December 17, 2011
 Tom Saunders Bon Vivant
Tom let's start our story on The White Rock Players Panto MOTHER GOOSE from your very beginning. How long have you lived in White Rock?
I was born in the old White Rock Hospital, which was torn down without so much as a small brass plaque to mark the event.
Can you remember your first panto?
I was three years old and I saw Robinson Crusoe at what was then called the White Rock Little Theatre, and I was quite disturbed by the heroes being boiled alive in a cannibal pot. Thanks to Bugs Bunny, even a three-year-old is well aware of what goes on in a cannibal pot you're thrown in, carrots and celery are added, and high heat is applied.
I believe the next year we saw Aladdin, and the main thing that I remember from that is a bad guy getting pushed through the mangle of an old washing machine and coming out the other side completely flattened. And yes, it freaked me out, but luckily, I was safely positioned between my parents, so no harm came to me personally.
Are there any other long lasting memories of pantos of the past?
Franklin Johnson as a loud, freakishly grotesque woman, the wonderful Enid Saunders (no relation) as the Good Fairy every year, and a very real sense that the various villains might come off the stage and take you away to their evil hideaways in the deep dark forest.
When did you personally become involved with the panto?
Jason Dedrick, Mike Roberds, Fred Partridge and myself decided to write a panto. We had previously worked together on various local cable shows, and a sketch comedy group, called "Almost Midnight."
In 1997, we wrote "Mother Goose" - the same show running right now.
This year you are credited with writing the music and lyrics for some of the songs in Mother Goose. Tell us a bit about the wonderful music you have created for Mother Goose?
Jason and I wrote the lyrics for the show, and I wrote the music. The overall idea was to write songs in the general musical style of British Music Hall, so there's a whole lot of "oompa-oompa-oompa-oompa" rhythms going on, topped off with what we hoped were clever or funny lyrics.
The closing number of Mother Goose "The Wonderful Year We Fell In Love" has some Surrey and White Rock references. I found in watching the panto this year the local references seem to have diminished. What process do you go through to select the people you will highlight lyrically?
Overall, I'd agree that the script doesn't contain a lot of political references. In writing the lyrics for "The Wonderful Year We Fell In Love," (which I've done since 1997) throughout the year, I pray for wacky and embarrassing things to happen to local politicians. Thus, if you fall off a horse, get attacked by a raccoon, or get a DUI in Maui, I close my eyes, look to the sky and quietly say, "Thank you...."
If I am correct you also assist in the creation of some of the props for the panto?
I generally offer to make one specialty prop each year for the pantos. This year, it was a number of them, including the Humpty Elvis Dumpty egg shell, – and several others, usually things you can't pick up in your local store. A couple of props that I've previously made include an expanding cannibal pot, a cannon that shot out a "BOOM!" flag, and Shenanigans the pantomime giraffe, which (spoiler alert) is really just a motorcycle helmet with a fishing pole fibre glassed on top, with a garden hose leading from the helmet to a bicycle horn in the giraffe's mouth - hence, the "Great big honkin' animal" bit.
Tom you have been a local musician of note for a number of years. Is it possible for you to give us an abbreviated Coles Notes version of your musical career?
I wrote my first song when I was eleven an ode to my guinea pig, Hannibal Porcellus. Luckily, it never took off, as I would have been sued for copyright infringement by the writers of the Kraft Peanut Butter Teddy Bears jingle. Then when skinny ties and New Wave rolled in, I was in Chemistry and the Hostages, performing all original songs and opening up for bands like Martha and the Muffins, Toronto, Doug & the Slugs, etc. Later we formed a nicely low-profile dance band & got to be flies on the walls of many private & public functions. Then came the cable years, doing This Is Orest, and much more silliness. One common thread through all this was working with Dan Ross, who I've played with since our teens. Most recently, I've worked with him on three seasons of the CTV series, 'Robson Arms," when he was doing the music score, and I was writing and performing the opening songs once again with Jason Dedrick. Dan also arranged & produced the song that turned into my latest book release, which I'm hoping you'll ask about next.
In addition to your other artistic talents, you recently added author to your list. How did one of your songs end up being adapted into a children's book?
Thanks for asking, Dave. I had done a CD of kid's songs, which I did as a Christmas present just for my family and friends, in 2008. I gave a copy of it to Cynthia Nugent, who I knew from my involvement with the Vancouver Ukulele Circle. What I didn't know was that she was a children's book illustrator, and she contacted me the next day, saying that she thought one of the songs would make a good children's book. I went online and looked at her other artwork and was very impressed by her bright, quirky, and wonderfully fun illustrations. She did some preliminary sketches, sent them and the CD to the publisher of Simply Read Books, and he went for it. Two-and-a-half years later, we have a very high quality printed book (it also comes with a CD of the song.)
 Cynthia Nugent/Tom Saunders - Book signing Saturday at Playhouse
Is the book available locally?
Yes I just came back from signing copies of the book at the South Surrey Branch of Kisbooks at southpoint. It was sitting on display, front and center, next to the illustrated version of Dylan's "Blowin' In The Wind." So I am in pretty good company!
Being a long time resident of White Rock, do you have any special Christmas memories of Christmas's of past on the shores of Semiahmoo Bay?
Wow - many wonderful White Rock Christmas memories... Here's a couple: the toy train that ran in the front window of Amos' Drygoods (now Charlie Don't Surf) at Christmas time small bags of gold-covered chocolate coins from the old Safeway in the Central Plaza " stopping on my paper route at the Golden Grain Bakery (now Uli's) for Christmas meringues also receiving a fruitcake log wrapped in tinfoil, from a paper customer and sitting down in the snow on Victoria Ave, and eating my way through about half of it! And of course, always being surrounded by a boisterous Saunders family on Christmas morning.
Finally what would you put under the tree this year for the city of White Rock?
For the City of White Rock, a big, shiny box full of working together in a cooperative effort for the betterment of the best place on earth. Merry Christmas, Everybody!
And Tom to you, a good night and Merry Christmas
D.Chesney
December 09, 2011
THE ODIN'S OUTLOOK
Sherron Fairbairn - photos and story
The city workers and an elderly gentleman were standing on the sidewalk and blocking my view to take the shots of the benches and the pier. Using a sense of humour I asked the guys to move so that I could take a shot. It was all friendly and jovial. The older gentleman asked if I wanted him to move too and I jokingly replied, "no you're gorgeous". We all laughed.
I was then invited to take shots from the gentleman's patio across the street and I complied. We approached this nicely painted green house with amazing rock walls and steps leading up to an opened front door. He also said that he had many sunset shots from his place and invited me into the house to see them. For some reason, I said yes. His name is Joe. We entered the house and began looking for his wife Helen and calling for her. I began to get a little nervous about not finding Helen and then I said "Well, maybe she left " and Joe replied, "I don't see why she would after 67 years" This is when I realized what a great sense of humour he has. We finally found Helen and she took me in with open arms. They shared their photos and their life stories.
This is the story about Joe and Helen Odin. Joe, of First Nations descent, was born in New Westminster. Joe is a WW2 veteran, of whom there are not too many, left. He was in the navy and landed on Juno beach on D-day in a landing craft. Helen, a fine Scotswoman, was born in a little town in Manitoba called Argyle and they met shortly after the war. Joe was 21 and Helen was 20 and it was "love at first sight" for both of them. They married two months later. Today they have celebrated 67 wedding anniversaries. They have 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Joe and Helen lived in Burnaby and travelled to White Rock with the kids every weekend to camp. But one day in 1967 they read an ad in the paper about a house for sale in White Rock. It was a "Handyman Special" all contents included for $7,500. They drove to White Rock and sat outside the weather beaten house in their old jalopy and "it was exactly what they were looking for." A few days later Helen got a phone call from the real-estate agent: "Hey, Mrs Odin, you just got yourself a house in White Rock." What is really cool is that Joe from the age of 6 would visit his great aunt and his grandpa who lived only a few houses on either side of the Odin’s' new home.
The Odin’s were the 2nd owners of the house and they went to work on it from the start. They hand dug the basement and used a wheelbarrow to move the soil across the street to build up the embankment, which was just a drop off at the time and they hand built the beautiful rock wall that encases their property. Helen, what a trouper you are and with three children.
 We can thank Joe for designing the “Arch of Lights” on the pier and his involvement with the city to install the drinking fountains on hump for the people and the dogs.
In 1980 their home became one of the original B&B's in our community. In 2002 they retired from the B&B and have many cherished memories from these years. They took photographs of their visitors from around the world and have 8 guest books full of fond comments as a keepsake. We wish Joe and Helen many more years of wedded bliss at “ODINS OUTLOOK.”
BALLAD OF HIGH HOPES
( To The Tune of On Top of Old Smoky)
Oh, down at White Rock
By the sea
There's a house waiting
For you and for me.
Now this house was quite old
And needed repair
And when we saw it
We were in despair.
Now one window was brown
Two doors were stuck fast
But with all his tools
Dad fixed them at last.
The fireplace works grandly
It crackles real good
And just think of the beach
There is all that wood.
We were all so excited
A house at last
The trips down to White Rock
Were sure thick and fast.
Now we've been to the sea-shore
We've gone for a rest
But a place all our own
We sure have been blessed.
There's more work ahead
But it can be fun
Just to be at the seaside
And enjoy all the sun.
Oh, we liked the big rooms
And all of the beds,
But to think of a name
We needed all heads.
We thought of so many
They all sounded good
But to get one that suited
And put it on wood.
HIGH HOPES was the name
We chose from the pile
And when we say it
Everyone smiles.
HiGH HOPES was the name We chose from the pile And when we say it -
Everyone smiles.
Composed by Helen Odin and children Wayne, Joanne and Dougie on our many trips to White Rock, BC - 1967
October 26, 2011
CEFA
Aron Veen
Vice Principal, School Manager
cefa White Rock
We are talking today with Aron Veen of Core Education & Fine Arts located in the Morgan Creek district of South Surrey. Aron first if you wouldn't mind providing the readers of the White Rock Sun a bit of your background.
Although my background is in business, a few years ago I decided to go back to school to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education to have a job more conducive to having a family. I loved studying child psychology, early literacy and family studies because it opened up a new set of values on the importance of early learning. I have my infant toddler license, my International Baccalaureate Level One and I am cefa™ certified to teach the cefa™ method.
Now let's move on and learn a little bit about CEFA Junior Kindergarten School. During my escorted tour of the school I was very impressed at the operation of CEFA. The kindergarten obviously provides much more than a baby sitting service for families. What is the mandate of CEFA?
Our mission's statement is to inspire children to: learn and be knowledgeable, seek self betterment and contribute as individuals. Cefa™ believes that the brain's formative years between 0 and 6 are so important. Our school strives to develop children's intellect and deliver the finest start in education, art, and humanities.
When and by whom was CEFA founded?
Our Junior Kindergarten School was founded in 1998 by Natacha V. Beim. While working as an elementary school teacher and Junior Kindergarten teacher in Europe, Beim experienced firsthand the incredible effect of early academic exposure in young children. As a school teacher, and in the years that followed, she worked to modify existing Junior Kindergarten curriculums to create a different approach, one that would not impose on the child's natural desire to explore, play, and learn by experimenting with the environment.
As a school teacher, and in the years that followed, she worked to modify existing Junior Kindergarten curriculums to create a different approach, one that would not impose on the child's natural desire to explore, play, and learn by experimenting with the environment.
How many locations are there of CEFA in the Lower Mainland? Are there plans in the near future to expand outside of British Columbia?
Currently there are eleven cefa locations in the lower mainland. Our newest school just opened in Abbotsford and features six bright classrooms, a circus room, two playgrounds, a library nook and an on-site chef. We have plans to expand into Toronto and the United States.
What is the age range of students at CEFA?
We take children as young as six months up to five years. Each class is separated like elementary school children into the year they were born. This
way, the teachers can plan activities and experiences specifically for the age of the children they teach.
Is it possible for you put describe an average day for students at CEFA, based on their age.?
We open at 7:45am and close at 5:30pm and our families choose their best eight hours to attend, so each child's day is unique, depending on the time they arrive. From 7:45am to 8:45am we would have open learning where the children can free play with toys they choose. Then we would have one on one writing, hand eye coordination and fine motor games. At 9:30am we would have breakfast, then a reading circle with puppets and songs. Next we would do one of our fine art activities, either art, drama, music & movement, yoga or French. Then it's outside time! The children love balls, bubbles, running games and digging in the sandbox. Then our students come in for a group activity or project learning and then get ready for lunch prepared by our chef. After lunch it's magical story time and then rest/naptime. When the children wake up it's time for snack, then science or math exploration and next it's physical education. At then end of the day, we play in the circus room. Each day is different and it is developmentally appropriate for each child's needs and abilities.
Do the children leave the school for activities like day trips? If so where have they visited lately and what did they have the opportunity to learn?
In early October we had a parent participation field trip to the local pumpkin patch where the children had the opportunity to go on a hayride, walk through a corn maze, play with animals and choose a pumpkin. It perfectly supported their science unit studying Autumn.
During your tour for me of CEFA we visited a class that was in progress and you proudly demonstrated an interactive electronic blackboard. This is very high tech, could you please give me the Coles Notes version of what this high tech blackboard is capable of?
The SMART Board is an interactive white board used in classrooms to support reading, writing, math, socials, science and group collaboration. Teachers can upload worksheets and activities to meet their learning objectives and enhance their lessons. The children learn respect for technology and that we can use computers for research and knowledge in a fun, interactive way. Our students will be confident when they reach elementary school because they are familiar with how SMART Boards are used.
Not having any personal experience with school children of any age, one of the aspects of the school that interested me was what appears to be a very open dialogue between the teachers, school administrators and the parents of the children attending CEFA. Could you describe some of the methods used to keep parents in the loop of the daily special activities at the school and their children's progress.
The teachers send home a monthly newsletter to inform parents of special days, what we will be focusing on at school and ways to connect learning at home. We have a school blog www.cefawhiterock.com, a facebook page and teachers send home weekly emails to keep parents informed. Twice a year we send home progress reports we have Parent Teacher conferences to focus on each child's development. The connection with our families is very important to us.
Is it possible for parents to tour the kindergarten to learn more about the operation of CEFA?
We can set up a private tour during the day by calling 778-294-2646. Before applying, it is important that prospective families tour our school to learn more about our program and philosophy and curriculum to ensure it is a great fit for your family. We will also be staging an Open House November 03.
During my guided tour it became apparent to me, one of the by products of the Junior Kindergarten is the students learning at an early age some of the very basic interaction skill sets needed for regular school. Is there any evidence graduates of CEFA have an easier time integrating into regular school as a result of their CEFA groundwork?
Choosing an elementary school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. Our students often go to private schools, French immersion or fine arts schools. They are confident and prepared to enter the kindergarten of their choice.
October 14, 2011
Meet White Rock's Best
 l-r Sherron Fairbairn/Linda Lock
What happens when two very creative people get together and they start to talk about two things near and dear to their hearts, art and White Rock? Well that's easy, you come up with an internet portal that focuses not only on the loca arts community, but the things that make White Rock - THE BEST!
Yesterday you met co-founder of White Rock's Best SHERRON FAIRBAIRN (below).
Today we introduce you to LINDA LOCK
First of all Linda please summarize your personal history with White Rock and The Semiahmoo Peninsula.
I have lived and raised a family in White Rock since 1977.
How did the idea come about for you and SHERRON to come together to create WHITE ROCK'S
BEST?
Sherron had already developed the idea for the site a few years ago and I have the web design skills to implement it - so it seemed only natural that the two of us would combine our efforts and love of the area, to work on this project.
What will the focus of WHITE ROCK'S BEST be? Is there a focus in these early stages for your on line publication?
The focus is to provide information for the residents of the peninsula in order to enhance day-to-day living. By show-casing the merchants, artists and musicians in area we hope we can help the residents get the most and the BEST out of living in White Rock/South Surrey.
How and where on the information highway landscape do you see WHITE ROCK'S BEST fitting and succeeding?
We hope to provide the information that traditionally falls between "news" and "sales" events. In effect, filling in the blanks to help people get the most out of living here.
I find in my travels Most residents on the Semiahmoo Peninsula have a "special place" they like to visit to strongly connect with their community. It could be a service group, a wilderness trail, a tranquil time and place along the waterfront. Where is you special zen place you go to in order to connect with our community?
My personal favorite is a wonderful meal on the beach. In any of the fabulous places to eat , there are many opportunities to visit with fellow diners, people watch and to soak up the sights and sounds (including the train) of this beautiful area.
Speaking of connecting with the community, what do you personally think makes White Rock and South Surrey a special place to live?
For me, it has to be the balmy climate (even if that does mean shoveling the white stuff from time to time) and the sight and smell of the ocean.
The city of White Rock has chosen a new phrase to "brand" White Rock. How would you finish this sentence?
MY CITY BY THE SEA IS....................................................
the best place to live in all of Canada!
How do you envision WHITE ROCK'S BEST can contribute to bringing the community together and creating a stronger more unified community?
By making sure they know about all the special people who live here that are working so hard to help provide experiences that enrich lives.
Final question. I have learned from talking personally with both of you, you are very passionate about the "arts" sector of our community. If you were able to look into a crystal ball how do you envision the growth and continued success of our artistic community, which we are already well known for?
We can help the artists and craftsmen who live here by providing venues that support and promote their efforts. By helping to make it possible for them to sustain their art and continue to grow and thrive.
October 13, 2011
Today - Sherron and her artwork. Tomorrow we get to know Linda a little better as well as her artwork.
First of all Sherron if you could summarize your personal history with White Rock and The Semiahmoo Peninsula.
My husband Ron and I moved from North Vancouver to White Rock in 1984 after an afternoon visit to this laid- back seaside community. It "love at first site" and we moved a month later. White Rock and South Surrey has become our way of life. I am an artist, studied in commercial art, web design and photography.
How did the idea come about for you two to come together with Linda to create WHITE ROCK'S BEST?
Somewhere along the way, the past will bring us into the future. For 3 years I planned and created the Waterfront Drift, which was an online magazine that connected waterfront communities. In 2005, because of circumstances she shelved the project and it became but a dream.
In January of 2011, Linda, also a local artist and self taught web designer started an online magazine called Eatshop.ca. She invited me to join in her venture. Since our collaboration in June, we have both created what is now the WhiteRocksBest.com, and have not looked back. Together, Linda and I have a great working relationship and have become good friends.
What will the focus of WHITE ROCK'S BEST be? Is there a focus in these early stages for your on line publication?
Our project is in the early stages. The initial focus is a “shop local” mandate but as we dig deeper and search out the best of the best, the project keeps evolving. We believe that the locals will be able to rediscover their home and the new residents will discover our beautiful Peninsula. Our introductory promotion for was a draw to sign up for our newsletter. The prize was a $75. gift certificate for dinner at La Baia Restaurant on East Beach. The winner was Judy Jones of the “Weathered Rooster” in Ocean Park.
Our second project is known as the "Passport to East Beach". This Passport will have an impartial draw on October 31st, to win prizes at the participating merchants on the beach including a 50% off room at the Ocean Promenade Hotel, workshops, dinners, etc. We hope to intrigue the locals to rediscover the most undeveloped part of the waterfront. It is with intention to draw the locals to revisit the eclectic east beach - still undefined- like a Cinderella in the waiting and where the tides take the longest to come in at the end of the day, which means more sand time. Visit our home page at WhiteRocksBest.com and download your passport to enter the draw for your "Passport to East Beach."
“One winner takes all.”
How and where on the information highway landscape do you see WHITE ROCK'S BEST fitting and succeeding?
We are an interactive online magazine and are designing it to be adaptive to viewing on your home computer, your iPad and your mobile phone. Sign up to receive our “FUN” Friday newsletter and enjoy the diversified monthly articles on our website, that showcase the uniqueness of the great people and businesses in our community. Our articles and newsletters are archived for the reader’s future enjoyment. Find "out of the way" places where the locals like to be out and about. The Arts scene section is a connection for our local artists, for our local community and the global market as well.
I find in my travels Most residents on the Semiahmoo Peninsula have a "special place" they like to visit to strongly connect with their community. It could be a service group, a wilderness trail, a tranquil time and place along the waterfront. Where is you special zen place you go to in order to connect with our community?
As I go about my search for the next story I find myself swept away in friendly conversation with another great person. Everyone has a story and it is difficult to choose the next "What's Your Story." This connection mostly puts me in a happy place. If you are wanting my "zen" place, that would be east beach.
Speaking of connecting with the community, what do you personally think makes White Rock and South Surrey a special place to live?
First of all, we have a natural beauty that is a visual feast and the smell of the ocean that says "I'm home." Our climate conditions promote a year round outdoor health-style with a wide variety of sporting activities for all age groups, even if it is just to walk along the promenade and breath in the ocean air. There is something special for everyone including live theatre and indoor activities.
 Uptown White Rock
The city of White Rock has chosen a new phrase to "brand" White Rock. How would you finish this sentence?
MY CITY BY THE SEA IS……..A WAY OF LIFE……
How do you envision WHITE ROCK'S BEST can contribute to bringing the community together and creating a stronger more unified community?
With our passion, dedication and love of the Peninsula at heart, our up and coming magazine is with the intent to create a spirit of co-operation that improves the local community not only for the businesses but the local residents as well. We connect you to the heart of our community through the spotlight on great people.
Final question. I have learned from talking personally with both of you, you are very passionate about the "arts" sector of our community. If you were able to look into a crystal ball how do you envision the growth and continued success of our artistic community, which we are already well known for?
The Peninsula is teeming with an array of talented artists, including our team. Our Art Beats section welcomes Trish Pollock who is our "go to" for our treasured local artists with the “Artbeat Hub” The Hub is interactive, where you can ask questions, make suggestions and submit interesting photos, videos etc. Trish’s monthly articles will cover a wide variety of relevant topics and each month the “Peoples Choice” will select their favorite artist who will be featured in the article. Art Beat will also be encouraging studio tours and virtual studio tours.
 Five Corners District/White Rock
September 15, 2011
GOD'S LITTLE ACRE
 l-r JAS SINGH & MANJINDER JOHAL
MANJINDER JOHAL was the right man for the job. The job was fulfilling the vision JAS SINGH had to create a farm that could produce vegetables, that in turn would supplement the Surrey Food Bank. A year ago when JAS swung his pickup truck into the driveway on 40th Avenue to pitch his dream, luckily for him one of the first people he met was the part owner of what is now lovingly referred to as GOD'S LITTLE ACRE.
