Inside
u Milligan Tour P. 16 u Blackberry Wood P. 6
u Shockingly obvious P. 5 u Beyond stereotypes P. 9
Publications Mail Contract #: 40007759
WEDNESDAY, February 6, 2013
NEWS BRIEFS
Indecent exposure leads to arrest
A man suspected to have exposed himself to two young girls was taken into custody and will be facing charges. On Jan. 24, two 12-year-olds girls were walking after school near the David Hoy Elementary School. According to the two girls, an adult male then exposed himself to them, which they then reported to their parents. The RCMP received the complaint the same evening, and based on their description, located the man they believed involved in the incident. The man, a resident of Fort St. James, was then arrested and will be charged for indecent exposure, according to RCMP. The man has been released on conditions to protect the public based on the circumstances of the case until he appears in court.
ER remains open The Stuart Lake Hospital emergency room will remain open throughout February. So far, scheduling has filled the required oncall positions in order to maintain the emergency service for the community. Three new physicians are now working in the community raising the local number to four, with one more physician to come this year.
PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com
VOL. 35 NO. 49 $1.34 inc. GST
Logging truck accident
A loaded logging truck went off the North Road near Fort St. James on the “S” curve on Monday, Jan. 28. No one is believed to have been injured in the crash, as the RCMP and emergency services were not called to the scene, but the truck spent the day there before it was pulled out, serving as a warning for other drivers to drive carefully through the section, where local residents share the road with many industry users.
Close call
Berit Christensen Photo
Snowmobile accident results in back injury Ruth Lloyd Caledonia Courier One man is in hospital in Vancouver after a serious back injury caused by a snowmobile collision on Jan. 26. The victim has since undergone surgery and there does not appear to be injury to the spinal cord. A group of twelve reportedly went out for a day of sledding off the Leo Creek Road near Fort St. James on Saturday, Jan. 26 and were on their way back to their vehicles the same evening when a crash took place. One of those involved in the crash, Sky Perreault, said he was struck from behind by someone in their group as he was riding down the trail alongside another snowmobile from the group. RCMP said snow being thrown up from the leading sleds may have re-
duced visibility for those following. The second snowmobile was carrying two people, and all three were thrown from their sleds. “The next thing I know I just hear ‘crunch,’ -that’s what I rememberand I’m flying through the air,” said Perreault. “I kept asking ‘What happened?” A third snowmobiler was then unable to avoid striking one of the accident victims with his machine as he was laying on the trail. The young man who sustained serious injury to his back was taken by ambulance to Prince George and then flown to Vancouver early in the morning Jan. 27, where he underwent surgery. The other persons involved in the crash were not seriously injured, and were checked by medical personnel and released. The injured man’s hel-
met was broken into pieces in the collision, and it likely saved his life, in combination with the first aid training of the rest of the group, who kept the injured man immobile while waiting for medical assistance. As well, a good samaritan, unknown to the group was instrumental in helping to get the injured man to the ambulance, by stopping and offering the assistance of his snowmobile and skimmer which they used to transport the patient. RCMP attended and do not believe alcohol to be a factor in the accident but are cautioning snowmobilers to keep safe riding distances between sleds, especially in white-outlike conditions with flying snow. Tl’azt’en First Nation also responded to the The helmet of a man injured in a snowmobile crash was broscene with their fire crew, ken into pieces by the impact, but likely saved his life. Caledonia Courier which the RCMP said was appreciated.
NEWS Details of
A2 www.caledoniacourier.com
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Caledonia Courier
Courier
investigation remain undisclosed
Cameron Ginn Black Press
Month-long Events Alcohol Awareness Month National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. 212-269-7797 Unit is working on this case file,” said Keays. www.ncadd.org
“A lot of resources are being invested into this.” During criminal investigations, the RCMP shares information with other police agencies cide investigation by the North District Major to identify potential links. The major crime BeaverOnGolfCourseC0804.EPS Jazz deaths Appreciation Crime Unit into the of Month Blaine Albert unit also coordinates with municipal RCMP Smithsonian National Museum of American History Barfoot, 29, and Tara Lee Ann Williams, 40. detachments to acquire intelligence from DaffodilsHC0804.EPS 202-633-3129 “It could meanwww.smithsonianjazz.org jeopardizing the entire in- members of the public. Hot Retail Co-op Categories vestigation,” said Sergeant Jason Keays, com“It’s reassuring to know the public does Bicycles, Accessories and Supplies National Car Care Month mander of the Vanderhoof RCMP detachhave faith in us and trusts to call with their Lawn and us Garden Car Care Council ment. information,” said Keays. Motorcycles and Snowmobiles 240-333-1088 Outdoor Furnishings www.carcare.org Since the bodies of Barfoot and Williams Keays said the double homicide in VanderRecreational Vehicles were discovered in a Vanderhoof home by hoof was a targeted incident and didn’t pose a National Donate Life Month RCMP on Jan. 13,U.S. police dogsofhave danger to the general public. Hot Manufacturer Co-op Department Healthsearched and Human Services Benjamin Paints nearby areas for clues and the major crimes “Cases like this incident are Moore exceedingly 202-619-0257 Camp Healthcare www.organdonor.gov unit has acted on tips, pursued leads and con- rare,” he said. Grasshopper Mowers ducted interviews.National Lawn Care Month “I think it’s really important for people to Rolex Watch Whirlpool Investigators onPLANET, Jan. 16 asked for the pubin myCorporation opinion, is Professional Landcare Network understand that Vanderhoof, 800-395-2522 lic’s assistance in tracking down an unidenti- still a very safe community.” www.landcarenetwork.org fied person who may have suffered injuries to Homicides have occurred in Vanderhoof Special Section Builder Themes AdBuilder their arms or handsNational during the homicides, but before, but each incident is• Financial individual and not Parkinson Awareness Month a Garden Parkinson Foundation, Inc. The bodies of Blaine Albert Barfoot, 29, and Tara Lee Ann Williams, 40, were found in the RCMP are not National elaborating citing the ongoconnected, said Keays. •• Planning Earth Day a home on Silvermill Road in Vanderhoof on Sunday, Jan 13. The North District Major ing investigation. 800-327-4545 “I think for anybody to fi ll in the blanks, • Easter www.parkinson.org “I think it’s important that people know the or draw their own conclusions, would be ir- Crime Unit cannot disclose details about the ongoing homicide investigation. Cameron Ginn/Omineca Express Special Events Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month majority of the North District Major Crimes responsible.” MomGirlHuggingTreeC0804.EPS
Child Abuse Prevention Month Prevent Child Abuse The RCMP are restricted to America how much 312-663-3520 information they can disclose about a homiwww.preventchildabuse.org
NCAA Men’s Final Four Championship NCAA Women’s Final Four Championship National Stress Awareness Day National Volunteer Week Week of the Young Child Boston Marathon National Jelly Bean Day Take Our Daughters/Sons to Work Day
ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 212-876-7700 www.aspca.org
ManRidingLawnMowerC0804.EPS
®
4&6 5&7 16 19–25 19–25 20 22 23
ManPlayingGolfC0804.EPS
District of Fort St. James Calendar February, 2013
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY 61April Fool’s Day Delivery 9am Snrs
Arts Council Craft 5 2009 4 May
3March 2009
M T W T @ F S Night 7pm 253 Birch St1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9am 10 11 Snrs 12 13Delivery 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Archery 6:30pm @ 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Sowchea 31 S
Tango Classes 6:308pm @ Sowchea
Archery 5:30pm @ Sowchea
GUF AGM 7pm @ David Hoy
Hoop Dance 6:457:45pm @ Sowchea
10 7 Reg Trans Comm 13 8 9am Snrs Delivery 5 6 9am Snrs Delivery 12 Palm Public Sunday Skating 11 Open House & AGM, 5:45-7:15pm Archery 6:30pm @ 5pm @ Dstrct Office Archery 5:30pm @ Ladies Curling Sowchea 7pm ‘Hair Show’ Sowchea Bonspiel featuring 20 models Arts Council Craft Hoop Dance 6:45by new Stylist Katie Fort vs Vndf Races Night 7pm @ 7:45pm @ Sowchea Marshall @ North @ Ski Hill 253 Birch St Arm Pub 9am Snrs Delivery 19 20 17 Easter Monday 18 14 15 Tax Day 12 Easter 13 (Australia & Canada) 9am Snrs Delivery Public Skating Archery 5:30pm @ Archery 6:30pm @ 5:45-7:15pm Sowchea Sowchea Sweetheart Relay Arts Council Craft Hoop Dance 6:45Dinner & Dance @ Night 7pm @ 7:45pm @ Sowchea Ski Hill 253 Birch St 25 9am Snrs Delivery 26 21 20 Taurus 5:45-7:15pm Archery 6:30pm @ Caledonia Classic Sowchea Sled Dog Races Arts Council Craft Newcomers’ Night 7pm @ Potluck 6:30pm @ 253 Birch St NHS
24 Public Skating
19
FRIDAY
22 Earth Day
Administrative Archery 5:30pm Professionals Day
Sowchea
@
Hoop Dance 6:457:45pm @ Sowchea
The Caledonia Classic is the only race in Canada that combines sprint, mid-distance, and longdistance races into one exciting weekend February 22-24. Mushers come from all over North America to race and Fort St. James is home to the most dog mushers per capita in British Columbia! Saturday races include the Politicians Race, Kid ‘n Mutt Race and the Classic Community Connector Race! Visit www.caledoniaclassic.fsjames.com for schedule details!
