Alberni Valley News, December 20, 2012 by Black Press Media Group

Alberni Valley

NEWS

Page A6

U-cut Christmas tree lots enjoy a resurgence in the Alberni Valley region.

Page 29

Gordon Dick is carving out a niche for First Nations artists in the Alberni Valley.

Every home ◆ Every Thursday ◆ Every day online www.albernivalleynews.com

THURSDAY, DEC. 20, 2012

EDITORIAL

Page A10 LETTERS Page A11 SPORTS Page A27 ENTERTAINMENT Page A29

Vol. 7 No. 17

BC CLASSIFIEDS

Pages A21–22

CHRISTMAS

past & present

Alberni Valley seniors celebrate the holiday through the century.

Page A3

Joyce van Ingen, 89, recalls different Christmas decorations when she was growing up in Holland. WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

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◆ COVER STORY

The changing tides of Christmas

‘Christmas is different when you are an older person...’

WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON Alberni Valley News

sk a child to define Christmas and you might get a tale about Santa Claus and baby Jesus, what they would like to eat or when they open their gifts. Ask a senior, however, and your answer will be entirely different. Seniors in Alberni Valley care facilities— seniors who have run the gamut from their own youth to that of their own children and grandchildren— have a varied sense of family and traditions when it comes to Christmas. In the days leading up to the official holiday, some residents at Abbeyfield House in Port Alberni sit in the common room and listen to the Port Alberni Fiddlers belt out tunes, while others work collectively on a puzzle. At the front desk, a row of stockings each with a resident’s name stitched across the front adorns the counter. And a Christmas tree hung with cookie decorations sits atop a table at the entrance to a hallway. “They’re made out of cinnamon, applesauce and glue to hold it altogether,” Joyce van Ingen, 89, said about the decorations, which she helped make. Van Ingen is looking forward to Christmas at Abbeyfield, although holiday traditions here are different than those she observed when

– Joyce van Ingen

Above, Murial Thompson, 88, checks the row of Christmas stockings at the front counter of Abbeyfield on a Monday afternoon. Thompson has been a resident of Abbeyfield for more than six years. Right: Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens resident Steve Tate, 70, has celebrated his last three Christmas holidays in the facility. He looks forward to this year’s festivities, he said. WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON/ Alberni Valley News

she was a child, and later a young mother with children of her own, she said. Van Ingen grew up in Holland and came to Port Alberni in 1951 with her late husband Dirk and their first two children (their family eventually expanded to four). A Lutheran, van Ingen celebrated Saint

Nicholas Day on Dec. 6. Her extended family would gather and visit and all would enjoy a meal. “We didn’t exchange presents, though. We didn’t do that until we came here,” van Ingen said. Families put up trees, she recalled, and they were

always fresh—never artificial. Van Ingen remembers that the family used to decorate the tree with lit candles that sat in special cups. There was always a bucket of water near the tree in case the candles sparked the branches, she added. She remembers

her last Christmas in Amsterdam. The family visited and had a nice meal, but what stood out was something that signalled changes that were to come to the holiday. “We got our first string of electric lights. We couldn’t take them with us

to Canada though because the electric current used here was different, so we left them with our mother.” The van Ingens followed Dirk’s brother to Port Alberni and arrived at their new home in November 1951. There was a lot of

snow then, van Ingen recalled, and the weather was neither too cold nor too hot. The family lived in an apartment building on Lathom Road and had their turkey dinner in Canada at the invitation of their downstairs neighbour. The family got used to Christmas in Canada. The van Ingens travelled after Dirk’s retirement and the family celebrated Christmas in October instead. Another year, the power went out and the family celebrated by candlelight. “I think that was the best Christmas we had,” van Ingen said. Christmas has changed since the death of her husband and with her stay in Abbeyfield, but van Ingen has accepted this next phase in life. “It’s nice here. We all know each other. On Christmas Day we have brunch and a special supper,” she said. “Christmas is different when you are an older person. You don’t always have family but we have each other and the staff and we’re like a big family.” Across town at Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens, the soft glare of a string of lights coiled around a Christmas tree reflects off of the face of a man in a wheelchair. Continued/ 4

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Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

Poverty levels ‘unacceptable’ ADTU: | Union prez solicits city council support WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

More than 119,000 children in B.C. live in poverty and the Alberni District Teachers’ Union wants something done about it. Teachers’ union president Ken Zydyk presented a 145-signature petition to Port Alberni City Council last week calling on the provincial government to establish an antipoverty plan. B.C. ranks near the bottom in major areas of poverty according to

2010 data, Zydyk said. One in seven children — a total of 119,000 in B.C. — live in poverty. The rate of overall poverty has gone up in Canada, and the gap between rich and poor is growing not shrinking, Zydyk said. In Port Alberni, teachers see evidence of poverty every day. Students often come to school hungry and lacking proper clothing, Zydyk said. As well, use of school breakfast and lunch programs is on the rise. The programs are a good stop-gap, Zydyk said. “But volunteer efforts alone can’t stop the problem.” The province doesn’t have a comprehensive poverty reduction

plan and that’s to its own detriment, Zydyk said. “It’s more costly for a community to do nothing,” he added. Sustainable food systems, quality public child care, as well as accessible public education and training are all possible. “All that is lacking is political will,” Zydyk said. Coun. Cindy Solda encouraged Zydyk to touch base with the local health network about the issue, and added that children aren’t the only ones impacted by poverty. “So many others are neglected like seniors, the disabled and those on social assistance,” Solda said.

When Derek Squires is finished with his post hole drilling company for the day, he empties his pockets and tosses his change into tomato cans. Last week he brought in five of those cans filled with nickels and pennies for the News’ Pennies for Presents campaign. And he was back again on Tuesday, this time with dimes. His donation will go to the Port Alberni Toy Run.

reporter@albernivalleynews.com Twitter.com/AlberniNews

SUSAN QUINN Alberni Valley News

Can-do man

Tsawaayuus Christmas makes up for tough early holidays

From/3 A light arrangement hangs on the wall at the entrance, where passersby are greeted by another Christmas tree and a wreath in the front desk window. The holidays are quickly shaping up for the facility’s 40 residents, said manager Shaunee Casavant. “We had a decorating party and invited families over to decorate this side of the facility and on ALBERNI-CLAYOQUOT REGIONAL DISTRICT the assisted living side. We try our best NOTICE OF CHRISTMAS CLOSURE to make it feel warm so that residents feel YOQUOT REGIONAL DISTRICT Pleasethat be advised that the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District e advised the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District office will be closed from at home.” like they’re OF CHRISTMAS CLOSURE office will closed Tuesday, from Tuesday, 25th will through The facility’s JanuaryDecember 1 st. The office reopen for business as December 25thbethrough Tuesday, January 1st. The office nd will reopen for business as usual auxiliary has been 8:00 am onam Wednesday, January , 2013. oquot Regional District office willJanuary be 2closed from busy preparing at 8:00 on Wednesday, 2nd, 2013. st ay, January 1 . The office will reopen for business as presents for residents. The Alberni Valley , 2013. ry 2 nd This closure impacts the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District ure impacts the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District office only. Bulldogs hockey office only. players have paid a quot Regional District office only. visit. And the RCMP Landfills choir is expected. rni The ValleyAlberni and West Coast Landfill will be CLOSED Christmas day and New Years Day. Valley and West Coast Landfill will be CLOSED “We always have Christmas dayChristmas and New day Years something happening dfill will be CLOSED andDay. New Years Day. s at this time of year.” Payments A regular Posts can be made as usual via online banking, telephone or at banking institutions. Payments can be made as usual via online banking, telephone or at complement of staff eques can be dropped prior to thePostclosure. Payments through the ne banking, telephone oroff/mailed atPost-dated banking institutions. works on Christmas banking institutions. cheques can be dropped off/ placed st led prior to the closure. Payments placed through the . at the ACRD will be processed as of December 31 Day and receives mailed prior to the closure. Payments placed through the mail extra pay. as of December 31st. will be processed as of December 31st. slot at the ACRD Other staff Permits & Inspections volunteer their time Permits & Inspections ng Building permits will be issued or inspections conducted during the closure.toPlease come inensure and visit No building permits issued or inspections conducted spections conducted duringwill the be closure. Please ensure residents. thisduring into consideration and plan accordingly. the closure. Please ensure you take this into consideration n accordingly. Many residents stay and plan accordingly. at the facility but some leave for a day questions regarding the closure please contact the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District e please contact the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District For any questions regarding the closure please contact the Albernior even a weekend 250-720-2700 to visit with their Clayoquot Regional District Office at 250-720-2700. families.

Some residents are alone with no visitors so staff have become their de facto family members, Casavant said.

Christmas outside of Tsawaayuus in 2009. “All of us around the table. That’s what I remember.” Tate remembers

WAWMEESH G. HAMIILTON/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Tsawaayuus resident Steve Tate, 70, is ready for a crib rematch with a friend on Christmas Day.

Steve Tate, 70, will celebrate Christmas at Tsawaayuus. A bachelor, Tate used to celebrate with his extended family in Ucluelet and Nitinat Lake, and remembers his last

his Christmases as a young man growing up in Nitinat. Times were tough but the family found a way to have a nice holiday meal. “My brother Dave went to Nitinat Lake

and came home with a fresh duck. That was our supper and it was the best,” Tate said. Some of his Christmases were spent in the Port Alberni Residential School, where he attended from 19521957. He would spend the day with fellow students, receiving a few presents. “We never got to go home,” he said. “I went home for good after I was diagnosed with epilepsy.” Tate has been a resident at Tsawaayuus since being felled by a stroke three years ago. Christmas is different now, he said, but at least there’s still a celebration. “I have new friends. We have a good meal and we get a present. I enjoy myself,” Tate said. This year he has a special activity planned on Christmas Day. “I’m ready for a crib game with Karen Mika, one of our board members,” Tate said. “She’s pretty good and she beat me once, but I’m ready.” Perhaps his present this year will be a victory.

reporter@albernivalleynews.com Twitter.com/AlberniNews

Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

E TOP H T

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We’re having fun!

Church Choir

e v i F

It’s time for Christmas Carols if that’s your thing, and really at this time of year whose thing isn’t it (unless its sung off key). The good folks at Trinity Church have carols for you on Friday, Dec. 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. Don’t just sit and listen, tell the choir what carols to sing — seriously. Hot apple cider served later.

SOME

SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR WEEK AHEAD

New Era Event

Market Xmas Still in a bit of a quandry — a conundrum — about what to get this holiday? Don’t fret. Check out the Annual Christmas At The Market. The event is at Harbour Quay, Thursday, Dec. 20, and is from 4-7 p.m. Santa will be there, organizers say, as well as the members of Timbre Choir.

Seven Silly Santas If you like comedy and Christmas then the Capitol Theatre has something for you. Check out Seven Silly Santas, on Thursday, Dec. 20 at the Capitol theatre. Showtime: 7 p.m. The event is billed as a family friendly improv. Admission is $5 and children are admitted free with foodbank donations.

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Has the whole Mayan calendar thing got you going...... nah. Us neither. But if it does and you need a little boost before the bang, then check out the New Era Celebration on Dec. 21. The event is at the Echo Park Fieldhouse, 4200 Wood Ave., from 7-8:30 p.m. A children’s craft table is being made available and there will be refreshments.

Banner Year

If you painted a banner for 2012, they are still Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District/School District No. 70 (Alberni) available for purchase at the Rollin Art Centre 2013 BY-ELECTION until the end of the year for $25. After that time, the banners will be open for purchase by NOTICE OF OF NOMINATION NOTICE NOMINATION anyone who would like a piece of Port Alberni Public Notice is given to the electors of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District and School Distri to hang on their walls. They will be available to Public Notice isfor given to theof:electors of the Alberni-Clayoquot Re70 (Alberni) that nominations the offices the general public in 2013.

gional District and School District No. 70 (Alberni) that nomina-

Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District for the –offices of: to be elected, representing Electoral Area “F” (Cherry C Electoraltions Area Director One Director for the remainder of the 2011 to 2014 term.

Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District

School District No. 70Area (Alberni) Electoral Director – One Director to be elected, representSchool Board Trustee – One Trustee to be elected representing the City of Port Alberni, Ele Electoral “F”“D” (Cherry the remainder of theCree Areas “A”ing (Bamfield), “B” Area (Beaufort), (Sproat Creek) Lake), “E”for (Beaver Creek), “F” (Cherry the remainder of to the 2014 2011 toterm. 2014 term. 2011

Christmas at The Bay...

Nominations will be receivedNo. by the Election Officer or a designated person, between the School District 70Chief (Alberni) of 9:00 am on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 to 4:00 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013 during r School Board Trustee – One Trustee be Alberni, electedBC. representoffice hours at the Regional District Office, 3008 Fifth Avenue,toPort

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ing the City of Port Alberni, Electoral Areas “A” (Bamfield), “B”

Nomination Documents“D” and information on the requirements and procedures for making a nomi (Beaufort), (Sproat Lake), “E” (Beaver Creek), “F” (Cherry are available at the Regional District Office, 3008 Fifth Avenue, Port Alberni, BC during r Creek) the remainder the 2011 to website 2014 term. office hours or can for be downloaded off the of Regional District www.acrd.bc.ca or School D No. 70 website www.sd70.bc.ca

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Canadian citizen; 18 years of age or older; Nomination Documents and 6information on thebefore requirements and p resident of British Columbia for at least months immediately the day nomination for making a nomination are available at the Regional areprocedures filed; notDistrict disqualified by the Local Act or Port any other enactment from votingregin an el Office, 3008Government Fifth Avenue, Alberni, BC during in British Columbia or from being nominated for, being elected to, or holding office.

ular office hours or can be downloaded off the Regional District when you spend $75 or more in our cosmetics or fragrance departments in store website www.acrd.bc.ca or School No. 70 website www. FURTHER INFORMATION on the foregoing may be District obtained by contacting: or at thebay.com! sd70.bc.ca Wendy Thomson, Chief Election Officer (250) 720-2706 GET IT Spend $75 or more on cosmetics or fragrance and receive Shelli Lyle, Deputy Chief Election Officer (250) 720-2709 THE BEAUTY CARD. USE IT Save $15 on your next $100 or more cosmetic or fragrance purchase QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE KEEP IT New BEAUTY SAVINGS will be uploaded to your card throughout the holiday season. Beauty Card redeemable in store only.

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Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

U-cut tree lots enjoy resurgence RETAIL: | Outdoor experience draws people to lots. SUSAN QUINN Alberni Valley News

Gerry Kirkpatrick always thought selling Christmas trees would be a recession-proof business. Out of work from the logging industry in 1981, Kirkpatrick got the idea to grow and sell Christmas trees. “I could see there was a hole that needed to be filled for quality trees,” he said. He leased an eightand-a-half-mile strip of land underneath the BC Hydro power lines and began to clear and plant roughly 100 acres of trees. “I planted 30,000 trees for the first five years,” he said. He had to hire up to eight

After three decades of owning and operating a Christmas tree farm, the last nine on Coleman Road near the Alberni Valley Airport, Gerry Kirkpatrick says he knows a thing or two about growing trees. Kirkpatrick mows rows between his trees so his farm is accessible to baby strollers and wheelchairs.

he sourced another lot near the Alberni Valley Airport, and slowly began clearing it while getting rid of

people to help him groom the trees in the 1990s, when business boomed. About 14 years ago

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his existing stock on the power line. He has worked this lot for the past nine years. Kirkpatrick and his wife Connie have operated Kirkpatrick Christmas Trees for 31 years in total, including a retail lot near Zellers. Today, Kirkpatrick says u-cut tree lots are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. “I have had customers tell me they have returned to

SUSAN QUINN/Alberni Valley News

Mica Verbrugge of Port Alberni fells a tree at his Whiskey Creek U-Cut lot.

a real tree because of the u-cut experience and got rid of their plastic tree,” he said. Kirkpatrick visited a tree farm in Hawaii many years ago and the owner told him customers buying her trees on a retail lot grumbled at the $10 price tag. Yet she didn’t have enough parking for the people visiting her tree lot to cut down their own tree for $25. Mica Verbrugge

has also been in the Christmas tree business for a long time, even though he is only 29 years old. Verbrugge owns and operates Whiskey Creek U-Cut, the original u-cut lot in Central Vancouver Island according to Kirkpatrick. Verbrugge grew up working on his father Tom’s Christmas tree lot. He also has fond memories of his own family’s tradition of

cutting their own tree. “We used to bundle up with six other families. I remember snow and trees and hotdogs over the fire,” he says. When the opportunity presented itself to work for another grower and eventually buy that tree farm, Mica jumped. He farms 60 acres under the power line with a team of four people. Continued / A7

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Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

DEB OAKES

◆ STILL LOOKING FOR A CHRISTMAS TREE? Kirkpatrick and Tom’s Trees u-cut lots in Port Alberni are open through the weekend, barring heavy snow. Also Whiskey Creek U-Cut. ◆ TREES CAN also be found at Kirkpatrick’s lot on Third and Angus (across from Zellers), Tom’s Trees at Walmart and Naesgaar’ds Farm Market.

Residences 1st – 8299 Beaver

FACEBOOK PHOTO

Pescadores has won first place in the business category of the chamber of commerce’s 2012 Light Up the Night Christmas lights contest.

entries. At Trends Design Team at 4663 Margaret St. the judges loved the boughs and lights enough they picked them as the third choice in Business Category. As they rounded the corner and stopped at Pescadores, judges decided this should be the No. 1 Business category winner. As the judges made their way over to what’s known as Westport Place they found another array of nicely decorated homes. This is where they found the secondplace winner in the

Residential category at 5445 Woodland Cres. In the Echo area, Maitland Street is well lit up and definitely worth a mention. We found ourselves driving out Beaver Creek Road stopping just before Stamp Falls. There on the side of the road, in a yard was a plethora of lights and blow-up statues. Apparently if one drives further out there is another well lit up residence. Deb Oakes is the executive assistant at the AVCOC.

lley People Va

◆ NAESGAARD’S also has a Christmas Wonderland full of decorations set up.

fe y Li lle

editor@albernivalleynews.com —With files from Wawmeesh Hamilton, Alberni Valley News

Quickfacts

Johnston Rd. 2nd – Pet Sitters for your Pampered Pet, 6467 Walker Rd. 3rd – Trends Design Team, 4663 Margaret St.

Like his son, Tom Verbrugge also offers free hot chocolate and hotdogs and a warm fire for people. Tom also has a retail lot at Walmart. While Tom Verbrugge would be the first to tell you that breaking into the Christmas tree business is hard work, Kirkpatrick says it’s a rewarding job. “It’s the only busines I know that you get gratification from it,” he says. “I get so many comments...on how positive the experience is. People are happy when they’re buying a Christmas tree.”

The results are in for the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Light Up the Night Christmas light display contest. Judges spent three hours winding their way through the streets of Port Alberni last Thursday night, and after much deliberation they came to the conclusion that if there were more entries they would have had to judge over two or three evenings. There are so many homes with wonderful displays of lights. As we had more than 30 places registered we have many “honourable mentions as well (please see list). Uptown Port Alberni and the Quality Foods district have many great streets to wind your way around, particularly when you stop to listen and watch the music at 2415 Seventh Ave. We travelled over to the Harbour Quay area where there were three business

Monday, Dec. 24 8:30 am - 12 Noon CLOSED AT NOON Tuesday Dec. 25 Wednesday Dec. 26 CLOSED Tuesday, Jan. 1st, 2013 CLOSED We will be back to our regular hours starting January 2, 2013 Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm 4656 Margaret St. Port Alberni, B.C. • 250-723-6399

SHOPNI ALBER

Valley Job s

A photo feature in the Dec. 13 edition of the Alberni Valley News incorrectly credited an artist for the glasswork created for the entrance to the new auditorium at Alberni District Secondary School. Todd Robinson of Cascadia Glass created the glass panes with a depiction of the Tseshaht canoe. Kelly Robinson assisted Gordon Dick in carving the doors along with Raymond Sim.

WINNERS Businesses 1st – Pescadores, 5093

Special to the News

Christmas trees a family tradition for Verbrugges

For the record

Take a tour of the city’s best Christmas lighting displays

The James family of Errington—father Aaron, mother Natasha, son Trent and daughters Theresa and Taya (not pictured)—roast hotdogs at Whiskey Creek U-Cut on a cold Saturday afternoon. The James family, including grandmother Wendy, have cut down their own tree at the u-cut for the past three years.

From / A6 They collective put in 1,200 hours a year sculpting the trees in preparation for the Christmas season. Verbrugge is also in the business of creating family memories, this time for others. He has several fire pits where families can roast hotdogs and drink free hot chocolate while they are out choosing their trees. Whiskey Creek U-cut is less than 30 kilometres east of Port Alberni. Tom Verbrugge, Mica’s father, got into the Christmas tree business 16 years ago after working in the logging industry. He acquired a 40-acre lot near the airport and started cultivating trees. Tom’s Trees sells a variety of trees, but his most popular is Douglas Fir.

www.albernivalleynews.com

Creek Rd. 2nd – 5445 Woodland Cres. East 3rd – 5646 Willow Rd.

Other great LIGHT displays 3838 Whittlestone 3833 Mears Drive 3631 11th Ave 2937 Seventh Ave (top of Angus) 4344 Bruce Street 2415 Seventh Ave 2459 Fifth Ave 3074 Kingsway 5344 Argyle Street 4977 Argyle Street 3853 Sixth Ave 3854 Sixth Ave 3941 Maitland Street 3831 Anderson Ave 4139 Steede Ave 4355 11th Ave 4766 Johnston Road 5008 Compton Road 5522 Maple Street 5505 Kitsuksis 6110 Renton North 3765 Bexley Road 3837 Morrison Road 4297 Glenside Road 4543 Beale

This Christmas www.avcoc.com

Shop at these participating merchants for some great deals! • Just Brew It • Animal Ark • EM Salon • Alter Ego Studio and Cosmetology Institute • Jowsey’s Furniture and Appliances • Baich’s Natural Foods • Finishing Touches • Treadsetter Shoes • Jenny’s Fine Foods, Gifts and Eclectica • Salmonberry’s • Walk the Coast • Secluded Wellness Centre • Lubex Fast Oil Change • Flandangles • Alberni Valley News • Staples • Boutique Belles Amies • Mark’s • April’s Boutique • Inner Stillness Holistic Studio • Sweet Lulubell Accessories for Kids • Home Hardware

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Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

Valley gets new mental health teams WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON Alberni News

Services for people living with severe mental illness in Port Alberni and Campbell River got a milliondollar boost from the Vancouver Island Health Authority this week. VIHA announced Monday that it has invested $1.5 million to establish two separate special health teams in each community to assist people with severe mental illnesses. Assertive

SONJA DRINKWATER/Alberni Valley News

Newlyweds

Kym Dyler and Peter Muggleston are all smiles following their 12-12-12 nuptials at the Best Western Barclay Hotel, which Muggleston owns.

i l l e p a C

Community Treatment (ACT) teams will serve VIHA’s mental health clients who have difficulty with structure and are hard to engage. Team members will help clients out of office and in the street seven days a week. Integrated Care Team (ICT) will support family physicians in assessing, intervening and/or supporting adults living with mental illnesses and/ or substance use. Team members will provide the services to

clients and physicians in physicians’ offices. Rapid access to support is available if needed. The teams are expected to begin providing services to clients in spring 2013. The project is underwritten through the province’s integrated primary and community care initiative. “This is new money and not something that was in my budget this year,” said Janet James, manager of mental health and substance use for VIHA.

