Monthly Archives: May 2018

Hedley Times, People

Bill Bradley On Growing Up In Hedley

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Bill & Diana Bradley at our house in Hedley.

When I learned that Bill Bradley, now of Summerland, had lived in our Hedley home from about 1941 to 1956, I immediately invited him and Diana for lunch and a conversation. They responded enthusiastically, seemingly eager to return to the community that had given him an abundance of youthful memories. Although now 79, Bill’s recollections and observations flowed freely, almost from the moment they walked in the door.

Glancing around with evident interest, he said, “that wall has been moved. The living room is bigger now.” He pointed at another wall. “Our piano stood there My mom gave lessons, but she didn’t charge much. Our main source of heat was a sawdust burner. No central heating. The windows were single pane. In winter they frosted over on the inside and I remember drawing pictures on the frost.” Like a kid in a toy store for the first time, he wanted to see it all. In the bathroom he was surprised to note that the tub, vanity and toilet had all been re-arranged. “The wringer washer stood where the tub is now,” he said. I wondered if he had hoped it would all be as he had experienced it many years ago.

When we sat down at the table in our sun room, Bill seemed to be mentally transplanted back to those early years. “I was about age 3 when we moved to Hedley,” he began. “My dad was a miner. After graduating from university he was offered a job in a mine at Osoyoos. After working at several mines that shut down, he got a job at the Stamp Mill in Hedley. He did heavy duty repairs and maintenance.” Bill still clearly recalls the incessant day and night pounding of the stamps. It could be heard and felt everywhere in Hedley. By the time the mill closed in 1955, some local residents had become so accustomed to the stamping they complained they couldn’t sleep when it ceased.

“Because of Hedley,” he said, “I think we were more down to earth. We were isolated, but at the time, that was normal. It didn’t affect us. ” Certainly their activities were of a less sophisticated nature, and yet they were immensely satisfying. Not having electronic devices to divert them, they were outdoors a lot.

“We organized our own activities,” he recalled. “We made up a game we called American ball, especially when there were only 4 or 5 players. It consisted mainly of pitching and hitting, no running the bases. At school and the local hall, we played basketball.”

In summer they swam in the river. “It was about 30 feet deep at one spot. There was a diving board and a rope to swing out onto the water. We also played golf on the reserve land that overlooks the town. There was no water but the greens keeper maintained it well.”

One of the major events during his time in Hedley was the opening of the Hope-Princeton Highway. “They gave us a day off from school to attend the ceremony at Allison Pass. There was a huge crowd and cars lined up along the highway. We walked 3 or 4 miles to get there. They didn’t have good signage then and seven or eight people were killed that day. Probably a lot of celebrating contributed.”

Equipment display for highway maintenance and line-up of cars to take the first drive on the Hope-Princeton Hwy. (www.michaelkluckner.com)

Most people didn’t own cars so it was a special occasion when Bill’s dad bought a new Ford in Princeton. Like other car owners, he usually had passengers any time he drove to Penticton.

In 1960, while visiting his father in the hospital, a nurse suggested he date her friend Diana. They seemed meant for each other. Born and raised in Vancouver, Diana said “I liked the fact he wasn’t a city slicker. His family was a lot like ours.”

Bill recalled seeing a United Church Observer in her home. To him it was an indication of stability and sound values. “People didn’t stray from their roots as much then.”

After attaining a degree at UBC, Bill accepted a job offer at Tech Cominco in 1961. Diana graduated with a nursing degree in June, 1962. They were married that month.

Since then Bill and Diana have travelled extensively and survived serious health challenges. The qualities they saw in each other have given this Hedley boy and Vancouver girl a satisfying life together.

Diana & Bill Bradley standing at the front door of our house.
Hedley Times

Stamp Mill Day Celebration At Hedley Museum

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Cyclists Cynthia Castorguay & sons Liam & Tjakotjac arrived in Hedley after 9 months on the road. They joined in the Stamp Mill Day celebration. They will return to Quebec by the end of August. Museum host Frank Schroeder donned his top hat for the occasion.

This past Saturday the Hedley Historical Museum celebrated the 2018 Stamp Mill Day. Quite likely no other community in Canada has an event like this. Purpose of the celebration is to remind local citizens of the key role the Stamp Mill played in the early life and economy of Hedley. The stamps crushed ore from the local mine and could be heard clearly day and night.