SATURDAY
83 9am Snrs Delivery 49 Family Poker Ride 72 12-4pm Farmer’s Call 996-7159 for Market by Integris more info. Hoop Dance 3:304:30pm @ Sowchea Archery 6:30pm @ Ladies Curling Sowchea Bonspiel & Banquet Public Skating Tikes Hockey 7:45-8:45pm Ladies Curling Bonspiel Tournament @ Forum 16 11 Community Ski & Skate Meet & Greet, Archery 6:30pm @ Potluck and Candle Hoop Dance 3:30Light Memorial Sowchea 4:30pm @ Sowchea All welcome! Call Public Skating 996-8233 for more 7:45-8:45pm info 9am Snrs Delivery 23 22 21 16 17 18 Archery 6:30pm @ Sowchea Caledonia Classic Public Skating Hoop Dance 3:30Sled Dog Races @ 7:45-8:45pm 4:30pm @ Sowchea Cottonwood Park!! Caledonia Classic Sled Dog Races @ Cottonwood Park!! 15 10 Good Friday
14 9 First Day of Passover
9am Snrs Delivery
27 9am Snrs Delivery 28
Workers Mourning Day Races! 17th Annual Caledonia 28 Classic Dogsled 29 27 (Canada)
26
THURSDAY
23 24 Arbor Day Hoop Dance 3:304:30pm @ Sowchea ‘Cadence’ 4 Men, 4 Microphones 7pm @ FSJSS 30
March, 2013
25 Anzac Day (Australia)
1 9am Snrs Delivery 2 Archery 6:30pm @ Sowchea Public Skating 7:45-8:45pm
Please submit all events by Wednesday for the next Wednesday paper distribution. office@fortstjames.ca
S M T W T F S 2pm 1 2 Matinee 3 4 5 Play 6 7 Makers 8@ 9Music 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Public Skating 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 5:45-7:15pm 29 30 31
Municipal Website: www.fortstjames.ca
MONDAY
Ski Patrol Fndrsr @ Ski Hill Mens Bonspiel
Mens Bonspiel
Community Ski & Skate Meet & Greet!
Igniting Your Ad Sales
® Saturday • AdBuilder Retail February 16th 3-9pm ® Nordic trails will be set on the lake from Cottonwood Park to Golf Clubhouse AND on the Golf Course!! • AdBuilder Classified Community Potluck 5-6:30pm & Fantastic RafflSales e Prizes • Co-op Ideas at Golf Clubhouse! Skating Oval open 3-9pm with a Lights & Music! CANDLE LIGHT MEMORIAL SKATE from 7-8pm to honor the community members we have lost. FREE Hot Chocolate from 3-6:30pm at Golf Clubhouse and 7-9pm at Skating Oval! Call 996-8233 for more information.
AdBuilder.com Office: 477 Stuart Drive West
Telephone: 250-996-8233
Follow us on Twitter: @DFSJames
Like us at Facebook: District of Fort St. James
Email: office@fortstjames.ca
Caledonia Courier Wednesday, February 6, 2013
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Editorial Page
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Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Caledonia Courier
The Caledonia Courier is a member of the British
Distributed every Wednesday in Fort St. James
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Publisher: Pam Berger pam@ominecaexpress.com
governing the province’s newspaper industry. The
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• Guest editorial
Tom Fletcher Black Press
‘School Wars’
Like a bad reality show about a dysfunctional family, B.C. School Wars has lurched to life again for the 2013 election. Coming soon to billboards and buses across the province: staged pictures of sad-faced kids crammed into dirty classrooms by a heartless government. It doesn’t even matter which government. This ritual combat went on through Social Credit and NDP governments too. Premier Christy Clark opened the new season with her promised pitch to restructure bargaining. It suggested splitting up bargaining into traditional wage and benefit talks, and a separate table and fund for classroom size and support. Cast in her familiar role of the sullen, rebellious teenager, BCTF president Susan Lambert staged a news conference to distort and mock the government’s offer. A 10-year deal if we give up bargaining wages and classroom conditions? “Ludicrous.” What’s ludicrous is her characterization of a formula to link teacher pay to nurses, post-secondary faculty and other government workers. Nurses are renowned for getting raises when no one else does, so this should be an opportunity for these powerful unions to co-ordinate. But the BCTF can’t get along with other unions any more than it can negotiate with any discernible competence. Lambert falsely claimed there was no consultation on the proposal. This reminded me how she low-balled the costs of her union’s demands by hundreds of millions during what passed for negotiations in last year’s strike season. Behind the scenes, the BCTF executive and the
• Column
school district bargaining agent had just settled on a mutual costing model. What this means is the school districts, which have to make payroll and balance budgets, have convinced the BCTF to stop misrepresenting costs. I’ll believe that when I see it. Before Education Minister Don McRae had even spoken, BCTF vice-president Glen Hansman was growling his reply on Twitter: See you in court. That message presumably also goes for premier-in-waiting Adrian Dix, unless he replaces the hated B.C. Liberals in May, then quickly kneels before the BCTF and extends the key to the provincial treasury. Two generations of British Columbians have been bullied by this bad drama, since Bill Vander Zalm decided an industrial union bargaining structure was just the ticket for public schools. Students are taught by example, if not by blatant propaganda in classrooms, that all problems are solved by demanding more money from the government. After this conditioning, older students are sometimes pressed into service as union pickets. There’s your Social Justice class, kids. Sorry about those sports teams and field trips, but we need those as bargaining chips to get more paid leave time. To state the obvious, Clark and McRae staged this as a pre-election event to frame the issue. They knew their effort would be greeted as a declaration of war. The main reason the BCTF agreed to a contract extension with a wage freeze last year? It wasn’t the blindingly obvious fact that every other public sector union had already taken two zeroes. It was strictly tactics. The delay sets up the latest rematch of these old warriors in the spring election. Along with basic math and economics, a point the BCTF seems unable to grasp is that its strategy is self-defeating. Those sad kids are making more and more parents seek a better deal.
