June 8, 2010 Duane Burnett
Accident HWY 101 Sunshine Coast Highway in Selma Park, BC
What do you think needs to be done about the aging highway? More transit? New highway? New types of vehicles? New bike paths? Get away from strip malls and urban sprawl? Skytrain? A ferry between Squamish and Langdale? Do tell......
"3 car accident involving some elderly people in a rear-ender resulted in minor injuries," Rob Stockwell, Training Officer, Sechelt Fire Department.
Selma Park, and the entire Sunshine Coast Highway has seen tremendous pressure placed on it in recent years from urban sprawl eating up the coastal forests. The increased population, vehicle traffic and strain on highways seems to result in more and more traffic woes.
LOL... Look at the great timing the guy on the motorized scooter thing makes in these pictures while the rest of the traffic crawls through Selma Park, just 3 minutes out of Sechelt, BC.
Ken Law
Motorized Scooters from MEDIchair will get you through all sorts of traffic Jams : )
What do you think?
Route 101 has become a danger, I think.
What was once a great wagon trail is now reached way past its capacity. At the same time, the Gulf Oil Spill ecocide reminds us that we have to get off the fossil fuel addiction.
I also worry that a new highway by-pass and urban sprawl will lack wildlife corridors and crossings, as well as paths, trails and cycling routes.
Everyone wants to live by the forest but we have to chop it down to live there! Then we complain about the displaced wild animals eating our gardens and knocking our garbage over. Maybe we could plant some fruit trees and natural food for them back in the mountain forests to replace all they have lost. Then make sure any new planning includes wildlife corridors.
Thanks so much for checking out my blog and all your comments and feedback. I really appreciate it! We have a tremendous and amazing community spirit, and I know we will get through this together.
COMMENTS/FEEDBACK
Susan Danvers-Robertson
50% yes and 50% no. but the way it is shaping up is so sad that it won't be our little town anymore. Been here over 30 years and it's changed so much already
Lorna McBride
It seems that the bring back the 4 lanes in Gibsons has been ignored by the politicians. So is that a non issue now? I still think the traffic problems start there.
Susan Danvers-Robertson
i totally agree with Lorna....stupid politicians
Geordie Harrower
Finish the by- pass to nowhere ffs!!
Powell River Books
We travel 101 frequently and it can be problematic, especially in bad weather. If the ferries didn't have such tight schedules it might be safer. We wouldn't have to hurry so much. - Margy
Chelsea Leech
I agree with Lorna. Gibsons is a mess you can't turn coming out of anything on the other side of the road going into Sechelt. Solid line of cars. Its ridiculous.
Marlene Toth
txs Duane, was wondering what all that traffic noise was about
Manuen Edwards
yep... it sucks when there's an accident on our lovely two lane highway!
Julie Kronlund
You dont really want a 4 lane trust me ....
Shelley Patrick
I think it would help if we stopped calling it a highway. Its a road with driveways onto it.
Debra Dee
I was right behind this accident with my broom and talking to the people in the 3 cars involved. One having heart pains another just coming out of heart surgery at the hospital, all shooken up pretty good. Since knowing at least 2 ambulances were coming I phoned CKAY immediately to advise people to go around or avoid. This is one reason I might not like all the music on our local station, but I have it on when I am driving this Coast. Did any of you listen and go around?
Julie Kronlund
YEP the sunshine coast needs to connect to Squamish ... the road %*%&$&%*%95 the ferry that's why the congestion .... I don't live there anymore but I did for a LONG time my daughter was born the .. AHHH just remember the good old days when you knew it was ferry traffic ...
Rob Thomson
What we do to resolve growing congestion and transportation issues here on the coast depends on what we are prepared to part with from our wallets and what we are prepared to give up in terms of lifestyle and the loss of more of the land corridor. The coast population is growing, available land is limited and we now have to make choices. We seem to want all the amenities of the Lower Mainland at no cost to us without sacrificing what makes the coast so wonderful.
Nick Proach, President, Route 101 Society tells me "The Route 101 Society is fully committed to seeing the development of a safer, more efficient transportation infrastructure built and maintained. That includes increased public transit as well as safe, usable bike lanes and pedestrian areas as well as a second new modern highway.
We can do this by building a new, modern highway north of the communities to take away major traffic on the current 101 first, then perform the necessary work to make the current 101 safer for bikes, pedestrians and the like."
Crashes spur call for road upgrade. By Glenda Luymes. Photo Duane Burnett. The Province. July 20, 2006 SUNSHINE COAST: Winding Hwy. 101 target of critics. Two Gibsons Teen Killed. The roadside memorial in west Sechelt yesterday where Hannah Anderson, 16 and Trina Borley, 17, were killed in a car accident last week. Duane Burnett -- For The Province
"Highway" 101 was built in 1962
and is 50 miles in length taking into
account only the southern section of
the coast, from Langdale to
Egmont.
There are over 370 driveways that
enter onto Route 101.
There are 33 "S" curves on Route
101 between Madeira Park and
Egmont
There is not one passing lane on
Route 101 traveling north between
Gibsons and Sechelt, the busiest
portion of the highway.
In the last 5 years there have been
652 accidents.
Vancouver Sun, July 2006. Photos Duane Burnett
March 20, 2010. Duane Burnett.
Traffic lights go up and are installed at Highway 101 (route 101) on the Sunshine Coast, BC in Roberts Creek at an intersection overwhelmed by the increased strain of population growth, urbanization, and sprawl on transportation infrastructure and wildlife.
Top cycling pair seriously injured when struck by car. Story Jack Keating. Photos Duane Burnett. The Province Newspaper. July 6, 2006. Sunshine Coast: Duo flew through the air about six metres landed in shoulder. Sean Stanhope and Matt Cottrell were injured in a cycling accident near Halfmoon Bay prompting the Sunshine Coast Community to rally behind them and a safer Highway 101
Simons Meets with Cycling Community. Photo and Story Duane Burnett.
Mountain biker Harrison Duxbury-Sleep presented Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons with a petition calling for cycling paths along the entire length of Highway 101. 514 citizens of the Coast signed the petition. Also present in support of the petition were Paul Rudolph, Owner of Spin Cycles in Gibsons; Steve Sleep, from On The Edge Bike Team (now Sunshine Coast Cycling); Doug Detwiller who created the Sprockids Mountain Bike program in Gibsons; and Brad Proctor, Owner of On The Edge Bike Shop in Sechelt (now The Happily Traveler).
It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast! Duane
16 Year Old Girl With Physical Disabilities Challenges Herself To Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru.
UPDATE
Nov 9, 2010.
Angela Carroll-Wallace
"- this is Angela's daughter Skye posting, as facebook is unattainable from the TOP OF MACHU PICCHU!!!! Myah and Angela reached the top of Machu Picchu this morning at 8am pacific time!!!!"
Sunday, June 6, 2010. Duane Burnett
16 Year Old's Journey to Machu Picchu in Peru is $3,520. closer after a Sunday Funday fund raiser at the Roberts Creek Hall, in Roberts Creek, BC on the Sunshine Coast, Canada.
"Duane, after counting it all up, we have reached our goal! We are so grateful to an amazing community and we will keep you and therefore everyone else updated as we continue to fund raise for EquipKIDS through the summer. Thank you thank you thank you." Angela CARROLL-WALLACE
Myah is 16. She has challenges in everyday life because she lives with physical disabilities. This has never stopped her. She is raising funds to trek up Machu Picchu in Peru, in support of and as a role model for disabled kids around the world.
