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Whistler's 2010 Winter Olympic bid watchers may be interested to learn South Korea is aggressively advertising the merits of vacationing in Korea on CNN's African broadcasts.

Whistler's 2010 Winter Olympic bid watchers may be interested to learn South Korea is aggressively advertising the merits of vacationing in Korea on CNN's African broadcasts. A winter ski resort serviced by a modern expressway and fast trains is the dominant destination theme. To target potential visitors from the African continent, where most economies are in disarray and few residents have ever seen snow let alone ski, is puzzling.

Considering that only three weeks remain before IOC members vote to select the winning 2010 bid city, could it be possible that Africa's IOC delegates are the intended audience?

Mark Rebagliati

Whistler

 

I thought the Pique’s abuse of editor trust/privilege was just limited to the municipal elections but it seems it has no bounds.

For instance I never mentioned the word museum when I was condemning and comparing the fast ferries fiasco to the library but the Pique has edited my letter to the point where it changes the intent while leaving spelling mistakes like the word "navel", which is "a depression in the middle of the abdomen that marks the point of former attachment of the umbilical cord", when it should be "naval", which is "of or relating to ships or shipping a: of or relating to a navy b: consisting of or involving warships."

The damage is already done because people who read your version of my letter have it planted in there brains that I am against the museum. While the local businesses/taxpayers and I are inclined to support a museum for the following reasons if combined with the Tourist Welcome Centre: It will provide guaranteed traffic and gives the visitor a better understanding of Whistler, our culture and so on. The Tourist Welcome Centre will have way more resources at their disposal to promote local tourist attractions as well as reduce their overhead.

Instead you have the library riding on the coattails of the museum. The synergy effect of combining the museum/Tourist Welcome Centre are far greater than the library/museum. Remember, we are a tourist-based economy; a museum if conveniently and professionally presented is of interest to them. With walk-in traffic to both there is greater potential for increased income for the museum, Tourist Welcome Centre and local business.

So instead of the publicly-funded library building (not the museum) offering services that compete with local business to get traffic and try to justify their existence and the $10 million building, with the museum/Tourist Info Centre business model there is no competition with the private sector. It is a good example of the public and private sector working together in mutual respect and benefit. A library is for locals, Tourist Info Centre is for tourists and after the locals visit it once or twice the museum will be primarily for tourists.

Another reason is our roots, being reminded of our roots as a community and individuals helps stop life’s compass from spinning in circles. History has a way of pointing us in the correct direction (or away from a bad direction), if remembered. Museums are a value to all for this. History forgotten is history wasted. Remember the FLQ, Direct Action, and the Squamish Five, they came to be as a result of the perception that people in trust and authority where abusing it.

Shane Bennett

Whistler

 

As a retired, successful teacher of history and social studies, and high school principal, I have chosen to respond to the "history" article (Re-writing Canadian history, Pique, June 6, 2003) by G.D. Maxwell.

I lament that, as in all professions, there are some teaching bores who put in time. (Upon retiring and later leading seminars in managerial and supervisory skill development for the business community I met large numbers of people who fit that category as well.) Yet the majority in all professions and businesses are, thank goodness, at least interesting if not inspiring.

Mr. Maxwell obviously spent some of his high school years in an American school where he found one inspiring history teacher. That person held his attention with a replay of the U.S.A. Civil War when he should have raised for examination a great deal more of what must have made up the American History syllabus. It made history of that brief conflict period exciting for him. But it offered no appreciation or perspective of, and no investigation into, the many other varying conditions that caused certain decisions to be made over a much longer period of U.S.A. development. (Most of what it achieved was to prepare him and his classmates to perhaps idly follow the current U.S.A. leadership into an ill considered invasion of Iraq.)

Despite this he was right on target with his remarks about the Canadian Progressive Conservative Party's leadership campaign and its unthinking call to the past. The very "revival" of one of the least admired former prime ministers, Brian Mulroney, said much about this party. It has not learned anything from its own – or Canada's – history.

Perhaps that Civil War emphasis by his favourite U.S. history teacher did prepare him to carefully analyse events in the current era.

