JOY'S JOURNAL
/by Joy Metcalfe
(click images to enlarge)
CAN’T STOP DANCING!
The title of a hot new book on the market couldn't be more appropriate. It's the life story of my friend, James Hibbard, who was simply born to dance. And that's the title of his book, Can't Stop Dancing.
Even as a child, Jim loved movie musicals and tried to emulate all the tap dancers in the musicals. His dad made his living as a logger near Boise, Idaho and Jim was expected to follow him. His wise mother knew that Jim wasn't cut out to be a woodsman and instead set up dance lessons for him. That was the turning point in his young life.
Jim is now in his 65th professional year as a dancer, singer, actor, director, producer and teacher. He has danced in 29 movies, including Hello Dolly with Barbra Streisand which was directed by Jim's favourite dancer, Gene Kelly; and with Rosiland Russell and Natalie Wood in Gypsy; six films with Elvis Presley as well as Bye Bye Birdie, Finian's Rainbow and Thoroughly Modern Millie movies. He taught Frank Sinatra to dance for the film, Marriage on the Rocks, which was not an easy task, and worked closely with Dick Clark and his big band.
One of Jim's good Canadian friends was Vancouver impresario Hugh Pickett, who wanted to produce the musical, West Side Story, along with choreographer, Aida Broadbent, in Vancouver.
Hugh already knew the lovely singer and dancer, Charlene Brandolini, and he persuaded her to join Jim in the dramatic West Side Story production, which she did. It was like lightening watching them act together. Sparks flew between them.
In fact, it worked so well that the couple decided to elope. Of course, Hugh, the old romantic, intervened and put on the wedding and the reception together, even putting them up in a hotel.
Joseph Planta of The Commentary reminds me that Hugh also gifted Charlene with the official bridal veil.
Charlene has always had deep routes in the Vancouver community. Her uncle was Foncie Pulice, the Granville Street photographer, and Charlene's father had owned the Melbourne Hotel, which eventually became No. 5 Orange.
Charlene, too, has had her share of singing and dancing success on various stages throughout her acting career.
James loved Vancouver, the city, the scenery, and the friendly folk who live here. He continued with his dancing and acting career working with Theatre Under the Stars, the Arts Club Theatre, CBC, and CTV, and many of the movies that came up from the States to be made here.
After reading the preview copy of Can't Stop Dancing, Canadian arts writer, Max Wyman opined, "What a rich and fascinating story! I devoured it in a single sitting. Every time I thought I'd take a break, another fascinating anecdote kept me reading. A revealing glimpse behind the scenes..."
Joseph Planta of The Commentary says "The book, Can't Stop Dancing is more than just name-dropping. You get a sense of the hard work artists like James go through when working in the glamorous biz of show business..."
And, miracle of miracles, Jim and Charlene are still married! They are happily ensconced with their family on acreage in Okanagan West.
I want to toast you personally, James, on your 82nd birthday on July 17. With your bright sparkling eyes and big happy smile, you are the epitome of a true "Moon Child"...
DR. SPORT …
I want to send my very best wishes to two of the nicest people I know, "Dr. Sport" Greg Douglas and his adorable wife, Dee, who recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at Hastings Park Racetrack.
The bridal couple marked that special occasion with the man who married them 25 years ago, the Honorable Wally Oppal.
Track officials asked the pretty bride and her handsome groom if they would be guest decorators for the Left. Gov.'s $50,000 stakes race, which they were happy to do on their Silver anniversary.
Meanwhile, Wally was like the Pied Piper of Vancouver with racing fans at the track level, shaking hands, posing and beaming for photos and engaging in casual conversations.
He loved it!...
Happ0y 90th, ron Woodall!
ANOTHER BIRTHDAY …
Someone else who was celebrating recently marking their 90th birthday on Bowen Island was the "idea man," Ron Woodall. Ron was the creative head of advertising legends, McKim and JWT and created A&W's popular Root Bear ad. He was also named the Creative Director for Expo ‘86 and was responsible for all the entertainment which added so much to the enjoyment of the world's fair.
Ron's family marked that all important birthday by hosting a "come one, come all" party with lots of food and drink and games like "Jeopardy for Seniors" in Bowen's new community hall.
Ron currently pens a piece in Bowen's Undercurrent newspaper. Did I mention that Ron has many trophies for being a rodeo legend and known as The King of the Australian Bull Riders?
Perhaps it’s the up and down thumping of the bull that kept his brain working for so long ...
Moira Fitzpatrick.
A TIRELESS FUNDRAISER …
Congratulations to my long-time friend, Moira Fitzpatrick , who has always been a tireless worker for many needy and worthy causes including the B.C. Heart and Stroke Foundation.
She has exemplified these values through her decades of advocacy, philanthropy and leadership in women's heart and brain health, helping to build a better Canada.
For all her decades of devotion and attention to this important cause, Moira has been presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
bob and barbara steward.
MORE BIRTHDAYS!
It's Happy Birthday time for two very special people who have mentally and physically kept the Variety Club of B.C. going for more than 50 years.
Bob and Barbara Stewart have been champions in the cause of helping children through their dedicated efforts. In the past years, both Bob and Barbara have dedicated so much of their daily lives to the cause of Variety and both have acted as CEO or "Chief Barker". In fact, Barbara was the first female Chief Barker.
Bob celebrated his 93rd birthday on July 13 while Barbara enjoyed her 93rd birthday on July 26.
Happy everything to you two lovebirds...
Renowned vancouver weatherman phil reimer.
A FOND FAREWELL …
Sad to learn of the passing of my good friend, Phil Reimer, a couple of days ago. Phil was a longtime weather broadcaster at CBC and CKNW. He estimated that he did 75,000 weather forecasts - and 75,000 calls blaming him for the bad weather.
I was at a charity golf game and I had never golfed before.
Just before the game opened, Phil sidles up to me and says, "Take this golf club and ball and give it a mighty whack,” which I did.
After missing the ball twice, I finally hit the required object which went about 10 feet. Phil was very sympathetic and said, "No matter what you do at dinner tonight, do not miss the CBC-TV newscast."
So there I was, watching and dreading what would be shown. Amazingly, through the magic of television, I swung, hit the little round object with a solid whack and made a hole in one! The cheers were deafening!...
You were always a good, happy fellow, Philip, and I miss you already. My deepest sympathy to your family...
