AULD ACQUAINTANCES, from January 1, 2021
Auld Acquaintances by Peggy Oldfield
Postings from January 1, 2021 forward
The calendar page has turned to a new year but Covid-19 continues to confine us and prevent us from so many of the things we all consider part of our daily lives. For the time being this column will continue to post photos and stories and news from colleagues as it comes in, with the new material always at the top of the column. If you have stories to relate about how you’re spending your time or something amusing that you’ve encountered, please share it and it will be posted here. Don’t forget that we’re also looking for photos of yourself showing us what you’re keeping busy with in isolation for our “Colleagues” section of this website. Thank you!
Posted December 12, 2021:
CBC/SRC Association Monthly Bowling and Pub Lunch a Festive Occasion!
(Note: Check the Photo Gallery for more photos of the participants)
There was a great turnout of 13 bowlers at Grandview Lanes on Commercial Drive in Vancouver on December 8th and everyone got into the spirit of the holiday season. Barb Dennis joined the group for the first time and while not bowling, Ron Mahy and daughter Tracy Henney were there to cheer everyone on. Ron was appoointed judge for the contests in each of the three games (prepared by Bill Murray) and in choosing the most festively dressed male and female among our group. Prizes were donated by Peggy Oldfield. Bill Murray supplied a box of delicious chocolates for everyone to share and Peggy Oldfield brought holiday iced mini muffins and cookies (courtesy Safeway bakery) as well as skewers of candy jellies for all. The excuse for all that sugar was to keep up the energy needed for bowling! Maurice Moses arrived during bowling to visit and joined the group afterwards for lunch at St. Augustine's Pub. A delightful ending to the afternoon was the presentation to everyone at lunch of a Christmas sugar cookie baked and exquisitely decorated by Tracy Henney who took over preparing the surprise from her mom, Diane Mahy, who has provided such treats on many occasions in the past. Photos are posted in the Gallery on this site, and here are a few more that captured the fun of the day....
Ready to begin the games! L-R: Lynn Gillon, Diane Mahy, Neil Gillon, Barb Dennis, Ron Mahy, Bill Murray, Michael Taylor-Noonan, Lillian Hanson, Alex Kerr, Sheryl Smale, Anne Mathisen, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan and Ding Torrijos.
Barb Dennis and Peggy Oldfield
Ron & Diane Mahy with daughter Tracy Henney
-lillian-hanson-celebrates-a-strike-sheryl-smale-to-left-and-lynn-gillon-to-right-of-lil.jpg)
Lillian Hanson celebrates getting a strike! Sheryl Smale and Lynn Gillon are each ready to bowl to the left and right of Lil.
-ding-torrijos-with-his-prize-in-the-1st-game-for-getting-two-strikes-in-a-row.jpg)
Ding Torrijos with his prize for achieving two strikes in a row in the first game!
Eleanor Taylor-Noonan makes her way to the bowling lane. Seated behind her L-R are Alex Kerr, Lynn Gillon, Ron Mahy, Ding Torrijos and Lillian Hanson. Standing are Tracy Henney and Bill Murray.
-anne-mathisen-with-her-prize-for-achieving-the-hidden-score-in-game-2.jpg)
Anne Mathisen won the prize for the secret score in the second game!
The score was hidden in a sealed envelope; the number pre-selected by Bill Murray.
Diane Mahy chats with Bill Murray. Eleanor Taylor-Noonan and Ding Torrijos are seated in the foreground at right.
-eleanor-taylor-noonan-won-the-prize-in-the-3rd-game-for-being-first-to-get-the-head-pin-a-split-or-a-score-of-four.jpg)
In the third game, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan won the prize for being first to get the head pin, a split or a score of four.
Anne Mathisen shows off her Christmas socks to compliment the festive top she's wearing.
-lynn-gillon-took-the-most-festively-dressed-female-prize-a-hot-chocolate-bomb-from-rocky-mountain-chocolates.jpg)
Lynn Gillon was judged most festively dressed female. The prize, from Rocky Mountain Chocolates, is a Hot Chocolate Reindeer Bomb. Pop it into a mug/cup of hot milk and voila! Hot Chocolate with a Marshmallow!
Alex Kerr poses with his Rocky Mountain Choclates' Hot Chocolate Bomb awarded him for being the most festively dressed male. Alex's shirt made him a "no contest" winner!
Tracy's cookies ready to package.
A beautiful presentation before revealing the delicious contents!
Each cookie individually wrapped to give out. A close-up of just two of Tracy's designs.
Posted November 28, 2021:
With deepest appreciation to Marc David, Jo-Anne Fischer Cassidy and Ron Schrader, we have a special treat for anyone who worked in CBC Edmonton or had occasion to work with staff from that production centre. Marc posted the link on Facebook, advising that the footage is a goodbye reel he and George Lazuk did for two co-workers - Dominique Fortin and Peter Wunstorf - who were leaving CBC Edmonton in 1984. Marc added that, “It's a fun reel to watch now that almost 40 years have passed since we recorded this footage. I hope you enjoy it. N.B. Feel free to share and tag anyone you please”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n88cbU55LIQ
Posted November 7, 2021:
From Rick Inglis, Co-Chair, Surviving Spouses Pension Fairness Coalition:
Although we haven’t heard anything for a while, the Surviving Spouses Pension Fairness Coalition - fighting to change the legislation that denies pensions to surviving spouses - has actually been fairly busy. Among other things, they were helpful in getting a television show done on La Facture, in Québec, which got the interest of key politicians. Rick Inglis, VP of the PNA’s Southern Interior Chapter and Co-Chair of the coalition, says their website has been updated with new information and he encourages you to have a look. The link is http://www.pensionfairness-sspfc.ca
CBC/SRC Association Reinstates Monthly Bowling and Pub Lunch!
