Gena Webb 1943-2011

Japanese lands in Ruskin and Whonnock

Before W. T. (Bill) Hashizume published his translation of Yatsuro Yamaga’s History of Haney Nokia (farmers association) he used municipal tax assessment rolls and information gathered by John Mark Read for his 1971 MA Thesis as the basis for a map showing the properties once owned by Japanese settlers. Click here if you are interested to see the Whonnock and Ruskin parts of the map. 

Gravel trucks running down 272nd? Is that the future?

Click here to read what Phil Melnychuck writes about the proposed access road to a planned Blue Mountain quarry. Click on the map to enlarge.

Not forgetting our Japanese neighbours

As the One Book Whonnock project spearheaded by Jean Davidson and Sue Adair progresses it is becoming evident that most of the participants are not aware that in pre-war years Japanese men, women, and children formed a major part of the population of Whonnock and Ruskin. If you are interested to learn more click here to read the Looking Back column "Not forgetting our Japanese neighbours" in the Maple Ridge News of December 14th. The picture shows pupils of the Ruskin school 1936-1937. Click on it to have a closer look.

Remember that old sign? It went to the Church of the Holy Spirit

Whonnock Weavers and Spinners (more pictures)

This photo, taken by Maria Rantanen of the Maple Ridge Times, illustrates her report on last weekend's event. Click here to read the article and to look at 39 (thirty-nine) other ones she took.

Whonnock Weavers and Spinners

The Whonnock Weavers and Spinners' "Open House" at Whonnock Lake Centre was, as always, one of the highlights of the season. Aside from all those marvellous examples of the craft of their members to admire or take home, this Christmas shopping opportunity is also a wonderful possibility to meet and chat. Click here to look at some pictures. 

The 2012 Calendar is ready!

Ask Sue or Teresa at the post offfice. Only $7.00 each. Just in time to be mailed to friends and family. Excellent stocking stuffer! CLICK HERE to look at all the pictures.

In Memory of Beryl McMillan

A  Memorial Service for Beryl McMillan will take place at Holy Spirit Church, Whonnock, Friday, November 25th. 2011 at 2 PM. Rev. David  Price officiating. 
 A scattering of ashes will take place at the Church Memorial garden, Reception to follow in the Hall. As Beryl loved animals, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the SPCA in her name. 

New Years Eve at Whonnock Lake Centre

YES there will be a dinner dance at Whonnock Lake Centre. Be quick if you'd like to join the happy crowd and ask Sue at the post office about the tickets!

Remembering in Whonnock

 

This year Jan and Betsie de Zeeuw joined Phil Johnson to lay a wreath at the two bronze plaques in front of Whonnock Lake Centre remembering those who gave their lives in the First and Second World War. This photo appeared in the TIMES. Click here to read the article by Maria Rantanen published on November 15.

All Candidates Meeting @ Whonnock lake Centre

Two-tiered candidates for councillor and mayoral positions presented their views in three-minute presentations. Click here to see some pictures! Maria Rantanen (picture) of the Times was there. Click here to read her report.

Spotted at the Circle Craft Christmas Market in Vancouver

At the Circle Craft Christmas Market at the Convention Centre (November 9-13) in Vancouver are four familiar faces: Junichi and Yukiko Tanaka amidst a rich collection of Junichi's exquisite ceramics and Klaus and Betty von Hardenberg with their old-world pure beeswax candles. In the right-hand column are links to their Web sites. 

The Whonnock Web site got a haircut

With the help of Cary Blackburn of Hurricane Web Design we did a much needed clean-up of the Whonnock Community Association's Whonnock and Ruskin Web site.
The History and Heritage section received more than just a haircut: it received a complete make-over. Click here to have a look. 

Yesterday and today Canada Post distributed 1500 copies of the Fall edition of Whonnock News to all of us in Whonnock and Ruskin.
Just in case they missed you, click here for a digital copy. In full colour!

