The title is very true when my boss finally put me on a “Project Team” where I was to experience the challenges of teamwork in a successful project administration.

The project was $7 million in 1964 dollars which is about 3 times that now. It had multiple components and involved a Power House, Bleach Plant and constructing a 16″ steam that had to connect the Bleach Plant and Powerhouse with a 100′ difference in elevation. This was my training session for a future in construction that would include responsibility for a new pulp mill. This all took place at Watson Island, 11 miles South of Prince Rupert, B.C.

My team was a Project Cost Accountant and a Senior Design Engineer. The drawings were by H.A. Simons Engineering, a well established Pulp Mill Consultant. Tendering for Contractors was by Head office in Vancouver. Our mission was to ensure construction took place as per design and all tie-ins to the existing operation were ready. Then there was the Pulp Mill Operating Union to coordinate with the Construction Unions.

I realized quickly that there was no love lost between the two unions and so that was Problem number 1.

Organizing office space within a crowded Engineering Office was problem #2.

Building a construction camp within an operating pulp mill with a guard house was definitely problem #3.

To my surprise, I never anticipated problem #4 which was how to work with my “Team”

1. My Cost Accountant, Bryan Debruyn was a British Veteran who had intercepted a German Pillbox during the Second World War and had his stomach ripped apart by 40 bullets. He hated Germans and advised me immediately that he would not talk to the Design Engineer
2. My Design Engineer, Adolph Steigleder, had served in the World War as a Senior Design Engineer whose function was to design manufacturing plants for planes, tanks, etc. The objective was to conduct all designs in secret, then manufacture the equipment in three blocks at three different locations. The equipment would then be loaded on rail cars and shipped to a secret site for erection, in modules, by a crew who knew nothing about what they were building and were taken away before manufacturing started. No one in the three sites knew what they were manufacturing nor where it would be assembled to a production Plant. No one knew where the location of that Plant would be. But there was a tight schedule. He was a subdued man and understood the feelings of Bryan.
3. So I had to site between the two and what one said have to be transmitted through me.

So that was the scene.

What I can say is that my boss could not have delegated two better men for the project as I learned quickly from their extended expertise that went back into the War.

I must say the project was very exciting for me as was in charge and had to make report to my boss that went on to senior management. It was completed successfully but there were stories that would entertain this reader many times over but that will take place next time.

Elmer Verigin, March 01, 2018 1715 hours

The title seem unusual in my blog…………!

Rob Zwick, and Engineering friend just reminded me that he had worked in Prince Rupert at one time at Columbia Cellulose Co Ltd, Pulp Mill. He says that he met this Draftsman who talked about a “Russian Engineer” that once worked at the interesting operation back in 1963 – 65.

My memory lane opened up and found thoughts came forth of this quite man that methodically worked at his drafting board as the rest of us favored the coffee urn just behind him and swapped stories that were mostly true.

After introducing myself and hearing his name, I asked whether that was a Russian origin as the Engineering office at that time was a “United Nations” of recent immigrants from Holland, Germany, England, Scotland, Estonia, Sweden and other European countries. The Human Resources acquisition of four (4) freshly-graduate Engineers from the four (4) Western Provinces was almost a cultural shock as we were constantly talking and excited about applying our education to a struggling and badly maintained pulp mill. All the “veterans” were more reserved and curious about these “new guys”!

So Petrov, where is that from, I urged Metodi to converse as I was very interested.

“Bulgarian!” was the short answer and stopped there.

I was trained as a Chemical Engineer and graduated as a Civil and I was told that they also liked my long family construction background as the company was into an upgrading mode as well as a possible new pulp mill and I was to be groomed for this possibility.

My boss called me in and gave me a Mechanical Project Engineering assignment. “I am not sure I will be able to do this justice.” I observed after hearing the brief description of the problem and the desired resolution.

“I will designate Metodi as your Draftsman. Just follow his direction and the result will be very practical and functional. You will do well!” as he shooed me out of the door as he had a desk full of files.

I reviewed the information that I had on the subject and then I went into the Plant and had a look at the current operation to acquaint myself before I went to see Metodi.

“It looks like you and I are to get this project to a successful conclusion. I am concerned that I have no clue what the next step should be in this process,” I was very concerned about my contribution to this partnership.

