Golden Star, December 26, 2012

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Bear Aware

Town CAO review 2012 in Golden ...............................3

Conservation officer Justyn Bell holds onto the tranquilized grizzly bear cub that was recently rescued from the Parson/ Nicholson area. The bear has been transported to Smithers for rehabilitation.

See full story on page 4.

■ ARTS & CULTURE:

Plenty to do in Golden on New Years .............................11

■ COMMUNITY

Photo courtesy of Michelle Burtch.

Golden Hospice Society holds raffle ................................10

■ SPORTS:

Gymnastics club happy in new building ............................14

Security tightens at local school Jessica Schwitek reporter2@thegoldenstar.net Alexander Park Elementary School has implemented some new security measures in the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

An email was sent out to all the parents of the students on Dec. 18, outlining some of the changes, which were effective immediately.

“I think that staff and parents were deeply affected by what happened,” said Vicci Nelson, principal of APES. “They had a lot of questions about if there was anything we could be doing differently.”

Nelson got a very quick response from the Ministry of Education, and was able to make some minor changes to increase the security

at the school.

There are five entrances to the school, and in the past all of the doors had been left unlocked. From now on, only the front door entrance by the office will be left open during school hours, the exception to this being during non-instructional times (before school, recess, and lunch) when students are out on the playground. During those times the doors by the gym and the music room will be open so that students have access to the inside of the school. After the students are back in class, the doors will be locked.

“Of the five entrances to the school, the one by the office is the only place where we can see everyone who comes into the school,” said Nelson.

Student pick-up has also been changed, as students are no longer permitted to meet

their parents out in the school yard. Parents must now check in at the office and, depending on the child’s class, will either meet them outside the classroom, or at the office. Once the child has been picked up families are welcome to stay on school grounds, and play on one of the metal coloured playgrounds, as the bus students will be playing on the wooden playground, and it is easier for teachers to supervise.

“It’s been an adjustment, but so far the feedback has been very favourable,” said Nelson.

The biggest change has been for the parents and staff, and Nelson says that many of the students are mostly unaware of the change.

“I’m really pleased by the way the parents and the staff have been adapting to this.”

If there are any questions or concerns, parents are able to contact the school.

A2 www.thegoldenstar.net

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Golden Star

Christmas crafts Campground operators had a great year in 2012 Jessica Schwitek reporter2@thegoldenstar.net

Finn Thomson reaches for the materials for a Christmas ornament at the Town of Golden Children’s Holiday Party on Dec. 15.

Jessica Schwitek/Star Photo

The operators of the Golden Municipal Campground are nearing the end of their five-year contract with the Town of Golden, and they would be happy to continue the relationship.

During an annual report presentation to town council, operators Joy Guyot and Michelle Nagy-Deak indicated that they’ve enjoyed their time working at the campground, and that they’re excited about some upgrades they’re looking at.

“The season started a little slower this year, just because of the threat of flooding, the weather and economy. But even so, it was probably one of the most enjoyable seasons we’ve had,” said Guyot.

“I’m happy to say there’s no serious incidents to report on this year.”

The campground was able to hire two part time summer staff, and one full time with some grants received from School Works and the Columbia Basin Trust. And reports of burglary and vandalism were down this year.

As of Sept. 30, they had 6,150 site stays over the season, which is an increase of 245 over the previous year. They participated in several community events including the Fall Faire and the Canada Day celebrations, and offered up their facilities for various community and youth groups in the area.

Although they have had a very successful year, they are looking forward to the next one, and have a few ideas as to how to make that better.

“We have come to the conclusion we are in need of a shared com-

munity site… So what we would like to do is take one of the larger sites, and build six to eight tent pads that would hold about a two-man tent,” said Guyot.

“And then our plan is to build a timberframe structure, just to cover about two picnic tables. These sites would be at a reduced cost, as these individuals would be sharing the site.”

They have also determined that some major upgrades are required for the rear washrooms. Efforts were made to improve the building after an inspection four years ago, but after a surprise inspection this year they were told it was not enough.

“The town now has three options.

One is to shut them down completely, replace the building with a new one, or upgrade the existing building,” said Guyot. “Our recommendation is not to replace the building… We feel refreshing the building would be cost effective, and realistic to be completed in a timely manner to meet the next inspection.”

The penalty for not taking any action could be to lose the contract with Tourism BC, which would result in a major loss of advertising for the facility.

The campground is run by a public/private partnership between the Town of Golden, and operators Guyot and Nagy-Deak. And the town will be deciding in 2013 whether or not to continue that relationship.

“We’ve learned so much, and every year we learn more… We do wish to continue as operators and we would be happy to renew the contract for an additional five years,” said Guyot.

Resort Municipality Initiative money aides tourism in Golden Golden Star Staff reporter@thegoldenstar.net The government of British Columbia is continuing to invest in projects this year that help support tour-

ism infrastructure and programming in Golden, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell

announced the funding as part of the B.C. government’s Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) program.

In total Golden receives $529,534 from the program

to help develop the area’s tourism potential.

“Our government recognizes how important a role resort municipalities play in the economic pros-

Public Notice 2013 Grant in Aid Program Application Process Open Town Council’s Grant in Aid Program provides an annual cycle of relatively small scale allocations (typically <$5,000) of financial assistance to community and non-profit groups seeking support for proposals which will support the livability of Golden. The program gives Council the opportunity to directly provide a limited amount of public dollars toward valuable initiatives of community benefit and support the increasingly important volunteer and community based organizations of Golden.

Program applications will be available as of January 2nd, 2013 at Town Hall or online at www.golden.ca and on our facebook page. They are due by February 28th, 2013 in order to be considered for funding in 2013. For more information about the program contact Viv Thoss, Council Clerk, at council.clerk@golden.ca or at 250.344.2271/224.

A reminder that 2012 funding recipients who have not submitted a Post-Project Completion Report will be ineligible for 2013 and future funding. Note that program funding is subject to Council’s approval of program and budget continuation in the 2013-2017 Financial Plan bylaw.

perity of our province.

This initiative provides local governments with the financial certainty to facilitate a great visitor experience and ensure visitors will return,” Bell said.

Town of Golden Manager of Corporate Administration, Jon Wilsgard, explained this money helps Golden complete projects which would be difficult to fund from other sources.

“The money provides us the ability to build tourism product and infrastructure which we would never have the ability to fund under normal tax payer regimes.”

He went on and said the money goes towards projects in the Town’s five-year plan which, the town must deliver on 11 projects

in the area.

“They are things which tourists expect and demand. Examples are having trail systems which are nicely signed, a finished nordic centre, and other projects which will add to all of this,” he said.

Wilsgard said projects like having a permanent hub in Spirit Square, which would include a stage and better bathrooms ,and work along the Trans Canada Highway are being looked at for the future.

The program is incentive-driven, with contributions based on accommodation revenues from the previous year of business in 14 eligible municipalities. Some examples of RMI projects that have been funded throughout the 14 municipalities include

trail system maintenance, public art, visitor centre enhancements, shuttle services and visitor sign improvements.

Joanne Sweeting, marketing manager, Tourism Golden said that, “Golden has a unique location between the Rocky and Columbia Mountains of B.C. and at the confluence of the Kicking Horse and Columbia rivers. Close to five national parks and with a myriad of outdoor activities on our doorstep, the Province’s Resort Municipality Initiative allows us to promote and improve our community alongside the natural assets that we boast.

Golden is truly fortunate to have access to this program.”

The Golden Star Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.thegoldenstar.net A3

MP visits MP David Wilks stopped in Golden for a meet and greet hosted by the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured left are Ruth Hamilton, Golden Mayor Christina Benty, Wilks, Chamber President Lori Baxendale and Coun. Ron Oszust.

Darryl Crane/ Star Photo

Town deals with grant in aid applications before end of year Jessica Schwitek reporter2@thegoldenstar.net The Town of Golden council was presented with two grand in aid applications at the regular council meeting on Dec. 18.

The Alexander Park Elementary School Parent Advisory Council requested $5,000 in funds to help replace the aging wooden play-

ground on the school grounds.

“It’s a significant recreation hub for the community. And the benefit to us is that we’re putting in the $5,000, but there’s no operational cost,” said Mayor Christina Benty.

“The great thing about volunteer organizations is that they do the hard work of knocking on doors for grants. They

spend a lot of time and energy doing that.”

This is the beginning of the PAC’s fundraising efforts, and they will be seeking several grants in the new year, as well as putting their own funds and some funds from the school district towards the project.

The wooden playground no longer meets safety stan-

dards, and the PAC is hoping to replace it with a more inclusive structure.

Council voted to provide the grant.

The Golden Community Resources Society also applied for a grant in aid from the town, hoping to get approval before the end of 2012. It has not yet been decided if the 2013 budget will allow for grants in aid.

Town CAO looks at the past and the future Darryl Crane editor@thegoldenstar.net As the end of the year is just around the corner, chief administrative officer for the Town of Golden, David Allen, shared his views on both the past and future plans of the Town.

“It has been a year of ups and downs and challenges. The whole Bridge to Bridge project was a challenging one to deal with. But it taught us a lot,” he said. “Like any project that goes off the rails, you can learn a lot from it.”

Allen thinks that the staff learned that they have to communicate with the public and stay engaged.

“I think we want to try and do a better job.

It is challenging. Social media is a two-edged sword. It provides you with the opportunity to get the information out but it is tough in today’s world where social media misinformation can spread like wildfire,” he said.

Allen said that the town staff is a small staff with limited capacity who do their best to handle communication, but it is something they are looking at improving upon in the new year.

Allen also felt the Town has had a great deal of success over the year as well.

“The assets management plan is big. We have been working on that for the past few years.

We are considered to be leaders in the field,”

he said. “We have done some good work in developing a solid corporate work plan. One of the biggest challenges I have seen in local government since I got into it is the disconnect between council’s priorities and expectations and corporate capacity.”

Allen said councils have a lot that they want to do and have to balance that with what the finances say they can actually do.

Work is continuing for the Golden and Area Broadband Network. The hope is that the connection will be improved at some point in the new year said Allen.

He also said that steps have been taken to improve the situation with dual road rescue, and they will see how the policy will work in the future.

Allen also said working with all of council is very important for the system to work.

“It is important that we as the staff have a good relationship with council,” he said. “It is a diverse council and that is a good thing.

There are different perspectives on the same issues, and at the end of the day the discussion, while somewhat challenging at times, results in good dialogue about issues which are important to the town.

“We want to do a good job and I think we have a good team here. I am very pleased to be able to work with these folks.”

The GCRS has already received funding from Golden Area Initiatives, and Coun. Keith Hern was reluctant to hand out a grant because he felt that they had already

received money from the town, via GAI. At the time it was not determined whether GAI granted those funds from their operational budget, or through

other means.

