Barriere Star Journal, October 24, 2013 by Black Press Media Group

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013

Vol. 39, Issue 43

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www.starjournal.net

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Just like old times – picking up feed in town

2011 CCNA

Fewer electrical fires in B.C.

Mark Ralko comes to Barriere every so often with a team of well-man-

Study

nered horses and wagon from his

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property up Dixon. Last Thursday Ralko harnessed up the team and made the trip down to drop by Coun-

New steps urged to curb problem gambling

try Feeds and pick up feed. Pictured is Ralko making the turn off Barriere Town Road with his team-

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mates, Chester and Josh. Ralko’s daughter’s horse, Amber, follows along behind.

Shame on spud stealer

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Margaret Houben

Letter to editor

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Al Fortin: Barriere’s Citizen of the Year

Body collection service should be returned to North Thompson Valley

By Jill Hayward North Thompson Star/Journal

Peace of mind is needed for the families

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Have a Spooky Halloween Have you seen a ghost?

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78195 50017

It’s official, Barriere’s newest Citizen of the Year has been decided by the judges, with Al Fortin receiving the honour for 2013. Fortin is currently the Royal Canadian Legion president here in Barriere, and has been for the past two years. Fortin’s award brings the Legion a double ‘thumbs up’, due to the fact Legionnaire Keith Moore was named Citizen of the Year for 2012. Fortin says he was “shocked” to have been nominated, and absolutely “dumbfounded” to receive the honour. “I want to thank those who put my name forward, and to the judges; this is very much appreciated,” said Fortin, “It’s a pretty cool feeling to know that the community feels that way about you.” Fortin says he moved to Barriere in 2004 with his wife Stacey and their

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Jill Hayward

Al Fortin says he was shocked just to be nominated for the Citizen of the Year award. three children; Alycia, Bricklin and Marlene. “Pretty much right away I joined the Legion, because I’d always been a

member when we lived on the coast.” Fortin has worked tirelessly for the local association ever since; but he doesn’t stop there. He can often be spotted in many areas of the community, working with a number of organizations to help with their projects and fundraisers. Fortin also organizes and cares for the ice rink on Airfield Road year round, which includes yard maintenance, flooding the rink and lots and lots of snow removal. “My whole family calls the rink the ‘adopted child’ because I spend so much time over there,” says Fortin, “I think having the rink is pretty cool. I always had a pond to skate on during the winter when I was a kid. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to use it once last year because it never got cold enough.” Asked why he has taken on the stewardship of the ice rink, Fortin replied, “It’s something that’s already there and paid for – it costs the community nothing. You’ve got to keep these things go-

ing so everyone can enjoy them.” Keeping things going, has been most evident with Fortin at the helm of the Legion. His belief is that the only way a Legion can survive is to be needed by the community. “It’s a community building and everybody needs that. We’re gaining new and younger members all the time, and we are making our bookkeeper happy. We have an outstanding executive standing right there with you, great volunteers, and everyone gets along.” Fortin says he enjoys working on projects within the community. “I want to help make it a great place to live and raise a family. If we all work together we get things done,” said Fortin, “What’s better than that?” A date for the Citizen of the Year Banquet will be announced in an upcoming issue of this newspaper. The Citizen of the Year award is sponsored by the North Thompson Star/Journal, and supported by the District of Barriere and area volunteers.

S E R V I N G T H E N O RT H T H O M P S O N VA L L E Y F R O M H E F F L E Y C R E E K TO B L U E R I V E R

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Thursday, October 24, 2013 North Thompson Star/Journal

Fewer electrical fires in B.C.: study By Tom Fletcher Black Press

Hong Kong scam The return envelope picture above was part of a fraud recently attempted against a valley resident. A form letter sent to the resident instructed her to send $30 to a post office box in Hong Kong in order to receive a package from an undisclosed sender. Scans of the form letter and return envelope were sent to the police in Hong Kong, who replied that they were investigating. The local resident took the form letter to our sister newspaper the Times in Clearwater OCTOBER 26, 2013 • Clearwater Ski Hill Lodge (after talking with Doors open – 6:30pm • $20/Person RCMP) because Dinner from 7 – 8pm (includes Bavarianm bratwurst or Schnitzel, Sauerkraut and a bun) it is so officialTraditional Oktoberfest Music played by Hans Jensen looking that she (Kamloops) from 8 – 12pm feared a senior • Proceeds go towards Rotary projects which include park benches, scholarships at CSS and support for our International might be taken in.

Dance

Exchange Student Program • For ticket information: 250-674-1674 or 250-674-1514

Completion of BC Hydro’s smart meter program has coincided with a continued decline in electrical fires in the province, according to a new analysis of records from the B.C. Office of the Fire Commissioner. Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis has been tracking residential fire statistics since 2010, for his work as adjunct professor of criminology at the University of the Fraser Valley. After successfully pushing for a 2006 law allowing fire departments to find indoor marijuana grow operations by their electrical usage, Garis has continued to assess the effects of BC Hydro’s smart grid program on preventing fires. Adding another year of fire statistics, from June 2012 to June 2013, shows a continued decline in electrical fires, including those related to illegal electrical bypasses and hot grow lamps found to be connected with illegal

marijuana growing. Garis noted that the data show electrical fires of all sorts account for only a small part of all structure fires in B.C. Out of 1,801 total residential fires in the latest year available, 150 were found to be caused by electrical discharge. That’s a 12.3 per cent decline since 2011, when the smart meter program began. The reports show that over three years, only one fire originated on an exterior wall, ignited by an electrical panel board. That was in 2011, before smart meter installation began. There have been no fires attributed to the meter program, with 1.8 million wireless meters installed. Fires caused by illegal meter bypasses dropped from eight in 2011 to six in 2012 to only three in 2013. BC Hydro has reported that installers located and removed illegal bypasses around the province as part of the smart meter program, and also replaced 1,200 meter bases

apsule

omments

Evan Seal/Black Press

Forget smart meters, check your smoke detector, says Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis. Nearly 80 per cent of people who die in fires don’t have a working smoke alarm. The total number of smart meterrelated fires in B.C. remains at zero. found to be faulty. Garis said the results clearly show that people should not worry about their electrical meters, and pay attention to by far the largest sources of house fires: cooking and smoking. The statistics show that cooking-related

with MICHELLE LEINS

Endemic, epidemic, pandemic... words we hear more often during the flu season. Flu is endemic because it is present continually during the winter months. If the number of flu cases is higher that expected, the flu is epidemic. It becomes pandemic when it occurs over a wide geographical area or even worldwide. Flu has a short incubation period, about two to three days. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, but one symptom you should not ignore is shortness of breath. If you experience this, see a doctor right away, because it could signal a sign of a complication like pneumonia. Some tablets release the medication slowly in the intestinal tract, leaving only an empty, unabsorbable shell which you may see in your feces. Don’t be alarmed. It’s just the way the tablet was designed to release the medication. We’ll let you know if we dispense this type of medication for you. social media, TV, radio and newspapers are full of stories about the latest weightreducing product or aids to improving your health. It’s important to see where these stories come from and when they cite ‘clinical studies’, find out who paid for these studies. Often it’s the people who are selling the product. As pharmacists, we depend on science to prove efficacy of any product. We are continually in touch with reliable sources of healthcare information. We can help put truth to rumour. Use our professional pharmacy services today.

PHARMASAVE MON. - SAT. 9 - 6

BROOKFIELD CENTRE

CLEARWATER, 250-674-3122

fires are on the increase, even as total residential fires have declined in B.C. Of 1,998 total fires reported in 2011, 575 were ignited by cooking equipment. In 2013, total fires declined to 1,801 but the number of cooking fires rose to 621. Fires caused by smoking declined by 11 per cent for 2013, but there were still 302 fires ignited by smoking materials. Garis said the statistic of most concern is that 79 per cent of people who died in fires, whatever the source, were in a home without a working smoke detector.

Have you dropped a loonie in the Barriere Food Bank Can? Your support is always needed. Thank You.

North Thompson Star/Journal October 24, 2013

www.starjournal.net A3

New steps urged to curb problem gambling

Limit access to booze, cash, and high-risk slot machines says report By Jeff Nagel Black Press B.C. does too little to fight problem gambling and should consider new steps, from making it harder to get alcohol and cash in casinos to removing the most addictive high-risk slot machines. Those recommendations come from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall, who tackled the health impacts of gambling Wednesday with the release of his annual report titled “Lower the Stakes.” Chief among the findings is that B.C. underspends other provinces in prevention and treatment for problem gambling – it invests about half the national average on a per capita basis. Liquor access is one area of risk the province could tighten, Kendall said, perhaps through reduced hours of alcohol service at casinos or by raising drink prices. He said gambling delivers endorphins that stimulate pleasure centres of the brain. “If you also have alcohol and add that to the mix and you’ve got an ATM there with an unlimited cash amount, you’ve defi-

nitely got a scenario where people are going to behave less and less responsibly.” Banning ATMs or requiring players to set an advance limit on what they might spend is another idea advanced in the report. It also zeroes in on high-risk electronic gaming machines – the slots designed by manufacturers to generate the most compulsive behaviour. Kendall suggested they be replaced with lower risk models and urged the province to post the risk rating on each machine so gamblers could choose a lower risk option. Gerald Thomas of the Centre for Addictions Research, a co-author of the report, said the province has high, medium and low risk ratings for all of the slot machines in B.C. casinos and should disclose how many it has of each. Kendall noted government is in a conflict of interest because it relies heavily on gambling profits but is also responsible for protecting vulnerable citizens. “This is a public health issue,” he said, adding the time may be right for a “fulsome discussion

on the benefits and the risks” of gambling in light of rejections of new casinos over the past two years by Surrey and Vancouver. Any new decisions to expand gambling should come with an assessment of the risk to problem gamblers and be contingent on reducing the overall share of revenue extracted from them, the report recommends. There’s been no detailed study of problem gambling in B.C. in several years but new research is slated for next year. According to 2007 statistics, 3.7 per cent of B.C. residents are at “moderate risk” and 0.9 per cent are classified as problem gamblers. Kendall noted the two groups account for 26 per cent of total gambling revenue despite making up less than five per cent of the population. There are 160,000 gamblers in the two risky groups but only 4,000 calls per year to a problem gambling helpline, suggesting the number of people who could be helped is “much higher.” Kendall argues the B.C. Lottery Corp. could do more to identify problem gamblers – possibly

BARRIERE

PHARMACY

BCLC photo:

using data on their gambling gathered through a loyalty card program – and then dispatching staff to attempt treatment interventions. The report calls on the province to devote at least 1.5 per cent of gambling revenue to problem gambling initiatives, tripling the current outlay. It also urges school classes to warn children of the dangers of gambling, focusing on students in grades 10 to 12. Provincial gambling revenue per capita climbed 56 per cent over the last decade from $353 per person in 2002 to $552 by 2011.

y l n o y a d e On

Huge Sidewalk Sale!

CLEARING OUT the old stock & bringing in the new!

October 26 • 9am - 5:30pm

480 Barriere Town Road • Phone: 250-672-9791 • Fax: 250-672-9746

The $2.1-billion a year industry delivers nearly $900 million in net profits to government. B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong said in a statement the province this year increased its Responsible Gambling program budget by 30 per cent. “We take the social costs of gambling seriously,” he said, adding the province and BCLC will provide $11 million for responsible gambling this year. De Jong said the province is committed to continually improving but will review the performance of its current programs before considering any more spending.

