http://www.issaquahpress.com/2010/02/16/residents-run-for-the-border-as-olympics-open-in-vancouver/
the Olympics excitement in Issaquah, Washington. Almost all the facts about me are correct, except that I was chosen to represent volunteers by Village Support Services, which was selected for this honor by VANOC admin.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
What if we keep on smiling?
Back home in Washington State, where it appears to be spring. The forsythia are blooming. What a disconnect from winter time in Whistler.
It occurs to me that I will no longer need to be on the look out for lost looking people, or to keep half an ear open to conversations around me, to offer direction and answer questions.
I wonder about this transition on a larger scale. What if all my fellow 25,000 volunteers continue to extend themselves to others once they go back to their lives, continue to smile and make eye contact with strangers? If we did, our experiences at the Olympics could touch the lives of the broader community.
It occurs to me that I will no longer need to be on the look out for lost looking people, or to keep half an ear open to conversations around me, to offer direction and answer questions.
I wonder about this transition on a larger scale. What if all my fellow 25,000 volunteers continue to extend themselves to others once they go back to their lives, continue to smile and make eye contact with strangers? If we did, our experiences at the Olympics could touch the lives of the broader community.
Last day in the SSOC
After a week off, and a week of seeing Olympic events and Whistler village wanderings, I once again set the alarm for 4:00 a.m. Getting up in the dark in a quiet house, putting on the volunteer blue clothing one last time. I walked to the neighborhood bus stop under the clear starry night sky. This time of night is one I have enjoyed for its quiet beauty.
After transferring to the Games Express bus at 5:15 a.m., all is not quiet any more. There are five members of the Czech Republic luge team and one from the Slovakia team on the bus. Going home after a big night out in Whistler. A couple of them are slumped over. Their buddies are taking photos. A fellow volunteer asked how they did in their event. Answer: "Not so good." Probably why they 'celebrated' so hard.
Once in the Village and through security, I go over to Workforce check in to get my meal ticket. I mention it is my last shift (number 25). Gifts abound, including a 2010 participant medal, another Olympic pin, and a Vancouver 2010 Swatch watch.
Once in the SSOC, things are very quiet. we seem to be over staffed for the amount of work there is to do. We all watch the Olympic Network broadcast on tv. This network is internal to the Village, and presents in live time. There are also at least four stations, so multiple events can be broadcast live. (Quite a change from the pre-digested, USA focused presentation on NBC).
After my mid-morning break and a walk around the village to take some last photos, I came back to find the General Manager of the Athletes Village talking to people in the office. Turns out one of the reasons he came by was to thank me for all my work. Such recognition!
Supervisor Jenn was originally scheduled off today, but came in to say farewell. (At least that is what she said).
The afternoon goes by and I am wondering if they will let me go early, since there is not a lot to do. Kevin (manager) asks what time I am leaving. Hmmm. I begin to suspect something is up.
And sure enough, about 2:45 he calls us together for a presentation. The guys in Site have built a display case for the Opening Day scissors, which have been engraved. This one of a kind Olympic souvenir is presented to me. More photos, more smiles.
Some volunteers are surprised it is my last day. Time to go home to 'real life' and a real job.
Jenn says "I wish we could pay you to stay here."
Time to go before I cry.
After transferring to the Games Express bus at 5:15 a.m., all is not quiet any more. There are five members of the Czech Republic luge team and one from the Slovakia team on the bus. Going home after a big night out in Whistler. A couple of them are slumped over. Their buddies are taking photos. A fellow volunteer asked how they did in their event. Answer: "Not so good." Probably why they 'celebrated' so hard.
Once in the Village and through security, I go over to Workforce check in to get my meal ticket. I mention it is my last shift (number 25). Gifts abound, including a 2010 participant medal, another Olympic pin, and a Vancouver 2010 Swatch watch.
Once in the SSOC, things are very quiet. we seem to be over staffed for the amount of work there is to do. We all watch the Olympic Network broadcast on tv. This network is internal to the Village, and presents in live time. There are also at least four stations, so multiple events can be broadcast live. (Quite a change from the pre-digested, USA focused presentation on NBC).
After my mid-morning break and a walk around the village to take some last photos, I came back to find the General Manager of the Athletes Village talking to people in the office. Turns out one of the reasons he came by was to thank me for all my work. Such recognition!
Supervisor Jenn was originally scheduled off today, but came in to say farewell. (At least that is what she said).
The afternoon goes by and I am wondering if they will let me go early, since there is not a lot to do. Kevin (manager) asks what time I am leaving. Hmmm. I begin to suspect something is up.
And sure enough, about 2:45 he calls us together for a presentation. The guys in Site have built a display case for the Opening Day scissors, which have been engraved. This one of a kind Olympic souvenir is presented to me. More photos, more smiles.
Some volunteers are surprised it is my last day. Time to go home to 'real life' and a real job.
Jenn says "I wish we could pay you to stay here."
Time to go before I cry.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
How quickly things can change
We were standing in skiers plaza watching the mens snow cross event on the big screen. The Canadian was favored in the last flight, matched against two US boarders and one from somewhere else. One of the US guys fell, and then there were three. At the last minute the remaining US athlete pulled some air on the last jump and surged ahead to win by a board length. Celebration on tv and in the crowd that Canada got a silver.
