Clearwater Times, January 03, 2013

LOCAL NEWS: ROUNDABOUT MEETING SCHEDULED ▼ A3

Times

Thursday, January 3, 2013 ▼ Volume 48 No. 1 ▼ www.clearwatertimes.com ▼ $1.40 Includes HST

THE

NORTH THOMPSON

SEASONAL SONGS:

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See A10 and A11 inside.

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Through the champagne powder Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing senior lead guide Barry Widas carves some turns through deep powder in the mountains near Blue River in early December. Now in its 43rd season, the heli-ski company employs close to 200 people each winter, making it the North Thompson Valley’s largest single employer. Photo by Certain Images

Age Friendly project gets $230,000 grant Times Staff Vancouver Foundation recently approved a grant of nearly $230,000 for a project in Clearwater to be called From Front Door to Grocery Store: Getting Seniors Where They Want To Be. “This initiative came out of the results of the Age Friendly Planning Assessment completed this last spring and summer

through University of Northern BC with funds from Union of BC Municipalities,” said Leslie Groulx, District of Clearwater’s chief administrative officer.

“Remember that good mobility for seniors provides a benefit for all community members (citizens) of our community.”

The remaining dollars for the project will be raised through various organizations, agencies and in-kind donations. The

commitment from District of Clearwater will be $5,000 per year for three years for a total of $15,000.

The District’s second commitment to this project will be to continue the Age Friendly Advisory Committee that was struck by Council in March of last year.

Groulx said that in the late summer and early fall District staff worked with Marleen Morris of UNBC to submit

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a grant application for the project to Vancouver Foundation.

The project is to be completed over a three year period starting in April, 2013.

The person that will be appointed to be the project manager is Jessica Blewett who, according to Groulx, has an extensive background in accessibility and design work for seniors.

Continued on page A2.

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Thursday, January 3, 2013 Clearwater Times

Xmas hampers going out Volunteer Paul Razeau loads items into a shopping cart during the distribution of Christmas hampers by Clearwater and District Food Bank on Saturday, Dec. 22.

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“From Front Door to Grocery Store” community funding project Continued from page A1 The project manager is expected to spend a substantial amount of time in the community completing the work.

“As this is a pilot project it will be published for rural B.C. communities to reference,” Groulx said. “The alternate benefit is that we continue to grow our relationship with the University of Northern BC (next will be to seek ways of meaningful partnering with TRU).”

According to the District’s letter of application for the grant, from 2001 to 2006, the population 65 years of age and older in Clearwater increased 42 per cent.

The letter said that seniors mobility is a key factor in creating an age-friendly community, and the District anticipates that it will utilize the results and recommendations from this research in five ways.

1. The results and recommendations will provide guidance in formulating bylaws, zoning, and policies that will ensure that the District, as local government, see its decisions through an age-friendly lens.

2. The District will use the research information to plan services, programs, facilities, and other community amenities. For example, we will use the results of the community mobility assessments to plan much Leslie Groulx needed sidewalk and lighting installation and repair in our commercial areas; identify improvements to the accessibility of our community facilities such as the district offices, recreation centre, and public library; and schedule services such as snow removal to ensure that areas that seniors need access to are cleared in a timely manner.

3. The information collected will inform the District’s review of new commercial and seniors residential development proposals in Clearwater to ensure that they incorporate the seniors mobility needs we have identified.

4. The results and recommendations will inform the District’s discussions with other levels of government and government agencies regarding the community services, programs, and facilities that Clearwater will require to provide for seniors mobility.

For example, the municipality will use the information from the public transit assessment in its discussions with BC Transit regarding levels of service, and the mobility assessment results in its discussion with the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure regarding pedestrian crossings of the Yellowhead Highway.

5. As local government, the District will actively encourage non-profit organizations and businesses in the community to use the recommendations and results from the research to inform their planning and decision-making.

“

As this is a pilot project it will be published for rural B.C. communities to reference.

”

Clearwater Times Thursday, January 3, 2013

www.clearwatertimes.com A3

Roundabout meeting scheduled for Jan. 14 Times Staff The provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure plans to hold an open house and information session about the roundabout proposed for the intersection of Highway 5 and the road to Wells Gray Park in Clearwater. The meeting will be held in the Pit at Clearwater Secondary School on Monday, Jan. 14, at CSS, 3 - 5 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m.

According to information from the Ministry, upgrading the intersection to a roundabout configuration would increase safety and mobility.

An open house on the same topic scheduled for Dec. 19 at CSS was postponed due the tragic deaths of two teachers a short while earlier.

Time out with Santa Torin Murray, age four, tells Santa what he wants for Christmas during a Skate With Santa event held at the North Thompson Sportsplex on Sunday evening, Dec. 23. Helping out are elves (l-r) Juniper Wadlegger, Emma Collins and Hana Bromley. Photo by Keith McNeill

TNRD reaches new deal with unionized library staff Times Staff Thompson-Nicola Regional District’s board of directors was pleased to confirm on Dec. 21 that a three-year agreement has been reached with the British Columbia Government Employees Union (BCGEU). The current collective agreement was set to expire on Dec. 31.

The agreement applies to all unionized staff in the TNRD Library System and includes

employees who work in libraries throughout the region.

“The board of directors is very pleased with the amicable negotiation process and the favourable outcome;’ said TNRD chair Randy Murray.

The new collective agreement will be in effect from Jan. 1, 2013, through to Dec. 31, 2015. A key element of the new collective agreement is a two per cent raise per year for the three years of the agreement.

Canfor upgrades energy capacity Times Staff Canfor Pulp will invest $26 million to upgrade two turbo-generators at its Northwood mill in Prince George. The upgrades will add 11 megawatts of capacity to the provincial grid.

A new agreement between BC Hydro and Canfor Pulp to generate renewable bio-energy will also provide 97 gigawatt hours of electricity supply annually enough to power more than 8,800 homes.

In addition, Canfor’s investment will allow it to reduce its supply requirements from BC Hydro by 17 gigawatt hours a year.

“With the previous resources provided by Natural Resources Canada and the BC Hydro Integrated Power Offer, this project is the next phase of our plan to demonstrate Canfor Pulp’s continued commitment to maximizing the energy efficiency at our operations and support incremental generation of clean, renewable power,” said Brett Robinson, President, Canfor Pulp.

The Northwood turbine upgrade project is expected to be in-service by March 2014.

A previous electricity purchase agreement between BC

Hydro and Canfor signed in early 2009 provides for 70 gigawatt hours of electricity annually.

Also, Canfor announced Dec. 17 that it will proceed with capital investments totalling an estimated $40 million in its Elko sawmill, located in the Kootenay region.

This investment is part of a multi-year capital investment program aimed at enhancing productivity and cost performance across the company.

The Elko investment will include upgrades to the sawmill, increased kiln drying capacity as well as the construc-

tion of a greenfield planer mill complex.

The Elko capital project will commence in the first quarter of 2013, with anticipated completion in the third quarter.

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DISTRICT OF CLEARWATER www.districtofclearwater.com

What’s Happening WHAT’S HAPPENING

Public Notice - Open House Information Session The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure invites the public to attend a follow-up open house regarding upcoming intersection improvements on Highway No. 5 at Clearwater Valley Road.

These improvements will increase safety and mobility by upgrading the intersection to a roundabout configuration.

The drop-in open house is scheduled for the following dates and times, Wednesday, January 16th, 2013 from 3:00pm-5:00pm & 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Clearwater Secondary School in the Pit. For more information please contact Project Manager Dave Shibata at 250.828.4069 or email: Dave.Shibata@gov.bc.ca ICBC - Winter Safety • Ensure you are prepared for winter conditions by having good winter tires and emergency kit in your vehicle.

• Posted speed limits are designed for ideal road conditions; slow down when driving on snow, ice, slush or rain.

• Allow yourself at least three times the normal following distance to stop on wet or slick surfaces.

• Be cautious using four wheel drive. Often it does not enhance your braking or steering on slippery roads.

Healthy Forests-Healthy Communities: You are invited to participate in a conversation to help define an Action Plan to protect and expand forest sector jobs, enhance4 community stability and deliver expected goods and services. This will be a valuable opportunity to understand how continuing changes in forestry influence the quality of life in our communities, to help define solution and how we can work toward overcoming the obstacles.

In order to respond to the needs of the communities, the Action Plan will focus on “what to do” and “how to do” in order to move forward on specific actions. The information gathered from the dialogue will help resource decision-makers understand the values and needs of the valley communities.

The format will include Breakout Sessions to enable small groups to explore themes and provide perspectives and personal views on the emerging Forestry issues. Your input will be communicated to decision-makers who influence, develop and establish forest policy for the province. Your views will help create a vision for our local forests.

Pre-register at clearwaterforestconversation@gmail.com or 250.674.3498. There is no registration fee.

Location: Wells Gray Inn Date: Saturday: January 19, 2013 Registration: 12:30-1:00pm Time: 1:00-4:00pm Upcoming Events January 19, 2012, Public Meeting, Healthy Forests – Healthy Communities Session, Forestry in the Post Beetle Era in the North Thompson Valley. Wells Gray Inn, 1PM Upcoming Meetings of Council January 8th, 2013 – Parks and Recreation Meeting – 5:00pm January 8th, 2013 – Regular Council Meeting – 7:00pm January 22nd, 2013 – Economic Development Meeting – 5:00pm January 22nd, 2013 – Regular Council Meeting – 5:00pm

Civic address: 132 Station Road Box 157, Clearwater,B.C. V0E 1N0 Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30 DISTRICTDistrict OF CLEARWATER Office Ph: 250-674-2257 • Fax: 250-674-2173 SEND US AN EMAIL AT email address: admin@districtofclearwater.com newsroom@clearwatertimes.com www.districtofclearwater.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING

A4 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013 Clearwater Times

Opinion

“ People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit” - George Allen, football coach Guest editorial

Panel goes after families with TV, snack and school supply taxes

Private is good - public is bad Editor, The Times:

Don't you just marvel at the latest tactics of the Harper gang to demonize Canada's civil servants?

According to the Conservatives, civil servants are overpaid and take too much sick time.

Talk about embellishment, salaries and benefits together using the top end of the pay scale rather than the average salaries to present a distorted view of reality. The sick time issue has been similarly dis-

torted to create the impression that all civil servants take maximum advantage of this benefit. Oh! Those cleaver Harper backroom boys know how easy it is to vilify the civil service as a drain on the Canadian economy.

So, is there a purpose to this conservative spin doctoring?

Of course there is!

Private is good, public is bad. Therefore we should privatize the civil service and our services would be so much cheaper.

A civil service that is

BC Press Council

The Times is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the BC Press Council.

Your written concern, with documentation, should be

sent to

BC Press Council, 210 Selby St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2R2 For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

Times THE

NORTH THOMPSON

www.clearwatertimes.com Established September 23, 1964 Member, BC Press Council

privately run and nonunion is a conservative dream.

Just think with the money saving from a private service system.

There would be more money to subsidize big oil, mining and we could better advertise to the world that Canadian resources are for sale at bargain basement prices and, by the way, let's sell off Canada to a foreign government - as in the sale of Nexon to the Chinese state owned company.

Where is the consistency in that?

Come on Canada, wake up and smell the Conservative rat while there is still some assets in Canadian hands. When will we realize that the Harper conservatives were elected by a minority of Canadians but they really represent international big business rather than the people who elected them.

Wes Morden Blackpool, B.C.

When British Columbians rejected the Harmonized Sales Tax in the 2011 referendum, they were promised things would go back to the Provincial Sales Tax normal.

But an independent panel has recommended adding taxes to things that virtually every B.C. family buys – a plan that will increase our already sky-high cost of living.

The report from the Expert Panel on B.C.’s Business Tax Competitiveness includes recommendations for adding the seven per cent PST to basic telephone and cable TV service, snack foods and school supplies – items that all used to be exempt. It’s a $159 million tax grab – even if the government follows another panel recommendation to give $25 million more in sales tax credits to lower income families.

Ask a parent about the cost of school supplies, and you will likely hear it’s a major struggle every September to get items on the ever-growing supply list. It’s not just pencils and notebooks anymore; schools ask parents to purchase emergency supplies like foil blankets, light sticks, tissue, water and food. Adding another seven per cent of tax to those purchases will make things even worse.

The panel claims it’s unfair to satellite TV users to tax them but not tax cable; they also say telecommunication bundling makes it difficult to collect the tax. No arguments here, but instead of recommending a tax cut for satellite subscribers, they want to spread the misery to all.

They’re also after your Smarties. While some suggest that taxing snack food will curb obesity, neither research nor practice has bore that out.

Even leading B.C. doctors agree that taxing snack food will do little, and that it is incredibly difficult to implement.

“Research actually shows little correlation between individual behaviours and body weight: many who seldom consume such foods are overweight while many who do, are not,” said Dr. Paul Martiquet, an adjunct professor at the UBC School of Medicine and the Medical Health Officer for Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.

Added Dr. Lloyd Oppel, head of the B.C. Medical Association: “I think it would be difficult to draw up a list of things that were truly bad versus things that are truly good and be able to implement a tax on that basis.”

Denmark tried a food tax but killed it after one year, noting it increased prices and administration costs and put Danish jobs at risk. Many Danes were crossing the border into Germany to avoid the tax all together.

Even the Ministry of Finance officials assigned to crunch the numbers for the tax panel knew this was simply a tax grab. In a note unearthed by a Freedom of Information Act request, bureaucrats called the snack food tax, “purely a revenue measure,” and remarked that it would be very complex to implement.

Whether HST supporters like it or not, the public spoke and the PST is coming back. It’s not a great tax, but it’s the one democracy wants. Altering exemptions now will be ignoring the referendum results and raise the anger of already overtaxed B.C. residents.

Adding PST to previously non-taxable items is a tax grab, plain and simple, and will increase tax burden and cost of living, two things British Columbians are already groaning under. If this burden is as important to the government as they claim, Finance Minister Michael de Jong must flat out reject those proposals.

Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Doctors' wife appreciates small town life Editor, The Times:

I have just recently seen the article “Solutions: Residency Program Based at Royal Inland Hospital Offers Hope For Future (The Daily News, Nov. 30). I am the spouse of a rural doctor, and feel that I must comment on remarks made by Dr. Bob Woollard in this article, particularly that being the spouse of a rural doctor is the worst job in the world.

