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Date: Jan 4, 2010

Entry: Screen Smart helps families better understand how electronic media - TV, computers and the internet - may influence their lives and suggests ways that parents can best manage media. Screen Smart does not take the position that TV and computers are "good" or "bad" but instead aims to provide information so that people can manage technology in a way that benefits their children, family and themselves.
The Screen Smart Challenge is hosted each spring with 20 + community organizations offering activities to make a screen smart choice. Check out www.screensmart.ca

Screen Smart

Date: Jan 4, 2010

Entry: Our local highschool has a dedicated staff that encourage team sports and fitness. Many of these girls play a variety of sports, other than volleyball and including hockey, both in school and out of school. With dedication, hardwork, and drive these girls will go far. These are just some of the great skills learned that will continue to benefit them through the next stage of their lives.

RSS Volleyball tournament

Date: Jan 3, 2010

Entry: Revelstoke works together to learn together. The Revelstoke Literacy Action Committee Vision Statement:
All residents of Revelstoke will have the opportunity to attain and maintain the literacy skills necessary to fully participate in the community and the economy.
We are so proud of the way our community comes together to support learning for everyone from babies to seniors. Everyone has something to teach and everyone has something to learn.

Revelstoke is a Learning Community!

Date: Jan 2, 2010

Entry: I have grown up in Revelstoke and am now 13 years old. I sprung up over soccer and school. But where ever I went, the people in Revelstoke are always there for whoever needs help. True, there are a few people who stand out more than others, but everyone works for the benefit of the . Now there's a ski hill, a world class ski hill, and hotels are springing up at about one a month in the summer. no hotels appear in the winter because everyone is too busy skiing.

Yes, it is now obvious, we are a ski town. But even so, the people of Revelstoke have still been welcoming and supporting. The ability to overcome a sudden onslaught of commercialism is the true reason why Revelstoke should be the gamestown. Yes, the part about the hotels is a conflict to my idea but you would have to be there to understand what I'm talking about. The hotels are there, but there's something in it that reflects the town. Everyone in revelstoke is a "local", even the Aussies. You would be too if you ever went there. Just bring a pair of downhill skis.

Date: Jan 2, 2010

Entry: I have grown up in Revelstoke and am now 13 years old. I sprung up over soccer and school. But where ever I went, the people in Revelstoke are always there for whoever needs help. True, there are a few...more

Date: Jan 2, 2010

Entry: In the countdown to the Olympic Games in Vancouver, the town has been very supportive of celebrations, competitions, anything that will help the games along. For that reason, Revelstoke deserves many entries , the title of Gamestown 2010, and to have our ski hill remain open (I just had to put that one in).

Date: Jan 2, 2010

Entry: In the countdown to the Olympic Games in Vancouver, the town has been very supportive of celebrations, competitions, anything that will help the games along. For that reason, Revelstoke deserves many entries...more

Date: Dec 31, 2009

Entry: Sweep on down to the other side....Throw a few rocks and have some fun. Located right next door to the Arena. Great activity for all ages with any skill level.

Revelstoke Curling Club

Date: Dec 31, 2009

Entry: Revelstoke is a great place for kids. So much to see and do. One way our District girls enjoy giving back to the community is by raking leaves at Farwell Park and then warm up with some hot cocoa. There are a lot of large birch trees there which makes it quite picturesk in autumn before the leaves fall.

Girl Guides of Canada

Date: Dec 28, 2009

Entry: Revelstoke's well-attended summer Farmers' Market runs from early May to late October every year. A wide range of vendors who 'make it, bake it, or grow it' come from local and surrounding communities to share their wares each Saturday morning. The market, having just completed its 25th season, has grown steadily over the years, into a popular Saturday morning activity for residents and visitors alike.