Council decided to defer the decision until 2013 when they could have some questions answered about the grant application.

Behind the Wheel Stay Home!

We've had some interesting weather in southwestern British Columbia over the last few days! It's included some less than ideal driving conditions due to ice, snow and rain, often in combination. A common bit of advice heard in the media is "if you don't have to travel, stay home!" Does anyone heed this advice?

For most of us, the only way to get where we need to go in a day is to drive and probably what we see as the biggest necessity is the need to drive to work. If you look out the window, decide it is not safe to travel and call your employer it will probably cost a day without pay or a day of vacation. For those workers not so fortunate, it could mean the loss of a job.

I called the Employment Standards Branch and Worksafe BC to see if there were any job protections for employees who decided that it was unsafe to travel and did not show up for work as expected. I was told that the employer could fire an employee at any time for any reason. Unless the worker is part of a union and there was something contained in the collective agreement, you were on your own for any job consequences stemming from your decision.

Little wonder then that a work day with significantly bad driving conditions still sees the usual rush to get there. Everyone has balanced their safety with the need to feed themselves and keep a roof over their heads and staying home is not in the cards.

If you are an employer, perhaps this would be a good time to talk about a safe commute to and from work for your employees. While a missed day of work is an inconvenience for the business, losing the employee due to a collision for any length of time could be worse. If conditions are really bad, maybe you should call it a snow day.

The author is a retired constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience. To comment or learn more, please visit www.drivesmartbc.ca.

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A4 www.thegoldenstar.net

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Golden Star

Grizzly cub has hope for survival after Golden rescue efforts Jessica Schwitek reporter2@thegoldenstar.net By mid-December the snow has fallen, folks are running around doing their Christmas shopping, and bears across the country are tucked away in their dens hibernating. But one little grizzly bear was not so fortunate.

On Dec. 12 conservation officer Justyn Bell received a call of a sighting of the little cub on Mitchell Road in Parson. For the next six days, Bell would receive several calls from four different complainants as people in the area were deeply concerned for the bear’s welfare. The cub had been consistently moving north.

“I received a phone call on the 16th stating that the bear had been on this person’s property since the afternoon of the 15th…

The bear had been feeding on a deer carcus that was at the top edge of the property, and had been con-

stantly coming back,” said Bell.

No traps had been set up because the bear had been on the move.

But now that there was a reason for her to return to the same place, Bell was confident she would come back.

“I came back (on Dec. 17) and just sat on the trap to see if the bear would return, and it did at about 3 p.m. I was able to tranquilize it,” he said.

The bear was not found in good condition.

“It was very undersized, even for a cub of the year, and very malnourished,” said Bell. “We’re happy that folks called to let us know, and also that they’re not trying to take it into their own hands, that they leave it to us to make the rescue efforts.”

In the past, there was little conservation officers could do for bears like this. Quite often their only options were to let nature take its course, or actually

intervene and end the bear’s suffering.

But a pilot project between the B.C. government and a facility in Smithers has given this little cub a chance at survival. Northern Lights Wildlife Society came to Golden to pick up the cub on Dec. 19.

“We especially get called for grizzly bears because there is a pilot project we are conducting with the government. We’re the only facility at this point that is doing rehab for grizzly bears.

Not that there’s tons of them, but whenever there is we’re the one’s that get them,” said Angelika Langen, who founded and runs the society with her husband Peter.

“And through this project we’re trying to determine whether or not it’s feasible to rehabilitate young grizzly bears, and if they’ll fit back into their natural habitat.”

Their plan was to bring the bear back to their facility in Smithers, but her condition

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was cause for concern.

“Right now this bear is touch and go.

Her body condition is poor, and she’s very small, very emaciated.

I would say we need at least a week before we can say if she’ll get better,” she said. “A lot of it is up to her right now, and how much resilience she has. And bears are really good at that.”

Bell said that there is no indication of what happened to the cub’s mother, but that it’s clear she’s been on her own for quite a while to get into such poor condition. Bear’s instinctively know if they have enough body weight to survive the winter, which is why the cub was not hibernating.

“We’re hoping for a good outcome. And if it is, you will see us back here in the spring to bring her back and let her go in a better condition,” said Langen.

“The local people involved were very good. I would like to thank them hugely for helping the bear.

She’ll have a chance now,” said Wendy Chambers, a local volunteer with Northern Lights who helped coordinate the pick-up.

Chambers wanted

Ross Prather, left, and Steve Pacagnan, right, present a cheque for $250 from Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, on behalf of Boo the Bear, to Wendy Chambers, a volunteer with Northern Lights Wildlife Society.

Jessica Schwitek/Star Photo to send a special thank you to Bell for the considerable amount of time he put in rescuing the bear, all the locals who called in sightings, and the Cedar House for putting the Langens up for the night.

“People can donate, and it’s very important to help with this bear’s survival,” said Chambers.

“People in Golden

will be able to follow her story on the Northern Lights webpage and Facebook site.”

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has donated $250 to the group on behalf of Boo the Bear. This rescue effort has even caught some national attention. Else Poulson, president of the international organization Bear Care and author of the book Smil-

ing Bears, has donated $500 after hearing about the Golden cub from Chambers.

To donate or follow the story of the grizzly cub, go to www.wildlifeshelter.com. And to report a local bear siting, call 1-877-9527277.

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication the cub had arrived in Smithers, and was awake and eating.

Free Xmas skate

Please ensure ALL decorations are removed.

Also: Free Christmas Light Recycling December 1st to January 15th Drop them off for recycling at any CSRD landfill location during regular hours of operation.

Dozens of people came out to the free local skate at the Golden Arena on Dec. 15, sponsored by the CUPE Local 2309 Town of Golden employees.

Jessica Schwitek/Star Photo

The Golden Star Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.thegoldenstar.net A5

RCMP Report: Dog wanders into local hotel room Golden Star Staff reporter@thegoldenstar.net

free the driver from the vehicle.

No relief found While conducting a bar check on Dec. 15, officers noticed a male urinating off the deck of the bar patio.

Officers approached the male and determined that he had been drinking.

They also found that he was bound by conditions to abstain from consuming alcohol. He was arrested and removed from the liquor establishment and charges are pending.

Hang up issues continue Police investigated a 911 hang up of a cellular phone on Dec. 18. After some time was taken to locate the owner of the cellular phone, the investigation revealed that the caller had been skiing and didn’t realize the 911 call had been made.

Police would like to remind people to ensure that their phones are off or locked when not in use, particularly in the season when more and more people are out enjoying winter activities and will be more likely to place their phones in a pocket.

Semi rolls over Police responded to a report of a semi unit rolled over in the ditch at 4 a.m. on Dec. 18. The driver was trapped in the vehicle but not injured. BC Ambulance and Golden Fire Rescue responded and were able to

Single vehicle collision At 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 19 police responded to a single vehicle collision near Heather Hill on Highway 1 west of Golden. A semi tractor trailer unit lost control in winter conditions and left the road way. The two units became separated and came to rest down an embankment. The two occupants of the vehicle were uninjured, but transported to hospital as a precaution.

Dog tied up Police responded to an animal report at the ski hill on Dec.20. A dog had been left tied up on a rather long leash in front of a local business while the owner had gone skiing.

The dog was described as aggressive and would nip at patrons as they passed by.

Shortly before police arrived, the dog owner came back to check on the dog and was directed by the business owner to remove the dog from the area, which he did, and was gone before police could speak with him.

Circumstances like this are not new to this area as a number of similar incidents have been noted in downtown Golden where owners leave their pets tied up directly in front of the entrance doors to the businesses.

Owners are reminded that while their animals may be obedient when in the presence of their owners, they can become defensive, cornered, and unpredictable

when left unattended.

Unsuspecting people, in particular children, can become victim to such animals even if their intent is playful.

Marijuana suspension While on routine patrol police came upon a vehicle on the side of the highway west of Golden on Dec. 20.

The officer checked to ensure the occupant was OK. It was at this time that the officer noted an overpowering odour of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Investigation resulted in the seizure of a small quantity of marijuana and a 24-hour driving suspension as the driver was noted to be under the influence of drugs.

Dog hangs in hotel RCMP received a call about a dog which had wandered into a hotel room in town.

The animal was reported as being a vicious animal.

When the RCMP investigated the incident it was found out the animal had wandered into the room and the tenants wanted to go skiing but did not want to put the animal on the street.

They called the RCMP in the hope that they would be able to take the dog.

The RCMP called the local bylaw officer who came out to the site as well.

The owner of the dog picked up the animal before the RCMP could get to the scene.

Tourism Golden gives presentation to Town of Golden council Jessica Schwitek reporter2@thegoldenstar.net Tourism Golden presented their annual report to Golden council, and had a lot of activity and changes to go over.

Tourism Golden, which has a coverage area of Golden, Area A, and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, is funded by the two per cent tax that is collected by accommodators for every room stay.

The budget for 2012 had been set at $250,000, and the organization spent $161,561.

“The reason for that is the organization has had issues with staffing numbers, and experiencing a drop in the tax funding that we received a couple of years ago,” said Joanne Sweeting, marketing manager for Tourism Golden.

Also, the previous manager had to step away due to illness.

“We were left with one person, and one person would find it difficult to implement all the activity to spend all the original budget.”

That does not mean that Tourism Gold-

en has not been busy the past year.

They have just produced 90,000 copies of their new Travel Planner (which was sent out in last week’s Golden Star), have had achieved extensive advertising and media coverage, and increased Facebook and Twitter engagement.

“Essentially, we achieved over 900,000 impressions with that advertising,” said Sweeting.

They also have produced trail maps for cycling and snowmobiling, and have visitor boards place at key locations around town. High on the priority for next year is a revamping of the

Tourism Golden website.

“It’s a great website, but it’s five years old and it needs some updates. And we will be using some of our left over money for next year’s website upgrade,” said Sweeting.

Although Tourism Golden has had a few setbacks, there are

several positive indicators that suggest their methods and efforts are working, including a renewal of their term.

“Not only did we renew, but we had 93 per cent of our stakeholders support us, and I think that’s an accolade to what had been done previously by my predecessors at

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Tourism Golden, and the boards that had governed them,” said Sweeting.

And they have also seen an increase in the tax funds they receive from the two per cent accommodator’s tax.

“The tax has increased by over nine per cent. And what that tells us is

that there is more visitation… so that’s a direct representation of increased revenue that was received in our 2011/2012 fiscal year,” said Sweeting.

For more information about Tourism Golden go to www. tourismgolden.com or the group Facebook page.

