Ken Hoyle, Karen Cummings, Margaret Skaar & Roy Evans
Two Hedley men with big hearts painted Margaret Skaar’s house at no cost to her, except for the paint. Local fabric artist, Karen Cummings, helped Margaret select the colours. Ken Hoyle and Roy Evans, and also Karen, are quite new to the community. “Margaret has given time and energy to the community for many years,” Ken said. “We wanted to do something for her.”
Andrew & Bonnie Kozley
Andrew & Bonnie Kozley came from Alberta to donate a mining photo to the Hedley museum. Andrew’s father & uncle and several cousins worked at the Nickel Plate Mine. Andrew is the brother of former long term resident, Mary Leslie (deceased). He has had the picture for many years. His nephew, Thom Leslie (deceased), an earlier President of the Hedley Museum, suggested a number of times that the picture be given to the museum.
Art Martens & Mark Woodcock
When Mark Woodcock saw the sturdy stick (actually a club) I carried on hikes into the wilderness along 20 Mile Creek, he said, “that isn’t good enough. I’ll make something better for you.” “I need something sturdy,” I told him, “in case I have to defend myself against a bear or cougar.” A week later he appeared at our door holding a very nice walking stick. My name is burned into it & it has the points of the compass so I don’t get lost. It also has a cross, rabbit tracks & flowers engraved on it. Since then he has produced more of these creations & has made them available in the gift shop at the Hedley Museum.
Ivan McLelland, legendary goalie for the 1955 Penticton Vees.
“Armand wanted to be a professional hockey player. He listened to National Hockey League games with his dad on the radio. He played hockey with his friends on the pond. He had the desire, but unfortunately, he really wasn’t very good.”
With these words, Ivan McClelland, legendary goalie with the 1955 World Champion Penticton Vees began a rather unlikely, but true, Canadian hockey story. Armand and the Vees should never have met. As a youth, he wasn’t a bad kid, but he wasn’t an attentive student. Poor judgment drew him into trouble repeatedly. On the advice of the school principal, he dropped out and wasted a couple of years. In desperation, his father suggested he join the Canadian army in the hope he might learn a trade. He did have an interest in working with tools.
After the initial training, Armand was sent to Canada’s base in Germany. His habit of getting into trouble came with him and one night, after partying with fellow soldiers, he failed to return to the base by curfew time. He was assigned to guard duty from 11 pm to 7 am at the Berlin Wall, then a highly fortified barbed wire fence. He was constantly taunted by Russian soldiers doing similar duty on the other side. They tormented him with reminders that Russia had defeated Canada in the previous World Cup Tournament.
But now it was 1955, height of the Cold War, and West Germany was hosting the World Cup. In spite of huge misgivings on the part of Canada’s hockey heavy weights, the Vees were there to play for Canada. After 7 games, both Canada and Russia were undefeated. The World Cup would go to the winner of one final Championship game between them. Canada’s government purchased 4,500 tickets to be raffled off among the armed forces in Germany. Armand’s name was drawn, much to his delight. An officer sent the soldiers off with the injunction, “You’re representing Canada. Behave!”
The determined, scrappy Vees astounded even their fans. With 3 minutes remaining, they led 5-0. Desperate to not be shut out by the previously unheard of Vees, the Russians pulled their goalie, increasing their scoring potential. In quick succession, two Vees players were sent to the penalty box.
Then, with 20 seconds to go, Armand could not contain his excitement. He leaped onto the ice and fell flat on his back. The radio play by play announcer said, “O my goodness, there’s a Canadian soldier on the ice! ” Armand was quickly whisked away by the police.
Three days later the Vees travelled to the nearby Canadian army base for a game against their team. Learning that Armand was stationed here, waiting to go before a Tribunal for his impetuous misdemeanour, the players decided they would like him to attend the game. The request was made by the team doctor, a decorated and highly respected veteran who had served in several dangerous theatres. The commanding officer told him that would be highly unusual. “The boys would really like to have him at the game,” the doctor responded. “They’ve all made mistakes. They understand.” The Commanding Officer relented out of regard for the doctor’s combat record.
Armand watched the game and then sat with the team at a special dinner. He was presented with a hockey stick signed by all players.