Look for us online at : caledoniacourier.com
Social media musing
Ruth Lloyd Caledonia Courier
The power of social media is manifest everyday. As I write this, there is a Twitter buzz about the tweeting inside the company HMV as they fired their social media team, but before they changed their Twitter and Facebook passwords and administrators. So the team tweeted all the details of the firings as they were going on, drawing attention to the importance of their jobs -how ironic and ingenious. One of the strengths of social media is absolutely in how many people can be involved and be reached, nearly instantaneously. But therein also lies the danger. Unfortunately, in the immediacy of the medium, some things are lost - like facts. I often have to remind myself to slow down and make sure I check things, and I am not always successful at getting it right, being one person, there will be mistakes. Last week, when a horrible accident resulted in a serious injury to a local man, it was on Facebook before they were even in the hospital. Which led to all kinds of erroneous information and rumours. While in any small town, rumours run rampant, as people seem to be naturally
drawn to talk about what is going on in their community, even if they do not actually know first hand, we need to remember the power of words. It can become increasingly difficult not to believe something the more people you hear it from, however, it can be necessary at times to ask yourself, did I hear this from someone firsthand? If the story you have heard has never come from someone directly involved, then perhaps you might think about not repeating it. It is difficult in places where everyone knows each other not to feel what you hear must be true because “everybody knows it” but then remember everybody once “knew” the world was flat and the sun rotated around the earth. This is something I must keep reminding myself, because as I ask people involved in situations to explain what happened, I nearly always hear something different, and even within a small group with first hand knowledge of something, there will be differences in peoples’ experiences. The importance of social media in staying connected is obvious, but also remember social media is not exactly confirmed news and things we say in any medium can have lasting impacts.
E-mail us at : newsroom@caledoniacourier.com
Caledonia Courier Wednesday, February 6, 2013
NEWS
www.caledoniacourier.com A5
Courier Shocker unveiled: Government not understanding rural realities OBAC looks at government disconnect and potential ways to address it
Ruth Lloyd Caledonia Courier
sources and the tendency for governFor more information on the details of the study ment to be focussed on their internal or OBAC, go to: http://www.ominecacoalition.ca processes at the expense of If you have ever sat waitsupporting or working with ing on hold for ages trying to contracted agencies. access government services, Those internal processes or struggled for hours over can be very difficult to overgovernment service forms, come in relation to rural you are not alone. communities, and there is But you already knew little recognition within govthat. ernment of rural realities, January 27th Snowboard Cross The real news is now at including geography and inhas been moved to February 10th least government may befrastructure, according to the Fort vs Vanderhoof Please remember that all events are subject to changes come more aware of these research. and all events are weather permitting!! issues and more, at least if Cunningham was lookthe Omineca Beetle Action ing for some validation of the Coalition has anything to say study's findings from those in about it. Sarah Cunningham presented the research she had compiled regard- attendance to give OBAC a This was the message ing social services delivery in the Omineca Region at the College of mandate to take her findings brought with the presentation New Caledonia campus in Fort St. James on Jan. 31. to the government and lobby Ruth Lloyd/Caledonia Courier for potential changes to adof a study of the coordination 193 2nd Ave 3 bedroom of social services in the Omdress these disconnects and home with ineca region. others. However, Cunningham did admit so far there many upgrades The study was initiated by the Omineca Beetle has been a lack of meaningful engagement with Those attending the Fort St. James sesInc foundation, wiring, plumbAction Coalition (OBAC), which is an organiza- the First Nations in the region for the project, with sion seemed focussed on resource sharing ing, flooring and tion formed in 2005 to look at economic diversi- the municipalities and regional districts being the in resource-rich rural areas. bath, on a large lot. Upper floor fication and long-term sustainability in the region primary sources of input, and not a lot from First "We're expected to maintain all of those has a family room, 2 PC bath and storage. Centrally located after the massive pine beetle epidemic which Nations. things - but a fair share has to come back wood stove to offset heating costs. $170,000. could potentially jeopardize many forestry-based "That hasn't really happened and that's where into the community," said Councillor Joan You’ll find us at 169 STUART DRIVE, FSJ communities. Burdeniuk. the future is, for sure," said Cunningham. lkshore@telus.net 250-996-8618 One of the objectives set out when OBAC was But so far, what has come out of formed was by 2025 to "be known as a model re- the research is community service gion for delivery of quality, equitable, coordinated, providers are not able to connect relevant and cost-effective services to small and effectively to the public (ie. govrural communities." ernment) service providers, and Sarah Cunningham, the consultant who did the overall coordination is inadequate, study for OBAC, has been travelling throughout which can limit the effectiveness of the region from Smithers to Valemount to present the community services. the study's findings and potential strategies and ac"Coordination is actually fundations going forward and was in Fort St. James on mental to service provision," said Jan. 31. Cunningham. In a one-hour presentation at the College of The study found evidence New Caledonia last week, Cunningham breath- people experience limited or no aclessly attempted to hit the highlights of the ex- cess to a wide range of needed protensive study which summarized the findings she grams and services, online or call gathered through region-wide interviews on social centre government services can be service coordination. very difficult for people to access, Cunningham said the tour is an attempt to vali- and government funding programs date the findings of the research and get feedback are sometimes inaccessible, with to help improve the findings and further refine the often highly restrictive funding draft plan. criteria, little local control over re-
Lakeshore Realty
Early Deadlines Due to Family Day Holiday (Monday, February 11th, 2013) Please note the following changes to deadlines. Caledonia Courier February 13th issue DeaDline: Friday, February 8th 11am. OFFICE HOURS CLOSED: Monday, February 11, 2013
NEWS
A6 www.caledoniacourier.com
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Caledonia Courier
Courier Of gypsies and cowboys
The eclectic musical stylings of Blackberry Wood revisited Fort St. James for a one-night-only show at the Legion. The group is on a western Canadian tour, getting out into the winter wonderland for a few weeks, a change from their native land of the Vancouver area. Most of the group lives in East Vancouver, but drummer Ryan Trigg is living in Squamish, B.C.. With everything from gypsy music to Hank Williams Sr. and Johnny Cash tunes, the group got the crowd up and dancing, some despite themselves. While short their trumpet player, who is reportedly "somewhere in Mexico," Blackberry Wood still put on a good show as a three-piece, though perhaps a bit less energetic than their festival shows to larger audiences. While the group may have toned it down for the low ceilings of the Legion and smaller turnout, they still had some tabletop performing by the sexy saxophone player Jen Charters and audience participation, including everyone laying on their back with their legs in the air
riding an imaginary bicycle. Audience turnout was low, with around 30 attendees, but those who did come seemed to enjoy themselves immensely, with plenty of opportunity for interacting with the band after the show. While only their second time in Fort St. James, the group said they had been invited to play previously at MoM by Lionel Conant, and other friends had played the festival before and told them to try it out. "It's a different festival, we had a great time," said Charters. For those who were not at MoM, or missed Blackberry Wood's performances, the group has a very theatrical show, full of audience involvement, dance-offs and bright costumes (remember the bumble bee?). "We try and turn up the energy as much as we can when we play and the antics usually follow," said Trigg. When asked how they manage to bring together such a variety of styles and influences, the group seemed to look at it a bit like an old-school circus act, where everything from the exotic to the
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FROM TOP: 1) Blackberry Wood play as a threepiece at the Legion. 2) Jen Charters (left) and Kris Wood get into the music during their set. Ruth Lloyd Photos
down-home would have been under one "big top." "We put it all under one big circus tent," said Kris Wood, group
front man. The band is excited to be playing Glastonbury Festival this summer, a monster-festival in June in
England, with around 140,000 people at the festival over the weekend (not including performers, crew, etc.).