Grand Re-Opening coming Nov. 2 Watch for details

A4 www.starjournal.net

OPINION Editorial;

Thursday, October 24, 2013 North Thompson Star/Journal 359 Borthwick Avenue, Box 1020, Barriere, B.C., V0E 1E0 250-672-5611

The North Thompson STAR/JOURNAL

By Wendy Coombs

One day per year doesn’t say enough

National Seniors Day (Oct. 1) has come and gone, but it seems a shame to waste such an important occasion on just one day of the year. It’s easy for us who live in small towns to interact with our elders and to see, first hand, all of the good work that many of them do in our community. Many things, including our senior citizens, are hidden away in the busy bustle of the big city. It isn’t something that all elders do, but in our little communities, many of them give us the benefit of their long years of experience and volunteer to plan and help out at special events; run programs like the Seniors’ Centres; who never stop living life to the fullest by participating in local sports and in the provincial Seniors Games; and who give their time to support other members of the community. We are indeed lucky. Those of us who are fast approaching the “retirement age” begin to have thoughts about what will happen in our Golden Years. What will we do when we can’t drive, when we lose our spouse, will we have enough income to take care of ourselves...? The list becomes endless, and perhaps overwhelming. Our seniors are a community resource. A wealth of information and inspiration. I could name many seniors in the area who I constantly see working at events, at activities - it really puts our younger generations to shame - but I know that I would be leaving out dozens of deserving names that either work behind the scenes or whom I’ve forgotten... Because, although I’m not quite of that age, my memory has raced ahead of me and spends much of its time wallowing in blissful oblivion. For years we’ve been told that our western culture worships “youth” while minimalizing old age. And that has been the case for centuries, at least as far back as the Roman Empire. While elders were revered, the young were worshipped. But, as the “Gray Tsunami” touches down on the shore, it seems the tide is about to turn. Working with provincial Age Friendly grants, our towns are trying to provide more of what seniors want and need to enjoy their lives. And what makes life better for them, makes it better for the rest of the community. As residents of small towns, we don’t need to be reminded that sometimes our senior neighbours and friends can use a hand every once in a while, such as with physical labour such as shovelling snow, or needing a ride somewhere. You can also support the local Seniors Centre, which can be a great hub of social activities and information. Support the Centre by attending the events held there, even if you aren’t old enough to be a member. Wendy Coomber is editor of the Ashcroft-Cache Creek Journal The North Thompson Star/Journal 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 B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

Shame on spud stealer To the editor; The community garden will be seeing some work done over the next month, with eight foot fencing being put up all around to deter the deer. We are hoping to have this done by the end of November. Unfortunately, due to several recent thefts of the plot holders produce, including the recent theft of nearly all of the potatoes from two different plots, we will also be investing in some locks for the gates, and only plot-holders will have keys to these locks. It is unfortunate that the acts of one or two inconsiderate individuals spoil things for those who have gotten used to enjoying the community garden. Do they not understand that while it is a ‘community’ garden, that doesn’t mean they can come in and

take anything they want? A community garden is there for those in the community who do not have space at home for a garden (perhaps they live in an apartment building). Some of the plot-holders grow food for themselves, others grow food and give it away to the food bank, or to their neighbours and friends. But that is their choice to do so. They are not growing their plants for the rest of us to just go in and help ourselves. Imaging the disappointment and dismay that the plot-holder felt when she arrived at the garden on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, to find not one potato plant left in her entire plot. They had been taken out and entirely removed, leaving behind only empty holes where

the roots (potatoes) had been. Even the tops of the plants were gone. I only hope that whoever stole them actually desperately needed them - although, why did they have to resort to stealing? Why didn’t they just go to the food bank? There they would receive not only potatoes, but many other items as well, and at no cost. Perhaps one day we will be able to start leaving the gates unlocked again, but for now and until further notice, only plot-holders will have access. For those who would like to rent a plot, (and yes, there are still plots available for next year), please contact me at 250-672-9337. Liz Gilbertson Community Garden Plot-holders Barriere, B.C.

CMCA AUDITED

Al Kirkwood Publisher

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

Jill Hayward Editor

Subscriptions

359 Borthwick Avenue Box 1020, Barriere B.C. V0E 1E0

Phone: 250-672-5611 • Fax: 250-672-9900 Lisa Quiding Production

Margaret Houben Office Clerk

Web Page: www.starjournal.net Newsroom: news@starjournal.net

advertising@starjournal.net • office@starjournal.net

Carrier delivery $49.00 plus GST Postal delivery $55.00 plus GST The North Thompson Star/Journal is published each Thursday by Cariboo Press (1969) Ltd. in Barriere, B.C. We welcome readers’ articles, photographs, comments and letters. All contents are copyright and any reproduction is strictly prohibited by the rightsholder.

North Thompson Star/Journal October 24, 2013

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Body removal contract should remain in Valley To the editor; There are many issues facing us as seniors in our day to day lives. Some of the issues, such as the Mobility Study and Clearwater’s Age Friendly Plan are positive events supporting the road ahead for seniors as this community matures. Having Robert Bateman visit recently in support of TRU’s sod turning for their research facility in the Upper Clearwater reminded me that age is just a number when I realized he is a vibrant man in his eighties. Folks are looking forward to the development of a dedicated senior’s room in the Dutch Lake School development. There is one soul sucking issue affecting all of us that has raised its ugly head recently. The decision to give the contract for body removal in the event of death in the North Thompson to a contractor from away strikes at the core of my vulnerability as a senior, as it does for all who are

navigating the stressful time when a death occurs. At a recent Wells Gray Country Seniors Society meeting, participants talked with tears in their eyes about their experiences around the end of the life of a friend or family member that they had attended. Every person who spoke recalled with respect and appreciation the way this tender time was so professionally and lovingly handled by Drake Smith of North Thompson Funeral Services. We all felt despair as we thought about such a callous act as transporting a deceased loved one away, by unknown people just doing their job. I plan on learning more about this issue and making an effort to right what I perceive as a grievous wrong. Seniors deserve respect and dignity. This contract is neither respectful nor dignified. Sandra Holmes Clearwater, B.C.

B.C. oil spill study misinterpreted VICTORIA – The release of the B.C. government’s detailed study into oil spill response capability off the West Coast created the usual brief wave of media shock and horror. This just in! If crude oil spilled in the Dixon Entrance, the stormtossed sea lane north of Haida Gwaii, the combined resources of Canadian and U.S. containment and collection response could only recover an estimated four per cent of it. And that’s in the summer! The winter recovery rate would be more like three per cent. Talk radio and website headlines set the narrative in minutes. How could anyone even consider running oil tankers through that pristine B.C. coastal area? It’s crazy! Here’s the big fact clearly stated in the study by U.S.-based Nuka Research and Planning Group, and ignored by most of the media and public. There are hundreds of tankers filled with crude oil sailing through these stormy seas every year. It’s been going on since Alaska North Slope crude was developed in the 1970s. Six of the seven oil spill simulations run by Nuka are based on Alaska crude, because that’s overwhelmingly what has been shipped along B.C.’s North Coast for 40 years. This lack of crude oil spill

BCBRIEFS VIEWS BC

with

Tom Fletcher response capability has existed the entire time, without a whisper of protest or media attention, even after the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster near the oil’s point of origin. The current narrative, hammered home by U.S.-controlled environmental groups and their aboriginal partners in the “Great Bear Rainforest,” is that only Canadian oil is a threat. How much Alaska crude is shipped down the B.C. coast? According to Nuka’s analysis, it’s currently about 38 million cubic metres each year. That’s enough to fill B.C. Place stadium to the roof – 15 times. The Sierra-Greenpeace-ForestEthicsDogwood gang, a sort of billionaire-bankrolled green Team America, has worked hard to promote the falsehood that “tar sands” oil is vastly worse than that nice fair-trade Alaska stuff. Their claims about acidity and abrasiveness of diluted bitumen didn’t hold up, and it’s still hotly con-

tested whether the heavy oil in diluted bitumen would float, emulsify or sink in actual sea conditions. When the federal government announced a study to determine what spilled bitumen would do in North Coast waters, that too was attacked by the Green Party as a secret scheme to prop up Enbridge’s pipeline proposal. So it’s a scandal when you don’t know the answers, and it’s a scandal when you try to find them. Another question that gets little attention is whether it’s better for spilled oil to sink rather than wash up on beaches? Crude oil is, if you’ll pardon the expression, organic. Spills produce a huge spike in oil-eating bacteria that leads to an increase in fish populations at a certain stage. This was documented in a 1994

book called ‘Degrees of Disaster’, written by an expert who stayed on in Valdez for four years, long after the TV cameras and grandstanding politicians went home. Victoria-based Dogwood seized on a 2012 Nuka study done for the Haisla Nation at Kitimat, which found that in ocean conditions that are present more than half of the time, there would be no immediate way to respond to a spill at sea. Dogwood’s “no tankers campaign director” hinted that this information was intentionally left out of the B.C. government study, and the media ate it up. No tankers? Better check again. Dogwood’s mission is clearly not to protect the B.C. coast from oil spills. If it were, they would be protesting the ongoing risk from Alaska tankers.

Smart meters; taking a stand To the editor; Are smart meters another corporate scam that our politicians were dumb enough to fall for, or is there more to the story? Evidence shows, the order to impose smart meters on Canadians—without a public hearing—came right from the top. Victoria? Ottawa? No, I mean the very top: the boardroom of US General Electric. Thanks to Harper’s secret deals, international corporations now have more say in what happens in this country than you do. Smart meters may be a necessary prerequisite to Harper signing the “perimeter security agreement”. This deal would cage Canada in with the States in a perimeter security fence. Of course, Canada would first have to “up” its security standards to US Homeland Security level: extreme paranoia. The US is spending $100 billion to watch its own people. Their plan (therefore, ours), includes fighter jets, drones, anal probes and militarizing the police forces (that’s why our cops have gotten so weird lately). “As many as 30,000

drones could be part of intelligence gathering and law enforcement here in the United States within the next 10 years.” As for smart meters, former CIA director David Petraeus wasn’t kidding when he said, ”we can spy on you through your dishwasher”. Hydro and your government are lying to you. Smart meters or “long-term exposure to microwaves”

may not be safe. The fact is Canada’s wireless laws were written in another era. Research into wireless radiation has been dumped off on the industry itself; the fox is looking after the hens. And who is looking after the public? Corporate hornblower Bill Bennett. Help us take a stand on smart meters. Bring back democracy. Bryan Stawychny Edgewater, B.C.

WANTED!!! Craft Vendors & Shoppers

for the 37th annual Little Fort Fall Craft Fair Sunday October 27th, 10am – 3pm

Little Fort Community Hall Tables $25 each Proceeds to the Little Fort Community and 2014 Grads. For more info, contact Darlene Muri Ph: 250-677-4383 email darlenemuri@gmail.com

The

Rivermount

4462 Yellowhead Hwy • 250-677-4477

Motel and Café

Bringing more to the taBle

We have a generator so we

are never without power!!

Lions Book Fair October 22, 9:00 – 2:00

November 2, 9:00 - 2:00 At the Lions Hall

at the Lions hall To donate books, please drop them offbooks, at Napa Auto Parts To donate please drop themor off at Barriere Employment Services or Barriere Employment Services, or by calling 250-672-2111 by calling 250 672-2111 for pick-up forbefore pick-upOctober before October 18th. 26

All day breakfast |Down home cooking Nightly Dinner specials

Hunters, Sledders, sports teams and work crews welcome, group rates available. Open daily 7am to 8pm

A6 www.starjournal.net

Thursday, October 24, 2013 North Thompson Star/Journal

Body collection service should be returned to North Thompson Valley By Keith McNeill The Times Nobody likes to think about death but who collects the dead body of your loved one is important, according to Murray Stockton. “A year ago I wouldn’t have been able to talk about this,” the Clearwater resident said. His wife of 48 years, Jeanette, passed away suddenly at their home in 2011. “When my wife took her last breath, Drake (Smith of North Thompson Funeral Services) was there almost right away,” he said. “He was very helpful. He couldn’t have been nicer. I think quite a lot of Drake. It was a great peace of mind

Help Improve Literacy in Our Community. Volunteer as an adult tutor for the Partner Assisted Learning (PAL) program. Call Barriere and Area Literacy Coordinator Jill Hayward at 250-319-8023 for information.

Free Flu Clinics Bring your Care Card with you! Get your free ﬂu shot at: Barriere Barriere & District Senior Society Centre 4433 Barriere Town Road Friday, November 8 10 am - 3 pm No appointment necessary Children requiring appointments call 250-672-5515 Barriere Barriere Ridge Multi Purpose Room 4936 Barriere Town Road Wednesday, November 13 10 am - 1 pm No appointment necessary Children requiring appointments call 250-672-5515

Clearwater Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital, Rm A and B 640 Park Drive Monday, November 4 9 am - 3 pm Thursday, November 7 9 am - 1 pm Tuesday, November 12 1 pm - 5 pm No appointment necessary Clearwater Evergreen Acres Seniors Centre 144 Evergreen Place Wednesday, November 6 1:30 - 2:30 pm No appointment necessary

Barriere Barriere Health Centre 4537 Barriere Town Road Ph: 250-672-5515 Tuesday, November 19 By appointment only

Little Fort Little Fort Community Hall 9885 Institute Street Monday, November 18 10 am - 12 pm No appointment necessary

Blue River Blue River Health Centre 858 Main Street Tuesday, November 5 1 - 2:30 pm No appointment necessary

Vavenby Vavenby Elementary School 3157 Galiano Road Wednesday, November 6 10 am - 11 am No appointment necessary

Flu shots are safe, effective, and free for the following: • People 65 years and older and their caregivers/household contacts • All children 6 to 59 months of age • Household contacts and caregivers of infants and children 0-59 months of age • Aboriginal people • Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts • Health-care workers • Emergency responders • Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy during the inﬂuenza season and their household contacts • People of any age in residential care facilities • Children and adults who are very obese • And more...to view a full list of those who can get their ﬂu shot for free visit www.interiorhealth.ca/FluClinics

The flu (influenza) is highly contagious. Getting your flu shot protects you and those around you – at home, school and work. For more information contact your local public health office or visit www.interiorhealth.ca

www.interiorhealth.ca

for me and my daughter.” The local funeral director’s tact was particularly appreciated after Stockton had to deal with some insensitive remarks made by a new RCMP recruit who was among the first to arrive on the scene. His experience made Stockton dismayed when he read in the Times that the local funeral director is no longer being called to sudden and unexpected deaths in the North Thompson Valley. Instead, as of last May, the BC Coroners Service is referring all such deaths to a company based in Kelowna. Unless instructed otherwise, the bodies are being taken to Kamloops rather than left in Clearwater or Barriere. “I disagree with this contracting out and centralizing,” Stockton said. “I think people should know that, if someone is killed in a highway accident, in some cases it could be three hours later before this contracted outfit comes. In Blue River, it could be even worse.” “It’s tough, to put it mildly.” The Clearwater man noted that there formerly was a coroner located in the valley. Now, the nearest one is in 100 Mile House. “This contracting out needs to be reversed,” Stockton said. “The funeral service should be up to the family and there should be a coroner somewhere in the valley.”

