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May 7, 2009 Congratulations to The Tell Tales comprising of Whistler Blackcomb’s very own Mike McDonald and Raj Das and band mate and drummer Ryan Doucette for coming in first place at the 2009 Sea to Sky Battle of the Bands.

Mike and Raj onstage

The Tell Tales received recording gigs at Saga Recording Studio and Waking Alone Productions, opening spot for a headliner from CIA Concerts, air play and a radio interview on Mountain FM, a limited edition screen printed competition poster from Sage Illustration, a professional two-hour photo shoot with Darren Roberts Studio and a vocal training session with Hilary Wight.

The Tell Tales did a great job at impressing the guest judges and got great feedback! Special thanks to Joey Vantol, Bryce McDiarmid, and Michael Caparella for donating their time to judge the event and Stu Osborne for MCing . Ryan drumming away

Election Day is Tuesday, May 12 Vote in the 2009 BC Provincial Election and the 2009 Referendum on Electoral Reform on Tuesday May 12 Where do I vote? Vote in Whistler at the Westin Resort, 4090 Whistler Way, Whistler What time do the polls open? The polls will be open from 8am—8pm How do I register? If you have not registered to vote prior to election day, bring photo identification and one piece of supplementary ID which states your residential address For more information on identification requirements visit www.elections.bc.ca

Get the Messenger at home: http://ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/messenger/index.asp

SAFETY Over the past several weeks bears have been sighted on the mountain and in the valley. As they emerge from their dens, they are moving slowly, looking a little dopey thin and hungry. For staff who are new to the valley, their emergence is a new exciting west coast spectacle which is also a sign of winter’s end. Although these bears may appear docile, cute and relatively harmless, everyone needs to remember that they are wild animals and unpredictable behaviour can happen.

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Do you know what to do in the event that you come across a bear either on the mountain or in the valley? There are many resources to education yourself on bears; • • • • • • •

Respect all bears - they all can be dangerous. Never approach a bear. Never attempt to feed a bear. Be defensive - Never surprise a bear. Learn about bears. Anticipate and avoid encounters. Know what to do if you encounter a bear. Each bear is unique. No hard and fast rules can be applied when dealing with a potentially complex situation.

The Most Dangerous Bears Are: Bears conditioned to human food • Females defending cubs • Bears defending a fresh kill. • Cute, friendly and apparently not interested in you. Source: www.bearaware.bc.ca •

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ing/biking and what time you plan to be back. Always carry an approved brand of bear pepper spray when recreating in bear country. Stay on established trails; make plenty of noise, especially when the trail you’re on goes through areas of thick brush, or takes a bend and you can’t see the path ahead. Avoid hiking at dusk or at night; bears are very active during these times and it’s too easy to startle a bear when the light is low. Watch for signs of recent bear activity—scats (droppings), bear tracks, logs that have been torn apart, large rocks that have been rolled over, trees with claw or bite marks or areas of digging; if you see signs, leave the area. Avoid animal carcasses and berry patches—these are potential food sources for bears. Keep children and pets close at all times; either leave your dog at home or keep it leashed while hiking. Kids and dogs can excite bears which could result in a defensive or predatory response from the bear. Do not take odorous items along on your hike. Bears have a great sense of smell and may be attracted to items that have a strong smell, such as lotions, deodorants, scented soaps, etc. Do not leave backpacks, coolers or other gear unattended. If you encounter a grizzly while hiking or biking, remain calm and quiet. Keep watching the bear but avoid making direct eye contact with the bear. Back up slowly, and speak to the bear in a soft voice. Never turn your back or run from a bear. DO NOT APPROACH BEARS TO GET A CLOSER LOOK OR A BETTER PICTURE! View bears at a distance using binoculars or your camera lens. Bears can run as fast as 50 km per hour, and can go from being “far away” to “way too close” almost in an instant. In addition, the bear you’re looking at may not be the only bear around—it could be a mother with cubs.

