Dedication of Lighthouse Country Marine Centre

May 1st, 2010

Revised 2010 May 11

Saturday, May 1^st, a large red ribbon was cut by Sandra Wahlgren, lovely wife of handsome Unit Leader Richard Wahlgren. This marked the formal opening of the Lighthouse Country Marine Centre, a storage and training facility for CCGA Unit 59. It will also serve as the home of Deep Bay Yacht Club, who contributed heavily in terms of volunteer labour and interior appointments.

Several dignitaries were present, notably Scott Fraser, MLA for Alberni-Pacific Rim, Dave Bartram, RDN Director of Area H, Maurice Chernoff (Past Society President for Ladysmith's Unit and Board Member of the RHIOT School), and Gord Gibb, Officer in Charge of French Creek CCG Station and Captain of the Cape Cockburn, a 15m roll-over capable search and rescue vessel. The French Creek crew generously opened the Cape Cockburn to the public, and it was a big hit with young and old. There may have been other notable guests, and we apologise for missing them.

A sudden shower cut short LCMRS' President Nelson Eddy's tribute, and we would like to make that tribute here: while a major component of the funding came from BC Gaming, the Regional District of Nanaimo provided a grant at a time when the project was just getting off the ground. It contributed to the funds required to qualify for a grant from BC Gaming, and therefore played a fundamental role in the success of the entire project. Thank you Dave!

We would also like to pay tribute to a core group of volunteers who brought back the old-time building bee mentality. Under the leadership of George Williamson, this group (who varied in make-up from time to time) consistently produced a critical mass of skilled labour. They kept the final phase of the project in high gear from October 2009 right through to March. While some work remains, the building is useable for its intended purpose, and meetings and training sessions have been in progress since mid-March.

The ribbon-cutting by the spouse of the Unit Leader was appropriate, because she paid hommage to the sacrifices of all spouses and partners of CCGA-P volunteers. Many hours that could be spent working at home were consumed by training and construction of the new building. We appreciate the forebearance of our members' families!

Pictures of the construction	Some of the doughnuts available	The ribbon at the main entrance	Setting up the projector to run a slide show of construction pictures	The arrival of the Cape Cockburn from French Creek	Unit Leader Richard Wahlgren welcoming the attendees
Richard about to introduce Sandra	Sandra Wahlgren made a lovely speech, and then cut the ribbon for all the long-suffering spouses	L->R front: Nelson Eddy, Scott Fraser, Ted Vitanov, Richard & Sandra Wahlgren, Bon Thorburn. Rear: Henri Niet, Richard Porter, Daniel Wahlgren, Phil Dyke, James Wahlgren, Larry Highcock, Hugh Jackson, George Willamson, Maurice Chernoff	Henri showing the DRV Mapleguard to Scott Fraser, MLA for Alberni-Pacific Rim	The Niet family and the Cape Cockburn with Jetty at the helm and Henri trying to coax Tasha off the boat	A conversation with "Bob", the training dummy.
"Bob", asking for donations	The Cape Cockburn was a huge hit with the crowd. Lorne is chatting with a crew member on board.	The bridge of the Cape C. Where's the wheel?	Captain Gord Gibb, at the flying bridge, monitoring radio traffic	Dave Bartram, Regional District of Nanaimo Area H Director, chatting with Sandra just before the ribbon ceremony	Scott Fraser, taking a look at the ribbon.Lawrence Foort, the marina owner is in the background on the right, behind Roz Lewis, one of the hard-working construction crew. Behind Roz on her left: Niels Bang, Past DBYC Commodore and another work gang members
Getting close to the time...	Closer still ...	Richard, saying a few words. The skies are darkening. A few minutes later, Nelson aborts his message ...	Sandra explains the significance of this event	Sandra reading a poem	I declare the Lighthouse Country Marine Centre open!
Hmm. Better pick up the ribbon ...	Don Manness, First DBYC Commodore is first in.	Richard Porter, Sandra and Henri posing for photographer Dianne	High-level talks ...	Richard, Scott, Maurice and Nelson exchanging funding ideas	Doughnuts and coffee at last!
Treasurer Gerry and Supply Officer Bon Thorburn discussing future needs	Maurice freely giving advice to all	Henri showing off our new (2007) Dedicated Rescue Vessel	Scott, an ex-mariner showing a keen interest	Richard, Henri and Scott, pleased with the lovely day	Richard's mother had to work hard to descend the ramp at low tide, but seemed to enjoy the day