“When you need us, we’re close by” 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 4638 Barriere Town Road, Box 859 Barriere, BC, V0E 1E0

Call Drake at 250-672-1999 or 1-877-674-3030 day or night.

Drake Smith, MSW (Funeral Director/Owner)

95 The War Amps legacy of “amputees helping amputees” continues, thanks to public support of the Key Tag and Address Label Service.

The War Amps

years

Langley RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance to return a photograph to their rightful owner that has been recovered from likely being taken during a residential break and enter. The picture appears to be dated 1945 from World War II in Holland. The writing indicates the group is the Recovery Section of the 10th C.I.B. of the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers. There is a list of names on the reverse of the photograph. If you have information that would assist police in finding the owners of this photograph, please call Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.

School enrolment down slightly By Dale Bass Kamloops This Week

1918-2013

Elizabeth and Annelise

Order key tags and address labels at:

The War Amps 1 800 250-3030 waramps.ca Charitable Registration No.: 13196 9628 RR0001

Submitted photos:

Anticipating school enrolment each year is always a guessing game, based a bit on population projections, a look at how many were in classrooms last year and some basic instinct honed through years of going through the same calculation. When they were planning for the 2013-2014 school year, school administrators projected a decrease of 227 full-time equivalent (FTE) students in secondary schools — and Kamloops-Thompson school district Supt. Terry Sullivan said he was delighted to learn they were off, with the figure now set at 205 fewer FTEs. Rather than actual bodies, the board uses FTEs because some students take more than a full load of courses, while others take fewer classes. At the elementary level, the FTE

is up 57 from last year, leaving the district with an overall FTE decrease of 148 students. In reality, what that means is there are about 14,000 students going to classes and, when the district’s growing distance-learning program is factored in, the total comes in at about 14,600, Sullivan said. School-board funding is based on the number of students enrolled. Declining enrolment was one of the reasons the district found itself closing three schools and reconfiguring others in 2009. Sullivan said a report on school boundaries will be coming to the board next month and will likely only address one closure — the McGill campus of Beattie School of the Arts. The plan is to turn Beattie’s John Peterson campus into a kindergarten to Grade 12 school, something Sullivan said he hopes will be possible in the next two or three years.

North Thompson Star/Journal October 24, 2013

www.starjournal.net A7

Have a

n e e w o l l a H y k Spoo Have you seen a ghost on Halloween? By Margaret Houben Halloween. The perfect time, after an afternoon of trick-ortreating, parties, and fireworks, to curl up on the couch with your favourite spooky movie, or perhaps that ghost story you’ve been meaning to read. If you are going to read, be sure to put on some appropriately spooky background music, and get ready to scare yourself silly... such fun! Have you ever thought much about ghosts? Did you know there are three basic types of ghosts. Ghosts: the spirits of people that have been caught between this plane of existence and the next. They are generally intelligent, and often capable of interacting with the living. Hauntings: these are basically recordings of an event, and they do not interact with the living. Poltergeists: these are not actually ghosts, but are caused by the unconscious mind of a living person, who is usually under some kind of stress. Ghosts can be perceived in a variety of ways: through sight (called an apparition), sound (the clanking of chains or moaning for example), smell (fragrances), touch (that sudden cold draft), and sometimes they can just be sensed. If you’ve every read Paul Gallico’s novel, Too Many Ghosts (an excellent book to read on Halloween), he has a delightfully clear description of the kinds of things ghosts do. If you hear them, you don’t generally see them, too. If you see them, they aren’t usually the type to ‘move’ things on you. And if they move things around your home, you usually won’t hear or see them, though you may hear the objects being moved crashing or thumping about. Of course, not all of us believe in ghosts, but

many of us do, and I, for one, have seen two. Following is one of the two ghostly tales.

The Ghost of Mrs. R.

When my family first moved to Mission, B.C. in 1971, the parish priest at the Catholic Church lived in the Rectory with his aging mother. We saw Mrs. R. often at the Masses and my mother visited her several times when she became bedridden. After several years and well into her 90’s, she passed away... then her son retired and moved away and the church got a new priest. Time passed. In 1980, having graduated from high school, I got a job three days a week at the Rectory as the parish secretary. I worked Mondays mostly counting and depositing the Sunday collections, Wednesdays - which were horribly boring, with very little to do except answer the odd call, and Fridays when I prepared and ran off the Sunday newsletter on their old printing machine called a Gestetner. The Gestetner was an old style printing machine that you crank once for each copy you want printed. When I started working then, there was a nun who did the housecleaning, cooking and shopping for the priest. She had light gray hair, used the closet in the room where I worked to hang her coat and, when things were particularly slow, would often chat with me as I helped with

whatever chore she was working on. The coat she most often wore during the warmer months was similar to a trench coat - longish, gray and tied with a belt. I don’t remember the exact date anymore, but I do remember that it was on a Friday, as I was working on that week’s newsletter, and that it was a sunny but cool day. The nun came to my room while I was typing the last of the newsletter info onto the template, got her coat and told me that she was off to do some shopping. A minute or so later, as I was preparing to start running off the copies on the Gestetner, I heard the front door close as she left the Rectory. I was now alone in the house. I stood at the table the Gestetner was on, facing a blank wall with a window in the wall to the right, the door to the hallway on the left, and just back from the hallway door, slightly behind me, was the door to the closet. My desk, facing another window, was behind me. So, I’m standing

there, cranking away like mad, somewhat zoned out by the mindlessness of it, when out of the corner of my eye, to my left, I saw what I thought was the nun walking back into the room to put away her coat. The image I remember was that of an elderly lady with gray hair, wearing a longish coat. I - in surprise - started to say “My! That was fast - did you forget something?” (after all, she had only just left a few minutes earlier) turned and discovered no one there. My heart started to pound from the shock. I mean, somebody... came into the room, but there wasn’t anyone there but me. I remember sitting down and saying aloud something along the lines of ‘is anyone there? do you want something?’ and half expecting an answer. After I had caught my breath, I walked through the entire house, just to confirm that no one was there. When I got home later in the evening, I told my mom, who told me that the room in which I had my office was the same

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween

room that had been the priest’s mom’s bedroom and the room in which she had died. I have no idea why Mrs. R. paid me a visit. Perhaps she just wanted to know how things were going in the parish and dropped in to see.

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Thursday, October 24, 2013 North Thompson Star/Journal

Parent-Child Mother Goose Program coming to Barriere

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Free program to be offered every Tuesday morning starting Nov. 5

The first Frugal Gourmet course of the fall season took place Oct. 16, at the Ridge in Barriere. Chef Bob Sorensen facilitated the session, which was all about wild meat, with featured items being stuffed Canada goose breast and Venison Rouladin. Pictured is Chef Bob Sorensen showing participant Grace Baker how to prepare the main course.

North Thompson Star/Journal Yellowhead Community Services and Barriere and Area Literacy Outreach say they are more than pleased to be able to announce that the free Parent-Child Mother Goose Program® will be offered in Barriere on a weekly basis starting on Tuesday, Nov. 5. This pilot program will be offered weekly from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for parents and children 0 to 6 years. The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program® is a group experience for parents and their babies and young children which focuses on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs, and stories together. Parents gain skills and confidence which can enable them to create positive family patterns during their children’s crucial early years, and give their children healthy early experiences with language and communication. A nutritious morning snack for parents and children is provided. The program is facilitated by caring individuals trained in the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program. Parent-Child Mother Goose is a free drop-in program. When: The first session of Parent-Child Mother Goose in Barriere will begin on Tuesday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Where: Yellowhead Community Services, in the old Ridge Elementary School building (now Municipal Hall), 4936 Barriere Town Road Program Facilitator: Linda Brown, ECEA For more information call: Yellowhead Community Services 250-6729773. Office is open Monday to Thursday 9am - noon, or 1pm - 4:30pm This program is supported by: Yellowhead Community Services and Barriere and Area Literacy Outreach.

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Margaret Houben

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Bullarama only: $30 • 12 and under (Bullarama only): Free Food vendors will be available on site For more information, contact Steven Puhallo at 250-371-7654 or puhallo@gmail.com

Barriere Food Bank Christmas hamper planning underway By Dawn McCormick We at the Food Bank would like to say a big thank you to all the people who made the Toy Run such a big success. The final figures are in, and they are as follows: 220 pounds of food, $7,380, and many beautiful toys to help fill the Christmas hampers. We would especially like to thank the Paul Morris family for organizing such a successful Toy Run. In addition, we are very grateful to Ivan and Louisa Lee and their AG Foods staff for letting us use their parking lot again this year, and for donating the refreshments. A big thank you to the Barriere Legion and to the Star/Journal. Without their participation we would not have had such a great event. And last, but not least, a heartfelt thank you to all the riders who donated their time, toys and generosity to make this year’s Toy Run the best ever. On to other Food Bank news: We have had a great response to our request that people donate the proceeds from their bottles and cans at the Baglady Bottle Depot. We have a wonderful partnership with the bottle depot, and we want to thank them for their gener-

osity and their continuing support. Please keep all those bottles and cans coming. This year’s garden bounty is nearing the end. We still have some squash, potatoes, tomatoes, apples and onions. The next growing season will be here before we know it, so anyone in the community who wants to participate in next year’s Grow-A-Row, please contact Dawn McCormick at 778-257-1487 or via email at ragtopgirl1@yahoo.com. We are now starting preparation for Christmas hampers. We will be taking registrations starting Nov. 1 for hamper requests. Volunteers to help assemble hampers will be needed, as well as volunteers to deliver the hampers as well. Hampers will go out Wednesday, Dec. 18. Please note that we are still looking for a few more toys, specifically for girls between 10 and 14 years of age. Lastly, the Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser is coming up next month, on Nov. 18. We are looking for volunteers to help serve and bus tables at this event. Anyone who is interested, please call the Food Bank at 250-672-0029. The Food Bank is open from 10 a.m. to 12 noon every Wednesday.

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North Thompson Star/Journal October 24, 2013

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Looking at finances and procedures in the District I have spent more than just a few hours looking at the finances of the District of Barriere. One of the aspects I looked at is how money is spent. By that I mean who is it that authorizes each expenditure? The choices generally are district management staff, employees or council. In larger centres, council would have very little to do with approving the day to day expenditures. Council’s role would be to give general guidance and instruction to the chief administrator or city manager around the direction each department should take to fulfill the strategic objectives as set out by council. Once the objectives are set and the priorities given by council to senior management, staff would follow the procedures and policies that have been developed to actually run the city. That is what would happen in an established well run big city existing in a more or less perfect world. In a perfect world the procedures and policies would allow for all the lofty ideals toted by elected officials to actually form the basis of how to run the city.

For The Record: In our Oct. 17, 2013, Small Business Supplement the article on page C4 noted Barriere business, Act 1 Services, does vehicle inspections. In clarifying that statement Act 1 Services note they currently do prepurchase vehicle inspections and vehicle safety inspections. They are in the process of finishing the roof on their facility, and once that work is completed they expect the BCAA approval for licensed inspections will be finalized, all of which say the proprietor says is expected to be completed by early 2014 (if not earlier).

