DOUKHOBOR CULTURAL ASSOCIATION (DCA)

FINAL REPORT ON WHATSHAN LAKE RETREAT

DCA Annual General Meeting

September 20, 2013

At this final formal meeting of the DCA, it was requested that I report on the Whatshan Retreat for the record.

The history and development of the Whatshan Lake Retreat has already been documented and presented to all the members. There is no need to repeat any of that at this time.

When I thought about what I would report, I asked myself the following questions to determine how I felt about Whatshan in the end analysis. I decided then to answer my own questions and share with you now.

In the end, it will be you who will answer these questions for yourself as a member of the DCA.

A) What was the purpose of the DCA in the first instance?

1. I wanted to research why there were so many different Doukhobor groups and organizations when the Doukhobor precepts were the same for all.
2. I met with many others who were prepared to participate in discussion groups to conduct this research
3. We then met with Doukhobors across Canada and continued with these discussions
4. Some of us decided to experiment with a loosely tied association and named ourselves the Douhkobor Research Committee
5. We were just about evenly split from the USCC, CDS and the SoF
6. We began to associate
7. We registered a non-for-profit organization with the Societies Act as the Doukhobor Cultural Association
8. We wanted to make a difference and influence for a uniting philosophy amongst Doukhobors

B) Why did the DCA purchase the Whatshan Lake Property?

1. From my perspective, I had no specific purpose but I had a dream
2. I dreamt that children from all walks of life and persuasions would be facilitated in this beautiful place at an affordable price
3. I was prepared to work hard to make this dream a reality
4. I was prepared to work with my friends who wished to share this commitment
5. The idea was presented to the DCA by Jim Laktin and I with the result that it became a DCA project
6. We did not know what that would involve at this time but we were prepared to gamble with destiny

C) Why was the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 constituted?

1. It became clear right from the outset that not all members of the DCA were in agreement on a specific project
2. About 50% were convinced that buildings needed to be constructed so that the property could be better used
3. Peter Rezansoff prepared a conceptual drawing of a Retreat Building
4. Many people were drawn to this concept and philosophy
5. It became obvious that a separate society from DCA would be necessary to engage on such a project
6. Some DCA members were joined by other Doukhobors and the DHRS was registered as a non-profit society
7. Twenty-two (22) acres were subsequently leased from the DCA for a project
8. A few years later in 1998 the society became DHRS #1999 under the suggestion by JJ Verigin Jr. who felt that the Whathan Project should be dedicated to the Canadian society as a gift from the Doukhobors to celebrate a 100 years in Canada at the 1999 centennial celebrations
9. A charitable tax number was applied for and granted in 1998

D) What was the purpose of the Whatshan Lake project?

1. A uniting influence for all Doukhobors to work together
2. The idea of building a place that could serve as summer camps for children influenced the designs of the overall Retreat
3. To offer something to the community without personal compensation or reward
4. My underlying motivation was, in part, to improve the Doukhobor image in society

E) What was the idea behind volunteering at Whatshan?

1. To the many who did, being able to work together was to experience the fundamental cooperative spirit of Doukhobors that was able to bring us here to Canada in 1899
2. To be able to create something that would be eternally useful to society
3. A reason to bring people together from Creston, Krestova, the rest of the Kootenays, the Okanagan and the BC Coast for those who were so motivated
4. Cooking and eating together meant talking to each other as well as singing and socializing. This builds community!

F) Where did the confidence and resolution of the members to engage and follow through on the Whatshan Lake project come from?

1. Not every DCA member had confidence that the project would succeed and this was part of their resistance to support the project.
2. Many of us felt the aura of Whatshan that was an intrinsic basis of the history of Whatshan
3. It was the feeling of peace and tranquility that was evident everywhere
4. When there was need, there was always a fulfillment so that the project never ceased
5. This was part of the resolve of all those involved and became a trademark of the Whatshan project
6. People that were never involved before became attracted to the project irrregardless of their expertise, talent or financial capability
7. Eventually, more DCA members came to assist the project as well
8. It became evident that the project was going to succeed and confidence grew with that progress
9. Spirituality abounded everywhere at Whatshan

G) Who participated in the management of the DHRS #1999?

1. At first there was an even split of DCA members along with other Doukhobors
2. This did not change much over the 15 years that the DHRS #1999 existed
3. In 2013 we have now Directors as follows:
   1. Lawrence Popoff, Treasurer, a DCA member and Director since inception
   2. Peter Rezansoff, Chair of the Building Committee,  a DCA member and Director since inception
   3. John J. Verigin Jr. a USCC executive member and Director since inception
   4. Lorne Markin, Secretary and a Lower Mainland Douhkobor and a Director for many consecutive  years
   5. Nona Kucher, Past President and a daughter of a DCA member and a Director for many consecutive  years
   6. Paris Voykin, a recent Director and a daughter of a DCA member
   7. Lisa Poznikoff, a recent Director and a daughter of a DCA member
   8. Ed Dergousoff, a Lower Mainland Douhkobor and a Director for many consecutive  years including past President
   9. Doug Ozeroff, a Lower Mainland Douhkobor and a Director for many consecutive  years
   10. Peter Dergosuoff, a  DCA Member, Chair of the Maintenance Committee, and a Director for many consecutive  years
   11. Elmer Verigin, current President, a DCA member and Director since inception
4. We have a strong representation of DCA members and youth remaining in the DHRS #1999
5. Future Doukhobor participation is always a concern

H) Where did the idea of sponsoring Freedom Quest (FQ) come from?

1. One of DCA members daughter, Tamara Verigin-Burk, became the Executive Director of FQ and approached the DHRS #1999 to sponsor Youth Drug and Alcohol Treatment in 2004
2. DHRS #1999 needed to support an active operating group to meet the requirements of the Federal Government in order to maintain the charitable status and number
3. After much discussion, the DHRS #1999 signed its first contract with the Interior Health Authority in 2005
4. The idea was to utilize Whatshan Lake Retreat facilities as much as possible to create much needed income

I) Whatshan Lake Retreat operation today

1. The DCA has completed its donation of all lands to the DHRS #1999 in January 2013
2. Lawrence and Colleen Marshall have renewed their management contract for another three (3) years
3. The operating budget has increased to $135,000 annually
4. 2013 will be the first year that the operation will break even
5. Philantropical Grants continue to fund capital works
   1. A new well, storage tank, Emergency Power, fire hydrants and related infrastructure are being installed
   2. Playground Equipment has been installed
   3. Backfill, irrigation and lawns have been installed behind the Retreat and 5 cabins
   4. A new propane cook stove has been installed
   5. On Demand water for the Retreat washrooms and showers is to be installed
   6. A storage building is under consideration
   7. The facility is in good repair
   8. Business interest continues to rise
6. The DHRS #1999 has no debt
7. Philantropists include:
   1. Allan and Patricia Markin
   2. Keith and Kathy MacPhail
   3. Florence Markin
   4. Peter and Elsie Rezansoff
   5. Donna Hunchak
   6. Annette Barnes
   7. Many others

J) Freedom Quest operation today

1. FQ funded and built the Ropes Course in 2009
2. FQ operates independently as much as possible with a Liaison Director from DHRS #1999
3. All financial transactions of FQ needed signatures from DHRS #1999 Liaison Directors
4. Since John Kazakoff passing, the FQ Liaison Directors are a group that consists of:
   1. Lisa Poznikoff
   2. Paris Voykin
   3. Lawrence Popoff
   4. Elmer Verigin
5. FQ operates offices in the following West Kootenay Communities
   1. Grand Forks
   2. Trail
   3. Fruitvale
   4. Salmo
   5. Nelson
   6. Kaslo
   7. Slocan
   8. Nakusp
   9. Head Office in Castlegar
6. There are 14 Youth Workers
7. Budget is over $1 million
8. Demand for FQ services continues to expand in the West Kootenays which is a “hot spot” of drug addictions and a higher per capita than other areas
9. The intent of FQ is to obtain a greater amount of funding to expand its operations
10. FQ administration is working with FQ to expand funding to increase use of Whatshan facilities into the lest used shoulder seasons
11. The result would be a higher financial budget impact for Whatshan operations
12. Current funding is from:
    1. Interior Health Authority
    2. Ministry of Children and Families
    3. Columbia Basin Trust
    4. School  Districts
    5. Philanthropists
       • Allan and Patricia Markin
       • Other
13. FQ operates with no debt with an approximate surplus operating capital of $60,000

K) Did we as DCA Members, achieve our initial objectives?

1. I personally feel that the DCA has reached and exceeded the initial objectives
2. The potential for greater things are still to come
3. The concern is that Doukhobor Societies and activities have not come to utilize Whatshan no matter how much we have all tried.
   • This needs work!
4. We have successfully associated these 44 years.
5. What is yet to be determined is how many more years will we as members of the DHRS #1999 continue to support Whatshan?
6. Have we established a common philosophy to the future Directors when our senior ones have gone?
   • Reality is that three (3) active Directors have passed on already.
7. We have created a $3 million facility that has no debt and:
   • Approximately $350,000 in Trust Funds deposited at Vancouver and Okanagan Foundations with interest only paid for overhead expenses
   • A surplus budget dedicated to maintenance replacement and reserve funds
8. A Planning Meeting will be held at Whatshan November 09, 2013 weekend
9. You are all  welcome and will be sent a special invitation by Secretary Lorne Markin
10. You will be provided with Whatshan hospitality and accommodation
11. Your counsel will direct the future at Whatshan

L) How do we feel about the legacy we leave to society in general?

1. The name Doukhobor has been misused as associated with violence as this was a dated Press priority and sold papers. This has changed significantly
2. What we have achieved in Whatshan is:
   • Construction and workmanship to the highest standard
   • Ability to preserve wilderness for our future populace
   • A Doukhobor unity that abounded and continues
   • DCA’s objective of unity in action is workabl
     • It replaces  the usual discussion, debates and planning to unite sometimes that continues to fail for some reason
3. DCA has never asked nor did it receive any public credit for “a job well done”.
4. This is part of our Doukhobor philosophy and I am personally satisfied with that.