Date: Dec 28, 2009

Entry: Revelstoke's well-attended summer Farmers' Market runs from early May to late October every year. A wide range of vendors who 'make it, bake it, or grow it' come from local and surrounding communities...more

Date: Dec 28, 2009

Entry: Revelstoke is the place to find mouth-watering chocolate treats, made locally by our own chocolate lady. All of the chocolate is fair-trade and organic, and just melts in your mouth. Chocolate Summit makes everything from bars of solid chocolate, to the 'Rev-Up' energy bar, to knock-your-socks-off chocolate coffee beans, to absolutely addictive cream-filled chocolates and truffles. There is even a chili-lime truffle for the more adventurous. All of the secret recipes have been created in Revelstoke, and for over 2 years have tempted the tastebuds of locals and visitors alike to Revelstoke markets and local shops. You can only get it here!

Fantastic Chocolates!

Date: Dec 28, 2009

Entry: I love living in Revelstoke,
Last week the local lake was ideal for ice skating,yesterday my family and I went skiing then swimming at the community center, today my husband and I went cross country skiing. Not to mention our children are up and outside taboganing before breakfast each morning and again until bedtime. This is the best place on earth!

Date: Dec 28, 2009

Entry: I love living in Revelstoke,
Last week the local lake was ideal for ice skating,yesterday my family and I went skiing then swimming at the community center, today my husband and I went cross country skiing....more

Date: Dec 28, 2009

Entry: When my husband and I moved to Revelstoke almost 12 years ago, we immediately noticed how Revelstoke citizens were so friendly and caring. Everywhere we went, we were greeted in a kind and helpful manner. Because of the kind and generous spirit, we soon felt welcome and it felt like we had lived in the community all of our lives.

Thanks Revelstokians for welcoming these new-comers like one of your own:0)

Date: Dec 28, 2009

Entry: When my husband and I moved to Revelstoke almost 12 years ago, we immediately noticed how Revelstoke citizens were so friendly and caring. Everywhere we went, we were greeted in a kind and helpful manner....more

Date: Dec 25, 2009

Entry: We have the most awesome Dragon-boating team in Revelstoke. We are called the "Dam Survivors". We have amazing fun, enter into competitions, get great exercise and enjoy great camaraderie! Our team is comprised of men and women, old and young, experienced paddlers and newcomers.We paddle at beautiful "Martha creek" 2 evenings a week. It is the most incredible experience in the most incredibly beautiful place on earth!

Dragon-boating

Date: Dec 24, 2009

Entry: Revelstoke is truly an amazing community. The mountains and scenery are spectacular. It's a friendly place with lots of smiling and welcoming people. The activities are endless - skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, swimming, camping, biking.... I am lucky to live here!

Date: Dec 24, 2009

Entry: Revelstoke is truly an amazing community. The mountains and scenery are spectacular. It's a friendly place with lots of smiling and welcoming people. The activities are endless - skiing, hiking, snowmobiling,...more

Date: Dec 24, 2009

Entry: What a wonderful site to look down on the ponds below our home and see families skating. Really amazing to see the recreational use of this area from cross country skiiing, snow shoeing, skating, sledding in the winter to walkers, cycling, horseback riding, bird watching, kayaking etc in the spring to fall months.

Oh, lets not forget all the wildlife you get to see - Eagles, deer, bears, moose, lynx, and of course the coyotes..

All I can say is "it is just magical." Wow! what a fantastic place to call home..

Date: Dec 24, 2009

Entry: What a wonderful site to look down on the ponds below our home and see families skating. Really amazing to see the recreational use of this area from cross country skiiing, snow shoeing, skating, sledding...more

Date: Dec 24, 2009

Entry: The Revelstoke Child Care Society is a non profit Society that works to provide parents with information about quality child care choices and early childhood development information; and supports child care providers through training, education and resources.
The Board of Directors took a proactive, community based approach to create 52 new licensed child care and preschool spaces in the community over the past 3 years.
Revelstoke has many quality choices for parents including Registered License Not Required; Licensed Family Child Care; Licensed Infant and Toddler; Licensed Group 3 to 5 years, Licensed School Aged; andLicensed Preschools.
In addition the parents can access the vibant StrongStart Early Learning Center and Leap Land Indoor Playground.
The Child Care Resouce and Referral hosts an extensive early learning resource library for child care providers and parents with developmentally appropriate toys, infant and toddler equipment, activity kits, parenting resources and children's books.