The initiatives have been in the works for more than six months. “The province is committed to improving supports and services for people facing mental illnesses and/or substance disorders,” said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. “Establishing ACT and ICT teams in Campbell River and Port Alberni is a significant step forward in strengthening the network of services available to clients.” Providing

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Some vehicles had all four tires slashed, while others had one or two slashed, Allan said. “It is unknown what type of implement was used in the incidents, but it is clear that the intent was to damage many vehicles in a short period of time,” she said. The investigation revealed that three teens were spotted near one of the damaged vehicles, and one of them was observed crouching down behind the vehicle. Continued/15

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individuals living with mental health and addiction illnesses with safe, quality and timely access to care and services is a key priority for VIHA, said Don Hubbard, VIHA’s chairperson. “The addition of ACT and ICT teams in Campbell River and Port Alberni will make a significant difference in supporting these clients with the ultimate goal of improving their quality of life.”

VIHA requires approximately 334 square meters (3,600 square feet) of office space for Mental Health and Addiction Services in Port Alberni. The RFP can be viewed on the BC Bid website: www.bcbid.ca

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Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

Alberni Valley

NEWS

The Alberni Valley News is published every Thursday by Black Press Ltd., 4656 Margaret St., Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 6H2. Phone: (250) 723-6399. Fax: (250) 723-6395. Classifieds: 1-855-310-3535. The Alberni Valley News is distributed free to 9,500 households in Port Alberni, Cherry Creek, Sproat Lake and Beaver Creek. The Alberni Valley News is Vancouver Island owned and operated. 2012 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2012

Publisher: Teresa Bird Editor: Susan Quinn

EDITORIAL

Mental health gets a boost Premier Clark ponders black ink, oil The Vancouver Island Health Authority earlier this week announced funding for a pair of programs designed to help people with mental health challenges in our community. One program in particular will bring a mental health team to the streets of Port Alberni and Campbell River, to help people who have difficulty with structure or are hard to engage. This is welcome news, particularly now. Homelessness is a big issue in our community, and whether we want to face it or sweep it under the carpet, many people who are hard to house are also hard to deal with—either because of mental health or substance abuse issues. Oftentimes people with challenging mental health issues reject traditional methods of care, only to end up on the wrong side of someone’s patience. In many cases, they end up on the wrong side of the law. Case in point: the debate over plans to expand the Port Alberni Shelter. We are hopeful the Integrated Care Team fills in the gaps for mental health patients by streamlining communication between doctors, patients and applicable services. If we had any criticism of these two pilot projects, it would be that they ignore our youth. We would like to see something similar in place for older teenagers— those who are no longer children, but not yet adults by legal definition. And we hope this small cash infusion ($1.5 million for four teams in total) will not be cut off before the efficacy of the pilot project can be quantified. — Alberni Valley News

‘We’ve been crossexamining Enbridge. We have not been getting any of the answers that we hoped to get.’

TOM FLETCHER B.C. Views

ICTORIA – Premier Christy Clark has completed the traditional round of yearend interviews with legislative press gallery reporters. Here are excerpts from my discussion with her, dealing with the Enbridge oil pipeline proposal and the balanced budget her government has promised to present in February. Fletcher: On the Enbridge project, are you getting the answers you want on safety? Clark: No, we’re not. We’ve set out our position. The five conditions need to be met, period. [B.C.’s conditions are “worldclass” land and marine spill prevention and response, meeting legal obligations for aboriginal consultation, passing federalprovincial environmental assessment and a “fair share” of financial benefits.] Clark: We need the oilpatch producers, the Alberta government and the federal government to come to the table. We’ve been cross-examining Enbridge. We have not been getting any of the answers that we hoped to get. We haven’t gained a lot of

– Christy Clark

NEWS FILE PHOTO

Premier Christy Clark addresses BC Liberal supporters at a Port Alberni restaurant during her leadership campaign in 2011.

comfort from that process. And none of the other conditions are even close to being met. We are doing our own study of marine traffic. We want to understand the total number of ships that are out there plying our coast right now. Because all of them have fuel in them, and some are cargo ships that are big enough to have enough [bunker] fuel as a mini-tanker would.

TO COMMENT … We welcome your original comments on editorials, columns, on topics in the Alberni Valley News or any subjects important to you. Only letters that include name, address, and day and evening phone numbers and that are verified by the Alberni Valley News can be considered for publication. Letters to the editor and articles submitted to the Alberni Valley News may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms. The Alberni Valley News is a member of the B.C. Press Council, a self-regulatory 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.

Part of this is trying to understand where our level of Coast Guard protection needs to be today, in order to protect us should there be a spill from the existing traffic. Fletcher: Balancing the budget: the finance ministry’s current projections call for an upturn in natural gas royalties in the coming year. With the current glut of gas, isn’t that kind of far-fetched? Clark: It is going to be difficult to present a balanced budget, but I think, because we’re going to build in some [forecast] allowance, as we always do, and because we’re going to be completely transparent about the assumptions that have led us there, and because we aren’t going to fiddle with any of the assumptions that we receive from the experts in the Ministry of Finance, it’s going to be quite clear that we have done it. We have come by a balanced budget honestly. Continued / 11

Commitment to accuracy To report corrections and clarifications, contact editor Susan Quinn at 250-723-6399 or e-mail: editor@ albernivalleynews.com or drop by our office at 4656 Margaret St.

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News Thursday ,Dec. 20, 2012

◆ OPINION

QUESTION

Are you staying in town for the Christmas holidays?

A11

This week’s question:

Premier promises of the Yes – 19 No – 3 week transparency, balance in budget Mailbag: Feedback on neighbours both far and near

Do you think the Alberni Valley School District provides adequate security for students in its schools?

Vote at: www.albernivalleynews.com

From / 10 So when it comes to natural gas, you know that the assumption we use in the budget is based on a fairly complex formula that the Ministry of Finance has relied on for probably a decade now. We don’t fiddle with that. There are those who would say we should artificially lower the [revenue projection] number that we use. But if you artificially lower it, what’s to stand in the way of artificially raising it? You either accept the advice of your experts or you don’t. And they’re the experts, not the politicians. Fletcher: Right now we have a deficit gap of more than a billion dollars. Can that be closed without significant spending cuts, or tax increases, or both? Clark: You will see when we get to the budget. And it will be absolutely transparent how we got there. [Laughs]

Speak up.

What makes good neighbour

You can comment on any story you read @ www.albernivalleynews.com

Nice try. Fletcher: If the B.C. Liberals form a government in May, will the election date be changed so we don’t have to have this discussion about questionable spring election budgets? Clark: It’s not part of the plan today, but I’m sure it’s a discussion we’ll have in the next four years. I know that people have talked about it. I’m open to it. I’m not wedded to this particular date. Next week, Tom Fletcher will have highlights from his year-end interview with NDP leader Adrian Dix. Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com tfletcher@blackpress.ca

To the Editor, I attended a meeting recently to learn more about McLaughlin Ridge, which is in our watershed and about Island Timberlands activities on the ridge. As I listened to the speakers, I thought who is a neighbour and what is a good neighbour? A neighbour can be the people who live next door. The people who live in the neighbourhood. A commercial business located near where we live. Island Timberlands certainly carry out their business close enough to Port Alberni to have an impact on our daily lives. This qualifies them to be a neighbour. The next question I posed, is, what is a good neighbour? To me a good neighbour is one who respects my space and who works with me to keep the neighbour clean

and safe. I would not think of draining my excess water on to my neighbour’s yard. I would not think of dumping garbage or unwanted soil, woody debris, etc. on my neighbour’s yard. I would not put up some monstrosity and block his view. Does Island Timberlands qualify as a good neighbour as their posted signs in many of the communities where they work would suggest? They have chosen to ignore research stating the need to protect McLaughlin Ridge. They have chosen to ignore a commitment made by Weyerhaeuser to keep the ridge intact. What does this mean to us? McLaughlin Ridge is part of the Port Alberni watershed. Cities like Victoria and Vancouver have jurisdiction over their watersheds. We don’t. Has Island Timberlands asked

us, the residents of Port Alberni, if and how we want our watershed logged? Are they a good neighbour? Ronald Stephenson, Port Alberni

Blessed be the innocent To the Editor, I was thinking of the children of Newtown while going through old papers when a small piece of paper slipped from between cards and special keepsakes my Mother had carefully folded away. On it is a poem by Annie Johnson Flint entitled Spirit of Christmas. And, in my maternal grandmother’s handwriting is the notation “How true”. The poem reads: “I question if Christmas can ever be “merry” Except to the heart of an innocent child. For when time has taught us the meaning of sorrow When all the green graves that lie

scattered behind us And echoes of voices that no more shall greet us Have saddened the chimes of the bright Christmas day, We may not be merry, the long years forbid it, But we may be happy, if only we carry The Spirit of Christmas deep down in our hearts. Hence I shall not wish you the old “Merry Christmas,” Since that is of shadowless childhood a part, But one that is holy and happy and peaceful, The Spirit of Christmas deep down in your heart.” Both Nana and Mum have gone now, but Nana used to say that “the Lord works in mysterious ways —His wonders to unfold”. Surely it’s not so mysterious this poem should suddenly reveal itself now in light of Newtown’s grief. Along with a comforting reminder

that there were surely angels assigned to guide all the souls crossing over that day, especially the children. Liz Stonard, Port Alberni

Say no to China agreement

To the Editor, The time is now to send a resounding “no” to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Conservatives that we will not tolerate the ratification of the “Canada China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement”. This trade deal is tantamount to the social and economic occupation of Canada by a foreign nation. Canada is at a crossroad. Harper plans to ratify the treaty this week before the Christmas holidays. Let’s hope the people of Canada will prevail. Ellen Chambers, Port Alberni

Letters Mail: Letters, Alberni Valley News, 4656 Margaret St., Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 6H2 Fax: 250-723-6395 E-mail: editor@albernivalleynews.com Letters should be no longer than 300 words and will be edited. Include your address and phone number (although those won’t be published) and a first name or two initials. We won’t publish anonymous letters, or letters to third parties. We regret that, due to the volume of letters we receive, not all will be printed.

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Pastor’s Pen

‘Tis the season of celebrating Christ’ birth! We may expect to be reminded of Christ in familiar carols. We may be surprised to recognize him in the cacophony of sounds at the shopping mall. We may be delighted when Christ’ inexplicable peace descends on us. We may expect Christ to come in the familiar language of the Christmas story. We may expect Christ to come into our decorated homes and churches. We should not be surprised when Christ, light and love, reveals himself in glorious community concerts and beautiful church services and also in people who are forgotten, those who suffer, those who are hungry for food, shelter, and friendship all year long. ‘Tis the season of compassion! This Christmas season let us look around the Alberni Valley and challenge ourselves to allow compassion to motivate us all year long to alleviate the suffering of other people in our neighbourhood. The Alberni Valley is a community with a heart and this Christmas season may our heart grow three times larger.

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www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

Last Call

If you drink and drive your last call of the night could be from the police station

Despite the many strong ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ campaigns and messages out there in the community, people still foolishly take their lives and the lives of others in their hands by driving when they’ve had too much to drink. If you spot someone driving in a manner that makes you think they might be impaired, get a description of the vehicle and the driver if you can, the licence plate number and be prepared to tell the 911 operator where you are and which direction the vehicle is heading. Ideally, pull over to make the call but if you are not able to, an emergency call to 911 is allowed under the new BC cell phone driving law.