MANJINDER please take me back to the beginning and tell me your first impression(s) of JAS and his idea.
Well me and my two partners were very impressed with JAS'S idea to grow crops on our land and dedicate a large portion to the local food bank. We were so happy and glad to meet JAS and hear his story. We immediately told him we would give him a free lease on our land for him to make his dream come true. He would come early in the morning and work so hard, we knew quickly that he was going to do it. There was a light that shines through him when he is here. We didn't stop at just donating the land, we told JAS we support what you are doing so let us help you by supplying you with free machinery and we also contributed some of the fuel he needed to get started. I must say my partners and I in the beginning had our doubts whether or not JAS would be successful, but now we know him better and we are proud of him. HE DID IT!
Now that GODS LITTLE ACRE has become a reality what are your thoughts for the future?
We are very proud of what he has accomplished. We want to do anything we can to help him continue his great work. There are so many people that need food. We are religious people and we are so happy to see God's creation at work in so many ways here at the farm. We are thrilled to see so many people that are now hearing about the farm and willing to help. It makes us feel very happy. We are going to go a long ways with JAS, I can just feel it.
 Volounteers @ God's Little Acre booth at the White Rock Farmer's Market
JAS is very thankful for the support you and your partners gave him. He is quick to say he could not have done it without your help.
Well those are kind words, but you know we just followed him and gave him support when we could. He led the way. Now when we come here, I can't explain to you how we feel. It just makes us all feel so wonderful to see what has been accomplished here on the farm. People here are filled with love, you cannot escape the love of the creator here on the farm. When you see the smiles on the faces of everyone involved on JAS'S team you know it is love and you feel that love too. I feel the love.
JAS SINGH who was standing close by as I spoke with MANJINDER chimed in to embellish MANJINDER'S statement.
There is a lot of faith here. In different aspects of faith all working together. Nobody said you are a Christian you shouldn't be doing this, people that didn't believe in God they didn't say well we aren't going to help you because……you are different. Everyone worked together. This is the right place for all the people that are here.
MANJINDER – Feed the mind, then feed the soul and you will be okay. Everyone is so happy. If you surround yourself with good company, there will be love, and you will have success
 ENVISION staff members and volounteers suit up for an evening of potato picking @ God's Little Acre
August 31, 2011
JAS SINGH - If You Build It They Will Come
As I stood looking out on the fields of vegetables this week at a farm in Cloverdale I noticed a steady stream of people arriving at the field and automatically falling into place to help pick the crop or do whatever was needed. I asked JAS SINGH who these people were.
The food bank has organized helpers. Many people read the stories that ran in the two local paper papers and people have been turning up the farm ever since. Some of the helpers are from my church. Everyone does what they can
Jas has a look of resolve and inner peace and happiness as he quietly directs the action on the farm. I wonder aloud if he remembers what the farm looked like before he started
"This was a hay field when I walked in here in April. There was about a foot and a half of water covering the field when I first saw it. There are 30 acres here, as we finish harvesting we are just turning the weeds and everything back into the soil, it is called green manure. We are not going to put any chemicals on the land, everything we have grown, potatoes, squash, corn, cucumbers and zucchini and it is all grown without chemicals."
The field on the farm they are working is over 30 acres this is not your garden variety of a little plot to grow some potatoes. My curiosity got the best of me. Where did the inspiration come to do a project this large?
"I left my job at Mary’s Garden down the road here on 32nd Avenue. My wife and I went through a bankruptcy in 2001. We are finally back on our feet and I decided to see how I could make a difference. The point of the whole project is if you have one person making above minimum wage, can start a project like this and help the community. This is not about me, it is about THE PROJECT. It doesn’t take a lot of money but it takes a lot of effort. With that effort we have made a model. So if I had gone to anyone four months ago and said “Hey I want to start a farm to grow vegetables and give it all to the food bank, people did not believe me in the beginning."
 Feezah Jaffer - Surrey Food Bank
JAS explains help and offer of assistance comes from all corners. A few days prior to my arrival at the farm, the City of Surrey endorsed the project.
"The City of Surrey has stepped forward to show their support, the acting Mayor Judy Villeneuve visited the farm last week. She came here and she was very excited about the project. She said anything you need just give me a call, so I have her phone# if I need any help. She has been a big help. I think the momentum is going now. The landlords of this property have been a huge help, they told me put together a list of seeds you want. They would like to see this project continued yearly. They provided some funding in the early stage to help ensure the project was a success. We have planted dill cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, zucchini and potatoes and small patch of some different Indian spices and vegetables and green beans and a small patch of green peas. The one thing we really need now is for people to buy some of our product so the farm can continue to be self - sustaining. We have a couple of retail outlets now purchasing some of our product, but we would like to see more outlets for our sales. We truly offer straight from the farm, eliminate the middle man and sell very cost effective."
(*NOTE JAS and his helpers will be at the White Rock Farmer's Market this Sunday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
As we talked and I learned more and more about his beliefs, passion and dedication I asked JAS to please tell me about who his benefactors were that helped get the whole project rolling.
" Norinder and MJ Johal and a third partner Gurmit Gill own this farm. We are all religious people and I don’t know how or why they were sent to help me, but they have been heaven sent. We all follow the same path, this is a calling for all of us. They think God sent me to them, and I think that God sent them to me. A lot of very spiritual things have occurred here at the form For instance we don’t have any irrigation on the farm. Every time we needed rain, it rained to the day. One day I was standing with my friend Kenny Notebos who runs Mary’s Garden where I used to work, well we were standing in the potato field we looked at the crop and said if we don’t get rain within the week we are going to be in big trouble with the crop. Sure enough it rained for three days. We have been really well looked after."
It is patently obvious the project is driven with a lot of love and devotion, faith and belief but there has to be a basic operating cost. JAS how can you make it work?
"Well for instance a few weeks back when the media first descended on the farm we were in dire financial straights. We had $18.00 in diesel for both the tractors. This is not a feel sorry for Jas story, but that is where we found ourselves. Now we have enough diesel to pull the potatoes, we operate on a shoe string budget. There are not enough hours in the day, but I/we hope to secure some corporate sponsors. If we could just get the hard costs back that would be a huge help. If I were to add it up, our hard costs for the potatoes crop is about $5500.00. If we could find a corporate partner to just help cover that off it would be a huge help to ensure we could continue next year."
Somehow after talking with JAS for a short period of time his belief is starting to rub off on me, I believe he will in fact secure the corporate support he needs.
I tell JAS as I look out across the farm at the million dollar homes in Morgan Creek that border the farm, I am starting to feel what others obviously have felt by meeting him and hearing his story and sharing his vision.
"What we are doing here is nothing, absolutely nothing. It is just a drop in the bucket of what we can do. So if we could just get some help it would go a long ways to ensuring next year will grow in size from this year. We didn’t know what would grow in the field here, we weren’t sure how the drain off would be. There were so many things that could have happened that would ruin our crops, but everything worked out fine. Next year something big is going to happen here, I can feel it. We would like to have a large retailer that already helps the food bank to come aboard. The sky is the limit. Instead of donating that amount say to the food bank, if they directed those funds to us, we could turn that $10,000.00 into $50,000.00 worth of food. I think there are a lot of people that have large amounts of money, they have great hearts and they really don’t know what to do with their money, how to do good with it. I believe in my heart of hearts someone will come forward. All we need to do is sell some of our crops this year we would be in great shape for the coming years. There are so many good ideas. We are just waiting for them to turn up. We have a few small hurdles to get over."
Besides his obvious faith, the love of his wife and the support of a handful of believers JAS tells me a rather synchronistic story to end our day.
A month and a half after we planted our potatoes someone told me about a movie called Faith Like Potatoes. It is the story of one man who planted potatoes in the desert, and left it up to God. Everyone thought he was nuts. A lot of faith helped him complete his dream, and that is what is happening here on the farm as well. People who don’t even believe in God stood side by side with us to make this a success. This is the right place for all the people that are here. This is the right group of people. When I don’t have a dollar in my pocket and someone comes and takes my truck and goes and fills it up with gas because he knew I had no money, how can you explain that? Everybody helps.
August 29, 2011
 Kimberly Riggins helps out at the Princess Party
KIMBERLY you and your support group have scheduled a very special event called the EVENING OF GRATITUDE. Please tell us about this wonderful event
The Evening of Gratitude is dedicated to raising money to help support me with the costs of alternative cancer treatments.
How and why did you come up with the EVENING OF GRATITUDE?
In June I sent out an e-mail to friends and family asking if they would kindly save pop, water, and alcohol bottles and cans for me and/or loonies and twoonies and drop them off at my house. The response was overwhelming! I came to realize however that this was going to be a very slow means to collecting money for treatment costs. With the help of my parents we started making tea light candle holders and selling them, again the response was overwhelming! Next came the construction and sale of wind spirals which were also widely received.
One day, after speaking with my sister, I got the idea to order some fridge magnets and spread the message that I wanted to share with the world. The magnets read 'Live in Gratitude Spread Peace and Love', some of them also say 'enquire within' meaning look within yourself. Friends loved these and said I should sell them as another means to raise money. From that simple act of wanting to spread my Live in Gratitude message arose the idea for the Evening of Gratitude event. The support and response has been phenomenal and I am so grateful for all the amazing people who have come into my life as a result! I would like to express my gratitude to Alise who has been such a zealous supporter of this event.
Without prying too far into your personal life, I think it is important for the readers to know you were diagnosed with cancer. Could you please tell us a bit about your personal journey?
I was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2008. My GP at the time moved heaven and earth to help me during this incredibly difficult period and I was so grateful to be under his care (he has since left his practice). At that time I declined chemotherapy and participated in several radiation treatments before stopping them prior to completion of the series. I was under the care of a compassionate and caring Surgeon and he then performed surgery to remove a tumour; no questions or judgement about the choices for treatment I had made. I will be forever grateful to these men. Three months after the initial diagnosis I was told that no lymph nodes were involved and that I was clear of cancer.
November 2010 brought a horrific shock to me when I was once again diagnosed with cancer and told this time it was in another area, was more involved and that the outcome was poor. I declined all traditional treatments as they offered little (no) hope. Instead I chose to explore alternative cancer treatments. This led me to the Fort Langley Integrated Health Clinic which is supported by 2 naturopathic oncologists. Here again I have met with amazing and compassionate people and am again grateful. It was here that we worked out a plan of treatment to best support me while we worked on the goal of removing the unwanted cells from my body.
I think it is very important to note that this is only a brief summary of my journey, at times it has been very difficult, and I am in no way advocating that others should take the same path I have taken. Education about alternative treatments is important but what is more important is that each individual realize that their journey is theirs, it is unique to them just as their choice of treatments will be unique to them...there is no right or wrong;but there is choice.
I understand you are a firm believer in "complimentary" health care, I prefer not to use the term alternative, because I have to ask myself "What is it the alternative to?" But with that said I would like to know more about the treatment you sought outside of Canada.
I was intrigued by your choice of the word 'complimentary' when referring to this type of care. I looked up 'complimentary' in the dictionary and it stated the meaning as "1. acting as a complement; completing; and 2. making up what is lacking in another." I then looked up the word 'alternative' and it stated the meaning of this word as "1. offering or expressing a choice; 2. different from the usual or conventional; and 3. existing or functioning outside of the cultural, social or economic system." So again we come to choice and at this time I choose to use the term alternative cancer treatment as I have declined conventional treatment.
In January 2011 I traveled to a private clinic in Dortmund, Germany and spent 3 weeks receiving alternative care there. In Germany alternative, or here the term complimentary can be substituted as it has been available for many years and parts of it are offered as routine treatment to cancer therapy.
Upon arriving at the clinic I was subjected to several blood tests and a thermal test to assess my immune system and other functions. It was only after the results of these tests were obtained that a concrete plan for my care was formulated. I was grateful that my body was in a position that allowed for all the treatments the Dr there had hoped to administer. My Doctor in Germany is an MD who also practices naturopathic medicine; it appears to me that this is far more common in Germany than in North America.
Again, it is important to note that the following treatment was my treatment and it does not mean it would be the treatment provided to another. Having said that my three weeks of treatment included high doses of IV mistletoe; IV's of other formulations to support my immune system and counter any possible side effect from the high doses of mistletoe; oncotherm; colon hydrotherapy; oxygen therapy; ozone treatment; and fever therapy (this type of therapy is not currently offered in North America).
It was in Germany that it was explained to me that alternative treatments were slower to effect change than possibly conventional treatments would. However, alternative treatments, while they can be physically taxing, do not cause harm to the healthy cells and tissues of the body and indeed act to support and build up the immune system.
It is my understanding that the majority of people walking a path that includes alternative cancer treatment also choose to incorporate some components of conventional treatment. Once again, it comes down to choice and each individual has to decide what it is that they feel most comfortable/most supported/most served in choosing...no judgement, no dichotomous right or wrong.
Until someone has to actually go through the cancer treatment process, which I did with my late wife, I doubt anyone could imagine how expensive it is for treatment. To date for example ballpark how much have you spent on your treatment cold hard cash because MSP does not cover your treatment.
This is a number I like to live in ignorance of because as you said it is VERY expensive. I would not have been able to afford a large part of my treatment if it had not been for the amazing support of my parents; and also through the support of friends as I engage in my fund raising activities.
The bill for Germany alone was in the neighbourhood of $10,000 - plane tickets, hotel, food and of course the majority going to treatment cost.
Supplements have cost me thousands and thousands of dollars. Treatments at the Integrated Health Clinic, and ozone and some IV treatments with Dr Rod Santos in Burnaby have added up to (guestimating) $20,000+. So for this year alone, so far, my treatment has cost over $33,000 and that is most likely an underestimate, and of course it is not the final tally.
Of note is the fact that BC MSP will also not cover any lab work or test ordered by a NP even though they are legally permitted to write them. If one were to take a blood test requestion to their local lab the lab would provide the service but the individual would be required to pay for the test themselves right then, and again they are expensive. In my attempt to save a few hundred dollars on the cost of these tests I have gone to GP's and requested requesitions for certain tests that have been needed. It is with dismay that I write that I have met with such judgement and condemnation that I have left their offices in tears. I am grateful that I was recently connected with a GP who is understanding and compassionate and I, of course, will go back to him from now on.
What are some of the beautiful services that will be spotlighted at your EVENING OF GRATITUDE. The Evening of Gratitude has been so fortunate in bringing together an amazing group of practitioners. Services being offered include Reiki, reflexology, hot rock hand massage, a combination reflexology/Swedish hand/forearm massage, Angel card, Rune, and tea leaf readings, lip or eyebrow waxing, Yoga and raindrop therapy. Gratitude to all the practitioners who agreed to volunteer both their time and talent for this event!
Tickets for this 07 September event are being sold in advance for $20 and include 2 services (with the exception of raindrop therapy which counts as one service). Additional services can be purchased at the door should space permit. There will be an incredible silent auction table and assorted items for sale, including the tea light candle holders, wind spirals and fridge magnets. Any one interested in ordering tickets can contact me at liveingratitude@hotmail.com. See the details for the event under the 'Upcoming Events' section of this 'paper.'
Thank you Kimberly for sharing YOUR story. I pray no one has to go through what you are going through, but given the odds 1 in 3 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer...
I would like to add that while this journey is not one that I would consciously choose it has brought such amazing insight and a shifting of priorities to me. I am grateful for all that it has brought me, including a plethora of amazing new friends! It is a difficult journey and whatever the outcome I am grateful that I had both the opportunity and time to change paths as I now walk on a path that is abundant with gratitude, love, peace and incredible, high energy, higher purpose people. Even in adversity we have a choice...be grateful for what is, or be resentful/angry about what is not. The choice is ours to make and live with.
I wish all who read this article peace, love, and clarity on your journey,
Kimberly
August 19, 2011
Fairy Godmother
 Myra Merkal
We are talking today to Myra Merkal the hots and creator of the Princess Party. Let's start from the beginning Myra,
what is a Princess Party?
It is a party that little girls aged 2-11 can come, all dressed up in their princess ( or party) dress and experience fun, magic and miracles. Princesses have this magic about believing in dreams and we want little girls to believe in their dreams.
It is also a place for women to volunteer to produce this magical event. All of the volunteers also dress up as princesses. It is an opportunity for all of us to have fun as well. I'm sure we all agree as we grow up, we forget how to play and this is certainly an opportunity to play as well as volunteer.
Where did you come up with the idea for a Princess Party? Is this your own creation or had you heard about or attended another party?
 Evan Bird
It is my own creation. Last year my eldest son Evan Bird, who is a White Rock firefighter cycled across Canada with 7 other firefighters to raise
money for Variety-The children's Charity. I did a variety of fund raisers including garage sales, dinner parties, women's events. Then I thought I
want to do something that involves children. My son has two little girls (my grand daughters) and I watched them dress up and play princess a lot. I
asked my daughter in law, if I rented a hall and hired a clown, if she thought she could get some of the girls friends to come to the party. She
said yes. I thought if I'm out of pocket $500.00 and not many kids come, oh well, my grand daughters having fun would be worth it. I prepared my first ever media release and got a sponsor. The sponsor I chose was RE/MAX because both my husband and younger son work there and I see them as very community oriented. I formed a core committee of volunteers to help me. We went out into the community and obtained raffle prizes, hot dogs etc. There were miracles happening every single day. A photographer offered her services and she knew a woman who did princess birthday parties, who volunteered and it spiralled from there. Miss White Rock and the Youth Ambassadors came on the day of the party all dressed up in their gowns to help out. The Mayor, Catherine Ferguson was there and pulled all the raffle prize tickets. The Peace Arch news did a feature article for us. In the end we sold out. It was so amazing to witness how a community comes together and is so generous when we are doing things for charity. I have to tell you that creating this event and witnessing all the miracles and watching the little princesses enjoying themselves was the most gratifying thing I have ever done in my life.
I went into work on the Monday following the event and opened up my e-mail to many messages from people that were so positive, that I just closed my door and cried tears of gratitude.
The first Princess Party was last summer I believe. How did it all begin?
I feel my grand daughters are life's greatest gift and I would do anything for them, so I am grateful to have had the opportunity to create this event not only for them but for other girls in our community. This year I am weaving more into the party for children to learn that their beauty is not just from the outside, but to really look and love what is on the inside and to also see the beauty in others. If I can make one little bit of difference to teach children about being kind to self and others, I will be happy.
What exactly happens at a Princess Party?
This question really excites me. Visualize this as if you were a little one standing in line waiting for the doors to open in anticipation of the
Princess party.
The doors open and Cinderella, in all her Disneyland grace welcomes the princesses and embraces each little girl as she enters. A fairy godmother,
who is sitting in a beautifully decorated thrown then greets each little girl and places a princess tiara on her head and waves her magic wand saying
" bippety, bobbety boo, may all your dreams come true".
Once she is inside there is an abundance of things for her to do including:
Having her hair adorned with fairy strands and a simple hairdo
Simple make-up
Face painting
Cookie decorating
Cake walk
A magic castle where every princess wins a prize
Interactive story time with Cinderella
Many crafts
A princess parade
Singing
A raffle with donations generously provided by White Rock & South Surrey merchants
Hot Dogs and juice served by our very own White Rock firefighters
 White Rock firefighters at the start of last year's Cross Canada cycle tour
...plus the White Rock Youth ambassadors are assisting again this year with all of the activities.
Last year I believe you hosted the Princess Party at your home, this year
you are moving to a new location. Where and when is this year's Princess
Party?
Last year we held the party in Sunnyside Hall at Bakerview Park. This hall will only hold 140 people, which is why we were very lucky that we had a
sunny day last year and could hold some of the activities out doors.
This year we are holding it at Star of the Sea Community Centre located at 15262 Pacific Avenue. This hall will hold 480 people, so this allows us to
have more princesses and gives us room for more activities as well. And, we're not held hostage to the weather.
If anyone is interested in more information on the Princess Party how can
they find that information?
All information is on our website at www.wrprincessparty.com. Tickets can be purchased online at the website or through our sponsor RE/MAX Colonial Pacific Realty. If people have questions they can also e-mail me at wrprincessparty@yahoo.ca.
Is this years Princess Party in aid of any particular organization?
Yes, all the money goes to the White Rock Firefighters Charity Association.
I know the firefighters do a lot of charity work in our community, much more
than people know about and ALL the money goes to charity, there is no
overhead cost. The firefighters are wanting to create a destination park
for all abilities in White Rock. This Park would be a wonderful addition to
the City for families and also good for our businesses.
Would you like to see the Princess Party become a major event on the White
Rock Community calendar? Do You have any secret sky high goals you would
like to accomplish with the Princess Party?
Yes, I would like to see this as a major event and marked on our calendars every year with little ones all excited anticipating the day. As I mentioned above if we are successful with our park endeavour ( AND I AM HOLDING THE VISION WE ARE) then it will take the community working together to raise funds and resources for this amazing park. This is not your average children's playground. It is much more.
Obviously Myra Merkal is not your average citizen, SHE is so much more.
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit the website
August 09, 2011
White Rock's MIki Dawson is excited and very proud with the publication of her first book. THE BUTTERFLY CASTLE
First of all Miki tell us a bit about your history in White Rock. Have you lived here long?
Moved here just over 5 years ago with my son. I had moved into Delta from Calgary 2 days before Christmas in 2005. My first visit as an adult to White Rock was New Year's Day with my husband at the time and my son. As I was walking down the Victoria Avenue steps towards the water, I promised myself I would live here some day. 6 months later, my husband and I separated and I moved to White Rock. I have grown to love it ever since that first New Year's Day.
THE BUTTERFLY CASTLE is the name of your book that was recently published. Is this your first book? What was your inspiration for publishing the book?
It is my first children's story written for my son. From the time I was a little girl into my early 20's, I wrote poetry and some short stories. I lacked the confidence at the time to pursue writing. I wrote for myself and I would share with close friends. I have kept a journal for as long as I can remember. Since my 20's my writing ceased until I became pregnant with my son. I kept several journals during my pregnancy and I also wrote a few short stories about my experiences with my son. They were my way of documenting special moments with him
Why did you choose the format of a colouring book for your first publication?
