What do you think happened next? A mother duck and her ducklings try to cross Highway 101 also known as Route 101 or the Sunshine Coast HWY in Roberts Creek, BC
I was on my way from Sechelt to Gibsons to guest star in a musical "Gibsons Gold" lampooning the town winning most livable community in the world.
I was appalled that drivers just didn't have the time of day for these duckling and just drove around them across the double solid yellow line. People were driving 80km an hour in this bend.
Where is our reverence for Life?
Its so sad to see that human civilization has not considered wildlife corridors in their urban planning.
This incident reminds me of the time someone drove over top of a mother duck while driving off the Langdale ferry terminal, orphaning all the ducklings. One of the crew managed to round up all the baby's and raise them to release.
YouTube VIDEO (4.52min) Category: People & Blogs Must Be Talking To A Duangel DuaneBurnettdotcom June 10, 2010 — Must Be A Duangel Thank you to the amazing Spirit of the Sunshine Coast which inspires me everyday! Truly an orchestra of angels!
"If being a Duangel is wrong! I don`t ever want to be right again !!!! +" Christine Moore
Kate Cardinall-Redfern Oh, you're my favorite angel Duane! Love the song and video.
Christine Moore can`t get the song out of my head ! I need a Duangel, I need a Duangel by the end of the night ,and he`s got to be strong and he`s got to be ? and he`s gotta be ??? I need a Duangel!!!!!
Penny Berdahl That's a great name for you !!! Cause you are !
Christina Foster I looked I'm so not in it! *sigh* guess I didn't make the cut to be a Duangel..sniff sniff although I did notice you were wearing gear from Darkhorse Athletics in some of your pics :)
Duane Burnett Penny your the Duangel! ♥ Christina I am saving our photo together for the movie! ♥
Christina Foster YES!!! All of my dreams have finally come true!!
Mary McAllister Duangels...I like that!
Marlene Toth awesome... :) well done you
Debbie DeWolff OH!!!! I wanna be a "Duangel" too:)
Devon Horatio Ellingham "You Truly Are An Angel, Duane! :) Thank You For All You Do! You Have Really Helped Bring The Community Of The Sunshine Coast Together! :D"
Heather Doré That was amazing - it brought tears to my eyes ! I hope you know just how much you do for The Sunshine Coast, and how much you are loved by so very many !!! Thank you for giving so much of yourself for your Community! We are so lucky to have you !!! xoxo
Penny Berdahl We are truly blessed to have *OUR* Duangel.....You touch many that you don't even know.....your heart is pure gold. You always think of others.....We are so lucky to have you in our world. I'm so thankful that you are part of my life! Big Hugsssss & Loves *AngelMan** :)
Alan Hughes :) Well done~!
Nicole Josh It's awesome. So many faces. Only you could capture life on the coast.
Rosemarie Bowen very enjoyable Duane
Bonar Harris you are amazing! love you to bits.
Alice Lutes Great Video! How are you doing brother, miss you!
Maureen Ainslie ooo, yeah! I saw it yesterday...spectacular sight!
Yvan Cournoyer great!
Christine Hughes Love and Hugs Duane you are the best!!!
Christine Moore I agree with Christine ! Your`e the Best ! Simply the Best ! Better than anyone ! Anyone I`ve ever met! ♥ ♥ ♥
Duane's World Television Show or Movie?
So I asked you on my facebook profile if I should apply to host a television show????
Am I crazzzy to apply for this tv host job?
15 LIKES and 23 responses later, I think you all agree: YES!
Here's some of what your comments.
Sue Millar go for it!!!
Christina Foster I say go for it too! wow that would be amazing...thats something I would love to help out with behind the scenes..
Michele Platje Devlin go for it Duane! You'd be fabulous at it!
Christine Moore I think this is the job for you !DO IT !!!
Darren Stasuik Yup I think you should give it a go sounds like a pretty sweet gig
Rob Thomson Go for it Duane. Your turn is a coming!
Cheryl McNevin Baron You'd be perfect for this job!
Kim Tournat Absolutely Duane! What an opprtunity..... just don't forget to write :)
Mary McAllister I say go for it Duane...what have you got to lose! Do it, do it, do it, do it...
Monkmonk Monk as long as u stay connected... go go go....
Heather Doré 3 words for you, Darling, " GO FOR IT " !!!!!! :) You'd be fab !!!
Anne Kacoullas Hartman Like everyone else says "this job is MADE FOR YOU! What an opportunity. See the world AND get paid.....
Torio Cutchiee Go for it Duane, you have a 50/50 chance of getting it but a 0 chance if you don't try!!! That's what I learned this year. You would be greeeaaat!
Claudia Ferris crazy/opportunity - fine line:^)
Nicole Josh what are you waiting for ?
Kera Mchugh do it! it's perfect
Julie Hegyi You go Baby!!! Sounds like an adventure job...cool. You would be great at it!
Lois Vader You're CRAZY GOOD!! ♥
Peter Van Deursen Sound like a perfect fit Duane
George Morice You can do this!!
Remember that tribute I did, seems way back, to the Sunshine Coast trying to learn how to operate video making software... well today it reached over......
