Vanderhoof Omineca Express, December 16, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

Inside

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COUNCIL NOTES P. 2 LETTERS P. 6

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FERAL CAT RESCUE P. 4 PARADE OF LIGHTS P. 8

E xpress OMINECA

Publications Mail Contract # 40007840 Published by Black Press Ltd., 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC

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New LNG agreement with Lheidli T’enneh

Christmas festivities continue: Vanderhoof Community Museum illuminated

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Snowmen and other lighted characters at the festive-lighted Vanderhoof Community Museum on Dec. 5.

Wood product sales up, log sales down Tom Fletcher Black Press B.C. forest products exports grew in the first 10 months of the year, compared to sales year-to-date up to October 2014. Statistics Canada reports that solid wood product sales were up three per cent and pulp and paper products were up 2.3 per cent. The only major commodity with lower sales

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

was logs, down by 18.8 per cent from last year. B.C. saw strong growth in agriculture and food sales, up 21.2 per cent, and fish products, up 15.8 per cent year-todate to October. Fruits, nuts and whole salmon sales had the strongest gains, while meat and prepared meat were down 9.2 per cent. Low energy and commodity prices continued, with value of natural gas sales down 40.2 per cent and coal down 17.4 per cent.

VICTORIA - First Nations involvement with B.C.’s developing LNG industry received another boost with a new Pipeline Benefits Agreement (PBA) with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. TransCanada’s Coastal GasLink (CGL) Pipeline would provide the First Nation with direct benefits to its community, support economic development and access to employment opportunities. The proposed pipeline would run from Dawson Creek to Kitimat. Pipeline benefits agreements with First Nations are part of the B.C. government’s comprehensive plan to partner with First Nations on LNG opportunities, which also includes increasing First Nations’ access to skills training and environmental stewardship projects. Lheidli T’enneh will receive an initial payment of $248,000, $1.24 million when construction starts and another $1.24 million once the pipeline is in service. Lheidli T’enneh will also receive a yet-to-be determined share of $10 million a year in ongoing benefits. The ongoing benefits will be available to all First Nations along the natural gas pipeline route. Lheidli T’enneh previously signed a PBA related to the Pacific Trail Pipeline through its membership in the First Nations Limited Partnership. The Partnership consists of 16 First Nations who will share benefits once construction has started. Provincial benefit-sharing offers First Nations the resources to partner in economic development and is a way for government and First Nations to work together to help grow the LNG industry. It also complements industry impact benefit agreements that provide jobs and business opportunities. Lheidli T’enneh has just signed a long-term project agreement with TransCanada related to CGL, which outlines financial and other benefits and commitments that will be provided to the community while the proposed pipeline is in service. “Every LNG agreement we reach with First Nations shows our commitment to work in partnership with communities to ensure they are involved in pipeline development in a way that creates employment opportunities close to home and supports families and communities becoming stronger and more successful,” said John Rustad, B.C.’s minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. Chief Dominic Frederick, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, said, “Strong economic development is essential to keep our community thriving. This pipeline benefits agreement with the Province gives the people of Lheidli T’enneh the ability See LNG, page 3

Merry Christmas

From everyone at Westline Ford. It was a pleasure helping you with your automotive needs. Please contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to serving you in 2016!

TOLL FREE: 1-888-449-4029 250-567-4781 1473 HWY 16 EAST www.westlineford.com DL # 30423

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Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Omineca Express

Express

Mayor Gerry Thiessen

Councillor Darren Carpenter

Councillor Brian Frenkel

NEWS Councillor John Murphy

Councillor Ken Young

Councillor Kevin Moutray

Councillor Steve Little

Council Notes: Rec centre update, new waste collection plan Vivian Chui Omineca Express Integris Recreation Centre update Vanderhoof’s district council is currently applying for two government grants for Integris Recreation Centre renovation. The latest cost estimate for the centre’s renovation is $636,982.50, A grant from the Child Care Major Capital Funding, part of the provincial government’s Early Years Strategy, would help offset the costs for a section on the building’s first floor where the local YMCA will be housed. The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, from the federal government’s Canadian Heritage department, would contribute towards the building’s Arts wing, as well as the building’s large second-floor room planned for the performing arts. With grant application deadlines in February and results to come in the following months, the district council is moving forward with the project, with a target to finish construction by fall 2016 and programs to move in by September, said Tom Clement, the district’s CAO. Kwik Safe The district council will be discussing on Jan.14 the future usage of the Kwik Safe building located on Highway 16