RHN ScHmitz de GRace ChartereD INCOME TAXaCCountantS PREPARATION • • • • • •
CorPorate anD PerSonaL taX (PersonalanD andData Business) BooKKeePInG ProCeSSInG aSSuranCe FInanCIaL StateMent PreParatIon RHN SCHMITZ de GRACE eState PLannInG Chartered Accountants CoMPuter ConSuLtInG Fort St. James Office Fort St.Stuart James Office 169 Drive (Lakeshore Realty) Fort St. James, BC 1P0 169V0J Stuart Drive (Fridays from February 6 to June 12) To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-976-7780 (toll-free) Tovickilynn.bobbie@rhngroup.ca schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-976-7780 or (toll-free) E-mail: Josh@rhngroup.ca josh.benham@rhngroup.ca Website: www.rhngroup.ca www.rhngroup.ca
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Courier
NEWS
Council drafts new loitering bylaw Ruth Lloyd Caledonia Courier The District of Fort St. James mayor and council are looking at adopting a bylaw to address loitering in the downtown. While presenting his quarterly statistics to council at the Jan. 23 council meeting, Staff Sergeant Paul Thalhofer mentioned a bylaw could help to give RCMP another tool to implement more enforcement in the downtown. He expressed concern some of the people asking for money have become more aggressive. "It doesn't take away from the Liquor Act and the Criminal Code that we use right now, but it just … gives us some more authority," he said. Mayor Rob MacDougall agreed with Thalhofer, and said council had already been discussing introducing some sort of bylaw. So far the changes look at potential ticket able offences involving standing in public places in ways which block pedestrian or vehicular traffic, soliciting in ways which cause obstruction, and prohibits soliciting within 10 m of the entrance of a bank or credit union or automated teller machine. "It is trying to address some of those exact concerns that we've talked about in the community," said MacDougall. "We'll try to come up with something that's workable and will complement what you have as far as your laws." Thalhofer said it would be another tool to help the RCMP better deal with the concerns around loitering and drinking in the downtown, but also with the understand-
ing, they are not only doing enforcement. "Although we're doing this here with the enforcement aspect of things, it doesn't mean we're still not working towards a long-term solution as well," he said. Thalhofer said he has been working with the Nak'azdli Alternate Justice Centre on their Drop-In Centre and speaking to
Tl'azt'en about their drop-off locations for community transportation. Councillor Joan Burdeniuk, manager of the local Integris Credit Union branch, said the work the RCMP have been doing downtown has helped. "We definitely have noticed the increased enforcement. We have had the officers drop in several times and
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Family time
introduce themselves and just walk up and down and introduce themselves to everybody on the street, so that's good," she said. "There's a comfort level with the staff … and that relationship has been very wellestablished." The draft bylaw is available as part of the Jan. 23 council meeting agenda at www. forstjames.ca.
Correction In last week's Caledonia Courier story "Two-part plan will cost $120,000" a misprint occurred in the final paragraph. The story incorrectly stated the project to drill the new lines would require one lane on Stuart Drive to be closed for 83 days, when in fact the project would require one lane of the road to be closed for only three days. We apologize for the confusion.
Reprints Reprints Reprints Available Now! If you have seen a photograph you would like in the
Caledonia Courier
call your local community paper at
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or stop by to order at Lakeshore Realty - 169 Stuart Drive West, Fort St. James
Proud grandfather Cam McCormick takes his grandson for a ski at Murray Ridge on Jan. 26.
Ruth Lloyd/Caledonia Courier
Community Events Community Events are free of charge as they are sponsored by the Caledonia Courier COMING EVENTS... Will appear as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profit organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for nonprofit organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to advertising@ ominecaexpress.com or by fax: 567-2070. Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our office located at #111250 Stuart Drive, Fort St. James. Decision of the publisher is final. *** FORT ADULT CENTRE FOR EDUCATION...Suite 221-250 Stuart Drive, in the Goodwin Building. Open daily 8:00-4:00. Call 250-996-7712 for more information. *** FIREWEED STOPPING THE VIOLENCE & OUTREACH SERVICE For those who believe all is possible!...Provides free Confidential, Safe, and Supportive counselling and outreach services for women. Hours of Service: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and every other Friday. Location: Room 203, 349 Stuart Drive, Fort St James, BC Phone: (250) 996-1214 Fax: (250) 996-7647 Email: fire.or@ telus.net *** ST PATRICK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH... hosts a free lunch every Tuesday from 11.00am 1.00pm. All are welcome. This lunch is made possible through the generous giving of time and resources,by many people in the region, including Sylvia Isaac, The Roman Catholic Church, Camp Living Water, and many other individuals.We wish to thank all those who contribute their labour
to this program as well as those who provide food and other necessities. We also run a small food bank on Tuesday morning, and are very thankful for all who contribute to this endeavor. For further information please call Gwen Andrews 567-6744. *** SERVICE TIMES... at St Patrick’s Anglican Church, Fort St James, will be 10:30 am every Sunday. Free lunch every Tues between 11-1pm with music and Prayer. Please come and join us. *** FIREWEED CLOTHES DRIVE...The Fireweed Safe Haven is doing a winter clothes drive. We are looking for jackets, boots, snow pants, mitts, hats, scarves, fleeces, etc, for men, women and children. The items will then be given to families in the community that need them. If you do not have anything at home that you can part with but still wish to contribute, you can purchase mitts, socks, or thermal underwear. Please drop items off at the Fireweed Safe Haven. For more information please contact Talia at (250) 996-8081. Every little bit helps. *** AUXILIARY TO STUART LAKE HOSPITAL... Monthly meeting 2nd Wednesday each month. Hospital Cafeteria 7:00 p.m. *** FORT ST. JAMES PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS... Tuesday 11:30-8:00 Wednesday 11:30-4:30 Thursday 11:30-4:30 Friday 11:30-8:00 Saturday 11:00-3:00 *** NECHAKO VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY...Child and Youth Mental Health and Counseling Services available at no cost. Monday to
Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Call 996-7645 for appointment. *** FORT TRAP AND HANDGUN CLUB... meets last Sunday of every month. Contact Sharon at 9968373 for more information. *** FORT ST. JAMES SEARCH & RESCUE... steering committee meetings first Tuesday of every month. 7:00 p.m. above the Fort St. James Firehall. Training is the third Tuesday of every month at the Firehall at 7 p.m. New members welcome. *** MUSIC MAKERS...New members always WELCOME. Not everyone has to be on stage, there is lots of work behind the scenes. Call Rosemary Allan at 250-9968997 for more info. *** THE THRIFT STORE...has a new name! “The Bargain Basement”. We are still at the same location, across from Shoppers Food Mart. Donations of clean clothing and small housewares are greatly appreciated. Please, no books or magazines. Proceeds are used for community needs. Open Wed-Sat, 12 noon to 4pm. *** PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT...If you know anyone, including a child, who has been abused or harmed by a psychiatrist call the Citizens Commission on Human Rights at: 1-800-670-2247. *** ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS... Every Thursday, 8 p.m. at the United Church Hall on 2nd Avenue. Contact 996-8290. *** FIREWEED SAFE HAVEN...a safe place for women and their children leaving violence or abuse. 24 hour access - please call 996-8000.