My husband and I moved to Clearwater twenty-three years ago. The intent was to stay for two or three years.

We never left.

I have never felt anything other than blessed to be the spouse of a rural doctor.

While it is true that our life is often unpredictable due to my husband’s work, so it is for many others as well.

We raised our three children in Clearwater, and I have never felt like a single parent. Residents of Clearwater are respectful, caring and protective of our family life.

Sometimes bad things happen, and he must leave to assist at the hospital---we are flexible and we work around it.

There have been difficult times for the medical community in Clearwater over the past years. People in the community ask me “how is he doing?”---then they ask, “how is your family doing?”. We are all in this together, and I would not change a thing.

I consider it a privilege to be the spouse of a rural doctor, and I would like the community of Clearwater to know that our family appreciates the home we have found here.

Laura Soles Clearwater, B.C.

74 young Road, Unit 14 Brookfield Mall, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N2 Phone: 250-674-3343 Fax: 250-674-3410 Email: newsroom@clearwatertimes.com www.clearwatertimes.com

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

In Town / Out of Town Rates 1 year $61.60; 2 years $117.60 Prices include HST

Clearwater Times Thursday, January 3, 2013

www.clearwatertimes.com A5

Question

? of the Week

Do you think we will see a cold snap in January?

Lisa Quiding:

Yes, and I say that with great sorrow.

Cassidy McKale: Probably for about two days.

Dylan McKale:

Yes, because we're from Dawson Creek so you need one too.

It's -37 there.

Randy Lillow:

I'd be guessing. I say no, because I want to be optimistic. Flowers should be planted in February. .

Leroy Welch: I'd say yes.

MP defends her government’s stance on Bill C-398 Editor, The Times:

Re: Michael Crawford’s letter of Dec. 4 (‘MP McLeod sides with Big Pharma’), which questions my position on Bill C-398, a private member’s bill that would have revised Canada’s Access to Medicines Regime (CAMR).

The proposed amendments in Bill C-398, while laudable in their intentions, will not result in greater exports to the developing world.

Beyond the fact the amended bill would be in contravention of Canada’s international agreements, Canada is not a

drugs; and $450 million (over 10 years) to the Africa Health low-cost producer of generic drugs and cannot be expected Systems Initiative. to compete against countries like India.

These and other global efforts are contributing to posiIt is estimated that India supplies 80 per cent of donorBaseJournalRONA2007_Ang 2/26/07 3:44 PM Page 1 funded antiretrovirals to developing countries. tive outcomes.

Canada has been a strong supporter of global mechaGlobally, more than eight-million people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries were receiving HIV nisms to finance procurement and delivery of essential BaseJournalRONA2007_Ang 2/26/07 Page 1 antiretroviral therapy at the3:44 end ofPM2011. medicines, including $540 million to the Global Fund to This represents a 25-fold increase from 2002.

Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria from 2001 to 2013; $149.6 million to the Global Drug Facility of the Stop TB Cathy McLeod,Conservative MP Partnership to procure quality-assured anti-tuberculosis Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo

Rambling man questions letter editing Editor, The Times

Re: Rambling man returns to roundabout debate I’ll take this opportunity to thank our editor for printing HIS version of my letter. I was prepared to “cut him some slack” because of the length of the letter, until I noticed that he also added to it. I don’t think that is kosher. The upshot is that the unadulterated version went to Terry Lake and Christie Clark, and all future letters pertaining to the roundabout will also be going there.

Terry Lake’s last writeup regarding the roundabout stated that with the number of signatures against the roundabout, he was prepared to relook at the decision to proceed with the project.

However, he didn’t know if the decision could be changed at this point in time. I say it can! Even if the construction contract has already been awarded, it can still be cancelled. Sure as hell, it wouldn’t be the first government contract cancelled by the Liberal government! It could still save the taxpayers close to a million dollars.

Here is a prime example of how bad this decision is. In the spring of the year when Clearwater was incorporated, the Department of Highways did a repaving project of Highway 5 from

Blackpool to Raft River, and most of the streets in Clearwater. The large billboard said “Your Tax Dollars at Work” and “Cost, Two Million Dollars”. Now the “overzealous few” want to spend that on one intersection to enhance the entryway to Wells Grey Park. If in fact this was about safety, I’d be all for it, but it is not. If you think it is, show me the facts pertaining to this particular intersection to back it up.

The large-truck traffic on Highway 5 has been increasing dramatically every year. There are several sections that have had repeated fatalities, and that is where our tax dollars should be spent.

The construction involved in changing water and sewer lines has made the intersection a pedestrian nightmare. From the crosswalk, there is an unplowed, tramped path onto Jim’s vacant lot. The road no longer has a shoulder, just a four-foot ditch. To cross that intersection and walk up Clearwater Valley Road, you almost have to walk in the lane of oncoming traffic. If something isn’t done about this situation soon, there are bound to be injuries.

I was never passionately against the now cancelled long gun registry as many were.

I just felt that the horrible, expensive bureaucracy, that created it was ‘par for the course.

The cost overruns and stumbling around were deplorable.

However, one has to ask, was the long gun registry in itself that bad? Certainly most if not all police associations didn’t think so. Also La Belle province Quebec wants its own long gun registry. Do they

know something the rest of us don’t?

I was recently talking to someone who stated that normally he wouldn’t vote for Stephen Harper’s Conservatives but did during the last election because of Harper's promise to dismantle the long gun registry.

Looking at the tragic events south of the border, even Connecticut yankees are not immune from a big shoot-up in which innocent school children die.

2/26/07

3:44 PM

Page 1

Title position Thank You to all our customers for a great year.

Insert “Effective date of the promotion”

All the best for 2013

Jim Lamberton The Rambling Man Clearwater, B.C.

Banning long gun registry may come at a high price Editor, The Times:

BaseJournalRONA2007_Ang

Some years ago, Australia had quite a number of mass shootings. They brought in strict gun laws, including a ban on assault rifles. They haven’t had a mass killing since.

Given Stephen Harper’s majority rule by ideology instead of consensus, the banning of the long gun registry is indeed a high price for Canadians to pay.

Think about it.

Dennis Peacock Clearwater, B.C.

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40

YEARS AGO:

Centennial committee chairman Ed Buck officially dedicated the new Centennial Hall in Clearwater at a ceremony attended by 30 or so people.

Mrs. Alyea of Clearwater won the Christmas Light-up contest. In the commercial section, the first prize went to the Clearwater Dormitory, Mr. and Mrs. Eley.

35

YEARS AGO:

A column by Belle McGregor recalled her experiences with an outhouse during her first years in Clearwater, after moving from the Coast.

Some amused city friends sent a heater to prevent frost from forming on the seat, she said. However, the benefits were strictly “one-sided.”

A house fire,

Thursday, January 3, 2013 Clearwater Times

HISTORICAL Perspective

believed to have started near the chimney, took the life of an East Blackpool woman.

A Little Fort man drowned after his boat over-turned on Christmas Eve.

30

YEARS AGO:

Clearwater Forestry Camp was a valued community asset, according to camp manager Neil McCuish. The minimum security prison near Wells Gray Park had 20 to 25 inmates.

They contributed many hours helping the Parks Branch and Forest Service, working at the Clearwater cemetery, firefighting, and shoveling snow at the Sportsplex.

Buildings at the camp were more than 20 years old, and McCuish was optimistic that the old camp would be replaced by

BACK IN TIME a new facility with a capacity of 60 inmates near Bear Creek.

Trade licenses and dog licenses were no longer available through the Clearwater RCMP office. The licenses were to be available through the Government Agent in Kamloops until a local business or person was commissioned to sell them.

25

YEARS AGO:

Tamara Dawn Ingalls, daughter of Blue River’s Marcia and Garth Ingalls, was the first baby of 1983 at Dr. Helmcken

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Memorial Hospital.

She was born at 5:04 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Mavis Parker of the Hospital Auxiliary presented her with a shawl made by Mrs. Calder of Ponderosa Lodge in Kamloops, who had knitted shawls for the first baby of the year since the hospital opened in 1972.

Clearwater Ski Hill had received a fair amount of snow during the first half of the week, but was still closed. It was expected to open the following weekend.

20

YEARS AGO:

Members of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce met with MLA Bud Smith to pressure him into taking action concerning Slocan’s decision to close Camp Two sawmill. CSS principal Jim London asked Smith about a rumor that Slocan hoped to transfer its TFL to its sawmill in Quesnel.

The heritage

sub-committee of the Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce started work on plans to develop a Pioneer Village. Between 15 and 20 buildings from the turn of the century to the early 1920s were to be reconstructed.

15

YEARS AGO:

A Vavenby resident had a narrow escape from death when a passing CNR train tore the front off his truck, swung it around, and tore off the back. The accident occurred at a private crossing in Birch Island.

Racers from all over B.C. attended a natural luge clinic in Blue River, according to organizer Wolfgang Schrottner. The week culminated in the B.C. Cup.

10

YEARS AGO:

Winter arrived in the North Thompson

with a vengeance on Dec. 28 when a weather system dumped 10 inches (25 cm) of snow in 24 hours.

Despite dire predictions caused by a rough economic climate, both Clearwater and District Food Bank and Christmas Amalgamated saw average usage over the holiday season.

Roughly 115 hampers went out to needy individuals and families, reported food bank president Jeanette Stockton.

Local birders spotted 29 bird species during the Christmas Bird Count, seven more than the year before, said organizer Helen Knight.

5

YEARS AGO: Temperatures were mild for 14 hardy souls as they took part in the 10th annual Little Fort Polar Bear Dip on Jan. 1. A large and cheerful crowd produced a record haul for the Barriere and District Food Bank.

North Thompson Community Skills Center received a commitment for $20,000 from the Pacific Salmon Foundation to build a salmon viewing platform next to Raft River.

1

YEAR AGO:

Poor road conditions combined with poor judgment contributed to a rash of accidents on area roads. Of the 17 accidents reported, nine occurred on a treacherous strip of Highway 5 near Avola.

The Royal Purple in Clearwater celebrated 41 years of service in Clearwater.

The non-profit community service club is geared to helping meet community needs as well as dedicating their efforts to assist children to remove barriers for a better quality of life.

MLA Kevin Krueger announced surface improvements to side roads in Clearwater would be forthcoming. The project would cover at least 34.5 kilometres and improve the road profile, correct pavement deficiencies and strengthen the roads.

Portions of the Old North Thompson Highway, Clearwater Village Road, Clearwater Station Road, Swanson Road, Clearwater Valley Road, Park Drive and Murtle Crescent were some of the locations slated for improvements.

Yellowhead announces partial closing of private placement Times Staff Yellowhead Mining Inc. announced on Dec. 21 that it has completed an additional portion of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of common shares of the company.

An aggregate of 340,000 common shares were issued to various individual qualified investors at an issue price of $0.65 per share. In addition, 315,714 flow-through common shares (FT shares) were issued to an individual qualified investor at an issue price of $0.70 per FT share.

Gross proceeds from the closing of this portion of the private placement totalled $442,000.. The company paid finder’s fees equal to five per cent of the gross proceeds.

The gross proceeds received

by Yellowhead Mining for the

sale of the FT shares will be used for the exploratory drilling program reported in the Times in its Dec. 13 issue.

After this closing, there are 61,624,481 issued and outstanding common shares of the company.

Greg Hawkins, chairman of the board and interim chief executive officer, said: “We appreciate all our investors, large and small, and continue to work diligently to complete further portions of this private placement, along with our current winter drilling program and critical path items.”

Taseko Mines Limited announced in November that it had acquired 7,692,307 common shares of Yellowhead Mining. at a price of $0.65 per share pursuant to a private placement for subscription proceeds of $5 million.

As a result of its partici-

pation in this private placement, Taseko now holds a total of 10,269,507 shares of Yellowhead, representing approximately 16.8 per cent of the Yellowhead Mining’s currently issued and outstanding shares.

Yellowhead Mining is a publicly traded company with a 100 per cent interest in the Harper Creek copper-goldsilver development project, which is located approximately 10 km southwest of Vavenby.

Taseko is the owner (75 per cent) and operator of the Gibraltar Mine, the second largest open pit coppermolybdenum mine in Canada.

Taseko’s New Prosperity Project, which is currently in the Environmental Assessment process, is one of the largest undeveloped goldcopper deposits in the world.

Clearwater Times Thursday, January 3, 2013

www.clearwatertimes.com A7

Many projects planned for Wells Gray Country Keith McNeill There will be a lot of activity in Wells Gray Country (Area A) during 2013, predicts Tim Pennell, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District director for the area.

“I really expect it to be a busy year with the many local projects,” he said. “I am also very hopeful that the local mining projects will lead us to better economic stability in the area and lead to growth in many local businesses. With that growth hopefully many of our residents who currently work out of town will be able to make plans to return home permanently and spend more time with their families!”

The community halls within Wells Gray Country continue to be priorities.

Pennell expects to see sod turning for the new park in Blackpool this year, hopefully in the spring.

The washrooms in Blackpool Community Hall, which is located next to the park will be upgraded.

There also will be renovations and upgrades to Vavenby Community Hall.

Upgrading attic insulation and bat proof-

ing are on the agenda for Upper Clearwater Community Hall.

Implementation of the North Thompson Co-Terminus Fire Protection Service is expected to happen this year. This will see fire protection extended to many areas presently unprotected.

Blackpool Fire Department will be provided with a backup power generator.

Opening of the Clearwater Eco Depot should take place early in the new year.

Upgrades to the North Thompson Sportsplex, including new changing rooms, should begin in the spring. This project will be jointly funded through the District of Clearwater and the TNRD. Pennell is very hopeful for a successful grant application for North Thompson Septage Disposal infrastructure.

The TNRD director noted that advances in development of Yellowhead Mines’ Harper Creek and Imperial Metals’ Ruddock Creek projects are bringing employment to local residents.

He also predicted the continued operation of the Vavenby Canfor sawmill at its current production levels during the coming year.

Holiday road check Designated driver Kayleigh Casselman smiles as she gets pulled over by Cst. Michelle Hall of Clearwater RCMP during a road check on Park Drive on Friday evening, Dec. 21. Police are actively working to cut down on drinking and driving during the holiday season, and penalties are severe.

Photo by Keith McNeill

Arts, Health and Wellness Expo coming in February Submitted Clearwater Festival and Events Society (C-FES) is proud to be planning the seventh annual Arts, Health and Wellness Expo.

