Vanderhoof Omineca Express, March 07, 2012 by Black Press Media Group

Inside

◆ WEB CAM FOR HWY 27 P. 2 ◆ EDITORIAL P. 6

◆ SD 91 BUILDING UPGRADES P. 3 ◆ PINK SHIRT DAY P. 5

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Walk and smudge aims to Bears take zones despite purge local violence hardships

Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier

Apryl Veld

Spring ahead Daylight savings - 2 a.m. Sunday March 11 clocks “spring forward” one hour. Move clocks one hour ahead before going to bed on Saturday night.

March is Colon Cancer month Talk to your doctor and take a simple test because not knowing is not the answer.

Fashion Show March 9, at 7 p.m. The latest snappy outfits modelled at NVSS high school. Fundraiser for Vanderhoof Children’s Theatre

Get tested at the clinic A PAP Clinic for Cervical Cancer Screening is being held on Wednesday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Omineca Medical Clinic in Vanderhoof

Kwah Hall was filled with people and a somber air on Saturday, February 25. “We were overwhelmed by the turnout,” said Eileen Bjornson, Fribjon Bjornson’s mother. People from all over the province, as far south as Vancouver according to Bjornson, crowded the hall, leaving people to stand at the back. “Turnout was higher then expected,” said Reuban Blackwater, Nak’azdli band manager. At the hall there was a short speech by Fribjon’s parents, a slideshow in memory of Fribjon and a speech by the family of Perry Sebastian, who is currently missing. About 600 people attended, according to Bjornson. The line of people on the walk nearly stretched from the Kwah Hall to the march’s destination. As the line of people turned the corner at the historic site the tail end of the march was still moving across the highway from Kwah Hall,

Omineca Express

600 people joined a walk and smudge in Fort St. James to show support for families of victims of violence and call for change in communities. causing a small backup on the highway. “We had to block traffic temporarily,” said Blackwater. The walk ended at the Lower Rd. house where Fribjon Bjornson’s body was found. There Fribjon’s family ‘washed’ themselves in the smoke of a small smudge, which was followed by a cleansing of the house with the same smudge, a Carrier tradition meant to help Fribjon’s spirit leave the house. During the ceremony Nak’azdli drummers played and sang. But it was more than just British Columbians affected by Bjornson’s desire to speak

out against violence. In an age of digital communication the desire to speak out against violence made it’s way across Canada in the form of small, more personal protests. “I had many people contact me on Facebook that they were lighting candles as far away as Toronto,” said Bjornson. The walk was organized by Bjornson as a way of giving voice to the community to combat the fear and lethargy in the community. “That’s what bothers me the most, the code of silence that everyone keeps,” said Bjornson. Bjornson has become frustrated by the

quietness of her son’s case, and the dead ends she’s seen stall other cases like it. The dead air surrounding these events frightens her. “This feels dangerous, this lack of doing anything,” said Bjornson. So she’s putting out the call to all member’s of the community. “It’s up to each and every one of us to make sure (this country) is safe,” said Bjornson. With this explosion of people making their voices heard Bjornson is looking to the future, and an awakening in communities. “I hope something good comes from it,” said Bjornson.

Vanderhoof/Fort St. James peewee Bears hockey team won zones in Kitimat, and now will represent this region at the provincial championships. With a lot of commitment from all involved inwith the peewee team, and in spite of some tough breaks, the Bears pulled off a major upset at the Kitimat zone tournament. They won all of their games though they had not played much together, and had much less sleep than they should have. Vanderhoof and Fort St. James peewee hockey teams faced a trying position this year because the Fort’s team didn’t have enough players, and asked the Vanderhoof team if they could join up with them, as some teams from these sibling towns have arranged to do in the past. It was going to create some challenges for both teams to band together, but the alternative was not good either. If they didn’t agree to meld the teams, then that would mean kids from the Fort would have to hang up their sticks for the winter. “That would be like saying, I’m sorry, you can’t play hockey, and that woudn’t do,” peewee player parent Dy deVos said. So they went to the B.C. hockey association and figured out a plan. They would band the two team’s players together into two full teams to play regular season games as a tier 4 team. “Both tier 4 teams played very well together during the league games,” deVos noted. That should have been all the fanagling a bunch of kids and their families needed, but it wasn’t. To play in zone and provincial tournaments, they’d need to become a tier 3 team, according to league rules. It was decided they would have to pick the strongest players from both teams to play as a tier 3 group, as they can only have so many players on a team, and it woudn’t make sense to send two lessstrong teams.

Continued on page 2

Do You Take This Opportunity To Advertise? In the April 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, 2012 editions of the Omineca Express we will be featuring a Wedding Page. On the pages readers will find news, trends and advice about everything related to the wedding process. Will you take this opportunity to increase your exposure with a wellplaced ad on our wedding pages for 2012? Say “I do” and call the Omineca Express 567-9258 or fax 567-2070 to reserve your space today.

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Omineca Express

Express

NEWS

Peewee bears didn’t let poor sleep or inexperience rob them of their spirit or confidence

Brookside Resort 55110 Hwy 16 West, Cluculz Lake

“We had to travel all day Friday then play from 9 p.m. until 11, then drive back to Terrace on the most awful roads because there was a snow storm.” Dy deVos

Vanderhoof/Fort St. James peewee hockey Bears are off to Quesnel to play in the provincial championship after winning zones. photo Dy deVos

From Page 1 Another major hurdle for the players is that they would have to find tournaments to compete, some real games as well as just practices. “Now they had to prove to themselves they could play with tier 3 teams in their division, so the only tournaments available were in Salmon Arm and Langley and places down there,” deVos explained, “which is a lot of expense for the parents and long distances to travel.” None the less, the Bears hit the road and got some good real-world experience as a team, something essential to being able to compete at a level worthy of their skills. Then came time for the zone championships in Kitimat February 24-26. It wasn’t going to be easy, but these players weren’t going to balk after coming this far already. As parents explained, it wasn’t the best weekend for a tournament in Kitimat because of industry meetings booked there was no room at the inns, and mother nature decided to be a bit of a wolverine as well. The game times drawn were also not helpful to the Bears hockey team.

“We had to travel all day Friday then play from 9 p.m. until 11,” deVos said, “then drive back to Terrace on the most awful roads because there was a snow storm.” But they made it back alright and got some jubilant but exhausted Bears to sleep by 1 a.m. The next day they had drawn an 8 a.m. ice time, so the kids on the road at dawn, and with little more than five hours sleep and some road snacks in their bellies they hit game two of the tournament. But darned if they didn’t win game two as well! Did they get to finally head to their rooms for some shuteye? That wasn’t in the cards. “They’d drew the most shocking times ... having to play at 2 that afternoon again, and no time to drive back to Terrace so they slept on blankets in the stands and ate sandwiches,” a devoted Bears fan said. That didn’t deter them, because they got dressed, played again, and won again. The Vanderhoof team actually beat Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat and Smithers all in the same weekend. It was said after that, you could have sketched the tonsils of the opposing players because their jaws were

hanging in such surprise to have been beaten by this wildcard team they had never played before. And now the Vanderhoof/Fort St. James players were going to the provincial championship, something few dreamed they would do this year. The Bear fans, their parents and coaches, Marty Floris, Bobby Bahr, Mike Page and Dennis Saharchuk were ecstatic because here was this group of twelve year olds who had played very little together, and had every adversity you can think of thrown at them, winning a zone tournament against well-practiced and well-rested teams. “It was very frustrating for Terrace,” a Vanderhoof Bear mother noted, “because Terrace’s team was so sure they were going to (the provincials) Quesnel that they’d already booked their hotel rooms for the championship.”

250-441-3391 WINTER HOURS: 7am-8pm

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BC’s treaties mean jobs, more business, community development and infrastructure investment for First Nations and all of us. Treaties are good for BC. Learn more at www.bctreaty.ca

Looking for work? We can help. Get the training and support you need to find and keep a job in B.C. Job search resources • Personal employment planning • Workshops and training • Specialized services

Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal

Member Positions Various Locations Part-time Renumerated on a per appeal basis Initial term of 2 years Reappointment to a maximum of 6 yrs The Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal is seeking a number of individuals to serve as members. The Tribunal is independent of government and hears appeals of most types of decisions made by the Ministry of Social Development under the employment and assistance program. The Tribunal also hears appeals of decisions made by the Ministry of Children and Family Development under the child care subsidy program. The Tribunal has developed a Candidate Training and Testing Package to enable members of the public to acquire and demonstrate the prescribed knowledge and skills. For further information regarding member qualiﬁcations and application details, visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/eaat or phone 1-877-557-0035.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES CENTRES Locations across B.C. Visit one near you. WorkBCCentres.ca 1.800.663.7867 TDD: 1.800.661.8773

The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Omineca Express Wednesday, March 7, 2012

INSIDE NEWS

Express

the

INDEX Editorial......................... 6

Nechako Notes ........... 12 Classifieds ............. 13-15

FLYERS Staples

Nechako Trading Flora

BRIEFLY

Attack with a weapon

A male was attacked by another male walking downtown on Wednesday, February 29 at 1:20 a.m. RCMP located the suspect and arrested him, releasing him with a court date. The investigation is ongoing.

Fire on Riverview Police assisted Vanderhoof Fire and Rescue to a fire upstairs in a Riverview Dr. home. All persons were evacuated safely and the fire contained with minimal damage.

Damage to store stock Fields store reported person(s) burning clothes. Information is being asked for about this crime of mischief.

Big truck tips on Hwy. 27 A logging truck rolled over at Snell Road just outside Vanderhoof February 27 at 7 a.m. The driver escaped with minor injuries. No other vehicles were involved.