by Kenney Dam Road. One of the ideas suggested during council meeting was to transform the building into a tourism office, taking advantage of the building’s central location and proximity to downtown. Meanwhile, the building will be temporarily shut down for protection, at a cost of $8,000. Solid waste collection and recycling A new solid waste collection and recycling system is coming to the district of Vanderhoof. Joining other municipalities in the province, the district is committed to establish a bin system for solid waste collection and is looking to increase the district’s service coverage, said Tom Clement, the district’s CAO. Compared with private waste pickup companies, the district of Vanderhoof is found to be able to provide the service at a cheaper cost. Though only for solid waste at the moment, the bin system would allow the district to incorporate recycling in the future as well. Considering costs and availability of resources, the district is working on a viable plan, including potentially adding a financial incentive for residents to decrease

B.C. aims for $15B in farm product revenues Tom Fletcher Black Press The B.C. Liberal government and opposition MLAs both want greater success for the province’s farmers, but they don’t see eye to eye on how to achieve it. Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick released the government’s latest strategic growth plan Wednesday, raising the target for 2017 value from $14 billion to $15 billion. Total revenues from farm and food products reached $12.3 billion last year, a record. The plan suggests that as climate change creates warmer conditions, B.C. may benefit even as tropical food production declines. The province also expects new trade deals with Korea and the European Union, and the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership, to increase farm and food product sales. Letnick said one strategy the government is pursuing to increase the amount of productive farmland in B.C. is to improve access to irrigation. An opposition agriculture committee chaired by NDP critic Lana Popham and independent Delta South MLA Vicki Huntingon released its own report Wednesday after a province-wide tour to consult farmers. Their report says the high cost of farmland is a major deterrent for new farmers to enter the industry. It calls for the establishment of a provincial trust to buy and preserve farmland for new B.C. farmers, as well as new rules to restrict sale of farmland to foreign buyers.

Popham and Huntington said they heard criticism from farmers about the decision to divide the Agricultural Land Reserve into two zones, with more non-farm uses allowed in the Interior zone. They renewed their call for the government to return to one zone and hire more compliance staff to make sure farmland isn’t being inappropriately used. Letnick said it’s too early to tell what effect the two-zone ALR system is having on farmland, and he will report in the spring on the results of the new system. Despite the B.C. salmon farm industry being targeted for years by environmental campaigns against it, B.C.’s top export food product is cultured Altlantic salmon, followed by “food preparations for manufacturing,” blueberries, baked goods and crab. Farmed salmon is also the third most valuable product in total B.C. sales, after dairy and poultry products. Farmed salmon sales were $504 million, compared to $554 million for dairy and ahead of greenhouse and field vegetables, which had revenue of $449 million in the province’s latest figures. The B.C. government’s plan also includes “supporting international media missions to increase awareness of the B.C. aquaculture industry and increase demand for B.C. seafood products to key markets.” The province announced four new net-pen salmon aquaculture tenures this past July, after federal permits were issued, then announced no more tenures will be granted until a review of application and approval procedures is complete.

waste and recycle. It’s timely for the district, as its current garbage collection truck is due for replacement, and a cardboard ban from the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako’s landfills or transfer stations will take effect next July, Clement said. The new solid waste collection system will be in place as soon as possible, with an expectation to be done in 2016, he added. For recycling, the regional district is working closely with the municipality on the new plan, as solid waste management is the responsibility of RDBN, said Jerry Petersen, the regional district’s director of Electoral Area “F”. A one-stop-shop depot is in the works, a piecemeal setup that would work for everybody, he said. - with files from the District of Vanderhoof

As the Holiday Season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped to shape our business in a most significant way. We value our relationship with you and look forward to working with you in the year to come. We wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and a New Year filled with Peace and Prosperity.

