Inside
◆ FIRE HALL THREAT P. 5 ◆ HISTORY MYSTERY P. 8
◆ COMMUNITY GARDEN P. 2 ◆ POLICE BLOTTER P. 3
Published by Black Press Ltd at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0 Publications Mail Contract #: 40007759
PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com
WEDNESDAY, August 26, 2015
VOL. 38 NO. 26 $1.30 inc. GST
Deadline for new daycare
Youngsters had a chance to decorate Spirit Square during the Night Market, and many of them seized the opportunity (above), while student librarian Meghan Ross clowned around with a fake moustache (below). Photos by Barbara Roden
Night Market attracts hundreds This year’s third annual Night Market in Fort St. James was a huge success, with between 400 and 500 people attending some part of the event on Aug. 18. Lina Gasser, Local Government Management Intern at the District of Fort St James, said this was an improvement on last year, when some 300-400 people attended. “And in 2014 we had 29 registered vendors; this year we had 39,” said Gasser, who was in charge of organizing, managing, and coordinating the event. The musicians and vendors, artists and artisans came from all over the area, and provided a vibrant mix of sights, sounds, and tastes. “I think everyone had a really great time and enjoyed it,” says Gasser. “The music was a big success, and we had a good mix of bands.” The crafts on display included paintings, carvings, woodwork, jewellery, soap, leatherwork, and clothing. There was also local honey, homemade preserves, local produce, fresh baked goods, and frozen meat, and vendors on hand to supply dinner and snacks. The hot night meant that the fresh lemonade quickly sold out, and ice cream cones were popular.
Children were able to decorate Spirit Square, and there were tours of the new Healthy Minds Community Garden. There were also information booths, where people could get free books, take hula hoop lessons, find out about becoming a volunteer firefighter, or support Fort St. James Constable Andres Sanchez as he sets out to ride in the Cops for Cancer “Tour de North” event next month. The sun setting over Stuart Lake had little effect on the crowd, as many people seemed determined to stay there until the market closed. Gasser has a big “thank you” to everyone who attended the event or helped organize it, and to all the vendors. “And we couldn’t have done it without our sponsors: the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, Mount Milligan, Fort St. James Green Energy Limited Partnership, Newgold Blackwater, the Fort St. James Chamber of Commerce, and the District of Fort St. James.” Gasser says that she’ll be submitting notes and a final report about the event. “I hope that we can have an even bigger and better Night Market next year.” Barbara Roden
SUMMER CLEAR-OUT SALE Eligible Costco members receive an additional $1,000 on most 2015 and 2016 Ford models
The Nechako Valley Community Services Society has received a $130,000 grant to refurbish space on the second storey of the Sitka building on Stuart Drive W. for use as a daycare. “A daycare is needed in the community, and we’d fill it quickly, but no one was willing to take it on,” says Lynda Lewis, Program Manager of the NVCSS Fort St. James office, which is based in the Sitka. “When we started four years ago it was going to be the Society that opened a daycare, but we decided this spring to spearhead an attempt to try to get one going with an independent operator.” A Request for Proposal (RFP) for an operator has now gone out, and Lewis hopes that someone can be found before the third week of October. “The renovations have to start by then, or we lose the grant,” she says. “And we can’t start the work until we have someone hired.” Although there are other licenced daycares in the Fort which can accommodate up to 8 children each, Lewis says they’re always having to turn people away. And while those daycares can take children aged three years and up, Lewis hopes to attract an operator who is certified to take children from zero to thirty-six months. “It’s a challenge to get early childhood educators here, but we can apply for a variance, which would allow an operator to work towards their certification.” An operator could open with space for eight children, but the facility would be licenced to take up to 28 children in total, and be open five days a week, 12 months of the year.. If an operator can be found before the October deadline, the more than 2,000 square foot space will be completely refurbished into a daycare with a fully outfitted kitchen, bathrooms, communal space as well as separate areas for different age groups, a washer and dryer, an office, and room for parents to store buggies, strollers, and more. The bright, sunny space overlooks Stuart Lake, as well as a playground area that Lewis says could be expanded. “We’d like to create more green space,” says Lewis. “If the project goes ahead then we’d apply for a gaming grant for that next year.” She points out that this is an excellent opportunity not only for the community, but for someone who would like to operate their own business. “We’ll do all the renovations, so all an operator has to do is bring their own art supplies and food and walk in,” says Lewis. Although the blueprints for the space have already been drawn up, an operator would have the chance to be very involved in the design of the space, the colour scheme, and more. “We’ll do everything we can to make sure [the operator] is successful,” says Lewis. “They’ll have a lot of support.” Barbara Roden
ALL NEW VEHICLES TOLL FREE: 1-888-499-4029 250-567-4781 1473 HWY 16 EAST www.westlineford.com DL # 30423
ALL USED VEHICLES
· ·
Employee Pricing
Marked Down
A2 www.caledoniacourier.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 Caledonia Courier
NEWS Community garden open to all Courier
Even though the Healthy Minds Community Garden behind the District Office in Fort St. James wasn’t supposed to be open until next year, volunteers were able to get enough beds ready to accommodate several users this year. The result is a tranquil and colourful spot near the shore of Stuart Lake, bursting with colour and life thanks to the efforts of those who created it and those who have started filling it with vegetables and flowers. The garden started life last year at Dog Creek, and was a project of the Healthy Minds Peer Support Group, enabling patients with mental health issues to become involved with gardening. This year, however, Sandi Taylor and Greg Kovacs of Healthy Minds decided to create a new space closer to town where people could get together. “We began looking for a suitable space in town, and asked the District Office if they knew of anywhere we could use,” says Taylor. “They said ‘What about the empty space behind the office?’ which belongs to the District but was full of dirt and weeds.” Council was approached, and recommended making the space available. The organizers quickly seized the opportunity, committing to looking after and maintaining the site. “It’s really nice to see the unused space turned into something beautiful,” said Economic Development Officer Emily Colombo. In addition to the District giving them use of the land, Healthy Minds also received a grant from the Fort St. James Community Foundation, while KDL donated the logs to construct the beds. Volunteers quickly got to work clearing the land, constructing beds, and creating paths through
marigolds, while a small Japanese garden invites contemplation and a chance to slow down for a few moments. Taylor and Kovacs say that the garden is available for use by anyone in the community who would like to have access to somewhere they can plant whatever takes their fancy. “It’s open to all,” says Taylor. Anyone interested in putting their name down for next year can contact Sandi Taylor at (250) 996-8271 or Greg Kovacs at (250) 996-8827, or e-mail healthym@telus.net Anyone who wants to help is also encouraged to contact the group. Some 650 volunteer hours have already gone into clearing and landscaping the ground and building the beds, with more work needed to get everything completed for next year. “Volunteers are always welcome,” says Kovacs. Barbara Roden
the space. Some 20 students from David Hoy Elementary came and sifted soil, while the grade 9 shop class at the high school built some planters. “We went to the schools to get in touch with them and let them know about the project,” says Kovacs. The initial plan was to tell them about growing opportunities for next year, but the students’ enthusiasm was such that they came and did some planting in the spring. Taylor has been maintaining the beds over the summer, and when the students come back to school next month they’ll be able to harvest the fruits (or rather vegetables) of their labours. “We’ll also sit down and discuss with them what they should be planting next year, so that things aren’t ready to harvest before September,” says Taylor. In addition to the students there are several community members who heard about the project back in the spring, and took advantage of the space provided to grow flowers and vegetables. As a result, several of the beds are brimming with produce, from tomatoes and corn to zucchini and squash, with bright yellow marigolds providing splashes of colour. The remainder of the beds will be completed next year, with at least one built so that it’s at a convenient height for someone in a wheelchair. The paths are also wide enough to allow wheelchair access. It’s a peaceful spot, separated from the lake by a row of trees, and pleasantly cool and shaded late on an August evening. Whimsical metal butterflies adorn the fenceposts, while colourful ceramic tiles and stones decorate many of the beds. Two planters are overflowing with petunias and
A little bit of tranquility at the Healthy Minds Community Photo by Barbara Roden Garden.