Fraser Valley Rhododendron Society

At an extraordinary meeting held this evening the members of the Fraser Valley Rhododendron Society decided to dissolve.
Their lasting creations is the Rhododendron Garden at Whonnock Lake Centre (2000). The garden is maintained by volunteers with support of the Whonnock Community Association.
Scott Henney, recognized earlier this year as Volunteer of the Year by the Whonnock Community Association for his tireless work on the garden, remains chair of the Whonnock Lake Rhododendron Committee. Phone 604-464-7979

North Fraser Events Centre

The North Fraser Event Centre is a brand new facility in the old Elementary School / Dowco building.
Click here to visit their Web site 
The new Event Centre presents itself as follows.

Our facility is well-appointed to host both business events such as conferences and AGM's as well as personal celebrations including weddings and receptions, anniversary gatherings, or memorial services.  North Fraser Event Centre offers four separate areas suitable for workshops or break-out sessions, as well as a 160 seat auditorium for plenary sessions. A private and comfortably appointed lounge is available for speakers to recoup between sessions or attend to other business.  Wireless internet, fax, printer/copier are all available.  We have plenty of free parking to accomodate your guests.

Our best wishes for successful start of this new Whonnock venture!

Lost Basset Hound...Came home after three days

Brew is a 14 year old basset hound who recently suffered a stroke. One of his back legs drag, but if on solid ground he is able to motor along nicely on 3 legs. Yesterday at about 4:00pm he was on a lead in the back yard, basking in the sun. He managed to escape his collar and must have made his way towards Whonnock Lake, off 112th Ave. in Maple Ridge. Many people have searched, hopefully the only plausible explanation for not finding him by now is that someone picked him up, and because he drags a back leg, thought he had been hit by a car and took him home? to a vet? The Maple Ridge SPCA and the Mission pound have alerts posted for him, but so far, nothing ........... anyone with info? We miss him and are afraid for him. 

Update 21 October--After three days on three legs, brew has returned. thanks for everything.

Check it out!

There was a need for a foot bridge for walkers and runners across over a brook, a tributary to Kaka Creek, at the bottom of Ferguson Avenue at 112th Avenue. 
This summer Dave Stevenson organized a few locals to build that bridge. He designed the bridge and got it approved by Metro Vancouver Parks. Dave contributed the railing, Bruce the I beams and Mr. O'Garra the planks. Other people contributed also. "It is a great feeling," reported Fred Volglmaier, "to have the community come together and get things done."

Honouring Heritage

Trudy and Steve put a new roof of barn shakes on the historic Byrnes house where they live, next to the post office. They keep the house and garden in mint condition! Neighbour Reg, who did this excellent job, is certain the roof will last for 50 years.

All Candidates Meetings

THORNHILL
Tuesday, November 1 at 7:00 pm. Thornhill Hall, 26007 98th Street. Only candidates who never held office in Maple Ridge. Councillors and Mayor. No School board candidates.
WHONNOCK
Tuesday, November 8 at 7:00 pm. Whonnock Lake Centre. School board candidates
Thursday, November 10 at 7:00 pm. Whonnock Lake Centre. Mayor and Council candidate.

Pet Blessing

In case you missed it. This from today's The News. Click on the picture to enlarge.

Pet Blessing Service at Church of the Holy Spirit, Whonnock

On Sunday 16th October we’ll be celebrating the animals in our lives with a Pet Blessing Service.  All of the Community of Whonnock, are invited to bring your animals with you to the service which will begin at 10am.  All we ask is that you ensure the safety of your pet, and the others who join us, by putting them on a leash, or in a crate/cage (or bowl!) as appropriate. Refreshments in the Church Hall following, for a time of fellowship. 272 St. North of Lougheed Highway, Whonnock

Sunday November 27 -- Whonnock Weavers!

Whonnock Weavers and Spinners 31st Annual Show and Sale on Sunday November 27 from 11 AM to 4 PM at Whonnock Lake Centre. 