The staff at the Omineca Express & Caledonia Courier

Omineca Express Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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INSIDE NEWS

Express

the

December festivities

Family Christmas shopping

On Dec. 19 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., Vanderhoof’s churches will be hosting a Christmas Festival at Riverside Park, including a live presentation of the nativity and Christmas story. On Dec. 23 in the Fraser Lake Arena, a family social and dance will take place at 4 p.m., followed by the fifth annual charity hockey game at 7 p.m.

2016 local arts festival Online registration for the 38th annual Festival of the Performing Arts is taking place until Jan. 11. From March 7 to 20 in 2016, the festival includes speech arts, strings, and piano: Categories for entries are listed under “Syllabus” www.musicfestivalweb/nechako and print copies are available for pickup at the Vanderhoof Library and Woody’s Bakery. Late fees would be added to entries submitted after Jan. 11 until Jan. 22, and no entries would be accepted after that date.

Provincial community achievement award 2016 The British Columbia Achievement Foundation is now calling for nominations for its annual award for community achievement. Nominees will have made a contribution in any area that provides a benefit to the community – either as a volunteer or in the course of their work. These include, but are not limited to, arts and culture, sports and recreation, multiculturalism, environment, healthcare, education, civic duty, business, community volunteerism, philanthropy, and youth or seniors’ leadership. Submissions can be made online at: www. bcachievement.com/ community and deadline is on Jan. 15, 2016.

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Sebastian Togyi, decked in green and red for the festive season, started his Christmas shopping with local vendors at Sugarplum Place in Vanderhoof Co-op Mall on Dec. 5.

LNG update NEW AGREEMENT, continued from page 3 to be a full partner in the opportunities LNG offers. It will provide jobs for our young people and a secure future for their families.”

NEWS Police and Fire Update

Vanderhoof’s RCMP detachment received 82 calls this week — a standard amount in comparison to the rest of the year, Sgt. Svend Nielsen said. The number of prisoners in custody will remain high these months, as the police remains proactive in conducting checks for the recently revamped crime reduction program, Nielsen added. Implemented in November and focused on repeating offenders, the program brings to jail individuals with past history, leading to longer custody time for some.

overturned gas tank, but the cause was found to be an electrical issue with overhead lighting. Scene security was set up for five hours, with a forensic expert from the RCMP to conduct investigations.

Vanderhoof results from National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day On Dec. 4, the local detachment joined other RCMP members across Canada for an enforcement blitz on impaired driving. With individual vehicle stops, as well as two major road blocks for a total of three hours — two hours in daytime and one hour at night — the police checked over 150 vehicles over the course of the day. Impaired drivers - none Though there were many intoxicated individuals in vehicles, most of which had designated drivers. Expired insurance tickets - none Prohibited driver - one Notices for vehicle defects - 11 “It was a successful campaign, as we didn’t find anything,” Nielsen said.

DISTRICT OF VANDERHOOF

Snow arrives, accident numbers up The latest snowfall increased the number of accidents as well, with four reported alone on Dec. 9, Nielsen said. “Posted speed limits are maximum in ideal condition, not the starting point,” he said. Recounting an accident where a vehicle, swerving slightly in regular speed, slid off the road and rolled over, Nielsen added, “People think it won’t happen to them.”