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A6 www.thegoldenstar.net

Taking stock in you life We have all survived another end-of-theworld scare, which means people will get to open all of their Christmas presents again this year. The end of the year leads many people to sit back and take stock in their lives. However like Minnie Driver’s character said in Grosse Pointe Blank, “Everybody’s coming back to take stock - My Way of their lives. You know what I say? Leave your

By Darryl Crane livestock alone.” I realize for you movie buffs that, in the movie, the quote refers to a high school reunion, but I think there is a level of relevance here as well.

Whenever the world gets near the end of another year, people are almost forced to sit down and see where they have succeeded or failed. The discussion is endless.

Have you made enough strides in your career? Are you successful enough? Have you put on or lost too much weight? Are you depressed or maybe too happy? Where will the next year take you, and will you make your life even better than it is now?

The stress involved with digging through every aspect of your life is enough to drive anyone around the bend.

Life does not instantly change because a clock on the wall clicks to another second, but for many people this moment is a signal to try and better their lives. New Year’s resolutions are made and disappear quicker than most hangovers will on Jan. 1.

Starting another year is tough on many people as it is, let alone adding the pressure of making a drastic change in your lifestyle.

We, the people, should not need a date and a time to choose a moment which will suddenly change who we are.

Eating healthier, quitting smoking and drinking less are great ideas. But do them for the right reasons - because you want to live a healthier life.

Pick the right time to get there, and make these changes in a proper way.

Mentally prepare yourself for it because if you don’t then those resolutions will end up next to the Christmas wrapping paper, which was discarded after its use has been worn out.

The world is facing many challenges heading into a new year and many decisions will have to be made which will influence our futures.

We have made it past the Mayans’ end-of-the-world scenario, but soon enough another will take over the airwaves and online and another countdown will begin.

As the Christmas season is upon us there may be a way to see a brighter side of life. Enjoy the family and friends who are with you, whether it is in you house, online, or during a phone call.

Look to next year as a chance to enjoy every day because all too often we forget to do this until it is too late. Hopefully all of the people who read this editorial are enjoying their time off and the season that promotes joy and peace on earth.

When the time comes for the end of the year and start of another, do not be afraid of challenging yourself, but do not let it get to the point where the stock of your life ruins the life you are living.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Golden Star

Star EDITORIAL Hockey Fans Dear Editor I am writing in response to the stinger that was written in last weeks paper regarding the six-year-old kids who were standing up at the Golden Rockets game.

To clarify they were actually standing at least one row below any other people (behind the penalty boxes) so I am sure they could not have been too large of an obstruction for any grown adult.

They were cheering and showing amazing support for their team...their idols. They were not running around making noise, playing hockey in the lobby or being rude. They were being hockey fans and I for one was quite proud of them and certainly was entertained by them.

Radon Gas Dear Editor, Recently I did a test for radon in our home on Selkirk Hill and found it to be higher than Health Canada's recommended limit of 200 Becquerel’s per cubic meter. You can go to Health Canada's website for more information on Radon Gas. I have heard many houses up on the benches in town and out of town have higher radon levels. Knowing nothing about radon I did a bit of research on it. One of the most alarming statistics I read was if you have radon levels great than 400 b/m3 your chances of getting lung cancer are about 10%.

These kids are the future of hockey in this town and should be admired for their spirit and love for the game at such an early age.

We could definitely use a few more fans like them who show their love for the game so unabashedly. The players love it and respond to it very well. Many kids on the Rockets team commented to me "how nice it was to hear those little guys from the bench." "It really fired us up."

The Golden Rockets went on to beat the Fernie Ghostriders 4-0 that night and took over 1st place in their division for the first time in recent memory...so will I be telling those kid to sit down and be quiet any time soon?

I dont think so.

Go Rockets Go! Curt Thorne President of the Golden Rockets

I called a few folks after I tested who also had elevated radon levels and inquired about what they were doing to fix the problem. Most of them said they were not doing anything. To be honest, I was a bit surprised at their answers. When I knew our household levels were above the recommended limits, I made it a priority to fix the problem as I don’t want anyone in our house exposed to a gas that can give them lung cancer.

Radon Mitigation (google it for more info) is not difficult but so important. There are many different things you can do to help bring levels down and all of them will cost you time and money – probably somewhere in the range of $500 to

$3000 depending on what your fix is.

Being proactive and taking steps to decrease radon gas in our households will hopefully decrease our chances of developing lung cancer. Many people I talked to said it was too expensive, but to be honest with you, spending the money to fix the problem now will be a whole lot less expensive than getting cancer. After your levels have been corrected it’s peace of mind knowing you are not breathing in a poisonous gas.

I encourage everyone to test their homes, if the radon level is found to be high, it can be fixed.

Shannon Hood Golden

POLL OF THE WEEK Are you concerned about the number of recent break-ins in Golden?

Yes 58%

No 41%

This week’s poll question: Are you planning on making a New Year’s resolution this year? log onto www.thegoldenstar.net to make your vote count DISCLAIMER: This web poll is informal, not scientific. It reflects opinions of site visitors who voluntarily participate. Results may not represent the opinions of the public as a whole. Black Press is not responsible for the statistical accuracy of opinions expressed here.

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We reserve the right to edit all letters for brevity, clarity, length and taste. Please address letters to: editor at editor@thegoldenstar.net.

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Star editorial and opinion

The Golden Star Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.thegoldenstar.net A7

Golden point of view Are you planning on making a New Year’s resolution this year?

Stars to the elderly gentleman and the lady at Overwaitea who donated turkeys to the Food Bank – much appreciated!!

Dollar Store. 100 per cent of their sales on Friday Dec. 14 went to the Golden Food Bank.

Bakery for the meat and cheese tray. It was very delicious, and much appreciated.

Stingers to the spinny ball of death.

Stingers to my co-worker for his potty mouth.

A parcel full of stars to Jeanette at the post office for her exceptional service in making a dog’s Christmas.

Stars to Santa Claus for taking time out of his busy schedule to come to Nicholson school.

And a star to Kootenay Pumping for helping him get there.

Stars to the Wolf’s Den for giving us a great staff Christmas party.

Stars to the Golden

Stars to the Golden

Stingers to people who don’t know how to use the bathroom properly.

Ernest Baldrey “Yes, I’m going to quit smoking. This is the first time I’ve made that resolution.”

Angela Seery “I am. I am making a resolution to be in bed at 11 p.m. every night.

That would do me so much good.”

Walter Simon “Absolutely. I’m going to be kinder to people this year.”

Stars to all the people who helped a struggling grizzly bear cub get to a facility that could save her.

Email your Stars and Stingers to editor@thegoldenstar.net

Go to www.thegoldenstar.net to have your say.

GSS principal helps students find a proper place to study Iris Trask Principal at Golden Secondary School As we head back to school next Monday, January 7th, 2013, we will have three weeks until students in Grade 10-12 will be writing exams for some of their subjects.

Classes continue as usual for students in Grades 8 and 9, but students in Grades 10-12 only attend for their exams unless they have a Grade 9 class, during the week of January 28-31. This is an important time to begin studying to prepare for the final exams.

One of the important aspects of studying is finding a good place to study. If a student can answer ‘Yes’ to the following questions, then he/she is in good shape to begin studying!

• Is my Study Place available to me whenever I need it?

• Is my Study Place free from interruptions?

• Is my Study Place free from distractions?

• Does my Study Place contain all the study materials I need?

• Does my Study Place contain a large enough desk or table?

• • • •

Does my Study Place have enough storage space?

Does my Study Place have a comfortable chair?

Does my Study Place have enough light?

Does my Study Place have a comfortable temperature?

There are some simple strategies that help students prepare for tests…

• Find out details ahead of time (what will be on the test, what type of test it will be, how the test will be marked and how much the test is worth) • Don’t wait until the last minute to study! Short daily study sessions are better than one long session the night before the test.

• Study at a time when you are not hungry or sleepy.

• Set a goal for each study period – break down the tasks and divide up the sessions.

• Repetition is the key! Read and reread class notes and relevant chapters in the textbook.

• While reviewing notes, cover them up and try explaining them out loud.

• Create study aids by…

• making an outline of just the main ideas

• making a timeline of important dates or order of events • making flash cards for studying vocabulary, events or important dates • making own practice quizzes or test • Work through practice exams or study sheets provided by the teacher.

Iris Trask The best way to reduce test anxiety is by spending a lot of time reviewing and studying for tests. As parents, try to support and encourage your children to find the best place to study and to take the time to study! “Practice makes perfect” directly applies to studying!

Tell us what you’re up to!

Golden

Principal’s Report

THE

www.thegoldenstar.net 413A 9th Ave N 250 344-5251

A8 www.thegoldenstar.net

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Golden Star

Columbia Shuswap Regional District The CSRD Office in Salmon Arm will be closed from Tuesday, DECEMBER 25, 2012 until 9 AM on Wednesday, JANUARY 2, 2013.

Columbia Veterinary Services will be closed for appointments January 1st - February 6th, 2013 Clients are advised to ensure they have adequate medications and pet food for this time period.

Please contact staff at 250-344-5994 prior to January 1st to preorder necessary items.

Events & Entertainment Calendar Golden Cinema Presents: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Showing Friday Dec. 21 to Sunday Dec. 23 at 7pm. Closed Christmas Day. Wednesday Dec. 26 & Thursday 27 at 7pm.

Matinee on Monday 24 at 2pm. Playing next week also.

This Week Oldtimers Hockey Sunday 7:15 and 8:45pm, Wednesday 9:45pm. Call Russ at 250-344-2734.

Silvertips Hockey (50+) Every Monday 3:30pm and Friday 2pm. Call Sid 250344-5514.

Holiday Hours of Operation December 24 - Closed December 25 - Closed December 26 - 6 am - 10 pm December 31 - 6 am - 2 pm January 1 - Closed

Winter Walking at Mount 7 Rec Plex every Wednesday and Friday from 1 - 2:30pm.

Wed, Dec. 26

Have a safe and Happy Holidays!

Last chance!

Sale ends December 31st!

Co-ed Badminton at the Mount 7 Rec Plex from 7 to 9pm. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.

Golden Youth Centre drop in every Wednesday from 3:30 to 9pm. Jam nights every Wednesday evening.

Free Homework Help Program Wednesdays from 3:45 to 5:15pm at the Youth Centre. For students in Grades 8 - 12. Certified teacher and snacks included. Drop in.

• 1 Year: $35 (Reg. $47) • 1 Year (out of town): $50 (Reg. $67) • 3 Years: $99 (Reg. $141) December 1-31, 2012

413A 9th Ave. N. • 250-344-5251

Public Skate every Wednesday, 7 to 8pm at the Golden Arena.

Jam Night - OpenMic at the Rockwater.

Golden Parent and Tot Play Lets parents and kids from birth to five enjoy preschool type activities.

Every Wednesday at the Rec Plex from 10:30am to noon.