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NEWS

Upgrades to school buildings keep cash here via carbon taxes we don’t pay Apryl Veld Omineca Express School District 91 is ahead of the curve in the province. Our school facilities are one of the first to be making significant upgrades to buildings and fixtures to keep more money in the school district’s budget, instead of it going away in carbon taxes. As you may be aware, British Columbia has become carbon neutral. In 2007-2008 the province started paying offsets and started to offer initiatives, taxing everybody and business on energy usage. But as people will tell you, those who lower their consumption of energy get to keep the savings. In District 91 last year, our schools and equipment emitted 3500 tonnes of Co2 and we paid taxes on 2500 of that. So with that $25 a tonne tax, it means we must pay that cost out to the Pacific Carbon Trust, who in turn build wind farms, plant trees and so forth for carbon neutral initiatives. “But why not save that money and put it into our own classrooms and equipment to do green initiative ourselves?” maintenance coordinator for east area, Tim Neudorf said. By spending money to address energy waste, we are getting savings that will keep giving for decades, he noted. The district is doing extensive auditing of all fixtures to see which are burning up the budget fastest. “Lighting is a big part of this ... also we’re insulating walls, pipes and upgrading appliances to energy star,” Neudorf noted. “We’re looking for the biggest savings from the least amount of cost invested,” the coordinator added, “we’re

after the districts worst offenders.” He names Burns Lake school as just one of these inefficient schools. This is because no electrical engineer assessed the school’s needs before it was built and fixtures were installed. Many walls of our district schools are concrete, “and so we are essentially heating the outdoors,” he added. The district’s old lighting is burning lots of energy as lights are on all day in a school regardless if anyone is in that hallway, classroom or gymnasium. So the maintenance crews have been busy changing some of these lights to LED fixtures which use less than half the power of the old ones. They’re also putting up sensors that can tell when someone is in a room, and if not a sensor turns out lights. These lights have been installed at Vanderhoof’s Evelyn Dickson school and the changes will pay for the installation costs within 2-5 years, they said, including the $2,000 for cranes to reach the gym ceiling. The lights also have a longer shelf life. “Evelyn Dickson’s immediate (projected) savings will reduce carbon by 1800 metric tonnes,” Neudorf said, “that is $4,500 per year saved, just in one school ... $4,500 of that can stay in the classroom for programs.” The district has another Tim working on this and he has a book the size of the Tokyo phone book for reference. Tim Bancroft is one of those power nerds ... he will tell you a hundred different ways lighting can be made more efficient ... and he can measure it down to the gigawatt second. A lighting-concept engineer by trade, having done this for a decade already, Bancroft said they would like to see

FedEx e-mail is computer virus The Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce reported Monday, March 4, that an e-mail is going out that is infected with a virus. It is labeled from FedEx and asks you to download an invoice. Please delete this email right away. If you are expecting a package from FedEx please call them regarding your package. This email is a virus that will kill your computer, the chamber’s Nicole Armstrong said in warnings sent to local businesses. Contact the chamber for more info at 1-800-752-4094 250-567-2124 or by e-mail at admin@vanderhoofchamber.com

Facilities manager shows off a sensor that makes lights more intense when it’s dark or dims lights when natural light is brighter to save money on energy costs for the school district. other schools get the benefits ours are starting to reap. “We are one of the first to do this, and we’d like to reach out to others,” he said, “Some are just waiting to see the results before they start, but we calculated our savings and went for it.” The Tims said they could tell with the hike in hydro and gas rates, along with taxes, we’d be so much farther ahead but getting a jump on this. They had already got grants to re-tool school buses and replace boilers, and now it was time for more high tech changes they said. “We’re the early adapters,” Neudorf observed. He’s using a term for animals or people picking up a new behavior or tool to help them survive change. The change in this case is high energy costs. The two Tims also show off some

lighting sensors that keep lights at the same intensity depending on how much light comes from outside. For instance, as the sun comes out, the lights adjust to dim slowly, and burn less power, because nature is giving us some free light. More numbers to chew on: the school district’s utility costs for natural gas-heated boilers came in at three quarters of a million dollars last year, electricity cost a half million and propane $250,000. “That’s $1.4 million in energy costs,” Neudorf marvelled, “but even if the hall lights were on say, 2-4 or even 7-8 hours a day instead of 14, in all the schools district wide, imagine the savings.” The manager and maintenance area coordinator praised the local school board for seeing the benefits of having more efficient schools.

Pap tests at Vanderhoof medical clinic A PAP clinic for cervical cancer screening is being held Wednesday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Omineca Medical Clinic in Vanderhoof. You don’t need to have a family doctor to attend, and a female doctor will do the tests. If it’s time for your Pap or you’re overdue, don’t leave it any longer; call the clinic at 250-567-2201 and press ‘O’ for operator to get an appointment. This mini-LACE campaign is being held in an effort to reduce cervical cancer rates in BC women. LACE stands for “Live Aware; Create Empowerment”. Get impowered with self-care. Go to LACECampaign.com

STUART/NECHAKO WEATHER FORECAST

Wednesday Variable cloudiness High: 40C Low: -10C

Thursday Variable cloudiness High: 70C Low: 10C

Friday Few Åurries High: 20C Low: -30C

Saturday Mainly cloudy High: 50C Low: -40C

Sunday nday Isolated showers High: h 50C Low: -20C

Monday Isolated showers High: 40C Low: 00C

Tuesday Showers High: 50C Low: -10C

2012 Annual Calving Sale Many in store specials on Calving supplies Sale Runs February 13 - March 10

1055 W. Highway 16, Vanderhoof

250-567-4225

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Omineca Express

NEWS Rural & north women have unique Express

talents and challenges Apryl Veld Omineca Express Canada is celebrating women in rural and northern communities on March 8 this year. The UN theme for International Women’s Day 2012 is Empower women – end hunger

and poverty. International Women’s Day is an occasion to honor and praise women for their accomplishments. In Canada, Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister for Status of Women and of Public Works and Government Services, led a Canadian delegation to

the 56th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, in New York, February 27 to March 9. Ambrose is there to champion rural women’s role in communities across Canada and internationally. “Women in rural, remote and Northern com-

Nechako Valley Secondary students walked out of class at 2 p.m. on Friday to protest too large classes and not enough programs photo Apryl Veld

Students show solidarity with B.C. teachers Apryl Veld Omineca Express

A province-wide student walk out in support of striking teachers found its counterpart in the Central Interior. Teens marched out of Nechako Valley Secondary School and through Vanderhoof with placards that said, “We deserve quality,” and “Don’t bully our teachers.” “We should have a say in our education,” NVSS senior student, Sonya Webster noted, and many students aren’t getting instruction they should. “Our classes are big and we don’t always get help from teachers,” she said. Another senior student, Lacy Dupuis said things need changing.

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“They’re worried about our (grade point average) GPA, but they’re not giving schools the funding, and enough programs ... so we’re prepared for college,” NVSS student Dupuis said. Some of the passing students also shouted “Kill Bill 22” the teaching legislation that has not yet passed. The students were not without their detractors, however, noting their posters about fair education were torn down, and as the march started, one female student opened a gymnasium door to yell at them, “Get back to class, you losers.” NVSS staff referred calls to the school board to those inquiring about teacher job action March 5-7 and the student walk out.

Vanderhoof Health & Fitness Ltd.

munities play a key role in Canada’s economic prosperity,” said Ambrose. “It is an honour to lead the Canadian delegation to this important international event and to champion the role of rural women in Canada and abroad.” Locally, the coordinator for the Safe Home Society in Vanderhoof said we have seen some important advances for women in the past 30 years, and we have a lot to be proud of women in our area. “Vanderhoof is a unique community and women don’t shy away from strong leadership roles, or pastoral roles,” Sylvia Byron said. She notes there’s been some loss of culture for some groups, but women are adapting through supporting one another. She added, however we need to look at some areas that affect women’s lives concerning poverty. “In Vanderhoof the situation with housing and transportation definitely

affects women greatly,” Byron emphasized. She also noted that we need to acknowledge what women contribute in a more meaningful way. “The health of a family stems from women in that they take responsibility for the nurturing, along with the health and functioning of society; that is not always given its weight and recognition,” Byron observed. And while women are more self-reliant and taking on non-traditional jobs in industry, she said we still need to give more support to both men and women in dealing with the cycle of family violence. And men need to be more vocal about it when witnessing it in our community. “People need to challenge the attitudes of violence and disrespect toward women ... this means telling someone that it’s not acceptable,” Byron said.

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR KINDERGARTEN FRENCH IMMERSION Pre-registration for children who will be entering French Immersion Kindergarten at W.L. McLeod Elementary School in September 2012 will take place on March 19-23, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Parents requiring information regarding French Immersion should contact Ms. Libby Hart, Principal of W.L. McLeod Elementary School, at (250) 567-2267. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: 1. Students entering Kindergarten in September 2012 must be five (5) years old by December 31, 2012. 2. Please bring the child(s) care card and birth certificate.

(Co-ed & Ladies Only)

NOTICE Zumba Classes Cancelled for Feb until March 1st EDS gym 7:30 - 8:30pm BOOT CAMP: Thurs 7 - 8pm EDS Gym $5 per class, $45 - 10 session punchcard Keep your Àtness goals going at Vanderhoof Health & Fitness O 24 hr cardlock access O Ladies only & Co-Ed Fitness O Kids Room on both levels O Variety of cardio & weight machines O Certified Personal Trainer O Nutrition & Wellness specialist O Older Adult Fitness specialist O Boot Camp Instructor O Zumba Instructor O Osteo Fit Instructor O Squash and Racquetball 250-567-5557 gym O 250-570-1303 cell

COMMISSION SCOLAIRE NO. 91 (VALLEE DU NECHAKO LAKES) PRE-INSCRIPTION DE L’IMMERSION FRANÇAISE La pré-inscription pour l’entrée en classe maternelle (ou primaire) du programme d’immersion en français commencera le 19-23 mars, 2012, à l’école W.L. McLeod, pendant les heures de classes. (8h00 à 3h00) Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez contacter: Ms. Libby Hart Directeur de l’école W.L. McLeod Téléphone: (250) 567-2267 NOTE: 1. La pré-inscription en maternelle (primaire 1) s’applique aux enfants qui auront 5 ans par le 31 décembre 2012. 2. La carte d’assurance - maladie et le certificate de naissance de l’enfant sont obligatoires pour l’inscription.

Vanderhoof Curling Club AGM Monday, March 12, 2012 at 7:00pm Vanderhoof Curling Club, 227 East Stewart Street This meeting is open to everyone! We have an exciting year upcoming with major renovations happening to improve our curling facility. Please come and join us

1-888-562-8590

NEW SPRING RATES!!! SAVE $$$ $128 PER HOUR LABOUR RATE ON WATER WELL PUMP RE & RE’S! MAYFAIR OFFERS RURAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL FOR $150.00 PER HOUR! Our plumbing and heating division still services Vanderhoof, Ft St James, Fraser Lake, Fort Fraser and outlying areas from our Prince George ofﬁce. Vanderhoof customers – No travel charge from Prince George with a $15.00 fuel surcharge Customers outside of Vanderhoof - Travel charge from Vanderhoof only to your area with a $20.00 fuel surcharge

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 91 (NECHAKO LAKES) PRE-REGISTRATION FOR KINDERGARTEN AND GRADE 1 Pre-registration for children who will be entering Kindergarten and Grade 1 in September 2012 will take place March 19-23, 2012 at the times listed below. Full day Kindergarten will be in effect for all schools in our district beginning September 2012. NOTE: Students who will be entering Grade 1 in September 2012 and who are presently enrolled in Kindergarten need NOT register. VANDERHOOF W.L. McLeod Elementary

PRE-REGISTRATION TIME 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

English Kindergarten classes at W.L. McLeod Elem. are full-time (full days Monday through Friday)

Ecole W.L. McLeod Elementary French Immersion Kindergarten classes are full time.