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Rituals help us deal with loss DR. NEILL NEILL Living

WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Santa candy

One of Santa’s elves rolls out freshly made candy canes at Coombs Country Candy at a family event on Saturday, Dec. 8.

number of years ago in the early morning I was walking on the beach and stopped to rest on a bench at the end of a short street leading to the beach. As I sat there drinking in the fresh sea air, an older man arrived in a pickup. He got out, approached the bench and asked me if he could sit down. I responded with a welcoming gesture. After three or four minutes of sitting in silence he got up to leave with the words, “My wife died about a year ago and this was her favourite spot, so every morning about this time I come down to say good morning to her.” He climbed into his pickup and left. I was impressed with the wisdom

of this man: he had created a simple ritual to help him deal with a deep loss and had made it a daily practice. I was reminded of this man and his ritual as the anniversary of my son Richard’s death approached and passed last month. Richard was my first biological son. With 18 aunts and uncles and their spouses, and 51 first cousins, the inevitable losses have taught me a few things. I have come to learn that grieving rituals are not restricted to the time after the passing, but can be extremely healing even before the actual death, if we know it’s coming. Richard had a fatal liver disease including cancer. We spent many hours of quality time together in the days before his passing. We openly discussed our lives, his impending death,

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meaning, legacy and his thoughts about life after he is gone. We discussed happy things and sad things. We were well past the denial phase, but the tone of our discussions was still hopeful. By the time of his passing, we both had a sense of peace. More grieving and more rituals followed, but what we did before Richard died was a good part of the grief work. At the time, I didn’t think of our discussions as a ritual, but then I recalled having had parallel discussions with other family members as they were dying. For me, the intimate discussions about life and death have become an important ritual before an impending death.

If we live long enough, we all have to face loss. I invite you not only to take advantage of the standard rituals—the memorial service, burial, wake—but also to develop your own rituals. Just as the ritual of visiting his late wife’s favourite spot helped the man

A13

come to terms with her absence, rituals can help you through your losses. Dr. Neill is a CentralIsland Registered Psychologist. You can reach him at 250-752-8684 or through his website www.neillneill.com/ contact.

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Block Watch urged From/ 8 Unfortunately this was not reported to police at the time, she said. “It’s information that appears very strongly to be related to the incident. We’re not absolutely sure these teens that were seen in the area were responsible, but it’s a lead.” She encourages residents to look into Block Watch, a relatively new program to Port Alberni that encourages neighbours to link up in an effort to prevent and detect crime by reporting suspicious activity to police. “Everybody’s pretty cash-strapped at this time of year. Having

to replace four vehicle tires because someone wanted to have some cheap thrills is really unfortunate,” Allan said. Port Alberni RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals responsible for these senseless acts. Anyone with information is asked to contact the local detachment at 723-2424, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS where tipsters are eligible to receive a cash reward for anonymously providing information that leads to the arrest of the persons responsible for this crime. editor@albernivalleynews.com

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Pillowtop

2012 APPLIANCE Model BLOWOUT! (One Week Only) • Maytag Built-in Dishwasher (white), MSRP $599 ..................................SALE $399 MDB707PAN • Maytag Front Load Dryer moisture sensor, 6.7 cu.ft., $ MSRP $649, (one only!) ...................................... SALE 435 • Maytag Fully Integrated Dishwasher (S/S), MSRP $899....................SALE $599 MDB7749SAM • LG Top Load Laundry Pair high efficiency $ • Frigidaire Gas Range, self clean, convection, 5 burners (S/S), MSRP $1599 ... SALE $999 CGGF3056KF MSRP $2598 (one only!) ..................................SALE 1599/SET • Frigidaire French Door, bottom freezer/fridge (S/S), MSRP $2699 ........... SALE $1699 FGGN2642LF • Chest Freezers .......................................... from $239 • Maytag Top Load, high efficiency Laundry pairs (white), MSRP $1898 ...... SALE $1298/set 750 SERIES • Maytag Fridge French Door, ice/water, 2.6 cu.ft. $ MSRP $2599, (one only!) .................................... SALE 1699 • Maytag Stove, self clean, convection, aqua-lift clean (S/S), MSRP $1299.......... SALE $798 YMER8775AS • Danby Ice Cooler,

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599

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149 SALE $ 550 SALE $ 499 SALE $ 399 SALE $

2 doors, MSRP $999........................................... SALE

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4957 Johnston Road Ph: 250.723.3922 Fax: 250.724-4222 Jennifer

Ken

Rita

Carole

Brad

Nathan

web: www.jowseys.ca email: marknorn@telus.net

12 A16

www.albernivalleynews.com www.albernivalleynews.com

BOXING WEEK

Friday , Nov. 25, 2011 Alberni Valley News Alberni Valley News Friday , Nov. 25, 2011 Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News Alberni Valley News Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012

BOXING WEEK

SALE

DEC. 27TH 1-4 pm • DEC. 28TH TO DEC. 30TH 9 am-5:30 pm • DEC. 31ST 9 am-4 pm ALL SOFAS on SALE Starting at 349 ALL BEDS on SALE $

DOOR CRASHER SPECIALS

www.albernivalleynews.com 29 www.albernivalleynews.com A17

BEAUTYREST Pocket Coil Mattress Sets ON SALE!

FRIGIDAIRE OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE

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WOW! MSRP $799

(1 only)

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MSRP - Double

349

MSRP $899

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599

800 OFF

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MSRP $799

MSRP $999

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while supplies last

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FURNITURE & APPLIANCES

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149 SALE $ 550 SALE $ 499 SALE $ 399 SALE $

2 doors, MSRP $999........................................... SALE

399 (1 only) DW6212 • AND SO MANY MORE DEALS!

4957 Johnston Road Ph: 250.723.3922 Fax: 250.724-4222 Jennifer

Ken

Rita

Carole

Brad

Nathan

web: www.jowseys.ca email: marknorn@telus.net

A18

www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

◆ CHRISTMAS IN THE COMMUNITY

Christmas at the Market Dec. 20, 2012 4:00 - 7:30 pm SANTA CLAUS FOR THE KIDS SANTA & TIMBRE CHOIR FREE ENTERTAINMENT

DRAWS!

Lots of Christmas baking, Fresh eggs for holiday breakfasts Last minute Christmas gifts and much more...

Harbour Quay & Kingsway Corner businesses also open!

LOOK FOR OUR FLYER in this and every edition of the Alberni Valley News

Left, Blake and Brody Dixon take their turn visiting with Santa Claus at the Maritime Discovery Centre Lighthouse last Saturday. Top, Gill Elementary School teacher Naomi Wicki leads students during their Christmas concert on Thursday, Dec. 13. (Pics by Wameesh G. Hamilton) Above, Students from Ms. Girard’s Grade 4/5 class look for treasures on the “moms” table at the Maquinna Elementary School Christmas store last week. The school is one of three that puts on a store, where children can spend anywhere from a quarter to $3 and buy presents for their families. (Pic by Susan Quinn)

Find aﬀordable holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

LAST MINUTE E Holiday Gift Ideas! Check out the Gift Guide now at www.yerland.ca/ holidaygiftguide

See great deals from retailers like

3756 10th Avenue Port Alberni • 250.723-6212

Open 7 am - 10 pm Daily

Visit our website at: www.safeway.ca

your source for FREE coupons

Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

www.albernivalleynews.com

A19

Gift from Spain helps hospice NON-PROFITS: | Potter gifts Pot Luck Ceramics with plates to replace shipment stolen last year.

hristmas came early for Pot Luck Ceramics this year. Last year, the Alberni Valley business, which sells unique ceramic cookware as a fundraiser for the Ty Watson House Hospice, had a partial shipment stolen from its pallets. Owner Helma Swinkels imports the cookware from Spain. In October, two pallets with pottery for Pot Luck Ceramics were transported to a warehouse in Barcelona, Spain to await loading onto a cargo ship headed for Vancouver Island. One of the pallets contained four boxes with a gift from Jaume Ruldua, the potter that makes the West Coast series exclusively for Port Alberni. In October last year four boxes with Pot Luck’s most popular rectangular plates with bear tracks and salmon were stolen from the pallets while on their way to Vancouver. “The shipment was insured, but the deductible was half of the value and Pot Luck Ceramics had to accept the loss,” Swinkels said. This year Ruldua had a surprise for Potluck: he offered to make 40 rectangular plates for free and they recently arrived in Port Alberni. In April Swinkels, Val Startup, Deb Pearson and Rick Schievink visited the ceramic factories in Spain to connect with the owners and to negotiate a new order for the end of the year. Ruldua, who had been informed about the loss of the West Coast rectangular plates, offered to replace them for free. He said he admired the purpose of the business: raising funds for charitable services that improve quality of life in the community, especially the support of end of life care in Ty Watson House. “He (Ruldua) didn’t hesitate to offer to make the plates again, but now for free,” Swinkels said. “This

Photo courtesy Helma Swinkels

Jaume Ruldua, a potter in Catalonia, Spain, creates special red pottery sold through Pot Luck Ceramics in Port Alberni.

is his contribution to our purpose.” Ruldua also designed a new art series dubbed “Ultimate Fish”, specially made to promote Port Alberni’s Ultimate Fishing Town title. Ruldua and his

wife Carmen live and work in Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain on the Mediterranean Coast. “They are very proud that Port Alberni was named after a Catalonian, Pedro de Alberni, a captain of the free company

of volunteers of Catalonia, who lived and served on Vancouver Island in 1790,” Swinkels said. She thought it would be a great fit to import ceramics from Catalonia, not only because of the high terracotta quality,

but also because the business is completely run by volunteers, she explained. “Pedro de Alberni after all was a volunteer himself, and he was born in the area of the famous cook and dinnerware, where Catalonians were already producing these ceramics for hundreds of years. “Selling Catalonian terracotta pottery made of the soil Pedro de Alberni was born on seemed a perfect fit for the Port Alberni fundraising co-op that owns and operates Pot Luck Ceramics.” By the end of November the two pallets had arrived from Catalonia with the free plates as well as new product. Pot Luck Ceramics is open this Saturday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the barn at 4011 Cowley Rd. For more information, please go online to potluckceramics.ca.

B.C. DL#9345

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CLOSED: Dec. 24th, 25th & Jan. 1st

Have a Safe & Happy Holiday 2555 Port Alberni Hwy.

www.albernivalleynews.com

A20

Puddle Ducks PUB

KARAOKE

SUN., TUES. & THURS.