(Note: Check the Photo Gallery for more photos of the participants)
Wednesday November 3 saw the return to the CBC/SRC Association's monthly bowling get-together at Grandview lanes on Commercial Drive. The list of usual suspects included Neil and Lynn Gillon, Peggy Oldfield, Lillian Hanson, Bill Murray, Anne Mathisen, and Michael Taylor-Noonan. Joining the gang for the first time were Chris Paton, and Michael’s newly retired wife, Eleanor (retired from work, not retired from Michael). Also returning to the fold after a long absence was Sheryl Smale. Maurice Moses wasn't able to stay for bowling on this occasion but popped in to say hello to everyone. Peggy very generously provided several trays of brightly-colored cupcakes and a new tradition was born – historically whenever a bowler rolls three strikes in a row it is called a turkey. During this current bowling session, those rolling a ball seemingly headed for a strike were serenaded by the others yelling “cupcake!” as producing a strike was rewarded by the presentation of a cupcake. A second tradition was also changed – instead of handing out “high-fives” for great shots we started using “high-elbows”.
Sanitizers to keep everyone safe, a trophy to aim for Bill Murray eats his reward for bowling a strike.
in bowling, and cupcakes to enjoy. Michael Taylor-Noonan and Lynn Gillon seated at left.
Anne Mathisen, Bill Murray and Lillian Hanson
demonstrate the "high elbow".
Covid protocol rules saw the bowling balls cleansed prior to our arrival (all bowlers had to have received two shots). Masks were required while walking in the general area; however wearing one was optional while bowling. With the creative ingenuity of Bill Murray, even the bowling trophy which the Bingo Game winners pose with, sported masks on the two bowling figures!”
.jpg)
The Bingo Game winning team sporting masks and holding the similarly protected trophy:
Peggy Oldfield, Sheryl Smale, Lillian Hanson, Neil Gillon and Bill Murray.
Runners-Up in the Bingo Game: Anne Mathisen, Michael & Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Lynn Gillon and Chris Paton.
Posted October 31, 2021
From Neil Trainer:
(Note: See another photo of Neil with Willow in the Photo Gallery)
Neil & Mary Trainer happily welcomed their third grandchild into the family on September 23rd, born to their daughter Erin and son-in-law Eric Thompson. Willow joins brother Woods (age 3) and sister Lake (age 2).
L-R: Erin, Mary, and Neil with Willow. Woods between Erin and Neil with his back to the camera.
Posted October 24, 2021
From Bill Murray:
Bill reports that CBC ran an interesting item all about Geocaching which he thought others might be interested in. The link to read the story is geocaching-pandemic-popular-1.6208502
Bill adds that, "Since starting in 2008 I have found over 2100 geocaches, the farthest north was in Scotland, farthest south was in Maui, East was Greenwich England and West was Oahu! I have travelled over 62,000 miles while geocaching." Watch for future details about joining Bill in a local cache hunt!
Posted October 8, 2021
From Bill Murray:
(Note: See an additional photo of Bill in the Colleagues Photo Gallery)
“Earlier this week one of my brothers and one of my sisters joined me on a trip to Parksville to do some Geocaching. We try to go once a year but haven’t had a chance to go since 2018.”
.jpg)
Of the first photo above, Bill says, "After retiring from the CBC, I went to work for BC Ferries out of Horseshoe Bay and Langdale. Travelling on board the Queen of Oak Bay which was based in Horseshoe Bay, I knew we were in safe hands." Photo number two, Bill describes thus: "After disembarking in Nanaimo we sped up Island to our base camp in Ocean Trails resort."
.jpg)
"The beauty of the east coast of Vancouver Island is one of the things that keeps bringing us back", says Bill. As mentioned above, Bill along with his brother and sister, enjoyed geocaching searches in Parksville and he noted that many of the people who place geocaches have wonderful imaginations. The photo at right above and the next three all attest to that fact!
.jpg)
Of the final photo above, Bill explains, "Many Geocachers use old ammo cans as cache containers. The owner of this Geocache had a group of High School students make up a huge ammo can which he placed outside his store in Coombs. Of course when one has a huge cache container one has to have a huge pencil and oversized book for people to report that they found the cache."
Congratulations to CBC Vancouver's Karin Larsen:
A big “Congratulations!” shout out to CBC Vancouver News and Sports Reporter Karin Larsen who has been inducted to the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame. The following press release, written by CBC’s Michelle Gomez, is currently posted on the CBC Vancouver website:
CBC's Karin Larsen inducted into B.C. Sports Hall of Fame
Larsen is also a two-time World Champion synchronized swimmer and former Olympian
by Michelle Gomez · CBC News · Posted: Oct 07, 2021 6:45 PM PT | Last Updated: October 7
Karin Larsen, who was honoured in the media category of the
B.C Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2021,
is pictured in Vancouver, British Columbia on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021.
(Ben Nelms/CBC)
Twelve B.C. Sports Hall of Fame inductees were announced Thursday at the Surrey Arts Centre — among them the CBC sports broadcaster Karin Larsen, who is also a former Olympian.
"As a sporty girl from Coquitlam, this means the world to me," said Larsen, a two-time World Champion synchronized swimmer with Canada's national team. She also competed at the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games.
Larsen was recognized for being among the earliest women working in sports broadcasting in Canada, "helping to blaze a trail for many women who followed."
Of the 12 individuals inducted in this class, Larsen is one of two women.
She has worked with CBC for over 30 years, as an announcer at eight Olympic Games and five Paralympic Games. She has also covered a multitude of sports, including World Championships, the Stanley Cup playoffs, Grey Cup, and Canucks and Lions games.
The 2021 Induction Class also includes the former professional wrestler Gene Kiniski, former Canuck Gino Odjick, and soccer player Dale Mitchell.
"To be joining such a group for me is incredible really, I'm having a hard time finding words," said Larsen.
A formal gala for the induction will be held in June 2022.
The B.C. Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit charitable organization that recognizes achievements in B.C. sports history. They have inducted 416 individuals and 64 teams since 1966.
Posted August 1, 2021:
From Henry Irizawa:
(Note: See 2 photos of Henry in the Photo Gallery.)
Henry Irizawa departed for Tokyo, Japan on July 16th (see two photos of Henry in the Photo Gallery section of this website) and last week, shared some details and photos of his experiences so far at the Summer Olympics:
“Here’s some pictures of first days here.