"Anything really is possible," Angela CARROLL-WALLACE
"We did it! $7000 raised with $45 to spare. We will continue to fundraise throughout the summer for EquipKIDS International. A lot of work and generosity went into this $7000, and it will make a lot of difference in many lives. Thank you to all our friends and family and this great community! An extra special thank you to Caron, Sharon, Mike, Max, Skye and Scott," Angela CARROLL-WALLACE
Myah's Sunday Funday included some great music, tasty delights, a delicious bake sale and a silent auction.
The event had the most amazing line-up of entertainers and volunteers including award-winning Vancouver-based improv duo, Hip.Bang!, featuring Tom Hill and Devin MacKenzie. Plus coast favourite Deanna Cartea. Song stylings and musings by Bonar Harris & Liz Freund. The beautiful and popular Skye Wallace, accompanied by the talented Richard Lam also performed!
The amazing talent continued with Alexander Keurvorst, the riveting center of Vancouver's revolving-door band, Cumulus Discord. Other performers included Bronwyn Malloy, Elizabeth Harris, and Laura Vercammen.
And special mention to one of the Sunshine Coast's great show stopping bands CarnivalEra with Chelsea Crawford, Ross Hastings, Chris Mortensen, Spencer Watts and manager Dave Hallstead.
The Peru Trek is organized by Equip KIDS International a Canadian-based international development organization that works with children with disabilities in developing countries. http://www.equipkids.org/
Everyone faces challenges. Make this trek yours!
An amazing 10-day trip through Peru to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, in support of children with disabilities. October 9 -17, 2010 http://www.equipkids.org/incan.htm
It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast! Duane
I hope to keep you up to date on how the fund raiser and especially the trip to Peru goes! Sending everyone best wishes and a safe journey!
Just letting you know that CBC [radio] has contacted me and has asked that I be a guest on their show this Sunday at 1 - 3 ((SUN JULY 18)). The show is about 'Where to Live in Canada ' and the host has a friend in Gibsons who told her about our play... at Gibsons United and that the play was about Gibsons winning the award...
They went on line and found Duane's web site and it went from there. Spoke with her briefly today and hope it works out well.... thanks Duane... and wish me luck. hugs, linda norris
Update July 15th. http://www.cbc.ca/checkup/
CBC Radio's Cross Country Checkup to interview Director Linda Norris about Gibsons Gold The Musical & living in Gibsons, British Columbia. The CBC program contacted Duane Burnett after reading about The Musical on his blogspot and flickr site.
I'm producing Cross Country Checkup at CBC Radio this week (it's a national call-in show that's on every Sunday afternoon), and our topic this week involved great places to live in Canada. Since Gibsons is "the World's Best Town", I'm trying to chat with a few people from Gibsons as part of my background research. My friend Mary Burns pointed me towards the recent production of Gibsons Gold, which sounds like such a fun show, which is how I found your website. Alison Broverman,
Associate Producer, Cross Country Checkup, CBC Radio 1
Broadcast time:
Sundays at 1:00 p.m. PT, 2:00 p.m. MT, 3:00 p.m. CT, 4:00 p.m. ET, 5:00 p.m. AT and 5:30 p.m. NT on CBC Radio One
"Cross Country Checkup is Canada's only national open-line radio program, broadcast live across Canada every Sunday afternoon on CBC Radio One, on Sirius satellite radio channel 137, and around the world on the Internet.
Checkup is a Canadian tradition. We have been on the air most Sundays for 45 years. The program was first broadcast May 16, 1965, during the bitter debate over whether there should be a national publicly-funded health-care system (hence the somewhat medical name of the show!)."
The all star cast included Niv Harris, Johanna Rzepa, Dianna Barton, Terri Scallon, Duane Burnett, Melanie Cloutier, Ted Adnit, George Morice, Cam Colleypriest, Kevin Rentoul, Rodney Bessette, LeeAnn Johnson and Lee Turnball. Music by the wonderful Gaetan Bergevin. And an awesome backstage crew and amazing kitchen helpers. http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com
Thank you everyone who helped make Gibsons Gold Possible.
Especially The Liveable Community Awards for bestowing such an amazing honour on Gibsons, BC. http://www.livcomawards.com/ The LivCom Awards were launched in 1997 and are endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme. LivCom is the world’s only Awards Competition focussing on Best Practice regarding the management of the local environment. The objective of LivCom is to improve the quality of life of individual citizens through the creation of ‘liveable communities’.
Nicole Josh
Are they going to air it on coast cable, it's a must see
Duane Burnett
Thanks Julia ♥ What an amazing cast, crew, writer and director. Awesome to hear you loved it!
Duane Burnett
Coast TV did not film it. Seemed to get rave reviews from the audience. There were these 2 ladies today who even gave us a standing ovation! What are your reviews of the Musical????? It is all original. I hope we will be able to have it saved in the SC Museum and Archives. Any rave reviews greatly appreciated. Critics too! ♥
Christine Moore
I agree with you Nicole!!! My Girls and I went to see it! We sat in the front! It was soooo much fun!! We all had a more than great time! and we`re sooo glad we went! Wayne Barnette (Duane) You are the BEST!!! ♥ u
Nicole Josh
It was brilliant, love how the audience was included.
Benjamin's forgot half their lines, but it would not have mattered anyway as Mr. D was the star and much applauded for, the girls were great and amusing. People love you Duane
Toews Blakely Elizabeth
how was the show? any reviews? I was interested but didn't make it! Any more runs?
Maureen Ainslie
The show was GREAT!! Funny and charming local talent...all of it! :)
Toews Blakely Elizabeth
let us know if there's another show, summer theatre in the park would be grande!
Cathie Roy
you excellent star you
ARTICLES & CREDITS
Gibsons Gold strikes pay dirt
June 4,2010 coastreporter.net
by Cathie Roy/Associate Publisher
Have you had a good laugh lately? If the answer is no you should scoot on down to Gibsons United Church tonight, (Friday), tomorrow evening or the Sunday matinee for the final showings of Gibsons Gold.
You’ll love the inside jokes. Suffice to say if you happen to own a hardware store in Gibsons, you’ll be surprised to find out just how your name is dropped in this little gem of a play. Writers Linda Norris and Marion Crook obviously had a good time pointing out our little (and big) foibles on the Lower Coast.
Wait till you see what screwball antics the four fabulous leads get up to when they take on the most reviled entity on the Coast.
The cast members are no strangers to theatre lovers in our area. Rev. Terri Scallon is a hoot as the scheming May White; she plays a toughie with great aplomb. The always-entertaining Niv Jameson is great as sidekick, Sheila McPherson. Dianna Barton puts the va-va in voom in her role as the sexy Amber Rocinni and rounding the quartet is Johanna Rzepa as the sweet, innocent and slightly dopey, straight out of the woods of Roberts Creek, Susan Bryce.
Almost stealing the show in a caricature of himself in his mission as Coast photographer is Duane Burnett. He is absolutely terrific in this part.
Guest appearances by local realtor Patricia Hetherington and Coun. LeeAnn Johnson and other assorted local celebrities just add to the fun.
The talented Gaetan Bergevin on guitar adds just the right touch of musical ambiance to the play. And the last song will stay in your head for days.
If you’re lucky and can still get tickets go and support these hardworking thespians. They deserve it.
Arts & Entertainment
Going for Gold in Gibsons
August 14,2009 coastreporter.net
Jan DeGrass/Arts and Entertainment Writer
When Linda Norris was thinking about writing a fundraising play to be performed at Gibsons United Church, she knew she could draw on material from her own back yard. Gibsons had recently won the world’s most liveable community award, and as Norris strolled about town with her dog, she started asking people why they live here.
