Will
Chabun

Second book about Waskesiu in works

Ever been to Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park? (Trick question, eh? Probably half the population of Saskatchewan has been there.)

Anyway, for the 70th anniversary of the park last year, a group of volunteers assembled a book of recollections. It went over well enough that a second volume is being planned -- if enough stories are forthcoming from folks like you.

Needed are short "people" stories about the camp kitchen, hikes, fishing trips, golfing, washroom, shacks, tents, folklore, flashbacks, quips, commentaries, humourous incidents, whatever. Have you, for example, ever owned a business there or been an employee?

The attraction of Waskesiu? "It's hard to put it into words," said Dorell Taylor (now of Victoria, but formerly of Prince Albert and several other places in Saskatchewan, including Regina), who sent me a package of information on this project. "Once a person goes up there, you see the same people every summer -- family, friends, neighbours. It's just like going home. 'A second home' is what I call it. And it's so beautiful. Well, most of the time!

"The water, the trees, the birds, and what animals you do see ... elk, beaver. There are so many facets to it. It just kind of restores a person. It's a great place to have a holiday."

Dorell says the first volume is available through the Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society office at 1860 Lorne St., phone 780-9204. The cost is $18 or $20 if mailed out.

If you have a submission for the second volume, send it to Dorell Taylor at 1081 Shaw Ave, Victoria, V9B 4H7 (e-mail [email protected]) or Ruth Nekurak at Box 387, Assiniboia, Sask., SOH 0B0.

-- -- --

A reporter's notebook: This is as good a place as any to mention that a feature film on the life of Grey Owl, the Englishman who passed himself off as an aboriginal environmentalist in Prince Albert National Park in the 1920s and '30s, was filmed last year in eastern Canada and should be released soon. It stars noted hunk Pierce Brosnan ... The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame is holding a "Heroes of the Game" autograph session Feb. 6 with amazing talent: the "pocket rocket" Henri Richard, Glenn Hall, Bill Hay, Gary Peters, Jimmy Neilson, Ab McDonald and broadcaster Frank Selke Jr.. There will be no charge, but a suggested donation of $2 with proceeds to Special Olympics and Sports Hall of Fame programming ... The 1999 schedule for the RCMP Musical Ride isn't yet posted on the Force's Web site (www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca), but we hear rumours that the Ride will be in several Saskatchewan centres this summer, including Regina ... Another Web site worth visiting is www.sasksearch.com, which specializes in sites related to this province. Yeah, it's brand new and not completely filled out yet, but that's the beauty of it: you can watch this site mature and grow ... Saskatchewan Express (which is bringing out a CD next month; keep that under your hat) is looking for new members. It's taking applications for its Musical Theatre Studio (for 8- to 10-year-olds) until Sunday. Also, auditions take place Feb. 25-28 for its summer tour. When I asked director Carol Gay Bell what characteristics are needed, she replied, "Attitude. A positive attitude and the ability to get along with others. We are a team.

"There are no stars," she added. "Everyone is a star. You have to be able to live and work with these people all summer long in close quarters and on the road. I'd take a performer with average talent and great attitude and work ethic over the most-talented performer who doesn't have those qualities, who can't get along, who thinks he or she is a star."

A story she tells makes this point. She was talking recently with Sask. Express alumnus Jody Ripplinger. Jody and Carol were discussing another Express veteran, about whom Jody said: "It's sad. She had the most gorgeous voice, but she got out of the business because she couldn't stand the rejection. Me, I get a rejection and if they don't pick me, then that's their problem!"

Jody, incidentally, used that spirit to get to Broadway.

Hey, if you've got the right stuff, call Sask. Express at 787-9807 or 787-6471 or e-mail Carol at [email protected] ... Remember Norman Riddell? The veteran diplomat was deputy minister to former premier Grant Devine through much of the 1980s. That made him effectively the most powerful man in the province. He was appointed Monday as director of the new foundation handing out the federal government's Millennium Scholarships. Last time I saw him was at a medieval feast banquet at St. Paul's Anglican cathedral. The cerebral Doc Riddell was dressed like an impoverished friar and his elegantly coiffed wife, also in period costume, was happily throwing buns about the crowded room! This is how Regina's power elite unwinds, eh ... We keep hearing rumours the retail chain called The Gap will open a store in Regina ... Finally, we heard this riddle from Mrs. Graham's class from M.J. Coldwell School, which toured The Leader-Post last week: "What do you call a budgie that goes through a snowblower?"

Answer: shredded tweet.

Will Chabun writes three times a week. If you have an interesting item for his column, write, phone (565-8267), fax (565-2588) or e-mail him ([email protected])


From page A4 of The Leader-Post, Wednesday, January 27, 1999


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