My very ‘spacious’ hotel room. I have to leave the room to change my mind. LOL.
Our venue caterer is great with a different selection every day.
Ariake arena our volleyball venue.
My Fuji TV crew who are just awesome at covering volleyball. Different way of control room responsibilities producing sports. The producer is in the back deck overseeing things. The director gives the camera crew (we have 24 cameras including 4 point cable cam, a ton of mini robos and 2 minis in the net) shot assignments on all situations. The AD besides the director is calling the replays. But get this, the TD has the responsibility to cut cameras on his own without readying cameras on the intercom. They’re basically told you’re live all the time! The TD gets the best reaction shots. For instance on a service ace, he cuts to the coach as he’s starting to jump up with joy! Awesome. Our production is UHD with Stereo 2 and Immersive sound 5.1.4. Sounds impressive huh?
Really strict COVID protocols to follow here. For the first 2 weeks we’re not allowed to go sightseeing. Masks on all the time, regular testing, no going to restaurants, or even for a walk in the neighborhood. Different Olympics for sure. Can’t visit friends at other venues.
However it’s nice that our old friend Don Peppin is our Production Quality Control guy at ICB. He’s keeping me honest!
Best,
Henry “
Henry says that Volleyball goes the entire length of the Games, ending August 8th. He will be heading home the following day.
Posted July 25, 2021
A former CBC Vancouver colleague was featured on Global’s This is BC. segment in the News Hour at 6 BC, on July 22nd. Host Jay Durant introduced Foley artist Mike Keeping, noting that while viewers may not recognize his name, they have most likely heard his work in innumerable productions. Watch the item at https://globalnews.ca/video/8053632/this-is-bc-meeting-mike-keeping
.
.
Posted June 27, 2021
Neil Trainer shares a delightful photo he
snapped while out for a walk with grand-
children Woods and Lake and their feline
friends. Neil says the cats follow the
children everywhere!
.
.
.
.
.
Posted June 20, 2021
Congratulations to our retired CBC Winnipeg
friend and colleague Lionel Moore on being
awarded Lifetime Membership Status with
ACTRA in company with four other ACTRA
members this year! The Award designation
states: *Life Member: Awarded by the
National Council, on the recommendation
of a Local Council, to a member who has
distinguished himself/herself in the service
of the industry or organization.” Due to
current Covid-19 restrictions, the honour
was bestowed via a Zoom presentation during the Annual General Meeting on June 15th. Lionel was unfortunately unable to participate via Zoom and has to wait for a recording of the event to view the proceedings!
Lionel has kindly shared the bio information he was asked to provide ACTRA, which reads in part:
Lionel was a Staff Announcer at CBC Winnipeg for 31 years, always involved in the various Unions that represented the Announce staff during that time, as an executive member of ARTEC, CUPE and the Canadian Media Guild when the Guild took over representation of the “on-air” staff of the CBC. At the time of his retirement, he was the National Vice-President of the Western Region for the Guild. His union involvement besides being local President, included membership on the National Executive Board and several National committees.
Lionel also served three two-year terms at the National Co-Facilitator of the CBC’s Employee Assistance Program covering about 14,000 employees and retirees. He is a Charter Member of the Board of Directors of the Employee Assistance Society of North America.
In retirement, Lionel was on the Board of the CBC Pensioners’ National Association from the time of the founding convention in Montreal in 2000 until 2019 and says, “I'm sure I am the longest consecutively elected member of the Board”. He adds, “My one 'Claim to Fame' was being a member of the committee struck to come up with a logo for the CBC Pensioner National Association”.
Lionel has been a member of ACTRA for 53 years, first joining in 1968. After retiring from the CBC, he became more involved in and served on the Manitoba Council for a number of years. As a Council member he did significant work on the By-Laws Committee and others and was especially proud to have been a member of the hiring board that selected the current Branch Representative. While he never did become an actor, Lionel did get involved in on-screen work as an Extra in about 40 films shot in and around Winnipeg and says he was fortunate enough on three different occasions, to be the stand-in for actor Brian Dennehy.
Lionel added that, “ACTRA Manitoba has many great actors in our industry and a committed, active Manitoba Council that I know looks to the future with great expectations and I was very proud to have been even a small part of these accomplishments over the years. I cannot adequately describe what this honor means to me.”
Posted May 30, 2021:
It's a week of milestones and near-milestones to celebrate!
Wishes for many happy years to come in the next chapter of life go out to Brian Dance who has just announced his retirement from CBC Vancouver after 51 years in broadcasting. Brian’s career began in 1969 as a DJ with CHUB in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. His next step was to join CFAC Calgary in news and sports and in 1977 he joined the CBC Radio Sports Department in that city. From 1984 through 1989, Brian was a National Sports Reporter with CBC Toronto and then transferred to CBC Vancouver Radio Sports. Since 1997 he has, in addition to reading the weekend Radio newscasts, been Weekend Editor for Radio News.
Best wishes also go to Mike Killeen who anchored his last broadcast of CBC Vancouver’s
News at 6 on May 21st. In a CBC news release, Mike said, “After four remarkable
decades in broadcasting, I have decided it’s time for a change and I am moving on from
CBC and the broadcast industry.” “I consider it a privilege to wrap-up my broadcasting
career at CBC, a trusted news organization that has always been committed to delivering
accurate and local news. It is difficult to leave this team of consummate professionals, in
particular my co-host Anita Bathe. I am so proud of what we have accomplished over
the past few years and look forward to watching her take the reins and make the show
her own. Anita, I’ll be tuning in at 6. It has been an honour to be trusted by British
Columbians to deliver the news – thank you.” Mike’s 40-year broadcasting career began
in Squamish, B.C. at Mountain FM Radio. From there he worked at CKWX-AM Radio (now News 1130) and CKNW Radio in Vancouver before transferring into television news at CKVU-TV in 1987. From 1991 through 1995 he worked in Hong Kong media and then returned to CKVU-TV (Global) in Vancouver. In 2001 he made another transition, this time to CTV British Columbia and was co-anchor there on the 6pm newscast from 2011 until 2018, when he moved over to CBC Television in Vancouver, co-anchoring News at 6 with Anita Bathe.
