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Page 8 Cassiar Courier March 1988

Cassiar Country presents the views of Snowridge Elemen-
tary’s grade seven class. This particular group of young
people have some very definite ideas on life in Cassiar
Country and the issues that concern them.

There are twenty students in the grade seven
class at Snowridge Elementary; twelve boys and eight
girls. Some of these twelve and thirteen year olds were
born here and most have lived in Cassiar for five or
more years. Nine of the students have moved at least
twice.

The students sat in a semi-circle; girls on one
side of the room; boys at the back and on the opposite
side; reminicent of my own days in grade seven. | won-
dered, as | introduced myself to kids I already knew,
how different they were from grade sevens of the sixties.
Certainly by their seating arrangement ‘liberation’ was
not apparent!

The students are bright, attractive and eager
to express themselves. The communication skills in
all of these young people was evident as soon as we began
talking.

One of the main problems this age group faces
is being caught in a ‘time warp’. “We are so much young-
er in a sense,” said one girl, “than the teenagers in the
high school. The age range is so big that to go to dances
or the teen centre (even if I was allowed) makes me
nervous and embarrassed because I’m young!” One
boy said he finds there is a big gap between grade six
and seven. “There are changes I can’t explain. It’s
different now than it was last year!” Oh yes, the rapid
growth syndrome! I remember it well!

The kids in grade seven feel there is enough
to do in Cassiar - hockey, skating, skiing, skiidoing;

lots of outdoor activity. “‘I like some of the activities

»

at the rec centre,” said one fella, “not the organized
ones but where I can go and shoot some baskets or
play badminton with a friend.” “But,” interupts one
of the girls, ‘‘you can’t go window shopping, hang out
at an arcade or go for a movie and a pizza.” I thought
about this for a moment, and realized that perhaps
there is a “cultural” statement here. Hanging out in

shopping malls is a well established teen routine in a
city’s lifestyle. Places like Cassiar just are not equipped
to handle this “urge to congregate” in the cavern of the
mega shopping complex!

It was clear in the conversation that this group
would like to have a place to hang out. They don’t
have lots of money to spend and there is little welcome
for a bunch of teens gathering to “do nothing” in Cassiar.
“It would be great,” agreed a few of the class members,
“to have a youth organization geared for the twelve
to fifteen year olds.”

I asked the class if they felt pressured in any
way to grow up faster because of living in a northern
community, with a small teenage population and there-
fore find themselves going to events with teens quite
a bit older. Most said no, with only a couple of the
girls saying they did feel some pressure. ‘“‘I just take
it day by day,” said one bright gal, “really that’s the
best way!” Most of the class would like to entertain
in their own home, but feel their parents would not
approve. They also voiced the concern that some of
their friends who might come over, could wreck the
place! |

Mrs. Hyde interjected at this point and asked
the class how many of them actually had a “family
room” in their house where they could entertain. No
one did! The kids agreed this was probably a major
factor in their hesitance to entertain their friends as
it would be difficult to do so without interfering with
the rest of the family. ‘‘Besides,” said one of the guys,
“whose parents want a bunch of kids laying around
the house on a Friday night?” Good question! “Yeh,
we sort of meet at the ski hill or on the streets!” quipped
one girl. As we were speaking of having friends home,
| asked their opinion of parent involvement. They were
quite adament that they wouldn't want their parents

|
SCHEDULE

Monday - Thursday open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday - open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday - open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CLOSED SUNDAY

Les Prosser & Rita Wylie

ESSO DEALERS
Cassiar, B.C. 778-7383

SNOW RIDGE

by Lorraine Lanteigne

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

GRADE 7

1987 88

hanging around “watching them”; but it would be okay
if they checked on things or cooked a pizza or two!
“Parents inhibit the natural progression of a party.”
said one girl. “Your conversation is not as natural.
Parents don’t seem to understand that we need time
with our friends, more time than with our family. We
need to sit around and talk. We like to have a bigger,
stronger image in front of our peers. Parents can blow
your: cover and embarrass you!” “I’d like a chance
to show that I’m responsible.” said one of the fellows.
“I mean I could be responsible and I’d like to prove
I’m not a little kid any more.”