The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, in the gym at Clearwater Secondary School.

The benefits of the Expo are to provide and create community health and wellness partnerships,

lifestyle choices, and to bring awareness of services and businesses in our community and area.

The Expo will offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to promote their businesses (including homebased businesses) and groups or non-profits an opportunity to highlight what they do.

All booths will be 10'x10' spaces and you are welcome to share your space with another

business. Booth fee is $50.

Deadline for registration will be Jan. 15. After Jan. 15 the fee will be $75 per booth.

C-FES has been organizing events in Clearwater and area for over 10 years and has encouraged the number of visitors to the area, providing a positive economic impact.

For more information or to book your space please call Fay 250-674-2700 or

Cindy 250-674-2939 or email cfesevents@yahoo.ca.

In conjunction with the Expo there will be a Job Fair happening in the Pit at CSS. The Job Fair will be held on Friday, Feb. 1 for students, and then

open to the public on Saturday, Feb 2, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce along with Clearwater Secondary School will host the Job Fair.

Winter weather driving safety tips BC Ambulance Service Kamloops, B.C. With winter weather bearing down on the BC Interior, BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) has seen an increase in motor vehicle incidents - particularly on mountain passes and highways and wants all residents to be aware that road conditions can change quickly.

BCAS knows the added risks of driving in snow, ice and freezing rain. The following tips will help you stay safe: • Is your trip essential? Don’t take unnecessary chances. Check the weather forecast and avoid driving in poor conditions. If you must travel, allow yourself extra time or

wait until conditions improve.

• Check your vehicle. Before you leave, be sure you have sufficient windshield washer fluid. Poor visibility can lead to unnecessary accidents.

• Fuel Up. Keep your gas tank sufficiently full - at least half of a tank is recommended in case you run into lengthy delays; the extra weight also assists with traction.

• Are you prepared?

BC Ambulance Service suggests carrying an emergency driving kit.

A few items that you will be glad to have if necessary are chains or a gritty substance to help with traction, a shovel, safety cones or reflectors, jumper cables, ice scraper, flashlight, matches and

a candle, blanket, nonperishable food, emergency phone numbers and a fully charged cell phone.

• Drive Safely.

Reduce your speed according to the conditions. BCAS recommends a four-second gap between you and the car in front during winter driving conditions. Avoid braking suddenly as it can cause you to skid. If you do start to skid, take your foot off of

the brake and put the car into neutral. While steering out of a skid look in the direction you want the car to go.

• In case of emergency. If you need help, pull off the road to make or receive a call on your cell phone. Be sure to keep your hazard lights on and if it is safe, place cones or reflectors in an angle behind your vehicle to assist with visibility.

DINNER IS ON ME I will buy you a $100 meal when you buy a car from me!

Gar Distribution Service Agent

Winter meter safety To keep your natural gas meter accurate, accessible and safe this winter: • brush snow away by hand • don’t use a snowplow or blower near your meters • clear a path for the safety of our meter readers

Big city selection with small town pricing

DEARBORN FORD Jody Gyger CELL 250-571-9609

Never kick or hit the meter if ice builds up. Call us for assistance.

To learn more call 1-888-224-2710 or visit fortisbc.com/safety.

Tel 250-372-7101

2555 East Trans Canada Hwy - Kamloops

HOME TOWN girl with HOME TOWN service

FortisBC uses the FortisBC Energy name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (12-336.2 12/2012)

A8 www.clearwatertimes.com

How the Kitten Found the Spirit of Christmas One Christmas Eve a playful kitten went outside and it was snowing! The kitten laughed as she played. “Ha Ha!” laughed the kitten.

Ali, her owner said, “You angel.”

The next day there was a snowstorm and the kitten was lost in it. “Miss Kitten!” Ali yelled. Ali started crying, “Boohoo.”

“Meow.”

“Ah. Is that you?” Ali asked.

“Meow,” it said again.

It was the neighbour’s kitten, Suzie. “Oh, its you, Suzie. I wish you were my kitten, Suzie.”

Miss Kitten kept on walking along. She was

Thursday, January 3, 2013 Clearwater Times

looking for home. The kitten came to the North Pole. She saw a polar bear. “Can you help me?”

“Sure.” said Cole the polar bear.

“Then come on,” said Miss Kitten. The two friends were having fun together. They saw Santa.

“Do you know where the spirit of Christmas is, Santa?”

“Yes, it’s in your heart.”

“Oh. Can you take me home Santa?”

“Yes,” said Santa.

He took her home. Miss Kitten was in Ali’s stocking.

“Miss Kitten!” Ali yelled.

Madison Pelton Grade 2

My Very Most Favourite Christmas It’s December 2005, Christmas morning. I’m opening my stocking to see what I got. I pull out a tooth brush and toothpaste, a couple of books, and a wii game.

I skipped to my Mom and Dads to wake up my Mom and Dad. I shouted, "It’s morning, get up you lazy butts.

We have to open our presents." I raced out of the bedroom. In a minute I had already had ripped open a present that was under the Christmas tree. I grabbed another present but it wasn’t for me.

At that second I seen a huge present wrapped in wrapping paper. It

looked like the present was for me. It probably was a doll house. If it was it was the biggest present I’ve ever seen. It was twice as tall as me and way way fatter. It can’t even fit under the Christmas tree. Then I thought should I open it or should I open it later at dinner with all the family. I had two options to choose. I opened it later.

Daphne Dodd Grade 5

The Kitten Found a Red Sleigh The kitten found a red sleigh in the snow and she jumped in the sleigh. It went up up up in the sky and the

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kitten fell asleep in the sleigh. Then it came crashing down really fast. So the kitten jumped out and ran straight to the house to sit by the fire. The man looked at her and gave her a warm glass of milk. She enjoyed it so much, he also gave her a present.

The kitten opened it and inside was what she had always wanted - it was a new friend, a kitten name Storm. And the kitten found out that the spirit of Christmas was when people were kind to her, gave her a gift, and she had new friends.

Melody Hill Grade 2

How the Kitten Found the Spirit of Christmas Far away not so long ago a kitten named Junior lived in a house in Austria.

Junior wished he could know what those things were under the tree that were wrapped in paper. So, Junior slept under the tree that night. The fire was on and the living room smelled sweet with the flavour of pies. Suddenly, a black pair of boots appeared in the fireplace. It was Santa! Santa whispered to Junior, “Junior I will give you the spirit of Christmas only if you don’t wake up the owners.” Junior whispered, “I promise I will not wake up my owners.” So, Santa gave Junior the Spirit of Christmas!

Vienna Wadlegger Grade 3

My Very Most Favourite Christmas It was two days before Christmas. I was watching Netflix. My sister was still sleeping.

“Wake up,” I yelled.

She thought I was an alarm clock. “Ow,” I shouted. My mother came down to see what happened. “Tried to wake you up,” I whispered. You should have

left me alone! I was going back to Netlix. It was time for Christmas shopping. I didn’t want to go. My mother made me go. I dashed to my Ipod to see if it was charged. “Yes,” I yelled. It was updated.

Finally the day was done. The next day we had to pick up my father. When the bright light came through my window I sprung out of bed and rushed to get my clothes on and I ran out the door. I started the car and ran in. Twenty minutes later we went to the airport.

We found out the plane was coming late. We went back home. That night I heard a ruckas.

I jumped out of bed and ran downstairs. I was surprised. I saw my father standing there. It was breath taking.

The next day we opened presents and spent the rest of the day together.

Rylee Pennock Grade 5

How the kitten found the Spirit of Christmas One night a little kitten named Angel heard a sound. She walked outside. Suddenly the North wind took her to the North Pole. The little girl who owned the kitten was so sad.

When Santa came in the house she hopped into his bag and went to the North Pole.

Santa was so surprised.

The little girl jumped to the kitten but it was the wrong kitten and it ran away. The little girl was sad so she said to Santa, “Do you know where my cat Angel is?” The kitten

came out from behind Santa. The little girl yelled, “ANGEL!” The girl was so excited that she found the spirit of Christmas and they lived happily ever after.

Ali Settle Grade 3

Christmas Stories There once was a cat who was really lonely. Christmas was almost here and the children were laughing with happiness.

But the lonely cat was walking around in circles on the street.

A happy boy saw the kitten on the street.

The boy whispered to the kitten, "What's your name?" The kitten didn't answer. The boy got the kitten and took him to his home. It was really snowy outside. The boy gave the kitten cat food the cat ate the cat food as fast as you can say Christmas.

The boy yelled to the cat, "Tomorrow is Christmas, we better go to sleep." The next morning was Christmas. The boy rushed down the stairs he saw tons of presents but he thought about the cat so he went upstairs and up to his room. The boy saw the cat and he gave the cat a present. It was a ball of yarn. The cat was very happy so happy he got a paper and wrote his name. His name was Jon. Jon was happy for the rest of his nine lives.

Abubakar Sharif Grade 4

Clearwater Times Thursday, January 3, 2013

www.clearwatertimes.com A9

Invasive fish fines will bite wallet

By Tom Fletcher, Black Press

VICTORIA – Releasing a snakehead fish into B.C. waters could cost you up to $250,000.

The B.C. government has amended its controlled alien species regulation to impose steep fines for releasing invasive fish such as the snakehead, a Chinese import with a voracious appetite and the ability to wiggle across land to get to new waterways.

A snakehead fish discovered in Burnaby Lake in June forced environment ministry biologists to pump the lake level down so it could be captured.

The toothy beasts were being imported and sold alive in Asian specialty food stores.

The new regulations also aim to stop the spread of zebra or quagga mussels that can

Snakehead fish released by persons unknown into Burnaby Lake were captured in June after the lake level was pumped down. Wanda Chow/Black Press

attach themselves to boats and equipment and infest lakes. Failure to remove those mussels, alive or dead, can trigger a fine of up to $100,000.

“The impact of the snakehead and zebra mussel in other jurisdictions has been devastating to those local ecosystems,” Environment Minister Terry Lake said Thursday, announcing the latest changes.

The regulations also prohibit possession and breeding of identified high-risk aquatic species.

They expand the reach of legislation passed in 2009 that restricted ownership and breeding of tigers, snakes, crocodiles and a long list of other exotic animals. Added to the list are species of monitor lizard that grow to more than two metres long or otherwise represent a threat to public safety.

B.C.’s restrictions for private zoos were passed after a woman was killed by a Bengal tiger kept in a cage at an exotic animal attraction on a farm near 100 Mile House in 2007.

The new regulations add definitions for “accredited zoo or aquarium” as well as schools and research facilities that are permitted to possess exotic animals for study purposes.

The regulation requires owners of controlled species to apply for permits. Conservation officers have authority to seize animals that are considered an immediate threat to health and safety of people.

More information is available on the B.C. government website at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/ wildlifeactreview/cas/

Woodlots centre stage at government house Federation of BC Woodlot Associations All across the province, from Vancouver Island to the Kootenays, from the Similkameen Valley to Peace Country, there are hundreds of forest entrepreneurs - members of the Woodlot Licence program - carefully managing our Crown forest resources.

There are more than 800 licensees in the province who manage a small, but significant piece of the provincial harvest. The great majority of these licensees are known, and admired, only in their community. Some of them, however, work more visibly on behalf of their peers with government and other stakeholders in the natural resources sector.

For the next five years, one woodlot licensee will be thrust into the public eye, drawing much-deserved attention to British Columbia's vital, yet sometimes invisible, agriculture industry. Her name is Judith Guichon. And she has

just been named B.C.'s newest lieutenant governor.

Compared to other forest tenures, woodlot licences are unique. Many are in the interface between forests and urban or industrial areas. The diversity found in the many forest ecosystems in our province is reflected in the woodlot licensees themselves and their individual management philosophies.

Many are ranchers or farmers whose woodlots are adjacent to or near their private lands, their family homes and communities.

Numerous woodlots are purposely intergenerational. This alone ensures excellent stewardship. These intensively managed, family operated tenures provide many valuable contributions to the province: forest and ecosystem diversity and resilience, community and social benefits such as hiking or horseback riding, a light footprint on the landscape, and a sizeable and positive involvement in the province's economy.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more articulate advocate for the importance of diversity,

Willow Macdonald

It’s not what you earn, it’s what you keep

DIRECTOR, ELECTORAL AREA “B” (THOMPSON HEADWATERS) Phone: 250-674-7303

CONTACT US TO DISCUSS

Email: willowmacdonald.tnrd@gmail.com 300 - 465 Victoria Street, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V2C 2A9 Tel: (250) 377-8673 Fax: (250) 372-5048

economic viability and ecological sustainability than Guichon.

Better known as a rancher and champion of the BC Cattlemen's Association, Guichon has held a woodlot license for over 20 years in the Nicola Valley near Merritt. Her highly regarded belief in "Holistic Management" of natural resources exemplifies the underpinnings of the woodlot program.

Managing in the short-term for the health of a 700-head cow-calf herd, and in the longterm for the health of her forest tenure, Guichon understands that each decision must be assessed for its immediate impacts, and those that will take effect in 20 or 100 years.

Her ability to balance the economic imperatives, the social values for the citizens who share the forest and rangeland, and the future health of each "ecosystem block," has captured the attention and admiration of peers and politicians at the civic, provincial and federal level.

To find out more about woodlots in British Columbia go to www.woodlot.bc.ca.

Toll Free: 1-877-377-8673 (B.C. Only) Email: admin@tnrd.bc.ca

• Your goals and dreams • Your issues and obstacles • Your success and quality of life

BRUCE MARTIN & ASSOCIATES BUSINESS ADVISERS & CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Clearwater (250) 674-2112

Kamloops (250) 374-5908

www.brucemartin.ca

L-r Cindy Derkson, Fred Roach and Cheryl MacHale celebrate their win at the Poker Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 27 at the Wells Gray Inn.

Photo by Goldie Krawec

Cindy Derkson places first in poker tournament

By Anne Krawec Season 4 Tournament of the Wells Gray Inn Poker Club was held Saturday Dec. 22 at the Wells Gray Inn with nine finalists competing for three trophies in the game of Texas Hold'em.

Eight finalist were chosen by participants competing for points for the past 10 weeks, plus a wild card player was chosen on the tenth week of play to make a final table of nine players.

Season 4 leader board reads as follows: Goldie Krawec, Laurie Marsh, Kerry Miller, Jerry Cotterhill, Robin Torpes, Fred Roach, Cheryl MacHale, Cindy Derkson, and Millie Rempel.