Ivan got out of hockey and this might have been the end of the story for him. But in 2008 while leaving the restaurant in the new Penticton arena, a woman approached him. She said, “Mr. McClelland, do you remember the soldier who jumped onto the ice in Germany?” For Ivan everything stopped when he learned she had been Armand’s wife, before he passed away from cancer. She had come from Quebec, hoping to meet a Penticton Vee.
“It was the high point of his life,” she said. He told everyone, even if they didn’t want to hear it. When he and his friends went hunting and sat around the fire in the evening, he always told this story. They threatened to leave him behind next time, if he told it again. What the Penticton Vees did meant everything to him. It changed his life.”
As we celebrate our nation’s birthday, this story is a reminder that a generous spirit makes us strong as a people. Happy Canada Day to the Penticton Vees and to all Canadians!
At the Hedley Museum Beverley Ceccon found an early newspaper article mentioning her Grandmother, Johanna Green.
Canadian historian, politician and social activist Nellie McClung said, “people must know the past to understand the present and to face the future.” Observing the number of individuals coming to the Hedley museum looking for family information, it seems an increasing number of people are searching for personal meaning in their past. A conversation with Beverley Ceccon of Kamloops reminded me there often are intriguing, even tantalizing connections between past and present.
We talked in the Tea Room at the museum and I learned that Beverley had come to delve into a significant event in her family history. In response to my questions she told me a little of her life story, weaving a mosaic that included several individuals whose lives have attained almost iconic proportions in the Similkameen Valley.
The family event she came to investigate revolved primarily around her grandmother, Johanna Green. It was an event that also had profound implications for Hedley citizens some years ago.
Beverley began with a few details to provide a context. “Grandmother came to Canada from Norway in approximately 1915. She did sewing and after living with her brother on the prairies for a time, she moved to Princeton. Here she met Mr. Green and they got married. It wasn’t a good marriage though, and her two daughters helped her get away from him and move to Hedley. Here she did housekeeping and was happy.”
Beverley paused, then apparently deciding there was something else she wanted me to know, leaped ahead a number of years in her account. “While I was living in Princeton, I met Les, the younger brother of Rollo Ceccon.” Rollo’s name is very familiar in Princeton. Prior to retiring, he had owned a trucking and heavy equipment company. He is well known for having moved the Princeton caboose 11 times. He also gained considerable public notice when he and his dump truck plummeted 250 feet into a “glory hole”. His construction company was first on the scene at the Hope Slide. Several years ago I spoke with him and wrote his story. Now age 90, I’ve heard he still goes for coffee with several cronies and continues to have a zest for life.
“In 1956 Les and I were married by Rev. John Goodfellow,” Beverley continued. “He had baptized me some years earlier. ” I welcomed her mention of the Goodfellow name. John became well known locally for his 19 annual walks from Princeton to Hope, always taking along 15 to 20 boys and mentoring them. This was before the opening of the Hope-Princeton Highway in 1949. John Goodfellow’s name still has the power to inspire a sense of reverence in people who remember him.
Beverley has high regard for the Goodfellow family. “When John retired from officiating at weddings, his son Eric was asked to take on this role. My 3 children, Linda, Brad and Lisa were all married by him.”
The shift from Grandmother Johanna Green to Rollo Ceccon and the Goodfellows may seem less than smooth, but they were all essential strands in the web of her life story. When Beverley now resumed the account of grandmother and the family event she was here to investigate, I felt she was probably fitting the pieces into place in her own mind.
“I learned today there is an account in the January 19, 1939 Similkameen Star [now defunct]. It says that Johanna Sophie Green, my grandmother, and Peter Strand decided not to go to the community dance that night. She did house work for him and they had become friends.”
Rock Slide, January 1939 – (from Hedley Museum Archives)
She paused to recollect the details. “At about 1:30 am, a number of large boulders came hurtling down Stemwinder Mountain, some weighing about 20 to 25 tons. The newspaper report said they were probably loosened by expanding ice. Five buildings were struck. Peter Strand was killed instantly and grandmother died by the time she was brought to the Doctor’s office. Had they gone to the dance, they likely would have escaped this fate.”