Quality, Accessible Child Care in Revelstoke

Date: Dec 24, 2009

Entry: Revelstoke's Early Childhood Development Vision statement: Revelstoke envisions a caring community that acknowledges, values and supports the shared responsibility of investing in your children so that they may live, learn, play and dream in safe and healthy surroundings.
The Revelstoke Early Childhood Development Committee is a coalition of service providers, parents and businesses interested in creating the best environment possible for the children in our community. The Revelstoke ECD Committee is committed to strengthening supports and services for families with young children in our community. Positive early childhood development benefits the entire community.
The Human Early Learning Partnership's Early Development Instrument demonstrates that Revelstoke's children are the least vulnerable in the province when entering Kindergarten!
Revelstoke is one of the best places in BC to raise a family!

Early Learning and Child Care

Date: Dec 10, 2009

Entry: We know that volunteers are one of the strongest threads that tie a community together. We know that often it is up to volunteers to really make things happen. But how many of us realize how long it takes to get a project on track - that if it weren’t for tenacious folks like Ernie Ottewell and Fred Olsson, some things just wouldn’t go full steam ahead?

For 46 years, Ernie Ottewell was a railway engineer and his career included the honour of driving the first full train through the MacDonald tunnel. In l986, a couple of years before Ernie retired from CP Rail, he participated in the Expo ’86 show of historical steam engines in Vancouver. There he met others whose interest lay in the preservation of Canadian railway history and its artifacts. At that time, the Canadian Railway Historical Association (CHRA) put in a request to CPR that 6 different classes of steam engines be preserved and the 5468, which eventually ended up in Revelstoke, was one of them.

As well, representatives from CRHA in Calgary, Canmore, Kamloops and other communities turned their eyes to Revelstoke. Because of it’s proximity to the ‘Last Spike’, Revelstoke seemed a natural place to have a railway museum in Western Canada. The Selkirk Division of the CRHA was formed, as Ernie puts it, “to get the junk”. It was l986, and the dream to build a Railway Museum in Revelstoke was born.

A retired city fireman, Fred Olsson’s connection to the rails began with his father, who was a blacksmith for CPR. Fred developed a passion for model railways and was on board with Ernie from the beginning. “For six years we had meetings after meetings, sometimes 2 to 3 times a week. For a long time, you couldn’t see anything happening.” But they had good people: other old time railroaders, some who have since passed on; Ruby Nobbs, from the Revelstoke Museum, knew how to overcome problems; Ken Magnes, Chair of Community Futures at that time, and Doug Weir, the City’s first Economic Development Commissioner, brought in additional partners. The City donated the land, funding came from both provincial and federal governments, and additional support came from near and far. Kozek Sawmills contributed much to lower the capital costs of constructing the museum.

Ernie says, “When we talked about a railway museum, I thought we’d just get maybe some pictures, switch lamps, and old magazines”. But then, they caught wind of a steam engine that was in still in fair shape sitting in Quebec waiting for a home. The engine was one of only eight oil-burning engines of its class that was built. A whirlwind of fundraising brought in just enough to send Ernie to Montreal for 6 weeks, and Fred for 3 weeks, to prepare the steam engine for its historical journey west. The primary work required to move the engine was to replace the existing grease cellars under the carriage wheels with the freshly built ones, and to replace the journal packs. The steam engine left Montreal bound for Revelstoke on September 29th, l991. But by the time they got just outside White River, Ontario, smoke appeared from the trailing truck journal box behind the rear carriage, and they could go no further. The engine spent the winter in Ontario, the rear wheel repaired, and its journey resumed the following spring.

In the meantime, a home for the engine had to be built, for without cover, the old engine would turn to rust. Once in Revelstoke, many more hours were spent cleaning and repairing the machine, including taking apart and cleaning each of the 56 valves in the engine room, and replacing lubricators and drill boxes. As well, many donations to the museum came from Revelstoke railway families and artifacts found in the region.