WEDNESDAY JAM SESSION FRI. & SAT. LIVE BANDS 9:30 PM - 2:00 AM Full Menu Available

Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

RHM on Gertrude

NEW YEARS EVE SPECIALS

OPEN

Seatings at 5:00 pm & 7:15 pm

Dinner Specials

All entrees are served with croquette potato and fresh seasoned vegetables

2495 95 8oz Rib Eye & 8oz Lobster Tail .................... 36 $ 95 • Prime Rib & Yorkshire Pudding ...... 18 $ 00 • Mediterranean Chicken ................. 17 $ 00 • Chicken Cordon Bleu ...................... 17 $ 95 • Greek Platter ....................................... 18 $ • Caribbean 8oz Lobster Tail ............. • Surf and Turf $

make your reservation today for our

New Years Day Buffet January 1st 10 am – 2 pm

e Reserv! Now

You’re Invited to

Barclay Hotel 4277 Stamp Ave. 250-724-7171

Ph: 778-421-3022

Blue Marlin Inn, Johnston Road

250-736-1100

FAMILY RESTAURANT Book your Christmas Party NOW

Open 7 days a week

A Local Tradition Since 1969 Patio Now Open

Our Banquet Room seats 94 people

DINING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

• Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

SUNDAY SMORGASBORD • 4-8 pm LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH

4785 Beaver Creek Rd. • 250.723.2474

BLUE MARLIN ~~~ INN ~~~

FULLY LICENSED: • Dining Room Turtle Beach

New Year’s Gala

• Lounge: Frog on a Log • Full menu available in all • Daily food and drink specials

Doors Open: 6:00 pm Dinner: 7:00 pm

prizes! 250-723-1607 5170 Argyle Street, Port Alberni

Voted Best Burgers on Vancouver Island

DECEMBER SPECIAL

CHEESE BURGER

$ 99 each

Open: 10:45 am - 9:45 pm • 7 days a week 4422 Gertrude 250-723-6331

- Made by Juanita and Kelly

Frozen Home-Cooked Meals

Kelly & Juanita

250-724-5050

Roast Beef Buffet Champagne at midnight

4539 Gertrude St. • 778-421-1782

778-421-3022

250-723-5663 • Blue Marlin Inn • 5022 Johnston Rd

(available at the Bar or Beer & Wine Store)

5.00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Tickets $15 at the door after 9:30 pm

New Year’s Live Music $ 25 ticket

IN HOUSE SPECIAL $

Live Music by: NO DAL • Puddle Duck Pub Prime Rib Dinner Open Noon - 2 am Champagne 7 days a week at Midnight • We now have Keno Tickets $ S p e c s ia per person e ls z ri P 20 and Pull Tabs Available at the bar

(M’Arli)

Call now for reservations

COME IN AND SOAK UP THE FUN!

Taste of Alberni

BLUE MARLIN INN

SPECIAL MENU

NEW YEARS EVE DEC. 31 11AM - 2:30AM JAN 1ST

TURTLE BEACH

NEW PUB EXPERIENCE

COMING SOON! Watch for more details

Call Jen at 250-723-2622 #100-3550 Johnston Rd

Family Dining

ORDER YOUR

CHRISTMAS BAKING FROM US

• FRUIT CAKE • SHORTBREAD COOKIES • SUGAR COOKIES • GINGERBREAD MEN • THUMBPRINT COOKIES • ASSORTED SQUARES • FRANGIPANE TARTS AND • BUTTER TARTS MORE! • MARZIPAN TREATS ARLI on Johnston 250-723-5663

Open 7 days a week • 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

from

We will be

CLOSED

until Jan. 2

Check our website at: www.coastcountrykitchen.ca

Watch for our Menu on Dec. 27th for Jan. 2nd To Order Call 778-421-4712

OR or E-mail: coastcatering@hotmail.ca Cell: (Kelly) 250-720-6597, (Juanita) 250-735-0493

www.coastcountrykitchen.ca Open for Pick-Up Wednesday 2-6 pm or we welcome pre-arranged pick ups for YOUR convenience at... 4712 Ires Road

Dec.20, 20,2012 2012 Alberni Valley News Thursday Thursday,, Dec

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FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

PERSONAL SERVICES

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IN MEMORIAM GIFTS

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INFORMATION

LOST & FOUND Ads are always

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

FREE

APPLIANCES FRIDGIDARE DOUBLE , Wall Oven. Convection/Microwave & Standard oven. ($4000.00 new) $1500.00 Please Call 250-594-6332

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Western Forest Products Inc. is an integrated Canadian forest products company located on Vancouver Island that is committed to the safety of our employees, the culture of performance and the discipline to achieve results. We currently have the following openings:

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www.albernivalleynews.com A22 www.albernivalleynews.com MERCHANDISE FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE GREAT GIFT IDEA! ChillSpot is The COOLEST Dog Bed-A new and innovative, thermodynamically cooled dog bed, that enhances the cool tile surfaces our pets rely on during the warm weather months. Use promo code COOLGIFT For 10 % off! www.chillspot.biz HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper? STEEL BUILDINGS /metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 or online: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL OR residential 1800 sq ft building and level lot on busy Johnston Road/Highway 4 intersection. Office, personal service, craft or residential use offers revenue and excellent holding opportunity. Corner shared with McDonalds, Macs and Co-op. Call 250-720-7453

FOR SALE BY OWNER

UPTOWN QUALICUM. 3 bdrm 1 bath rancher in Hermitage Park. 1,200.sq ft, updated peek-a-boo view of ocean and mtns. French doors leading to deck. $304,000. Katherine 250 752-5433.

HOUSES FOR SALE

Thursday Dec.20, 20,2012, 2012 Alberni Valley News Thursday,,Dec

REAL ESTATE

RENTALS

TRANSPORTATION

HOUSES FOR SALE

TOWNHOUSES

AUTO FINANCING

CARS

WOODLAND VILLAGE: Clean, reno’d 3 bdrm townhouses. 1.5 bath, W/D hookups, private fenced back yard with storage, $700/mo. Call 250-731-9901.

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TRANSPORTATION

Lantzville Estate Sale: far below assessed value. 4bdrm, lvl entry, walkout bsmnt, panoramic view, high waterfront beach access, new roof, suite or B & B income potential, ample parking on 3/4 acre. Mins from Woodgrove. Pics on usednanaimo.com $524,900. Call 250-585-2620.

FOR SALE

8 ft. Camper Cub. Stove, furnace, ice box. In good shape. 390kg. $800 OBO Phone: 250-724-4149

No qr code reader? Text info: 778.786.8271

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Spay Today! With thousands of homeless animals entering SPCA shelters each year, pet overpopulation is a serious problem in BC. But it’s one you can help prevent. Spay or neuter your companion animal today. www.spca.bc.ca

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www.albernivalleynews.com

A23

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A24

www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

Scene & Heard onja Drinkwater’s

Call: 250.723-4306 or 250-723-6399

The ‘Folk Song Circle” entertained the passengers waiting at the Station, to ride the ‘Santa Train’ They do this every year, to help with the Christmasy ambience there. The 2012 Santa Train had 7 out of the 8 runs “Sold Out”. More than 1600 people rode with Santa. David Hooper photo

Here is the picture of the generous staff from Safeway that donated to the 14th annual Festival of Trees, a KUU-US Crisis Line fundraiser.,also a little bit of info re our festival of trees and what Safeway had donated to us for that. A special thanks to Safeway manager Naomi McLeod at Safeway and all the generous staff for collecting 200 lbs of food and sponsoring a tree and buying $300 worth of gift cards so each of the families can buy a turkey or fresh produce, they truly helped make Christmas special for families. Submitted photo

The Sunshine Club Quilters annually donate these beautiful place mats to Meals on Wheels as a little cheer during the holidays. Fifth from the left, standing is Dora Farrell the coordinator of Meals on Wheels.

Walter Collins pours out a full tin of penny donations at the Clock Tower Gallery and gets ready to fill it up again.

Homestead Cook House has acquired this cozy little spot for diners to enjoy their great food and have an awesome view of the Quay. May Robertson celebrated her 95th birthday on 12, 12, 12 at the Echo Sunshine Club special event tea last Wednesday.

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Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

www.albernivalleynews.com

Scene & Heard

A25

onja Drinkwater’s

Call: 250.723-4306 or 250-723-6399

This past year, since last Christmas has been an extremely tough one for many. Losing a loved one is very hard. My late mother and I were sent the poem “My First Christmas in Heaven” in one of the condolence cards after losing my Dad. We felt comfort when reading it and it was as if he was talking to us. I hope you and your families will also ﬁnd comfort in these words.

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN To everyone that has lost a loved one since last Christmas I send this poem that was sent to me when my Dad passed away. My late mother and I found tremendous comfort and it was as if he was speaking to us from beyond. May this comfort you and your family in your time of need.

I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below, with tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reﬂecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, but the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart, but I am not so far away. We really aren’t apart. So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear, and be glad I’m spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year. I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above. I send you each a memory of, my undying love. After all “Love” is the gift, more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do, for I can’t count the blessing or love he has for each of you.

So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear. Remember, I’m spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year. Merry Christmas and a Healthy & Happy New Year to everyone. Many thanks to the sponsors of these pages We carry Paintball Gear 4906 Bute Street, Port Alberni, BC

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A26

www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

Agreement gives employees access to NIDMAR programs PORT ALBERNI – The National Institute for Disability Management and Research has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety that will help both agencies expand the educational opportunities for each organization’s respective customers. Under the agreement, CCOHS will acquire access to the NIDMAR Disability Management Self Assessment program,

while components of CCOHS’ educational delivery system in Occupational Health and Safety will be made available to NIMDAR customers who principally represent the Disability Management/Return to Work spectrum. “The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is pleased to enter into this agreement with NIDMAR,” said Steve Horvath, President and CEO, CCOHS. “As an organization committed to the

advancement of workplace health and safety, it is our hope that this collaboration will help lower disabling incidence rates, increase workplace job retention for individuals who have suffered a disabling impairment, and ultimately, lead to increased acceptance of persons with disabilities in Canadian workplaces.” CCOHS, which is a federal government agency based in Hamilton, Ontario, promotes the total

well-being – physical, psychosocial and mental health – of working Canadians by providing information, training, education, management systems and solutions that support health and safety programs and the prevention of injury and illness. The DMSA tool will allow CCOHS clients who uncover shortcomings in their DM programs to be referred to NIDMAR for information and for certification programs in DM and return to work (RTW).

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NIDMAR executive director Wolfgang Zimmermann said in recent discussions with federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt, that there was a consensus that effective RTW programs ultimately lead to better prevention programs. “For workplaces this is about bringing RTW and OHS together under one umbrella, rather than in individual silos,” Zimmermann said. The agreement will allow both NIDMAR and its scholastic arm, Pacific Coast

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Prevention and Functional Aspects of Disability. Up until now, we have not had a whole lot of educational programming in this area.” PCU-WHS will soon offer a bachelors degree program in workplace health science, with a specialty in DM, in September 2013, subject to approval by the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology. NIDMAR ‘s program is used by 17 countries worldwide.

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University for Workplace Health Sciences, based in Port Alberni, to expand into the field of OHS. “Certified Disability Management Professionals are required to take 40 hours of training every two years, and their continuing education must be relevant to one of the nine domain areas which comprise the Occupational Standards in RTW/ DM,” Zimmermann explained. “OHS falls under Domain No. 7: Health, Psychosocial,

A request to reduce seniors’ municipal utility bills is being vaulted to the city’s budget discussions next year. The request came from Alberni resident Kay Rolls, who wrote the city engineering department posing the idea of a reduction. The decrease would be to the fixed costs of water, sewer and garbage and not to the consumption fee, Rolls suggested. Pensioners have had a rough ride of it lately, she said. They’ve lost or seen reductions in some benefits while others have seen their benefits clawed back. As well, many seniors go to live in warmer climates for the winter and don’t use their utilities. Port Alberni is attracting new retirees, and many others choose to remain in the Valley after they retired, Rolls said. The city reduced the tax rate for Catalyst Paper when they needed it and now they should afford seniors the same courtesy, she said. Residents are charged various rates for utilities. Garbage fees are based on container size, assistant finance manager Dianne Kosh said.