District of Fort St. James Calendar AUGUST, 2015 SUNDAY 23
MONDAY
TUESDAY 25
24
30
31
FRIDAY
27
26 Babies Galore*
THURSDAY
1 SEPTEMBER 2
29
28 11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt
Reading Club*
Story Time*
SATURDAY
3
5
4 11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt
6
7
8
9
10
12
11 11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt
13
14
15
16
17
20
21
22
23
19
18
CSTC Strength in Unity AGA 1PM-8PM @Kwah Hall, Housing Committee Meeting 5PM
24
26 11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt
HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER SUN
Hot Fun in the Summer Sun 2015 brochures available! Register now @ the District Oĸce, 477 Stuart Dr. W. Office: 477 Stuart Drive West
Salmon Day Historic Park
11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt
25
Metis Days, Historic Park
ATV Poker Ride
Please submit all events by Wednesday for the next Wednesday paper distribution. ofIJce@fortstjames.ca
Municipal Website: www.fortstjames.ca
End of Season BBQ
WEDNESDAY
Telephone: 250-996-8233
Follow us on Twitter: @DFSJames
Like us at Facebook: District of Fort St. James
All Activities Marked With * are taking place at the Fort St. James Public Library Email: office@fortstjames.ca
Caledonia Courier Wednesday, August 26, 2015
www.caledoniacourier.com A3
NEWS Traffic stop nets drugs, weapons Courier
On Aug. 19, Fort St. James RCMP made a significant seizure of drugs and weapons as a result of a traffic stop. At approximately 3:00pm, Fort St. James RCMP stopped a vehicle travelling northbound on Hwy. 27 by Lower Road. The vehicle was not insured and the driver, a 26-year-old Fort St. James woman, was a prohibited driver and was arrested. Several offences were noted under the Motor Vehicle Act, the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and the Criminal Code. The passenger, a 33-year-old Fort St. James man, was subsequently arrested. A search of the vehicle revealed drugs believed to be heroin, crack cocaine, powdered cocaine, methamphetamine, pills, and marijuana, and some of it was packaged for individual sale. Also in the vehicle were weapons such as bear spray, collapsible batons, knives, and “brass knuckles”, as well as an undisclosed amount of Canadian currency. Both the driver and the passenger were taken to the Fort St. James RCMP Detachment, and multiple charges were recommended, including possession of a controlled substance for the
purpose of trafficking and weapons-related offences. The female will be released, and will make her first appearance in Fort St. James Provincial Court on Oct. 5, 2015. The male has been held in custody, and will make his first appearance in Vanderhoof Provincial Court on Aug. 24, 2015. “Fort St. James RCMP are committed to keeping our community safe, and the sale of illicit drugs undermines the safety and security of our residents,” said Sgt. Poppy Hallam. “As demonstrated by the seizure made, these criminals carry weapons to protect themselves and use these weapons to intimidate. The behaviour is not welcome in our community.” Fort St. James RCMP encourages the public to come forward with any information about the sale of illicit drugs or illegal activity. Their identity can be protected. If you have any information about this or any other crime, please call the Fort St. James RCMP Detachment at (250) 996-8269. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Submitted
Seniors’ transit service expands Fort St. James has received funding from the “Better at Home” program, funded by the provincial government through United Way. The program, which assists seniors to stay in their own homes and maintain independence, is one that the District has long wanted to attract to the area, but they were continually told that there were no plans to roll it out any further for the time being. “This year, however, they said they were going to expand to new communities in the north,” says District of Fort St. James Economic Development Officer Emily Colombo. Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake have also received funding for the program, with Fraser Lake reporting to United Way on behalf of all three communities. Colombo says that the $10,000 in funding will be used to support ongoing transportation services in the Fort, as well as occasional workshops and social activities. “Each community decides what services they want to offer, and our goal is to make our existing services sustainable,” says Colombo. “If we get more funding through the Better at Home program we might be able to offer more services.” The transportation service—Seniors Helping Seniors—currently has 112 clients in Fort St. James. Twelve volunteer drivers have two minivans at their disposal, to take people to appoint-
Missing man found in lake The B.C. Coroner’s Service has confirmed that the body found on Aug. 13 some 100km north of Smithers is that of 49-year-old Fort St. James resident Mitchell Lazarre, Sr. Lazarre had been fishing with family and friends at Nilkitkwa Lake when he went missing in the early hours of Aug. 10. Members of the party reported him missing, and a search was begun. His body was found by Search and Rescue personnel about a kilometre from where he had last been seen. Foul play is not suspected, and the Coroner’s Service is in the preliminary stages of its investigation. However, sources state that Lazarre’s body was found in Nilkitkwa Lake. Barbara Roden
ments in Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, and Prince George. While many of the people using the service do so to access medical services in those communities, Colombo says that they can also pick up and drop off people at the Prince George airport or let people do some shopping, although medical appointments remain the priority. Colombo acknowledges that it can be difficult to fit in people who want to go to Prince George to shop; which is why the District is trying to arrange a monthly shopping trip with the Stuart Lake Seniors’ Association. “It will be on the last Friday of the month starting in September, with a maximum of six people per trip.” The transportation service can also be used around Fort St. James if people need a lift to go to the post office, get their hair done, or attend a scheduled appointment. There is also a grocery delivery each Monday and Friday, with clients indicating which day they need the service. The day before, a volunteer will phone and find out what groceries are needed, then purchase them and deliver them to the client, who reimburses the volunteer for the total cost. There’s no See “Volunteer” on p. 5
Advertising in The Courier works! Call Pam at (250) 567-9258 for the best advertising in town; or e-mail her at publisher@ominecaexpress.com
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 91 (NECHAKO LAKES) SCHOOL OPENING AND REGISTRATION All schools will open on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at the regular time. Parents and students should note that on school opening day school bus runs would be as follows: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 Bus runs will begin on their regular schedule in the morning and will make the return run immediately following school dismissal at noon. Please note that noon hours vary from school to school. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 WEDNESDAY, September 9, 2015, will be a full, regular day with regular bus runs both morning and afternoon. Kindergarten students will begin regular bus runs. For further information, see the advertisement re: Kindergarten. NOTES: With student population shifts in various locations, some changes in bus runs or pickup locations may be required. Problems such as these will be carefully studied and parents will be notified. Cooperation by all concerned will be appreciated. If you have any questions, contact Tracey Syrota, Transportation Manager, at 250-567-9618.
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 91 (NECHAKO LAKES) REGISTRATION FOR STUDENTS NEW TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 91 (NECHAKO LAKES) KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION 1. DAVID HOY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Fort St. James Parents should register Kindergarten pupils new to the area on August 31 – September 4, 2015 2. MOUSE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Fraser Lake Parents should register Kindergarten pupils new to the area on August 31 – September 4, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Registration for all students who are NEW to this District will take place in the school listed below on the dates indicated during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. Grade 6 & 7 students heading to Nechako Valley Secondary and students who are returning to their same school as last year do not need to re-register. Report cards or transfer records should be presented to the school upon registration to assist in proper placement in the school. Please bring the student’s birth certificate and care card. Beginning students (Kindergarten and Grade One) who have already registered should not re-register. SCHOOL
GRADES ENROLLED
DATE
Evelyn Dickson Elementary
Kindergarten - Grade 6
Aug 31 - Sept 4, 2015
Mapes Elementary
Kindergarten - Grade 6
Aug 31 - Sept 4, 2015 **(9:00 am to 1:30 pm)
Nechako Valley Secondary
Grade 7 - Grade 12
Aug 31 - Sept 4, 2015
5. SINKUT VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Vanderhoof Kindergarten Registration for the 2014-15 School year is closed, but will re-open for the 2015-16 School year.
Sinkut View Elementary
Kindergarten - Grade 6
Aug 31 - Sept 4, 2015
W.L. McLeod Elementary
Kindergarten - Grade 6
Aug 31 - Sept 4, 2015
6. W.L. MCLEOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Vanderhoof Parents should register English or French Immersion Kindergarten pupils new to the area on August 31 – September 4, 2015
Fraser Lake Elementary Sec.
