Prince George Free Press, February 28, 2014 by Black Press Media Group

FRIDAYFEBRUARY28

CITY HALL: Major shake up among senior administration

www.pgfreepress.com | newsline: 250.564.0005

Snow Story Part Two Bill Phillips editor@pgfreepress.com What changed between February 3 and Monday night? At least a couple of city councillors wanted an answer to that question, but really didn’t get an answer as a staff “post-mortem” on snow removal, highlighting several problems with the city’s efforts this year, was starkly different from a February 3 report blaming contract talks and high expectations from the public for snow removal furor. “The report doesn’t make sense, the last report was completely different,” said Coun. Albert Koehler. “At that time everything seemed to be OK.” At the February 3 meeting Koehler had put forward a motion to have council members involved in the post-mortem study, but eventually withdrew it at the urging of Mayor Shari Green. It’s a decision Koehler now says he regrets. “I don’t understand why administration all of a sudden finds this now,” Koehler said. “Issues are now being detected when just a few weeks ago, everything was fine. That’s not OK.” The post-mortem, presented by Bill Gaal, superintendent of operations, highlighted aging equipment, inadequate communications within city departments, allowing too much staff time off during the heavy snowfalls just before Christmas, and inadequate monitoring of routes resulting in some streets being cleaned multiple times while others hadn’t seen a snowplow, as reasons for the snow clearing mess. Gaal admitted that, fearing a full

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LEGO LAND

Lakeland file off to Crown counsel WorkSafeBC has handed its file on the April 23, 2012 explosion and fire at Lakeland Mills over to Crown counsel. “On (February 19) we provided material to Crown counsel to consider for possible charges under the Workers’ Compensation Act,” said Scott McCloy, WorkSafeBC media relations director. He stressed that any possible charges would not be criminal charges, but under the Workers’ Compensation Act. The explosion and fire killed workers Allan Little and Glen Roche and injured 22 others. Contents of the WorkSafeBC report will not be made public unless Crown counsel lays charges. “It’s not appropriate for us to talk about what is in the that material,” McCloy said. “It’s really up to Crown as to how to proceed. It’s their call.” McCloy also wouldn’t comment on whether he felt the material submitted would stand up in court. WorkSafeBC came under fire earlier this month when Crown counsel said the investigation into the Babine Forest Products explosion and fire was inadequate. He did say, however, that he hoped Crown would make its decision before the second anniversary of the explosion and fire.

INSIDE TODAY: Voices.........................................P11 Community...............................P15 Sign Up......................................P21 Datebook.................................P22 Charities of P.G.......................P23 Boomers..................................P28 Hart News................................P29 Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Sophie Hilton, 5, makes friends with a Lego man at the Great White Toys and Games store at Pine Centre Mall on Saturday.

Classifieds................................P32 Sports.......................................P36

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Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

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POLICE: ‘Key’ drug distribution centre raided in the city

BILL PHILLIPS | 250.564.0005 | newsroom@pgfreepress.com | www.pgfreepress.com

Internal restructuring at city Community services director Colleen Van Mook is gone Bill Phillips editor@pgfreepress.com There has been a major shake-up at city hall. Several functions have been moved, a new department – legal and regulatory services – has been created, and two new associate director positions have been filled internally. An organizational chart included in the press release says the city will now operate with five main departments: legal and regulatory services will be headed up by Walter Babicz, which will include procurement and risk management; operations will be headed by Bill Gaal, who will have one of the new associate directors, Gina Layte Liston, and the department will take on supply and fleet services that was previously under corporate services; planning and development headed up Ian Wells; corporate services headed up by Kathleen Soltis; and recreation and cultural services headed up by Rob Whitwham with another of the new associate directors, Andy Beesley. Fire Chief John Iverson will report directly to city manager Beth James, rather than Whitwham, which was the case previously. The two associate director positions are in departments where the current directors are nearing retirement age, said James. The change has also resulted in one position being eliminated. “One person has left the city as a result of the restructuring,” James said, who would not say whether that person was fired or quit. She also would not say who the person is, however absent from the new structure is Colleen Van Mook, who was director of community services. Van Mook’s LinkedIn profile lists her employment with the city

as ranging from 2009 to February 2014 and that she was open to new opportunities. James said the changes are about “futureproofing” the city. The press release states that 37 per cent of all city staff, and 57 per cent of staff in leadership positions are eligible to retire within five years.

“Those are really big numbers,” said James. “So one of the key themes was succession management and development.” The change also groups city departments together in a more logical way, said James. “It’s making easier for people to find services in Prince George,” she said.

The change is also about service delivery. “We’re organizing ourselves a little bit better so we can work more cohesively and coherently,” she said, adding that the general public won’t see much difference. James added that city council has been briefed about the changes and supports it.

Balloon Fun

Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Kaylee Cauchie, left, and Kailey Kukkola show off their balloon toys Saturday at Wendy’s Kids Fun Fair, part of the Mardi Gras Snowdaze winter festival, held at the Connaught Centre.

Snow removal post-mortem goes to council committee FROM PAGE 1

of Mayor Shari Green last month when he posted photos of graders sitting idle in the city works yard during a snowstorm. “It took the community to say it,” Skakun said Monday. “We just had a budget in November, but staff didn’t request $6 million for equipment.” Coun. Cameron Stolz put forward a motion to add an extra $1 million to the snow-clearing budget to be put in a reserve, thus raising enough money over six years to com-

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scale city strike on the January 4-5 weekend, he ordered the plows parked. The post-mortem highlighted a cost of $5.8 million to replace snow removal equipment. The post-mortem is a complete reversal of a February 3 report in which Gaal said there was no reason to change the city’s snow-removal policies. “We wouldn’t be here if there hadn’t been so much community outrage,” said Coun. Brian Skakun, who drew the ire

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Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

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Thefts result in jail time presents… Winner of 11 International Awards

Community Alert WA N T E D C Crime Stoppers is asking the public’s aassistance in locating the following pperson who is wanted on a British C Columbia wide warrant. As of 0900 hhrs this 26th day of February 2014, TTyler John HARTMAN (B: 1980-03221) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant for CARRYING A w Tyler John CONCEALED WEAPON. HARTMAN is HARTMAN described as a Caucasian male, 178 cm or 5’10” tall and weighs 75 kg 178 cm or 5’10” or 166 lbs. HARTMAN is bald with 75 kg or 166 lbs. hazel eyes and may have a beard. HARTMAN should be considered violent.

WA N T E D Crime Stoppers is asking the public’s assistance in locating the following person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. As of 0900 hrs this 26th day of February 2014, Vincent Albert MARTIN (B: 1978-07-01) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant for BREACH OF UNDERTAKING. Vincent Albert MARTIN is described as a Caucasian MARTIN male, 183 cm or 6’0” tall and 183 cm or 6’0” weighs 79 kg or 175 lbs. MARTIN 79 kg or 175 lbs. has black hair, brown eyes and may have a beard. MARTIN should be considered violent.

WA N T E D Crime Stoppers is asking the public’s assistance in locating the ffollowing person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. As of 0900 hrs this 26th day of February 2014, James Elvis MARCHAND (B: 1962-10-01) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant for James Elvis Uttering Threats et al. MARCHAND is MARCHAND described as a Caucasian male, 178 178 cm or 5’10” cm or 5’10” tall and weighs 82 kg or 82 kg or 181 lbs 181 lbs. MARCHAND has grey hair and brown eyes. MARCHAND should be considered violent.

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RIVERSIDE COLLISION We take out wrinkles.

In Provincial Court in Prince George on Dec. 6: Bradley J.L. Burke was found guilty of driving with a suspended licence, sentenced to one day in jail, assessed a victim surcharge of $50 and prohibited from driving for two years. Burke was also found guilty of failing to comply with a probation order and sentenced to 17 days in jail. Marilyn A. Hance was found guilty of theft of property with a value less than $5,000, sentenced to five months in jail and placed on probation for 18 months. Hance was also found guilty of two more counts of theft of property with a value less than $5,000, sentenced to five months in jail, placed on probation for 18 months and assessed a victim surcharge of $200. Hance was also found guilty of failing to comply with a probation order and sentenced to

of failing to comply with a probation order and two counts of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance and sentenced to one day in jail. Sampare was also found guilty of a third count of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance, sentenced to one day in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Florence Sutherland was found guilty of assault, sentenced to 21 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Sutherland was also found guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance, sentenced to 14 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Godon T. Peltz was found guilty of forcible confinement, sentenced to 12 months and four days in jail, placed on probation for three years and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Peltz was also found guilty of uttering threats, sentenced to 12 months in jail, placed on probation for three years and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Peltz was also found guilty of assault with a weapon, sentenced to six months in jail, placed on probation for three years, assessed a victim surcharge of $100 and prohibited from possessing firearms for 10 years. Peltz was also found guilty of mischief, sentenced to 60 days in jail, placed on probation for three years, assessed a victim surcharge of $100 and ordered to make restitution of $645.26, Peltz was also found guilty of criminal harassment, sentenced to 60 days in jail, placed on probation for three years and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. In Provincial Court in Prince George on Dec. 9: James N. Grey was found guilty of mischief, sentenced to 12 days in jail, placed on probation for one year and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Timothy P. Jensen was found guilty of theft of property with a value less than $5,000 and sentenced to three days in jail. Jensen was also found guilty of failing to comply with a probation order, sentenced to four days in jail and assessed a victim Everyone is invited to attend, for all ages, caregivers, surcharge of $100. Andrea E. Johnson was found guilty of two front line workers and family members. counts of improper storage of a firearm, placed on probation for 18 months and prohibited from posThe Chronic Pain Self-Management Volunteer Leader Training: sessing firearms for five years. Program (CPSMP) Kikino Métis Children & Daniel R. Middleton was found guilty of posses• Understand and manage symptoms Family Services Society sion of a controlled substance for the purpose of • Deal with stress and difficult emotions • Learn to safely maintain physical activity trafficking and production of a controlled subDates: and improve flexibility stance and sentenced to 18 months in jail. MONDAY THURSDAY • Communicate effectively with your health Kyle A. Yule was found guilty of resisting a care team March 10 - 13, 2014 peace officer, sentenced to nine days in jail, placed 9:00 am to 3:30 pm CPSMP VOLUNTEER LEADER TRAINING on probation for one year and assessed a victim Lunch will be provided. • You do NOT need to be a health surcharge of $100. Yule was also found guilty of professional to lead the workshop. Many failing to comply with a probation order and failLocation: of our volunteer leaders have chronic ing to comply with a condition of an undertaking conditions themselves. 369 Victoria Street or recognizance, sentenced to seven days in jail, • To become a certified volunteer leader, Prince George, BC placed on probation for one year and assessed a you must attend the four-day Volunteer Leader Training. victim surcharge of $100. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR • The leader training and materials are In Provincial Court in Prince George on Dec. 10: TO REGISTER provided at no cost. Caleb N. Breeden was found guilty of mischief • As a volunteer leader, you will be able to To register call: and placed on probation for one year. use the skills you have learned to help Toll Free: 1-866-902-3767 Geoffrey G. Graham was found guilty of posothers help themselves to manage their Register online – quick and easy session of child pornography, sentenced to four daily challenges. Website: months in jail and placed on probation for two www.selfmanagementbc.ca Contact us to become a Volunteer Leader>>> years. Robert A. Hall was found guilty of break and enDeadline to register is Monday, March 3rd ter, received a conditional sentence of four months and was placed on probation for one year. Kenneth R. McKinley was found guilty of assault, placed on probation for one year and assessed a victim surcharge of $50. Clinton L. Poitras was found guilty of theft of property with a value less than $5,000, sentenced to 60 days in jail, placed on probation for one year and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Poitras was also found guilty of failing to comply with a probation With over 30 years of experience, I can help you preserve your freedom, reputation and livelihood. order, sentenced to 30 days in jail, placed on For an appointment call 564-4454 probation for one year and assessed a victim 980 Fourth Avenue, Prince George • aartsenlaw.com surcharge of $100. one day in jail. Ernie Jakesta was found guilty of mischief, sentenced to 60 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Jakesta was also found guilty of a second count of mischief, sentenced to 71 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Andrew A. McLean was found guilty of failing to produce a valid driver’s licence when ordered to do so, fined $1,000 and assessed a victim surcharge of $150. Dillan Meerholz was found guilty of failing to comply with a probation order, sentenced to four days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Kody M.K. Pow was found guilty of failing to comply with a probation order and sentenced to seven days in jail. Scott L. Sampare was found guilty

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Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

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Friday, February 28, 2014

Mental-health issue growing Bill Phillips editor@pgfreepress.com With the Greg Matters inquest barely complete, the annual RCMP report to council shows that police are increasingly dealing with mental health issues. In 2009, RCMP had 605 calls to deal with people experiencing some sort of mental distress. That number increased to 629 in 2010, to 702 in 2011, 898 in 2012 and to 1,016 in 2013. “Mental Health Act calls are really a concern at the office,” RCMP Superintendent Eric Stubbs told council Monday. “It really jumped in the last couple of years to over a thousand ... They’re difficult calls for us.” He said mental health calls, often accompanied by alcohol and drugs, “makes it a high-risk business for us.” Another area of concern for the police is missing persons, said Stubbs. “A lot of these people are younger, who go missing on a regular

basis,” he said. “We do pour a lot of resources into locating these people.” The RCMP attended 354 missing person cases in 2013, which is also up from previous years. The good news, however, is that most of the other crimes have been decreasing in the city. There was only one murder in the city in 2013 and it was not gang-related, Stubbs said. That number is down from two in 2012 and eight in 2010. Robbery is another area where the numbers have seen a significant decline, going from 92 in 2010 to 67 in 2013. Sexual assaults have been consistent over the past few years, averaging about 70 per year. Aggravated assaults/assault with a weapon has been up and down over the past few years with 302 in 2010, 254 in 2011, 305 in 2012, and 265 last year. Common assaults have seen a downward trend going from 815 in 2010 to 681 last year. Break and enters have also been on the decline with 546

reported, down from 729 in 2010. Vehicle theft was up slightly over last year with 93 stolen compared to 86 stolen in 2012. Those numbers, however, are down considerably from 2008 when 242 vehicles were stolen. Stubbs said the full-time crime reduction

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and within communities. Partnering with the 2015 Canada Winter Games is a natural fit.’’ The website for any Canada Games evolves over time and has to prepare for increased demands as the audience grows exponentially and the Games approach. At the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, average visits to their website were at 40,000 daily. ‘‘The 2015 Canada Winter Games website is a key element in our communications

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Teacher ruling stayed by appeals court The B.C. Court of Appeal has suspended a lower court ruling that would force B.C.’s school districts to reorganize around teacher contract terms that were scrapped by the government in 2002. Education Minister Peter Fassbender said the latest turn in the long-running legal battle with the B.C. Teachers’ Federation allows stability for parents and students while negotiations continue on class size, special needs support and other issues.

The decision provides a “stable environment” for the 60 school districts to prepare for next September under existing arrangements, he said. “We need to now get back to the table and see if we can find that sweet spot between both parties where we have a negotiated settlement,” Fassbender said. Those negotiations, to replace an imposed contract that expired last June, are scheduled to continue next week as BCTF members take a strike vote.

Whatever the excuse... Accidents Happen Happen.

team had a very good year, nabbing 38 prolific offenders, and executing 28 search warrants. The domestic violence unit responded to about 1,000 calls for service. “Most of our key crime areas are trending downward,” Stubbs said. “We’re going in the right direction.”

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Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

www.pgfreepress.com

Bridge-ing technical troubles Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com In the world of science and engineering, even the most cleverly designed structures sometimes don’t measure up. On Saturday, during the 17th annual Ultimate Bridge Building Contest and Geo Rocks event, both participants and volunteer engineers were reminded of that very important

lesson. Put on by the Central Interior Branch of APEGBC, the event at Pine Centre Mall was a big success with a total of 54 entries and tons (well, maybe not measurable tons) of innovation and enthusiasm on the part of participants. The displays also attracted sizeable crowds. The only glitch? The malfunction of a key piece of equipment used in testing the weights the popsicle stick bridge structures could hold.

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“The load cell, which is the part that actually measures the weight applied to the bridges, broke. We have been calling the entire rig the ‘Crusher’,” said Lee Peltz, the group’s vice chair. The same piece of equipment had a malfunction last year too, so now it’s back to the drawing board for the volunteer engineers, who will ensure necessary repairs are done in time for next year’s event. Despite the setback, accurate weights determined this year’s winners. In Grades 1 to 3 category, Brooke Dodge took first place with 851 points for a popsicle stick structure that held 320 pounds. Tristan Dodge won in Grades 4 to 7 category with 1,697 points for his structure that held 616 pounds and in the Grades 8 to 12 category Elijah Good scored 794 points (290 pounds). In the adult open category, Harvey Kozak scored 1,080 points (416 pounds). There were cash awards for the top three bridges in each category. The Ultimate Bridge Building challenge is all about who can build the strongest bridge and the event highlights the importance of engineering in the North and aims to encourage budding engineers and geoscientists to explore options for careers in those professions. “We had a total of 10 engineers and four technologists who volunteered their time for the event Teresa MALLAM/Free Press and a total of 54 entries this year,” said Peltz. Engineer Ben Crimp with a model popsicle stick The local event is also held to bring awareness display used in the 17th annual Ultimate Bridge to March as National Engineering and GeosciBuilding Contest sponsored by the Professional ence Month. Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C.

Spirit of the North in giving spirit with $1.5 million On Wednesday evening, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation board and CEO presented Northern Health with a cheque for more than $1.5 million towards medical equipment, supplies, site enhancements, and educational training to enhance health care in the North. “Spirit of the North is overwhelmed with the generosity of our donors,” said Judy Neiser, Spirit of the North CEO, in a press release. “They realize that health truly is our greatest wealth. Through directed donations to areas of greatest need, or areas near and dear to

their heart, we are able to work collaboratively with Northern Health in the procurement of equipment at the best possible pricing.” On hand was a list of items that were purchased. Everything from endoscopy units that service diagnostic needs, to bariatric beds, ceiling lifts, and items that provide comfort and quality of recovery. A wide variety of items and enhancements are very specific as well, which carry out personal wishes in an area of need. The Spirit of the North is currently working towards raising

$1.4 million to secure a diagnostic Spect CT. “We are hoping to close funding for this project soon and are very pleased to date with the support it has gained,” said Neiser. “Early detection and more accurate diagnosis is key to achieving the best possible outcome for patients.” Northern Health recognizes this and is gearing its equipment asks towards a menu of key diagnostic acquisitions. This is the first in a multiyear approach to improving services and health care outcomes for residents of the North.

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Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

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Friday, February 28, 2014

Princess Pair

YOUR CITY MATTERS February 28, 2014 Applications are available on the City’s web site www.princegeorge.ca/cityhall/committees/, or may be picked up at City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard. For further information or to have an application form mailed to you, please call 250.561.7602. Applications or resumes received by the City Manager’s Office, Director of Legislative Services by the March 14, 2014 deadline will be considered by City Council at its Closed Meeting of March 31, 2014.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING Regular Council Meeting Monday, March 10, 2014 – Council Chambers – 6:00 p.m.

COUNCIL, COUNCIL COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND BOARDS MEETINGS Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Adelynn Mapstone, left, and her sister Emerson are dressed up as Princesses in keeping with the Disney theme of Wendy’s Kids Fun Fair held Saturday at Connaught Centre. The Mardi Gras’ Snowdaze event included games, contests, crafts and face painting activities.

Drug bust nets large amounts Prince George RCMP have taken down a “key” drug distribution centre in the city. Members of the Crime Reduction Team and Drug Task Force searched a residence on Arnett Avenue on Feb. 20 and seized 2,200 doses of cocaine and 560 doses of heroin. A 23-year-old man from Prince George was subsequently arrested. As a result of evidence obtained during the search, police obtained and executed an additional search warrant on a home on Osgoode Drive. Inside this home police seized a large quantity of cash and three pounds of marijuana, equivalent to more than 4,000 cigarettes. The male suspect was later released on a promise to appear and is facing a number of drug-related charges. If you have any information about illicit drug activity in the Prince George area, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477, online at www.pgcrimestoppers. bc.ca (English only), or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (274637) using keyword “pgtips”. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property or the seizure of illicit drugs, you could be eligible for a cash reward.

Committee of the Whole Monday, March 3, 2014 – location to be determined

**Applications in their entirety, will be included in a Regular Council Meeting Agenda, and forwarded to Council for consideration. Those Agendas may become public and the City of Prince George will use personal information collected for the purposes of committee appointments and committee member listings.**

PROCLAMATIONS Advisory Committee on Development Design Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – 2nd Floor Conference Room – 12:00 p.m.

JOB POSTINGS 14/018 Property Agent 1 – Full Time Closing Date: March 17, 2014 14/019 Building Inspector – Full Time Closing Date: March 17, 2014 14/020 Building Inspector – Part Time/Seasonal Closing Date: March 17, 2014 14/021 Custodian – Part Time Closing Date: March 10, 2014 14/022 Event Maintenance Worker – Irregular Part Time Closing Date: March 10, 2014 14/023 Labourer Contingency List – Summer Seasonal/Temporary Closing Date: March 10, 2014

• February 15 – March 15, 2014 is proclaimed “Strong Kids Month”

Please visit www.princegeorge.ca for more information regarding the job postings.