Thurs, Dec. 27 Golden Voice Toastmasters every Thursday 7-8:30pm at COTR Rm 121. New members welcome. For info call

This week's achievement award goes to...

Delanee Jmaiff 250-344-0652.

Men’s drop-in basketball Every Thursday from 8 to 10pm at the Rec Plex. $8 to play.

Golden’s 23rd Annual Christmas Bird Count Dec. 27 for questions contact Ellen Zimmerman 250-348-2228, ellenzim@ uniserve.com.

Bridge Club Every Thursday at the Senior’s Centre from 1 to 4pm. Contact 250-3445448.

Ben & Eric Jam Night at the Golden Taps Pub. Mountain Magic Quilters Guild meets Thursdays from 7:30 to 9pm in the Golden High School’s sewing room.

New members and guests always welcome, annual membership is $25.

Aquafit exercise class at The Travelodge from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Drop in rate is $6.50.

Food Bank Movie Night at the Rockwater Grill and Bar every Thursday from 8 to 10pm until April 25, 2013.

Free admission when you bring a Food Bank donation.

Fri, Dec. 28 Mother Goose Program Every Friday from 10:30 to 11:30am at the public library.

Drop in, snacks included.

Pilates Core and More A pilates-based bone building class. Last day this week, noon to 1pm at the RecPlex. Sign up at COTR. DJ Mihajic Touch Playing at the Rockwater.

Golden Youth Centre drop in every Friday from 3:30 to 9pm And movie night every Friday from 7 to 9pm.

• For more information... go to www.thegoldenstar.net

Public Skate 11:30am to 2pm at the Arena.

Sat, Dec. 29

Years Eve at the Rockwater DJ Momentum and guests on Dec. 31, 9pm to 4am.

Tues, Jan. 1

Karaoke Night at The Mad Trapper hosts a karaoke night every Saturday.

Public Skate every Saturday, 5:30 to 6:45pm.

Wil Mimnaugh Playing at the Rockwater on Saturday Dec. 29.

The Golden Rockets v.s Creston Valley Thundercats 7:30pm.

UFC at Omega 6pm $10 cover.

Sun, Dec. 30 Public Skate with Santa at the Golden Arena Sundays from 4:30 to 5:45pm.

Helmets are recommended, no pucks or sticks allowed on ice during public skate.

Willhorse at the Rockwater.

Junior Climbing Club at Dogtooth Climbing Gym 12:30pm to 2pm. Booking is recommended 250-3446444.

Mon, Dec. 31 Co-ed Badminton at the Mount 7 rec plex from 7-8:30pm $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.

Drop in Shinny every Monday from 9:30 to 10:30pm. Drop in fee $6.50.

New Years Eve Skate 4:45pm to 6:45pm (4:455:45 games for kids, 5:456:45 public skate) at the Arena.

New Years Eve at KHMR Activities and fireworks from 6 to 9:30pm on Dec. 31.

Pilates Core and More Every Tues until Dec. 21 noon - 1pm at Rec Plex.

Sign up at COTR. Join the Cadets.

This free program meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Legion Banquet Hall. For young men and women ages 12 to 18.

Aquafit exercise class at the Travelodge from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Drop in rate is $6.50 John Jenkins & Friends at the Rockwater 8pm.

Free Homework Help Program every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5pm in the Lion’s Den below the library. For students Grades 3-7. Just drop in.

Upcoming Events Sly Business at the Rockwater 10pm to 2am.

Rod and Gun Club AGM Tuesday Jan. 8 at 7pm at COTR. Interview Skills Workshop Jan. 14 at the WorkBC office downtown. Call 344-5413 to register.

Snowed In Comedy Tour at the Rockwater Jan 23 8pm to 11pm $15.

The Golden Rockets v.s Columbia Valley Rockies Jan. 5 at 7:30pm.

The Golden Rockets v.s Kimberley Dynamiters Jan. 12 at 7:30pm.

Bridge Club every Friday from 7 to 10pm at St. Andrews Centre for Peace.

Contact 250-344-5448.

Vintage New Years Eve Gala at Eagle’s Eye at KHMR Reservations are required 1-866-SKI-KICK.

The Travelling Mabels at the Civic Centre Jan. 25.

Parent and Tot Skate 10am to 11:15am at the Arena.

Midnight

The Golden Film Festival Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 2013.

Express

New

Robynn Franson for her hard work, kindness, organization and respectful behaviour.

Stop in by January 2, 2013 to receive your small blizzard • 344-2220 •

The Golden Star Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.thegoldenstar.net A9

Golden Moments: Passion found on the field of dreams Darryl Crane editor@thegoldenstar.net

gas.”

Originally he was going to come to Golden for a year and work at the mill.

“You get to meet more people and then it becomes more like home,” he said.

Stanton got back into hockey in Golden and played the last year of the Golden Rockets senior hockey league.

Stanton also spent time doing write ups for the Rockets junior team for the local newspapers. This turned into something Stanton would do for the next 20 years.

Over the years he has held almost every position with the team but now is mostly known as one of the two voices of The Golden Rockets.

“Time just flies. Something just clicks.

To me, Gino (Palumbo) is the best playby-play man in the league. I enjoy listening to him. We just get along,” he said.

“It has been, and still is fun.”

Stanton has also enjoyed watching this year’s team perform so well.

“It has been great this year. The skill has always been there with this team but the mental part has been lacking at times,” he said. “You really like to see the young kids go to the next level. We do it for the family and friends and playTom Stanton has worked hard over the years to help athletes improve in ers. We love the game.”

Darryl Crane/Star Photo Over the years, sports in Golden has Golden. changed according to Stanton “Slow and fast pitch was huge in this Golden. There used to be so many fast- Canada. The people are so close knit from the youngest to the oldest. Everytown in the late ‘70s. There were tourna- ball and curling teams in the area.”

As for Golden, Stanton said there is no one greets everyone the same. You can ments all the time. We did a lot of that,” talk to anyone and you know everyhe said. “The hardcore sports have been place he would rather be.

“This is an exceptional small town in body,” he said. toned down a little bit in the Town of

It has been a lifetime spent playing, watching and talking about the sports that he loves for Golden resident Tom Stanton.

Stanton grew up in a large family, having eight brothers and sisters.

“The girls were all in sports and and the boys as well. We had our own ball team,” Stanton said laughing. “We played volleyball, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, rugby and soccer. It just came naturally, you never really thought about it.”

This type of passion for sports may have come from his father Kenny, who had invites to try out with National Hockey League teams “He never went. Back in those days people didn’t go because they could make more money working other jobs rather than going to the NHL,” he said.

Stanton played five years in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League for the Rossland Warriors. It was during this time he had the chance to play on a line with his brothers, John and Gary.

Shortly after this he and his wife Daisy moved to Golden “When I came up here it was all about the people. The scenery is amazing.

There is no doubt about it because we still have not got over it,” he said. “When I came to Golden and started playing with the seniors I saw how many good players there were in this town. It was a

StarCROSSWORD

Tell us what you're up to!

        

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250 344-5251

advertising@thegoldenstar.net

Your Community Newspaper Since 1891

A10 www.thegoldenstar.net

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Golden Star

Your Community Newspaper Since 1891

Golden THE

www.thegoldenstar.net 413A 9th Ave N 250 344-5251

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Golden Hospice Society volunteers, from left Geraldine Smith, Martie Salisbury and Terry Schiesser stand with the prizes from the society’s fundraising raffle.

Jessica Schwitek/Star Photo

Hospice raffle winners announced Jessica Schwitek reporter2@thegoldenstar.net

The Golden Hospice Society is excited to hand out the prizes to their raffle winners.

The fundraising raffle has been going on since Nov. 1, and the three prize winners were chosen on Dec. 15.

Congratulations to Chris Drysdale, winner of a hand-crafted quilt, Nuala Wolfe, winner of an angel, and Sparky Dewart, winner of a meat and cheese platter from the Golden Bakery.

The Golden Hospice Society is a community-based program

dedicated to providing individuals and families with supportive, compassionate care while they are facing death and grieving.

The funds raised from this raffle will go to the society, and help them with training for their volunteers.

“We are delight-

ed with the support we’ve received. It’s a busy time of year, and a lot of sales going on, so we were delighted to have a piece of the action. Thank you very much to everyone who bought tickets,” said Martie Salisbury, volunteer with the society.

A sunnier country for electric vehicles Golden Star Staff reporter@thegoldenstar.net

“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions give off the greatest glow of happiness”. ~Bob Hope

Preserve those precious moments!

Boxing week specials start December 27 We will close at 3:00 p.m. December 24; reopen 9:30 a.m. December 27 and close at 3:00 p.m. December 31; reopen 9:30 a.m. January 3

The little scrapbook store Supplies, Crops and Classes

1206 - 7th Avenue, Invermere Ph: 250-342-7238

With the collaboration of more than 80 leading Canadian businesses and tourism destinations, Sun Country Highway is launching their 100 per cent publicly accessible electric vehicle charging network from St. John’s, N.L. to Victoria, B.C. The network project will connect cities and towns across Canada, creating the longest, greenest highway in the world.

Home Hardware is the charging station for Golden, and is the only Home Hardware that is part of the highway. They offer charge-ups for free. Now, every 100 to 200 kilometres along the Trans Canada Highway, electric vehicle owners have access to the world’s fastest level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at to cost to the vehicle owner.

The expansion to this network, which included a tour by Sun Country Highway president Ken Rathwell and vice president Christopher Misch, is in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Trans Canada Highway.

The extensive month-long tour in an all electric Tesla Roadster super car, stopped in Golden on Monday Dec. 17.

“We can now say that we have partnered with corporate and small business owners in every province from coast to coast. We have embarked on this project to help raise awareness on the capabilities of electric vehicles as efficient and exciting vehicles to drive,” said Rathwell.

“Our objectives are not only to reduce carbon emissions, but to show the world how renewable energies combined with sustainable forms of transportation can be the stimulus for the next industrial revolution.”

Sun Country Highway is a wholly Canadian owned company focused on creating Canada’s electric vehicle infrastructure. It is promoting the adoption of sustainable transportation alternatives without the use of taxpayer money, and for the purpose of creating regional economic development.

The world’s longest and greenest highway features more than 100 charging stations strategically placed along the Trans Canada before Christmas, and close to 200 charging stations total.

This charging network will allow electric vehicle owners to travel at no cost from coast to coast, 100 per cent emission free.

To learn more about Sun Country Highway go to www.suncountryhighway.ca.

The Golden Star Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.thegoldenstar.net A11

Doc Walker plays Golden on Holiday Train

Doc Walker rocked a crowd of hundreds of people who turned up for the Holiday Train this year in Golden. In 14 years, the Holiday Train program has raised close to $6.4 million and about 2.6 million pounds of food for North American food banks.