I] asked about the Family Life Course that this
class is taking. The comments ranged from one person
thinking they should have had it two years ago to another
saying it really made sense. The class has not found
the program embarrassing and most talk about it at
home. “It makes sense, and it gives you some under-
standing of other people (girls and boys) and what’s
happening to them!” agrees the class.

When asked what adults stand out in their minds
in their community, the kids all agreed on three. Their
teacher, Mrs. Hyde; Mr Waldera, who they say has a
teal committment to kids and former principal, David

John.
As a grade seven class the students also expressed

a desire to be appreciated for what they do in the school.
“A thank you would be nice.” said one of the boys.
The grade seven class operates the “Seven Snack Shack”
three days a week. They open it at recess and after
school for fifteen minutes and at lunch for twenty min-
utes. Co-presidents Christina Kwan and Kyle Zubek
say they sell juice, popcorn, school supplies and gym
strips and hope to expand the stock to include some
home made goodies. They are raising money for field
trips and their graduation.

When asked what the class best(\liked about Cassiar
Country, the answers varied. “I liké skiidooing here.”
said one the boys. “You find places 'that are different!”
“There is good hunting and you can snare too!” added
another. “The mountains are very beautiful,” said one
of the girls, “and I feally like my friends.”

The kids all agreed that they like the closeness
of the community. Everyone knowing everyone else,
and to most being friendly means alot. They also agreed
that their social relationships are close. “You can trust
more people here,” said one girl, “and (the class agreed)
you feel safe here.”

When asked about the influence of drugs or alco-
hol in their lives, this group of young people weren’t too
concerned. “You just say no.” said a few of them.

ANNIVERSARY CONTEST WINNERS

1. Brass Lamps Sharon Riseborough

2. V.C.R. Veronica Dennis
3. Hamper Marlene Shipley
GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Trip to Disneyland

_ Mr. Robert Gilmore» Dease Lake

CASSIAR) SHOPPING CENTER

THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF WISH TO THANK EVERYONE WHO
ENTERED THE FREE DRAWS AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO EACH AND EVERY
CUSTOMER FOR MAKING OUR FIRST YEAR IN BUSINESS A SUCCESS.

Others felt that with alcohol and cigarettes, they might
try these if they were in their house. “You see your par-
ents indulging, and you'll try it to see what its all about.”
An honest statement from an honest person. Most agreed
however, that to get high on life was the best way to go!

Now that they are heading into their teen years, I
wondered what they would like to see changed or im-
proved. “I'd like to have a more competitive academic
atmosphere in school,” answered one girl. Others said
they liked the fact that as grade sevens they are more re-
sponsible, have a few advantages, feel more comfortable
standing up for their own opinions (which they feel they
have a right to), and they think more for themselves now.

All agreed that if they could have one wish, it
would be'for an arcade, pizza parlor and dance hall where
they could hang out!

Surprisingly when asked about life in the ftir!
most of the boys wanted their wives at home while they
worked, at least when they had children. The majority of
the class wanted to get married and have families; but the
girls wanted it all, and didn’t feel that the men in their
future would be dictating to them. No one in the class
thought that they would end up in the mining industry
and only two thought that they would work in Canada’s
northland.

The last question I asked was what they would
like to be doing at age 25. I suggested that they put this
edition of the Courier away until then, sort of like a time
capsule and check on it in the year 2000. Here are their
answers.

Willie President of the United States
Robbie Navy Pilot on Aircraft Carrier
Peter Lawyer
Alan Olympic Skiier & Air Force Pilot
Kyle Armed Forces
Trevor Truck Driver & CAT Skinner
Chuck Armed Forces
Stan Armed Forces
Leslie Carpenter
Steven Astronomer for N.A.S.A. or Lawyer
Chad Armed Forces
Darcy Armed Forces (Air Division)
Christina World Traveller, Executive, Journalist
Stephanie Football Player
Parminder Teacher
Lisa Gr. 5 Teacher or Pediatric Nurse
Tamara Don’t Know (yet)
Katherine Dancer, Actress & Lawyer

I found this group of young people to be articulate
honest, very humourous and totally enjoyable.
Absent were Vicki Storch and Jennifer Porter.