Three years ago when I had finished the illustrations for the story, my son and his good friend at the time were immediately drawn to colouring the pictures. Originally I had the full intention of colouring the pages myself. In the end, it was a printing expense choice as I have fully financed the printing and production of this book. Leaving it available for the kids to colour ended up being a cost-effective choice as well as an artistic opportunity for kids.
What was the period of time from start to finish in creating BUTTERFLY CASTLE?
I wrote this story about 2 years after I moved to White Rock, approximately 3 years ago. I had finished the illustrations soon afterward. I shared it with a handful of friends, but was very resistant to go through the publishing process. I didn't want to change the story or the illustrations. I wanted to keep it humble and true to me. I decided to self-publish it 2 weeks before my son finished school this year.
Now that the book is finished and you are trying to promote its availability it would appear you are taking the road less travelled, as I personally discovered your book in The White Rock Bread Box my local fresh vegetable store? Where else will the book be available?
Locally people can purchase the book from White Rock Bread Box, Small Ritual Coffee Society and personally from me. People can also order online on my website. www.thebutterflycastle.com
Have you actually sat down yourself and coloured in your own book?
At the time I finished the illustrations and considered printing it for others, I coloured almost every page. The coloured pages on my website and in my book are the ones I coloured 3 years ago.
If anyone would like to know more about you or your book how can they get in touch with you?
People can get in touch with me through my website, email, or sending me mail to my P.O. Box address. Or if you know me, people can visit me at my home and we can have a visit personally.
(Miki's email; thebutterflycastler@yahoo.ca)
Finally let's turn the tables a bit on you. On your web site you pose a number of questions for those that have read your first book THE BUTTERFLY CIRCUS. Let's see how you make out with your own questions.
If you could transform into anything, what would it be and why?
Perhaps a seagull. They always seem to having so much fun when I look out my window. Riding the waves of wind, hanging out at the seashore…I love sand, surf and sky. The get to enjoy all of these.
Who do you love and why?
I love so many people. However, I am finally learning to love myself first. I have learned how important it is to love and take care of myself before I can truly give healthy love to others. I have a deep respect and love for my son, my friends, my family, and pretty much everyone I have a magical connection with. I have lots of love to share.
How can you show someone your love?
I show people my love by loving them unconditionally, without judgment, in a way that allows them to be free and flawed yet perfect. I want people to see their spirit and beauty and strength. I do what I can to empower others by simply being supportive and generously sincere with my love and respect. I also like to do things for others especially when they least expect it.
Who is your favourite person to play with?
My son.
If you could travel anywhere in the universe, where would you go and why?
& What person or thing do you take care of?
I would travel to where dreams materialize, where anything is possible, which really is right here if you allow yourself to open your mind and heart.
I take care of my son and all of my relationships…close friends, my folks, even strangers I feel a connection with.
Name one person who loves you and believes in you.
My son loves me and believes in me…more than I probably realize.
Do you believe something can exist even if you can't see it or touch it?
Without a doubt.
What sorts of miracles (wonderful and surprising things) have you witnessed
in your life?
The creation of my son, becoming part of my adopted family, everything in nature, life, love, forgiveness, change, transformation of myself and those around me…I am very in touch with miracles every day. My eyes are open.
What do you dream about?
I dream about dancing. For me dancing is like flying. I dream about flying. I love my freedom. I dream about my brother who passed away. I dream about the farm where I grew up. I love dreaming. I figure things out in my dreams. From a young age I learned to change my dreams if I didn't like them. I've been teaching my son to do the same. Dreams have messages sometimes and I find myself analyzing a dream as I'm dreaming it sometimes.
What do you love about yourself?
I love my capacity for love and acceptance. I love my sense of humour and I appreciate the challenges I've faced in life that I have triumphantly overcome. I love my perspective, perception, insight and sight. I think I see what truly matters in most moments. I am also very open and honest yet have the wisdom to know when to respect my own privacy.
How can you make the world a better place to live in?
Making the world a better place starts with the individual. That's why I'm so committed to loving and respecting myself. It has taken me a long time to truly be able to achieve these 2 things as I have always been hard on myself and expected perfection. By being a person I can live with and be proud of I think I can inspire others, particularly my son. I do my best to talk openly with my son about life and I also do my best to listen. I always want to be real and show others they can be real with me…imperfectly perfect.
How can you make the day better far someone else?
There are infinite ways of making the day better. For me I want people to feel like they are important because they are. I want to take a moment to put myself in someone else's shoes, look without judgment, have faith in love by doing something spontaneous and anonymous, showing in little ways that I care about the world around me and about others even if I don't know them, I like to do special little things for people, pay someone a genuine complement, listen with sincerity, share my heart and spirit, make someone laugh, love them the way I want to be loved.
August 04,2011
 Una St. Clair CST
Today we are talking with UNA ST. CLAIR who was instrumental in starting an organizations called Citizens For Safer Technology CST.
Una could you please explain in layman's language what BC Hydro is in the process of doing regarding the meters on our homes?
BC Hydro plans to replace the current analogue meters with Wireless Smart Meters on every home, business and public building in the province. These meters will be sending wireless signals via microwave radiofrequency radiation throughout the day and night feeding up to the hour electricity use information into a province wide wireless "smart" grid which transmits information back to BC Hydro. Wireless collection points (aka Hubs or Routers) are mounted on street lights or power poles, approximately one for approximately 200 homes. These hubs send and receive information to each wireless meter including remote disconnects and connects. The meters will be used to control wireless enabled appliances, either by the utility or the homeowner through a wi-fi enabled Home Area Network. The Liberals repealed sections of the BC Utilities Commission Act prior to passing the Clean Energy Act which removed the normal BCUC oversight process, eliminating public hearings. The Clean Energy Act specifies that installation can be done ``without the consent of the owner".
BC Hydro is not informing the public that radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation was recently classified by the World Health Organization as a possible human carcinogen. People have a right to feel safe & secure in their own homes and for many the prospect of involuntary exposure to increasing levels of radiofrequency radiation within their homes and neighbourhoods without their consent is unacceptable. Wireless meters, the collector hubs and the smart grid using possible cancer promoting technology, is further capable of creating microwave radiation sickness, aka electrohypersensitivity, seriously violates our human rights. This kind of risk should never be forced on people against their will.
You started CST as a result of a personal reaction to EMF Electromagnetic FIelds (see below). How do EMF's negatively affect your daily routine, and do you have any indication how widespread is it amongst the population?
My life has been drastically altered since sitting next to a Wi-Fi router in my home office for 8 weeks. I had no idea why I suddenly experienced constant headaches and migraines, as well as vertigo, nausea, insomnia, severe heart irregularities and palpitations, memory loss, and anxiety. The symptoms disappeared quickly after removing all wireless devices from our home, only to return if I was exposed to Wi-Fi or Cordless phones in friend's homes, restaurants, or while shopping. I used to be very active in my children's school and community as a whole, but I am now forced to restrict most of my activities to areas or businesses that do not use wireless technologies in order to maintain my health. Since starting this society, and especially since Wireless Smart Meters are being forced upon people, I am quite horrified at the numbers of people who are medically diagnosed electrohypersensitive, or have self diagnosed the condition and who have been forced to make their home a sanctuary, free from all wireless devices.
It is like the beginning of a silent epidemic; people who know wireless devices make them feel terribly ill don't want to say anything for fear of being ostracized by our society. International scientists state that about 3% to 20% of the population are electrohypersensitive to some degree, although because we have no ongoing public health surveillance or monitoring program, it could be as high as 35% given that it is most common to treat the symptoms of this environmental illness with sleeping pills, migraine medication, beta blockers to control heart rhythm, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic drugs. The Parliament of Hesse, Germany, estimates that 6% of every class in school is electrohypersensitive and recommends proper medical care.
Some experts have charted the increase of electrohypersensitivity worldwide which is keeping pace with the massive rollout of wireless infrastructure and devices – they state that at the rate of increase, 50% of the population may be electrohypersensitive by 2017.
What is EMF?
<image001.jpg>We live in an invisible sea of electromagnetic field radiation. Subtle energies constantly swirl in and around our bodies, whether or not we are aware of them. Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) are energy waves with frequencies below 300 hertz or cycles per second. The electromagnetic fields we encounter daily come from every day things such as power lines, radar and microwave towers, television and computer screens, motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, cell phones, electric blankets, house wiring and hundreds of other common electrical devices.
From past experiences with your organization I know you have been very active in educating people to the dangers of continuous exposure to cell phones and wireless telephones. I am also under the impression there are reports now coming out about the hazards of WI FI (wireless internet) to young children in particular when exposed for prolonged periods. Could you expand and inform the readers more on these subjects?
Just like cell phones, Wi-Fi was introduced to the marketplace without any studies on the safety of exposure for people. Children are especially vulnerable to damaging effects from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields due to immature organs and immune system. Wi-Fi has been introduced to schools as a learning tool, but the pathology actually indicates exposure to Wi-Fi can be detrimental to learning. Particularly concerning in education is the consistent finding that learning, concentration and behaviour are all disrupted by this exposure. Recent scientific studies from Greece show that Wi-Fi can cause cognitive function and brain physiology changes. Another similar study explored change in attention and working memory operation of the brain when exposed to Wi-Fi. Four hours of exposure to a Wi-Fi enabled laptop has been found to cause changes to male fertility by reducing sperm motility and fragmenting DNA.
A lawsuit has now been started by a parent against the Portland Public Schools claiming that involuntary exposure to Wi-Fi in schools is risking child's health.
There are other scientific studies specific to Wi-Fi that show DNA double strand breaks in brain cells causing significant brain damage and indicatin of tumour promotion after only 2 hours per day for 35 days. Another study done in 1992 showed alterations in immune system and four fold increase in primary malignancies.
Parents need to demand higher level of safety for their children in schools when it comes to wireless exposure. The Council of Europe is now recommending that computers be hard wired in schools and strong restrictions be placed on cell phone use by children in schools. There is strong evidence to suggest a dose-response, cumulative relationship to exposure, therefore, every effort needs to be made to reduce microwave radiofrequency radiation wherever possible.
At the end of this article I have reproduced the notice you recently issued regarding BC Hydro's backtracking on the exposure level of the so called "smart meters." Is there anything a concerned citizen or someone with health concerns can do?
BC Hydro has told us that there is no choice allowed for anyone – they must have a wireless smart meter attached to their home even when the homeowner strongly objects to this device. People with health concerns have contacted BC Hydro refusing a wireless device, however, they have been told a wireless smart meter will be installed on their home anyway, whether they want one or not. Currently, people can have installation delayed by registering on a "Delay Install List", with BC Hydro. The efforts made by BC Hydro to reach a solution, do not extend to agreeing to a hard wired option for those who refuse Wireless Smart Meters, even though this is a capability of the Itron meter being used. A homeowner can, at their own expense, move their BC Hydro meter off the house and mount somewhere else on the property. The quotes we are receiving run into the thousands to have this work done, although it is different for every home. And for some homes, as well as apartments and townhomes, it is just not feasible.
The best thing I can tell people to do is to ask their MLA to register their opposition to this program and help look for solutions. Other actions include making a presentation requesting a moratorium on Wireless Smart Meters to Mayor and Council and send letters refusing wireless smart meters and requesting wired solutions to BC Hydro.
I understand the two first test markets will be Prince George & Richmond. Is there any documentation or correspondence you have recieved from BC Hyrdo why these two cities were chosen?
We were initially told that Salt Spring Island would be the first to receive Wireless Smart Meters and the full Smart Meter Grid. However, there has been a big outcry from the Gulf Islands, and specifically Salt Spring Island, which has resulted in the Gulf Islands Trust requesting a moratorium on wireless Smart Meters and requesting that the meters be wired, not wireless. It looks like Salt Spring Island was too controversial to start with, and would have brought a huge amount of attention to the smart meters. My guess is that they chose Prince George to start the rollout because it is farther away from the areas where people are refusing to consent to these meters. I do know it has started in Prince George, but don't know if Richmond has started.
If anyone would like more information are they able to contact you? Do you have a website?
We can be reached through the contact on our website, www.citizensforsafetechnology.org. We are a rapidly growing non-profit educational organization run by volunteers. I would also recommend signing the online Petitions at our website, and contact me directly at una@citizensforsafetechnology.org to join the Coalition to Stop Wireless Smart Meters – some of our founding members include Robert Bateman, Rafe Mair, Damien Gillis, Health Action Network, Common Ground magazine, Hazelmere Organic Farm and more.
Thank you for your time Una.
 Press Releases
BC Hydro Public Retraction & Apology Required
BC Hydro has continually stated on its website and in written information that there is "no known health risk or reason for concern" regarding exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields which are emitted by Wireless Smart Meters. BC Hydro has promoted statements made by Dr. Patricia Daly and Dr. John Blatherwick to back up their position.
Truth Update: On July 6, 2011, CST wrote to BC Hydro regarding the inaccuracy of such information.
CST pointed out that since the World Health Organization has reclassified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as a Class 2B carcinogen risk, possibly carcinogenic to humans, their position of "no risk" could be deemed as a breach of trust to the public.
CST wrote "No matter how industry and those aligned with industry spin this situation, the reclassification does not state "cell phones", but radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as being possible to cause human cancer."
A reply was received on July 26, 2011 from the Smart Metering Program Team, and it stated:
"Thank you for your e-mail of July 6, 2011. The statements attributed to Dr. Blatherwick and Dr. Daly were made before the World Health Organization released their document on the 2b carcinogen. Thank you for pointing out these statements on our web site. They have been removed."
Is removing statements of "no known health risk" enough to properly inform the public that there is indeed a possible cancer risk from Wireless Smart Meter microwave radiofrequency emissions? Or do we all need to request BC Hydro make a public retraction and apology for providing misleading and inaccurate information? You can tell BC Hydro what you think yourself - use the e-mail address and phone numbers provided to the left.
Correction - We wish to thank one of our members who showed us that the Biological Effects of Microwaves chart provided with the July 30th Truth Update was actually compiled by Arthur Firstenberg and included in the document authored by Dr. Magda Havas, Ph.D, entitled "Analysis of Health and Environmental Effects of Proposed San Francisco Earthlink Wi-Fi Network". We are including that chart again here with the proper notations, excerpted from the above referenced Analysis. Please go to www.magdahavas.com to view the Analysis in its entirety. We apologize for providing a chart which showed the author incorrectly.
June 29, 2011
Helping To Grow A Community
 l-r David Young SOURCES Ken Jones & Surrey Councillor Marry Martin
Saturday afternoon in a quiet and tranquil locale behind the South Surrey Recreation Centre, members of White Rock and Surrey Council along with representatives from community organizations and friends and neighbors came together to honour Ken & Sharon Jones.
A few years ago Telus started the "Dollars for Doers" program to encourage employees and retirees to document their volounteer contributions to their communities. Telus offered $200.00 if a person was to volounteer for 50 hours in a calendar year, and $500.00 if they volounteered more than 200 hours in a year.
Retiree KEN JONES and his wife SHARON took Telus up on their generous offer and began to document their contributions to their community, in this case it was White Rock and South Surrey.
 Ken & Sharon Jones (seated)
This year when Telus informed the Jones's they had been selected to receive $500.00 Ken decided to identify White Rock's community builders SOURCES as his designated charity. SOURCES then contributed the money to the Intergenerational Therapeutic Garden behind the South Surrey Rec Centre.
The Jones's donated the money in memory of their grandson, JACOB KYLE JONES who they proudly say, saw in his nine and a half year life journey, beauty in everything and every person he cam in contact with.
The garden is open for residents of the area to sit and enjoy during operational hours of the rec centre.
 Note- Some of the planter boxes in the community garden were installed in raised beds to allow the elderly and anyone with a mobility challenge, to still be able to reach and work on the gardens. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Ken & Sharon Jones WE SALUTE YOU!
June 2011
We recently sat down with Natalie Haltrich Program Coordinator of the Catching the Spirit Youth Society. The society operates a number of parks in the Lower Mainland that provide youth with an opportunity to get in touch with nature and each other.
What exactly is the program Catching The Spirit all about?
Leadership. Environmental Stewardship. And Youth Ownership. And mostly youth ownership. It's all about making connections in hopes to inspire positive change. Here is the blurb that I often send out:
'Get outside this summer with Catching the Spirit! Catching the Spirit (CtS) Youth Society is a non-profit organization program dedicated to developing leadership and social responsibility in youth through environmental awareness and stewardship, outdoor recreation and youth ownership. Offered in collaboration with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, CtS provides opportunities for youth to interact with nature and community leaving them with a connection to the environment and each other. Oh ya - and youth receive volunteer service hours for their involvement, and it’s free to all participants, thanks to our generous donors, supporters and community partners. 3-day overnight Spirit Steward camps and an afternoon Ranger program are available in four Metro Vancouver Regional Parks across the lower mainland. Please check out our website for more information, www.catchingthespirit.com, or call Nat at 604.562.0583.'
Is there a personal cost (fee) for the youth that participate in the program?
No! We are extremely fortunate to receive funding & in-kind support from Metro Vancouver and the Pacific Parklands Foundation (PPF), without whom we could do very little. The PPF works in collaboration with MV Regional Parks and raises roughly 100,000K for us annually, through grant proposals to various organizations. RBC, TD Friends of the Environment and Vancity have been especially generous donours over the years. WE have had support from the Surrey Foundation in the past and hope to rally more in the near future. This is our 11th go-around and never have we had to charge a cent thanks to the support of all those mentioned above and more.
What are the age requirements for young people to attend the Catching The Spirit programs?
The age range is 12-18 - They have to be 12 at the time of participation
How long do the young people stay in the park evnrionment? Is there an option for just day visits in addition to weekend outings?
We have 2 programs in 4 parks:
The 3-day, 2 night Spirit Steward camp program: delivered at Pacific Spirit (tents), Capilano River (dorms), Burnaby Lake (tents) and Tynehead (tents) available every weekend from July 1 to Aug 21 (start at 5pm Fri until 12 noon on Sun)
and the afternoon Ranger program: delivered at Pacific Spirit (T, W, TH afternoons) and Burnaby Lake (W, TH and F afternoons), from 1-4pm
In a nut shell, both programs are a mix of, what I call, 'CtS in 5':
Leadership: the best part (and very unique part) of the program I feel in the Youth Leadership. WE have 42 youth Peer Leaders who inspire, create and deliver the program at all 4 locations. They receive in depth training is May and June so that they can lead their peers come July. They are mentored by Adult Supervisors who are on site 24/7
Stewardship: every Sat (for 2 to 4 hours) we work on a different Stewardship project in each park. We make remove invasive plant species to promote biodiversity. We may build fences to protect environmentally sensitive areas, we might work on public engagement project encouraging to use of tap water, we might paste salmon decals to storm drainages, we might do bog and stream restoration...We have many community and park partners who we work with on many stewardship projects. Last year alone we had 16 stewardship parters!
Environmental Education (or Jumping into Nature): through a GPS treasure hunt, nature hike or other exploration
Team building: it's all about inclusion!
And free and leisure time: noting like camp without Capture the Flag or a marshmellow roast!
Is it possible for young people living in the Fraser Valley to attend the program? What are the guidelines for acceptance in the program?
Yes. They simply have to apply. They can call me (Program Coordinator 604.562.0583) or visit our website (www.catchingthespirit.com) for more info, and apply online. Guidelines are only that all documents must be completed properly and submitted before we can confirm registration, which is based on a first come first serve basis. Registration forms in contact info, date/location selection, medical form, photo consent (optional) and and waiver/medical consent forms.
How long has the program been in effect and where do the majority of the young participants in the program come from?
This will be our 11th year! last summer we had over 300 youth in the program across our 4 parks from 150 schools in the Lower Mainland and 17 municipalities - it's so wonderful to see CTS draw youth from such a vast area!
How long do the young people attending the Catching The Spirit spend in the program?
They can join us for one weekend camp or more - however we do limit initial registration to 3 camps to allow space for as many youth as possible throughout the summer. We do have a wait list though, and try to fill our camps sometimes with youth who are coming for their 5th or 6th weekend (of 8!) of the summer.
And they can join us for one Ranger day or more. While camps do fill , the nice thing with the Ranger program is that there is often room and youth can call the day before to join us. As long as there is space and we have approval from parents, youth can join us throughout the summer with very little notice
Do any of the graduates of the Catching The Spirit program end up returning as instructors or assistants in the program?
Yes! The beauty is they can start as participants, then challenge themselves to peer lead (and receive a $100 scholarship) once they are 15, then apply to Supervise, an employed position which received $4 to $5K for part time work from April through August. We have one Supervisor from Surrey who started as a participant 7 years ago and is now in her third year Supervising at Tynehead - we are very lucky!
We also have numerous youth who have been involved for 5 or 6 years now (also at our Tynehead camp which has a very strong and unique CTS culture) and who are soon to age out of the program. The strength of the program really lies on these youth that return year after year and take ownership of the program making it theirs.
What does a typical "day in the life" of a registrant look like in the program?
Wake up around 7:30. Roll out of you tent with your buddies (that you set up the night before on the camp ground's tent pads made by CTS 6 summers prior). If you're on breakfast duty, you and your team might make pancakes or serve cereal, yogurt and fruit. If not, you're mostly likely on clean up duty. You'll get organized for your stewardship project and walk over to its location within the park, or bus over depending where it might be in the community. You'll contribute to saving the planet for 2 or so hours, then break for lunch that you would have packed for the 22 of you (16 participants, 4 Peer Leaders and 2 Mentor Supervisors) at breakfast. You might chill for a bit, have a rest, then get back to the stewardship project if it's not quite done. After that you might follow your Peer Leaders' lead in a GPS treasure hunt, trying to find the CTS geo-cache (a favourite at Tynehead) or take a nature walk over to Sleepy Hollows. You might play some team building and trust games followed by a chill out guitar session before dinner. If you made breakfast, chances are you are on clean up for dinner. A BBQ is brought into the Tynehead camp (another perk!) to help with all things cooking. After clean up, a game of camouflage down the trail might take place, followed by a conversation on Leave No Trace or Ecological Footprints and then Capture the Flag just b/c it's an all time fave. If there is no fire ban and you are in a park where fires are permitted, you'll enjoy a youth led evening by the fire, guitars, marshmellows and silly fun included. Then off to bed around 11pm., a good time had by all
Over the years there must be a number of kodak moments that stick with you. What are some of your fondest memories of the program?