Ali Starchuk/Star Photo

Local residents get ready to ring in the new year in Golden

People from around Golden will be going out for a fun night on the town on New Year’s Eve. Star Photo Golden Star Staff reporter@thegoldenstar.net If you are wondering how you are going to celebrate and ring in the new year, Golden has several options to help you welcome in 2013.

You can keep the little ones busy early on with the New Year’s Eve Skate at the Golden Arena. All ages are welcome to the skate, admission by dona-

tion to the Figure Skating Club.

There will games for kids ages five to 13 from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Kids are encouraged to join the skate leaders and the figure skating club for the super fun games on the ice. Just remember to bring yours skates and helmet.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is also having a family

friendly evening of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Activities will include a Rail Jam under the lights hosted by local skiers and snowboarders, a glow-stick dance and parade for the kids, followed by a torchlight parade down the slopes.

The annual colossal year-end fireworks display will start at 9 p.m. Also throughout the night will be

Golden’s very own Amuse Troupe, performing a fantastic show of clowning, juggling and fire spinning.

And all the while DJ Mihajic and DJ Wackutt are scheduled on stage to spin their savvy beats and warm up the resort.

As usual the Eagle’s Eye will be ringing in the new year in style with their spectacular five-course meal, enhanced with carefully selected paired wines.

It will be an unforgettable evening filled with dinner, delight, and a solo guitar player.

Cap off the night with a romantic ride down the mountain.

The evening is $120, and reservations can be made at 1-866-SKI-KICK. If you want to stay up on the hill for the rest of the night, Peaks Grill is hosting a Totally Awesome 80s New Year’s Eve Party. Dress in 80s prom, and party the night away before hitting the slopes the next day.

The doors open at 9:30 and close at 10:30 p.m. The party goes until 2 a.m., and features live music from Willhorse, a photo booth, cham-

pagne toast at midnight, and a pizza party at 12:30 a.m.

Tickets are $40, available in advance at Peaks, and there is a free shuffle leaving the Rockwater to bring people up at 9:15 and 10 p.m.

The Winston Lodge is also keeping the ski hill up all night with their New Year’s Eve 2013, hosted by Golden Delicious.

Stickybuds are performing, as are the Amuse Troupe and countless DJs to keep you dancing all night long. Tickets are $50, and are available at Plain Wayne and Jane, and the Winston. There will be a free shuttle all evening, pick up beside the Rockwater.

Back in town the Rockwater is hosting their Midnight Express New Year’s

Eve get-together with DJ Momentum and guests. The party starts at 9 p.m., and will be rocking until 4 in the morning.

The Golden Taps is also bound to be packed that night with their Living Room Vinyl Party, featuring Broken Down Suitcase from 9:30 p.m. to midnight, followed by DJs until 3 a.m.

$ 10 cover at door Prelims 6 pm

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Your Junior Hockey Headquarters Come in and cheer on team Canada!!

Dec 26 - Jan 5

A12 www.thegoldenstar.net

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Golden Star

How the Christmas season brings us all closer together

- Turning Back the Pages By Colleen Palumbo

Christmas!

The very word brings about a flood of warmth and emotion to many people.

But there are many people out there who wonder where the true spirit of Christmas has gone.

I’ve been talking to a few of them and they make good sense, what has happened to the old-fashioned Christmas. The one that truly meant Peace and Goodwill to all Men. Some of the questions we need to ask ourselves, as once again we fall into the monster that has become Christmas are: What is a gift? Why must we wait until that one day on the calendar to express love for each other? Do we really need to break our bank accounts to

show love? Is bigger and more expensive better?

In days gone by, a simple homemade gift from your parents was the most exciting thing in the world. I could always count on my grandma Hazel for a pair of knitted mitts.

My grandma Ellen, who wasn’t much of a crafts person or a cook, gave us the gift of her time. She made her home a happy place to be at Christmas and made decorating the Christmas tree a gift to us kids each year. The tree never changed at grandma’s house.

The same decorations went on it year after year, and as each one went on there was a story that went with it. The one that sticks out most was the face of a cardboard Santa.

Each year as it went on the tree, Grandma would tell us of the letter that my dad sent home from overseas during World War II, describing what the tree at home would look like and how much he would miss them.

The letter included this cardboard Santa face on a string, like a large flat ornament.

My cousin Sharon was given the task of

Pictured above is downtown Golden where many of the shops were located where Christmas gifts and dinners were purchased.

Photo Submitted decorating the tree, a responsibility that she took very seriously and our many Charlie Brown Christmas trees at Grandma’s house were the most beautiful we had ever seen!

Many Christmas’ were spent with all my cousins around.

My dad’s sister Aline lived in Calgary, and she often brought her three sons “home” for Christmas and my dad’s sister Shirley had seven children who lived nearby.

During the Christ-

mas holiday it was not uncommon for there to be 7 or 8 of us having a sleepover at Grandma’s house. We slept on the floor under the kitchen table, on two kitchen chairs side by side, in the big chairs in the living room pushed together, on the couch, wherever there was a spot.

What a bunch of bandits we were! We felt really fortunate to always have someone to play with!

The Christmas dinners that my mother has prepared for

us over the years are what really stick out as precious gifts. She went out of her way to make sure that everyone’s favorite food was on the table, whether it was Christmasy or not.

Many times we only received a small gift at Christmas because she had a memory gift in mind for us.

Like a trip to see the ice capades, or the Calgary tower.

They didn’t come under the tree in a big box but they will stay in our hearts and memories long after

the boxed gifts are broken or forgotten.

Each of us has talents that have been given to us as a gift to share. Why is it that we find it so hard to give of ourselves?

Is it because we’re worried that with no price tag attached, we believe our gift will be thought less of?

Could a gift be as simple as babysitting for a friend so that they could spend an evening at the movies, or plowing their driveway, or helping them paint their kitchen?

And as receivers of

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time gifts, do we ever really appreciate it with a proper thank you?

One Christmas, when our son, Patrick, was about seven years old, he was shopping with his $20. From this he had to buy a gift for his dad, one for me and one for his sister. On the street in front of Tru Value, he found a bag with a necklace in it.

We told him how fortunate he was to have come across it lying there. He thought about it for about seven seconds, maximum, and then said, “Let’s take it to the police station, maybe whoever bought it can’t afford to get another one, and it will ruin their Christmas.”

We got a call that evening to say that the necklace had been claimed by a grateful 12 year-old.

In turning that necklace in, Patrick gave many gifts but he gave himself the greatest gift, the special feeling he got from making others happy.

I have been very fortunate, blessed actually, to have had so many memory gifts given to me this year.

From a simple hello on the street to a grateful thank you, or a quick coffee with family and friends!

Thank you all for making this year a most memorable one for me! Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Golden Star

www.thegoldenstar.net A13

Golden Eagles host Lakers on the courts

The Golden Secondary School junior and senior boys basketball teams hosted the Lakers from David Thompson Secondary School in Invermere on Dec. 19. The junior team lost 33-31 while the senior team blew out the Lakers 76-49.

Darryl Crane/Star Photo

No Christmas miracle for Cats against Golden Rockets Darryl Crane editor@thegoldenstar.net The Golden Rockets put on a show for the home fans in the team’s last home game before Christmas when they laid a 6-1 drubbing on the Creston Valley Thunder Cats.

The Rockets top line took control of the game in the first period when Connor Beauchemin scored a natural hat trick. Line mate Blake Roney assisted on all three of the first period tallies.

The Cats got their only goal of the night on a second period marker from Matthew Murray.

The Rockets got they fourth goal of the night when Felix Larouche scored early in the third period.

Before the end of the game Roney netted his 14th of the year to give the Rockets a 5-1 lead. The scoring ended late in the third as Jacob Bergeron showed quick hands when a missed shot came off the end boards and landed right on his stick.

Bergeron popped the shot in the back of the net to finish off a dominating performance.

Head coach of the Rockets, Ty Davidson, was extremely satisfied with the performance of the team.

“As a coaching staff we really stressed this week we were not going to go on Christmas vacation early. It is a tendency for kids that are this age who have been away from home for the first time to look too far ahead,” he said. “Sometimes their body is here but their mind is not. I think we showed that tonight, we did not go home early. We sputtered a little bit in the second but we put together a really Rockets defenceman Michael Anderson lays a solid bodycheck against a good first and third, and overall it was a very good effort from the goalie on out.” forward from the Creston Valley Thunder Cats. Darryl Crane/Star Photo

Happy Holidays - Thank you for your support!

Golden Rockets VS. Creston Valley Thunder Cats SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 7:30PM IN GOLDEN

VS.

A14 www.thegoldenstar.net

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Golden Star

Gymnastics Club finishes first season in new building Coach Christine Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club On September 10, 2012 Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club opened its doors at a new home at 907 10th Street North (across from Kootenay Pumping). As the athletes young and old arrived for their first classes, the excitement was palpable.

It is a wonderful, safe and fun place for all ages and abilities.

With our own facility, we have been able to offer more programming and have been able to accommodate more than 200 participants.

As the Head Coach, it is really exciting to watch a program develop and grow in both numbers but also in depth. I have a growing coaching staff comprised of young adults who are developing amazing leadership skills and a growing to not only love sharing the sport but who truly take an interest in the children they are working with.

In my parent and tot and other preschool classes I noticed a big difference in the comfort level in our new home … it is a smaller and seems for this age group a more welcoming and less intimidating venue.

Our recreational and advanced recreational programs have been amazing as I get to share in the leadership for these after-school sessions; it took a little adjustment to run a program with two or three different groupings of participants. The competitive program athletes are probably the most acutely aware of what our new location offers.

In order to maintain and deepen their ability levels, some of the athletes use to train three days a week before school and then come in those same evenings and train a couple hours at the very end of the day.

This year we were able to offer programming that allowed each competitive gymnast and

Gymnast Mara Parkinson practices some of her skills in the Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club’s new facility.

Jessica Schwitek/Star Photo their family some choice to their hours. We still train one morning a week. In every participant I have worked with, which is all of them, I have seen skill development and growth in strength, agility, flexibility and confidence.

There is still much we hope to accomplish in the coming year.

We hope to offer birthday par-

ties and other extra-curricular events for the community. Our Fall Session ended on December 10th, 2012 and we are currently taking new registrations for our Winter Session that runs from January 7, 2013 to March 12, 2013.

If you are interested you can contact the gym at khgym@ hotmail.com, or call 250-344-

0682, or check out our website at http://khgym.weebly.com/ index.html.

This Summer with the help of the Red Petting Farm the club raised some of the money that helped to prepare the new facility for moving in and then this Fall we had an ‘Easy as Pie’ Fundraiser to assist us with our cost of operations and

there will be more to come in the new year. We are thankful to the wonderful support we have from the community as a whole and from caring and engaged families; without you all we just would not be where we are. Thank you! We wish everyone Happy Holidays and much kindness and love! See you in the New Year!

