Gold River Buzz

This Resident Spotlight features a fantastic addition to our community!  Deb is a wonderful caring lady, and her arrival in Gold River meant that dog owners didn’t have to head out of town anymore to get their four legged babies groomed! I also consider her somewhat of a miracle worker, as she was able to give our Great Dane Mattie a BATH!  :)  So glad to know you Deb and to call you my friend!

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

Samson & I moved back to the Island December 23rd, 2010.  I missed the Island.  A relationship that didn’t work out was one of the reasons I came back, but Gold River adopted us and the doggy peeps gave us more of a reason to stay.  The charm of what Gold River had to offer and our newly developed friendships made it impossible to think about living live anywhere else.  I was raised in Port Alberni and spent 33 years there, the Island is home.

What do you do for (paid) work?

Dogs!  I am a professional pet groomer so there is that, doggy daycare or overnight stays is my passion.  Fibromyalgia sometimes knocks me down so I’m not up to full time grooming but hope to be by the time summer comes.  I work at home which is perfect for me and it gives the dogs a sense of home and their peeps a sense of security.  I’m proud that I can offer that kind of service.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

Talking about my volunteer work makes me uncomfortable due to the fact that I do what I do because there is a need, and it gives me a sense of making a difference.  I have started a project that I call ‘Samson Cares and Shares’.  I recycle donated quilts and blankets and make dog beds as well as collecting doggy jackets, leashes collars, toys, food bowls and at some point I will add dog food as well.  I am very passionate about giving to those less fortunate in the doggy kingdom, taking care of Gold River first then I hope to expand to other small towns around us.  There is no money involved, strictly donated items that get recycled and donated back into the community.  I also volunteer grooming service to those who, for whatever reason, cannot afford to have their dogs groomed.  I count on local eyes and ears to lead me in the direction of those that need this service which is strictly confidential.  I want no publicity however I do want those in need to know this service is there for them.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

Samson and his new baby sister an 8 week old Shih Tzu puppy I have named Jasmine, aka Jazzy, and all my doggy peeps and their pooches who have adopted Samson, me & Jasmine are our family.  We think we’re pretty lucky.

Do you have any pets?

Answered above!

What do you like to do for fun?

What do I do for fun?  Well I knit, crochet, read, write, quilt, sew, walk with the dogs in my care and chat with almost everyone we meet.  My life is simple and quiet but I’m always looking to learn something new.  I hope to get some fishing in this Summer and may even try camping,  although my idea of camping up until now consisted of hot and cold running water, electricity and a comfortable cabin or hotel room!  I’m trying to teach myself that luxury isn’t everything and I possibly could learn to like roughing it. LOL

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

What I wish for Gold River is a pet rescue center and a full time vet or a vet that comes 2 or 3 times a week.  We have a huge dog/cat population and a lot of the pet peeps do not have the means to get into Campbell River.

And just for fun – if you had 1 million dollars to donate to the community in any way you wished – what would you do with the money?

What would I do if I had a million dollars is the easiest question for me to answer out of all the questions in this interview. I would first and foremost pay off whatever debts I may have, set a bit away for security and with the rest I would purchase a chunk of property, build a small home or place a modular home on the property and develop an animal sanctuary complete with an on site vet and I would make a forever home for dogs and cats that don’t have one now.  I would also like to provide therapy dogs to go into senior homes and have a program where children with disabilities will have a chance to work with and enjoy animals at the site.  It is proven that some of the best healing comes about within the presence of animals, their love is unconditional..so yes, if I had a million dollars I want to use it to make a difference by being an advocate and voice for the furry four legged ones who can’t speak for themselves.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I don’t think there is anything more I need to add to these questions except “Thank you Gold River for making it so easy for Samson, me & Jazzy to fall in love with you and giving us such a wonderful community to call home”.

For this Resident Spotlight, I wanted to feature someone fairly new to Gold River. 

Moving to a new community is always tough – leaving your friends and family behind, and moving later in the year (ie: rainy season) is especially hard, I think. 

Thanks for doing the Spotlight Celine!  Now people can put a face to a name and you won’t be ‘the new guy’s wife’ anymore! :)  (By the way – her name is not pronounced with a long E like Celine Dion’s, it’s Ce-lynn.  Just so you know, when you say hello!)

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

My family and I moved to Gold River on September 1st, 2011 from Port Hardy. We moved here for my husband’s job. We researched a few places and after visiting Gold River and speaking to a soon-to-be co-worker, we decided that this is where we wanted to go.

What do you do for (paid) work?  

My job right now is a full time Mom.  I have been home with the babies since my oldest was born in 2009.  However, before the babies were born I worked as a florist in training.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

I have unfortunately not done any volunteering in years.  However, I did do a few years of volunteering with the Y.M.C.A in NS (where I am from) for a Friday night “Kids’ night”.  I am always open to helping out whenever I can though.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

Jared and I met when we both worked for Shopper’s Drug Mart in Nova Scotia. We dated for a year and were engaged the following year on Christmas Eve.  We were married in March of 2009 and our first baby, Bria Rose, was born in September of that year.  Much to our surprise, we were given another little bundle of joy 11 months later when our son Koen was born.

