by Hetty Barton Our weekly "Who Is” column is normally done in an interview with the individual being highlighted. This special "Who Is" was organ- ‘ized by the co-workers and friends of Chris Jennings as a “welcome back, we're glad you're with us" gesture. I was told, "He dishes it out pretty well. He ought to be able to take it, too:" Chris Jennings is a senior pro- gram officer at Terrace’s Canada Employment Centre, the district president of the Terrace and Dis- trict Scout Council, and the mir- aculous survivor of a recent drive into the Skeena River on a trip to Prince Rupert. On Sept. 11 Chris and co-worker Angela Skyler were travelling by car to Prince Rupert to catch a flight to Kincolith on work-related business. Chris is responsible for started a mental health and safety board in the office. He used it as an avenue for putting up jokes, personal commentary on world events and pamphlets on things like pet insurance. Quite a few of his jokes focus on computer faux pas. It is noted by staff that it is unusual for Chris to make a mis- take, CEIC manager Shirley Kimery gibes, in reference to his recent accident, "It’s nice to know that he can’t walk on water!" It is recognized by most people who know him that Chris is a bit of a rebel. This probably dates back to his teen years when Can- dice remembers him hitchhiking, wearing a jong braid and living with a group of artists. Candice didn’t see him again until 1978 when she came into the Terrace CEIC for employment counselling.. Chris was an employment coun- sellor at the time. He has been with the CEIC for 12 years now "Ys nice to know he can’t walk on water..." — Shirley Kimery the Canadian Job Strategy program and for major funding proposals to the CEIC throughout the North- west. At Telegraph Point, Chris was attempting to pass a truck when he encountered an oncoming car. To avoid a head-on collision, he drove off the road and ended up in the river with his car upside down. Angela escaped injury and got out of the car. Chris didn’t. But, thanks to the quick work of two Tennessee tourists and a passing bus driver and passenger, Chris and the car were pulled out of the river. Those responsible for his rescue are expected to be com-- mended for their efforts, and the CEIC has recommended that their department also recognize the rescuers. Chris was rushed to Prince Rupert General Hospital by air evacuation helicopter and then the provincial air ambulance trans- ported him to Vancouver General Hospital. There he remained un- conscious for two and a half days and was on a respirator for the first 72 hours. Candice Pritchard, “Chris’s favourite person to argue with", describes Chris as a stubborn individual, fairly concemed with detail, and an excellent typist (he even stays after hours to do his own). He is someone who is always wanting to bend the rules for the benefit of his clients. "He’s a real people person,” says Can- dice. “He’s a leader in his own right and he’s respected by people", agreed the rest of the staff. But they wouldn’t mention it to Chris personally, He'd never let them forget it. Another staffer mentions that Chris helps clients write "snazzy" resumes and organizes staff "roasts" because he's a good writer and has a great memory. Chris is an avid reader and a whiz at Tri- vial Pursuit. He regularly makes irips to Gill’s Convenience ‘Store for an assortment of newspapers to keep up on the news, Chris also and has worked as acting manager of the Smithers office, project supervisor program supervisor and active in the Association for Com- munity Living. Prior to that, he had worked at the Northern Train- ing Centre in Smithers. - Although Chris is widely known for having a sympathetic car and an easy manner, he tries not to make his soft side too apparent, and formal dress is definitely out of the question. Chris loves his cords (jeans)! The only necktic that Chris wears is one that plays "Here comes Santa Claus". Just so people don’t think he’s too mushy, he wears a "Bah, humbug" button at the same time. A little known fact is that Chris has an amazingly large collection of Christmas cards. He is a strong supporter of the Scouting movement in Terrace. For the past two years, he has led the pack as district president of the Terrace Scouts. He has been most supportive of the co-ed Scouting movement in the Terrace district. Both of his daughters, Erica and Clare, have been active in Ven- turers, a traditionally male domain. He has also been supportive of the native scouting program currently operating through the Kermode Friendship Centre. For years, he has wanted to see a group for Sikh youngsters, After Chris’s accident, fellow Scouter Corey Flemming com- mented, "He was steppin’ down, but that was a heck of a way to do it!" Chris is stepping down after two years of what would normally be a three-year commitment as district president because he was recently appointed to an audit team with the Canada Employment Centre. This new job will require extensive travelling outside the area. Chris’s new position with the Terrace Scouts will be as Honours and Awards chairman. Sandra Wilson, past district com- missioner for Terrace and District Scouts and current assistant district Who Is... Chris Jennings? commissioner for training, has worked closely with Chris during his five years with the Terrace Scouts. Chris began with the Ter- race Scouls as group committee chairman, then moved on to become a Cub leader with the ist Terrace Cubs for two years. Dur- ing that time, he instituted the three-level program for boys of different ages within the Cubs, recruited eight leaders and tan excellent programs, says Sandra. She adds, "It’s going to be hard to find a president to fill Chris’s shoes. He’s organized, efficient, positive and enthusiastic. He has done so much more than his job description requires." Sandra Wilson further describes Chris Jennings as "an everything person — task oriented and people oriented”. Chris has a Trainer I standing (intermediate trainer) in Scouting and has done a lot of training for the Terrace Scouts. Sandra Wilson remembers with a smile their Out- door Cooking School this spring at the Furlong Bay campground. She had asked Chris to prepare a CHRIS JENNINGS: A rea! people person, a leader in his own right. "Scouters’ 5" tribute for the end of Jo the camp attended by 33 candi- & dates and § trainers. It was a cold & day and he sat by the fire creating the work. He was so lost in @ thought that he didn’t notice, until one of the cooks yelled a warming . to him, that one of his running @& shoes was on fire. Sandra has seldom seen Chris 7 lose his temper. But at last year’s Scouting conference in Prince George, he did. He was just finish- q ing his coffee at Burger King § when a group of Scouts came in to visit. Because they weren’t order- § ing anything, the management ousted the whole lot of them. & Chris voiced his objections and vowed never to eat at a Burger King again. In jest, at this year’s § conference, Chris was presented § with a Burger King coupon am designed by Scott Wilson, San- Him dra’s son. Sandra reiterates that Chris works f so hard they don’t often get a f chance to tease him. At this year’s § Parade during § Scout/Guide Week, Chris took | charge of getting the youngsters | from the Skeena Mall parking lot Torchlight to Veritas School, without RCMP escort. Now that Chris is safe, super- visor Ron Gallamore jokes that he’s given Chris iridescent green shoe laces for his runners so they 9 can find him more easily next time they lose him. Ron says they He received about 60 calls the day after the accident asking about Chris's health, He was transferred [iim ae to Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace for observation the week : after the accident. Friends knew quickly that he was feeling better when he complained that the hos- ji pital didn't serve espresso coffee and he hated the instant mashed [aaecosalie potatoes. At that point, Chris was Haag beginning to recall details of the 3% morning of his accident. He’s probably back at work this week. If anyone would like to send him a cake to help speed his re- covery, make it chocolate. It’s rumoured that Chris loves choco- late. Fine Dining in quiet surroundings! 5 p.m. — 10 p.m. 4620 Lakelse Avenue 638-8141 4, Polly’s Cafe ra | a Van Specializing in Chinese Cuisine and Canadian Dishes 4606 Graig Ave., tor Take-Out VISA ead) Terrace, B.C. Ph.635-6194 [ees