Ahhh..easy! At our summer's end Appreciation BBQ where our youth, their families, our partners and funders join to celebrate the season. Youth MC the event and each park puts on a song, skit or otherwise for every one that they prepared at the last camp weekend (my fave by far!). It's a great magical evening that rallies youth from across all our camps.
Another favorite last year was UBUNTU day ('I am because we are'), celebrated in partnership with a youth organization from Kenya last summer. 90 youth and Supervisors from all 4 camps rallied at our community garden in July and we spoke to Kenya via skype before heading out to our garden to plant fruit trees and celebrate community through a talent show (mimicking Ubuntu day in Maai Mahiu Kenya).
..but really, magic moments come all the time from the youth. They can do so much when given a comfortable space, an opportunity and just enough support. When they're involved, I feel I can do anything!
The program has two levels of instructors, Peer Leaders and Insturctors. Please explain the diference.
Peer Leaders are youth aged 15 to 18, in general. They put program itineraries & menu plans together, and ideally follow their plans or change them up as need be throughout the weekend. They welcome participants and run icebreakers and divide youth into tent and cooking groups before going over program safety and a weekend overview. They run the show!
Supervisor mentors support. The more they can hang back and watch a well planned, fun and safe camp unfold, the closer they are to fostering youth leadership and ownership.
They do step in of course, more at times, less at others. They may lead certain sessions as well, but really support the PLs in all that they have planned.
It is possible for the public to donate time to become either and instructor or a peer leader?
Supervisors/mentors apply in Feb/mar for the position - we start weekly training sessions April 1st-ish (we have one tonight actually!). They are employees and we have 10 this year. Peer Leaders apply by Earth Day, April 22nd. We have 42 across the program. Each team has 2 to 3 Supervisors and 8 to 12 PLs, all of who go through 6 training sessions in May and June. The closer and better bonded the park Leadership Teams are come July 1st, the better the program runs, hands down.
So, to answer your Q quickly, no. There is a lot of training and bonding time that takes place prior to any given participant joining the program.
We do have a volunteer Board that is paramount in the smooth dunning of the program, and we are always looking for new members. Youth participants are all considered to be volunteers and receive 15 hours of volunteer service per camp that they attend.
Most people living in the Surrey/White Rock area may not be aware of Tynehead Regional Park. Describe for us the diferent facilities in the park that make up the base camp for Catching The Spirit.
Raven's Nest camp is incredible! It has numerous tent pads (built by CTS), a shelter with open sides covering numerous picnic tables. It has running water (facet) and an outhouse, fire pit, and a great field to play games and explore nature. There are numerous trails that branch from it into various parts of the park. The site must be booked for use through Metro Vancouver's Regional Park staff.
Raven's Nest is our home base, but we do many of our stewardship work in the Sleepy Hollows area or adjacent to the dog-off-leash area. We're excited to do some stewardship work along the all-new Perimeter trail this year where we planted over 800 trees and shrubs this last April. The trails around Raven's Nest provide some great Nature Walk space too.
Also:
CTS runs year round. WE have a very active Youth Council that gets together. This year's main project involved the birth of 'Spirit Fest' an event taking place this Sat actually (! May 28th) at our Community garden at BCIT to kick off our 11th season and share all that CTS has to offer. The youth put all pieces together and are eager to share their 6 CTS funstations with everyone attending.
We also have monthly volunteer events throughout the year, a mix of stewardship, social responsibility and community involvement, and recreation. We try to move them around Metro Vancouver to make it all the easier for all of our youth to attend at least a couple events.
May 27, 2011
White Rock To Be Branded
CHRIS THORNLEY a resident of the Semiahmoo Peninsula has chosen to give back to this community in a big way. THORNLEY'S company would normally charge thousands of dollars to a city like White Rock with their "imaging" - "branding" initiatives. As a matter of fact THORNLEY'S company located at Guildofrd, created Surrey's imaging and branding "The Future Lives Here." Here's hoping Surrey Mayor DIANE WATTS doesn't read this.
First question Chris is a little bit of your personal background. If you
could tell the readers of the White Rock Sun a bit about your professional
marketing background.
One of the benefits of having your own company is that you can bring your
own values to your work.
Consequently I'm very proud to say that we have been able to actively
support the things that we believe in.
For example we successfully rebranded the Surrey Food Bank, Sources, the
Centre for Child development, DiversCITY Community Resources
And are responsible for the Surrey Memorial Hospital Tulips for Tomorrow
campaign. Other projects have included the Bard on the Beach, the Surrey School
District, The Surrey Libraries and of course the City of Surrey.
When I say " we" I'm referring directly to the team of artists and
professionals that surround me every day ,including my Business partner Mr.
Bruce Hayne.
From a personal perspective I have had my fair share of community
involvement over the years: In 2005 I was recognized as Community Leader of
the year and more recently selected as a Surrey Civic Treasure for 2010. As
you are aware the White Rock project was a volunteer project. I'm also a
musician and have played a lot of the "groovy" places in White Rock ( Uli's, Iguanas, West Beach...to
name a few)!
For anyone a little confused on what a branding initiative is and how it
works could you give us the Coles Notes version of "branding."
It can be confusing ,and I think it might mean slightly different things to
different people. To me It's not just your logo, it's not just the slogan or
the colours ,to me in the simplest of terms your brand is your reputation.
By way of example lets' use something simple like "Campbell's "
Soup.
Most people know this product ,they even call it a "brand name" or a
"national brand". One has a pretty good idea of what quality to expect, a
rough idea of the cost, how it's going to taste etc. So this products'
reputation is directly linked to its brand.
I think the same thing applies to people ,we all carry our own personal
brand. So and so is honest ,so and so is nice, If you want something done
talk to so and so. Your personal "Brand " resides inside you. It is the sum
total of the experiences and perceptions, that you have created, some of
which you can influence, and some that you cannot.
Your company was hired a couple years back by the City of Surrey to brand
the city. What was the process you went through to arrive with Surrey's
branding initiative "The Future Lives Here."
That was quite a process; There were two RFP's issued: one for the
positioning and one for the graphics. Our firm was awarded the contract
to review and research the brand positioning statement ( sort of like what
Whisper was tasked to do ) We conducted a number of interviews
with various stake holders and came up with "The Future Lives Here" ( Ok it
was actually Bruce Hayne that came up with this particular slogan in one of our
brain storming sessions!) Well they say timing is everything, for the City
of Surrey this positioning statement resonated with a lot of people ,and if
I may be so bold it became something that the city and its residents could rally
around. The landscape of Surrey was/is changing ..there is some real truth
in the statement "the Future lives here!". Regarding the graphics...although
there were a number of design firms involved in that part of the project
,I'm proud to say that our design concept was the one chosen.
How did you end up heading up the ad hoc group of White Rock
representatives chosen to formulate a vision for the city's future.
In truth, I approached the city out of curiosity ,perhaps there was an
opportunity here, and, as you know...I ended up volunteering!
It occurred to me that within the Whisper report there might be some "gold"
amongst all that "coal", so part of it was intellectual curiosity.
The other part was I actually really care about our City...it's my home too!
I then approached council and received their permission to set up a steering
committee to review and report back to council.
Our group were all volunteers and our committee ended up being a very
diverse group, yet fairly representational as a cross section of White Rock citizens:
A tourism/marketing professional ( Betina Albornoz ),someone from the arts (
Geoff Giffin), a White Rock business owner ( Pamela Montgomery), a real-estate professional ( Ronald
Elliott) and a person raising a young family in White Rock, who also happened to be a
gifted writer ( Anita Wong).
The City of White Rock in 2009 awarded a California company Whisper
Communications a contract to create branding for the city. Many people
including the majority of the council of the day were not thrilled with the
catch lines of "The Island of White Rock" and "Silver Beach." You are on
record as saying the entire report created by Whisper was not lost. Your
group was able to attain some interesting insights that enabled you to come
up with your new branding initiative. What were the key points that were
useful to you?
Whisper did quite a volume of work ,for myself and the group the most
valuable portion of the report was the 33 individual
conversations. They told quite a story of how the residents see the city. By
the way I'm a great believer in having some research
before you start to develop the "creative strategy". These conversations led
to many spirited discussions within the group
and lead directly to the suggestions put forth to council. The other
interesting thing is , although the "Island of White Rock"
failed to resonate with the city. One could argue that if there ever was a
place on the lower mainland that captured the spirit
of our gulf islands, that place would be White Rock.
What is the geographical footprint you envisioned the branding of White Rock
would be targeted at?
I'm not sure I would Identify a specific Geographical region ,for myself I
would ask the question a different way. Who does the branding needs to speak to or is targeted too? First and
foremost it needs to speak to the residents of White Rock itself.
However it also needs to speak to various markets that extend beyond White
Rock's defined boundaries. Incidentally I feel that whereas the physical boundaries of the city of White Rock are clearly defined, the perceived boundaries are quite elastic.
What other community members were part of your branding committee?
The first group I talked too....even before I formed the committee
was the Economic and Revitalization Committee. What a good group,
they had lots of favourable comments and seemed genuinely pleased that we were going to review and analyze
the Whisper Report. There was considerable media coverage and a number of letters to the editor and our meetings with council.
The biggest source of input from the community was the 33 interviews that Whisper conducted. This was very valuable
and represented a significant investment in the community.
A surprising number of people approached me personally to ask what the result of our process was going to be...
before we even started to meet! ( Some individuals even took the time to
passionately explain, exactly what they thought
the positioning statements should be).I learned a long time ago that it is
never a good idea to start something like this with your mind already made up.
You recently did a presentation to White Rock council revealing some of your
proposed branding slogans. What are the final slogans that are being put
forth for consideration in future branding efforts for White Rock?
The report you are referring to is online at the City of White Rock web
site.
I highly recommend your readers review this document as it very efficiently
leads
the reader through our journey and our recommendations to council.
Our group settled on three themes:
1) Abundantly Beautiful: White Rock is in fact abundant in so many things
,from
our scenic waterfront and uptown community to our strategic location near
the
United States border. We are also privileged to enjoy active living,
community spirit,
arts and culture, business excellence and so much more.
2) West Coast Gem: In many ways it is White Rock's location that makes us
who we are: The promenade and pier ,
and our seaside setting .West Coast Gem" immediately conveys the city's
coastal waterfront location. But White
Rock is more than a seaside locale. It is a gem rich in the many assets it
offers to those who visit here, invest here and live here.
White Rock is a place to celebrate everything from arts and cultural
diversity to health and wellness ,business excellence
and the great outdoors.
3)The personalizing of "City by the Sea". ( My ,Our, Your) .The phrase "City
by the Sea" effectively captures the experience of seaside living that is at
the heart of
White Rock .But there is so much more to the city -White Rock is comprised
of a rich tapestry of voices .There isn't one voice that speaks
on behalf of the city. The theme "City by the Sea" can be personalized with
"My" ,"Our" ,or "Your" and used with supporting statements to tell all of
our different stories. For example ; for the business community : "My City
by the Sea is open for business"; for the health and wellness sector " Our
City by the Sea is a place for Active Living" ; or for arts patrons : "My
City by the Sea supports Arts and Culture" Personalizing the theme offers a
sense of ownership to stakeholders, while reaching out to our potential
residents ,tourists and investors.
During your presentation to Council you identified one of your challenges
was almost everyone you spoke with had a different idea of what White Rock
is. Can you give us a few examples of what some of the residents polled
identified as their White Rock?
At first I thought that there were no common threads ,it seemed to me that
all of us had pretty strong feelings
about what White Rock is. I'll give you two examples: One person approached
me and very clearly presented
a well thought out argument that White Rock is a Centre for Active Living
.She was right! We are in general terms quite an active
community ,particularly our seniors, we have an interest in yoga, we have
organizations like Sources that promote Social Wellness for our Community.
Arguably we are a centre for Active Living.
Someone else presented me with an interesting and detailed report
suggesting we promote White Rock as an
"Art City". He was right too! The entire peninsula is populated with artists
and musicians, we have the Wyland wall and those superb totems down at East
beach.
We have a splendid live theatre venue in the middle of White Rock .Arguably
we are an Art City.
But wait isn't that a contradiction? Aren't they both right?
These kind of conversations lead to the idea that, what we truly all have in
common, is the undisputed fact that each of us has our own unique
and personal view of what our city is .It is very possible there is much
more than just one answer. Clearly to those that care passionately about
our city, the common ground is that our city is many different things to
many different people.
What is the next step for your committee in realizing a branding initiative
for the future of White Rock?.
This has been a long journey, our job was to review and report and make recommendations.
Now that this has been completed ,it is my understanding that the city manager has been tasked with reporting back to council.
I would expect council will then respond to the city manager.
Incidentally, and if you don't mind, before I sign off, I would like to acknowledge the support of the group:
Betina Albornoz, Ronald Elliott, Geoff Giffin, Pamela Montgomery and Anita
Wong.
As well, my thanks to Mayor and Council.....By the way here's a quick
question for you:
Q: What do Mayor and Council have in common?
A: Each and every one of them really cares about our city
If White Rock council chooses to implement your branding slogans, what will
the process then look like for the branding White Rock?
That will be up to the City Manager of course....speaking for myself let's
see how this part unfolds first. :)
*Read the entire report to Council (Here)
Notes From Late May Council Meeting
BUDGET IMPLICATIONS
The costs associated with the involvement of the public in replying to the question of what My/Our City by the Sea means to them will be covered under the City?s existing Communication Budget.
The contract for up to $5000 to ThornleyHayne would be funded from the City?s Economic Reserve leaving an uncommitted balance of $6715 in the reserve.
OPTIONS:
1. Proceed with approval of the brand My/Our City by the Sea with the public involvement and finalization of the details of the brand.
2. Do not have a City brand.
Option 1 is recommended.
CONCLUSION
The City has been involved in various processes of developing a brand for many years. The Branding Task Force established by Council took on this challenge and through an extensive process with consultation and feedback. The recommended brand “My/Our City by the Sea” is built on the past and can resonate with the present and future. It is an inclusive brand that can be adapted by add on phrases to meet the needs of residents, the City, organizations, investors and tourists.
May 16, 2011
Let's Paint The Town Red..yellow, blue and green
l-re Dave Chesney White Rock Sun, Cyndi Richards BIA, artist Elizabeth Hollick and studio owners Juanita Moffat and Kelly Breaks
Did you know White Rock has over a dozen wall murals? Tomorrow we will jog your memory or introduce you to these public art pieces.
But meanwhile here is the story of the Blue Frog Wall.
CYNDI RICHARDS and yours truly were having a coffee one day and like many local business people we were kicking around some cost effective ideas for increasing the profile of our fair city. We came to the conclusion, given the fact we had one world class wall mural (the famed Wyland Whaling Wall), why not get the ball rolling and see if there was any way we could get a few more public art pieces.
Within a couple months CYNDIE RICHARDS called me and said "Well Dave, I think I have another wall mural lined up for White Rock."
RICHARDS had spoken with JUANITA MOFFAT and KELLY BREAKS the owners of Blue Frog Recording studios on Johnston Road in uptown White Rock. They had mentioned to CYNDIE they would like to get a big blue frog painted on the wall of their building. Apparently a number of musicians coming out to record at Blue Frog recording studios were getting lost. Huh?
 Elizabeth Hollick
Soon CYNDIE had enlisted local artist ELIZABETH HOLLICK, a quick meeting was held to finalize the design, and before you knew it ELIZABETH was hard at work painting the now fully completed "Blue Frog Wall."
Saturday the steering crew and friends and neighbours and local business owners joined together for the dedication of the wall. Councillors HELEN FATHERS and LYNNE SINCLAIR represented the city. Also on hand representing the White Rock BIA, President GINNY HARRISON commended the work of CYNDI RICHARDS and acknowledged she hoped there would be more joint projects like The Blue Frog Wall.
Everyone said they hoped this was just the beginning of a movement between business owners and community members.
Here's hoping.
Tomorrow - Check out the other public art Elizabeth Hollick has created. Wednesday we talk to Elizabeth about her art show in the privacy of her art studio. You're invited.
May 02, 2011
Winning?
 "They Don't Call Me CHIEF for Nothing!"
When the CHARLIE SHEEN'S "Winning Tour" arrives at Rogers Arena this evening there will be a distinct local tie in to the tour.
KEVIN "Chief ZARUK will be running the whole show as Tour Manager.
ZARUK back in the late 90's had just graduated from Columbia College in Vancouver. Like so many other attendees of the school, ZARUK was hoping to secure gainful employment in the music industry. Unlike most other graduates he got off the couch and went out looking for work. One of his first stops was Turtle Recording Studios then located in Richmond.
ZARUK began working as an intern and quickly illustrated his desire to work hard to reach his goals. Soon after KEVIN he began working at Turtle a band that had just relocated to the West Coast from their home in Hanna, Alberta arrived to begin work on their debut CD. The band quickly realized ZARUK was a hard worker. When it came time for the band to begin the arduous job of snaking back and forth across Canada in search of gigs, the band asked ZARUK if he would like to join them on their musical odyssey as the sound man/tour manager. As they say the rest is history. That band was NICKELBACK.
As the band's fortunes and fame rose, ZARUK stayed tight with the band and watched his reputation in the music industry quickly grow as a tour manager and sound technician.
These days when not on the road with NICKELBACK ZARUK makes his home with his lovely wife CAROLYN in the Morgan Creek area. From his home office KEVIN now has assumed the role of Manager for a number of recording artists. His first client as he went out on his own was a band from the mid-west of the U.S. called HINDER. The band's 2005 debut CD sold millions of copies powered mainly by the huge radio hit "Lips Of An Angel."
 Daniel Wesley
ZARUK'S Chief Management now includes Ontario rockers MY DARKEST DAYS who have signed to NICKELBACK'S Chad Kroeger's record label, Mountain View Records. As well ZARUK guides the career of local rising star DANIEL WESLEY who is presently putting the finishing touches on his new CD.
When CHARLIE SHEEN decided he wanted to take his train wreck personal life on tour, it was apparent to all involved it would be necessary to have someone on the road managing every aspect of the tour to ensure the committed to dates actually happened. There was tremendous anxiety SHEEN given his erratic behavior might have a problem maintaining the pressure of a North American tour.
Enter KEVIN "Chief" ZARUK.
So tonight then the lights go down and SHEEN strolls on to the stage, rest assured just out of the spotlight when he plies his trade, "Chief" will breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing this is the final night of SHEEN'S tour and he can go home and sleep in his own bed and wake in the morning, and return to what he considers a normal life - in Morgan Creek.
April 14, 2011
Painting The Town Red and yellow, and blue and green
White Rock artist ELIZABETH HOLLICK has set out to create another mural on the giant wall of Blue Frog Recording Studio on Johnston Road in uptown White Rock.
We thought the best way for you to get to know this talented artist is to present a collection of the existing murals created throughout White Rock.
 One of Elizabeth's most popular paintings with visitors to White Rock is the mural on the wall of ULI'S restaurant on Marine Drive. It is not uncommon to see tourists posing with the wall in the background.
 In the alley between SUGAR & SPICE and WHITE ROCK TRAVEL across from Miramax Village on Johnston Elizabeth celebrates the first nations and local shops.
 
To celebrate the Olympic Torch arriving in White Rock, Elizabeth created a welcome wall on Marine Drive at the end of West Beach. One of the hidden murals from ELIZABETH is the boot collection on the wall of the Superfluity on Martin Street west of Johnston Road.
 On Oxford Street behind White Rock MUfflers ELIZABETH painted a pair of cool old cars .
The low reservoir for White Rock's water supply on Merklin street also is adorned with Elizabeth's art.
So there you are, a collection of the public art created by local artist ELIZABETH HOLLICK. Now we have the opportunity to watch her latest creation take place. Make a point to give her a wave or a quick hello if you are passing by. Weather permitting ELIZABETH hopes to have the giant mural on Blue Frog Studio completed around for the recording studio's big Mother's Day concert.
April 12, 2011
Mark Madryga Meetup
The White Rock and Surrey Naturalists invite you to attend a special meetint with Global/CKNW meteorlogist MARK MADRYGA. Mark will talk about the science of weather forecasting in the Lower Mainland.
Thursday April 14 7:30 p.m.
Sunnyside Community Centre 1845 - 154 Street Surrey
Everyone is welcome. Admission is free
When the subject of the weather comes up most people quite often quote MARK MADRYGA like he is a close personal friend. Due in large part I would assume to his homey delivery of the weather on radio and television. His passion for the weather is quite obvious.
MARK MADDRYGA makes his home here on the Semiahmoo Peninsula. This Thursday evening the Surrey Naturalists welcome MARK for a little one on one weather forecasting meeting. (Click Here For Meeting Info)
When did you start to take an interest in the weather?
- I was in Grade four - or perhaps earlier but that is as far back as I can confirm. Growing up in Kamloops, I faithfully and meticulously recorded the weather of the day, and often by the hour, onto notepads as well as cassette tapes.
You are one of the few weather forecasters on local TV that is an actual meteorologist. What is entailed in receiving that certification?
-the certification as a Meteorologist in Canada is acquired through Environment Canada, following completion of an 8 month training course as an Operational Forecaster. This process follows a degree in science from University with concentration on Meteorology. For me, the degree was completed way back in 1986 at UBC.
We all see you early in the morning on Global TV as well you provide weather forecasts for CKNW in the morning and afternoon. Given you make your home in the South Surrey area, what is a typical day for you? What time do you have to leave home. Once you finish your morning weather duties, what does your day look like before you return on the radio in the afternoon?
- my weekday routine begins with a 2:30 am wake up. I am on the road to Global studios in Burnaby by 3:30 and arrive by 4. Preparation time for the Global Morning News which starts at 5:30 am takes the entire 90 minutes until air time. I also broadcast my CKNW reports with Philip Till through a broadcast booth while at Global. After the show ends at 9, I often have a few projects to work on, both weather and non weather related. A short rest is vital over lunch but doesn't always materialize - then its back on CKNW with regular reports between 3 and 530 pm.
How long have you lived in the South Surrey area?
- We have lived in the area since early 1998.
Please tell us a bit about your family. Again from having you come into our homes on a regular basis we have some insight into you being married and having a family. Tell us a little bit about your family.
- When my wife Laureen and I arrived in South Surrey in 1998, our son Matthew was less than two years old. Our daughter Tessa was born two years later. Matt is now in Grade 9 and Tessa grade five. A recent addition last fall was "Dixie", our Westie who is still in the puppy stage - and keeps us very busy!