Play started at 12 noon and continued until nearly 5 p.m.

Trophy winners for Season 4 were:

first, Cindy Derkson; second, Fred Roach; and third, Cheryl MacHale.

During Season 4 there were as many as 20 competitors on one evening of play at the three tables.

Points are awarded weekly for places of finish on each evening of play and kept track of during the season to determine the finalists for each seasonal tournament.

Weeks of play are determined before each season is started and may vary from season to season.

Season 5 will begin on Wednesday Jan. 2, 7 p.m. at the Wells Gray Inn and will run for 12 weeks at which time the top eight point winners plus a wild card competitor will again compete for trophies. Cheryl MacHale, team leader says, "Everyone welcome to join in."

C

apsule

C

omments

with MICHELLE LEINS

This is the time of year to make resolutions to change our lives for the better. It’s also good to resolve to make someone else’s life better too. If you know someone who is lonely or depressed, why not reach out and bring that person to your home for dinner. it will make you both feel better.

One of the most common resolutions people make for the New Year is to lose weight and to exercise regularly. Ironically, the latter certainly does help the weight-loss goal.

Regular exercise is like taking a pill that’s good for many ailments. It helps control and prevent problems like heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes and insomnia. It’s never too late to start an exercise program.

Speaking of depression, it does seem more prevalent at this time of year. There are many reasons for it, but sometimes it is just the lack of light during the short days of winter. Ask our pharmacists about light therapy. Often simply sitting under a special light for 30 minutes daily can help banish the blues.

Try to keep your hands away from your nose and mouth at this time of year. These two areas are where bacteria and viruses can easily enter the body. You don’t want your fingers to inoculate yourself with colds and flu. another year has gone by, and I want to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2013.

Thank you for all your kind comments about this column. We look forward to serving you throughout the coming year with great service by our great staff. Happy New Year!

PHARMASAVE MON. - SAT. 9 - 6

BROOKFIELD CENTRE

CLEARWATER, 250-674-3122

A10 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013 Clearwater Times

Lucas Taniguti has a festive look with his Santa hat.

Tommy Panko looks both sharp and festive as he wears a tie and a Santa hat during the Christmas concert at Raft River Elementary School.

My very favourite Christmass My very favourite Christmas would be if my mom would get me a cat.

Her name will be Snowballs, like a fluffy white snowball.

I'm looking forward to December 25th and would be so happy if I get a Snowball cat!

By Maddie Hill, Grade 4

My Very Most Favourite Christmas Last year was my most favourite Christmas ever because I got a Wii for Christmas. I got a tree that was huge and I loved it.

I still got it. It is in my basement. We are going to set it up this year.

I hope I get a Ipod for Christmas.

We are going to put an angel on my tree this year and we are going to put a Santa on the top too!

I am looking forward to a great Christmas again this year.

Aubry Leppington, Grade 4

My most favourite Christmas I once knew a little girl named Ella. She is so kind to others. Ella is in grade 4. Ella is 8 years old. Ella loves math and spelling. Ella always likes to play with her best friend named Jessica. Jessica is so nice to others.

When did Ella and Jessica became friends?

When it was Christmas Eve Jessica asked Ella if she can come to Ella's house

Santa kids sing out

for Christmas so Jessica can meet Ella's family and Ella's other friends that she did not tell about. Next it was her house for Christmas.

After school Ella and Jessica sat together on Ella's bus. When they got to Ella's house they played school outside. Then it was bed time for Ella and Jessica. When they got up they went up stairs to the Christmas tree. They saw lot's of presents for them and it was the best Christmas ever in their life.

Ella got a little baby puppy for Christmas.

Jessica got a toy dog for Christmas. Ella named her baby puppy Jessica. Jessica named her toy dog Ella. It was the best Christmas ever.

Ella's dog's colour is

brown. Jessica's toy dog's colour is brown too. What was your very most favourite Christmas?

By Taylene Elliot, Grade 4

My most favourite Christmas My most favourite time is Christmas when Santa comes and gives us presents. We made sure we make milk and cookies. I also like it when we go to Kamloops and have a Christmas party on Christmas Eve! We have a Christmas tree which is 5 metres tall.

At Christmas we celebrate because it is a important holiday. It is super awesome! At Christmas Santa only comes when people are asleep. I wonder how Santa knows when people are asleep? I

Dustin Hurst (l) and Braxton Hall wear their Santa hats during the Raft River Christmas concert on Thursday evening, Dec. 20.

All photos by Keith McNeill

love Christmas and it is fabulous.

By Makalu Hokai, Grade 3

How The Kitten Found The Spirit Of Christmas One special Christmas day there was a little kitten named Snowflake she loved Christmas.

Snowflake was so excited to open presents.

Snowflake loves watching people open presents. She was bouncing off the the walls until the last gift was opened. It was a black cat! Snowflake was shocked. The black cat's name is Niglet.

The whole time Niglet was getting all the attention and snowflake was thrown outside in the dreaded rain. Snowflake then

Terry Lake MLA Kamloops - North Thompson

ran away and lost the spirit of Christmas. It was heart broken.

She walked along the side of the road.

Snowflake had found herself at the neighbours house.

Snowflake jumped through the window.

The neighbours seemed to have had a chocolate brown cat named Coco. Coco is a boy he loved Christmas. They met and liked each other so Snowflake made a home at the neighbours house for a year.

He grew into a cat.

Snowflake and Coco had a little brown and white spotted cat on Christmas day and they named it Tippy and Snowflake loved Christmas for the rest of their lives!

By Mackenzie Ross, Grade 4

The Cat Who Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Believe in Christmas Once upon a time there was a greedy cat who did not care about Christmas. So the ghost of Christmas came to teach the cat a lesson. The cat thought for a few minutes and agreed he would believe in Christmas.

By Tyne MacLellan, Grade 2 Raft River

The Lost Kitten One foggy Christmas Eve there was a little kitten. It was lost in the snow. Santa took the kitten home to the North Pole. But Santa saw a little girl. She wanted to get a kitten so Santa gave it to her for Christmas and everybody was happy in the morning.

By Haileigh Goodie, Grade 2 Raft River

618-B Tranquille Rd. Kamloops BC, V2B 3H6 Phone 250-554-5413 Fax 250-554-5417 email: terry.lake.mla@leg.bc.ca

www.terrylakemla.bc.ca

Clearwater Times Thursday, January 3, 2013

www.clearwatertimes.com A11

Students from Tera Carter's Kindergarten class sing enthusiastically.

(L-r) Green and red skirts worn by Eliana Bromley and Hana Sauve get admiring look from Sophie Collins. Next to them are Emma Collins and Jasper Belle. The annual Christmas concert at Raft River Elementary School was scaled back because of the recent tragic deaths of two local teachers.

However, it did go ahead with all classes taking turns to sing carols for the audience.

Ember Simms-Goodwin Grade 3

The Kitten and the Boy Once upon a time there was a little boy named Patrick. He was kind and helpful. One day he went for a walk in snowy

woods. He was surprised to see it was a kitten. He called it AJ. AJ was very cold after he got out of the snow. It was the day before Christmas. Patrick wondered where he was. He was at the North Pole. He opened his eyes. He was totally surprised it was Santa Claus. He brought AJ with him. Patrick heard Santa say, “Merry Christmas.

Patrick looked away, then he looked back. Santa was in Patrick’s way. Santa said, “Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas. Santa said, “Would you like some present?”

“Yes!” said Patrick

Eloi Labranche Grade 2

My Very Most Favourite Christmas One Christmas night there were two girls, Alexa and Catherine. The two girls were best friends. Alexa had a very special gift for Catherine.

It was a white kitten with sky blue eyes. The next day Alexa put the kitten under the Christmas tree. Catherine soon woke up and it was time for presents. Alexa got a cat for real from Catherine and Alexa saw Catherine unwrapping her gift. “I hope she likes it” Alexa

All photos by keith McNeill

thought and then Alexa saw a wide smile on Catherine’s face when Catherine saw the kitten then she turned and said “Thank you Alexa” Catherine said. Soon the kitten came out of the box and looked around her new home. Then Catherine said “I will name her Snowhite” she said. So Alexa and Catherine played with Snowhite then Alexa went home and Catherine went to her grandma’s house. While she was there her grandma said “I heard you got a kitten” Catherine just smiled. Soon they had supper. After that her grandma called “Who wants presents!” So everyone went to the tree of course Catherine got cat things for her new kitten. She got cat things like a collar, a food and water dish and some toys and other things for cats. When they got home that night Catherine called Snowhite and then let Snowhite see the gifts for her and they played all night long.

Amery Hokai joins her class in singing during the Christmas concert.

FOR SALE BY OWNER

SELL IT FAST

The Big Bad Bully Once upon a time there was a big bad bully. His name was Grinch. At Christmas time kids left gifts on each others’ desks. The Grinch stole them!

But I know the Grinch has lost things too. When he became a bully it was soon after his favourite dog, Cuddles died. He also lost his favourite mouse, Pinky to an owl. He loved them all! But one day when he was on a gift stealing mission he thought nobody liked him.

But a little noise alerted him.

He turned around and saw a little student standing there. I have got something for you, he said in a small voice. And with that he pulled a small photo out from behind his back. It was of Cuddles and Pinky and Timmy! Timmy was the Grinch’s name before his pets died. Timmy was touched by this gift. Suddenly he wanted to be kind like other kids! And so he was! The end.

Joyous songs of Christmas

Catherine Bennett Grade 4

Call and book your ad in the North Thompson Connection and

SELL YOUR PROPERTY FAST 5” x 3“ for just $69 call 250- 672-5611 or 250-674-3343

A12 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013 Clearwater Times

Sports Just picture it: Sun Peaks photo contest Submitted Sun Peaks recently launched a new and innovative social media contest utilizing user-generated content to promote resort experiences.

‘Just Picture It’ encourages guests to capture and share every angle of their Sun Peaks experience using #SunPeaks360 through Instagram and Twitter and by posting to the Sun Peaks Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ SunPeaksResort.

Weekly winners will be chosen through a voting application on the Sun Peaks Resort Facebook page and will be promoted into the final round of voting to win a five-night reunion vacation for six people.

Tourism Sun Peaks partnered with Think! Social Media, an industry leader that has worked on many successful digital and social media marketing campaigns for the tourism industry.

“With this initiative, Sun Peaks has boldly expanded its marketing team to include hundreds, if not thousands, of passionate skiers and snowboarders who will be sharing their photos with the world, and in real time,” said Ben Vadasz, Think!’s Director of Business Development. “’Just Picture It’ allows friends, family and potential visitors to do just that – get a truly

authentic feel for the Sun Peaks experience.”

Contest organizers recognize the constant evolution of social media. The campaign is inspired by the increasing trend of travellers taking recommendations from their trusted peer’s social channels and by the sharp increase in the use of Instagram and mobile photo sharing.

Voting on the first round of featured photos begins on Jan. 7 and continues weekly until March 25. Weekly winners are chosen every Monday with prizes ranging from ski gear, to lodging, to food and beverage items.

Grand prize voting will take place from March 25 to 31 with the winner announced on April 1.

The Grand Prize winner can choose between a Sun Peaks summer or winter reunion for themselves plus five friends for five nights, to use in the summer or next winter season.

For complete rules and regulation go to http://www.

SunPeaksResort.com/JPI To upload Sun Peaks photos, use the hashtag #SunPeaks360 on Instagram or Twitter or share photos on the Sun Peaks Resort Facebook page at http://www.

Facebook.com/SunPeaksResort.

www.clearwatertimes.com

Liftees learn how Jacob Hurst (l) loads his younger brother, Dustin Hurst, onto the T-bar at Clearwater ski hill during an orientation session for lift attendants held Saturday, Dec. 22. Weather permitting, the ski club hopes to open the hill for regular operations on Thursday, Dec. 27. Photo by Keith McNeill

Draft Equine code of Practice released North Thompson Star/Journal Equine Canada and the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) have announced the launch of the public comment period on the draft Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines. The draft Code can be viewed and submissions made at nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/ equine until Feb. 14, 2013. All stakeholders are encouraged to provide input to ensure that this Code reflects a common understanding of equine care expectations and recommended practices in Canada.

NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX

Hockey Lives Here!

MINOR HOCKEY GAME SCHEDULE Friday Jan. 4

5:00pm • Peewee Rep vs. North Okanagan

Saturday Jan 5

9:00am• Pre novice 9:50am • Novice 7:15 pm • Midget Rep vs. Princeton

Sunday Jan. 6

12:00 • Midget Girls vs Merritt

FAMILY SKATE

4:30pm Friday Jan. 4 - Cancelled & Sunday Jan. 6 Sponsored by Royal Bank Clearwater & District Minor Hockey www.cdmha.info. Register @ ‘250 674 2594 or nissa1537@gmail.com Raft Mountain Skating Club Register @ www.raftmountain.com Oldtimers Hockey Every Wed. @ 8:30pm and Sunday at 7:30pm

MENS REC. HOCKEY LEAGUE Games every Fri. at 7:30 & every Sun. at 6pm Call for Information

For more information about the Sportsplex or any programs call 250 674 2143

A scientists’ committee report summarizing research on priority welfare topics for equines can be found online alongside the draft Code. This peerreviewed report aided the discussions of the Code Development Committee as they prepared the draft Code of Practice.

“I’m proud of the collaborative effort committee members have shown since we began our work in early 2011,” says Jack de Wit, director with the Equine Canada Board of Directors and Chair of the Code Development Committee. “The next step is opening the draft Code to input from the public.

With the public’s help we will have a Code that is good for owners and the animals in their care.”

“As an equine veterinarian and horse owner, it’s a pleasure to participate in a Code process that provides an opportunity to advance the welfare of equines across our diverse industry,” says Dr. Bettina Bobsien, Canadian Federation of Humane Societies representative on the Code Development Committee.

Anyone can provide comments and suggestions on the Code; all submissions must be made through the online system and follow the instructions provided at nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/equine.

The equine Code revision is led by an 18-person Code Development Committee, which includes participants from across Canada representing the diversity of the industry. Members include horse owners, caregivers, animal welfare and enforcement representatives, researchers, veterinarians and government representatives. The Scientists’ Committee includes researchers with expertise in equine behaviour, health and welfare. The final equine Code of Practice will be released in June 2013. More information on the Code development process is available at nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice.