Today, in addition to being a founding member of the model railway club, Fred still sits on the Board of Directors of the Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society that manages the Railway Museum. For Fred, it’s all part of “doing what you have to do” and being part of the community. In the tourist season, Ernie spends 2 to 3 hours a day talking to visitors to the museum, enjoying the children, and dusting the engine. Ernie has a deep understanding of the mysterious workings of the old steam engine and tourists repeatedly tell him “it is so nice to have someone to talk to who knows something!” For both men, the hours and years of volunteer work is simply part of their lives and what it really comes down to is “the love of steam…”

For the Love of Steam

Date: Nov 28, 2009

Entry: Musical productions have been a Revelstoke tradition since 1991! Approximately 200 volunteers work together to present musicals that delight the community of Revelstoke and neighbouring communities. The production combines secondary school students, seniors and members of the arts community to design and build sets and props, make costumes, play in the orchestra, and bring characters to life. These amazing productions attract an audience of 2,000 people over the 4 night production!

Revelstoke Community Musical

Date: Nov 26, 2009

Entry: Revelstoke is the home of the Glacier Challenge (formerly Kokanee) Soft Ball Tournament that hosts 140 teams from all over western Canada and the states. The Glacier Challenge has been part of our community for 21 successful years. This tournament has an incredible economic impact on the community and is a lot of fun!! Many non-profit, sports and service groups assist with the maintenance of the ball fields, the camping, ice sales, recycling and the beer gardens earning the groups thousands of fund raising dollars!

Revelstoke Glacier Challenge

Date: Aug 31, 2009

Entry: Before moving to Revelstoke, local cyclist was a sprinter on a women’s bicycle racing team that toured North America. Training involved 15,000 kilometres of riding per year. Today she channels that energy volunteering for many community initiatives, including the North Columbia Environmental Society.
She and her husband also spent fourteen months cycling and backpacking through Europe, Africa, and Asia where the inequities of life informed her world view. “I believe in the cause of bringing harmony to how we live on this planet. I weigh how each decision I make can have a positive or negative contribution to that cause. “
After their world tour the couple sought out a community to start a family and chose Revelstoke for its strong identity and social networks, and its diversity of economic and recreational activities. “I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my husband.” An avid environmentalist in his own right, he teaches at the high school and shares in the parenting of their son, age six, and daughter, age four.
She isn’t shy at expressing her opinions because she feels well supported by others who care about the well being of the community. “The community is loaded with passionate people ready to donate their expertise when called upon to assist. It’s a privilege to work with them, especially my colleagues at NCES.”
This shared passion for the environment extends throughout the interior of the province. Tapping into the successful Car Share program in Nelson, she created its first offshoot in Revelstoke with the help of the Columbia Basin Trust and the City of Revelstoke. The local group now has twenty five members.
“Members find the cooperative a more efficient use of resources, more enabling for persons who may not otherwise be able to afford a vehicle, and less stressful for drivers who worry about maintenance and repair costs. Car Share has inspired me. Good ideas work and Revelstoke is fertile ground for them.”
Alternative transportation, along with environmental education and food security are the leading priorities of the North Columbia Environmental Association. As President, she leads a group with a number of projects on the go. She enjoys that Revelstoke is a size where it is possible to influence what goes on.
“It’s an exciting time to be a part of Revelstoke. Though it is a stable community it is not stagnant. There are new people moving in and new activities starting up.”
What she most appreciates about living here is the positive relationships among individuals. “I always find that everyone respects everyone else’s efforts even if they don’t happen to agree on a particular matter.”