Do you have any pets?

We have one pet per person in our household – haha!  We have a black tabby named Oliver, an orange Maine-Coon mix named Rupert, a Black lab/Irish Wolfhound mix named Lily and a Belgian Shepherd named Chloe.

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun I really enjoy talking walks around town; sooo many gorgeous trails and views, and the fresh air helps with the babies’ naps.  Also, the pool here is amazing.  I am also hoping to get into a yoga class if I can muster up the courage to let people see me attempt yoga,haha!

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

I definitely wish that Gold River had cell service.  My family is all back east and sending little text messages is something that I miss doing.  Other than that, there is nothing else the town is missing.

And just for fun – if you had 1 million dollars to donate to the community in any way you wished – what would you do with the money?

If I had a million dollars to donate to the community I would love to see some indoor parks being built (toddler friendly ones as well) because of the frequent rain.  I also wouldn’t mind seeing some indoor dog parks.  Then, if I had some money left over, I think I would get some street lights put in along the road from Gold River to Campbell River because I am a chicken and that road would be much more pleasant to drive on if you could see at night!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would definitely like to say thank you to everyone we have met here in town so far.  Everyone has really made us feel welcome and has reinforced that we chose a great place to spend a few years in with our growing family.

This resident spotlight is someone many of us met when he came door to door asking our opinions on cell service for the Village. As his Spotlight states, he is also (along with his lovely wife), behind the creation of the much anticipated Luna Marathon. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s running for Gold River Council as well! Thanks so much for agreeing to be spotlighted Doug, it’s wonderful to get to know you better!

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

My wife Patricia and I purchased our home in Gold River 2 ½ years ago, planning to retire and live out the remainder of our days here. I retired to live here full time in February.

What do you do for (paid) work?

I still have a few accounts in the north country however, I am now formally retired.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

I currently am busy with The Luna Marathon/Half Marathon (www.lunamarathon.com) a fund raising event to support The Tsu’xiit Luna Whale Museum. My wife and I are founders of the marathon. In September of 2012, the event will feature a film festival, golf tournament, pasta feast and the marathon. I volunteer my expertise and experience as Treasurer, Secretary & Account to Strata 252. I have recently accepted a volunteer position for the upcoming year at The Gold River Golf Course. A few months ago I presented a request to The Village of Gold River Council regarding cellular services. I was asked by the council to conduct a door to door survey to determine public opinion. I am a member of The Nootka Sound Watershed Society and plan to participate when ever called upon.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

My wife Patricia and I have been married for 5 years, we dated for a year long distance (she lived in Oregon and I lived in Fort St John, BC) and then were engaged for one year. We have a combined total of 10 Children, 22 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild. Needless to say we have great places to visit across the USA and Canada.

Do you have any pets?

We have an 11 year old Lhasa Apso named Tashi Nepal Arcus. She is hardly a pet as she has dominion over the human species in our household. Tashi actually talks…..well lets just say she makes all her wishes known and we understand what she is saying.

What do you like to do for fun?

Golf, Golf and more Golf! We have many interests, Patti is the all American NFL aficionado, I have introduced her to hockey so we now flip channels when both are being aired. We love to travel. I have two bikes that allow me to trek on road and off. I have been a marathon runner with over 55 marathons to my credit. I love my local badminton group which meets two times a week.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

I sincerely wish we had Cellular Service. I would like to see a very active and involved Chamber of Commerce and a full service bank. I wish the members of the community would join forces and write a book filled with photos and personal accounts regarding Tsu’xiit/Luna.

And just for fun – if you had 1 million dollars to donate to the community in any way you wished – what would you do with the money?

One million dollars would build the Tsu’xiit Luna Whale Museum. The museum would feature photos, videos, stories from local residents. Tsu’xitt/Luna’s unique life would live on forever and never be forgotten. The museum would be an international centre for marine research. A theatre (IMAX) in which community events could be held and local thespians’ could practice their craft.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I absolutely love what I have found here in Gold River and do not want to change the beauty, community spirit and small town atmosphere that exist. That said, I am concerned as to how we can improve the quality of life and prosperity allowing our children to remain here and not look elsewhere for work.

This resident spotlight features a man who is a wonderful asset to our town and our schools!

Philip is a passionate outdoorsman, traveler and educator, and generously shares his enthusiasm for life with the kids in our school district.

Your dedication to expand our children’s horizon’s while bringing them together is much appreciated!

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

My affinity for the Gold River area started when I hiked the Nootka Trail and met a group of energetic and engaging kids from RWES on the Uchuck.   I thought to my-self I want to live and work in this stunning area.  So, in January 2009, I battled a snow storm to make an interview in Gold River for a “Teacher On Call” position.  I remember vividly the persistent and worrying sound of slush and ice scraping the underside of my car, not to mention the snow plow in the ditch.  Truth be told, I did not think my car would make it.

What do you do for (paid) work?