The City of Prince George is developing a Community Services Master Plan! This plan will help City Council support recreation priorities in Prince George over the next 10 years.

SURVEYS – February 17th to March 21st, 2014

Select Committee on Prince George’s 100th Anniversary Thursday, March 6, 2014 – Annex – 12:00 p.m.

COUNCIL COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES MEMBERSHIP Apply for a Council Committee! Deadline for Applications: 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2014 Prince George is a City full of volunteers willing to give their time to ensure their community is a better place to live, work and play. Council Committees provide residents of our community the opportunity to participate on the development of our municipality. At this time the City Manager’s Office is accepting applications for Membership on the following Council Committees: • Advisory Committee on Accessibility • Advisory Committee on Development Design • Advisory Committee on Enhancing Prince George (Enhance PG) • Board of Variance The Committees meet monthly, do research and provide information and recommendations to Council and City Staff.

Your Input is important! Whether you enjoy walking the dog, swimming or playing a team sport, we need to hear from you. There many ways you can get involved. Share the word with your friends!

There are a number of surveys to capture your feedback. Complete the surveys online at www.princegeorge.ca or visit a City facility for a paper copy. • Public Input Survey For everyone • Stakeholder Survey For groups and organization

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP – Tuesday, March 4th, 2014

• Seniors Survey For seniors, including emerging seniors 55 years and up

Share your ideas for recreation in this public round table workshop. There are 2 sessions to choose from. Register for a spot or drop-in.

• Youth Survey For youth < 18 years

• Afternoon Session – 1:30pm to 4:00pm • Evening Session – 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Visit the Community Services Master Plan website for more information or contact Laurie-Ann Kosec at 250.561.7611 or lkosec@city.pg.bc.ca

Visit www.princegeorge.ca or call 250.561.7611 to register.

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Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

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Arts funding avoids council axe Councillors like three-year plan proposal, but not cuts After a 90-minute debate Monday night, council decided to pretty much keep the status quo on arts funding. Council has historically given, in grants, about $357,000 in grants to arts and cultural groups, with the lion’s share of that, about 55 per cent, going to three groups: Theatre North West, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, and the Community Arts Council. TNW and the PGSO receive approximately 13 per cent of their annual revenues from the program and the Community Arts Council receives approximately seven per cent of its annual revenues from it. A recommendation from the city’s finance and audit committee was to enter into three-year agreements for funding, tied to 10 per cent of revenue of the organizations, brought in in increments. This would see the Community Arts Council’s funding go from $26,000 in 2014 to $35,600 in 2016. The PGSO,

however, would see its funding go from $58,000 to $43,000 and Theatre North West would see funding go from $113,000 to $91,400. The move would free up, for the city, $27,000 for other myPG social development fund priorities. While council generally liked having a three-year funding formula, they were not in the mood to cut funding to two of the city’s major arts groups. “Cutting the budget now is a dangerous thing,” said Coun. Albert Koehler, who used to sit on the Prince George Symphony Orchestra board. “We are discussing another arts centre. Here we’re talking $27,000 for organizations who are doing something for the community. I support leaving the budget as it is.” Coun. Lyn Hall expressed concern that the recommendation came out of the finance and audit committee directly to council without getting input

On The Oval

Allan WISHART/Free Press Students, staff and parents from Harwin Elementary decided to complete their Iceman on Wednesday. The event, which includes cross-country skiing, running, skating and swimming, was originally scheduled for February 9, but was cancelled due to cold weather. The Harwin groups decided to complete their participation goal, so they set up their own Iceman with help from Otway Nordic Centre, the Outdoor Ice Oval and the Aquatic Centre.

from the groups involved. “Once we’ve heard from those folks, then let’s bring that back to council,” Hall said. “I think

we’ve got the cart in the wrong spot, we really need to do something to change that … Since the agenda came out Wednesday, we’re hearing from people. We need to be cognizant how we report out from various committees, we

could have sharpened things up here.” Coun. Cameron Stolz suggested changing the formula to 13 per cent of the groups’ revenue, but that was not supported either as concern was raised about tying

city funding directly to a group’s revenue. In the end, the decision was to maintain funding for Theatre North West and the PGSO and increase funding to the Community Arts Council.

Forum on pot legalization March 6 The Cariboo-Prince George and Prince George-Peace River Federal Liberal riding associations will host a public forum on the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana on Thursday, March 6, at the Exploration Place in Prince George. Well-known members of the community will bring a wide range of experience and expertise to the debate, discussing the current legal status, implications of decriminalization and legalization, considerations of enforcement, and potential health impacts.

Invited panelists include: Ret. RCMP Gary Godwin; Dr. Laurie Cook, family physician; Chad Moats, Sensible BC; Dr. Russ Callaghan, University of Northern British Columbia, Northern Medical Program; and Jon Duncan, criminal defense lawyer. It will be moderated by Frank Peebles. Members of the public are invited to attend and address questions to the panel. There is no cost to attend. The forum will be held at the The Exploration Place from 7-9 p.m.

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Friday, February 28, 2014

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Inflammexx Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Tanesha West, 8, concentrates on her art project at a crafts table Saturday at Wendy’s Kids Fun Fair at the Connaught Centre. The event is part of Mardi Gras Snowdaze winter festival.

Hummel new Tourism P.G. boss Tourism Prince George has a new chief executive officer. Erica Hummel has taken over the role vacated last year when Aidan Kelly left. Originally from B.C., Hummel has relocated to Prince George from Toronto after a two-year position

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Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

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Name-calling a poor form of debating in,” on the other. There is no accepted intermediate status like “eccentric”: Eccentrics are at least tolerated in the United Kingdom. Labels like “schizophrenic,” “paraName-calling using psychiatric noid,” and “obsessive-compulsive,” terminology is causing great harm in politics and in debates over free trade whether or not accurately applied, “carry implications, sometimes ofand labour markets. Terms like “xenophobe” and “para- ficially promulgated, that behavioral characteristics of an undesirable type noid” are flung about. The tactic of labelling someone as having a mental indicate a mental illness,” says New York doctor Albert Scheflen. illness in order to discredit them Many poorly informed people and effectively remove them from respectable political discussion recalls actually believe that deviants and emotionally unhappy people have aspects of the era of McCarthyism in a disease in the genetic sense. “The lathe United States in the early 1950s. bel thus carries a stigma of an aberraFew people under 40 likely recall tion that is likely even a reference to be permanent,” to Wisconsin he writes. Senator Joseph Throughout North Thomas Frank, McCarthy, his alAmerica we have author of What’s lies on the House the Matter with Un-American the phenomenon Kansas: How Activities Comof what I would Conservatives mittee (HUAC), call Mental-Health Won the Heart of the mass firings America (2004), and blackballMcCarthyism. says psychologizing of leftists as ing and psychiatprobable Stalinist ric name-calling damage the quality Communist agents, or the widespread dismissals of real or suspected of political debate. “The language of the psychiatric style always suggests homosexuals as supposedly mentally a diagnosis, and always of the same ill as well as serious security risks. humiliating kind: madness, mania, The scope of political discussion in disabling malady,” he writes in his esthe United States was significantly say, “Tears for Fears,” in the February restricted. Proposing an ideal future 2014 issue of Harper’s Magazine. – except in a narrowly technological, Academic left-liberals are often the superhighway-engineering or realoriginators of the destructive tactic of estate-development context – was flinging about the word “paranoid,” discouraged. Behaviorist psychology, Frank observes. “By reducing the Darwinist reductionist-materialism forces of history to individual mental and logical positivism – the phimaladies, the psychiatric style oblosophy that only things that can be scures as much as it reveals,” he mainmeasured mathematically are real – tains. “It is also, almost by definition, became dominant. a form of judgment handed down by Now, throughout North America one class of people on another. we have the phenomenon of what I Working-class groups do not alwould call Mental-Health McCarthyways believe middle-class institutions ism, psychiatric name-calling with foster a better way of life, Dr. Scheflen roots going back to this immediate says. “Rather, they blame corporapost-war period. Instead of calling a tions and government for unfavorable dissident person a Commie in order conditions . . . . Devotees of middleto discredit them, too many people class institutions regard this approach now resort to calling them mentally ill or insinuating they are emotionally as overdependent, immature and paranoid . . . .” In Canada opponents unstable or don’t know how to manof potentially hazardous pipeline age their stress. projects are painted as dangerous, No stigma should attach to someforeign-funded fanatics, whose activione who suffers from actual mental ties must be closely monitored. distress and seeks the help of a legitiContributing to the rise of Mentalmate, qualified psychiatric practitioHealth McCarthyism is the continuner. The concern of this columnist is ing excessive faith in psychiatry and the mis-use of psychiatric terms by reductionist science. “In the modern people seeking to discredit political opponents, career rivals or unpopular world the psychotherapist and the basic scientist have fallen into critical family members. Too often anyone who is a little dif- roles,” Dr. Scheflen concludes. “The psychologists and psychiatrists are ferent or expresses an unusual opinnow the high priests of middle-class ion is regarded as at best engaging in negativism but more likely potentially culture – whether they wish to be or dangerous in a psychiatric sense. One not – and the scientists are the prophets. It is important for us to ask which is either completely normal, such as way we are turning the screw.” a nine-to-five office worker who is Fair-mindedness, the just use of a model service-club member and rational consciousness, and a respect a dedicated Scout troop leader, on for the irreducible soul will help bring one hand, or is maladjusted, crazy about the retreat of Mental-Health or one of what Yukon poet Robert McCarthyism. Service called “the men who don’t fit

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BILL PHILLIPS | 250.564.0005 | editor@pgfreepress.com | www.pgfreepress.com

The city snow job that just doesn’t fly Even though I know it will make who sought an answer to that question. some folks around the council table Neither they, nor the public, got one. cringe, I’ll say it: Brian Skakun is abso- Astounding. lutely correct. Gaal, at the February 3 meeting, “We wouldn’t be here if there hadn’t said union negotiations played a part, been so much commualthough he was careful nity outrage,” Skakun to say union members did said at city council nothing that wasn’t in their Monday when the right to do (refuse overtime, Snow Removal Report book holidays, etc.). But 2.0 was dumped on the at the February 24 meetpublic. ing he admitted to ordering If the public hadn’t the graders parked on the gotten up in arms January 4-5 weekend. Why? about the dismal state When pressed, he didn’t have of snow removal, neian answer other than to say ther of the two reports he was expecting a full scale from then-operations strike and there was a negotiWRITER’S BLOCK ating session on January 7. superintendent and BILLPHILLIPS now operations direcYet, no one on council took tor Bill Gaal would him to task for this. have come forward. If the public hadn’t But that’s not the worst of it. gotten up in arms and a few councilGaal’s report pointed the finger at lors hadn’t fought back against the wall aging equipment that was continually slowly being erected between it and breaking down when the snow was what is actually happening at the city, flying. nothing would have happened. Now, that we can believe. Whether Chalk one up for public pressure, be- by design or just dumb luck, he threw cause what has been going at city hall out the figure of $5.8 million to replace has been nothing less than astounding. all the equipment. That, of course, sent How could Gaal put forward a council off in a tizzy, away from what report on February 3 saying that snow they really should be concerned about clearing didn’t need to change and then … the snow removal. (All they need put forward one on February 24 saying to do to raise a good portion of the everything needed to change? $5.8 million is abandon the $4 million Skakun and Coun. Albert Koehler expenditure this summer of making were the only ones at the council table Second and Fourth avenues two-way

streets again. It’s a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have.) But back to the snow clearing. It was almost a Keystone Kops routine. “Management staff and unionized supervisors failed to adequately monitor completed routes,” reads the report. “Some residential streets were cleared multiple times, while other streets were not cleared at all.” Not a surprise to those of us who were actually paying attention to what was happening on the ground. “Too much time off was approved. Management allowed employees to have the three statutory holidays off during the snow event. In addition, management approved vacation days, requested both before and during the snow event. “… Internally, Operations was not supplying timely updates to the Call Centre. “…For an equipment perspective, with the intensity of the snow events and intermittent breakdown issues with the City’s equipment, Operations failed to react by leasing additional graders.” Council, however, couldn’t get past the $5.8 million beacon when it should have been focusing on how badly operations handled the snow clearing and that, at least initially, the department didn’t know how badly it was performing and/or tried to keep that information from council and the public.

Yellow journalism causes cancer? Colour my world – any colour but yellow. The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine, Donovan’s Mellow Yellow It’s not that yellow is my favourite colour or anything but it and Dawn (Tony Orlando) Tie A Yellow Ribbon. is getting a lot of bad press lately, something about chemicals Here’s one yellow story you probably don’t know despite my in it that “results from recent studies suggest” may be potenbest efforts to write my memoirs in my weekly column. When tially harmful to our health. Then again, I haven’t heard of I was being courted in the 1970s by a back-to the-lander-type anything being “good for me” for many years, who was trying to show me the benefits of living not since my parents used the phrase to get me in a converted 1966 yellow Bluebird school bus to eat baby beef liver and green beans. and growing our own organic vegetables and ... I So maybe this week I will throw out the yellow remember making yellow gingham curtains and stick pins, yellow Magic Markers and yellow yellow vinyl coverings for the bench and chairs. Post-it notes in my desk and, as my co-worker The canvas awning had yellow stripes. Even the Allan has pointed out, the Yellow Pages will have plastic picnic dishes were yellow. We used gallons to go too. That is what I call my token reaction. of “sunny” yellow paint for the cabinets and walls. It shows that I’m listening but not panicking. No one died of yellow fever in that year. There I would be more worried, I think, if I drove a were no ill effects, save for a few “mature” plants bright yellow car and bathed with yellow plastic out back with bright yellow spots on them where duckies. I’d overshot the cabinets with my paint brush – and But I don’t. yellow paint had carried on through the bus’ open TEA WITH TERESA I was living in Kenora, Ont. in the 1980s duremergency back exit door. TERESAMALLAM ing the infamous PCB (polychlorinated biheSo now the topic of yellow is trending. nyls) spill along sections of the Trans-Canada All I can do is shake my head and remember Highway and I don’t think I’ve thought much about PCBs back to a time, it was the mid 70s I think (memory loss, that since. But yellow is the colour of a caution light, so I did check happens when you eat too many organic vegetables) and yelout a few things at home like yellow rubber gloves and yellow low was the “in” colour. candles. On the evening news, they zoomed in on the use of It was when stainless steel appliances were thought to be yellow police tape to secure crime scenes so I guess no more hideous and anything harvest gold (yellow), particularly spot news for me. Then again, no yellow journalists reporting stoves and fridges, was the hue du jour. I’ve had my time with at a safe distance. yellow and I can live without it. So you can spare me the yelWe are also reminded with tweets that there was a lot more low smiley faces on your e-mails. From now on, my world is yellow around in the 60s and 70s. strictly black and white.

Meddling with the medal standings Now that the 2014 Winter Olympics are over, I’ve changed the desktop image on my computer back to what it was. For the last week and a half of the Games, my desktop was a picture from CBC of Justine Dufour-Lapointe after she won gold in the moguls competition. The picture shows her standing on the top level of the podium after receiving her medal. Obviously O Canada is playing, and there is a single tear running down her cheek. I thought it was an incredible photo, and to me it summed up the whole concept of the Olympics. • So four years ago, Canada hosted the Winter Olympics and topped the one set of medals standings with 14 gold, seven silver and five bronze for 26 total medals. This year, without being on home ground, we won 10 gold, 10 silver and five bronze for 25 medals. I would say that makes it a successful Olympics, because there was no real falloff from being the host to being a visitor. Russia, on the other hand, went from 15 total medals in 2010 to 33 this year, while Germany went the other way, winning 30 medals in 2010 and just 19 this year. • I said in the previous item, “one of the medals standings.” The Olympics themselves do not recognize a medals race between nations. You won’t find any list on the official site. It also seems there are two ALLAN’S AMBLINGS different ways people assess ALLANWISHART how countries should be ranked. Big surprise: I think it usually depends on which system will show their country up higher. One system ranks countries by gold medals won, then by total medals. The other system basically reverses that, ranking by the total number of medals, and breaking ties on the basis on gold medals. I’m not sure which system I like more. I will say I think either of them is an improvement on the points system you sometimes saw in Olympics gone by. A country got, as I recall, 15 points for a gold medal, 12 for a silver, 10 for a bronze, and then from seven down to one for placing fourth through 10th. Given there are some sports that don’t bother ranking people or teams down that far, the system never seemed to me to make much sense. Boxing, for instance, always just handed out two bronze medals to the people who lost the semifinals, rather than make them fight again. • So it’s the end of another month. Of course, being February, it comes sooner than it does for any other month. I had someone say to me about a week ago that they were going to an event on March 17, but they weren’t sure what day that was. I automatically said, “It’s a Monday,” and they asked how I knew it so quickly. I explained that in non-leap years, February is exactly four weeks long, so the first 28 days of March will fall on the same day of the week as the 28 days of February. “Oh,” they said, “that makes sense. It’s pretty easy to remember.” That’s the problem with explaining your ‘secrets’. They lose a lot of the mystery when people see how simple they are. My other calendar favourite is that September and December match for days of the week as well. If you’re in September and planning your Christmas time off, you don’t have to bother switching the calendar page.

Prince George - VOICES - Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

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Journalism largely consists of saying ‘Lord Jones is dead’ to people who never knew that Lord Jones was alive. - G.K. Chesterton

BILL PHILLIPS | 250.564.0005 | editor@pgfreepress.com | www.pgfreepress.com

MSPeeved at fees and fees

hirley Bond and John Rustad were well rehearsed when it came to defending the provincial budget last week, particularly the four per cent increase in Medical Services Plan premi-

ums. They both spouted out that about 800,000 people in British Columbia don’t pay MSP premiums and others pay a reduced rate. Somehow, that is justification for socking it to the other three million-plus British Columbians who pay MSP premiums. For the record, Medical Services Plan premiums have doubled since the Liberals formed government in 2001. The latest hike will put another $649 million into the government coffers, paid for by the good folks who have to pay MSP premiums or, for those who happen to have a plan whereby your employer picks up that tab, businesses. Bond and Rustad were simply playing politics, trying to spread the message that they are looking out for those who are hard done by in the province when, in fact, more and more people are becoming hard done by. In addition to the MSP premiums, B.C. Hydro rates are going to increase 28 per cent over the next five years, and ICBC jacked up basic auto insurance premiums by 4.9 per cent late last year. The Liberals drone on, and on, about not increasing taxes, while continually increasing fees and rates on just about everything else.

Proof of the future?

t’s a term only a bureaucrat could come up with, and love. According to city manager Beth James, the reorganization of city departments at city hall last week was “future proofing” the city. Huh? Those who took the clear and concise writing workshop might have written succession planning, which is what James was actually talking about. But that doesn’t have a catchy phrase that isn’t, well … clear and concise. Once you get past the gobbledy-gook, it actually makes some sense. Part of the restructuring was to identify senior managers who are getting close to retirement and prepare others to take over those roles when the manager retires. It makes for a smooth transition. The only downside, however, is that hand-picked successors now can mean a less-than-fair competition for the job when the current manager retires. However, in these days of aging baby-boomers, succession planning is a big issue and organizations that don’t recognize it, and deal with, will have problems. The reorganization of city departments also makes sense. James described the previous alignment like going into a restaurant and ordering your drink from one server, your steak from another, your baked potato from another, and so on. Getting departments that work together more closely aligned with each other makes sense.

Time to get in the game The Winter Olympics have wound up and now we have to Bobsled racing is easy to understand, but who, in a sane state wait another four years. of mind, would want to hurtle down a snow chute on a tiny As expected, Canadian athletes did our country proud. sled? Just watching is scary enough. The Russians did a great job of staging the games. The The races where there are several skiers or snowboarders opening and closing ceremonies can only be described as competing against each other at the same time are as good fantastic. as any race one could wish to watch. It is a real race against The period leading up to the games was a reminder of the your competition head to head, not against some time clock. doom and gloom crowd who held the stage far too often Despite our admiration and cheers for athletes in other prior to the Vancouver games. Their story was sports, we Canadians save our greatest energy much the same both times. The games are too to cheer on our hockey teams. They in turn gave expensive, the venues will not be ready, the us a darn good show. The women’s final was an climate is wrong for winter sports, and the poor edge-of-the-seat kind of game. Some had already are being robbed to put on a show for the elite resigned themselves to seeing them fail to get and many more negative comments. The silly the gold medal for the fourth straight time. Then twit crowd is ever with us. persistence and skill tied the game up in the last It is wonderful that we can all be spectators. few seconds. There was supreme effort on the Television is truly the next best thing to being part of those wonderful ladies. There was also there and a heck of a lot less expensive. Even a little luck when the goalpost of the empty net with the time zone problem, we can watch the saved the day. This was followed by a sudden later replay or set a DVR to record the event death overtime that could have gone either way, ONSIDE and watch it at a more civilized hour. but determination and discipline led to a wonVICBOWMAN derful win. The Winter Olympics have a lot of appeal for Canadians. We are a winter nation and that The men’s hockey final has become the prime makes the events real. We likely have personally participated showcase of the winter games. It was a great game, and, in many of the sports on display. Perhaps our performance while not taking anything away from the efforts of the men’s was not on par with the Olympic athletes, but we understand team, they were clearly the better team. Still, it was worth it the sport and appreciate how good those young athletes are. to crawl out of bed in the wee hours to watch a wonderful Figure skating is entertaining even when one knows very example of what the game should be and how it should be little about it. I still don’t know what a camel or a lutz is but I played. don’t need to. The skaters are marvelous and a joy to watch. Keep those moments of Olympic joy close, because in just It is ballet on ice and, like ballet, you don’t have to know the over a year from now, this city will host the 2015 Canada steps to enjoy the show. Winter Games. There you will have the opportunity of seeing For sheer excitement, there are several sports which some of our future Olympic athletes show their stuff. Don’t probably require a modicum of insanity to participate in. miss it, tickets are on sale now.