“Almost 90 per cent of them used the word magic,” Norris remembers. “They came for a week and couldn’t live anywhere else, or similar stories.”
Norris teamed up with writer Marion Crook, who has a long string of publications to her credit including self help books on social issues as well as adventure stories for kids, and the two embarked on a collaborative process for an original musical comedy known as Gibsons’ Gold. The title refers to the award — not to anything that one might smoke.
The play opens May 27 (although the first night is sold out already) and runs until June 6. Crook wrote many of the lyrics, and musician Gaetan Bergevin composed the music.
Norris had previously taken on the organization of two Enchanted Evenings at the church, a combination dinner and music event. But with her background in theatre and choreography in Montreal and her experience in writing and directing a play in Ontario, she decided to take on this greater challenge.
“It is probably the best cast and crew I have ever worked with,” she said. “Everyone is working hard and helping out as they can.”
The plot turns on a group of visitors from abroad who don’t understand why their home town was not selected as the best. An act of suspected terrorism takes place that involves local police (played by Melanie Cloutier, Ted Adnitt and Rodney Bessette). Despite the gorgeous scenery in the backdrop, some of the action takes place in a bare jail cell where the performers languish: Niv Harris (who plays a serious executive), Terri Scallon (the United Church’s minister) who plays an artsy type, Johanna Rzepa as the organic gardener and Dianna Barton (previously seen in Driftwood’s Never Swim Alone and Wonderville). The playwrights are not revealing the story’s outcome, but it involves a dramatic entrance including a B.C. ferry and the song that will make us all proud: Are You From Gibsons?
Because it is a play about a true to life community many, of its actual residents were penned into the script — often as a parody of their real personalities.
In the play, the character Wayne Barnett (performed by Duane Burnett), plays an exuberant, social butterfly photojournalist, and there are appearances by the town’s mayor, Barry Janyk, and an acting mayor, Bob Curry, as themselves.
In fact, one of the more charming aspects of this production is that anyone can have their one-minute of fame on the stage. The play’s promoter, Mary Lou Owen, offers a deal: you pay $100 to be written into the script for one minute and receive a full page ad in the program. The money raised goes to support the many community activities that the church sponsors. Already Tim Hortons has taken up the challenge, and actor George Morice, who works at the Gibsons coffee shop, takes his role as doughnut provider seriously. Gibsons Building Supplies and One Stop Contracting have assisted with set construction; costumes are by Linda McTurk.
Cabaret night shows run May 27 and 28 and again on June 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. Dinner theatre is offered on May 29 and June 5 at 6:30 p.m. Matinées are on May 30 and June 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets prices are $15 for shows, $32 for dinner theatre, available at Gaia’s Fair Trade, Coast Princess Books, Roberts Creek General Store and Monkeychips.
+++++++
Musical Accompaniment
Gaetan Bergevin
Cast
(in order of appearance)
Sheila McPherson Niv Jameson
Susan Bryce Johanna Rzepa
Amber Rocinni Dianna Barton
May White Terri Scallon
Cpl. Judith Davies Melanie Cloutier
Officer Mike Ted Adnitt
Jason George Morice
Randy McPherson Cameron Colleypriest
Mr. Duncan Kevin Rintoul
Cst. Peterson Rodney Bessette
Wayne Barnett Duane Burnett
Council Member Lee Ann Johnson or Lee Turnbull
We, at Gibsons United, want you to know how grateful we are that you are here supporting Gibsons’ Gold. This has truly been a community effort of the people of our beautiful Sunshine Coast. Many of our actors, backstage assistants, kitchen wizards and servers are people like you who just want to come together to have fun and help raise funds to support those in the community who are in need. Proceeds from this play go towards assisting community members in many ways. Please visit our website at www.gibsonsunitedchurch.ca to find out more about us.
Gibsons’ Gold!
Presented by the Gibsons United Players
Directed by Linda Norris
Co-written by Linda Norris and Marion Crook
Original music by Gaetan Bergevin. Lyrics by Marion Crook
Introduction
Poem by Nicolas Simons ~ Read by Ted Adnitt
Opening song by Gaetan Bergevin.
Music by G. Bergevin. Lyrics by M. Crook
Act I
The mayor has called four women of Gibsons to beautify
the town for the coming dignitaries who want to know
why Gibsons won the “Best Town in the World” award.
Song: “Changes” Music Bergevin & Crook
Act II
They first try to stay within the law but they get no
support so they look for another option.
Songs: “The Duck Song” Music Bergevin & Crook
“Someday” Music Bergevin & Crook
Act III
Federal property is damaged. They are arrested
and detained indefinitely as potential terrorists??
Songs: “The Fence”. Music Bergevin & Crook
“I am Not Afraid” Music & Lyrics by Linda Norris
Finale Song: “Are You From Gibsons?”
Music originally written by George Cobb (1914)
New lyrics M. Crook
QUESTION? Were your plans, events, or business affected by the ferry oil spill disrupting service on Friday or the fire at Coles Marina in Lower Gibsons? http://twitter.com/duaneburnett
Friday June 4th, seemed to be quite an extraordinary day on the Sunshine Coast.
It was announced that the Route 3 Sunshine Coast Langdale-Horseshoe Bay ferry sailings were completely canceled for the entire day till further notice at one point by BC Ferries, then a huge fire broke out at the historic Coles Marina in Lower Gibsons Landing, BC. A family lost everything in the fire and BC Ferries eventually got the Queen of Cowichan on the ferry route after numerous canceled sailings and thousands of frustrated passengers, including many local coast residents, who appear to be at the boiling point and so fed up with the transportation service.
All sailings between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale are SUSPENDED. Please be advised that the Queen of Coquitlam is holding in dock at Horseshoe Bay until further notice.
Turns out the announced mechanical difficulties were in fact an oil leak into Howe Sound apparently spotted by crew at the Langdale Ferry Terminal, as the Queen of Coquitlam departed.
Then just after that happened a boat marine repair shop catches fire on the waterfront in Gibsons Harbour, taking a family's home with it.
Gibsons Fire Chief Bob Stevens just told me: "Coles is completely destroyed and the neighbouring house is involved as well. We have all of our apparatus on scene and have got Roberts Creek assisting us as well."
I imagined, that all this media attention, with news choppers flying over the burning building and reports that all sailings were canceled from Vancouver to Langdale, the only extended highway way to get to the Sunshine Coast and "Upper Mainland" as I like to call it, might impact a lot of people, who might just cancel their plans.
QUESTION? Were your plans, events, or business affected by the ferry oil spill disrupting service on Friday or the fire at Coles Marina in Lower Gibsons?
HERE are the responses from the community:
Simon Paradis This oil spill trend has got to let up, already!!
Shannon Kewley Yes and Yes but the ferry was already in a pickle before the fire and so clients \ people had a hard time getting there and or were confused on how and what was going on..... Thanks Duane for the updatessssssssss...YOU ROCK!
Kera Mchugh the power outage resulting from the fire definitely created some challenges... but we got thru! Thanks to all who came out, and the musicians who played completely unplugged to everyone's delight.
Deborah Keith Geoffrion yes of course I think every resturaunt in lower G who not only lost business but also like us who deal with food, fridges was a big concern...John and I were up most of the night and early morning moving food and counting losses...still it doesn't compare and we are grateful for friends, family and community.
Deborah Keith Geoffrion so i was thinking we could all help those businesses by making sure we have a meal at one of them or make a purchase in the near future since small business sustains our community
Allen Snowdon Sort of kibashed my meeting with the Pope!
