Two thumbs up for Patricia
Just wanted to write a little letter to the editor regarding the Patricia Theatre [“Theatre averts digital death,” May 16].
Growing up in Powell River I have many memories of the Patricia. Back in the day matinees took place on a regular basis and us kids used to hover over the organist—do you remember Henry?—who would perform before the feature began.
Fast forward to recently when the theatre continued to bring us movie entertainment, albeit with marginal video and even worse sound quality. Like many people, I had been somewhat reluctant to go out for a movie lately because the sound quality was so bad that I often had trouble hearing and understanding some of the dialogue.
Fast forward even further to the here and now. Who would have ever believed that our historical Patricia Theatre, as it nears its 100th birthday (next year) and still holds the title of Canada’s longest running movie theatre, would truly be propelled into the 21st century with the latest and greatest digital video and surround sound?
Having attended two 3D movie presentations lately I can tell you that I was completely blown away. Believe it or not, the new digital video and sound quality is better than what I’ve experienced at any big city movie theatre, and for those of you who think that $40 is too expensive for a family of four to see a 3D movie feature, I can tell you from experience that it pales in comparison to what you will pay at any of the large theatre chains. Not to mention that you don’t have to take out a loan to buy popcorn and a drink for the family at the Patricia either. By the way, did you know that the three main speakers behind the new screen are the latest and greatest, and are the first ones in Canada?
Kudos to Ann and Brian Nelson, the Friends of the Historic Patricia Theatre Society and all those who donated to the digital conversion. You have all done a marvelous job and provided a real benefit to our community.
I encourage everyone (especially those who remember the old days) to try out the new Patricia Theatre. You too will be absolutely blown away and will find yourself looking forward to the next 3D feature playing at the “Old girl on Ash Avenue.”
Bill Chinn
Ontario Avenue
Community cares
As one of the residents of the Villa Anna I would like to personally express my appreciation to the Powell River Fire Rescue firefighters, Powell River RCMP, Emergency Social Services volunteers and Salvation Army for their quick and compassionate response on the day of the fire [“Firefighters battle third-floor blaze,” June 20].
The trauma of watching my home being engulfed in smoke was lessened by the high degree of professionalism, courtesy and concern of these wonderful people. These folks went above and beyond the call of duty.
I have only lived in Powell River for two years and I am very proud to call this place home because it is filled with so many caring and compassionate people.
Powell River has much to be proud of in the workers and volunteers that leap into action in times of crisis.
God bless them all.
Reverend Maxine Pirie
Powell River United Church
Wake up to the music
I loved Janet Southcott’s article about 11-year-old Ta’Kaiya Blaney and her passion for protecting the beauty and integrity of the world around us through her music [“Music conveys passion,” June 20]. Those of us who’ve had the privilege of hearing her perform the song Shallow Waters at recent anti-pipeline rallies have been greatly moved by it.
The suits at Enbridge Corporation’s Vancouver offices were also moved by it recently, it seems, but in a different way. They called security and had the 11-year-old escorted from the building.
I find it ironic, but not very funny, really, that this young lady represents her people so well everywhere she travels while our Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the guy with the big bucks and pension to match, seems to be representing “big oil” and bankers whenever he takes his pet stomach for a walk on the international stage.
Meanwhile, our MP John Weston, West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country riding, spends his time defending omnibus, undemocratic, Trojan Horse legislation that is dismantling, brick by sneaky brick, the Canada that it took others years to build. And the suits at Enbridge are spending $5 million on smarmy television advertisements to convince us that the risk of dirty oil spills on land and sea is somehow good for us.
The sleepwalkers among us, that see nothing wrong with what’s going on, should wake up and listen to the music.
Ron MacDougall
Westview Avenue
Bribery facts
I read an article in the Globe and Mail regarding ineligible voters and tour boat bribery. It is easy to assume ineligibility without facts and details [“Treaty protestors shut down vote,” June 20]. Anyone with Tla’amin (Sliammon) First Nation ancestry has a right to vote regardless of race.
I could assume fear mongering at the blockade, but I won’t go there without facts. A petition was circulating with 200 names, but will not show mine. When you sign a petition it should be open to the public. Who knows, names may have been forged.
As for tour boat bribery, the bribery dinner was sandwiches, salad and coffee. Everyone was invited, yes or no voters. You were not forced to vote yes. It was an information tour on the size of land we are getting. I asked one of the ring-leaders at the blockade if she ever went on a tour. She said she had seen it all on the Internet. You have to see it live to see the size of land. It looks a lot bigger than on paper.
Do we want our grandchildren and great-grandchildren to live like we are now, waiting for handouts from government for another 100 years? Let’s move on.
Phil George
River Road
It’s our library
Don’t move it, improve it. For the sake of half a dozen handicap parking spaces, we can add 8,000 to 10,000 square feet to our existing Powell River Public Library [“Councillors discuss library vote,” June 20]. Remove those six spaces on either side of the library entrance and extend the existing building on either side of the entrance which will give you 4,000 to 5,000 square feet. Now you can add a second floor which would house all of the fitness and exercise materials up one flight of stairs. (No elevator required for these folk.) These two floors will add at least 8,000 to 10,000 square feet. Voila, we have a new library.
Designate the first row of parking as handicap only. I have been through that parking lot many times and have yet to see more than a dozen or so vehicles at any one time, and some of those are neighbours more than likely.
Now, you can add your greenery above the second floor and talk about a view for those that enjoy outdoor reading or meditating without the nuisance of the sea birds. Breathtaking. Come on, let your imagination run with this.
What, too dreary? Then build the whole thing out of glass—it will be the talk of the town (at least) and a whole lot cheaper.
Jack Hildebrand
Hazelton Street