Grade 4 - Grade 12
Aug 31 - Sept 4, 2015
Mouse Mountain Elementary
Kindergarten - Grade 3
Aug 31 - Sept 4, 2015 **(9:00 am to 2:30 pm)
David Hoy Elementary
Kindergarten - Grade 7
Aug 31 - Sept 4, 2015
Fort St. James Secondary
Grade 8 - Grade 12
Aug 31 - Sept 4, 2015
EBUS Academy
Kindergarten - Grade 12
Online, July & August, 2015
3. EVELYN DICKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Vanderhoof Parents should register Kindergarten pupils new to the area on August 31 – September 4, 2015 4. MAPES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Vanderhoof Parents should register Kindergarten pupils new to the area on August 31 – September 4, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
7. EBUS Academy – Vanderhoof Please phone our registrar at 1-800-567-1236 any weekday during the summer to discuss how the EBUS distance learning Kindergarten program may fit your child’s needs. TRANSPORTATION: Kindergarten pupils will be transported on regular school bus runs. To request transportation for your child/children please contact the office starting the week of August 31, 2015 Fort St. James Bus Garage: Frances Honeywell, at 250-996-7835 Vanderhoof Bus Garage: Graeme Kellam or Tracey Syrota, at 250-567-9618 Fraser Lake Bus Garage: Lisa Barnes, at 250-699-6995
**NOTE TO SECONDARY STUDENTS: Those students who register after Friday, September 4, 2015, may have difficulty registering in classes due to space availability.
A4 www.caledoniacourier.com
1 /
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 Caledonia Courier
Editorial Page Published by Black Press Ltd at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0
The Caledonia Courier is a member of the British
Distributed every Wednesday in Fort St. James
Columbia Press Council,
Publisher: Pam Berger publisher@ ominecaexpress.com
a self-regulatory body
Office: Denise Smith office@ ominecaexpress.com
council considers complaints
Editor/Reporter: Barbara Roden newsroom@ caledoniacourier.com
newspapers. Directors oversee
Production: Julia Beal wendy@ ominecaexpress.com
newspaper and the complaint
Address: Box 1007 Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0 Member: B.C. Press Council Subscriptions (per year) Local: $43.50 Seniors: $37.30 Outside Local area: $60.15
resolve your complaint about
governing the province’s newspaper industry. The
from the public about the conduct of member
the mediation of complaints, with input from both the
holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not
coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent
(All rates include GST):
Reproduction of contents either in part or in whole are not permitted without prior consent of the publisher. Copyright Canada No. 22 Serial No. 132934
to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org
• Guest Editorial
Some creatures aren’t as majestic as others We’re blessed, throughout the province of British Columbia, to have so many magnificent, even noble, specimens of the animal and avian kingdoms close at hand. Bears, moose, and cougars; eagles, hawks, and osprey: all these and more delight residents and visitors alike (although you don’t want to get too up close and personal with a lot of them). The chukar partridge, alas, is not on this list of majestic creatures. Chukar partridges (proper name Alectoris chukar) are not native to this area. They’re not native to my area (Ashcroft) either, but were introduced there from Asia at some time in the past and evidently decided they liked the neighbourhood and would stick around for a bit. I’m glad they did, for I have a huge fondness for these hapless birds, which strike me as the feathered equivalent of the shy, awkward, and clumsy kid we all knew in high school; the one who just wanted to get through each day unnoticed, but would then trip over a desk or knock over a stack of books and draw everyone’s attention. The default mode of a chukar seems to be mild panic; not unlike that high school student, who always wore a slightly hunted look, as if wondering from which quarter disaster would strike next. Now the chukar is not unattractive; indeed, it’s a plump and comely bird, in a somewhat “I’m just trying to blend in” sort of way; something it does very well, being precisely the colouring of the rocks and dirt and grasses in which it lives. But its cry! Many birds have beautiful, melodious songs that gladden the heart when they’re heard; the kind of song that inspires odes from poets, and make all those who hear it pause in appreciation. The chukar, however, has never inspired anything of the sort. Its cry—a sort of strangled squawk-
ing—makes it sound like a small hen trying to pass a very large egg that’s made up entirely of numerous right angles, and it rises quickly from that mild panic of which I spoke to a full-blown hysteria that makes it sound as if it’s seconds away from perishing. This is most apparent when a chukar manages, against all odds, to do something out of the ordinary. They can fly, after a fashion and for short distances, but they don’t appear to be entirely comfortable with the process, or understand precisely how this whole “flight” thing works. Now and again, however, one will get itself up onto a neighbouring roof or garage peak, and will sit there for a moment, looking rather startled. Then the cries start, rising in volume and intensity; the soundtrack, I like to think, to an interior monologue that goes something like this: “Well, I did it; I’m not sure how, or why, but . . . wow, yes, it really is a nice view from up here, but gosh, that ground looks a long way down, and I’ll bet it’s hard, I wouldn’t want to fall off—please don’t let me fall off—and . . . how did I get up here again? I can’t remember! And more importantly, how do I get down again? Someone please help me, please, oh I don’t want to die I’m too young what will happen to the children . . .” Their colouring makes them masters of camouflage, and more than one hiker or horseback rider has been startled, while traversing ground that seems devoid of wildlife, to flush a number of them out from seemingly nowhere. One summer there appeared, from the noise, to be a chukar convention going on in the empty lot beside us, but when I went out on the deck to look nary a chukar could be seen. I must have made a sound,
Look for us online at : caledoniacourier.com
however, for suddenly more than a dozen plump, feathered bodies exploded into motion and scuttled off in numerous directions before hunkering down again and immediately disappearing from view, so that the scene was still and apparently without life. Even more amusing is when they cross the road. (Q: Why does the chukar cross the road? A: There’s no point asking, they don’t know either.) There can be as many as 18 of them at once, crossing the road in front of your car at a variety of angles, none of them the most direct way from Point A to Point B. And there’s always one that gets halfway across, then panics and turns back, apparently reluctant to venture out into the great unknown that’s 25 feet away. So you can have your bald eagles and your osprey and your hawks; majestic birds, all of them, beyond a doubt, and deserving of respect. I am well content with the humble chukar, that most modest of our feathered friends. But please, guys: leave the singing to the meadowlarks. It’s with some sadness that I take my leave of Vanderhoof, where I’ve been based, and Fort St. James, where I’ve spent a lot of of time over the last few weeks. I didn’t really know what to expect, when I was asked to come up here and work for the Express (for one week) and the Courier (for three) while both were between editors. Well, it’s been wonderful, and for that I have to thank the many people in the Fort who made me feel welcome and helped me out with information and stories. “Don’t be a stranger,” said one person, upon finding out I was leaving. I won’t be. Barbara Roden
E-mail us at : newsroom@caledoniacourier.com
Caledonia Courier Wednesday, August 26, 2015
www.caledoniacourier.com A5
NEWS Eight Community Foundation grants awarded Courier
The Fort St. James Community Foundation has recently presented grants totalling more than $10,000 to several local people and organizations. The funds come from interest earned by the Foundation’s endowment fund. This year’s recipients are: Leiha Constantine ($1,000), to assist her as she enters her second year of studies towards a Respiratory Therapy Diploma at NAIT in Edmonton. Tl’azt’en First Nation ($1,500), for the Tl’azt’en Youth Project. The aim is to provide young people in the Tl’azt’en community with skills which will enable them to build a wooden boat. Music Makers ($2,000), to be used for the purchase of headsets to enable stage crews to communicate. The equipment will support the Youth Theatre Project—Collective Creations Theatre in September 2015, and will be used in future productions. Our Lady of the Snows Parish ($1,000), which will support their Social Outreach Program. The funds will be used to help with transportation costs for community members
who want to take part in wellness activities, and for personnel to be present for people who need support while in prison, hospital, or remote communities. Stuart Lake Outreach Society ($1,000), to support the society’s mandate to provide free, nutritious food for the homeless, needy, or lonely. The goal is to temporarily alleviate poverty, promote empowerment, and build self-esteem. Stuart Lake Seniors Association ($2,000), to support the Seniors Helping Seniors program. This program tries to address the isolation and barriers that many seniors in the north can face, by providing transportation to seniors to meet their social and healthcare needs. Stuart Lake Golf Club ($600); the funds will be used to purchase a new vacuum cleaner, which will improve cleanliness and reduce the workload at this community recreational facility. Healthy Minds Community Garden ($1,200), which will support the creation and maintenance of an organic community
garden. The aim is to provide a safe space The award for the Challenge will be prefor all community members, build commu- sented at the official opening of the new nity, and reduce isolation while providing Community Hall on Oct. 3. For more inforfresh organic produce for participants and mation about the Employee Deduction Challocal charities. lenge, call Joyce Helweg at (250) 996-7293, The Community Foundation’s endow- and to find out more about applying for a ment fund—which recently received a grant in spring 2016 visit the Foundations’s $25,000 grant from Northern Develop- website at http://fsjcf.org ment Initiative Trust—generates interest Barbara Roden which provides support for the community by going towards initiatives that strengthen the local economy, society, culture, and ecology. Since it started in 2011 the Foundation has raised more than $200,000. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH The Foundation’s Executive Di(Across from the Petrocan Station) rector, Joyce Helweg, says that there is one intake a year for applications SUNDAY LITURGY: Saturday 7:30 pm & Sunday 10:30 am DAILY MASS: Monday - Friday 9:00 am for grants, with the next one in spring 2016. In the meantime, Helweg PASTORAL TEAM: FATHER FRANK SALMON 250-996-8343 SR. MAURINE BARZANTNI, SR.RENEE RICHIE, would like to let people know about SR. DIVINA PEDRO 250-996-2275 the Employee Deduction Challenge, which starts in September. Employees of Conifex have challenged all other workers in the area, with participants signing up to have their employer deduct a certain sum from their paycheques. All of the money raised goes to the endowment fund. “If 773 people took part and had $5 deducted from each paycheque, we’d raise $1 million in 10 years,” says Helweg.
OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS
THE CHURCHES OF FORT ST. JAMES
Community Events Community Events are free of charge as they are sponsored by the Caledonia Courier Recipients of grants from the Fort St. James Community Society include (from l) Greg Kovacs and Sandi Taylor (Healthy Minds Community Garden); Leiha Constantine; Judy Greenaway (Stuart Lake Seniors’ Association); Pauline Friesen (Fort St. James Music Makers); Karrie Sparling (Stuart Lake Outreach Group Society); Maurine Barzantni (Our Lady of the Snows Parish). Photo by Joyce Helweg
Fire Hall #2 under threat Dear Editor, Fort St. James Fire Hall #2 needs support. Ten years ago, with funding raised in the area that benefits from the Hall’s protection, support and donations from area businesses, and a great deal of volunteer effort, Hall #2 proudly went into service. This fire hall is part of the District of Fort St. James Fire Rescue Service and responds to all fire calls. Over the last 10 years the response from Hall #2 has been very active; it is not unusual for this hall to be the only response to a fire call-out. The membership at Hall #2 (Sowchea Bay Volunteer Fire Department) is now down to seven active members. It needs to be at a minimum of 10 to
continue to be certified, and the deadline for this certification is January 2016. The current call for volunteer applications to the Fort St. James Fire Department closes on Sept. 11. If Hall #2 loses certification, the resulting increase in home insurance for the fire protection area covered will be substantial, as will the loss of fire fighting support for the Fire Department of Fort St James. An open house at Hall #2 is planned for Aug. 31 from 5:00-8:00pm. Any applications for volunteer fire fighting can be made through the fire hall in town (250-996-8670). Harvey Goff Fort St. James
Volunteer drivers needed “Seniors” from p. 3 charge for the service, says Colombo, noting that for some of the clients the weekly arrival of the volunteer with groceries is the only check-in they get from another person. The transportation and grocery delivery services are available to those living as far north as the railway tracks and as far south as Dog Creek. Most of the drivers are seniors themselves, who might have to make use of the services at some point in the
future. “It’s their way of paying it forward,” says Colombo. Seniors Helping Seniors is always looking for volunteers willing to drive, and for new clients. Anyone interested in the transportation service— including the shopping trips to Prince George— should contact Yvonne Sam at (250) 996-8408, while anyone who would like to sign up for the grocery delivery should call Emily Colombo at (250) 996-8233. Barbara Roden
COMING EVENTS... Will appear as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profit organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for nonprofit organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to advertising@ ominecaexpress.com or by fax: 567-2070. Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our office located at #111250 Stuart Drive, Fort St. James. Decision of the publisher is final. *** VOLUNTEER WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY!...Are you or anyone you know interested in becoming a volunteer? No matter your age or your interests, there are plenty of opportunities for you or your family members to volunteer within our community. At Volunteer Fort St. James we assist local non-profit organizations in recruiting volunteers and assist volunteers to find an organization(s) they want to work with. If you chose to become a volunteer you are in control. You get to choose the event(s) you volunteer for, how often you volunteer and how much time you’d like to volunteer. Volunteers are not obligated to volunteer for any opportunities, no questions asked. It is as simple as that! If you’d like to become a volunteer, when opportunities become available you have the option to be notified by email, or you can check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/volunteerfsj or stop by the Volunteer Fort St. James Office Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 – 12:30 pm. You can sign up today to become a volunteer at www.volunteerfsj. ca. For more information you can e-mail us at volunteerfsj@telus. net or call us at 250-996-8284 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 11:30 – 12:30 pm). *** ST PATRICK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH...Services at St Patrick’s Anglican Church will now take place only on the first Sunday
of the month except for special occasions. *** STUART LAKE OUTREACH GROUP FOOD BANK SCHEDULE... is the third Wed of each month: 10:00 am to noon at the Food Bank behind St. Patrick’s Anglican Church, Stuart Drive. Volunteers needed. Call 250-567-6744. Food Bank needs canned meals, beans, stews, soups, tuna, salmon, sandwich meats, pasta and sauce, tea, coffee, toilet paper, canned milk, cereals, etc. At this time we have lots of sugar! Thank you for your generosity. *** UNTOLD TRAUMA...author seeks contributions from nonFirst Nations students and staff who experienced Catholic residential or day schools abuse in Northern BC. For more info email Kathyhansen1@gmail.com *** FIREWEED STOPPING THE VIOLENCE & OUTREACH SERVICE For those who believe all is possible!...Provides free Confidential, Safe, and Supportive counselling and outreach services for women. Hours of Service: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and every other Friday. Location: Room 203, 349 Stuart Drive, Fort St James, BC Phone: (250) 9961214 Fax: (250) 996-7647 Email: fire.or@telus.net *** STUART LAKE OUTREACH GROUP... hosts a free hot lunch each Tuesday from 10.00am to 1.00pm in the space behind St. Patrick’s Anglican Church. Meals are served by members of area churches and other volunteers from the community. We wish to thank all those who assist by cooking, serving, and cleaning up. Your help is invaluable. We also host a free Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day to all who are lonely or in need. Volunteers for these programs are needed. Please call Gwen at 250-567-6744. *** ST. PATRICK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH SERVICES... will now take place only on the first Sunday of the month except for special
occasions. *** FORT ST. JAMES SEARCH & RESCUE... steering committee meetings first Tuesday of every month. 7:00 p.m. above the Fort St. James Firehall. Training is the third Tuesday of every month at the Firehall at 7 p.m. New members are welcome and training is provided. For more information please contact Paul at 250.996.7478 or Rod at 250.996.3231 *** FORT ST. JAMES PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS... Tuesday 11:30-8:00 Wednesday 11:30-4:30 Thursday 11:30-4:30 Friday 11:30-8:00 Saturday 11:00-3:00 *** AUXILIARY TO STUART LAKE HOSPITAL... Monthly meeting 2nd Wednesday each month. Hospital Cafeteria 7:00 p.m. *** NECHAKO VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY...Child and Youth Mental Health and Counseling Services available at no cost. Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Call 996-7645 for appointment. *** FORT TRAP AND HANDGUN CLUB... meets last Sunday of every month. Contact (Sue) at 250-996-7728 (h) for more information. *** MUSIC MAKERS...New members always WELCOME. Not everyone has to be on stage, there is lots of work behind the scenes. Call Heike Fonda at 250-996-7006 for more info. *** THE THRIFT STORE... has a new name! “The Bargain Basement”. We are still at the same location, across from Shoppers Food Mart. Donations of clean clothing and small housewares are greatly appreciated. Please, no books or magazines. Proceeds are used for community needs. Open Wed-Sat, 12 noon to 4pm. ***
A6 www.caledoniacourier.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 Caledonia Courier
]
Hold the handrail while going up and down the bus stairs.