Happy Birthday to Glenn Weston today - May 30th! And yes, it's a milestone for Glenn.
The still-very-youthful-looking Glenn turns 60.
.
. 
.
.
Coming up on June 1st, we send very special
congratulations and wishes for many years of
continued happiness to Ron & Carole Devion,
and to Fred & Gail Jones; this is the 64th
Wedding Anniversary for each couple!
.
.
. Ron & Carole Devion
.
.
.
.
.
.
Posted May 23, 2021:
From Rene Genereux:
(Note: See another photo of Rene & Jeanette in the “Photo Isolation Gallery)
When Rene generously responded to the request for a photo for the “Colleagues in Isolation” photo gallery on this website, he sent along some additional pictures and provided the following update on activities:
“Due to COVID, we dedicated a few winter months to renovating our home; new flooring, paint and new kitchen appliances. Outdoor activities include many walks in the forested trails close by our home and, most recently, Jeanette and I took up the game of disc golf. It is a fun outing and the new 18 hole course very close to our home attracted us to give this sport a try. It’s a good exercise and the fresh air is inviting. Our regular men’s golf group has not played since Covid but that may soon resume with the 2nd vaccine shot.
One of many many walks with friends
Rene playing disc golf Jeanette attempts a putt into the basket
We keep busy with our Langley city based grandkids and indulge in many FaceTime chats with our Edmonton, Alberta, based grandkids too.
Granddaughter Brie helping Nana in the kitchen Rene playing pickle ball with grandson Easton
Since the spring weather returned, our motorcycle has been brought back into service and we often join close friends on rides in the Fraser Valley. Other than reading books, watching interesting Netflix or Prime programs, and puttering on home based projects, like most people, we look forward to a return to normalcy and to resume our planned travels.”
Albeit a seasoned off road motorcyclist, Easton and Rene Motorcycling with long time friends
enjoy long rides on on Rene's cruiser through the endless
back roads in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley
Posted April 30, 2021:
Congratulations to Paddy Moore on publication of his exciting new book, Quarantinis, Eh? Cocktails from the Pandemic.
Posted information on the website provides
the following book precis:
“The forced isolation of the Covid-19
pandemic inspired the author to reflect on
the events of each day and mix together a
tasty cocktail. This series provides a memoir
for our days of quarantine – in the form of a
story, a photograph, and a recipe for a good
stiff drink.
Phase 1: The Lockdown
In this unique book, you will find 40 daily
tales and cocktails commemorating Phase 1
of the COVID -19 lockdown from Friday,
March 13 to Tuesday, April 22, 2020. Cocktails
that you can make at home and enjoy at a
social distance.
.
Some classics, some new creations, simple and complex. Non-alcoholic options included for some drinks, along with tips for DIY home bartending.”
Paddy would like to offer CBC colleagues a 10% discount on the purchase price (bringing it down to $27.50 delivered) – available ONLY if payment is made through e-transfer directly to him at Quarantiniseh@gmail.com. Please include the message “CBC discount”. If you wish to pick up your copy from Paddy in person, the $5.00 mailing cost can also be avoided.
The website for information and ordering is www.quarantiniseh.ca.
Happy Anniversary, Vancouver! Rhubarb Gimlet In Honour of H.R.H. Prince Philip
Posted April 18:
From Nick Orchard:
(Note: See photo of Nick & Julia Orchard
in the "Colleagues in Isolation" Photo Gallery)
In addition to the selfie from Nick & Julia, they shared this terrific photo of their dog Maggie showing that she's doing her part during Covid too!
.
.
.
Posted April 11:
From Gary Heald:
"Sad News!
Oh wait, not so fast.
Recently I was about to be another Sad News subject of P{eggy’s emails. Friday, I found out I was closer than I ever knew.
September of 2020, I didn’t feel so well after lunch. Flu like symptoms in the evening (stomach) that carried on for a good week. All cleared up for a few weeks, then reappeared in October to stay. Not Covid. A blood infection that didn’t go away. It parked itself where they are known to do - the heart.
I already had an artificial aortic valve. That option was selected so that I would not have to endure the surgery again. No such luck.
My infection gave me endocarditis…a disease that likes the heart as a home and grows a vegetation.. Had it chosen the aortic valve, it would have jammed it and I would have dropped dead. Instead it went after the mitral valve which is tucked behind the aortic valve. Not visible to a standard ECG. Needs a trans-esophageal ECG, or TEE to be seen. I partook in a couple of those (6 to date), to receive the diagnosis. Good news! It’s just parked there, not interfering with any valves.
All of this meant 3 weeks in the hospital and 6 weeks of two powerful IV antibiotics, four of which were self administered at home via a PIC line. More good news! We shrunk it by a centimetre!
Did I mention, that through this ordeal we bought and sold our house?
New Years Eve, IV therapy ended. No signs of further infection growth. PIC lines pulled Feb 1st. Feb 2nd, I turned 65 years old.
As the weeks went on, I felt more and more useless and breathless. Then, I lost my appetite. I dropped to about 170 lbs from my post 2018 heart weight of 198. I had zero appetite. Anorexia. The number one side effect of digoxin poisoning.
In the meantime, my surgeon did not wish to operate. In fact wasn’t able to consult until this coming June. My weight was stable, but you wouldn’t know it. Mostly oedema water weight.
Doctors dole out news in bits and pieces. I was told I was a very sick man. Thick ankles due to water retention. Later I would find out lungs as well, due to congestive heart failure.
Still, timelines for tele meetings remained the same.
I had quit drinking at the end of October. March 10, I was having a cranberry soda at the local and playing a little Keno. My stomach ached. I went home and laid down for a few hours. I woke up and did not feel any better.
Called 911. Don’t ever be embarrassed to do that!
They came.
Remember I mentioned that the Doctors only dole out little bits of info? I’m home now and got the whole post report from my ‘ tells you everything cardiologist’, Dr,Raymond Dong.