MARVEL VIDEO CONTEST
First Missy Muir
Second Farrah Shipley
Third Clarence Quock Jr.

Each of the above children received an
assortment of Marvel Comics, pop and
candy bars

Cassiar Courier March 1988 Page 9

GAMES WERE GREAT

On February 19th, 20th, and 21st, Watson Lake played host to the 1988
Northern Invitational Friendship Games. Teams from Atlin, Cassiar, Watson
Lake, Lower Post, Good Hope Lake, Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek were
Approximately 250 athletes between the ages of ten and

in attendance.

fifteen years old took part in the event.

Badminton, Volleyball and Indoor Soccer were the sports offered, and
Clinics were held in Alpine Skiing, Judo, Wrestling, Gymnastics and Curling.
Figure Skating was cancelled due to weather conditions.

IS THIS WHAT A MONKEY FEELS LIKE?

All events were well attended, with participants
coming away with either a better knowledge
of their sport, or a first time experience in a
sport that they have never tried.

MCDAME 6.
SKI CLUB

ieee

Approximately 35 people attended an organiza-
tional held on February 22nd in the Upper Leisure Room.

DOWNHILL SKI TEAM

A Downhill Ski Team is being formed under
the direction of Jordy Edmonds.

Because of the lateness of the ski season, it was
decided there would be no major expenses for the balance
of the season. Members of the team may use the hill
at a fee of $100 per session.

Fund raising will be the responsibility of Phyllis
Hardy, Gail Harrison and Luciano Artico.

Keith Lanphear, Jan Wypych, Don Harrison
and Tom McGrail will learn the operation of the ski
tow. Instruction began the following Wednesday.

Safety is to be a priority at all times. Helmets
are mandatory for all skiiers. A Sports Medicine Clinic
will be arranged in May and anyone interested should
contact the Rec Center.

The Ski Team will practice Mondays and Thurs-
days from 7 - 9 p.m. and Sundays 12 - 2 p.m.

A lot of appreciation is to be given to the Watson
Lake Volunteers who helped make the Games
a success, with special thanks to David Sloan.

The 1989. Games have not been awarded as yet,
and this is to be done in the not too distant
future.

~ GIRLS ARE ALL SMILES!
DID THEY MEET SOME “HUNKS”?

CASSENTI PLAYERS

WITH ZUKERMAN
DINNER
AND CONCERT

The Cassenti Players under the direction of George
Zukerman are coming to Cassiar. A very special event
is being planned at the Arts and Cultural Centre to accent
their visit. .

On Monday, March 7th, the Centre will host
a dinner in honour of the Cassenti Players, and with
the support of Northern Lights College, the proceeds
will go towards the new Arts and Cultural Centre.
Derek Walker and Tim Walters, well known area chefs,
are preparing a special menu, and tickets are on sale for
the dinner at the Centre, Monday to Friday between
nine and five or from any of the Centrés Board Mem-
bers.

The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., the concert
(which is open to anyone in the community) begins
at 8:15 p.m. with coffee and dessert planned for after.
As one Centre supporter put it, “This is a Prelude to
Spring with a twist!”

Welcome everyone, come antl get a ‘sneak preview
of the Arts and Cultural Centre, and join in the excite-

ment of being a part of this first event held-there! --..--

ONE COMPETITION WAS HELD IN JUDO BETWEEN CASSIAR AND
WHITEHORSE ON SATURDAY OF THE GAMES

GOOFY GARRY!
oh

A special congratulations to our Cassiar and
Good Hope Lake Athletes who were well behaved
on the bus as well as during the weekend in
4Vatson Lake. It was a pleasure to oversee them.

EMILY CHRISTA WILCOX

John and Sandi Wilcox are pleased to announce the
safe arrival of Emily Christa on February 23rd at
8:55 p.m. at the Watson Lake Hospital, weighing
9 lbs, 7 oz. Big brother Brent and sisters Theresa
and Katie are thrilled!

NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME —

Want to spend a pleasant evening? Come play _
Bridge each Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the
Upper Leisure Room at the Recreation Center

If you are interested in learning to play Bridge,
or for further information
Contact Sherry Sethen at 778-7564