We move on down the vllage stroll to another square, where the event was just beginning to be broadcast. The crowd was really excited by the chance for the Canadian. When the US guy fell, there were actually cheers. At that moment, Greg and I thought, ok, get ready to cheer big, since we already knew the outcome. And we did; you could actually hear our shouts across this very large plaza, right on the heels of the 'surprise' win.
Never knew Whistler had a time delay going on from one area to the next, but it was fun to experience.
We move on down the vllage stroll to another square, where the event was just beginning to be broadcast. The crowd was really excited by the chance for the Canadian. When the US guy fell, there were actually cheers. At that moment, Greg and I thought, ok, get ready to cheer big, since we already knew the outcome. And we did; you could actually hear our shouts across this very large plaza, right on the heels of the 'surprise' win.
Never knew Whistler had a time delay going on from one area to the next, but it was fun to experience.
Traveling around the World in Whistler village
Wandering around the village, serendipity is the key. Yesterday I saw the Czech Republic team, Norwegian fans, an athlete from the Ukraine, Body Miller after he earned his bronze in the downhill, Swiss house going crazy after winning the gold in the downhill.
The Swiss winner of the gold in long jump was walking around with his 10 ft Fischer skiis, posing. My daughter Adrien had her picture taken with him.
Street performers, visitors, athletes all combine for an exciting time just walking around.
The Swiss winner of the gold in long jump was walking around with his 10 ft Fischer skiis, posing. My daughter Adrien had her picture taken with him.
Street performers, visitors, athletes all combine for an exciting time just walking around.
Friday, February 12, 2010
traveling around the world at the Athletes Village
We are doing follow-up courtesy visits with the various countries who have already checked in. In one day I went from China to Peru. What a difference in the size of the delegations! peru=1, and China=hundreds. Both were happy with their accommodations.
My volunteer time is almost at an end, only one more shift. This is bittersweet. I have met so many wonderful volunteers and staff who have all been so committed to the spirit of providing a welcoming place to call home for the athletes. But now it is time for the games to begin; the opening ceremony is tonight.
Volunteers were all given the opportunity to see the dress rehearsal of the ceremony for free on the 10th. We traveled down to BC Place with our neighbors. Parked the car at Park Royal and took the bus to BC Place. The bus we chose also had my co-worker Vance and his wife. Small world.
The rehearsal was awesome and left us awestruck. The world will be impressed with all things Canada when they see this performance. It was very meaningful that the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of BC, and the mayor of Vancouver all attended the rehearsal and spoke to the volunteers.
I had a moment when I looked around the stadium full of 25,000 people. Assuming half were volunteers, the fact that I was selected to represent this enormouse work force at the ribbon cutting was humbling.
My volunteer time is almost at an end, only one more shift. This is bittersweet. I have met so many wonderful volunteers and staff who have all been so committed to the spirit of providing a welcoming place to call home for the athletes. But now it is time for the games to begin; the opening ceremony is tonight.
Volunteers were all given the opportunity to see the dress rehearsal of the ceremony for free on the 10th. We traveled down to BC Place with our neighbors. Parked the car at Park Royal and took the bus to BC Place. The bus we chose also had my co-worker Vance and his wife. Small world.
The rehearsal was awesome and left us awestruck. The world will be impressed with all things Canada when they see this performance. It was very meaningful that the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of BC, and the mayor of Vancouver all attended the rehearsal and spoke to the volunteers.
I had a moment when I looked around the stadium full of 25,000 people. Assuming half were volunteers, the fact that I was selected to represent this enormouse work force at the ribbon cutting was humbling.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Athletes abound
Athletes are everywhere in their colorful coats. Some carrying bags, skis, and who knows what.
Our activities in the Support Services area reflect their needs;
- lost black backpack in transit from Vancouver airport, very important, has all the timers for a team
-breakers keep tripping in the laundry center, no power to run washers (well that's because the attendants plugged in non-authorized space heaters, duh)
-please come take all the furniture out of one of our rooms (no wait, 2 hours later, we didn't mean it, put the furniture back)
-the keys don't work (guests put keys in lock, but door doesn't open. Key specialist arrives, puts in key and turns handle. amazing, the key works now!)
My favorite: the mascots have arrived in the NOC tent, can you please arrange for transportation to the work force dining tent? (Me) Is Muk Muk with them? (caller) no, he is back on Vancouver Island. (Me) darn it. I will contact Logistics to get you transport.
Later, it turns out the transport went to the welcome center, and the mascots had to walk into the village. (I was sorry for the miscommunication, but couldn't help but wonder if Quatchi could use the exercise).
On my way back from trying to meet up with the delegate from Kryzygstan, I got to do a high five with Quatchi and Sumi.
Fun, yes it is fun.
Our activities in the Support Services area reflect their needs;
- lost black backpack in transit from Vancouver airport, very important, has all the timers for a team
-breakers keep tripping in the laundry center, no power to run washers (well that's because the attendants plugged in non-authorized space heaters, duh)
-please come take all the furniture out of one of our rooms (no wait, 2 hours later, we didn't mean it, put the furniture back)
-the keys don't work (guests put keys in lock, but door doesn't open. Key specialist arrives, puts in key and turns handle. amazing, the key works now!)