Things like openness and transparency would be more than just election slogans. They would be the cornerstone of each policy and procedure written to guide staff in their day to day work. Councillors could go to bed each night knowing that all that can be done to have their city run in a fair and equitable manner is being done each and every day, with no exceptions. There would never be calls or letters from disgruntled residents accusing council of doing behind the scenes deals, or hiding things from the public. The world would be a calm and serene place and everyone would be happy. The problem is that people are just people. People will not act like a creation right out of a feel good movie just because we want them to. In general we all follow the path of least resistance in life. Take for example the current method in which local Requests For Quotations are put out to the public. Apparently there is no specific rule, procedure or policy that says each potential contract the district proposes needs to be advertised in the paper, the district website and on widely used contract

ayor M e h t s A . sees it.. with District of Barriere Mayor

Bill Humphreys

bid sites. Therefore, chances are human nature will prevail and the opportunity will appear wherever it is easiest to do. Does this fulfill the concept of doing business with an eye to openness and transparency? I think that for most people the answer would be no. The true failure here is not the actions of staff, but the lack of proper procedures that would guide staff in their actions. Poorly written policies and procedures that are not vetted for their usefulness bedevil every local government. Even if a resident has no intention of putting in a quote to provide services, or bid on a contract, they like to know what is going on in their city. They want to know what money will be spent and why. I agree with this, and I also recognize that even though people want to know information, they will not go out of their way to get it. It is up to the district to engage the public and welcome their ideas. Going forward we

will be developing five and 10 year plans for our parks, water, sewer and roads maintenance and growth strategies, as well as revamping district policies and procedures so that they better fit the needs of our community. Each community is unique and a cookie cutter approach to writing these documents never works. We need to properly recognize what our community holds dear and preserve that as best we can. Early October 18, saw Ms. Matthew’s Grade 3 class arrive at the district offices full of questions and enthusiasm. They spent the morning talking to council and staff as well as taking over the council chambers to brush up on their skills at running a council meeting. Based on how well behaved and eager these young people were, I see a bright future for Barriere. Many thanks to Ms. Matthew and her helpers for brightening our morning by arranging such a nice visit.

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Sweaters for Syria Clearwater United Church responded recently to an appeal by the Evangelical Lutheran Church for sweaters for refugees in Syria. Loading up Reverend Brian Krushel’s car with boxes of donated sweaters are (l-r) Leslie Ross, Brian Krushel, Greg Gregory and Mary Neathway. Krushel is a Lutheran pastor who has taken on the leadership of the North Thompson Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada, which includes both Clearwater and Barriere. Clearwater United Church is becoming a shared ministry with the Lutheran and Anglican denominations as the Church of St. Paul in Barriere already is.

STAR/JOURNAL print subscribers will find complete eEditions of each issue, as well as all weekly supplements on our website. Call the STAR/JOURNAL office to get your access number. 250-672-5611

Salute Them As Remembrance Day approaches, we are compiling our salute to our local Veterans. If you have photos or stories of your loved ones that have served or are serving for our freedom, please help make our Remembrance Day Issue a fitting tribute. We urge you to submit their pictures, stories or a brief history, and be sure to include your name and address so that we may return the photos to you. Deadline for submission is Friday, November 1 at 5pm.

Barriere 250-672-5611 news@starjournal.net Clearwater 250-674-3343 newsroom@clearwatertimes.com

A10 www.starjournal.net

Thursday, October 24, 2013 North Thompson Star/Journal

Wildlife showing Nov. 1 Earning a living in her late teens and early twenties as an animal portrait artist through the medium of oil, pencil, and charcoal, Jill Hayward says she has always embraced the arts in one form or another. Essentially a selftaught photographer, Jill’s portfolio of work displays her exceptional talent and diversification in this medium. Describing herself as a “wildlife addict,” she is in constant pursuit of those rare and inspiring images that nature sometimes bestows to a quiet and patient photographer – a photographer not adverse to scrambling up rocky outcrops, or hunkering down in an alpine meadow for hours on end to “get that unique shot.” “Finding those special moments when a bird, coyote, or deer, accept you into their

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North Thompson Star/Journal

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world is very rewarding,” says Jill, “It’s then that you feel a sense of great privilege to be able to record these magical moments from natures domain.” A winner of several awards for her pictures; Jill’s work shows her passion in creating photographs that celebrate both the drama found in nature, and the beauty of life as she sees it from all vantage points. Jill will be the featured artist for the month of November at Armour Mountain Art Gallery in their new facility at #1 - 4353 Connor Road (next to Chamber of Commerce), Barriere. Join her on Friday, Nov. 1, from 4 to 6 p.m.

for the opening of her most recent photography works. “I’m quite excited about this showing,” says the photographer, “This is a new collection of my wildlife photos that have something a little bit different to say. I hope people will come out and enjoy the pictures, and especially feel free to ask me questions about catching wildlife with their cameras.”

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Twenty students from Barriere Elementary School attended the recent Me To We conference in Vancouver, returning home inspired to help their community in some way. Teacher Jen Kerslake says approximately six of the students (from grades 6 and 7) have decided to make a difference by participating in ‘We Scare Hunger’, when they will be trick or treating on Halloween for donations to the Barriere Food Bank. They will also be hosting a ‘We Scare Hunger’ dance at the school on Oct. 31, with admission being an item for the food bank. “We wanted to let people know that these students will be trick or treating for items for the food bank,” said Kerslake.

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North Thompson Star/Journal Information, resources, and services to help moms and babies get the best start in life are now just a phone call or click away in all Interior Health communities. Healthy From The Start is a one-stop shop that connects pregnant women with appropriate services

in the community to support a healthy pregnancy. Information and resources are available on a variety of subjects including accessing prenatal care, when to seek medical care, mental health, relationships, breastfeeding, parenting, and more. “As a parent, I know that the months leading up to the birth of a baby are an excit-

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ing, but often overwhelming time,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “It is great news that expectant parents from across Interior Health now have easy access to a variety of information to support them during pregnancy and help the give their babies the best start in life.” The program, formerly called the Prenatal Registry, launched in six pilot sites last year with a great response. “During our first year, over 500 women from the pilot communities used our service to connect with a public health nurse, learn about healthy pregnancies, and find out about services in their communities,”

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said Nadine Johnson, Practice Lead with Interior Health. “We are thrilled to now offer this service to women in all Interior Health communities.” Healthy From The Start can be reached through the toll-free line at 1-855-8687710 or online by submitting the program contact form at www.interiorhealth. ca/HealthyFromTheStart. When a woman contacts Healthy From The Start, she will be connected with a public health nurse who will complete a health screening questionnaire; provide information on programs, supports, and resources available in her community; and make referrals as necessary. “We encourage all pregnant women to take advantage of this service and to call early in their pregnancies,” said Nadine. “Receiving early prenatal care and connecting with supports and services has a tremendous impact on both the mother’s health and the health of the baby.” Healthy From The Start is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST / 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. For more information, visit: www.interiorhealth.ca/HealthyFromTheStart

North Thompson Star/Journal October 24, 2013

www.starjournal.net A11

District to take over the administration of Barriere Community Garden A wide variety of topics were covered in a short time at the Oct. 21, District of Barriere council meeting. The first report heard was given by Constable Cory McGregor of the Barriere RCMP. He spoke about the policing report for the last two quarters of the year. Of particular note was that the police had received complaints regarding some potential grow-ops, of which 13 to date (this year) have proven to be licensed grows. Next up was Steve Shannon of the Bear radio station in Barriere. He asked council members to consider allowing him to broadcast live the council meetings once his station is on air. Council members agreed to consider this and will give him a formal reply at a later date. Council members passed the second and third readings of the Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 73. Final adoption of this bylaw

will be voted on at the next council meeting. In September, council had directed staff to survey water customers on their water use and recycling habits by way of a utility billing insert and on the district website. Those who participated in the survey were entered in a random draw for a chance to win that billing period’s bill free of charge. A total of 101 completed surveys were submitted. The winner of the draw was Cory Stamer. One of the questions on the survey was if people would like to have a tour of the water facilities. There was a good response to this question, so staff will be organizing some tours in the near future. Council members directed staff to prepare an amendment to Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 95, to include Business License Bylaw No. 41. The draft will then be brought to a future council meeting for consideration. The Barriere Community Garden, which is located on crown

park land behind the Barriere Library, was established almost 20 years ago. Most recently, it has been managed by the North Thompson Valley Garden Club, with the district providing water and associated technical assistance. After years of volunteer hours building the garden to the point it is now, club members report they are finding the community garden to be more than they feel they can continue to manage. It was reported they have voted to refocus their efforts on learning and sharing their gardening knowledge with others. Although many of them will still be on hand with their expertise, they would like to relinquish responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and liability of the garden to others. The garden plotholders would like to continue participating in the success of the community garden. In order to do this, they requested assistance, particularly in the area of liability insurance for the users and vol-

unteers. It was noted the district has the ability to absorb the minor cost of this, and if the administration of the garden would be taken care of by the district office, the parks staff will be able to provide plot-holders with assistance as required. Council passed a motion to approve that the district take over the responsibility for the Barriere Community Garden, including the continuance of providing free plots to Barriere Elementary and Barriere House, and directed staff to work with the plotholders to ensure a successful transition of responsibilities. The next District of Barriere council meeting will be held on Nov. 4, at 7 p.m.

This old Chevy truck was spotted hidden away at the back of an orchard. Still stately in its own way, it seemed filled with a charm all its own. It also brought forth memories of a time when life was less hectic, and fuel prices were affordable. Support your community. Shop Local.

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owners which will be hosted by Interior Savings Credit Union. Guest speakers will be covering Estate Planning for Business Owners, and Tax Efficient Investment Strategies for Business Owners. This will be held at Interior Savings Credit Union located at 4621 Barriere Town Road.

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STAR/JOURNAL photo: Jill Hayward

Friday, November 1, 2013 • 4 pm – 6 pm

Chamber AGM and business owner mixer coming in November On Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m., Barriere & District Chamber of Commerce will be holding their Annual General Meeting at the Chamber office located at #3 - 4353 Conner Road. On the following day Nov. 6, from 6 - 8 p.m., there will be a Business Mixer for local business

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Thursday, October 24, 2013 North Thompson Star/Journal

SPORTS Volleyball underway The first volleyball games of the season got underway last Thursday at Barriere Elementary when the Tier one girls played Raft River, OLPH and Brock. The Barriere team won against Raft River, and will be facing them again this Thursday, Oct. 24, in Clearwater at 3 p.m. Pictured are the Barriere team (right) playing OLPH last week.

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Margaret Houben

Barriere Secondary vice-principal, Cory Carmichael, on behalf of the school’s athletics department, and several students currently involved in BSS athletic programs, accept a cheque from Chinook Cove Golf proprietor Susan Mitchell. Pictured (l-r): Kurt Allen, Keaton Noble, Emma Schilling, Faith Yurkiw, viceprincipal Corey Carmichael, and Chinook Cove Golf proprietor Susan Mitchell.

Golf brings dollars for high school athletics By Margaret Houben North Thompson Star/Journal Susan Mitchell, from Chinook Cove Golf and RV, was on hand at Barriere Secondary on Oct. 16, to present the school’s athletics department with a check for $2,200. Mitchell said the donation was a culmination of 50/50 draws held over their season at four major tournaments. The Senior Men’s Tournament in June, the Mixed Pairs Tournament in July, and their signature events, the Men’s Fall Amateur and the Ladies Fall Classics, both in September. Also contributing were the La-

dies and Men’s Clubs. They subsidized the Chinook Cove Junior program so that they could donate the funds they normally would use for the Junior program. In total, they collected $1,100, which Chinook Cove Golf and RV has matched to make the donation $2,200. In addition to this donation, Chinook Cove has opened their doors to Barriere’s schools to allow class visits to their facility at no charge. “We recognize that the success of our business and community involves our children, and any way we can contribute to their well-being is worth it,” stated Mitchell.

The North Thompson STAR/JOURNAL – Keeps you and your community connected!

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Lisa Quiding

Free Curling Fun Night Oct. 25

Register to join curling leagues in Barriere Submitted The Barriere Curling Club is not just about curling. The building and activities are controlled by the Barriere Recreational Society. The building itself is a valuable asset to the community through the many activities that have been held in the curling rink, such as: Barriere Senior Secondary

Graduation Ceremonies, flea markets and as an exhibit hall during the North Thompson Fall Fair and Provincial Winter Fair. In association with the North Thompson Agriplex, the curling rink building has been used by other groups in 2013 including: the Rural Living Expo and Trade Show, the Canadian Sheep Breed-

NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX Hockey Lives Here! COMING EVENTS

Family Skating

MINOR HOCKEY GAME SCHEDULE SATURDAY OCTOBER 26 8:00am Novice 9:00am Pre Novice 10:30am Bantam vs Ashcroft 12:30pm Girls vs Kamloops 2:30pm Bantam vs Ashcroft SUNDAY OCTOBER 27 10:00am Atom vs 100 Mile 1:00pm Atom vs 100 Mile

Fridays @ 5pm • Sundays @ 4:30pm • No Charge

Oct. 25 & 27 Sponsored by Raft Mountain Skating Club Home School & Preschool Skating Starts October 16 • 10am Preschool & 11am Homeschool Every Wednesday Clearwater & District Minor Hockey Open to Boys and Girls. • Become part of a winning team. • Join Minor Hockey and learn to play Canada’s Game. www.cdmha.info • Register @ 250 674 2594 or nissa1537@gmail.com Raft Mountain Skating Club Register @ www.raftmountain.com Adult Hockey: Mens Drop In Hockey • Every Tuesday and Friday at Oldtimers Hockey • Every Wednesday at 8:45 and Sundays at 7:00 Wells Gray Curling Club • starts their season on Oct. 28 Call 250 674 3768 for more info.