One of the EMT’s who had taken my pulse, swears he only counted 38 bpm. As it turned out, he was correct. I still don’t get math. Dr Dong said I was living on my pacemaker, installed in 2018.
Now it is set for 60 bpm? Still don’t get the math. Long / short, I had no more spark in my heart on it’s own. My kidneys had failed and I had digoxin poisoning. Had I not called, I may have become, “Sad News”.
I was taken directly to RCH (Royal Columbian Hospital) as I had history there and it’s Fraser Valley Health’s only heart centre.
Dr Dong told me that depending on the level of toxicity, dialysis is employed to clean the blood. In rare cases, they must call Vancouver Poison Control. An expensive drug called Digibind, is cabbed out by Vancouver Poison Control and administerd. I received that.
The good news is that I got squeezed in for a few tests and operated on March 19. Surgery involved a ring to tighten up my tricuspid valve plus a new mitral valve and aortic valve because the 2018 valve was in the way of the mitral valve. All artificial so I don’t need to go through this again. I am still in recovery.
I overdo it a bit as I have a functioning heart powering a 160 lb. body.
There are many side stories to this short version on events.
Gary Heald"
Posted March 21:
(Note: See photo of Bruce McDonald and Will Millar posted in the "Colleagues in Isolation" Gallery)
Bob Silk, former co-manager of the Irish Rovers, reports that, “After his tenure as the leader and beating heart of the Irish Rovers, Will Millar developed a very successful career as an artist. He relies on his memories of his childhood in Ireland as the themes for most of his paintings. He has also returned to Ireland to visit family and toured the country almost every year. Will has a unique style that captures the spirit of old Ireland and many most interesting characters. Every March for the past ten years, Will does a showing of his artwork in various galleries. He often brings a couple of Irish musicians and sets a St. Patrick’s mood to entertain the viewers. With penny whistle in hand, he is most charming as he explains his visions of the past. His works are carried in many galleries in Canada and Ireland.” Bob also kindly shared an excerpt from a poem he wrote about Will along with some pictures capturing a few of Will’s canvases:
Will Millar The Artist
When Will finished up with Irish Rovers
He set up an easel, in his hand a paintbrush
Sells most of his works in the best galleries
His energy and talent is a true royal flush
Will’s routine everyday is practically the same
Painting in a glass studio overlooking the lake
After carefully transferring his visions to canvas
He’ll pick up his guitar and take a tea break
From childhood pictures trapped in his mind
Memories are the themes in most of his art
Dreams of a bog farmer out with his dog and
Visions of the old Ireland comes from his heart
.
On St. Patrick’s Day this past week – Wednesday, March 17th –
Bruce McDonald dropped in to Saltspring Island’s Gallery 8
Contemporary Art to say hello to Will Millar and take a few
photos of Will’s artwork:
.
.
Will Millar and Bruce McDonald against the backdrop of Will's paintings at Gallery 8 Contemporary Art, Saltspring Island
on St. Patrick's Day.
Posted March 16:
From Bill Murray:
(Note: See another photo of Bill in the “Colleagues in Isolation” Photo Gallery)
Bill sent the following terrific photos from an excursion he made up Grouse Mountain the other day. Bill elaborates, “I had bought a season’s pass and thought I ought to use it before it ran out! It wasn’t very busy so there was no problem social distancing.” He no longer skiis but enjoys hiking, Geocaching and taking in the spectacular views from the Grouse Mountain summit.
-bill-murray-on-grouse-mtn-excursion-the-other-day.jpg)
.jpg)
Bill enjoys the gondola ride to the top of Grouse Mtn. Evidence of cold temperatures and stunning views on arrival at the top.
As noted above, one of Bill’s hobbies is Geocaching which he says, “…gets me out into the streets and forests (at least when it isn’t pouring rain). He added that, “One of the TOTT’s (Tools Of The Trade) I use when I am out and about is a hiking stick. I have made quite a few – three or four for myself and quite a few for my family. They are great for balance as we hike up and down trails, moving bushes aside or prodding to find a hidden geocache. One was even used to back off a coyote I ran into on one of the trails. I don’t cut any living saplings; instead most are made from sticks I have found along railway lines where crews have cut back overgrowth too close to the tracks.”
Here are a few of Bill’s creations….
The great workshop in Bill’s condo where Bill's older brother plays Santa
he’s able to do all his work. Here he begins Clause every year so he made
creating a new hiking stick. him a special Christmas themed stick.
Bill reports that when his grandson was born, Bill and grandson James, making
he made him his first hiking stick which has excellent use of their hiking sticks.
James’ birth weight carved into it. “When one Bill says his grandson "...takes his
Geochaches,” Bill notes, “one has to have a stick everywhere, even if he is not
Geocaching name. My son liked watching Geocaching!".
'Seinfeld' and so my grandson’s caching name
became Junior Mint ('Seinfeld' enthusiasts will
know where that name came from).” As James
got older, Bill made him a longer hiking stick,
visible in the next photo.
This is one of Bill’s This is one that Bill regularly uses. It has a braided paracord strap that can
first batches of sticks. be used to carry the stick over one's shoulder or tightened up when using
the stick in the trails. The paracord can be undone and used as a rescue
rope or for first aid purposes. Bill included a Scouts Canada medallion on
the shaft of this one.
Bill likes to include different things in his This is Bill's everyday hiking stick. The turquoise
designs. At the top of this stick is a polished stone is another from his Mother's collection. He
rock from his Mother’s collection. “She loved notes that, "Turquoise has been described as the
finding and polishing different rocks she found.” captivating sea-green stone of the ancients,
Bill also added a metal tag with a suitable quote. representing wisdom, tranquility, protection,
good fortune, and hope. Ancient peoples believed
in its profound power to protect, as well as its
tranquil energy and its association with enduring
love." Bill adds that, "At the top of the stick I
printed the dates of my parents' births. There are
several Runes also on the stick. The saying on it
reads, 'If you don't know where you are going,
you will never get there'."