Metodi’s face lit up and he smiled like I had not witnessed in the three (3) months since I arrived at the Mill. That is when he took the time to confide in me as follows:

I am a graduate Mechanical Engineer with a Master’s degree in Bulgaria. When the Germans invaded Bulgaria, I was “conscripted” and taken to Germany to work on their projects. Deadlines were almost impossible to meet and there was always the threat of penalty that he seemed nervous even now to explain but I could see his lips tremble at the thought. The stress was so severe that my ability to make decisions and have confidence in my work deteriorated rapidly until  I was unable to make decisions on my work as it was always altered by my German Superiors.

“I was able to finally escape and now I am still have difficulty making Engineering decisions even though I know what should be done. You sign my drawing and I will be just fine. I will explain everything to you and you will be able to take the project ti fruition.”

So started a friendly professional association that blossomed into a friendship when I was invited to his home and met his German spouse.

Dated March 01, 2018 at 1040 hours TBC Elmer Verigin

Pause for a needed interruption

So the project went well and the combination was well respected by our boss who placed us together on many other projects when I was in the office.

Metodi had many friends at PR and building house was a challenge with the shallow overburden on bed rock. The solution was concrete piers to anchors in bedrock and a reinforced concrete beam over the piers that made a good foundation. Metodi would do the drawings and I designed the reinforced concrete foundations. It was a great “moonlighting” activity that provided us good “beer money”.

I understand that Motodi did qualify for Professional Engineering status and retired in the Okanagan but I was unable to see him after our great time at PR.

Thank you Metodi!

Elmer 1200 noon Match 01, 2018

Yes that book, Veregin Story 2017, that we compiled with many volunteers to celebrate 100 years since:

• Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood was incorporated
• The Veregin “Dom” was constructed

and of course, 150 years since Canada was created.

After receiving 75 copies from Telwell, I was excited to thumb through the pages and found that I read each one out of curiosity. I found that I was enjoying it for the first time as I had no other purpose except to read it with no editing, etc.

Yes, there will always be a few edits that somehow got missed but I am not going to waste time being upset.

I just need to thank all those listed in my acknowledgements again as without you, the book would not be what it is. We all felt that there was so much more that could have been included and that should be part of Book II for the enthusiastic Researcher.

Those who follow my blog, can obtain their copies (if desired) by contacting:

1. National Doukhobor Heritage Village in Veregin, Saskatchewan by calling Peter Perepolkin at (306) 542 4441 or email ndhv@yourlink.ca
2. Doukhobor Discovery Center in Castlegar, B.C. by calling Lisa Posnikoff at (250) 365 5327 or email pozoff23@hotmail.com
3. Elmer Verigin, Castlegar, B.C. (250) 608 2215 or email EMVerigin@shaw.ca

The Project was a first time book for me and very enjoyable journey with a large sweeping learning curve.

Posted by Elmer Verigin January 26, 2018 at 0910 hours

Here it is another year begins with renewed hope that our World Leaders will act responsibly.

We can do our part by showing respect and compassion to our neighbors, our friends and most of all, our family. If we only do those minimal things, the “ripples” of kindness will touch our ever growing circle and embrace many. This is the message within our control and it does not cost any money.

To all my Blog Readers, I want to thank you for reading my ramblings and my venue for expression of how I feel.

In 2017, I was able to work with a bunch of beautiful people in British Columbia and construct a Baunya that will serve the Volunteer section at Whatshan Lake Retreat and be a “treat” to many who may wish to use it. We have a few “deficiencies” to complete as well as an irrigation and final landscaping.

In Saskatchewan, many of you celebrated 100 years of the Veregin “Dom” with me to provide the assistance to publish Veregin Story 2017. This volunteer effort highlights the history of Veregin (Vereeheena) village as it was created by the migration of 3,500 Doukhobors in 1999 to that area. It is being printed now and will be available at the National Doukhobor Heritage Village. All proceeds are for the NDHV as well as sales commissions for the New Horizons in Veregin. I want to thank all of you who donated your generous time and knowledge. There will be something for everybody and may encourage further research and a Book II.