Lorne Schemmer

West Vancouver

 

I am sorry that my recent letter, intended only to offer alternative funding solutions, was so disturbing to Barb Leigh and Cathy Jewett. I must begin by saying that I have the utmost regard for both these women – for their hard work, countless volunteer hours, and the outstanding jobs they both do in their capacities as PAC Chairs. To set the record straight, I am not opposed to Spring Creek School. I just question the cost (in light of proposed budget cuts), the reason it must be opened in its entirety next fall and, yes, the boundary decision.

That said, I have a very difficult time swallowing preachy lectures from anyone who is not adversely affected by the Spring Creek catchment decision. This decision, and particularly the way it was made, was extremely unfair to many residents, and to say that we're upset about it is an understatement. No doubt, those that live south of Creekside (including Barb Leigh) are delighted at the prospect of a new neighbourhood school. Heck, I would be, too, if I lived down that way! But does it need to be a school for 380 students, when enrolment is declining, and only one in five Whistler children live within reasonable proximity?

I'm also quite certain that those that are allowed to stay at Myrtle Philip are very relieved that they are not the ones being banished to the other end of the valley. It's easy to sing the praises of Spring Creek from safe within the Myrtle Philip catchment. But until Cathy Jewett is willing to register her own kids for Spring Creek, she can save the pep talk. If she so wants "to be a part of it," then by all means she should BE a part of Spring Creek, and free up some much-coveted space at Myrtle Philip for those of us who, unfortunately, don't share her enthusiasm.

Sorry to Alix Nicoll about the "negative energy" but given the way she and her fellow school board members handled this whole matter, she needs to accept some responsibility for generating it. I am by no means alone in my feelings on this.

Shelley Phelan

Whistler

 

We would like to thank the sponsors, organizers and our community for their support of our Myrtle Philip Community School Parents Advisory Council Raffle. We raised over $10,000, which we will share with Spring Creek Community School PAC. With less money available for education this money can help supply the school with computer supplies, books, musical instruments, performers and more.

Thank you to Whistler-Blackcomb, the Escape Route/Guides Bureau, Westin Resort and Spa, Nesters Market, Great Wall Climbing Centre, The Old Spaghetti Factory, McDonald’s, Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Atomic Dave Murray Ski Camp, Delta Resort, Whistler Air, Whistler River Adventures, Blackcomb Helicopters, Roger’s Chocolates and Kathryn Brett for supplying the prizes.

Thank you to Gail Morrison, Lisa Dykuizen, Maureen Horvath, Angela Mellor, Claire Thornwaite, Ali Van Gruen, Debbie Anderson, Lorraine Vollmer, Sandy Belczyk, Gina Gerard, Shelley Phelan, Lily Antunes, Tina Taylor and Lynn Sparks for organizing the raffle.

Way to go Luke Braidwood for selling the most tickets – you have great entrepreneurial skills!

See you in September.

Cathy Jewett,

Chair,

Myrtle Philip Community School PAC

 

To the recipients of my letters re: the incident Saturday, June 7 th and the use of the handicapped parking at Nesters Square in Whistler and my subsequent tirade: Anne Harbridge, President Girl Guides of Canada; Judy Maurice, B.C. Provincial Commissioner, Girl Guides of Canada; Jim Pattison, CEO Jim Pattison Group; Natalie McNabb, Property Manager, ACM Management; Bruce Stewart, Manager Nesters Market; the Two Girl Guide Leaders and the Young Whistler Guides/ Brownies who witnessed my outburst.

When composing my original letter of June 9th I included a line about how hard it is for an adult to admit a mistake and publicly apologize. At the time I wasn’t imagining myself in that position, but here I am.

As the parent of a disabled child, I have anger and frustration in me over issues such a lack of services and understanding in our community. I was hanging on to those emotions and, subsequently, they have clouded my judgement.

I apologize.

I apologize to the Girl Guides for losing my cool and loudly scolding their Whistler Leaders for using a reserved handicapped spot in Nesters Square to ease the set-up for their fundraiser. I admit that I did so, in full view and earshot of some young Brownies. It was an overreaction. I am a large man and as soon as I raised my voice and became angry I most certainly appeared intimidating, especially to those little children. I had no right, legal or otherwise, to try to get someone to move by being loud and unpleasant. I should have remained polite, made my point and accepted the Guide Leaders’ right to make their own choices.

I apologize to Jim Pattison by attempting to involve him in my complaint to the Guides and connecting it to larger issues concerning the disabled in B.C. and Whistler’s hopes for the Olympics and Paralympics. Due to my bad behaviour, those arguments are now tainted and now cannot be pursued.

