Page 4 May 1986 Cassiar Courier by Peter Snell At this year’s Annual General Meeting, there was a grand total of 16 members belonging to the Cassiar Hospital Society. That about constitutes a non-hospital happening. Just three short years ago the society boasted a membership of well over 60 members. | have to wonder if the drop in membership is just a general lack of interest on the part of the community or whether most people don't understand how hospitals operate. At a recent board meeting, one of the new trus- tees pointed out that many people in Cassiar are not aware of the procedure to become a member of the society. In fact, it is quite simple. Before the Annual General Meeting each year or at the meeting, concerned citizens of Cassiar merely pay $1.00 to the society's representative and they are then a member of the society for the next year. Despite our shrinking population, the Cassiar Hospital has just completed its busiest year in some time. A hospital is a must for Cassiar but to retain this institution the community as a whole must support it through the Hospital Society which governs its operations. Hopefully at next year’s Annual General Meeting, we will be back up to 60 or more members again. ew BS Arrivals BORN TO: Allan and Betty Studd, a daughter, Emily Kate, 7 lbs., 12 oz. in Watson Lake, Yukon on March 25, 1986. A The first stop of our trip was Fiji. The towns them- selves don’t have a lot of interest to them — the shop- keepers literally drag you into their stores and the taxi drivers always want to take you somewhere you don’t want to go but the Fijian people are very friendly and easy going. We then took a three day “Blue Lagoon”’ cruise. They call this the “ultimate Fijian experience” and that definitely holds true! It was three days of lying on beautiful beaches, swimming and snorkelling in warm clear waters. We even visited a native village and swam in some wild caves. The boat holds about 40 to 50 people and the crew catered to us constantly, and played music- al instruments for our entertainment. This was such a wonderful way to start a holiday. We also spent a few days on an island, which was nice — beautiful beach right in front of our bungalow — but nothing in Fiji could compare to the cruise! Our next stop was New Zealand, where we rented a camper van for 3% weeks. New Zealand really is a beaut- iful country although we were disappointed in a few things — like the fact that we only saw the sun for about five days and rain the rest of the time! We also found ¥ The Temple of 1000 Lights in Singapore - the Buddha is 15 meters high. Author visits Gassiar. vce Frances Duncan wi John Marks Reading from an anthology entitled, Baker’s Dozen, Frances Duncan read her short story, “Yvonne”, about a woman who moves into her refrigerator while the remain- ing family members go on about their business of every- day life. This mildly humorous story, although surrealistic , nevertheless is a story about relationships and its extended metaphor ultimately must be viewed in a serious manner. Frances Duncan (she prefers to be called Sandy) was born in Vancouver and as a child lived in Ontario and Sask- atchewan, moving frequently. Upon her return to the West Coast she began an undergraduate program in Eng- lish, but realized that she was more interested in psychol- ogy and consequently ended up in a graduate program in that faculty at the University of british Columbia. Although Ms. Duncan began her writing career fairly late in life at age thirty, after realizing that she needed a change in career (she was a clinical psycologist for ten years), she did not arrive unprepared. Through her back- ground in psychology Ms. Duncan was able to draw upon a large reservoir of experience and from it has flowed a “Swift” Journey that a lot of the nice beach areas were privately owned land. But the scenery was beautiful and in some areas re- minded us a lot of home. We managed to see most of both islands (not much else to do in the rain but drive). Although the islands are different from each other, they are both gorgeous and we really couldn’t decide which - we liked best. Australia was our next stop. We unfortunately only had 8 days here, so we rented a car and travelled be- tween Sydney and Brisbane. This whole area has great beaches! We happened to arrive in Sydney, on Australia Day weekend and had a wonderful time. The world championship windsurfing competition was even taking place. After a few days we made our way up the coast and stayed at Surfers Paradise for a few more days. This is definitely a hot spot for sun and sand. Have to admit, Australia was one of our favorite spots. © $ Now we fly to Singapore and catch a train up ther east coast of Malaysia (trains are very cheap and com- fortable way to travel here). Our first stop is Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. When you see picures of Kuala Lumpur, they are always of the beautiful tem- ples but the real picture is on the streets behind the tem- ples — open markets, shops crammed with junk, cooking in the streets and