Mapes Elementary full day everyday Evelyn Dickson Elementary full day everyday Prairiedale Elementary full day everyday FORT FRASER Fort Fraser Elementary full day everyday FRASER LAKE Mouse Mountain Elementary full day everyday FORT ST. JAMES David Hoy Elementary full day everyday Sowchea Elementary full day everyday

10:00 am to 11:30 am 8:00 am to 3: 30 pm 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

8:00 am to 2:45 pm 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

8:30 am to 2:30 pm 8:30 am to 2:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS 1. Kindergarten student must be five (5) years old by December 31, 2012. 2. Grade 1 students must be six (6) years old by December 31, 2012. 3. An adult must accompany each child. 4. Please bring the child(s) care card and birth certificate. We encourage that immunizations be up-to-date prior to starting school. Inquiries regarding immunization can be made by contacting the Health Unit at 250-567-6900. TO ASSIST US IN STAFFING FOR THIS COMING SEPTEMBER, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR. IF YOU ARE UNSURE AS TO WHICH SCHOOL IS IN YOUR CATCHMENT AREA, PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST SCHOOL OR ADMINISTRATION OFFICE AT 250-567-2284.

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Omineca Express Wednesday, March 7, 2012

COMMUNITY

Express

Cheers for school pink shirt day Submitted

Vanderhoof - February 29 marked the day of the annual national antibullying awareness campaign called Pink Shirt Day. Students from across the country are encouraged to wear pink shirts to school to make a stand against bullying in our schools and community. Pink Shirt Day started in Nova Scotia in 2007 by a couple of male students who witnessed a fellow male student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school. They used the internet and word of mouth to get students to wear pink to Students and staff of WL McLeod Elementary join the assembly for Pink Shirt day. school the next day. It worked, and Photo by Michelle Roberge the bullies got the message and were silenced. Students and staff at WL McLeod Elementary got on board for Pink Shirt Day. The McLeod Parent Advisory Council (PAC) bought pink shirts for everyone at McLeod. The teachers and students spent the days leading up to the day decorating their shirts with their own anti-bullying message such as “Bullying stinks” “Nice is priceless” and “Do not bully anywhere in the world”. These were just some of the hundreds of messages created by Kindergarten to Gr. 7 students at McLeod. The atmosphere at the assembly was very positive, with over NVSS students and staff took part in Pink Shirt day celebrations at the high school. 250 people filling the gym to create a Photo by Anna Pye sea of pink. The gym was silent as principal Libby Hart read the story about how Pink Shirt Day began, and then reminded students about what bullying is and how to stop it from happening. Her thoughtful speech was followed by all the Grade 6 and 7 students singing (in voice and sign language) a powerful anti-bullying song to the rest of the school. The performance brought tears to the eyes of teachers, parents and students. The message was loud and clear at McLeod School on Pink Shirt Day - bullying isn’t tolerated here or any- NVSS Grade 6-7 concert band played at Pink Unplugged. where. Photo by Apryl Veld

Vanderhoof Businesses

Salute our Seniors! Seniors Day 1st Wednesday of every month

Vanderhoof Co-op Association NEW SENIORS DAY DISCOUNTS at the Vanderhoof Co-op Gas Bar Seniors Day is the 1st Wednesday of each month. Listed below are the Seniors Day Discounts starting August 3rd.

10% Off - Food Store,

Friday, y, June 22,, 2012 VANDERHOOF, BC VANDERHOOF, BC

NOON NOON TO TO MIDNIGHT MIDNIGHT

PARTICIPATE AS AS AN AN INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATE INDIVIDUAL OR OR

BUILD D YOUR YOUR R OWN N TEAM M BUILD OWN TEAM

Nechako Healthy Community Alliance

AGM Wednesday March 14, 2012 at the Vanderhoof Library meeting room. 6:30 pm - Potluck supper for members. New members are welcome (membership is free). AGM at 7:30pm followed by the election of the new Board of Directors. Please note, all nominations must be submitted 48 hours before the AGM. Contact us at exec@nechakohca.ca or 1-866-279-9733

Fribjon Bjornson 1983-2012 A memorial service for Fribjon, will be held on:

Hardware and Lumber Departments

5% Off - Gas Bar/C-Store 250-567-4414

Taylors Bros. Hardware Ltd.

in stock off only

135 East Stewart, Vanderhoof

250-567-2246

March 10, 2012, 2:00 p.m. at the Northside Church in Vanderhoof Refreshments to follow the service. All are welcome.

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Omineca Express

Express

OPINION

Write The Editor c/o Omineca Express, Box 1007, Vanderhoof, B.C. V0J 3A0 ● Fax 250-567-2070 ● newsroom@ominecaexpress.com

Letters to the Editor Thanks for your kindness I would like to say thank you very much to the kind person who found and returned my hand bag on Thursday the 23 of February in the Extra Foods grocery store. While unloading our cart I noticed that I had dropped it somewhere. After looking and returning to the cashier empty handed she asked me my name, and then replied “its been turned in.” So, a big thank you. Whoever you are, you are a doll. – Corrie Parker, Fort St. James

The Arts Council thanks the Community for a successful evening! Thanks to the amazing response and support from the community $3,600 was raised for The Stephen Lewis Foundation!!! On January 13 the Community Arts Council of Fort St. James and GAGUH hosted an evening of music, featuring blues musician Russell Jackson. This raised funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation that sponsors grandmothers who have to raise their grandchildren due to the overwhelming plight of AIDS in Africa. GAGUH is our local group for the Stephen Lewis Foundation: Grandmothers Assisting Grandmothers Unsung Heroines. 100% of the tickets sales went towards the Foundation and another $525 was given in kind! Again, thank you Fort St. James. The Arts Council would also like to thank and recognize some individuals that donated their time and energies to the cause: The sound equipment was donated by Kevin & Mia Moutray of Vanderhoof, Jason Harasti donated his time as the sound tech., Sam Rasmussen for the space, Margo & Rick Claughton hosted the musicians free of charge, Bill & Ingrid Phillips played a repertoire of their own music and some old classics, Lisa Striegler, Scott Klassen and, Valerie Pagdin from Vanderhoof performed, and local singers Annie Thatcher and Mel Chesnutt, JoAnne Alexander of GAGUH, Mary Willick and Mel Chesnutt for coordinating the event, and Wayne Cochrane for his muscles! Another thanks to the performers for a great show and we hope to have them back sometime: Russell Jackson (vocalist and bass) from Mission, B.C. Max Jones (drums) from PG and Mike Smith (guitar) from PG. The Omineca Express is published every Wednesday in Vanderhoof by Black Press Ltd. Publisher: Pam Berger advertising@ominecaexpress.com Editor: Apryl Veld newsroom@ominecaexpress.com

Office: office@ominecaexpress.com Creative Services: Julia Beal Wendy Haslam

Address 150 W. Columbia St.Subscriptions - (per year HST incl.) Local - $46.17 Box 1007 Seniors - $39.75 Vanderhoof, B.C. Outside Area - $64.12 V0J 3A0 Phone 250-567-9258 Fax - 250-567-2070 Member - B.C. Press Council

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The Omineca Express is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a selfregulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

Taxing times for B.C. government Tom Fletcher Black Press Before this week’s budget debate is drowned out by the shouting over the teachers’ dispute, here’s a look at the main points and the arguments unfolding around them. The setting for Finance Minister Kevin Falcon’s first budget is what he dreaded when Premier Christy Clark handed him the job. Recovery is painfully slow, with mining and petroleum growing and forest products struggling to hold and build on gains made in Asia. This and the $3 billion dismantling of the harmonized sales tax moved Falcon to limit overall spending growth to an average of two per cent for the next three years. That means little or no increase to all areas except health care, education and social assistance. Despite holding the line on public service pay and not replacing 2,000 positions over the next three years, Clark and Falcon had to postpone the elimination of the 2.5-per-cent small business income tax to get to a balanced budget by 2013. Falcon has again dangled the prospect of raising general corporate income tax from 10 to 11 per cent, but not until 2014. Business experts applauded the hard line on spending, noting the contrast with Alberta’s big spending and Ontario’s big spending hangover. NDP finance critic Bruce Ralston says Falcon’s two-per-cent spending target is “unrealistic,” and the whole program is motivated mostly by two byelections this year and a general election next year. He said the proposal to raise general business taxes is a repeat of his effort to save the HST, and it won’t happen if the B.C. Liberals win in 2013. B.C. Conservative leader John Cummins made the bizarre claim that it’s an NDP-style “tax and spend” budget, and inaccurately accused Falcon of raising taxes on small business. He also joined the

NDP chorus of outrage over ICBC, BC Hydro and medical premium increases. Some other hot topics in the budget: Selling assets. The big one here is B.C.’s liquor wholesaling monopoly, run out of warehouses in Kamloops and Vancouver. Falcon insists the private sector does this kind of work more efficiently, and union contracts will be protected in a bidding process. The NDP argues that selling off a monopoly puts this government cash cow at risk, and points to private retail stores with higher prices and lower wages. The proposed sale of 100 surplus Crown properties has raised cries of “selling the silverware to buy groceries.” But land sales are nothing new for governments, and Falcon prefers that to raising taxes. Carbon tax. The last scheduled increase goes ahead in July, adding another penny on a litre of gasoline, followed by a freeze and review of the whole climate program. Ralston says the climate plan is “in tatters,” along with dozens of other policy areas that are also under review after 11 years of B.C. Liberal rule. NDP leader Adrian Dix vows to keep the carbon tax and its offsetting personal income tax cuts, direct carbon tax revenues to transit and rural energy-saving retrofits, and hike the general corporate tax rate from 10 to 12 per cent to pay for it. HST. Asked what he would have done as finance minister, Ralston suggested getting rid of the HST sooner. Dix continues to misrepresent the HST as solely a transfer to big business, ignoring the small and medium-sized businesses that have a year left to take advantage of input tax credits. Simon Fraser University economist Jon Kesselman has estimated that poor people will be worse off when the HST ends, while the rest of us will see a very small net benefit.