I run the Nootka Sound Outdoor Program (NSOP) for SD 84 – an outdoor program that introduces students to a variety of wilderness pursuits.  The program allows students to explore a world of inquiry beyond the confines of the traditional classroom.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

My fondest memories of high school are of the athletic teams and extracurricular activities in which I participated.  As a result, I coach the track and field and soccer teams at GRSS.  I love it – nothing better than mentoring and inspiring young athletes to achieve their best.  I truly believe that success in sport, or whatever one puts their mind to, often translates to success in life.  Apart from that I have coached the Jackrabbit ski program and masters ski program at Mt. Washington.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

I am the Black Sheep of the family, or a twinkle in my dad’s eye as some have put it.  My brother and sister are at least a decade older than I.  I don’t have any children of my own, but I am Crazy Uncle Philip to many of my friends’ children.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

Gold River has what many people desire – unparalleled nature and endless wilderness opportunities.  City cravings and services are only an hour drive away!

And just for fun – if you had 1 million dollars to donate to the community in any way you wished – what would you do with the money?

I would build an Outdoor Education School/Centre and program – open to our community and international students.  The program would deliver the BC school curriculum through experiential learning.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Big thanks to the students, parents, my colleagues, and business’ that have supported the Nootka Sound Outdoor Program.  And thanks for asking me to be part of the BUZZ’s resident spotlight!

This Resident Spotlight is someone that I’m positive most of you know and love!  (I don’t know Carole very well, but I’m sure I can say that with certainty!)  Thank-you Carole, for being such a good sport, and for your warm and sincere responses.

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

My husband came through Gold River in the 60′s when they were still building the mill, there wasn’t a town yet but he never forgot what a spectacular setting it was. We had settled in Ottawa built a house and added a baby brother for Alison to our family….firmly settled.   Ten years after his visit to GR my husband opened the newspaper to find the Gold River Mill advertising for Electricians.  He sent a resume off on a whim, the rest is history, within 2 months here we were.  Bob was right it was spectacular, we were going to give it 5 yrs tops…..35 yrs later still loving it !!!

What do you do for (paid) work?

I’m retired, worked at the GR Chalet for nearly 20 yrs,  when it was a hotel, lounge, Bar, dining room, cafeteria, an outdoor pool and the annex which was known as the single mans quarters ( for the mill ).  Busy busy – both places were often filled to capacity workers, tourists or fishermen.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

One of my favourite Volunteer events to be part of is The annual Mary Hutchinson tea for cancer.  The Revellers host it and it’s a fun day of seeing our town coming together and having fun as well.  It’s a lot of work but so worthwhile, we raise a lot of money for cancer on that day. I like to think I’m a person who raises my hand to be part of helping anyone or any group. I am a member of GR Revellers and we are called upon to bake, help, or host a number of things.  But that speaks for Gold River as a whole it ooozes generosity, just look outside of SuperValu when someone is in need of help and see our town pulling together.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

We have a daughter and a son.  Alison, the oldest, is married to Ken Pringle and they have two sons, Nolan and Keenan, Keenan Graduated this year…

Christopher our son lived here most of his life, worked for the village until the mill went down and he was displaced. He and his wife Rachael left with their two boys and settled in Williams Lake where he is now a supervisor for Tolko. They added an addition to their family which gave us our only granddaughter Emily.  Klayton the oldest graduated this year and Zach is going into high school.  Just like any grandparents they fill us with pride!

Do you have any pets?

We have always had pets in our family… Brittany Spaniels!  Right now we don’t have any, it wouldn’t be fair to own a pet as we are away a lot and busy, but hopefully when we can be responsible pet owners again we will be thinking of it.

What do you like to do for fun?

Hmmm Bob and I love to travel, we are planning a trip to Europe again this year.  First to the UK  to see family then off to Italy and Hungary.

One of the fun things I do is meet friends for coffee at Lalla’s ( Mannila Grill ).  We take the biggest table she has and on some days it still isn’t big enough FUN!  Better than therapy.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

For me as a retired person Gold River has everything we need ( except a bank ).  We get the ultimate medical care from our Drs and Nurses, no one knows better than us.  My husband had a heart attack 6 yrs ago and the team at our Clinic saved his life, I’m forever grateful for that.  Like everyone else I would like to see a future for our young people, I have faith something will happen for us one day. On a lighter note my nemesis is the road to Campbell River. I wish for that road to be a shorter distance to the inland highway. I know it’s a beautiful drive but that’s all I have to complain about.

And just for fun – if you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Well it would come in handy… other than the obvious like World Peace, being invisible etc,  I sure could have used some super powers this past month.  We are renovating our bathroom doing the work ourselves.  Hmmm on second thoughts a magic wand would be more like it!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would just like to add, am I the only one to notice that listening, truly listening to people is a lost art?  We are so busy trying to get our two cents in we don’t listen anymore. ( I’m guilty )  For the past month or so we have had a wonderful addition to our coffee mornings – a visitor 89 yrs young, and what a pleasure it’s been for us to listen to her stories as you can imagine.  You learn so much and you give that person an opportunity to share something with you….thank you Bobby.