The equine Code is one of eight Codes of Practice currently under revision as part of a multiyear NFACC project. Codes of Practice serve as our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices. It is important Codes be scientifically informed, practical and reflect societal expectations for responsible farm animal care.

Clearwater Times Thursday, January 3, 2013

www.clearwatertimes.com A13

Vavenby Primary School holds Christmas celebration Vavenby Primary School held its Christmas Celebration in the school library on Tuesday, Dec. 18. A good number of residents came to watch the event as well as principal Mike Bowden and vice-principal Lori Bradstock from Clearwater.

The evening began with the students entering the library dressed up as Santa and his reindeer. They sang the song Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer twice.

Then Santa - Dayton Flegel - stepped forward and told some Christmas jokes.

A sing-along followed the jokes with Valerie Gerber playing the piano. The words for the songs - Little Drummer Boy, Frosty the Snowman, Away in a Manger, and Joy to the World - were run off on paper for the audience. Rudolf the Red-

their family and friends to a specific area in the school to share the stories.

There was an art display in the hall for everyone to enjoy when finished reading. The evening ended with the ringing of Santa’s bell, signifying that it was time for all to enjoy the refreshments in the main hall. All of the delicious baking had been done by PAC members.

Santa came to the school the next day to listen to what each student would like for Christmas.

Vavenby News By

Robyn Rexin

Nosed Reindeer was then sung a third time by the students but this time in “opera” style. The children sang in high warbling voices with some using arm gestures.

After the sing-along each student was handed a bag that contained a couple of Christmas stories. The children went with

cup out to accept donations to buy more shovels for the rink.

Crib and darts in Vavenby are over for 2012. Crib will begin again Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. and darts on Thursday, Jan.10, at 7 p.m. Both are played at the community hall.

Winter activities in Vavenby Some Vavenby residents have been voluntarily and diligently flooding the outdoor rink. Others have been busy shovelling off all the snow that has continued to fall. The Vavenby General Store has a

More water problems Well, the Vavenby water system has failed again! The heat trace, which is similar to heat tape and which keeps the water line from freezing under the Vavenby bridge, has failed.

The water is in a pipe and if this water did freeze the south side of town would be without water. It has been temporarily fixed for now but the rest of the work will have to wait until spring.

CICA releases easy-to-use guide for teaching kids financial skills Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants When it comes to teaching kids the value of money, it's important to remove the guesswork.

According to a recent study by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), 78 per cent of Canadian parents

have tried to teach their children financial management skills, but the majority (60 per cent) do not believe they have been very successful.

"Parents can give their children an important advantage in life by starting in-home discussions about money matters at an early age," says Cairine Wilson, vice-president, Member Services,

CICA. "The majority realizes this, but many Canadian parents are unsure about how to proceed."

In a bid to help parents prepare their children for successful financial futures, the CICA is releasing a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide for teaching financial skills at home.

A Parent's Guide to Raising

Money-Smart Kids is designed to put parents at ease when it comes to preparing their children for life's important financial decisions.

The guide allows parents to zero in on the information they need. Each chapter describes how to approach money management with a specific age group and discusses the essentials of

financial literacy - earning, saving, spending, sharing and investing. Age groups covered include, children aged five to eight, pre-teens, teenagers and young adults.

The CICA publication is available in e-book and hard copy formats and can be obtained by visiting www.castore. ca/moneysmartkids.

THIS IS CHRISTMAS: The best Christmas present given to anyone is the Son of God For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there the time came for the baby to be born and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out

Think on These Things By Lynne Bode Christian Life Assembly — Barriere

in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favour rests.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven the

shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord

has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her

heard. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:1-20 NIV This is the birth of the Christ that we celebrate. The best Christmas present given to anyone is the Son of God. God sent His Son, Jesus to us to give us everlasting life; that

is so abundant and full of peace even in the midst of all

“an Independent” congregation in fellowship with the broader Christian community in the area.

(Behind Fields Store)

VAVENBY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

3083 Capostinsky Rd. • Service 11 a.m.

Sunday Morning Celebration Services Ian Moilliet Pastor 250-676-9574 Non Denominational

St James Catholic Church

When a death occurs, I’m here to help you, every step of the way. 24 hours a day, every day.

If you have made pre-arrangements elsewhere and would like to discuss having your local funeral home take care of you, please feel free to call.

NORTH THOMPSON FUNERAL SERVICES 73 Taren Drive, Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N2

Call Drake at 250-674-3030 or 1-877-674-3030 day or night.

Drake Smith, MSW (Funeral Director/Owner)

Your places of worship

Meeting at: 11 Lodge Drive

On the Web: www.clchch.com For information 250.674.3841 or 250.674.2912

“When you need us, we’re close by”

Church Directory

Clearwater Christian Church

Sunday Worship Service 10 am

life’s turmoil. So this Christmas I wish you Jesus!

Clearwater Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor Bill Kelly Saturday Service - 10am Clearwater Christian Church

Ph. 250-674-3468

CLEARWATER Sunday Service UNITED CHURCH Mass • 11am - 12pm Meeting at Tuesday & Thursday Catholic Church of St. James 10am Worship 324 Clearwater Sunday 9am Village Road 250-672-5653 • 250-674-3615 250-676-9435 250-672-5949 ntunitedpc@gmail.com •Father Don O’Reilly www.norththompsonpc.ca

Clearwater Living Streams Christian Fellowship

CLEARWATER NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY Dan Daase - Pastor Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am

Meeting at New Life Assembly every Sunday 5:00pm

(Kids church during service)

Contact Dave Meehan 250-674-3217 email: livingstreams@hotmail.com Clearwater Community Church open to everyone - all denominations

Wednesdays Am Ladies Bible Study Thursday 3-5pm Kids Club

Phone: 250-674-2345

308 W Old N Thompson Hwy

COMMUNITY BAPTIST 24E Old North Thompson Hwy

Worship Service 10:30 Pastor Mike Kiewitt 250.674.1332 www.ccbaptist.ca

A14 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013 Clearwater Times

Business & Service Directory Accountant -- Certified ACCOUNTANT CERTIFIED

STONE & COMPANY (Robert Lawrie, Silvia Scheibenpflug)

Certified General Accountants Rison Realty • 32 E Old N. Thompson Hwy.

N

Feb. 1st to Apr. 30th - Every Thursday May 1st to Jan. 31st - By Appointment Hours: 9:30 am to Noon, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Phone: 250-674-2532 • Kamloops: 554-2533 • Fax: 554-2536

Auctions AUCTIONS

Appliance Repair APPLIANCE REPAIRS

TH RIVE R R O

HAYDN AUCTION SERVICES

• AUCTION • AUCTION • AUCTION • AUCTION • AUCTION •

APPLIANCE REPAIR Four Star Service 250-674-0079

Every 2 weeks Starting August 11, 2012 Consignments Welcome

NEW LOCATION 4761 Gilbert Drive Barriere Industrial Park

DOUG JAMES

Financial Statement Preparation • Corporate & Personal Income Taxes

PARTS - SALES - SERVICE CALLS USED APPLIANCES

Building Supply

Carpentry CARPENTRY

Phone 250-672-9809 or 250-319-5230 Email: haydnauctionservices@gmail.com Website: haydnauctionservicebc.com

Construction Construction & Renovations from Foundations to Roof

QUALITY WORK

Hazel’s Housing • NEW CONSTRUCTION • RENOVATIONS • ROOFING

Winter Hours • 8:30am - 5pm

250-674-4083

New Construction, Renovations, Tiling, Roofing.

Box 345 Clearwater BC V0E 1N0

674-4001 (250) 674-8469

250-587-0010

tinybldr@telus.net

Contractor Advertise A D VERTISING

THE TIMES

Contracting CONTRACTORS

Tiny Builders Ltd.

(250)

Dan Arnold

Call

Journeyman Carpenter

Construction

DNA Construction

For All Your Advertising Needs

Steve Noble

Hazel Dowds

CLEARWATER, B.C.

Construction

Rob Kerslake

HANS OUNPUU Building Contractor

40 years experience Renovations • Additions • New Construction • Home Repairs • HAFI Jobs • Project Management

Al Kirkwood 250-674-3875 674-3343 Clearwater, BC • ounpuu@telus.net

Electric Contractors

Fully Insured Journeyman Carpenters Septic - Installation - Service - Pumping Demolition - Excavation - Backhoe Service Trucking - Crane Truck - Water - Dump

Bonded General Contractor

Gravel - Sand - Top Soil - Snow Removal

John White

Paul 250.819.3205

Convenience Store

Jack 250.299.9510

Electric Contractors ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

RAFT RIVER STORE

250-587-6175

GAS . DIESEL . GROCERIES

Symons Electric

Blackwell Dairy Products TOOL RENTALS

Good Prices • Great Service • Quality Work

Winter Hours Open 8 am - 6 pm daily 733 Clearwater Village Rd Ph. 250-674-2688 Fax 250-674-3392

LARRY SYMONS • LICENSED & BONDED • CLEARWATER - CLOSED MONDAYS -

A division of Vortec Enterprises

•

ABIGAIL’

B.C. Reg. #24833

Heating

Florist

VANDENBORRE

Abigail’s Essential Service empowering customers by lifestyles.

HEATING

PROPANE & ELECTRIC FURNACE REPAIR

Furnace Installation • Heat Pumps and Air Conditioning Radon Gas Mitigation • Serving Blue River - Little Fort

~ flowers ~ plants ~ gifts ~ balloon bouquets ~

housekeeping yard maintenance HANDYMAN SERVICES window washing Jim Vandenborre • Fully insured gardening jhepv@hotmail.com 250.674.8552 transportation to doctor A division of Vortec Enterprises visa, debit, mc accepted shopping house sitting

YOUR FRIENDLY REPAIR MAN

specializing in weddings, sympathy, birthdays, anniversaries and other important occasions

Licenced & Bonded Reg. NO: 99142

Heating & Air Conditioning

73 Taren Drive, Clearwater Phone 250-674-2929 Toll Free: 1-877-974-2929

Misc. Services

Garbage Collection GARBAGE COLLECTION

250-879-2777

Phone Jager Garbage 250-674-3798 Serving from Vavenby to Blackpool area

1.250.587.6373 • 1.888.587.3576

housekeeping pet sitting/walking 1.250.587.6373 yard maintenance parent/child visit 1.888.587.3576 Abigail’s Essential Services, serving Clearwater, BC and surrounding area, is committed to window washing supervision empowering customers by providing essential services that will enrich and enhance their lifestyles. gardening baking transportation to doctor meal planning/preparation shopping travel companion house sitting car washing Services include:

housekeeping yard maintenance window washing gardening transportation to doctor shopping house sitting

pet sitting/walking parent/child visit supervision baking meal planning/preparation travel companion car washing medical advocate

walking/hiking banking bookkeeping landscape planning snow shovelling and more!

Give Abigail a call!

medical advocate walking/hiking banking bookkeeping landscape planning snow shovelling and more!

1.250.587.6373 1.888.587.3576

Furnace Installations • Heat Pump Installations • Hot Water Tank Replacements • Air Conditioning installs • We repair all makes and models • Modular Home Furnaces • Ducting

Containers available for construction sites, yard clean-up, industrial sites etc.

ABIGAIL’S ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Abigail’s Essential Services 1.250.587.6373 1.888.587.3576

Residential includes Blue Bag Recycling

Abigail’s Essential Services 1.250.587.6373 1.888.587.3576

Residential & Commercial Garbage Collection.

Abigail’s Essential Services 1.250.587.6373 1.888.587.3576

ABIGAIL’S ESSENTIAL SERVICES

JAGER GARBAGE

Abigai 1

Abigai 1 1

Abigai 1 1

Abigai 1 1

Abigai 1 1

Abigai 1 1

Abigai 1 1

Abigai 1 1

Abigai 1 1

Abigai 1 1

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1N0 pm

ing

OG NG

S

ank

Taylor, Epp & Dolder

nd Clearwater the 2month & 4 th W in ednesday of each W ednesday of each month

Styling

Lawyers

Clearwater Times Thursday, January 3, 2013

on

Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - Noon Barriere Centre - 480 Barriere Town Road Lawyer in attendance: Elmer Epp

• Custom Blinds & • Flooring Samples • • Painting - Interior • In-Home

3557

Bree Pet V

Drapery • Home Décor Fabric Journeyman Floor Installations & Exterior • Small Renovations Décor Consultations

Cell: 250-682-5577 • Home: 250-674-4033

Motor Licence Office Naturalized Landscaping Geoff Ellen, P. AG MOTOR LICENCE Forest Agrologist • Landscape DesignOFFICE • Agroforestry • Xeric Dryscapes • Range Management • Native SpeciesICBC Landscapes Agent • Raw Land Assessment/Ideas • Hydroseeded Lawns of Clearwater • Aerial Revegetation District • Land Reclamation 250-674-2733 • Greenhouses

132 Station Road, Box 157, Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0 Box 463 674-3444 Offi ce Hours: am(250) to 4:30 pm Clearwater, B.C. Monday V0E 1N0 to Friday - 8:30Tel: Fax: (250) 674-3444 Open through the Noon hour gellen@mercuryspeed.com

Septic Service Safe Shelter

CLEARWATER SEPTIC SERVICE

(250) 674-2135 in Little Fort, Clearwater, &Birch PORTABLE TOILET RENTALS Island, Vavenby, Avola & Blue River Give us 682-6444 a call before in it’sDar too late!

