NTERTAINMENT Slocan Park man considered a leader in cowbo SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor It's @ folk art in every sense of the word. And like all archaeo- logical records, it reflects certain values and a way of life changed forever. It is cowboy poetry, and though still scratching the surface for popularity, it's readers and writers are a hearty and dedicated handful. Cowboy poetry, part oral tradi. tion, part tall tale, part buckaroo biography—has existed since the mid- 1800s, or at least as long as there have been cattle and cow boys. Most cowboy poets live in the rural West. Men who spend the majority of their time horseback riding, keeping track of grazing cattle or generally “working back at the ranch”. Although cowboy Get on the TRAIN for the Chicken Burger Special @ includes a choice cut of breast meat, > on a sesame seed bun with lettuce, tomato and our own special sauce. Also includes your choice of golden crispy french fries, our delicious jo-jo's or our freshly made salads. for only $3.99 1. s53 So get on the train and head on down to Chicken Time For a great affordable meat at an affordable price! Celgar & Cominco meal tickets accepted 2816 Columbia Ave. poetry has traditionally been dominated by men, an increasing number of women are writing about the ranching life. Subjects range from a woman's unique tenderness with animals, to how the new woman's role works on the ranch, to the comic variety of daily chores. One thing is for certain, in order to write about the cowboy life, whether through poetry, story or song, one must truly experi- ence it for themselves. r Jake Conkin, a trail blazer in the growing breed of cowboy poets, is living that life—a true cowboy with high morals and ideals, strictly following the “buckaroo ethic” Located at his Old Cutter Ranch near Slocan Park, Conkin says he first fell in love with horses and the cowboy lifestyle while still “knee-high to a stir- rup”. His experiences while working on large ranches and during cattle drives have enhanced the cowboy experience and inspired him to become a leader in cowboy poetry. “I have become completely 6816 or 365-7450. TheLion Robson, B FREE Pool ndays pool in town , Castlegar ¢) =/Arts Council * Kootenay Art Club meets every Wed. night from 7 - 10 pm at the Senior's Citizen Hall. All levels welcome. Info: 365- © WKNEC - BIOTECHNOLOGY - a science show. © West Kootenay Camera Club meets every 2nd Tuesday at Vogue Studios (Castlegar) at 7 pm. Next meeting Feb. 11th — Please call 365-5266 to insert your meeting notice — 'sdfeadPub 5811 Feb.6,7&8 Johnny Walker a F ENTER TO WIN A FREE A FREE MOVIE PASS TO THE CASTLE THEATRE (SUN) MON Oar Dhenap rn Beauty-«"Beast'7:00: d in this lifestyle,” said Conkin, the producer and orga- nizer of the Annual O'Keefe Ranch Cowboy Poetry Roundup, expected to draw more than 1,000 cowboy/cowgirl enthusiasts May 22-24. “There's a little bit of cowboy in every person, which is why we have lawyers, professors, trades- people, all types showing up and enjoying the lifestyle. In these times where everyone moves and acts fast, it’s nice to have some- thing tangible.” Conkin, a retired school teach- er, has captured his enthusiasm for the cowboy lifestyle in his first book, aptly titled Silk ‘n’ Sil- ver and Other Things Too! The book is meant to provide the essence of the life of the “real ranch cowboy” The eowboy’s world is offen more harsh than romantic,as most people tend to believe, But through my experiences I haye found elements of romance, afd often fun and laughter, in the day to day life of the contemporary cowboy,” said Conkin. The poems in Silk ‘n’ Silver and Other Things Too! contain the elements of a cowboy’s varied Jake Conkin at his ‘home on The Old Cutter Ranch, near Slocan Park. emotions and vulnerability, while’ at the same time emphasizing an inner strength and calm. Conkin's poems, such as “The Last Hangin’” and “Deep and Still", both show an element of tragedy and loss, though remain particularly humorous in their endings. In all, Silk “n” Silver, a title which refers to the attire of a cowboy, contains 24 poems Conkin is considered British Columbia's first official “cowboy poet”. He has appeared as a fea- ture poet at gatherings in Pendle- tonn, Oregon; Caldwell, Idaho; Princeton, BC; and was chosen as a “diamond’ for an evening fea- ture performance in Big Timber, Montana. He is a lifetime mem- ber of the Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association and has appeared at its gathering in Pincher Creek, Alberta since its inception Presently, Conkin has his poetry published monthly in the British Columbia Country Music Associ- ation affiliate magazine Twane! Conkin is also involved in a thyriad of other¥*Cowboy cul- ture” ventures. The Buckarog Jake Show is a travelling kids show centered on the history and contemporary of the “real” cow- boy. Other projects ‘on ‘the bunkhouse shelf include chil- dren's books and spending more time riding the range to provide DEWDNEY TOURS - 1355 Bay Ave., Trail - 368-6666 Gamblers Express e March 1-6 — Visit Jackpot, Elko CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT est THEATRE Co, Sponsored Mp part by Wy, — TimeAir For tickets information, phone Trail Parks and Recreation at 368- 6484. Tickets may be purchased at Rossiaad Alpine Drug Mart, Fruitvale Pharmacy, Trail Parks and Recreation, and at the door the evening of the performance. Trail Community Centre Theatre Feb. 4-7 Evening Performances at 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $12.50 (adults), $10.00 (Seniors & Students), $6.00 (Children) (@ricee remede @ BT) Photos for cowboy calendars, postcards and videos. He also Plans to write more cowboy poet- ty and attend more Cowboy Poet- ry gatherings throughout Canada and the USA. Silk 'n’ Silver, and Other Things Too!, can be purchased at bookstore outlets in Castlegar and Nelson. Red Cross offering the Cruise of a Lifetime Red Cross volunteers across the Kootenay Region will be busy for the next four months selling raffle tickets for a Cruise of a Lifetime. The raffle, which offers two luxurious Caribbean cruises as prizes, will raise funds for Red Cross activities in local communities. These activities include blood donor recruitment, bone marrow registry recruit- ment, first aid and water safety training, emergency services and the sickroom equipment loan ser- vice. Funds raised will all be uti- lized in the region According to Marnie Henne, Financial Resources Chairperson for the Kootenay Region, “We "See this asa chance for peo pie to buy-a ful vacation at great odds (only 7,500 tickets available) and to support the Red Cross at the same time. This is certainly the time of year when a 10-day Caribbean cruise on a Holland Lines ship should appeal to peo- te." Tickets will be sold by mail from the Red Cross Regional Office in Castlegar as well as by volunteers in every community in the Kootenays. Tickets are $10 each and the draw will be held May 9 in Cranbrook. Four early bird draws for cruise vouchers will be held as well Henne pointed out that the Red Cross raises funds through work- ing with the United Way, through direct donations from supporters and through events such as this raffle. “Everyone has at least heard of the Red Cross and most people have some idea of the tremen- dous work done all Sfeendthe world, but not everyone knows that the money comes from the public. The Red Cross may be a huge organization, but its support comes from individuals who a ON iO oR aap Wednesday, February 5, 1992 = ee The Castlegar Sun Page 3B Variety Club will help build a much needed Childcare Centre The Variety Club is asking British Columbians to “wear their hearts on their sleeves” . . . literal- ly, with a new fundraiser called “Gold Heart Day” to benefit chil- dren with special needs! Variety Club “Gold Heart Day”, scheduled for February 14, will see people throughout British Col H ring a hand: gold-coloured heart on their ve as a symbol of their com- mitment to helping “special kids”. These attractive gold hearts are available from Variety Club mem- bers and friends throughout the province for a minimum of $2. You can also get your Gold Heart at all British Columbia 7-Eleven Stores (beginning February 1) from Burns Lake to White Rock, Fernie to Port Alberni and every- where in between! “Gold Heart Day” is part of a global awareness and fu isi campaign created by Variety Clubs International to benefit mentally and physically chal- lenged children. Variety Club of B.C. Past President and Variety Clubs Intemational Ambassador, Barbara Stewart is the Chairperson of Gold Heart Days in British