A flat rate is charged for water meters, and further charges are based on consumption. And a flat rate for sewer services is charged for residential dwellings, while other users are charged according to consumption. The idea is abstract and deserves to be fleshed out during the city’s budget discussions next year, said Coun. Hira Chopra. “I’m not sure how many seniors this will involve or how much this will cost,” Chopra said. “I just want to know: can we afford or can we not afford it?” Coun. Cindy Solda spoke against the initiative, saying the city should in fact be moving the rate up. There are working poor in the Valley barely making it, and they should have their rates reduced. “There’s already so many people in the community who can’t afford it...if we do this for seniors then we should do this for low income people too,” Solda said. The working poor or those who are out of work who own a home should be considered, Coun. Jack McLeman said. “A lot of jobs have gone south. Those are the people who need a break,” he said.

reporter@albernivalleynews.com Twitter.com/AlberniNews

Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

www.albernivalleynews.com

SPORTS

A27

DATEBOOK /What’s up this week in the Valley. 28 CULTURE / Dick carving a name for himself. 29

Whitecaps skills academy to kick off in Alberni Valley A special training program for soccer players is coming to the Alberni Valley, compliments of the Vancouver Whitecaps. The ‘Caps have chosen Port Alberni to host the first Island Skills Academy on Vancouver Island. According to avsoccer.com, Alberni Valley Youth Soccer has previously partnered with Harbour City FC to offer Skills AcademyAlberni. The academy will launch in January and run through

August. Coaches will conduct supplementary soccer training to boys and girls in the under-nine and under-12 divisions plus. A separate goaltending academy is in the offing as well. Players also have the chance to plug into the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Prospects Program, which identifies the province’s top soccer prospects for future development through the Whitecaps FC residency, or girls elite programs.

The clinics will be taught by Whitecaps’ Island regional head coach Claude Bolton, who will be assisted by Whitecaps youth coaches as well as by local coaches. The clinics are also taught in Nanaimo, the Okanagan and in the Kootenays. They’ve also run in Vancouver at the Whitecaps’ facility for more than two years. For information about the initiative call Alien Sports at 250-723-9929.

DANA WALTERS/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

reporter@albernivalleynews.com Twitter.com/AlberniNews

An AW Neill player gets set to execute an out of bounds play against Wellington at a play day on Saturday at EJ Dunn.

AW Neill and EJ Dunn hoops season underway DANA WALTERS SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

oops players have hit the hardwood at Port Alberni’s middle schools as their season has gotten underway. EJ Dunn beat AW Neill last week to win the junior season opener between the friendly rivals. Players from both teams came out tentatively at first but got into game groove as the game wore on, EJ Dunn teacher Dana Walters said. “...the girls became more confident

SUSAN QUINN/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Good luck

Gabe Woss of the Novice Devils taps goaltender Jay Deo’s pads during a pregame ritual prior to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ game last month. Woss was the Bulldogs’ minor league honorary player.

‘It will be interesting to see how close these teams are by the end of the season.’ – Dana Walters in their skills and working together as a team (as) the pace and the intensity of the game increased,” Walters said. “It will be interesting to see how close these teams are by the end of the

basketball season.” The senior girls teams played their first league game at A.W. Neill last Wednesday. The game was fast paced and physical, Walters said. No final score was provided but A.W. Neill winning by one basket at the buzzer. The EJ Dunn seniors continued their play at an EJ Dunn play-day with AW Neill, Nanaimo’s Wellington High School and Qualicum Beach Middle School on the weekend. Wellington finished with two wins; EJ

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Dunn and QBMS finished with one will and one loss each; and AW Neill closed out the group with two losses. It was great to see the girls out playing and having fun. Players are finding that there is much to learn about the game when you first start playing basketball. The goal for the season is to introduce the girls to the game, learn fundamental basketball skills, develop determination and life skills, and have lots of fun. Teams resume play in January.

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www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

Community Events THURS. DEC. 20 ◆ THIRD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT THE MARKET is being held at the Market Square from 4-7 p.m. Santa will be there as well as the Timbre Choir.

◆ WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY an imorov show for the whole family. At the Capitol Theatre (4904 Argyle St.). Cost: $5. Showtime: 7 p.m. Admission for children free with foodbank donation.

FRI. DEC. 21 ◆ CHRISTMAS CAROLS at Trinity Church, 4766 Angus Street. From 7-8:30 p.m. Enjoy your favourite Christmas carols, chosen by you, the audience, and

INEO Employment Services is now accepting applications for JobOptionsBC; a 10 week employment focused training program for residents of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District; 18 years of age or older.

Program starts January 7, 2013 If You Are...  An Unemployed resident of the ACRD  Eligible to work in Canada  Non-Employment Insurance Recipient  Searching for career options  Motivated to find employment  Not a student or in training…. You may be eligible! 4908 Argyle Street, Port Alberni 250-723-4675 Apply today! info@ineoemployment.com

The Program includes:  6 weeks in class workshops followed by 4-6 weeks of work experience options  Preparation for employment or further training and up to 6 months follow-up support  Training allowance provided

accompanied on piano and organ. Afterward, stay for a cup of hot apple cider. ◆ LONGEST NIGHT LABYRINTH WALK at Alberni Valley United Church, 3747 Church St. From 6:30-8 p.m. You are welcome to bring a flashlight. Mulled apple cider will be served in the lounge after. ◆ NEW ERA CELEBRATION at Echo Fieldhouse, 4200 Wood Ave. From 7-9 p.m. Free family

event. Kids craft table. Refreshments available.

MON. DEC. 31 ◆ FIRST NIGHT Free family fun. Echo Pool Family Swim 6-8 p.m. Rollerblading at Glenwood Centre 6-9 p.m. And one ice games and skating at the AV Multiplex from 5–7 p.m.

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You completely redrew the map of breast cancer.

MON-SAT 8AM-5pM, SUN 9AM-5pM

solicited for a new Starfleet club in Alberni, which would be associated with the International Star Trek Fan Association. For info. call 250-7247293. ◆ AFTER SCHOOL KIDS PROGRAM at Grace Lutheran Church (Corner of Redford Street and Ninth Avenue). For children in Grades K-6. From 3-4:30 p.m. Snacks, games, stories, crafts, music, and more! Call 250-724-5032 for more info. ◆ FREE DROP-IN at Hilton Centre, 4325 Neill St. On Mondays from 10-11 a.m. For parents of children up to age five. Call 250735-3022. ◆ FUN NIGHT on Friday nights at Legion Branch No. 293, 4680 Victoria Quay. Starts at 5 p.m. Food available. Nominal admission fee. ◆ SONGWRITERS CIRCLE led by Birgit Kuit at Char’s Landing. Kuit will take turns playing songs then talk about it.

With your donation to the BC Cancer Foundation, you become a partner with BC’s leading cancer researchers. As the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Agency, the BC Cancer Foundation funds more cancer research in BC than any other charitable organization.

Help BC’s cancer researchers make their next breakthrough. Become a Partner in Discovery.

Sarah FortisBC, Dispatch Coordinator

A safe holiday is a happy holiday Make safety a priority this holiday season with these simple tips: • Never kick or hit your meter if ice builds up. Call us for assistance at 1-888-224-2710. • After a snowfall, brush snow away from your meters by hand and clear a path for the safety of our meter readers. • Around your fireplace, consider using a hearth safety gate to help protect small children from the heated glass.

1.866.519.5550 bccancerfoundation.com

◆ JAM SESSIONS every Sunday at Legion Branch No. 293. From 2-7 p.m. Cost: $3.

◆ SUNSHINE CLUB book club. Meets every second Thursday from 12:45 - 2:15 pm in the Hemlock Room at Echo Centre. For more information about this call directors Alexander or Pat Miller at 250-7242246. ◆ ALBERNI VALLEY COMMUNITY BAND meets Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. in the E. J. Dunn band room. Flutes, saxophones, and brasses are needed but all instruments are welcome. For information call 250723-1903 or 250-7350128. ◆ ALATEEN at the Alano Club, 3028 Second Ave. From 11 a.m. to 12 noon. For teens ages 13-17. For more info. call 250-7246826 or 250-7237223. ◆ CHOIR MEMBERS NEEDED Barkley Sound Choir welcomes new members in advance of new program to celebrate Alberni Valley Centennial. Practice is at 6:45 p.m. at the United Church, 2474 Church St. Contact Sylvia at 250-7237185 or Peter at 250724-5206.

Cancer breakthroughs need you. When BC Cancer Agency researchers revealed breast cancer should be thought of as 10 distinct diseases, a discovery that will revolutionize treatment and diagnosis, they didn’t do it alone.

Second Saturday of each month. For more information about this initiative call 250-7301636.

For more winter safety tips, visit fortisbc.com/safety.

◆ CRIB NIGHT at Legion Branch No. 293. Starts at 7 p.m. ◆ LADIES DARTS at Legion Branch No. 293. From 2:30-4:30 p.m. ◆ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED volunteers with calm obedient dogs requested by the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. Contact Pat Threlfall at 250-714-5264. ◆ MEAT DRAW, at Legion Branch No. 293. Saturday’s from 2-5 p.m. ◆ Do you have an item for our calendar? If so, please contact our newsroom at editor@ albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

www.albernivalleynews.com

THE ARTS

Monologues auditions set for Jan. 13

Art Matters Society and the Main Artery present Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues on Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Capitol Theatre. A pre-audition workshop is planned for Saturday, Jan. 12, and auditions are Sunday, Jan. 13 from 1–4 p.m. Auditions are open to any woman who wants to audition—no experience necessary. There will only be three rehearsals. Please call Gwynne Hunt at 250-723-7883 to book an audition time or e-mail gwynne1@ telus.net.

MERRY CHRISTMAS / From the News.

Artist Dick carves out a niche SUSAN QUINN ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

SUSAN QUINN/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Carver Gordon Dick uses hand tools to rough out the form of a double-finned whale in red cedar, at Ahtsik Gallery on Pacific Rim Highway.

When Gordon Dick opened the doors to Ahtsik Native Art Gallery along the Pacific Rim Highway west of Port Alberni four years ago, he could only hope for the kind of success he has seen. Dick started out with half a dozen artists’ work as well as his own. Today, there are 30 First Nations artists featured in the gallery, and he is in demand for commission work. “I knew it was going to be hard work and long hours,” Dick said while roughing out a carving earlier

this week. “Time does fly by when you love what you do. “I didn’t know we would have as many artists as we do representing the gallery. I’m thankful for that.” Last spring Dick built a carving shelter at the front of his property, visible to passing traffic. He uses the shelter for larger projects like totem poles and canoes. “I started some doors out there.” Ahtsik Gallery is open Thursdays through Mondays year-round. He can be reached by phone at 250-723-3425 or e-mail art@ahtsikgallery.ca. editor@albernivalleynews.com

Rollin Art Centre wraps up programming, market for 2012 MELISSA MARTIN Arts Around

There are only two days left of the Mistletoe Market at the Rollin Art Centre. Don’t miss this transformation of the gallery into a winter wonderland of treasures. Items available for lastminute gifts include creative woodwork, original paintings,

glass art, jewellery, cards, knitted goods, canvas floor mats, photography, soaps, pottery, ornaments galore and much more. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is located at the corner of Argyle Street and Eighth Avenue.

Gallery closed over holidays The Rollin Art Centre will be closed

for its annual winter closure as of Sunday, Dec. 23. The gallery will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013. The Community Arts Council would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. See you in the New Year.

Get inspired with new show “Inspirations” is the title of the next art exhibit at the Rollin Art Centre, running Jan. 10 to Feb. 6.

“Inspirations” is an arrangement of photographs presented by the Alberni Valley Photo Club. You won’t want to miss this exhibit showcasing some of our own local photographers. Come and meet the photographers at their artists’ reception, Saturday, Jan. 12 from 1–3 p.m. in the gallery.

Book donations open Jan. 8 The Community Arts Council will begin taking gently used books for our annual book sale starting the week of Jan. 8. Please drop

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off all your gently used books in the box located under the stairs at the Rollin Art Centre. Thank you for your support.