]
Sit down immediately and stay seated until the bus comes to a complete stop at your school.
]
Speak quietly on the bus, so you don’t distract the driver.
]
Keep your feet and your belongings out of the aisles.
]
When you get off the bus, always cross the street a few feet in front of the bus, so the driver can easily see you. Never go behind the bus!
Exit the bus calmly
MXV INTEGRATED HEALTH & FITNESS
BE SAFE, BE AWARE! Always use seatbelts & car seats
YRB
Yellowhead Road & Bridge
207 Douglas Ave Fort St. James Contact Scott at mxvintegrated@gmail.com or
250-996-4377
Opt for a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and keep it light
470 Stuart Dr, Fort St. James 250-996-7141
Always keep your head and arms inside the bus
Carrier Food & Fuel
] Open 24 Hours, 7 days a Week ] Full Service Gas Bays ] 3 Bay Heated Car Wash ] One Outdoor Truck Wash Bay ] Tasty Mountain Boy Chicken, Ribs and Taters ] Convenience Store Fresh Coīee & Snacks
] Newspapers ] 6-49 ] Auto Propane & Cylinders Diesel Fuel ] Interac Bank Till ] All Major Credit Cards Accepted Accepted
Fort St. James
250-996-8281
Don’t talk to strangers
from either direction and the
bus moves on before proceeding.
School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes)
Transportation 250-567-9618
250-996-8422
Tell your children to come straight home from the bus
Lakeshore Realty
Tel: 250-996-8618 Fax: 250-996-8621 Email: lkshore@telus.net
Look, Listen, Learn
Soup Wallah
STOPPED SCHOOL BUS OVERHEAD LIGHTS ARE FLASHING RED you must STOP & WAIT until the
Serving Fort St. James, Fraser Lake & Vanderhoof
HOMETOWN REALTOR YOU’LL FIND US IN THE BEAUTIFUL HERITAGE HOUSE AT 169 STUART DRIVE, FORT ST. JAMES
Hwy. 27, Fort St. James, B.C., V0J 1P0 Ph: 250-996-7238 Fax: 250-996-7562
When approaching a
Identify the safest route with your parents
Over 30 years of forest harvesting, log trucking, forest management, road construction and road maintenance
561 Stuart Drive, Fort St. James Phone: 250-996-8032 Fax: 250-996-8742 Email: admin@kdlgroup.net
Espresso, Coffee Tea, Smoothies, Soups, Baking M-F 6am-5pm Sat Brunch 8am-2pm
250-996-2411/ 4386 We also offer catering
Caledonia Courier Wednesday, August 26, 2015
www.caledoniacourier.com A7
NEWS Music now on the meadow Courier
The sixth annual Music on the Mountain (now Meadow) festival took place last weekend, in the event’s new home at the fair grounds. With some 80 acres at their disposal, the festival organizers were able to ensure there was plenty of room for campers, day visitors, vendors, workshops, and of course music. Jennifer Bruvold has been to all six of the MoM events; her husband Iyan is a banjo player, and has done at least one set at each festival. “I love the new venue,� she said. “The mountain was great, but here there’s room to grow.� Eric Ackerly, who is on the Board of Directors for MoM, said he went to the first one in 2010 and fell in love. “The next year I volunteered to help set up fences and tents, and in the third year I joined the Society,� he says. It’s his first year on the Board, and he wants to thank all the people who helped out with this year’s event, acknowledging that there were a few challenges. “We thought we had a stage lined up, but less than three weeks before opening day found out we
didn’t.� This resulted in a scramble for material to build a stage and volunteers to put it together, but it all worked out, and on opening day the stage was ready to go. “Over the years I’ve truly come to appreciate [key organizers] Lionel and Rosemary Conant’s ability to pull a rabbit out of a hat,� he chuckles. Ackerly also praised the new site. “It’s a better venue with more room, and it’s much easier for the vendors. It’s a beautiful space to spread out.� Amid the music and fun there was a moment for reflection, when the smaller B Stage—used for shorter sets while the main stage was being set up—was officially renamed the Bill Stage, in honour of longtime MoM supporter Bill Phillips, who passed away earlier this year shortly after being named Vice-President of the Board. “Bill was involved with MoM since the beginning,� said Lionel Conant. “He was an electrician, and built and installed a power board for us that first year. We still use it for smaller shows like house concerts. He was a great friend of the festival.� Barbara Roden
The small secondary stage at Music on the Meadow, previously called the B Stage, was renamed the Bill Stage this year, in honour of longtime MoM supporter Bill Phillips. Photo by Barbara Roden
Movies and more at library The Fort St. James Public Library is in the process of replacing its collection of films and television shows on VHS with DVD copies, building upthis popular and fast-growing section of the library. “When I arrived here three years ago we had no DVDs,� said Head Librarian Wayne Briscoe. “The decision hadn’t yet been made to go with them.� What he found himself with were videocassettes that almost no one was checking out, so he decided to begin not only replacing VHS titles with their DVD version, but also expanding the selection in both the children and adult sections. “I’m trying to bring in the full sets of popular movie series, like Jurassic Park and Aliens,� says Briscoe. He’s also building up sets of films by famous directors, and bringing in the DVDs for popular television series, such as Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, Sherlock, and The Walking Dead. “Sons of Anarchy has been one of our most popular series, and we have every episode available.� The children’s section is seeing the gradual acquisition of many classic Disney films, as well as other titles designed to appeal to younger viewers. When asked if children are able to take out movies in the adult section, Briscoe nods. “We don’t censor what people read or watch,� he said. “If children are here with a parent then we assume they can check out what they want; otherwise it’s up to parents to decide if their children can watch something.� If people have particular films or TV series they’d like the library to bring in, Briscoe says they’re open to suggestions. “We’ve had three people come in and ask for [TV series] Penny Dreadful, for example,� he noted. “Adult fiction is still our most popular area, but DVDs are growing fast. Some people come in just for them. We just got some new DVDs in, and they’re already gone. Some people seem to know when we get new ones.� Something else new and noteworthy at the library is a section devoted to magazines aimed at parents and children. Briscoe admits that it can take
a long time for the subscriptions to start coming in, but aims to increase the number of titles available. One new title is The Green Parent, the UK’s leading green lifestyle and natural parenting magazine, as well as Yum Food and Fun for Kids, for kids who love to cook and the parents who cook for them. Each issue has recipes for busy parents, as well as great food ideas for families to cook together. Barbara Roden
In partnership with
Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!
1. Browse & Shop Browse the mobile app for your favourite brand’s offers, and purchase them at any store
2. Upload Receipt 3. Get Cash Back! Take a photo of your receipt and submit it through the app
Once you reach just $5, the money you save will be transferred into your PayPal wallet
JOIN THE FORT ST JAMES FIRE DEPARTMENT TODAY!