We were pleased by the attendance of two special guests. One was Ivan McClelland, Ambassador for the Penticton Vees Junior A hockey team. When in grade 10, he was advised by his principal to quit school and get a job. Living in a gold mining town, he was hired by the mine and for a year and a half worked underground. He played goalie for the mine hockey team and was spotted by an NHL scout. In 1951 he was sent to the Vees, and in 1955 they won the World Hockey Championship in West Germany. He still has devoted fans in Hedley, and they asked many questions about his life and hockey.

Keynote Speaker Maureen (Graham) Dirksen and MC Karen Cunningham.

The second special guest was Maureen (Graham) Dirksen. She grew up in Hedley and gave a talk about her youth here. At age 10, she and 2 friends were offered a short ride on the train that hauled ore. This was the last time the Great Northern came to Hedley.

Maureen also talked about how, for three years, her father swept up gold dust in the Stamp Mill after it shut down. This provided the funds to purchase the Colonial Inn here, and also send Maureen and her brother to Vancouver to further their education.

Popular Bluegrass Circuit Musicians, George Huber & Colleen Cox.

Popular bluegrass musicians George Huber and Colleen Cox entertained an appreciative crowd. Everyone agreed the Seniors’ Centre pancake breakfast and the Museum’s noon meal were delicious.

Community, Hedley Times

Museum Resignation Causes Conundrum

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Host Jodel Burk welcomes visitors to the Hedley Heritage Museum.

Community organizations must at times contend with sticky circumstances that may cause them to wobble. Since last September, I’ve had the equivalent of a front row seat as the Hedley Historical Museum grappled with the unanticipated resignation of its president. Having long been keenly interested in the dynamics of community organizations, I’ve given rapt attention to this situation. Also, with Linda intimately involved at the Museum, she at times has wanted my feedback on her thoughts.

Understandably, all members of the executive board were deeply reluctant to step into Jean Robinson’s shoes. She had guided the Museum with a zeal everyone knew would be difficult to match. One of her strengths lay in organizing public functions, such as the Stamp Mill Day celebration.

I recalled that at two successive AGM’s Linda was nominated for the position of vice president. Each time she said, “I’m willing to be vice president, but I’ll never be president.” She didn’t have a vision of herself as a leader and her tone made it clear this was an unalterable decision. With no one willing to lead, it was suggested the Museum take a Sabbatical of six months to a year, then regroup.

It was a dilemma other community organizations have experienced, probably often because people feel inadequate. They fear failure and embarrassment. A reticence to commit time and energy may also be a factor.

In discussions in the privacy of our home, Linda expressed dismay at the Sabbatical suggestion. “If we do that,” she mused, “it could be almost impossible to start up again. It would be harder than maintaining it now. We just can’t close the doors for a time and hope eventually someone will be willing to lead.”

I suppose her sense of civic duty was beginning to nudge her. Over breakfast one morning she quietly said, “I can’t let the organization sink. Maybe I’ll have to do it for one year.” And so, though feeling totally unprepared, she made her decision known. I could almost hear the collective sigh of relief from the Board.

I began seeing positive change and growth in Linda. Necessity prompted her to step well outside her usual realm of comfort. She had already developed a friendship with Debra Pearson, new to the community and the museum. Sensing her interest, Linda said, “I think you’d make a very good vice president.” Debra responded with enthusiasm and a smile.

The Museum also needed to replace long serving secretary, Jennifer Douglass. Well known for her research, writing and archival endeavours, Jennifer wanted to focus more on these interests.

Ruth Woodin, recently retired as Hedley postmaster, accepted this responsibility. Former bank manager Margaret Skaar readily agreed to continue looking after organization finances, including preparation of the income tax returns.

Terry Sawiuk replacing the flag on the Hedley Museum Bell Tower, in preparation for Stamp Mill Day.