Art banners still available If you are one of the lucky people or groups to have painted a banner for 2012, they are still available for purchase at the Rollin Art Centre until the end of the year for $25. After that time, the banners will be open for purchase by anyone who would like a piece of Port Alberni to hang on their walls. Banners will be

www.gordondick.ca • Handmade

available to the general public in 2013 on a date to be announced in the near future.

Pearson’s home at Char’s Friday, Dec. 28 at 8 p.m., Port Alberni-born singer songwriter Diana Pearson presents Home for the Holidays, Tickets $12. Advance tickets for all shows at Char’s Landing are available at the Rollin Art Centre (cash only). Melissa Martin is the arts administrator for the Community Arts Council, home of the Rollin Art Centre.

By the book words worth noting

Days of Small Things

By Pamela Mann, Roy and Mel Nash Days of Small Things is a fascinating, descriptive glimpse into the life of a missionary family in 1940s–50s Australian Outback. Half of the book is made up of transcriptions of Pamela Mann’s father, Roy Nash’s, memoirs. A few items are from her mother Mel’s diaries. Mann herself grew up in the Outback until she was 12. This is the second printing of Days of Small Things: it has already been released in Australia. Mann will donate the proceeds from her book to a post-secondary bursary for indigenous students, as well as Mercy Touch Ministries in Africa. Published by: daysofsmallthings.com Available at: Harbour Quay Farmer’s Market (this Thursday, Dec. 20 from 4–7 p.m.), Rollin Art Centre, Taylor’s Flowers and the author. List price: $25

GREAT GIFTS

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• Gift Certiﬁcates Available Mention this ad and receive 10% discount Paciﬁc Rim Hwy (6 minutes from town)

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www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

250-723-1800 4213 Princess Rd Corner of Ian & Johnston

Craig Filipchuck

craigﬁli@shaw.ca • www.coastrealty.com

OPEN HOUSES 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 2541 4th Ave.

I would like to wish my clients, friends and family Season Greetings and Prosperous New Year

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS • HOME IMPROVEMENTS We have

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Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

www.albernivalleynews.com

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Gifts Made Easy The perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for people on your list

Fragrance Sampler for Him or Her

75 each

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SUSAN QUINN/Alberni Valley News

Oktober-cheque

Joop Scheffers from the Europa Club presents Cindy Sjoholm from the Bread of Life with a cheque for $400, part of the proceeds from the Oktoberfest celebration in October. Proceeds are split between three groups and a bursary.

3717 10th Avenue • 250.723-7387 Open 7days a week • 8 am - 10 pm

Pre-Owned Inventory PACIFIC RIM CENTRE

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Choose from Port Alberni's largest selection of Premium and Holistic dog and cat supplies • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee STORE HOURS: • Monday to Wednesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm • Thursday & Friday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm • Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm • Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

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Have a Safe & Happy Holiday 2555 Port Alberni Hwy.

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www.albernivalleynews.com

SHOPPI N W O N T G P U

Ecuador and More

at the Harbour Quay

HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am - 4:00 pm

WARM AND COZY CLOTHING for the whole family made from Alpaca and Llama at Ecuador and More

Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

Home of

West Coast Art, Jewelry, Prints & Cards

Unique Gifts • Stocking Stuffers & Gift Certiﬁcates • Open: Tues. - Sat. 10 am - 5pm • 250-724-5999

5417 Argyle St.

778-421-2292

5440 Argyle Street • Port Alberni, B.C.

Steampunk Café & Coffee House We will be

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: only Turkey soaked in gravy, cranberry $ 5.95 tax incl. sauce and dressing on a 9 grain ciabatta bun. Now Unti l At the Harbour Quay DEC. 24

closed

Dec. 25, 26 & Jan. 1

778-421-COOK (2665)

W E S ERVE L UNCH & D INNER

Carmoor’s Cookery Ltd.

7 Days a week 11 am - 9 pm

We have appetizers and baking for your Holiday Entertaining

CLOSED Dec. 25th, 26th & Jan. 1st We have Gift Certiﬁcates

Harbour Quay • 778-431-2826

250-723-3302 • 5304 Argyle St., Port Alberni

Finest Foods, BC’s Gifts & Eclectica

GORGEOUS GIFT BASKETS Great Appetizer Ideas Unique Gifts & Stocking Stuffers Find us on

778-421-4454

3074 Kingsway Ave.

Check our website for Holiday Hours www.kismetquilts.com 5334 Argyle St., Port Alberni, B.C. 250-723-6605

Gift Certificates available

3025 3rd Ave

#10-5440 Argyle Street, Harbour Quay Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 1T7

• • • • •

Shop Local for Last ts f i G e t u n i M

3021 3RD AVE.

Upcycled Furnishings & Home Décor Hours: Mon - Fri. 9 am - 5 pm Sat: 10 am - 5 pm

778-421-3698

Find us on

email beckoningshomedecor@gmail.com

4977 Argyle Street

• 250-918-9113

JANICE SHEEHAN’S WATERFRONT GALLERY

1992-2012

Open Daily 11 am - 2 pm

Management & Staff wish everyone a Merry Christmas

Harbour Quay • 250-724-3243

• Handmade Belgian Chocolates • Caramel Apples • Fudge • Caramel Corn • Frozen Yogurt • Gelato

Handmade Belgian Chocolates,

Caramel Corn Fudge Frozen Yogurt Gelato

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Caramel /Apples

from the Merry Christmas from the

#4-5440 Argyle St. #4-5440 Argyle St. 250-731-5587 250-731-5587

www.thesugarshak.ca www.thesugarshak.ca

Beckonings

AnimAl Ark

Tropical Fish Ferrets • Lizards Birds • Small Pets Frozen Dog Food Grain Free Diets for Cats & Dogs • Pet Accessories

Ph. 778-421-3000

Closed Dec. 23-Jan. 1

NOW hAs an Artisan’s Gallery with Great Gifts 3218 3rd Ave. Port Alberni, BC V9Y 4E1

Laurie Wiley, Manager 250.723.8831

Weekdays 10 - 5:30 Saturdays 10 - 5

OPEN Jan. 2

5328 Argyle St. • www.swalerock.com • (250)723-0777

Happy Holidays CLOSED DEC. 25TH - 27TH & JAN. 1ST

SALE DAY DECEMBER 28TH 5344 Argyle St., Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 1T8 Tel: (250) 723-0966 • Fax: (250) 723-4114

Open: Tues. - Sat. 10 am to 4:30 pm

Great Savings Throughout the Store 2945 3rd Ave. • Ph: 250.724-4244

LEATHER & REPAIR

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• 4969 Argyle St. • 250-723-3331

Moving Sale Shopping hourS: Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm Thurs & Fri open till 8pm Sun 12pm-5pm The BEST browsing shop in Port! • Phone/fax 250.724.2271 Mon - Sat 9:30am - 5:30pm

up to

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EVERYTHING UNTIL DEC. 29, 2012

3034 3rd Avenue

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SHOPPING HOURS UNTIL DEC. 24 Mon., Tues. & Wed. ~ 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Thurs. & Fri. ~ 9:30 am - 7:30 pm Sat. ~ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun.~ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Christmas Hours: Monday to Friday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Gift Certificates Available

Unit D-5262 Argyle St.

We have a great selection of items for the holiday season

Gifts For Her

“GIFTS FOR HIM”

778-421-0141

• Children’s Unique Gifts • Jewelry • Candles • Art Supplies

Ph: (250) 724-3011

C-5262 Argyle St., Port Alberni, B.C.

Gift Certificates Available

250-723-2623

Holiday Special 2012 Featuring stories by local students

DAST WELDING

We now accept

3744 3rd Ave. at the foot of Redford

Thank you for your business at our new store location at the bottom of Redford Street. Christmas is a time of year for joy, peace, hope and for family and friends. Dennis, Tracy and staff would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!

24 hr emergency shop and portable service. www.dastwelding.ca Hailey, Chris, Jack, Dennis, Chris, Tracy

Call Dennis or Tracy Bekker (250) 724-6617

www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

The play’s the thing “It was the day of the school play, but Jack still hadn’t learned his lines.” That was the line given to schoolchildren to begin their entries in our annual story contest. Poor Jack, he had really messed up and local students put some thought and imagination into helping him out of his predicament. From blackmail to kissing a girl to time travel, Jack found a myriad of ways to either learn his lines or avoid walking on stage. The stories were humourous, touching and even a little scary at times. But our judges enjoyed reading everyone and the final decision on the winners was a tough one. In the end, creativity and great story telling were the deciding factors. Here in this special holiday supplement, we have published the winners’ entries so that everyone in the Alberni Valley can enjoy these holiday stories. Our thanks goes out to the teachers and parents who assisted, insisted and inspired the students to take part in the contest. For those who didn’t get a prize, we appreciate the effort and imaginaton put into each story and we hope you enjoyed writing the stories as much as we enjoyed reading them. We received more than 100 entries. Special thanks to Coombs Country Candy for providing some of the prizes for the students. From all the staff at the Alberni Valley News, we wish everyone in the Alberni Valley a safe and very happy holiday season. Teresa Bird, publisher

STORY CONTEST WINNERS K-Grade 2

Grade 3 -5

1.Taryn Baldwin 2. Dayna Mullen HM Mirissa Burrows

1.Mason Maddison 2. Drake Evans HM Joan

Grade 6 to 8 1. Brennan Brouard 2.William Merry HM Nik

Grade 9-12 1. Shereen Platthoff

At this time Port Alberni Sea Cadets, Navy League Cadets and Branch would like to thank the following for their support in the past year. • R.C.L. Branch #293 • Toy Run • Port Alberni Puddle Ducks • Alberni Island Shuttle • Dumas Trucking • Kiwanis • Stamp River Tubing • Lady Rose Marine Services

• Bamfield Coast Guard Station • Alberni Engineering • Tomcat Electro Mechanical • Port Alberni Parks & Rec. • Order of the Eastern Star • Cpl. Dave Cusson RCMP

We wish everyone the best of the season and a Happy New year. Our Bottle Drive will be on JANUARY 2 if you wish to make a special trip to the Cadet Hall that day, call 250-723-7442.

Happy Holidays to the Alberni Valley from everyone at your Port Alberni Safeway.

3756 – 10 Ave. Port Alberni Store: 250.723.6212 Pharmacy: 250.723.6204 OPEN 7 am to 10 pm dAily

HOlidAy HOURS: Boxing day & New years day 10 am to 6 pm

Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

FIRST PLACE - Kindergarten to Grade 2 TARYN BALDWIN Grade 2 Gill Elementary

www.albernivalleynews.com

SECOND PLACE - Kindergarten to Grade 2 DAYNA MULLEN Grade 2 Port Alberni Christian School

The School Play

Jack’s School Play

Today was the day of the school play, but Jack still hadn’t learned his lines. “What shall I do?” he asked. He read his lines over and over again, but he still couldn’t remember his lines. “I have an idea!” he said, “I will ask my sister for help!” But Jack’s sister was not much help. She talked mostly about Justin Bieber. When Jack read his lines again he still could not remember his lines. Then the words lit up. Then the glowing letters flew into his head and he could remember! Jack knew at once what had happened. He read in a book that an elf got lost in Jack’s world. His principal was the elf! Jack remembered that his whole life and kept it a secret. He did not even tell the principal he knew it.

Today was the day of the school play, but Jack still hadn’t learned his lines. He was sick the day they were going to practice. “If only I could chase that bug away” said Jack crossly “I hope I still get to be in the play.” He thought for a minute. “Maybe if I ask Ms. Little I can stay in for recess. I can have just enough time to practice my lines!” He ran to his teacher and asked her for a time out to practice his lines. In a few hours the play was over. His parents were so proud of him.

Students dressed as reindeer at John Howitt Elementary Christmas program. Sonja Drinkwater photo

From all of us at

Merry Christmas

to everyone who dropped in this year. We look forward to servicing your vehicle in 2013.