Duane Burnett thanks everyone for some great comments. I wasn't sure if BC Ferries telling people not to travel and the media telling everyone the ferry was cancelled till further notice would effect everyones plans. People would just cancelled all their plans. Seems 1/2 of lower Gibsons lost power for hours and hours from the fire and everyone was turned away ... See Morefrom the area trying to drive down there. Terrilble that there was another oil spill this time in Howe Sound. Poor narine. What A Freaky Friday! Don't ya think!
Chelsea Sleep ferry oil spill? what??
Carole Carlton My power was out from around 3.30 p.m. - 6.30 a.m. if I knew music was still being played at The Wild I would have been there!!!! As it was I found the Legion with lights on to go and recharge my cell phone. Other than that there was tons of traffic diverted up Harvey from the ferry as I didn't have any electricity I didn't know till later that ... See Moreit was because of the fire or know about the ferry. Thanks for all the updates Duane.
Did BC Ferries announce that the lower road to Gibsons was closed past Granthams? That would have helped ease all the traffic from lower road, up to Reed and onto North Road. It was pretty scary for some of the local children dealing with vehicles speeding around the dirt roads and even me driving home!!!!
Duane Burnett good point Carole, let the people on the ferry know that there is no through traffic in Lower G. I think that the Emergency Response team would have advised the Ferries so they could advise the public in a best case scenario. wink
Julia Hill Absolutely. The fire took out the power so couldn't make business deposits at the bank which means couldn't mail posted cheques etc etc. Oh well c'est la vie. More importantly I hope the home owner and their family get back on their feet.
Deborah Keith Geoffrion On that note...Susanne who lost her home has volunteered 1000s of hours for the good of this community, as have the tenants who also lost homes. It's good to see everyone rallying to give to the fire victims yesterday. Our business Seaweeds Health Food has pledged $300.00 worth of goods (food, toiletries- whatever they need) and we challenge all... See More business to pledge something as I am sure they need just about everything and will as they may be displaced for months. We are a small business and this is a small community... but Gibsons shines through its passionate people like Susanne.
Andrea Wray Ok the 9 15 ferry is loading no loading announcement nothing once again noone at the ferry terminal knows what's going on leaving cars with people in restaurants cause they have no clue...thank you again to BC ferries the right hand never knowing what the left is doing. I guess the question is DO THEY CARE?
Duane Burnett Andrea thanks for your updates on the ferry situation. The mechanical difficulties they reported were an oil spill in Howe Sound. Poor marine life.
Andrea Wray What?where is that source coming from ?I went to the chief stewards office ...I found out this due to a bylaw after dusk there are no docking announcements....the people on the hwy do not work for B.C ferries...its a private contractor Capilano hwys...they do NOT give the public the right info...B.C ferry workers aka our friends and family DO care ... See Morethat what happened today screwed lots of people.I am formally making a complaint because as the rest of us we need info that is not hysterical wrong or inconclusive for our businesses family and the ever needed and hopefully growing tourists.WE as a community must stay informed...can I help?
Duane Burnett I remember trying for years to provide traffic control training and a communications system between Langdale terminal and highways. I eventually had a near nervous breakdown from exhaustion on top of the chronic health issues I deal with and they asked me to resign or be fired.
Andrea Wray Really? Omg good to know...well my friend all the better to serve them ..what they deserve..this is not a one man show no more bitching unless action is backing it.You don't have to do or be anyone other than you...let's see how many others take the call to arms when its them ...waiting wondering ...ha
Duane Burnett You won't believe this Andrea, but when I came on as Terminal Supervisor of Langdale I endured a lot of resistance to even making announcements to inform the public. In fact down right ridicule from some senior supervisors and managers. To me, letting you know so you can make arrangements and why is a really important part of communicating. You may now notice that there are way more announcements at BC Ferries.
Andrea Wray Well too bad for us all that you are not "on board" nothing surprises me but the lack of commuter support or community care everyone has let this go on for years its just a quiet bitching over a glass of wine with no out come
Marcy Solis de Ovando Here, here!
TsainKo Gift Native Giftshop I went to pick up my grandson friday from the 11:30 ferry that left horshshoe bay, and the announcements for the late ferry was about a half hour later when the ship should have been here that they did not know when the ferry would leave horshshoe bay, could be hours, omg, we waited then found out that it wouldnt be for at least an hour, i had to ... See Morego to lower gibsons to eat and try and call my daughter who was walking my grandson onto the ferry. She didnt know when it was going to be ready and then we found out one had to come from vanc. island to horseshoe bay to replace our aged one, that took two hours we finally left the ferry terminal with my tired grandson after 3pm, just in time to see the fire at lower gibson starting it was quite the day.
Christa Banks I would like to thank all the customers, new and old, who gave compassion and understanding to us at Angelo`s Pizza on Friday night. The power outage that plagued lower Gibson`s affected all the restaurants located there, and we became extremely busy! Many relatives came on call to help our family business provide wonderful food and service to our understanding community, and we appreciate the support and patience shown by all. If you could post this to your fans, I`d appreciate it Duane. Thank you!
Shiloh Gregorchuk QUOTE: TsainKo Gift Shop: "She didnt know when it was going to be ready and then we found out one had to come from vanc. island to horseshoe bay to replace our aged one,"
What do you mean 'our aged one'? The ferry that replaced the current ship on our run (Cowichan replacing Coquitlam) is the same age as the other one, and the Surrey is an even newer ferry.
Roza Rogers AND THE fAST cAT...WHERE IS SHE NOW?HAHAHA..
Howard Paull Raise the ferry rates and us Sunshine Coasters (and visitors) deal with ferry delays & cancellations. Bcos this rusty bucket of bolts they call a ferry, breaks down like clock work; just B4 the Summertime. A sure sign Summer is on it's way. :o)
Duane Burnett @Christa have included the information on my blog. It goes to my fb profile notes and feeds to my twitter followed by major regional, national, and international media, tourism, green types. @Shiloh I thought it was a C Class vessel too but people were trying to tell me it was really old, like a V Class which just didn't compute with my years and years of service fantastic supervisory and management training at BC Ferries. @Roza the Fast Cat has been used for sardine cans. tee hee @Howard definitely time to invest in some compact ferries that run on a much more regular schedule like every hour later into the night. AND a ferry between Squamish and Langdale!
Howard Paull Hey Duane, Awesome idea of the smaller/compact ferries running every hour on the hour. Imagine what that would do hmmm. I'm sure they'd generate a lot of revenue for the ferry system, as more people would utilize this. Great idea on the Squamish/Langdale runs too. Do you think they'd (BC. Ferries) even entertain these idea's ? ? ?
Nichole Lagasse I hate BC ferries with a passion so dont get me started.
Duane Burnett where's the love Nichole! ♥ wink
Nichole Lagasse I dont like being held literally hostage by a corporation. Ive had instances at my work where a wildcat strike hastened the death of my patient. No love there for her, was there?
Nichole Lagasse I dont like being held literally hostage by a corporation. Ive had instances at my work where a wildcat strike hastened the death of my patient. No love there for her, was there?
Nichole Lagasse Friday was my birthday...Im used to odd things happening that day....Tiannamen square happened when I turned 16. Feel truly bad for the people who lost their homes!
Thanks for reading my blog and for all the terrific feedback & comments, especially on my facebook profile and Notes which this blog feeds.
If you have anything further you would like to add please let me know! Much appreciated.