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Friday, February 28, 2014

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Snow millions

Editor: Review calls for snow millions: In addressing the recent article in the paper, the city department responsible for snow clearing is looking to improve operations and is asking for $6.6 million to do so. I find this somewhat perplexing. The newspaper article reviewed taxpayers’ frustration over winter plowing, particularly after a heavy snowfall. The city’s response is to purchase more equipment, obviously increasing taxes. The reason for the frustration with snow removal was union-city negotiations. (Have we not had a huge snow fall before without the need for more equipment?) My observation of snow removal on Foothills from Chief Lake Road to the 15th Avenue: 1. A dump truck with a blade makes the initial pass to open the road, without a doubt this is appropriate, it is what follows next is somewhat perplexing: a. A grader comes next to remove the snow. b. A little machine comes next to plow the snow off the sidewalk back onto the road. c. A big snow blower, accompanied with someone in a pickup flashing light blows the snow off the road over the sidewalk onto the road easement. d. A whole bunch of loaders and trucks come along and remove the remaining snow and take it too the dump site on 15th Avenue. Possible solutions: 1. First and the most important, seek solutions within; the knowledge and expertise of the men and women responsible for snow removal is an invaluable asset. 2. With regards to (one of many solutions) Foothills, plow all the road downhill, two graders at a time going in one direction, downhill saving fuel, (more expense to plow snow uphill), indicate that this is happening by planting purple flashing lights at access roads. 3. Revamp road design; move signage back from the road way, both Foothills and the side walk could be plowed with one grader with the wing down. In conclusion, I would like to see a process put in place to seek and review suggestions from the men and women charged with maintaining our roadways. Right now with the possibility of yet another tax increase I am not thinking Green. Bill Deutch Prince George

Does MP Zimmer represent the riding? Editor: An open letter to Prince George-Peace River MP Bob Zimmer By increasing rates for individuals by 25 per cent, as proposed for April, Canada Post will be driving away the very people for whom our postal service was originally established. Cessation of household deliveries will further erode this base. We are told these changes are necessary for the corporation to make a profit. But postal profit represents an unfair, hidden tax on a public reliant on critical services. Instead of destroying Canada Post by degrees, parliament could restore its status as a department of government no more require to turn a profit than, dare I say?, Veterans’ Affairs. One important role for Canada Post has gone unmentioned. By sending a sealed letter to you, or anyone else, I am utilizing

the only communication method, short of face-to-face conversation, that can be relied upon to be truly private. Edward Snowden revealed that all electronic communications can be, and are, scooped up by American, Canadian, and other spy agencies. To me, security of privacy is valuable beyond measure. So it should be to all. I believe the average citizen in your constituency is opposed to both the proposed postal rate increases and the cessation of delivery to the doors of households. I will again ask you this: “Are you presenting constituents’ views in Canada’s parliament? Will you vote against these changes or are you a servant of the Harper regime supporting these corporate decisions in the face of opposition from those who elected you?” James Loughery Prince George

Council should look at senior management Editor: An open letter to Mayor Shari Green Well Shari, ex-buddy, it appears that you have a penchant for jumping from the pan into the fire. I see that we have axed Ms.Van Mook, that, you would have us believe, saved us $160,000 a year, but wait, I have to imagine she was on contract, so I imagine there will be a severance, that of course will not be made public, why would it, its only taxpayer money. But wait, is there more to the story, let me guess, you shuffled around a whole litany of extra duties to other top level high paid bureaucrats, again I think they would be under contract, right, so they have extra duties, so there contracts would have to be changed to cover the extras, is one of the extras an added pay increase? One has to ask. So in saving $160,000 do we have to spend far more in added payroll and severance? And then there is the continuing saga of the infamous report of a week ago, that was put forward by our Mr. Gaal, stating all the reasons for lousy snow removal, but wait, a week later there is a follow up report discounting the first as untrue, not reliable and full of crap, and it must be the second

one where we should throw $5.8 million at the issue and all is well. If your top level bureaucrats are being slightly misleading to the executive council (you guys), does that not mean there might be a problem in your top people. Council should not be so ready to take what they want to hear, in place of factual comments, it seems they do not care, and if no one gets caught fabricating a story, it stays as gospel. It does not take long for the barrel of apples to all turn. So Shari, once again, I have to say where is the management coming from within the city, you and council can not seem to manage, the top un-elected, well paid people, and allow them to run the show poorly. Shari, I do not think the people that really care about this city, possibly more than you, are going to pack up and leave, as you suggested, but I guarantee they will remember all the crap coming from the ivory tower, (city hall). Oh, and by the way Prince George populous, (that means taxpayers) if you thought snow removal was bad, just wait until it is pothole time, you know the old saying “you ain’t seen nothing yet.” Bill Manders Prince George

City hall shufﬂe doesn’t give the city a good image Editor: The city has hauled out the axe from its tool box and chopped and chipped away at some of its long-term employees again. I hope those whose roles were “disbanded” or “reduced” were treated with the respect that the law affords, and if they were not that they avail themselves of the legal talent in Prince George. Much of the communications team was chopped just before the city advertised for a new director of communications. Deciding that nobody in Prince George knew how to communicate, the city went outside of Prince George in its search for someone who knew how to communicate. It appears it did not find anyone in its image, or that those who might have applied did not like what they saw. So city manager Beth James decided that she would be the communicator. Perhaps she would be excellent at it. Who knows? We did not hear from her when many complaints were made about Mayor Shari Green’s suggestion that there were greener pastures for naysayers. Maybe James felt that it was not her responsibility

to communicate to residents on behalf of the mayor, unless or until she became the official communicator for the city. We can wait and see. Terms of Colleen Van Mook’s departure were not provided in the press release that James provided on Friday, February 22, 2014. Why not include that the terms of Van Mook’s departure were amicable, gracious, or generous? Does James care about the people who served Prince George for a long time before she did, enough so that she would include in her press release details about the accomplishments, contributions, and personalities of the people axed? Maybe a supplemental press release will follow. While the eyes of the world are on our local shining Olympians, and our natural resources, our mayor and our city manager continue to show disregard to the residents of Prince George and to its employees. If we cannot feel secure in our city with all the to and fro, how can those whose eyes are upon us? Jacqueline B. Levesque Prince George

Approving Prosperity - a ‘black mark’ on Canada Editor: Open letter to federal Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq I am writing to register my opposition to the proposed New Prosperity Mine at Teztan Biny near Williams Lake British Columbia. The New Prosperity Mine proposal went through an extensive Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency review last summer (2013), and the panel report was scathing for both the environmental integrity of the mining plan, and for the cultural harm the mine will inflict upon the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation and Tsilhqot’in Aboriginal community. A group of business people and politicians in the Cariboo who are supporting the mine, are spreading the false idea

that the CEAA environmental review process was flawed. Nothing can be further from the truth. The assessment of the mine was very thorough and scientific and conducted by an array of world-class scientists at the top of their fields. To permit the mine to go ahead after such a damning condemnation would be a mockery of the CEAA environmental assessment process, and would bring to question Canada’s integrity as an environmentally responsible country. The violation of human rights is a serious question in the permitting of this mine. Taseko Mines Ltd is at loggerheads with the Tsilhqot’in and Xeni Gwet’in First Nations over this proposal. Major developments of this magnitude in the homelands of aboriginal communities must be done in consort with

these First Nations, not at their expense over their stringent objection. If you were to permit this mine over such adamant opposition to this project by the First Nation who calls this place home, it would create a black mark on Canada’s reputation, and be an international embarrassment. Economics must not trump environmental integrity in this pristine region of British Columbia. Industrial development must not override the well being of the Xeni Gwet’in community, which is a very precious component of Canada’s cultural mosaic. Please Ms Aglukkaq, reject the New Prosperity Mine application, once and for all. Sage Birchwater Williams Lake

Friday, February 28, 2014

Prince George - COMMUNITY - Free Press

“With over 40 years of experience, I can confidently say that Northern Gateway’s emergency response will be world class.” - Dr. Ed Owens, expert on shoreline response

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Northern Gateway is committed to protecting B.C.’s waters. That’s why we will plan, prepare for and implement international emergency response best practices. LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE Northern Gateway has consulted with dozens of experts, including Dr. Ed Owens, an oil spill specialist who has acted as a consultant to the UN, the Arctic Council, and more. With over 40 years of experience, he was instrumental in helping us develop our marine emergency response program. “I have worked closely with Northern Gateway to develop programs for enhanced spill response along all marine transportation routes. These programs will help ensure the environmental safety along the shipping routes.” Northern Gateway will implement some of the safest marine operations practices from around the world to help prevent a marine spill from ever occurring. We are also preparing for the most eﬀective response possible in the unlikely event of a marine emergency.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS Our marine emergency response practices go well beyond Canadian requirements. As Owens puts it: “By placing emergency response capacity at various key locations along the proposed route, valuable time will be saved in the unlikely event of an oil spill – and in a marine emergency situation, response time is critical. But having the right equipment in the right places is not always enough. A world class response capability requires an experienced response team at both the management and operational levels, and integrated training to ensure that timely decisions make the best use of the equipment and resources.” IMPORTANT CONDITIONS This past December, the Joint Review Panel recommended that the project be approved, subject to 209 conditions – including ones that require Northern Gateway to implement eﬀective spill response measures. We are working towards meeting these conditions, the same way we are working hard to meet the ﬁve conditions set out by the Province of British Columbia. In short, Northern Gateway is committed to doing everything possible to build a safer, better project.

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Friday, February 28, 2014

TERESA MALLAM | 250.564.0005 | arts@pgfreepress.com | www.pgfreepress.com

Old-world art inspires modern-day oil painter George Lesniewicz Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com

eorge Lesniewicz likes to joke that he’s a Renaissance man. Looking at his paintings, his sketches, and his artist’s studio, then hearing about his love of old buildings and historic landmarks – well, that’s an apt description. Lesniewicz is an accomplished painter who began his career as a commercial artist back in the 1960s. Fast forward to the 1990s when he had works accepted into the juried B.C. Festival of the Arts including a 1996 piece called Sleepers (Queen Charlottes). Today the artist describes himself as “an oil painter looking for my voice, as far as style goes.” He says, “I’ve worked in oils all my life so I keep my older paintings on hand to show me where I came from... and where I am going.” One of Lesniewicz’s first paintings, done in 1968 while he was a student at the Banff School of Fine Arts, graces the wall in the living room. He describes it: “It was done with a palette knife on board, I was about 18 or 19. “Ever since then, I’ve continued to learn – I think saying that you’re ‘self-taught’ is nothing to be proud of because art is a continual learning process. I’m retired, but I still go to artist workshops. Last year I went to an artist workshop in Seattle – and I learned things I didn’t know.” He’s learned how to adapt with the times. “In the 1960s I wanted to earn money so I became a commercial artist and learned to do silk screening, sign painting, photography, cartooning, illustrating – all things that a commercial artist does... Now it seems anyone with a computer is an artist,” he says, with a wry smile. His pursuit of art and learning has also taken him to CNC and studies in the Emily Carr program – his plan was to become an art instructor. Then in 1977, he got married to his wife, Angela, and opened a sporting goods store, Northern Ski. Still, when time allowed, he continued to sketch, mostly on trips in and around B.C. “I always had a sketch book with me,” he says. Discipline and a daily regime keeps his artistic juices flowing, he says. “I paint every day when I’m on holidays,” says Lesniewicz. He and Angela are world

Teresa MALLAM/Free Press George Lesniewicz signs his just-completed work, an oil painting of the Husky refinery, at his home studio last week. The artist began his stellar career as a commercial artist and photographer.

travellers and adventurers (they are both alpine skiers). He even brought along his sketch pad and painting supplies during their honeymoon. He has the sketches to prove it. “We went to Germany and England on our honeymoon and I was sketching everywhere we went.” He pulls out an album containing sketches of famous landmarks – and some portraits of his new in-laws. On another trip, to the Far East, the couple visited Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus and Rome – all places which inspired the artist to create new pieces, partly as a keepsake of their travels. He is still influenced by painters of the past, he says, explaining why perhaps still lifes are one of his favourite things to paint. When he does landscapes, he likes to work from small, five by seven inch “quick study” paintings which are done at the scene and then taken back to his home studio to replicate on largersized canvas. “I’ve always been fond of impressionistic painting and I like the work of the 14th

century masters. I enjoy painting outside – it’s called plein air. In summertime when I’m doing my landscapes, I take along two easels set up with different types of paint. I do a lot of my painting outside.” Lesniewicz often questions the meaning of art today, he says. “Where does original art stand [today]? People liked having original art in their homes, maybe it was a status symbol for them but then we got into photography, first black and white, then sepia, then colour photography. So people wanted photographs on their walls. Then came mass-produced prints, so that left me wondering if there was still a market for original work?” He found out the answer when just recently several of his smaller oil paintings were “snapped up” by people wanting unique gifts for family and friends. He also does commissioned works and portraits and enjoys painting tractors, farm machinery and “rugged” buildings as well as landscapes. This week he’d just finished an oil painting of

the Husky Refinery. Now the proud grandfather of two-year-old twin boys, Lesniewicz never lacks subjects for his artwork – Angela is in some of his paintings, so are his children when they were young. His now grown-up son, an architect who also paints, and Lesniewicz’s daughter, an archeologist, sketches for her work as well. Many of his paintings end up in the hands of well-known people. Portraits, landscapes and still life pieces have been given as gifts – one of his portraits was presented recently to (now retired Prince George-Mackenzie MLA)Pat Bell. The artist is meticulous about his work. He prepares his own canvases and will even improve on purchased ones to get the quality he wants. “Paint reflects off surfaces, so you want to get the best surface possible to paint on.” And true to his word, he’s still learning. “Two Rivers Gallery has life drawing classes that I go to every Tuesday where live models pose and you learn about form and line, things that are very important to an artist.”

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Prince George - COMMUNITY - Free Press

Welding is everywhere It’s there in small jobs and large ones; it’s sometimes discreet and other times obvious; it’s seen both wrought and painted; it supports small things and reinforces large ones. We find it in our homes and on airplanes, underneath both the car and the chair, on bicycles and gas pipes. Welding is used both to make things and to repair them. It is an integral part of all areas of modern society: for transportation systems, in factories, for machinery, in construction, in arts and crafts, etc.

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Even the ornamental metal you use to brighten up your home requires several welding procedures. Welding is also used in the construction of different objects, instruments and tools, whether they are made of steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Among other things, a welder can easily repair, or even construct, a propeller for your boat or install a snowplow on your truck.

For small household tasks, a basic soldering iron is sufficient, but for larger and more complicated jobs the services of a professional welder are necessary. Depending on your needs, welding contractors can offer you service at home (using a mobile general welding unit) or at their workshop.

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For instance, you might require a mobile welding unit for the repair or installation of a metal staircase. When it comes to issues of home security, welding is also important. It is a key part of the installation of bars on windows and doors, as well as the construction of fences and security grills.

WE GET THE JOB DONE Welding is an integral part of all areas of modern society: for transportation systems, in factories, in construction, etc.

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drop shutters, conventional milling machines, planes and corrugating presses are only some of the tools you will find in a welding workshop. The work of welding is done using both iron and oxyacetylene cutting torches. In larger workshops, the work may be conducted robotically. Robotics are used, among other things, for assembly-line construction. Different welding services are available for large industries, fleets of trucks, furniture manufacturers, local businesses, as well as individuals that require welding to carry out installations or repairs (plumbing is one example among others). Regardless of your needs or the size of the job to be done, welding companies have the equipment and the expertise to respond to your needs.

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Allan WISHART/Free Press Todd Arndt, third from left, accepts his Grammy Getaway prize from Integris Credit Union member service representative Linda Stewart, second from right. Part of the prize was a donation to a charity of the winner’s choice, and Arndt donated to Prince George Search and Rescue, represented by Heather MacRae, left, Sven Freitag, Marge Lachecki and Jeff Smedley.

See Grammys, help SAR Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com For Todd Arndt, it was an easy decision. “Being an outdoors person, and them having helped me in the past,” he said about donating $2,500 to Prince George Search and Rescue Society (SAR), “it was an easy choice.” Arndt made the donation Feb. 21 outside the Ahbau Street branch of Integris Credit Union. The donation was part of Arndt’s prize for being one of seven winners from across Canada in the Choice Rewards

Grammy Getaway contest. Arndt, a member of Integris in Prince George, won a trip to the recent Grammy awards in Los Angeles. “It was incredible,” he said of the trip. “There was so much more than just the Grammys. We visited Staples Centre, went shopping on Rodeo Drive, and a lot more.” Asked which of the musical acts at the Grammys he enjoyed most, Arndt thought for a second. “It’s hard to pick,” he finally said. “There were so many great ones.” SAR president Jeff Smedley said the timing of the donation

was perfect. “It couldn’t have come at a better time,” he said. “We’re building an addition to our current facility, and we figure it will cost about $15,000. “We were trying to figure out how to organize a fundraising campaign, and then a couple of days later, we got the call about the donation.” Smedley said SAR has a Facebook page where people can get more information about the group’s plans and how to donate. He said they hope to be breaking ground for the first phase of the addition by the end of May.

May 12, 2014 - July 18, 2014

Courses available include Arts,Business, English, Math, Science and more. Registration Opens March 3rd For more information, call 250-561-5867 or email recruitment@cnc.bc.ca at

PGSO celebrates Sounds of Russia on March 8 With the Olympics over, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO) is celebrating the season with Winter Dreams: The Sounds of Russia on March 8 at Vanier Hall. Mezzo-soprano Melanie Nicol and the Bel Canto Children’s Chorus join maestro Kevin Zakresky and the orchestra in sparking music by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Prokofiev. The central work on the program is Tchaikovsky’s grandiose Fourth Symphony, an extravagant and brilliant work filled with folk-flavoured tunes. As well, there are vocal selections from Tchaikovsky’s greatest opera, Eugene Onegin; Glinka’s Russlan and Lyudmila; and Rachmaninov’s sumptuous Vocalise. “When I think about Russian music, I think of folk-like, familiar harmonies and long, gorgeous melodies,” says Zakresky. “We are delighted to welcome Melanie Nicol back to the PGSO stage to

CNC INTERSESSION

share these sublime arias. As an extra treat, the Bel Canto Children’s Choir will join Melanie who was recently appointed as their conductor, on stage for Russia’s mots famous melody: Kalinka.” Opening the show is a rare performance of Prokofiev’s exotic Overture on Hebrew Themes, a hot-blooded example of “klezmer a la Russe” for strings, clarinet and piano. Winter Dreams: The Sounds of Russia concert plays Saturday, March 8, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Vanier Hall. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.ca, Studio 2880, 2880 15th Ave. or from the PGSO office.

www.cnc.bc.ca

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For news and updates, check us out online at www.rdffg.bc.ca 155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 Telephone: (250) 960-4400, Toll Free 1-800-667-1959 Fax (250) 563-7520, Web: www.rdffg.bc.ca

48. Slow mover 52. Stable dweller 53. Have bills 54. Speak indistinctly 55. Puff 56. Not new 57. Shade sources 58. Pairs

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17. Kitty’s comment 19. Unusual 22. Kick out 24. Price to retailers 25. Grandmother 26. Gait 27. Circle sections 28. ____ Bunyan 33. Moon valleys 34. Memo error 37. Taunt 41. Talent 42. Baby sheep 44. Organ of smell 46. Hurry 47. Embroiders 48. Excessively 49. Night hunter 50. Blushing color 51. Total

Prince George - COMMUNITY - Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

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Courtesy Lightworkers Media A beaten Jesus (Diogo Morgaldo) is denounced by Caiaphas (Adrian Schiller) in a scene from Son of God, which will be showing in Prince George starting Friday.

