle Point, an Inuit whaling village. From there, he hiked through the northern Yukon to Old Crow, Dawson City and Carmacks; continuing on to Haines Junction, Whitehorse and finally, Atlin B.C.

After resting up in Atlin, he got the urge to push on south towards Telegraph Creek, on the old Telegraph Trail the route of the early telegraph line from southern B.C. to the goldrush towns of the North. It’s not an easy trail to follow, most of it having grown over since the early days, but the country is spectacular.

Now Telegraph Creek should have been the logical end of this epic journey (the Stikine being a particularly nasty river to cross), but Bart decided he would take one last kick at the cat and hike a final leg along the Klastline River Trail to Iskut B.C.

When all was said and done, the journey ended up being a 2000 km (1250 mi) romp a trip made all the more remarkable by the fact that he chose to live off the land the entire way, carrying only a backpack and rifle. Still, as remarkable as this trip was, his next adventure would manage to eclipse it entirely.

Over the next few years, Bart spent a great deal of time on and around the Telegraph Trail, making many trips, long and short, through that beautiful country. Things can often go awry in the bush though, and on one of these trips he fell into the Inklin River and nearly drowned; losing his pack, rifle, compass, and supplies in the process. All of a sudden, he found himself stranded in the wilderness, miles from anywhere, with nothing but the clothes on his back. It’s a bushwhacker’s nightmare.

Surprisingly, it didn’t faze Bart. After all, he had just walked 2000 km and lived off the land the whole way. Surely he could survive this.

Well, survive he did. For weeks on end, he hunted, fished and gathered with his bare hands; built shelters, started fires with a firestick, and found a way to cut meat with the one item he still had the metal clip that held his credit cards ... yeah ... that’s right ... think about it ... the cards were absolutely useless, but the clip by gum ... now there’s something worth having! The irony is delicious.

Finally, Bart reached a road the gravel road connecting Dease Lake toTelegraph Creek. And he stopped dead in his tracks ... just stood there in shock, staring down the long, grey, artificial ribbon stretching off in the distance this man made slash through the natural world that stank of rubber, gasoline, and industry and he felt sick. He felt sick enough that he actually contemplated turning around and heading back into the trees.

After all, he had been living off the land with only the clothes on his back; relying on nothing more than his wits and bush savvy for what seemed like ages. His senses were heightened to the smells, sights and sounds of the wilderness, heightened by the need to live in a natural environment ... and now this. The thought of returning to this coarse, crude, industrial world was crushing, but winter was coming on, and it would have been suicide to turn back. So he waited for a car.

The woman who stopped must have thought him quite the sight this bushman with hair all over the place and wild eyes; stinking of raw fish and filthy from head to toe. She took one look at him, loaded him in the car, and hauled him back to Dease Lake and civilization.

Bart De Haas

THE PEOPLE AROUND US

Bart De Haas sits across the table with his wife Karin. The story has us all shaking our heads. Putting down his fork to lift a glass to his lips, he pushes back his chair and smiles just a guy from down the Warm Bay Road telling an after dinner tale.

Never underestimate your neighbour; your fellow man. The length, breadth and depth of the human experience is everywhere. All you have to do is pay attention.

I could have written a hundred tales about the people around me in this little town on the Yukon border. Characters abound, and their stories would fill books much bigger than this one. All I know is, it’s a privilege to share the land with these folks, and I take none of it for granted.

More October Summary

The Historic Globe Theatre Movies

Sunday October 16: Sunday October 23: Sorry no Movie Sorry no Movie Sunday October 30

Safe Haven

Doors Open 6:30 Runs 7:00 9:00

Starring: Josh Duhamel, Julianne Hough Directed by: Lasse Hallstrom

Romance/Drama: After a mysterious woman moves to a small town and falls in love with a handsome widower, a dark secret from her past threatens their happiness.

. Musicians

SaturdayOctober22 November 26

Patrick Jacobson Burlesque Indie-rock dance performance https://patrickjacobson.com

See posters for details

HALLOWEEN DANCE

Saturday October 29 with Blues Cargo excellent for dancing or just enjoying!!