oh, those awful open sewers that run along the sidewalks. The smells are quite overwhelming! Now the place isn’t as dirty as you may expect, you don’t see the extreme poverty, as in other countries, and the food is excellent everywhere. But I must tell you a- bout the hotel we stayed in because for me it was a real experience. You can stay in the ‘Sheraton’ type hotel but we went a little cheap here! This place was fairly clean but the beds had only a bottom sheet and then a blanket (more like a large towel) for a cover. We were fortunate enough to have a shower but no toilet paper, a bucket to wash yourself with instead. The culture shock and experience of all this is really an unforgettable part of the trip. Our next stop in Malaysia is Penang, an island off the west coast. We went into the town of Georgetown by trishaw, but decided we’d upclass our hotel a little, and headed out to the more touristy area. They had a great pool so we relaxed in the sun for a few days — we went for more luxury than culture! We decided next that we would like to see a little of Thailand, so we flew to Phuket, a small island off the East Coast. I have the feeling this place will be highly promoted soon because it’s really beautiful. There are quite a few places to stay out in the beach areas and lots of small restaurants but not that many people. The beaches are great and all you do is lay in the sun. The Thai people were very warm and friendly and we found it difficult to leave here. Thailand was another of our favorite places — we only wish we would have seen more of it. We then travelled by plane, train and long distance taxi, down the east coast of Malaysia to the city of Mersing, where we caught.a boat to the island of Tioman, variety of books and short stories for both children and adults. Cariboo Runaway and Kap-Sung Ferris were her first books for juveniles, published in 1976 and 1977 respec- tively. Her third book, The Toothpaste Genie, is a fantasy concerning Amanda who discovers a genie in her tooth- paste tube. Frances is currently working on a sequel to The Toothpaste Genie. Other novels include Finding Home and Dragonhunt. The second selection that Ms. Duncan read that even- ing in the Public Library was from the anthology, Room Of One’s Own and entitled, ‘Was That Malcolm Lowry?” and is perhaps the most autobiographical of her stories. A descriptive narrative, the story recounts a childhood ex- perience in Deep Cove, just outside Vancouver, and is fill- ed with mostly warm memories of a summer spent on a beach near Dollarton. living out of a shack with her par- ents and visiting friends. Part way through the evening everyone paused for re- freshments and Frances obliged the young people in at- tendance by autographing copies of the books they had purchased. All told there were about twenty people in attendance who appear to have enjoyed themselves, es- pecially after consuming all the Nanaimo bars. After an intermission, Ms. Duncan discussed the writ- ing process, answering a number of astute questions put to her from the audience. Appreciation goes to the Canada Council for funding Cassiar’s third annual author reading and thanks to Peggy Brohman, John Marks, Julie MacRae and the Company for their involvement. Also many thanks to Ms. Duncan for providing a reading and discussion at Cassiar Second- ary for several classes of English students and for the writ- ing workshop she conducted, through Northern Lights College, at Cassiar Secondary School Library. In total, Frances spent three days in Cassiar and was given a mine tour one morning as the weather broke clear and blue. by Pam Reid Swift We were a little disappointed here — the beaches and swimming were’t that great, and the hotel was nice but had nothing to offer. In a few years when the hotel has completed its renovations and installed its pools, it will be a major resort area though. ~ Now we're back in Singapore. We went to see the sights and covered a lot in our two days here. Singapore can be an interesting city and is also unbelievably clean One thing of interest, that we really enjoyed, was the Tiger Balm Gardens. There is a massive amount of plas- er and-cement figures, of all sizes, of famous Chinese peo- ple (Buddha and Confucious) and scenes of figures that tell legendary stories. It really was amazing! Hong Kong is next — the place to spend all your money. We shopped steady for a full week. One thing to remember when you shop here though, is to know what you want before you leave home. It’s “what do you want — make me an offer” type of shopping. Most things are real bargains but then others are not so good. The contrast of things in Hong Kong is amazing — like the high rise buildings beside the harbor full of sam- pans and junks and people cooking in the streets and alleys beside stores that sell fancy camera equipment. You wouldn’t believe the amount of people here — it’s shoulder to shoulder on the streets; everyone’s in a hurry and wants to get wherever they’re going first. It’s just a mad rush. But what a place — it never seems to slow