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Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com A Prince George man made it possible for many local people to see Thursday’s premiere of the much anticipated film, Son of God. The new film is being widely released Friday and has received lots of media attention and talk show interviews with the movie’s actors (Diogo Morgaldo is Jesus) and directors. Son of God follows the History Channel’s mini series, The Bible, but is a much bigger epic drama. Writer David Olson calls it the first major movie about Jesus since Mel Gibson made The Passion of the Christ in 2004. Gary Clark, who describes himself as a “passionate Christian”, said his efforts to secure a viewing room in the Cineplex and buy out tickets for a premiere show began with a chance meeting with the movie’s producer. Clark had travelled to Vancouver in December for a leadership convention and found himself in the same room, talking with Hollywood producer Mark Burnett. Instead of being “star struck”, Clark said he found Brunette to be very real and approachable with a background that most people might not expect. “He’s known for producing reality shows like The Voice, The Apprentice, Survivor and all that but as a person Mark Burnett is very engaging and when you find out he served in the British Army Airborne Unit and fought in four wars, that puts a human touch to him.” Burnett’s wife, Roma Downey, who played for many years in Touched By An Angel, plays Jesus’ mother Mary in the film. Clark said he enjoyed the movie and immediately wanted to share it with Prince George audiences. Similarly, it has been reported that many churches and religious

groups have bought tickets for their parishioners to attend. “I like the fact that Son of God is in English, there are no sub-titles like in The Passion of the Christ, and this one is about the whole story of Jesus’ life – not just the trial and crucifixion which is very brutal. So this film is easier to watch.” Clark said he noticed Burnett’s own heartfelt response. “It’s his film – so he must have watched it 100 times and yet, when he got up from his seat after the premiere in Vancouver, he was speechless. He had tears in his eyes. “I decided to buy up a block of tickets for Thursday night where invited friends could go online and purchase tickets for $5 or buy them at the door and where they could invite their friends. I think it’s very exciting for Prince George to be one of the first communities to get a chance to see it.” The movie’s regular run with regular pricing begins today (Friday, Feb. 28). This will be the “defining movie” on the life of Jesus for at least the next 50 years, says Clark, who adds there is a Catholic and a Protestant trailer for people to view. More viewers were drawn to the Bible series on TV when it played in Canada that they were to Hockey Night in Canada following the NHL walkout, he said. “I’m a passionate Christian... but Gary Clark is a very loud Christian. We will be showing clips in Morocco where they spent six months filming and ... just one of the stories ...one of the local guys went in every day and picked up any snakes and scorpions there were around and when it was the cruxification day of shooting, he found 48 snakes wrapped around the cross.” Clark said he’s pleased to have been able to rent out one of the theatres at the Cineplex to provide a venue for the showing at reduced cost to viewers.

Prince George - COMMUNITY - Free Press

www.pgfreepress.com

Friday, February 28, 2014

Sweaters give her a warmer feeling and I’ve collected about 80 sweaters to make my arm warmers.” She digs into her ‘garbage’ bag to bring up some of her dozens of creations and she laughs. “So far I’ve made about 75 pairs of arm warmers, they are unique. No two pairs are alike and I’ll be busy making more of them because we have a market coming up at CNC and I want to have lots on display.” She’s always had a creative edge, she says. “I love altering things. My mom taught me to sew when I was about 8 and I made my first garment. It was probably awful but she said it was really great.” Whittaker loves and supports the local arts community. She’s a member of the Prince George Cantata Singers and an instructor at CNC, teaching art history. In her spare time, Whittaker will continue to create her cleverly designed arm warmers with their Hollywood glam look. “To me, they’re like 19th century fingerless gloves, the kind wealthy ladies wore so they could do their needlepoint and spinning while keeping warm because the houses were cold. Today, they can be just a fashion statement. “Some people like to layer them with a [contrasting or coordinating] pair of gloves or have them as driving gloves, so their hands are free but their wrists and arms stay warm.” Julia Whittaker’s arm warmers are on display and for sale in a variety of colours and styles at Two Rivers Gallery gift shoppe. On Thursday, March 6 she will be at the CNC atrium, now the new Gathering Place, for the CNC Student Union Farmers Market.

Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com

Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Artisan Julia Whittaker with some of her uniquely stylish hand-crafted arm warmers made from “upcycled” wool sweaters. Her unique fashions can be found at the Two Rivers Gallery gift shop and, on March 6, at CNC’s Farmers Market.

In the 50s, Julia Whittaker might have been known as a sweater girl. She loves sweaters but her passion is not so much about wearing them as it is about turning old, quality sweaters into beautiful and stylish arm warmers. She collects, cuts up, sews, and “upcycles” the sweaters, cleverly repurposing them in a very trendy and glamorous way. “I’ve always loved looking through thrift stores – and that’s where I get most of my 100 per cent wool sweaters,” Whittaker says. “I love colour – and I love cashmere, it’s so soft and luxurious. Sometimes I find merino wool. I use the wool like fabric and I cut it up and shape it. I don’t follow a pattern and I prefer asymmetrical lines and shapes.” When she washes the wool, sometimes there are added surprises– it can shrink and become like a felting project. Recently the artisan was surprised to find red wool circles she’d cut out and sewn on a pair of arm warmers had curled up, creating an interesting look. Many of the arm warmers are embellished with trims, accents or antique buttons. “I’ve been collecting vintage buttons for years and so I decided to use them in my designs. I like to play with ideas. I like the raw edges (they’re left unfinished) and I never really know what I’m going to do with the wool until it’s in my hands. I treat each one like an individual art project.” Although she’s been sewing most of her life and also makes jewellery, Whittaker only began making arm warmers a few months ago. “I’ve been at this YOUR COMMUNITY since December

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Prince George - COMMUNITY - Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

www.pgfreepress.com

Cinema CNC focuses on Canadian movies with eight films in three days The 18th annual Cinema CNC film festival begins March 7. Featuring eight great Canadian films over three days, there is a wide range of appeal for movie buffs.

March 7 at 5:30 p.m. is The Art of the Steal with an all-star cast that includes Kurt Russell and Matt Dillon. A heist film with a clever finale. On March 7 at 7 p.m. is Cas and Dylan, with Jason

Priestley in his directorial debut. The story is about a surgeon (Richard Dreyfuss) and an aspiring young writer. Other films include Hi-Ho Mista-

hey, Siddharth, Burt’s Buzz, Gabrielle, Our Man in Tehran and The Husband. For more information, including trailers, visit cinemacnc.blogspot. ca.

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Festival passes (eight films) are available at Books and Company, CNC Bookstore, UNBC Bookstore. Friday pass is $14 (two films), Saturday pass is $21 (three films). Single tickets are $8, available at the door. All screenings are at the Prince George Playhouse.

Playbill WRAP-UP Black History Month celebrations wind up today (Feb. 28) with cultural performances, music and food at CNC from noon to 2 p.m. “Black History Month celebrates the diverse roots of the nation and country we call Canada,” said George Kaweesi, CNC instructor and Black History Month organizer.

WINDBORN On Sunday, March 2, popular musical duo Windborn will be back at Artspace. They have toured the country many times, travelling with their acoustic guitar, kick drum, and cello. Visit their website at www.windborn. ca. Tickets are $10 available at Books and Company and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

SPCA There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Animal Instinct, for the BC SPCA North Cariboo District Branch on Saturday, March 8, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the atrium of Two Rivers Gallery. The event features local Prince George artists including Eirrn Fylon, Amie Stoltz, Stacey Herlehy, Shelley Dougall, and Leah Coglan. Free admission. For more information search Facebook for Animal Instinct Art Show Fundraiser.

ECRA SHOW Elder Citizens Recreation Association (ECRA) announces the Forever Young Chorus with a special concert Over the Bounding Main, a musical tribute to the songs of the sea. Friday, March 28 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 29 at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets $10, children 12 and under $5. Advance tickets at the ECRA office. Phone 250-561-9381.

Prince George - SIGNUP - Free Press

www.pgfreepress.com

COLLEGE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Preschool 2.5 - 5 yrs

September 2014 - June 2015 Registration for new participants start Monday, March 10 @ 7:30pm at C.H.C.A. Spring Registration Night at Columbus Centre 7201 Domano Blvd. We offer a licensed program focused on giving your child a clean, safe, friendly and fun environment where they will enjoy learning centres, free play, artwork, making new friends and learning to share and co-operate in a classroom situation. $20 Non refundable Registration Fee Required. Returning children registered in early March. “NEW” Introduction to Preschool 30 months - 3.5 years 1 day a week program • Parent Participating $30 per month

Friday A.M.

9:00 - 10:30 am

Child must be toilet training and parent/caregiver must do a Parent Helper Duty Day once every 4 - 6 weeks.

2 Day a Week Programs: 3-5 years old, Limit 16 per program Parent Participating $75 per month (One Parent Duty Day per month) OR Non-Parent Participating $95 per month Tuesday & Thursday A.M. 9:00 - 11:00 AM Monday & Wednesday A.M. 9:00 - 11:00 AM Monday & Wednesday P.M. 12:15 - 2:15 PM Tuesday & Thursday P.M. 12:15 - 2:15 PM 4 Year Old Only Programs: (Children born in 2010) Limit 16 per program Non-Parent Participating Programs We will be offering 2 1/2 hour programs twice OR three times a week for children in their last year of Preschool.

Monday/Wednesday/Friday A.M. 9:00 - 11:30 am Tuesday & Thursday A.M. 9:00 - 11:30 am Tuesday & Thursday P.M. 12:15- 2:45 pm

$150/mth $110/mth $110/mth

All programs located at #105-6500 Southridge Ave. For more information call Cheryl @ 250-964-2662

REGISTRATION ONGOING AFTER MARCH 10!

COLLEGE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Ice Hockey

Days: Monday & Wednesday OR Tuesday & Thursday Time: 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. Location: TBA Dates: October 2014 - March 2015 Fees: $260.00 ($20 non-refundable deposit required) Child must be able to skate across the width of the rink. **Location, Days & Times subject to change

Hmmm? What to do now! Check it out! Great ideas to beat spring fever! Get involved!

FIRST AID FIRST AID LEVEL 2

March 10 - 14 December 1 - 5

5-7 years by December 31, 2014. Children born in 2007, 2008 & 2009. Early registration for College Heights Ice Hockey will be held at our Spring Registration Night Monday March 10th @ 7:30pm at the Columbus Centre (7201 Domano Blvd.) More information call 250-964-2662. Maximum 72 Limited spaces available. Returning players registered in early March.

Friday, February 28, 2014

FIRST AID LEVEL 3

March 3 - 14 March 31 - April 11 April 21 - May 2

THEN INVITES ALL PARENTS WITH CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 3 & 5 TO THEIR ANUAL

« LE COIN DES PETITES » OPEN HOUSE

FOR THE 2014/2015 PRESCHOOL YEAR FRANCOPHONE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM : Monday March 10th from 12:30PM to 2:00PM FRENCH IMMERSION PRESCHOOL PROGRAM : Wednesday March 12th from 12:30PM to 2:00PM At Le Cercle des Canadiens Français de P.G., 1752 Fir St. Info : 250-561-2565

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250-562-1238 439 Cassiar St. (across from Hands on Carwash) www.lifesaversﬁrstaid.ca

Cette prématernelle offre un programme francophone, conçu pour les enfants dont la langue maternelle des parents ou d’un des parents est le français. Ce programme éducatif vise à favoriser l’ensemble des dimensions du développement global de l’enfant sur les plans physique, intellectuel, langagier, socio-affectif, et morale, dans un milieu riche et stimulant.

This preschool program provides kids (age 3 to 5) with a positive environment where their emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development is enhanced while learning the French language. Our staff will share their years of experience and knowledge with you. All preschool children are welcome in this program.

Pour inscrire votre enfant, téléphonez le 250-561-2565 ou visitez nous au 1752 rue Fir For registration call 250-561-2565 or visit us at 1752 Fir Street www.ccfpg.ca

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Friday, February 28, 2014

Datebook www.pgfreepress.com Friday International Women’s Day breakfast, March 7, 7:30-9 p.m., Civic Center. Tickets at IMSS, 1270 Second Ave. H&H Market, FridaySunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 3955 Hart Highway. Read-to-me Storytime, Fridays, 10-10:45 a.m., South Fort George Family Resource Centre, 1200 La Salle. Information: 250-614-0684.

Saturday Dance to Caribou Thunder, March 8, 8 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Nechako Public Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 5100 North Nechako Rd. A Butler’s Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 1156 Fourth Ave. Bible talks, Sundays, 4 p.m., Columbus Community Centre, 7201 Domano Blvd.

Sunday Pancake breakfast, March 2, 9-11 a.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Nechako Public Market, Sundays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 5100 North Nechako Rd. A Butler’s Market,

“GIVE A LITTLE… GAIN A LOT!” PG Crimestoppers Join our highly successful Crimestoppers Society volunteering with fund-raising, Events and Special Projects or Programs. www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store Volunteers needed: to receive, sort, display and sell items in the store at 1180 3rd Avenue. Mon to Sat. Call Audrey 250-562-5136 Bernie 250-564-3416 Vantage Vision & Reading 20/20 is not Enough for Reading, a 20 min consultation will do a preliminary screening for your child addressing reading, writing and behavioral symptoms of learning problems. The program adapts to adult learners as well. More info call Milly 250-563-1136 For information on volunteering with more than 100 non-proﬁt organizations in Prince George, contact Volunteer Prince George

250-564-0224 www.volunteerpg.com

Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 1156 Fourth Ave.

Monday Canasta, March 3, 7 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Tai Chi, Mondays, 1:30 p.m., Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr.

Information: Lois 250563-6928. Army Cadet Rangers free youth program, meets Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Connaught Youth Centre. Information: Sondra 250-963-9462 or Andrew 250-981-8270.

Turkey dinner, March 6, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr.

Northern Twister Square Dance Club meets Mondays, 7 p.m., Knox United Church basement. Information: Gys 250- 563-4828 or Reta 250-962-2740.

Whist, March 6, 7 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre.

Bridge, Tuesdays, 1 p.m., Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr.

Center City Toastmasters meet Tuesday, noon, City Hall Annex. Information: 9164. toastmastersclubs.org. Buddhist meditation class, Tuesdays, 7:158:45 p.m., 320 Vancouver St. Information: 250-962-6876 or www. kmcvancouver.org. Spruce Capital Toastmasters meet Tuesdays, 7:25 p.m., 102-1566 7th Ave. Information: Tom 250562-3402. Sweet Adelines women’s four-part chorus meets Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., Studio 2880. New members welcome. Information: Kathy 250563-5170.

Wednesday Bingo, Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m., Spruce Capital Senior Recreation Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr. Whist, Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Senior Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. Hart Toastmasters, Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Information: harttoastmasters.ca CNC Retirees meet fourth Wednesday, 9 a.m., D’Lanos.

Community Builder

Thursday

Cariboo Toastmasters meet Mondays, 7:309:30 p.m., Ramada Hotel, 444 George St. Information: caribootoastmasters. com or Laura (250) 9613477.

Tuesday

A U T O B O D Y LT D .

Bingo, March 6,12:30 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre.

Little Artists, Thursdays, 10:3011:30 a.m., South Fort George Family Resource Centre, 1200 La Salle. Information: 250-6140684. Prince George Grassroots Cribbage Club registration, 6:30 p.m. play 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, 3701 Rainbow Dr. Information: Gerda 250564-8561.

Tai chi, Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., Knox United Church, 1448 Fifth Ave. Information: Lister 250964-3849 or listerchen@ shaw.ca. DayBreakers Toastmasters meets Thursday, 7-8 a.m., UHNBC Conference Room 1. Information: Heather 250-649-9591. BC Civil Liberties Union meets second Thursday of the month, 6 p.m., 1575 Fifth Ave. Plaza 400 Toastmaster Club meets Thursday, noon, Aleza room, fourth floor, Plaza 400 building, 1011 4th Ave. Information: 6252. toastmastersclubs.org/ or 250-564-5191. Prince George Toastmasters meet Thursdays, 7:15 p.m., AiMHi, 950 Kerry St. Information: pgtoastmasters.com, Joyce 250-964-0961.

Old Time Fiddlers jam, Thursday, 7-10 p.m. Elder Citizens Rec Centre, 1692 10th Ave. ECRA Forever Young Chorus meet Thursdays, 12:45 p.m., ECRA, 1692 10th Ave.

Students and teachers from Van Bien Elementary gathered at Otway Nordic Centre on Friday morning to take part in a delayed Iceman. Two teams of students and one of teachers were registered for the event, which was cancelled on February 9 because of cold weather, but decided to do the race, consisting of cross-country skiing, running, speed skating and swimming, on their own.

Proud to recognize those who give in our community.

A U T O B O D Y LT D . 2065 - 1st Ave. • 250-563-0883 www.csninc.ca

Support Groups Tuesday night Tops (take off pounds sensibly) 6:15-7:15 p.m. weigh in, 7:308:30 meeting. Everyone welcome. Information: Marvene 250-962-8001 or 250-612-2031. Prince George Healing Rooms - Are you hurting? Do you have health issues? Confidential prayers Wednesday noon-2 p.m, All Nations Church, 1395 Fifth Ave. Information: 250-6179653.

Heartbeat, a group for mutual support of those who have lost a loved one through suicide, meets monthly at CMHA office. Information: Sandy 250961-9330. Thursday Tops (take off pounds sensibly) 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Knox United Church,1448 Fifth Ave. Information: 250-5646336 (days), 250-9644851 (evenings).

Rainbows grief and

loss program for ages 5-15, registering for the fall session. No charge. Information: Catherine 250-563-2551. Tea Time for the Soul. Would you like someone to listen to you? Come, listen, and share while enjoying a cup of tea. Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m. at Forest Expo House, 1506 Ferry Ave. No cost. For more information, Jesse or Catherine at 250-5632551. Singles and friends, social group of people of all ages and diverse backgrounds, meets Wednesdays, 7 p.m., A&W on 20th Avenue. Wednesday Tops (take off pounds sensibly) noon, AiMHi, 950 Kerry St. Information: Diane 250-964-6072.

Prostate Cancer Support Group meets 7 p.m., last Wednesday of the month, UNBC Community Care Centre in BMO Building. Information: www.pgpcsg.org or call 250-562-2825.. Learning Circle Literacy Program

Thank You Prince George For Voting Us Best Auto Body Shop! works with adult learners and families on literacy, numeracy and computing skills. Information: 250564-3568 ext. 228, or literacy@pgnfc.com. Do you worry about the way you eat? Overeaters Anonymous may have the answers. Monday, 7:30 p.m., hospital, Room 421. Call Tanya 250-613-2823. Power Play, for children from newborns to five years old, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m., South Fort George Family Resource Centre, 1200 La Salle Ave. Information: 250-6149449.

NorthBreast Passage Dragon Boat Society meets first Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., Chronic Disease Management Room, UHNBC. Information: Anita 250-563-2949 or Betty 250-962-7985. Royal Purple meets second and fourth Mondays, 7:30 p.m.

Best Auto Body Shop

Information: Dianne 250-596-0125 or Jeanette 250-563-9362. Metis Elders Craft group, Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon, Prince George Metis Elders Society office, 117 – 1600 Third Ave. (Prince George Native Friendship Centre).

Prince George Quilters Guild meets fourth Tuesday of the month, Connaught Youth Centre, 1491 17th Ave. Registration 6:30 p.m., meeting 7 p.m. Information: Echo 250612-0499. Hospital retirees meet, first Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m., Prince George Golf Club. Information 250-5637497 or 250-563-2885. Wednesday evening Tops (take off pounds sensibly), Spruceland Baptist Church, 1901 Ogilvie St. Information: Leona 250-962-8802. Prince George Genealogical Society meets the third Tuesday of the month, St. Giles Presbyterian Church, 1500 Edmonton St.

The Community Datebook provides free community event listings every Friday. Submissions are accepted in written form only – dropped off, mailed or emailed – No Phone Calls please. Datebook runs as space allows, there is no guarantee of publication. Mail to 1773 South Lyon St., Prince George BC V2N 1T3. E-mail datebook@pgfreepress.com

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Friday, February 28, 2014

Discover How Your Donations Make A Difference

CHARITIES of PRINCE GEORGE

Helping Those Who Need It Most

February 2014

Prince George - CHARITIES

Friday, February 28, 2014

BC NEW HOPE RECOVERY SOCIETY Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community Our Community The BC New Hope Recovery Society is a non-profit organization that operates Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community - a premier, therapeutic community in British Columbia catering to men suffering from addiction.

OF PRINCE GEORGE - Free Press

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Family Camp for children with diabetes and their families to be held at Ness Lake in May 2014 Every day in Northern BC the Canadian Diabetes Association:

Our model is an innovative and novel approach to treating substance abuse and is inspired by the highly respected and world-renowned therapeutic community in San Patrignano, Italy. The success of our abstinence-based program is attributed to long-term treatment in a remote therapeutic community setting. The Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community is the only one-year program which can be accessed regardless of financial ability. Residents spend one year working on developing and redeveloping themselves so they are ready to engage in mainstream society with the skills, tools and resources they require. Residents learn to care for themselves, develop self-esteem, participate in one on one counselling sessions, work therapy, group therapy, and engage with animals in a therapeutic experience. Residents can complete their grade 12 and have the opportunity to attend college. We have a large greenhouse, chickens, pigs, goats, honey bees and horses, as well as shops for mechanics, woodworking and ceramics. Our guys perform all of the maintenance, repairs and upkeep of the facility as well as tend to the animals. We are a 70 bed facility. Many guys come to us with very little, sometimes with only the clothes on their back. Our guys are always in need of anything that will help improve their lives. We are happy to accept donations of any kind, whether it be sporting goods, food, linens, clothes, tools, animal husbandry supplies, building supplies or items for enjoyment. Because we are a non-profit organization, we rely upon and appreciate donations. This year has been an incredible year with many successes. We are very grateful to the people of Prince George and British Columbia who have contributed so generously to the recovery of so many!

* Creates awareness about diabetes and speaks out on issues affecting people living with the disease (local Advocacy champions) * Provides hope and improves the lives of people living with diabetes (local education opportunities and support) * Supports promising new discoveries through research (including UNBC) Prince George and area activities include family camp for kids with diabetes and their families, diabetes wellness displays, local speakers, diabetes expos, literature and information, Webinars, Peer to Peer Mentoring, annual Freedom Run and community initiated fund raising events. Our goal is to provide even more hands-on learning opportunities for the thousands of Northerners and their families affected by diabetes while supporting important diabetes research. Today, more than 9 million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes. It is estimated by 2020, 1 in 3 Canadians could be living with diabetes or prediabetes. The Canadian Diabetes Association leads the Àght against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to Ànd a cure. Together we can make a difference. For more information about diabetes, how to volunteer or to make a donation, visit 490 Quebec St. in Prince George, call 250 561 9284 or on line at diabetes.ca.