When his sister-in-law had hip surgery, she asked Bill for
a cane to use during her recovery and requested that the
design include a butterfly.
Posted March 14:
Congratulations and every wish for future happiness to our former CBC Vancouver Human Resources colleague Zafira Nanji and her fiancé, Tony Scott! Covid-19 restrictions have certainly impacted their August 22, 2021 wedding but Zafira and Tony are being creative with plans for family and friends to share their day uniquely with virtual attendance for guests across the globe!
In searching wedding blogs, Zafira came across an idea formulated in the United States which speaks to the travel restrictions preventing guests from attending in person and also creates a fun piece of art for the newlyweds to treasure. In the American version, brides ask for post cards from family, friends and strangers on the blogs representing every State and these are then “built” into a map of the United States which can be framed or put into an album as a very special keepsake of wedding wishes. The hopeful newlyweds would treasure the opportunity to translate this idea to Canadian values by collecting postcards from cities, provinces and territories, resulting in a map of Canada. Some of you may know that since leaving her beloved CBC, Zafira is now the HR Manager at the Canadian Tourism Commission (Destination Canada)’s head office in Vancouver!
Would you like to make this wish come true for Zafira and Tony? Pick a postcard from where you live in Canada, add a wedding wish or “advice for a happy life” (and be sure to sign it and add which CBC location you are working or did work at so that they’ll know who’s adding to their special memories!), and contact me at https://goo.gl/QNvaxu for their mailing address. Thank you!
.
From Bert Cervo:
(See photos of Bert, wife Dawn and their dog Chinook in the “Colleagues in Isolation” Photo Gallery)
Bert Cervo and his wife Dawn currently make their home in Whitehorse, YT, where he reports he is “semi-retired but still helping out on contract basis with multiple little projects up into the high Arctic.” Bert has a smile for us, saying, “Just because everybody in ‘tropical’ BC can send springtime pictures - I thought I’d share some images from the ‘real’ Canadian North!” And lovely images they are too.
The S.S. Klondike on the banks of the Yukon in Whitehorse.
The River looking south and Chinook racing along the walkway.
A typical February - March morning with -20C
Posted March 7:
Early in February you may remember the message reporting that Henry Thompson (CBC Vancouver Technical Storesman from 1982 to 1992) had moved to a long term care residence in Burnaby, B.C. last year and that in the months since then, his treasured CBC jacket had gone missing. Henry was very upset at losing this very special memory of the years he loved working at CBC Vancouver, and when his niece Thereza was unable to purchase a replacement, the call went out to ask if anyone had a jacket they would be willing to part with for Henry.
The response was amazing with jacket offers from Kathleen Gilfillan, Karen Tankard and Bob Glumac, requests for Henry’s contact information, and messages of caring from colleagues who couldn’t offer up a jacket but wanted to be supportive. Both Henry and his niece Thereza were thrilled that so many reached out and Henry was emotionally overjoyed with the jacket offers and messages. Photos of the three jackets were shown to Henry and he chose the one offered by Kathleen Gilfillan which she quickly packed and dispatched to the care home.
Henry and Thereza have asked that I convey their heartfelt thanks to Kathleen as well as to Karen and Bob for their offer and to everyone else who responded. I would like to add my thanks too! The happy ending to the story is the wonderful photo of Henry at right of this message with his gift jacket from Kathleen.
If any of you would like to reconnect with Henry, he would love to hear from you. While he cannot respond personally to cards, letters or e-mails, he would enjoy reading them. He can enjoy telephone conversations and video chat using the Face Time application can be arranged by the care home for him. For Henry’s contact information, please get in touch with Peggy Oldfield at https://goo.gl/QNvaxu
Posted February 28:
From Paddy Moore:
Paddy has some exciting news to share:
“The past year has been quite an ordeal, but I'm hoping to stay connected with this quick career update and perhaps be of service to you in a new role.
Following my television career, my job at Wanderlust Travel Store was closed last March by the pandemic. You also know how I love to travel, as do most of us.
So now, THE PIVOT (or as described in the travel industry - The Repositioning).
I am almost qualified as a Travel Consultant with Expedia Cruises in West Vancouver. It has been a steep six-month learning curve; but by the end of this month I intend to be fully certified. I’m excited to be joining a team who works hard to assist, protect, and get best value for our guests.
Soon we WILL dream again, but travel will be VERY different.
You might think I’m crazy to be continuing in the travel industry during these unsettled times, but we know that travel can still be a positive force for good.
We’re certainly not traveling right now and don’t want to encourage that. But many people are already making vacation plans and bookings for late 2021 and 2022, and now want the added assurance of a personal advisor and advocate.
WHEN YOU are ready to make vacation travel plans again, I can help - to arrange options with enhanced security and flexibility (like FREE cancellation or changes) and find you the best value. I am ready to answer your questions or requests for ANY TYPE OF TRAVEL, including Tours, Excursions, Cruise, Flights, All-Inclusives, Hotels and Travel Insurance.
MEANWHILE, whatever your future vacation plans I would like you to invite you to join my 7SEAS® Club. PLEASE visit my website and click on the “Enter to Win” banner - it’s that easy!
Then I can email you news about exclusive deals that are based on your personal travel preferences and get to learn about how to serve you best. It’s free, no obligations, and you can control how much and what type of information you would like to receive. Plus, you’ll be entered into our draw to win a Caribbean cruise for two!
Also, please ADD this new email to your contact list. You can also link with me on social media @tripstars604 on FB, and Instagram or contact me at 604-926-0029, toll free at 1-877-926-0029, visit the center (by appointment), or email at any time.
As we embark on this new year, may we never confuse physical distance with indifference. We need each other. That means keeping our distance at the moment, but it also means keeping in touch.
Stay safe, stay healthy! Let’s go through 2021 together with optimism."
Patrick (Paddy) Moore
Travel Consultant, Expedia Cruises West Vancouver
Office: 604-926-0029 Cell: 604-377-2544
"Worry less, travel more"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: pmoore@expediacruises.com
Website: www.expediacruises.com/PatrickMoore
.