Full Bar, Non alcohol choices, Hot Food, prizes for best costume, big dance floor, plenty of tabled seating Must be 19+ to enter

Facebook: @ExploreAtlin Email exploreatlinsales@gmail.com Presented by Heather Keny

The Historic Globe Theatre

Patrick Jacobson Saturday October 22, 2022

Patrick Jacobson has spent the last two decades crafting, recording and performing original songs all across Canada. Originally hailing from Vancouver, Patrick earned his reputation as the front man of The Capitals by writing endearing, dulcet anthems with crackerjack choruses. After The Capitals quietly disbanded in 2009, he has set out to establish himself as a solo artist. Patrick has shared stages with the likes of July Talk, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Stars, The Grapes of Wrath, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Lillix, The Payola$, Mariana's Trench, Hey Ocean!, Swollen Members, and countless others. He has toured to nearly every province and territory, performed internationally, has original songs featured in film and tv shows, and has played at nearly every major northern music festival. He is a seasoned professional both on stage and in the studio.

Patrick will be performing a mix of original songs and classic rock covers on his acoustic guitar at the Globe Theatre.

Doors Open 6:30 Concert Starts 7:00

@ the door

Coffee/Tea Service Available by Donation

Dr. Estol Royal Belflower

The family of Estol Royal Belflower announces his death on June 17, 2022, at his home in Quitman, Georgia, at the age of 84. Born April 18, 1938, in Tifton, Georgia, he was the son of Jack Estol and Verna Royal Belflower. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Nona Elizabeth (Beth) Davis Belflower, four months earlier on February 19, 2022. He is survived by his sister Janet Belflower Hegenderfer (Don), his sister in law Sidney Lee Davis Kimbrough, numerous nieces and nephews, and a loving group of caregivers to whom he was affectionately known as “Mr. B”. Estol and Beth are also survived by their special friend Laverne Bell. Laverne coordinated their care, allowing them to remain in their home.

Estol graduated from Albany High School in 1956 and the University of Georgia in 1960. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1964. After his internship in Macon, Estol began his military service as a flight surgeon at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. After returning to the Medical College of Georgia to complete his residency in radiology, Estol and Beth recognized that Alaska was the place they would call home. They moved to Juneau, where Estol instituted a full service radiology department at Bartlett Regional Hospital.

Estol had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and was constantly seeking a new challenge. While still in medical school, he received his private pilot license, a life changing event. He was FAA certified as both a pilot and an aircraft mechanic for 50 years and was FAA certified as a medical examiner for 40 years. While in Alaska Estol served in both the Army and the Air National Guard. He flew helicopters in the Army National Guard and was a flight surgeon in the Air Guard, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

After retiring from radiology, Estol opened an office in his airport hangar. There he performed flight physicals for private pilots. The hangar was a favorite gathering place for pilots and a place where life long friendships were forged.

Estol and Beth loved the states of Alaska, their home for 50 years, and Georgia where they were born. Their love of flying took them to many interesting points, often remote, throughout Alaska in their Piper Super Cub. To ensure that they experienced the diversity that Georgia offered, they undertook and completed their goal of visiting each of its 159 counties, documenting each visit with a picture of its courthouse.

Estol and Beth were active members of the Chapel by the Lake in Auke Bay. Both the church and its members were an important part of their lives. They were avid birders and volunteered at the Juneau Raptor Center. Always eager to share their knowledge, they opened the eyes of countless individuals to the world of birding.

Summers meant a change of pace and the opportunity to reconnect with their friends in Atlin, British Columbia. Sharing the beauty of Atlin and the warmth of its people with visiting family and friends gave them true joy.

Estol was as unique as his name. Always a Gentleman and a Gentle Man, Estol was a person of integrity and high moral character who strove for excellence in all things. He set a high bar for himself and usually exceeded his own expectations. Many of the values and skills that were an integral part of his life were learned at home, at church, and through scouting. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1952 and spent many summers as a staff member at Camp Osborn. The memories, skills, and friends made there were never forgotten.

Contributions in his memory to support Camp Osborn should be sent to South Georgia Council BSA, 3005 North Ashley Street, Valdosta, Georgia 31602. Please designate for Camp Osborn. A celebration of Estol’s life is planned for 11 a.m. on October 22, 2022, at Camp Osborn, 480 Camp Osborn Road, Sylvester, Georgia 31791.

Atlin Historical Society “Painting of the Pews”

This is an exciting time for the Atlin Arts & Music Festival benches! In the past the benches were distributed throughout the community during the summer and then put away in storage for the rest of the year. Now, in cooperation with four businesses and one individual we get to enjoy them year round.