Omineca Express Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Express

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Canfor stumped by early breakup rumours Rebecca Billard Lakes District News Christine Kennedy, Canfor’s director of public affairs and corporate communications said reports that the company’s log yards are full, which will lead to an early break up this year are baffling and simply not true. She said the company is still hauling logs to all locations, including to its sawmills in Houston and Vanderhoof. “We are not anticipating an early break up ... I really don’t know where these reports have come from,” she said. Kennedy also said reports that contractors are being paid a reduced rate for the logs is also inaccurate. “Contractors decide the rate not Canfor,” Kennedy said. She added that contractors work out a rate depending on their costs and according to the location they are working at. Tom Lewis, regional manager at Canfor further clarified the issue. He said to Lakes District News that Canfor didn’t directly deal with any contractors over log prices. “The price of logs received by the contractors was set through Babine Forest Products. Babine sets the rates with them. “It could be based on how far away from the mill their wood is ... it’s a decision that a contractor has to make whether to sell or not. “I know that a bunch of contractors had Check out what’s happening in Vanderhoof Omineca Express has an online calendar for community news. It’s easy to use and it is visible on every page of our website. It’s a free service for not-for-profit groups. www.ominecaexpress.com Call 250-567-9258 for information.

wood in various states of processing in the bush, so Canfor went to Babine Forest Products and said ‘we will take as much wood as we can at target purchase rates’ ... we buy wood through Babine Forest Products.” Lewis said he would prefer not to divulge the purchase price. But as a result of the purchase, 200,000 cubic metres went to Canfor’s sawmill in Vanderhoof while 30,000 metres went to Canfor’s Houston sawmill. David Lehane, vice president of Canadian Woodlands for West Fraser Timber said the only comment he is prepared to make to Lakes District News about the issue is that all logs were purchased at a fair market price. “We were fortunate after the disaster to be able to adjust our inventory plans to be able to accommodate deliveries from contractors, otherwise they would have been out of work, or have logs stranded on winter roads,” Lehane said. He noted February is often a very busy month and that they’re on schedule with building their log inventory. Both Canfor and West Fraser Timber declined to comment on reports that log prices had dropped by $9.

YOUR SITE - YOUR LOGS - YOUR BEAUTIFUL LUMBER HENRY A. KLASSEN 16321 BLACKWATER RD Vanderhoof, BC, V0J 3A1

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MEETING SCHEDULE 2012

The cast of Dear Edwina Jr., being produced by W.L. McLeod Elementary in Vanderhoof which runs from March 8, 9 and 10 in the gymnasium. Photo by Heather Silver

It’s an “Advice-APalooza” extravaganza! Submitted Need advice? Not sure how to deal with poor manners, obnoxious relatives, or properly setting the table? Or perhaps you are super shy or need to save some money? Maybe, just maybe, you need some advice about LOVE?! Whatever your problem, head on down to Paw Paw, Michigan (aka W.L. McLeod Elementary School) and hear what advice-giver extraordinaire, Edwina Spoonapple, has to say. In this fourth annual Proud to be McLeod Production, “Dear Edwina,” roughly 60 students take to the stage for some superb singing, dynamic dancing, and a really good time. Under

the direction of Principal Libby Hart, students Gr. 1-7 have been preparing and rehearsing since October, and now they are ready to share their amazing talents with the entire community. With an array of catchy tunes from a variety of musical genres, there is something for everyone in this one-hour production. So pack up your family and join the fun on March 8, 9 & 10 in the W.L. McLeod gymnasium. Show times are 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, plus a

special matinee performance starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for a family of four or more; you can purchase advance tickets at the W.L. McLeod office, Wallace Studios, the Vanderhoof Department Store, or you can just pay at the door when you arrive for the show. Due to the BCTF strike action March 5-7, three previously scheduled school shows for students have to be postponed to a later schedule.

March 8, 2012.............RDBN Committee Meetings March 22, 2012...........RDBN Board Meeting/SNRHD Meeting April 12, 2012..............RDBN Committee Meetings April 26, 2012..............RDBN Board Meeting/SNRHD Meeting Meetings tentatively commence at 10:30 a.m. please call (250) 692-3195/1-800-320-3339 for further information

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Omineca Express

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COMMUNITY

Wash birdfeeders to avoid sick birds Fun, good says Smithers birder company in bridge Brenda Mallory Submitted

Smithers Interior News

On Sunday, February 27th - the Village Inn hosted 32 players to the 13th Annual Stevens Challenge Cup duplicate bridge tournament. Players attended from Quesnel and Prince George as well as Vanderhoof club members. This is a "Spe- Winners of the Vanderhoof bridge cial" duplicate Challenge Cup, Marie Sonnott (L) and bridge tournament Maureen Larson (R), of Prince George. which began as part of the 50th wedding anniversary celebration for Everett and Lee Stevens. The Village Inn continues the tradition by hosting it each year. One attendee in conversation was overheard to say, "Good food, conversation and competition is hard to resist and we look forward to attending every year." The Challenge Cup was won this year by Marie Sonnott (L) & Maureen Larson (R), from Prince George. The Duplicate Bridge Club in Vanderhoof meets each Monday night at the high school. The club is looking to grow in numbers and anyone interested in learning or joining the bridge club is welcome to call and leave a message at the Village Inn - 250-567-4477. Reina (Boerema) Rozema April 6, 1936 – March 2, 2012 Reina passed away peacefully in St. John’s Hospital in Vanderhoof, BC, surrounded by her family. Reina was born in Baflo, the Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada at age 19 with her husband, John Rozema. After spending two years in Smithers, Reina and John moved to Vanderhoof where they raised their two children, Gerry and Joanne. Reina was well known in the community for her warm hospitality and for her love of travel to Palm Springs during the winter months. She is survived by her loving husband John, son Gerry and daughter-in-law Christina, daughter Joanne and son-in-law Matt, her grandson Jon, and many relatives in the Netherlands. A memorial service will be held for Reina on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 1:00 PM in the First Memorial United Church in Vanderhoof with Reverend Brenda Miller officiating. In loving memory of Reina, donations to the First Memorial United Church would be appreciated.

Have an opinion and a burning desire to express it? Write a letter. All letters must be signed and please include a day-time number where you can be reached for verification. Omineca Express, Box 1007, 150 W. Columbia St, Vanderhoof BC V0J3A0 Tel: 567-9258 Fax: 567-2070 e-mail: newsroom@ominecaexpress.com

It was plus-7 Celsius on February 27 here. Not as warm in the northeast but as most often seems to be the case the sun did shine. Many of you have called about the increasing number of common redpolls coming to the feeders. Included in those reports are the sightings of some birds that seem sick. You will notice these birds easily. They are usually quite puffed up and lethargic. The problem is that birds who feed in large flocks poop where they eat and the result is salmonella. There happened to be a couple articles about pine siskins on the coast hav- Common redpolls flock to feeders in Vanderhoof and Bulkley ing the same issue. The Vancouver Sun and Valley. Disinfect feeders regularly for better bird health. the Province had this information. photo Apryl Veld What can we do? First, make sure all the old seed is raked up. Clean your feedowl most evenings. ers with a 10 per cent bleach solution. Air dry the feeders Jean from Fort Nelson has a good group of evening before you put them back. One suggestion was that if sick grosbeaks at her feeder. She has noticed a couple with the birds are detected, take down the feeders. leg mite problem. Does it affect other species? I have never Make sure sick birds are picked up. You can put them seen the problem on other birds. I am sure someone who in a little box. They will most often die. If they do pass knows a lot more that I do will let me know. on make sure you dispose of the wee bodies in a safe way. I have noticed two ravens who come here every day I burn the dead birds in a wood stove if it happens that ill- seeming to be whispering sweet nothings to each other. ness comes this way. So far I have not seen any. Wash your I will make more of an effort to mention the many hands after handling sick birds. sightings you have called in for next week. Keep the calls I should have mentioned more about all the owls that coming to 250-846-5095 or just e-mail a note to mallory@ folks seem to be seeing. A couple great grey owls seen bulkley.net. across the way near Tyhee Lake. I have heard the saw whet Brenda Mallory writes For the Birds and Spice of Life.

THE STUART NECHAKO ADVERTISER CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS... VANDERHOOF Omineca Express ofﬁce Vanderhoof Co-op Vanderhoof Co-op C Store Careb Entertainment Extra Foods Janet’s Hair Gallery Vanderhoof Post Ofﬁce Riverside Place Nechako View Senior’s Home Speedway Road Mapes Blackwater Road CJ’s Trailer Court Loop Road Prairiedale Braeside Road Jones Road ENDAKO Endako Bar & Grill

CLUCULZ LAKE BROOKSIDE RESORT FRASER LAKE Par 3 Sports Fraser Lake Rexall Fraser Lake Building Supplies ENGEN FORT FRASER Fort Fraser Petro Can FORT ST JAMES Lakeshore Realty Sana’aih Market Overwaitea Foods Fort Loonie Bin Fas Gas Plus Lakeside Pharmacy Red Fox Bistro

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SPORTS Snowmobile fun Express

B.C. Winter Games Zone 7 athletes do well and 11 bring home medals Apryl Veld Omineca Express

Local athletes brought home 11 medals for Zone 7 of the North West region. Speed skater, Sarah Leach from Fort St. James took a silver in the 400 metre girls and a silver in the 1500 metre girls final division races. Speed skater, also from Fort St. James, 12-yearold Emily Sulyma took home a silver in the 400 metre girls final race. Speed skater from Vanderhoof, Alison Desmerais snagged three medals including the silver in final standing and a bronze in both final A 1500 metre and girls 3000 metre point races. Speed skater also from Vanderhoof, Sarah McBride of Vanderhoof fought her way to two bronze medals in both the 1500 metre final B event and 400 metre final C. In Biathlon, Burns Lake’s Emily Dickson shone bringing home three gold medals for sprint, individual and super sprint races. Also in Biathlon, Smither’s Angus Tweedie took three gold medals in Biathlon. Karate events saw girls from Kitimat bring home bronze thanks to team Kumite members, Eve Mitchell, Kaitlin Mitchell and Katherine Ocsovai. Karate team Kata from Kitimat also took a bronze via members Paul Silvestre, Tanya Hickman, Eve Mitchell, Kaitlin Mitchel, Lydsay Silvestre and Katherine Ocsovai.

at Nimpo Lake There’s deep powder through the Rainbow Mountain Range, just 40kms west of Anahim Lake. The parking lot for the Rainbow Mtns is at the top of the famous Bella Coola Hill at an elevation of about 5500’. Historically a group of snowmobilers would sled south from the end of a gravel road and come through Corkscrew basin to Anahim every winter. This year’s tour group was comprised of 3 Williams Lake residents, Richard Simon and Ted Hlokoff of Nimpo Lake and Dave Morin of Vanderhoof. “We were nearly half of the riders enjoying deep powder and sunshine of the wilderness,” Hlokoff said, “Fresh tracks all day long and an unending mountain range of deep snow. Peeps and Spot locators are worn be most riders.”