Columbia. “People always ask me why I’m wearing my hean on my sieeve!” said Stewart. “The response to the campaign has been gy incredible. Every- one loves the fact that they're belp- ing children in a unique way and they're able to show it!” Show the world your heart is in the right place. On 14, wear your heart on your sleeve for Variety Club's special kids by supporting Variety Club Gold Heart Day! find out where you can get your gold heart contact the Variety Club at 669-2313. anwhile, on February 15 and "16, the house lights will dim and the footlights will fill Variety Club hosts the 26 Annual Variety Club Telethon; Variety Club's marathon, televised fundraiser to benefit British The Variety Club Telethon is the longest running televised fundraiser in British Columbia Over the years, Variety Club, with channelled into some 1,500 pro- jects benefitting children with spe- cial needs. On February 15 and 16, tune in to the Variety Club Inside the partially finished Children's Centre in Castlegar Columbia's special kids, broadcast _the generous Support of the people the stage of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver with light as = BCTV. live throug! the p: nce on of British Columbia, has raised $37.5 million which has been Telethon and make your pledge for British Columbia's special kids. The Telethon will feature 22 hours of continu- ous live entertain- ment presented by @ cast of national, international and local stars and performer, produc- er and arranger David Foster will be back. He'll be joined by the incredible Warren Wiebe: a singer whose vocal range and style have made him one of the Telethon’s most popular performers. They'll be joined by dynamic hosts, which includes the province’s own Norm Grohmann. The Kootenay Columbia Child- care Centre in Castlegar, which is currently at a construction stand- still, will be one of the organiza- tions to benefit from this year's telethon. Katrine Conroy, administrator for the Kootenay Columbia Child- care Society says approximately $265,000 has been spent on the new building, but admits another $100,000 will be needed to com- plete the project. The new building, once it has vices to a growing list of children under three with or without i needs. The new centre will also see a Teen Parenting program started, which will offer a clothing exchange, nutrition courses and a general support service for young and single mothers alike. Castlegar residents are urged to Participate in the numerous events taking place prior to the telethon (see advertisement below), which will be raising money for the Vari- ety Club, who in turn, will double those funds for the KCCCS. Dona- tions can be dropped off.at the Castlegar Sun. SAFEWAY ( We bring it all together ¥ “Come on Castlegar” LET’S AL TRAIL - FRUITVALE « CASTLEGAR + SALMO + KASLO + SOUTH SLOCAN + NAKUSP - NEW DENVER + WANETA PLAZA 1241 3rd St. gar, BC (604) 365-3744 —_ . Red Cross staff and volunteers get in the spirit to kick of the Cruise of a Lifetime raffle in the Kootenays. (L-R) Karine Johnson, Harry Grossmith, Lynda Parker and Patricia Marshall-Thompson. Nember of tickets: required ____ (yourself plus spouse/friend/children) Would you auend performances held? im the evening__ afternoon matinee PHARMASAVE ‘In The Heart Of Downtown Castlegar’ 365-7813 Castlegar, B.C. Where Our Kids Are The Stars ‘tite Queen Elizabeth Theatre Castlegar’s Goal *10,00 MATCH € DON'T MISS THESE WORTHWHILE FUNDRAISING EVENTS Feb. 8 Nale Hi A tot Feb. 9 Feb. 10 Feb. 15 FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE HI ARROW HOTEL 365-2700 CARL’S PLAZA DRUGS Castleaird Plaza 365-7269 \ Kootenay Child Care Society CASTLEGAR MOHAWK 1415 Columbia Avenue, Castiegar 365-7811 Shelley & staff are pleases te support the Variety Club as a fundraiser for the CASTLEGAR 601 - 18th Street 365-7232 CASTLEGAR SAVINGS CREDIT UNION “Your Community Financial Centre” oT) SLOCAN PARK Highway 6 226-7212 623 Columbia Ave., Castlegar COLUMBIA AUTO SERVICE 365-5422 sath PETROCARADA 850 COLUMBIA AVE., CASTLEGAR ~ PURNEL DISTRIBUTORS LTD. Industrial, Institutional & Janitorial Supplies 4400 Minto Rd., Castlegar 365-3111 Variety Club “For the benefit of us all” TASES. Phone & fax (604) 365-8289 . Karen & Terry Hughes 2173 Columbia Ave., Castlegar, B.C. 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