The first bench was painted in 2006 in front of the Courthouse. Lynn Jancek and Joanne Snobelen coordinated the “Painting of the Pews” until 2013 when other individuals took over. From 2006 until 2019 one Pew or Bench was painted during the Atlin Arts & Music Festival. These benches are incredible works of art with scenes, illustrations, comments and many iterations of life in Atlin. Many of the pews may date back to the early 1900’s when St. Martins Anglican church was built. As the number of benches grew Patricia Kother, an AHS board member and long tiime advocate of Atlin history coordinated the placement and storage of the benches.

The benches are owned by the Atlin Historical Society. However, we have very little archival information about them. The AHS is in the process of collecting as much history possible before lost. If you or someone you know painted on a bench you can email staceysven@gmail.com with anecdotes, theme for that year and names of others that contributed to painting.

AHS thanks the following businesses for their interest in promoting history & the arts in our community by giving the benches a home. The Atlin Mountain Inn, Food Basket, Trading Post & Recreation Center.

Atlin Community Improvement District

Invitation to Tender PROJECT Snow Clearing

Front and driveway of Fire Hall and Pumphouse

VIEWING OF SITE

The corner of Second Street and Pearl Avenue, Atlin, BC.

The corner of Lake Street and Pearl Avenue, Atlin, BC

SCOPE OF WORK

Front and side entrances of the Fire Hall must be accessible for Fire trucks, Ambulance & staff.

Snow removal is expected at 10 cm (4 inches).

The access loop at the Pumphouse must be cleared for vehicle entry.

Snow removal is expected at 10 cm (4 inches).

OTHER

Bids must be submitted each year.

Closed Bid accepted by mail or email. See addresses below.

Invitation Closing Date: October 31, 2022

Start Date: November 1, 2022

Contract Term: November 1, 2022 October 31, 2023.

Contract may be terminated after a two week notice if work is unsatisfactory. Successful bidder must supply proof of $1 million liability insurance coverage.

Please include WCB number with bid.

The lowest or any bid not necessarily accepted.

Mail: PO Box 388 Atlin BC V0W 1A0

Email: atlincid@gmail.com

Atlin Community Improvement District PO Box 388 Atlin BC V0W 1A0

Phone: 250 651 7582 Email: atlincid@gmail.com

NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE

Lake View

Your daily view in this well built, 2 level home with a fabulous open floorplan on the upper level with a master bedroom and so much storage! The lower level boasts 2 extra bedrooms or bedroom and games room. Almost 1700 sq.ft., lots of room for the entire family and guests to enjoy! Double garage on lower level plus another garage for all those extras like boats, quads, sleds …

$535,000

Warm Bay Road

This gem is off grid, well maintained and absolutely the perfect retreat. 2 bedrooms, large open dining/living room, galley kitchen and spacious pantry. Storage in walk out cellar plus numerous outbuildings. Off grid.

$239,000

43.6 Acres

Beautifully maintained, inside and out, this cozy 2 bedroom home is so private with a second cottage with sleeping loft (often used as B&B), a third cabin for guests, great garage/workshop, plus various other craft/work shops and much fencing. Mountain views in every direction plus short walk to Atlin Lake sandy beaches. Just waiting for you! Viewing by appointment ONLY!

$597,000

5 Acres

With power, small log cabin, tenant occupied near the upper end of the acreage, application for subdivision has been submitted/approved to create two 2.5 acre parcels. Slope facing Atlin Lake. Build your dream home to take advantage of the view and keep the tenant as caretaker!

$259,000

Fourth of July

Basic lake side cabin, 3 bedrooms, lots of big windows, hidden in the trees, on .544 acres, leased lot until 2042. Very private! $68,000

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

HIDDEN GEM

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 SOLD

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 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 SOLD

Call Myrna at (250) 775 1019

Leave message via text or email myrnablake1@gmail.com

Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.

The Design Grand Design

Or not so grand design

We get to choose our model

Intelligent Design Or coincidence

We get to choose our belief

Benevolent Intent Or selfish intent

We get to choose our story

The Architect

Are you the architect of your life?