I apologize to ACM Management and Nesters Market for making a very loud and public scene in their parking lot. I resolve to keep my emotions in check and, instead, try charm and intellect in the future.

Lastly, I apologize to my family and especially my youngest daughter. I let you down and failed to help you when I had to opportunity to do so. We had a chance to shed some light on the attitude of apathy in our community, where even those who formally pledge to serve others may sometimes slip and forget the weaker and less fortunate. Today is your sixth birthday and I’ve squandered the most meaningful present I had to give by indulging in a pointless, self-indulgent tirade. I’m so sorry and I love you all.

Adam Protter

Whistler

 

Two very important people were overlooked in last week’s thank you note to those who contributed to the Whistler Secondary Dry Grad.

A very special thanks to Bruce Stewart and Nesters Market for donating snacks and ingredients for our mock-tail bar. And to Andree Janyk for working very hard to co-ordinate all those involved in Grad activities.

Greg McDonnell,

Community Outreach Youth Worker

Whistler Community Services Society

 

As a member and chair of the Bear Working Group, the J.J. Whistler Bear Society, is proud to be a catalyst in the Bear Smart program. Whistler has worked hard to progress toward Bear Smart status over the last few years. We have come further than any other province or state in North America. We all deserve to be proud! JJWBS will work together with mayor, council and municipal staff to ensure that Whistler is the first community in the province to attain official Bear Smart status.

A special thanks to all our partners, especially the Resort Municipality of Whistler, RCMP and community members who made it possible. Whistler is and will continue to be Number One!

Sylvia Dolson

Executive Director, J.J. Whistler Bear Society

Canadian Bear Alliance

 

To anyone who has ever used the old "I hope karma gets you back" routine to deal with an experience of loss or anger, did you realize that:

• Karma is a result of cause and effect, an action that has consequence. Therefore whatever "bad" thing happened to you was a completion of one of your own actions! Ever do anything "bad" yourself? Well, now karma got you.

• Wishing for karma to "get someone" is only creating more karma for yourself, so you're adding to your problems!

• Instead of wallowing in thoughts of anger and revenge, the best thing you can do for yourself is recognize the karma you create through every action, and think about putting a different spin on that karmic wheel.

It is unfortunate if your stuff got stolen or your roommate screwed you on the rent, but hey, karma happens.

T. Williams

Pemberton

 

The celebrations for Grad 2003 have come to a conclusion. The grads were first treated on May 31st to a fabulous prom held at the Spruce Grove Centre, and then they were whisked away in Whistler Transit buses to Merlin’s at the base of Blackcomb for a fabulous after prom party featuring, mocktails, dancing, a casino and many draw prizes. The grads were then chauffeured home by a host of volunteer parents.

This past weekend, June 7 th , graduation ceremonies were held at Whistler Secondary and then families and graduates rode the Whistler Gondola to the Roundhouse for a fabulous celebration dinner. The evening was beautiful and guests were entertained by Teresa Bates and Matt Friesen who sang some cabaret songs and then treated everyone to a comical power point presentation featuring every member of the graduating class.

All of this would not have been possible without the kind donations from so many in this community. Your commitment to the youth in Whistler is very much appreciated and made graduation special and memorable for every 2003 graduate. The list includes:

Pre Prom hosts: The Barratt Family

Prom: Market Catering, The Resort Municipality of Whistler, Wedding Planners, Inspired Weddings, Tourism Whistler, Ms Norrie.

After Prom: Whistler Blackcomb, Sue Oliver & Greg McDonnell

Brunch hosts: The McIvor Family

Banquet: Whistler-Blackcomb, Inspired Weddings, Rocky Mountain Sound

Grad Committee: Sue Daugulis, Marilyn McIvor, Carol Bayliss, Brenda Baker, Nancy Routley, Anne Fenwick, Lee Bennett, Karen Sweetzir, Gail Just, Carol Mains, Gail Rybar, Jacquie Tyler, Cathy Jacobs, Shayne Roberts and Curtis Smith.

A special thank you to Dave Roberts, of Fairmont Hotels, for supporting the grad class by offering a week at his hotel in Hawaii through a special draw.

Andree Janyk

Whistler