A8 www.caledoniacourier.com
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Caledonia Courier
Strict marine safety standards will ensure we respect our neighbours above, around and below us.
Although tankers have been safely navigating the north coast and its channels for decades, marine safety remains a top priority for British Columbians. We have been planning the Northern Gateway Project for over a decade, with a particular focus on protecting the environment. We have added specific safety requirements to our marine operations plan to help make the waters of the north coast safer not just for tankers serving the project, but for all marine vessels.
Tankers will reduce speeds in the channels…
Qualified BC Coast Pilots will board and guide all tankers… To prevent spills, all tankers serving the project will be modern and double-hulled, and will be vetted by independent, third party agencies before entering Canadian waters. Once strict safety and environmental standards are met, they will be guided through the Douglas and Principe Channels by qualified BC Coast Pilots.
Tankers travel slowly, but to make sure that marine species and their habitats are respected, tankers will be required to reduce speed as they pass through certain sections of the channels. Even their escort tugboats will have quieter engines to reduce underwater noise.
Powerful tugboats will escort tankers… Additional radar and navigational aids will improve safety for all vessels…
Tugboats have been shown to significantly reduce tanker incidents worldwide. Powerful tugboats that have been specially commissioned for Northern Gateway will assist in the safe arrival and departure of tankers. All tankers will be attended by a close escort tug. In the channels, laden tankers will have two tugs–one tethered at all times. These tugboats will have emergency response equipment on board and will be capable of assisting any marine vessel.
Ad #EN018-11/12E REV
For increased safety and sure guidance, additional radar systems and navigational aids, such as beacons, buoys and lights, will be installed throughout the routes. This will not only improve safety for tankers, but for all marine traffic on the north coast.
Discover more about our rigorous marine safety plan and join the conversation at marine.northerngateway.ca.
It’s more than a pipeline.
It’s a path to delivering energy safely.
©2012 Northern Gateway Pipelines Inc.
EN9020 Enbridge Marine Ad V2_EN018-11-12E REV.indd 1
01/11/12 4:16 PM
Caledonia Courier Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Courier
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NEWS
Seeing past stereotypes Submitted One person is nine years old and the other is 17. One is from Vanderhoof and the other Fort St. James. At first glance one would think that there is no chance of these two meeting. Furthermore, it would be hard to see a reason for them to meet. However, what emerged when they did meet was a beautiful thing. It all started when Andrew Vogelsang and Gretchen Vogelsang, two teachers from different towns decided to have their two classes pen pal with each other. Andrew’s Grade 4 class from Sinkut View Elementary Schools in Vanderhoof and Gretchen’s Grade 11 English class
Tom Fletcher Black Press
from Fort St. James Secondary School wrote back and forth to each other a few times. Each Grade 4 student was paired up with a Grade 11 and they discussed a variety of things from hunting, sports, art, school, family in their letters. What amazed both Andrew and Gretchen was the relationship that was forming between the students. What started as an academic exercise was becoming something more. It was then that the teachers decided to have the class meet. On Monday Jan. 16, the Grade 4 class loaded on the bus and headed to FSJSS to meet their buddies. When we got there we were greeted and the two classes met.
What amazed Gretchen and Andrew was the fact that there was engagement on both sides with a Grade 11 and a Grade 4 really talking to each other. They were so impressed with the empathy and kindness the grade 11 students showed to the Grade 4 students. They were equally impressed with the Grade 4 students being outgoing and engaging while not shying away from what was a possible stressful situation. Both teachers agree that making connections between these two communities is a great thing. It allows for these students to see a real face from a town they live so close to but may not know very well. It puts human Mr. Andrew Vogelsang’s Grade 4 students at Sinkut View meet with their pen pals from Ms. faces past possible percep- Gretchen Vogelsang’s Grade 11 students from Fort St. James Secondary School. Photo courtesy of Gretchen and Andrew Vogelsang tions and stereotypes.
Auditor loses bid for BC Rail bills
Auditor General John Doyle has lost his bid for detailed defence lawyer billings in the case of two ministerial assistants convicted for their role in the sale of B.C. Rail operations in 2002. In a ruling released Tuesday, B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Bauman found that Doyle was seeking a "sweeping invasion of solicitor-client privilege" in the case and dismissed his petition to see the documents. Doyle went to court in an effort to complete his review of the BC Rail sale, in which Dave Basi and Bobby Virk pleaded guilty to breach of trust and accepting a benefit for their role in bidding for BC Rail assets. Seven years of pre-trail manoeuvring came to a sudden end in October 2010, when Basi and Virk pleaded guilty to providing bid information to a Colorado-based railway company, in exchange for a trip to Denver for a football game and other rewards. The B.C. government's decision to abandon efforts to recover $6 million in legal fees for the pair sparked a political battle. Two deputy ministers said they made the decision to overrule the policy to recover legal defence fees from government employees if they are found guilty. They concluded it would have added more to legal costs than their assets were worth. Bauman states in his ruling that current B.C. legislation does not give the Auditor General access to privileged materials such as lawyer bills, and his assurance that they would not be widely shared makes no difference. Bauman also found that the government's
voluntary disclosure of privileged cabinet documents in the case is not relevant to the confidentiality of lawyer bills.
EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH WELCOMES YOU! 4th Avenue W & Birch Street
SUNDAY SCHOOL .........10:30 am - 12 Noon MORNING WORSHIP ....10:30 am - 12 Noon Church Office 996-7261
OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH (Across from the Petrocan Station)
SUNDAY LITURGY: Saturday 7:30 pm & Sunday 10:30 am DAILY MASS: Monday - Friday 9:00 am
PASTORAL TEAM: FATHER FRANK SALMON 250-996-8343 PAT MACAULAY, SR. DIVINA PEDRO
250-996-2275
THE CHURCHES OF FORT ST. JAMES
WELCOME YOU!
GATEWAY perspectives
Kitimat: A safe option There’s no mistaking the importance of Kitimat, B.C., to the Gateway project. It’s where the pipeline ends, and it’s where marine operations begin. I’d like to set the record straight on why we chose Kitimat, at the head of the Douglas Channel, as the site for Gateway’s marine terminal. The answer took thousands of hours of research, planning, engineering, environmental science, oceanography consultation, weather monitoring, and simulation. But the simple reason is . . . safety, all the way. The Douglas Channel is one of the widest and deepest inland waterways on North America’s west coast. Government research had already determined Kitimat to be among the safest ports in B.C., and about 1,500 tankers carrying petrochemicals have docked safely at Kitimat over the past quarter-century. Strategically speaking, Kitimat provides the lowest environmental risk for all aspects of Gateway operations. It offers a safer endpoint for the pipeline route, from a geotechnical perspective. The marine terminal at Kitimat also provides safe approaches for tanker traffic — with a suitable turning basin in Kitimat Arm, and natural deep-water berths that are sheltered from open-water wave conditions.
Join the conversation at
At its very narrowest, the Douglas Channel is 1.4 kilometres wide — three times wider than Transport Canada’s recommended width for two-way tanker traffic. Water depths in the marine channels are up to several hundred metres. As an added measure, full simulations of vessel traffic in the Douglas Channel were carried out at a world-leading facility in Denmark. It tested the largest proposed vessels in environmental conditions that tankers would experience in the marine channels. The result was a thumbs-up on the shipping route, endorsed by both government departments and the British Columbia Coast Pilots. Why Kitimat? Why the Douglas Channel? It’s the safe option for Gateway.
Janet Holder Executive Vice President Western Access Enbridge Inc.
northerngateway.ca
It’s more than a pipeline. It’s a path to delivering energy safely. ©2012 Northern Gateway Pipelines Inc.