Or is it by deferred default Or by devious design Some outsourced firm That has designed a vast pyramid With you eternally at the bottom Or a square

With you stuck inside

Or, are you the architect With Creator as Mentor and Master That has designed a glorious garden

The Farmer

After toiling away in the fields

For thousands of years And feeling kinda’ screwed The farmer finally sees the price of food rise

But he is not to prosper from this For it all goes to the Middleman Still holding the screw gun Now inserting a screw for the consumer

The Monopoly

The illusion of choice: Hundreds and hundreds of brands Less than a dozen companies… Pepsico

Kelloggs

General Mills Mondelez Mars

Johnson & Johnson Kraft Heinz Nestle

P & G Unilever Coca Cola

All owned by two parent companies: 1. BlackRock 2. Vanguard https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/globalists takeover food system control cola/

The Player

The pawn

Too busy looking left and right Watching ahead for rooks and knights Sees not the hand reaching down from behind…

The Game

Stooped over on our hands and knees The game of Monopoly is spread out on our backs And the corporate oligarchs sit around and play

The game is over when the people stand up The game is over when the people stand up

Stephen Badhwar, July 2022

ATLIN MOUNTAIN INN

WINTER Food Hours (Oct 1 - March 31)

Sunday: Restaurant: Dinner 5pm 7:00pm Saloon: Closed

Monday: Restaurant: Lunch 11:30 1:30 Dinner 5pm 7:00pm Saloon closed

Tuesday: Restaurant: Lunch 11:30-1:30 Dinner 5pm-7:00pm Saloon-closed

Wednesday: Restaurant: 5pm 7:00pm Dinner menu/Wing Night Saloon closed

Thursday: Restaurant: closed Saloon: Open 5 to close-snacks etc.

Friday: Restaurant: Closed Saloon: Open 5pm to close Pizza/fried foods 5 8pm

Saturday: Restaurant: Dinner 5pm 7:00pm Saloon: Open 5pm to close Dinner menu also 5 8pm.

Every Day!! self serve cafeteria in the restaurant 8am-5pm

The Atlin District Board of Trade

“Serving the Community of Atlin since 1904” New members welcome Next meeting November 1st, 7 p.m., Rec. Centre meeting room

ADBoT is currently working on many issues that are important to our community. Come out and get informed and have a voice in revising the Community Plan for Atlin’s future.

We advocate to ensure that the whole community receives fair and equitable representation! Membership dues are now overdue for 2022 if you haven’t paid yours, please forward payment to P.O. Box 106, Atlin

Memberships $50.00 business \ individual per year

Signposts are $100.00 per year

PO Box 106, Atlin, BC V0W 1A0 atlin.dbot@gmail.com

“Chill Out”

Friday evening My work week done Wine and cool jazz Chill out, have fun.

Miles Davis horn Notes float on air Capture my thoughts Transport me where… Cares melt away.

The table set A scrumptious meal Fragrant, delish Helps me to feel… Pleased with myself.

Paul Desmond sax Notes fly through air Straight to my heart Carry me where… Cares disappear.

Friday evening My work week done Wine and cool jazz Chilled out, had fun.

Jeff Salmon

Land for Sale by Owner

Three 30x100 lots in central Atlin, near Tarahne Park. One lot includes an historical cabin and garage. Would prefer to sell the three lots together. $275,000 Drive by at the corner of Munroe and Second St. to view. If interested, call 250 651 7502.

Fishing Charters

GARY HILL’S FISH

SVOP Licence, 24 ft. Boat, Transport Canada Commercial Registration

Gary Hill, Atlin B.C. V0W 1A0 Licensed, B.C. Guide

250 651 7553

garyphill59@gmail.com

per day - $550.00 per 1/2

GARY

OPPORTUNITY

British Columbia Ambulance, Atlin has positions available. We are actively recruiting local community members. If you are interested in serving Atlin, please contact

Tom Soames, NW District Manager Clinical Operations 250 615 2188 tom.soames@bcehs.ca

Scott Cole, Community Paramedic, Atlin 250 651 7686 scott.cole@bcehs.ca

Ralf Lubben, Emergency Medical Responder, Atlin ralf.lubben@bcehs.ca

Land for Sale by Owner

Three 30x100 lots in central Atlin, near Tarahne Park. One lot includes an historical cabin and garage. Would prefer to sell the three lots together. $275,000

Drive by at the corner of Munroe and Second St. to view. If interested, call 250 651 7502.

George Holman 250 651 7717 or Marj Holman 250 651 7758

Atlin Christian Centre

Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday

11 a.m. Come join us! (778) 721 0710

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

God has made everything beautiful in its time.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Sewing Machine

Cleaning, Repair, &Setup Terry 250651 7769

Mountain Shack Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C. EAT IN OR TAKE OUT Wednesday thru Sunday 250 651 7789

MOBILE WELDING SERVICE

AVAILABLE

Contact: Alain Vanier 250 651 0037

Reasonable Rates!

Smallwood Enterprises Ltd

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 Community Library

Open Every Friday and Saturday 2 4p.m. Everyone Welcome

The next Whisper is Wednesday October 26th Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm October 23rd 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. 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!