Great new name. GreatNew new name. year, new name. Same great service! Same great service. Same great service!

Lube-X is now Lube-X is now

We join you in saying “Thank You” for making our success possible, and wish you a Happy Holiday and a prosperous New Year. This Holiday Season Stop by Aaron Vissia Financial Inc. 4855 Johnston Road or call 250.724.9745

PortAlberni’s Alberni’s oil oil change Port changeexperts experts 250.723.4669 II 4687 4687 Johnson 250.723.4669 JohnsonRd. Rd.

www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

HONOURABLE MENTION - K to Grade 2 MIRRISA BURROWS Age 5 Wood Elementary School Today was the day of the school play, but Jack still hadn’t learned his lines. “What should I do?” though Jack. He went to his dad and said, “What should I do? I haven’t learned my lines.” “Practice!” said his dad. That was the same as what his mom and baby sister said, so Jack went and practiced. Now Jack learned his lines. Now Jack went to the play. Jack was nervous at first and then he got used to it. Jack read Twas the Night Before Christmas and sang Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. When the play was over Jack went home and ate his dinner.

FIRST PLACE - Grade 3 to 5 MASON MADDISON Gr. 5 Wood Elementary School

Santa to the Rescue Today was the day of the school play, but Jack still hadn’t learned his lines. Jack was nervous, he almost called Santa. Jack got Santa’s number when he was five. “I knew I should have kept his number” Jack said. So Jack had to find a phone book and fast. He ran outside, hopped on his bike and rode home as fast as he could. He was huffing and puffing. Finally, Jack got home. He raced inside to the kitchen and right beside the oven was the phone book. Jack grabbed the phone book and started looking at the names. He was racing through the book. Little did he know his life would be changed this very day. Finally Jack found it. “Yes!” Jack yelled. “I found Santa’s number!” He grabbed the phone and started dialing. Jack suddenly heard bells. He walked outside. It was Santa! “Ho, ho, ho!” Santa said as the sleigh touched the ground. Santa was here in a blink of an eye! Santa

wasn’t alone. He was with his most famous elf, Elfvis. “Good job, Elvis!” Santa said. “Thank you, thank you very much!” Elfvis said. “Well, what are you waiting for? Hop on!” Santa said. Jack got on. He pinched himself a couple of times to see if he was dreaming. Jack was not dreaming. They flew over to the school. Elfvis handed candy cane guns to Santa and Jack. Jack asked, “What do I do with this?” “Just follow by lead” Santa said. “Okay, if you say so!” “Let’s lock’n’load” said Santa. “Move, move, move!” Elfvis commanded. Jack smashed the school doors open, along with Elfvis and Santa. They shot magic candy canes at everybody. They got so hyped up on sugar, the audience forgot about the play. Jack did not have to do the play. He was safe!

Wishing everyone a Sweet Holiday

Happy Holidays

from all the elves at Coombs Country Candy.

from everyone at

We have chocolate boxes, gift baskets, and other Christmas gift ideas

2101 Old Nanaimo Hwy • Port Alberni, B.C.

250-724-0033

Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

Second Place - Grade 3 to 5 Drake Evans Grade 5 Wood Elementary

The Play Today was the day of the school play, but Jack still hadn’t learned his lines. It was Dec. 18 at Fire Extinguisher Elementary School. Jack was looking for help everywhere but nobody knew the lines. Some people did not even answer. “Great,” Jack said “I am doomed.” A girl walked up to him and said, “Are you playing an elf because if you are I can help.” “No but thanks anyways. Goodbye” Jack replies. Drake the director walks by and Jack yells “Wait! ” “What?” Drake says “ I can’t go on. If you let me be off all give you 5 dollars” Jack says. “No” drake replies “10?” “No” “20 ?“ “NO!” “50?” “Goodbye” Drake says and walks away. “Only if Santa could help” and POW

www.albernivalleynews.com

Santa appeared “SANTA!” Jack yelled at the top of his lungs and passed out. “Whoops” said Santa, ”that’s going to leave a mark.” 1 hour later… “Jack, Jack” Santa says “What!” Jack says in surprise. “Where am I? I am at school that makes sense.” “So what did you want?” said Santa “Well,” Jack said. “I am playing you in the school play and was wondering if maybe you would play my part?” “Sure” said Santa. At the school play… “Are you sure you want to do this Santa,” said Jack. “Yes Jack I’ll be fine,” Santa replies When the play is over… Santa walked back stage “HO, HO, HO that was fun,” said Santa. “ What the?” Jack and Santa yelled in unison and looked on stage. They saw dancer doing a jig. “DANCER YOU GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!!” Santa yelled and ran out the front door chasing him “GET BACK HEAR OR YOU ARE GOING ON MY NAUGHTY LIST!!!!!” Everyone went wild

John Paul II Catholic School enjoys the talking Christmas Tree. Sonja Drinkwater photo

Merry Christmas Hope It’s specIal

May the holiday season fill you with happiness! thank you for making 2012 a great year!

Little Valley Deli

4309 10th Ave. (corner of Roger & 10th) 250-724-0827

Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year

from all of us at Big O! Thanks for another great year! Full mechanical services available • Brakes • Shocks • Body Lifts • Wheel Alignments • Exhaust Systems

Mitch Gardner 250-723-4970 Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund

3680 3rd Ave. | 250-724-5774 | www.GoBigO.ca

Merry Christmas & a Healthy & Happy New Year from Trends Design Team

Season’s Greetings Turn Up Long Lasting Colour Turn Down Fading Introductory Offer:

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22.95

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www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

HONOURABLE MENTION - Grade 3 to 5 JOAN Grade 4, PACS

FIRST PLACE - Grade 6 to 8 BRENNAN BROUARD Grade 8, Neill Middle School

Today was the day of the school play, but Jack still hadn’t learned his lines. He ran to his locker, threw the boots out and hopped in it. He heard footsteps and closed the locker door. Right then, everything went silent and he teleported to another dimension, where he knew his lines. But he did not know how to get out of the dimension. “I need out of here!” Then he opened his time machine (his locker). He was safe but the play was over and he got in trouble for a week.

It was the day of the school play and Jack hadn’t learned his lines. He had been up all night trying to beat a challenge on Halo 4. Now Jack was in panic mode trying to figure out what to do. He had one chance though. Jack looked out his window to see if it was snowing. If it snowed hard enough school would be cancelled. No such luck, there was fallen snow on the ground all right but not enough to cancel school. With a very sad sigh, Jack found his script, practiced it once and got ready for school. At school that day all he could think about was what he was going to do and to top it all Jack played the main

character. He would have to forget hanging out with his friends at lunch and practice his lines. It was the last block before lunch and Jack was heading to PE when he slipped on some ice and was knocked unconscious. When he woke up he was on stage giving the performance of his life. The audience were on their feet cheering. Beep, beep, beep, beep, Jack rolled over and turned off his alarm. It was 9:00 am on Saturday morning. Jack woke up and walked past his game system, picked up his script and started practicing his lines. The school play was on Monday night and he had the weekend to prepare. The moral of this story is never leave things to the last minute. And by the way, on Monday night, he did give the performance of his life.

Children from Little Miracles Preschool opened the program at John Paul II Catholic School. Sonja Drinkwater photo

Wishing you Comfort and Joy this Holiday Season

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Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

SECOND PLACE - Grade 6 to 8 WILLIAM MERRY Grade 6, E.J. Dunn

A Bizarre Christmas Story Today was the day of the school play, but Jack still hadn’t learned his lines. So right before the play Jack told the director that he didn’t know his lines. Jack told the teacher why. “Now I’m going to tell the bizarre story,” he told the teacher. It all started a week ago when a kid named Nick was abducted by a mysterious little boy. Nick is Jack’s best friend. Jack went to Nick’s house to play but then he saw a bear and ran home. He tried again tomorrow. But this time there was a note made out to his

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parents: “I’m an elf. I abducted your son. He is in line to be the next Santa. I took him to learn about the history of Santa and how to be Santa.” When Jack finished reading the note he fainted. When Nick’s parents read the note they fainted too. Jack told his parents what happened to Nick. The search began. Five days later it was Christmas Eve. The next day his parents woke to find Nick beside the Christmas tree. His parents told him Jack was worrying about him. So Nick went to Jack’s house and knocked on the door. When Jack opened the door he fainted. There’s Jack’s story that he told his teacher. His teacher gave him four weeks’ detention. The play was ruined.

Singing reindeer were a hit at John Howitt Elementary. Sonja Drinkwater photo

Season’s Greetings Thank you Port Alberni for welcoming us to the Valley! We look forward to seeing you and your pet in the new year.

Thank you to all our loyal customers and friends for your wonderful support in 2012. It has been our great pleasure! We all look forward to continue providing you with professional esthetics services and quality products in 2013!

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Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

HONOURABLE MENTION - Grade 6 to 8 NIK Grade 7, Port Alberni Christian School

Time Travel Gone Wrong Today was the day of the school play, but Jack still hadn’t learned his lines. They were doing the Christmas story and he played Joseph so he decided to make a time machine and went back in time. Too far back; he ended up in the time of the dinos and he left the machine and stepped in dino poop. So he left and went to the time of Jesus and kidnapped Joseph. When they got back to the play, Jack realized that Joseph doesn’t speak English. So Joseph walked around the stage speaking Hebrew. At the end, Jack won a trophy for best costume.

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Students at John Howitt gave a humorous rendition of a Christmas classic. Sonja Drinkwater photo

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Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

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FIRST PLACE - Grades 9 to 12

Jack’s turn.

SHEREEN PLATTHOFF Grade 10, CHOICES

He nervously got up and entered the stage. Maybe he could just mumble something about Christmas being imHome for Christmas portant and no one would notice. Once on stage, Jack scanned the crowd for Today was the day of the school his dad. He wasn’t there! Now Jack felt play, but Jack still hadn’t learned his even worse. lines. He had never wanted to be in the play to start with. Jack had had an arJust as he was about to despair, gument with his dad over it the night the back door opened and Jack’s dad before. walked in. And right behind him, was mom! Jack heard his cue, and suddenJack couldn’t see why his dad was ly, words flooded his head. Jack wasn’t so enthusiastic about taking part. Ususure if they were the right words, but Santa Jayce Ward visited his reindeer ally Jack always took part in the school they sounded way better than his script Grandma Laurie Wiley at The Pincushion play, but this was the first year that ever had. Jack started to speak about Sonja Drinkwater photo mom wasn’t going to be here for the how the most important thing, was beshow or Christmas. She was away on ing with family. How being with those business and without her, it wouldn’t you loved was far more important that be the same. presents and snow. But either way, here Jack was, all For once, Jack believed every word dressed up as one of the messengers. he said. And going by his mom’s smile, The play was about a girl who didn’t she did too. believe in Christmas. Jack was one of the messengers who came on and told the girl about the importance of Christmas. He looked around, hoping to see a copy of the script. No such luck. Then the call came through the wings; it was

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Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

Sydney and Charley Roberts visited Santa and his helper at McLean Mill to kick off the holiday season Sonja Drinkwater photo

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Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012

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Prizes

Each first place winner in our story contest was awarded a special cup of chocolate treats from Coomb Country Candy and a $20 gift certificate to WalMart. Each second place winner was awarded a special chocolate treat from Coombs Country Candy and a $10 gift certificate to WalMart. Those awarded honourable mention were not given a prize, but had their stories published in this edition. Congratulations to all the winners!

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Thursday , Dec. 20, 2012 Alberni Valley News

We are proud to be a privileged witness to what is happening in our community. Providing a review of local events week after week is our greatest honour. We hope that 2013 will be a year to remember ďŹ lled with great happiness and prosperity for our region