It is well documented and boasted about by residents of the Semiahmoo Peninsula that we receive more sunlight than many areas of the lower mainland. Is this true and if so what factors contribute to us living in a sun belt?
- White Rock and South Surrey are similar to places like Richmond and Victoria for sunshine hours per year. Clouds often form and enhance in the extra lift of air nearest the Northshore Mountains, and farther out in the Fraser Valley, while the flow across the Olympic mountians to our south often breaks the clouds in our area much more frequently. Thus the sunshine is more plentiful in our part of the region and precipitation amounts are considerably lower.
There are a disproportionate number of weather forecasters that make their home in the South Surrey/White Rock corridor. Do you think our beautiful weather is a contributing factor ha ha?
- South Surrey /White Rock is a fantastic place to live and to raise a family. The weather is simply one benefit of living here...but yes I think it is a huge factor for our group! Wayne Cox, Russ Lacate and, Phil Reimer all reside here, and Kristi Gordon grew up here!
You are participating in an event this Thursday with the White Rock/Surrey Naturalists. What do you have planned for the evening.
- I will talk about my work in TV and Radio weather, a little about the weather forecasting process and the science behind a forecast, plus I look forward to any and all questions or weather stories from the group!
Final question. Do you have a special memory of a certain weather situation that you marveled at the power of nature?
Thankfully, we live in a part of the world that experiences a small amount of highly dangerous weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms. However, we do have our moments. While living here, the amazing snowfall of Christmas 2008 is something I will never forget. Or the many ferocious wind storms of late Fall 2006 (which was the time of the Stanley Park Blowdown). Plus the flooding along White Rock Beach during the intense rain and hailstorm in 1999. I will always remember with amazement the Weather Radar signature showing the bulls eye of torrential rain centered over the Semiahmoo Peninsula, while most of Metro Vancouver remained rain-free.
March 22, 2011
Father & Son Reunion
Last week SGT. JAY FOULDS paid a surprise visit to his father at a restaurant in White Rock. FOULDS appeared from behind the counter unannounced and brought a smile to the face of his father and to the patrons of COFFE WITH ATTITUDE located at Five Corners in White Rock.
FOULDS took some time out of his quick trip to the coast to give us a little background on his personal experiences in Afghanistan.
How long have you been in the Canadian Forces?
I joined the infantry reserves in Edmonton May '94 and joined the regular army March '98. The reserve date is considered my 'Base date' so this May it will have been 17 years in the military.
How did you first come to join the forces?
When we were young, a friend and I talked quite a bit about joining the military and at some point...talking wasn't enough for me. I was attending Alberta college at the time of enrolment. During my final day I was actually in uniform as I was shipping out to basic (boot camp) that day. I guess I was looking for a challenge...maybe a place to belong. I knew some army guys and while I looked upto them and their disciplined nature...they were still different. I was different enough as well...so it seemed appealing.
 This is a captured photo from the video I took with my HD helmet camera. The video is of my section (there are 6 other soldiers in my section of which I am in command) blowing up an IED that was laid in the middle of a village to target allied forces on patrol in the village of Sperwan, Kandahar, Afghanistan. This IED was the 2nd of 2 IEDs in the same location that were laid to be detonated simultaneously for maximum carnage. This event took place during a 2 day operation called Op Azadi II. Don't ask me what Azadi means...lol.
You recently completed four tours of duty in Afghanistan. Are there very many other soldiers that have done this many tours of duty?
There are some soldiers that have completed 4 tours in Afghanistan but you're right to ask...as there has not been many. Startling enough...there are soldiers that have completed 5 tours over there.
 This picture was taken by one of the guys in my section as I was heading in to confirm the detonation went off as planned. Same operation, same location.
What is the greatest adjustment you have to make when you travel to Afghanistan. Is it the weather, the food, the cultural differences?
To me...all aspects of life have to be re-adjusted when travelling to Afghanistan for those troops living 'outside the wire'. Even how you bathe is an adjustment as most troops do not bathe from a water bottle while living in Canada. The conversations are different, meals are different (even though we might try to maintain the same meal hours), the culture is different, the weather is ferociously hot in the summer months, breathing takes getting used to in the higher elevated areas, every day movement is the most hazardous thing you can do...I could go on.
Canada appears to be getting ready to change our involvement in Afghanistan. Could you explain what different role we are preparing to fulfill?
 We conducted a patrol to the village of Debak in order to meet with the village elders to discuss how we could serve them. Infrastructure improvements, wells, security concerns, etc. As combat engineers our job is to confirm the scene is free from explosive threats before the commander moves in for the meeting. While the meeting was taking place I was on the perimeter when the kids started coming over. I love kids and we have fun. 95% of the reason I do this job is for the kids. They deserve the chance to grow up free of oppression and danger so they can make their own life choices in peace. This probably stems from my own childhood when I lived in a youth shelter and the volunteers were there for me. Now I return the kindness they showed me...on a global scale.
We will be transitioning from a primarily combat role...to more of a mentoring role. Even though we have been assisting in the training of Afghan soldiers and police forces all along...this will be our focus. The numbers of soldiers currently employed in this function may rise given that it will be our main task...but there will not be combat forces.
You recently surprised your father with a secretive visit here in White Rock. Diners at the local coffee shop COFFEE WITH ATTITUDE @ 5 Corners were surprised to see you in the restaurant in your full dress uniform. Tell us how it all came about and your father's reaction.
March break was upon us, I had some money saved up...and all the pieces fit together. I called my twin sister Sheri and tossed the idea at her. She thought it was awesome and while she had other plans during that time...she wished she could join in. I then contacted her son Alex and told him I'd like to use him as my operative for OPERATION COFFEE SHOP. I asked him to talk to his father and ask permission to miss school for the day and his dad was all for it. Closer to the planned date (14 Mar '11) I contacted the shop owner (Laura Mannella of Coffee With Attitude) and she was hooked. She'd heard all about me from my dad so she was pretty excited.
 This is one of many covert photos during a patrol through Nal Bazaar which is well known to be frequented by the Taliban and is littered with IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). We're pretty sure the locals did not even dream we'd have been crazy enough to patrol through there. So, the roadside bombs were not hooked up. They were hooked up at a later date and many attempts were made to kill allied forces.
My nephew called my dad, said he was in the area and wondered if they could meet for coffee in his favourite cafe. We had showed up earlier to scout the area and shop out to hatch the finer details of the plan. Everyone in the shop was clued in and I hid in the back hallway. Dad came in, everyone tried hard to act normal, he ordered a tea and sat down to chat with his grandson and friend who had joined them. I waited for the right time when he was engaged in conversation. Laura's husband began filming on my HD camera, I stepped out of the darkened hallway and slowly made my way to his side. I paused for a second to gather my thoughts and then asked him...
"Do you mind if I join you Sir?" He turned to me with his jaw on the floor...
"Well...what the hell..." he replied.
He stood up, adjusted his hat and hugged me while simultaneously laughing and crying with joy. You can judge for yourself I guess. A plan well executed.
(WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE REUNION HERE)
How difficult is it for you to keep in touch with loved ones when you are in Afghanistan? Do you have free and easy access to phone lines and the internet?
These days there is easy access to many forms of communication and I did keep contact with everyone while over seas. In the FOBs (Forward Operating Bases) there is access to phones and internet. In the smaller patrol bases or combat outposts the troops would still have access to satellite phones...as limited as the access might be.
 FMG (FOB Ma'sum Ghar) - This FOB is where I would spend the majority of the second half of my tour. My jobs here would range from being in charge of outfitting all engineers who came through the FOB onto other locations, to being second in command of a 'Troop' of 82 soldiers...to being the Engineer Liaison Officer to an infantry Company. The picture shows the main area of the FOB itself. It's actually about 3 times larger than what is depicted and is incredibly more advanced than when I first set foot on this mountain back in 2006.
Besides your loved ones, when you are on the other side of the world in Afghanistan, what do you miss most about Canada?
I bring as much of Canada with me as I can to be honest. Not in the physical sense obviously...but in everything I am. The best thing about spending time with fellow Canadian soldiers is...they are Canadians first. Canada is not a chunk of the most gorgeous landscape anywhere...it is those who occupy it. Having said that...I have missed too many winters and I could honestly stand to have a few more months of it. When I came home on leave near the end of October...I was met with the smallest of flurries. I am not ashamed to admit it brought a tear to my eyes.
Have you done any other tours of duty besides Afghanistan?
While in Afghanistan I have served in both Kabul and Kandahar. Before that I have served Peace Keeping duties in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Skopje, Macedonia. All of my tours have been since 2001.
When you meet people and they learn you have been in Afghanistan what are the most common questions people ask you?
People have more comments than questions actually. 'Oh my. Wow. That's amazing. That's horrible.' Etc. The most common question is not one I answer to be honest. It's not that common but people (mostly the younger ones) want to know if I have killed anyone. The closest I get to answering that is by saying that I have had to fire my weapon. People decide on their own on whether or not I have missed. The question of the heat comes up...or what my job is when over there. As a Combat Engineer...our tasks are more than abundant to say the least...and the heat can be unbearable.
Meet Larry Colero Federal candidate for the Green Party in the riding of South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale. Recently The White Rock Sun and other local media were invited to a "Meet The Candidate" for a Sunday afternoon informal gathering at a home in White Rock. Prior to the arrival of the invited guests Larry took time to sit down and offer an opportunity to get to know the man and his political vision for our home and Canada at large.
Was there a defining moment in your personal life that caused you to enter into the world of politics? Was there a specific incident that dynamited you off your couch and caused you to get involved in politics?
ABSOLUTELY. Because I had never planned to do this. The defining moment for me was early last year about this time. I co-ordinate a group nationally called the Canadian Advocacy Group on Indonesia. They are concerned with human rights, and it is a group of NGO’S working for human rights around the world. This particular group is focused on Indonesia.
All the various non profits involved – KAIROS, Rights and Democracy, Development and Peace, and the Canadian Council for International Co-Operation, all felt they were under attack from the current government. They were losing their funding and as a result Canadian Council for International Co-Operation for example has been decimated down to a quarter of the staff they had at this time last year.
Very rapidly the Conservative Government has been dismantling what it has taken other Canadians decades to put together. It is not just Canada that is suffering from this but the rest of the world as well. The people who these people supported, who are trying to develop democracy in their own countries, are no longer being served by Canadian non-profit organizations. Instead we have Canada out there saying they are developing democracy through the war in Afghanistan, which is the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard.
EDITOR'S NOTE - KAIROS is the organization at the centre of the controversy regarding Conservative Cabinet Minister BEV ODA'S recent public statement regarding altering of funding documents (CLICK HERE).
Rights & Democracy website explaining their response to the Conservatives' attack last year (CLICK HERE)
Were you a Green Party member before you made this decision to enter into politics?
I was not a Green Party member. I am now obviously. I voted for the Green Party in the last couple of elections. Prior to that I was a member of the Progressive Conservatives. I was actually a delegate in Toronto when David Orchard was betrayed by Peter MacKay. Prior to being a Progressive Conservative I was a member of the National Party under Mel Hurtig. That is my political background so to speak. But I have never been this active in politics.
It seems to be a very common thing these days that political parties are examining their leadership. Do you believe Elizabeth May is capable of leading the Green Party to the next stage it must go to?
Elizabeth May is the main reason I felt comfortable joining the Green Party. Then I started looking into their policies and I really liked their policies and their approach. Elizabeth May I think is an exceptionally strong leader for the party right now. She does very well in national debates. She is incredibly dedicated. I am very confident in Elizabeth May. As well, she has the support of 300 Green Members of Parliaments around the world so she’s in touch with what’s going on globally, which is so critical to us nationally right now, given Canada’s tarnished reputation.
You mentioned the percentage of the vote. In the last election here in 2008, Dave Blair was able to garner 9% of the vote. Prior to that it was 5% that the Green Party drew. So it increased substantially and I think we can easily exceed 9% in the next election. If we exceed 10% in the next election, we would flip the Green Party into a different category with Elections Canada, which I fully expect we will do.
Do you think the Green Party needs to broaden its focus?
Yes, because most people don’t realize the Green Party is just as concerned about the economy as it is about the environment and healthy communities. For instance with the expansion of the tar sands, we are now seeing oil tankers traveling past our beaches here in the White Rock and South Surrey area. So there is an issue there that you could say is an environmental issue but what happens if White Rock becomes Black Rock and we end up with a huge oil spill on White Rock and Crescent Beach? Yes it is an environmental disaster, but how is it going to affect the local economy? How is it going to affect our community if the pool of volunteers in the community is now all working down at the beach cleaning birds? What will the ripple effect be on the community and our long-term prosperity?
What issue at the top of your list as a resident and now a political candidate for the area?
I have been struggling with that question. I have been involved now for 20 years in human rights overseas, but that is my personal passion and likely not a topic that will resonate strongly with most voters. So I have been asking myself, what is the local issue people will really care about? I do think the tar sands and the risks of an oil spill, and it is a real risk, is one thing that might bring out those 75% of Canadians who never show up at the polls. It’s something I think people will feel from the heart and take seriously.
Tell me a little about your personal life.
We have now lived three years in White Rock. Prior to that my wife Chris and I lived for 25 years in Ladner, where she works for Delta Hospice. We have two grown children who live in White Rock and one of them has a new daughter who is our first granddaughter.
Where do you think the majority of the Green Party support comes from? Is the Green Party drawing new people into the political landscape or are a lot of the members dissatisfied former members of other political parties?
I think there are a number of people that support us who are former members of the Liberal party and they are not happy with its current leadership. I also think we may be drawing a few disgruntled Conservative party members. The Progressive Conservatives changed when the Alliance/Reform took over. I call them The Regressive Conservatives.
They are nothing like the old PC Party which at least had the desire to keep government costs down. Right now we are facing the largest deficit in Canadian history. Of course Harper is talking about how the deficit is going to be reduced by 2015. My question is how is he going to do it when he keeps increasing the size of government? We are in a time of “double speak” where the Conservative Party is not really conservative. The Liberal party in my mind is not really liberal. The names can fool people, but I think people are starting to catch on to that. I also think here in this riding, I’m after that large majority of the population that just doesn’t vote. It is mostly youth and a lot of women and people who for some reason feel disenfranchised. They feel they can’t make a difference. If we can go after that portion of the vote, I think it is fair game and we are not pulling votes from other parties.
How do you think you can reach this section of the population? How can you capture their imagination?
I think with an emotional issue to drive my campaign. I intend on talking to a large number of people to get their feedback to formulate my plan.
Would you support legislation that forces citizens to vote like we see in Australia? It has also been floated out there during the recent Liberal leadership race.
I don’t think I would. I have not fully researched the matter. But initially my gut reaction is you are going to end up with a lot of people voting because they have to because they don’t want to pay the money and they may not be aware of the issues. I would rather see the votes that do come through from people who have really thought the issues through. I think we can increase the number of voters by making this race interesting and relative. That way voters will come out because they want to. It really is not asking a lot for people to come out to the polls and take 10 minutes on voting day to let’s say protect the beaches in our area. It is just a matter of giving them the indication their vote does count for something.
We are seeing a lot of Conservative ads on television these days. The Harper government is slamming Ignatieff time and time again. Do you think this signifies we will see an election this year (2011)?
Why would they be paying for those attack ads on TV? The Conservatives don’t want to be credited with calling an election. They want to lay the blame at the feet of the other parties. So what they have done is set up a situation where the opposition will be forced to call one. One of the main reasons would be the removal of the per-vote subsidy. By doing so the Conservatives know they are going to meet resistance from the other political parties. There are other issues they are using to goad the other parties as well and trigger a non-confidence vote on the budget.
BACKGROUNDER
Every registered party gets $1.75 every year for each vote they received in the previous general election, as long as they attracted two per cent of the national votes cast or five per cent of the eligible votes cast in the ridings in which they ran candidates. The $1.75 per vote will be adjusted for inflation, so it will rise as time goes by. The allowances are paid out quarterly, as long as the parties eligible file their financial papers and all other Elections Canada documents properly.
Let's crunch some numbers: In the 2006 general election, the Conservative Party had about 5.37 million votes, so it receives about $9.38 million in public funding in the year following the vote. That number increases according to the rate of inflation each year until the next general election. In the same election, the Liberal Party's 4.47 million votes earned it an allowance of $7.82 million; the NDP’s 2.59 million votes garnered it $4.53 million; the Bloc Québécois earned $2.71 million for its 1.55 million votes; and the Green party's 664,068 votes won it $1.16 million.
Where do you get the majority of your news? How do you stay on top current events?
It crosses a lot of different media platforms. If I am looking for information on what’s going on in Canada I will read Rabble.ca or The Dominion. I also check local newspapers including the White Rock Sun www.whiterocksun.com to find out what is going on locally. I also read the mainstream newspapers now and then but I find them so biased that I lose interest quickly because I know there is another story behind what they are reporting. My best source of information is my direct involvement in the fields I work in. My paying work has to do with Finance, and my volunteer work is in human rights internationally. People are constantly contacting me and sending me information.
On a lighter side so our readers can perhaps get to know a bit about you personally. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I play the piano and I like to compose music. Every Sunday night we get together with the family. My son plays the guitar, my daughter in law plays the violin so we all get together and make music. I enjoy that. I also enjoy kayaking.
If I sent you to a Desert Island what books, movies and CDS would you take with you?
I very much like The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. It is a joy to read, and is about colonialism in the Congo. I rarely listen to music, but I would take James Taylor and I would take some African tribal music, which I enjoy. The last movie I saw was at the Social Justice Film Festival locally, where I saw THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD. I found that very entertaining, but a little too light for me; I thought they could have followed through on some things. I plan on attending some of the movies this weekend at the Social Justice Film Festival here in White Rock.
+Social Justive Film Festival (CLICK HERE)
The Here & Now (Aqui Y Ahora)
 Vince "Mucho Gusto" Germann on The Baja
One of the by products of publishing Canada’s FIRST Internet Newspaper, The White Rock Sun – is I have a forum for things I truly believe in.
During the Grey Cup Game on Sunday I had turned my phone off as I didn’t want to be interrupted by any heathens that don’t honour this time honoured Canadian tradition. I forgot to turn it back on Sunday night. Monday morning when I saw the message light flashing I figured, “Better check those before I get my day going.” I found two messages from people that don’t normally call me, back to back and one of them calling from Mexico, I did the math. This was not going to be good.
When I called the local caller I got his wife on the phone. I knew the words she was going to say before they left her mouth. “Vince was gone. He had passed away Sunday afternoon at his newly completed dream home in Mexico.” I was numb then, I am numb now.
I met Big Vinnie over 30 years ago. He had a futon store right where the Boathouse Restaurant is now located on Marine Drive. Vince delivered the futon in his Vollkswagen Van later that day. A couple of days later I was riding my mountain bike along the path along Crescent Beach when Vince pulled in front of me. We both noticed each other had a tennis racquet hanging from our handlebars. “Do you play?” That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship that came to an end Sunday.
Vince was a hustler. The last job I can recollect he had was THAT futon shop over 30 years ago. He picked up money doing commercials of all sorts. For an entire summer we lauged at the billboards of Vince, a beautiful lady and two kids sitting at a picnic table. The ads were for McDonalds and they were supposed to be the average Canadian family. Those of you in White Rock that knew Vince, knew there was nothing average about him.
My late wife and I used to joke when we would visit him annually on The Baja, we would tell him we would look out the front window on crappy weather days in White Rock, look at each other and say “F#@K I Hate Vinnie! He was living all of our dreams.
We would work 50 weeks a year to live like Vince for two weeks. It never made any sense to me. Vince was not only like a brother to me, he was my hero. He was living every man’s dream. He had recently bought his own little piece of earth just south of Todos Santos, north of Cabo where he had lived for years. I talked to him just a couple of days ago. He was excited about the new recliner that he had splurged on to watch his beloved Saskatchewn Roughriders in the Grey Cup yesterday.
His brother found him in that recliner Sunday afternoon, 10 minutes into the game. He was gone. No sad farewell, no goodbye, nothing. Just like Vinnie.
I share this story with you not for your sympathy or mercy. Not at all. I will be alright. But what I would like you to take from this is how damn quick it can happen. If you love someone, tell them every chance you get. I do and I thank God I always ended my calls with Vinnie, by telling him I loved him like a brother. He would return the favour. I am so happy I had Big Vinnie in my life all those years. I have no regrets other than my trips to The Baja will be a lot different from now on.
Rest In Peace MUCHO GUSTO
An Angel just went home today - he wanted to experience life
He didn’t just dream his dream he lived his dream
And he lived Like a King
His Name was Vincente
And we All Loved Him
Aqui y ahora
Here and Now
Genisea Rush
*If you care to join a gathering of his White Rock friends, we will have a little Celebration of Life @ Cosmos Greek Restaurant on Marine Drive next Thursday (December 9) @ 7 p.m.
RSVP
The Notre Dame flag flies at half-mast on campus today in mourning for one of our sons - Vince Germann.
Vince is the eldest son of "Mr. & Mrs. Notre Dame" Frank Germann and his beloved wife, the late Marj Germann. Vince was born and raised in Wilcox, SK and attended elementary, high school and University at Notre Dame, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1969. His graduation photo can still be found on the hallway walls in Lane Hall.
Vince has three sons; Vince Jr., Mike and Rafael. He has two grandchildren; Mike and Bonnie's daughter Lauren, and Rafael and April's son Vincente. Vince was predeceased by his mother Marj, sister Regina and brother Leo. He is survived by his father Frank, and siblings Vicki, Patricia, Barbara, Angela, Anita, Frank Jr. and Jim.
Our prayers and sympathy are extended to Vince's loving family and friends.
Eternal Be His Memory.
Meet The Pedalling Gardener - Andrew Stordy
Who is THE PEDALLING GARDENER? Tell the readers a little bit about yourself.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn about the environment (plants,animals, insects, etc) at hand since my parents were keen gardeners, who loved to be outdoors interacting with people and the environment. I have a formal education in the geological sciences which has given me useful knowledge for understanding the process of natural soil formation and transformation. Also, I have a degree in education giving me the tools to share my knowledge with others. I owned and operated a garden design and maintenance business in Victoria for 10 years. More recently, I have co-operated a certified organic farm with another highly skilled , knowledgeable farmer on the Saanich peninsula near Victoria. I moved back to the mainland to be closer to family.
