Thanks for understanding, sharing
Andrew Mitchell's article on the Paralympic Games in Torino was excellent – he's far too modest about his reporting abilities. I only wish the "world's greatest sports reporters" had half the insight that Andrew has. He shared with us not only the total experience of the Torino Games, but more importantly he really understood the athletes and shared them with us.
Thank you Andrew. Keep up the good work!
Nancy Greene Raine
Sun Peaks
A simple turnaround?
Like many longtime locals these days I spend a good portion of everyday wondering how we turn ourselves and Whistler around. It struck me the other day that I am hoping to embark on my sixth trip to Nepal this fall. The first trip was a long-time dream to trek in the Himalaya, and I never imagined any more than the one visit to Nepal.
The mountains are incredible but it is the people that drew me back to experience their country four more times. The encounters with locals are not unlike our guest interactions – they ask me what country I am from, if it is my first trip to Nepal, how I like their mountains, answer any questions I have and wish me a good vacation. The difference is that they add a few more simple words. From young children to rifle-toting Maoists, they all finish with "Thank you for visiting Nepal."
Can the start of our turnaround be as simple as saying "Thank you for choosing to spend your vacation in Whistler" when we talk to visitors?
Sharon Audley
Whistler
XC grows each winter
Thanks to the RMOW for the fantastic grooming and general efforts in making this a really great Nordic season. After last year's non-existent season, we skinny skiers were really ready for what we were handed this year. The season wrapped up on Sunday, April 2, with still a substantial snowpack in place and lots of happy skiers enjoying the last day.
To all those Whistler residents and guests throughout the season who chose to walk (with/without dogs) anywhere BUT the XC trails.... thanks very much. There are so many fabulous places to walk in Whistler all winter long, and only one place to XC ski on groomed trails.
For those of you who did choose to tromp down the middle of freshly groomed skate or classic tracks, we really do have to get you onto a pair of skis for you to fully appreciate:
1. just how much your actions impact the experience of all the skiers behind you, just because you either don't want to/can't read the signs saying no walking/no dogs, or just that you feel that you are entitled to absolutely anything you want whenever you want it just because you are you.
2. just how wonderful it feels to cruise along on trails perfectly groomed by talented local groomers like Eric Crowe and Doug Leidel. These guys work long hours to ensure that the tricky grooming is done perfectly. They take pride in their work, and we all appreciate it. To see bootprints right up the middle of a XC trail is absolute sacrilege and ultimately, just downright disrespectful.
On another note, I'd like to extend an apology to VANOC, on behalf of the Whistler Nordics Ski Club, for the fact that not one of our members attended the meeting on March 30 regarding the Nordic Centre building presentation. Not sure how I missed the notice in the paper. It would be great if perhaps when you have these presentations, you could possibly send the club a notice (www.whistlernordics.com) and we could get the word out easily to all our members. Seems logical to me, as this is a relatively specific user group and there is only one club in town. I realize that this is an extra step on your part, but hopefully you are hoping for a bigger audience at these presentations, and this could help.
Apparently the design of the main lodge was met with a bit of surprise by some of those that did attend, as it was entirely out of character with what one would envision to be at a Nordic venue, in the mountains, in Canada. A 10,000 sq. ft., extensively glassed (along the lines of the open freezer on Blackcomb Mountain idea), ultra modern looking building with butterfly shaped roof would truly fit better in downtown Vancouver than in the Callaghan Valley. I guess this fits in with other questionable attributes to this Nordic Centre, such as... who is going to use it after the Olympics, if there are still not yet realistic recreation trails planned? One has to wonder who is in charge here and what the heck are they thinking?
In closing, I would like to thank those individuals that really made this XC season memorable: Carolyn Rodger for initiating and executing the weekly Toonie races; all the sponsors that jumped on board to make those Twoonie races really fun; Mike Dean for volunteering for everything; Lorraine Vollmer, Nicola McKay and Brigette Gershon for making the Rabbit program happen; and to Tom Barratt for leading the charge.
Great teamwork, lots of fun, awesome skiing.
Cheryl Morningstar
Whistler
Announcement, introductions and thanks
It’s a great pleasure to tell you, that finally, the application for a Demonstration 5-watt Community Radio Station licence has been filed with CRTC and Industry Canada. As soon as possible, we will file the application for a 50-watt full Community Radio licence.
Before outlining the parameters of Community Radio, I’d like to introduce you to your Board of Directors for The Mountain Culture Collective Radio Society. This is the non-profit corporation that will administer to "The Pulse of Whistler" community radio station.
Peter W. Webster, manager of the Canadian National Ski Team during the Nancy Greene era. Sherry Boyd, Jamie Houssian, Greg Stump, Bruce Stewart, Jenine Bourbonnais, Andrea Volker, Scott Kittleson and Steve Herringer of Profile Communication, a former Vancouver radio personality and commercial supplier of professional audio/video voice over content.
The parameters of community radio are: 35 per cent Canadian musical content, 20 per cent of musical selection from a category other than Pop, Rock, Dance (CRTC category), 5 per cent musical selections from Category 3 (Concert, Folk, World beat, Jazz, Blues), 25 per cent spoken word programming, 30 per cent volunteer participation and local news programming.