Elmer Verigin, September 19, 2013

JOHN P. kAZAKOFF (deceased)

Everyone was shocked at the news on July 11, 2013………….John had a massive heart attack and passed on!

Marilyn and I were on holidays in Saskatchewan and received the news during the infrequent times that I had access to the internet. It was a difficult message to fathom.

Although we were unable to attend the funeral at the Brilliant Cultural Centre, our thoughts were with the family. In spirit, I sang with the Tri-Choir that I knew would assemble in mass in his honor.  My mind concentrated on all the occasions that I had experienced with John and the exchange of feelings, knowledge and community spirit that was always associated with those events.

In compiling this list, there is no intent to prioritize into special category but only to record what came to my mind in scattered thoughts and many times was repeated as I remembered another part to the stories as they unfolded.

1. John was part of the Pete Kazakoff family that had a relationship with my only brother-in-law John Khadekin. I understood that it was John’s mother that was related somehow and so every time that John and my sister Mary came to British Columbia, they would visit in Nelson, where part of the extended family lived, as well as the Kazakoffs in Castlegar. I would hear stories about them even before I arrived in B.C.
2. I knew John’s brother in the industrial cleaning supplies business and so when he died and John took over, I was able to get to know John in that capacity
3. Being in the Kootenay Mens Choir together with John was an exceptional experience with his booming Alto voice coming from behind me. I just could not get over the fact that John was able to memorize the words to every song and hymn within a few weeks of the selections being made. That really impressed me! He was always a “calming voice” in all the debates that took place amongst the choir members. Whatever he said made sense and influenced the final decisions
4. John kept driving up to Grandview with his friend Mike O’Connor as they were interested in the progress of the assembly of seniors that were constructing accommodation for themselves. There was always an exchange of information and opinion. John was impressed with the project.
5. The Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 sponsors Freedom Quest,  Youth Drug & Alcohol Treatment in the West Kootenays. When the Liaison Director, Ed Konkin passed away, I invited John to replace Ed. After a short period to consider this appointment, John accepted this position with enthusiasm typical of his personality. This became a time when I got to know John and his capabilities best.

• When the Founding Executive Director of Freedom Quest came to John and shared with him her stressful situation that caused her to consider resigning from Freedom Quest, John sat with her and shared tears in counseling and making her decision easier. He was there when the two of them planned the future of the operation. He was also there in guiding the staff through this difficult time.
• John worked with Tamara in the selection of the replacement for Tamara. He was there during the change over.
• When the short term tenure of this new Executive Director required replacement, John was there to complete the settlement of that contract and participate in the selection of the replacement Executive Director. He was a calming influence of the staff during the time in between.
• John was always available when he was needed at Freedom Quest whether it was to sign payroll cheques or assist in any way

1. As a Director in the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999

• John served on a special committee that engaged Manager and Caretaker back in 2010 that brought in a new era in administration at Whatshan Lake Retreat
• He was part of the new budget creation and contract negotiation for the Retreat
• He was there again when negotiations took place on the three (3) year Manager’s renewal  contract or 2013
• In his many years of service, he preformed professionally as Director, responding to request for service and counsel

1. John was incredible with the computer

• No matter where the research was required, John would access information on all subjects
• I could not believe all the places where advertising for non-profit organizations were available. These sources were made available in the several times that Freedom Quest and the DHRS #1999 required them.

1. Meetings at Whatshan Lake Retreat required travel and many times John volunteered his van

• Travel included Lawrence Popoff and I for Administration purposes
• Firstly, John never charged any expenses for his vehicle
• If there was meals involved, John somehow got to the till first and these expenses were never charged to the Society

1. It was during these trips that Lawrence and I got to know John best

• We stayed away from “shop talk” on the Society as a change of subject was always therapeutic
• Lawrence and I would get into spiritual discussion as that is where our reading was taking us
• At first John was silent and listened attentively
• We asked John if he was bothered with the subject and he first indicated a polite interest
• Later, he started asking questions
• Soon we became immersed in spirit travel and life after the body dies
• John now has evidence on that subject but unfortunately he is not able to pass this knowledge back to us as now only he knows the truth

In knowing John, one has to appreciate that he was a big man, not only in stature but in his attitude to the world around him.

I, for one, will miss John.

Elmer Verigin

Written August 17, 2013

NOTATION LOG DATED: August 05, 2012, 1210 hours

LOCATION:  The Hangar, Front Street, Juneau, Alaska.

“……I left Granny to do her thing; shopping, of course. We decided to meet at the Last Saloon at 1400 hours to touch base. Rick and Lori took the Tourist Boat to see the big glacier, a real tourist must see!

We all walked to the Mendenhall Glacier, yesterday. It was very impressive! I am thinking that the Cruise Ships don’t give much except dump everyone into the “Tourist Trap” along the wharf. I still wonder why anyone would actually buy a diamond at these places. They must be at least four times the regular prices anywhere else but there are Jewelers every second shop. So they must get enough business to remain open.

I have been thinking about the temptations to feel sorry for oneself. How easy it is to believe that your personal situation is worse than that of anyone else. But that is the challenge…….to rise above self pity. I am thinking more about the idea of our spirits being “recycled” back to Earth. Okay, transgression, to use the terminology associated with that subject.

So we are sent here to learn more about our spiritual well being. I favor the understanding that we are sent here to improve upon what was in place when we arrived. So our objective is to challenge all odds and create and develop a greater Earth to be enjoyed by those who follow us. One may refer to it as a “pioneering mission”.

To complain and find excuses why we cannot achieve is not in the plan. So when I allow myself to be trapped by my hearing challenges and succumb to self-pity, this is definitely not the situation that I should allow myself to enter. The objective is to take control of oneself, and launch ourselves through these mists and smile. Not only smile, but make others feel great. So I need to “kick my ass” more often than I do so that I rarely enter those moods.

It starts with one negative thought and it seems to attract and amass like a snowball rolling down a hill. Until I suffocate by it all and I become a disturbing person to be around and live with.

It is probably no different than the process I used to overcome Agoraphobia attacks that I once had. To find that key moment when you are drifting into that mindset and jump out of it in time. Start positive thoughts and rekindle creative energy again. Well, alright, that is definitely what needs to be the process that I should use whenever those conditions come into play.

This trip with the Woodhouses has been tough on me as I am not used to lying around and sleeping in like everyone else. So when everyone has extra energy, I am already wavering and wilting away, ready to go to sleep.

Also the enthusiasm of Lori to go and see everything is actually stressful and a shock to my system as I am surprised, firstly, that someone else wants to lead. It seems that what I used to do but now I am unable to handle it. This is also strange to me and I need to deal with it better than I am as I have another two full weeks to go before it is all over.

I am writing this all down as it is possible that the future readers of all these “musings” will find strength and conviction to stimulate themselves effectively in a positive manner, rather than wandering aimlessly in the “hinterland” like I have been doing from time to time.

I need to research this magnetism theory, that the Sun’s activity with the related surges of energy, are simultaneously transmitted to Earth’s magnetic actions. That has to affect the way all living and inanimate things act and function.

The entire research into crop circles and the perfect patterns that are created, almost instantaneously, are rumored to be a direct result of magnetism, triggered by forces still not understood by mankind.

Look at the perfection of a bird’s coloring and feather patterns (there is oen walking at my feet waiting for me to drop a morsel). Obviously this is all part of Nature’s “memory card”

And so, I believe that this magnetism has everything to do with our bodily functions. Changes that occur in magnetism, influence the way we act, think and love.

We cannot change the Earth’s revolution going counter clockwise nor its revolving anticlockwise around the Sun and our tendency to race in a counterclockwise direction. It is all part of Nature’s systematic patterns.

Our entire body is basically Oxygen, Carbon and Hydrogen that have associated   as elements into complex molecules. All cells are complete with “memory cards” that guide them to recreate again and again.

So this active sequence is absolutely impossible to comprehend by a human mind which in itself is an even more complex process of cells and molecules. Researchers say that there are only fifty (50) trillion atoms in our body (I wonder who counted them, hee, hee?).

I guess, perhaps, I am a victim of the natural processes that my body has inherited but it is even more important that I allow my spirit to influence me in a more continual basis so that I may control my body better.

Well okay, I will pay my bill for Fish chowder (they did not have Clam chowder) and Salmon ½ sandwich and carry on to the “trysting place” with Marilyn.

Besides, I need to write a few more verses to the “Northern Journey” about the Juneau experiences..………….”

********************************** END ********************************

THE INFAMOUS GRASS FIRE AT WHITE SAND RIVER

 It was June 24, 2009 and I awoke with some nostalgic feelings, knowing that this was my last day at the White Sand River Retreat owned by Jason Morozoff. As had been my routine for the past ten (10) days, I went for a walk North along the little-used dirt road. I loved the hill on the North Bank of the river and enthusiastically walked all the way to the correction line (about 3 ½ miles) and enjoyed the bright sun that was already hot at 6:00 A.M. I just couldn’t get enough of the pungent fragrances of Canola and other grains getting ready to bloom.

 Returning, refreshed from my walk, I split some kindling and lit the fire in the heritage wood stove oven. As usual I warmed some water to sponge bathe my face and chest that had sweated during my walk. Water was boiling for my last two eggs and the coffee was perking in the old-fashioned coffee pot.

“This is heaven!” I exclaimed to no one in particular as I recalled my childhood growing up on the family farm 3 ½ miles North East of Pelly, Saskatchewan. I had the radio on to GX Yorkton as the Announcers bantered about upcoming events in the Yorkton District and played Western Music. I thought to myself, “Nothing, has really changed. It is almost like I was still a Teenager back in 1958, the year I left home to face the world.”

Then I reflected, “that was 51 years ago, you fool !”

Well I enjoyed my two boiled eggs and toast made over the dying coals in the stove. I garnished the remaining jam over the toast and drank my third cup of coffee. “Oh thank you Jason, for allowing me an opportunity to enjoy this time to meditate in this blissful spot.” I looked out the patio door at the water-filling drainage tributary to the White Sand River, and noted that my Beaver neighbor swimming by on his busy schedule to reinforce his house.