Dave Morin blasting through a creek in a deep powder meadow of the West Chilcotin Plateau near Nimpo Lake, BC. photo Ted Hlokoff

Congratulations!

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94 athletes from the North West (Zone 7) competed at the 2012 BC Winter Games bringing home 11 medals. Thank you to the coaches, ofﬁcials, volunteers, and families who support these growing champions. See photos, videos and results at www.bcgames.org

A10 www.ominecaexpress.com

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Omineca Express

Fort St. James Highway 27 webcam FORT ST. JAMES – A new DriveBC highway camera is going live today on Highway 27 near Fort St. James. It’s available on DriveBC at: http://prd. images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/ www/226.html This is the first webcam located on Highway 27, giving Fort St. James and area residents a real-time look at highway condi-

tions. Motorists can use this webcam to plan ahead and make smarter, safer decisions about driving. The camera is located at one of the higher elevations on Hwy. 27, which can be subject to adverse weather conditions. “I’m always happy to see more safety features on Highway 27. This upgrade will

help drivers plan their routes during harsh weather conditions and notify them of any delays,” Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said. Project details: the web camera is located on Highway 27, about 32 km south of Fort St. James, looking north. DriveBC is the Province of B.C.’s most popular website. It provides timely road

condition updates, travel advisories, road closure information for provincial highways, weather information and other important links to the travelling public, to help ensure easier, safer trips. The Province launched the DriveBC website in 2005. DriveBC received an average of 1.04 million visits per month in 2011.

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WISE BUYERS READ THE LEGAL COPY: Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers may be cancelled at any time without notice. Dealer order or transfer may be required as inventory may vary by dealer. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. *Purchase a new 2012 F-150 XLT Super Cab 4X4 5.0L/2011 Ranger Super Cab Sport 4X2/2012 F-250 XLT Super Cab 4X4 Western Edition with power seats for $24,999/$14,999/$40,999 after Total Manufacturer Rebate of $8,000/$5,500/$5,500 and customer cash of $750 deducted. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate deducted but before customer cash has been deducted. Offers include a Manufacturer Rebate of $8,000/$5,500/$5,500, customer cash of $750, freight and air tax of $1,600/$1,500/$1,600 but exclude variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. Manufacturer Rebates can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. **Choose 4.99%/5.99%/5.99% annual percentage rate (APR) purchase financing on a new 2012 F-150 XLT Super Cab 4X4 5.0L/2011 Ranger Super Cab Sport 4X2/2012 F-250 XLT Super Cab 4X4 Western Edition with power seats for a maximum of 72 months to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest APR payment. Purchase financing monthly payment is $423/$215/$604 (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $195/$99/$279 with a down payment of $3,200/$2,000/$4,550 or equivalent trade-in. Cost of borrowing is $4,187.36/$2,507.61/$7,031.31 or APR of 4.99%/5.99%/5.99% and total to be repaid is $30,486.36/$15,506.61/$43,480.31. Offers include a Manufacturer Rebate of $8,000/$5,500/$5,500, customer cash of $750 and freight and air tax of $1,600/$1,500/$1,600, but exclude variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate deducted but before customer cash has been deducted. Bi-Weekly payments are only available using a customer initiated PC (Internet Banking) or Phone Pay system through the customer’s own bank (if offered by that financial institution). The customer is required to sign a monthly payment contract with a first payment date one month from the contract date and to ensure that the total monthly payment occurs by the payment due date. Bi-weekly payments can be made by making payments equivalent to the sum of 12 monthly payments divided by 26 bi-weekly periods every two weeks commencing on the contract date. Dealer may sell for less. Offers vary by model and not all combinations will apply. † From Feb. 1, 2012 to Apr. 2, 2012, receive $250/$500/$750/ $1,000/$1,500/ $1,750/ $2,000/$3,000/$3,250/ $3,500/ $4,000/ $4,500/$5,000/ $5,500/$6,000/ $6,500/$7,000/ $7,500/$8,000 in Manufacturer Rebates with the purchase or lease of a new 2012 Focus (excluding S)/2012 Flex SE, E-Series/2012 Explorer (excluding Base)/2012 Taurus SE, Escape I4 Manual, Transit Connect (excluding Electric)/2011 Fiesta S, Ranger Super Cab XL and Regular Cab/2012 Mustang Value Leader/ 2012 [Fusion S, F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs], 2011 [Taurus SE, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 Value Leader] /2012 [Flex (excluding SE)], 2011 [Fusion S]/ 2011 Fiesta (excluding S)/2012 Mustang V6 (excluding Value Leader)/ 2012 [Taurus (excluding SE), Edge (excluding SE), Expedition], 2011 [F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs]/ 2012 Mustang GT/ 2012 [Fusion (excluding S), Escape and Hybrid (excluding I4 Manual)], 2011 [Taurus (excluding SE)]/2012 [Escape V6, F-250 to F-450 gas engine (excluding Chassis Cabs)], 2011 [Fusion (Excluding S), Ranger Super Cab (excluding XL)]/2011 Expedition/2012 F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2) non-5.0L/ 2012 F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2) 5.0L /2012 [F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew non-5.0L, F-250 to F-450 diesel engine (excluding Chassis Cabs)], 2011 [F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew non-5.0L and 3.7L engines]/2012 [F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew 5.0L], 2011 [F-250 to F-450 Gas engine (excluding Chassis Cabs) - all Raptor, GT500, BOSS302, and Medium Truck models excluded. This offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. ††Offer valid from February 1, 2012 to April 15, 2012 (the “Program Period”). Receive CAD$1,000 towards select Ford Custom truck accessories, excluding factory-installed accessories/options (“Accessories”), with the purchase or lease of a new 2011/2012 Ford F-150 (excluding Raptor), Ranger or Super Duty delivered or factory ordered during the Program Period (the “Offer”). Offer is subject to vehicle and Accessory availability. Offer is not redeemable for cash and can only be applied towards eligible Accessories. Any unused portions of the Offer are forfeited. Total Accessories may exceed CAD$1,000. Only one (1) Offer may be applied toward the purchase or lease of an eligible vehicle. Customer’s choosing to forego the Offer will qualify for $750 in customer cash to be applied to the purchase, finance or lease price of an Eligible Vehicle (taxes payable before customer cash is deducted). This Offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. This Offer is not combinable with CPA, GPC, Daily Rental Allowances, the Commercial Upfit Program, or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). Limited time offer. Offer may be cancelled at any time without notice. Some conditions apply. Offer available to residents of Canada only. See Dealer for details. ***Estimated fuel consumption ratings for models shown: 2012 F-150 4X4 5.0L V8: [15.0L/100km (19MPG) City, 10.5L/100km (27MPG) Hwy]/2011 Ranger 4X2 4.0L V6 5-speed Manual transmission: [13.5L/100km (21MPG) City, 9.8L/100km (29MPG) Hwy]. Fuel consumption ratings based on Transport Canada approved test methods. Actual fuel consumption will vary based on road conditions, vehicle loading, vehicle equipment, and driving habits. ‡‡Some mobile phones and some digital media players may not be fully compatible – check www.syncmyride.com for a listing of mobile phones, media players, and features supported. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, accident and injury. Ford recommends that drivers use caution when using mobile phones, even with voice commands. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, not essential to driving when it is safe to do so. SYNC is optional on most new Ford vehicles. †††© 2012 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ©2012 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

Omineca Express Wednesday, March 7, 2012 www.ominecaexpress.com A11

common after a time change. BCAA Road Safety Foundation recommends drivers do the following: Adjust your sleep patterns before the time change. Avoid caffeine or other substances to “wake you up” as this is short term and you may feel even more fatigued once it wears off. For better visibility drive with your headlights on during the darker morning commute. Be aware of the increased number of people out walking in the evenings taking advantage of the extra daylight, especially in residential areas.

†††

Available in most new Ford vehicles with 6-month pre-paid subscription

A12 www.ominecaexpress.com

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Omineca Express

Nechako Notes

Saik’uz and Settlers nights explored Nechako Valley’s past, present and future Folks enjoyed the Saik’uz and Settlers discussions at Neighbourhood Place January 26 to March 1 in Vanderhoof. The finale evening featured celebration and taste of culture and discussion of looking forward to the direction of our community for culture, inclusion, welcomeness and relationships. People noted things that make this area special, and what things would improve as it grows. New programs will be coming soon, for helping welcome people to the area and get people connected people noted. Among the suggestions guests gave for success were, “Step out and make friends;” “Say hi to new people” and “Get out of your comfort zone.” Praise was given for Vanderhoof’s health care and how people show a lot of initiative in organizing arts and sports so they can enjoy and share activities they love and help make a positive future for all ages of residents.

VANDERHOOF’S FAITH

Church Directory For more information or to join Vanderhoof’s Faith Church Directory

Call Pam at 250-567-9258

The Gospel Chapel 448 Connaught Street 11:00 a.m. Worship Service (Afﬁliated with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada) For more information call

567-3107

NECHAKO COMMUNITY CHURCH MENNONITE BRETHREN 1393 Highway 16 East (Across from P.J. Collision)

250-567-4960 Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 am Sunday School - 11:15 am Cowboy Church

www.thegospelchapel.ca

Last Sunday of the month @ 7:00 p.m.

Our Mission Glorifying God by helping all people move closer to Jesus Christ one step at a time.

Making Jesus known

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

The Church on the Corner “Giving you a Purpose to live for and People to live with” Worship Service: 11:00 am

Burrard Street, Vanderhoof Sunday Worship & Sunday School 10:30 am Wednesday Morning Worship 7:30 am

We have a place for you to belong! For more information call

St. Wilfred’s Anglican Church

567-9198 263 Vanderview Drive

Carrier Cresc., Fraser Lake Sunday Worship 9:00 am

For more information visit our website: www.vcfemc.com

A house of prayer for all people

Small Groups meeting together regularly:

COMING EVENTS.... Will appear, as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profit organizations only.s This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for non-profit organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to advertising@ominecaexpress.com or by fax (567-2070). Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our office located at 155 W. Columbia. Decision of the publisher is final. ***

PICTURE THIS....Your activity could be featured in “Picture This.” Snap a photo at your groups’ fundraiser. It could be anything from a car wash to cleaning up our streets. It could even include school activities. Basically people making a difference in our community. Send us your photo by e-mail (advertising@ominecaexpress.com) or drop it off at the Omineca Express (150 W. Columbia Street). Please provide a brief description accompanied with the photo. This week’s submission....