down, even-at night the streets and stores are buzzing! A week was just enough time for us in Hong Kong and we left with sore feet and empty pockets. We’re on our way home now; first a few days in Hawaii to rest up. We knew we were closer to home when we ran into Scott and Bernald! One thing that was so convenient on this trip was that the people spoke English everywhere! And the food was always excellent (we didn’t always get what we or- dered but it was always good). It’s difficult to give a short account of a three month trip but we do have lots of pictures for anyone who'd like a better look. Thanks to Minor Hockey for getting us started on this wonderful adventure! vt - Anglican Church News Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m. (with Sunday School) Holy Communion - Ist, 3rd and 5th Sundays of month Morning Worship - 2nd and 4th Sundays of month Prayer and Praise - Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. in church Choir Practice - Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the church Women’s Auxiliary - 2nd Monday of month at 7:00 p.m. Rummage Sale - 2nd Wednesday of month at 7:00 p.m. Minister - The Rev. Allan Studd Lay Reader - Marian Craft Church Phone Number - 778-7239 The Brassmice had been running in and out of one of Marian’s discarded brown paper bags all morning. At first the Minister had tried to ignore the activity, but finally his curiosity got the better of him and he went to investigate. He arrived just in time to see Priscilla’s hind legs and tail disappear into the bag. He quietly got down on hands and knees and peeped into the bag. Priscilla and Kendall were busily nibbling away at what was left of the bottom, for it had great gaping holes where sections had been chewed away. “Hey you guys, what’s up?” Startled, Priscilla sprang around, looking embarrassed. “Oh, hi. We are, uhm, Spring cleaning,” she mumbled. “ The, uh, beds needed redoing.” ‘“‘Beds! Looks like nest building to me.” “Tt’s the same thing,” Priscilla snapped back. “I hope that you are not planning to add any little brass mice to the present population,” the Minister cautioned. ‘Why not, you just did,” Priscilla fired back. “Touche. Any-, ways, it’s time for tea, come and try out your new tea set. So the Brassmice family gathered for their tradition- al tea in the Minister’s office. Zachary scurried in from investigating the pros and cons of the new piano. After having enjoyed a warm cuppa, Priscilla mentioned that she had been reading recently in the New. Testament about the coming of the Holy Spirit. “I never realised before that that really was the beginning of the Christian Church. It never occurred to me that before this hap- pened, the Church consisted of a group of very scared people who had no idea how to go about fulfilling the commission which Jesus Christ had laid out for them.” “Yes, that is right,”’ the Minister replied. “You have to remember that the Disciples were only the very simplest of men with no ability to speak in public, let alone convince the world to believe in a brand new religion.” “They were just like us,” mused Priscilla. “That’s right,” agreed the Minister, “but on the day of Pentecost, their lives were radically changed as the Holy Spirit of God came into their lives like fire and wind. From that day on they changed the course of history. Within their life time they saw the spread of the new Christian religion to the farthest ends of their world.” By Allan Studd “Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter, isn’t it?” Priscilla enquired. “Indeed it is and this year it falls on the 18th of May.” The Minister finished off his tea and began to tidy up a bit. “It should be a really big celebration in the Church today,” said Priscilla once again trying to clarify things in her fuzzy head. “Indeed it is,” assured the Minister. “‘At Pentecost we recognize that the Holy Spirit, who so drastically changed the lives of the disciples, can today change ours as well. It celebrates the fact that the Holy Spirit can enter our lives with great power, set us on a new course and guide us along the way. It also thanks God for having sent the Holy Spirit to guide all Christians in their journey ever since that first Pente- cost experience.” Priscilla thought for a moment, took a sip of tea, glanced at Kendall who had managed to. spread tea from one side of the table to the other, and then continued, ‘‘ Pentecost is not just an experience that only the Disciples had. It is something that happens to all Christians at one time or another even today.”’ “Yes, it is the continuing experience of the Christian Community. It can be a daily experience if we let God move in our lives.”” The Minister passed a napkin to Kendall and let him wipe up the mess on the table and on him. “That is something to celebrate,” responded Priscilla, finishing off the rest of her tea. Writers Corner The following poems were winners in the recent North- ern Invitational Friendship Games poetry competition. : NORTHERN TOWN First by Ellen Artico At the rise of dawn the town awakes, The frost is drifting in the air The sun announces its arrival with its golden colours The smoke of houses floats in the cool air It encases us in our own little world. The town starts to bustle in the streets Children embalmed in their layers of clothing hurry to school Motors of cars that have awaken from their icy deep - wheeze, cough and choke The ones that have given in have quieted like the end of a sudden rainfall. The day has warmed The sun is shining like a golden medallion The people are restless They want to get out They want to feel the long awaited sun At last the day has come to an end The sun does down, while at the same time, it is introducing the moon The stars are like diamonds against black velvet. The Northern Lights come out Twisting, turning as if they were a kite Seemingly the light comes from gems at the end of this midnight rainbow The moon is quietly shining over the ghost-like town. - All is still like the undisturbed waters of a lake An occasional howl sets the ripples moving All is waiting to be re-awakened At the rise of dawn the town awakes, The frost is drifting in the air ... Second by Dyonne Zubek A Friend, is someone to lean on, someone to trust, someone to get you through times that are rough. A Friend, is someone who helps, someone who cares, someone who loves you and someone who shares. A Friend, is someone you admire, someone to look up to, someone who'll be with you no matter what you do. Third THE PEOPLE OF THE NORTH by Paul Guarducci Not much sun, cold all year “round Not many people in an unpopulated town Their isolation like a lost desert island Doesn’t bother them much, for their friends are all smilin’ The people down south feel sorry for those up there Not knowing that they’re the ones that should be crying in despair. THOUGHT Everyone has two ends; an end to THINK with and an end to SIT with. What they accomplish de- pends on which end they choose. HEADS they win-—-TAILS they lose. f Cassiar Courier May 1986 Page 5 MAY is the month of Mother’s Day and in B.C. it is also declared as the Month of the Family. We hear so much today about the disintegration of family life and each family thinks “it can never happen to us”. There are so many bad influences working against a good family life. They come from many sides: there is pornography in its many hidden forms and there are the working shifts and recreational activities on weekends. Some families hardly see each other together as a family for two or three weeks at a time. This winter some did not have a weekend together for five or six weeks in a row. Lately | came across a very interesting item on family life which | want to share with you. Dolores Curran made a survey of 551 practitioners with families. They listed 15 most commonly found traits in families they consider healthy. You may see it as a tall order. Still, they suggest these as important traits for a “healthy” family, not of a “perfect” family. No person or family is ever perfect. For that matter, perhaps the best trait is the most important of all in times of family crisis: The healthy family communicates and listens. The healthy family affirms and supports. The healthy family teaches respect for others. The healthy family develops a sense of trust. The healthy family has a sense of play and humor. The healthy family shares responsibility. The healthy family teaches right and wrong. The healthy family has a strong sense of kinship with many traditions. The healthy family has a balance of interaction. The healthy family has a shared religious core. The healthy family respects the privacy of one another. The healthy family values service to others. The healthy family fosters family table time and conversations. The healthy family shares /eisure time. The healthy family admits to problems and seeks help. ANAMAWNS =s* ~~ WN a8 Take these traits and list them in priority according f to your own family’s strengths and weaknesses on a scale of 1 to 18. Then work for a month on 2 or 3 weak traits in your family. You can also order Dolores Curran’s book Traits of a Healthy Family by Winston Press, 430 Oak Grove, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55403, U.S.A. SCHEDULE FOR MAY SUNDAY MASS Saturday evening — 7:15 p.m. . Sunday — 11:00 a.m. On June 1 Sunday Masses will be at 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturdays — 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 11 — Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Sunday, May 18 — Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday, May 25 — Solemnity of Holy Trinity WEEKDAY MASS Monday to Friday — 10:30 a.m. On Sunday, April 13, in a festive celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop Hubert P. O’Connor, OMI, confirmed the following: Riky and Stefan Bilodeau, Mark Carlick, Sharon Carlick, Janice Coran, Emma Crawford, - Vlado Kovacic and Danny Loughran. Pictured with Bishop O’Connor and Father Pauwels are (l. to r.) Emma Crawford, Stefan Bilodeau, Janice Coran, Sharon Carlick, Vlado Kovacic, Mark Carlick, Riky Bil- odeau and Danny Loughran. L Pe