This very popular sale will feature weaving, spinning, knitting, felting and basketry. As well, there will be several guest artists with pottery, glass, baskets, ironwork, woodwork and the always in demand teddy bears. 

Admission is free, there will be a free door prize draw, and coffee and tea by donation. This is a great place to do your Christmas shopping.

Whonnock Lake Day in Maple Ridge Times

A story and photos by Sylver Mclaren about Whonnock Lake Day, printed on page A21 in Thursday's Maple Ride Pitt Meadows Times has unfortunately been shortened quite a bit.
Click here to read the complete text!

Whonnock Lake Day 2011

It all started out VERY wet but by noon the rain stopped, the sky cleared, and we even saw some sunny spots!
Thanks in particular to Yukiko (on photo with green umbrella) who revived the historic event for this year and tirelessly worked to make sure that everything went as it should. Thanks to also Sue, members of the executive of the Whonnock Community Association, the management of Whonnock Lake Centre and other volunteers. 
Click here to see some pictures!!

One Book Whonnock

Let’s get everyone in our neighbourhood reading and discussing the same book!
Jean Davidson (604 462 7341) and Sue Adair 604 462 7520 are inviting all who live, work, school or worship in Whonnock, Ruskin and Thornhill to join in reading and discussing Joy Kogawa's famous book Obasan.
Give Jean or Sue a call if you are interested to participate or click here for more information.


Yes! I will read Obasan by Joy Kogawa and look forward to discussing it with my neighbours during the fall and winter. 

AGM 19 May 2011

We are from left to right: Sandra Rossington (Vice President), Brad Jennings (President), Noreen Woods (Treasurer), Helmi Braches (Secretary).

Please come and join us at the Annual General Meeting of the Whonnock Community Association on Thursday 19 May, 7:30 in the evening, at Whonnock Lake Centre.

A full house at All-Candidates Meeting

In spite of the weather the All-Candidates Meeting at Whonnock Lake Centre was very well attended. Click here to look at pictures of the event.

Easter Egg Hunt

Not sunny but at least dry with cars parked all along 113th Avenue. Many, many children enjoying the free easter egg hunt offered annually by the Whonnock Community Association. Thanks to organizers Yukiko, Sandra, Sheryl, Shirley and the other volunteers who gave their time to make this happen. A special thanks also to Rick (the Easter Bunny). The picture shows Sandra with her glorious Easter Bonnet at the table with the special surprises handed out to kids finding something else that just poker chips. Click here for photos (partly Shirley's, partly Fred's)

All Candidates Meeting, Wednesday, 27 April at 7:00 pm

The Whonnock Community Association and the Chamber of Commerce are hosting a debate on Wednesday, April 27, just a few days before the election.

Time for that is 7 p.m to 9 p.m., at Whonnock Lake Centre at 27871–113th Ave.

Candidates each will have five minutes for a speech and two minutes for rebuttal followed by question and answer. For more information on that event, contact Phil Johnson at 604-970-6957.

Sunday, April 24th – Whonnock Easter Egg Hunt

A reminder that the Whonnock Community Association will present its traditional annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 24th -- Rain or shine the start is at 1:00 pm sharp. The Easter Bunny will be there to greet you all!

Congratulations Robert Mangelsdorf!

In March, The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News collected six awards in the Suburban Newspapers of America 2010 editorial contest.  Reporter Robert Mangelsdorf is a finalist for best historical writing for both the Canadian Community Newspaper Association and B.C. and Yukon Community Newspaper Association editorial awards for his story on the 125th anniversary of the Whonnock post office. Click on the picture of the page to enlarge and read the article. 

WCA Volunteer Dinner 2011

On Sunday 27 March the Whonnock Community Association invited representatives of all volunteer organizations for the annual Volunteer Dinner 2011 to thank all for their dedication to the common good of Whonnock and Ruskin. Mary Slessor (Whonnock Weavers and Spinners and Scot Henney (Fraser Valley Rhododendron Society) received the coveted Volunteer of the Year award. Click here to see a few photos.