Family Day!
A10 www.caledoniacourier.com
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Caledonia Courier
Celebrate BC’s first Family Day Monday Feb 11 Eat together ■ Family Day is the ideal time to bring your family ‘back to the table’. Given the increasingly busy schedule of every member of the family, eating together has been a casualty of our hectic days. Whether you’re together in your home, on a mini-vacation or enjoying a local restaurant, there are numerous benefits to eating together. Sharing a table means sharing your day, sharing your undivided attention and sharing conversation. It is a chance to give extra attention to your children and teens. Family meals foster warmth, security and love, as well as a sense of belonging. The way that you act at the table becomes a model for your children. They learn from your appreciation of the meal and your social skills - especially when outside the home. Table manners are social skills and leading by example makes it easier for parents to teach without lecturing. Using family meals as a way to sample new menus can be both fun and a great learning experience. By giving family members input and the opportunity to choose the menu, it becomes an ideal way to expand their horizons on a wider range of foods and cultures. It also can lead to healthier choices as well as developing an open mind for experiencing new things. A way to get more out of a family meal is to engage the family in menu selection, shopping and preparation. You can begin this at a very young age giving children age-appropriate tasks like stirring ingredients, washing vegetables, tearing lettuce and setting the table. As your children grow they can take on more key responsibilities and the pride that comes with preparing a special family meal. This teaches your children cooking skills, nutrition and appreciation for the effort of meal preparation. It can also provide a great source of accomplishment and sense of self-sufficiency. Plan to make your Family Day special by including all those who make up your family. Pay tribute by making your meal special and so memorable you’ll want to ensure you do it more often.
Explore together ■ There is no better province to explore than British Columbia and no better family bonding experience than sharing the thrill of a new discovery or experience. Day trips can create remarkable family memories. They offer a wonderful way to spend time together and learn more about where you live. The variety of experiences available to families is different in each region of this spectacular province you might decide to explore close to home or venture to one of the other regions in B.C. over the Family Day weekend. Whether taking SkyTrain, BC Ferries, driving, or hopping a flight, there are many ways to invest in a day of discovery. Travel is just one aspect. To maximize the experience families should involve everyone in the planning. By planning ahead you and your whole family can experience a worthwhile outing and make every aspect fun. Create a list of activities or venues and assign a rough budget for each. Allow family members to weigh in on their preferences and discuss what they would like to see, do or learn at each. You might decide to stay in a hotel and be a tourist in your own hometown. Kids or youth can map out the sites and activities,
creating a family agenda including selecting the points of interest, lunch and shopping as well as enjoying the amenities your hotel might offer. It’s the perfect way to free up everyone from everyday tasks and roles. Researching history, attractions, museums, parks and markets can teach valuable lessons and it helps children to plan within a budget. This way they are part of making important decisions, appreciate both the effort and cost of outings and will be more enthused about an agenda they helped develop. Be sure to capture your family time by taking photos, saving literature or purchasing a memento. This can lead to great family discussions about what each individual enjoyed or learned and starts you planning for future family explorations.
Family Day 2013 There are many activities to experience with your family in the Fort St. James area, including sledding, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, public skating and more. You can also visit our public library or take a walk along the lake. Try something new and enjoy the time with your family.
250-567-9258
Caledonia Courier Wednesday, February 6, 2013
FAMILY DAY 2013
Experience as a Family ■ Try something new this Family Day. It might be as simple as agreeing that everyone observe a no-technology or TV day. If you find your gatherings often involve all the adults sitting around visiting while the youngsters play among themselves and the teens segregate away from both you and the little ones, you’re probably not alone. A family gathering can be a wonderful opportunity for family to hear the latest on jobs, trips, hobbies and health, but if you find your gatherings following the same tedious patterns where one or two family members dominate with the same old stories, this is the year to change it up. Consider adding new experiences to the plans, and making a new and fun tradition out of them. Here are some ideas to get started: Get out and enjoy our beautiful outdoors – no matter what your weather. If you live in a snowy region of B.C., organize a hayride, snowshoe trek, sledding time or ice skating at a community rink. If you don’t have snow in your area, you can travel to find it or consider planning a bike ride, a hike or even hitting a minigolf course or a driving range. The idea is to bring everyone together in a family activity you’ve never done before.
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a new menu together but everyone in your group can sit together and enjoy the meal. B.C. has a widely diverse cultural make up and ethnic restaurants are part of that. Make your Family Day gathering a retreat for all – consider getting your family out of the house and turn your gathering into a festive retreat. Many venues have activities for all ages to enjoy, from winter outdoor fun to refreshing spa services. Think of how much fun it would be for your whole family group to take a yoga class together. Host a family talent show – Everyone has a special talent in your family, so encourage them to bring their talent to your gathering. If you’re really ambitious set up an area to be used as a stage and arrange chairs for audience members. Many living rooms have dimmer switches so play with lighting and lamps so the performance area is in the spotlight. You might want to rent a popcorn machine or ask family members to bring along some treats and snacks. By bringing new activities to your family gathering this year, you’ll be creating many new memories to share in the future, as well as making the event much more enjoyable.
Play together ■ There is nothing like the fun and innocence of childhood. Whether it’s a game of kick-the-can with the neighbourhood children or building a tree fort in the backyard, some of our best memories are playful. Board games are a great indoor activity, and Family Day is a great time to dig out some of your old favourites like Monopoly and Clue, and maybe try out a few new ones that are geared towards family fun. Your local toy store will have a wide range of options, along with other family-friendly entertainment such as puzzles and books. Set up a card table, get your
favourite puzzle out and spend hours putting together the pieces. Finishing a complicated puzzle will also give your kids a sense of accomplishment. If you’re looking for something a bit more high-tech, your game console or computer is a good place to start. Video games have come a long way from the classic Super Mario and Donkey Kong, and you may discover that your kids have a much larger technical knowledge than you do. They might beat you at Wii Sports but it will make for a great story! Getting outside for a game of tag or basketball will check off two things on your list: play and exercise. Taking a trip to a local playground or field will give you hours of entertainment for a low cost. Pack a picnic as well for an entire day of fun. Practicing your batting or pitching will also get you ready for the upcoming sports seasons, or maybe compete to see who can run the fastest to the swings. This year, Family Day is a time to make memories, spend time together and maybe learn a thing or two. Whatever the weather is like outside, you have plenty of options for having fun at all ages.
(and safe) pond. * Decorate an outdoor tree with streamers and popcorn garland. * If it’s too chilly for a picnic in the snow, place a blanket on the family room floor and enjoy an indoor picnic. * Rent a movie and cuddle on the couch under blankets. * Put on some tunes and dance around the house. * Play a classic game, such as Twister(R) . * Take out modeling clay or dough and create different play figures or ornaments. * Whip up a hearty meal together, giving kids free reign over the
ingredients. * Play with toy trucks and cars in the snow. * Engage in a snowball fight. * Find the tallest hill in the area and test your bravery on the back of a sled. * Chase the dog around the backyard. Dogs often like to play in the snow, too. * Sit in sunny windows and read books silently or to the group. * Make sock puppets and put on a show. * Catch up on beauty sleep by taking a nice nap under a warm quilt. * Bake a batch of brownies or cookies. There are many different and fun ways to pass the hours.