RECEIVE: Training, experiences and skill development in the most unique, challenging environment while part of an amazing team For applications call 250-996-8670 OR Email: nancy@fortstjames.ca
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 11th
Job Market Trends. Just one of the reasons to follow LocalWorkBC.ca on Twitter. /localwork-bc
@localworkbc
A8 www.caledoniacourier.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 Caledonia Courier
Courier
NEWS
From the history file: Was Fredericks a killer? Continued from last week Karl Fredericks, the only survivor of a trio of men who had gone north from Fort St. James in June 1930, was a wanted man once the bodies of his companions were found in a carefully concealed grave on the shore of Trembleur Lake. A call went out for his arrest, and he was found working at a farm in Moon Lake, Alberta. Fredericks was promptly arrested for the murder of the other two men, although he maintained that he had never met Max Westphal or Herman Peters, the dead men, and had never been to Trembleur Lake, Fort St. James, or Vanderhoof. He was brought back to Prince George, and during the journey his story changed. Now he claimed that he did know the other two, and that while they were camped by Trembleur Lake there had been an argument, during which Westphal and Fredericks told Peters they wanted to end the journey. Peters— who according to Fredericks had a vicious temper—told the other two he would kill them if they turned back. Fredericks claimed he had killed Peters in self-defence, and had returned to the camp some hours later to find Westphal dead, apparently killed by Peters earlier in the day. Fredericks was placed in a police line-up and identified as the man who had come out of the bush alone. The German asked for paper and a pen, and proceeded to write a lengthy account of what had transpired. A preliminary hearing in December 1930 saw the evidence presented, and Fredericks was charged with the murders of Westphal and Peters. The case was scheduled to be heard at the Spring Assize in Prince George, with The Prince George Citizen noting that “the greatest interest” was being taken in the matter. When the case of Rex vs. Fredericks opened on May 14, 1931, the courtroom was packed. A long string of witnesses, mainly Indians from Tachie, testified as to what they had seen when the three men went into the bush and only one came out; a process that took some time, as many of the Indians had to have their evidence translated into English, which then had to be translated into German for Fredericks. When it came time for the defence to present its case, Fredericks’ lawyer, Mr. Young, asked that the accused’s written statement be entered as evidence. Some doubts were raised as to whether it was admissible, as the accused had not received an official police warning before writing it. Eventually, however, it was allowed, and was found to contain yet another
version of the story. In this account, Fredericks asserted that Peters had been a brutal man who had at one point kicked Fredericks into the river when the latter had said he wanted to turn back. On the night of the murders Fredericks claimed that Westphal had retired to bed and Fredericks decided to go hunting for bears. He had gone some half-mile from the camp when he heard shouts, and then a gunshot. He turned back for the camp, and was about a quartermile away when he said that Peters fired several shots in his direction. Fredericks dropped to the ground, where he remained motionless for some minutes. Then he heard another shot, and there was silence from the camp. After an hour he plucked up his courage and returned to the camp to find Westphal dead, his head half-blown off, and Peters dead close by, also shot through the head; suicide after killing the other man, or so Fredericks claimed. Terrified, he left the camp and returned next morning. Assuming he would be suspected of the crime, he stripped most of the clothes off the bodies to prevent identification, and hid them under a nearby log. He buried the two bodies and covered the grave with rocks and driftwood so it would go undetected. He burned all the men’s papers, loaded the provisions into the boat, and returned the way he had come, intending to disappear to the east. Fredericks did not take the stand, but his lawyer argued that bullet marks found on two trees near the camp confirmed his client’s story that Peters had shot at him. No explanation was offered as to why Peters’ head had been severed from the body. The crown attorney, Mr. Johnson, pointed out a number of contradictions in Fredericks’ statement. For example, he had told some Indians that he had worked for a man named Cameron near Vanderhoof, and had cleared some $150 personally. However, Cameron said he had paid the three men a total of $149. Johnson argued that Fredericks had lied about the money in his statement, in order to lead people to think he had a good deal of money, and therefore
Ferrier’s Store on the Tachie Reserve in 1923, which could be the one Karl Fredericks visited after leaving his two companions in the bush. no need to kill his companions. Cameron also testified that the three men had been on good terms. Johnson pointed out that Fredericks’ actions after the death of his companions were not those of an innocent man, nor was his statement, upon returning to Tachie, that his companions had headed north. The question faced by the jury was simple: who had killed Westphal? Was it Peters, in anger, or Fredericks, as part of a double murder to rid himself of his companions and leave the area? The jury members retired just after noon to deliberate, and twice reported back to the judge that they felt unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Both times the judge sent them back to consider further; but when, at 6:00 pm, the foreman reported they were still deadlocked the jurors were discharged, with the case being traversed to the Fall Assize in Prince George. When the case resumed in November 1931 the same evidence was once more presented, including the written statement Fredericks had made in December of the previous year. This time the jury did not hesitate to bring in a verdict of guilty; but Freder-
If you Currently Subscribe to
You can NOW READ Full Page Views Including ALL ADVERTISING!!! “ON LINE” go online to caledoniacourier.com or call 250-567-9258 169 Stuart Drive West, Fort St. James
icks’ defence appealed the decision, winning him yet another trial, this time in Kamloops in the spring of 1932. The third time was the charm for the German, as he was acquitted of both charges and able to leave a free man. Two years later, however, he was picked up near Bridge Lake in the Cariboo by a game warden, who discovered that Fredericks did not have a licence for his rifle. He was told he could either pay a fine or spend 60 days in jail, and Fredericks, unfortunately for him, chose the latter option. While he was being held, his fingerprints and picture were sent to Ottawa, where they were promptly matched with the man who had been tried for murder two years earlier. As he was a German national, this information was transmitted to German officials, who replied that Freder-
icks had six criminal convictions in his native country. The matter was turned over to Immigration, and Fredericks soon found himself heading towards Halifax, where he was placed on a ship back to Germany. Much had changed there since Fredericks had left, including the rise to power of Adolf Hitler. The Nazi Party had started rounding up those who opposed it, paying particular attention to anyone who was a member of the Communist Party. Fredericks, it turned out, had been involved with the party before he left for Canada, and had taken part in some street fighting. When his ship arrived in Germany in 1934 he was met by members of the S.S., who promptly whisked him away to a concentration camp. He was never heard of again. Barbara Roden
SALUTE TO LABOUR
ADVERTISING DEADLINES! Due to the Labour Day September 7th holiday, please note the following changes. September 9 Issue Ad Deadline: Thursday, September 3 - 4pm Office Hours - Closed September 7, 2015
250-567-9258
Caledonia Courier Wednesday, August 26, 2015
www.caledoniacourier.com A9
NEWS Need a vacation? Keep it local with a staycation Courier
The word “staycation” hasn’t been in the language too long, but it has now spread all over the world. It’s used to describe a vacation that involves staying in your own home overnight, then taking day trips to locations that are not too far away: close enough that you can get to them, have a good look around, and then get back to your own bed by the end of the day. British Columbia offers a wealth of staycation opportunities, some of them surprisingly close by. Here in Fort St. James it could be as quick and easy as visiting the Fort St. James National Historic Site, for a taste of what life was like when the Fort still boasted a Hudson’s Bay Company fort and trading post. Fun fact: Tracks ran along the dock leading from Stuart Lake to the fort site, allowing furs and supplies to be transported between ships and the warehouse by cart. For a look at more buildings from yesteryear, travel south to Vanderhoof and tour the museum there, which contains several heritage buildings from a century ago that show what life was like in the town’s early days. The buildings were brought to the museum grounds from their original sites in and around Vanderhoof, and contain displays relating to the town and its history. Fun fact: Ask for a tour of the Redmond House, a Mennonite farmhouse set back from the rest of the buildings, and which is said to be haunted. The BC Provincial Park system is second to none, and each park has a detailed website giving information about how to get to it, what facilities the park offers, and what to see and do while you’re there. While there are several parks easily accessible from Fort St. James that are well worth checking out, such as Mount Pope and Stuart Lake, more ambitious staycationers might like to venture to Rubyrock Lake Provincial Park, 70km northwest of the Fort and accessible by vehicle via the Cunningham Forest Service Road. The 41,000 hectare park is bounded by Trembleur, Cunningham, and Stuart Lakes, and provides many opportunities for hiking and fishing. Fun fact: In addition to kokanee, lake char, rainbow trout, and burbot, the park has a small run of sockeye salmon. If you have, or have access to, a boat then even more provincial parks are open to you. There are several waterside parks along Stuart, Trembleur, and Takla Lakes, as well as on the Tachie and Middle Rivers, many with sandy beaches