The Hedley Museum is a pretty typical example of the functions and people required to ensure an organization survives and flourishes. Among those who give time and energy at the Museum is Terry Sawiuk, a skilled carpenter active in maintaining the Museum structure. Bill Rube and Diane Poitras recently repaired the aging telephone booth, replenished visitor centre brochures, plus much more. Artist Karen Cummings set up a new website with links to Facebook and Instagram. She also worked with Vernona Slater and Margaret Skaar to organize the tea room. Lynne McKay has devoted many hours to rehabilitating the grounds after winter ravages. Historical photos are meticulously gathered, scanned, touched up and digitized by computer whiz Gerry Wilkin. Jean Robinson continues to be an active, supportive member. Debra Pearson, Jodel Burk and Frank Schroeder are serving as hosts. A few diligent individuals clean and do whatever is required.

On Saturday, May 26, this small contingent of dedicated citizens will welcome the Similkameen community to celebrate Stamp Mill Day. The Seniors’ Centre will serve its popular pancake breakfast. Lunch of beef on a bun, salads and 5 cent ice cream cones will be served at noon at the museum. Maureen (Graham) Dirksen will talk about her family’s early presence in Hedley. Music will be provided by the crowd pleasing duo, George Huber and Colleen Cox.

Whether leading or following, community volunteers acquire new skills and interests, plus expanded confidence. They develop satisfying (sometimes romantic) relationships. Also, they experience deep fulfillment from working with others. Almost certainly in every local organization in Canada, there are opportunities to help build a robust, vibrant community. And to become a more satisfied, complete person.

Inspiration

Could This Be A Scam?

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Nayali, Kauai, Hawaii
by TC_Perch on Pixabay

 

About 2 years ago I received my first telephone call from “Windows”. The caller informed me they had detected a malfunction in my computer. If it wasn’t dealt with immediately, a variety of nasty, grief inducing consequences would surely ensue. The warning seemed to imply my life would never be the same again. Fortunately, Windows could help. “Are you at your computer now,” the caller asked. “Just turn it on.” Since then I’ve received a similar offer at least half a dozen times, most recently last month. The fact they are continuing to use this approach suggests there are still people being seduced.

Scams are big business, lucrative for the perpetrators and costly for unsuspecting victims. According to the Better Business Bureau, Canadians lost 95 million to scammers in 2017. They are a particularly cunning lot, wonderfully adept at preying on our needs, concerns, fears and desires. If their devious schemes weren’t so harmful to innocent victims, I might be inclined to admire their ingenuity.

Like a number of fellow Canadians, I was at one time lured into purchasing an attractive vacation package. It happened in late winter. I was weary of the Fraser Valley’s dreary clouds and rain. When the call came, I was psychologically ready to be fleeced. Everything pertaining to the offer seemed in order, including a recognizable company name and what initially seemed a credible website. I had of course heard the saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it isn’t true.” But I wanted it to be true and I allowed myself to be easily persuaded.

Within minutes of agreeing to the offer, Linda & I realized it didn’t feel right. Further investigation revealed we’d been duped. I immediately called the credit card company hoping to forestall the transaction and alert them to the scam. The representative dealing with my call seemed entirely unconcerned. Eventually the company did reimburse me, but only after 2 months of numerous phone calls and a threat to go to the media.

Some scammers could have a career in pulp fiction. They understand the importance of a credible cover story. The best ones provide a believable context designed to distract us from doubts. Some years ago I received an email from a woman I knew only through fairly casual contacts. The email said, “I desperately need your help. I’m in London England, and I’ve been robbed of cash and my airline ticket. I need $2,000 to return home. Please send money to .. .” He husband was editor of our community newspaper. The paper’s next front page headline was “Don’t Send Money!”

Protecting ourselves against scams requires skepticism and a willingness to engage in due diligence. When my 18 year old, 6 foot 4 inch grandson Brandon saw an ad for an early 1970’s Charger at a phenomenal price, he was interested. Having already bought and sold several cars, he had a sense for the market. He sent a text message requesting information as to the car’s condition and location. The seller responded by saying she already had several indications of interest and if he wanted the car he needed to do a money transfer of $500 to her account. Apparently confident he wouldn’t make the drive from Langley, she also gave him the North Vancouver address where the car was located.

Still keen, but thinking this could be a scam, Brandon and a friend drove to the address, a million dollar plus home. It was for sale and the listing realtor was on site for an open house. Impressed by Brandon’s height and his story about a large, impending inheritance from his grandfather, the realtor willingly conducted the 2 young men through the spacious dwelling. The tour ended in the garage, the only area of the house Brandon wanted to see. It was vacant.

