Missing the bus
If you use transit to visit Squamish for shopping, to use government or medical services or to attend university, your ride is over. On Sept. 21, Whistler Council passed a motion that would see from three to five of the eight daily trips cut. The resolution: "That Council authorize staff to initiate an immediate service review with a goal to optimize service and reduce costs starting with the winter 2010/2011 service." In its Report to Council, staff suggested keeping only those trips leaving Squamish early in the morning and those returning to Squamish in the late afternoon. There will be no day trips from Whistler.
About 25 per cent of riders currently travelling between Whistler and Squamish live in Whistler. This number has slowly grown even though the service is not advertised and information is not easily found.
Nearly three years ago Whistler staff were directed by council "to make service level adjustments to the Squamish-Whistler Commuter based on ridership observations." For nearly three years they did nothing. In a panicked effort to cut costs they have now raised fares as of Nov. 1 and are looking to remove the trips that serve people in Whistler.
If you have used this service or planned to use it you may be too late. Contact the mayor and council. Bring it up with your employer. Talk to your friends and co-workers. Many of the perceived problems with this service are the result of negligence, poor schedules and a failure to understand who uses the bus and why. Elimination of service and alienation of customers is not the way to build a sustainable future.
Murray Gamble
Squamish
Valued friends
Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in Whistler means more than turkey and pumpkin pie if you are a "Friend of the Whistler Public Library" (FOWPL)! It is the time to take part in one of the major fundraising events of the year. "Friends" rally with great vigor and enthusiasm to assist with the semi-annual Used Book Sale which takes place outside the IGA. This year was no exception with over $4,700 raised by this much-valued group of community volunteers.
As the Chair of the Whistler Public Library (WPL) I would like to thank all our amazing volunteers and take a little time to tell you about "The Friends," a special group of dedicated individuals who raise funds for the library and also encourage volunteers to become involved in the myriad ways that one can support the WPL.
The Canadian National Association of Friends of Public Libraries was launched in 1998 and is the overall umbrella association for Friends groups across the country. They are available to assist any library with the setting up of a Friends group. The Association offers workshops with trained volunteers who will come to your community to work with a Friends group. A volunteer board from across Canada offers insight into Friends activities.
The Friends of the Whistler Public Library became a legal entity in 1999 but really came into being when Jane Reid took the helm in 2003. Jane has been and still is a major force within the Friends and together with Moe Richmond chairs this feisty group, of which, at present there are 65 members of record. Jane's garage is the collection centre and sorting venue for the used books and I can say without a doubt that this space will never see a car parked in it! The Friends also raise money from the sale of book bags and reading glasses for sale at the WPL front desk. There is also an annual plant sale in the spring that is very well attended.
We are lucky to have benefitted greatly from our Friends philanthropy. It is thanks to their efforts on behalf of the WPL that we are part of the Community Foundation of Whistler. The Friends made the initial donation that enabled us to be a part of this institution that does so much for our community. Our coffee machine was a Friends purchase as is most of the furniture that you sit on in the WPL - the latest addition is the new bar seating in the Joan Richoz Fireside Lounge with stools that make this an ideal place to use your laptop. Look around you next time you are in the library and notice the fabulous plants that are strategically placed - the Friends purchased these and pay for their ongoing maintenance. Games nights throughout the winter and a monthly sponsored movie night with popcorn are also endeavours that can be attributed to the hard work and ingenuity of the Friends.
The Friends are busy this month and running up to Christmas with the "Adopt a Book" or "Magazine Subscription" project. What a great gift for a friend or family member. The recipient's name will appear on a personalized book plate in the book that you adopt - or maybe just treat yourself! The magazine subscriptions are open to businesses and individuals. The monthly edition in its plastic cover with the sponsor's name on it is available on the shelving in the lounge area - a great way to get your business recognized! I just adopted Snowboard Canada as a gift for my daughter Mercedes and the Friends themselves have adopted a subscription, in perpetuity, in memory of a recently deceased member, Betty McWhinnie, who was an exemplary member of our community and after 16 years as a WPL Board member went on to volunteer as a Friend.
I can't say enough about this wonderful group of community members and encourage anyone who has a little time to spare to come and see how you can become a part of the Friends of the WPL. In these times of budgetary restraint and funding cuts the WPL relies more and more on its volunteers. Library services are one of the only truly free things that you can count on these days - so come in and check out the opportunities for involvement - an application is available at the front desk or talk to any one of our amazing staff and find out how you can play your part.
Once again I would like to thank all our volunteers and say that we really could not do all that we are able to without you - you know who you are so please take a moment to give yourself a well deserved pat on the back! Oh! And just in case we miss anyone there will be a recognition party for our staff, volunteers and Friends on Dec. 5 after the WPL closes! There is rumour that in true Whistler tradition there will be cake!
Alix Nicoll
on behalf of the WPL Board of Trustees
Religion and Halloween don't mix
To the person in The Glen who put religious literature in my children's Halloween bag, the "compliments of" section of your literature was left blank. If you would like to have a discussion about these issues please email me at talktotanyarichman@gmail.com
Tanya Richman
Pemberton
Where are people's brains!