NEW EVENTS.... WORLD WATER DAY COMMUNITY GATHERING...Working together to support health, environment and community. March 20, 2012 - 5:30pm8:30pm, Nechako Friendship Centre. Join us for a panel discussion, conversation and exchange about health, environment and community in Watersheds. *** MARCH 21, 2012 PAP CLINIC...DON’T DEPEND ON LUCK TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CERVICAL CANCER BOOK YOUR PAP TEST - OMENICA MEDICAL CLINIC 8 A.M. TO 7 P.M. Evening appointments available. CALL (250) 567-2201 Press O to make an appointment or to get on the SPRING Pap Clinic waiting list.Patients do not need to have a family doctor. *** IDIDALAP4CANCER... Noon to Midnight Friday, June 22, 2012 Vanderhoof, BC. Participate as an individual or build your own team. Proud supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society. *** ADULT BADMINTON... Thursdays, 8pm at NVSS gym. Bring your own racquet and indoor running shoes. For more info call Ann at 250-567-9908. *** SQUARE DANCING... Starting Thursday, February 23, 7-9 p.m. (Every second Thursday) All ages welcome. First Memorial United Church in Vanderhoof. *** AL-ANON...Has your life been affected by someone elses drinking? The AlAnon is for you! Meetings held on Mondays at 7pm in Community Room at Omineca Safe Home Society. For more information contact Gail at 567-4318. *** VANDERHOOF PUBLIC LIBRARY...is looking for donations of lego blocks to be used for children’s programs at the library. If you have lego that your kids have outgrown, we would love to put it to good use. Please contact Jenn at 250-567-4060 or email: vhpljlb@telus.net *** STUART NECHAKO

Nechako Kitimaat Development Fund chair, Roseanne Murray (far left) presents cheque to Dean Elliot of the Trap section of NV Sporting Association and Kent Huscroft, NVSA president. NKDF manager, Dan Boudreau (far right) said it’s great to see the improvements at the sporting association grounds. Photo by Apryl Veld MANOR ...Do you like to walk and be outdoors? Stuart Nechako Manor is looking for volunteers to help with our walking program. If you can commit to half an hour 1-2 times per week please call Marnie at 250-567-6290. *** THE NORTHSIDE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE...meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Newcomers always welcome. For more information call Brenda, 250 567-9705. *** VHF HOSPICE SOCIETY...What are you doing every 3rd Wednesday of each month. Do you have 2 hours to give each month? Are you sensitive to the special needs of those persons at the end stages of life? Want to be part of a great organization that makes a difference in our community then we are looking for you. The Vanderhoof Hospice Society is a not-for-profit charity looking for new volunteer members who will work with the current members to oversee our local Hospice Program. Hospice is a program that offers a support system to persons that are the end stages of life. Our Society has a desire to help others. We are sensitive to the special needs of the dying patient and their families. We do not have personal agendas or “missions” to our Hospice work. Our main fundraising come in the form of donations to our Tree of Life. We are looking for new members to continue this great service. More info call Debbie 567-7956 *** VHF STROKE RECOVERY...meet at the Stuart Nechako Manor Activity Room - Mondays 9:30 12:00 noon (except holidays). Any volunteers who would like to come are very welcome. All stroke recovery members in Vanderhoof and surround-

ing areas are invited to attend. For more information call Luella at 250-4410086. *** THE FOOD BANK... is in serious need of food donations. Specifically the following is needed: Canned vegetables, meat, fish, canned milk, sugar, pasta, pasta sauces, soups (we have enough mushroom soup), toilet tissue. *** BADMINTON AT FLESS GYM... Every Thursday at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. come out and have some fun! *** THE VANDERHOOF CANCER SUPPORT GROUP... meets the first Friday of every month @ noon at the The Reid. For more info call Karen @ 567-4828. *** ENDAKO HALL SOCIETY...meets every THIRD Wednesday of the month in the hall at 7:30pm. *** THE YELLOWHEAD DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION...is an organization for those interested in light and heavy horse driving. Monthly meetings every second Tuesday of the month. For more info contact: Jon 250-567-8484. *** NECHAKO QUILTERS GUILD... meets the third Tuesday of the month 9:30 am (Sept. - May) at Nechako View Seniors Common Room. Fran Sheeley 567-5254. *** THE FRASER QUILTERS GUILD... meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am at the Fort Fraser Community Hall. Newcomers welcome. *** HOSPICE TREE OF LIFE... is to honour the living as well as to remember and honour those who have passed on. For more info call Debbie @ 250-5677956. *** THE FRASER LAKE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP...

meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 12 noon in the New Fraser Lake Restaurant. For further information call Judy at 250699-7763. *** NECHAKO VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY... meets every second Thursday of the month 6:30 pm at the Chamber of Commerce office. *** VANDERHOOF 899 AIR CADET SQUADRON... Cadets will meet every Wednesday night 6:15pm at the Cadet Building on Burrard Street. Anyone age 12 to 18 interested in the Cadet Program is welcome to attend. Any adult interested in assisting in anyway, please contact the officers at the Cadet Building Wednesday night. For more information call Glenda 250-567-7574. *** AA MEETING... Wednesday, 8:00 p.m. United Church Hall. 567-8087 or 567-4588 *** FRASER LAKE AA MEETINGS... Tues & Thurs 8:00 p.m. at St. Wilfred’s Church just across from police station. *** ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL AUXILIARY... meets second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. Call 567-9759 Edna. *** VANDERHOOF LIBRARY HOURS Tuesday 10:00am to 5:00pm Wednesday 10:00 am to 5:00pm & 6:30 to 8:30pm Thursday 10:00 to 5:00pm Friday 10:00 am to 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm *** FRASER LAKE LIBRARY HOURS Sunday & Monday Closed Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday & Thursday 3pm - 8pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 2pm

Omineca Express Wednesday, March 7, 2012

www.ominecaexpress.com A13

Your community. Your classiﬁeds.

250.567.9258 fax 250.567-2070 email advertising@ominecaexpress.com

150 W Columbia Street, PO Box 1007 Vanderhoof, BC, V0J3A0

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Phone:

250-567-9258 Fax:

250-567-2070 E-Mail: advertising@ ominecaexpress. com OFFICE HOURS Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5:00 pm Omineca Express published every Wednesday Stuart/Nechako Advertiser published every Friday ADVERTISING DEADLINES Express -- Friday, 12-noon Advertiser -- Tuesday, 12-noon

TERMS & CONDITIONS Advertisements should be read on the first publication day. We are not responsible for errors appearing beyond the first insertion. NO CASH REFUNDS AGREEMENT: It is agreed by any display or classified advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and there will be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION: Advertisers are reminded that provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminated against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry, place of origin, or age unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved. COPYRIGHT: Copyright and/or property rights subsist in all advertisements and in all other advertising material appearing in this edition of the Omineca Express. Permission to reproduce wholly or in any part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

Your In Memoriam Gift is a lasting tribute. Please mail your donations to the address below, and include your name and address, along with the name and address of the next-of kin for an acknowledgment card. Donations can be sent to: HSFBC & Y, 1212 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V2. 1-800-663-2010.

Information NECHAKO RIVER FLOW FACTS February 24, 2012 Reservoir Elevation: 851.58m (2793.92.ft) SLS Discharge: 125 m3/s Overall snow pack is currently 170 per cent of historical average for this time of year. Skins Lake Spillway discharge was increased from 100 m3/s to 125 m3/s on Friday 24 February to reduce reservoir level in preparation for spring freshet. For more information please call Rio Tinto Alcan at 250-567-5105. A recording of Flow Facts is available 24-hours in Vanderhoof at 567-5812

Personals GET PAID To lose weight. $5,000 For your success story. Personal image TV show. Call to qualify: 416-730-5684 ext 2243. Joanna@mertontv.ca. www.mertontv.ca.

Travel

Timeshare CANCEL YOUR Timeshare. NO Risk Program. STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Free Consultation. Call Us Now. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248.

BRING THE family! Sizzling specials at Florida’s best beach! New Smyrna Beach, Florida. See it all at: www.nsbfla.com/bonjour or call 1-800-214-0166.

Employment Business Opportunities ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS to Every Hunter in BC! Advertise in The BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis 2012-2014 publication. Increased circulation 250,000 copies! Tremendous Reach, Two Year Edition! Contact Annemarie at 1 800 661 6335 or hunt@blackpress.ca Be Your Own Boss! Attention Locals! People req. to work from home online. Earn $500$4500+ P/T or F/T. Toll Free 1.877.880.8843 leave mess. BE YOUR Own boss with Great Canadian Dollar Store. Franchise opportunities now available. Call today for details 1-877-388-0123 ext. 229 or visit our website: www.dollarstores.com.

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking DRIVER. Class 1 Drivers wanted. Offering top pay. Close to home. Home most weekends. Family comes first! 1 year flat deck exp. & border crossing a must. Fax resume & driver abstract to 604-853-4179.

Learn how to teach your child car safety. Call 1-877-247-5551 or visit ChildSeatInfo.ca

Drive to Save Lives

Get Practical Skills That Get Jobs Vancouver Island University training for over 50 years, No simulators. Low student / instructor ratio. 1-888-920-2221 ext: 6130 www.viu.ca/ heavyequipment

MORE JOBS Than graduates! Employers seek out CanScribe Medical Transcription graduates. New Course! New Low Price! We need more students! Enroll Today! 1-800466-1535 www.canscribe.com admissions@canscribe.com

Help Wanted An earthmoving company based in Edson Alberta requires a full time Heavy Duty Mechanic for field and shop work. We require Cat Dozer/Deere excavator experience. You will work a set schedule for days on and off. Call Lloyd @ 780-723-5051

HHDI RECRUITING is hiring on behalf of Baker Hughes Baker Hughes Alberta based oilfield services company is currently hiring;

DRIVER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & SERVICE SUPERVISORS Class 1 or 3 License required.