If you would like more information on our program or would like to become a donor, please contact us at (250)964-3136. Please visit our website at www.baldyhughes.ca for further information.

Thank you from the residents and staff at Baldy Hughes!

WE GIVE BACK! Founded in 1995, the Prince George Community Foundation is an independent, volunteer-driven, charitable organization that brings together people who care about their community. Member of the Community Foundations of Canada, the Prince George Community Foundation facilitates philanthropy, by partnering with donors to build permanent endowment funds that support community projects. The Foundation offers you the unique opportunity to support your community and to share in shaping its future by pooling and investing the charitable gift of our donors. Gifts and bequests are accumulated in a permanent trust fund managed by a highly skilled team of professionals. Investment income is allocated carefully and responsibly to charitable organizations committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community. Organization involved in health, sports, recreation, art, culture, social services and the environment all beneﬁt from the generosity of those giving to the Foundation. The Prince George Community Foundation has accumulated more than $7.5 Million in assets since its inception. In 2013, the Foundation awarded more than $118,000 in grants to worthwhile projects. To date over $930,000 was distributed to enhance the quality of life in our community.

Carefree Society is your local Handy Dart and Community Bus operator We provide specialized door to door transportation, operating as a shared taxi. Anyone with a disability which prevents them from using the city bus can use our service. The needs of our passengers are ever changing, and over the past year we have seen a dramatic increase in the use of mobility aids. As well, we transported more passengers to Hemo-Dialysis than ever before. BC Transit provides us with vehicles that are designed with all the necessary safety features as well as the ﬂexibility to transport a variety of mobility devices. Our drivers are all compassionate individuals with specialized training in providing custom transportation. At Carefree Society we recognize the importance of independent living and offer more than the ride itself; such as assisting passengers and their packages to the door and participating in ongoing communication between drivers, passengers and caregivers. We provide transportation for medical, educational and shopping needs, as well as to social activities such as Golden Age, Theatre Northwest and the CN Center. Our service is invaluable to Prince George residents, ensuring that everyone enjoys equal access to transportation. Carefree is dedicated to our Community, and is continually fund raising for bus replacements and to meet extra service demands. A legacy gift will ensure our ability to continue to serve your community.

Your gift to the Foundation enables you to maximize your tax, ﬁnancial and estate planning and to direct your contribution to the charities you care deeply about. Your donation to the Foundation can also provide you with the opportunity to establish a named fund in memory of a loved one or a community champion.

Make a difference! Become a donor today! Coast Inn of the North 770 Brunswick Street Prince George, BC Phone: 250 562-7772

Carefree Society 2832 Queensway St. Prince George, BC V2L 4M5 www.pgcf.ca

Charitable Tax Number 11883-8358-RR0001

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Phoenix Transition Society blessed by Integris Credit Union Phoenix Transition Society has been offering services in the community of Prince George and surrounding area since 1974.

We have been providing programming in Prince George for the last 35 years and we are commiƩed to serving more Ŭids this year than ever before. /Ŷ ϮϬϭϯ ǁĞ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞĚ ϭϬϬ ǇĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĂĐƟǀĞ mentoring in Canada by Big Brothers Big Sisters and it truly was a special and memorable year for our agency. On March 1st he hosted a “Day of Mentoring” where we welcomed Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big ^ŝƐƚĞƌƐ ƚŽ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ͘ /Ŷ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ ƚŽ ƌƵĐĞ ǁĞ were also joined by 100 local community partners, ƚǁŽ ^ĞŶŝŽƌ WƌŽǀŝŶĐŝĂů ĂďŝŶĞƚ DŝŶŝƐƚĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ,ŽŶŽƵƌĂďůĞ ŚƌŝƐƚǇ ůĂƌŬ͕ WƌĞŵŝĞƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ WƌŽǀŝŶĐĞ ŽĨ ƌŝƟƐŚ ŽůƵŵďŝĂ͘ /Ŷ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ ƚŽ ƚŚŝƐ ĂŵĂǌŝŶŐ ĂŌĞƌŶŽŽŶ ǁĞ ůĂƵŶĐŚĞĚ ŽƵƌ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ^ŚƵƩůĞ WƌŽŐƌĂŵ͖ ĞǆƉĂŶĚĞĚ ŽƵƌ ŌĞƌ ^ĐŚŽŽů ĂƌĞ WƌŽŐƌĂŵ͖ ĨŽƌŵĞĚ ŶĞǁ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌƐŚŝƉƐ͖ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƐƚ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚůǇ ƐĞƌǀĞĚ ŵŽƌĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ƚŚĂŶ ǁĞ ĞǀĞƌ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĨŽƌĞ͘ tĞ ǁĂŶƚĞĚ ƚŽ take an opportunity to say thank you to our ŵĞŶƚŽƌƐ͕ ŽƵƌ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌƐ͕ ƐƉŽŶƐŽƌƐ ĂŶĚ ĞǀĞƌǇŽŶĞ ǁŚŽ ďĞůŝĞǀĞƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉŽǁĞƌ ŽĨ ŵĞŶƚŽƌŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŚĞůƉƐ ƵƐ ƐƚĂƌƚ ƐŽŵĞƚŚŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂŶĚ ǇŽƵƚŚ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ community. 2014 celebrates 35 years in Prince George and our ŐŽĂů ŝƐ ŐƌŽǁ ŽƵƌ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ ĐĂƉĂĐŝƚǇ ĂŶĚ ƐĞƌǀĞ ŵŽƌĞ local children. To help us reach this goal we are ŐŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ďƵŝůĚ ŽŶ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ partnerships. Please contact us to learn more about our programs and how you can be the start of something big for local children and youth.

In 2012-13 we housed 422 women and children for a total of 5,075 bed days. This requires lots of services plus 3 meals per day, lunches for kids attending school and snacks of fruit, homemade muffins, banana bread, multi grain breads, bannock, etc. The kitchen is the smallest work space in the shelter and yet the most important. Full stomachs, ready snacks, are important in a community setting. Staff set a goal a few years ago to “redo” the pinched space. We all sat together and planned out the space eventually finding a way to give the “chef” her space, and space for residents to have their “own” fridge, snack cupboard, sink and work table. We began to save our pennies. And then… along came Integris Credit Union. The Staff of Integris have dedicated many hours to helping Phoenix “age well”. They put up a new privacy fence and Karen (E.D. of Phoenix) wisely invited them inside of the house to see the tiny kitchen space. That “got them” – the whole lot of them – and so Phoenix had the backing needed to start the designing process, the bids, putting money away to match Integris and eventually successfully complete a beautifully kitchen where Chef Ann has the space she needs and residents can come and go without intruding. The Integris Staff are like “family” to Phoenix and we are blessed by their kindness.

250-563-7410 www.bbbspg.ca

www.integriscu.ca

Making History Together

The Exploration Place Museum + Science Centre is an anchor in the cultural stream of our Community. Steeped in ancient history, the north central interior of British Columbia has stories to tell of its ancestors, geology, flora and fauna; stories that have shaped who we are today and what our community will look like in the future. Our Museum is a way-point on our collective journey; a place to revisit our past, share our successes while we dream about tomorrow. Our youngest visitors are first carried through the front doors by parents and grandparents, returning over and over as they explore the world around them and find their place within it. The Museum Collection holds, in perpetual safe-keeping, our stories; together with the objects, curiosities, documents and images necessary to bring them to life. This massive assemblage is constantly growing through donations from the public; requiring ongoing restoration, preservation and research in order to share this treasure trove with visitors and researchers. Started by volunteers in 1958, the Museum Society continues to be a strong presence in our Region, oﬀering curatorial expertise to partner institutions, support for other local charities and by engaging our audience at all ages. We must earn at least 55% of our annual budget; over $2100 a day, every day of the year. The support the Museum garners from donors, volunteers and our small endowment fund is what allows us to meet the demands on our resources every year. Museums are often seen as a “nice to do” rather than a “need to do” when it comes to funding, but a Community is just a city if it has no sense of Place. We love our Community and the people who have built it and we know you do too. Help us share your stories with tomorrow’s leaders.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Prince George - CHARITIES

OF PRINCE GEORGE - Free Press

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We’re almost there! … Helping to bring the best of care closer to home in the North, Spirit of the North was challenged to raise $1.4 Million in an effort to fund the Diagnostic Spect CT. With your support we’re getting close.

We still need your help…

Formerly known as the BC Paraplegic Association, Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) is a not-for-pro¿t organization dedicated to helping people with spinal cord injuries, and related disabilities, adjust, adapt and thrive. Whether someone is dealing with a new injury or struggling with the ongoing challenges of living and aging with a physical disability, Spinal Cord Injury BC is here to connect people with the support and resources they need. More than half our staff members are people with disabilities, so we really understand where our Peer members are coming from. We achieve our goals with two core programs: Information Services and Peer Support Program. The Peer Support Program provides social connections and unique life experiences to individuals with a spinal cord injury, their families and friends. We also provide peer mentoring opportunities, so that people with new injuries can bene¿t from the wisdom and knowledge gained by those who have experience living with a similar disability. Our Resource Centre helps people access all kinds of information relevant to living well with a spinal cord injury. People can search our online SCI Information Database , or call our InfoLine toll-free, Monday to Friday at 1-800-689-2477. Whether someone needs help ¿nding accessible housing, meaningful employment, special equipment and any other resources about living with a physical disability in BC, we’re here to help.

What is a SPECT CT? A SPECT CT leverages and combines two leading imaging technologies—SPECT and CT—to enable an entirely new level of early and precise detection, diagnosis and treatment. “ On its own, SPECT (Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography) is a type of nuclear imaging test that uses a safe radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3-D images. With the help of SPECT technology, doctors can analyze the function of the body’s organs. A SPECT scan produces images that show how organs work. For instance, a SPECT scan can show how a patient’s blood flows to their heart or what areas of their brain are more active or less active.

“This leading technology will take the radiology department at UHNBC from being very good to being world class ... With it we will be able to find the ‘needle in the haystack’.” Dr. Raj Attariwala, MD, PhD Radiologist, Nuclear Medicine Physician & Biomedical Engineer Director, Nuclear Medicine Services, NH

Combining the two different technologies, the SPECT CT lays one image over the other, enabling the physician to see both function and anatomy at the same time. Benefits: Greater Accuracy, Speed, Smart Technology… A SPECT CT scanner, the first step in a multi-year medical equipment up-grade plan across the Northern Health region, will help physicians detect, diagnose and treat patients with a wide variety of conditions. For example:

Heart Conditions: It will allow for a better diagnosis of calcification of the arteries and help identify the

level of risk for a heart attack. Cancer: It will assist in early and definitive diagnoses of certain types of cancers such as breast and thyroid, allowing for earlier and better treatment decisions. It will also provide greater precision in “road mapping” for procedures such as sentinel node biopsies. Brain & Spine: This camera is the most useful imaging equipment to aid in diagnosing various neurological (especially dementia) and degenerative spinal conditions. Bone & Joint: It replaces out-dated bone scanning equipment with a higher resolution combined CT/Nuclear scan, resulting in a clearer display of inflammation, infection or fracture. Pediatrics: Although significant for everyone, for the pediatric population it is especially relevant that this scan greatly reduces the amount of radiation per procedure, and, as a combined scan obviating the need for two scans.

Thank you!! … “Giving is the Difference …. that makes the Difference “ For more information Phone: (250) 565-2515 or see us in the Atrium at UHNBC – www.spiritofthenorth.ca

Thank you for considering making a difference at CNC We have many sponsorship packages at CNC that will give you and or your company excellent exposure, while helping students reach their educational and life goals. If you would like something a little different than the options we have listed below, we can work with you to develop a unique sponsor package that is a perfect Àt for you. All contributions are tax deductable as CNC is a registered charity.

Building naming – CNC has several buildings available for naming. We also have opportunities for naming

Centres of Excellence and sections of buildings in Prince George, Burns Lake, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James and Quesnel.

Classroom sponsorship – You can also sponsor a classroom at any one of our 6 campuses. Your logo can appear in a classroom or lab. Your donation will buy equipment, such as computers, that will be used by students on a daily basis. Equipment purchase – You can donate new and used equipment to CNC that will go right into students’ hands and receive a tax receipt for its value. We have a wide selection of equipment for you to choose from, which ranges in price from $50 to $100,000 and more. Your company logo can appear on the equipment that you choose. Endowment funds – You can create an endowment fund in your company’s name or the name of a loved

one, which will last forever, for as little as $50,000. The interest from your endowment fund will be given out to deserving CNC students as scholarships and or bursaries at a yearly awards ceremony, where you will be invited to attend, meet the recipient and present your award.

Scholarships and bursaries – We can help you create scholarships and bursaries in your company’s name or the name of a loved one that will be given out to a student who has demonstrated excellence in academics or Ànancial need. Your award of $500 or more will help a student pursue their goals and dreams.

For more information, please contact:

Bonnie Mercedes, CNC Fundraising and Alumni Coordinator, 250-561-5859 Annette Stevens, CNC Communications Manager, 250-561-5878

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Friday, February 28, 2014

The library is for everyone Former Northerners Shape Their Legacy

Your library has been growing! In the past year the Prince George Public Library has experienced growth in our numbers of patrons attending programs and services and growth in our facility. Far from being a ‘just’ warehouse for books, a visit to the library will present you with free classes in computer skills, travel tips, entertainment, free WiFi guest lectures and great events for the whole family like Literacy Day festivities, Touch a Truck day, ﬁlm showings and many other literacy celebrations. Last summer we also broke ground and established the Knowledge Garden adjacent to the Bob Harkins Branch downtown. This green space contains a paved path and amphitheatre surrounded by trees and is scheduled for completion with plantings and landscaping this summer. We plan to host outdoor storytimes and special events in the Knowledge Garden, and during our open hours this (soon to be) fenced space will be open to library users as a safe, lovely outdoor space for reading and socializing in the downtown area. Benches and a picnic area are on the list for establishment this summer, alongside donor recognition of the immense support this project has had from the Prince George public. Your support of the public library allows us to offer free programs to all people, addressing many different aspect of literacy. Some of our great donor-supported projects include Books for Babies (bags of books and information go home with new parents); the Knowledge Garden; SkyLab (our new computer lab and open classroom) and Reading without Rules (bringing books to people without access to the library). It’s caring citizens and supportive corporate donors that help the library continue to expand what it can offer people, and how we remain on the forefront of civic engagement. Thank you for your support. We listen to suggestions, and work hard to improve our services and facility to make your visit to the library truly reﬂect your needs. We ask that you become a part of our work in literacy and engagement. The library is for everyone, and every one can help us grow.

Tim Laspa and Shane Schepens have never met each other. One is a UNBC grad, the other isn’t. One lives in Vancouver while the other lives in Toronto. What unites them is a history in Prince George and a shared desire to support future generations through investments in UNBC that will be realized after they are no longer alive.

of young people in their family and this made them think about their own lives and how their wish to continue supporting UNBC could be honoured if they were not here. The opportunity to give to UNBC through life insurance became their choice. Premiums are donated to UNBC for a policy owned by UNBC. Charitable tax receipts are provided for these premiums.

Tim spent the Àrst seven years of his life in Prince George. As a young child, his journey took him from a comfortable upbringing in a middle class family as the son of the local Hudson’s Bay manager, to a family struggling to start all over again thousands of miles away from his hometown with his mother as a single parent. It took Tim 40 years to return to Prince George, but when he did, he was in the midst of experiencing another big change in his life. Within a few years, his wife would pass away from a brain tumour and Tim, who is the Director of Transportation Planning for the City of Toronto, made the decision to create a meaningful legacy that connected back to the values that were instilled in him at an early age.

What would they hope their gift to achieve? Shane says they would love to see any gift go to scholarships and bursaries for students. They know costs are going up for students and that Ànancial barriers are still a major reason potential students do not pursue a university education. He would like students to have the chance to achieve what UNBC has made possible for him.

“As a youngster, I was fascinated by the First Nation traditions I experienced in the Prince George area, including the story of my dad’s meeting with Granny Seymour,” says Tim. “Prince George was a comforting place to come back to and upon reÁection, this is where I feel I can pay tribute to my upbringing in a most meaningful way and do so through UNBC’s First Nations program.” Tim has made a provision in his will for the “On My Path” Bursary, which will support First Nations students making the transition to university. The award will be endowed, meaning that it will be provided forever. “Planning for your death is something that might make people uncomfortable but it has given me great peace of mind to know that I will be able to give something back to the people and the city that is so fundamentally a part of who I am today,” adds Tim. “It was actually an enjoyable experience to work with the staff and faculty of UNBC to establish this bursary.” Supporting future students is also a favourite cause for Shane Schepens. Shane is a UNBC grad (Bachelor of Commerce, 2001) and is now working as a chartered accountant on the Lower Mainland. He was born and raised in Prince George, went to UNBC, and had – in his words – “a great experience.” He felt it was a close-knit campus and he was able to get to know his professors while receiving an excellent education. Beyond his education, Shane became very involved in campus life, including serving as a student senator, and he met his future wife, Carrie, while they were both attending UNBC. Shane and Carrie have been annual donors since he graduated. In the past few years they have experienced the loss

These donors’ lives have taken them to different places but their shared history in Prince George has instilled a strong sense of supporting future generations of northerners. Contributing through planned giving options – a will or life insurance policy – provides them with the opportunity to share their good fortune with future generations of students.

What is a great legacy of a life lived? Helping future generations reach their full potential. Consider a legacy gift to UNBC that will touch the lives of students, the future alumni who will strengthen northern communities. Forever. Giving can be as simple as a bequest to UNBC in your will or trust. Consider naming UNBC as a beneﬁciary of a life insurance policy or investments. Talk to us today about how you can ensure your wishes endow future generations. Call 250-960-5750 or email giving@unbc.ca Charitable Number 121620 7350 RR0001

2012 Political Science Graduate Naomi Findlay of Burns Lake

BOOMERS B Wellness

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Friday, February 28, 2014

and Health &

d n o ey

A guide to healthier living!

Lorraine Logan takes on role as COSCO president

Set For Stage

Teresa MALLAM/Free Press The cast of Plant Care Workshop runs through a rehearsal at Elder Citizens Recreation Centre: Erna Reinhart (bug), left, Ann Miller (plant), Carol Stewart (exterminator), Jack Tremblay (fertilizer guy) and Ingrid Maack (dog). ECRA’s Drama Club presents Time to Laugh Again, Feb. 28, March 1 and 2. Tickets are on sale at ECRA offices, 1692 10th Ave.

Get an early spring in your step with Joya footwear

B.C.’s largest federation of seniors has elected a new president. Delegates representing 85 seniors’ organizations throughout the province chose Lorraine Logan to lead the 107,000 member Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of B.C. (COSCO) for the next two years. Logan previously served as COSCO’s second vice-president, and spoke for the organization on transportation

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“BC’S EYEWEAR HEADQUARTERS”

issues including DriveABLE and accessible transit services. She takes over from Art Kube, a longtime leader on issues affecting seniors. “Art is an incredible organizer who has guided the growth of COSCO, which now represents more B.C. seniors than ever before,” said Logan. “He is a key advocate for a civil society where governments plan with seniors, not for them. His work has demonstrated that seniors have much to contribute – that we are an asset to society, not a burden. Now that he has passed the torch of leadership, the new executive of COSCO will be working hard to live up to his example,” she said. Logan said there are many issues where the voice of today’s seniors must be heard. “Governments

Schaffer Residence at HART Serving Prince George, Quesnel and Surrounding Communities

Complex Care, Memory Care, Alzheimer’s, Respite Residents health status improves mentally & physically when they feel connected, engaged and happy in small residential settings. SO.....COME ON IN AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!! We offer: Secure facility, Single / Double rooms with a beautiful country view, 24-hour nursing care, nutritious meals, housekeeping, laundry & linen services.

“You Provide the best meals for seniors” Family members

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1080 Victoria St. | 250-562-4047 | 1-800-809-9339 | www.tlpg.com

Come...visit, take a tour and discuss your options and affordability! Contact: Debbie Schofield (Manager) 7780 Hart Hwy, Prince George, BC V2K 3B3 Ph: 250-962-9840 Toll Free: 1-866-681-2345 manager @schafferresidences.com

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generally have failed to recognize the positive contributions that seniors can make. British Columbians are living longer, healthier lives. In some instances, this creates challenges, but it also creates immense opportunities,” she said. A key issue that COSCO will be tackling immediately is the defense of public health care, threatened by the federal government’s refusal to renegotiate the federal-provincial Health Accord which expires March 31. “Seniors will be visiting their Members of Parliament to urge them to improve public health care, and not allow Ottawa to reduce its financial contribution. We can strengthen health care, and actually save money, by establishing national Pharmacare and home support programs,” she said. Other priorities affecting seniors include affordable housing, accessible transportation services, and the need to improve public pensions, said Logan. COSCO is an umbrella organization that brings together 85 different seniors groups, representing 107,000 women and men, to work on common issues. COSCO is affiliated with the one million member National Pensions Federation, which promotes these issues at the national level. A major focus of COSCO’s work is promoting good health. To this end, COSCO volunteers provide a series of free workshops on 38 topics ranging from falls prevention to health literacy. More than 6,000 seniors have attended these workshops.