I also was able to write “My Journey Through a Life of Opportunity”, a Christmas gift for my family who requested same. I did not realize until I started writing, all the interesting events that took place in my life, especially my family that started with my partner Marilyn. Thank you all who contributed to this huge effort.

I purchased a Cadpro program and I want to do design and drafting for small projects concentrating on housing. I had been part of the design team behind much of the 600 units of housing that our company had constructed. Perhaps I can provide some quality efficiencies and suggestions to those who may require same. I am not ready to put my legs up and “disappear into the sunset” just yet.

This year I continue with my treatments and I look forward to many years more in this blog but in the interim, Happy New Year!

Elmer

It was 1972 and Verigin Industries Ltd continued their contracts with the Department of National Revenue (DNR), in construction of various Border Facilities throughout British Columbia and the Yukon.

This incident took place at Pleasant Camp, a border crossing on the BC / Alaska border between Haines Junction, YT and Haines Alaska.

On our reconnaissance trip with Don Muirhead, Facilities Manager with DNR, we arrived at Pleasant camp to meet a feisty lady who was the one and only Border Officer on the Canadians side that was in need of a portable residence set up.

Don showed us where the residence was to go and reminded us that the separate roof structure over the pre-built unit would have to support a 24 feet of snow load. This was in itself an amazing challenge but a job was a job.

Don was in discussion with the female Border Guard who was gesturing and excitedly explaining the plywood all chewed up on the rear porch exit from the Border Station.

“You have to get rid of these horrid animals or I am going to quit this job”, she was very emphatic and serious about her statement.

“They keep gnawing away at night and I cannot sleep. I think they will chew their way right into the Station. I cannot stand this anymore!” and it appeared she was going to cry at any instant now.

“Obviously they are after the glue in the plywood as something they crave” responded Don in a calm voice thinking that he would be able to console this employee of the DNR.

“Covering the landing with rubber will not do it as they will eat tires right off a vehicle” Don was thinking as to what to do.

“My God”, she shrieked, “I am definitely not staying here. Those animals need to be exterminated”, she added.

After some scavenging around the building and separate storage shed, some galvanized sheet metal was discovered and the recommendation was that we clad the landing with this metal as an interim measure until an expanded metal or steel grating could be obtained to replace the wood landing when we came up to erect the residence.

The Border Guard was pacified and we decided to carry on to Haines, Alaska to spend the night. On the way there (about 4o miles of the most twisted highway I had ever seen as it followed a raging mountain stream), Don started to tell us about his apparent faint-hearted female Border Guard.

“This Spring, two Desparados from the lower States, had found their way to Haines and before the local police could do anything to apprehend them, they had rented a car and were off to Pleasant Camp and Canada to escape their convictions in the USA”, Don started the story.

“The authorities called the USA side of the border crossing and advised the Guards there not to apprehend them as they were armed and dangerous and the State Troopers would try and catch up to them. They instructed the US Customs Guards to go over and warn the lone Canadian Guard to do likewise,” Don continued.

“Well these brawny-looking two showed up at the Pleasant Camp Crossing and our Canadian Customs Guard went out to do het customary procedure,” Don went on with his story.

“Where are you from and your passports please,” she requested in her calm normal manner as she stared the duo straight into their eyes.

“They were shocked, I guess and when she was sure that they were not going to cooperate she drew her pistol, which she was assigned because of the remoteness of her Crossing.”

“Get out of the vehicle with your hands up and keep your hands where I can see them”, she just got the drop on them.

As the story unfolded, she kept them covered for four (4) hours until the RCMP were able to arrive from Whitehorse.

“I am not sure why she is afraid of a couple of porcupines”, Don concluded

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++End++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The time changed early this morning and now I will get a chance to relive an hour. I wonder how I should do this?

Early this morning, my mind travelled through the various ways I used to walk to and from Pelly from my original home three miles North East of Pelly. It was beautiful when I recall and can actually see the ruts in the roadway and all the various bushes in the middle of the fields. I can visualize the Fall, Winter and Spring scenes as I was away since 15 in the Summers. I always walked alone so I had no distractions but only nature that became embedded in my memories. Oh yes, they birds calling each other and the wind always seemed to be in my face no matter which direction I walked.