“Wow,” I spoke to him, “Thanks for dropping by to say good bye!’

So my thoughts went to preparing this last day:

1. Sweep the floor
2. Wash the floor
3. Clean up the table
4. Roll up my “fart-sack”
5. Pack up my belongings
6. Pack up my laptop

I needed to be ready for this “going away party” that was planned for the afternoon. Tim and brother David Verigin were to come and fry some Shishliki. Our extended guests would include Sister Mary from Benito and my wife Marilyn who were coming to take me away. We expected Cousin Peter Verigin and anyone else that just might have lost their way on the lonely road. In Saskatchewan, there never were any “Party-Crashers.” “Just grab a plate and pour yourself a drink and get that smile on your face.”

Then a thought came to my mind, “I should clean the ashes out of the stove and while I am at it, the two barb-b-cues, too,” The idea sounded good as what kind of a guest could I be if I left a mess behind me?

I looked around and found an old pail and a shovel and proceeded to scrape out the ashes out of the barb-b-qs outside. The stove was easy as there was an ash container below the grate and all I had to do was to knock all the ashes into it. There I was outside and planning where I was going to dump these ashes.

I thought about dumping them into the lagoon beside the Retreat but the idea of my friend, the Beaver, having to deal with this sacrilege to nature stopped me short. Perhaps over there behind the tree would be a good place? Then the debate was over “why not on the other side of the road into the ravine?”

And so it came to be. I dumped all the ashes down the bank of the ravine as nobody would ever see them. I was satisfied with my decision.

“Now I can drive into Veregin to the Seniors “Drop-in Centre” for coffee with the usual gang that gathers there after picking up their mail” I mused. David had loaned me his pickup so that I would have “wheels” and so I drove the nine (9) or so miles into Veregin. My first look was at the mouse trap that David had set in on the floor board. I thought it was his attempt to play a joke on me but as I looked at it carefully, I noticed a large mouse looking at me with his sorrowful and unblinking eyes. So I stopped and released his carcass into the Canola field for some Raven or Gull to have for lunch.

I was pretty excited as Fred Chernoff, Peter Veregin and the varied other visitors were supposed to bring me more history on the various notorious characters that had made history in Veregin. Some of them apparently had processed the Wheat in the “dirty thirties” into moonshine that had made its way South across the line. Who knows, maybe even Al Capone didn’t know where his Suppliers resided.

The boys did not disappoint me as the stories expounded to explain a farm equipment assembly line in what is now a community hall at the Doukhobor Village. Yes, there were stills along the White Sand River and names mentioned that are not necessary to repeat here.

On my way out, I decided to fill gas into David’s pickup and I drove up to the Coop Station only to bump into Tim who asked me what I was up to. “I need to fill this thing with gas”,  I explained.

Without any explanation, Tim shoved his card into the pump and proceeded to fill the tank. “Hey,” I protested, “I want to fill this tank.”

“Sorry,” Tim retorted, “B.C. credit cards don’t work here.”

It was with a smile on my face that I proceeded North past the former Tolstoy School and another four miles further then turned West two miles and then North again to cross White Sand River and the Retreat located on the North bank.

It was then that I noticed a column of black smoke, billowing to the East with the wind. “What in the world is burning?” I contemplated various answers.

“No, my God, please no,” my heart started to race. “Please not the Retreat!” as I pressed on the gas.

As I neared the river crossing, I noticed the smoke was on the East side of the road, “well okay, the Retreat is not on fire, thank God, but what is?” I searched for an explanation.

As I came up the North bank of the river I noticed that a large grass fire was working its way North along the ravine on the East side of the road and had an expanded fire on the flat South towards the White Sand River. That fire was quickly proceeding East as well.

I took stock of the situation and began a process of forming a plan of action:

1. First of all, I will need help
2. Next, I need to try and quell the fire going North as it is the narrowest, caught between the green grain crop in the East and the dirt road on the West. This should be easiest to put out
3. Then I can deal with the larger fire but I need to stop its progess to the East as I am not sure what buildings may be in its path. The fire going South will be stopped at the river water edge.

So I called Tim’s house with no answer followed by David’s place with no response. Okay let’s call Cousin Peter. Just as I was to give up after eight (8) rings, in a frenzied disappointment, when finally Tim answered.

“What’s up?” in his usual smart ass tone.

“I got a fire going here in all directions,” I hollered into the phone. “Do you guys have a Rural Fire Department?”

“Are you out of your mind?” he responded calmly. “There never was anything like that anywhere in Saskatchewan.”

“Well okay then”, I was pretty upset now, “ I guess I better go and piss on it then as there is no water hose here or pump to push the water,” as I hung up the phone.

I surveyed the situation, There was a tank full of water and a meager excuse for a pail but I will try that anyway as I filled the bucket, grabbed a shovel and rake and proceeded to the ravine with the fire burning North.

As I dumped the water I noticed what was taking place. The new green grass was standing above a matt of many years of dead grass that was very dry along with the broken dried maple tree branches and fallen trees. The fire was not high but it was being promoted with the ever present Saskatchewan wind. So I decided to beat the grass with my shovel which seemed to work well. I kept thinking “how in Hell did this get started?”

“Then it hit me like a baseball bat, “the ashes stupid! There must have been some embers in them that were encouraged to flame up with the wind.”

“Well that is the explanation all right,” I thought to myself. “Now let’s try and get this blessed thing out before the Air Force from Yorkton show up and dump that red shit all over me.”

I was able to get the fire stopped from going any further North and as I started to the fire going East, I walked past three (3) roll bales of last year’s hay that were on fire. “Let’s leave that for now as it poses no danger at this time. There is nothing that I can do to stop them from burning and if anyone needed those bales, they would have taken them away by now.”

I could see that the larger fire could not proceed North as the green Canola would stop its progress and I immediately went to the Eastern extremity of that fire and began the same process as the small North Fire with my shovel beating the grass. This fire had picked up momentum and a lot hotter than the fire that I just quelled. That is when Tim showed up and silently started assisting.

About that time Cousin Peter came by on his van to survey the situation. The rascal never even got out the van and turned it around and went home. I am not sure if I had paid any compliments to Peter as I watched him disappear.

Tim and I got control of the fire going East and surveyed the fire going South to determine whether we should try and put it out as the river would serve that purpose. We decided to try and stop it as David showed up on his pickup with a smart ass look on his face. He pulled a shovel out of his pickup and started to help until finally we got it beat.

Silently we all walked back to the pickups parked on the road like a besieged army of troopers returning from a battlefield and in the same shape and grime. Without a word, David opened the lid of his cooler with “cold beer anyone?”

Wordlessly we stood there and drank the first beer. When David reached for lid again, there were hands outstretched.

“Well it’s something new to talk about all right,” Tim was the first to utter that philosophical statement. “What the hell were you trying to do, here?”

I tried to appear intelligent by saying “well at least I didn’t burn the Retreat down,”

“How are we going to get these bales extinguished, I asked. “ They look like they will burn for a month or so.”

Tim got an idea, “I think I will go back the farm and get the Tractor with forks. We can disrupt the bales so that they can burn out.” He drove away.

David and I had another beer and watched the bales burn. “You sure know how make a day exciting don’t you?”

I nodded in agreement. “What do we tell Jason?”

Tim returned with the Tractor and the slow process of breaking up the bales resulted in us taking a Vodka break or two.

About this time Sister Mary and Marilyn showed up “what’s going on here?”

Silence was the best answer.

Elmer’s name will now go down in infamy as the guy who starts grass fires for no reason at all!

The epilogue went like this:

1. Shishliki went as per schedule
2. The ladies brought salads and dessert
3. Cousin Peter showed up with that slight grin and he did not have to say anything
4. We drank more beer and Vodka
5. Tim made another philosophical and profound statement “we will never forget you!”
6. Who asked him anyway?
7. Jason flew in the next day and Marilyn and I dropped into his farm to thank him and a short visit.
8. “Jason, I cleaned up your yard at the Retreat” as we parted.

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

Written April 14, 2013, 1600 hours

WHATSHAN LAKE RETREAT STORY

A) The beginning

It was in the spring of 1980 that a legal advertisement appeared in the Trail Times under Lawyer Dahlstrom, that an estate sale of lands located at Whatshan Lake was taking place. As was my usual routine, I read the legal ad because I was always looking for construction projects to tender in my responsibility as General Manager of Verigin Industries Limited. My perusal resulted in putting the paper aside as purchasing land for our cash strapped construction company, was not my priority at this time.

Within two months after the first series of ads, I saw the ad again and this time I wanted to know whose estate was involved. The name advertised was McAlister and I knew a visually challenged Engineer in Rossland by the name of Robert (Bob) McAllister. “Did he die?” was my first thought. So I dialed the number in the phone book, not sure whether I would get an answer. I was not interested in responding to the legal ad.

“Hello”, was the response after a few rings, “Can I help you?”

Since I knew Bob, having met him at several local Branch meetings of the Professional Engineers of British Columbia and a few social functions where his hobby of Ham Radio was the subject of some meetings and his professional expertise as an Astronomer, it was an easy response, “Do you know this McAlister that is having an Estate Sale?”

‘”Yes that is me”, he responded. “It was my late father’s estate lands at Whatshan Lake”.

“Is it possible to get drawings and an information package?”I asked.

“Of course, Elmer, come on up,” was his enthusiastic response.

That was how I first became familiar with the Whatshan property.

Bob explained how his father had been employed with West Kootenay Power & Light Co. Ltd., and had explored Whatshan Lake while fishing. The parcel of land at the South end of Whatshan Lake was ideally suited for a power project as the “Head” from the Whatshan Lake level down to the Arrow Lakes on the Columbia River, had the potential for a large hydro-electric project. As an enterprising individual he purchased this land and began his quest for development of a power project.

The firm prior to BC Hydro was also on the watch for potential power sources and this site was already on their “screen”. They approached the elder McAllister but he was convinced that this was something he needed to do himself and so the meetings did not go well. The power giant exercised its legal power and expropriated a large portion of the land surrounding the lake on the South end of Whatshan Lake. They further expropriated gravel that was needed for construction from the West end of the property. McAllister sued and continued to dispute the settlement offers even after construction started on the Whatshan Dam and the corresponding tunnel that would conduct the water directly to a power house situated on the Arrow Lake (Columbia River) to the East. As Bob further informed me, the elder McAllister was offered a meager financial amount and died fighting the Power Giant.

