Gold River Buzz

I met Michelle not long after we moved back to Gold River in the Fall of 2007.  I was having a coffee with friends at what use to be the ice cream parlour, and she was trying to sell me a pair of shoes!  She had purchased them off eBay and they ended up being too big.  (haha – sorry Michelle, that’s my first memory of you!)

Michelle is truly a fabulous person to know – she always has a great big smile on her face, and kind words for everyone she meets.  She is a great asset to our little community!

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

I’ve lived in Gold River since January 20^th, 2006.  I moved here from Coeur d’ Alene Idaho, to begin my life with my husband David and our 5 month old son Preston.  And being a big city girl, it was definitely culture shock……but I really enjoy the village life now, it is a fabulous place to raise small kids.

2. What do you do for (paid) work?

I am a mother of 2 kids and 2 dogs, so that is my fulfilling job.  It doesn’t pay much, but the payment is watching my kids grow and flourish.  I do however, (when I have some free time), LOVE to make jewelry…..it is relaxing and I enjoy challenging my creative side.  Before moving here, I owned my own business, including many other jobs over the years.  I do have my pilot’s license, so would LOVE to do some flying again!

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

At the moment, I am not volunteering anywhere. When I first moved here, I helped organize a “MOM’S” and a “Wednesday’s Out for Women” group at the Christian Fellowship Church, which I would do again in a minute. If there was a veterinary clinic, a humane society or an SPCA close by, you would definitely see me there.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

My life revolves around my family!  I am truly BLESSED!!  I have a great family here in Gold River as well as my wonderful family back in the states……who I miss terribly.  I am the extremely proud mother of two of the most beautiful kids in the world! (I am allowed to brag, right?)  A 4 ½ year old son named Preston, and a 22 month old daughter named Irelynd…….they are my life!  Preston starts kindergarten this fall, and he can hardly wait!  He loves all sports and really enjoys working in the yard with his dad. (He can pound in a nail better than most grown men.)  We are starting him early with an excellent work ethic!  Irelynd is almost two, going on 12.  She has quite a personality at such a young age, and we can’t keep her out of anything…..you name it, she gets into it.  She LOVES shoes already and has a closet any princess would die for!  (Can you say…spoiled rotten?!?)

Do you have any pets?

We have two dogs right now, but if it was up to me, we would have a zoo.  I am passionate about animals, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed on getting a few more.  We have a 5 year old Cocker Spaniel named Bentley, and a 4 year old English Mastiff named Lexus (Lexie).  As far as I know, they haven’t realized yet that they are dogs.  They definitely live in the lap of luxury, and they too are spoiled rotten!

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun, when there is time, I like to make jewelry, scrapbook, and spend time with my friends.  I love to go boating (especially when Luna was around), and go on walks with my family.  We enjoy traveling, and usually take a few trips to the states every year.  Our biggest form of entertainment typically, is watching our goofy kids and dogs; they sure know how to put on a show!

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

Oh boy, I’m not really sure where to start.  Don’t get me wrong, I do love Gold River, I’m just missing a few things……Subway…..a Mexican & Italian restaurant……Krispy Kreme…….and of course a shopping mall.  I also wish that there was a Veterinary clinic in town; you never know when an emergency could arise.  It would be nice to have some more sporting activities for kids…….baseball, football and basketball, not to mention gymnastics and dance for the girls.

And just for fun – if you were invisible, where would you go / what would you do?

I think if I were invisible, I’d hop on a plane (first class of course), and travel ALL OVER THE WORLD!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I just want to say thank you to the community of Gold River, for being so welcoming, generous, loving and supportive.  I feel so blessed to have found such a great community to raise my family and for the fabulous friends I’ve made!

Thanks Michelle for taking the time and being such a great Spotlight!

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This Resident Spotlight features another fairly new resident to Gold River!  I met Nicole not long after she arrived here, and right away found her to be very caring, great to talk to and a lot of fun to be around!  You will just about always find her at the Legion on Karaoke nights, as she loves to sing and does it quite well!