Passion for the Environment

Date: Aug 17, 2009

Entry: Three years ago, a small group of committed individuals got together and said, “Let’s do it again!” Only two years had passed since the 2004 Revelstoke Homecoming, so the group knew what they were up against. But they also knew that since the first community celebration in l974 to commemorate Revelstoke’s 75th anniversary, they would be building on the rewards of past successes. The dates were chosen, and the work began.
Looking at the events scheduled from July 23rd to the 27th, it doesn’t take much to realize the time, energy, and dedication these Revelstokians have put in to make the Homecoming Celebration not only a success but a meaningful experience for all who participate. At the centre of the planning is the “Revelstoke Book” – a database of contact information for the many people who no longer live in the area but still consider Revelstoke their ‘home’. Updating the book is a task unto itself. Last September, the invitation went out with a call to pass on the invitation to family or friends whose addresses may have changed or is unknown. It came with a reminder that “the Homecoming is for anyone who has ever lived in Revelstoke, presently lives in Revelstoke, and for those who have never lived here but just want to visit and have a good time”.
Each person on the executive committee is at the helm of a particular area of focus, and as the chairperson emphasizes, each group is self-sufficient and very good at putting together their aspect of the celebration – whether it’s the Revelstoke Museum, the Vintage Car Club or the Child Care Society. Most of the committee has been involved in past homecoming celebrations. Still, the physical organization of setting up chairs, tents, electrical supplies, getting permits, and coordinating musicians, printed materials, dinners, and special events, is a feat unto itself.
It is apparent that the dedicated committee members represent the tip of a vast pyramid of between 400 to 500 volunteers, with key organizations like Rotary, the Seniors’ Association, Service Clubs, Italian Canadian Club, sports groups, Churches, Quilters’ Guild, Visual Arts Centre and Parks Canada coming on board. The City of Revelstoke has also donated staff time, the use of facilities, and support for events like the free swim at the pool. The Mayor points out that Homecoming is an opportunity to showcase all that has changed in the community since 2004, like the Aquatic Centre. Many members of the business community have also gone out of their way to support the events and will be working hard over the weekend, with Mt. Begbie Brewery and Revelstoke Equipment Rentals leading the way.
Although the schedule for the weekend contains many events that have been offered at past celebrations, like the Family Tree Display at the Fire Hall, dances, and the heritage home tour, there are a few exciting additions to the agenda. As well, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is opening its doors to the community, offering everything from gondola rides to an art show, sunset dinner and mountain bike race (up not down!). For those who didn’t get a chance to ride the gondola last winter, the spectacular view of the valley and surrounding mountains from the top of the gondola is not to be missed. Also, there are already over 120 people registered for the South Revelstoke reunion and more on the way.
The 2009 Revelstoke Homecoming epitomizes what volunteerism is all about – the spirit of community. There is something about Revelstoke that is unique, that makes people proud to live here, or for those who have come and gone, of having spent part of their lives here. Hats off to the many community volunteers who will make Homecoming a success - and for those who are on their way, you’d better hang on to your hats and get ready to have fun!

Homecoming - the spirit of community

Date: Aug 17, 2009

Entry: When one woman moved to Revelstoke in 2006, the first thing she sought out was a natural history group. A dedicated botanist, her idea of a good time was discovering the natural characteristics of her new home and the people who shared that slant on life. As luck would have it, her first week in town, the Chickadee Nature Festival laid it out for her like a banquet.
The Chickadee Nature Festival is Revelstoke’s premier nature event, this year taking place from May 25 to May 31. “It’s a full week of nature based presentations and activities that brings people out to celebrate and learn about the wonders of their own backyard,” according to the chief organizer. Of course in this instance “backyard” means the Columbia Mountains.
As a volunteer, she took over the reins of the festival in 2007 and approached the Friends of Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier to become partners with the festival’s organizing committee, an informal group of volunteers that launched the first such event in 2005. The Friends of MRG were a natural fit, having a history of offering nature based activities through the year.
She has since become a Parks Canada employee delivering environment education programs—a case where volunteer aptitude morphed into employment, not an uncommon outcome in the world of volunteerism.
The presenters at the festival do it because they are excited about their subject and want to share their passion, providing an experience that is bound to stretch the mind and spirit. Lining up these professionals begins months in advance. Most are Revelstoke residents, experts ready to contribute. A few regional specialists with research links to this area are added to offer uniqueness to each festival.
Something different this year is an event that will occur in the dark. Creatures of the Night will seek out the elusive Coeur d’Alene Salamander with lead researchers demonstrating an instrument that detects the sonic vibrations of how bats hunt insects.
The kid focussed events, which include Aboriginal culture, bear awareness, bird research, and nature crafts, will occur on the Saturday morning at the Mount Revelstoke Chalet. Also, the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology and the North Columbia Environmental Society have events contributing to the festival schedule.