It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast! Duane Burnett
Sat, Jun 19th, 2010 Gibsons Fire Victims updates to share:
+ The main goal is to find housing for all. Currently, everyone has temporary housing on the same beachfront as the Wynkin and Coles Marina which burned down, except for one tenant, Heather Miller. (Suzi, Raven, Marcus, Tina, Heather, 2dogs a cat, Marlee and Jen)
- first step is finding space on the beach for Heather. - second step is finding more permanent Gibsons homes for the entire house.
- until Jennifer White has a permanent home she wont be seeking anymore public donations of household goods or clothes. even though she will need everything eventually, she does not have the storage capacity just now.
- $$$ DONATIONS: The Beauchamp/Miller Fire Victim Trust Fund has been set up at the Sunshine Coast Credit Union for the entire Wynkin Family (Suzi, Raven, Marcus, Tina, Heather, 2dogs a cat, Marlee and Jen)
A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM JENNIFER WHITE
i am so thankful for what has already been given opening myself to ask for help allowing myself to receive rediscovering the human connection
its a wonderful thing when everything you own is decided upon by the measure of other peoples generosity what they deem you worthy of having my soul is healing through the love of a community
what do i need? everything and nothing time. time to linger time to let go. time to breathe faith that the Wynkin family will not be forgotten.
blessings and gratitude graceful thanks All My Relations.
Jennifer White (and her daughter Marlee)
Personal messages or donations for Jen & Mar can be arranged by:
email: jennyfire@live.ca or mail: 400 Gower Pt Rd PO Box 1857 Gibsons BC V0N 1V0
Sunshine Coast Structure Fire Gibsons BC - Arson investigation results in arrest 2010-06-09 14:03 PDT Sunshine Coast RCMP have arrested a 13-year-old suspect for arson in relation to the June 4, 2010 large structural fire in Gibsons, BC.
The fire destroyed Coles Marine Diesel Repair at 524 Marine Drive and Wynken Blynken Nod Backpackers Hostel at 530 Marine Drive. Occupants of both buildings have been accounted for.
"Sunshine Coast RCMP were on the scene assisting the Gibsons Volunteer Fire Department during the fire, and I have to commend the fire department for the amazing job the volunteers did in fighting this fire. It was due to their efforts that we only lost the two buildings," said Sergeant Russ Howard, head of the Sunshine Coast RCMP. "We're very fortunate that no one lost their lives in this fire."
Initial information received at the scene was that 2 youths were seen leaving the area of the fire before police and fire department attendance. Subsequent investigation identified two youths, an 11-year-old male and a 13-year-old male, as being responsible for setting of the fire. The two youths had skipped school on June 4, 2010 and were hanging out underneath Coles Marine Diesel.
On June 6, 2010 the 11-year-old male, along with his father, attended the Sunshine Coast RCMP and provided information regarding the setting of the fire.
Further investigation resulted in the arrest of the 13-year-old suspect for arson. He was released to appear in Provincial Court on July 7, 2010 pending approved charges by Crown Counsel for arson.
facebook Comments on my arson news story:
Rosalind Hansen Oh no, arson? That's really upsetting :(
Duane Burnett I am sure the families are all devastated. I hope that the boy can get some help. I don't think it is fair to say he is a bad kid. His actions are the issue here.
Jeffrey Paleczny I had heard that is how it started but nobody wanted to say until it was confirmed. It is unfortunate for all concerned. Hopefully the community will continue to rally to help all affected.
Duane Burnett I have added new information to my blog link on how to help additional victims coming forward. There are a couple of lists of needs to help the community.
Rob Thomson whoever and whatever was the cause of the fire, we will soon know. The main thing I got out of this tragedy was that the Sunshine Coast and Gibsons have shown their heart to the world.
+++
There is a lot here! A couple of lists, links, benefits to help fire victims, tons of feedback, comments and photos as the story happened and unfolded. So scroll all the way down. Duane
Over $2600 raised at fundraiser for Gibsons fire victims on Sat, June 5th, 2010 at Molly's Lane in Lower Gibsons Landing! Donations accepted all month. HELP NEEDED! Tons of gift basket, clothes & more were also donated; furniture and household goods welcome too! MORE INFO.... Fundraiser for Gibsons Fire Victims <<< http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133466376667589&ref=ts
"Evacuate this shits going to blow!" Jennifer White
Fundraiser for Gibsons Fire Victims NEED cash & giftcards, free meals in local restaurants right now. Donations can be dropped off at Molly's Lane in Gibsons, British Columbia
"We're all still crying in the ashes...but we do need everything eventually...trying to come out of shock and be ready to receive is so hard..." Jennifer White
+ Suzanne (Suzie) Senger loses Everything in fire Raise funds to help out Suzie who has lost everything in a fire to an arsonist http://www.causes.com/causes/494106
Tessa Rand and Kimmy Karolyn will be helping to coordinate items coming from the Sunshine Coast, and Kelly Ann Woods will be coordinating efforts city side.
ABOUT A lovely lady, Warrior Jen White, and her daughter Marley, lost everything they had in a house fire yesterday. They made it out, physically sound with not even their shoes on their feet. A faulty transformer may have been the cause of the blaze.
Should you feel called, please contribute what you can so we can help this young mama phoenix rise, rebuild her life and feel the support of friends and strangers alike.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
In a time of catastrophe and uncertainty in the world, here is an opportunity to have a direct effect on the life of another.
Tessa Rand will be helping to coordinate items coming from the Sunshine Coast, Kelly Ann Woods will be coordinating efforts city side.
Please post notes here or send them Tessa or Kelly directly with regards to what you have to contribute.
Anyone with a truck would be greatly appreciated so we can shuttle larger items.
Here is the beginning list of things that are needed at this time:
1. Bedding, sheets, blankets, pillows 2. Nice newer furniture (couch, chair, coffee table, shelves, dressers, lamps) 3. Kitchen stuff (tea kettle, coffee maker, mugs, dishes, glasses, cutlery) *4. Crystals and medicine for an altar (this is really important to Jen)* 5. Size 8.5 shoes 6. Jackets 7. Artwork 8. Picture frames (lost all of favorite pics in frames but they were backed up on a computer somewhere so that's good) 9. This is big one- a laptop in any condition (She lost her laptop with the story she has been writing for 10 yrs on it) 10. Mattresses one for her and one for her daughter 11. Stuff for her daughter's room 12. Area rugs for her daughter to play on *13. Blank Journals to write in ( she is a journaler and lost alllll her journals!)* 14. Sexy clothing and jewelry to make her feel better!! 15. CDs and a means to play them.
Even if you don't know Jen, please feel free to help if it feels right to you. We really are all One.
RAVEN WALL HOUSE FIRE RELIEF
Friday June 4, Roberts Creek Community Elementary School (CCES) grade 7 student Raven Wall and his mother Suzanne Senger, lost their home and all their belongings to a fire that spread from a neighbouring business. Their home, which contained 3 rental units, was also the main source of income for them. Insurance will eventually cover some of their material loses, but they will still be in need of additional resources in order to start over and rebuild their lives. Donations of material goods and especially funds or gift certificates, would be a great help to them right now. Donations can be brought to the boxes located outside the schools office door - a large donation box for material goods, and the locked, wall mounted PAC drop box for cash, cheques, and gift certificates. Cheques should be made out to Suzanne Senger. If donations are brought in by younger children, instruct them to give it to their teacher. Alternatively, you can mail a cheque or gift certificate made out to Suzanne Senger, and send it to Laurie Bloom, 1743 Tyson Rd, Sechelt BC,V0N3A1. If you would like items that aren’t needed or are duplicates returned, be sure and bag them and label them with your name and number and you will be contacted the last week of school, when arrangements will be made for their return to you. If unneeded items are not labelled they will be donated to a local charity. If you have any additional questions, please contact Laurie Bloom at 740-0381.