Our goals are to meet and exceed these numbers. Part of the stipulations for filing an application with the CRTC is to make a copy of the application available to the public for viewing. As of the 12 th of April you can look over the CRTC application and supplemental briefs for the Demonstration license at the following locations: Alpine Café, Amsterdam Café, Behind the Grind, Blackcomb Barber Shop @ Nesters, Citta Bistro, Java at Nesters, and the South Side Diner.
Some of the programming information and further supplemental briefs will be made available when we file for our 50-watt Community Radio license. If you are super interested and just can’t wait to know more about the programming ideas conjured up in my head and through great brainstorming with community members, feel free to contact me at 604 985-4376.
Finally, some thanks are in order: Firstly, to Bruce Stewart and his gal Ivana Ilic for giving me a bed, warm meals and a great dog (Hobbs) to walk, all of which kept me present as to why I love this place so much.
To our good man Mr. Wayne Escott for listening to my endless rambles (brown curtains) about how to make this project great.
Paul (Homie) Charron for all the laughter, connections of the spirit, and the inspiration garnered from his lifestyle changes.
Cat Cameron, for being an inspired and inspiring friend, for kicking my ass and motivating me to do the Landmark Forum.
Greg Stump for a couple summers of biweekly brainstorming in the back of the warehouse by the tracks, years ago.
Peter W. Webster for his common sensical approach to the business world.
Alan Lande for playing Devil’s advocate; thanks man you inspired a complete rehash of all things I had written down.
To my folks, for providing homes for me to stay on a lovely (unnamed) Gulf Island and in the East Sooke area, and for your love and support.
Bob Stark at the CRTC for his patients answering too many questions.
Ron Bozzer of Borden Ladner and Gervais for his patience and legal advice.
Doug Forseth (Senior VP of Operation) of Whistler-Blackcomb for his candid conversations and straightforward support.
Laird Brown (head of the electrical department) of Whistler-Blackcomb for taking the time to find an antenna site and for loaning me (us) the use of his electrical room at Base Two for a temporary broadcast studio.
To the many voices of encouragement, people with show ideas, and all y’all on my (our) advisory board.
Allison McLean for working me over during my separated shoulder last year, and for her caring support.
To all those folks who picked me up hitchhiking, many of you gave me some of my greatest programming ideas and reminded me to live in gratitude for the small blessings life offers.
And finally, thanks to the management at Vida Wellness Spas at the Sutton Place and Sheraton Wall Centre for allowing me a creative schedule.
My goal in this project has always been to re-invent the medium that is radio and to create an avenue of expression that is upbeat, dynamic, sassy, thought provoking and fun. All the while playing music that is fresh, some from the vaults and most never played on radio as we know it. This station is for us and in keeping ourselves entertained, will reach and inspire the mountain culture community with the lifestyle we live.
Namaste’, Scott Kittleson
Chairman, Mountain Culture Collective Radio Society
Program Director, "The Pulse of Whistler" Community Radio Station
The disappeared
My cat disappeared 10 days ago. While I have been searching the ditches of the immediate area in case he was hit by a car, I was regrettably informed that a neighbour had admitted to baiting cats into their yard, trapping them and abandoning them 10 km away in the Pemberton Plateau area. Apparently, they have been having problems with cats, but they gave no warning that they were setting up live bait traps.
They felt abandoning cats 10 km from their home was an excusable behavior because they didn’t "recognize" them as belonging to any of their neighbours. If you bait animals with food on your property, expect to get all sorts of animals arriving for the freebies, including bears at this time of year. So whatever you end up trapping, it is now your responsibility. Regardless of who the cats did or didn’t belong to, the act was wrong and it is not acceptable for any animal to be treated with such cruelty.
While it is legal to live trap unwanted animals on your property, there are specific rules to follow in order to avoid charges. Once the animal is trapped, you are legally obligated to safely deliver it to your nearest shelter or SPCA. If you choose to abandon the animal elsewhere, abandonment is a chargeable offence under the Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Act. If the animal is injured or killed during the trapping and release procedure, that too is a chargeable offence under the Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Act.
I do understand how some pets can be troublesome – especially independent cats. As a pet owner I am sometimes troubled by other animals in my yard and many of them don’t even belong to my neighbours, but I live within a community so it comes with the territory. If you are having problems with pets, please find reasonable ways to deal with the owners and work it out together. Don’t take it out inhumanely on the animal.
Now I search for my cat around the Plateau area not knowing if he is dead or alive. The trapper has told me that the cats were released alive – I hope so. If Lurch is alive, he is quite resourceful. He’s an outdoor cat that we adopted from the bushes behind our home three years ago, but he’s been six years fending for himself outside in his known territory. He is a large black tomcat, with no markings and short hair. He is fixed with no collar/no tattoo. If by chance you spot him trying to make his way back home, please ring 604-894-6149 or 604-905-9101. Marty, a 3-year-old tabby manx male with half a tail and no collar/no tattoo, was also trapped and abandoned. Please ring 604-894-1921 or 604-935-9132 if you see him.
Camille Picard
Pemberton