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

ers Association, Back Country Horsemen, the BC and Canadian Barrel Racing Associations. Larger sized building combinations with the agriplex and the curling rink are unique to the North Thompson and bring revenue opportunities to the area businesses. The Barriere Recreation Society (Barriere Curling Rink) volunteers have provided many food concessions, building rental space and services to all of the above events over this past summer and fall. As we move into the winter season, curling is about to begin. Another curling season is about to start at the Barriere Recreational Society, which brings an opportunity to meet new people and re-acquaint with old friends. Registration and information has been ongoing at AG Foods on October 19 and 20, and will continue on October 26 and 27. On Friday October 25, we are hosting a Curling Registration plus a Fun Spiel and other games for families at the curling rink. For the October 25 Free Curling and Fun Night,

there is a Pot Luck Dinner at 6 p.m., and the curling games start at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. We will be giving away two turkeys for closest to the button shots. We are looking for younger new curlers and families new to curling. We have curling equipment available for use for new curlers. As well, there are free lessons for new curlers and stick curlers on October 30, and November 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. Curling fees for the Wednesday Open League are half price for the year. Please enquire. Curling leagues will start the week of October 29, and they include: Ladies on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Seniors on Wednesdays at 1 p.m., and Family Open League at 7 p.m., Men’s on Thursday at 7 p.m., and Mixed on Fridays at 7 p.m. Youth leagues will begin soon. Watch for more announcements regarding registration and start dates at the schools. Information on curling is available from Audrey Rilcoe at (250) 6729217, or Susan Bondar at (250) 672 5334.

North Thompson Star/Journal October 24, 2013

www.starjournal.net A13

Gone south for the winter Gerry Grayston sent in this photo of a resting rufous hummingbird taken last sumer in Barriere. “I thought it unusual to be able to see a hummingbird resting, when they are usually so busy,” said Grayston. Rufous hummingbirds have usually all left the area by August to reach their winter destinations in southern and coastal California, along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida, and throughout Mexico. Hummingbird migration will last anywhere from one to four weeks, averaging 20-25 miles per day. Some species travel as far as Costa Rica. They will be returning to B.C. and points north next April.

Submitted photo: Gerry Grayston

Barriere and District Heritage Society holds AGM North Thompson Star/Journal At their annual general meeting last week, the Barriere and District Heritage Society elected a new slate of officers, as follows; president - Fran Wagstaff, vice-president - Shirley Wittner, secretary - Doreen Livingstone, treasurer - Lois Keller, and directors - Joan Purver, Joy Huber and Ivor Sanders. The group will be changing the location of their meetings during the winter months. In the past, they have met at the North Thompson Volunteer and Information Centre during the winter; now they will be meeting at the Station House Restaurant on their usual day and time - the third Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m., except for December. In December, they will meet at the Station House Restaurant on the second Wednesday. This year the Society will be holding a Christmas raffle for two awesome prizes: first prize will be $175 worth of cut and wrapped beef, and second prize will be a turkey hamper, with everything needed for a full turkey dinner. Raffle tickets will cost two dollars each, and are available from any of the executive, and will be available for purchase at the No-Host Bazaar on Nov. 16, and at the North Thompson Star/Journal office. The draw will be on Dec. 13. For more information about the Society, contact Shirley Wittner at 250672-5916, and this a very affordable group to join, with dues only two dollars per person per year.

Wishing you could reach the shopping public and expand your business? Book your advertising space in the STAR JOURNAL and see there really is a difference! Give us a call

250 672-5611

Flu season is on the way

Protect yourself, and those around you North Thompson Star/Journal With flu season approaching, public health nurses across Interior Health are gearing up for this year’s influenza (flu) vaccination campaign. Last year, over 173,000 seasonal flu shots were provided free of charge to those at risk of complications from the flu. “The World Health Organization (WHO) determines the strains to be included in the annual influenza vaccine based on flu trends worldwide. This year’s vaccine contains three different flu strains that will offer protection against two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus,” said Dr. Rob Parker, Medical Health Officer with Interior Health. “Getting a flu shot and washing your hands frequently are the two most effective ways to protect yourself and other from getting the flu.” The flu is highly contagious and can cause severe complications for those with heart, lung, and other health problems. Even if you don’t become severely ill, getting the flu can mean several missed days of school, work, and other activities. To find a flu clinic near you, watch for local announcements on dates and times in your community, visit our website at www.interiorhealth. ca/FluClinics, or contact your local public health centre. Many physician offices and pharmacies also provide vaccines free to those who are eligible. Turn to page six of this issue for a list of flu clinics within this area. Flu shots are safe, effective, and free for those most at risk of getting the flu and its complications including: • People 65 years and older and their caregivers/household contacts

BARRIERE CURLING CLUB

• LEGION NEWS• #242 •

MEMBERS

Open: Wed. - Sat. 3pm - 11pm (or later!)

IN-HOUSE RAFFLE WINNERS FOR OctObER 19, 2013

1st Draw: 2nd Draw: 3rd Draw: 4th Draw: Bonus:

Vi Ewashina, L. Neighbor, Eileen Miers & Gary Teele Karl Enzmann, Gary Teele, Betty Baillie & Vi Ewashina Eileeen Miers, Antoon Houben, Al Geddes & Linn Buker Lisa Quiding, Debbie Winiski, Linn Buker & Jasper Neighbor Keith Moore • The lucky winner of $76.00 was Ray Maisonneuve

Thanks To our volunTeers Deb, antoon & Denise

thursdays - FREE POOL - crib & Darts at 7pm

CRIB 6 players on Oct. 17 - 1st - Ernie Yungen • 2nd - Nina Clearwaters

3rd - Joe Sabyan • High Hand - Ernie Yungen • Skunk - Laura Rathbone DARTS 10 players on Oct. 17 - 1st - BJ Lyons & Gloria Gartner • 2nd - Bruce Lyons & Dorothy Carby • 3rd - Ed Gartner & Maureen Wiseman • High Scores, Ladies - Dorothy Carby w/147 • Men - Bruce Lyons w/119 • High Finish, Ladies - Maureen Wiseman w/55 • Men - BJ Lyons w/26

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct 26: Halloween Dance after meat draw, prizes for costumes Nov 2 : Pork roast dinner hosted by Ladies Auxiliary, after raffles $10, tickets available at the Bar Nov 10 : Ladies Auxiliary meeting, 1pm & election of officers - 2014 Nov 16: Memorial Shoot (blind draw) Nov 19 : Exectuve meeting 6:30pm/AGM & election of officers - 2014, 7pm

In-House Raffle Every Sat. At 3 PM

• People of any age in residential care facilities • Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts • Children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods of time with Aspirin (ASA) and their household contacts • Children and adults who are morbidly obese • Aboriginal people • All children six to 59 months of age • Household contacts and caregivers of infants and children 0 to 59 months of age • Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy during the influenza season and their household contacts • Visitors to hospitals, health centres and residential care facilities • People who work with live poultry • Health-care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who are capable of transmitting influenza disease to those at high risk of influenza complications • Individuals who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high risk persons • People who provide essential community services (first responders, corrections workers) While flu shots are free for those most at risk, everyone can benefit from the flu shot. People not eligible for the free flu vaccine through the publicly-funded program should contact their physician, local pharmacy, walk-in clinic, travel clinic, or private provider. For more information, contact your local public health office or visit our website at www. interiorhealth.ca. Information on the flu shot is also available on the Immunize BC website at www.immunizebc.ca, or on HealthLink BC at www.healthlinkbc.ca.

Please bring anyone that may be interested in joining the Curling Club. This is a great time to introduce them to the sport of curling or to new people in the area.

FREE CURLING FUN NIGHT October 25, 2013 Social – 5:30 PM Pot Luck Dinner – 6:00 PM Curling Games – 7:00 PM

LEAGUE CURLING STARTS OCTOBER 29th

Ladies – Tuesday 7:00 PM Seniors – Wednesday 1:00-3:00 PM Open – Wednesday 7:00 PM Men’s – Thursday 7:00 PM Mixed – Friday 7:00 PM Youth – TBA at the Schools

FREE LESSONS AND CURLIING

New and Stick Curlers October 25th Fun Night October 30th and November 6th 7:00 to 9:00 PM

WEDNESDAY OPEN LEAGUE

Registration is half price

A14 www.starjournal.net

Thursday, October 24, 2013 North Thompson Star/Journal

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North Thompson Star/Journal October 24, 2013

www.starjournal.net A15

Why photographers use a tripod In his book, “Backcountry Journal, Reminiscences of a Wilderness Photographer,” Dave Bohn, mountain and wilderness photographer writes, “The trouble with photographers, and anyone else attempting anything creative, and in fact doing anything, is that they get addicted… (and)...I was addicted to the tripod as a necessity for the photography of large landscapes.” I will admit that there are times when I use my camera lazily, releasing the shutter after having aimed my camera at some interesting landscape without using a tripod. Then I quickly view the LCD in the hope of seeing a sharp image file. But, if I really care about the image, and want the best success at producing a quality

enlargement, I should definitely use my tripod. Last night I picked up my tattered old copy of Bohn’s book, “Backcountry Journal, Reminiscences of a Wilderness Photographer”, and read for a while. I have had it since it was printed in 1974, and like to reread a few pages every so often. Photographers I know are aware that I like using a tripod for landscape photography, and have heard me say, “ If you don’t like using a tripod it means you never have used a good one”. Today it’s popular to spend extra money on “vibration reduction,” or “image stabilizing,” lenses with the notion that this technology will allow the photographer to do scenic photography

Making Pictures with

John E n ma n without needing a tripod. Many modern photographers are of the belief that the difference between a blurry and a sharp enlargement is megapixels or vibration reduction lenses. I disagree and say the difference is a good, stable tripod. I’m not saying photographers shouldn’t get image stabilizing lenses, as they are great to use in certain situations and conditions when you can’t use a tripod, and must use slower shutter speeds. Nevertheless, using a good tripod that allows one to stand

up straight, take time to analyze the scene, problem solve, compose, and contemplate is an excellent experience. In addition, it keeps the camera from moving. When I select a tripod I want one that extends above my head so I can use it on hills. I don’t like bending over to peer through my camera’s viewfinder. I prefer tripod legs that can be extended out horizontally when the ground is uneven. I don’t want a crank to raise the center column as that is just added weight, and becomes one more thing

to get caught on things. I like a column lock that turns to lock and unlock so I can easily move the camera when I need to adjust it up or down. An important feature on the tripod I select is a strong and easily available quick release on the tripod head. The tripod head is another subject completely and my advice is get one that has a reasonable size ball surface and that is lightweight. A tripod shouldn’t be so heavy that it’s a bother to carry as I walk up and down the hills around my backwoods home. And here is an important reason: I also want a sturdyenough tripod that is capable of supporting my camera, and I am always amazed when someone buys a cheap, little tripod to hold

their camera and lens which are worth well over the thousand dollar plus mark. I suggest buying from people that have used, or at least can discuss, the tripods they sell. The department store outlets will allow you to bring it back if you aren’t satisfied, but I am sure they are not interested in paying for the damages to your camera and lens that crashed to the ground while using their bargain tripod. In recent years more and more quality tripods have become available and are worth owning and using. All one needs to do is spend some time researching and checking reviews. Hopefully you spent time selecting your digital camera and lenses, and my advice is to

take the time and also purchase a really good tripod to go along with them. These are my thoughts for this week. Contact me at www. enmanscamera.com or emcam@telus.net. Stop by Enman’s Camera at 423 Tranquille Road in Kamloops. I sell an interesting selection of used photographic equipment. And if you want an experienced photographer please call me at 250371-3069.

Increase your customers. Book your advertising space in the STAR/JOURNAL and see there really is a difference! Give us a call 250- 672-5611

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A16 www.starjournal.net

Thursday, October 24, 2013 North Thompson Star/Journal

Celebrating 36 Years

If you like, trim edges of the cake. Give frosting a quick beat to loosen, then, using a palette knife, spread over the top of the cake in peaks & swirls. If you’re making the cake ahead, keep it in fridge & take out pieces as you want 30 mins or so before serving. Will keep, covered, for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Each week a group or volunteer(s) are recognized in this space for their contribution to our community. If you, your service organization or group would like to recognize an individual please call the North Thompson Volunteer and Information Centre at 672-0033.