Source http://www.lwwf.org/ avoiding_conflicts_with_bears.htm

For further information, you can look up the following sites: If you plan on hiking, camping and even biking in the surround- www.bearaware.bc.ca www.bearsmart.com ing valley this summer, you want to be prepared to see bear in www.mountainnature.com/Wildlife/Bears/ the wild and travel around them safely. If you would like to comment on any of the Safety Articles that Recreating in Bear Country appear in the Messenger, or would like to hear about some• Try to recreate in groups of at least two people if possible. thing specific, please contact Miriam Bougie, OH&S Supervisor • Always let someone know where and when you’ll be hik- at [email protected]. THE MESSENGER P.2

Swine Flu (A/H1N1) Outbreak Frequently Asked Questions Is swine flu contagious? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread? Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else? Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu? First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu? Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir (Tamiflu and Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick.

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Preventing the Spread of Infectious Disease The Leadership Team at Whistler Blackcomb recognizes the potential for exposure to infectious disease and is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all Employees and Volunteers. Efforts to identify and minimize or eliminate the hazards have been taken and procedures are in place to ensure that risks to Employees are controlled. All Employees and Volunteers must follow the procedures described in this plan to control exposure and spread of infectious disease. Hazard Control: If an employee is sick; ask them to stay at home and try to limit contact with others. •Encourage the employee to see a health care provider if symptoms worsen. Suggest he/she calls ahead of time to advise them he/she has a fever or cough illness. •

Exercise the following precautionary measures: •Turn your head away from others and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have a tissue when you cough, do so into your sleeve. •

Wash your hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, particularly after you cough or sneeze.

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Regularly clean workstations including phones, keyboards, doorknobs, and other items that people regularly touch. •The Cleaners are responsible for cleaning designated Whistler Blackcomb areas. Areas not services by The Cleaners are responsible for maintaining their own areas. Consideration should be taken in cleaning bathrooms thoroughly, wiping down door handles, public phones and any other communal surfaces with appropriate cleaning supplies. •Adequate hand sanitizers, paper towels and tissues are available in all of Whistler Blackcomb’s facilities. •

How to properly wash hands: 1. Remove jewelry. 2. Wet your hands thoroughly using warm water. Keep your fingertips pointed down. 3. Apply soap and rub your hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds to create a good lather. Pay particular attention to the area between your fingers and don’t forget your wrists. 4. Rub your fingernails against the palm of the opposite hand. If your fingernails are really dirty, use a nail brush to clean them. 5. Rinse your hands thoroughly, from the wrist to the fingertips. Keep your fingers pointing down. 6. Dry your hands with a paper towel then use that paper towel to turn off the faucet. Remember, if you touch the faucet with your hands, you’ll re-contaminate them.

1. Press hands palm to palm.

2. Press palm over back of opposing hand.

3. Interlace fingers, palm to palm.

4. Interlock fingers.

5. Rotate each thumb in palm.

6. Rotate fingertips in palm.

If you don’t have access to water in order to clean your hands, an alcohol based hand sanitizer is a good alternative. Remember to rub your hands thoroughly until they are dry. For additional and most current information regarding infectious disease outbreaks, please refer to the BC Centre of Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.org. http://www.bccdc.org. THE MESSENGER P.4

Recognition Above and Beyond Check out the online recognition form! The online form can be found on the PIPE in the EE section under the Recognition tab. Not near a computer? Grab a paper copy at the Springs, Cabin or a lunchroom near you. Above and Beyonds are an awesome way to recognize your co-workers. They are sent out on a daily basis ensuring that the recognition is timely. Kate Mason, Employee Experience Kate just completed an amazing "Recognition Tool Box" for Managers and Supervisors that encompasses all parts of Recognition. One of the big draw points is that this tool box has a list of creative recognition events that various departments have done on their own over the years. This gives people an idea binder so to speak. It is located on the Pipe under EE under General Information. http://wbpipe/ hr/ManagerToolbox/RecognitionToolbox3.asp Recognized by Brian Good Children’s Learning Centre Support Staff The CLC support staff have done an amazing job all season long. They are always on the go to help out each other and the guests. I would like to recognize them for all their extra efforts and hard work they have done a on a daily basis. I appreciate all of your exceptional help with the guests and instructors. They always have a positive and never say no attitude. Thank you for everything you have done to ensure the CLC runs smoothly, efficiently, with a safe environment to ensure the guests have all had a memorable mountain experience. This season was the best overall staff the CLC has ever had. With thanks to, Jimmy Beauregard, Olle Bjurmell, William Broadhurst, Rachael Darley, Jonathan Fleet, David Hutnik, Kristoffer Johansson, Kathryn Menzies, Steve Mozes, Jasmine Parker, Timothy Parsons, Jennifer Penman, Alex Poirier-St-Onge, Charlotte Renny,and Minsub Song. Recognized by Donna DeBou

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Community Ride for the fun. Ride for the planet. Ride for the savings. Ride for your health.