“As you can see, Elmer, I am blind with no means of employment so I have no recourse but to sell the remaining lands for whatever I can get for them,” he sadly advised. “The property is pristine and I know my father would be saddened with my decision but I have no choice”.

The story touched my heart and I became interested to at least inspect this site. I called my friend Jim Laktin and asked if he would want to go with me. He agreed and later suggested we take his brother Peter along.

We had to use maps to find the 203 acre property and once on site, realized that there was a considerable amount of marketable timber, a river, a small waterfall and a large pool on the river. It was well suited for development.

The second five (5) acre parcel was situated further downstream on Whatshan River after Barnes Creek combined its waters to recreate a flowing stream as the Whatshan Dam essentially had stopped all water from Whatshan Lake from flowing into the original river. Accessibility to this site was difficult as we were not aware that a former water line right of way and resulting trail was available from the Needles Cemetery. The surprise here was to find a water fall of approximately 20 meter drop and some 5 meter width at the top. Water cascaded into a pool with a spray that attracted rainbows in the sunlight.

We were mesmerized by the sight! It was like if we were at a movie or in some wonderland experience.

So we explored the large parcel a bit more, the dam, the lake and then drove north along the West side of the lake and noted the limited development as well as the public beach some three (3) km from the dam. That is where we noted the intake structure for the Whatshan Power House on the East side.

We had a beer and a light lunch that our ladies had packed us and philosophized as to what was the potential of this site. As I recall we listed the following:

• An offer could easily be made with consideration of payment from the marketable timber cut 400 mm on the butt and larger, leaving a surplus for a profit
• The land could then be marketed to a purchaser considering a vacation spot. This would not be a “rush sale” as the residue funds would carry maintenance until a reasonable offer could be accepted
• The smaller property could be marketed separately and had the potential for a private retreat location that did not require a building

With all these thoughts drifting through our minds, we started counting the money that could be generated because we had young families that needed to be provided for. Just as we passed Hills, on the return journey, these thoughts came to my mind:

• Why would we want to “rape and pillage” such a pristine property?
• Was there some way that development could take place where perhaps under-privileged children could visit from various parts of the world and especially from the “concrete jungle”?
• The prevailing thought was “there are children in downtown Vancouver that never have seen a creek, growing timber or to have been able to fish or take a hike in nature,”
• Would I feel comfortable with myself after development for profit, knowing that I sacrificed an opportunity to provide the greater society with a safe haven, a paradise in nature and somewhere to enjoy what God had created for all before it all disappeared with development?

It was with these lingering thoughts that I spoke to Jim and his brother Peter and related the above list, point by point. There was silence for at least ten (10) minutes which was eventually broken by Jim.

“You know Elmer, I thought it would be too good to be true that I would end up making money with you,” he thoughtfully looked straight ahead at Highway 6. “It all makes sense what you say, but how would we achieve all that?”

I thought about that for a few minutes and I formulated my response as follows, “There are many ways, I am sure, but if we are truly going to make this a project for the people then we would need to convince people to sponsor it.”

As we continued on our journey home we developed this plan of action:

1. We were members of the Doukobor Cultural Association (DCA) so why not ask them to sponsor this project?
2. Would it not be better if an organization undertook this project?
3. We could ask Water Demoskoff, a professional Logger in the DCA to survey the logging potential
4. We would then decide what is our maximum offer to the McAllister estate
5. Those members who felt comfortable with this would need to provide personal statement to a financial institution to see if they would be prepared to provide the funds should our offer be accepted
6. The three of us agreed that we would be the initial members that would start this process
7. The “selling point” to the DCA members would be that the lands would be destined for “society” in a fashion that the DCA would need to decide.

To the best of my recollection, that is how the Whatshan Story began.

B) Land Purchase Process

At the next meeting of the DCA the idea was presented and discussed thoroughly with many members expressing doubts as to the purpose and liability of such a venture.

This resulted in a volunteer committee being selected to have a look at this property. Walter Demoskoff (our member professional Logger) was one of those who went and conducted a survey of marketable timber. At a DCA Meeting held November 15, 1981 Walter gave his report. It was his report that swayed acceptance of a proposal to purchase by thirteen family members as follows:

1. Fred / Ann Chursinoff
2. Walter / Ann Demoskoff (both deceased)
3. Larry / Edna Sapriken
4. Elmer / Marilyn Verigin
5. Jim / Katie Laktin
6. Lorne (deceased) / Irene Tamelin
7. Fred (deceased) / Nina Voykin
8. Paul / Nina (deceased) Koodrin
9. Bill / Betty Zarikoff
10. Bill / Natalie Voykin
11. Joe / Shirley Podovinkoff
12. Lawrence / Mable (deceased) Verigin
13. Peter / Olga Switlishoff (agreed later)
14. Lawrence / Kathy Popoff (were not at the meeting)

They all agreed to purchasing the property. An offer of $140,000 for the two properties was submitted and accepted as reported at the November 29, 1981 meeting

Fred Voykin and Elmer Verigin negotiated and signed an interim agreement with Kootenay Savings Credit Union (KSCU) after the Bank of Montreal declined to fund the offer.. Personal financial statements were to be submitted by December 17, 1981.

Bob McAllister called me before accepting the offer and asked as to what would be the ultimate purpose for these lands should the offer be accepted. I reiterated the following main points:

• Preservation  of wilderness for future generations
• Accessibility for all people regardless of income
• Creation of a camp or retreat for children and adults
• Other

“My father would be very pleased,” he commented. “The land is yours!”

A Guarantee Bond and Postponement of Claim documents were executed with the KSCU on February 26, 1982 and the land became the property of the DCA in this process:

1. The DCA was not registered as a Society at this time so the land was registered in the names of Fred Voykin and Elmer Verigin who held the land in trust for the DCA
2. The DCA registered their Society in April 24, 1984
3. The property became registered to DCA after that

Walter Demoskoff volunteered to log the poles for his cost of expenses and in the summer of 1982, $32,998 revenues were received. Major logging was delayed while prices remained low until the winter of 1983. Walter, then supervised the logging by the Barabanoff Brothers and marketed the timber to a sawmill in Lumby. On March 06, 1983 Walter reported that $110,000 was the yield to date which would be applied against the loan.

Ultimately some 70% of the available timbers stand of 200 mm “on the butt” and larger was marketed to retire the KSCU loan.

C) Initiation Process to Build the Retreat

There were many discussions amongst the DCA members as to what should be done with the property that included the following:

• Build a Retreat as was the original concept and intent
• The Retreat idea was challenged by some in that the property did not front onto Whatshan Lake and so had limited recreational value
• It was too far from Castlegar and who would travel that far?
• Others felt that the financial liability of a development was not within their scope and plans in the initial concept
• Market the property as a fund-raiser for other needed projects
• This resulted in a search by the enthusiastic others to find a method by which development could take place

It is within this climate that I had discussions with some of the DCA members that were relocated on the B.C. Coast and the suggestion was “why not organize a separate society to build a retreat?” That way many more interested people could become involved and it would be open to the public at large.

This idea was pursued by advertising a public meeting in Castlegar in January 27, 1996. It was at this meeting, and a few ensuing ones, where a constitution was drafted and named as the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society. A broader participation from all the major Doukhobor organizations was encouraged resulting in some of the following meetings:

• A dinner meeting in Grand Forks at the home of Mike / Frances Kanigan with John J. Verigin Sr, (deceased) / Laura Verigin, Bill / Liz Pepin, welcoming Elmer / Marilyn Verigin from Tsswwassen
• A meeting with Alex Ewashen and Alex Wishlow of the Doukhobor Society of Canada, Bill Makoroff and Steve Lapshinoff from the Krestova Doukhobors and JJ Verigin Jr. of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ met at the Doukhobor Village in Castlegar with Elmer Verigin
• A dinner meeting of Peter / Gloria Fominoff, Peter / Elsie Rezansoff and Elmer / Marilyn Verigin met in White Rock, B.C.
• Many other meetings

The overwhelming consensus was that Whatshan Lake Retreat, as the name became used, would be open to all Doukhobor organizations and people. The idea was to build a facility where everyone could come and be accepted without any reservation or prejudice.

A Board of Directors was formed from a broad spectrum of members paying a $10 fee. A constitution was registered (need date) and meetings began to find a common consensus as to a plan of action. Some of the directors were DCA members. but others came from many other groups and some from no established organization.

Discussions as to where to build the facility included these topics:

• A Retreat should be best located adjacent to a lake. The current DCA site was about 300 meters distant with a section of BC  Hydro land in between
• Another site may be available in the vicinity and perhaps a feasibility study needed to be undertaken to locate a better site

A committee was struck with Lawrence Popoff and Lorne Tamelin who then searched out B.C. Ministry of Lands locations for possible sites to build a Retreat. Of all the sites, a location at the South end of the largest Lake in the Whatshan chain was selected by this Committee, as the recommended site for review. An outing was arranged for as many DHRS members as possible. All travelled to this site some 16 km along the Forestry Road located on the North side of the Whatshan lake chain to a clearing about 1 km South of the site.

All viewed the site and agreed that it was a beautiful location with a glorious view of the lake. An application was made to the B.C. Ministry of Lands and after their review, the response was negative in that “the Doukhobors already had a large tract of land on the South end of the lake and that is where they should build.”

Disappointed, but undaunted, the DHRS began a search of a suitable site on the DCA lands. The current site was selected; a conceptual plan was created by Peter Rezansoff. The DCA was approached with the idea of leasing a tract of land for a Retreat. A renewable lease of $1.00 per year was negotiated for twenty acres and the documentation was prepared by Peter Fominoff, a member and a Lawyer in White Rock.