North Thompson Fish & Game Club Society

Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip 2 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1 cup canned pumpkin ¼ cup sour cream 1¼ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon cloves ¼ cup caramel sauce In a kitchenaid or w/a mixer, combine cream cheese & powdered sugar until frosting consistency. Add pumpkin, sour cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, & cloves. Mix fully. Pour caramel & create a marble look by swirling w/a knife.Serve w/graham crackers, cinnamon sugar pita chips, or gingersnaps.

By Dee

Halloween Pumpkin Cake For the cake 300g self-raising flour 300g light muscovado sugar 3 tsp mixed spice 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 175g sultanas ½ tsp salt 4 eggs, beaten 200g butter, melted

zest 1 orange 1 tbsp orange juice 500g (peeled weight) pumpkin or butternut squash flesh, grated For drenching and frosting 200g pack soft cheese 85g butter, softened 100g icing sugar, sifted zest 1 orange and juice of half Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Butter & line a 30 x 20cm baking or small roasting tin w/baking parchment. Put flour, sugar, spice, bicarbonate of soda, sultanas & salt into a lrg bowl & stir to combine. Beat eggs into melted butter, stir in orange zest & juice, then mix w/dry ingredients till combined. Stir in pumpkin. Pour batter into tin & bake for 30 mins, or until golden & springy to the touch. Frosting; beat cheese, butter, icing sugar, orange zest & 1 tsp of juice till smooth, & set aside in fridge. When cake is done, cool for 5 mins & turn onto cooling rack. Prick it all over w/skewer & drizzle w/rest of orange juice while still warm. Cool completely.

By Dee

FROM MY KITCHEN

Hot Dog Mummies 1 11-oz can of Pilsbury pizza dough 1 12-pack of hot dogs Yellow mustard For each mummy, use kitchen shears or knife to create 12 strips of dough. Wrap one strip at a time around the hot dog. Leave about 1/2” of hot dog exposed for the face & continue wrapping the top of the hot dog. Bake on a cookie sheet at 350º for 15 to 18 mins or until golden brown. Remove from oven & cool for 5 mins. Add yellow mustard eyes just before serving. Makes 12 mummies.

GROUP OF THE WEEK

FROM MY KITCHEN

This group encourages young people to become involved in hunting and fishing, and teaches them the values of the outdoors, hoping they will continue to protect fish, game and habitat. They meet on the fourth Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the North Thompson Volunteer & Information Centre (the Ridge), September through June. For more information about joining this active group, contact Kathy Campbell, 250-672-1070 or go to their web-site: norththompsonfishandgame.ca.

THANK YOU!!

AOct. p r i 24 l 2-3 Oct. - 2 30, 9 , 22013 012 Capricorn, This week is anticiall pate confusion aboutsome give and take, regarding your Capricorn. Do for social week. others,life and this they will This into do forcan you.grow A special aevent stressful situation calls for some ifextra-special you let it.gifts. Instead, March 21– December 22– keep a level head January 19 and trust that things April 19 will work out.

January 20– February 18

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Romance could be A business relationship heading in your blossoms with an direction, Cancer. addition. A larger-thanIflifeyou are in adrops relapersonality tionship, that by with an then offer you relationship can’t refuse. Ohmight boy, grow stronger. oh boy,even Cancer. Plan a romantic getaway soon.

Expect a self-esteem Lady Luck smiles on boost whenandyou you, Libra, there begin to feel better is nothing beyond your about of your reach. Aalltreasured options, Libra. heirloom resurfaces, Although you may bringing back many not in love with fondbe memories. September 23– all of the possibiliOctober 22 ties, many are very appealing.

Aquarius, Some habitscareer are hard concerns dominate to break, Aquarius. your Look thoughts to a mentorthese to next fewyou days, help and willbut you haveAother succeed. fitness things on your mind goal is easily achieved aswith well. Devote a new piece of ample time to all of April 20– equipment. your concerns. May 20

Set Castyour asidelong-term all doubt, goals Taurus.and Thework offer ishard togenuine makeand them realwill abring ity, GoalsA you Taurus. many rewards. can stay on test help of faithyou begins— track andMoney provide be strong. woes much-needed motiease. vation when you hit July 23– rough patches. August 22

Leo, Oops,you Leo.may You fall want some behindtoonkeep a project, thoughts raising someto yourself this week.Not Others eyebrows. to may fond worry.not Youbewill get of you the boat backrocking on track sooner atthan this let youtime, think, so thanks things settle down. October 23– to an innovation. November 21

Scorpio, The tiniestyou of have an uncanny changes make sense a vast ofimprovement imagination in a and your creativity project. A rejectionwill is be running strong a blessing in disguise. this week.for Share Be grateful what some yourScorpio. ideas you’reof given, with a trusted friend or family member.

Pisces, The oddsexotic may be thoughts creepyou, into stacked against your butdoesn’t you Pisces,head, but that have mundane mean some you won’t come chores that need out on top with a little tending as well. ingenuity.to A weekend

Gemini, even Feeling blessed though youGemini? may these days, not gettingA all Pay be it forward. ofcompromise the recognition at home you at work, raiseshoped everyone’s others arefun paying spirits and ensues attention your acall weekendtolong! complishments. Just August 23– be a little patient. September 22

Surround Spend less,yourself save more with people who can and you’ll definitely make youVirgo. feel good get more, More and provide in your bottomlots line of support, Virgo.of This and more peace week mayprovide need mind. you Flowers all of the encouragea great pick-me-up. ment you can get. November 22– December 21

There are many cosNews from afar gets mic energies workthe creative juices ing in your corner, flowing, and you Sagittarius. Youthan just accomplish more need to be in tune you have in some time, with the changes Sagittarius. A game of that wits are at thehappening office all around you. proves challenging.

endeavor requires a leap of faith.

May 21– June 21

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COMMUNITY EVENTS & SERVICES

Aries, it’sAries, important Speak up, and totheknow that problem will be someone closemiracle to solved. A little you supports youan at home makes for no matterweekend. what. interesting Don’t Travel let plansself-doubt come overwhelm you. together. Others support you for a reason.

Oct 26 - Cashless Craft Swap, 12:30-2:30pm @ NTVIC (the Ridge). Nov 15 - Squam Bay Open House @ Squam Bay Hall Bring old supplies, take home something new! Call 250-672-9330 Nov 16 - No-Host Bazaar, 10am-1pm Fall Fair Hall. Tables $10, 250672-9330 Oct 26 - Halloween Dance @ Barriere Legion after the meat draw. $250 for best costume, judging at 9pm. Nov 16 - 4H Banquet @ Lions Hall Oct 26 - Halloween Howler, 9pm @ Fall Fair Hall. Tickets at door $12. Nov 16 - Memorial Shoot (Blind Draw) @ Legion Oct 26 - Latin Dance, 8pm @ Moccasin Square Gardens, Kam. (TVA Nov 17 - Winter Wonderland & Craft Fair, 10am-2pm @ Wells Gray Social Club event). Tickets 250-372-0091 or 778-471-4204. Inn. Abby at 250-674-2127. Oct 27 - Annual Craft Fair, 10am-3pm @ Little Fort Hall. 250-677-4383. Nov 18 - Flu Shots, 10am-noon @ Little Fort Hall. Oct 29 - Coho Day @ Dunn Crk Hatchery, RSVP by Oct. 23 250-672- Nov 18 - Spaghetti Dinner @ Sam’s Pizza & Rib House, proceeds to 9995 ext 262. Barriere Food Bank. Oct 31 - Fireworks-dusk at Barriere Ball fields, hosted by Bar. Fire Dept. Nov 19 - Flu Shots, 9-12:30pm@ Health Clinic - appointment 250672-5515. Oct 31 - Halloween Party & Fireworks, dusk at Little Fort Com. Hall. Hosted by LF Fire Dept. Hot Chocolate & treats served. Nov 23 - NT Fall Fair & Rodeo Pot-Luck & AGM, 6pm @ Fall Fair Hall. Nov 23 - Silent Auction & Pot-Luck Dinner, 6pm @ Squam Bay Hall. Oct 31 - Simpcw Halloween Party, 6pm @ Chu Chua Com. Hall. Nov 1 - Little Fort Coffee House @ Little Fort Community Hall. Doors Nov 29-Dec 1 - Clw Elks Christmas Bazaar @ Elks Hall. Fri. 5-8pm, Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. 9am-12. Info/tables 250-674-3535. open 7pm, music starts at 7:30pm. Info call Bill 250-672-5116. Nov 30 - Seniors Craft Fair, 10am-2pm @ Barriere Seniors Hall. Nov 2 - Seniors Bazaar, 11am-1pm @ Barriere Seniors Hall. Nov 2 - Ladies Auxiliary Pork Roast dinner @ Legion, after raffles. $10 Nov 30 - Make It, Bake It, Create It, Annual Christmas Market, 10am4pm @ Heffley Creek Hall. Sandra 250-578-8519. tickets avail. at the bar. Nov 3 - Craft Fair, 10am-2pm @ Vavenby Com. Hall. Barb 676-9485 Dec 6-8 - Candlelight & Holly @ Barriere Legion bsmt. Fri. 10am-8pm, Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 10am-4pm. Tables 250-672-9772. Nov 5 - 6:30pm Barriere & District Chamber of Commerce AGM,#3 Dec 7 - Seniors Christmas Dinner, 6pm @ Barriere Seniors Hall. 4353 Conner Rd. Nov 6 - 6pm – 8pm Business Mixer for local Business Owners, Savings Dec 8 - Christmas Craft Fair, 10am @ Chu Chua Com. Hall. 672-995. Credit Union 4621 Barriere Town Rd. Speakers covering Estate Dec 14 - Breakfast with Santa @ Lions Hall. Planning & Tax Efficient Investment Strategies Dec 31 - New Year’s Eve Bullarama @ NT Agriplex Nov 8 - Flu Shots, 10am-3pm Barriere Seniors Hall. Army Cadets - 2941 RCACC Cadet Corp. - ages 12-18. New Recruits Welcome. Marc 672-9681. Nov 13 - Flu Shots, 10am-1pm NTVIC (the Ridge).

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY

Baha’i Night: Fri., 7:30pm, Marge Mitchell’s home. 672-5615 Adult Day Program: Mon. & Wed. 9-2. Lunch, crafts & music at the Seniors Ctr. Sherry Jardine 672-5121 Barriere & District Heritage Society: 3rd Wed. of mth, 1pm at NTVIC in the winter, at Museum in the summer. Riding Club: Jan-Mar: 3rd Sun. 1pm; Apr-Oct: 3rd Thurs. 7pm at NTVIC. www.barrieredistrictridingclub.com. Darcey 250-318-9975. Cancer Support: 672-9263, 672-0017 or 672-1890 Choir: Thurs. @ Christian Life Assembly, Annesty Rd. Youth 7-18 3:30pm; Adults 19+ 6:30pm. Leah 250-957-8440. Curling Club: Oct.-Mar. Curling, league & bonspiels. Drop In Art. Fridays 11:30am-2:30pm at NTVIC end of Sep to Mar (except holidays). Nominal fee. Barriere Elementary PAC: 1st Wed. of mth, 6:30pm, call 672-9916 or Leesa Genier at 320-3629. Barriere Fire Dept.: Firehall, Thurs., 7pm Barriere Food Bank: every Wed. Leave message 672-0029 Genealogy: Every 1st & 3rd Friday of the mth at the Library, 6-7pm, except Jul/Aug. 250-672-9330. Barriere Hospice: Loans out handicap equip - call 250-672-9391. Photography Club. All welcome. Shelley Lampreau 250-672-5728. Community Quilters: 2nd & 4th Thurs.of mth, 2pm at the Barriere Food Bank. Judy 250-672-5275 or Fran 250-672-2012. Barriere Search & Rescue: 2nd Tues. of mth, 7pm. Training on 4th Tues. of mth, 7pm. BSS PAC & Booster Club: 1st Tues. of mth, 5:30pm. 250-672-9943. Survivors of Brain Injuries: Call John at 250-372-1799.