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Prince George Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

Hart

Community News

Sewer service Save OKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d for 100 Hart homes $5

FA ST O I L CH A N G E N O A PPO I N TM E N T N E CE SSA RY

LUBE, OIL & FILTER 8 * 5 ) $061 0/ r /05 7" - * % 8 * 5 ) " /: 05 )& 3 0' ' & 3

Council has given first three readings to a bylaw that would extend sewer services to several neighbourhoods in the Hart Highlands. The extension will take in 100 properties along Berwick Drive, Dundee Drive, Wallace Crescent, Wallace Place, and a portion of Langley Crescent. Council has also authorized borrowing up to $2.4 million for the work. Last fall residents of the Wallace Crescent area petitioned the city for the installation of a sanitary sewer main extension as a Local Area Service (LAS). The petition was certified as being sufficient in accordance with the requirements of the Community Charter, and on December 16, council resolved that the establishment of a Local Area Service be approved. The affected property owners will be responsible for 100 per cent of the costs for the installation of the sewer mains and the connection from the main to property line. The individual onsite service connection works (the connection from the house to property line) are not included and will be the sole responsibility of the respective property owners. The initial funding for construction will be financed by the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sanitary Sewer Reserve. Upon completion of the project, property owners will have the option to pay their share in full as a one-time payment or as a loan. A loan of the remaining amount will be taken out by the

city, with the remaining property owners repaying the debt through a parcel tax levy. The improvements under the LAS will be amortized over a 20-year period. However, at any time during this period, a property owner will have the option of repaying the entirety of the loan. The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to the project will include costs for design, which is being done in-house, and a portion of the repaving costs, due to the age of the existing asphalt.

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Friday, February 28, 2014

drivewayBC.ca |

Welcome to the driver’s seat

Can Toyota’s Tundra ride alongside heavyweight brands like Ford, GM or Ram?

Tugging at the tails of top selling trucks If there is one segment of the auto business that takes dynamite to get people to change brands, it’s the full-size pickup truck category, I’m sure most of us know of someone who is a “Ford guy” or The Tundra is “Chevy diehard” owner, even as capable as and getting him or her to move to a new many of the domestic truck would be almost brands but in some impossible. ways it still has a way It wasn’t until the last to go to truly be an Toyota Tundra was introduced in 2007 that alternative to Ford, Toyota was a real conGM and Ram. tender. That 2007 Tundra and this refreshed 2014 Zack Spencer model are designed, engineered and even built in America, helping to pull loyal domestic buyers away. The Tundra is even as capable as many of the domestic brands but in some ways it still has a way to go to truly be an alternative to Ford, GM and Ram.

‘‘

’

is a step up from the lower trims but not nearly as supple and luxurious as the new batch of interiors from Ram and GM. Those trucks, in particular, have almost luxury-sedan interiors that make the driver forget they are in a truck. The Tundra, in comparison, is a bit stark, featuring a hard, simple plastic dash and door pieces that don’t compare. The centre screen is smaller than many competitors are, and the screen embedded in the instrument cluster is small. What has been improved is the overall layout of the centre console. The back seat is massive and flips up with just one hand to make room for interior storage. I found the last Tundra to have a very high seating position that limited headroom. This new 2014 seems to have a better seating position, no longer crimping headroom for taller drivers. Drive Powering the Tundra are two V8 gasoline engines. The base model has a 4.6L V8 with 310hp and 327 lb.-ft. of torque. The larger 5.7L has 381hp and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. This is one area that the Toyota cannot compete; there is no V6 offered and no diesel (Ram only), which the domestic makers do offer. By limiting the available engine options and not having a heavy-duty model that will certainly diminish the

number of domestic buyers willing to give Tundra a try. On the road, I was surprised at just how rough the ride is in comparison to the all-new GM trucks, which really are like driving a big sedan. I would also place the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 a very close second in ride comfort. The Tundra is choppy on rough roads and the noise level is on the high side. Toyota claims to have improved ride quality on this refreshed 2014 model but I am not a fan of the ride. Verdict The Tundra is a capable truck. When equipped it can tow up to 4760 kg, which is on the high side in this class. What surprised me the most was the real “trucky” ride. I have had extensive seat time in all three domestic brands over the past year and I have to say that they are best sellers for a reason – the refinement is rather dramatic. The Lowdown Power: 4.6L V8 with 310hp or 5.7L V8 with 381hp Fill-up: 15.8L/11.0L/100km (city/highway 5.6L) Sticker price: $26,750-$54,000 zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca

Looks As part of the 2014 redesign, Toyota went about setting up a slightly different look for each of its trim levels. Sold as an SR5, Limited and Platinum, each has a variation of the oversized front grille. The wheel openings are now larger and squarer, framing wheel sizes ranging from 18-inches on the SR5 and Limited and 20-inches on the Platinum. The Tailgate has a soft open feature, stopping it from slamming down, that is fantastic but there is no side step or ladder into the bed the way Ford and the new GM trucks have. Sold as a regular car, double cab or Crew Cab, there is a model for most buyers. Inside Just as the outside was redesigned to have a unique character for each trim, the inside mimics this idea. The Platinum model I tested is covered with a diamond pattern, or quilted look used on the leather seatbacks, side door inserts and dash front panel. It

Question OF THE WEEK:

Are you loyal to one brand of vehicle when you purchase and if so which? Please explain why you have made that decision.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Go to drivewayBC.ca to submit your answer.

Safety Tip: Every day brings us closer to more favourable spring weather but remember we still have plenty of rain ahead of us. It’s a good time of year to consider whether you need to change your wiper blades and to top up your windshield washer fluid.

Find more online at

drivewayBC.ca

Visit the 2014 Tundra gallery at DrivewayBC.ca

We can help drive your customers to your door step! Call your sales rep today! 250-564-0005

Your best resource for community news

driveway

Friday, February 28, 2014

www.pgfreepress.com

Lifesaving

cold weather fun on four wheels $795. In my opinion, it’s money extremely well spent. The day starts out with an in-class session that goes over theory and what will be executed throughout the various exercises. It’s kept relatively short so we have more drive time. It’s mentioned that we’ll be practicing manouevres with and without electronic help, to put both power and performance to the test. Oh yeah. Proper seating position is outlined when we initially get behind the wheel. Then we’re off. You might ask what is the point behind putting one of BMW’s latest products sideways on an ice track in subzero temperatures. My initial answer is only three letters long and to the point: fun. But that’s only a byproduct of what the impetus behind the program is; a program that started back in 1977 and is now offered in 35 countries. The main goal is safety. It’s designed to introduce drivers to techniques that might help correct the car if it is not doing what you want it to for whatever reason. For example, if your wheels are pointed in one direction, but your car is going straight ahead, what should you do? That’s called understeer. The instinctual thing to do is keep adding more steering, but that won’t help. Ease off the throttle and try to straighten your wheel so your tires can regain grip. Or, if you feel the back end of the car breaking loose, how do you wrangle it in? You countersteer and don’t lift off the throttle. It sounds easier said than done, but the techniques do work! Putting yourself and the 435i through the paces in a safe and controlled environment is the best place

O G A S R A E Y 5 1 E R E AYMENTS LIKE THEY W

ANNIVERSARY SALE

2014

‘‘

Learning car control in less than perfect circumstances is available to all who have $795 . . . it’s money extremely well spent.

’’

or luggage. This concept comes with a variant of Kia’s turbocharged 1.6-liter ‘Gamma’ engine, capable of 160 horsepower. The engine and a seven-speed, dualclutch transmission serve the front wheels while

WAS $30,610

to learn. If you spin out, you’re not going to go into oncoming traffic. You just stop, turn the car around, and keep going. You’ll probably giggle a little in the process and tell yourself you’ll “get it next time.” Heck, if you knock over a few cones, no one will judge you either. It’s all part of the process. There are also dynamic braking exercises that teach you how the car reacts when you have ABS, and what you can do in these conditions. You’ll even learn reverse 180s. Philippe Létourneau is the head instructor of the program and says, “People learn a lot more when they’re having fun.” I agree. He also mentions that if people walk away from the course with a couple of newly established driving habits that make them overall a safe driver, that’s ideal. However, if your face doesn’t feel stiff from smiling, or your abs don’t hurt from laughing, perhaps you weren’t trying hard enough. What’s not to like about that? For more information, visit: http://tinyurl.com/ nw54b8p alexandra.straub@drivewaybc.ca

an electric hybrid system powered by regenerative braking delivers up to 45 horsepower to the rear wheels – when road conditions require extra grip. keith.morgan@drivewaybc.ca

PG10657

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Alexandra Straub

Futuristic Kia with butterﬂy wings The Kia Niro concept is a futuristic, upscale and performance-inspired hybrid electric drive car designed for urban dwellers. Entry into the vehicle is by way of dihedral “butterfly” doors with flush door handles that swing up high into the roof. Mounted directly onto the side windows are milled “Plexiglas®1” door mirrors with built-in cameras. And at the rear, the large hatch opens to reveal an expansive carbon-fibreclad cargo deck ready to swallow large quantities of equipment, gadgets, gear

Auto, PS, PL, Heated Seats, Sirius, AC

193 BW 0 Down

TAXES IN

196 BW 0 Down

TAXES IN

2014 Auto, PW, PL, Air, Tilt, Cruise, Bluetooth, Sirius, Heated Seats WAS $29,560

PG10612

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2014

Auto, PW, PL, Heated Seats, Sirius, Cruise Bluetooth

A PW, PL, Cruise, AC, Bluetooth, Sirius, B Heated Seats H

WAS $25,760

W WAS $17,580 $

NOW ONLY

PG10506

$22,995 or

154 BW 0 Down

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$16,580 TAXES IN

114 BW 0 Down

2014

2013

Auto, PW, PL, Tilt, Cruise, Bluetooth, Heated seats, Sirius, Alloys

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WAS $22,080

WAS $29,950

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136 BW 0 Down

60/84 @ 0% total paid $24,730.08

DL26131

The man from BMW once called me a hooker. Surprisingly, I wasn’t that offended. I actually laughed at such a descriptor, as did everyone else around me. I didn’t feel so bad because I wasn’t the only one in the group labelled thusly at the brand’s Driver Training; a full day of driving 3 Series sedans (back then) to improve our own car control. I didn’t have too many years of driving experience back then but I unfortunately I had picked up a few bad habits on the road. What’s a ‘hooker’, according to the instructors at the German automaker’s training? Someone who hooks his or her hand into the steering wheel when making a turn. It’s a big boo-boo and not an effective way to drive. It’s also totally unsafe should an accident occur in the process. Needless to say, pointing out the ‘hooker’ in me caused me to change my habits for the better. And in the most recent installment of learning car control with BMW, no such noun was used when relating to my technique. Thank goodness. It’s minus 15 degrees at the ICAR track in Mirabel, Quebec. The sun is out and there’s a lineup of all-new 435i coupes just begging to be driven. Some are equipped with the brand’s all-wheel drive system. Some are rearwheel drive. Regardless, I’ll have my way with both configurations by the end of the day, so to speak. The adventure is better known as the Winter Driver Training program, offered exclusively at the ICAR location. That said, you don’t need to own a BMW to participate. Learning car control in less than perfect circumstances is available to all who have

Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 8am - 5pm

TAXES IN

180 BW 0 Down

PG10632

TAXES IN

K13091

TAXES IN

Gustafson’s Kia 1912 - 20th Ave • 250-563-7949 • 1-866-588-2542 • gustafsonskia.ca

(K14016 2014 KIA SORENTO - 60/84 @ .99% TOTAL PAID 34,978) (PG10612 2013 KIA SPORTAGE - 60/84 @ 0% TOTAL PAID 29,769) (PG10612 2013 KIA RIO - 60/84 @ 0% TOTAL PAID 21,033) (PG10607 2014 KIA FORTE - 60/84 @ .99% TOTAL PAID 26,835) (PG10506 2014 KIA RONDO - 60/84 @ 0% TOTAL PAID 28,817) (K13093 2013 KIA OPTIMA - 60/84 @ 0% TOTAL PAID 29,769) (PG10444 2013 KIA SOUL - 60/84 @ 0% TOTAL PAID 24,836)

Prince George - CLASSIFIEDS - Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

250.564.0005 250.564.0005

www.pgfreepress.com

Employment

Business Opportunities

Career Opportunities

HOME INSPECTION

OKANAGAN VALLEY

COMPANY expanding into Prince George. ~All Training Included~ Call Dave for Franchise Presentation. 1.855.301.2233 www.bc.abuyerschoice.com

Announcements

Employment

Obituaries

Information

Personals

Automotive

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Do you think you may have a problem with Alcohol? Alcohol Anonymous, Box 1257, Prince George, BC V2L 4V5 Call 250-564-7550

A+ Massage gives you complete stress release with a total body comfort massage. (250)617-5283

EXPERIENCED PARTS person required for a progressive auto/industrial supplier. Hired applicant will receive top wages, full beneďŹ ts and RRSP bonuses working 5 day work week, plus moving allowances. Our 26,000ft2 store is located 2.5 hours N.E. of Edmonton, Alberta. See our community online at: LacLaBicheRegion.com. Send resume to: Sapphire Auto, Box 306, Lac La Biche, AB, T0A 2C0. Or by email to: hr@sapphireinc.net.

Business Opportunities

Denied Long-Term Disability BeneďŹ ts or Other Insurance? If YES, call or email for your FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION

and protect your right to compensation. 778.588.7049 Toll Free: 1.888.988.7052 Julie@LawyersWest.ca www.LawyersWest.ca

LOOKING FOR the whereabouts of my nephews, C.F. Single & S.W. Single. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of these people, please phone 1-204-224-4815 and leave a message.

BC Cancer Foundation Legacies Accepted. 604.877.6040 or bccancerfoundation.com

Coming Events NEEDED WEDDING DRESSES FOR OUR UPCOMING SALE AND FASHION SHOW twiceasnicewedding@yahoo.ca

Travel

Timeshare CANCEL YOUR timeshare. NO risk program stop mortgage & maintenance payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! Call 1-888-356-5248.

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Information ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2014-2016 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis The most effective way to reach an incredible number of BC Sportsmen & women. Two year edition- terriďŹ c presence for your business.

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Obituaries

GET FREE Vending machines. Can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-retire in just 3 years. Protected Territories. Full details call now 1-866668-6629. or www.tcvend.com

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Education/Trade Schools

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$1000 A week mailing brochures from home! Helping Home-Workers since 2001. No experience required. Start Immediately! Visit us online: www.mailingnetwork.net

NECHAKO RESERVOIR UPDATE

Operator School

26 February 2014

START WEEKLY. YEAR ROUND. GET TRAINED.

Reservoir Elevation: 850.45 m

(2790.20 ft.) 3

SLS Discharge: 32.24 m /s Total snowpack: 78%long term average Visit website www.waterofďŹ ce.ec.gc.ca for up to date real-time ďŹ&#x201A;ow information for the Nechako River. Contact Rio Tinto Alcan at 250-5675105 for more information. A recording of this notice is available 24-hours in Vanderhoof at 250567-5812

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Obituaries

FRASERVIEW CREMATORIUM PROVIDING BASIC CREMATION AND MEMORIAL SERVICES TO PRINCE GEORGE & AREA Columbarium Niches - Scattering Garden 40 Seat Chapel iiff5 '),# &5 ,%5 ( 5R5hkf7klh7jnng

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Gail Janet

Wilkinson January 25, 1953 February 17, 2014, born in Duncan, BC

It is with tremendous sadness we announce the passing of Gail on Monday afternoon. She leaves behind her son Cody, granddaughter Kyara, father Thomas (Bob) and his wife Jeanne, sister Sharon, brothers Gordon and Bob, sister-in-laws Lynn, Grace and Dawn, nieces and nephews, many wonderful friends and her favourite little cat â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mikeyâ&#x20AC;?. Gail was predeceased by her mother Catherine (Kitty) and brother Ricky. A special thank you to Drâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Closson and Joss and the wonderful staff at Rotary Hospice who made her last few days so special and peaceful. Prince George was home to Gail for the past 14 years, she knew many people who will miss her. A remembrance of Gail to be announced.

I wish you sweet sleep, my sister dear, although thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve left bare. I hate that you had to endure such pain. On my mind, your saddened eyes have left a stain.

IN ONLY 3-10 WEEKS!

UP TO $400 cash daily. FT & PT outdoors, Spring/Summer work. Seeking honest, hardworking staff. Visit us online: PropertyStarsJobs.com.

SHOP LOCALLY Career Opportunities PUT YOUR experience to work - The job service for people aged 45 and over across Canada. Free for candidates. Register now online at: www.thirdquarter.ca or Call Toll-Free: 1-855-286-0306.

Career Opportunities

Junior Solicitor 1 - 4 years call

Intermediate Litigator 4 - 8 years call To join an established firm - see website for details. www.davidsonlaw.com

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking J. RYBACHUK & Sons Trucking LTD has an immediate opening for a logging truck driver in the Sparwood/Elko area. Previous quad logger experience required. Fax resume to 250-425-0505 or e-mail to rybtrk@telus.net.

District of Houston www.houston.ca

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Working closely with Mayor and Council, you will provide advice and support, and have overall responsibility for managing the constantly changing and increasingly complex day-to-day affairs of the community. You are a motivated professional responsible for demonstrating a high degree of discretion, confidentiality, excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to work with Council, staff and the public. The ideal candidate will have a relevant combination of experience and education preferably with a diploma, degree or certification in Local Government Administration and a minimum of five years municipal administration experience. The incumbent shall have a broad knowledge of the Community Charter and Local Government Act. You are a take charge, visionary strategic thinker with impeccable human resources and labour relations skills and a communicator with sound political judgement. This is an opportunity created by the impending retirement of the incumbent. Qualified individuals are invited to submit a cover letter, resume and references in confidence by 4:00 pm local time, March 14, 2014 to:

NO SIMULATORS. NEVER SHARE MACHINES.

Linda Poznikoff, CAO, District of Houston PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 cao@houston.ca Please visit our website at www.houston.ca

See your Career or Employment Counsellor for Funding Info

The District of Houston requires all positions undergo a Criminal Record Check. We thank all applicants for their interest however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

OR CALL US AT: 1-866-399-3853 Career Employment Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Help Wanted Career Opportunities

Family â&#x20AC;˘ Environment â&#x20AC;˘ Lifestyle Flexibility â&#x20AC;˘ Quality of Life â&#x20AC;˘ Recreation Al-Pac is a world leader in the production of high-quality kraft pulp. This position will be at the millsite, which is a comfortable 2-hour drive North of Edmonton, Alberta. Al-Pacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team system is designed to provide team members the opportunity to maximize their capabilities and continually learn new skills. At Al-Pac we pride ourselves on team development and strongly support individual training. As a result, our team members are more involved in policy setting and decision-making than may be experienced at a traditional organization. Work life balance and community involvement are encouraged

Trades Technician (Vibration Analysis)

As a leader in the trade, your technical skills, experience and interpersonal skills will be utilized in our multi-skilled maintenance teams. You must have either an Alberta Millwright or Alberta Electrician ticket or Interprovincial Red Seal along with level 2 vibration analysis with 3 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vibration monitoring experience. This position will remain open until filled; however, we will begin reviewing resumes on March 6, 2014. Alberta-Pacific is an equal opportunity employer and offers a full compensation package complete with relocation provisions. Please fax or e-mail your application, in confidence, to: Human Resources, AlbertaPacific Forest Industries Inc., PO Box 8000, Boyle, AB T0A 0M0 Fax: 780-525-8028 E-mail: careers@alpac.ca Your application for employment is deemed to be consent to the collection, use, and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of recruitment. AlbertaPacific respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of information and will retain this information for a period of one year after which it will be destroyed. We wish to express our thanks to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

www.alpac.ca

Help Wanted Smithers BC Office

Intermediate Materials Technician: Job Duties: Field and laboratory construction materials testing on concrete, soils, aggregates and hot mixed asphalt. Responsibilities include equipment maintenance, equipment calibration, field and lab data entry, and reporting. Qualifications: Graduate from a recognized Civil or Geotechnical Engineering Technology program. Assets: Registered as a CTech or AScT with ASTTBC, have two years related experience and possess a valid BC Drivers Licence. Reports to: Bruce Garlick, Materials Supervisor Junior/Intermediate Biologist: Job Duties (Including, but not limited to): Fish and fish habitat surveys, baseline studies (fish, water, invertebrates, wildlife, vegetation, etc.), water quality and quantity monitoring on construction projects, compiling data and reporting, and aiding with proposal writing. Qualifications: B.Sc., B.I.T. or R.P.Bio. Assets: Team skills, motivated, out-going, data entry and reporting, willing to work in the field for extended periods, as required. Two years plus related experience. Level I First Aid and Electro-fishing Certification. Possess a valid BC Drivers Licence. Reports to: Natalie Newman, Senior Biologist Apply to: AMEC Environment & Infrastructure #3-3167 Tatlow Road, Smithers BC V0J 2N0 Fax resume and cover letter to 1-250-847-9049 or e-mail to bruce.garlick@amec.com or natalie.newman@amec.com. Required by: Immediately Closing Date: May 2014 All inquiries will be held in strict confidence

www.pgfreepress.com

Prince George - CLASSIFIEDS - Free Press

Help Wanted

Friday, February 28, 2014

Help Wanted

FIELD SCHEDULER AND RECRUITER We are currently seeking a full time Field Scheduler and Recruiter to work out of our head office located in Smithers, BC. Some travel is required.

The Northwest’s leading Jeweller is looking for

Sales Associates

Key responsibilities include: • Managing full cycle recruitment activities for all field positions (Driller’s Helpers, Drillers and Foremen) • Ensuring there is an adequate number of staff at all drill sites by scheduling crew and arranging their travel. • Managing last minute staffing changes on evenings and weekends.

Retail sales experience an asset but will train candidates who desire a career in this exciting and rewarding environment. Drop off resumes in person to either location... Dennis in the Spruceland Shopping Centre, or Janie in the Pine Centre Mall locations

For more info about this employment opportunity, please visit our website: www.hy-techdrilling.com Application Deadline: March 9, 2014

Sullivan Motor Products & SMP-RV are currently looking for a Certified or Experienced RV Technician to work in Houston BC.

RV TECHNICIAN Our dealership is the largest volume dealer in the northwest and recently added a full service RV dealership for the upcoming spring. Full benefits after 90 day trial period.

www.arrow.ca

HIRING DRIVERS Prince George Wood Chip Haul

Seeking qualiĮed drivers for immediate openings in Prince George, BC for chip hauling. We oīer: • Full Time, Year Round Work • Home Every Day • CompeƟƟve Wage, BeneĮts & Pension You possess: • Super B driving experience • A clean drivers abstract • References We are an equal opportunity Employer and we are strongly encouraging Aboriginal peoples to apply.

Email:jobs@arrow.ca,Fax:250-314-1750 Phone: 1-877-700-4445

Please drop your resume in person to:

SENIOR SOLICITOR ASSISTANT

Sullivan Motor Products, Highway 16 West in Houston, Attention Gary Hay or email gary@sullivangm.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Located in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, Nixon Wenger LLP is one of the largest, fastest growing law firms outside of Greater Vancouver. Currently with 20 lawyers, we are a full service law firm working with clients across the province and into Alberta. Our firm is recruiting a dedicated professional for the permanent full time position of Senior Solicitor Assistant working in our Solicitors Department. The ideal applicant is someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment and who can deliver consistent and exceptional customer service. This position requires you to be highly organized, detail-oriented and you must have the ability to multitask and prioritize. While you will independently manage a number of administrative functions, you will work closely with a team of professionals to deliver outstanding service to our clients. You have the following: • Minimum 4-5 years experience as a Solicitor Assistant • Must have working knowledge in: • Estate Planning • Corporate reorganizations • Trusts • Commercial financing • Wills • Excellent technical, word processing & proof reading skills. • Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality. • Exceptional written and oral communication skills and a strong aptitude for client service. • Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce high quality work. • Experience working with MS Office Suite with the ability to edit documents, create reports and presentations. • Reliability. • Self starter who takes initiative. • Available to work full time, Monday-Friday. This is not a junior position and as such we are offering a moving allowance to relocate to Vernon, B.C.. Our community is nestled in the heart of the North Okanagan Valley and we encourage you to learn more about this region through the Living & Working in Vernon BC guide at the following link: http://www.vernon.ca/lifestyles/living_in_vernon/docs/SPC_brochure_ Oct2010.pdf Our firm offers a positive working environment with competitive salaries, a group benefits package, an RRSP program and a moving allowance. Nixon Wenger LLP welcomes your interest in this position and we invite qualified applicants to submit your resumes to humanresources@nixonwenger.com by Thursday March 6th. We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Lake Babine Nation

REPORTS TO: Executive Director DEADLINE: MARCH 7, 2014

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

SNE C’AL YEGH STORE MANAGER Reports to: Executive Director Deadline: March 7, 2014 The Sne C’al Yegh Store Manager will be tasked with driving Sne C’al Yegh Gas Bar & Convenience Store sales and marketing initiatives, revenue growth and client retention strategies. Daily operations include staff management, customer satisfaction, neat product presentation, inventory management and carrying out seasonal changes and promotional activities. Commensurate upon experience, education, and a desire to live and work in Burns Lake. Pending qualifications flexibility and negotiations for professional development and other benefits will be considered. REQUIREMENTS: • Degree in Business Administration; equivalencies will be considered • Minimum: four (4) years’ work experience in the retail industry • Minimum: two (2) years’ experience in a supervisory role in a retail environment • Strong knowledge of budget, accounting, and fiscal management • Computer skills including the ability to operate spreadsheets and word processing programs at a highly proficient level, ability to operate a cash register and Wiztec program • Effective written communication skills including the ability to prepare reports, policies and by-laws • Effective public relations and public speaking skills • Analytical and problem solving skills • Decision making skills • Criminal Record Check must be provided (at own expense)

The Economic Development Director shall be responsible for planning, managing and providing oversight for the activities and operations of Lake Babine Nation’s Economic Development programs and initiatives for business retention, promotion, marketing, and expansion. Responsibilities shall include the coordination of assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies, maintaining regular contact with the Community Economic Development Officers and the public in situations that require tact and judgment, representing the Lake Babine Nation in negotiations and mediations; and providing general assistance and support to the Economic Development Officers. The Economic Development Director will work from Burns Lake, B.C. from the main office of Lake Babine Nation on Woyenne Reserve. Travel will be required to the other Communities of Lake Babine Nation: Tachet, Ft. Babine, Old Fort and Pinkut / Donald’s Landing. Commensurate upon experience, education, accounting designation and a desire to live and work in Burns Lake. Pending qualifications flexibility and negotiations for professional development and other benefits will be considered. REQUIREMENTS: • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning, business administration, marketing, or a related field. • Minimum four (4) years responsible experience in economic development, tourism, marketing or a closely related field, focusing on the attraction of retail and sales generating businesses. • Strong working knowledge of pertinent Federal, provincial and local laws, codes and regulations. • Skills in Negotiations, Decision-Making, Effective Communication, Computers & Microsoft Program, Time Management • Familiar with Babine Carrier Traditions & Cultures • Class 5 Driver’s License and reliable vehicle • Criminal Record Check PLEASE PROVIDE COVER LETTER, RESUME & REFERENCES TO:

Please provide a cover letter and resume to: Beatrice MacDonald, Human Resources P.O. Box 879, Burns Lake, B.C., V0J 1E0 Fax: 250-692-4790 Email: beatrice.macdonald@lakebabine.com

Beatrice MacDonald, Human Resources P.O. Box 879, Burns Lake, B.C., V0J 1E0 Fax: 250-692-4790 Email: beatrice.macdonald@lakebabine.com

Only those short-listed will be contacted.

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Prince George - CLASSIFIEDS - Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

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Employment

Services

Rentals

Transportation

Help Wanted

Trades, Technical

Painting & Decorating

Apt/Condo for Rent

Commercial/ Industrial

Scrap Car Removal

Trucks & Vans

Flexible

schedule,

Excellent

remuneration, great for university

students 19+ 250-961-0916 FRONT DESK CLERK Gold Pan Motel located at 855 Front St. Quesnel BC V2J 2L3, is looking for 1 FRONT DESK CLERK. Duties include register guests, assign rooms, take, book, cancel and change room reservations, process telephone calls, provide information on motel facilities, rent, & services, process payments etc. Salary $13.00 per hour. High School Education and workable Spoken and written English is required. Email your resume to motelgoldpan@yahoo.ca MOTEL MANAGING SUPERVISOR Gold Pan Motel located at 855 Front St. Quesnel BC V2J 2L3, is looking for one full time permanent MOTEL MANAGING SUPERVISOR. Min. of 2 year exp. and Completion of Secondary Education required. Workable Spoken & written English is required. Salary $17/hr. Email your resume to: motelgoldpan@yahoo.ca

North Enderby Timber is looking to hire for various positions including Millwright and/or Fabricator, Heavy Duty Mechanic and Electrician. We offer competitive wages along with a comprehensive beneďŹ t package. Please fax resume to 250-838-9637.

ELECTRICAL COMPANY requires Journeymen & Apprentices for a new hospital project in Burns Lake. Email resume to: birk@keldonelectric.com

Services

Alterations/ Dressmaking FOUR SISTERS SEWING 250-564-4985

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: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that simple. Your credit / age / income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

Home Care

Tease Hair is looking for full or part time stylists. Please apply with resume to 7582 Hart Highway. 250-962-0212

Hotel, Restaurant, Food Services Private in-home care and housekeeping services tailored to your needs. Call for more info 250-649-8783

SAMARITANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Purse is looking for a Working Chef to coordinate the Restaurant Kitchen, maintain a professional rapport within the community and train junior cooks, in Dease, Lake, BC samaritanspurse.ca

Labourers LABOURERS Houston, BC

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

Business/OfďŹ ce Service

DH Manufacturing in Houston BC is looking for labourers. Must be reliable, physically ďŹ t and willing to work shift work. Starting wage up to $16.75/hr. BeneďŹ t package after 3 months employment. Email dhmnfg@gmail.com

Telephone Services

JUBILEE Aptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1 bdrm, small 2 bdrm Adult orientated, close to downtown & bus route. N/S, N/P. Parking.

Call: (250) 562-7172

Pine Grove Apts

Majestic Management (1981) Ltd.

Clean 1 & 2 bdrm apts available

DISCONNECTED PHONE? National Teleconnect Home Phone Service. No one refused! Low monthly rate! Calling features and unlimited long distance available. Call National Teleconnect today! 1866-443-4408. or visit online: www.nationalteleconnect.com

Student & other incentives No Dogs

Merchandise for Sale

Quality approved! for Corporate /Crew 2 to 4 bd duplex bright spacious NS,250-960-0861pgr

Firewood/Fuel Firewood, driest wood in town split & delivered $180/cord (250)964-2020

Misc. for Sale HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper? SAWMILLS FROM only $4,897 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSaw mills.com/400OT or call 1-800566-6899 Ext:400OT. 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. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The big year end clear out!â&#x20AC;? 20x22 $4,259. 25x24 $4,684. 30x34 $6,895. 35x36 $9,190. 40x48 $12,526. 47x70 $17,200. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 or visit online: www.pioneersteel.ca

Misc. Wanted Coin Collector Looking to Buy Collections, Estates, Gold & Silver Coins + 778-281-0030

Real Estate Acreage for Sale 17.4 Acres pristine elevated property priced to sell. Minutes from down town, 4 acres cleared, multiple artesian wells, utilities to property line. Perfect time to buy before prime acreages are unaffordable in the Terrace area. Must Sell. $150,000. 250-641-1848

Trades, Technical HELPER/YARDMAN & FORKLIFT OPERATOR. LINDEN FABRICATING manufactures a range of proprietary Sawmill log feeders and saw systems in a steel fabrication shop located in Prince George. We require an experienced painterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helper/yardman/forklift operator. Experience using a Press Brake, Metal Shear and Metal Saw would also be beneďŹ cial. This is a UNION position with full beneďŹ ts. We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. To apply, please submit a detailed resume by fax or by email or by mail to the address below: Linden Fabricating Ltd. 102-9368 Milwaukee Way Prince George, BC V2N 5T3 Fax: (250) 561-2217 Email: nancy@linfab.com

Paint Special 3 Rooms $589 incl. prem qlty paint, your color choices, 2 coats, ďŹ lled nail holes. Ceiling & trim extra. Free Est. HB Tech Painting 250-649-6285

Phone 250-563-2221

Apartment Furnished

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Commercial/ Industrial

Midtowne

â&#x20AC;˘ 1 & 2 bedroom apartments available â&#x20AC;˘ Close to hospital & downtown â&#x20AC;˘ Rent includes heat, hot water â&#x20AC;˘ Elevator to undercover parking â&#x20AC;˘ Fridge, stove, quality carpets, drapes â&#x20AC;˘ Laundry on each ďŹ&#x201A;oor â&#x20AC;˘ No pets

To Rent Call:

CE â&#x20AC;˘ OFFI ERCIAL M â&#x20AC;˘ COM IL â&#x20AC;˘ RETA Space available for rent For all your rental needs Call 562-8343 or 562-RENT

Misc for Rent Condominiums, apts. and houses Call 250-563-5291 or 250-563-5288 or cell 250-565-2845

For Seniors 55+ bdrm suites All utilities included except phone & internet. Call Theresa 250-962-5570 1 & 2-

Suites, Lower Fully furnished 1 bdrm bsmt suite for 1 person - no pets. New appl, wireless cable, & all utilities included in rent. Available March 1st. Close to CNC UNBC & Pine Centre. 250-564-9443 or 250-301-9350

250-561-1447

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Auctions

PRIME TIME CATTLE BULL SALE MARCH 1/14 - 1:00 pm

B.C. Livestock, Williams Lake 28 Black Angus - 2 years old 25 Black Angus - Yearling Bulls

Call Jason Kelly - Prime Time Cattle

Rentals Curve Communications

Landscaping Fall YARD CLEAN-UP Garbage Removal & Gutter Cleaning (250)961-3612 or (250)964-4758 res PALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MAINTENANCE

Apt/Condo for Rent HARDWOOD MANOR 1575 Queensway Bachelor, 1 & 2 bdrm Suites Heat/hot water included Adult Oriented/Students welcome Incentives for long-term students

Call (250)561-1446

X CROSSWORD ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 438

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 703

within 15 km

P&R 250-963-3435 Email: prďŹ&#x201A;eet@telus.net MEMBER OF AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC.

2007 Chev 1/2 ton Silverado Standard Cab, 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122; box, 2 wheel drive, 107,0000 km, winter tires $13,500

(250)441-0126 www.autotrader.ca

â&#x20AC;&#x153;DOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;IN IT RIGHTâ&#x20AC;?

WHERE DO YOU TURN

TO LEARN WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON SALE?

Wrecker/Used Parts USED TIRES Cars & Trucks $25 & up

YOUR NEWSPAPER:

Most Sizes Available

Legal Notices

The link to your community

15270 Hwy 97 South 250.963.3435

In the Matter of Part 3.1 (Administrative Forfeiture) of the Civil Forfeiture Act [SBC 2005, C. 29] the CFA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: On January 15, 2013, at the 1800 block Tamarack Street, Prince George, B.C., Peace Officer(s) of the Prince George RCMP seized, at the time indicated, the subject property, described as: $765 CAD, on or about 16:20 Hours. The subject property was seized because there was a warrant authorized by the court pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Canada to seize evidence in respect of an offence (or offences) under section 5(2) (Possession for purpose of trafficking) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Canada. Notice is hereby given that the subject property, CFO file Number: 2013-1830, is subject to forfeiture under Part 3.1 of the CFA and will be forfeited to the Government for disposal by the Director of Civil

Forfeiture unless a notice of dispute is filed with the Director within the time period set out in this notice. A notice of dispute may be filed by a person who claims to have an interest in all or part of the subject property. The notice of dispute must be filed within 60 days of the date upon which this notice is first published. You may obtain the form of a notice of dispute, which must meet the requirements of Section 14.07 of the CFA, from the Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, accessible online at www. pssg.gov.bc.ca/civilforfeiture. The notice must be in writing, signed in the presence of a lawyer or notary public, and mailed to the Civil Forfeiture Office, PO Box 9234 Station Provincial Government, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9J1.

250-944-1144 for details

CUTTING EDGE CATTLE CO. Wayne Pincott 250-395-6367 Harvest Angus Tom DeWaal 250-960-0022

Trades, Technical

NOTICE PARCEL TAX ROLL REVIEW PANEL The 2014 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel will meet on:

Apt/Condos for Sale 2 bdrm, 2 bath newly renovated condo in Magnolia Gardens Incl heat & undergrnd parking $239,900 (250)596-2575

FREE SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

Plant Engineer Location: Williams Lake, BC Atlantic Power Corporation (APC) is looking for a motivated and safety oriented Plant Engineer at our William Lake Power Plant. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Plant Engineer will receive daily work direction from the Operations Shift Engineers. Responsibilities will include: performing plant cleanup duties; assisting Operations crews, as required; assisting Maintenance crews as required; and other duties as assigned. This is an entry level position, subject to taking inhouse progressive training to learn basic operations and maintenance skills. The Plant Engineer is expected to possess their )ourth Class Power Engineering CertiĂ&#x20AC;cate and is expected to participate in a progression program that includes rotating into a shift work environment. The successful candidate possesses a Grade 12 diploma (or G.E.D). Prior industrial or Power Engineering experience is recommended. Possession of a valid BC Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license is required. Heavy equipment (dozer and loader) operating experience is an asset. Standard First Aid and Safety Training is an asset. You have a proven track record for teamwork and interpersonal skills. Candidates must be in good physical health to meet the demands of the position, and will be required to take safety and job related training. As this is a safety sensitive position, clearance of a preplacement medical and drug alcohol test are bona Ă&#x20AC;de occupational requirements. Please send all applications to careers@atlanticpower.com. Hours of Work: Shift work will be required and fourth class certiĂ&#x20AC;cation will be required within the Ă&#x20AC;rst 1 months of employment. Class Code: 6203 PE-A Wage: $27.09 per hour.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., in Meeting Room 3 of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George 155 George Street, Prince George BC V2L 1P8 for the purpose of hearing complaints with respect to the inclusion or exclusion of properties affected by the following parcel tax rolls: Adams Road Community Sewer Service, Azu Water System, Bear Lake Water System, Bendixon Road Community Sewer Service, Buckhorn Community Sewer Service, Shell-Glen Fire Protection, Shelley Riverbank Erosion Protection, Syms Road Street Lighting, Tabor Lake Community Sewer Service, Tallus Road Community Sewer Service West Lake Community Sewer Service To be considered by the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel complaints must be received, in writing, not later than 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2014 (Complaints received by fax at 250-562-8676 are acceptable.) The parcel tax rolls will be available for inspection at the Regional District Office: February 24 to March 10, 2014 during regular business hours. For further information, please contact Meredith Burmaster, Community Services Leader, at 250-960-4400 or 1-800-667-1959

155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 Telephone: (250) 960-4400, Toll Free 1-800-667-1959 Fax (250) 563-7520, Web: www.rdffg.bc.ca

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Friday, February 28, 2014

CAREERS & OPPORTUNITIES

FIND the staff you need... Now! To be included in the Free Press Careers & Opportunities Pages Call 250-564-0005

Friday issue: 1:00 p.m. Tuesday

Deadlines for

250.564.0005 | www.pgfreepress.com

Construction industry Needs to replace 34,000 workers in next 10 years B.C.’s construction industry will need to ramp up recruitment efforts to keep pace with planned projects and the retirement of more than 34,000 workers over the next decade, according to BuildForce Canada. The 2014-2023 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward forecast released recently by BuildForce Canada shows major resource and infrastructure projects in the North help drive construction employment to an all-time high in 2017. “Recruitment efforts will need to focus on attracting workers from outside the province to bolster the local skilled workforce,” said Rosemary Sparks, Executive Director of BuildForce Canada, in a press release. “This may mean competing for skilled labour with resource projects in other provinces.” BuildForce Canada’s forecast also shows: Non-residential construction dominates job creation over the next decade. Employment growth accelerates each year to 2017, as major LNG projects and related pipeline work are expected to begin, along with a series of mining, electricity generation and transmission projects. A brief surge in new housing in 2016 and 2017 coincides with the peak in non-residential projects and adds to potential labour market challenges. Through the rest of the scenario period, a gradual increase in housing stock results in steady gains in renovation and new housing construction jobs. “About 24 per cent of

the province’s skilled workforce is retiring over the next 10 years,” added Sparks. “This creates unique challenges, given that retiring tradespeople in both housing and non-residential construction will be taking years of experience and specialized skills out of the labour force.” BuildForce Canada is a national industry-led organization committed to providing accurate and

FULL TIME OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR The Prince George Free Press has an immediate opening for a full time office administrator. We are seeking a flexible person with the ability to perform a variety of office duties (accounting, data entry, payroll, customer service, etc). Excellent communication skills, strong computer skills, typing speed of a minimum 40wpm, proofreading abilities, data entry experience, strong customer service skills, and time management are definite assets in this position. If you are a team player and enjoy working in fast-paced office environment, we want to hear from you.

timely labour market data and analysis to assist in meeting workforce requirements and advancing the needs of Canada’s construction industry. BuildForce consults with industry stakeholders, including owners, contractors, labour groups and government to compile and validate its labour market information. Visit: www.constructionforecasts.ca.

BOD YMAN - PAINTER

Are you interested in excelling in a fast paced, challenging environment? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you. A well established Prince George truck & equipment dealer is currently seeking BODYMAN - PAINTER to join our team. • This position pays $35.20 per hour for a Journeyman; all other Overtime is paid at double time. • Full dental and medical packages as well as an RRSP plan in place. • Long term commitment, including a training and career development program. If you are a team player with a good work ethic, please forward resume to:

Chris Ciseki, Service Manager 1995 Quinn Street Prince George, BC V2N 2X2 Fax: 250-562-6288 or by email: cciseki@inland-group.com

GUARDIANSHIP SOCIAL WORKER PRINCE GEORGE, BC Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) has an opening for a full time Guardianship Social Worker for our Prince George office. The successful applicant will take on parental duties and responsibilities towards our children and youth and will be responsible for their care, custody and guardianship. Qualifications: • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) • Registration with BCCSW • Delegation Training Additional Knowledge & Skills: • Knowledge of First Nations culture and traditions (specifically Carrier and Sekani) • Thorough knowledge of the Child, Family and Community Services Act • Knowledge of child welfare practices, policy and legislation Proof of qualifications, a class 5 drivers’ licence and a clear criminal record check will be requested from the successful applicant. TO APPLY: Send a cover letter and resume to: Email: hr@csfs.org Fax: (250) 563-3376 For a more detailed description of this opportunity and to learn more about our organization, visit www.csfs.org. CLOSING DATE: March 6, 2014 @ 4:30 PM

Please email your resume and cover letter to:

publisher@pgfreepress.com Attn: Ron Drillen, General Manager We appreciate your interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

RETAIL GLASS MANAGEMENT POSITION Quesnel

PRINCE GEORGE NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE Our People make a difference in the community The Prince George Native Friendship Centre, a visionary non-proﬁt society, has been serving the needs of the entire community for the past 43 years. We are seeking candidates for the following position within our organization FAMILY WELLNESS PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT: Little Friends Day Care – Early Childhood Educator Assistant Closing date: March 11, 2014 at Noon SMOKEHOUSE RESTAURANT & CATERING: Hospitality Assistant – PT Closing date: March 17, 2014 at 4 pm A hard copy listing the roles, responsibilities and qualiﬁcations of the position are available from the Prince George Native Friendship Centre’s web site at www.pgnfc.com (click on Join Our Team / Careers). To apply, submit a resume, cover letter and three (3) references detailing which position you are applying for, to: Prince George Native Friendship Centre 1600 Third Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3G6 Fax: (250) 563-0924 E-mail: employment@pgnfc.com Applications will be accepted until dates noted on posting, no telephone inquiries please. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established full service glass business. All-West Glass is a privately owned, family-oriented company that has been serving Northerners for over 40 years. We have a Management position available in Quesnel, British Columbia. The successful candidate should have: • Knowledge of the Glazing business. • Enthusiasm to take on the challenge of maintaining quality standards, developing employees and serving the general public • Sales training and/or business management education or experience an asset Employees of AWG will receive a highly attractive salary to be negotiated with the successful candidate, PLUS the following outstanding benefits: • Equity in the company • Profit sharing • Full Health Plan Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) • Company Vehicle • Company cell phone • Paid training costs, seminar attendance and course enrollment • 3 weeks vacation (negotiable) to start • Relocation Assistance Please forward resume in confidence to: Phil Chilibeck, Regional Manager (BC) ALL-WEST GLASS Prince George 102-1599 South Quinn St. Prince George, BC V2N 4W6 Phone: 250-563-1555 Fax: 250-563-6143 E-mail: philc@all-west.ca www.all-westglass.com

Prince George - SPORTS - Free Press

Friday, February 28, 2014

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NHL and Olympics should split

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If Charlotte sounds like your type of dog, contact the BC SPCA at 250-562-5511 or visit us at: 4011 Lansdowne Road • northcariboo@spca.bc.ca This message brought to you by

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Most things have a shelf life, an desired interest of raising awareexpiry date or they simply run its ness of hockey, it is now best to course. shift that momentum to another The time has artime. I doubt the IOC rived for the NHL will consider moving to find a different hockey from the Winter venue to have its to Summer Olympics best talent from although that would different countries allow the game to be compete head to played in the off season head. which may benefit the For the last five league. With that sugOlympics, the gestion unlikely, why NHL has halted not bring back a World its season for 2 Cup of Hockey before ½ weeks to allow training camp in late HART BEAT its top players to HARTLEYMILLER August or September compete on the every second, third or biggest sporting stage in the world. even fourth year? Better yet, push I have enjoyed the entertainhard to move the World Chamment, best vs best, us against pionship back from May to June them, the great Canadian victories following the Stanley Cup and the and even appreciated the rare problem will be solved. times when Canada was not sucCanadians want their country cessful. to win, but hockey fans want their The True North Strong and own team to win more. In other Free came to a halt in 2002 when words, Vancouver Canucks fans Canada won gold over the USA would prefer a Stanley Cup for in Utah; again in 2010 when their team rather than an OlymSidney Crosby tallied the “golden pic gold for Canada. With that in goal” in Vancouver against the mind, how would Canucks fans Americans; and here in 2014 even feel if it was Daniel Sedin or Ryan with a 9 a.m. (Pacific) start for the Kesler or my goodness, even both, semi-final against the U.S., most that suffered a devastating seasonCanadians stopped work, school ending injury similar to John or whatever activity to watch the Tavares? Because Tavares plays game. for the Islanders, even though he’s For the 4 a.m. Sunday final one of the top scorers in the NHL, against Sweden (a convincing 3-0 it almost goes un-noticed in most Canada triumph), hockey fans, cities. and even those that just wanted to Consider this perspective – wave the flag, were not daunted Tavares is seriously injured against by the early start time. Come on, Latvia. Something just doesn’t tell me about another event you seem right about that. Financially are pumped to do something as and emotionally that costs the a massive group at that unearthly Islanders and the NHL many milhour? lions of dollars, let alone the star Having accomplished the power he brings on a team that is

Big Block

Allan WISHARTFree Press Madison Landry of Duchess Park deflects a Nechako Valley Secondary shot in the final game of the AA girls zone championship at Duchess Park on Saturday. Landry was named MVP as Duchess Park won the title 80-33 and will head to the provincials in Langley.

otherwise almost irrelevant. All because of a game against Latvia. Really? Tavares may have been the biggest star injured in Sochi but he wasn’t the only one. How are the Detroit Red Wings feeling about

CONGRATULATIONS! HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3 x 3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3 x 3 box. Answer can be found in classifieds. PUZZLE NO. 438

136 athletes from Cariboo - North East competed at the 2014 BC Winter Games bringing home 34 medals. Thank you to the coaches, officials, volunteers, and families who support these growing champions. See photos, videos and results at

BCGAMES.ORG

Henrik Zetterberg being sidelined for the rest of the regular season with a back injury? He should not have gone to Russia in the first place. I realize we don’t care about the Florida Panthers, but if they were your team, how thrilled would you be knowing that rookie Alex Barkov suffered a knee injury playing for Finland and Thomas Kopecky suffered a concussion playing for Slovakia? These aforementioned cases are a few examples. I realize there are too many hurdles to overcome, but if the World Junior tournament became part of the Winter Olympics every fourth year, I believe fans would be just as excited as if the pros were playing. Injuries at the Olympics only provide one reason to halt the proceedings. The momentum of the NHL season is zapped. Bring on the Stanley Cup playoffs now, instead of the ho-hum race for seventh and eighth. Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio station 94X. He also writes for hqprincegeorge. com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com. Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller

Prince George - SPORTS - Free Press

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Friday, February 28, 2014

Cariboo Cougars in tough at home

Allan WISHART/Free Press Isaiah Berra of the Cariboo Cougars lines up an Okanagan Rockets player in a BCMML game at Kin 1 on Sunday, while Todd Bredo slides over to cut off the route to the puck.

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The Okanagan Rockets had just too much Jost for the Cariboo Cougars. Tyson Jost had seven goals for the Rockets as they swept a BC Major Midget League doubleheader from the Cougars at Kin 1. It was the first home games for the Cougars at the renovated arena, but the Rockets, tied for the league lead with the Vancouver NW Giants, spoiled the party with 9-2 and 5-4 wins. Jost had four goals in Saturday’s 9-2 win for the Rockets, while Brendan Moore was the first Cougar to score in their newly redesigned home. Mitchell Williams had the other Cougars goal. Sunday, the Cougars hung tight all game despite being down 2-0 halfway through the first period. Chase Dubois got the Cougars on the board, and Jesse Roach got a power-play goal in the first minute of the second period to even things up. Steven Jandric gave the Cougars a 3-2 lead before Jost scored the first of

FIGHT BACK

his three goals to level the score after two periods. Roach got his second power-play goal of the game to give the Cougars another lead, but Jost scored twice in the third to give the Rockets the win. The two wins allowed the Rockets to keep pace with the Vancouver NW Giants at the top of the league. The Giants downed the Thompson Blazers 10-0 and 6-2 on the weekend, leaving them tied with the Rockets heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

The Cougars remain in sixth place with 36 points, two ahead of the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds. The final weekend sees three series with implications for playoff seedings, with the Cougars hosting the Giants for a pair of games at CN Centre. The first game is Saturday at 4:45 p.m. and the second is Sunday at 10 a.m. The Rockets are hosting the Vancouver NE Chiefs, and Fraser Valley is on the road to play the South Island Royals.

Cougars into season’s home-stretch Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com Mark Holick hopes the schedule works in the Prince George Cougars’ favour down the stretch of the WHL regular season. “I hope having five of the last six at home works to our advantage,” the team’s head coach said. “We have to scratch out some points somewhere, whether it’s at home or on the road.” The Cougars go into a doubleheader tonight and Saturday at the CN Centre two points behind the Tri-City Americans in the race for

the final Western Conference playoff spot. The Victoria Royals, currently third in the conference, are the opposition this weekend, and Holick says it will be a clash of styles. “They’re a big team, good-sized defencemen, and we’re a skating team. We have to move our feet, take it to the net and stay disciplined. It won’t do us any good to be in the penalty box.” After this weekend, the Cougars host Spokane for games March 7 and 8, then have a home-and-home series with Kamloops, playing there on March 14 and back at the CN Centre on March 15.

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Prince George - SPORTS - Free Press

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Hall of Fame grows Any doubts as to the popularity of cross-country skiing in Prince George would be put aside with a look at the latest inductees to the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. People associated with cross-country skiing in the city and region are set to be inducted in four of the five categories of the hall, with the only exception being Professional Athlete. In the Athlete category, cross-country skier HOCKEY JASON Ed Day will join power LABARBARA lifter Gibby Chasse as inductees. In the Coach/Builder category, Dave Wood is being inducted for his work in cross-country

skiing, while Pat Harris is in for his work with wheelchair basketball. In the Builder/Administrator category, Johan Pettersen in crosscountry skiing and Glen Scott in lacrosse will join, and skier Bjorger Pettersen is inducted in the Pioneer Athlete category. The Professional Athlete category will see hockey goalie Jason LaBarbera inducted. There were a total of 33 nominations made for the 2012-13 class. The Hall of Fame banquet will also see 15 youth athletes recognized for their performances in 11 different sports. Four of the youths are being honoured for five-pin bowling: Lezzyl Aquino, Kassidy Johnson, Paige Meise and Megan Reimer. There are also two basketball players: Kayla Gordon and Montell Lindgren. Other youth athletes recognized are Haley Black (swimming), Emily Dickson (biathlon), Jordan Foot (vol-

leyball), Justin Hampole (figure skating), Carolina Hiller (speed skating), Keiran Leboe (track and field), Brad Morrison (hockey), Spencer Schouwenburg (archery) and Kristen Yawney SWIMMING (judo). HALEY BLACK This year’s induction banquet is set for the Hart Community Hall on March 29. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m., and the awards ceremony starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Northern Food Equipment, 495 Second Ave. There will also be a silent auction and guest speaker.

Local arenas getting ready for provincial ringette championships Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com

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Two local ringette teams will be among 23 vying for provincial titles in Prince George next weekend. The provincial championships are divided into five divisions, says Andrew Kemp, one of the organizers. “The divisions are in age groups, from U14 up to U19. We have U14A and B, U16A and B, and U19.” The A and B designations are made to separate the teams and keep them in divisions which should be competitive. “The players and the teams are graded on a formula,” Kemp says. “Some of it is based on player skills, some of it is how well the team did in the previous year.” This year, Prince George teams will compete in the U14B and U16B. “We will be using the Coliseum and Kins 2 and 3 for the games,” Kemp says. “We can’t use Kin 1, because the

Olympic-size ice is too big for the younger age groups to play on.” Play starts at 7:30 a.m. on March 7 and 8 at all three arenas, with the Prince George U14B team taking on Quesnel at Kin 2, while the local U16 team plays Terrace at the Coliseum. “We don’t have any division set at one arena,” Kemp says. “We did make sure on the schedule that we didn’t have a team playing a game at one of the Kin arenas, then one immediately after that at the Coliseum.” On Sunday, all the final placement games take place, with all three arenas again in use. Kemp says the scheduling is a bit different for the final day. “We’re allowing an extra 15 minutes for the medal games, because then we can do the medal ceremony right after the game without worrying about running into the next game’s start time.” For a full schedule of the 2014 provincial ringette championships and more information, go to pgrngette.ca and follow the link to 2014 provincials.

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Friday, February 28, 2014

Gymnasts do well at Games Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com Members of the Prince George Gymnastics Club came home from the BC Winter Games with four medals and a happy coach. “I’m still grinning ear to ear,” said Jenn Schwandt, who coached the girls team which finished fifth at the Games, held last weekend in Mission. “The team was just amazing. The fifth is the highest this zone has placed in some time.” Six girls made up the Zone 8 team, all from the Prince George club. Reid Powers had the best individual finish, claiming silver on the floor exercise. “It’s probably my strongest event, but I wasn’t expecting to medal,” she said. “I found it was a really good bonding time. You got to meet people from the other sports, which we don’t normally get the chance to do.” Naraa Little, who picked up a bronze on bars, agreed about the chance to spend time with nongymnasts. “Usually when we go to a meet, it’s just with other gymnasts. It was cool to be with friends this time from other sports. I rode with two of my friends on the way back, so we could talk about our sports.” For Alia Wilson, who picked up bronze medals in bars and floor, the Games were not a totally new experience, since she was also at the last ones in Vernon. “It was a little different this time,” she said. “I knew what it was going to be like. Bars and floor are both pretty good events for me.” The zone had just one member on its boys’ team, and that was

Colbey Simunac of the Prince George club, who placed 10th on floor. Coach Colleen Kaminski was happy with his performance in Mission. “I thought he would go to finals in floor, and he did. It was his first time as a Level 3, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was proud of his performance.” Other members of the Zone 8 girls team were Anna MacDonald, Mekenna Parker and Rhiana Palfy. Figure Skating Justin Hampole continued his strong season on the ice by winning the Pre-Novice Mens division in figure skating at the BC Winter Games in Mission. Hampole, who skates out of the Northern BC Centre for Skating, scored a personal best 25.61 in the short program and added another personal best of 44.30 in the free program for an overall score of 69.91, which was also a personal best. Emma Bajestani picked up a personal best of 21.53 at the Games, which also represented her last competition in the Juvenile division, as she will be moving up to Pre-Novice Women for her next competition. Speed Skating Members of the Prince George Blizzard Speed Skating Club made up half the Zone 8 team at the BC Winter Games last weekend in Mission. Callie Swan of the Blizzard dominated the U16 Girls division, picking up gold medals in the 1000m Super Final and 1500m, and placing first in both races at 500m. She also placed seventh in the 3000m points race. Two members of the club raced

in the U16 Boys division. Sam Dalla Lana was 10th in the first 500m race and 12th in the second, 14th in the 1500 and 14th in the 3000 points race. Landon Young was 9th in the 3000 points race, 10th in the 1500, 17th in the first 400 race and 16th in the second 400. Swan and Young teamed with Hannah Brunn of Dawsn Creek and Colton Johnson of Fort St. John to Allan WISHART/Free Press finish fourth in Members of the Prince George Gymnastics Club did well at the BC Winter Games the 3000 relay. in Mission on the weekend. Anna MacDonald, back left, Mekenna Parker, coaches In the U14 Colleen Kaminski and Jenn Schwandt, Rhiana Palfy, Reid Powers, Naraa Little, Boys division, kneeling left, Colbey Simunac and Alia Wilson showed off their winnings, and style, at the club. Eric Orlowsky of the Blizzard and Kaden Hagen of Fort St. John by Duane Swan and Lorelei St. was fourth in the 1500 Super to finish third in the 2000 relay. Rose of Prince George and Nicola Final and the first 400 race, fifth The Zone 8 team was coached Brown of Dawson Creek. in the 200 pursuit and 3000 points race and seventh in the second 400. On the Girls side, Sylvia Masich was fifth in the 3000 points race, sixth in the 1500 Super Final, seventh in the 200 pursuit and the second 400, and eighth in the first 400 race. Morgan Aucoin was ninth in the 3000 points race, 11th in the second 400, and 12th in the first 400 and the 200 pursuit. Orlowsky teamed with Renee Kalkman, Eryn Stickel

Beaudry, Dickson competing at world biathlon Two Prince George biathletes are taking part in and Dickson, this is not a new experience, as both the Maine event this weekend. competed in Obertilliach, Austria last year. Sarah Beaudry and Emily Dickson are at the Dickson is scheduled to start her races today Youth and Junior World Biathlon Championships (Friday) and Beaudry is set to hit the trails Saturin Presque Isle, Maine this weekend. day. Beaudry was pre=selected for the Canadian JuFollow their results at nordicheritagecenter. nior team on the basis of her results from last year, org/2014-ibu-world-youth-junior-biathlon-chamas was fellow B.C. biathlete Julia Ransom. pionships. Dickson, however, had to go through three races in Brookvale, PEI last weekend to make the Youth team, which Northern BC’s most diversiﬁed is an age group up from her normal. The selecEntertainment Company tion for the Canadian team was based on each racer’s two best results from the three races. Dickson got off to a slow start, mainly due to a change in equipment, DJ Services and had to put in a Weddings, Parties, Corporate Events strong result in her final of all sizes race to make the squad. She met the challenge, coming in second in the Event Productions race to nail down her spot. • Audio Visual Service • Magicians There are 16 Cana• Clowns • Puppet Theatre • Karaoke dians at the championships, four male and Prince George, BC four female in each category. For both Beaudry

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Taking on the best in the province Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com Louie Van Grootel told his wrestlers Monday what this weekend means to them and others. “This is the provincials,” he told the PGSS wrestling team before their practice. “It’s your chance to wrestle in front of your friends and family, and to maybe get some youngsters interested in the sport.” The B.C. Secondary School Wrestling Championships are being held at the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre at UNBC today (Friday) and Saturday. Van Grootel expects a lot of people here for the championships. “We’re hoping for about 400 wrestlers,” he said, “and then there will also be probably about 200 coaches and officials and about 300 parents. “This is the premier event for the high schools. It’s the end of the season.” This will be third time the championships have been in Prince George, as the city previously hosted them in 1991 and 2006. Van Grootel, who has been coaching at PGSS for close to 20 years, says there are a number of factors that go into hosting the provincials. “First off,” he says with a laugh, “who’s willing? It sort of rotates through the province, which has four zones – the Island, the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan and the North. It doesn’t always come up to the north, because it can be a fair bit of work to put it on.” He has seen the sport go through a number of cycles of interest in his time

at PGSS, and says it seems to be growing again. “This is actually a bit of a down year overall, but it’s growing at Kelly Road, we’ve been doing well here for a number of years, and DP Todd has a couple of the best in the north. We’re also accommodating a couple of wrestlers from College Heights and Duchess Park this year.” There are a few girls out at Monday’s practice, and Van Grootel says that is one group they are hoping to see grow. “For many schools, it’s a relatively new sport for girls, so we’re hoping to showcase it with the provincials here.” He’s also seeing more interest in the younger age groups. “We had an tournament for elementary schools the last week of November, and we had close to 100 wrestlers from Grades 4 to 7. “I’m hoping we’ll see those kids and some others come out to see the best in the province this weekend.” He also hopes wrestling at home will help the local programs this weekend. “Any time you’re participating in an event at home, I think that support gives you the edge. There’s the motivation to put in a good performance because you know some of the people who are watching.” Wrestling runs from 9 a.m to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Northern Sport Centre with the preliminary rounds. Admission is free today, and for the continuation of the preliminary rounds on Saturday at 9 a.m. Tickets for the finals, which start at 2 p.m. on Saturday, can be picked up at the Allan WISHART/Free Press Northern Sport Centre Friday or Saturday. Karan Gill, left, of PGSS and Eric Halsall of DP Todd get in some practice time before They’re $5 each or $20 for a family. the provincial high-school wrestling championships Friday and Saturday.

Spruce Kings ready to start playoffs at Coliseum on Tuesday night Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com In the BCHL standings, the last two games of the regular season have no meaning. “Once the game starts, though,” Prince George Spruce Kings coach Dave Dupas says, “the rivalry can take over.”

The Spruce Kings played the Langley Rivermen Thursday night at the Coliseum and wrap up the regular season with a rematch at 7 p.m. tonight. The Rivermen will finish first in the Mainland Division and play the Surrey Eagles in the first round of the playoffs, while the Spruce Kings, by finishing second in the division, will host the Coquitlam

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Express on March 4 and 5. The Spruce Kings are hoping their recent string of good play continues against the Rivermen and into the playoffs. Last weekend, the Kings took five of a possible six points on their final road swing of the season, beating Coquitlam and Chilliwack and tying Langley. “We played well enough to win all three games,” Dupas said about

the trip, “and I think we can play better. “It can be a battle to stay focused in these last few games of the season, when the placings have been decided.” While he’s hoping he’s right about the Kings being able to play better, he doesn’t know which Express squad is going to show up. “They’re the highest-scoring

team in the league, so we know they can put the puck in the net, but they’re also really up and down.” Games three and four of the best-of-seven round will be March 7 and 8 in Coquitlam. Game 5, if needed, would be in Prince George on March 10, game 6 in Coquitlam on March 11 and game 7 back in Prince George March 12.

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