D) Building Permit Application Process

The process to obtain a building permit from the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) was in itself a separate saga of what almost appeared to be a deliberate process to discourage construction. Some of the events leading up to an application for a Building Permit included:

1. Firstly a legal ad required posting as part of the process for a septic tank permit
2. A neighbor some 300 meters away complained that a Retreat construction would compromise the water quality in Whatshan Lake
3. A total development plan needed to be developed and approved by the District Planner

This was followed by a prequalification before a formal Permit application and a horrific list of prequalification needed to be processed:

1. Proof that fire-fighting resources were available which included a water tower allegedly required by the Building Code
   1. After review of the BCBC, no such requirement was necessary
   2. Contact with the Fire Marshall’s Offices in Cranbrook, determined that no such requirement was necessary
2. Proof that Elmer Verigin P.Eng., was actually registered with the B.C. Association of Professional Engineers  (APEBC)
   1. Although, Elmer Verigin sealed the drawings, the Building Inspector still made contact with APEBC to check
3. Access approval by Ministry of Highways
   1. This was relatively a routine application
4. Permission from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)
   1. Although ALR had already approved a request from Elmer Verigin, the RDCK would not accept that and made a separate application to the ALR
   2. A ALR committee inspected the site and reported that the land could not sustain agriculture

It was during this time in 1994, that the DHRS felt it should establish a local (Edgewood, B.C.) understanding of the Whatshan Lake Retreat Project. In this endeavor, a local supporter(s) of the project, Bill and Penny Penner arranged an information session with three local families. After explanation of the project objectives, these families arranged a public information meeting at the Legion Hall in Edgewood, B.C., to which representatives of the DHRS were invited.

Bill / Natalie Voykin, Larry Ewashen, Elmer / Marilyn Verigin were pleasantly impressed with the large attendance of over eighty (80) people in the small Legion Hall.  The organizer(s) immediately advised us as “guests” that “the meeting was ours to chair and conduct” and that I was to chair the meeting. Once I explained the objectives of the Whatshan Lake Retreat project, our positive excitement soon changed to grave concern as the Attendants had all been told that the project objectives by the Proponents (the DHRS) was to gather young troubled youth from the urban communities and bring them to Whatshan where they would be potentially capable of becoming a local liability to do public mischief and conduct damage to their properties.

The room was “charged” with a negative atmosphere that could be best described as one in the “wild west days” where the scene was a “boiling pot of tar, with a pile of feathers standing beside a puffing locomotive on a railway track. The intent of the group was to tar and feather the group and run them out of town.”

It took us some one-half hour of patience and my entire test of chairing difficult meetings to achieve order amongst the “cat-calls” and snide remarks when I outlined the project objectives to provide a place in nature for the public to enjoy. The response was a negative “give me a break” to “who are you trying to kid” comments. Soon some in attendance stood up and asked the question of the rest “how many of you have ever been to a Summer Camp?” After some fifteen (15) hands were gingerly raised, the next question was “so was the intent of the camp to run around the area, breaking in to properties?” Many heads shook negatively. “So is this what will happen here?”

The crowd went suddenly silent while another elder lady stood and asked the question, “I have lived here all my life and I have been the victim of property damage. Unfortunately, the damage was by local kids. So I cannot see a danger with this project?” Soon the crowd settled in to a less suspicious mood, the questions ceased to be critical and insinuating and eventually they all became silent and attentive. The meeting was soon over and we went home.

That was our first experience in this neighborhood with a promise from the meeting organizer, “Elmer, I will continue to oppose your project up until you complete it. Upon completion, I will be the first to come over and share a cup of coffee with you”. True to his statement that is exactly what took place on official opening in July 1999. We have been great neighbors since.

A small group met on site in the summer of 1995 to select an actual site for the Retreat Building. This consisted of:

• Bill / Natalie Voykin
• Fred / Ann Chursinoff
• Lawrence / Kathy Popoff
• Elmer / Marilyn Verigin

We walked into the woods and formed a circle in the spot where we all felt most comfortable and sat down. A psalm was recited by Natalie as we held hands. We marked the center of our prayer circle with a stake. Today, it is in this spot that the center post is located that supports the roof trusses for the Retreat.

The Building Inspector eventually advised that an application could be made for a Building Permit. The sum of $1,400 was required and there was no money in the treasury. It is important to note that the following members gathered donated $200 each as follows:

1. L. Popoffs
2. L. Tamelins
3. F. Chursinoffs
4. R. Verigins
5. E. Verigins
6. L. Saprikens
7. (Elmer needs to confirm the missing other families)

E) Construction Process of Whatshan Retreat Building

The Building Permit was issued in the spring of 1995 but there was no funding available, nor grants to start construction. The terms of the Permit approval were that construction must begin within six (6) months of issue. So a desperation action plan was concocted to install footings in November 1995 as follows:

1. The Ferraro Bros. from Korpack (Trail donated) fifty (50) sacks of cement
2. The Chernoffs of Trowelex (Castlegar) donated a concrete mixer
3. Kalesnikoff Lumber (Tarrys) donated the form material
4. Marbella (Delta) donated wheelbarrows and miscellaneous tools
5. A backhoe was hired from a local logging contractor
6. A weekend was chosen in early November and we gathered there

A brief religious blessing took place within the excavation and the footings were formed and concrete placed in one weekend. The Building Permit could not be revoked.

These old guys did could not afford Redi-mix. The water had to be hauled by barrels from Whatshan Lake by Elmer’s Silver Cloud pickup. Walter filled the pails in the lake, Joe passed the pails up to Elmer, Elmer dumped the water into the three (3) barrels. Elmer drove carefully not to spill the water but the hill was a bit of a challenge as the water slopped and was ready to spill. Elmer paid attention to barrels and not enough on his driving as the truck choked just 1 meter short of the top of the hill. Elmer hit the barkes, the barrels hit the end gate, crashing through and rolling down the hill back to the lake where Walter groaned with an “Oh Nooooo!”.

So we filled the barrels again while Walter and Joe admonished Elmer on his lack of teamster skills. Joe said “Back up, Elmer” but Elmer knew what he had to do this time and stubbornly forged ahead, giving the Silver Cloud a bit more speed. The water splashing on the truck deck distracted Elmer to look back again and just 600 mm short of the brow of the hill, a repeat of the first time took place.

A mournful cry came from Walter as the barrels arrived in front of him. He was suffered from  and case of liquid indigestion from last night and this experience was not on his agenda at all.

This time Elmer backed up the hill and heeded the gruff instructions from the combined crew. We arrived at the mixer to a welcome of “What took you guys so long!”

It was the winter of 1996 that some serious planning took place as to how some funds could be raised so construction could begin. Walter Demoskoff suggested that a portable sawmill could be brought in, logs on site would be used to prepare the lumber for the Retreat.

 The plan unfolded as follows:

1. Hire a portable sawmill for an estimate cost of $6,000 to saw all the lumber for the building
2. Walter volunteered to provide these funds prior to selling three (3) truckloads of logs which would repay this loan
3. It was necessary to design the trusses from lumber that would be available log sizes on site and estimate the framing lumber in advance so that sawmill operator could prepare the correct materials

• The DCA was approached and they agreed to supply logs for the lumber and the required market logsMarket logs were to be cut from the reserve stand not previously harvested on the West side
• When the access road to the West side of the property was actually surveyed, it was found that seven (7) truckloads of marketable timber could be harvested
• This was all harvested, including the three (3) DCA donated loads by Walter Demoskoff and Fred Chursinoff as a volunteer donation using Walter’s track machine
• Shake bolts were available on site to be split for cedar shakes
• Bryans Transfer (Trail) provided a flat bed to move equipment and materials to Whatshan
• Peter Rezansoff (Vancouver) negotiated with Ocean Cement that they would supply a truckload of bagged cement to the site where concrete was mixed by hand
• Cominco Ltd (Trail) was approached for the supply of 1,350 bolts, washers and nuts for construction of the roof trusses. These bolts were sold as salvage for $50.
• West Kootenay Mechanical (WKM) (Trail) supplied the Journeyman Plumber, as required by Code, to install all the plumbing Rough-In.
• WKM fabricated the steel gusset plates for the trusses and all the flashings
• Martech Electric (Castlegar) supplied the Electrical Permit and encouraged Westco, Gullevin and Gescan Electrical Wholesalers to supply all the Electrical materials
• Hank Tarasoff donated much of the plumbing supplies
• Gerry Evin brought his backhoe and dug out all the stumps
• Mickey Podovinikoff brought his Caterpillar / Loader and provided all the backfill and site grading. He was there when Nakusp Redi-Mix brought out two trucks to mix the concrete on site for the major concrete floor pour. Mickey’s loader was used to place gravel into the mixer (supplied by Nakusp Redi-mix) and lift the cement bags for easier placement.
• Brian Verigin supplied and fabricated the steel post in the center of the building and with the assistance of Joe Podovinikoff this design. It is Mickey Podovinkoff machine that erected this post with the professional “Riggers” Larry Sapriken directing the post over the bolts and Bill Penner holding it in line. Of course, as in any project, there is the Foreman, General Foreman, Superintendent and Safety  Officer on hand.

• Windows were salvaged from the renovations to Stanley Humphries High School in Castlegar, B.C.
• Thorman Well Drilling (Nelson) drilled, tested and commissioned a water well
• The Novakshonoff family, Mainstream Mechanical, (Grand Forks) provided the Mechanical expertise to install the pump into the well, pressure tanks, septic pump and connecting water lines along with the commissioning expertise to pressure the water system to the Retreat Building
• Doors and panic hardware were salvaged from a seniors project renovation on the Coast
• Inter-Tech Construction supplied all the drywall, insulation, ceramic tile, handrail and fireplace doors
• Korpack supplied all the masonry and flue liners for the fireplace
• 100 chairs were donated by Alex Ewashen
• Investors Group donated $1,000
• Toilet partitions were supplied by Shanahans when they double-shipped Marbella Pacific on a project and then denied that they had duplicated an order. We just stopped arguing.
• The toilets and sinks were salvaged from the Terra Nova Hotel renovations in Trail, B.C.
• Lawrence Popoff used his Mechanical training to overcome the Building Inspector challenges with the Hood over the kitchen range
• There was much more that came from various places and it is not the intent of the writer to disregard these donations. It is just that they were so numerous that all cannot be included in this writing

So the Retreat Building construction was started with the above base and a multitude of volunteers started coming over the next three (3) years until completion in June of 1999. To mention a few names would be an injustice to those who may be missed. I tried keeping a list of names and the time spent at Whatshan and this list exists. It is much too detailed and too long for the purpose of this story. The idea of “service above self” became a motto. There are also many stories of laughter and the joys of working together.