Becoming a better all around player is focus for Rockets foward Darryl Crane editor@thegoldenstar.net Rockets forward Jacob Bergeron has been working hard to become a solid two-way player for the Golden Rockets. After splitting last season with the Rockets and Grand Forks, Bergeron has been enjoying the solid play of the Rockets this year.

“It has been pretty good. I have no complaints,” he said. “Everyone came back this fall with a different attitude.

We also have a great group of rookies who have been fantastic this year.”

Bergeron has been very impressed with the rookies. “Normally it takes a

while for rookies to pick up the play in this league. These guys have got right into it.”

As for his own game, Bergeron has been working hard to become a great all around player this season.

“I have been trying to round off my game a lot. I have not been scoring as much as I was last year but I am better at all ends of the ice,” he said. “I had a talk with Ty (head coach of the Rockets, Ty Davidson) about what I am doing in the future. I am trying to be a big part of the team and doing everything I can to win this year.”

Bergeron also added that the depth of the team has been amazing this

year.

“We can put our fourth line out against anyone and not worry about it. We have one of the best fourth lines in the league,” he said. “We have been playing well and James Leonard really stepped up and now having Cole Henson back we have two really good goalies.”

Beregron has 17 goals so far this season along with 18 assists.

He is hoping to keep his hot play as of late going and hopes to hit 30 goals before the season ends.

“I want to keep playing well, but scoring goals is not as important as getting the two points,” he said.

Jacob Bergeron Golden Rockets

The Golden Star Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Starbusiness directory

www.thegoldenstar.net A15

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Phone: (250) 344-8351

Add your Event to our online Calender

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bmissions will The best online su ents Calendar of be placed in the Ev newspaper.

The Golden Star

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Event submissions are FREE. Once your request is submitted, it can take up to 48 hours for the event to appear on the calendar.

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Star business

Darryl Crane editor@thegoldenstar.net

It was a love of snowmobiling that started at a very young age that got Mike Palumbo involved in the industry.

He is now the owner and tour guide of Snowpeak Rentals in Golden, and has been since 1996.

Palumbo had been a snowmobile dealer in Golden for a number of years before buying the company a few years later. He shared a story about how he got on a snowmobile for the first time and drove at the age of three.

“My sister had the snowmobile idling when she went in the house. I grabbed on and pulled the throttle. I smashed it straight into a big tree,” he said.

Palumbo said his father, to this day, is still mad at his sister over the incident and the snowmobile is now on the company sign near Kicking Horse River Lodge.

Palumbo explained that his sister went on to race locally at an oval which was in town, and he continued to enjoy them when he was a child.

As for Golden, Palumbo said that he feels this is a great place for people to come for a good time in a beautiful area.

“I am going to say it is the best. It is as good a mountain area as you could want in the world. The area around here is amazing. The snow is lighter and not so wet. It is just a fantastic area,” he said.

“Everyday is like that.”

Having a great area to be in makes booking clients an easy thing for Palumbo to do.

“Knowing that when anyone books, when they get to the area it is always going to be good. It is such a big area with so much snow that it is always good,” Palumbo also said that trying to do whatever he can to make sure his clients have a great day out on the machines has led to some great times over the years.

Palumbo shared one story which saw him get Tim Hortons coffee helicoptered in for a special snack.

“We were heading up the trail and a guy said he wanted Tim Hortons. There were 18 or 19 guys and I said it would be about $50 a glass,” he said.

After using a satellite phone to place the order a time was set for the drop off.

“Two guys said no so their buddies paid $100 a glass. So the owner came in the chopper and we all had coffee and a bunch of doughnuts. I still get people who stop me on the street and talk about

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coffee and helicopters at Silent Lake,” he said.

Getting things done is a way of life for Palumbo and he brings this attitude to the business.

“That is how I try to live life. I am a ‘doer guy.’ I don’t care if no one has

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WISE BUYERS READ THE LEGAL COPY: Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers may be cancelled at any time without notice.

Dealer order or transfer may be required as inventory may vary by dealer. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. ‡Offer valid from December 21, 2012 to January 2, 2013 (the “Program Period”). Receive $750 towards the purchase or lease of a new 2012 / 2013 Ford and Lincoln vehicles excluding Focus, Fiesta, CMAX, (Fusion S, Hybrid and Energi), Mustang GT500 and BOSS 302, Taurus SE, Edge SE, Flex SE, Explorer Base, Escape S, Transit Connect EV, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 Value Leader and Raptor during the Program Period (the “Offer”). Offer must be applied to the Eligible Vehicle. The Eligible Vehicle must be delivered or factory ordered during the Program Period. Taxes payable on the total price of the Eligible Vehicle (including accessories and factory options), before the Offer value is deducted. This Offer is subject to vehicle, accessory, and factory installed option availability. Only one (1) Offer may be applied toward the purchase or lease of each Eligible Vehicle. This Offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. This Offer is not combinable with CPA, GPC, Daily Rental Allowances or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). Some conditions apply. Offer available to residents of Canada only. *Purchase a new 2013 F-150 XLT Super Cab 4x4 with 5.0L engine for $31,499. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate of $7,500 has been deducted.

Offer includes freight and air tax of $1,700 but exclude variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. Manufacturer Rebates can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. ▲Offer only valid from December 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 (the “Offer Period”) to resident Canadians with a Costco membership on or before November 30, 2012. Use this $1,000CDN Costco member offer towards the purchase or lease of a new 2012/2013 Ford vehicle (excluding Fiesta, Focus, Fusion HEV & Energi, C-Max, Raptor, GT500, Mustang Boss 302, Transit Connect EV & Medium Truck) (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). The Eligible Vehicle must be delivered and/or factory-ordered from your participating Ford/Lincoln dealer within the Offer Period. Offer is only valid at participating dealers, is subject to vehicle availability, and may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. Only one (1) offer may be applied towards the purchase or lease of one (1) Eligible Vehicle, up to a maximum of two (2) separate Eligible Vehicle sales per Costco Membership Number. Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with an eligible Costco member. This offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford Motor Company of Canada at either the time of factory order (if ordered within the Offer Period) or delivery, but not both. Offer is not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). Applicable taxes calculated before $1,000CDN offer is deducted. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offer, see dealer for details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. ††When properly equipped. Max. towing of 11,300 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost 4x2 and 4x4 and 6.2L 2 valve V8 4x2 engines. Max. payload of 3,120 lbs with 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR vs. 2012/2013 competitors. †††Max. horsepower of 411 and max. torque of 434 on F-150 6.2L V8 engine. Class is Full–Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR vs. 2012/2013 comparable competitor engines. ©2012 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ©2012 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

A16 www.thegoldenstar.net Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Golden Star

Pictured above are Mike Palumbo (centre), Jordan Penno and Andy Pezderic. Palumbo strives to serve his customers needs which has included helicoptering in coffee and great lobster meals (pictured below).

Darryl Crane/Star Photo

Finding the fun in the backcountry with Snowpeak Rentals

done it, I think if we can do it then we just have fun and do it,” he said. “It is fun. The clients keep coming back for tours as the years have gone by.”

To learn more about the business, check out www.snowpeakrentals.com or call 1-888-512-4222/250-344-8385.

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

Golden StarStar Monday, December 24, 201226, 2012 The Golden Wednesday, December

www.thegoldenstar.net www.thegoldenstar.net A17 A17

Your community. Your classifieds.

250.344.5251 fax 250.344.7344 email classifieds@thegoldenstar.net INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAVEL CHILDREN EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE MARINE

AGREEMENT

It is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. bcclassified.com cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition. bcclassified.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisment and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassified.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisment and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHT

Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassified.com.

Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

ON THE WEB:

Help Wanted Apply Within Your path to a better job starts here.

Announcements

Employment

Information

Career Opportunities

New to town? Having a baby?

Getting married? Call Ellen Hatlevik, your local Welcome Wagon Representative!

250-344-4799.

Timeshare

Travel CONDOMINIUM HOTEL 1-2-3 bdrm condominiums 8251850sq ft. Convenient Beach Access, Heated Pool/Hot Tub In-room Washer/Dryer, Flat Screen TV’s, Free Wi-Fi, Private Balconies, Daily Housekeeping, Handicapped Rooms Available.

Weekly/Monthly Rates, Free Local Calls, Free Local Beach Transportation.

Conveniently Located to Shops and Restaurants. www.crystalpalmsbeach resort.com 1-888-360-0037.

11605 Gulf Blvd. Treasure Island FL 33706.

HAWAII ON the Mainland, healthy low-cost living can be yours. Modern Arenal Maleku Condominiums, 24/7 secured Community, Costa Rica “friendliest country on earth”!

1-780-952-0709; www.CanTico.ca.

One week ski vacation at Sun Chaser Villas, Fairmont Hot Springs! Jan 21-28, 2013.

Only $599! - no taxes. Call 344-3663 or 2366.

Employment Business Opportunities PYRAMID CORPORATION is now hiring! Instrument Technicians and Electricians for various sites across Alberta. Send resume to: hr@pyramidcorporation.com or fax 780-955-HIRE.

Career Opportunities

Obituaries

HEAVY DUTY JOURNEYMAN DIESEL MECHANIC required in Invermere, B.C. Permanent full-time position. Wage based on experience. $30 – $38.

Benefit package available.

Please fax or email resume to 250-342-0212 louise@maxhelmer.ca max@maxhelmer.ca

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking CONTRACT LOGGING Trucks Wanted! If you are a safe, reliable, and experienced driver that would like work in West Central Alberta, please call Darcy @ 403-638-6047.

Help Wanted An Alberta Construction Company is hiring Dozer and Excavator Operators. Preference will be given to operators that are experienced in oilfield road and lease construction. Lodging and meals provided. The work is in the vicinity of Edson, Alberta. Alcohol & Drug testing required. Call Contour Construction at 780-723-5051.

Experienced Raft Guides needed for 2013 Summer.

Valid First Aid ticket, and Class 4 White Water experience required.

Drivers licence and Class 4 an asset. French, Spanish, German, Japanese as a second language is an asset. $11 - $19/Hr. June 15 - Sept 15.

Please email Resume to info@wetnwild.bc.ca

TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager at home! We have jobs across Canada. Thousands of graduates working. 32 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-6658339, 604-681-5456.

Required for an Alberta Trucking Company. One Class 1 Driver. Must have a minimum of 5 years experience pulling low boys and driving off road. Candidate must be able to pass a drug test and be willing to relocate to Edson, Alberta. Fax resumes to: 780725-4430

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Bleu Angelina Nemecek April 30th, 1976 - December 19th, 1999 WE PROMISE We promise to carry on your contagious smile.