From Don Peterson:
(See photo of Don in the "Colleagues in isolation" Photo Gallery)
Don's photo now posted in the "Colleagues in Isolation" gallery was taken on Dallas Road in Victoria. The area has recently been reburbished with a couple of substantial picnic tables; colourful, steel lounging chairs; a widened pedestrian path with improved fencing along the seawall; a dedicated, protected bicycle path; parking spots and slightly narrowed two way vehicle traffic. "Popular improvement!", notes Don.
Dallas Road Refurbishment
Posted February 3:
A Special Request
Our former CBC Vancouver colleague Henry Thompson (Technical Stores from 1982 to 1992) moved to a long term care residence in Burnaby, B.C., last May following recovery from a stroke in January, 2020 which has left him unable to walk and in a wheelchair.
Since living in the care residence, his treasured CBC jacket has gone missing and Henry is very upset about its loss. He remembers that it was taken from his room to be cleaned but was never returned. A search of the premises by staff has not recovered the jacket. It was a very special item to Henry which reminded him of the years he loved working at CBC Vancouver, and his niece Thereza Stephens would love to replace it for him and contacted the CBC Pensioners’ National Association for suggestions. Unfortunately nothing similar is currently available from the CBC Shop and hence, this request ….. does anyone have a CBC outerwear jacket they would be willing to part with? Henry will be 95 years of age in June, 2021 and has been in almost continuous lockdown at his residence since moving there due to three outbreaks of Covid-19. His wife passed away in 2017. It would definitely help to cheer Henry if a CBC jacket could be found for him. If you have or know of someone who would be willing to part with or sell a jacket, please let me (Peggy Oldfield https://goo.gl/QNvaxu) know.
Unfortunately we don’t have a photo of Henry’s jacket but it was black with two pockets, a CBC logo on the sleeve and possibly had ribbed cuffs on the sleeves. I’d guess that a size Medium would be the best fit for Henry, but I’m sure he would be happy to have one even if it were not the size he would normally wear.
Thank you.
.jpg)
From Michael Varga
(See Photo of Michael and Brian Schecter in the January "Colleagues in Isolation" section of the Photo Gallery)
In addition to the great close-up photo of Michael and Brian in the "Colleagues in Isolation" gallery (January 31 posting), we have a second terrific shot of them showing a bit of the spectacular Whistler scenery on a perfect skiing day.
On behalf of Joyce Resin
I’m very pleased to relay the following registration information from Joyce Resin concerning three new webinars with Joyce and Dr. Bal Pawa, scheduled for March 12, March 26 and April 9. Full detail of each webinar is given below. Cost is $35.00 per seminar or $90.00 for all three.
To register go to: joyceresin.wixsite.com/website-6
Register for one, two or all three webinars…registration is limited
Questions? Email: joyceresin@shaw.ca
Here are the details for the overall series and for each of the three webinars:
Spring Forward: Shining a Light on Good Health
Sleep….Exercise….A Healthy Gut
This interactive webinar series will explore three critical and integrated aspects of our health. Dr. Bal Pawa and Joyce Resin will take a deep dive into these areas with a focus on the latest science that underpins them and the evidence on how we can improve them.
Be prepared to try new techniques, do some movement in each webinar and ask your pressing questions.
March 12th, 26th and April 9th
10:00 am to 11:15 am
joyceresin.wixsite.com/website-6
March 12th: Good Night and Sleep Tight: The mechanics of a good night’s sleep
This webinar will:
Unpack the latest neuroscience on sleep
Debunk the three main myths of insomnia
Discuss how sleep improves the immune system
Explore issues that impede a good night’s sleep as we age eg. anxiety and stress, a sensitive bladder, chronic pain
Demonstrate sleep and relaxation techniques that work
You know you have to turn off your phone, move your television to another room, turn down the heat, refrain from eating too late in the evening and make sure you have a supportive mattress and good pillow….but you still toss and turn. Why and how can you get the deep sleep that you need? This webinar will have the answers.
March 26th: Exercise Bytes: 10 minutes at a time…the key to vitality and better health
This webinar will:
Explore the science behind “use it or lose it’
Answer the question: Is loss of muscle mass inevitable as we age?
Describe the link between exercise and balance, the immune system, sleep and mood
Share bite sized demos of the best forms of exercise after 50!
“I have no time to exercise”; “I have an injury”; “ I know it’s good for me, but I need to lose weight first”…there’s a way to exercise that’s fun, focused and evidence based, particularly for those over 50. You can improve your health with small exercise “snacks” if you incorporate all the elements that you need throughout the day. Join Bal and Joyce for this informative and active webinar that can change your attitude and exercise practice for good.
April 9th:Gut Instinct: Weight, diet and the gut/brain conversations
This webinar will:
Explain the latest neurobiology on why we overeat
Explore the role of the gut, anxiety and the brain
Examine the evidence on: Keto, weight watchers, intermittent fasting, plant based diets
Share the secrets of controlling weight and maintaining a healthy gut as we age
Why am I putting on weight as i get older? I am so confused by the myriad of diet plans out there. Why is my gut so noisy? Does it matter when I eat? …just a few of the questions you’ve asked. These and many more will be answered in this exploration of all things “gut” related over 50.
All the webinars will include relevant movement and interactive exercises appropriate to the topic. There will be a Q and A session at the end of each presentation from 11:00 am to 11:15 am.
Presenters:
Dr. Bal Pawa is a Vancouver based physician, a Harvard trained specialist in integrative medicine and co-founder of the Westcoast Women’s Clinic, the first of it’s kind in Canada. She’s a dynamic and experienced speaker and the best selling author of the book,The Mind-Body Cure: Heal Your Pain, Anxiety and Fatigue by Controlling Stress. https://drbalpawa.com/
Joyce Resin (MSW) is a Third Age BCRPA fitness instructor. She was Director of the Healthy Heart Society of BC and Exec. Director of Impact BC, a health improvement agency. She was host and Executive Producer of the CBC network program "Alive! The Picture of Health" and host of "The Best Years", Canada's first TV program for people over 50. She’s a Director of the Canadian Frailty Network, a Centre of Excellence that supports research to prevent frailty.