Wish list for new or gently used material donations for Raven – -Clothing for Raven, everything needed except shoes (13 yrs old, approx 5’5”, 100 pds., slim, YXL or mans small) -School supplies (backpack, binders, paper, markers, coloured pencils, ruler, pencil case, erasers, pens and pencils, anything else you can think of) -Sports equipment (skateboard, soccer ball and shin guards, basketball) -Books for early teens -Art supplies -Bass guitar
Suggestions for monetary donations – -Cash -Cheques (made out to Suzanne Senger) -Gift certificates (stores selling clothing for teens or women, sports equipment, household items, groceries)
Christina Foster Fundraiser for Gibsons Fire Victims, Gibsons, British Columbia. Thank you Sunshine Coast. With all of your support we were able to raise $2,600 as well as countless donations, clothes, hand made quilts, pillows, furniture the list goes on. A very special thank you to all the musicians that came out to play you guys rocked! As well as thank you to many of the local businesses that donated to these victims. Its... See More so wonderful to see the community pull together in time of need, my eyes have been watery all day! There is so much love and compassion on the coast..this is the best place on earth. Love and Hugs to everyone :) We are still accepting donations so if you couldn't make it down today you can come down anytime and donate what you can.
Jeffrey Paleczny >> Just posted by Jeffrey explaining details of who we need to help: 4 adults and two children (13 yr old boy and 2 year old girl) Only have clothes on their back and Susan got a small handful of partially burnt and wet pictures. They found shelter for tonight but all will be looking for home to live ASAP The Wynken Blynken Nod is also totaled. This includes Susan and her sons house, Markus cabin still stands but is water damaged. Jennifer and her daughter home totaled and Heathers place upstairs is also totaled. Nobody was injured. I spent some time with Susan, her son and Markus and they are okay but devastated and in shock over losing everything in the fire as well as the WBN. 4 adults and two children (13 yr old boy and 2 year old girl need some help from the community. Cole Marina is totaled and I believe the condos next door are also have some serious damage.
Coles Marina in Lower Gibsons reported to be on fire right now. "The road is closed off and there are concerns about gas explosion" Reported on twitter by Pete MacIntosh. Anyone have more details? Duane http://twitter.com/duaneburnett
Cheryl McNevin Baron I think they had some already. Probably compressed gas tanks. My Mom was on the phone with me and all I could hear her say was, "oh my god, oh my god". Huge fireballs. Hope everyone is out of the hostel.
Duane Burnett anyone have a photo to upload? upload it here. Thanks Duane
Gibsons Fire Chief Bob Stevens just told me "Coles is completely destroyed and the neighbouring house is involved as well. We have all of our apparatus on scene and have got Roberts Creek assisting us as well." Bob
Cheryl McNevin Baron "Andrew told me that Wynken, Blynken and the house next door are gone. He took some cell phone pics. I think Duane is uploading the."
Terra Daniels I was told by a friend that walked by it that 3 of the townhouses were destroyed also
Christina Foster Omg duane my heart is breaking coles marina the hostel houses beside them are gone a young couple jen and marcus with a young baby lost their house we are doing fundraisers tomorrow at Molly's Lane for this young couple so peter and I are gonna work on it and I will send u info I will keep u updated or call me at shop I'm here till 830
Shannon Kewley Duane.... the Air Activity from the North Shore heading to Gibsons I assume is big. 3 choppers ( RCMP AND MEDI) flew over the Bay area about 1\2 hour ago. People in the Bay say BC Ferries rumour is another shut down to Gibsons unless you are a resident. That is a local Bay rumour so........
Coles marina & hostel beside gone. Young couple Jen & Marcus with baby lost house. Fundraiser tomorrow Molly's Lane TBA
Anne-Marie Dumaresq I'm off of North Rd, just below Reed... Our power went out (??) for a minute just about the time we saw the thick, black smoke. I can really smell it now.
Cheryl McNevin Baron My son Andrew went down. He says the explosion was the transformer. Says GVFD is right on top of everything.
Duane Burnett thanks everyone for your immediate updates on this. I understand a fundraiser is in the works to help people out in the fire at Molly's Lane tomorrow. TBA , Thanks Shannon for the info on the ferry breaking down. and all the helicopters.
PinkSafire BlackDiamond Is that smoke toxic?? I've had my windows open b/c I couldn't smell anything til a few minutes ago and now I'm getting a headache and sore throat. :P
Cheryl McNevin Baron Of course it's toxic. It's years and years of oil and diesel soaked everything.
Shelley Patrick Please post how old the baby is so I can drop appropriate stuff of when needed
Hammy McClymont "Liz just told me that Cole's and Winken Blinken are gone"
Fundraiser for fire victims! Sat, June 5 starting at 2pm Molly's Lane, Gibsons HELP NEEDED! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133466376667589&ref=mf
Christine Moore Thats incredible that people are already planning a fundraiser for this family!That`s why we love Gibsons and the people that live here !!!
John Miracle commented on your note "Coles Marina Burns Down in Gibsons": "great to see all the community support.. others could take lessons!! "
Christina Foster commented on your note "Coles Marina Burns Down in Gibsons": "Please come on down to Mollys Lane tomorrow and lets raise money for the fire victims of Lower Gibsons"
Zoe Barbaro I was across the street it was REALLY scary! Hope everyone is ok and I have some baby clothes and a bassinet for anyone who needs them!!!!
Christina Foster Zoe: Everyone is ok we are doing a fundraiser down at Mollys Lane tomorrow starting at 2 if you can come down and help out or donate in any way. Thank you for your love and support!
Christina Foster A young family with a baby have lost their home..
Shannon Kewley I hope to see it on the 6 pm news..... a news chopper just flew over Horseshoe Bay twards you guys..... good job gibsons in showing the Love for these people so fast!!!!
6:01pm CKNW Radio: Gibsons Fire Three buildings have been destroyed by a huge fire on the Gibsons waterfront. The Coles Marine Ways went up in flames at around 4:30 this afternoon. There are no reports of injuries.
Karen Bruce Webb "Marina and the hostel are history. Wow! Our fire dept got in there fast and took hold of it. Creek dept helped too. Awesome pulling together and team work."
Bradley Bobst "That is so sad."
Susan Davidson "sad times !"
Anne-Marie Dumaresq Duane, I just left a post on Jack FM Vancouver's wall, encouraging any musicians to come over tomorrow... Don't know if it'll help at all, but worth a try.
$249. RAISED! The audience at tonight's Gibsons' Gold : A Musical Comedy raised $249. for the family who lost their home when Coles Marina burnt down today. The cast and crew of Gibsons Gold will present the $249. at the Fundraiser for Fire Victims. 2pm, Sat, June 5th, in Molly's Lane, Lower Gibsons, British Columbia. T...he fire fundraiser was spearheaded by Peter Beauchamp and Christina Foster of Darkhorse Athletics. All are invited to please help out! http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com/
Christina Foster Thank you Duane. you're right what an amazing community we have that is so full of love and compassion especially in times like these..
Trish Thompson Jen and Marlee live in the basement of Winkin and blinkin or did, I sure hope they got out safe and sound poor Sue too that is her building and it was such a beautiful heritage building.... how sad
Christina Foster You can come down to Mollys Lane anytime and donate money..we have donation jars at each till. Tomorrow we are open 10-830 and we are open 10-5 next week
Allen Snowdon Good Heavens...I was just photographing the building recently...
Chelsea Sleep was anyone hurt? I saw an ambulance but didn't want to speculate.