The same one that would light up a room the minute you walked in.

We promise to laugh and never take ourselves too seriously.

We promise to love harder and forgive faster.

We promise to be content, to be thankful for the life we have and the years we were blessed to have with you.

We promise to try and have as big a heart as you did.

We promise to let you hear every giggle and feel every hug.

To know every heartache, and let you be there for every special moment.

We miss you Bleu!

Cards of Thanks

Cards of Thanks

Chrystal Dolen Chrystal Ruth Dolen passed away in Golden, BC on December 19, 2012 at the age of 82 years.

Travel CANCEL YOUR Timeshare.

NO Risk Program, STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call Us NOW. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248.

Obituaries

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Golden, BC on Friday December 28, 2012 at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow in the Royal Canadian Legion Hall.

Memorial donations can be made to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation, 729 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC, V2C 2B5 Funeral arrangements are in the care of Hindman/Bowers Funeral Home, Golden, BC

The family of Vera (Vicki) Hamilton would like to express our gratitude for the many acts of sympathy and kindness shown by friends and family at the time of passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother and great grandmother.

Thank you to Hindman Bowers Funeral Home and Pastor Terry Martin for your expert guidance and kindness and to the Senior’s Centre for the lovely tea.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank the Prestige Inn, Prestige Cold Beer and Wine Store and ABC Restaurant for making our out of town family and friends stay so comfortable.

We’re on the net at www.bcclassified.com Obituaries

Obituaries

Vera (Vicki) Hamilton

Mrs. Vera (Vicki) Hamilton passed away peacefully in her home on December 7th, 2012 at the age of 86 years. A memorial service was held from St. Andrews United Church on December 15th with Pastor Terry Martin of¿ciating, internment was at the Golden Cemetery.

Vicki was born in Olds, Alberta on May 26th, 1926.

She was a resident of the Golden area for 52 yesrs.

Vicki was an avid and good golfer who had 3 hole in one’s, she bowled for many years, and spent many afternoons playing bingo and crib at the Senior’s Centre. She also enjoyed joining her friends at the Golden Bakery for coffee. She loved to travel with her friends and family. Vicki was a member of the Royal Purple for many years.

Her family will remember her as a loving, patient, caring person who always had time for all of us.

Vicki was predeceased by her parents Roy Lee and Mary Etta Bliss, her sister Lois, her brothers Gilbert, Delbert, Rae, Dwight, Verle and Gordon and her husband Bill in 1983 and Grandson Todd William Hamilton. She is survived by 6 children, Janice (Maurice) Dusseault of Golden, Jack (Terry) from Prince George, Doug (Gloria) from Calgary, Andy, from Fort MacMurray, Ken (Marianne) from Golden and Patricia (Phillip) Colonna, from Golden, 15 grandchildren, Tanya, Theresa, Nicole, Toni Lynn, Dale, Tim, Kim, Lee, Lyndsey, Megan, Allyson, Kourtney, Ashley, Carla, Katy, and 21 great grandchildren, Saxon, Stein, and Soren Kuhle, Erin and Simon Reid, Gillian and Bridget Ashworth, Samantha, Kelson and McKenzie Tomlinson, Ty and Mason Hamilton, Tanner and Corbin Moulton, Sophia and Ava Hamilton, Brayden and Roxy Ricard, Dakota, Dylan and Kayden Downer and one sister, Dorothy Nelson of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Golden Senior’s Centre at Box 2084, Golden, BC. Arrangements were in care of HIndman Bowers Funeral Home, Golden.

A18 www.thegoldenstar.net www.thegoldenstar.net

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Golden Golden Star Star Monday, December 24, 2012

Employment

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Rentals

Rentals

Transportation

Legal

Help Wanted

Misc. for Sale

Suites, Upper

Cars - Domestic

Legal Notices

AT LAST! An iron filter that works. IronEater! Fully patented Canada/U.S.A. Removes iron, hardness, smell, manganese. Sine 1957. Visit our 29 innovative inventions; w w w. b i g i r o n d r i l l i n g . c o m .

Phone 1-800-BIG-IRON.

Commercial/ Industrial

Recreation

HI my name is Vandy, $1000 reward for anyone who can author a life story about the ups and downs of my intriguing life...Creativity and imagination is an asset, short and sweet on the poetic spectrum preferable, whilst keeping within the guidelines of fact overriding fiction, embellishment an option but not most likely not necessary as my life is interesting enough to be authored and published within local newspapers without exaggeration as a necessity. You can reach me @ 778677-5446 or 885-8002 or e-mail vandybuck@hotmail.com

One week ski vacation at Sun Chaser Villas, Fairmont Hot Springs! Jan 21-28, 2013.

Only $599! - no taxes. Call 344-3663 or 2366.

Main floor 2 bdrm suite in town fully furnished all utls incld $1000 per month. Avalb Dec 1st. 250-344-6200.

Tim Hortons dba Bolico Holdings Ltd. 1421 Trans Canada Highway, Golden B.C. V0A 1H2 Food Counter Attendant / Production Full time (40 hrs/wk) Nights/Overnights/Early Mornings/Weekends $10.25/Hr + benefits.

Fax resume to 250-439-1963 or apply in person.

WANTED SHORT Logger and Hayrack for work till the end of March. Call 604-819-3393.

Services

Health Products GET 50% off - Join Herbal Magic this week and get 50% Off. Lose weight quickly, safely and keep it off, proven results! Call Herbal Magic today!

1-800-854-5176.

Financial Services

Are you a snowbird? Going out of province or out of the country? Did you get your travel insurance? Call Baljit Rana at 250-344-1128 or email: blajit.rana@sunlife.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s That Simple.

Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

M O N E Y P R OV I D E R . C O M . $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused. Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877-776-1660.

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

Contractors Custom blueprints.Visit: wwldesigns.ca Save! Save! Save!

Electrical AERIAL CONTRACTORS LTD. Power line systems built to BC Hydro standards. EC# 19806. 1-800-661-7622.

BIG BUILDING sale... â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;?This is a clearance sale. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss!â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;? 20x20 $3,985.

25x24 $4,595. 30x36 $6,859.

35x48 $11,200.

40x52 $13,100. 47x76 $18,265. One end wall included. Call Pioneer Steel at: 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca 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?

Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch, 100% Grass Fed Naturally Raised Buffalo. All cuts available again farm direct.

Sides are now available by reservation also. Call Leo at 250-3444779 and he will be happy to answer any questions you have and put your order together. Thank you very much for supporting our family farm. leo@leodowney.com http://leodowney.com/rockymountain-buffalo-ranch/ STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

Misc. Wanted Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Accumulations, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins + Chad: 250-863-3082 in Town

Sporting Goods Assorted skis, boots, sets, from kids to adult. Call or text 250-344-8147.

Real Estate Acreage for Sale 11 & 1/2 acre parcel 10 mins south of Golden, east side of the Rockies. Drilled well, flat building site, good access. Survey plan available. 1-250-769-4288 or call Willy 250-344-6048

For Sale By Owner 12 plex apt bldg. Info at: propertyguys.com search Golden ID #65220.

Houses For Sale Merchandise for Sale Firewood/Fuel FIREWOOD for sale.

Call 250-344-7677.

Firewood for sale. Fir, pine, spruce. Phone 250-939-8548.

Garage Sales FURNITURE Blow out sale! Prestige Inn Radium Hot Springs 7493 Main St W Sunday December 16th 11:00am-2:00pm Up to 80% off original asking prices. Beds, night stands, desks, headboards and more!

2 Storey house for sale on 1/2 acre lot, Habart Lower Rd. 1900sqft w/dbl carport plus shop in back. Ph.250-344-5706 Two homes and a shop in Golden for sale.

Kijiji 370618987. Phone 250-344-5772 or 344-0553.

Other Areas 20 ACRES Free! Buy 40-Get 60 acres. $0-Down, $168/mo.

Money back guarantee. No credit checks. Beautiful views.

Roads surveyed. Near El Paso, Texas. 1-800-843-7537 www.sunsetranches.com

Rentals

Heavy Duty Machinery

Apt/Condo for Rent

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

For rent - 2 and 3 Bdr Mobile Home at Nicholson. $750/mth plus utilities, available now, pets welcome. 250-344-8551.

Rental Units avail. Close to downtown. Call (250)344-8919 Sherri,Highland Property Management Ltd. NP No parties.

Twin Rivers - 1 & 2 bdrm apts. No parties, N/S, no pets.

Laundry facilities, Security doors. Best Deal in Town!

250-344-8113.

Commercial space - 1700 sq ft. Store front / office & shop / storage space. 250-344-2530 or 250-344-8220.

Cottages / Cabins 3 & 2bdrm, and 2 bdrm cabin at Creekside apts. Quiet, clean & modern living spaces. Perfect for couples coming to ski!

Call Dan @250-344-1435.

Misc for Rent

FOR RENT Visit our website for complete rental listings

remaxgolden.com Property Management Division Alice Dahlberg, CPM 250-344-2418 or 250-344-8581 (cell)

Seasonal Acommodation

Transportation

Auto Financing

One week ski vacation at Sun Chaser Villas, Fairmont Hot Springs! Jan 21-28, 2013.

Only $599! - no taxes. Call 344-3663 or 2366.

Shared Accommodation Shared accmd looking for 1 mature NS roommate to share a very clean house in Nicholson w/ 1 person. No pets. DD and refs reqd. $400 +utls. Call 250-344-2408.

2001 Ford F150 4.6L V8 126,000 Kms. Price $4800.00 250-344-4938

Lets You Live Life.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

SKI PATROL ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR

Homes for Rent

If you are an expert skier with proven leadership and communication skills and have a passion for working outdoors in the beautiful mountains of Banff National Park then we want to hear from you.

Duplex for Rent

3 Bdrs up, 2 down.

Located in residential area close to everything.

Fenced yard, W/D hookup.

Call 250-344-5996.

Fully furnished 4 bedroom house for rent in Canyon Ridge $1700/mnth. Please email nikileek1@gmail.com or call 250-344-1324.

HALF house for rent. Opposite Esquimalt High on 828 Colvile Rd. 3 Bedrooms, large yard for pets and kids. 250-885-8002 or 250-885- 8090 Small cabin on Blaeberry River, Now - May 1st $750+DD. includes furniture & utls NP NS. 250-344-2114.

REPAIRERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LIEN ACT Whereas, Markus David Allan Elrick is indebted to Weir Consolidated Ltd. DBA Columbia Diesel for repairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on a 1989 Kenworth VIN: 1XKEDB9X1KJ812379

There is presently an amount due and owing of $4,660.14 plus any additional costs of storage, seizure and sale. Notice is hereby given that on the 16th day of January, 2013 or thereafter, the said vehicle will be sold.