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

Gold River has been home now for only 6 short months.  The kids and I moved here from Ontario at the end of September to begin a new life with my soon to be Husband Rob Cooper.

What do you do for (paid) work?

I am currently unemployed.  Prior to moving to Gold River I worked as a Bilingual (French) Inside sales and inventory control rep for a Welding and Cutting company.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

Most of the volunteering I do, (or I should say did) prior to moving to Gold River has been related to my children’s school and/or their extracurricular activities.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

Growing up Rob and I lived in the same home town , attended the same high school and knew some of the same people.  However we never shared any of the same classes and our paths simply didn’t cross until our high school reunion in August 2008.  It was a reunion of a life time….one that eventually led to a life here in Gold River.   Our wedding is set for July 31st, 2010.

I am a proud mom of what I consider to be two of the most incredibly talented children.  My son Caedon (15) with his guitar playing, song writing and artistic drawings, and my daughter Andrea (12) with her competitive dance.  I am very proud at how well they have adjusted here in Gold River.  It’s not easy to leave everything as you know it, (family/friends) coming from the city to a small village.  Caedon is currently using his “free” time at school and volunteered to join the grade 9-10 split French class to assist the teacher where needed with his French skills.  Andrea has recently joined the Junior Rangers.  To my pleasant surprise I have been advised that Andrea has a true gift when it comes to target shooting with a pellet gun.  Both children are very motivated.  Caedon is working at the Super Valu and Andrea has expressed an interest in babysitting.

Do you have any pets?

We have a beautiful dog named Sheena.  Most times she thinks she’s human but we quickly remind her that she is still our cute loving “Puggle”.  Andrea has a 3 year old Dalmatian hamster, who managed to survive the 7 day trip across Canada when we moved.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love spending time with my family whether it be going to a movie, a walk or just hanging out.  My most favourite pastime is singing.

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

This is a loaded question for a city girl (lol) ……. seriously, as for me I am not personally missing anything in Gold River.  I do however miss for my children a good quality dance program (Andrea danced for 8 years), as well as a French Immersion program.  I do however understand and accept that there are differences between the city and a village.  I also see and realize the difference in the educational qualities and opportunities between the two Provinces.  That said, there are so many other great opportunities that Gold River provides that the city can never touch!

And just for fun – if you were invisible, where would you go / what would you do?

If I were invisible I would…. uh oh!!! I think Gold River Girl is trying to get me in trouble….(lol) ok, after much thought, I would have to say that if I could be invisible I would love to be sitting right in the middle of the gorilla pavilion at the Toronto Metro Zoo.  I find it very fascinating to see how much humans and Gorillas are so much alike.  Just to be able to watch them interact amongst each other along with their babies to me would be incredibly fascinating.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made the kids and I feel so welcomed and have allowed us to already feel like a part of the Gold River Family.

Thanks for being such a great sport Nicole, and allowing all of Gold River (not just us lucky few) to get to know you better!

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In this Resident Spotlight I decided to highlight someone who is quite new to Gold River.

Desiree and her family have only been here for six short months, but have settled in quite nicely and I’m sure are looking forward to experiencing the warmer months and all that our area has to offer.

If you’re a frequent reader of the Gold River Buzz, you’ll remember Desiree auctioning off a gorgeous diamond & sapphire ring to raise money for the victims of the Haitian earthquake, (which netted $345 for the Red Cross), and I also welcomed them to the community back in September.

I’m so glad she agreed to be in the spotlight as it gives us all a chance to get to know her better!

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

We’ve been in Gold River since August 30th, 2009. We moved here from Calgary for my husband’s work and consider it close to winning the lottery! We love it here.  I grew up in BC so being so much closer to home is great.

What do you do for (paid) work?

In my former city life I was a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse, but I have been at home with our kids since we arrived and am looking forward to returning to work soon.  I have done a little bit of everything over the years so we’ll see where that takes me!

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

Nothing currently but I value it very much and would love to…Who needs me?

Please tell us a bit about your family.

My husband Andrew and I have two children, Cole and Karalena. They are 3 1/2, and 17 months old.  They are best friends on most days and Cole loves teaching his sister new ways to get into trouble.

Do you have any pets?

Too many!  Our house is crazy!  But we love ‘em.  We have a 7 lb Chihuahua/Lhasa cross who thinks she rules the roost, a 17 lb orange cat, and a beautiful German Shepherd.

What do you like to do for fun?

I have been curling this season for the first time ever, and while I am no where near any good, it’s a lot of fun!  I’m considering taking up softball for the summer too, I haven’t picked up a bat since PE class in high school so be warned…

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t?

Sushi!!!! I should learn how to make it at home and solve that problem.

Is there anything missing for you?

A job!  I’m not used to not working.  I’ve been keeping busy with some furniture and home decor projects though, I love DIY’ing…

And just for fun – if you were invisible, where would you go / what would you do?

Front row to the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Games, of course!  It’ll happen, I BELIEVE…LOL

Go Canada Go!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you to Gold River for being so welcoming!   We’re really enjoying being here and love that so many people in the community have made us feel welcome.

Thanks for being in the Spotlight Des – I’m glad Gold River will get to know you a bit better!

PS:  Des – watch the Deli cooler in Super Valu for sushi.  I don’t know who makes it (Annette maybe?), but it’s pretty darn good!

This Resident Spotlight features a Gold River resident who I really didn’t know very well until I contacted her about being in the Spotlight.  I’m SO glad I did – Barb is a very loving and caring person, and her answers definitely reflect this fact.

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

I was born & raised here. My dad was from here, he worked for the Mill as a Tug Boat Operator.  There were a few times after I turned 19 that I moved away, but I had children so I always found my way back. There really isn’t any other place like Gold River, believe me, I have lived in places like Alert Bay, Duncan, Vancouver & a whole lot of places in between.  Gold River is the Best!

What do you do for (paid) work?

I worked for the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation for 15 years, pretty much right out of High School. I worked as their Receptionist, Medical Travel Clerk, Membership Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, Social Development Clerk. But as of right now, we are laid off.  So at this moment I am a ‘stay at home mom’, but will be looking for something, preferably local.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

I have done plenty of volunteer work when I worked for the MMFN, organizing community parties, staff parties, fund raising for events. But lately the main volunteering that I have been doing is based toward Gold River Minor Hockey.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

I have been with the most wonderful, loving man I know – Dale, for 15 years. We have 4 children: 3 girls: Stephanie (20), Raven (18), Darian (12), & our only son Logan (8).  We also have 1 granddaughter Amel’ya (who will be 2 in March).  Stephanie lives in CR with her hubby & Amel’ya, Raven lives with my mom across the street, our two youngest children: Darian & Logan play Soccer & Hockey, (although Logan would really enjoy playing some baseball as well as hockey).  This is Logan’s 2nd year in Hockey (Novice) & Darian’s 1st year (Atom).  It’s awesome to watch them on the ice.  We spend the majority of our time down at the arena and fill in the rest of the time doing family fun stuff.

Do you have any pets?

Hahaha… I have been told that we have a Zoo, and we could make money charging children to see and hold our pets!  We have a few pets (extended family members) They are “Bear” a king Shepard pup, a Siamese cat named ‘Baby’, a guinea pig named ‘Carl’, a dwarf rabbit named ‘Thumper’, 2 chinchillas named ‘Star’ & ‘Dusty’, 2 dwarf hamsters named ‘Pinky’ & ‘Flower’ & 2 full tanks of assorted tropical fish (mainly Oscars, Jack Dempseys, various Cat fish).

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun, I spend my time with my family and/or friends.  I love my family & my friends and I enjoy spending time with them.  We do a lot of fun based stuff.  We love camping, fishing, skating on the lakes in the winter, heading to Peppercorn or Big Bend in the summer, going to movies, watching motocross races in Campbell River, and most recently, family game nights on the living room floor.  That is all fun for me.  I very much enjoy riding dirt bikes…. I never had the chance last spring or summer, so for sure this year.  And we had no real amount of snow to ride snowmobiles this year, so hopefully next year.  I also love being on the water, out in the middle of the ocean… love it.

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

Hmmm, what does Gold River not have, let’s see… oh, I know.  When I was growing up around here there was always something for us to do, a place to go.  We had a Bowling Alley, a Drop In Centre, an Arcade, a Pool Hall, the church basement Youth Centre and the drop in Recreation at the GRSS Gym. Today it isn’t so.  I wish there was more options for our children to do in town.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Gold River is the most amazing place, I love it here.  The people in Gold River are the best.  I lived in town for a number of years, not just on the reserve… and it was the best time I ever had in my life.  I made life long friends growing up in this community.  We aren’t a city, we are a community.  I like the idea that when you walk into a store or through the plaza, you can smile, wave or even stop & chat with almost everyone.  It is great watching the children grow up here as well.  I have lived other places and I think this is the best place to raise your child.  We have it all here, friendly people, gorgeous scenery, peaceful serenity, a bit to offer our children (but could use a bit more).  We don’t need massive population or gross pollution.  Yes, Gold River is a little taste of Serenity.

Thanks Barb – I really enjoyed getting to know you more, and I’m sure the community will too!

Note: The Resident Spotlight feature is currently running every week and a half – the next one will be on Friday Feb 5th.

I wasn’t sure who to approach first about being in the ‘spotlight’, so I took a look back at the very first comment I received on the site.  Besides a lady from England, the first local commenter was Sheila Bugar!

And of course, being the wonderful person that she is, Sheila said she’d be happy to answer a few questions!

What year did you move to Gold River? Why?

My husband Jim and I and our family moved from Tahsis to Gold River in 2002 to relocate our Sawmill business, Island Pacific Wood Products Ltd. From one little town to another

Please tell us a bit about your family.

Jim and I were high school sweethearts in Tahsis, we’ve been together ever since and have been married for almost 19 years with 3 wonderful children ages 9, 11 and 14.

Do you have any pets?

We have 4 pets; 3 dogs; Bosco our 13 year old Terrier cross, Sam our 4 year old GR Mix and Harley our 2 year old trouble-maker lab/retriever cross. We have a very snobby cat named Jessie who is 9. I guess we’re the typical family! Minus the fish ….lol

What do you do for (paid) work?

Choosing to be a stay at home mom, I don’t have a paid job. I teach a little aerobics here and there as well as hosting or dj’ing some social events at the Legion which allow me some extra spending money during the year.

Do you do any volunteer work in the community?

Well without listing everything, most of my volunteer work is through my church (Northgate) teaching aerobics, leading Teen activities, bake sales, etc. Like every busy mom I have my hands in a little bit of everything! But honestly, I just really love to be able to help out here and there, I’m a very community oriented person. I think my biggest weakness is learning to say ‘no’. I’m told now that I’ve turned 40 it will be easier! We’ll see…lol

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun, when there is time (lol) we enjoy camping or outdoor trips as a family. We love watching movies and entertaining ourselves with the Wii and PS3. I’m very social so I really enjoy getting together with friends and just having a good time, some good laughs and dancing is always a bonus!

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

I’m quite happy here in Gold River personally. If I could wish for anything it would be more full on community spirited events and celebrations, that’s what I really miss. After coming from Tahsis, I’m pretty thankful for what Gold River has to offer us. I never thought I’d love Fields as much as I do! I think we really have everything we need, anything else is extra!

And just for fun – if you were invisible, where would you go?

Wow, if I were invisible…what a good question! I think this is going to be really boring but if I were invisible I think I might just hang around home and see how everything/everyone functions without me around. I’m sure I’d gain a lot of insightful information and have some great chuckles. I’d probably also go into my room and grab a book and be able to read without getting interrupted several times

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Having had a background in coordinating community events and such, I have some great ideas I’d love to see happen in Gold River but I can’t do them by myself. If there is anyone out there interested in getting involved with Community Events please give me a call at 283-2910, facebook or email me at bugar@cablerocket.com!

~Thank you so much Sheila for being such a great sport and for taking the time to answer all my questions!