Plan a meal away from the house – Instead of cooking for the gathering, plan a formal brunch or dinner at a new restaurant. Not only do you experience
Keep busy with fun activities Here are some activities to enjoy with the family * Put out bird seed or a suet block and feed the neighborhood birds. Compare the different species that come to grab an easy meal. Artistic kids can sketch what they see by looking out the window. * Shovel a shallow path in the snow around the yard to create a snow maze. Build snow blinds, behind which kids can hide. * Gather winter nature items, like pine cones and icicles. Look for frozen “fossils.” * Brew a thermos full of hot chocolate and go sit out with the neighbors who are probably going a bit stir crazy as
well. * Check in on elderly friends and neighbors and offer to shovel their driveways and walkways, if necessary. * Pretend you are on a North Pole expedition and hike through the neighborhood in a quest to reach the summit of a mountain or to find a hidden treasure. * Use spray bottles or squirt bottles filled with water and food coloring to draw masterpieces in the snow. * Gather a clean patch of snow and pour maple syrup onto it. Allow to harden and then enjoy homemade maple candies. * Explore and look for winter plants and other foliage that survive the chill. * Grab skates and head to an ice rink or solid
SCHOOL DISTRICT 91 (Nechako Lakes)
Celebrate Family Day Monday, February 11 A day to enjoy spending quality time with your family!
2013
Enjoy time with your family and create memories this
Family Day Feb. 11th 2013
John RUSTAD, MLA
Nechako Lakes 183 First Street, Vanderhoof Tel: 250-567-6820 Fax: 250-567-6822 2500 Butler Avenue, Houston Tel 250-845-7770 Fax: 250-845-7780 Toll free: 1-877-964-5650 E-mail: john.rustad.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca
A12 www.caledoniacourier.com
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Caledonia Courier
FAMILY DAY 2013
Create together ■ One of my favourite memories was creating an enormous piñata in preparation for a multi-family holiday. We blew up a huge bouncy ball and covered it with papier mache. Our children and those of our friends were young so after my young sons painted the ball white, I drew a score of cartoon characters, shapes and funny animals all around it. Filled with age-appropriate, small toys, puzzles and treats, the big white ball became a major activity for everyone in our three-family group. Every age took turns colouring in the shapes through-out the day, knowing when it was completed the ball would be strung up. The anticipation and excitement was heightened because the reward came with activity and was not immediate. Creating something as a family can mark an important time in your family history. It captures the age and ability of your children, your interests and a point in time. By working together on a project your family can develop new skills, collaborate on something truly memorable and enjoy what each family member brings to the endeavor. Think about all the things a family
could create together – a family album complete with stories, mementos and funny or poignant memories. Your family might be old enough to handle something more ambitious like preparing a garden, building a dog house or designing and painting a family recreation area in your home. Technology puts an amazing array of tools in the hands of today’s families. You can plan, write, film and edit a movie with your everyday computer and smartphone technology and software. Even more fun is sharing your family creation with friends around the world. You might even suggest a film festival by inviting families to create their own film and have a “popcorn premiere” to show them all. Searching online will uncover an astounding number of crafts and projects you could tackle as a family. It can be as simple as building and flying a kite. Or you may look for something you can recycle or re-purpose into a creative new item – whether a work of art or function. It’s bound to make your family members proud environment stewards as well as treasuring your time and project as a family.
Game night hits the jackpot On Friday, Jan. 25 the staff at the Fort St. James Public Library could be found pouring coffee, passing out snacks and prizes and engaging in discussions with patrons about board game strategies. You see, Friday night was the first of many game nights for Fort St. James Public Library. It was a great sight to see, and the library was abuzz with people of all ages playing Twister, Chess, Guess Who, and many other popular board games. People can drop in anytime between 5-7 p.m., choose a board game pick out some delicious goodies and refreshments and enjoy time with their family and other community members. You really can come alone and join up with just about anyone and have some friendly competition. As the gaming wound down, many families took the the stacks and started their nightly read-alouds with the younger children. In fact, this night garnered such positive reviews we will be expanding our selection of games (and patrons are always welcome to bring their own) and will continue this night every two to three weeks. The next game night is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 15 and has been more aptly named, Community Game Night to ensure that everyone in the community feels welcome to join us for some fun!
Kids and stuffed animals all came out to participate in the library’s first Family Game Night.
Share together ■ Bringing together your extended family can create a highly memorable and valuable life event. They say “it takes a village to raise a child” and many would agree especially in today’s world of working parents and latch-key kids. The support, experience and interest of your extended family can have a significant impact on your immediate family. Regardless of your definition of ‘extended’ family, bringing together those with whom you share history with can have lasting benefits not just for you and your children but for those you invite to share your day. It is common in today’s world to have older children in nuclear families reach their teens before meeting extended family members. Geographical isolation is common for middle-class families who move based on occupational opportunities while family branches retain their independence. Family Day is the ideal occasion to hold family reunions to re-establish and integrate a stronger family connection. This allows your children to connect with extended family members and to share a better sense of their heritage and belonging. Don’t forget to include senior members of your family. Family reunions and relationships inspire seniors to stay active and pursue their well-being. Studies have found seniors feel revitalized when they spend time with families. Your children will benefit from hearing their oral history and that’s an inspiring experience that won’t always be available to them. Another way to celebrate Family Day is to gather your extended family and friends around something you care about. It might be a shore clean-up, a family walk or a garage sale. You might volunteer at a foodbank. Food is often central to gatherings and with everyone contributing to a family meal afterwards, it becomes a great way to share B.C.’s first Family Day.
It’s our first
BC Family Day
Monday, February 11, 2013
Celebrate! Enjoy time with your family See what’s happening around BC, visit: www.bcfamilyday.ca
Caledonia Courier Wednesday, February 6, 2013
FAMILY DAY 2013
Cook together ■ If you ask any adult about some of their favourite memories of childhood, you will invariably hear something related to food. Whether it’s baking with Grandma or grilling hamburgers for a cookout with Dad, cooking is always an important part of growing up. Family Day is a great time to dig out those family cookbooks and try a recipe handed down by the older generation. Your mom’s famous meatloaf or your uncle’s recipe for spinach dip are great things to try with family members of
Safety first for winter Though winter sports can help fend off cabin fever, those who don’t exercise certain safety precautions might find themselves dealing with another kind of fever. Cold weather can leave men, women and children susceptible to illness or injury if they aren’t careful. The following are a few safety tips for winter sportsmen who want to make the most of the coming winter sports season. Clothing Inadequate clothing is one of the easiest ways a winter sportsmen can fall victim to illness or injury . But the right clothing can go a long way toward ensuring this winter sports season is fun and illness- and injury-free. * Wear protective head gear. Protective headgear can help sportsmen avoid colds and head injuries. When venturing outdoors in the winter, always wear a protective wool ski cap. Most body heat is lost through the head, but wool caps help your body retain warmth on cold days and nights. In addition, sportsmen should always wear protective headgear when skiing, sledding, snowboarding or playing ice hockey. Even the most experienced sportsmen can suffer a head injury when playing a winter sport, but the appropriate headgear can prevent head injuries to veteran and novice athletes alike. * Dress in layers. Dressing in layers is another way to stay warm and prevent illness in the winter months. Kids are especially susceptible to cold weather, so parents should dress them in one more layer than they dress themselves. When wearing scarves, sportsmen should tuck their scarves in so they don’t get tangled with sporting equipment. * Remove drawstrings from kids’ clothing. Drawstrings on winter hats, overcoats and pants can prove harmful to children. These drawstrings can easily get tangled and lead
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all ages. Maybe you’re looking to make something you’ve never made before, or perhaps you want to try out a new cuisine. Hitting the library or the web will give you ideas for new recipes, whether it’s trying to duplicate your favourite takeout pizza or make an authentic spicy Indian dish. Let each member of the family choose a recipe that they want to try, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack. That way everyone gets involved and has their say in what the family eats. Maybe you’ll find a new favourite food or discover that your child is aiming to become the next Mario Batali or Julia Child. Your local grocery store is sure to have a wide selection of ingredients that you may never have tasted before. Wandering the aisles may even spark your imagination. Learning about what goes into a dish will set your family on the road to healthy eating. Taking a few minutes to read the labels on a food item will demonstrate how to make healthy choices and help your children in the future. Finding healthy alternatives to not-so-healthy foods can be a fun experiment, and may end up being tastier than the original food. Many stores will have sections devoted to healthier options, whether they’re gluten-free or just lower in calories.
