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Director of Community Services Appointed
Alison Shepherd
Wednesday July 28, 2010 Chuck Jensen, the new director of community services for Tumbler Ridge, is no stranger to town. Jensen used to work in Hudson’s Hope and came frequently to Tumbler Ridge for work and pleasure. He used to play and coach hockey so he is familiar with the community and the community centre. He is also familiar with the hiking around the Tumbler Ridge area so moving his family to Tumbler Ridge was not a big change for Jensen.
Jensen moved with his wife, Rosa, their son, Andrew, and cat, Stubbie, from Parksville, though Jensen worked in Nanoose Bay. Jensen, who was born and raised in Port Alberni, has worked in parks and recreation since 1978. With more than 30 years experience in parks and recreation he is excited to learn more about the community he now serves.
“Right now [the job] is really about four things: learning about the community, dealing with the [renovations to the community centre], getting involved with Grizfest and formulating ideas for this fall,” he said.
Jensen spent time working in Hudson’s Hope and would come to Tumbler Ridge for business a few times a year. Jensen said he always enjoyed the beauty of Kinueso Falls and he thinks the golf course is one of the best nine-hole courses he has ever played on.
“I firmly believe the two prettiest towns in the Peace are Tumbler Ridge and Hudson’s Hope.”
Jensen’s son, Andrew, recently graduated from high school and is looking forward to finding a job and playing hockey this fall while attending classes at Northern Lights College.
But Andrew isn’t the only Jensen to look at furthering his education.
Chuck said he is looking forward to the different educational opportunities his position as director of community services will offer him.
“I like learning new skills because you never know where you will need them. I redid my Food Safe and my first aid. The more varied your background, the more projects you can work on and never get bored.”
Jensen said he is lucky to have his background in parks and recreation so he doesn’t have to learn about arenas and pools. He can just focus on the community and job at hand.
“I am learning about the demographics of the community and the wants and needs here. That’s what’s important,” he said adding Cheryl Hayden, the former director of community services, has been great helping him with taking over her job.
“I really believe Cheryl served the community well and she’s given me so much of her time to make sure the transition has been smooth.”
Jensen said he is looking forward to meeting people in the community and he said he hopes to serves the needs of the community in his new role. He also said the people he has met so far are friendly and welcoming.
“Everybody here is just great. I’m really enjoying what Tumbler has to offer so far. It’s going to be great living here.”
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