To register go to: joyceresin.wixsite.com/website-6
Register for one, two or all three webinars…registration is limited
Questions? Email: joyceresin@shaw.ca
Posted January 31:
Jackson Davies shared a post of CBC Vancouver crew on location with The Beachcombers, on the "Friends of the Beachcombers" Facebook page. Jackson's intro says, "Great to see some photos from our crew, they were the best and the foundation of the BC film industry. We became the experts of filming on water, and water was the way we welcomed new crew and said goodbye to crew when they left." Enjoy the video at https://www.facebook.com/705140650/videos/10164964916580651/
Posted January 24:
From Harry Taylor
(See photo of Harry in the "Colleagues in Isolation" section of the Photo Gallery)
Harry Taylor sends word that he and his wife Mirka have a houseful of antiques, mostly Art Deco and that, when Covid restrictions lift to allow visiting, they would be happy to welcome you for a look-see! Harry also shared these photos of early radios and the 1940 Cadillac, all of which he has fully restored. If you would like to get in touch with Harry about a future visit to see the collection or just to chat about “the old days” at CBC, contact me at https://goo.gl/QNvaxu and I will privately relay his phone number and e-mail address.
Part of Harry's collection of restored early radios and his 1940 Cadillac.
.
From Mar Sulaika Ochs:
Mar Sulaika Ochs has been working hard to expand her Storygoddess website and has numerous postings available under the headings of A Memory a Day; Covid-19; Musings; Sixty Plus Sex; The Inspiratrix Speaks; Vinaigrettes and Ya Gotta Laugh, plus guest submissions relating to Covid-19 from Jack Remick and from Dr. Susan Baxter. Each of them provide a strong no-nonsense perspective which expresses both the diligence necessary in respecting restrictions and the common sense needed to cope with pandemic worries. To read these and all other compositions by Mar, click on The Story Goddess – Communicator & Story Teller .
In addition to her writing for Storygoddess.ca and hosting duties on Two Boomer Women podcasts with her podner, Agnes Knowles, Mar continues to offer tutoring in conversational English, so if you know anyone looking for such service, please pass her information card along!
From Terry Murray (January 10):
Terry Murray's photo was posted in the "Colleagues in Isolation" Gallery the week of November 22nd and this column that same week shared the news of her wonderful success and recognition for her art. The article about her coiled paper bowls has just been published in the January 2021 issue (#48) of Uppercase Magazine. The link is https://issuu.com/uppercaseyyc/docs/uppercase_48_issuu or you can google Uppercase Terry Murray. You'll find Terry and her art on page 18 of the magazine.
From Drew Snider:
Drew Snider posted a special video on his blog, "Two Minutes for Cross-Checking!", on Christmas Day. Drew advises that, "It's Don Mowatt, reading the excerpt from dad's memoir about The Christmas Turkey, which he read for us at dad's memorial service. (Hard to believe that was almost 10 years ago.) I still get a kick out of it, and maybe some others will, too …" Drew's dad was long-time CBC Vancouver Television Producer Andy Snider ("Klahanie" series) and Don Mowatt is a retired CBC Vancouver Radio Producer. https://twominutesforcrosschecking.wordpress.com/2020/12/25/a-christmas-dinner-story/
From Bob Nixon (January 3):
(Note: CLICK HERE TO See photo of Bob in the "Colleagues in Isolation" section of the Photo Gallery)
“On December 24th, I had the first ever Christmas harvest from my backyard lemon tree. It’s probably one of the few, if only, such outdoor lemon trees in North Burnaby. And I got it about 15 years ago thanks to the CBC.
I got sent one day to Tsawwassen where a controversy brewed over the main BC Hydro power line into the community. The line had a wide right of way, used by some folks as a walking trail. Some residents built gates so they could access it from their backyards. A few then started digging up the land for flower and vegetable gardens. Walkers complained; BC Hydro threatened to kick everybody out of its right of way; unhappy gardeners were alarmed. So, a perfect CBC-TV story.
One of the gardeners had really gone to town. Not just a huge garden, he focussed on exotic plants that typically don’t live outdoors in BC, but might survive in Tsawwassen’s milder climate. He had built greenhouses and irrigation systems and a website (tropika.ca - no longer active) to sell the plants he grew. So I bought two of his offerings; a feijoa, native to Brazil and a Meyer Lemon, of which my in-laws had a healthy example in California.
The story was a huge success, of course, though a Webster’s nomination eluded me. I planted my little saplings against the south facing wall of my house and waited for growth. In the fall, I built a small, collapsible plastic wrapped greenhouse for the lemon tree and during the winter, turned on a 60 watt utility light for any frosty, snowy or otherwise cold weather. The feijoa was left to its own devices. Bad idea.
But my Meyer came through that winter and every one of the years that followed. When I took advantage of the CBC’s sabbatical offer and moved to France, that five year old lemon got dug up, transported to North Vancouver found a home with Peter Layton, who has a real green house. It survived wonderfully. But the trauma of such awesome responsibility so damaged Peter that he continues to work at CBC 40-plus years after he started. Raising a lemon tree in BC reminds one of life’s fragile nature.
As for Meyer, it grew to six feet high, requiring yearly pruning. After a decade or so actually bore fruit. Sometimes a dozen appeared, though only a few grew to any size. But this year, the tree bloomed. Hundreds of flowers enticed my bees and by June or July scores of little fruit buds appeared. In late October I picked the ten large ones that had turned yellow. Then I hauled out the old greenhouse contraption to guard against the coming frosts.
The inside walls soon fogged up, offering me only a hazy view. But I noticed spots of opaque yellow here and there, which I assumed were leaves turning colour. But on Christmas Eve, a frost free day, I lifted up the greenhouse and crawled inside. The yellow were not leaves, but lemons. Dozens of them. Amazing.
So yeah, 2020 has been a remarkable year. Like most people, my family has endured the changes brought by Covid, and so far dodged any serious problems. But unlike most others, life really has given me lemons. And I really will make... well, I’ll let you know.”