My favorite: the mascots have arrived in the NOC tent, can you please arrange for transportation to the work force dining tent? (Me) Is Muk Muk with them? (caller) no, he is back on Vancouver Island. (Me) darn it. I will contact Logistics to get you transport.
Later, it turns out the transport went to the welcome center, and the mascots had to walk into the village. (I was sorry for the miscommunication, but couldn't help but wonder if Quatchi could use the exercise).
On my way back from trying to meet up with the delegate from Kryzygstan, I got to do a high five with Quatchi and Sumi.
Fun, yes it is fun.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Olympic torch comes to Whistler
A crowd of thousands stands in Skiers Plaza awaiting the arrival of the torch. I wiggled my way through the crowd with some of my volunteer work mates (Jan, Janice, and Michelle). We stop because we can move no further. And who am I standing next to: our dear friends and neighbors Michael and Tara.
there is a lot of pre-torch rev up the crowd activity. Videos on the big screen of it being carried all over Canada by beaming men and women. Gordon Campbell goes by passing out BC pins. (Olympic pins abound and trading them is a full time occupation for some).In Whistler style, the final leg is carried by alpine skier Julia on a snowmobile (recent ligament injury), followed by 'crazy Canuck' Steve Podborski (former alpine skiing Olympian) skiing down the final descent of Whistler mountain to the gondola area, where he transfered the torch for it's final leg to Tyler Allison, an 18 year old student at Whistler Secondary who hopes to participate in the 2012 Olympics. An emotional moment for the women standing with me who know this young man. As the torch passes by within 10 feet of me, cameras are flashing, and tears run down faces.
When the cauldron is lit on stage, the national anthem is sung. Canadians all around me sing with fervor, and more tears flow.
It was very moving to experience this Olympic moment.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Cutting the ribbon
The Athletes villages are open! At the ceremony today, Muk Muk's pal cut the ribbon, simultaneously with a volunteer doing the same in Vancouver, to officially signal the opening of the village.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I gotta get out more
Driving down to Vancouver today to do a little shopping.
Took note of the cruise ship tied up in Squamish. It is where the many housekeeping and other workers are housed during the Olympics. They have all the amenities of the ship to enjoy. Even a bus to drive them over to WalMart to shop.
Speaking of Walmart, what did I see there? Three Canadian soldiers dressed in their camos, carrying new pillows under their arms. :)
On the way home, a police escort with flashing lights escorting a stream of tour buses. VIP's? Team Canada? Folks stopped along the way to take photos.
Took note of the cruise ship tied up in Squamish. It is where the many housekeeping and other workers are housed during the Olympics. They have all the amenities of the ship to enjoy. Even a bus to drive them over to WalMart to shop.
Speaking of Walmart, what did I see there? Three Canadian soldiers dressed in their camos, carrying new pillows under their arms. :)
On the way home, a police escort with flashing lights escorting a stream of tour buses. VIP's? Team Canada? Folks stopped along the way to take photos.
It's all about the buses
I was one of two riders on the inaugural run of the new #10 express bus to the Athletes Village yesterday. I asked the driver for his autograph, but he politely declined. I appreciated the limo service. Turns out that I was one of the few that arrived on time. Over 200 new drivers have flooded the scene, some from as far away as Texas. Most don't know Whistler at all. This was verified by my coworkers, who saw the bus for Alpine (north) headed south to Creekside. A lot of lost drivers and late riders.
USA delegation checked in today! Go USA! Lots of delegations are arriving and this makes things quite hectic for us getting their books ready (with details of their residence units, the sign-offs of total beds assigned from their Delegate Residence Meeting, and CAD drawings of the room layouts, with inventory lists of contents). Not to mention keys :) Once they move in, the phones start to ring with requests from their National Olympic Committee liaisons.
About 6:30 p.m. I heard loud machinery outside. Couldn't be snow clearing, cause it hasn't snowed in a while. It was a bus unloading the 20 or so RCMP's who have taken up residence down the street. They were each carrying fistfuls of grocery bags, making (to my eye) quite a humorous procession.
This morning ( my day off and the day I didn't have to get up at 4) I was awakened by voices at about 6:20. who could it be? Late night revelers? No, my friends the RCMP again, standing around chatting under the streetlight waiting for their bus. I guess this is going to be the morning wake up call. I appreciate the early morning patrol :)
USA delegation checked in today! Go USA! Lots of delegations are arriving and this makes things quite hectic for us getting their books ready (with details of their residence units, the sign-offs of total beds assigned from their Delegate Residence Meeting, and CAD drawings of the room layouts, with inventory lists of contents). Not to mention keys :) Once they move in, the phones start to ring with requests from their National Olympic Committee liaisons.
About 6:30 p.m. I heard loud machinery outside. Couldn't be snow clearing, cause it hasn't snowed in a while. It was a bus unloading the 20 or so RCMP's who have taken up residence down the street. They were each carrying fistfuls of grocery bags, making (to my eye) quite a humorous procession.