John J. Verigin Senior travelled from Grand Forks with Pete Oglow to confirm that all the volunteers were working. Their kind words of encouragement spirited the multitude of Lower Mainland volunteers who Peter Rezansoff “sweet-talked into coming to a “paradise in the hinterland”. So how long is Lawrence Popoff’s nose?

A temporary kitchen was erected and a wood stove / oven provided most of the cooking and warming of food. The ladies donated food as well as participated in the work along with the men. Whatshan became known for its big meals as sometimes the crew exceeded thirty (30) volunteers. Meals had to be set for banquets on primitive tables, benches, etc. Everyone either had a tent trailer or camper for sleeping wherever there was a level spot.

Here at some of the “foxy ladies” whose talents also included Shake-splitting, cooking, advising on construction as well as singing.

Their kitchen was primitive but the food was awesome.

Some of the following humorous stories unfolded as on any construction site.

One night a skunk decided to check out what may be a good meal as he was not invited to the banquet. He must have tipped something over as Joe Podovinikoff’s German Shepherd heard or smelled him and charged out of the pickup truck with Joe following. The skunk headed for cover under Popoff’’s Camper-Truck just as Lawrence was preparing to come to see what all the commotion was all about. Everyone was shouting for Lawrence to stay back while Joe was being dragged by his dog who was determined to get that skunk. Larry Sapriken was anxious to get out of his tent-trailer to see what was happening but could not open his door in time as his sock got caught in the lip of the door. He fell flat on his face, spraining his toe in the process. I wish that a movie camera was there that night as the moonlit scene was hilarious.

Larry Sapriken was located across an access road from the Verigins when at 2:00 A.M., a heart rendering animal shriek was heard as this cougar sauntered by. Larry shouted “what the f—k was that?’ Elmer replied with “go have a look!’ Then came a clear response from Larry: “f—k you!”

After a hard day’s work and a large evening meal, a campfire was always lit so that the progress of the day could be reviewed and philosophies exchanged. I wish that I was able to record some of these discussions but after a bit of wine everyone mellowed and singing started as there was at most times at least one guitar or accordion to get things going. One such evening a debate ensued as to whether the North Star was stationary or moving. This debate became a bit out of control when Russel Verigin decided to nail a 1 x 2 to a tree and aim it at the North Star. Every hour or so, there would be the non-believers that would check what was taking place. On one such evening, this stick was torn off the tree as it was more important to stoke the campfire at that time.

“You stupid idiot,” Larry admonished Fred Chursinoff, “that was our proof as to what was happening to the North Star”, and proceeded to replace the 1 x 2 in its original location. It was dark and Larry didn’t notice that the alignment process meant that the soot on the end of the 1 x 2 became part of his eye shadow. We could all see in the light of the campfire what Larry could not and laughter became rampant as was Larry’s curiosity for the reason.

The Whatshan Centre grew consistently over the next few years as evidenced in this construction photo. When I look at this I find it amazing that the volunteers that were able to achieve such a sophisticated construction design.

We also realized why the native word “Whatshan” was used by the Okanagan and Kootenay bands to name this area, as Whatshan is where they met to do trading. There is definitely an aura about the entire area that is very peaceful. That feeling permeates a person as they approach Whatshan and stays with them while being there. People who use the site now, comment on this feeling.

Here, a group enjoys what Whatshan is all about.

F) Achieve Charitable Status

Application were made to the CRA for a charitable tax number for the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society. The CRA refused the application citing that the Retreat use was not definitive and there were clauses within the constitution that did not clearly define that the facility could be used by the public at large. It appears that there are four specific uses that will permit a charitable status and those are:

1. Sports
2. Religion
3. Education
4. Health

The society was adamant that the use would be for any organization including the Retreat Society, itself, that could utilize the premises. This became too broad a definition for CRA as they were becoming more selective in their approval process with recent abuse.

Definition of specific uses and  change of society name and constitution was recently filed under Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 (registered June 28, 1997) was presented to CRA. Later that spring of 1999, approved the amended application.

G) Property Tax Exemption

With the approval of the charitable tax exemption, attention was directed at removing the property tax status over the properties. An appeal was launched to the BC Assessment Authority and a meeting set in the Legion Hall at Nakusp.

The Appeals Board heard a submission made by Paul Moroso CGA, on belhalf of the DHRS #1999. In attendance were Larry Sapriken and Elmer Verigin. The presentation was excellent and the reasons for exemption were well stated.

The Board made the recommendation to exempt the Property Taxes which remains to this day.

H)  Major Philanthropist

Progress on the building was with limited funds and smaller donations but every donation was much appreciated. A particular donation came as a complete surprise. My Mother’s sister, Florence Markin kept asking me to explain where it was that Marilyn and I kept travelling to and occupying our weekends. She asked for a society constitution and had already heard about the struggles for funding, volunteers, etc. I heard nothing more until in the spring of 1999, when the Kootenay Mens Choir received an invitation from the Calgary Doukhobors to attend a celebration to commemorate one hundred (100) year since Doukhobors migrated to Canada. Since Marilyn and I were staying at Andrew and Florence Markin’s house at Christie Park in Calgary, Aunty warned me that I had better bring my best suit as I was to have a meeting with her oldest son, Allan, my first cousin.

I really did not know Allan as the opportunity to socialize over the years was hampered by distance as well as that Allan was a Petroleum Engineer whose initial job took him to the Southern United States for many years. I assumed that Allan would meet us at Aunty’s house but I soon learned I was to meet him at the Calgary Golf & Country Club for lunch. So off I went, not knowing what to expect.

I sat in the lobby of the Golf Club wondering what Allan would look like when this well dressed man confidently walked through the door. “Are you Elmer?” his hand outstretched. “Well then you must be Allan” I replied quickly.

“Well let’s go up and have lunch”, Allan started for the stairs to the Lounge.

The Lounge was absent of customers since this was preseason for golf in Calgary. We ordered and there was little chit-chat when Allan asked me to tell him about the project. I really did not know how much of the material I had given to Aunty, that had been digested by him so I obviously became a bit long-winded in my explanations. His next direct question(s) were:

“Is this for religious attendance only?” with my quick answer “No!’

“Is Douhobor a religion?” his questions became quick. I was to the point, “yes, but better explained as a Way of life”.

“Can you provide me more information on Doukhobors,” he kept on. I responded by “I have a Book of Life that explains it all.”

“Could you get me a copy?’ followed by my response “of course”.

We were only fifteen minutes into this meeting and lunch had just been served when he reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out what I recognized as two cheques. I thought to myself “if I was to get $2,000 or even $5,000 that would be great!” I was not prepared for what happened next.

“If I gave you $30,000 would that retire your debt at the Credit Union and provide enough to complete the remaining work?” he looked at me. I thought about the current $15,000 society debt and responded with “of course” while trying not to show my obvious surprise.

“Okay then,” and he began filling out the cheque.

“So you are planning an Investment Fund to use interest only to fund overheads”, as he started filling out another cheque. “I will provide $100,000 towards this fund. Do you have your charitable tax status yet?” he looked at me enquiringly.

“The application is in to CRA and I have verbal approval but I do not have the final paperwork at this time,” I answered.

“That’s fine then hold this cheque for awhile until you can determine if it will take place,” he paused, “let me know if it does not take place and we can do something else,” as he passed over the cheque to my surprisingly steady hands. “I will provide $100,000 each year until I have funded a total of $1 million dollars,” he added.

I was surprised at my composure when I asked, “What type of documentation do you require for this arrangement?”

“Are you going to perform as you have outlined?” he looked at me. I responded with “of course!”

“Then I do not need any paperwork”, as he looked at his watch and got up to go.

He followed me out after dealing with the tab and I found my 1980 LTD and started out to 17^th Avenue when I noted his shiny sports car behind me. He was on his cell phone already and waved into my rear view mirror as he turned right on his way to his office. I carried on to 17^th Avenue and turned left on my way back to Christie Park when suddenly I had the urge to confirm whether I was in a dream. I pulled the cheques out of my shirt pocket and yes, they were real. I then bit my finger and yes, there was pain. “It actually happened,” I shouted into the traffic.

As I entered the house, I was greeted by three (3) anxious people searching my face for signs of what may have happened. I just blurted out, “where is that Scotch that you said was in the bar” and I proceeded to the lower floor. “Your son just donated $1,030,000 to Whatshan!”

There was crying of joy and I poured myself TWO FINGERS of Scotch into a glass as I too was into the shock of recovery.

This funding was utilized as follows:

1. The $30,000 did cover the society indebtedness with the balance to complete outstanding items in the Retreat Building
2. $100,000 was invested in the Okanagan Foundation as Allan Markin Foundation
3. $200,000 was invested in the Vancouver Foundation, also as Allan Markin  Foundation
4. Both funds continue to invest part of the interest earned with the rest used for Overhead items
5. The balance of the funds were used in the construction programs of 2003, 2004 and 2005, together with application for grants being facilitated by this base funding to construct:

1. Infrastructure of water and power
2. Eight 20’ x 24’ cabins
3. A 30’ x 40’ Concession, washroom, showers and covered patio
4. The Cabins and Concession Building were supervised by Russel Verigin and Alex Markin, retired Carpenters and Superintendents who donated their fees.
5. An Acoustic outdoor Stage was constructed by the 2004 apprentice carpenters from J’Loyd Crowe High School in Trail, supervised by Aby __?__  and drywall, stucco and swinging acoustic panels professionally fabricated by Larry Sapriken with under the direction of Anton Neidersteiner

5. An Office and Manager Residence
6. 72 serviced RV Campsites
7. 84 unserviced RV Campsite

 

I) Whatshan Lake Retreat Opening

Invitations went out inviting all to an Official Opening, July 25, 1999, at Whatshan, of the Whatshan Lake Retreat, to celebrate one hundred (100) years since Doukhobors migrated to Canada from religious persecution in Russia. Two days were selected for this occasion. Tents, trailers, campers started to arrive. Many performers of all kinds were encouraged and a fantastic program resulted. John J. Verigin Jr. was travelling with the Youth Choir in Russia but broke away, specially, for this event as it was he who had suggested that the revised constitution be registered under the name Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999, noting the 100 years since migration in 1899.