Drivers

HD MECHANICS 3rd or 4th apprentice or Journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanics with their Red Seal and CVIP License to work in Red Deer & Hinton. Please call 250-718-3330 or Fax: 1-888-679-0759

AIRLINES ARE Hiring- Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Housing available. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)818-0783. TAYLOR PRO TRAINING *Heavy Equipment Operator Training *Commercial Driver Training Call today 1-877-860-7627 www.taylorprotraining.com

NIHB CLERK

VANDERHOOF – TEMPORARY POSITION The Non-Insured Health Beneﬁts (NIHB) program at Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) ensures eligible clients have access to required health services that are not provided in their communities. The NIHB Clerk assists clients with applications, updates and maintains the system for health information and claims processing, and coordinates appointments with arrangements for with travel and accommodation. For more information, please visit our website at www.csfs.org. To apply, email a cover letter with your resume to hr@csfs.org on or before March 9, 2012.

For more information or send your resume & current drivers abstract to: driverclass1@shaw.ca

DISTRICT OF VANDERHOOF The District of Vanderhoof is currently seeking Summer Students for Program Coordinator & Leader, Special Projects Coordinator & Assistant, and Beautiﬁcation. Job details and deadlines can be found by going to www. vanderhoof.ca - Career Opportunities.

Education/Trade Schools

“I’m too big for a car seat!” Keep your child safe in the car.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR TRAINING

Job Posting –Millwrights Needed

Pinnacle Renewable Energy requires journeyman millwrights at both its Strathnavor and Burns Lake BC plant locations. Ideal candidates will have experience with the various automated operations and systems in a modern pellet plant. They will be highly motivated journeymen that have demonstrated the ability to apply their trade skills and knowledge safely and effectively. Candidates should also have good interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Pinnacle pays competitive rates and provides full beneﬁts. To apply please submit your resume and cover letter, along with proof of trade’s qualiﬁcation. For more information on this position see www. pinnaclepellet.com Send your resume to: E-mail: hr@pinnaclepellet.com No Phone Inquiries Accepted – Closing date March 23, 2012.

Sample Preparation Supervisor 2 full-time positions Shift work required ALS Minerals is the global leader in analytical data service and metallurgy services for the mining industry. With over 60 locations around the world we are able to provide consistent, swift, productive and reliable service to our clients. We are supplying a portable sample preparation laboratory in Vanderhoof, BC to support the Blackwater mine site. We are seeking dedicated, hardworking individuals to join our team. We offer a competitive salary and benefit plan commensurate with qualifications and experience. Specific Job Duties: • Manages the process and procedures of sample preparation • Maintains all production levels and ensure sample preparation work meets required turnaround time and quality control standards; Qualifications: • 2+ years’ experience in a supervisory role; • Degree or diploma in business/geology/Chemistry or equivalent work experience preferred; • Quality and Safety focused. For further details on this and other positions please go to: www.alsglobal.com Send your resume and cover letter to: Fax: 1-800-325-8619 E-mail: jobscanada@alsglobal.com Please state: VANDERHOOF - SUPERVISOR in the subject ine ALS Minerals is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving and maintaining a workforce which reflects and affirms the diversity of our society.

Did you know? • Kidney Disease causes death in many people with diabetes and d high blood pressure, and raises the risk of a heart attack? • Healthy kidneys reduce the risk of heart attacks and high blood od pressure? If detected early, Chronic Kidney Disease can be treated, thereby reducing the risk of complications of diabetes, high blood pressure re and heart attacks.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC Branch 200-4940 Canada anada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4K6 1(800) 567-8112

A14 www.ominecaexpress.com

Employment

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Omineca Express

Employment

Services

Merchandise for Sale

Real Estate

Heavy Duty Machinery

Houses For Sale

Help Wanted

Trades, Technical

Financial Services

Legal Services

SALES Representatives, Yourlink, BC YourLink (a subsidiary of Vecima Networks Inc.) is a provider of Telecommunications including Cable TV, Cable Internet, home telephone and high-speed wireless Internet solutions. We are currently recruiting for Sales Representatives for our Vanderhoof and Salmon Arm, BC regions. These are permanent full time positions with excellent career advancement opportunities. These positions are located in British Columbia. Duties to include: (but not limited to) -Exceed or meet personal and company sales targets while demonstrating a solid customer focus -Initiate and leverage sales opportunities with existing prospective customers while developing and maintaining key clients Develop a strong product knowledge as well as customer knowledge -Develop new accounts through analyzing, prospecting, exploring, networking and referrals -Provide estimates to customers quickly and accurately -Provide detailed updates on job activities to senior management -Provide feedback from clients in order to assess possible improvements to existing products and also the need for new products -Resolve challenging situations with empathy and sincerity -Provide superior customer service -Participate in industry events If you have the following: -Strong sales or customer service background Passion to turn prospects into customers -Self starter with a positive attitude -Ability to develop and maintain good relationships with customers Strong record tracking of work with various levels of each account through sales funnel management -Ability to achieve sales quotas -Ability to handle a hard multitasking environment -Strong communication and presentation skills -Ability to work various shifts including evenings and weekends -Ability to travel throughout region -Ability to work independently -Maintain a valid provincial driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license and must provide a driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abstract annually -Possess a vehicle to carry tools and equipment Compensation: Commission based -Comprehensive benefits package Laptop -Smart phone etc. Mileage allowance We offer an entrepreneurial environment with a short chain of command, rapid response to problems and ideas. Our aim is to grow our business dramatically over the next few years. Criminal Background Checks will be required upon accepting employment with YourLink Inc. YourLink will reimburse the full amount upon acceptance of the Criminal Background Check. If you are looking for a challenging career move as a Sales Representative, we want to hear from you! To apply, please direct your resume and cover letter to the contact below. Human Resources Department Vecima Networks Inc. 150 Cardinal Place, Saskatoon, SK S7L 6H7 Fax: (306) 244-5265 Email: human.resources@vecima.com

DIRECT SALES REPRESENTATIVES. Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere home automation and Security Company is NOW hiring AprilAugust. No experience necessary. Travel Required. E-mail resume: kkurtze@vivint.com Visit: www.vivint.ca P. Scheck Industrial LTD requires a Certified Electric Motor Winder and a handy man (must have grade 12) apply with resume 205A Lear Rd. or email: pscheck@uniserve.com

WELDERS WANTED. Journeyman 2nd and 3rd year apprentices with tank manufacturing experience. Automated Tank Manufacturing Inc. Located in Kitscoty, Alberta. 20 km west of Lloydminster is looking for 15 individuals that want long term employment and a secure paycheque. Journeyman wages $33$37.50/hour. Wages for apprentices based on hours and qualifications. Benefits, training programs, full insurance package 100% paid by company, profit sharing bonus. Join a winning team. Call Basil or Blaine for an appointment or send resume to: blaine@autotanks.ca or production@autotanks.ca 780-846-2231 (Office), 780846-2241 (Fax).

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com

DATING SERVICE. LongTerm/Short-Term Relationships, Free to try!!! 1-877-2979883. Live intimate conversation, Call: #7878 or 1-888-5346984. Live adult 1on1. Call: 1866-311-9640 or #5015. Meet Local Single Ladies. 1-877804-5381. (18+).

Services

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Community Newspapers Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at the heart of thingsâ&#x201E;˘

MAKE YOUR POINTOF-SALE

4HERE S MORE TO LOSE THAN JUST MEMORIES

Health Products WWW ALZHEIMERBC ORG

Income Opportunity EARN EXTRA Cash! - P/T, F/T Immediate openings. Easy computer work, others positions are available. Can be done from home. No experience needed. www.hwc-bc.com HOME BASED Business. We need serious and motivated people for expanding health & wellness industry. High speed internet and phone essential. Free online training. www.project4wellness.com

HERBAL MAGIC - With Herbal Magic lose up to 20 pounds in just 8 weeks and keep it off. Results Guaranteed! Start today call 1-800854-5176.

Financial Services DROWNING IN Debts? Helping Canadians 25 years. Lower payments by 30%, or cut debts 70% thru settlements. Avoid bankruptcy! Free consultation. Toll Free 1 877-5563500 www.mydebtsolution.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that simple. Your credit/age/income is not an issue. 1-800-587-2161.

LOOKING FOR BUSINESS, PERSONAL OR TITLE LOAN? Now get up to $800k business or personal loan, with interest rate from 1.9%. Bad credit ok. Apply now www.excapitalfunds.com or call 1-866-642-1867 M O N E Y P R OV I D E R . C O M . $500 Loan and +. No credit refused. Fast, easy, 100% secure. 1-877-776-1660.

CRIMINAL RECORD? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

CRIMINAL RECORD? Guaranteed Record Removal since 1989. Confidential, Fast, & Affordable. Our A+BBB Rating assures EMPLOYMENT & TRAVEL FREEDOM. Call for FREE INFO. BOOKLET

1-8-NOW-PARDON (1-866-972-7366) RemoveYourRecord.com DIAL-A-LAW: access free information on BC law. 604-6874680; 1-800-565-5297; www.dialalaw.org audio available

LAWYER REFERRAL Service: need a lawyer? Learn more by calling 604-687-3221; 1-800-663-1919. NAPLES FLORIDA Area! Bank acquired condos only $169,900. Same unit sold for $428,895. Own your brand new condo for pennies on the dollar in warm, sunny SW Florida! Walk to over 20 restaurants/100 shops! Must see. Ask about travel incentives. Call 1-866-959-2825, ext 15. www.coconutpointcondos.com

S lives here. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s here in our community. Please make a difference by volunteering. Sclerosis Society of Canada S Multiple

1â&#x20AC;˘800â&#x20AC;˘268â&#x20AC;˘7582 www.mssociety.ca

Pets & Livestock

Feed & Hay

A- STEEL SHIPPING STORAGE CONTAINERS / Bridges / Equipment Wheel loaders JD 644E & 544A / 63â&#x20AC;&#x2122; & 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Stiff boom 5th wheel crane trucks/Excavators EX200-5 & 892D-LC / Small forklifts / F350 C/C â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cabsâ&#x20AC;?20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;45â&#x20AC;&#x2122;53â&#x20AC;&#x2122; New/ Used/ Damaged /Containers Semi Trailers for Hiway & StorageCall 24 Hrs 1-866-528-7108 Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Medical Supplies CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T GET Up Your Stairs? Acorn Stairlifts can help. Call Acorn Stairlifts now! Mention this ad and get 10% off your new Stairlift! Call 1-866-9815991

Misc. for Sale HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper? SAWMILLS FROM only $3997 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info and DVD: 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT

STEEL BUILDINGS For all uses! Spring Deals! Make an offer on sell-off models at factory and save thousands now! Call for free Brochure - 1-800668-5111 ext. 170.