This morning ( my day off and the day I didn't have to get up at 4) I was awakened by voices at about 6:20. who could it be? Late night revelers? No, my friends the RCMP again, standing around chatting under the streetlight waiting for their bus. I guess this is going to be the morning wake up call. I appreciate the early morning patrol :)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
appreciate the quiet while you can
Walking to the village bus stop at 5:15 a.m., I appreciate the quiet in my neighborhood, the ability to stroll leisurely across Hwy 99 because there is no traffic, and the chance to observe the flickering light over the village map on the bus loop.
This will all change on Feb. 1. Local bus service will be added a couple blocks away. Which will be a good thing for getting to work. Still am puzzling over how I am going to get to the lifts without a) a lot of walking, b) transferring more than once and c) a lot of walking. I'm sure I can figure it out.
I had a variety of tasks today which included manning the phones, troubleshooting, and driving. yup, I passed muster as a driver cause they needed someone to run to get a key made as an emergency. so I got to drive around the site in a VANOC vehicle, out through security, to the locksmith. Ooops, no locksmith in the office. Come back to the Village through security, get charge card to go to Rona to get key made. Back out through the security, success in key world, made friends with all security checkpoints coming back in. YESSS!!
Got to go out to the Canadian delegation to deliver some paperwork, managed a little customer service and collected some requests. fun to interact with team related folks.
A great pep talk from the head of VSS on having fun everyday. Which is what we do. I am a happy camper.
I told Tom (from Croatia) that he needed to tell more jokes because we are supposed to have fun. His response: "What do you call a snowboarder who broke up with his girlfriend?"
Answer: "homeless"
This will all change on Feb. 1. Local bus service will be added a couple blocks away. Which will be a good thing for getting to work. Still am puzzling over how I am going to get to the lifts without a) a lot of walking, b) transferring more than once and c) a lot of walking. I'm sure I can figure it out.
I had a variety of tasks today which included manning the phones, troubleshooting, and driving. yup, I passed muster as a driver cause they needed someone to run to get a key made as an emergency. so I got to drive around the site in a VANOC vehicle, out through security, to the locksmith. Ooops, no locksmith in the office. Come back to the Village through security, get charge card to go to Rona to get key made. Back out through the security, success in key world, made friends with all security checkpoints coming back in. YESSS!!
Got to go out to the Canadian delegation to deliver some paperwork, managed a little customer service and collected some requests. fun to interact with team related folks.
A great pep talk from the head of VSS on having fun everyday. Which is what we do. I am a happy camper.
I told Tom (from Croatia) that he needed to tell more jokes because we are supposed to have fun. His response: "What do you call a snowboarder who broke up with his girlfriend?"
Answer: "homeless"
Friday, January 29, 2010
We're Live!
January 29 and the Village is Live!
I waited for the 5:36 a.m. bus in the village with three women, new volunteers all, who were so excited to start their volunteer time. they compared themselves to kids waiting for the school bus, all wearing new clothes (their volunteer uniforms). Their excitement was catching, and that is a good thing at that hour of the day.
Security is operating as it will in Games time. We pass through airport-like screening, hop on a workforce bus, go through another (!) screening, get our meal ticket, and off to work we go.
The system for breaks and food is not quite worked out yet. If you start at 6, you are given a break at 8:30, but that is before they put out the snacks. And woe be unto you if you try to sneak a muffin. Those are breakfast only items. Lunch is a full meal at 11:30. However, they didn't open up a second line until there was a line of 20 people standing there. When you are only given 30 minutes for the lunch break and ten is spent in line, it goes by very quickly.
Our call center is working great. And the big excitement today: our first team has moved in!!
I was part of the duo that got all the room keys sorted for Team Canada. Our Canadian supervisor and manager were the ones who actually worked one on one with the National Olympic Committee (NOC). I'm hoping I can be around when TeamUSA moves in!
There are two Retail stores on site. Rumor had it they have items that are only available there, and not online or in the Olympic Store in the Whistler village. And that is correct! I couldn't help myself and purchased a shirt with the Whistler Olympic Village logo on it.
I waited for the 5:36 a.m. bus in the village with three women, new volunteers all, who were so excited to start their volunteer time. they compared themselves to kids waiting for the school bus, all wearing new clothes (their volunteer uniforms). Their excitement was catching, and that is a good thing at that hour of the day.
Security is operating as it will in Games time. We pass through airport-like screening, hop on a workforce bus, go through another (!) screening, get our meal ticket, and off to work we go.
The system for breaks and food is not quite worked out yet. If you start at 6, you are given a break at 8:30, but that is before they put out the snacks. And woe be unto you if you try to sneak a muffin. Those are breakfast only items. Lunch is a full meal at 11:30. However, they didn't open up a second line until there was a line of 20 people standing there. When you are only given 30 minutes for the lunch break and ten is spent in line, it goes by very quickly.
Our call center is working great. And the big excitement today: our first team has moved in!!
I was part of the duo that got all the room keys sorted for Team Canada. Our Canadian supervisor and manager were the ones who actually worked one on one with the National Olympic Committee (NOC). I'm hoping I can be around when TeamUSA moves in!