Bethany Baptist Church Prayer: Every Tues., 7pm. Carpet Bowling: Mon, Wed, & Fri., 9:30am-12 @ Little Fort Hall. Community Kitchen: If interested call Dede 554-3134. Community Soup Day: Christian Life Assembly on Annesty Rd. 3rd Mon. of every mth, 11:30 am. Crib: Mon. & Fri. 1-4pm @ Little Fort Hall. Crib: Barriere Legion 242, every Thurs. 7pm, Sept. to May. Darts: Barriere Legion 242, every Thurs. 7pm, Sept. to May. Gambler’s Anonymous: 250-374-9165 or 250-374-9866. Heffley Creek Acoustic Coffee House: 3rd Fri. every mth 7pm. Performers, concession, play area for kids! Call 578-0056. Literacy Tutoring: Learn to read FREE. Jill Hayward 319-8023. Little Fort Recreation Society: 1st Thurs. each mth 7pm LNT Catholic Women’s League: 2nd Mon. each mth, 7pm at St. George’s. Call 250-672-9330 for info. McLure Rec.: 1st Wed. each mth at 7:30pm McLure Firehall. Except Jul & Aug. 250-578-7565 for info. McLure Fire Dept.: 2nd & 4th Tues., 7pm, McLure Firehall Men’s Floor Hockey: Tues., 8-10pm at Barriere Sec. School. NT Fish & Game Club: 4th Mon. each mth 7pm NTVIC. 672-1843 NT Valley Hospice: 3rd Tues, 11am, Little Fort Hall. 672-5660. Quilting: 1st Tues of the mth, 10am @ Little Fort Hall. Safe Home: Get away from domestic abuse, call 250-674-2135 (Clw) or 250-682-6444 (Barriere). Walk & Fitness: Indoors, Tues & Thurs 12-2pm. Barriere Ridge Gym.

North Thompson Star Journal Thursday, October 24, 2013

www.starjournal.net A17

Your community. Your classiﬁeds.

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Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9am -5pm 359 Borthwick Ave. Box 1020, Barriere BC V0E 1Eo

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Happy Occasions: Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, etc. 1 column by 3 inch - $18.49 + GST Deadlines: Word Ads: Mondays 12pm

Employment

Lost & Found

Business Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Help Wanted

TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager online! Graduates get access to all jobs posted with us. 33 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

Travel

CLASSIFIED RATES AND DEADLINES

Regular Rate: 8.50 + GST Maximum 15 words .20c per word extra

Employment

Found: cell phone & key, East Barriere Lake Road. 250-6725854

Ph: 250.672.5611 • Fax: 250.672.9900 Buy a Classified in the Star/Journal and your ad goes into The Times FREE

Announcements

Timeshare

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking

CANCEL YOUR Timeshare. No risk program. Stop mortgage and maintenance Payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

Travel

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 Free Ads: Lost, Found, Student Work Wanted Free ads maximum 15 words will run 2 consecutive weeks.

DRIVERS WANTED

AZ, DZ, 5, 3 or 1 w/ Airbrake • Guaranteed 40hr. Work Week & Overtime • Paid Travel & Lodging • Meal Allowance • 4 Weeks Vacation • Excellent Benefits Package

Must be able to have extended stays away from home. Up to 6 months. Must have valid AZ, DZ, 5, 3 or 1 with airbrake license and have previous commercial driving experience. Apply at:www.sperryrail.com/ careers and then choose the FastTRACK Application. CENTURY PLAZA HOTEL Best Rates. 1.800.663.1818

Employment

Announcements

In Memoriam

Information

VERA MUSSELMAN

In loving memory of our mother and grandmother, Vera Florence Musselman Oct. 25, 1995 They say that time heals everything, But we know that isn’t so; Because it hurts as much today, As it did 18 years ago. A thousand prayers won’t bring you back, We know because we’ve tried; And neither will a thousand tears, We know because we’ve cried. If only we could have one wish, A dream that could come true; We’d pray to God with all our hearts, For yesterday and for you. Deeply missed and lovingly remembered by your children and their families. ~ Fergie, Norine, Orval, Keven, Ardell, Lesley and Trevor

Coming Events

Safe Home Response Providing a safe place to escape for women and their children. Volunteers always needed. Call 250-674-2135.

Business Opportunities ALL CASH drink/snack vending business route. Complete training. Small invest. req’d. 1888-979-VEND (8363). www.healthydrinkvending.co

Help Wanted

Personals Barriere Alcoholics Anonymous Call: 250-672-9643 For Al Anon Call: 250-672-9643, 250-677-4234 Clearwater: AA meetings Every Wednesday, #11 Lodge Dr., side door. Roll call 8 p.m. 250-674-1923, 250-674-7313

Lost & Found

Barriee Seniors Centre Annual Fall Bazaar & Lunch will be held Nov. 2, 11am-1pm. Light lunch $5.00.

Lost: wedding ring set. Please contact 250-672-2150.

Career Opportunities

“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

Office Clerk: FT/Clearwater #C0252 Skating Coach: Seasonal PT/Clearwater #C0251

Maintenance Technician (Instrumentation): FT/Clw#C0248 Skidder Operator: Seas/Clw #C0247 Logging Truck Driver: Seas/Clw #C0246 Assistant Field Technologist: FT/Seas/

Help Wanted

Early Childhood Educators and Educator Assistants Both full and part time positions available in YCS Child Care Centers located in Clearwater and Barriere, BC. Please send a copy of your resume and a cover letter to Susanne Butcher 612 Park Drive, Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N1 Tel; 250-674-2600 Fax 250-674-267 Em; susanne.b@yellowheadcs. www.yellowheadcs.cs

Career Opportunities

Skill Development: If you have been on Employment Insurance in the past 3 years (5 years maternity) & are currently unemployed, you may be eligible for re-training dollars. Book an appointment to see one of our counselors for 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 & Internet access • Free resume help • Free information on many services.

21 Week HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM Classes start November 18, 2013. Call for more information. Taylor Pro Training Ltd. 1-877-860-7627. www.taylorprotraining.com

Is seeking

Career Opportunities

CASUAL ASSISTED LIVING WORKER – Yellowhead Pioneer B0156 GRADER OPERATOR – Bladetec B0165 3. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR – Yellowhead Community Services CB0250 4. REFERRALS & ARCHAEOLOGY COORDINATOR – Simpcw First Nation BC0253 Go To: http://www.wiegele.com/employment.htm for information on jobs with Mike Wiegele.

Early Childhood Educator/Educator Assistant: FT/PT Clw/Barriere#CB2050 Bobcat/Snowplow Operator: Seas/

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP

Great deals - low prices

629 Barriere Town Rd. V0E 1E0 • 250-672-0036 • Fax: 250-672-2159

E-mail: mail@barriere-employment.ca • Website: www.barriere-employment.ca

Education/Trade Schools

Located across the railway tracks in Vavenby, B.C. Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

NORTH THOMPSON JOBS BARRIERE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Career Opportunities

Casual/Clw#C0249

Clw #C0245

Kitchen Helper: 2 positions/Clw #C0243 Food & Beverage Service Supervisor: FT/Clw #C0242

Waiter/Waitress: 2 positions/Clw #C0241 Cook: 2 positions/Clw #C0240 HD Mechanic/Welder/Machine Operator: FT/Clw #C0239 Sandwich Artist: FT/Little Fort #C0232 32 Job Postings/Blue River: PT & FT #CB0222

Heavy Equipment Mechanic: Clw #C0198

Maintenance Manager: FT/Blue River #C0191

Servers: FT/PT Blue River #CB0190 Prep Cook/Kitchen Helper: FT/Blue River #C0189

Line Cook: FT/Blue River #C0188

Free Workshops to help with your work search are available. Please contact us to register for one or all of these free workshops. Work Search Techniques Workshop: Thurs. Oct. 24th Basic Computer Training – Level 1(5 hours): Thurs. Oct. 31st Communication & Interview Skills: Thurs. Nov. 7th Using Internet & Email Basics Workshop: Thurs. Nov. 14th Creating & Updating Your Resume Workshop: Thurs. Nov. 21st 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 Library: An employment consultant comes to the Blue River School. Next visit is Tuesday November 12th from 12:30-2:30. If a one on one appointment is required, please call to set up a time prior to the drop in. Operated by Yellowhead Community Services The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Government of Canada & the Province of British Columbia

Career Opportunities

l Top local jobs! www.localwork.ca blackpress.ca ◾ metroland.com

A18 www.starjournal.net

Employment 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

Help Wanted An Alberta Oilfield Company is hiring dozer and excavator operators. Lodging and meals provided. Drug testing required. Call (780)723-5051 Edson, Alta.

GENERAL LABOURERS

GUARANTEED Job Placement Labourers, Tradesmen & Class 1 Drivers For Oil & Gas Industry.

Call 24Hr. Free Recorded Message 1-888-213-2854

Trades, Technical AUTOMATED TANK Manufacturing Inc. located in Kitscoty, Alberta, is looking for experienced welders. Competitive wages, profit sharing bonus plus manufacturing bonus incentive. Full insurance package 100% paid by company. Good working environment. Keep your feet on the ground in a safe welding environment through in hole manufacturing process. No scaffolding or elevated work platform. Call Cindy for an appointment or send resume to: cindy@ autotanks.ca 780-846-2231 (Office), 780-846-2241 (Fax). JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Service Technician(s) in Hanna Alberta. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. offers competitive wages from $30/hour, negotiable depending on experience. Bright, modern shop. Full-time permanent with benefits. Friendly town just 2 hours from major urban centres. More info at: hannachrylser.ca. Fax 403-854-2845; Email: chrysler@telusplanet. net. PLUMBERS / GAS FITTERS: M and K Plumbing and Heating is the largest Mechanical Contracting and Service firm in the East Kootenay region. We are currently in need of CONSTRUCTION PLUMBERS AND GAS FITTERS - BOTH JOURNEYMEN AND APPRENTICES - to provide expertise and technical skill to our industrial construction customers in the ELK VALLEY. We expect this project to continue through the winter with 10 on 4 off shifts of 10 hour days. The position will pay hourly, plus overtime, plus Living Out Allowance. WEBSITE: www.mkplumbing.ca EMAIL:info@mkplumbing.ca

Thursday, October 24, 2013 North Thompson Star Journal

Employment

Services

Work Wanted

Home Improvements

Need some help with those odd jobs you don’t have time for? Call Keiran Jones at 250-674-3051 mowerman275@gmail.com

Services

Financial Services DROWNING IN debt? Cut debts more than 60% & debt free in half the time! Avoid bankruptcy! Free Consultation. www.mydebtsolution.com or Toll Free 1-877-556-3500 BBB Rated A+ GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com 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. INCOME TAX PROBLEMS? Have you been audited, reassessed or disallowed certain claims by Canada Revenue Agency? Call Bob Allen @ 250-542-0295 35yrs. Income Tax experience, 8.5yrs. with Revenue Canada. Email: r.gallen@shaw.ca C- 250-938-1944

FLOORING SALE Over 300 Choices Lowest Prices Guaranteed! Laminates - $0.69/sq ft Engineered - $1.99/sq ft Hardwood - $2.79/sq ft

Overnight Delivery in most of BC!

www.kingofﬂoors.com

1.877.835.6670

Telephone Services DISCONNECTED PHONE? National Teleconnect Home Phone Service. No One Refused! Low Monthly Rate! Calling Features and Unlimited Long Distance Available. Call National Teleconnect Today! 1-866-443-4408. www.nationalteleconnect.com

Merchandise for Sale

Food Products Grass Fed Beef: Freezer packs with a selection of cuts. Ready in November. Call 250-676-9598

Free Items Free couch, green Navajo pattern, in good condition. Call 250-674-1666

Firewood/Fuel Fir Firewood for sale Cut to your dimensions, split, and delivered. To place your order and for a quote call 250-674-2018

Heavy Duty Machinery

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

PHOTOS

by Keith McNeill

Digital and film photographs. Phone 250-674-3252 or email:kmcneill@mercuryspeed.com

Work Wanted

Handypersons

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.

Wilkeekon Services Handyman & Cleaning Residential & Commercial Moving in/out, DIY projects, construction site, interior/exterior, light hauls Bonded Gayle Peekeekoot Ray Wilson 250-674-2775

A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS Used 20’40’45’53’ in stock. SPECIAL 44’X40’ Container Shop w/steel trusses $13,800! Sets up in one day! 40’ Containers under $2500! Call Toll Free Also JD 544 & 644 wheel loaders JD 892D LC Excavator Ph 1-866-528-7108 Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Misc. for Sale 20’ Sea Containers, new. $3700, used $2600 & up. 250851-6371. Can deliver. All sizes available. Dewalt Saw, Craftsman Saw, extension & folding ladders, box framing 3” nails, Wirsbo plumbing tool. Call Don 250672-1971. 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 or visit us online www.crownsteelbuildings.ca STEEL BUILDING - The great super sale! 20x20 $4,070. 25x26 $4,879. 30x32 $6,695. 32x40 $8,374. 35x38 $9,540. 40x50 $12,900. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800668-5422. or visit us online at: www.pioneersteel.ca

Merchandise for Sale

Transportation

Misc. Wanted

Auto Financing

Used Postage Stamps

Transportation

Off Road Vehicles 2 bdrm cabin style home on acreage in Malakwa Private and secure great location for sledding Wood heat Long term renter preferred $800/month plus hydro 250 804-5777 or 89bronc@gmail.com for info

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.