I understand you recently moved to the Semiahmoo Peninsula. What made you choose The South Surrey/White Rock area?
Recently, I moved to White Rock since I wanted to live closer to a rural area and to meet people who valued community and cared about the environment.
What are your first impressions of the area?
When I first moved to the area I was searching for places to meet people. I have always found that the local library is a great place to make connections in the community and learn about important local events. Immediately I was impressed with peoples relaxed and friendly attitude and their willingness to help. As I don't have a car, I take the bus as well as ride my bike for transportation. Using the bus has been a fantastic way to meet people. As a result from using transit I have met many kind people who care about their community and are willing to accept newcomers. I know that I will become a contributing member in the community.
Your operation looks very scaled down. What type of services are you able to provide to your customers?
My focus is in working in small to medium size gardens. I have the skills, experience and knowledge for maintaining and creating gardens using; native plants, vegetables, herbs, perennials, scented plants, dry-land plants (xeriscaping), rock gardens. In addition I prune shrubs and small trees. I work with customers who want to compost their own materials ( I can assist with the composting operation) or have them picked up at the curb by the municipality. Composting is a good way to improve your soil structure and to recycle nutrients. If it is necessary I can order soil or compost to be delivered and I will use it in the garden. Soil health is maintained through low impact gardening and using organic fertilizers. I have my own supply of basic manual tools. If a customer has a lawn that needs cutting and they have a lawn mower then I can cut it. Raking small gardens in the fall is a service that I provide as well.
You related an interesting story about traveling to New Zealand and visiting various farms and gaining first hand experience by working on those farms. Tell me what that type of exchange is called and what did you learn?
There is the opportunity to travel abroad and work voluntarily on farms around the world. The organization which facilitates this is called WWOOF, which stands for Willing Workers on Organic Farms. People are given the opportunity to interact with the local community and exchange their time working for food, shelter, warmth and friendship. It is a great way to meet locals. I learned how it is possible to learn from others by working with them on their farms and getting involved in the community. Then it is possible to share this others back home through the work that I do.
You seem to be more than just your impersonal gardener who turns up every Tuesday and mows the lawn and sends an invoice at the end of the month. Are you able to help educate your customers about their gardens if they care to learn alongside of you as you do the work?
That is one of my main goals. It is important for people to feel connected to their environment and to feel empowered to be involved with nature and gardens. I want to help people gain access to their own outdoor spaces.
Are you a proponent of organic gardening?
I have worked in organic gardens. Through my experiences working in this field I have discovered how everything that is present in the soil and the air affects the growth and health of the plants. This in turn, affects our health. Healthy and environmentally friendly gardens are essential.
Is organic gardening that much more expensive and difficult to do?
Establishment of an organic garden is no more expensive than traditional gardens.
What are some of your favourite "a little out of the ordinary" plants that will do well in the climate of the Fraser Valley?
A few of my favorites belong to the Genus's; Amsonia, Corydalis and the woodland Anemome.
In your own words what makes THE PEDALLING GARDENER different from other gardening services, besides the obvious your form of transportation?
I want to help people connect with their garden.
Speaking of which, why a bicycle as opposed to the regular pickup truck to get around to your customers.
I use a bicycle and trailer to reduce my impact on the environment and reduce noise pollution. When working as a Pedaling Gardener and pulling my trailer, I am often forced to slow down and this gives me the opportunity to interact with people and the environment. There definitely is a need for using the modern inventions, equipment and products to help us achieve our goals, such as when I need to get help from people who have access to trucks to transport heavier materials.
From your picture people can obviously phone you but do you have an email address?
People can contact me through my email at astordy@hotmail.com. or by phone 778-686-1387
Though you have only been here a short period of time do you have a favourite restaurant, nursery, a special ride on your bike or a part of the area you enjoy going for a long walk and communing with mother nature?
I get much satisfaction and a sense of freedom from riding my bike through the farm land in the south of the Fraser region and on the Boundary Bay Dyke trail. I have recently visited Belles restaurant on 140th Street in White Rock and was impressed buy the quality of the food, the service and the relaxed environment. A recent discovery that i love to visit are the Semiahmoo trails which are beautiful to walk in to connect with nature. My favorite nurseries are Free Spirit on 32nd at 204 and Linnaea wholesale nursery in Langley. And the people at Potters nursery are very kind and community oriented.
Meet The Proz
If you have anything to do with music and you live, work or play in the South Surrey- White Rock area you will hear one name constantly come up in conversation. Dave Proznick.
For a number of years "The Proz" has spread the joy of music through generations of young students. This past Thursday Surrey Mayor Diane Watts bestowed the Civic Treasure award to Dave at a special ceremony at the Surrey Arts Centre,
Dave Proznick we thank and salute you.
Dave Proznick, the “Proz” was the most highly nominated candidate for a 2010 Civic Treasure Award; former students, parents, fellow teachers, media representatives and school district administrators hale him as a great talent, a man of vision, patience and love of teaching that inspired his students and carved out a musical dynasty that continues to flourish today;
He convinced the Semiahmoo Secondary school administration that Jazz band had a place in the curriculum – the school now boasts over 300 band students consisting of 5 jazz bands, 3 concert bands and a music society of enthusiastic parents that support the program 100%; It is approximated that 40% of the performing jazz musicians in the Greater Vancouver area are graduates of the Semiahmoo S.S. music program;
Dave was an active member of the organizing committee for the S.D. #36 Envision Jazz Festival, now in its 29th year;
Laurae McNally, Chair, Surrey Board of Education states in her letter of support that “during my 26 years as a School Trustee, I have met many Educators. Dave is one who stands out as a true “Master Teacher”;
His students once made him a t-shirt that read “I Yell Because I Care”, his students knew that they could trust him;
He has received awards and recognition from national and international sources including; the Jazz Report magazine for Jazz Program of the Year in Toronto, Berklee College in Boston for excellence in Music Education; the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival for consistent excellence; the John Phillip Sousa Legion of Honour Award in Chicago, for a long history of dedicated service to bands and the BC Music Educator’s Lifetime Achievement Award;
Although retired after 30 years of teaching, Dave Proznik helps to run two major music camps, he directs two adult community choirs, is called upon to direct the music for local high school productions, adjudicate for the national music festival and support the music program at Crescent United Church.
White Rock History Saved
Scott Booth Local Fire Fighters President
The White Rock Fire Department is now the proud owner of a vintage fire truck. Give me a little history about the vehicle, what year is it and how long was it in service in White Rock.
The fire truck is a 1925 Studebaker. It and it’s sister truck, came about in the late 20’s early 30’s due to a large fire on Marine Dr. After the fire which burned up about ½ to 1 block beside the Ocean Beach Hotel, the citizens decided that they needed some form of fire protection. Until this time they relied on the Blain Fire Dept and would hold events to raise money to give them once a year, or after a fire, or whenever they could. So, the citizens purchased 2 surplus Studebaker sedan chassis and under the supervision of WJ McIlwain (Mac), the owner of a gas station on Marine Dr, began building fire trucks with parts donated from Vancouver Fire Dept. and New Westminster Fire Dept. Mac also became the first Fire Chief in White Rock and the gas station was the make shift fire hall.
When the truck was taken out of service I understand it had a bit of a journey before it ended backup in the fire hall's possession. Can you give me the Coles Notes version of it shistory once it was taken out of service.
The truck was decommissioned in 1948 at which time we believe it went to Murchie’s tea company in Vancouver. We believe this because that is where it came from in the late 1970’s when the White Rock Firefighters got it back and did a real quick job of getting it up and running for the sea festival parade in 1980. After this interest was lost and there was no place to store the truck so it was given away. The owner parked it in a shed, which caved in on it, for the next remaining years until 4yrs ago when he donated it to the shriners of BC and Yukon.
You were involved in the restoration of the vehicle. Tell me a little bit about your background that prepared you for such a big job?
At this time, we, the White Rock Firefighters were looking for the truck in order to try and get it back to restore a piece of our history and a piece of the city’s history. We were contacted by a fellow named ironically, Mac. He told us that he was from the Shriners and they have one of our old fire trucks. He said that the paint that they used to letter the truck WRFD had etched the metal so much that after they had the truck sand blasted, you could still see it and when he researched it, the truck came back to White Rock originally. He mentioned that they were in process of restoring it but did not have the money to complete it and wondered if we would be interested in becoming partners on the restoration. I said that I would have to take it to a monthly Union meeting, but I believe we would love to.
How may men were involved in the restoration, where was the restoration done and what was the cost involved in bringing the truck back to showroom condition?
From this point forward, The White Rock Firefighters IAFF Local 2407 foot the bill for a large part of the restoration, most of which was done by Mac, myself, my Dad Ray Booth and the wonderfull team at the teamsters freight and transportation museum. By trade I am an aircraft structural tech. and have been born and raised restoring vintage cars. I have a shop with a paint booth and that is where the truck’s bodywork and paint was completed. The rest of the restoration was done at Mac’s home shop and the Teamsters museum. It was at the museum where an unbelievable individual named Bob, a retired mechanic, brought the truck to life with the help of Mac, Norm and the rest of the guys at the museum. He literally machined parts for the old updraft carburetor and distributor to make them work as they had been full of water and corroding for all these years. The engine had been rebuilt already so this was all that was needed to make it run.
When did the truck finally return back to the White Rock fire hall?
Last Sunday (26) at the Shrine center in Burnaby B.C. the Shriner’s held a ceremony in which they donated the truck completely back to the White Rock Firefighters. After the ceremony the truck was loaded onto my trailer and brought back to it’s original home in White Rock. Many people that saw the truck at the hall got to witness something pretty special when we unloaded it. This was the first time that the truck had turned it’s wheels under it’s own power, and with the exception of me struggling to find first gear, (as reverse is where you would normally expect first to be), it drove of the trailer and into the doors of the fire hall without a hitch.
I understand there was a little synchronicity involved in the dedication of the truck last Sunday.
Durng the speeches at the ceremony at the Shrine center many people were thanked for their dedication and support in the restoration of our old fire truck but when it was my turn to get up and say a few words, I made known who I thought were the most notable. The Shrine for donating the truck back to the White Rock Firefighters, Mac for the countless hours and energy spent on every portion of the restoration. My Dad Ray, for many hours of hard work and support, and Norm, Bob and the rest of the crew at the museum of which I am proud to say have let me become a member of. At the end of my speech I made reference to something that I found eerily ironic. When the fire truck was first built, the build was led by a man named Mac who became White Rock’s first fire chief and now, 80 yrs later, the rebuild of the fire truck was also led by a man named Mac…
Mr. Memory BILL CLENNAN R.I.P.
A number of years back while working for CBS Records a colleague visiting from Alberta asked me how far Crescent Beach was from where I lived in White Rock. I explained to him it was very close. He then went on at great length telling me about a good friend of his that lived in Crescent Beach who he had not seen for a couple of years. Would it be possible if he came out to visit me on the weekend that we could go and visit his friend. He really seemed intent on introducing me to this gentleman.
The weekend arrived and we headed out to Crescent Beach. As we pulled up the long winding driveway off of Crescent Road a smiling gregarious gentleman who had bounded out the front door suddenly greeted us.
My friend introduced me to BILL CLENNAN “Mr. Memory” as he was known professionally.
Over the following years I got to know BILL on a personal level. Somewhere in a box of memories I have a letter of inspiration CLENNAN used to give to his clients. I had it posted on my office wall for a number of years.
BILL CLENNAN was hired by fortune 500 companies all over North America to instruct their members on how they could fine tune and develop their memory skills basically through word association. IE: Perhaps he would remember my name Chesney by using the trigger word “chestnut.”
As we all can attest there is nothing more gratifying than to have someone who you just casually met, walk straight up to you and address you by your name. It is an art developed to great extent by many successful business people.
But back to my life-altering lesson from BILL that had nothing to do with memory development.
BILL’S work took him all over North America. One day he might be in Dallas speaking to 300 Century 21 realtors and the next day he would be in Boston speaking to a couple hundred doctors. His travel schedule was dizzying. So one day BILL has his wife drive him to Vancouver International to travel to some destination in America. His wife simply dropped him off at the departure gate. And left the airport to return to their home in Crescent Beach. Just as BILL crested the door inside the terminal Air Canada pilots confronted him with a wildcat strike. As this was prior to the cell phone era, BILL had no way of calling his wife to return to pick him up at the airport The strike had grounded all flights out of Vancouver for at least that day.
CLENNAN was livid. Not only was he now stranded at the airport, he was going to have to call his client in America and explain why he would not be attending the conference he has the Keynote Speaker at. Not a position any professional would like to find themselves in.
CLENNAN walked over to a payphone and dialed information for Ottawa 613. He asked the operator for the phone number for the office of the Prime Minister. At that time it was Pierre Trudeau. Within a matter of moments CLENNAN had dialed the phone number given to him by information and reached a pleasant sounding receptionist in the PMO. CLENNAN asked if he might please speak with Prime Minister Trudeau. The secretary asked him to hold for a moment the next voice BILL heard was that of Pierre Elliott Trudeau himself.
Trudeau asked Bill to what did he owe the pleasure of him calling Ottawa today. CLENNAN went on to explain his predicament as a self employed small business owner wildcat strikes were a great inconvenience to himself and many other travelers in Canada. Trudeua explained to Bill he fully understood how a wildcat strike prevented anyone from making alternative travel plans on such short notice. Trudeau then went on to explain the government was looking into the matter, as this was not the first incidence of wildcat strikes by Air Canada. Then the coin dropped. Trudeau THANKED Bill very much for calling him. In closing he said he “wished more people would call.”
That story has resonated with me now for nearly 30 years. I am going to share a little secret with you that has held me in good standing all these years. Simply put – start at the top. By that I mean if you have any kind of concern research the contact information of the organization you are seeking an answer from and start with the name at the top of the masthead.
A real life example happened when I was in the planning stage of this on line newspaper. I wanted to pay homage to the iconic newspapers in the Western World. The Chicago Tribune, the New York Times etc. Their log was something I wished to emulate. I logged on to the New York Times website and found the contact information for the President of the New York Times. If you visit the website of the New York Times you need to know enough to scroll all the way to the bottom of the contact list. Down past lost animal contacts etc. is where I found the President’s contact info.
I composed an email to the President and explained to him how I was starting an independent on line newspaper on the West Coast of Canada in a suburb of Vancouver. I explained I had searched the various font styles available and could not find anything that was really that close to the iconic newspaper logos I was looking for. I went on to explain I was sure there masthead was no doubt an original piece of artwork and I was aware I could not use their font, but did he have any advice for me?
Within a half hour I received a lengthy reply from The President on how the original artwork was commissioned in the 1930’s and later in 1950 another artist made slight changes to the style of print used. He went on to explain I was correct in assuming I could not use their original artwork but he had researched my inquiry and that he had provided in his email a link to a free font website that had examples very similar to the style utilized by The New York Times and many other heritage newspapers. I followed the link and discovered numerous print styles exactly like I was looking for. I sent back a thank you note and received a reply wishing me luck with my endeavour, and if he could be of any further assistance please feel free to contact him at his personal phone# which he supplied.
Does this secret system work all the time. No. But I have reaped the benefits of this little secret for years and more times than not I am successful in attaining the information or person I am looking for.
Sunday morning on a trip back from Vancouver Island I decided to purchase a copy of The Province newspaper to kill some of the mind numbing two hour ferry trip. I was stunned as I opened the paper to see BILL had passed away recently at his sports club in Tswassen. I had lost close contact with BILL over the years, but he was never far from my thoughts due to the little secret he passed along. As you will see by reading the story in The Province BILL CLENNAN was a larger than life gentleman. I will miss him, I will rue the day for not picking up the phone and calling him to say hello. But in the end most days I will celebrate his memory as I practise his life lesson.
Read Sunday's Province story on "Mr. Memory" BILL CLENNAN (Click Here)
Now you know BILL’S little secret. Celebrate his insight. And let’s keep this little secret between the two of us. I will always “remember” and thank "Mr. Memory - BILL CLENNAN"
Helen Wheels
Since her arrival an the sunny shores of Semiahmoo Bay HELEN FATHERS has worked in a number of capacities in the service industry. Two years ago she decided to aim for the ultimate service job, a councilor for White Rock. Since then there have been some ups and downs, trials and tribulations. Will she run again? It depends on what day you ask her.
Your bio states you have lived in White Rock for 18 years. You came here from England. Tell me a bit about how you ended up in White Rock?
Landed in 1990 with Mom & Step Dad, then flew back to England and returned for good in 1991. We had relatives living in Canada and when we first arrived in Canada we visited various relatives in Surrey /White Rock area. We fell in love with it right off the bat.
What are some of your favourite memories of those early days in White Rock.
The nicest thing that I remember was I always felt like I was on holiday. Even though I have a much busier life these days being a Mom, working and sitting on Council, I still feel like I am on vacation. We have a young daughter and a dog so a couple of times a week we go down to the beach to walk the dog, get an ice cream cone or fish n chips for supper. I have been going to Montgomery’s for fish n chips for years. It is a personal choice I always have to have their “mushy peas” and coleslaw. I call ahead to make sure they have mushy peas cooking on that day!!!
At one time you were the manager of the local band COZY BONES,. How did that all come about? Two of the members of the band JORDAN CARRIER and ED JOHNSON still are a big part of the musical fabric of White Rock. Do you have any special memories of the time you spent managing the band?
COZY BONES was my first love. I was dating the bass player for the band Eamon Kroetsch. I used to go to their practices in Ed Johnson’s basement. I was in my early 20’s. They were fantastic, just pure raw energy. I had always been interested in music and had a head for business so it all just kind of naturally fell into place. I said “I can help you guys.” I managed the band for 5 years and it was fantastic.
These days in addition to people knowing you as a White Rock Councilor, many in our community see you every week performing your duties as the White Rock Farmers’ Market Manager. How did you come to be the manager of the popular market?
Fathers at the grand opening of the White Rock Market
I used to go the farmers’ market like so many residents of the Semiahmoo Peninsula. I always thought someday I would love to be involved with the market. One day I read an ad in the local newspaper and I said to myself, I couldn’t have written an ad more perfect for myself. I answered the ad for the assistant manager position. Two years later I was promoted to the Manager of the market. I love the farmers’ market, it’s in my blood. The new site overall is a pretty good location. There are some challenges but we work around them. Some of the residents in the towers complain about the noise level from the live music and a couple of other little wrinkles, but we work them out and find solutions.
Does being out in the public on a regular basis offer the opportunity to stay in touch with the community? Do people engage you in conversation and let you know about how they feel Council is doing?
Absolutely. People feel I am approachable. As a Council member I work and live in this community in a position whereby people do not hesitate to come right up to me and tell me how they think we are doing at City Hall. I have worked in the community for years, whether it was as a server at The Boathouse or Earls or when I worked for Choices Market. People see me out and about in the community all the time. I encourage an open and approachable relationship with the public. If I happen to be busy doing some market work and I can’t stop to talk right then and there I give people my business card and ask them to call me so I can find the time to discuss their concerns.
CPR The Citizens For Positive Renewal the slate you were elected under has now been in place for 2 years. You have just over one year left in your mandate. How do you think you are doing?
As an individual I am sticking by what I said I would do. As a group I think for the most part, we have succeeded in working fairly well as a team. It is really hard sometimes to work as a group and yet be an individual. It can be challenging. I am happy with what I have learned so far and hope to continue being open minded.
This is the first time we have ever had a slate in White Rock. Do you envision you will run again as a part of a slate? Will CPR return as a slate.
CPR set out to reflect what we felt were the feelings of the community and the development of the Official Community Plan. I think we accomplished that. Whether or not we will run as a group, I am not sure at this point. To be honest with you if you asked me today, which you have, I would have to say if I run again I doubt it will be part of a slate, I might run as an independent.
What is your vision of White Rock. It goes beyond “branding”, how do you see White Rock in the big picture. Can we continue on independent or is it possible we may have to examine rejoining Surrey sometime in the future?
I don’t think we can exist by comparing ourselves to Surrey. We can’t compete with Surrey. We should try to bridge the gap. For me White Rock is all about the arts, culture and heritage. It always has been. I know so many artists that live locally. It really is an artist’s community. I think we should be accenting and growing that aspect of White Rock. It really does make us unique in my mind.
Do you have any specific ideas on how we can grow as an artistic community?
Yes. The city applied for a 2010 legacy grant and we got it. The first step is a cultural mapping process. Like any vision you need a strategy on how to get to where you want to go. We will work towards that vision. Strategically work towards that vision. I think the city as a whole needs to do more work and put more effort towards embracing the arts. To start we could re-work the city web site to promote more of our artists. Tell the community what is going on artistically. I think it would be great for us to have a Bard On The Beach for instance. More things for visitors to White Rock to do. I wonder why the city does not take a more pro-active part in the staging of the events like our Sea Festival for instance,. We have work to do in a number of areas when it comes to mapping the future of White Rock.
This summer you were offered a very unique opportunity to be part of a special ceremony held by the Semiahmoo First Nations band. Tell me a bit about your experience.
Helen/Ellie Rose & Tswassen Canoe Host
We were invited to be part of the “Pulling Together” journey of dozens of canoes that traveled through the Lower Mainland to a number of first nations reserves. This was the first time in the 51 year history that Semiahmoo First Nations Band hosted the event. My six year old daughter Ellie Rose and I were honoured to be part of the ceremony. It was spiritually moving. There was a whole process we had to go through for protocol, certain people had to get into the canoes in a certain order. Each paddler greeted first me and then Ellie Rose and then we were welcomed aboard the Tsawassen canoe. We paddled from near the pier down to the Little Campbell River and up the river to the bridge to the reserve where we were greeted by Chief Willard Cook. It was very spiritual.
How would you describe White Rock to someone?
A seaside community with a rich arts history. Beautiful beaches, great fish n’ chips and a small town that is in transition.
Whatever happened to the Town Hall Meetings we were promised?
I am not sure why they have never happened. We have talked about them and nothing seems to happen. Maybe it is just a matter that someone needs to take the bull by the horns and get it done. I think they would be a great idea for the community to go one on one with us in a very relaxed casual environment. I will see what I can do about making them happen. Things move painfully slow at City Hall. Actually slow would mean things would speed up. It frustrating at times. As a self starter and a go getter I have had to learn a great deal of patience.