I like to walk the Valley Trail around Whistler Golf Course, usually you'll see me out there twice a day enjoying myself. Whistler Golf Course has graciously opened its pathway to the public now that they have closed for the season, with a few obvious requests, the most obvious is that you leash your bloody dog.
This morning (Friday) I was out for a walk, again, and again some buffoon was out walking his two dogs, one small black dog and the other a black and white long haired sheep-type dog, off leash. The dogs were harassing every squirrel as they made their way along the path and the owner was completely ignoring their abusive behaviour towards the wildlife.
My concern is for the young bear that is down there most days foraging on the tender grass, fattening itself for the upcoming long winter sleep. If these morons, and there are many every day, let their dogs run free down there, against the clearly stated and posted bylaws, how can this poor bear eat in peace and not be harassed by these unruly dogs running free? I like dogs, and I like to see them run free, but only where it's allowed. And I do not like brain-dead dog owners who blatantly ignore the bylaws and let their dogs harass our wildlife.
Please, leash your dogs and respect our wildlife.
Greg Kennedy
Whistler
Bicycles, support makes a difference
It is time, once again, for those of us at Bicycles for Humanity to send out a big thank you to the companies in the community that have supported us in a major way.
Slope Side Supply along with Samurai Sushi generously donated the proceeds collected at their July twoonie race. These funds will go specifically towards the purchase of a shipping container which ultimately becomes a bike shop in Africa. Vision Pacific has now offered us space to store the badly needed second hand bikes that we collect throughout the year.
Without this kind of support our ability to ship bicycles to needy communities in Africa would be impossible. So thanks to all three companies for your very significant support.
We hope that all of you who have a fat tire bike that you are finished with will consider donating it to B4H. Each and every bike has a huge impact on the individual recipient's life and the life of their community.
Brenda Montani
Whistler
Circus coming to town
On Saturday Nov. 6 the Whistler Gymnastics Club will be hosting the fabulous A Night at the Circus with the Vancouver Circus School's Inner Ring group. The Inner Ring is a professional entertainment company specializing in innovative circus productions. The performance has been specifically designed to take advantage of the Dusty's venue. The performers are exhilarating and unparalleled in their ability to entertain and excite the imagination.
As well as a terrific night out, A Night at the Circus is intended to be a major fundraiser for the Oros Whistler Gymnastics Centre. During the past several years the gymnastics club has embraced its role as a fundamental sports and fitness organization for the Whistler community whereby membership is more than 490 members with an additional 250-300 associate members. Programs include preschool active start, artistic recreational and competitive gymnastics, trampoline and gymnastrada and, more recently, aerial programs. The activities span all ages in our community.
As well as providing ambitious programming, the Whistler Gymnastics Club has also taken on a huge responsibility of sustaining the organization within the Oros Whistler Gymnastics Centre at Cheakamus Crossing. This facility is an incredible amenity for our community that not only has a great training space but also new equipment (thanks to a significant contribution from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation) and an enthusiastic, skilled and professional coaching staff. The club's challenge, however, is the unforeseen increase in rent and operating costs that have resulted from the new space. It is therefore Club's hope that an annual A Night at the Circus-type event will provide an impetus of funds to keep the doors open, not only this year but in the future. Keeping Oros operating in the long term will further contribute to Whistler's top-notch facilities and active, engaged and healthy community.
At this time countless hours have been put in by a cast of volunteers to make A Night at the Circus a "must go" event for Whistlerites, second homeowners and visitors. So although there may be an allure of entertainment from other cities or venues, Whistler Gymnastics would encourage you to come clown around with us on Nov. 6 at Dusty's for A Night at the Circus event. You will only be disappointed if you do not attend. Tickets are available at www.whistlergymnastics.com.
Caroline Lamont
Whistler Gymnastics Club Member
Swap a success
The Whistler Nordics held their popular annual ski swap at the Hilton Hotel on Oct. 30. This year saw the largest turn out we have ever seen and was the most successful swap to date. The club would like to thank: Tim Koshul and the Hilton Hotel for donating the room and going above and beyond as hosts; all the volunteers on the day especially Craig Mackenzie for organizing the event this year; the retailers (Cross Country Connection, The Nordic Shop, Sport Stop - Source for Sports) who donated a portion of their takings to the club; all the athletes and families who baked treats to raise money for the development team to attend away races; and everyone who attended the swap. Your participation made the event a success, recycled Nordic equipment back into the community, and raised funds for the club. Thank you!
Suki Cheyne
Administrator, Whistler Nordics Ski Club
www.whistlernordics.com
Community backs soccer team
On behalf of the Pemberton School Soccer team we would like to thank our wonderful community in support of our trip to the Provincial Finals in Rossland. Due to the support of the Mt. Currie Band, the Pemberton Lions, many individuals and many local businesses from the Pemberton area we can go to our tournament without leaving a player behind. We promise to represent you all to the best of our ability.
Also a special thanks to our coaches Paul Selina and Ted Gobert for giving up their time to coach our team all the way to the final 16 in the province. Thank you all so much.
Captain Hans and the team