Learn together ■ Having a day off from school doesn’t mean learning stops for the day. There are plenty of educational things you can do in British Columbia, whether in your own home or outside. How about starting with a trip to your local library? It will hold plenty of books on any topic that you can imagine. Maybe a book of science experiments or a historical novel set in the early days of Canada will stoke your imagination. Let the kids each pick out a book to take home with them and start a lifetime love of reading. Your local bookstore will also hold a variety of options if your child can’t bear to part with his or her new favourite book. A local historical attraction is also a great place to pay a visit. Whether it’s Chinatown or Steveston fishing village, there is a ton of history right in your own backyard. Most places will have a museum or heritage building around that can serve as a jumping-off point for learning more about the city where you live. Learning can be more than just reading though. Pull out the laptop and get your kids to type out an email to a family member or friend outside of B.C. Perhaps they can even tell the person about what they learned at the museum or library! Keeping a journal is also a great way to practice writing and literacy skills. Even if it’s not a daily occurrence, sitting down in the evening to write about the events of the day or week can get kids thinking and practicing their handwriting.
to strangulation. Parents should remove all drawstrings from kids’ winter clothing before kids participate in winter sports. Ice skating & hockey Winter is a great time to go ice skating or play some hockey. However, ice sports like skating and hockey can be especially dangerous, and it’s wise for adults and children to be as cautious as possible when getting in some ice time. * Beware of thin ice. Ice that forms on moving waters, including rivers and creeks, is never safe enough to skate on. Such waters should always be avoided no matter how thick the ice may appear. When going ice skating or playing hockey outdoors, only do so on waters that are supervised and have been tested and approved for skating. * Skate with the crowd and never skate alone. Skating alone might give you all the room in the world to perform a figure eight, but skating alone leaves you with no backup should the ice break and you fall in or if you injure yourself in a fall. When skating, never skate against the crowd. Skiing and snowboarding Skiing and snowboarding are immensely popular in the winter, but that popularity should not overshadow how dangerous these activities can be. * Get instruction. Ski resorts typically require guests with no previous skiing or snowboarding experience to get lessons before they can take to the slopes. These lessons are a must for novice skiers and snowboarders and even those athletes with no recent experience on the slopes. * Be especially cautious when entering or exiting the ski lift. Ski lifts pose a significant injury risk, so skiers and snowboarders should always be attentive when entering or exiting the lift.
Treat your sweet Valentine’s Day week will have a number of special events going on in Fort.
Enjoy watching or playing a game of hockey.
* Don’t allow young children to snowboard. Many of today’s youngsters prefer snowboarding to skiing. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children seven years of age and younger should not snowboard. * Don’t be in a hurry. Skiing or snowboarding too fast increases the chance you will lose control and cause injury to yourself or others. Go at a slower, more relaxed pace and take in all of the beautiful scenery along the way. Sledding Sledding is a great way to have some fun in the winter snow. But even though sledding is often seen as a carefree activity, it can be risky as well. * Never sled near traffic. Sledding near traffic is a definite no-no, as it risks the
You can look for the big white tent downtown on Friday, Feb. 8 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. for the unique Valentine’s Day Farmer’s Market. There will also be a Valentine’s weekend races and
lives of sledders and motorists alike. Always make sure you sled in an insulated area far away from roadways. * Sled feet-first or sitting up. Sledding feet-first or sitting up greatly reduces a sledder’s risk of suffering a head or neck injury. Never sled while lying down head first. * Never sled on ice. Sledding on ice can cause injuries and make it difficult to control a sled. When sledding, only do so on packed snow. * Do not allow a sled to be pulled by a vehicle. Being pulled by a vehicle while on a sled might seem like fun, but it’s nearly impossible for oncoming traffic to see a sledder behind a vehicle, and it’s very easy for the sled to fishtail into oncoming traffic.
deals at Murray Ridge. Check the calendar online at www.caledoniacourier.com for more details or to submit your own event.
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Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Caledonia Courier
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ty Build i n u er mm
Courageous Battles
Pioneers
Athletes
Achieving
Human Interest
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Brought to you by your MLA John Rustad
Serving the community of Fort St. James
Featuring the spirit of the local people
In the pit Ruth Lloyd Caledonia Courier It was a star-studded tour of Mt. Milligan on Jan. 12, with original prospectors of the deposit Richard Haslinger Sr. and Heidi Haslinger on site. The father-daughter team, along with Fort St. James Mayor Rob MacDougal, Mackenzie Mayor Stephanie Killam, Fort Councillors Dave Birdie and Riley Willick and Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad as well as a number of their respective partners, all received a special tour of the mine, including driving the bus into the pit and seeing the seven-story high shovel in action. Heidi Haslinger was visiting all the way from Rainier, Washington, where she now lives and came up to see what the mine looked like as well as to see the new bus which now sports her contest-winning graphic design. Only 16 years old when she went on the prospecting trip with her father in 1983, Heidi Haslinger remembered the flowers she saw there, with meadows of both crimson and purple Indian paintbrush. She said she does not recall ever seeing both colours of the flower in one meadow as she did on Mt. Clockwise from top left: 1) RIchard Haslinger Sr. (front left) and his daughter Heidi Haslinger (front right) were guests on honour on a special Milligan, and this helped in- up-close tour of the Mt. Milligan Mine on Jan. 12.) A large mine truck being serviced in the pit dwarfes the man working on it. 3) The primary spire the mountain scene on crusher will sit on top of the highest earth-stabilized wall in North America. 4) The shovel drops a load into a mine truck in the pit at Mt. Milligan. Ruth Lloyd/Caledonia Courier the bus, which has both colours of paintbrush and lupins in yellow and purple as 240 tonnes of material each were being the primary crusher is very exciting for The project is still on schedule, accordwell. loaded by the massive shovel, each scoop engineers, because it is the tallest one in ing to Owen, and should begin production The trip through the mine in the winter of the shovel holding 42 cubic metres of North America. by the third quarter of this year, and move did not reveal any paintbrush meadows, material. The shovel itself fully extended The wall is 10 stories high or 33 m. into full production by December. but instead there were views of the tail- reaches around seven stories in height. The site currently has nearly 900 peoOnce in production, approximately ings storage facility or dam, which will be Where the primary crusher sits, on top ple per day working on the site during the 400 tonnes of concentrate a day will be six kilometres long in order to raise the of an earth-stabilized wall, Terry Owen, construction. shipped out of the mine to smelters overelevation of the top of the dam to 1,045 m. managing director of projects for the “We’re really at our peak, at our maxi- seas, requiring about 10-15 trucks per day Within the pit, mine trucks which hold mine, said the earth-stabilized wall under mum manpower right now,” said Owen. to transport it to rail from the mine.
John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes
183 First Street Vanderhoof Tel: 250-567-6820 Fax: 250-567-6822
Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650 E-mail: john.rustad.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca
2500 Butler Avenue Houston Tel: 250-845-7770 Fax: 250-845-7780