Rock Slide, January 1939 – (photo from Hedley Museum Archives)
Although our conversation didn’t end on a celebratory note, Beverley’s face showed no hint of sadness. Coming here had been a quest for understanding of the past, a journey of discovery. Now she knew how her grandmother had met her end. Probably more important, she knew grandmother Johanna had been happy in Hedley. Knowing the past, Beverley seemed more complete.
Please Note: In the original account, I mentioned that Les Ceccon had passed away. This was an error on my part, as was pointed out to me by his wife Beverley. Les is very much alive. I apologize for the mistake. Art Martens
Donald Trump’s perverse new tariff on aluminum and steel is causing much wringing of hands in Ottawa. As citizens of the Similkameen Valley, it’s easy to feel somewhat sheltered from the president’s fondness for erratic policies. Anyway, we know that Justin Trudeau and Chrystia Freeland have raised their (unfortunately puny) political fists and assure us they are vigorously defending Canada. Surely it’s ok then for us to carry on with our usual activities, whether its playing with grandchildren or drinking beer and smoking marijuana (now that it’s just about legal).
His considerable financial success seems to have persuaded the president he can unerringly shape world events with irksome tweets and boisterous outbursts. Certainly his influence is immense, but does he comprehend the potential havoc? In War and the American Presidency, Arthur M. Schlesinger suggests “history teaches us that the future is full of surprises and outwits all our certainties. Many of the pivotal events of our age were unforeseen.”
I realize Donald Trump has a reputation for not valuing advice. Even so, if I had the opportunity, I would urge him to examine the results of President Herbert Hoover’s attempt to protect America by imposing high tariffs in 1930. Stock markets had crashed in 1929 and America was already in the first stages of the Great Depression. Less than average rainfall was resulting in a serious drought.
President Herbert Hoover (www.history.com)
Understandably, Hoover needed to do something if he hoped to serve more than one term. To him, raising tariffs by passage of the Smoot-Hawley bill seemed a viable solution, even though there was opposition. 1,028 economists sent him a petition against the bill. They understood such a tariff would produce unintended far reaching negative ramifications for the nation. Auto magnate Henry Ford spent an evening in the White House hoping to dissuade him. Some high ranking Republican leaders favoured the bill, however, and their wishes prevailed. Approximately 20,000 imports were impacted.
What was the result? According to Amity Shlaes in The Forgotten Man, “Smoot-Hawley provoked retaliatory protectionist actions all over the globe, depriving the U.S. of markets and sending it into a deeper slump. The Act, and the following retaliation were major factors in the reduction of U.S. imports and exports by half during the Depression.” Nations that retaliated included Canada, France, India and Switzerland.
Political leaders tend to make decisions with the next election in mind. Certainly implementing high tariffs during an already financially and socially difficult time is not understandable from a business perspective.
In the midst of serious adverse social and economic circumstances, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff created a shudder of anxiety around the globe. Donald Trump’s “America First” thinking has the potential to cause similar reverberations that may be felt even in the Similkameen Valley. Already Mexico is threatening to boycott U.S. apples. Will desperate Washington state growers dump their crop into our province, thereby causing huge losses for local orchardists?
Canada and other nations are getting set to apply tariffs against the U.S. This will raise our costs when we purchase those products. Arrogant and narcissistic, Donald Trump seems not to understand or care that by punishing us he may unleash a world wide trade war. He almost certainly will not be able to control the forces he is setting in motion.
I’m aware that at this point my concerns may be somewhat overblown. We are not in the midst of a drought or a “dirty thirties” depression. There are troubling issues, though. Vladimir Putin is seeking to unsettle the West by meddling in the Ukraine, the Middle East, as well as in democratic elections. ISIS indoctrinated fighters are returning. Over use of plastics is creating migraine level environmental headaches. Fentanyl addiction and deaths are a curse on our society.
I’m not looking for a cave to shelter in, but this seems a time for prudent decision making. On the national scene, are we wise to take on the Trans Mountain Pipeline when some reserves do not have access to clean drinking water? On an individual basis, avoiding unnecessary debt is probably wise. Do we really need that new SUV or the latest large screen tv?