Quick Facts: * Located on the Fraser and Nechako Rivers near Prince George, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation has approximately 320 members and is in the final stage of treaty negotiation. * The Province has now achieved 62 Pipeline Benefits Agreements with 28 First Nations. * The Province issued environmental assessment certifiTrailer fire cates for the proposed CGL and Prince Rupert Gas TransOn Dec. 7 at 9 a.m., a fire was remission projects in the fall of 2014. In addition to meeting ported at an abandoned trailer in C.J.’s conditions set out in respective environmental assessment Trailer Park. certificates, the projects require various federal, provincial Contained quickly by fire crews, the and local government permits to proceed. fire first appeared suspicious, with an * There are 20 First Nations along the proposed CGL pipeline project. JOIN US FOR A * In July 2015, the B.C. Legislature received Royal Assent for FOR the Liquefied Natural Gas Project Agreement Act, which provides the legislative authority for government to enter into LNG project agreements. * Pipeline benefits agreements between the Province and First Nations are separate from industry-led impact benefit agreements. Industry proponents are working directly with First Nations on their own agreements. A copy of the Pipeline Benefits Agreement can be found on ow.ly/ AD DONATED IN PART BY OMINECA EXPRESS VGGMx

- with files from Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Vanderhoof RCMP

A weekly feature highlighting meetings/proposals, events important to Vanderhoof residents. PUBLIC NOTICE MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

Please be advised that the Municipal Office will be closed for the Christmas Holidays after Thursday, December 24, 2015 at 2:00 pm through to January 3, 2015. Normal office hours will resume on Monday, January 4, 2016. If an emergency arises please call 250-567-5759. Taxpayer/Utility customers with outstanding 2015 current tax/utility accounts have until 4:30 pm on January 4, 2016 to pay their accounts. After 4:30 pm the current tax/utility accounts will become arrears and be subject to arrears interest charges. All payments must be received by 4:30 pm on January 4, 2016. Residents are also reminded that we accept cheques postdated to January 4, 2016, which will be applied to your accounts prior to the arrears interest taking effect.

Season’s Greetings! The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako will be closed on December 24th, 25th and January 1st.

CD RELEASE PARTY

JERUSHA WHITE ORIGINALS AND CHRISTMAS PIECES

THURSDAY DEC 17, 7:00PM LIVE BAND ALL WELCOME AT THE NVSS SMALL AUD.

We’re hoping your holidays are full of laughter and friends, health and happiness. “A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN OUR REGION” 37, 3RD Avenue, PH: 250-692-3195 PO Box 820, TF: 800-320-3339 Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 FX: 250-692-3305 www.rdbn.bc.ca E-MAIL:inquiries@rdbn.bc.ca

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Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Omineca Express

NEWS

Express New non-profit group to the feral cat rescue Vivian Chui Omineca Express Vanderhoof now has a society to not only promote pet welfare, but also to control the district’s feral cat population. Officially established on Nov. 17, the Greater Nechako Animal Welfare Society (GNAWS) started their work in August this year, identifying feral cat population and reaching out the colony caretakers, said Kathleen Hebb, the society’s president. 19 kittens since then have been rescued so far, including socializing and providing them with veterinary care in preparation for adoption, she said. As a new organization with limited volunteers and no funding, GNAWS is currently applying for a grant from the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as matching funding from the District of Vanderhoof, to establish a trap-neuter-return program for abandoned, stray, and feral cats in town, Hebb added. To control the population, part one is to identify and track the existing cats, and part two is to shrink down the population, she said. The District of Vanderhoof currently offers cat license tags for free in 2016 — the first year of the initiative. “The idea is to target certain areas and reduce the feral cat population,” she said. “There are currently three to four colonies in town, including a dumpster and under a house.” Adult feral cats can only be neutered as they became too wild, while kittens can still be socialized and be adopted by families, Hebb explained. Vanderhoof’s feral cat problem stems from different angles, such as people’s perception of cats in general and as a rural community with barn cats, she added. “A lot of these cats, I believe, have been abandoned, by the museum, end of a driveway, etcetera,” Hebb said. “People value dogs more than cats.” She added, “People think we don’t have to take care of cats like dogs, as they can take care of themselves, but they are still a domesticated animal.” Exposed to the elements, most feral cats may only live for two years, and their many babies also live very short, hard lives, she said. In partnership with the Canadian Animal Assistance Team (C.A.A.T.), GNAWS will be looking to host a free community neuter and wellness clinic in Vanderhoof in 2017, for those who may not have the resources to “fix” their pets. The federal charity is supported by volunteer veterinarians and farmers across Canada, and is already fully booked for next year, Hebb said. Meanwhile, before funding arrives, the new society can only refer individuals needing assistance, for rescuing animals or finding them homes, to resources in Prince George, she added. The existing animal welfare societies in nearby communities — including Saik’uz First Nation, Burns Lake, Fort St. James, and Quesnel — have been supportive, a tight-knit network that shares expertise and different excess resources from their respective areas, Hebb explained. For example, the Lakes Animal Friendship Society can provide education materials for kids, Saik’uz First Nation has an emergency pet food bank and the Crooked Leg Ranch in Quesnel has extra animal travel crates for transporting pets to larger centres such as Vancouver, where the demand for animals to adopt is higher, she said. Locally, partnering with Dr. Doug Ebbot in Vanderhoof Veterinarian Clinic, GNAWS now allows cat owners to neuter their pet at a reduced price. “It’s a good cause,” Ebbot said. “They are doing it the right way.” The new society provides a humane way to control the feral cat population in town, instead of resorting to euthanization, or leaving them to die by starvation or disease, he said.