There are two Retail stores on site. Rumor had it they have items that are only available there, and not online or in the Olympic Store in the Whistler village. And that is correct! I couldn't help myself and purchased a shirt with the Whistler Olympic Village logo on it.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Australia Day in the SSOC
It's Australia Day. In Whistler that means a wild night ahead. One of our supervisors showed her spirit today by wearing her australia head band and a 'cloak' made of the Aussie flag.
Bus riding to and from the Village was eventful. On the way in the morning, across the aisle was celebrity chef Michael Smith, who is in charge of the food in the village.
On the ride home, I had the honor of being the oldest person on the bus. This is Whistler after all,w here the average age is about 24.
My task of the day involved combining data from a couple of spreadsheets to give a snapshot of when the teams arrive and where they are going to be staying. Primary purpose, to help housekeeping prioritize final cleaning and our group to focus on final preparations. As Kevin (our boss man) said, one of the benefits of working in my group is that I'm in the know before a whole lot of other people!
Canada comes in first, of course!
Bus riding to and from the Village was eventful. On the way in the morning, across the aisle was celebrity chef Michael Smith, who is in charge of the food in the village.
On the ride home, I had the honor of being the oldest person on the bus. This is Whistler after all,w here the average age is about 24.
My task of the day involved combining data from a couple of spreadsheets to give a snapshot of when the teams arrive and where they are going to be staying. Primary purpose, to help housekeeping prioritize final cleaning and our group to focus on final preparations. As Kevin (our boss man) said, one of the benefits of working in my group is that I'm in the know before a whole lot of other people!
Canada comes in first, of course!
Monday, January 25, 2010
4 a.m. wake up
No I'm not lost, just exhausted. A wonderfully busy ski weekend with friends from Seattle. Blue sky days for skiing. It was great.
I picked up my official uniform on Saturday night. Alas I had to wait so long. All that were left for pants make my legs look columnar. I will wear them only when absolutely necessary.
The blue jackets, vests, and shirts are fabulous! It was fun to go to work today and see everyone in their uniforms. Also a bit overwhelmed at the number of police/security on site. I do feel safe, very safe, there.
Getting up at 4 a.m. to walk Fenway before leaving for a 6 a.m. shift was not fabulous. My nightlife in the next couple of weeks is going to be seriously curtailed.
Off to get beauty sleep at 8 p.m.
I picked up my official uniform on Saturday night. Alas I had to wait so long. All that were left for pants make my legs look columnar. I will wear them only when absolutely necessary.
The blue jackets, vests, and shirts are fabulous! It was fun to go to work today and see everyone in their uniforms. Also a bit overwhelmed at the number of police/security on site. I do feel safe, very safe, there.
Getting up at 4 a.m. to walk Fenway before leaving for a 6 a.m. shift was not fabulous. My nightlife in the next couple of weeks is going to be seriously curtailed.
Off to get beauty sleep at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Intrawest on the auction block/Olympic Rings in place
Huge news today! Intrawest (owner of Whistler/Blackcomb) is in deep financial doo doo and may be on the auction block as early as Feb. 19. Not to worry says Vanoc and those "in the know." the Olympics will go on!
Those of us in the Village today were nervous about the news, but this was quickly overcome by our own Olympic-centric excitement about the placement of the Rings in the village. They arrived about 11 a.m. and were set for placement around 12:15. Our team assembled and had our own excited, frenzy photo op in front of the (very) green rings. What fun! Check back later for a pix of me :)
Why are they green, instead of the primary color rings seen every where else? I heard that it was because it went with the color palette of the Vancouver 2o1o Olympics ( blues and greens). And also that maybe if they were this color they could stay in play after the games. Go marketers for awesome branding and unified color theme!
Those of us in the Village today were nervous about the news, but this was quickly overcome by our own Olympic-centric excitement about the placement of the Rings in the village. They arrived about 11 a.m. and were set for placement around 12:15. Our team assembled and had our own excited, frenzy photo op in front of the (very) green rings. What fun! Check back later for a pix of me :)
Why are they green, instead of the primary color rings seen every where else? I heard that it was because it went with the color palette of the Vancouver 2o1o Olympics ( blues and greens). And also that maybe if they were this color they could stay in play after the games. Go marketers for awesome branding and unified color theme!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Picking up a hitchhiker
I know, you're not supposed to do it. But in Whistler it is common place. And this was on the access road to the Village, and the guy was wearing official Olympic gear.
Turns out he was part of the Village Events team. He has been working on a steady video stream of how the ( athletes') Village has come together for the games. And will be involved in some of the entertainment, such as the huge firepit by the entertainment stands which will host live entertainment just for the athletes every night. and there will be something called "drumming circles" (a First Nation's contribution) every day to get the energy going.
Yes, I think it was wonderful to give this guy a ride.
Turns out he was part of the Village Events team. He has been working on a steady video stream of how the ( athletes') Village has come together for the games. And will be involved in some of the entertainment, such as the huge firepit by the entertainment stands which will host live entertainment just for the athletes every night. and there will be something called "drumming circles" (a First Nation's contribution) every day to get the energy going.