BEST rates in town (250) eld, Barriere, Chu Chua, Louis Creek and McLure 250-674-3562

nd

NTPD 1m to 3m’s - Burlapped & Basketed $60 - $160 • Hundreds to Choose from Large Caliper Colorful Shade Trees to 14’

PROPANE SALES & SERVICE 250-374-9439 PROPANE SALES & SERVICE

Call Bev for all your propane needs

Call-Residential Bev -Rental Callneeds Bev-Parts 250-374-9439 ForForallallof your propane your legal-Commercial needs, including:

PLUMBING AND DRAINS

Ph: 250-674-2255 (Clearwater) For all of your propane needs -Cylinder 250-374-9439 •Residential Wills & Estates Estate Accident & Injury•-Bulk •• Real Rental • •Commercial Cylinder • Parts • Bulk Toll Free: 1-888-374-3161 250-374-9439 Located in the BB&R Insurance Located in the Interior Savings Offi ce, 702 Athabasca Street East Kamloops, BC – www.calgasinc.com -Residential office, or Brookfield Mall Ph: 250-674-2255 Toll Free:-Rental 1-888-374-3161

Call Bob at 672-9712 • cell 819-9712 JASEN MANN 250-674-8151 Wholesale to the Public & Business

-Commercial -Parts -Residential -Cylinder -Commercial -Bulk

WELLS G JAYLEE

DOG NOW GROOMING Off the Hook AVAILABLE STORAGE Mini Storage Units Covered RAY RV & Boat Storage

Located In The Legion Building

Registered with N.H.P.C. & Canadian Reflexology Association

Box 463 1st 20 spaces at $500/year Tel: (250) 674-3444 Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0 778-208-5300 Clearwater, BC Fax: (250) 674-3444 gellen@mercuryspeed.com

Taxi Service Safe Shelter TAXI SERVICE

If you need help getting away from domestic abuse,

WELLS GRAY call Safe Home

Al Kirkwood 674-3343

Arlee Yoerger

250-674-2214 • 250.674.0145 250-674-1542

Call us now. We can help.

250-674-2214 • 250-674-2600 250-674-1542 If you would like to volunteer, call and ask for Wendy

Septic

Advertising

Contracting

in Clearwater will be in DIVISION

DIVISIONS

Construction, Renos & Demos first Friday of each month.

Landscaping & Towing Chargesevery Septic Service - Pumper Truck 24 Hour Service for septic pumps start at $250 plus tax.

Backhoe & Bobcat Free Scrap Car Removal Call Charges are subject to pump volume, location of the tank Sweeper Certified Traffic Control & Tow Truck - 24 Hours and dumping fees.

516 Swanson Road 250-674-1869 Traffic Control/Certified We do require a minimum of 3 appointments Used Auto Parts Post Holeto Auger to be able service your area.

Portable toilet rentals Chimney Sweep RON ROTZETTER Please call to make an appointment OFFICE: 250-674-3123 Plumbing 250-674-0145 / 250-318-7235 250-674-0145 or 250-674-1869 Well Repair or CELL: 250-674-1427

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(250) 674-2135 in Little Fort, Clearwater, Birch Island, Vavenby, Avola & Blue River (250) 682-6444 in Dareld, Barriere, Chu Chua, Louis Creek and McLure AVAILABLE 24 HOURS • 7 wait DAYS WEEK Anytime day or night - Please don’t untilAit’s too late.

Professional Quality Pet Grooming

Open Tues., Wed. & Thurs.

AVAILABLE 24 HOURS • 3133 7 DAYS A WEEK Hundsbedt Rd Call for day or evening appointments VAVENBY BC (250) 674-0098 250-676-0052

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THE TIMES

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OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIE NCE

Bus. (250) 573-3000 Toll Free 1-888-839-3557

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Shiatsu Clinic

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Certified Well Driller Duane Bochek Kamloops, B.C.

NORTH THOMPSON Forest AgrologistSTORAGE

Ellen, P. 702 Athabasca StreetGeoff East Kamloops, BCAG – www.calgasinc.com

Storage Taxi Service Storage Pet Grooming massage ACUPRESSURE & SHIATSU MASSAGE

Bar

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John Chaytor 250-674-2733 Box 561 Star Choice Approved Service Technician 132 Station Road, Box 157, Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0 Clearwater, BC V0E 1N0 Offi ce Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm chaytorj@telus.net Phone: 250-674-0066 or 250-674-8877 Open through the Noon hour email: daveash321@yahoo.ca

BODY HARMONY

th

nd Call Clearwater the 2month & 4 th Bev W in ednesday of each For of month your propane needs W ednesday ofall each

Service • Sales • Installations

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THE TIMES

PROPANE SALES & SERVICE

Jim JimMcCreight McCreight in Clearwater the 2 & 4

Commercial & Residential

Anytime or night - Please don’t wait10 until it’s too late.

Serving theday North Thompson Valley for over Years Valemount • Blue RiverCall • Avola Vavenby We • Clearwater • Little Fort us•now. can help.

If you would like to volunteer, call 250-674-2600 and ask for Wendy

Lyle Box Clea

Propane Sales Lawyer

AMARANTH & NURSERY - McLure BC Business & Service NEEDFARM A PLUMBER? Colorado Spruce Blue/Green Directory NORTH THOMPSON

FULL STEAM MOTOR LICENCE Snow Removal and Sanding OFFICE Phone 250-674-1470 ICBC Agent

call Safe Home

Call

Plumbing & Drains Nursery

Snow Removal Motor Licence Office Satellite Service

If you need help getting away from domestic abuse,

Jim Panton Floor Layer & Painter 37 years in the trade

Valerie Panton In-home Décor Consultant 26 years experience

Barriere 250-672-5244 • Kamloops: 250-374-3456

Business & Service ON CALL SEPTIC SERVICES ON CALL Traffi c Directory TOWING LTD.Control Valemount, TD. CLEARWATER Service Center Blue River and Avola

25 S NCE

250-674-1543 ay 5 250-674Highw www.clearwatertimes.com A15 Toll Free 1-866-674-1543 1-866-

Business & Service Directory •••

For all your legal needs, including: Ph: 250-674-2255 (Clearwater) • Wills & Estates • Real Estate • Accident & Injury Toll Free: 1-888-374-3161 Located in the BB&R Insurance Located in the Interior Savings Office, office, or Brookfield Ph: 250-674-2255 Toll Free: Mall 1-888-374-3161

K

Call Val the B Blind Gal

Al Kirkwood 674-3343

OR

2

Contract

ON CALL

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Service - Pumper Truck DIVISIONS Construction, Renos &Bobcat Demos and Backhoe Septic Service - Pumper Truck Plumbing Backhoe & Bobcat

Traffic Contro

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Call Certified Traffic Control & Tow Truck - 24 Hours 250-674-1869 Traffic Control/Certified Residential & Industrial Wells Portable toilet rentals Certified Well Driller Chimney SweepIndustrial Lot with Hwy 5 Access and Visibility RON ROTZETTER Construction • Renovations • Certified Septic & Water • Plumbing • Wells & RepairsPlumbing • $350 a month.250-674-0145 / 250-318 Duane Bochek Bus. (250) 573-3000 Excavation • Dump Truck • Toilet Rentals • Towing • Certified Traffic Control Well Repair

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AT ON CALL... WE DO IT ALL...

CHECK YOUR MARKET a Burns Lake District News a Merritt Herald a Valley Express (Merritt) a North Thompson Star Journal (Barriere) a North Thompson Times (Clearwater) a Northern Sentinel (Kitimat) a Omineca Express (Vanderhoof) a 100 Mile House Free Press a Penticton Western News a Princeton/Similkameen a Prince George Free Press

a Quesnel Cariboo Observer a Revelstoke Times Review a Salmon Arm Observer a Shuswap Market News a Smithers Interior News a Summerland Review or Bulletin a Terrace Standard a Vernon Morning Star a Weekend Advertiser (Kitimat) a Williams Lake Tribune a Williams Lake Weekender

the about e m k nd As Mainla Lower ouver c & Van d l s I an

90 plus publications serving British Columbia

Al Kirkwood Advertising Manager

672-5611 or 674-3410

email: al@starjournal.net

A16 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013 Clearwater Times

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits. ~Author Unknown

Gymnastics if filling up fast. See program brochure for details and register today!

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR CREDIT COURSES!

TRU CREDIT PROGRAMMING

ECON 1950 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits) Jan 9 – Apr 24

Wed, 6:00pm – 8:50pm

ENGL 2200 Studies in Literature 1 (3 credits) Jan 7 – Apr 22

Mon & Wed, 3:30pm – 4:50pm

SOCI 1210 Intro to Sociology 2 (3 credits)

Jan 8 – Apr 23

Tues, 6:00pm – 8:50pm

SOCI 2160: Family in the Cross Cultural Perspective (3 credits) Jan 11 – Apr 26

Wells Gray Country

Fri, 12:30pm – 3:20pm

HIST 1120 An Introduction to Canadian History (HUMS/SS) (3 credits) Jan 7 – Apr 22

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mon, 6:00pm – 7:30pm & Fri, 9:00am – 10:00am

REGISTER TODAY

Jan 4: Little Fort Coffee House, Little Fort Community Hall, Doors open 6:30, mic $4/person. Info Bill Fowler 250-672-5116 Jan. 27: Fishing Derby on Dutch Lake. Sponsored by Clearwater Rotary Club Feb 2: Wells Gray Outdoors Club sponsors the Birchleg at the Candle Creek Ski Trails . 250-674-2327 for info.

TEL: 250.674.3530 IN PERSON: 224 Candle Creek Rd. EMAIL: sarduini@ tru.ca www.tru.ca/regional_centres/clearwater

ONGOING EVENTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • Coffee House: 1st Friday every month - Little Fort Community Hall. 6:30, mic $4/person. Info Bill Fowler 250-672-5116 • Raft River Rockhounds: 3rd Sunday of the mth. 250-674-2700 • Women in Business Luncheon: 2nd Wed. of the mth at Wells Gray Inn, 12–2 pm. Preregister at 250-674-2700 • Clearwater Choir: Youth 3:30 - 5 pm; Adult 6:30 - 9 pm, Tuesdays, Clearwater Christian Church • Crafts & Conversations with Cheryl. Tuesdays 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the North Thompson Aboriginal Sharing Center.

Phone 674-3703 for more info.

• Clearwater Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 9:00 am – Noon. For more information please call Anne at 250-674-3444.

• Clearwater-Vavenby Lions Bingo: Every 2nd Tues. Elks Hall.

250-587-6269 • M&M (Mrs. & Ms.) Social. Last Sun of the mth Wells Gray Inn. 1pm: 587-6503 • Blackpool Community Hall Coffee House; Local musicians – every 2nd Fri. of the month. 6:30 pm. Concession, $3 or 2 for $5.

• Clearwater Elks Bingo - every 2nd Thurs. Elks Hall. open 5pm • Cribbage Wed. at the Royal Canadian Legion. 12:30 pm.

• Little Fort Coffee House 7pm Little Fort Hall. 1st Fri of the mth Oct. - May Bill 672-5116 • Fun Darts Fri. at the Royal Canadian Legion. 6 pm.

CHILDREN & FAMILIES • Raccoon StrongStart: Raft River Elem school days Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri from 8:45-11:45am • Raccoon StrongStart: Vavenby Elem school days Wed 8:5011:50am • Clearwater Breastfeeding Group: 3rd Wed. of every month 7:30pm @ YCS • Mother Goose - Mornings, reg. call Kerry 250-674-2600 ext 227 HEALTH & HEALING Tuesday Morning Coffee ~ 10 am – 11 am at Baptist Church.

Themed weekly women’s discussions - drop-in.

• Shambhala Meditation Group: meets every Tuesday at Forest House 6:30-8:00 pm. Info: 250-587-6373.

• Connections Healing Rooms - Fridays1-3pm (except stat. holidays). 86 Young Rd. No charge. Sponsored by Living Streams Christian Church. www.healingrooms.com.

• Healthy Choices – Every Tues 9am at the Clearwater Christian Church basement( behind Fields). $2/wk drop-in free. Info call Kim 250-674-0224 • Clearwater & District Hospice 3rd Mon. Sept-Jun 10am Legion.

RECREATION • Drop-in soccer: May-Sept. Tuesdays & Thursday at 7pm at CSS field. Everyone welcome!

• Bowling: Mon. 10–12pm & 1-3pm; Thurs., 1-3pm. Seniors Centre at Evergreen Acres. 674-2699 • Clearwater Sno-Drifters: Meet 1st Thursday of every month.

250-676-9414 • CNT Rod & Gun Club: 3rd Sun. of the mth. Blackpool Hall 7pm Sept. - April • Drop in Tennis: May-Sept. Mon & Thurs 6:30pm All levels.

Double & single play. Rotary Sports Park.

• Volleyball: Tues. 7:30-9:00 PM, Jan. 15 - Apr. 30, 2013. Clearwater Secondary School Gym, $2 drop in.

• Yoga Tree – Call or email Annie 674-2468 annie.pomme@ hotmail.com • Core Strength Fitness. Tuesdays. 10-11am 250-674-0001 • Walking Club: Indoors: Wed. Jan. 30 - Mar. 13, 6:30 - 7:30 AM at Clearwater Secondary. FREE. 250-674-1878 for more info.

• Drop-in Curling: Fri. Jan. 11 - Mar. 8, 7:00 PM, $5. Brooms and sliders available.

• Badminton: Mon. and Wed. Jan. 7 - Mar. 27, 7:30 - 9:30 PM SENIORS • Wells Gray Country Senior’s Society 3rd Sun Social Meet at the Wells Gray Hotel at 12:30pm for lunch or dessert, & chat • Wells Gray Country Senior’s Society Book Club Last Thursday of the month at 2pm at the public library. All seniors are welcome.

For a complete list of our area’s COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS please stop in at the Times office and pick up your copy of the North Thompson Community Directory • Brookfield Mall Clearwater • 250-674-3343 TO ADD YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT OR ORGANIZATION PLEASE CALL THE TIMES AT 250-674-3343

this ad is sponsored by

Bayley’s Bistro

in the Brookfield Shopping Centre in Clearwater Eat in or Take out Fried Chicken

250-674-2674

North Thompson Times Thursday, January 3, 2013

www.clearwatertimes.com A17

Your community. Your classifieds.

250.674.3343 fax 250.674.3410 email classifieds@clearwatertimes.com

Times THE E

NORTH THOMPSON

Office Hours: Mon. to Thurs. • 9am - 5pm, Fri. • 9am - 12pm

Brookfield Mall, Clearwater

Ph: 250.674.3343 • Fax: 250.674.3410

CLASSIFIED RATES AND DEADLINE Buy a Classified in the Star/Journal Buy a Classified in the Times and goes the The Times FREE. andyour your adad goes intointo the Barriere Star/Journal FREE. Regular Rate: 8.50 + GST Maximum 15 words .20c per word extra Special Rates: 3 Weeks; $22.15 + GST Free Ads: Lost, Found, Student Work Wanted Free ads maximum 15 words will run 2 consecutive weeks.

Happy Occasions: Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, etc.

1 column by 3 inch - $18.49 + GST Deadlines: Word Ads: Mondays 5pm Display Ads: Mondays 12pm It is the policy of The Star/Journal and The Times to receive pre-payment on all classified advertisements.