I spent a year living with Tony Pryslak in the Fall of 1959 and that was just great as I never really had a room mate before. Remember the menus at the Boarding Hose we stayed in, Tony? Yes we loved hamburger didn’t we? Two meat balls one day and one patty the next with mashed potatoes. She was a great cook. Thank God that you and I got along fine because we were always still hungry as teenagers. I still remember us sitting in that basement room talking about how we were going to influence the world peacefully.

The next year I moved in with Keith Tarasoff and his mother did not know how to quit cooking so I gained 20 pounds that year. Keith and I also had the world in our hands.

Well Keith has left us but Tony, you are still around and so I am sharing this post to get a smile on your face.

Marilyn and I are going out for breakfast with a bunch of seniors this Sunday as we have for the past eight years. All these people don’t talk about changing the world, they just talk about how the world has changed.

Those of you who read this post, a happy smile to you this Sunday.

Elmer4 (written 0915, Sunday, November 04, 2017)

Dated October 19, 2017 and hand delivered by Elmer and Marilyn Verigin

This is to confirm my impressions of you and the profession that you participate, to make the lives of many so comfortable when they are very challenged.

You practice words of comfort and hope that is soothing and is much appreciated when they are needed most.

Thank you for all that you do to as it is impossible to imagine what it would be like without you.

These tokens are for you to enjoy!

Have a good day!

Elmer

Marilyn and I delivered a vase with fresh flowers and a box of assorted bars to the staff in the Oncology Department at about 1030 hours, Thursday, October 19, 2017

October 02, 2017

If you read my notes on the Think Tank held at Whatshan Lake Retreat the weekend of September15, 2017, you would have been introduced to Dr Ryan Darcy PhD and Neurons.

I have had further clarification from Ryan in a subsequent email as follows:

“………From: Ryan D’Arcy [mailto:rcn.darcy@gmail.com] Sent: September 27, 2017 9:51 AM To: Elmer Verigin Subject: Re: Estimated Number of Neurons

Hi Elmer,

The old estimate is 100 billion, with a more recent one of 85 billion. Each neuron has around 10,000 synaptic connections. However these connections can be modulated and changed infinitely so it has been argued that there are more possible connections than there are atoms in the observable universe (estimated at about 10*80). When you consider brains as connected between as they are within (arguably more so), the numbers can be quite large.

Cheers Ryan…………….”

And a subsequent posting on the internet by Dr Stuart Hameroff PhD, as follows:

“……….It turns out that the human brain could be similar to a “biological computer,” and that human consciousness may be like a program which is run by a quantum computer within the brain. What’s even more astonishing is that after someone dies, “their soul comes back to the universe, and it does not die.”

This is all according to American physicist Dr. Stuart Hameroff and mathematical physicist Sir Roger Penrose, both of whom argue that the soul is maintained in micro-tubules of brain cells. The two scientists refer to this process as “Orchestrated Objective Reduction,” or “Orch-OR.” Allegedly, when human beings are “clinically dead,” microtubules in the brain lose their quantum state but are still able to retain the information inside of them.

This theory was recently outlined on The Science Channel’s ongoing documentary show Through the Wormhole, in which Dr. Hameroff elaborates: “Let’s say the heart stops beating, the blood stops flowing; the micro-tubules lose their quantum state. The quantum information within the micro-tubules is not destroyed, it can’t be destroyed, and it just distributes and dissipates to the universe at large.

If the patient is resuscitated, revived, this quantum information can go back into the micro-tubules and the patient says ‘I had a near-death experience.’ If they’re not revived, and the patient dies, it’s possible that this quantum information can exist outside the body, perhaps indefinitely, as a soul.”

Hameroff’s words suggest that human souls are much more than mere “interactions” of neurons in the brain. In fact, this theory indicates that these “souls” could have existed since the very beginning of time itself. And with all of the recent discoveries pertaining to dark energy and dark matter—substances which humans cannot see or interact with, but substances which we know exist, nevertheless—this theory could end up explaining things that are even more mysterious and fascinating………”

Those of us who have been asking questions about after life and what happens to our souls may be interested in all the about.

At one time Scientists were not accepting religious beliefs nor the presence of soul and related understandings.

Is Science getting closer?

I love this discussion!

Elmer posted 1155 hours, October 02, 2017

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