For more information call Elite Bailiffs at (604) 539-9900.

REPAIRERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LIEN ACT Whereas, Saturn Freightways Inc. is indebted to Weir Consolidated Ltd. DBA Columbia Diesel for repairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on a 2001 Freightliner, VIN: 1FUJA6BD71PJ25695

There is presently an amount due and owing of $4,829.82 plus any additional costs of storage, seizure and sale. Notice is hereby given that on the 16th day of January, 2013 or thereafter, the said vehicle will be sold.

The Ski Patrol Department at Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort in Banff is currently recruiting for: SKI PATROL ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR.

250-344-5626.

LOOKING FOR A DEAL ON A NEW VEHICLE? Save up to 40% OFF your next new vehicle...

No games or gimmicks, deal direct with local dealerships. www.newcarselloff.com

Trucks & Vans

3 Bdr Upper & Avail now.

250-344-5075.

3 bdr, 2 bath home in the Blaeberry. High speed internet & Sat TV available. Wood & electric heat, large yard, room for horses & dogs. Seasonal or long term. $850/mth.

Available now. 250-344-5888.

$1800

No qr code reader?

Text info: 778.786.8271

Each ofď&#x192;&#x17E;ce is independently owned & operated.

2-3 Bdr house in Nicholson, furnished $900/mth, plus util.

Avail. now. Propane, NS, NP preferred. DD and references required. Large fenced yard and garden, 2 bathrooms w/ showers.

250-344-2335 or 250-344-0130 2 Bdr bsmt suite 1116 12 St. Newly renovated. W/D, F/S. No pets. Avail. Jan 1 or before.

1986 GMC Safari Van. Working condition.

OBO. 250-272-0291.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: t "TTJTU JO UIF PQFSBUJPOT PG UIF 4LJ 1BUSPM UFBN PòFSJOH advice, technical support and training t 4VQQPSU BOE BQQMZ UIF DPNQBOZ QPMJDJFT BOE QSPDFEVSFT 0) 4 QSPHSBN BOE "MQJOF 3FTQPOTJCJMJUZ DPEF PO B EBJMZ basis t 4LJ QBUSPM EVUJFT t $VTUPNFS DBSF Requirements for the position include: t ZFBST FYQFSJFODF JO B TJNJMBS FOWJSPONFOU TLJ JOEVTUSZ related) t &YQFSU TLJJOH BCJMJUZ t .JOJNVN IST 'JSTU "JE USBJOJOH WBMJE )$1 $13 certificate t 4USPOH FòFDUJWF DPNNVOJDBUJPO TLJMMT CPUI TQFBLJOH and writing Preferred: t 1SFWJPVT FYQFSJFODF XPSLJOH BT B 4LJ 1BUSPMMFS BU 447 PS other resort t 4PNF BWBMBODIF USBJOJOH $"" PS BQQSPWFE FRVJWBMFODZ t 1SFWJPVT TVQFSWJTPSZ FYQFSJFODF Sunshine Village offers industry competitive compensation and benefits in a great working environment. Interested applicants view full description at www.skibanff.com/ employment, please apply online or send resume and cover letter to: Human Resources, jobs@skibanff.com 1IPOF 'BY Closing date of applications is January 9th, 2013.

Legal Notices

For more information call Elite Bailiffs at (604) 539-9900.

Mines Act: Notice of Works and Reclamation and Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land FrontCounter BC Cranbrook has accepted an application made by Eric Oddy and Gary Nickel of Golden, BC on behalf of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO) and Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), Kootenay Region, for a License of Occupation and Notice of Work and Reclamation Program for the purpose of extracting construction stone and decorative rock situated on Provincial Crown land near adjacent to Holt Creek near Golden BC and containing 1.11 hectares more or less.

The MFLNRO and MEM File Numbers that have been established for this application are 4405298 (lands) and 0501186 (mines). Written comments concerning this application should be directed to FrontCounter BC, 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook B.C., V1C 7G1 or email to: AuthorizingAgency.Cranbrook@gov.bc.ca. Comments will be received by FrontCounter BC until January 20, 2013.

FrontCounter BC may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please refer to our website http:// www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp>Search->Search by File Number:insert Lands File Number for more information.

These applications will be available for viewing at the Service BC Center in Golden, BC. (Mines and Lands applications) Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For more information, contact the FOI.

The Golden Star Wednesday, December 26, 2012

www.thegoldenstar.net A19

Local students complete DARE program The Grade 5 class at Lady Grey Elementary School completed a 10-week Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

The stduents were awarded certificates and T-shirts from RCMP Constable Nicki-Jo Wolfram, pictured left with her students.

Darryl Crane/ Star Photo

Inspired to help people around Golden at Ewan & McKenzie Darryl Crane editor@thegoldenstar.net For more than 25 years the people in Golden have been served in many different ways by local lawyer Glen Ewan.

Ewan & McKenzie has been a great partnership between Ewan and Bruce McKenzie who have worked hard to help local people. Ewan started working in Golden in 1978 to help out the only lawyer in Golden at the time.

“After three weeks we realized that this was the place to be. People were friendly and warm. They were helpful and we have made it our home ever since,” Ewan said.

When the lawyer he was working with decided to leave the town, Ewan met with candidates who might come to Golden.

“I can remember saying to McKenzie, who was the best candidate, to come to Golden and see if he would like it.

He came up and loved it. On his way to the golf course he got a flat tire,” he said. “After being eaten by the mosqui-

toes I thought he would never stay but he said he loved it and never left.”

Making a difference in Golden is a very important part of life for Ewan and others in the firm.

“I wanted to be in a place where I thought I could make a difference in the community.

Growing up I never knew any lawyers but I read To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. I said I wanted to be like Atticus Finch.

To do that you can’t stay in Vancouver,” he said.

Ewan continues to this day to spread the word on the many great opportunities in small towns.

“This March I am going to the University of British Columbia to speak to the law students about small town life. I do not call it small town law practice because it is about making your life in a small town,” he said.

One area where the lawyers try to help out in the area is through their legal aid work.

“We have always done a lot of legal aid work which means you don’t get paid or you don’t get paid very much. Everyone in this law firm believes that it is a

duty as lawyers to do that. I have been paid with chickens, eggs, car repairs and whatever they can do if they want to pay us,” he said. “We do whatever we have to do to help people out.”

Ewan also said that the high level of respect that people have shown him over the years has been truly amazing.

“People have been very good to us. I am astounded, as business person, how small our accounts receivables are.

People pay us when they are charged by us. Most lawyers write off five to 10 per cent of the bills that they send out in a year. If we write off one per cent that’s a bad year for us,” he said. “People are very loyal to us here. They appreciate that we try to help them out and do our best for them.”

The firm also has a new lawyer who has come to work with them. Ewan said it is interesting to work and watch Keven Schecter work on cases.

“You throw you heart and mind and everything into it, and it doesn’t go your way. You can walk away heartbroken,” he said.

Pictured are lawyers Glen Ewan and Keven Schecter of Ewan & McKenzie Barristers and Solicitors.

Darryl Crane/Star Photo “For a day afterwards you think, ‘what could I have done differently?’ What could I have said, and you second guess your skills.

But that is how you improve.”

Ewan also wanted to pass on a special message to the people in the area.

“I would like to say thank you to the thousands of people who have made this a successful law practice. A law practice where I feel good going home every night and I can’t wait to get into the office in the morning,” he said.

Thank you from the Adopt a Family Program to: One very special 50/50 winner

Bacchus Books

Fields

The Town of Golden

Overwaitea

Rocky’s Dollar Store

Darkside

Sobeys

Fire Pit

Kicking Horse Movies

DJ’s Paper Place

The Women’s Centre

A&W

The Golden Star

The Family Centre

Free Energy

EZ Rock

SANTA

Elite Nutrition

& all the other local businesses that helped make this all a success!

A20 www.thegoldenstar.net

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Golden Star

A night of classic music THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR YOUR SUPPORT & PATRONAGE THROUGH THE YEARS! A Blessed Christmas to Everyone GOLDEN DOLLAR STORE

John, Charlene and Heather

The Purcell Mountain Orchestra came to Golden for a special show at the Golden Civic Centre on Dec. 17.

Darryl Crane/Star Photo

Overwaitea staff and volunteers with the Golden Food Bank stand in front of the food hampers donated by Overwaitea customers.

Jessica Schwitek/Star Photo

Overwaitea gives back Jessica Schwitek reporter2@thegoldenstar.net

During a time of year when food banks across the country are especially in need, Golden has risen to the challenge and donated 538 hampers of food through Overwaitea’s food hamper initiative.

What was originally supposed to be a one-week project, turned into two weeks, and ended up being a month-long fundraiser for the Golden Food Bank.

“We continued to sell the hampers even after the original project.

Someone actually tried to come in and buy 10 more,” said Sam Arnold with Golden Overwaitea.

The project officially lasted two weeks, but even after the hampers were taken off display, Overwaitea continued to sell them for almost a month.

Those 538 hampers also generated $1,076 of food, because each hamper had a $2 donation in it.

“The community support has been just unbelievable, huge. With no advertisement in store they would still come up and ask us to buy one,” said Arnold.

“So next year we’re thinking we’ll try to do it for about a month.”

Protecting water from invasive species Golden Star Staff reporter@thegoldenstar.net The B.C. government is trying to protect British Columbian waters from aquatic invasive species by amending the controlled alien species regulation.

It will impose tougher fines for those who introduce invasive species into local ecosystems.

Victoria has strengthened the regulation, acting on a previous commitment to ban the snakehead fish. All public comments received on the government’s policy paper supported strong action on the issue.

“The strengthened regulation reaffirms our government’s commitment to protect B.C.’s natural ecosystems from exposure to unnecessary risk as a result of the release of invasive non-native species,” said Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

The main measures include prohibiting the possession, breeding, release or transportation of high-risk aquatic species, such as the snakehead. Releasing a live snakehead into

local waters could result in a fine of up to $250,000.

Until now, the controlled alien species regulation has been used to control the possession, breeding, shipping and releasing of animals that are not native to B.C., such as tigers, that pose a risk to people’s health or safety.

For example, it is currently a direct violation of the regulation under the Wildlife Act to possess a prohibited species without a permit.

Given the threats to B.C.’s fish, wildlife, and habitat, the new rules target specific aquatic invasive species to prevent these live species from coming into contact with our waters.

Many neighbouring jurisdictions have similar restrictions.

The northern snakehead (Channa argus) is a highly invasive predatory fish originally native to northern China and Korea this is capable of devastating local ecosystems.

While not yet established in B.C., the fish in an ongoing ecological concern in a number of northeast U.S. states, as well as Arkansas.

In May 2012, a snakehead fish was spotted in a Central Park Lagoon in Burnaby. It was successfully captured and removed.