Ads may be submitted by phone if charged to a VISA, MC or an existing account.

CHECK YOUR AD! Notice of error must be given in time for correction before the second insertion of any advertisement. The paper will not be responsible for omissions or for more than one incorrect insertion, or for damages or costs beyond the cost of the space actually occupied by the error.

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of ads which discriminate 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.

Readers; in ads where ‘male’ is referred to, please read also as ‘female’ and where ‘female’ is used, read also ‘male’.

NOTE: When ordering items out of province, the purchaser is responsible to pay provincial sales tax. Do not send money in response to an advertisement without confirming the credentials of that business, and be aware that some telephone numbers will be charged for by the minute

Best Wishes for 2013 Rocky Ranch Ornamentals Concrete Statuary Gift certificates available 250-674-6806

Information Safe Home Response Providing a safe place to escape for women and their children.

Volunteers always needed.

Call 250-674-2135.

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP

Located across the railway tracks in Vavenby, B.C. Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday 11a.m. - 3 p.m.

Great deals - low prices

Personals Alcoholics Anonymous Phone 250-674-3838 or

250-587-0026 Anytime Barriere Alcoholics Anonymous Call: 250-672-9643 For Al Anon Call: 250-672-9643, 250-819-5361, 250-308-5139 or 778-220-6269

Clearwater: AA meetings every Wed., #11 Lodge Dr., side door. Roll call 8 p.m. 250674-7155 or 250-674-7313

Merchandise for Sale

Education/Trade Schools

Financial Services

Pets

Misc. for Sale

Misc. Wanted

Good Dog Obedience Spring Classes Starting in Feb.!

Basic Obedience - A 6 week course in good manners & canine behaviour begins Thursday, Feb. 7, 6:30pm at the Fall Fair Hall in Barriere for all dogs at least 6 months old & up. Cost $100.

Novice Class - 6 weeks of fun as we take you & your dog to the next level of obedient behaviour. Participants must have successfully completed a previous Basic Obedience course to qualify. Class starts on Thursday, Feb. 7, 7:30pm.

Cost $100.

To register or for more information contact Jill Hayward at 250-319-8023

BIG BUILDING sale... “”This is a clearance sale. You don’t want to miss!”” 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

Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Accumulations, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins + Chad: 250-863-3082 in Town Used Postage Stamps

21 WEEK HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM Prepare for a Career in Heavy Equipment Operation. Introducing our new Apprenticeship Program which includes: • • •

ITA Foundation ITA HEO Theory Multi Equipment Training (Apprenticeship hours logged) Certificates included are: • Ground Disturbance Level 2 • WHMIS • Traffic Control • First Aid Reserve your seat for January 14, 2013.

Taylor Pro Training Ltd at 1-877-860-7627 www.taylorprotraining.com

Help Wanted

Work Wanted

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.

HAFI GRANTS Notice to low income seniors and persons with disability.

You may qualify for a grant up to 20,000. to modify and adapt your home for improved safety and accessibility. For details contact your local HAFI expert Hans Ounpuu, Building contractor @ 250-674-3875.

Need some help with those odd jobs you don’t have time for? Call Keiran Jones at 250-674-3051

Lost & Found

Christmas Corner

Merchandise for Sale

Travel

Cards of Thanks

We’re at the heart of things™

Pets & Livestock

Travel

Announcements

Community Newspapers

Services

A career with Sutco. We have positions open in our Chip Division, dedicated schedules, Merritt, Chilliwack, West Kootenays and Creston. Hiway Canada Only Super B or Step Deck, assigned unit. Satellite dispatch, e-logs, Pension Plan and Extended Benefits. If you have a clean abstract and verifiable mountain experience, check us out www.sutco.ca or Fax 250-357-2009 more info: 1-888-357-2612 Ext:230 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.

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

Announcements To: Director Louise, narrator Jan, pianist Mary and the singers of the 2012 Voices United Choir ~ Thank you!

See you October, 2013! ~ Clearwater United

Employment

LOST: 1 yr old orange tabby, answers to Jester. Last seen Oct 20 between Sargent Creek Rd & Glengrove Rd. Has tattoo. Call 250-672-5773

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 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.

Education/Trade Schools INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks.

Weekly start dates. Job board!

Funding options.

SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853

Services

Mind Body Spirit Mystic Mountain Healing Spa Appointments only 250-674-2700 mysticmountainacres.com

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 IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’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.

Reduce Debt by up to

70%

• Avoid Bankruptcy

• Avoid bankruptcy • Rebuild Your Credit • 0% InterestCanadian • Proudly

250-434-4505 250-434-4226 www.4pillars.ca

Fitness/Exercise Elliptical Trainer Canadian Tire Cardio Style ET150 in very good condition. Will trade for treadmill in good condition.

Call 250-319-8023.

LIKE NEW Vata-Health Machine 2 motors, oscillating and spiral vibration 60 speed levels great for strength and weight training excellent for circulation and lymphatic drainage less than 20 hours on machine cost $1200 new will sell for $895 Great Christmas Gift (250) 851-9276

Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’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.

Photography / Video Need a professional

photographer?

Portraits, weddings, special events, pet portraits, commercial.

Affordable memories that last a lifetime. Seniors rates.

Book now avoid & disappointment.

Sorry no passport photos Jill Hayward 250-319-8023/250-672-0055

Merchandise for Sale

Appliances Reconditioned washers dryers, fridges & stoves.

All in good condition.

Call 250-674-0079

&

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

Misc. for Sale

Digital and film photographs.

Phone 250-674-3252 or email:kmcneill@mercuryspeed.com

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.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

PHOTOS

by Keith McNeill

CARE AIDES

Interior Community Services is currentOy KirinJ CDre $iGes to ÀOO permanent part-time and casual positions at our residential home in Barriere, BC. Equivalent training and experience will be considered. Email resume to sbijl@interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca or fax 250-376-3040

Sex and the Kitty A single unspayed cat can produce 470,000 offspring in just seven years. Sadly, most of them end up abandoned at BC SPCA shelters or condemned to a grim life on the streets. Be responsible - don’t litter. www.spca.bc.ca

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available.

1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

Help Wanted

Support International Scouting by donating used stamps which are sorted & sold to raise money for the International Development Fund of the International Scout & Guide Fellowship. This fund pays for training for Scouters in the third world.

Drop stamps off at front counter of the Star/Journal in Barriere, or call Margaret at (250)672-9330.

Real Estate Houses For Sale Thompson-Crossing.com 121 Ferry Road, Blackpool Clearwater, B.C. A NEW BEGINNING! For further information please Call 250-587-6151

NORTH THOMPSON JOBS BARRIERE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 629 Barriere Town Rd. Barriere, BC V0E 1E0 Phone: 250-672-0036 / Fax: 250-672-2159

E-mail: mail@barriere-employment.ca • Website: www.barriere-employment.ca SPORT SHOP/BOUTIQUE MGR. – Mike Wiegele’s O1712 MAINTENANCE MANAGER – Mike Wiegele’s O1712A PROGRAM SUPPORT (Casual) – Interior Health O1812 COOK – Part time (not suitable for student) A&W N0212B CASHIER – Part time (not suitable for students) Petro Can N0212C RCA – Casual & Permanent PT, ICS N1912

SKILL DEVELOPMENT: If you have been on Employment Insurance in the past 3 years (5 years maternity) and are currently unemployed, you may be eligible for retraining dollars. Book an appointment to see one of our counselors for more information.

We look forward to seeing you: come in and we’ll personally see that you get the information you’re seeking or call and make an appointment.

• Free computer and Internet access • Free resume help • Free information on many services.

“The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia” In Partnership with Barriere & District Chamber of Commerce and Yellowhead Community Services

CLEARWATER EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 58A Young Road, Clearwater BC V0E 1N2 250-674-2928 Fax 250-674-2938

E-mail: info@clearwateremployment.ca • Web Page: www.clearwateremployment.ca Cook: FT Blue River #1205 Weather Observer: FT/Blue River #1106 Class 1 Driving Instructor: FT Quesnel/ Williams Lake #1101 Store Clerk/Cashier: Blue River #1029 Line Cook: Blue River #1028 Logging Truck Driver: Seasonal/ Clearwater #1027 Cook: Seasonal/Blue River #1019 Maintenance Manager: FT/Blue River #1018 Boutique Clerk: Seasonal/Blue River #1014 Sandwich Maker: Seasonal/Blue River #1007 Dining Room Supervisor: Seasonal/Blue River #1006 Server: FT & PT/Blue River #1003 Line Cook: FT & PT/Blue River #1002 Housekeeping Manager: FT/Blue River #0905 Housekeeper: Seasonal/Blue River #0904 Fine Dining Server: Seasonal/Blue River #0903 Registered Massage Therapist: Seasonal/Blue River #0901 Heli-Ski Guides: 6 positions/Seasonal/ Blue River #0816 GENERAL INFORMATION • Free Workshops: Thurs. Jan. 24th: Work Search Techniques Workshop (every 4th

Thursday) Thurs. Jan. 10th: Internet & Email Basics Workshop ( or every 2nd Thursday) Thurs. Jan. 17th: Creating & Updating Your Resume Workshop (or every 3rd Thursday) Thurs. Jan. 3rd: Labour Market Information Workshop • Resumes & Interviews: Go hand in hand, so the better prepared you are the greater the impression you will make to your future employer. Please drop in and our friendly staff will assist you.

• Targeted Wage Subsidy (TWS): Are you currently on Employment Insurance or have you been in the last 3-5 years? If you have, you may be eligible for wage subsidy. Ask us for further info.

• Funding for Skill Enhancement: Recent or active EI clients with a career plan in mind seeking assistance through Service Canada are required to book an appointment with one of our Employment Counsellors.

• Blue River Itinerant: An employment consultant comes to town twice/mth to the Blue River School. Next visit is Thursday Jan. 17 from 12:30-3:40. If a one on one appointment is required, please call to set up a time prior to the drop in.

Operate by Yellowhead Community Services The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Government of Canada & the Province of British Columbia

A18 www.clearwatertimes.com www.clearwatertimes.com A18

Rentals

Transportation

Apt/Condo for Rent

Auto Financing

Clearwater: Woodside Apt. Clean, renovated, 1 bdrm.

Close to library & medical centre. Winter plug-ins. NS/NP Ph. 250-674-0220

Homes for Rent

Vavenby: Spacious 3 bdrm home. On half acre. $750/mo Call Randy 250-674-8288

Transportation

Auto Financing

Cars - Domestic 1997 Ford Mustang convertible, 64km, new studded tires, 4 summers. $8000 firm.

778-257-3535 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 No qr code reader?

Text info: 778.786.8271

Recreational/Sale DreamTeam Auto Financing “0” Down, Bankruptcy OK Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals

Move toward annualized earnings exemptions a positive step forward Ministry of Social Development

Clearwater: 2bdrm home located at 908 Clearwater Village Rd. Avail Jan. 1. Fully renovated. Incl 6 appl, heat pump & a/c, secure storage shed. $1000/mo. Incl util. Ph 250-674-8552 or 250-6741059. jhepv@hotmail.com Vavenby: 5+ bdrm, 3+acre hobby farm for rent. Avail Jan. 1. Call Randy 250-674-8288

Thursday, January Thursday, January 3, 20133, 2013 NorthClearwater Thompson Times Times

1983 Triple E, 22’ motorhome.

Top good. 6.2 diesel engine.

All appliances. $2500 obo.

250-672-9258

1-800-961-7022

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

VICTORIA - The B.C. government’s move toward annualized earnings exemptions, which begins in January 2013, is being welcomed as a positive step forward for British Columbians on disability assistance.

Annualized earnings exemptions give individuals on disability assistance the flexibility to calculate exempted earnings on an annual basis if they choose. This option is beneficial for people with episodic medical conditions that prevent them from working consistently to make the most of earnings exemptions.

“This is good news for those whose ability to earn fluctuates from month to month,” said Social Development Minister Dr. Moira Stilwell.

“Annualized earnings exemptions encourage individuals to work as they are able without affecting their disability assistance.”

Advocates for people with disabilities say these changes will help individuals who rely on disability assistance.

“This increase in the earnings exemption and the ability to claim an annual exemption is a very positive step forward,” said Jane Dyson of the B.C. Coalition of People with Disabilities.

“Someone with a disability who can

work will have more flexibility to work when they are able to and pursue their own goals.”

Kendra Milne of the Community Legal Assistance Society agrees. “The availability of annualized earnings exemptions will provide greater flexibility for people whose ability to work varies over time because of their disability,” Milne said. “They will be better able to take advantage of earnings exemptions through an annualized system.”

Annualized earnings exemptions are being introduced in a phased approach.

Approximately 5,000 individuals on disability assistance whose earnings patterns show they are most likely to benefit from this change were given the option to participate in the program in 2013. This phased approach will allow the ministry to monitor the program and make necessary adjustments before opening the program up to all British Columbians on disability assistance in January 2014.

Annualized earnings exemptions limits, which will cover earnings from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, are: * $9,600 for one-adult families, where the adult has the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation. * $12,000 for two-adult families, where only one adult has the PWD designation.

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January 20– February 18

This Crossword Sponsored by

WELLS GRAY HOME HARDWARE 86 STATION RD., CLEARWATER

674-3717

February 19– March 20

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March 21– April 19

April 20– May 20

May 21– June 21

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- 29,9 ,2013 2 0 1

June 22– July 22

July 23– August 22

* $19,200 for two-adult families, where both adults have the PWD designation.

Individuals chosen to participate in this first phase of implementation for annualized earnings exemptions must have: * Had the PWD designation for at least the past 12 months; * Received disability assistance in at least the past twoconsecutive months; and * In at least one of the past 12 months, had earnings over $500 for families with one adult with a PWD designation and $750 for families where both adults have PWD designations.

Annualized earnings exemptions were announced in June as part of B.C.’s Families First Agenda, which also included increases to earnings exemption limits for people on disability assistance. Earnings exemptions help ensure those who are able to work are supported and encouraged to find employment without compromising their assistance.

B.C. is one of the first jurisdictions to introduce annualized earnings exemptions with the goal of helping people and families become selfsufficient so they can contribute to an expanding economy and healthy communities.