After a Doukhobor Prayer service  at this event that JJ Verigin Jr., dedicated the Whatshan Project to the “people of Canada” as a thank you from the Doukhobors who were able to find sanctity and freedom of religion in Canada. From this day forward that the project officially became non-denominational with membership open to the public for its use and enjoyment.

Many other speakers spoke at this event including the noted Writer Koozma Tarsaoff who lauded the efforts of so many volunteers and donors.

A historic moment was also achieved when the Krestova Mens Choir walked onto the stage with the Kootenay Mens Choir to meld into a Doukhobor Choir ending almost eighty (80) years of disagreement as to the definition of a Doukhobor. This choir continues to this day and demonstrates forgiveness through love.

Following this success, a few years passed and it became clear that accommodation and more services would need to be built to generate an economic use of the Whatshan Lake Retreat. The DHRS #1999 began the process of finding the funds and resources to complete the rest of the plan. A method had to be found where the reliance on volunteers and donations was not the only avenue to development.

J) Phase II Construction

 The work progressed over several years and included the following:

1. In 2003 the first five (5) cabins and the Whispering Pines (Campground services building, Concession and Outdoor patio), electrical , water, power and roads infrastructure
2. In 2004 the next three (3) cabins, the Stage framing, completion of campsites and Whispering Pines building
3. In 2005 completion of the Stage and the Office / Manger’s Residence, additional two (2) wells, pump house and water distribution

Some additional funding was obtained through grants:

1. Columbia Basin Trust
   1. $50,000 in 2004 for the first part of the Stage
   2. $40,000 in 2005 for the balance
2. Vancouver Foundation $20,000 in 2003
3. Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ
4. BC Hydro $5,000 in 2003
5. Carpenters Union $5,000
6. Federal Government Human Resources for workers whose UIC had expired
   1. In 2003 $50,000 (need to check amount)
   2. In 2004 $30,000 (need to check amount)

Other sources of assistance came from a variety of sources:

1. Kalesnikoff Lumber (Tarrys) donated all the sawn timber for the Whispering Pines Building
2. Emco Engineering donated all the Electrical infrastructure designs and the upgrade to a 600 amp service
3. Anton Neidersteiner (Kamloops) provided professional consulting on the Acoustic / Electronic Stage
4. E. Verigin Consulting provided all the drawings, structural designs, water system and sewage system infrastructure designs
5. Celgar (Castlegar) agreed to sell all the underground electrical cable for a extreme salvage price of $2,500 (value 10 x that)
6. School District 20 negotiated a $1,000 salvage price for a van load of doors, windows, cabinets and many other units
7. Joe Podovinikoff continued providing welding services for all kinds of miscellaneous metal as required
8. Russel Verigin and Alex Markin (retired from the Carpenters Union), both Journeymen Carpenters and retired Superintendents became Mentors for the first group of Carpenter Apprentices in 2003 for a period of two (2) months. They were paid $4,000 per month but donated the entire amount to the DHRS #1999
9. Bill Penner was the first Manager at Whatshan. Although a relatively small amount was paid to Bill for the additional workload in administrating the construction in 2003 to 2005, Bill donated most of his services to Whatshan
10. Larry Sapriken (retired from the Carpenters Union) supervised the drywall, insulation, and stucco work. He was paid a relatively small amount for accommodation as he spent most of the summers from 2003 through 2006 at Whatshan providing his expert trades advice to the Apprentices and then to the volunteers while working in the trade as well
11. An agreement with School District 20 to attract Carpentry Apprentices in Grade 12 curriculum in 2003. This led to the training at Whatshan of:
    1. 15 students in 2003
    2. 10 students in 2004
    3. This was not a saving but provided some exposure to the Whatshan project
12. Independent Contractors and Businesses of British Columbia (ICBA) for indenturing the SD 20 apprentices
13. Mainstream Mechanical donated overhead and profit to supply materials and labor
14. Intertech Constriction / Ocean Cement supplied another truckload of cement to Nakusp Redimix who supplied the concrete on these buildings
15. Christine Faminoff was a Curator at the Doukhobor Village in Castlegar and became very interested and supportive of Whatshan Lake Retreat although to the writer’s knowledge she had never been able to visit the site. Christine lost her battle with cancer and the Administrators of her estate dedicated a perpetual fund of $37,000 to the DHRS #1999 through an investment in the Vancouver Foundation named the Christine Fominoff Foundation.
16. Some other Donors
    1. Thorman Well Drilling $3,344
    2. DCA $500
    3. Bill Soukoroff

                                                              i.      First donation $2,500 while alive

                                                            ii.      Second donation of $3,500 posthumously

4. Allan Morozoff $2,000
5. Ron Ross P.Eng., donated at least $5,000 worth of Electrical Engineering

Construction took place with purchased building materials from Building Suppliers and subcontractors for this phase of the project although there still existed a great deal of donations of volunteer labor, materials and equipment.

I need to mention the “Name-Calling Committee” which was chaired by Violet Plotnikoff (deceased) who so ably created names for all the buildings rooms and streets. A bit of humor though, Whispering Pines may have been an oversight as there are no Pines near the building.

Management at the Whatshan Lake Retreat changed from Bill and Penny Penner to Evelyn Collins then in 2010 the current Managers, Lawrence and Colleen Marshall  began to manage the facility. The Society is very thankful for the dedication of all three (3) Managers and looks forward to a continuing relationship with the Marshalls.

J) Freedom Quest

Freedom Quest Regional Youth Services is has been created as an idea, by workers working in the field of Youth Drug and Alcohol Treatment, to provide assistance to Youth struggling with addictions. See more on their website www.freedomquestonline.ca

In 2005, Freedom Quest (FQ) approached the society for sponsorship of the Youth Drug & Alcohol Program in the Kootenays. This resulted in a DHRS #1999 contract #WKBMH 07_130 dated April 01, 2006, with Interior Health Authority (IHA) and staff offices in Nelson, Kaslo, Nakusp, Grand Forks, Trail, and Fruitvale with a Head Office in Castlegar. Part of this program includes taking selected groups to Whatshan where a “Low Level Ropes Course” has been created in a wilderness section of the property. This course trains people leadership skills as well as confidence and trust in “Team Building”. The course was built with direct funding from Allan Markin. This is now in the development stage as one of the attractions at Whatshan Lake Retreat to an extended public. Renovation of the Head Offices in Castlegar has also been funded by Allan Markin.

The DHRS #1999 is very pleased with being able to assist Freedom Quest in all its endeavours

(Please note that the FQ Program is a confidential arrangement between participant and FQ. This confidentiality is strictly maintained throughout the eight week routine. As a result of this program no other function can be operated at Whatshan when the premises are being used by FQ). Those of you who may feel interested to contact them directly at (250) 304 2676 or visit them at the Head Office at 349 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, B.C. V1N 1G6

K) Current Programming at Whatshan Lake Retreat

The current level of programs projected for 2013 are as follows:

1. Continuing DHRS #1999 programs through FQ
2. DHRS #199 sponsorship of Wellness Clinics funded by Allan Marking in the S’ynergy Foundation
3. Two weddings
4. Christadelphians Bible Camps
5. Russian Church Bible Camp
6. Adoptive Family Camps
7. German Russian Church Bible Camp
8. Institute of Higher Learning Seminar
9. Music Festival
10. Quilters seminars
11. IHA Seminar

Other programs are in the formulative stage of planning. Operating the “Low Level Ropes Course” is part of the objective plans. It is interesting to note that none of the above programs involve the Doukhobor community and perhaps the dedication ceremony in 1999 where the project was a “gift” from the Doukhobor community was prophetic?

The Ministry of Children and Families augment the FQ funding by IHA for specific programs within their scope. The FQ homeless program has had substantial yearly contributions from Allan Markin.

L) Phase III Development

Development plans are underway in 2013 with partial funding of $500,000 from Allan Markin to complete development of infrastructure and services by construction of:

1. Telephone land line
2. Reconstruction of the existing wood deck on the Retreat Building to an extended patio
3. Replacement of single glazed windows on the Retreat Building with factory sealed windows
4. Construction of an accommodation / office building for FQ
5. Installation of another water well
6. Provision of a fire pump and fire reservoir
7. Provision of a propane emergency generator
8. Fire hydrants and a fire suppression system
9. Related other improvements
10. Playground Equipment donation of $17,000 from Florence Markin
11. Park Benches and Tables donation of $4,000 by the DCA

M) The DCA Donation

Perhaps the largest single donation occurred in January 23,  2013. The DCA donated the entire two (2) parcels of land to the DHRS #1999 for the nominal sum of $1.00. It is an unbelievable gift which exemplifies the DCA commitment to “service above self”. The aging members of the DCA felt that this gift would be the best tribute to their 45 years of continuous association.

N) Other Major Donations

There was need for contingency funding for the General Expenses for a new Management Plan initiated in 2010. Funding was received from:

1. Allan Markin $25,000
2. Florence Markin $20,000
3. Peter Rezansoff $10,000
4. Ed and Myrtle Remple $200
5. Ehard and Irene Dallman $500

 

O) Writer’s Comments

In writing this story, I need to advise that neither organization nor individual asked me to do this task. I just felt that such an achievement by such a small group(s) as the DCA and later by DHRS #1999 deserved being recorded somewhere as  a testament to their genuine commitment to serve and make this world a better place as a result. That mission was conducted not that someone would praise them. The smiling faces of the Users were enough testaments for the Founders of the Whatshan Lake Retreat in the end analysis.

