[MG1]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

Wow! You're a real vet!

When I went to Britannia, Bill Vance had retired several years ago. And you're right - the demographics at Britannia have significantly changed even after I graduated 7 years ago. The Arts department pretty much imploded upon itself and teachers who once cared, are now retiring and there is no longer a band program.

The lower portion of Strathcona was later on (late 90s) rented out as a private pre-school as Kindergarten enrollment was low. It was once funded by the city and federal gov't but since then, no funds were allocated to keep the program. My brother was a victim of this where we had to pay for pre-school when we lived at the Maclean Park Projects.

Living at the Maclean Park Projects, I recall Chinatown being so vibrant and full of culture/history. Now, it's an empty wasteland with million-dollar condos being built as we speak. Stores like Ho-Ho Grocery are gone, Fung's is still around but called something else, and the ol' Benny's is still alive and kicking.

Aiya!! Fung's. I remember that place. That was the first and only time in my entire life I stole something. It was pearled candy. I felt so guilty about it and it haunted me. Many years later. Like 20+ years later, I went back and paid for the candy. I explained to the old lady behind the counter why. She tought I was nuts, but it cleared my conscience. I never stole anything in my life except for that one time. I'm not Christian so I can't ask for forgiveness.

Anyway, Benny's is owned by Italians, yes? I know them. Actually everybody knew them.

So, bcrdukes, if you graduated 7 years ago, was Victor Guy still kicking around?