There is no charge for anything. What the festival organizers want is your participation and your ideas.

Nature festival organizer a volunteer turned pro

Date: Aug 17, 2009

Entry: Spring is upon us, and this season almost 300 kids are anxiously waiting for the snow to melt and the soccer fields to dry. For many residents, it is a familiar sight to see kids in brightly colored shirts running around chasing a soccer ball after school each spring. Family and friends line the fields rain or shine. Snacks are provided, successes cheered, and scraped knees are bandaged.

With participation rates consistently high for many years, youth soccer is by far the biggest sport for kids in town. This year, there will be 36 local children and youth soccer teams, including U6 (ages 4 & 5), U8 (ages 6 & 7), U10 (ages 8 & 9), U12 (ages 10 & 11), and U13 (age 12).

Although for the most part, the soccer season runs from mid-April to the third week of June, rep teams (U11, U12 and U13) start practicing indoors in school gyms in March and have a longer season, playing every Sunday out of town in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops & Salmon arm starting mid April and ending in June/July.

Before the season begins, the kids need to be registered and sorted fairly into teams. Coaches, assistant coaches, and team managers need to be found, assigned and brought up to speed. The fields need to be lined, equipment sorted and handled, and scheduling for practices and games completed. Uniforms need to be purchased and distributed. At other times during the year, grant applications need to be done, book keeping kept up to speed, business support for uniforms to be solicited, and the gear swap and year-end party to plan. Although there is a core group of about 4 or 5 people who do much of the organizational work, these activities are supported by up to 120 volunteers. In September, the association hosts the Little Bear Soccer Tournament, which brings in hundreds of kids and their families from throughout the region.

And for 5 years running, the President of the Revelstoke Youth Soccer Association, has been at the helm. Both he and his wife played and coached soccer for years. As well, he personally coaches up to 3 or 4 teams a season. He sees soccer not only as a rewarding physical activity and relatively inexpensive team sport for kids, but a great way for kids to make friends. It is very important to him that Revelstoke continues to support this opportunity for children. “Youth soccer has been really well supported by the community,” he says. “The support from local business has been tremendous.” Local businesses like MacDonald’s, RMR, and The Modern Bake Shop sponsor team uniforms each year. For years, MacDonald’s has sponsored all the uniforms in the U6 category – which is the largest age group involved. The younger kids keep their shirts at the season’s end and enjoy showing them off to the local business sponsors.

Each year, a gaming grant is obtained that helps support purchasing and maintenance of equipment. As well, the playing fields at all the schools and Centennial Park have been upgraded, improving both the quality and safety of the fields. This benefits other activities like track and field, as well as outdoor gym and recess time for the school kids. In particular, soccer fields at Centennial Park are being developed to provide a more central, guaranteed location for the kids’ games. Older youth are recruited, trained and paid to referee the games. Every cent earned is reinvested back into youth soccer.

Youth soccer is always on the look out for new volunteers. He admits the ideal strategy would be to work with someone for a couple of years before passing on the leadership torch. Despite all the volunteer work involved, he is still enthusiastic. It’s very apparent that he truly loves the game, “It’s stuff like this that contributes to the spirit of the community,” he says, “I’m in this for the kids!”

Youth Soccer Organizer 'in it for the kids'

Date: Aug 14, 2009

Entry: It is Monday night at 6 pm and the Chicago production team has gathered for their weekly meeting before that night’s rehearsal. The session has yet to begin, but there are no latecomers straggling in. It is down to the last few weeks before production and in the room there is a fairly intense level of excitement, stress, fatigue and focus.