SHORE 2 SHORE
Scott Booth (far right), Local 2407 Union President, stands with team riders
(from left to right) Evan Bird, Patrick Ryan, Mike Passas, Eric Kameka, James Davison, and Bira Bindra.
White Rock Firemen Prepare For Cycling Assault On Canada
Over the past number of months the White Rock firemen have been everywhere. In addition to fighting fires and a very public fight to save their jobs in White Rock, the firefighters have been organizing a fundraiser called “Shore 2 Shore.”
 Team member AL McNABB
Sunday morning while fighting a southwester up at the Farmer’s Market we stopped in to talk with AL McNABB who was manning the booth and pedaling to stay warm
McNABB will leave here later this month to pick up one of the motor homes in Calgary the team will use. “I will fly to Calgary and drive the motor home clear across the country to our starting point which is Halifax. The rest of the team will meet up with me there, and then after a day or so of preparation we will start our journey on September 8. “
All the proceeds raised during the ride will benefit Variety Club. McNABB explains how Variety Club was chosen. “Well when we started talking about doing a ride like this, a couple of the members of our fire hall talked about the good work they had witnessed personally that Variety Club did. Plus we wanted to have a national charity given we would be riding across the entire country.”
The 8 member team will stage the assault on Canada in a relay form riding 24/7 with their support team traveling in tandem with them. One of the escort vehicles will leapfrog ahead to towns along the route to aid in creating public awareness for the ride. “A number of fire halls and their crews have already contacted us and invited us to put up at the fire hall or their homes. A number of the halls will also be staging local fundraiser's like barbeques’s at the fire halls.
Our firefighters are making personal sacrifices to ensure the success of the SHORE 2 SHORE ride. All the firemen will do the ride on their holiday time and even with Peninsula Cycle throwing in as much aid as possible, there is still a hefty cost attached for each rider, which they will pay personally. The money will not come out of the donations. Each rider will make up any shortfall personally or through money raised through other events like community barbques. All money donated to Variety through the fireman's website goes directly to Variety.
In addition to the firemen that are staging the actual ride, the other members of the firehall will be putting forth a tremendous effort to cover off the necessary shifts. In some cases firemen will be doing 12-14 shifts straight. A huge sacrifice.
Now the $64,000.00 question. How long do you think it will take to ride from Halifax to Vancouver?
Well if everything goes right the ride will begin in Halifax on September 8 and end here in White Rock 14 days later on September 21.
Watch for the firemen around town, throw a few bucks or whatever you can afford in the “boot” and lets all make sure we get out on September 21 to welcome the SHORE 2 SHORE riders home.
Janice Savage - Sea Fest Saviour
The White Rock Sea Festival has a very long and rich tradition. For 61 years now the annual celebration of all things sand and sea has attracted tens of thousands of visitors to the shores of Semiahmoo Bay.
Over the years the Festival has ebbed and flowed in popularity. Things at one time were so despondent on the waterfront the sea festival parade was held UPTOWN. The festival has had its bank accounts emptied by less than honourable directors and harboured individuals with alternative motives.
This past year the former director of the sea festival, one time city councillor MATT TODD came under harsh criticism from White Rock City Halland in particular the Mayor and Council. TODD told them if they weren't happy with the job he had done the the last couple of years, they knew where they could pound sand. When no one stepped up to replace him, the Sea Fest looked to be doomed to failure. In the final months leading up to the dates for this years festival TODD rode in like a knight in shining white armour and said he would accept the criticism but for the good of all he would once again take over the Sea Festival. Then the bombshell! Two months before the festival TODD pulled out again.
In the darkest hour a local music promoter and event planner JANICE SAVAGE stepped in to save the day. Had the sea festival not been held this year it would have been incredibly difficult for it to return in the coming years.
This years festival was not without its glitches. An event this size run on the back of volounteers can be challenging at the best of times. But SAVAGE soldiered on. Over the weekend SAVAGE seemed to be everywhere, fine tuning the events and ensuring things went off without a hitch.
I am sure JANICE would attest she could not have done it without the army of volounteers.
So today I tip my beach sombrero to JANICE SAVAGE and thank her whole heartedly for saving a part of our rich tradition. If you concur, next year slap on the sunscreen, make a picnic basket up and come on down to the beach for the day. Next year let's all pull together and make it the huge success it deserves to be.
Lynne Sinclair Civil Servant @ Your Service
In May Councillors Lynne Sinclair and Alan Campbell attended a conference hosted by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Toronto. Sinclair recently took time out of her schedule to sit down and re-cap the topics of discussion. The conference saw representatives from 1800 municipalities and cities from across Canada come together to discuss the future of their communities; The FCM works mainly with the Federal level of government, whereas at the Provincial level, the UBCM (Union of British Columbia Municipalities) works more closely with the Provincial Government..
According to Sinclair one of the main topics discussed at this year's conference in Toronto was an agreement the Federal Government is working on with the EU Economic Union. In the discussions that were taking place there was going to be a clause that will prevent civic governments from having any laws that would impact trade policies.
Sinclair explains how that would affect us here at the local level "If we had a ban on pesticides that could be overruled by the deal the Feds make with the EU. We are sending a clear message if the Federal Government is making any kind of agreements that affect us at the local level we should have a seat at the table of the negotiations. If we did not have an organization like FCM we would not have even known the fine points of the Federal Government's negotiations, not only in this matter but other matters as well that will impact us at the local level."
Last year the annual gathering of the FCM was held in Whistler and the entire White Rock Council attended that meeting. Sinclair was our sole rep at the Provincial equal of the FCM the UBCM last year in Vancouver.
"I am learning a lot about the issues, there are excellent workshops and forums at these conferences and it is a golden opportunity to meet other elected officials from not only around the Province but from right across the country. I enjoy politics and I like meetings, I enjoy listening to debate. I find it a great way for me to become informed. At the recent UBCM meeting I had the opportunity to speak on two subjects I feel passionate about. The minimum wage and the pesticide ban. I pushed for a Provincial ban on all pesticide use. I am in favour of a livable wage, I think the term minimum wage is outmoded. New Westminster is the first and so far the only district to push for a minimum wage and it is pegged at $16.74. That is what a livable wage is pegged at in the Lower Mainland. Currently our minimum wage is $8.00 provincially. The training wage is $6.00. It is the lowest in Canada while other Provinces are looking at raising their minimum wage we have held steady since 2001. It is a disgrace. In New Westminister's case the first stage of implementation is to pay that rate of $16.00 for anyone working for or with the city."
The title of the recent conference in Toronto was STRONG COMMUNITIES - STRONG CITIES - STRONG CANADA. Building from the ground up and keeping our country strong.
The two main themes this year at the meetings in Toronto were the environment and affordable housing. The Federal Government's commitment to infrastructure was also was a top subject. Not just roads and bridges. But how communities and cities would be spending the money from the Federal transfers.
Social Housing in White Rock?. "White Rock does not have any social housing. We do have special needs housing. That is something we need to look at because no one is immune from poverty or at risk of being homeless. No one is immune to that. We want our city to be inclusive. There are a growing number of single parent low income families living in White Rock. We are also hearing the seniors in our community are under constant financial pressure. You have some issues that need to be addressed before they become more serious. There is a real shortage of affordable housing in White Rock and it is impacting middle income bracket. We need to pay attention to those numbers. We can't wait until we have visible homeless on our streets. Presently we have a number of invisible homeless people and one person who has become the face of homelessness in White Rock" says Sinclair..
Any recommendations from the conference?
'Emergency resolutions, telling the Federal Government they must institute a Federal Public Pension Plan. We put forth that recommendation to ensure EVERYONE has a decent and livable pension when they are near the end of their lives. There area number of pension plans that are failing. The FCM wanted to defer it for further study. The whole room just erupted. The mayor of Toronto stood up and said no let's vote on it now. It is right across the country we are unified on that issue."
The conference hosted three guest speakers, Mayors from Mexico City, Melbourne Australia and the Mayor from Jakarta Indonesia. Sinclair found the insight they brought to be very informative. "They were fascinating and they were all dealing with the environment. Mexico city for instance has cut their air pollution by 50% in the past three years. I found that really inspiring., The different things being done Internationally I find that very interesting."
The other resolution we put forth was the Federal Government needs to step up on housing. "I feel very strongly about that. I don't people can thrive without a decent home. Whether they own it or rent it. In White Rock the split between renters and those that own their property is 65 rent to 35 own. We have a shortage of affordable rentals in White Rock. I believe we have less than 1% affordable housing stock in White Rock. I think the national average is 3%. We have 800 identifiable basement or secondary suites that we have logged in the city, there may be more. Without that stock we would be in big trouble for affordable housing. A lot of what used to be affordable suites are now being priced through the roof, so the times have changed in White Rock. We need to find a better word than affordable. At the conference the term affordable housing was being referred to as less than the market rate."
Inclusionary zoning was also a hot topic." There was much discussion against designating one particular area for social housing and we will all live in another area. We can't and shouldn't do it that way. My biggest objections to the Bosa Project is they did not include any affordable housing units and the city gave away public land. Those were the big issues for me even more so than the height debate. If you are going to allow a developer to make that much money there should have been something coming back to the city.'
Sinclair believeS the new development by EPTA across Johnston road from the Bosa towers is a new template for development in our area." The project actually is designatiing funds that the city will put directly into an account reserved for future social housing. We are going to do it. I am determined we are going to do it. While in Toronto we went to see an old tenement housing that had been redeveloped and renovated. They have instituted a number of programs custom made for the community's need. The development is in an area that has recently gone through a transition. There was a lot of backlash from the residents that recently moved into the area as it was quickly becoming a hip part of downtown Toronto where once it was sort of on the skids. So to alleviate the problem a group went from door to door in the community and engaged the residents to make them part of the community. They invited the whole neighbourhood to come to the big opening party. People came and they all had a gift, they brought blankets, food, blankets and books or whatever. A community caring through open dialogue."
Instead of social housing being an afterthought what Sinclair saw first hand in Toronto is social housing can actually be the fire starter for the revitalization for an area of the city. "What they showed is where they built the affordable housing it causes the area to start to boom and as a result the area starts to grow up around it because there are already people moving in and developing the area, stores start to open and you soon have a community where once it was just junk. That is exactly what is going on."
"We have land in White Rock, we have developers, we have some money in our coffers. The trick is how much development and what kind of development we proceed with in White Rock. There needs to be a more open and inclusive discussion any new developers that come to White Rock. The city needs to reestablish the trust between the community and the developers." That is not there right now according to Councillor Sinclair.
"I think we need to develop public participation programs. Instead of going into an area in the city and saying This is what we are going to do, what do you think about it?" I am a teacher and that is just inflammatory to take that tact. We should first go to the community and say we are discussing and thinking about a number of options for this area, what are your thoughts on the matter? I really want the city to develop a policy and we would get much more positive input coming back from the community.. If we could have an artist's rendering for future development, I think that would be advantageous. This way people in the affected area can see what say a shared driveway looks like."
The conversation with Councillor Sinclair ended on an entirely different topic. The much discussed proposal to change the civic elections from every 3 years to every 4 years. Sinclair explains her thoughts and her fellow Councillors. "We voted against changing the elections from 3-4 years as a Council. I personally don't buy the learning curve argument being put forth. I did and I think any candidate for public office should do their homework before running. I personally attended council meeting and went t a number of other meetings in the city before deciding to run for office. I also think the public having a say every 3 years in the direction of their city is far superior. That extra year makes a big difference."
It is citizens like LYNNE SINCLAIR that make a big difference. They have put themselves forward with an honest desire to best represent the people of White Rock and to ensure our concerns are met. It's called democracy and it is a good thing.
A White Rock Tradition - Moby Dick's Peter & Greg Mueller
l-r Father and Son Peter and Greg Mueller
WAS THERE A DEFINING MOMENT WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD TURN YOUR LOVE FOR PLAYING CARDS INTO A LIVING?
No not really. I always loved the competition aspect of playing cards. When I retired from playing hockey professionally in Europe I got into acting a little bit and I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. When the popularity of poker tournaments started to increase I dabbled in them a bit and similar to hockey, it is so competitive I was drawn to it.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE WHEN YOU WON YOUR FIRST BIG TOURNAMENT?
My first big win was $300,000. All my friends and family were routing me on. I called my Dad and told him about my big win. My Dad asked me if I went out and partied and he seemed a little surprised when I told him I just went back to my hotel room after the big win. To use the metaphor of a hockey again, when you see the Stanley Cup Final and the team that came in second seems sort of defeated and down and out. Similar to that just making the final was a big thing for me, but because I am so competitive there was a bit of a let down. My roommate when I travel who is also a professional poker player had won a tournament the night before. We both just went out for a bite to eat talked about our respective games and then turned in early and called it a night.
YOU STILL MAKE YOUR HOME N THE WHITE ROCK AREA. HOW MUCH DO YOU TRAVEL ANNUALLY?
My traveling goes in spurts. I will go out for a week or so then I am back home. In the summertime due to the schedule of the tournaments I travel a little bit more. I play in a couple of rec hockey leagues in the area, so I don’t like to miss too many or our games. That is why I can travel a little bit more in the summer months.
FOR THE UNITIATED THAT WATCH POKER ON TELEVISION COULD YOU EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THE BREAKDOWN IS ON LUCK AND SKILL IN PLAYING AT THE LEVEL YOU PLAY AT?
That is the unique thing about poker. There is an extreme amount of luck involved, which means on any given day, anyone, no matter their race, size, sex or age it doesn’t matter, there is always the chance of winning. I think that is one of the things that makes poker playing so interesting. It is not always the same winner. For instance in every sport you will always see the same group of competitors that will end up in the top bracket. That is what I think creates the competitiveness in poker playing. There is always the illusion that on any given day, anyone just might win. I mean if you and sat down and played poker and we played a little one on one poker you would win some games. Now if we played for a week straight I would win. But in the short term match anything can happen.
YOU PLAY POKER AT A LEVEL THAT 99% OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE READING THIS ARTICLE WILL NEVER ACHIEVE OR REALLY UNDERSTAND. IT IS WELL DOCUMENTED THAT LEGAL GAMBLING HAS CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF HEARTBREAK TO INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES THROUGH EXCESSIVE GAMBLING. DO YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON THISSOCIAL PROBLEM?
You don’t usually find that much of a problem with poker. Slot machines, blackjack tables and roulette tables in my opinion seem to be where you encounter the majority of what society calls “problem gamblers.” Poker is more of a competition. From my personal experience the majority of the people that enjoy playing poker for the most part do not gamble more than they can afford to lose. Usually the poker players I encounter are extremely successful in another area of their life and it is the thrill of the competition mainly that draws them to high stakes poker. They can afford to lose a little bit. They hope to get better to compete at a higher level, as opposed to taking the rent money and yanking on a slot machine handle trying to get ahead. Poker is a lot different it doesn’t work that way. It used to have a bad rap. Now it has attained a new level of popularity due to the television broadcasts that quite often will feature “celebrity gamblers.” It has changed a lot.
YOU ARE NOW AT A STAGE WHERE YOU ARE RECOGNIZED PUBLICLY. DO YOU EVER GET PEOPLE COMING UP TO YOU IN AN AIRPORT AND ASKING YOU FOR ADVICE?
People normally just want a photograph or an autograph. Sometimes they will ask me things like “Who Is Your Favourite Hockey Player” because I have become somewhat synonymous with hockey. Sometimes they will ask “What Is Your Favourite Hand” which I will always reply “Aces.” They will ask all kinds of poker questions but it is very difficult to answer some of their questions. There just isn’t s snap answer to something like “What should I do if I am holding 2 queens?”
A GREAT NUMBER OF THE PICTURES TAKEN OF YOU WHILE YOU ARE PLAYING POKER, SHOW YOU WEARING HEADPHONES. TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU LISTEN TO.
It really depends on my mood what I will listen to. If I can’t focus or concentrate I will put the headphones and try to dial in a little bit more. What I listen to will depend on my chip stack. If I have a lot of chips and I want to dominate the game I might listen to AC/DC Thunderstruck and just machine gun through my stack of ships. If I am really low on chips, (Tournament strategies are based on the number of chips you have in front of you). I will listen to something a little more mellow. The tournaments that I play in sometimes can stretch out for 10-12 hours sitting at the poker table. I will get a massage right at the table just to keep me loose and allow me to concentrate on the game. You don’t want to lose your concentration, in any sport that is a problem but in poker it can be deadly. Music sets the mood for me.
ARE THERE ANY TOURNAMENT PLAYERS THAT BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU?
Anytime I am playing PHIL IVEY, PHIL HELMUTH or DOYLE BRUNSON those are the elite poker players at the level I play. So you always get up when you are playing them. You want to play good. You want to bluff them and you want to beat them. For me that is a thrill. You turn up at a tournament and there may be a thousand players entered and when you sit down at your assigned table there are 8 players and it just comes down to the draw. You may not know anyone at the table, but that certainly does not mean that someone at that table is a very good poker player. If you do end up at the table with one of the top ranked players, I want to watch them very closely, I want to learn from them while I am all the while of course planning and hoping to win the match. I like to bluff them, sort of here take that. It feels good.
DO YOU EVER PLAY ON LINE POKER?
I have a sponsorship deal with Full Tilt Poker and that contract calls for me to play a certain amount of on line poker. I am not really an on line guy, I am more of a live guy. When I am playing on line because I am a sponsored rep for Full Tilt poker, there will be an avatar of me and the reason for that is the rec players will log on and scroll down and see my name highlighted in red print. So they will sit down and want to play against me. It gives people who do not travel a lot, a chance to play against a higher level of players. That attracts them to the Full Tilt site. I can’t win every game so it is a thrill for them to tell their friends “Hey I beat Greg Mueller on line.” On line is so different because you can’t see who you are playing against, can’t watch their mannerisms, can’t see their expressions, it is just sort of clicking buttons. To be perfectly honest it is not my strength playing on line poker.
YOUR NICKNAME IS "FBT" WHAT DO THE INITIALS STAND FOR AND HOW DID YOU GET THE NAME?
Full Blown Tilt. My mentor back when I retired from hockey was a gentleman named Hubert who lives in Winfield in the Interior. He took me under his wing and taught me a lot about playing poker. He taught me not to tilt. Tilt means like when you are playing a pinball machine and you shake it too hard the machine will tilt and the game is over. In poker if you lose a hand the good players don’t tilt which means you continue to play the same way. When you tilt you start to play bad and trying to chase the money you just lost. You want to avoid that. So tilt is a very common term in poker. Full Blown Tilt came about from Hubert because I am always in a hurry and I don’t like waiting in lines, I get anxious at a red light. So that name just kind of stuck with me a number of years ago. Some people don’t even know me as Gregg, I am just FBT to them.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS?
Not really. I don’t like to lock up a win until it is over, I don’t think that is superstition. I was recently in a tournament and I was an 80% favourite. I was all in and someone came by and the cameras were on me and someone said “Great game FBT.” I said hey its not over yet. Its not over until its over. I never like to lock anything up, other than that I am not superstitious.
DO YOU EVER JUST TURN UP AT SAY SOMEWHERE LIKE THE RIVER ROCK LOCALLY AND JUST WANDER IN UNANNOUNCED AND SIT DOWN AT A TABLE?
Not so much anymore. Because I play a lot of poker anyway. It kind of bores me. But if I am at a casino for some reason I may sit down at the table. In poker people like to play against good players. In poker I find people like to play against me. They want to be able to say they beat me. And they can beat me because there is so much luck involved in any game as I mentioned before. Generally if I am in the game, some people might want t leave the game. And generally people don’t play high stakes against at me. If I am at the table I might be joking around and talking, depends on the game and the people in the game.
YOU HAVE WON TWO WORLD SERIES OF POKER BRACELETS. THIS IS LIKE WINNING THE STANLEY CUP TWICE. I NOTICE YOU ARE NOT WEARING ONE TODAY. ARE YOU SELECTIVE ABOUT WHEN AND WHERE YOU WEAR THE COVETED BRACELETS?
I don’t wear them when I am playing with friends or something like that. If I am going to a function where people know GREG MUELLER will be there I will usually wear on of them because people like to look at it, just like people will ask a hockey player if they can see their Stanley Cup ring. I am really proud of them there are nice pieces of jewelry. But I don’t wear one everyday.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR BUDDING ASPIRING POKER PLAYERS?
Play within the means you are comfortable in. By that I mean if Dad goes to work and makes $500.00 a week and it costs $350.00 to live. The key to poker is being comfortable so operating on that line of thinking you would have $150.00 over that you may or may not be able to lose. Don’t get in over your head you will make mistakes and you won’t play as good as you need to if you are not comfortable. It sounds cliche you have to be comfortable financially in any game you are playing in.
WHAT IS MEANT BY THE TERM “dead money” IN A POKER GAME
If you came and played with me and my friends, you would be what is called “dead money” you would be expected to lose. You are supposed to lose, that makes you “dead money.”
WHAT ARE YOUR LONG RANGE PLANS
I always like the competition, I can’t see myself quitting anytime soon. I can’t see myself being on the road in the future as much as I am now. I want to settle down one day and have a family. I am branching out into other areas, I am a part owner of the Players Chop House restaurant in Vancouver as well as the one up in Whistler. I hope to always be playing in the World Series of poker, but it is difficult living out of a suitcase and one day I can see myself slowing it down.
IS POKER A SPORT?
It is a mind sport. I just can’t call it a sport in the traditional terms. To me a sport is athletic and you have to be physically fit and in poker as I think anyone can attest that has watched poker on TV, there are lots and lots of unfit poker players dong very well.
IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU PERSONALLY TO BE PHYSICALLY FIT TO COMPETE AT POKER.
It is very important for me. I don’t always live the most healthy lifestyle. I don’t have any vices but the thing I wrestle with the most is my diet which is hard to maintain when I am traveling so much and living in resort hotels. I don’t drink coffee, I will have a social drink, I don’t do drugs other than I really enjoy food. When you are sitting at the table for 12 hours they bring you food over and the next thing you look across the table and see someone eating something else and it looks so good and this will go on for a couple of days and you don’t end up getting any exercise and it catches up to me. Before you know it you are on the road for 10 days and you come home and you have found you have gained 10 pounds in a week. I try stay fit, I have a personal trainer, I play rec hockey and I like to get a run in as much as I can. I can’t afford to feel lethargic when I am concentrating during the game.