SUBMITTED photos

Top: One of the four feral kittens that were trapped and sent to an adoption centre in Prince George lived under a ommercial dumpster. Above: Living in colonies, some feral cats are currently being fed, allowing crews to trap them more easily when funding is secured for a trap-neuter-return program, explained Kathleen Hebb.

BC SPCA your first adoption option! Our pet of the week is Delilah!

ou you ThanextekndY a huge thank

We would like to e hardworking th ll a d n a e s o R r, to Trevo rdware. Your a H e m o H t a ff ta s e is greatly ic v er s er m to s cu g in outstand me we shop. ti y er ev d te ia c re p p a ith service, care w d n o y be d n a e v bo Going a !! and understanding s Frank & Vi Sayle

This lovely girl came to us as a stray, and is now looking for her forever home! Delilah loves head rubs and attention and loves to choose a spot by the window to spend her days watching the world go by. Delilah gets along well with other cats who respect her personal space. Delilah would do best in a home with older children who have experience with cats. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADOPT OR NEED MORE INFO PLEASE CALL

250-562-5511 This ad is sponsored by

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Express

NEWS

Important notice to all parents and guardians: McLeod parking, traffic and pedestrian safety WL McLeod is the hub for all elementary school students who take the bus. Coupled with the fact that McLeod School itself has a big population, there are a large number of vehicles and busses around McLeod at the end of the school day.

MAP OF THE MCLEOD SCHOOL GROUNDS Use this map as a quick guide to parking and drop-off areas at McLeod School. NOT TO SCALE!

NVSS

At McLeod, we want to make sure that: Children and families are safe when arriving and leaving the school everyday.

Students use the sidewalks properly and cross at cross-walks safely.

Buses can park safely at our school and leave on-time.

Traffic flows smoothly and safely around the school.

Staff at McLeod can arrive and leave efficiently from the school.

PARKING LOT No Pedestrians No Drop-off

Buses park along Victoria Street. The fence along Victoria St has marked openings for students to access the buses. Children are to stay behind the fence until it is their time to enter their bus.

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Vehicles are to travel ONE-WAY on Damon Square. You will enter from Victoria St and exit via Douglas St.

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Damon Square angle parking is for vehicle drop-off/pick-up parking at the beginning and end of the school day. Please abide by the painted lines and park away from the fence, to allow space for children to walk between the parked vehicles and the fence. We don’t want children walking behind vehicles.

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Parallel parking on Douglas Street is for pick-up/drop-off but also long-term parking (if you are going into the school grounds or school). If possible, please park on the fence side of the road so that children do not have to cross the road to get to your vehicle. Be watchful for children and drive SLOWLY.

•

During regular school hours (8am-4pm) the Parking Lot at the back of the school is for staff only and there is no student pick-up or drop-off here. If you are arriving after regular school hours, the traffic through the parking lot is one-way. Please enter and exit via the appropriate driveways.