Yes, I think it was wonderful to give this guy a ride.
28, 10, 4, 20, 7
28 days till opening ceremonies, 1o days till Village Support Services goes live for Games operations, 4 days till RCMP comes to do the 'sweep' (no staff on site and they go through absolutely everything), 20 townhouses to inventory and inspect with my "A" team today, average of 7 rooms per unit (I'm thinking carpel tunnel is a definate possibility, or really dry skin from the water temperature tests, at the least).
Monday, January 18, 2010
Muk Muk - supervisor of good times
On the inside door of the SSOC, this little picture of Muk Muk with his official Olympic Accreditation was posted. I love his title " Supervisor of Good times." There is a reason I am his pal :)Saturday, January 16, 2010
Reverse commute for tickets
A morning trip down the highway to Squamish to pick up my free ticket to the Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal. A beautiful blue sky day, and fresh snow on the hill. The secret was out, because traffic was backed up 2 km south of Function Junction. all the parking lots were full and people were being routed to Mons and shuttled back to the hill. If you were early up, you were lucky. I'm not too sad to miss the lift lines, but sorry to misss a gorgeous day.
Not only did I get my ticket, but I was given a bottle of Jackson Trigg wine; they are a sponsor. Such a deal!
Now we just have to figure out the logistics to get to B C Place on the 10th.
Not only did I get my ticket, but I was given a bottle of Jackson Trigg wine; they are a sponsor. Such a deal!
Now we just have to figure out the logistics to get to B C Place on the 10th.
Friday, January 15, 2010
More from Eastern Europe
I have volunteer/associate mates from Slovakia and Bulgaria. Today while hands were fobbing, the chat was about cartoons from childhood. Turns out that Slovakia originated some memorable cartoons with little jingles (earworms), but that were well known in Croatia too. Some very quiet singing was taking place :)
Bulgaria on the Black Sea sounds like a terrific travel destination. I learned that yogurt originated there and that the area has been populated since the 4th century BC. The mountains sound fabulous. Bulgaria has it all!
Bulgaria on the Black Sea sounds like a terrific travel destination. I learned that yogurt originated there and that the area has been populated since the 4th century BC. The mountains sound fabulous. Bulgaria has it all!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Muk Muk front and center
At today's Venue specific training, I was pleased to see Muk Muk front and center on the wall behind the presenters. His pal of the day was the Olympic mascot Sumi. Apparently Quatchi (the Sasquatch) is the best seller in the Olympic stores.
I like little Muk Muk the best, though.
I like little Muk Muk the best, though.
Come Fob with Me
Fobbing: the delightful task of attached colorful room specific tags to the more that 6000 keys for the Whistler Olympic Village.
Keys are laid out on a bare white table, matched to color coded fobs, and happy volunteers whose fingers are rapidly becoming arthritic (no matter what the age), pry open those little round key rings to slide the matching fob and key on the same ring. then, being careful to keep the keys in numerical order, we slide them on a peice of twine to return to the room of the Queen of Keys.
Our group had a true bonding experience, and planned to go out to see the Olympic torch pass by (Feb. 5) together, amongst other things.
Keys are laid out on a bare white table, matched to color coded fobs, and happy volunteers whose fingers are rapidly becoming arthritic (no matter what the age), pry open those little round key rings to slide the matching fob and key on the same ring. then, being careful to keep the keys in numerical order, we slide them on a peice of twine to return to the room of the Queen of Keys.
Our group had a true bonding experience, and planned to go out to see the Olympic torch pass by (Feb. 5) together, amongst other things.
You know you are in Canada when . . .
the size of the athletes' dining hall in the Whistler Olympic village is compared to hockey rinks (3).
McDonalds is a big Olympic sponsor and have a big presence in the dining hall, which can seat 900 athletes at a time. Apparently, the best athletes in the world train hard, eat training specific diets for years, and then celebrate the completion of their journey with a Big Mac and Fries (true story).
McDonalds is a big Olympic sponsor and have a big presence in the dining hall, which can seat 900 athletes at a time. Apparently, the best athletes in the world train hard, eat training specific diets for years, and then celebrate the completion of their journey with a Big Mac and Fries (true story).
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Volunteers from all over
Today I went out to do inspections on the housing units with a lovely young lady who was born in Barcelona and a young man from Croatia/Slovenia.
My older daughter spent her junior year semester in the Balkans studying transition and social change. One of her classmates did a videography project on identity in the Balkans among young people today.
The man could have been a case study for that project. When I asked him "aside from Whistler, what do you call home?" he replied, "that is hard to say." He claims both Slovenia and Croatia as his countries. He explained that before the war, everyone was from Yugoslavia. Now there are six small countries that were once part of Yugoslavia: Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia Hercegovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Macedonia. (Interesting that Republica Serbska was not mentioned). When asked about the skiers from Croatia, he evidenced a very strong pride in his country's team.
My Barcelona born cohort left there ten years ago and said she had a strong dislike of cities. She moves from (ski) season to (ski) season now.
I am really enjoying interacting with the worldwide team that is bringing the Whistler Olympic village to the world.