15,000 VIEWS!!! Sunshine Coast, BC Tribute by photo journalist, TV Host, Actor, Media Personality & Social Networker Duane Burnett. LINK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_F5BEtBRC0
And that spoof lampooning the Proroguing of Canadian Parliament for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics had over 1,000 views its first day and today has reached over 6,000 Views!
I'm On A Break - "UNCENSORED" PM Stephen Harper Proroguing Parliament parody
DuaneBurnettdotcom — January 23, 2010 — COURSE LANGUAGE 14+ I'm On A Break is a political parody of proroguing Canadian parliament inspired by "I'm On A Boat" with T-Pain. JOIN the facebook Fan Page! LYRICS & Links below.
I'm On A Break received over 40 comments on YouTube, was added as a favorite 28 times, and had 80 ratings with an average score of 4.26 out of 5.
NOT BAD for a backyard amateur production done in the spirit of This Hour, Air Farce and the classic SCTV comedy series! I was sure it was 7,000 view but I think they lost 1,000 when youtube reformatted their look. My friend who is super involved with a federal political party tells me it made it all the way to the Prime Minister's office (PMO). Hmmmmm you think they could be right?
THANKYOU! I am so grateful for all the kind words and love from the community. So much help and support.
I have often been at a loss for words to express my gratitude to the people of our community for their incredible love and support. Hence came the term "Duangel". So I made this video showcasing all the wonderful people of the community who to me are "Duangels!" <3
So many of you are so generous, thoughtful, caring, kind, empowering and supportive of me and I say HUGE thanks with big HUGS back at!
I am so grateful to each and everyone of you Duangels! Couldn't do it with out you!
Thanks ALL you Duangels!!!
Thanks for all the thousands of video and photo views too!
Special shout out to the photographers who contributed photos in "Must Be A Duangel."
PHOTOS in Must Be A Duangel Video Courtesy of:
Jan Brinton Shannon Bond Jan Degrass Cathie Roy Caitlin Hicks Heather Till John Farrer Terra Daniels Trish Thomposon Heather Conn Debra Shields Chris Yeske Greg Amos Joyce Hubbs Eileen Murawsky Kellei Baker Steve Sleep Linsey Hulls Jeannine Williams Jennifer Tower Laurie McConnell
Duane Burnett as Harper, rapping Johanna Renee and Lee December as Lee-Pain. Shot by Marc Buzzell and Bren Macdonald Recorded at Straight Sound http://www.straitsound.com
LYRICS Oh Sh!t get your lazy asses ready It's about to go down Everybody in the house leave the fukking floor But stay on your motherfukking toes I'm proroguing this, let's go
I'm on a break, I'm on a break Everybody look at me As I take a fukking break I'm on a break, I'm on a break Take a good hard look As I prorogue for my own sake
I'm on a break motherfukker, take a look at me I get to avoid issues linked to afghan detainees So i am in charge since I got your vote I'm gonna take the house on a downhill slope
Take a picture, trick, he's on a break, b!tch Causing a liberal - bloc quebecois sandwich Iggy's got nothing not even close to a plan While puppy face Layton doesn't even give a damn
I'm on the podium doing spins and sh!t I'm splurring lies, getting everyone wet But this ain't parliament, this as real as it gets I'm on a break motherfukker, don't you ever forget
He's on a break yah like in the past and Gets to avoid issues like Alberta tar sand He's the king of the world for another short while, so If you're still at work then you sure not him, no Stand up people, this break is for real
Fukk work I'm on a break motherfukker See me rock the minority vote motherfukker Now I'm toking with my boys motherfukker Democracy makes a lot of noise motherfukker
Hey Ma, if you could see me now Frustrating Canadians as I know how I think I could be king if Michaelle Jean allow Like Trudeau, anything is plausible
Yeh, never thought I'd be on a break The electoral system is fake Liberals, look at me, ohh Never thought that I'd see the day When I take my olympic holiday Believe me when I say, I fukked a barmaid
I'm on a break, I'm on a break Everybody look at me As I take a fukking break I'm on a break, I'm on a break Take a good hard look At how democracy is fake
****
It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast! Duane
19 great tips on better tweeting and social networking!
Ok, this is kewl, I was featured today in The Entreprenette Gazette story about good tweeting tips. Check it out! Do you have some good social networking tips on facebook, twitter, youtube, other?
My tip: "Good Info Occasional Opinions." The article features 19 great tips on better tweeting and social networking. http://twitter.com/duaneburnett
How Well Do You Tweet? 9 June 2010 By Sarah Shaw It seems to me that everyone wants to tweet, should be tweeting…..often is tweeting…..but isn’t always sure how, what, when or why to be tweeting! My Entreprenette Experts have pulled through again and offered some great tips on how to gain the attention of your followers. Enjoy! read full story....... http://theentreprenettegazette.com/2010/06/09/how-well-do-you-tweet/
"Thanks so much Duane for your awesome contribution to this blog post......Let's spread the word and show everyone what a rock star you are!" Sarah Shaw, The Entreprenette Gazette
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
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