DO YOU TRAVEL FOR THE MOST PART WITH ANY OTHER PLAYES. YOU MENTIONED YOUR ROOMATE AND YOU BOTH HAVING A BIG WINNING WEEKEND. IS THERE PLAYER THAT YOU TRAVEL WITH THE MOST?
SEAN BUCHANAN who is from Abbotsford. We came up the ranks together and we have been friends for a number of years. We get along very well when we travel together. He is very respectful of me, we talk strategy. Sometimes we go our own way on the road but quite often we hang out together.
HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED AGAINST BUCHANAN?
Generally speaking no. We don’t like to hurt each other. When you enter tournaments with a thousand entrants it is a random draw. So in the hundreds of tournaments we have gone in together we have only ended up at the same table twice in a tournament. We play straight forward against each other. We are in a competition and if it ever ended up that we were the last two standing, we would play as hard against each other as anyone else. So far that hasn’t happened. If we are playing a social game for small stakes we will try to punish each other, but never for big money where someone can get hurt.
HAS POKER HIT ITS PEAK OF POPULARITY
There are so many battles about on line gambling in the States. It will be interesting to see where it goes from here. Right now you can get into an on line poker tournament for maybe a couple of bucks and keep winning your way into the next round and all of a sudden you are in a game with a $10,000.00 pot and it only cost you a couple of bucks to get in. Those kind of games make it very popular for people to get into the sport. I think the game will change and evolve. There is talk right now about a tag team poker game, where you will have a partner and at a certain point in the game you will have to hand off your cards to your partner and they will finish the hand and or game. Canada vs the U.S., or the U.S. vs Europe kind of games are already in existence so they are constantly trying new ways to keep the public interested. I just played in an NBC heads up tournament which is a one on one tourney. You get invited because of your achievements. It was an invite only tourney so they try to get the best player and the most interesting characters so the match is enjoyable for the public to watch.
WHAT IS THE NEXT BIG MATCH FOR GREG MUELLER?
There is a Tournament of Champions coming up. Each player has to be voted in. To qualify you have to have a World Series of Poker bracelet under your belt to qualify, which I do. There are a fair number of good players who simply will not qualify for this tournament because they have never won a bracelet. How it works is people can log on to a web site and vote in the Top 20 players from a long list of players who have a bracelet. So I am asking everyone that I know to help me get voted in, that is the only way you can get in is to get the most votes. I would greatly appreciate all my friends and neighbours and anyone who ever enjoyed Moby Dick fish n ‘ chips to take a moment and cast their vote for me.
You can vote for up to 20 people. Obviously I hope everyone votes for me. Outside of Daniel Negreanu who is at this point in time “Mr. Canada Poker” I am the only other Canadian in the running to make the Top 20. There are 7 exemptions on top of the Top 20 and those are seats at the table that will be awarded if for some reason some of the greatest do not get voted in, and I think Negreanu will probably qualify for one of those seats if by chance he is not voted in. I think he will get voted in on the first round. That leaves me as the only Canadian that has a shot.
HOW BIG WILL THE PURSE BE IN THIS MATCH
The World Series of Poker is putting up a million dollars in prize money. You can’t buy your way in, you can only get in by being voted in. It costs the players nothing in the way of cash to get into the tournament. So I am asking all the local White Rockers and South Surrey residents to take a couple of minutes to cast their vote. It would mean a lot to me. Everyone with a separate email address in the home can vote. They just want to see who do the fans want to see in the Tournament of Champions. To me this would be a great honour. It will also be kind of cool and I think interesting for the people that vote for me to be able to follow me if I am fortunate enough to get into the tournament.
*In the coming weeks watch for a profile on Greg and his father and their memories of the early days of the famed MOBY DICK restaurant on Marine Drive.
HOCKEY DADS LOOK TO MAKE IT BIG BY BATTLING SMELLY GEAR
A long wait for a ferry on the way to a minor league hockey game prompted two
Canadian hockey-loving dads to seek out an economical and environmental way
to find a way to fight the stench every player and parent knows – smelly
hockey gear.
Budding entrepreneur Keith Howlett says it was about two years ago when he and
fellow hockey-dad-turned-business-partner Bill McDougall were en route to a
game with six young players and six bags of gear – all inside of one SUV.
About an hour into the two-hour wait for the Albion ferry, the smell could no
longer be ignored.
With many young hockey players between them (Howlett has four kids and McDougall
has two), the pair began looking for a smell-battling solution. The business
partners started experimenting by washing hockey gear in different household
detergents, but found the detergents were too harsh and quickly broke down the
glue holding the gear together.
Thus began the search for the perfect combination to inexpensively and gently
clean, disinfect and deodorize hockey equipment. Through research, trial and
error, Howlett and McDougall settled on a soap-based formula with anti-bacterial
properties. It's fragrance-free, does not leave a film on the gear and is gentle
enough for repeated washings.
Howlett says with the advent of residential front-load washing machines, more
people are able to wash their hockey gear at home. The formula, which they named
Hockey Sudz, can also be used in a laundromat or for washing equipment by hand.
The familiar and distinctive smell associated with used hockey gear is caused
by microbe waste that's produced when bacteria feed on the salts, ammonia and
urea secreted by the body's sweat glands. The bacteria survive and multiply
in moist, warm conditions, including the body, which can then transfer them
to hockey equipment. If the gear isn't dried or cleaned properly it becomes
a breeding ground for bacteria and offensive smells.
And the smell isn't the only nasty side effect. In some cases, players can get
infections from dirty equipment. Hockey Sudz is an economical alternative to
costly drycleaner-style cleaning systems, and sells for less than $10 per jar,
each of which washes eight to 10 loads.
Word of mouth buzz on the product, which started within minor league hockey
circles, has reached the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants, who
have also started using Hockey Sudz to clean the teams’ equipment.
The product is currently available at Cyclone Taylor Sports in Vancouver, Richmond,
Surrey, Coquitlam and Edmonton; Ice Level Source for Sports in Richmond; The
Hockey Shop Source for Sports in Surrey; Ultimate Edge Ice Sports in North Vancouver;
United Cycle Source for Sports in Edmonton; and Dunbar Lumber in Vancouver.
For more information about Hockey Sudz visit www.hockeysudz.com.
In Dreams
My Princess Bride
by Dave Chesney
On Monday afternoon October (12) @ 2 p.m. Laurie my loving wife
of 17 years and soul mate for an additional 12 years wrapped up her 18-month
battle with cancer. I can’t express the love and admiration I have for
the angels of mercy in the palliative care unit of the Peace Arch Hospital.
It all began oh so many years ago. At the time I was working for CBS Records
promoting their artists in Western Canada. On a low level pass through CKLG
radio Casey White one of the announcers of the day on the Boss Jock outlet,
asked me what I was doing on the weekend. I told her I had no plans. She asked
me if I could use a free white water rafting certificate? I thought, hell yeah.
Then I had to try to decide who to take on this big adventure.
I had recently met Laurie McGregor through the baseball league a bunch of media
types had in Vancouver. Laurie at the time was playing for the dreaded Savoy
Dancers, but I still thought she was just the type of girl that might like to
risk life and limb crashing through the rapids of the David Thompson River.
I was right. It was the best call I ever made. That was our first date.
If you did the arithmetic in the first paragraph you will have figured out we
went out for 12 years before I popped the big question. That came on New Years
Eve at the Banff Springs Hotel as Barney Bentall & The Legendary Hearts
rocked the house. At the stroke of 12 midnight I kneeled down and asked her
for her hand in marriage. Again she said yes - as the band played on. “Something
To Live For”
We were married the following August. The wedding was a two day event. The Friday
night we chartered a boat and cruised up Howe Sound and exchanged our vows in
front of family and friends. It was a magical evening. The next night we had
our “reception” at the Russian Community Hall. Far less formal.
The Blue Shadows performed for our dancing enjoyment.
So that’s the basic set up. Many years of bliss ensued. I don’t
know whether or not you have ever encountered two people that are so close they
are sometimes mistaken for sister and brother. Well that happened to Laurie
and I a number of times. I nicknamed her “The Luckiest Girl In The World”
half jokingly, and it seemed to stick.
Now the natural thing would be to say we had our ups and downs, but in our case
that really wasn’t the case. Oh don’t get me wrong we had a few
dust ups, but they were dealt with immediately so we could get back to the matter
at hand, being in love.
When Laurie and I moved back to White Rock 7 years ago she felt she would like
to find a doctor locally. She put out the word to friends we had here to see
if their doctor was taking on any new patients she was looking. In March of
2008 she got a call from a local doctor that she could come in for an appointment.
At that first meeting the doctor explained to Laurie she always liked to start
fresh with new patients so she asked Laurie if she would mind having a physical
etc. Laurie was happy to, as she was always very diligent about her health,
in that osteoporosis ran in her family.
A week after that visit and physical - the day before we were leaving for Mexico
we got THE CALL. The doctor explained to Laurie she got the results of the chest
x-ray and there was a little shadow on the x-ray that the doctor did not like
the looks of. Laurie explained to the doctor we were about to leave for Mexico
for 2 weeks and could this wait until we returned. The doctor felt we would
be alright.
Upon our return Laurie was put through a battery of tests. Finally the diagnosis
came in, Laurie had stage four lung cancer. The cancer clinic at the Surrey
Memorial callously told us she had probably 6 months to live, might be a year,
but then again she could get a blood clot and die within the week. Have a nice
day.
Those words will ring in my ears for eternity. Laurie told me that day driving
home she would not die with cancer, she would live with cancer. As both of us
have always believed in alternative health care as our first choice to western
medicine, we began a long odyssey of treatments. I firmly believe in my heart
of hearts, as did Laurie, this is how she beat the odds and got 18 months longer
than the experts expected.
But sadly she went downhill very quickly over the past month. She was blessed
to be under the care of Doctor King in Crescent Beach. On Friday morning when
she was slipping fast and we both knew it was time for her to be hospitalized,
I thought what are the odds on the start of a long weekend we would be able
to get her into the hospital. One call to Dr. King and within 3 hours she was
being tucked peacefully into her bed on the sixth floor of the Peace Arch Hospital.
The look of relief on her face said it all.
As she was in a room with another woman the nurses explained to me they were
unable to let me sleep in Laurie’s room, but as soon as she got a private
room I would be welcome to stay with Laurie. Very late Friday night I left the
hospital and came home to try to sleep. That wasn’t going to happen. I
showered and went back to the hospital around 7 a.m. I sat by Laurie’s
bedside and we held hands. Periodically she would squeeze my hand. She had slipped
into a coma around dinnertime the previous day.
At 8 a.m. as we sat there in our silence I suddenly heard a loud roar like a
freight train coming through the side of the building. Knowing we were on the
sixth floor this made no sense. I turned and looked out the window and I could
see the tops of the trees bending. I thought well it is just the wind and some
kind of vortex around the hospital. Just then the wind gusted again, and Laurie
squeezed my hand tight and slightly arched in the bed, the wind quickly subsided
and she relaxed. The wind came back up and the process was repeated two more
times, then the wind died down and Laurie fell into a peaceful state. One she
remained in until she took her last breath on Monday.
The Final Chapter “In Dreams”
Now where were we? Oh yes it was 8 a.m. on Saturday morning when I believe I
was with my loving wife as her soul left her body.
Very shortly after this happened right on cue a nurse came into the room and
informed me there was a private room ready for Laurie and they were going to
move her across the hall. As I got settled into the room and my thoughts I looked
over and saw a little CD player on the shelf. I wandered out to ask the nurses
if it was possible to play music in the room. They said yes go right ahead.
So a little later on in the morning I went home to pick up a few CDS. Laurie’s
two all time favourite artists were ROY ORBISON and THE BLUE SHADOWS, a band
I used to manage – God Bless her good taste in music.
So armed with the CDS I returned to the hospital and settled into the muted
light for the final chapter of my long goodbye. As I previously mentioned Laurie
was not going to die with cancer, she was going to live with cancer. Doctor
Brian Davies and Dr. Parmar both naturopaths aided her/our battle with her sickness.
A huge part of her longevity was also facilitated by “Magic Mario”
her acupuncturist in Cloverdale. Her weekly visits to the magic man always buoyed
her spirits. In the final stages when the pain became so extreme we met another
angel, Doctor King in Crescent Beach. Though traditional medicine was never
our first choice of health care, believe me the pain relief and soulful nourishment
provided by Doctor King was beautiful.
In hindsight having 18 months with that cancer guillotine hanging over our head
never really altered our lives. Since her passing I have had a number of people
express their grief and sorrow and explain to me they never even knew Laurie
was sick. That was the choice we made. We informed close friends and family
of the health situation, but then we just sucked it up and got on with living.
As I slipped the ROY ORBISON CD into the little player I returned to my sentry
of sitting by her bedside and holding her hand. Since suppertime on Friday Laurie
had been in what I assume they call a coma, Orally she was no longer communicative.
As “Angel Roy” as she called him, filled the room with music, the
lyrics of his songs took on a new meaning. One of the first songs on the CD
I had was “In Dreams” if you know the song, you will know Angel
Roy climbs the musical scale somewhere into the stratosphere. When ORBISON hit
that high note I was somewhat stunned when Laurie squeezed my hand a little
tighter, and then let it relax. Some part of her was still with me. That continued
all weekend long as I alternated THE BLUE SHADOWS and ROY ORBISON. Constantly
throughout the final three days at certain points when OBRISON and BILLY COWSILL
climbed into the high octave range, she would gently squeeze my hand.
Monday at 2 p.m. her shallow breathing stopped. I sat there by her side and
waited for it to start again. Sadly it was not to be.
On the front page of THE SUN I have put up a photograph of an eagle that has
very special meaning. We live on the hillside here in White Rock and the connection
Laurie had with eagles was beautiful. Her office is in the front of the house
and shortly after we moved back to White Rock almost daily she would tell me
about how many eagles she had seen. Not that unusual really if you are a bird
watcher. But then she explained to me they would fly by the house and look into
the window right at her. It wasn’t long before I witnessed almost the
exact same shot as is on the front page. They would fly by the house very close,
so close you could see their eye colour and they would turn their head and look
right in.
I thank you for walking down the healing road with me over the past two days
but this is where we part ways.
I have to go on alone from here. I have an eagle to find.
*As a side note for all that have asked, there will be a CELEBRATION
OF LIFE held in honour of Laurie on May 16 (her birthday) 2010. It seemed natural
to me to honour her leaving - on the day she entered this world. Further details
to follow.
IN DREAMS - Roy Orbison
A candy-colored clown they call the sandman
Tiptoes to my room every night
Just to sprinkle stardust and to whisper:
"Go to sleep, everything is alright"
I close my eyes
Then I drift away
Into the magic night
I softly sway
Oh smile and pray
Like dreamers do
Then I fall asleep
To dream my dreams of you
In dreams...I walk with you
In dreams...I talk to you
In dreams...Your mine
All of the time
We're together
In dreams...In dreams
But just before the dawn
I awake and find you gone
I can't help it...I can't help it
If I cry
I remember
That you said goodbye
To end all these things
And I'll be happy in my dreams
Only in dreams
In beautiful dreams
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO TOURISM WHITE ROCK
Betina Albornoz has been appointed Executive Director for Tourism White Rock,
the destination marketing organization responsible for promoting White Rock,
BC, as a year-round destination, effective October 5, 2009.
Ms. Albornoz has a solid track record of achievements in senior executive management
positions and an extensive background in Strategic Marketing and Business Development
in both the private and public sectors. Most recently she has been responsible
for her own consulting firm, Argenta Business Solutions.
“We are excited that Betina is joining Tourism White Rock at this point
in its evolution. I’m confident her skill set and experience will be an
excellent catalyst for taking our organization to the next level,” says
Glenda Bartosh, Chair, TWR.
A long-time resident of the Lower Mainland, including White Rock, Ms. Albornoz
holds an MBA in Marketing and Leadership from Royal Roads University. She is
looking forward to the new opportunities and challenges ahead.
“It inspires me to find a working environment that fosters the type of
values Tourism White Rock is committed to, especially using community stakeholder
engagement to achieve a common vision and strategic goals,” she says.
Tourism White Rock was founded in August 2008 to promote White Rock as a top
tourism destination, especially for day visitors from the Lower Mainland and
northwest Washington. TWR is funded jointly by the City of White Rock, White
Rock Business Improvement Association, and the White Rock & South Surrey
Chamber of Commerce, with support from the provincial government.
Roger Currie - Righting The Wrong
Roger Currie is a man on a mission. His mission is to correct local history.
As a child Roger, his sister and two brothers along with their mother moved
into the home of Fred Johnson, a true local pioneer.
Fred Johnson arrived on the shores of Semiahmoo Bay at the tender age of four
year old in 1882. His family had journeyed by boat from New Westminster to their
new home in White Rock. Johnson went on to become one of the first students
at Halls Prairie Road school in 1885. His list of accomplishments that would
follow include working as a customs officer when the first train arrived in
White Rock in March of 1909. In 1909 Johnson and his new bride Ruth moved to
a 44 acre plot of land on Bellevue Crescent which included what is now known
as Centennial Park off of 16th Avenue.
In 1913 at the urging of Johnson the federal government a pier was constructed
in White Rock, so local merchants could bring in supplies by water as opposed
to rail.
Johnson was also instrumental in forming White Rock Waterworks which later became
White Rock Utilities which is now owned by the Alberta based company EPCOR,
still one of the largest privately owned water systems in the province.
Johnson also was instrumental in building the first large water tower/tank in
White Rock located on Oxford. As well Johnson banded together with a group of
local residents and brought the first fire truck to White Rock in 1935. While
in his 80’s he pitched Surrey Council on the idea of a model town on Municipal
property in the Sunnyside area of Surrey.
To say Johnson had a profound effect on Roger Currie would be an understatement.
“He became like a grandfather to us kids. We used to call him Johnsy.
He taught us a lot about life. I can remember on time when I was probably about
13 years old, and Johnsy and I were driving back from Cloverdale in his big
old 60’s Chrysler. Johnsy pulled the car over to the side of the road
near 8th avenue and 176th street and told me I could drive home to White Rock.
Very quickly after I started driving along 8th avenue I looked over and Johnsy
and fallen asleep. He woke up a few minutes later to find me rocketing along
8th avenue doing 80 mph.”
It is the love and admiration Roger Currie still cherishes for Fred Johnson
that has him on his one man crusade to correct history.
 
“A couple of months back as I passed Centennial Park it dawned on me there
was no sign age stating Centennial Park was dedicated in 1957 as Ruth Johnson
Park. When Fred’s wife passed away in 1954 he sold 27 acres to the city
of Surrey for a nominal fee. Part of that deal was the land would be used for
a park, and it would carry and honour his wife’s name, Ruth Johnson Park.”
In 1957 when White Rock separated from Surrey, the municipality of Surrey gave
the land to White Rock as it was now across the boundary in White Rock and no
longer in Surrey. Very quietly in 1967 when White Rock built a new arena and
pavilion on the property, the name was changed to Centennial Park as 1967 was
a centennial year.
Currie has written to the Mayor and Council of White Rock requesting they revisit
history to see if there is some way the park could carry a designation, perhaps
something like Ruth Johnson Centennial Park or some other variation that would
honour Ruth’s memory.
Currie hopes to appear before Council in the coming months to present his case.
When Fred Johnson passed away in 1964 at the age of 85 the local newspaper stated
“Thought should be given to honouring the name of Fred Johnson and others
who contributed to the founding and building of the community.”
I couldn’t agree more. A good place to start might be the correct naming
of Ruth Johnson Park.
Una St. Clair-Moniz
When the phone rings here at The White Rock Sun, you just never
know who is going to be on the other end of the phone. Given internet newspapers
like THE SUN are in their infancy it is always surprising when someone right
out of the clear blue gets in touch with us. We love it.
A couple of weeks back UNA ST. CLAIR - MONIZ of Langley contacted
us and in very short order grabbed our attention as she methodically quoted
recent studies into the adverse effects on our health a lot of "new technology"
is causing.
One UNA'S top concerns is the health of her two school age children.
As more and more information came to light, UNA contacted the school her children
were attending in South Surrey to see if the school was aware of the health
dangers WI-FI can cause when the students are exposed to it on a continuing
basis. "We are specifically concerned by the lack of information that schools
and parents have been given about the potential for harm from the cumulative
effects of non-thermal biological risks of microwave electromagnetic radiation
(WI-FI). Schools have not been advised about the need to have policies in place
to protect pupils and staff who may suffer from adverse health effects from
daily and long term exposure" says ST.CLAIR MONIZ in the comfort of her
home office turned war room.
The amount of information that has been published yet avoided
by the mainstream media is startling. In short order UNA has made me aware of
dozens of web sites and a staggering amount of research papers to support her
concerns. UNA is quick to point out there is a way out of this toxic stew we
find ourselves in " We support the use of computers in learning environments,
but we don't believe it should be at the expense of the health of our children.
From my experience I have found schools, staff and parents for the most part
are woefully unaware of the enormous number of scientific studies that have
been published suggesting mobile and wireless technologies which emit microwave
radiation may pose health risk, especially to children."
The UK a country that seems to be on the cutting edge of creating
public awareness has seen over 2,000 research papers which illustrate the biological
damage one suffers from exposure to non-thermal microwave radiation.
ST.CLAIR-MONIZ has jumped into the battle with both feet. Within
the past year she has created CITIZENS FOR SAFE TECHNOLOGY and has a plan to
educate and inform as many schools, teachers, parents and citizens as possible
of the possible adverse side effects from the radiation we are exposed to on
a daily basis. Most times we are unaware of the danger we are exposing ourselves
to.
So where do we go from here and what can you personally do? CITIZENS
FOR SAFE TECHNOLOGY are presenting a lecture July 17 in Langley at Langley United
Church. The guest speaker is DR. MAGDA HAVAS PHD an Associate Professor of Environment
& Resource Studies at Trent University.
THE WHITE ROCK SUN is proud to welcome UNA who will contribute
on a regular basis information and developments on this very important health
matter. Watch for regular updates from CITIZENS FOR SAFE TECHNOLOGY.
CITIZENS FOR SAFE TECHNOLOGY (Click
Here)
DR. MAGDA HAVAS LANGLEY LECTURE INFORMATION (Click
Here)
UNA'S RECOMMENDED READING (Click
Here)
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