My older daughter spent her junior year semester in the Balkans studying transition and social change. One of her classmates did a videography project on identity in the Balkans among young people today.
The man could have been a case study for that project. When I asked him "aside from Whistler, what do you call home?" he replied, "that is hard to say." He claims both Slovenia and Croatia as his countries. He explained that before the war, everyone was from Yugoslavia. Now there are six small countries that were once part of Yugoslavia: Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia Hercegovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Macedonia. (Interesting that Republica Serbska was not mentioned). When asked about the skiers from Croatia, he evidenced a very strong pride in his country's team.
My Barcelona born cohort left there ten years ago and said she had a strong dislike of cities. She moves from (ski) season to (ski) season now.
I am really enjoying interacting with the worldwide team that is bringing the Whistler Olympic village to the world.
Monday, January 11, 2010
It's raining, it's pouring . . .
Rained all weekend and today it was really steady rain. Snowing in the Alpine, but the freezing level is pretty high. Whistler should be ok, but Cypress Mountain in Vancouver is struggling. they expect a high of 13 degrees C tomorrow, which is curtains for the snow pack. Fortunately they stockpiled snow from the early season dumps. According to the head of the Whistler Village, they will be able to push it down the slopes.
the good news: all the rain is melting the treacherous ice that was under foot. Now when it snows again, the village teams charged with snow clearing will have a clean base to start from.
Everyone is trying not to worry about the world coming to Whistler and instead of seeing a winter wonderland, see a typical foggy, rainy Pacific Northwest day.
the good news: all the rain is melting the treacherous ice that was under foot. Now when it snows again, the village teams charged with snow clearing will have a clean base to start from.
Everyone is trying not to worry about the world coming to Whistler and instead of seeing a winter wonderland, see a typical foggy, rainy Pacific Northwest day.
Job specific training
I had my 'job specific (as opposed to venue specific) training on Friday. This gave context to the whole process.
What we do now is to prepare a 'home' for the athletes. VSS is known as the 'heart' of the village. We are even going to have special coats to wear, in addition to our Olympic uniforms.
During the games, we are the only village volunteers with security approval to access the residences. If there is a problem in one of the units, we accompany the carpenter, technology, or other specialist to the unit. We also go through the units with each country's delegates before move in.
During the games 'volly's' will have one meal voucher per shift. We will have access to the same food as the athletes (prepared under the supervision of celebrity chef Michael Smith from Food Network), but have to eat in a different part of the 40,000 sq ft food tent. During the games, there will be up to 1,500 'back of house' staff in the Village, but there are only 300 eating spots. Guess we eat in shifts. They will be preparing up to 10,000 meals a day.
the Whistler Village population will be as much as 5,000 people during the games. Larger than many towns. Not bad for what was the Whistler garbage dump a few years ago.
What we do now is to prepare a 'home' for the athletes. VSS is known as the 'heart' of the village. We are even going to have special coats to wear, in addition to our Olympic uniforms.
During the games, we are the only village volunteers with security approval to access the residences. If there is a problem in one of the units, we accompany the carpenter, technology, or other specialist to the unit. We also go through the units with each country's delegates before move in.
During the games 'volly's' will have one meal voucher per shift. We will have access to the same food as the athletes (prepared under the supervision of celebrity chef Michael Smith from Food Network), but have to eat in a different part of the 40,000 sq ft food tent. During the games, there will be up to 1,500 'back of house' staff in the Village, but there are only 300 eating spots. Guess we eat in shifts. They will be preparing up to 10,000 meals a day.
the Whistler Village population will be as much as 5,000 people during the games. Larger than many towns. Not bad for what was the Whistler garbage dump a few years ago.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
An 'I" for an "I'
I & I means inventory and inspection. Our teams works through the rooms and check to see if everything works. We make a list of deficiencies and then create work orders for the fix.
First thing today we went to three of the 'portables' that will house the extra delegates/non athletes. these buildings are long hallways with sleeping rooms. for some reason all the doors on one side are flat panel and the other side are raised panel. this only makes a difference when figuring out where to put the evacuation cards (flat panel above the eyehole, raised panel, below).
The top '25' teams will know where their rooms in the main village are in advance of arrival. In many cases for the larger teams they will have been able to request a certain facility. For some of the smaller nations, with fewer than 10 athletes, they may not know where their rooms will be until they arrive on site.
I "I&I'd" a couple of rooms today that had killer views of the Tantalus glacier and the Athletes Village plaza. somehow I can see the athlete occupants hosting more than a few get togethers in their rooms when there is entertainment in the plaza.
this afternoon we did I&I duty in what will become the hostel after the games. What a great facility and such an improvement locationally on the whistler hostel now (currently located across the lake, without bus service. People staying there have been known to walk across the ice at night to shave miles off their journey home. in whistler's warm again, cold again climate, not a safe idea).
Tired by the end of the day. somehow all that bending, plug testing, and blind cord untieing and lowering/raising was exhausting.
First thing today we went to three of the 'portables' that will house the extra delegates/non athletes. these buildings are long hallways with sleeping rooms. for some reason all the doors on one side are flat panel and the other side are raised panel. this only makes a difference when figuring out where to put the evacuation cards (flat panel above the eyehole, raised panel, below).