If I have missed acknowledging any person or firm for their assistance with this project, please accept my apology because it was difficult to record all this and most of this came from the Writer’s memory. Neither office staff nor established office was available in the beginning.

Should you have any additional information that will enhance this story, feel free to comment on my blog and I am sure the readers will appreciate same along with the original Writer. I feel very privileged to have worked alongside with so many great people and accepted the financial and material contributions from so many more.

The majority of these contributions were recorded on charitable tax receipts once the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 received its charitable tax status in 1999. Prior to that the names had been recorded and are within the files in the records office at Whatshan Retreat Offices. Thank you all!

Come see us for a dip in the Hippy Hole where many people dived from the cliff edge including Allan Markin.

Should anyone reading this blog feel motivated to make a donation to a particular function, Freedom Quest or a Foundation in your name, you may send in your intent to my address at #145 – 4200 Grandview Drive, Castlegar, B.C. V1N 4X  or contact me by phone at (250) 304 26801 or by email at EMVerigin@shaw.ca. You may also contact the Treasurer, Lawrence Popoff, directly by mail at 714 – 10^th Street, Castlegar, B.C. V1N 2H8, by phone at (250) 365 7729 or by email at lkpopoff@telus.net

Elmer Verigin

++++++++++++++++++++++++++END ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

Writing started February 03, 2013 as recollected by Elmer VeriginMost recent revision February 15, 2013

More information on the Whatshan Project may accessed at www.whatshan.com.

Permission to include donors names received from

1. Allan Markin
2. Florence Markin
3. Peter Rezansoff

References were taken from:

1. DCA Minute Book
2. DCA Constitution
3. DHRS #1999 Constitution
4. DHRS #1999 extensive records at Whatshan Offices
5. Lawrence and Kathy Popoff extensive files on Whatshan and their continuing contribution to content
6. Marilyn Verigin in support and editing
7. Lori Woodhouse in support and editing
8. Ed Dergousoff in corrections

Dear Blog Readers:

I understand that there may be Readers of my blog, that have not bothered to advise me as to what their interest may be. Thanks to my friend Tony for your comments as well as my daughter Nona who got me started on this. Some of you have not identified yourself and I respect your wishes.

I have posted some 40 articles that include:

1. Chronicles
2. Poetry
3. Diary Notes
4. Book Appreciations

to mention a few.

I have some three (3) hundred articles in my possession, all of which are actual happenings that I have personally been associated with.

Tell me what has interested you in what you have read, thus far, and it may influence me to post some of that.

Thank you those that have silently enjoyed my work because you too, become part of the equation.

I am not a professional Writer, but I enjoy writing.

Peace, as I love you all!

Elmer

THE SENTINEL IN THE FOOTHILLS

 

As soon as I am on Highway 3 heading east from British Columbia, I am already preparing myself for a “treat”. I make sure that my gas tank has just enough gas to reach Brocket, Alberta. I can already envision the weathered gas station on the left side of highway on the far side of Brocket. All signs advise “Red Feather” is ahead. One would anticipate an exciting adventure in a trading post as we are on First Nations lands.

I already know not to get too excited with gas prices at Crows Nest at some 10 to 15 cents per liter cheaper than British Columbia. The extra sixty (60) kilometers may receive rewards for additional 5 to 7 cents at Red Feather.

The gas pumps are dated and the parking lot has its pot holes with no pavement. The false front on the dated building does not indicate any life and so one assumes this must be a “self serve” station and you automatically check the meter reading for the price as the other hand takes the spout out of its holder.  The numbers are worn and hardly discernible but the trust remains and the spout enters the waiting gas inlet.

Out of nowhere, it seems, this tall handsome man comes forth and takes the spout out of my hand with “fill it up?”His questioning face is not smiling but friendly.

“Yes, of course,” is my response. It is almost as if I am on familiar turf as this experience is repeated at least twice a year. I am leaning to the west while trying to be in a nonchalant discussion in this strong wind. There is a reason why the few trees in this part of Canada all are bent eastward. “The wind is a bit strong today, isn’t it?” trying to start up a conversation.

“Yes, it calmed down a lot today,” he opined as he continued with his work, oblivious to the tattered flags trying desperately to hang on to the cord that secured them to the building face.

My eyes surveyed the scene around:

• Aging buildings in the town site
• Lonely Band housing units dotting the prairie
• Derelict care bodies parked around this housing where they their motors ceased to start again
• Horses grazing on the sparse vegetation
• Prairie on the eastern horizon
• Snow –capped mountains to the west
• Rolling hills to the north and south

The flick of the lever on the gas pump and the clang of the gas spout entering its holder indicated that the operation was over. Upon entering the single door to the station, the first sign reads “washrooms not in operation”. I recall that was the same sign that was there a few years ago. There was a time when some renovations were undertaken and the washrooms did operate. There must be a story in this washroom challenge as no matter what the Operator did, something would happen and the sign would go up again.

The lady behind the counter was tall, pretty and her red features displayed a natural beauty that indicated a partnership with the Owner. Again there is friendliness but without a false smile that is usual in other filling stations. There is something very genuine that I always feel at Red Feather but I sense that the business has not resulted in financial wealth. The temporary RV and vehicles parked may be the only residence or perhaps used as a shelter during operating hours.

Shopping is limited to confections and not artifacts as one would assume might be on the merchandise inventory. Perhaps a story may be there.

There is a history that I am sure could be told if and when I would take the time to chat. I wonder if my sincere interest will be reciprocated with any information that I should receive. How is life in the First Nations? Does this family lease from the Band? Do they operate for the Band?

When I drive away, my thoughts continue for the next hour with those questions as I wonder how they feel towards my white face. Are we all Canadians? Are we all equal?

How can I explain to them that I am proud of what they are doing to make a living just like every other Canadian?

One of these times, I will pause to visit more, next time.

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

Written January 17, 2013, 1125 hours

ALL ABOUT HANDICAPPED PEOPLE AND BULLYING

One of my objectives for 2013 is to put my opinion forward on this subject. I have experienced bullying since a small child as it was playfully administered by my older siblings and maliciously directed by students in the school I attended. I also wondered about my family members who lived with enormous handicaps and I always wondered how they were able to accept all that in their lives.

This is a chronicle that will outline one point of view.

I used to watch a new brood of chicks on the farm and noted a yearly occurrence where some baby chicks were just not able to cope with the challenges when one hundred (100) of them competed for food, space and shelter. Sooner or later one or two would become “sickly”. It amazed me, as a child, that the other chicks would “pick away” at these poor hapless chick(s). Soon they would just give up and end up pecked away as dead carcasses. Is this a natural trait in all animals!

There was excitement when a brood sow gave birth to a litter of eight (8) to twelve (12) piglets; almost always there would be a runt in that brood. The next day the runt would be missing, which resulted in a question to my parents “there is one missing!” 

“Yes”, was the answer, “the sow ate it!” How disgusting! How could a mother eat her own offspring?

The eagle, raven, tern: all seem to have a natural characteristic when a runt chick would result in the nest. Either the other chicks or the parent bird would eat it.

In the instance of my pet cats, a mother would eventually move her litter to another location leaving the runt to die.

I have mentioned just some of the natural incidents that seem to underline the saying “the strong will survive and the weak will perish’!

Wolf and similar animal litters will enjoy “rough play” in their growing process to learn to survive.

My older sister and two brothers, used to enjoy teasing me and taunting me. Although it was playful, as a youngster, it was difficult to understand that it was just “sibling love play”? Perhaps it is a natural instinct that takes place while the growing and maturing is in process in humans as well.

So when children find themselves in a group, it seems that this type of “community association” takes place with the tougher kids picking on the timid and weaker children. Yes, I know it is bullying but it is a natural process amongst animals. As a child I was brought up as a “Consciencus Objector”. This meant that fighting back was not an option. I withstood all types of teasing and was often called “chicken”. It wasn’t until I was in grade six (6) when at noon on a cold winter’s day; I reacted to a Bully who had just brushed my cold nose with his leather mitt. My automatic response was a “haymaker” to his chin, knocking him over. The fellow lay there in disbelief that I had hit him. I am sure he thought, “Was that really Elmer?”He was one of my respected class mates from that day on through to graduation. Is that the way society needs to function? It worked in my instance.

It is my opinion that humans that have handicaps are also “picked on” or bullied mainly because the “bully” can get away with it easier as that seems to be the underlying temptation. I had an uncle that was very hearing handicapped and a granduncle that was visually handicapped. In both instances, although there would be a female member of the family that would be compassionate and caring in each instance, the rest of the family mostly ignored them. I cannot really suggest a reason other than they just had “no time” for them.

I am sure that most of us become impatient with a person with a cane that is preventing us from moving faster in a crowd or that wheelchair crowding into an elevator. It is only in later years that we realize that we too, could become handicapped and only then do we permit ourselves to assist these people when the opportunity should arise.

Nature is now taking away my hearing sense and as the condition continues to deteriorate, my dependability on technology to augment my senses becomes more acute with the years. What I notice more is the inability of friends and relatives to understand that the former self has changed dramatically and cannot participate in normal group discussion. No matter how many times I remind people that I need slower discussion with more enunciation, it is soon forgotten in the next conversation.  This is normal in group dynamics as the whole is not prepared to slow down for one part.

I used to watch my mother-in-law who had lost her hearing, in part, due to a slight stroke. She would sit there, smiling, while her family excitedly chatting around her. Soon she would take out her box of recipes and begin sorting them. It would take the group a short time to notice her in this action, only to realize that she was not even understanding their concern as she could not hear them. This is so with my situation now.

One needs to learn the process of participation without making an impact on the rest. This is difficult as one has a tendency to retreat into himself, rather than trying to cope with the situation. More technical development in hearing aids is making the situation bearable but there is no question, one realizes the limitations in the world of most handicapped or challenged people.

On the positive side of this is that during this process of understanding your handicap, one becomes more apt to notice and assist other handicapped people whenever the situation arises. It does provide an opportunity to make one a better person and improve society as a whole.

So the people around me can be interpreted to be bullies in the same manner as I previously described the children and siblings around me. Perhaps they are just being normal living beings in the natural sense.

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

Written January 02, 2013, 1325 hours