It’s been 5 years since the last big community musical production in Revelstoke. For those who remember, each year the musicals got better and more ‘professional’. Each year, the talent of community citizens was evoked and allowed to shine. The hiatus occurred for a reason. The Revelstoke Theatre group had obtained the Mt. Mackenzie Playhouse, and time and energy focused on smaller productions throughout the year. However, when the group no longer had access to the Playhouse, the idea of a community musical production began to percolate once again. The Production Stage Manager, completes the picture with a big smile, “We decided to go in the complete opposite direction (from small productions), and totally overdo it!”

The Chicago production has recruited nearly 200 volunteers, ranging from high school student to seniors, and includes visiting residents from Australia, Scotland and Denmark.

As well, there are people in Costume, Hair, Make-up, Props, Musicians, Stage Crew, Set Artists, Choreography, Promotions & Programs – each job is as important as the next.

Chicago will be the first musical the group has done that is still playing on the world theatre circuit. And there has been no holding back, for Chicago is all about the ‘roaring 20’s’ – very splashy, lots of sparkle. The sets are colorful and the energy is high.

The love of theatre comes through as the members of the production team talk about what draws them in to volunteer the time and energy it takes to pull off a production this big. For the Director, the creative process is incredibly stimulating. “Taking 25 people who don’t know each other, and seeing the actors come together and strive for a common goal, a common purpose, is so rewarding”. For many, it’s the biggest production they have done – all speak of creative and personal challenges, satisfaction, building friendships, the love of theatre. “you have to be a little bit crazy to do this!”

Although the Producer claims to have “no artistic talent at all”, his organizational and financial talents enable the more creative people to fully pursue their artistic expression without having to worry about logistics and coordination. “For a production like this, there are so many areas both on and off stage that come together – to see the finished product is an incredibly rewarding experience.”

The Musical Director is a keen musician himself and would rather play in a production than direct, but he emphasizes how challenging the musical score for Chicago is for the musicians. “We have a core group of 13 musicians, many who play multiple instruments. The score is really, really difficult because it was written for voice and is in a key that is very challenging to play. Without the musicians we have, it couldn’t be done.” The Sound engineer loves working with friends, networking, and the satisfaction of seeing the creativity, and the talent. “The payback is so big”, he says.

Suddenly, he takes a call on his cell phone. He puts down his phone with a big smile on his face. Another member of the crew has asked if he’s had time to eat before rehearsal (no). Dinner is on its way. “That’s what it’s all about!” he says. Through the intensity and the stress, everyone takes care of each other.

The discussion turns to the difference between professional and amateur theatre. In a community production like this one, the work, the sweat, comes from the heart rather than a paycheck. For the Technical Director one word sums it all up, “the word amateur comes from the French word for love.”

When asked if anything else is needed from the community, there was only one answer “BUY TICKETS!”

Community Musical Pull in Almost 200 Volunteers

Date: Aug 14, 2009

Entry: Last year, seven parents made a commitment – not just of themselves, but of their newborn babies. The commitment was to spend the time to share their babies’ development with entire classrooms of children. Today, they are half way through the 10-month program and all are still smiling.

Roots of Empathy is a classroom-based program that has shown dramatic effect in reducing levels of aggression among school children while improving the kids’ ability to understand their own feelings and the feelings of others (empathy). At the heart of the program are the baby and parent who visit the classroom nine times over the school year. Parents talk about how it feels to be a parent and about how their baby is growing and learning. Each parent and baby is supported by a Roots facilitator who visits the class before and after each family visit to prepare the kids and reinforce what is being taught.

Each of the nine visits has a lesson plan and centers around a theme: Meeting the Baby, Crying, Caring and Planning, Emotions, Sleep, Safety, Communicating, Who Am I?, and Goodbye and Good Wishes.

Although Revelstoke is a small community, the Roots program has grown through a partnership between the Early Childhood Development Committee, the Child Care Society, Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy and the Board of Education. Facilitators receive an honorarium but for the parents and babies, it’s all volunteer.

For all the parents, it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience so far. And although the babies are definitely tired after each session, they are starting to recognize what’s going to happen and get excited when they are nearing the school. “ I hope my baby is in a Roots class when he gets older!”

Roots of Empathy - A Growing Experience for All

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