Tools For Sale: 5000 watt genset, seldom used, very good condition. $395. 250-672-2045

Real Estate

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Mobile Homes & Parks RETIRE IN Beautiful Southern BC, Brand New Park. Affordable Housing. COPPER RIDGE. Manufactured Home Park, New Home Sales. Keremeos, BC. Spec home on site to view. Please call 250-4627055. www.copperridge.ca

Rentals

CHURCH OF ST. PAUL

4464 Barriere Town Road

Worship Sunday 11:00 A worshipping community of Anglicans, United & Lutherans

Apt/Condo for Rent

All Are Welcome

CLEARWATER- 1 bdrm, updated, quiet/clean adult bldg. Common laundry. NP/NS Nov.15 $590 + DD/refs. Hydro approx. $25/mo 604-790-2482

the Rev. Brian Krushel

Clearwater: 1 bdrm Woodside Apt. Clean, updated. Photos kijiji, central location. N/S N/P $555.00/mo Ph. 250-674-0220

Duplex / 4 Plex Barriere: 3 bdrm, 1 1/2 bath, duplex, large fenced backyard, 1 car garage. $875 + util. DD. Pets neg. Avail Nov 1. 250672-0041.

Mobile Homes & Pads Barriere: 2 bdrm, all appliances, RR/DD, NS, pets on approval. 1 block from shops. $850 incl. util. 250-672-9676 Barriere: 2 bdrm for rent, $650/mo + util. DD/RR. 778257-0498 Barriere/Chinook Cove, 3bdrm 1.5 bath, double mobile. All appliances wood/propane, NS & responsible, small pets only. $700/mo. 250-672-5148

Homes for Rent Birch Island: 3 bdrm home. Incl satellite tv, avail Dec. 1, $875.00/mo 250-674-2465 Furnished bachelor suite for rent in Clearwater/Birch Island. $500/mo. Utilities included. 250-674-0002

Suites, Lower Birch Island: 2bdrm suite. $600/mo. Incl sat tv, utilities & laundry. Available Dec. 1. Ph. 250-674-2465 Clearwater: 2 bdrm suite, $650/mo incl util. DD req. 222 Dutch Lake Rd. 250-674-3434

Office: 250 672-5653 www.norththompsonpc.ca

ST. GEORGE’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass - 9am Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Mass - 9am

Father Donal O’Reilly

Ph 672-5949 • Fax 672-5974 CHRISTIAN LIFE ASSEMBLY 4818 Annesty Rd. (Across from High School) 9:30am Adult Sunday School 10:30am Sunday Service and Children’s Sunday School Pastor: Lance Naylor Youth Pastor: James Mason 672-0111 www.clabarriere.org

THE OPEN DOOR FELLOWSHIP 11:00 am Sundays at the Ridge Bible Study on Tuesdays at 1pm PASTOR TODD ENGLISH Join us for refreshments after the Service.

Phone 250-672-1864 anytime. Affiliated with North American Baptist Association. “Believe in the Lord Jesus - and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

Seventh-day Adventists

Meet in the Church of Saint Paul on Saturday Mornings Bible Study - 9:30am Worship Service - 11am Fellowship Meal - 12:30pm Everyone Welcome 318-0545

This Crossword Sponsored by

WELLS GRAY HOME HARDWARE 86 STATION RD., CLEARWATER

674-3717

North Thompson Star/Journal October 24, 2013

www.starjournal.net A19

Tourism struggling under Canadian policies By Carole Rooney 100 Mile House Free Press

STAR/JOURNAL photo: Margaret Houben

An excavator and crew work beside Gray Place and Airfield Road putting in pipe; just one more component of the wastewater treatment system currently being constructed for Barriere.

David, Goliath and the Power of Story Malcolm Gladwell has a new book out. I haven’t read it yet, but I hope to soon. Gladwell is a Canadian journalist, staff writer for The New Yorker magazine and best-selling authour of several books, including Tipping Point, Blink and Outliers. His books and articles often deal with the unexpected implications of research in the social sciences and make frequent and extended use of academic work. His latest book is entitled David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants. It intrigues me not only because it makes use of a well known Biblical story to talk about a common social phenomenon, but because I think it will have something useful to teach us about human nature. A 15-minute video of Gladwell giving a TED talk about his reading of the David and Goliath story can be found on You-

Pause For Thought

By Rev. Brian Krushel

Tube. In that video, he makes the point that Goliath may not have been the great warrior and overwhelming opponent that we assume him to be and David may not have been the quintessential underdog. By placing David and Goliath on a more level playing field, Gladwell makes the point that things are not always as they seem or as they have been reported to be. Sometimes there is much more going on than meets the eye (or ear). Is making Goliath less of a threat and David more of one counter-productive to his thesis about the true nature of underdogs? Does exposing Goliath’s potential weakness

and David’s potential advantage work against the point of this book? Perhaps. But, does it take away from a classic understanding of this story as the value of the underdog? Absolutely not. Regardless of how cunning David may have been or how Goliath’s extraordinary size may have worked against him, the story is still a good one and has something valuable to teach us about standing up to improbable odds or not letting someone else’s assessment stop us from doing amazing things. Sometimes with stories like this, it is less about what is known or recorded and more about what the story has come to be about. Story, Biblical or otherwise, is powerful and can take on a life of its own. There are stories about events in my family that, as time goes on, have come to have greater meaning and significance than

they did at the time. Sometimes it’s the opposite. We understand our history and ourselves better when we reflect on our life and stories through re-telling them. Their significance can even change over time as life and the world around us changes. That’s true of all stories. I welcome Malcolm Gladwell’s insights into the story of David and Goliath. He’s not the one I usually go to for Biblical interpretation, but, he may have something to teach me nevertheless. And when he does, he just goes to prove his own thesis, that things are not always as they seem and some stories always have something to teach us. Rev. Brian Krushel is the pastor for the North Thompson Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada, which includes both the Clearwater United Church and the Church of St Paul in Barriere.

Tourism in the nation gets a failing grade from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in a discussion paper it published this summer. Restoring Canadian Tourism states that while the global market for tourism is growing at an “astonishing” rate, Canada’s share is shrinking. It notes the tourism sector is “intensely” competitive – and Canada is not successfully competing. “Canada’s ‘brand’ is consistently in the top three worldwide with high interest from travellers,” the report states. “Yet, despite its stellar reputation, tourism in Canada is still punching below its weight.” Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association president Pat Corbett says Canada’s largest service industry export is the Canadian tourism industry. “It is imperative for the Canadian economy to maximize all industry sector opportunities, and the current federal-government policies are restricting the flow of people to Canada. Much like a pipeline to allow the flow of gas and oil from source to market, we need government actions to open up the valve allowing foreign tourists to come, as they once did.” The discussion paper is an “excellent” document on the changes required to improve federal tourism policies, he adds. A decade ago, Canada was among the top 10 destinations in international arrivals, but the report indicates it has slid since then, from seventh to 16th place. “Canada’s decline is not because it has suddenly become less beautiful, engaging or safe – characteristics that have always drawn visitors here,” notes the report. “Rather, Canada has failed to respond to changing realities. It has failed to respect the growing choices travellers have, and it has failed to fight for its future.” Corbett agrees with the discussion paper’s viewpoint that public policy changes are needed to increase the flow of foreigners back into the country, as, he notes, has been successfully done in the United States. “... We need governmental commitment to the public policy changes recommended in the [Restoring Canadian Tourism] report to open up the flow of foreign tourists to Canada.” If this is done domestically, he says it will represent billions of dollars in sector revenues and millions in new government tax revenues, as well as thousands of jobs for small businesses across many Canadian communities. For more information download the 12 page discussion paper at www. chamber.ca/publications/reports/ Are you free a few hours a week? Would you like to meet other members of the community who have similar interests? Would you like to improve the lifestyle of your community? Try volunteering with one of the numerous organizations that make the Lower North Thompson Valley a nice place to live.

Calendar this ad is sponsored by

BARRIERE • Nov. 2: Barriere Seniors Bazaar & Luncheon at the Seniors Hall,11am-1pm. • Nov. 16: No-Host Bazaar, North Thompson Fall Fair Hall,10am-1pm. Info 250-672-9330 (evenings). • Nov. 30: Barriere Seniors Annual Craft Fair, Seniors Hall, 10am-2pm. Info 250-672-5587 • Dec. 6-8: Candle Light & Holly, Legion basement. Friday, 10am - 8pm; Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-4pm. Info 250-672-9772 BLUE RIVER • Nov. 17: Blue River Community Hall 10am-4pm BLACK POOL • Nov. 23: Blackpool Craft Fair, 10am-2pm, Blackpool Hall. Info 250-587-6202. CHU CHUA • Dec. 8: Christmas Craft Fair, 10am-late afternoon, Chu Chua Community Hall. Info 250-672-9995

CLEARWATER • Nov. 17: 17th Annual Winter Wonderland & Craft Fair, Wells Gray Inn Conference Centre, 10am2pm. Info 250-674-2127. • Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1: Clearwater Elks Christmas Bazaar, Clearwater Elks Hall,Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday from 9am-noon. Info 674-3535. HEFFLEY CREEK • Nov. 30: Make It, Bake It, Create It, 2nd Annual Christmas Market, Heffley Creek Hall, 10am4pm. Info 250-578-8519. LITTLE FORT • Oct. 27: 38th Annual Little Fort Craft Fair, Little Fort Hall, 10am-3pm. Info 250-677-4383. VAVENBY • Nov. 3: Vavenby Craft Fair, Vavenby Community Hall, 10am-2pm. Info 250-676-9485

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Thursday, October 24, 2013 North Thompson Star/Journal

Pelayos participate in Celebration of Life

Submitted photos:

The Pelayo family from McLure have been busy this month, reporting that on Oct. 5, they participated in a concert in Vancouver in celebration of Noel Pelayo and daughter, Karina’s, birthday. It was called Celebration of Life; and was used as a ministry, as well as an opportunity to raise funds to help a church in the Philippines, and an institution for the handicapped called Cotolengo, also in the Philippines. The family says the group might be performing in Kamloops next year. Pictured above is Noel Pelayo performing, with daughter Karina on the left of the photo. Pictured left is Karina Pelayo during the concert.

New HIV test in B.C. helps reduce disease spread: Study

On October 31st Barriere Elementary Students will be

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BC Centre for Disease Control, and agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority British Columbia will be the first in Canada to use a new, more accurate HIV detection test following the results of a BC Centre for Disease Control study which found nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) greatly improved the diagnosis of early or acute HIV infection. The study released this week in the AIDS Journal estimated that between 25 and 75 new HIV infections were avoided as a result of a pilot program that has introduced and promoted the pooled NAAT method since April 2009 at six clinics accessed by gay and bisexual men in Vancouver. “Our government is committed to reducing the spread of HIV by ensuring those living with HIV/AIDS have access to the best care and treatment, and it is very exciting that this groundbreaking research is going on right here in B.C.” said Terry Lake, BC Minister of Health, “As part of our vision of an AIDS-free generation, we’ve committed $19.9 million in annual funding to health authorities to support the expansion of Help Hunger Disappear STOP HIV/AIDS throughout B.C., and we are the only province in Canada showing a consistent decline in new HIV diagnoses.” Pooled NAAT detects the virus as soon as Help Hunger Disappear one to two weeks after the virus enters the body, compared to up to four weeks using standard HIV testing. During this very early stage of infection, people have a greater risk of transmitting HIV to others. Help Hunger Disappear As most patients with a new diagnosis change Helpbehaviours Hunger Disappear their and access HIV treatment, imCampbell Gold

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proving the diagnosis of acute HIV can help prevent new infections and reduce HIV transmission, which also lowers long-term costs to the health care system. The study also concluded that the combination of pooled NAAT and social marketing campaigns was found to be highly effective in almost doubling the rate of acute HIV detection in the clinics, resulting in a 12 per cent increase in the total number of HIV diagnoses. In total, 25 men with acute HIV were diagnosed by pooled NAAT who otherwise would have received a negative result. As a result of the success of the pilot program, the BC Public Health Microbiology and Reference Laboratory will maintain pooled NAAT at these clinic sites in Vancouver following the successful pilot program, and is collaborating with BCCDC to implement the test method at other clinics in the province. “Accurate, timely test results means reducing the spread of HIV in the gay community. The sooner people know they have contracted HIV, the sooner their behaviour changes,” stated Dr. Mark Gilbert, physician epidemiologist, Sexually Transmitted Infections, BCCDC; study coauthor. This research was funded through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and supported through the provincial STOP HIV/AIDS program. The investment of the provincial government in the STOP HIV/AIDS program and initiatives such as this has helped to increase the uptake of HIV testing and diagnosis and has improved the connection to HIV care and treatment.