One of the pictograph sites along Stuart Lake. Many of these sites are only accessible from the water. and sheltered anchorages. Ancient pictographs can be found in many places, many of them only accessible by water. Stuart River Provincial Park takes in some 80km of the Stuart River, a centuries-old travel and trade route that was extensively used by the Carrier people and the early fur traders. Fun fact: The park contains the ancient Chinlac village site, designated as a Provincial Heritage Site in 1961. Don’t neglect other nearby towns as staycation destinations. It’s all too easy, on the way from Point A to Point B, to pass through these towns without stopping, but it can be fun to make one of them Point B and spend some time looking around, shopping, and getting something to eat. Check in advance for any sites of interest such as heritage buildings, museums, markets, and festivals. Fun fact: The www. hellobc.com website offers information about festivals and events in different locations, while www.bcfarmersmarket. org lists farmers markets around the province (staycation possibilities in the area include farmers markets in Vander-
hoof, Prince George, Houston, and Smithers). Finally, a few staycation tips. Do take it easy, and don’t be afraid to make unplanned stops or detours along the way. If you’re venturing into the back country, take a good, current back country road map (don’t rely on GPS alone). Don’t feel as if you have to hit the road at the crack of dawn, and try to leave as many electronic devices as possible at home. Do check out tourist and visitor centres for information about local sites, events, and activities, and don’t be afraid to ask questions: locals are usually only too happy to share with you what’s great about their town. And here’s one final fun fact: At least one source says that the word staycation was given to the world by Canada, in a 2005 episode of the popular TV series Corner Gas. There are claims that the word first appeared in print in 2003, but the success of Corner Gas spread the word staycation far and wide. Congratulations, Canada! Barbara Roden
Rent help for those in need
The road less travelled, just south of Fort St. James. It’s amazing what you can find when you go off the beaten track. Photo by Barbara Roden
Rental subsidies are available for people in the Fort St. James area who are struggling and need assistance to secure a place to live. The Homeless Prevention program, run by the Nechako Valley Community Services Society can help applicants in four categories: women facing domestic violence; people who have been released from hospital or incarceration; First Nations men or women; or youth (aged 19 and up) who are transitioning from foster care. Lynda Lewis, Program Manager for the Fort St. James office of the NVCSS, says that those enrolled in the program receive up to $450 per month to assist with expenses. “We can subsidize their rent, or pay a portion of their utilities; or we can pay a damage deposit, or help out with storage or moving costs, or some combination of these up to the $450. In the case of the utilities, for example, we’d sit down with people and go over their budget.” “It’s a very inclusive program, and we don’t turn anyone away,” says Dana Grant, who works for the NVCSS. “Even if you don’t fit in one of the four categories we can still find other ways to help, such as sitting down and helping plan a budget, or just talking with you to see how we can help.” “It’s a program where people who are struggling can get help,” says Lewis. “And anyone can bring someone in or refer them: a friend, neighbour, family member.” She notes that the program is nowhere near being fully utilized, which is a concern. “If the program isn’t used then we risk losing it.” For more information about this and other programs offered by the NVCSS, phone them at (250) 996-7645, or visit the website at www.nvcss.ca Barbara Roden
Lakeshore Realty 322 ROBIN ROAD Newer built 3 bedroom family home on 5 acres only minutes from Fort St. James. Kitchen and living room open to each other, complete with wood stove to help offest heating costs, separate family room, main floor master bedroom & main floor laundry. Upstairs features a den area, 2 more bedrooms and full bathroom. Private 5 acres that is fenced & cross fenced for horses, huge detached shop, greenhouse & garden area. A nicely finished one bedroom suite. $358,900
You’ll find us at 169 STUART DRIVE, FSJ lkshore@telus.net 250-996-8618
See Full Page Views $
344
Month
+HST For as low as You can NOW read THE CALEDONIA COURIER
ON LINE PAGE BY PAGE
WITH AN E-SUBSCRIPTION
INCLUDES ALL
ADVERTISING You can subscribe online at caledoniacourier.com or call 250-567-9258 and we will help you set up your e-sub to 169 Stuart Drive West, at the Lakeshore Realty office
A10 www.caledoniacourier.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 Caledonia Courier
Your community. Your classiďŹ eds.
250.567.9258 fax 250.567.2070 email advertising@ominecaexpress.com
P.O. Box 1298 Fort St. James, B.C. V0J 1P0
Announcements
Employment
Employment
Employment
Employment
Information
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Advertise in the 2016 - 2018 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis âœąLargest Sportsman’s publication in BC.
Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 or email: ďŹ sh@blackpress.ca
Phone:
250-996-8482 E-Mail: wendy@ ominecaexpress. com Caledonia Courier published every Wednesday Stuart/Nechako Advertiser published every Friday ADVERTISING DEADLINES Courier -- Friday, 11-noon Advertiser -- Tuesday, 12-noon
TERMS & CONDITIONS Advertisements should be read on the ďŹ rst publication day. We are not responsible for errors appearing beyond the ďŹ rst insertion. NO CASH REFUNDS AGREEMENT: It is agreed by any display or classiďŹ ed advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and there will be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION: Advertisers are reminded that provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminated against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry, place of origin, or age unless the condition is justiďŹ ed by a bona ďŹ de requirement for the work involved. COPYRIGHT: Copyright and/or property rights subsist in all advertisements and in all other advertising material appearing in this edition of the Omineca Express. Permission to reproduce wholly or in any part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.
CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canadabeneďŹ t.ca/free-assessment.
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! 1-888-356-5248.
WELDER Vanderhoof Machine Works is seeking a certified welder. Must have previous experience in maintenance/repairs. Will be able to work independently. Service truck experience an asset. Wages negotiable. Benefits & Pension Package After 3 Months. Fax: (1)-250-567-2382 Email: info@vanderhoofmachine.ca
DNT CONTRACTING
Processor Operator
Employment
DNT Contracting Logging company is looking for a full time experienced Processor Operator in the Vanderhoof, Fort St James Area.
Business Opportunities
Call Dave Neufeld 250-567-0695 Or Clint Ludwig 250-570-1605
GET FREE vending machines can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-locations provided. Protected Territories. Interest free ďŹ nancing. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629 Website www.tcvend.com. HIP OR knee replacement? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in walking/dressing? Disability tax credit $2,000 tax credit $20,000 refund. Apply today for assistance: 1-844-453-5372.
Career Opportunities MEDICAL Transcriptionists are in huge demand! Train with Canada’s top Medical Transcription school. Learn from home and work from home. Call today! 1-800-4661535 www.canscribe.com or info@canscribe.com.
Education/Trade Schools START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765
Medical/Dental MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!
It Starts with You!
www.pitch-in.ca
E-mail Resume to dntshop@telus.net Fax to 250-567-4203
Return all your empty beverage containers to a Return-It Depot for recycling. Find locations at encorp.ca/locations
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
NAK’AZDLI WHUT’EN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
NURSERY SCHOOL BUS DRIVER Position Purpose: Performs a variety of skilled tasks, driving regular and scheduled bus routes; liaises with students, parent, peers and staff members; inspection and preventative maintenance on the bus; and curricular and extra-curricular trips when required. Reports to: Education Administrator Job Results and Responsibilities: ˆ Ensures all children are safe, drives according to rules and regulations ˆ Make sure bus is up to standards ˆ Clean drivers abstract ˆ Six months of demonstrated successful experience driving buses in all seasons ˆ Understanding of the Motor Vehicle Act and regulations ˆ Clear criminal record check Entr] LeZel ReUuireQents 5uali½Gations: Completion of grade 10, valid class 4 driver’s licence, valid *irst Aid certi½cate, and CPR training. Excellent communication skills. ;orking Conditions Twenty ½ve (25) hours per week and/or as instructed by Supervisor. Full job description is available upon request. SepteQber deadline Jor appliGations Please drop of resumes and cover letters at &and Of½ce Attention: Maureen P O Bo\ *ort St JaQes BC V J P TelepLone *a\ or email e\eGutiZeassistant$naOa^dli Ga No phone calls will be accepted.
VOLUNTEER WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY! Are you or anyone you know interested in becoming a volunteer? No matter your age or your interests, there are plenty of opportunities for you or your family members to volunteer within our community. At Volunteer Fort St. James we assist local non-profit organizations in recruiting volunteers and assist volunteers to find an organization(s) they want to work with. If you chose to become a volunteer you are in control. You get to choose the event(s) you volunteer for, how often you volunteer and how much time you’d like to volunteer. Volunteers are not obligated to volunteer for any opportunities, no questions asked. It is as simple as that! If you’d like to become a volunteer, when opportunities become available you have the option to be notified by email, or you can check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ volunteerfsj or stop by the Volunteer Fort St. James Office Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 – 12:30 pm. You can sign up today to become a volunteer at www. volunteerfsj.ca. For more information you can e-mail us at volunteerfsj@telus.net or call us at 250-996-8284 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 11:30 – 12:30 pm).