HAY for sale. $70/ton. Please call 250-846-5855

Professional/ Management HOLIDAY Retirement is seeking pairs of motivated managers for our Independent Senior Living communities. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have the chance to work alongside your partner, receive a competitive salary and excellent benefits. The ideal duo is team-oriented, with sales experience. Please apply on-line at www.holidaytouch.com or send resumes for both to myfuture@holidaytouch.com.

Trades, Technical EXPERIENCED Excavator Operators required immediately in Northern BC. Must have extensive experience operating tracked excavators. Competitive wages. For further information please call 250-7715708. Resumes including references and experience should be emailed to frocklage@gmail.com attention D. Frocklage Contracting Ltd. LICENSED HD Mechanic & Class 1 Drivers, required for full-time work with construction company in west-central Alberta. Wage based on experience. Fax resume 780-5393536. MONSTER Industries, a rapidly growing construction and maintenance company servicing northwestern B.C., in now accepting resumes for the following positions: Certified â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? level welders with fabrication experience, Certified CWB all-position welders and Certified Millwrights. Please send resume with attached cover letter to office@monsterindustries.ca. Unfortunately we are not accepting applications for laborers at this time.

Advertise your goods and services in the Classifieds and reach hundreds of potential buyers daily. Call today to place your ad and make a sale quickly.

250-567-9258

! * & *& " *& * % ! % % ( & ! */ #!$!% * ) /&+( '!* # !%) * . % !) * )* !%, )*$ %* !% * % ( +) &+( &$$!*$ %* - * , ( !*) )!0 -!## #' $ " % ( !)*&(/ % ! % % ( & ! */ +% ) * $&)* ( ) ( )+''&(*) * $&)* ' &'# % ! *) *& '( , %* ## */' ) & % ( # ) &%* * .* &( $ !# *)* +%*&% % ( --- % (

Omineca Express Wednesday, March 7, 2012

www.ominecaexpress.com A15

Real Estate

Rentals

Mobile Homes & Parks

Apt/Condo for Rent

ABOVE THE REST!

RIVERS EDGE APARTMENTS

FACTORY DIRECT WHOLESALE modular homes, manufactured homes, and park models. New homes starting as low as $37,209, 16 wides $49,183, and double wides $70,829. www.hbmodular.com or 877976-3737 The Home Boys.

Townhouses TOWNHOUSES FOR RENT IN KITIMAT Newly Renovated

Silvermill Apartments Secure quiet apartments from $540 per month

250-567-4208

2 bdrm - $1,000m, 3 bdrm $1,200m & shared from $650-$850m. Shared acc. perfect for retiree or working person. Walking distance to downtown. Gardening allowed, large yards with adjoining Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground, small pet negotiable. For more information. Call cell 1-778-316-6764

Victoria Manor

Large 2 Bdrm from

$725 - $755

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent BURRARD APARTMENTS. Two bdrm suites. No pets 250-567-9128

Large 1 Bdrm from

$695 - $725

NO SMOKING - NO PETS * Balconies * Landscaped View * Cablevision Available

250-567-4048 or 250-567-9080

,W WDNHV PXVFOHV WR UHDG WKLV DG

Quiet, 1 bdrm units Ideal for Seniors Level Entrances Security Lighting Walking distance Downtown Paved Parking Includes fridge & stove Starting at $450/mth. (250)570-9161 or

(250)567-3336

Townhouses RENOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;D 3/bdrm townhouses in family friendly complex. Close to downtown, schools & park. $650/mth. 250-567-4430

Transportation

Auto Financing YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE APPROVED Poor, Good, OR No Credit at AUTO CREDIT NOW Details and APPLY online autocreditwithbarrie.com OR TOLL FREE 1-877-356-0743

'RQŇ&#x2039;W WDNH \RXU PXVFOHV IRU JUDQWHG 2YHU &DQDGLDQV ZLWK PXVFXODU G\VWURSK\ WDNH WKHP YHU\ VHULRXVO\

Scrap Car Removal SCRAP BATTERIES WANTED We buy scrap batteries from cars & trucks & heavy equipment. $4.00 each. Free pick-up anywhere in BC, Minimum 10. Call Toll Free 1.877.334.2288

Trucks & Vans FOR SALE: Excavating Company including excavators, dump trucks and skid steers. $250,000 O.B.O FOR SALE: Septic Pumping Company includes 2 trucks (one hydrovac, one pump truck) 250,000 O.B.O Email: jaydensunfire@yahoo.ca for more details.

/HDUQ PRUH DW PXVFOH FD

VANDERHOOF AND AREA BUSINESS DIRECTORY EXCAVATING EX100 Excavator 4x4 Extend-a-hoe Rubber Tire Backhoe Basements, Foundations, Waterline, Septic Systems, Lot Clearing, Hoe-Pac, Hydraulic Breaker and more! We are in the business to serve you!

Cell: 567-0031

Tandem dump truck, 4x4 Backhoe, gravel sales, general hauling, foundations, water & sewer lines and snow removal.

Box 2033 Vanderhoof

250-567-3010

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE HERE GIVE US A CALL: 250-567-9258

Plumbing & Heating Rural Water & Sewer Systems Water Treatment & Filtration Systems INSTALLATION & REPAIRS

FRANK TEICHROEB 3393 Sinkutview Rd, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A2 567-2029

PLUMBING

PLUMBING/HEATING/GASFITTING SOLAR THERMAL

J.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WATERWORKS LTD.

All jobs BIG or small, give us a call!

567-3855

Schneider Services Ltd.

PLUMBING

) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

CENTRAL INTERIOR EXCAVATING

EXCAVATING PRAIRIEDALE EXCAVATING

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Water Professionalâ&#x20AC;?

250-567-5888

ADVERTISING

ACCOUNTANTS Chartered Accountants Providing a Full Range of Business Services

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam Berger Publisher 150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0

Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070 Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com

ADVERTISING

ADvertiser STUART NECHAKO

Reaching Every Door

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam Berger Publisher 150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0

Accounting Computers â&#x2014;? Financial Planning

HST Income Tax â&#x2014;? Payroll

â&#x2014;?

KPMG Prince George #400 - 177 Victoria Street Prince George, BC, V2L 5R8 250-563-7151

ADVERTISING Serving Fort St. James and area since 1972 Pam Berger Publisher

996-8482 Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070

Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com

Fax: 996-8451 Advertising: advertising@ominecaexpress.com News: newsroom@caledoniacourier.com Website: www.caledoniacourier.com

A16 www.ominecaexpress.com

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Omineca Express

Brought to you by your MLA John Rustad

Pioneers Courageous Battles

Athletes Achieving

Human Interest

Serving the communities of... Endako, Fraser Lake, Fort Fraser, Cluculz Lake, & Vanderhoof

Featuring the spirit of the local people

Knitting a popular craft Apryl Veld Omineca Express If you’ve received a cozy knit sweater or a hat in recent years, you may appreciate the value of the hand knitted item for the comfort you get and the charm it adds to your wardrobe. It’s certain that if you were the one who made this or another piece, then you appreciate the work and care put into its construction. The earliest known knitted items were a pair of socks, unearthed in Egypt, and dated to around 300 AD. In modern times, the Great Depression, wars and other hard times saw surges in people learning knitting in larger numbers. In many parts of the northern hemisphere knitting has been celebrated where a garment’s cold stopping properties really come in handy. It is famously rumored that France’s King Charlemagne went to Friesland in the Netherlands to get a set of knitted long underwear he had custom ordered. Whether you’re pursuing outdoor adventures, or sitting in a chilly castle, it’s not dignified to shiver, be you a royal or everyday person. And the skill to keep you warm can be learned by most anyone. Vanderhoof knitter, Ruth Wiebe certainly understand this, having knitted since the age of 12, putting together countless items, and is now instructing others in this very useful craft. While there are books and websites for instruction most people find it’s more helpful to learn with a real live teacher. That’s where Wiebe comes in. “Seeing it is easier, and is usually more successful,” the veteran knitter says. Wiebe says she learned how to

knit from a neighbour who took her under her wing. Once you have the basics you can go on to learn a lot more, she explains. Wiebe teaches beginners and then more advanced classes in downtown Vanderhoof. First-time knitters must start with step-by-step instruction, but many get better quickly with practice. “The beginning classes are toughest to teach,” she explained, because newbies aren’t used to the terminology or basic steps, “More advanced knitters know what you mean when you say, ‘cast on 36 stitches.’” Then once you’re successful with a few projects, there’s a lot more clothing or accessories to make, or to fancy up with new techniques. It’s said that teachers are always learning, and this is true of Wiebe. One skill she learned so she would be able to help a knitter was left-handed knitting. Who knew such a thing existed? But when duty calls, a solution can be found. Wiebe teaches children and youth as well as adults, and she’s even gone to teach in people’s homes for a group or family requesting it. In March, she is holding a variety of advanced classes on Thursdays at the Quilters Corner in the Vanderhoof Department Store. She said there are still openings for knitters wanting to join. “One of the classes I’ll teach (on March 8) is Fair Isle - which is knitting with colours,” she explained. Then on March 15 she will offer instruction on the mysterious skill of heel turning for hand knitted socks. In her many projects, does she have a favourite material to work with? “I’ve been working with self-

striping yarn,” she says, showing a photo of an attractive sweater, “you don’t have to work the colours in because they’re in the yarn.” Wiebe notes she displays different items at the department store so crafters can see what can be achieved with the various things available. “Once you see what is possible with some materials, you may want to try that type of yarn or technique,” Wiebe said. As she works full time, it’s hard to imagine where she finds the time to make the many things she does. “Some people only knit seasonally, but I knit year-round,” she noted. And she can knit while doing other things, such as visiting or taking in a show This is because, as Wiebe explained, knitting for her is much more than a hobby. “I’m passionate about it,” she emphasized, “I just really love to make home made gifts.” Her favorites to work on are baby things, though not all of them are typical baby clothes. On one occasion she made a baby sweater for a mother who was expecting, and whose spouse was a hockey official. She designed the striped referee sweater herself “It was not easy to find the materials, because baby yarn doesn’t come in black,” the knitting veteran said. She explained they had to wait for the baby to be born to finish the sweater, since the parents wanted pink for the armbands if the infant ref should turn out to be a girl. Wiebe notes she has since made sweaters for older children and their siblings. And most would agree, it’s a heartwarming thing to give and receive a home made gift, even if you don’t always make it yourself.

John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes 183 First Street Vanderhoof Tel: 250-567-6820 Fax: 250-567-6822

Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650 E-mail: john.rustad.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca

2500 Butler Avenue Houston Tel: 250-845-7770 Fax: 250-845-7780

Ruth Wiebe