Gold River Buzz

Carol was one of the first people we met when we first moved here in 2003.  I can’t remember exactly when, but I’m almost positive it would have been out at Muchalaht Lake!  Carol is one of THE kindest and most caring people you could ever meet.  She is a fantastic friend and is always there to help anyone in need.  You are truly one of a kind Carol!

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

This is the third time I have lived in Gold River. First time was in 1969 & 1970 when my father was working here building roads. I attended RWES for Kindergarten and grade 1 while 3 of my 4 older sisters attended GRSS.  After I graduated in 1983 I lived here for a year and worked as a Special Needs Assistant.  In 1999 my family moved to Gold River for the affordable housing and we wanted to raise our children in a small community.

What do you do for (paid) work?

I have two very rewarding careers in the Gold River area. The first, I am very proud to have been elected in 2005 to represent the district as a School Trustee. Secondly, I am a Stopping the Violence (STV) Outreach Worker who supports women and their children when they are in or have had an abusive relationship.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

Since I moved to Gold River I have volunteered many hours to PAC’s at both schools, Grad Parent firewood & trip organizer, Chair of the Literacy Committee, Gold River Residents Association, Gold River Interagency, Hockey fundraisers, Leading Communities Participant and Celebration organizer (as a team player) and pretty much whatever groups my kids were in and there was a need, my husband and I would volunteer. As of June of last year I’ve had to step down and say “no” to my volunteer adventures due to health issues. I will continue to support my husband with Rod & Gun 3D Archery Shoot that takes place this year September 4th & 5th. My wish is to return to volunteering in the near future.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

I love my family. Brent and I have been married for 18yrs. He is a Heavy Duty Mechanic for WFP. He is always and I mean always helping people out. My honey do list is always on his back burner but he enjoys supporting friends and the community.

Our son Cody just turned 20 in April. He lives in Abbotsford and works full-time at Lordco. He attended the University of Fraser Valley last year to become a Physiotherapist but has since changed his mind.

Nikida our daughter will be 19 in November. After she graduated last June she moved to Nanaimo to be with her boyfriend Jesse. They are doing well working for Jesse’s mom in the industrial cleaning business that Jesse hopes to take over one day. They have 2 dogs Murphy(mastiff & wolf)  and Buddy (collie).

I miss my children dearly and I know I’m still going through the “Empty Nest Syndrome” even though there’s food in fridge and the house is clean…lol

Do you have any pets?

All our pets are named after chocolate bars, Oh Henry the dog, Snickers & KitKat the cats and a fish tank full of fish.

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun I like playing golf, camping, traveling (to see the kids) and spending time with our friends.

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

When I was a child here in Gold River the bowling alley was always a family night out, so I miss that. I also feel we should be recycling more than we do already.

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

If I could be invisible I would have gone to all the Canucks games and would have stood behind Luongo and stopped all the pucks from going into the net, so they could have won the Stanley Cup! Maybe next year.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I’m pretty sure I have said enough but I would like to say the Gold River Community has always been supportive and caring when individuals or families have needed help. I’m proud to say “I live in Gold River!”

Thanks so much Carol – I loved your answers!  Especially the one about giving Luongo a helping hand!