4 OUT OF 5 PEOPLE WITH DIABETES DIE OF 4 OUT OF 5 PEOPLE HEART WITH DISEASE. DIABETES
FRONT DESK CLERK
Job Type: Part-time (Temporary) Wages: $11/hr Requirements: Must be able to operate computers and outlook Availability: All weekends and on call for weekdays We are looking for a responsible, sincere person to fill this position immediately as a replacement. We need a quick learner and someone who will show up regularly and on time. The person must be comfortable doing nightshifts (if needed). Job duties: Greeting guests, attending calls and making reservations as needed, checking in and check-out guests, managing walk-ins, setting wakeup calls for guests, keeping clean and organized the front desk area and lobby. One-to-one training will be provided. Application process: Please email us your resume or drop your resume at the front desk Contact details: The View Hotel 309 Stuart Dr. West Fort St James Phone: 1-250-996-8737 Email: info@theviewhotel.ca
DIE OF HEART Better your odds. DISEASE. Visit getserious.ca Better your odds. Visit getserious.ca
Caledonia Courier Wednesday, August 26, 2015
www.caledoniacourier.com A11
Services
Services
Services
Financial Services
Misc Services
Misc Services
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 TAX FREE MONEY is available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income. Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca
MAKE YOUR POINTOF-SALE
Advertise your goods and services in the Classifieds and reach hundreds of potential buyers daily. Call today to place your ad and make a sale quickly.
Home Improvements FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1800-573-2928.
Merchandise for Sale
Auctions AERO AUCTIONS Upcoming Auctions. Thurs., Aug. 27 & Oct. 22, Edmonton. Live & On-Line Bidding. Mining excavation & transportation equipment, rock trucks, excavators, dozers, graders, trucks, trailers, misc attachments & more! Consignments welcome! Visit: aeroauctions.ca. 1-888-6009005.
Firearms FIREARMS. All types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed Dealer. 1-866-9600045. www.dollars4guns.com.
Misc. for Sale STEEL BUILDINGS. “Summer madness sale!” All buildings, all models. You’ll think we’ve gone mad deals. Call Now and get your deal. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca
Real Estate Houses For Sale
250-996-8482 IN FIND IT THE CLASSIFIEDS
FORT ST. JAMES AND AREA
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
OIL &WOULD LUBE IF YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE HERE GIVE US A CALL: 250-567-9258 NEWSPAPERS
DON’T OVERPAY! rtmihomes.com “Your smart housing solution” Canada’s largest provider of manufactured housing. Text or call (844-3342960). In stock 16’/20’/22’ Homes on sale now!
Serving Fort St. James and area since 1972 Pam Berger Publisher
Rentals
250-996-8482
Apt/Condo for Rent
Advertising: advertising@ominecaexpress.com News: newsroom@caledoniacourier.com Website: www.caledoniacourier.com
HILLCREST Apartments - Fort St. James - Lg. 1 & 2bdrm suites. Clean and quiet. Adult oriented,Security system,Strict Management,No Pets ph# 250-996-7998
It takes 11 muscles to read this ad.
Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake
Pam Berger Publisher 150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0
Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070 Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com
ADvertiser STUART NECHAKO
Reaching Every Door
Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake
Pam Berger Publisher 150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0
Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070 Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com
Don’t take your muscles for granted. Over 50,000 Canadians with muscular dystrophy take them very seriously. Learn more at muscle.ca
A12 www.caledoniacourier.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 Caledonia Courier
Brought to you by your MLA John Rustad
Pioneers Courageous Battles
Athletes
Achieving
Human Interest
Serving the community of Fort St. James
Featuring the spirit of the local people
Cops for Cancer tackle “Tour de North” ride The Tour de France is probably the most famous bike race in the world. A more local version of that celebrated ride, the “Tour de North”, kicks off on Sept. 15 in Dawson Creek, with riders tackling an 850km route to Williams Lake. Instead of riding for the glory of winning, however, those taking part are riding to raise money for children who have been diagnosed with cancer and to help provide support for their families. “Cops for Cancer” has been taking part in the Tour de North and other charity cycling events around the province for 17 years. Police officers and civilian members apply to be a part of the team, and this year Fort St. James Constable Andres Sanchez is proud to have been selected as a team member for this year’s event, along with members from Prince George, Anahim Lake, Terrace, Quesnel, Tumbler Ridge, Mackenzie, Dawson Creek, and Williams Lake. It’s the first time he’s taken part in the ride—Fort St. James Const. Derek Rondeau has done it twice—and he’s already been busy fundrais-
ing throughout the community, with booths at the recent Night Market and at Music on the Meadow. “It’s the responsibility of each person taking part to raise money for the cause,” he says, noting that they’re fortunate to have sponsors who donate equipment and bikes. “The goal is to raise $3,000 each, but most people raise far more than that,” says San-
Participants from the north—including Fort St. James’s Const. Andres Sanchez—are taking part in the 850km fundraiser. chez, adding that Fort St. James has always been very successful at raising money for the cause. The next fundraising event planned will be on Aug. 27 at the North Arm Pub, with dinner, music, a 50/50 draw, a silent auction, and a head shaving event. It was with shaved heads that Cops for Cancer started in 1994. Edmonton police sergeant Gary Goulet was moved by the story of five-year-old Lyle Jorgenson, who was undergoing chemotherapy to treat his cancer and who had lost his hair as a result. Lyle was being ridiculed by his schoolmates, so Goulet gathered a group of Edmonton police officers, and they all shaved their heads in support of Lyle, and to show that being bald was cool. The campaign caught the public imagination and was adopted by other police forces, blossoming into a major Canada-wide fundraiser for kids with cancer. The Tour de North and other cycling events are not just fundraisers. Along with an escort vehicle, participants stop at schools and community events along the way, speaking with people to raise awareness on the subject of of cancer support and research. Const. Sanchez also speaks with local groups about cancer awareness. “This year I’ve done an event at the
high school warning about flavoured tobac- tended Camp Goodtimes. cos, which are often marketed to kids. I’m You can find out more about the Tour de trying to raise awareness about these things, North and upcoming events on the “Cops for and am happy to appear at community get Cancer—Tour de North” Facebook page or togethers and do a presentation.” at www.copsforcancerbc.ca/ There are 12 people on this year’s Tour Anyone who would like to contribute to de North Cops for Cancer team, with all the Const. Sanchez’s fundraising efforts online members chosen from applicants across the can do so at the copsforcancer website; click north. Once they made the commitment the on “Find a participant”, enter Sanchez’s group started training, with Sanchez having name, and contribute via the “donate now” ridden some 900km since June. His goal is button. to complete 1,600km of training by the time Barbara Roden the race kicks off on Sept. 15. Due to the distances between this year’s participants, most of the communication among the group has been via Facebook. The North Arm Pub event on Aug. 27 is $30 per person, and is an adults-only evening. Tickets can be purchased at the pub, at Integris Credit Union, or at the Fort St. James RCMP detachment. There are also donation jars in various locations, including the District Office. The money raised helps fight childhood cancer by providing funding in three main areas: paediatric cancer research; a study of the lifelong effects of cancer treatments on survivors diagnosed before the age of 25; and support for children with cancer and their families. A donation of $35 can support the Volunteer Driver Program by subsidizing the cost of a round trip ride for a child and his or her family get to a cancer treatment appointment; other donations can help pay for research equipment, cover the cost of inquiries to the Cancer Information Service, or be used to assist a child attend a session at Camp Goodtimes, a safetyfocused, medically supervised, fun experience for children with cancer and their families. About 450 children and family members par- Constable Andres Sanchez of the Fort St. James ticipate during the six-week camp detachment, who’s taking part in the Cops for session; in 2013, 20 children and Cancer “Tour de North” ride. Photo by Barbara Roden their families from the north at-
John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes
Box 421 183 First Street, Vanderhoof Tel: 250-567-6820 Fax: 250-567-6822
Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650 Email: john.rustad.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca