A troubled past brings bright future ARREN HAWKINSON was 4 kid with a troubled youth. He was abused when he was eight years old, verbally and physically assaulted when he went (o school including being knocked unconscious in the hallway of his high school by two thugs, and told he would never amount to much by a school counsellor. By Richard Ostler Contributing Writer At age 16, he decided life had him beat and he dropped out of school. Five years later, the 21-year-old has opened a new chapter in his life with the launch of Youth Media, a company that assists non-profit groups. Youth Media was started to com- bat youth vio- lence on the ,if North Shore. Sunday was his debut and a chance to make a dif- DARREN HAWKINSON is making a ference with positive contribution to the fight the show, A against violence on the North Shure. Night of Solutions to Conflict, held at the Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver. Hawkinson’s drive to organize the event comes from mem- ories of his past and a determination to make a change for the future. ; “Abuse and the incident in the hallway has built up a char- acter in me that has simply said, ‘This is not the way. This doesn’t have to be," he said. “f won't jet this happen to me again.” The evening fundraiser for the Together Against Violence Network brought together various community organizations throughour the Lower Mainland including Canadians Against Violence Everywhere Advocating its Termination (CAVEAT) and CRY (Crime, Responsibility, Youth), Based on his own experience, Hawkinson hopes to offer the assistance fhe acver found as a youth, “Back then 1 didn't really think about asking fer help,” he said, “I really didn’t think about saying, ‘I'm in trouble.’ | was trying to survive.” Although only about 30 people filled the seats of the theatre, the night’s theme had already made its impact on many mem- bers of the audience. Chuck Cadman, who formed CRY in January 1993 after his 16-year-old son Jesse was murdered by another 16-year-old in an unprovoked attack, spoke about the impact on the family. He showed pictures of a range of victims from his son to a 77-year-old woman who was kicked to death in her home by a couple of teenagers. “These were real people with real hopes and real aspirations,” Cadman said. He hopes such actions as tougher sentences and a change to the Young Offenders Act will reduce the amount of youth violerice in B.C, A study by the B.C. Ministry of the Attorney General shows violent offences by young offend- ers continue to be on the increase in recent years. Together Against Violence is the North Shore’s response to community vio- lence prevention. Organizer Franca Bertonson has been busy promoting aware- ness programs throughout schools and public areas on the North Shore. She said a telephone survey of 500 people on the North Shore in January 1995 demon- Support flowing in for Seymour hatchery ARY-SUE ATKINSON, our Home- town Hero featured Feb. 14 in the News, is on a roll. By Michael Becker News Editor The Upper Lonsdale resident is rallying ty save the Seymour River fish hatchery. The facility could close next year if the federal government follows through with plans to chop $3 million from its salmon enhancement fund- ing for the West Coast. Atkinson hosied a salmon barbecue at her home on Feb, 17 to draw attention to the plight of B.C. hatcheries. The event generated numerous letters of concern to federal fisheries Minister Fred Mifflin. She Jaunched a leter writing cam- paign at Carisbrooke school, where her chil- dren attend. and the effort has since grown with the help of a friend who is a teacher. Together they have spread the letter campaigi to save the hatcheries to all North Shore schools as well as some schools in other districts. Added Atkinson. “Most of the congregation at St David's United Church in West Vancouver is now writing letters, | teach Sunday school there and set up «booth alter church.” DFO salmon enhancement representative Ted Perry confirmed to Atkinson on Feb. 26 that Mifflin has received 100 letters of concern from Carisbrooke parents alone. Seven-vear-old Emilie Feil wrote the Prime Minister: “t do not think that itis fiir that you clase the hatchery because we have salmon in three tanks and the grade k. and TP will not be able to release the salmon. “Here are 4 reasons why you shdd not close the hatchery: {.) Next year the grade Es will not be able to help the new k.s release the salmon. 2.) The kindergardens will not be able to even release the salinon once. 3.7 No grade will be able to learn about salmon as easily. 4.) Most people dont agree with you so there!” The Seymour hatchery operates on $153.000 per year. Three hundred and eighty volunteers do the rest. To add your voice of concern write: The Honorable Feed Mifflin, Minister of Fisheries, Parlianient: Buildings, Ouawa, Ontario, KIA QOAG) (no stump required). ~ NEWS photo Brad Ledwidge strates the need for community initiatives. The survey found 44% of respon- dents had experienced violence personally or within their family. The number had increased from the previous year’s survey. “It's a far reaching problem affecting everyone,” she said “We're all respon- sible and we have to take action.” To add some interactive discussion and entertainment, the B'Hai Faith Theatre Project offered some creative dance steps with their reflection on racism and dng abuse. As well, 8-4-1, a government supported initiative of eight young adults who have travelled around B.C. to talk with over 450,000 students, used on-stage dis- cussion, audience participation and role playing to focus on gang-related con- flict in schools. mt Sevne OM Tos wer’. aM vs Sy eYOREL__ ‘ FAAS Cs Th es elcome to Neighbor: hoods. We'd like to share information about the folks who ure making a difference in your neigh- borhood. A public pat on the back neighbor to neigh: bor? The Neighborhoods secon is a forum of cele- bration and recognition. Forward all information, including your name, address and telephone number, to Neighbor- hoods c/o — Michael Becker. E-mail to edi- tor@nsnews.com Fax to 985-2104, Mail to North Shore = News, 1139 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, V7M 2H4, DELBROOK THANKS GO to Del- brook resident Janice Murray from the chil- dren and = parents at Highlands School for more (han a year's dedica- tion to developing an emergency preparedness program for the school. Janice’s diligent com- mitment to details has ied to an accurate and infor- mative document which is drawing interest from other school districts as well as the local emer- gency planning organiza- tion, Her help with care-kits for the students, and train- ing in the use of the man- ual has contributed immensely to the upcom- ing Are You Ready pre- paredness event to be held at the school in April. BRITISH PROPERTIES UBC FISHERIES Centre and Zoology Department professor Dr Carl Waiters is the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce guest of the moment at the Hollybuns Country Club March {2 at 7 a.m. The topic: Fish and Buces, Are We Going ta Lose it All? To reserve 2 seat call 926-6614. Reservations close at 2 pm, on March 8. NEWS photo Brad Ledwidge THE ATKINSON family (left to right): Richard, Brooke, Scott, Mary-Sue and Heather show seme leiters of support for the hatchery.