The youth are always searching for innovative methods to advance the “Whatshan Experience.” This past weekend we engaged in a “Think Tank” with some exciting and progressive minds:

1. Peter Scholl – Metaphyscial Engineer
   1. Licensed precision Machinist
   2. Mechanical Engineer – Biel Swtizerland
   3. Developed proof-of-concept prototype oscillating piston engine
   4. Consultant for development of full budget estimates for projects of all types
2. Mary Jane Ruddy – Registered Nurse
   1. On disability due to car crash
3. Ryan Darcy – Neuroscientist –
   1. Full Professor at Simon Fraser University
   2. Holder Simon Fraser Memorial Hospital Foundation of BC Leadership Chair in Multimodal Technology for Healthcare Innovations
   3. Head Health Sciences and Innovation at Fraser Health’s Surrey Memorial Hospital
4. Rowena Rizzotti – Founder & Chief Executive – The Institute for Health Care Innovations (The IHI)
   1. MBA
   2. Masters Management
   3. BA – Psychology
   4. Associate Science Degree – Biology
   5. Diploma / Practical Nursing
   6. Business Administration
5. Tamara Verigin-Burk – Executive Director for Castlegar Chamber of Commerce and CEO Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999
   1. Masters Degree of Arts and Leadership
   2. Sign Language Interpreter Diploma
   3. Early Childhood Education Certificate
6. Kyle Burk – Sales Manager Sandman Inn
   1. Grade 12 graduate
   2. Studied Art History, Psychology, Physics and Geomorphology
7. Marilyn Verigin – Partner in E Verigin Consultants
   1. Teaching Certificate for Public Schools
   2. Bookkeeper
   3. Hospice Worker
   4. Seniors Projects
   5. Rotary Anns
   6. Beta Sigma Phi
8. Elmer Verigin – President Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999
   1. Bachelor Of Science in Engineering
   2. Member Professional Engineers of B.C.
   3. Life Member
      1. Independent Contractors and Businesses of B.C.
      2. Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society
   4. President of E Verigin Consultants

If someone wishes to find out more about any of the above, just do a name search on the internet.

The question may be asked how did all these people assemble at Whatshan Lake Retreat?

Rowena Junker was raised in Castlegar and is a close friend with Tamara. There were few troubles that those two did not get into as exploring youth. It is fitting to say that perhaps they were challenging youth who are now becoming part of the solution for what ails the world. In Rowena’s work with seniors and all the Alzheimer’s and Dementia issues associated with aging, caused her to meet Ryan who was doing research in this area and exploring solutions.

Rowena and Ryan attended Tamara’s 50th birthday party where Ryan and I started chatting about Whatshan Lake Retreat. He had heard about it through Rowena. It was suggested that we meet at Whatshan sometimes to discuss its potential in health care and brain therapy.

Marilyn and I met Peter at our friends Hans Peter (retired Swiss Banker) and Anna Barth’s house in Harrop, this past spring. Hans thought that we would enjoy listening to the talents of his friend Peter on the piano as accompanied with his friend on the Clarinet. The discussions over wine included Peter’s concerns over his partner’s recent accident and resulting concussion. He introduced himself as an Engineer in Metaphyiscs, something he had acquired after Mechanical Engineering.

So brain injury and Ryan’s work on the Neurons in the brain resulted in a suggestion that maybe Peter and his wife would like to meet Ryan at Whatshan Lake Retreat.

Everyone is quite busy and so it took a long time to intertwine schedules.

The idea was to have a “Think Tank” using all this expertise and so we did this past weekend.

We toured the Ropes Course, walked the developed site, went to the Whatshan Falls and assembled to have discussions with no definitive agenda. It was amazing what that group could do and I will let Tamara report on the list of ideas from a simple improvement in programs that currently take place to a possible total treatment center.

We even had a meditation session with Peter on the Flute and Mary Jane on the crystal bowl. That was my first time and I experienced something that will last with me forever.

The concern always came back to “do we want to lose the pristine wilderness and its ability to deliver “a Whatshan Experience”.

The “boys” meditated in the  Baunya on Saturday night with many more ideas.

The four guests became members before they left.

The rest is up to the Directors and members of the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 to discuss and move in whatever direction may result.

Written by Elmer Verigin, 1445 hours,  September 18, 2017.

Comments from participants:

Left to Right: Tamara Verigin-Burk, Marilyn Verigin, Rowena Rizzotti, Mary Jane Ruddy, Ryan Darcy and Kyle Burk

Rowena Rizzotti:

“…….Hello to you all!!

I just want to pass along a quick message of deep appreciation for such a beautiful experience with you all.

Ryan  is already off on his week travels and if I don’t send this now, I will not get to it again….so just want to reinforce all we said when together:

Whatshan has such huge potential to bring its healing power to many who are searching for it – Ryan and I both landed on this as being a strong strategy but it does requires some focused attention and resources to make it all happen.  We recognize that the beauty of what is there has been built……………..but the reality is that it needs a long term business strategy and execution plan to realize an amazing potential.

Conversely, it seems that it can also continue to do what it is doing now and  continue to reach its break even point, and that is successful too.

The concepts around the water certainly offer some real options to generate the revenues needed to invest in additional programming – but it will take commitment, conviction, and fortitude to build off what successes you already have.

My final appreciation for the lovely food, accommodations and friendship — thank you so much for giving this gift to us both!!

Let us know how we can assist!

Love to you all!

Rowena and Ryan………..”

Ryan Darcy

Hi all,

“…….Thank you for the amazing Whatshan experience!

Here are the two key links I mentioned as interesting models:

Would recommend looking into many aspects of both in terms of common vision points, marketing strategies, and growth potentials.

Warm regards, Ryan……..”

Edits added September 19, 2017 1315 hours

Peter Scholl:

Left to right: Rowena Rizzotti, Mary Jane Ruddy, Peter Scholl, Ryan Darcy and Kyle Burk

“…..Dear Friends,

Just a short note to thank you all for making the weekend at Whatshan such a memorable experience. The peace and serenity still lingers in our bones and we felt highly energized upon coming home. We filled many containers with Whatshan water which will allow us to savour the “taste” of Whatshan for weeks to come. Thank you Tammy for organizing this event. The nature walks, the food and of course the company was to “live” for and Mary Jane and I hope to see you all again soon. In the meantime this fine piece of Mother Earth will occupy a special place in our hearts and we will be glad to share ideas regarding extended usage along the established parameters of service to human kind.

We also extend a heartfelt thank you to Elmer who was kind enough to include us and make us part of the team.

We wish all of you the very best and thanks again.

With Love and hugs

Mary Jane and Peter………….”

Updated September 20, 2017 0800 hours EWV