2

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FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY

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December 21

Clearwater Times Thursday, January 3, 2013

Kitten Even though it is cold outside, I am very warm by the fire playing with my pink ball of yarn. I lay on my back and pawed the ball into the air. Crash!

It hit a glass vase and fell to the floor. I run to hide but it was too late. My ball got taken away. I went outside to play in the snow, though it was to cold.

So I tried to go back in, the cat door was locked. I scratched and meowed, the door wouldn’t open. I saw a dog coming my way, it hadn’t seen me yet. I ran through the streets looking for somewhere warm to sleep. Luckily I found an alley with an old couch cushion.

I slept there for the night. I woke up in the middle of the night.

Then I remembered its Christmas tomorrow.

I heard in the distance HO! HO! HO! All of a sudden. Santa stopped his sleigh right in front of me. He picked me up, looked at me and put me down right next to him. He cracked his whip and we were off!

I fell asleep on the way.

When I woke up, I was on Santa’s lap in a big red chair. He was sipping hot chocolate and reading a book. The title read ‘THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS’.

Suddenly a big crash!

And a yell came from the kitchen. Santa picked me up put me on the chair, his book was open on the coffee table. I read a few pages. Then I decided to explore a bit. I hopped off the chair and looked around, I saw two doors one lead to the kitchen. The other one was all decorated and fancy looking. I went over and pushed the door open.

My heart pounded like a hammer. It was Santa's toy factory! I stumbled over to the stairs. I climbed down the steps and fell face first into a pile of stuffies. I got up and walked over to an elf standing on a stool. I jumped up on the stool and sat

there. The elf got up and brushed himself off. Who are you? He asked. All the other elfs looked up. They took me to Santa and asked what I was doing here. Santa whispered I have a special job for him. He took me and asked one of the elfs to get his book for him. Then he read me a few pages and asked me if I knew what it meant. I shook my head. He said it’s talking about the true spirit of Christmas. The true spirit of Christmas is about giving not getting and I need you to go spread some Christmas spirit. Because people don’t believe in me so my sleigh won’t fly! So I went and tried my best to spread Christmas spirit! And that’s how the kitten found the spirit of Christmas!!

Hana Bromley Grade 5

How The Kitten Found Christmas One day in Clearwater in our house a kitten appeared. We named the kitten Reu. He played like a ninja.

He was very funny when he played. He is always happy. Then we went to the store and we saw a bike on the road then we slammed on the brakes. And I almost went flying out the window. Of course that is a joke — everybody knows that.

When we got home the kitten ran up to me and tore my face apart. A joke again.

Then I went to my room and I made my bed. After that I went and scared my mom.

And she screamed.

“Wooooooow,” you scared me.

“Oh am I that scary?” And if I put my spider man costume

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on and put my gloves on I can climb walls.

I sometimes wear it to school. And if I put my mask on I can shoot webs. Tomorrow the cat is going to find Christmas.

In one hour. Now in 10 seconds. Now the kitten found Christmas.

Alex Sauve Grade 2

How the Kitten Found the the Spirit of Christmas Once upon a time there was a kitten that got lost in a blizzard.

The kitten was hungry, lonely, and tired.

The kitten heard jingle bells. It was Santa.

Santa picked the kitten up. The kitten fell out.

He was in a stocking.

He was happy. The kitten was not lonely any more.

By Cayle Hall Grade 2 Raft River

How the Kitten found the Spirit of Christmas There was a cat named Zoe. She was a stray cat which meant she didn`t have a home.

A girl named Leanne found Zoe in a box. She was very cold. Leanne`s family brought Zoe into their home. They loved her so much. She found the spirit of Christmas through LOVE!

By Cassidy Sagar, Grade 4

How the Kitten Found Christmas One night I was walking along and I saw a kitten who hated Christmas. So I took the kitten home and I taught the kitten to like Christmas.

The kitten’s name is Sweety. The kitten now likes Christmas and I have the kitten as a pet.

By Hailey Meerman, Grade 2 Raft River

The Lost Kitten There was a lost kitten. Santa picked up the kitten and brought him to the North Pole for his elves to take care of.

So the kitten went

out of its snow bed and started to walk to the elves. The elves had a present for the kitten. It was the best Christmas ever.

By Keio Breda, Grade 2 Raft River

Christmas in the Loft Noir is a three week old kitten, he came in a litter of four. His siblings, Fersay and Coco were female, while Linton was a male like him. Now you know these facts we can start the story...

It was a sunny morning, Noir was the first to wake. It was December 24th, but Noir wasn’t excited. He walked to the edge of the loft where food and fresh milk was waiting.

“Morning Noir” mewed a voice.

It was Fersay, “What is the deal with this critmas thing?"

“Christmas, you mean “I don’t know” replied Noir. "Hey” called Linton as he joined them. “Wait up!” panted Coco, who never liked to be left behind.

Coco had woken her mother. Peco strolled over, “Are you kittens excited for Christmas?” she asked. “I guess” the three kittens muttered doubtfully. “Fantastic!” squealed their mother.

During the day the kittens frolicked in the snow and later settled in like any other night.

At 1 am Noir woke up hungry. Their food dish was empty, but he knew where the ‘two legs’ kept the kitlicks in the ‘two leg den’. Off he went. “What are you doing!!”meowed Fersay, ”getting a snack” replied Noir.

“I’ll come” whispered Fersay, stepping on Linton’s tail. “Hey” said Linton, “that hurt!” As Linton got up, he clawed Coco, “Ouch!” exclaimed Coco. Soon all four kittens were wide awake and clambering onto the roof...

They saw sled marks and hoof prints, but didn’t think anything of it.

After snacking, back

to bed they went. Soon they were sleeping, with bellies full.

Silently someone came in and out, leaving something behind.

Noir was the first up. There were four presents at the edge of the loft. He padded over to them. “wow” said a voice from behind. It was Fersay “So this is Christmas,” said Linton, coming up to join them. ”Wait up” said Coco. They opened their presents together in the hay. Linton got a furry sock that he could crawl into with ease, Coco got a fuzzy blanket, Fersay got a Santa hat and Noir got a silver bell!

Luke Ovenden, Grade 5

Snowball Fight My dream Christmas is to have no presents. All I want is to have fun with my family and have a good Christmas with my family. And have a good year.

But I want stuff in my stocking. I mean for fun stuff like snow ball fights and building snowmen. It will be a cool and fun Christmas.

Maybe I want three or four presents. Have a good Christmas.

By Eric Brock, Grade 2

The Kitten’s Best Christmas Once upon a time there was a kitten who was lost in a storm. He was very hungry and he missed his family. He heard jingle bells and it was Santa.

Santa put the kitten in his sack. The kitten did not know what was going on. Then the sled stopped. Santa put the kitten under the Christmas tree. When the family saw the kitten they were very happy. The kitten was happy too.

By Brendan Green, Grade 2 Raft River

My Favorite Christmas One jolly Christmas a long time ago we celebrated Christmas in a house long ago. We

hear the bells jingling far far and wide. We celebrate Christmas with our stockings that hang below our bed.

Santa sticks candy canes in our bed. Who doesn’t like Christmas.

Everyone likes Christmas. When everyone wakes up they run down stairs. Everyone was happy until they got down stairs — the stalkings were empty.

But it was ok when Santa came down the chimney and went to the tree and gave them their present. The family tore the wrapping paper excited to see Santa Claus. That night they ate turkey dinner.

Claire Arduini Grade 3

How the Kitten Found the Spirit of Christmas Once upon a time a kitten named Snowball was on a walk on the farm. She saw all the animals getting ready for Christmas. She skipped home singing,” Gifts for me, Christmas tree, fun toys for me.” Snowball was now home in the shed. Snowball got in her bed thinking Santa and gifts. The next morning when Snowball got up she opened a gift from Santa and blue, red, and pink sparkles whirled around her a woosh she gave some gifts to her brothers

and sisters and parent.

They asked each other, “What had happened to Snowball.” But they did not know it was the gift of the spirit of Christmas.

Isabella Graffunder Grade 3

How the Kitten Found the Spirit of Christmas One early day a kitten appeared in a house. The man in the house shouted, “There’s a cat in my house!”

I asked, “What is the matter? I can help you,” I said.

He murmured, “It is silly.”

“What?” I asked.

Then the kitten came to me and purred.

I said, “I’ll name it Bob.” “What?” he asked.

“Bob is a good name for a kitten.”

Then the kitten came to me.

I got in the car, then a bike appeared in the street. The kitten jumped out of the car and followed the bike.

I yelled, “Get back here, Bob!” Bob came back.

So Bob and I spent Christmas Eve helping in an animal shelter and giving food to poor people. And that is how the kitten found the spirit of Christmas.

Brendin Campbell Grade 2

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Thursday, January 03, 2013January North 3, Thompson Star/Journal Thursday, 2013 Clearwater Times

Chu Chua schools: from 1912 to 1984

By Kathleen Pilatzke In 1912, George Fennell started the construction of the first schoolhouse in Chu Chua, because his eldest child Marston would turn six that year, and the nearest schools were Little Fort, Mount Olie, or Kamloops. He owned the store that supplied the materials, the mill and lumber for construction, and the land on which it was built. The school was constructed on an acre of land, and the cost of the 20 foot by 30 foot building was $445.68. It was finished in 1913. A picket fence was also constructed bordering the property, and crab apple trees were planted around it, with hopes that the fruit could be sold to raise money to buy the wood and pay the janitor. Unfortunately, the sale of apples only brought in $6.20, and it cost $2.00 to pick them.

An out-house was also built near the back fence, and to get to it, children had to use planks to cross the creek.

George’s two eldest children went to the school in its earliest years, along with Lydia Fennell, who was recruited at the age of three to keep the school open because there wasn’t enough students. She was very happy when a new family came and she could go home. Other students came from the surrounding area.

For transportation to and from school, children walked, some rode on horses, and some of the children from the coal mine used huskies to pull sleds in the winter. There were no school buses and some children had to walk three to five miles even in the winter.

The first teacher never stayed, saying that there was “nothing but men and stumps”. Mr. McCowbrey was the first full time teacher. He taught for 109 days with 14 students. Teachers from 19131919 were Miss Fairbairn, Miss Jones, Miss Grenfell, Miss Wheeler, and Mrs. Ryan; these teachers were paid $75 a month. Teachers from 1920-1929 were paid $1000 a year, and teachers from 1925-29 were paid $960 a year. Teachers from 1930-1939 were Miss Moore, Miss Hull, Mr. Wilson and Miss Cox. Teachers from 1940-1949 were Miss Doris Bowell, Miss Ellen Fennell, Miss Betty Thompson, Mrs. Rose Dodge, and Mrs. Una Robertson. The last teachers in the red schoolhouse were Mrs. Artwood, Colleen Newman, Miss Grace Gibson, Anne

Moutray and Marilyn Turner, who taught from 1950-1957.

Students were responsible for most of the janitorial work, with some doing other odd jobs. Dale Fennell was in charge of keeping the fire going, though he lost his job after he caused the stove pipe to come crashing down.

The children did daily school work such as reading, writing and arithmetic, but the schoolhouse was so much more. When Charlie Fennell was a student, the class grew victory gardens that consisted of radishes, carrots and lettuce. A victory garden was grown during the war so people were not taking up supplies like vegetables that could be sent to the troops, and was an act of patriotism.

May Day was enjoyed by all. On the first day of May children would make May baskets out of violets, buttercups and dandelions; then you would hang it on your friend’s, neighbour’s, or mother’s door, knock and then run. When school was started in the fall, the crab apple fights began! Teams were chosen and crab apples were thrown, resulting in many black eyes and bruises.

The schoolhouse was not only used for school, but for other community functions as well. In 1937, Lloyd Owens from Burns Lake asked to rent the schoolhouse to show a talking picture. He supplied the electricity with a generator of his. In 1952, students and teacher went up to the ball field, where they had races, ballgames and had a decorated bike contest; after that they had a picnic to celebrate the Queen’s coronation. The whole community planted a tree down by the railroad tracks and everyone had lots of fun.

Games played by the children were marbles, hopscotch, skipping ropes, antiI-over, tin can and run sheep run; in the winter Fox and Goose were played and competitions on who could make the best snow angel were held. Every year the Christmas concert was held at the school and children would put on plays and skits. Afterwards Santa would knock on the door and give each child an orange and a present. The Christmas concert was probably one of the most memorable and favourite events of the year.

In 1957 it was decided that a new, more modern school was needed; so a flat roofed building was constructed and by 1958 it was opened. The school had no

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This abandoned school house was the last Chu Chua one room school, and was shut down in 1984 due to lack of students. gym, so the children used a concrete pad for gym. The funding for the pad came from the government for the centennial, and had basketball nets on either side. Besides the concrete pad, they had monkey bars, swings, and teeter totters. Climbing trees and a swinging bridge were added at a later date. Students would go skipping in the spring and slide down hills on cardboard in the winter. in the fall, students would walk up to the old schoolhouse and have crab apple fights.

Jemima, the gerbil, was a class pet when Ellen Fennell was a teacher, and Grace Fennell had goldfish. There were also the mealworms that Ellen Fennell used for science projects, but I don’t think those count!

Track and field was a big event, almost all the kids got to participate, even though you were only allowed to enter three kids per grade, but each grade only had three kids! Students would wear paper badges with CCS (Chu Chua School) down the side, along with their name and events.

Christmas concerts continued to be held in the school, usually consisting of three plays (an intermediate, primary and

one with the whole school), students could recite a poem or sing a song as well.

The Women’s Institute held their annual gatherings in the schoolhouse.

In 1967, Canada’s 100th birthday celebration was celebrated in the schoolhouse. There was a party and the elders of the community were honoured.

The only teachers to ever teach in this schoolhouse were Marilyn Turner, Ellen Fennell, and Grace Fennell, who taught from 1958-1984.

Grace Fennell was the last to teach at the Chu Chua school before it was shut down in 1984 due to lack of students. There were only seven students: Clint Donald, Lyle Joseph,Neil Williams, Dana Boyce, Matilda Donald, Anna Donald, and Kevin Joseph; and the year after that there would only be four students. When this school closed, there was only four one-room schoolhouses left in the district. Instead, the children had to be bused 13 miles to go to the school in Barriere.

This article is courtesy of Kathleen Pilatzke, who compiled the information for her grade 7 Barriere Elementary School Heritage Fair Project last spring.

PHARMASAVE North Thompson Star/Journal Monday, June 18, 2012

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