The Better Business Bureau notes that scammers are constantly changing tactics and are becoming harder to detect. Its website lists the current 10 top scams. These include online purchases, wire fraud, dating, employment and weight loss. In regard to the latter it cautions, “many fat burning products may only lighten your wallet.”

The continuing calls from “Windows” indicates it is still profitable. For it to be profitable there must be people willing to believe and trust. I’ve learned that when a telephone or online offer comes to me, I need to mentally ask myself, “Could this be a scam?”

Inspiration, People

Proprietor Of Princeton’s Cowboy Coffee

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In conversation with Barbara Bushewsky in Princeton’s Cowboy Coffee

Successful restauranteur Barbara Bushewsky ranks high on my personal list of “come back kids.” Abandoned and adopted at infancy, she never met her birth mother. Her adoptive parents often told her she was different. “I was left alone a lot as a child,” she said. “My self-esteem was very low.” As an adult she experienced marriage breakup and was hospitalized for an extended period after a severe beating by an employee. She has also done battle with cancer twice.

Sitting at a table in a back room of her restaurant and drinking delicious, high quality coffee, it occurred to me that this congenial, spunky woman could have been a candidate for heartache and failure. Listening to her story, I began to understand that one secret of her success is that she will not give up. She seems to have a psychological backbone of steel.

“Living on a Kibbutz in Israel for almost a year made a real difference in my life,” she said. “It was foundational. I met young people from all over the world. We lived together, ate together, and worked together. We also experienced danger together. Because it was the last stop on the bus route in the Negev, we were close to Gaza. One day the bus driver had just closed the door when we were shot at. The Kibbutz helped me understand about being part of a community and making a contribution.”

Her initial work assignment on the Kibbutz was picking fruit. “I was young and somewhat of a trouble maker,” she admitted. “They placed me in the kitchen and I enjoyed that. I had always done well in home economics in school. We were required to learn Hebrew so I attended classes in the afternoons. I left the Kibbutz with an Englishman and accompanied him to London where I worked as a key punch operator. We got married and had a daughter. She died shortly after birth. The marriage survived only a few years.”

Barbara returned to Canada and again worked as a key punch operator. While in London she had taken courses, and in Edmonton she continued. Over the years she earned certificates, diplomas and a degree. Her second marriage was to a man who had recently arrived from Greece. He didn’t speak English but she had learned some Greek. “I had a daughter and son with him, but the marriage didn’t last.”

Barbara moved to B.C. and bought a small pizza outlet in Osoyoos. She did necessary renovations including installing a new floor. She sold the business and purchased the present building in downtown Princeton.

One of her staff must have thought Barbara would make a great step mother. She said, “You should go on a date with my dad.” Barbara had already met the dad through involvement in a music group. Corry plays the trumpet and other instruments. The relationship flourished and they have been together 9 years.

Barbara and Corry now own and operate 2 Cowboy Coffee outlets in Princeton. She manages the downtown cafe. Upon entering it, Linda and I immediately sensed a pleasant calm. “I encourage my staff to welcome people when they come in,” she said. “It’s important to show an interest. I ask them where they are from. If they’re new in the community, I offer to help them get involved.”

Barbara’s demeanor exudes energy and friendliness. She takes her positive outlook into the community. “I want to do my part to keep this community together. I’m secretary for the Chamber of Commerce. I’m also active in a couple of seniors groups. When there is an event, I’m often in the kitchen at the sink, washing dishes.”

Floral Flair is a small silk flower enterprise located near the entrance of Cowboy Coffee.

At the end of an hour, our conversation returned to the restaurant enterprise. “It’s been tough,” she said. “ My day starts at 4:15 am, when quite a few mine and mill workers come in. Things slow down in winter so we need to put something away in summer. I try not to lay off my staff.”

Considering the various challenges Barbara has experienced over the years, how does she survive and thrive? “I try not to dwell on problems. I also try to make tomorrow better. I want my mind to be in a good space.” I was impressed by her energy, love for people, and zest for life. She is indeed a “come back kid.”