The top '25' teams will know where their rooms in the main village are in advance of arrival. In many cases for the larger teams they will have been able to request a certain facility. For some of the smaller nations, with fewer than 10 athletes, they may not know where their rooms will be until they arrive on site.
I "I&I'd" a couple of rooms today that had killer views of the Tantalus glacier and the Athletes Village plaza. somehow I can see the athlete occupants hosting more than a few get togethers in their rooms when there is entertainment in the plaza.
this afternoon we did I&I duty in what will become the hostel after the games. What a great facility and such an improvement locationally on the whistler hostel now (currently located across the lake, without bus service. People staying there have been known to walk across the ice at night to shave miles off their journey home. in whistler's warm again, cold again climate, not a safe idea).
Tired by the end of the day. somehow all that bending, plug testing, and blind cord untieing and lowering/raising was exhausting.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Unique Opportunity for Games Volunteers
How exciting! I got an email announcing an opportunity to attend the dress rehearsal of the Opening Ceremony at BC Place. Volunteers are eligible to receive one free ticket, and we can buy one for $50. This is an opportunity not to be missed. Lucky for me, I am not scheduled to work on the day of the rehearsal.
Day 1: Meeting the Queen of Keys
After a warm welcome by the Volunteer Support Services (VSS) staff, I was introduced to a few other volunteers. A charming and cheerful bunch of Whistler locals, most of whom had already worked multiple shifts in December. They kindly showed me the ropes of being a 'vol-y.'
What does the VSS staff do? Under the guidance of our energetic supervisors, we work in teams to get the athletes' housing units ready for move in. Today this included testing electrical plugs, windows, blinds, locks on bedside tables, hot water tests, putting up room numbers and emergency evacuation instructions, and testing the keys to front and interior doors. The team moves through a unit with purpose, but there is still a bit of time to chat and get to know people.
I learned that the work will be a mix of indoors and outdoors, so clothing choice is a bit of a challenge. How to dress warm enough for outside, without roasting when indoors. Slip off boots are a must for the many entrances and exits into the housing units.
These units will become much needed permanent housing for Whistler-ites in August.
I had an orientation and safety training, along with some of the men who will be actually running security in the Village, construction workers, and housekeeping people. At the conclusion, we receive our 'load in' pass, which serves as our identification on site until later in January when we receive our official accreditation and uniforms.
The site is gorgeous, nestled in the valley with snow covered peaks all around. The street lights are in the shape of the Olympic torch. There are multiple buildings to house the 800 athletes who will start arriving in Whistler January 29, as well a many enormous white tents that will provide the round the clock services for everyone. One of these is the food service tent. I learned that after "lock down" volunteers can't bring their own food or beverages on site; meals will be provided. The VSS trailer is close to the this tent :)
After a lunch break I was introduced to the 'queen of keys'. She is in charge of all the keys in the Village, both electronic and traditional. I spent a couple of hours helping set the electronic locks in the building where the US and Australian teams will be housed. I'm a pro now; but my husband says I shouldn't be too eager to list this new skill on my resume.
The day finished with more key related work back in the trailer. We had to cut and prepare lots of mini boxes that will actually be used to hand the keys out to the various nations. I am very impressed with all the planning and organization involved and the incredible level of detail to ensure that things will go smoothly when the athletes arrive.
What does the VSS staff do? Under the guidance of our energetic supervisors, we work in teams to get the athletes' housing units ready for move in. Today this included testing electrical plugs, windows, blinds, locks on bedside tables, hot water tests, putting up room numbers and emergency evacuation instructions, and testing the keys to front and interior doors. The team moves through a unit with purpose, but there is still a bit of time to chat and get to know people.
I learned that the work will be a mix of indoors and outdoors, so clothing choice is a bit of a challenge. How to dress warm enough for outside, without roasting when indoors. Slip off boots are a must for the many entrances and exits into the housing units.
These units will become much needed permanent housing for Whistler-ites in August.
I had an orientation and safety training, along with some of the men who will be actually running security in the Village, construction workers, and housekeeping people. At the conclusion, we receive our 'load in' pass, which serves as our identification on site until later in January when we receive our official accreditation and uniforms.
The site is gorgeous, nestled in the valley with snow covered peaks all around. The street lights are in the shape of the Olympic torch. There are multiple buildings to house the 800 athletes who will start arriving in Whistler January 29, as well a many enormous white tents that will provide the round the clock services for everyone. One of these is the food service tent. I learned that after "lock down" volunteers can't bring their own food or beverages on site; meals will be provided. The VSS trailer is close to the this tent :)
After a lunch break I was introduced to the 'queen of keys'. She is in charge of all the keys in the Village, both electronic and traditional. I spent a couple of hours helping set the electronic locks in the building where the US and Australian teams will be housed. I'm a pro now; but my husband says I shouldn't be too eager to list this new skill on my resume.
The day finished with more key related work back in the trailer. We had to cut and prepare lots of mini boxes that will actually be used to hand the keys out to the various nations. I am very impressed with all the planning and organization involved and the incredible level of detail to ensure that things will go smoothly when the athletes arrive.
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