May 22 to 24 – Inspiring Through Physical Activity

Whatever the reason RIDE YOUR BIKE May 11 - 17, 2009 Bike to Work Week is a great way to introduce people to the many benefits of commuter cycling. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is a proud partner in Bike to Work Week 2009. register a team by registering with the Bike To Work Society at http:// www.biketowork.ca/taxonomy/term/96. Team captains play a key role in motivating colleagues to ride, sharing tips and supporting new cyclists. Learn more about how communities around the province are joining in this growing event at www.biketowork.ca

Hosted by The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, every WOMAN invites women (all ages, shapes, sizes) to participate in back-to-back fitness-oriented and wellness workshops. Featuring Yoga, Nordic Walking, African Dance, Nia, Hip Hop, Pilates, Zumba, Salsafit, Belly Dancing, Pole Dancing, Run/Walk Package, Whistler Try-A-Tri, Goal Setting and more. ALL IN ONE WEEKEND. SAVE $50 on Keep It Simple Package - type in discount code WB when registering. Final registration deadline: May 15. For more event info, go to www.everywoman.ca or www.everywomanintheworld.com.

Avalanche Advisory WHISTLER OLYMPIC STORE OPENING SATURDAY MAY 16. The Whistler Olympic Store will open Saturday May 16, located in the Deer Lodge - Whistler Village North (previously the Glacier Shop).

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Last Updated: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 8:18 AM

Please send guests looking for Olympic merchandise to this location. The location will serve as an Olympic retail outlet and information centre for Whistler guests, operated by Whistler Blackcomb and our staff. Contact phone number is 604.938.7432.

Whistler Valley Forecast

* Please note that Whistler Blackcomb staff discount will not apply at this location. THE MESSENGER P.6

Club Shred What do you REALLY think of Club Shred? Please fill out the 1 minute Club Shred survey and tell us what you like and dislike about Club Shred. The survey is available; • on the Club Shred page of the Pipe • in the ShredMail sent Wed 15th April • and on the Club Shred Facebook group.

Receive 15% off of most products

Need a Shred update from home? Call the SHRED Hotline 938 7334.

Congratulations to all of those that participated in this years Battle of the Bands. The 4th Annual Sea to Sky Battle of the Bands was better than ever! MaxxFish was an awesome venue and we had more bands than ever before. Winning Band - The Tell Tales,

Runner up Band - The Rising Tide

Winning Soloist - Dani Quayle,

Runner Up Soloist - Alice Newton

Grand prize includes: • Opening spot for a headliner • Air play and radio interview • Vocal training session • Professional 2 hour photo shoot • Limited edition screen printed competition poster • Studio recording time (solo artist winner only) The Runner Up receives a paid gig at a Club Shred night and an on air interview and play time on Mtn Fm.

Located in Pemberton. Receive 10% off of massage.

Thanks to our sponsors: Waking Alone Studios, CIA Concerts, Stage Coach Schools, Darren Roberts Studio, Mtn Fm, Pique, Nesters, Dups, Holiday Inn, Sage Illustration, and the Municipality of Whister. Thanks as well to Stu Osborne for being our MC!

New Club Shred Deal—WORCA 1 Month Wave Cards are here! Get them May 1st at the Springs. Credit or Debit only.

Save $10 off your WORCA membership. Normally $40, Shred price is $30. Get your membership at the first Twoonie Race of the season, this evening. Your WORCA membership gets you into the Twoonie Races every Thursday, Phat Wednesdays and Monday Nights trail rides with Wild Willies. It also helps support the maintenance of the bike trails throughout Whistler. Looking for more information? Check out worca.com

Be the first to know what’s happening in Shred by joining the Club Shred Facebook group and signing up for the twice monthly ShredMail. Just send your email address to [email protected] to sign up. THE MESSENGER P.7

Final Notes...

Don’t forget to wish your mother/sister/wife/aunt/ grandmother a Happy Mother’s Day! THE MESSENGER P.8