Christina Foster As far as I know Chelsea no one was injured thank goodness!
The fire started at about 3:30 p.m. PT Friday in the 500-Block of Marine Drive, a few hundred metres from the town center.
Witnesses said the building that housed Coles Marine Diesel Repair Ltd. and a neighbouring tourist hostel had burned down.
There were no injuries.
The owner of the Wynken Blynken Nod Backpackers Hostel, Suzanne Senger, said she had just recently closed the business.
"Thank God," said Senger. "If I'd been full of hostelers right now that could have been a serious tragedy."
A huge plume of smoke from the fire could be seen kilometres away.
Traffic along the main route to the Langdale ferry terminal was being diverted around the fire scene.
Gibson's is best known as the location for the 1970s CBC TV series The Beachcombers. The restaurant often featured in the series, Molly's Reach, still operates and sits several hundred metres away from the scene of the fire.
Gibsons is on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast, about 30 kilometres northwest of Vancouver, and is accessible only by ferry.
Karen Bruce Webb Marina and the hostel are history. Wow! Our fire dept got in there fast and took hold of it. Creek dept helped too. Awesome pulling together and team work.
Cheryl McNevin Baron Biggest fire since the high school. Andrew took some pretty good pics Karen. Check them out.
VIDEO CLIP OF FIRE BY CTV CTV British Columbia - Blaze destroys historic building in Gibsons, B.C. - CTV News: http://bit.ly/9nwysL By: ctvbc.ca Date: Friday Jun. 4, 2010 7:29 PM PT The Coles Marine Ways on the waterfront in Gibsons, B.C., was completely gutted in a large fire Friday afternoon.
According to staff at the Gibsons Marina, two houses adjacent to the large building were also caught up in the blaze.
The building also contained a welding and machine shop. Witnesses told CTV News that they saw someone being rushed to hospital.
MORE PHOTOS courtesy Chelsea Sleep Chelsea Sleep: Farewell Cole's Marine Shop and Winken Blinken and Nod Hostel http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=396207538917 Today there was a bad fire in Gibsons which claimed twos Heritage buildings on the waterfront in Lower Gibsons. By Chelsea Sleep.
Coles Marina Burns Down in Gibsons
Shiloh Gregorchuk When people ask why I never moved away from here this is one of the main reasons I tell them. The people in this town are phenomenal when others are in trouble.
Lynette Legault Duane, Im at work tomorrow so I cant attend but can you please let them know that there is a $200 gift certificate from Loumidees Consignment Clothing so that the mother and her kid(s)of Winkin Blinken can get new clothing. I am a true Gibsonite and I know people would do the same for me and my family:) OPEN AT 10
Duane Burnett That is fabulous Lynette! Thank you to you and Loumidees Consignment Clothing. The family will truly appreciate that $200 gift certificate!
Anne-Marie Dumaresq Duane and Christina, you are both fabulous, caring, valued members of the community.
Anne-Marie Dumaresq That got posted before I had intended it to, but I guess I just wanted to add, that it's people like you, who make me so proud of Gibsons and the Coast. :) You both deserve lots of recognition and really big ((((HUGS))))
Lynette Legault 38 years on the Coast and we all stick together:)Hugs
Christina Foster Thank you Lynette..this is why I love living on the Sunshine Coast..that is so thoughtful of you..greatly appreciated. That is so kind Anne- Marie..its feels wonderful to be a part of this wonderful supporting community.
PHOTOS in The Province Newspaper Photos: Fire destroys 3 buildings on Gibsons waterfront: http://bit.ly/9AEDuh
Melodie Pierre Today my b/f said he read your msg about the fire in Gibsons and my sister says "who's Duane Burnett?" I said to her "omg you don't know Duane Burnett, he has so much cool info posted on his profile, I thought everybody has him on their friend list" :) Was telling my sis you are the greatest person who networks up-to-d...ate info about the Peninsula ;)
Jeffrey Paleczny http://www.wynkenblynk.com/
Duane Burnett I am adding all this info to my blog Jeffrey and to the event page so we have a record of what they need just not on fb. Thanks so much! A HUGE help! HUGS
Theresa De Boer I have alot of 2 year old girls clothes , that i would love to give. I am in vancouver today but is there any where I can take them when I get back.
Peter Beauchamp Teresa thanks so much when you are back you can drop them off at Beauchamp's in Molly's Lane Market and we will make sure they get to the families. Thanks so much Peter Beauchamp
Shelley Patrick Just a note that one of the Gals who's place burnt down is out of town so lets not forget about her!
Christina Foster Thank you for letting us know Shelley! We will for sure help her out :) The donations that have been rolling on are incredible we are so lucky to live in such a loving supporting community.
Kim Kerr Fenton Unwind Knit and Fibre Lounge can donate gift cert's and product for silent auction items, let me know what you need, I can also be a drop of point for items if that helps. whatever you think i can do.
Carole Carlton If there is going to be an auction you are welcome to sell a gift certificate for Carole Cares Mobile Massage (value $100)
Duane Burnett Amazing! Thank you everyone!
Leonard Howell Good doings Duane! Keep it up!
Duane Burnett Global TV just showed up for the Gibsons Fire Victim Fundraiser! Thanks Global BC
Dave Cottrell Hi Duane, Great job on the blog and great work on getting the fundraiser going so quickly. I hope that is going well. Rough stuff for the families. Dave
Gibsons London Drugs donates various items of diapers, food, bottles etc and our mentioning the fundraiser around the store! Thank London Drugs!!!!
$269. donated by audience at last nights Gibsons' Gold : A Musical Comedy was presented by some cast & crew including Director, Linda Norris; Rev. Terri Scallon (Gibsons United), Rodney Bassette from 1 Stop Contracting, Singer Gaetan Bergevin, Mary Lou Owen and others.
Over $2,000 raised at Fundraiser for Gibsons Fire Victims so far today! Way to go Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast!
Peter Beauchamp Owner of Molly's Lane in Gibsons, British Columbia tells me the response has been tremendous today. He started out with an interview with Global TV and said tons of gift baskets and clothes have been brought to the Fundraiser for Gibsons Fire Victims kick off event today, including a handmade baby quilt. Arrangements are now being made for furniture and housewares to be dropped off.
HURRAY! We just topped $2,500. at today's kick off fundraiser. Donations will be accepted all month!
Listening to the amazing Verna Chan quartette at the Wild Bistro. Another sold out laughs a minute nite at Gibsons' Gold : A Musical Comedy. The wonderful audience raised $226. for the Fundraiser for Gibsons Fire Victims. Last night they raised $269. Today in Molly's Lane $2600. was raised by the amazing Sunshine Coast... for the family in Gibsons, British Columbia.
My thoughts are with everyone in Lower Gibsons affected by this fire! Duane
"Watching the video on the bird swallowing the plastic bag was so sad and frustrating, and then seeing my son choke on a piece of thick gage blue plastic bag was too much!"
Leblanc said "it took my son all of a few seconds to almost die from plastic that was cooked into a breakfast sandwich, sold from Starbucks!"
He alleges it was the second time his family purchased a sandwich from the Starbucks location at Sunnycrest Mall, in upper Gibsons, BC, containing "distinct blue plastic."
The family often picks up sandwiches and drinks from the local cafe every other day.
"My son was part way through his sandwich when I noticed him struggling to breath, (horrible sight) when I went to check his airway with my little finger, I could feel plastic in his throat which I managed to push aside and my son swallowed it! He recovered quickly after his airway way was free and began to come around."
"Upon closer inspection of the sandwich I noticed another piece of blue plastic cooked into the center of the egg! We returned the plastic along with the rest of the sandwich to Starbucks and an employee removed it and she couldn't even tear it in half because of how thick it was."
He is a parent and father now even more frustrated, claiming since the April 28th incident "nobody can find the plastic even though it was sent directly from Gibsons to Vancouver."
I can totally understand what this family is going through and appreciate how horrible it is for Ron, his son and family to see their kid almost choke to death over a breakfast sandwich of all things.
I think it is also really truly honorable that Ron sees just how horrific it is on a large scale for all the animals on this planet dying slow agonizing deaths drowning in plastic pollution. That is indeed very scary!
You might have similar incidents and stories to tell too? I finished a Red Robin Caesar salad once at their Robson and Thurlow location in Vancouver, BC, only to find one of those giant industrial staples at the bottom. Another time I bit into some Purdy's chocolate to find a little shard of plastic cooked into it. Sounds very similar to the plastic piece Ron found. Purdy's sent me a complimentary box of chocolates and explained the plastic came from the molds used in manufacturing.
I realize these things happen from time to time so I am trying to be understanding, my main concern with Purdy's was that they fix the process so it doesn't happen again.
I can only imagine the countless horrible agonizing death's our planet's wildlife are endearing as we speak. Their tummy's full of plastic.
Ron says the family is still trying to find out where the plastic piece went missing.
"I think it is time that people are held accountable for these incidents on the big and small scale." he said
He just spoke with the sandwich maker in Seattle (-- wow, talk about using lots of fossil fuel to haul a sandwich from the US to Gibsons!--) and he said SK Food's is now blaming it on the company that sends them the eggs. Talk about pass the CLUCK!
"I am very frustrated with everyone passing the buck. I think the public should be made aware of these things so they can make there own educated decision on where to spend their hard earned money."
The SK-Foods Q.A person said they will look into the incident and how plastic is ending up in their sandwiches.
Ron adds "I do think it is SK-foods job as quality control, to make sure there is no foreign substances in there sandwiches before they package them and send them to businesses."
It really makes you wonder if plastic and petroleum products heralded as such a great modern invention won't be the downfall of the entire planet? I haven't heard of any plastic corporation stepping up to clean those giant gyros of pollution choking the oceans? Have you?
And what do you make of a sandwich that is made in Seattle and shipped to Gibsons? I think it is an absurd waste of the Earth's resources!
I know the staff at Gibsons' Starbucks give great service every time I am in there. Lets separate personalities from procedures in this for starters. They no doubt feel just as bad about this kid chocking on one of their products.
I can't help but muse that what must be really strange for them in a helpless demoralizing kinda way is to know you are not even making the sandwiches you sell to the consumer, that local people are struggling financially and could really use a raise and more work to feed their own family. Surely there must be eggs available locally from free-range farms, and not those nauseating chicken torture factory farms.
Have I gone to far and lost you here?
"My son is o.k. Thanks for all your concern, these are terrible things and I feel the public needs to know about the plastic/oil killing our earth and our people on it!!" Ron Leblance
I get way more comments and feedback right now on my facebook profile "Notes" where I upload my blog too after putting it on Twitter.
This is what people said:
Duane Burnett local Dad Ron Leblanc tells me it was horrifying to watch his son choke on plastic inside a Gibsons Starbucks breakfast sandwich. Get this, made in Seattle and trucked to Gibsons! WTF?
PinkSafire BlackDiamond Is he o.k.??
Dustin Shields very well said!
Tom Talarico made in Seattle and trucked to Gibsons! WTF?
Tom Talarico Is he OK?
Dustin Shields sounds like a nasty sandwich if made that far away!
Ron Leblanc My son is o.k. Thanks for all your concern, these are terrible things and I feel the public needs to know about the plastic/oil killing our earth and our people on it!! This incident happened April 28th not may.
Dustin Shields wouldnt it be a lot easier, cheaper, safer and better for the community if they just made the sandwiches on the coast?
Ron Leblanc Totally I agree, should be local eggs!!
Tom Talarico LOCAL ! who else gives a shit!
PinkSafire BlackDiamond I'm a parent too Ron and we live here in Gibsons, I'm glad to hear that he's alright. :)
Dustin Shields besides, its bound to be healthier and taste better!
Deborah Keith Geoffrion try Wheatberries or the Wild or the Sweet Chef or any number of locally owned eateries for LOCAL..
Duane Burnett thanks for all your comments and taking the time to read the story. Much appreciated. Duane
Maureen Ainslie Duane, what's the latest on the trout lake body? have you heard anything?
Duane Burnett Maureen scroll down my profile wall to Update on Trout Lake Body, it has it all there. Hope that helps. Duane
Kera Mchugh Ron, glad to hear things turned out ok for your son. That must have been frightening, to say the least.
Thanks for the props, Deborah. It would be nice if the starbucks on the coast contracted local providers... you'd think sbux would be more local in their thinking that way, with all the hoopla they make about being so environmental & earth-loving... http://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/learn-more/goals-and-progress
I have to admit, when the gibsons sbux first opened, it was suggested we propose such a thing, but at the time we weren't prepared enough to add that to our plate... April - sweet chef - maybe that could be a new venue for your baking!
Lee Mason exactly try the wild and try picnic basket in the mall or come down to the village to liquid livin where were just starting new things .. use your dollars to speak for you so many good local sources and support your friends. and neighbors..
Kera Mchugh And keep your eyes open for the new Green Banner Local Food Directory hitting the streets this weekend!
Duane Burnett I like the idea of the local food directory. I have been trying to get one started for a few years now. Glad to see someone got it going!
Melina Cassidy So glad I quit when I did, though I probably shoulda quit earlier. (former assistant store manager for Starbucks) Both starbucks stores on the sunshine coast receive their food frozen from the mainland (pastries too, a lot of ppl assume they are baked on site). The sandwiches are frozen in the USA, individually wrapped. Love ain't in the ingredients when things get mass produced like that. I found a maggot in a fruit tart from the starbucks pastry case once. It was called in, reported as a quality issue, and nothing more was done. The only blue plastic found in a starbucks store would come from the frozen banana boxes which share the freezer in the backroom. It would be highly unlikely that a piece of that made it into the sandwich, so its likely a manufacturer's problem. The management team from the sunshine coast genuinely cares about supporting local and have tried to get the company to let them subcontract someone to make their sandwiches, and each time head office told them no, because as a company every store must have exactly the same offerings. Talk about carbon footprint with all the shipping that goes into for the foods... not to mention the number of times the sandwiches risk getting thawed and into the "danger zone".
My advice? Walk down the road and get yourself a sandwich with fresh baked bread and real wholesome ingredients at the Wild.
Nadine Olsen life keeps going, shit aye
Debra Dee Pearl's Bakery And besides anyone can make a better coffee; even McD's
The group information says "Mr. Topping is one of those teachers that goes above and beyond the call of duty for the kids and has the respect of parents and students alike. Let's show him our thanks and encouragement. Support one of our favourite teachers!"
Many feel that Topping is an incredible teacher who was apparently bumped from Elphinstone Secondary School by a Chatelech Secondary School teacher due to a time tabling conflict scheduled by one of the Principals.
According to a concerned parent the issue involved "one block" but for some reason couldn't be accommodated. This resulted in a chain reaction of bumping that affected many teachers. There is a widespread belief that the Chat timetabling could be fixed, if there was a will to do so.
The parent told me "it really is a shame when such a great teacher is treated like this!" She added, "I have not talked to Topping but clearly he's not happy with all of this or this page wouldn't exist"
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