Yes, I’ve become fiscally conservative. Unforeseen challenging surprises, sometimes referred to as “black swan” events, have persuaded Linda and me to consider the broader context before we risk. At the very least, until Donald Trump is impeached or defeated at the polls, it’s a good time to be prudent.
Ken Knutson, holding one of his birdhouses for sale in the Hedley Museum Gift Shop
Until last week I knew little about Ken Knutson except that he is a retired mail carrier and his colourful birdhouses sell almost as quickly as gourmet hot dogs at a country fair. His mild, steady temperament seemed to suggest little need for change or excitement. I assumed this might have been the pace at which he had lived his entire life. My recent conversation with Ken helped me understand that assumptions are often a path to inaccurate conclusions.
I suppose Ken’s life might have followed a fairly uneventful trajectory if he had not read The Other Side Of The Mountain, biography of Jill Kinmont. She was an exceptionally gifted skier, preparing for the 1956 Olympics. “When her neck was broken, her life changed, but she didn’t let this defeat her. She said if you believe, you can do almost anything. I had failed grades 1 and 2 due to an undiagnosed learning disability. The book broadened my understanding of what was possible for me.”
Thinking this ex-Postie lived within the confines of a fairly constricted comfort zone, my perception of him was profoundly challenged when he said, “I’ve run in 18 marathons, several in major U.S. cities. Often I trained on a mile long hill, running it up to 5 times.”
I was further surprised when he mentioned a fascination with airplanes. “I’ve always been interested in airplanes. I learned to fly and bought a 1946 two seater Ercoup, a very safe plane. The plexiglass canopy was made to slide down so I could fly it open. It was like a sports car.”
Another adventure led to the purchase of a 1973 Volkswagen Westphalia. “I wanted to see Mt Rushmore, Custer’s battlefield, and the Badlands of North Dakota. I’m interested in history you can touch.”
His passion for history prompted a visit to the Vatican. “They have the most incredible art work in the world,” he said. In Buckingham Palace he was astonished by the age of the structure and the ostentatious display of wealth. He has been in the homes of painters Pascal and Matisse, both in Paris. In the Louvre he viewed the Mona Lisa.
Now in retirement, Ken’s zest for adventure continues unabated. “I still plan to go to the Mesa Verde in Colorado. I very much want to see the ancient cliff dwellings there,” he said. “I would also like to retrace the wagon trail from St. Louis, Missouri to Portland, Oregon. In places, the ruts are still visible.” Another interest may be beyond his reach. “I always wanted to cycle across Canada, but I don’t know if my body would take it now. I still dream of doing it.”
Ken’s wandering to places that intrigue him almost came to an abrupt end in August, 2017. He experienced a momentous life shift. “I had been feeling slow for about a week,” he recalled. “Walking to the Cenotaph ceremony that day, I huffed and puffed and my arm didn’t feel right. That night my arm felt numb and I got a ride to the Princeton Hospital. The doctor told me I should have come yesterday. They stabilized me and sent me to Kelowna. There they put in a stint. They don’t put you under for that.”
Looking back at the heart attack, he said “It was my Coke addiction that did me in. I’ve switched my diet. I eat more protein and vegetables, fewer processed foods and carbohydrates.” He conceded there are frustrations. “I love Dad’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Now I only eat them occasionally.”
His recovery program requires physical activity. I’ve seen him repeatedly walk up Hospital Hill in Hedley, up to 7 ascents. It’s a test of stamina and will. “Initially I could walk only 10 minutes. Now I can walk one and a half hours easily. I’ve been surprised at the body’s capacity to recover.”
He is probably best known locally for his birdhouses. “The one depicting an outhouse is most popular. Everyone has been in an outhouse somewhere. Sometimes the birdhouses are a mission.” Last week he completed his 900th birdhouse. “I didn’t have children,” he said. “They are my legacy.” An assortment of configurations are available at the Hedley Museum.
Now 67, Ken can look back at the years of his life with justifiable pride. A learning disability, 2 failed grades, and a heart attack haven’t deterred him. He has always found new adventures on the other side of the mountain.
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.
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.
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.
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?”
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.”
A small town perspective on people, community, politics and environment.