•

When students arrive or leave the school on foot, they need to walk on the sidewalks and crosswalks only. They are not to walk through any parking lots or jay-walk.

A division of

ENTER

Bute Avenue

WL McLeod Elementary School Main Entrance to school

BUS ZONE

To ensure that this all happens, we have a set of rules that will help parents and guardians navigate around the school at high traffic times more safely. Everyone needs to understand the rules so that your child can get to and from school safely. Please read through this brochure carefully with your child, spouse and anyone else who may drop-off or pick-up your child from McLeod School. If you have any questions about this, please contact the school at 250-567-2267. •

EXIT

ONE-WAY

Damon Square

Victoria Street

Drop-off Zone from 9am-3pm. This area is for buses from 8-9am and 3-4pm. During bus runs, please drop-off or pick-up along Damon Square.

ONE-WAY

LEGEND Bus Zone - no parking 8am-9am or 3pm-4pm Drop-off Only Zone - 9am-3pm Angle Parking Area - drop-off only, no long-term parking Parallel Parking - long term parking Parking Lot - no drop-off or pedestrians Fencing (white areas indicate openings) Crosswalk Sidewalk Foot path to front door of school Route to get between McLeod and NVSS

For more information, please contact: • WL McLeod School - 250-567-2267 • the bus garage - 250-567-9618

Remember... if you can see the school, your SPEED LIMIT is 30km/hr or slower (be mindful of road conditions).

Walk the SIDEWALK Join the movement...

Promoting Safety at our School. An initiative of the WL McLeod PAC.

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Express

LETTERS

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Omineca Express

Published by Black Press Ltd at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0

Kudos to Aquatic Society from former chairman I’ve been following the progress of the Aquatic society with great interest. Hats off to all who are involved in fundraising for this necessary and worthwhile project. I’m glad to see the dream has never died since we brought this project to referendum in 1988. We had a group of committed volunteers consisting of myself, Rosalie Nichiporuk, Norma Smith, Glenda Olson, and the Kinsmen and Kinette clubs of Vanderhoof. Patty Gauder was an asset to the group as well in her capacity as office manager. My apologies if I left anyone out [memories fade after 27 years!] We enjoyed tremendous support within the community but unfortunately lacked the support of the mayor and other elected officials of the day. Without them on board, we fought an uphill battle and the project was defeated at referendum. You are fortunate to have mayor Gerry Thiessen and his Council publicly endorse and embrace this project. I’m glad to see that your fundraising campaign has enjoyed so much success and the community is united in efforts to finally bring this dream to reality. The campaign has taken on a life of its own and your society is to be admired for the effort that you put in. I look forward to following your journey as you get closer to building this much needed aquatic centre. Tom Lawrence Penticton, B.C. The Omineca Express is published every Wednesday in Vanderhoof by Black Press Ltd. Publisher: Pam Berger advertising@ominecaexpress.com

Office: Denise Smith office@ominecaexpress.com

Creative Services: Editor/Reporter: Julia Beal Vivian Chui newsroom@ominecaexpress.com advertising@ominecaexpress.com 150 W. Columbia St. Box 1007 Vanderhoof, B.C. V0J 3A0

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Phone: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070

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The Omineca Express is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a selfregulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Letters to the editor: carbon tax Re: Inconvenient truths of climate change (Tom Fletcher) from Omineca Express December 9, 2016 edition. As Tom Fletcher pointed out, there are many questions on climate change. I’m not sure that B.C. or Canada is the problem, but the B.C. government is on the right track with the carbon tax, because it is apparent that Canadians need to lead on the environment, and be seen as leading. We need to be able to market our resources and lead in sustainability. The B.C. carbon tax has pluses and minuses. Some of the carbon tax burden is returned to lower income earners – this is a good thing. The tax, however, does little to reduce CO2 emissions. If four of the $5 billion collected over the past six years had been invested in reforestation, carbon sinks, the B.C. government could proclaim to the rest of Canada and the world that we are making a real difference. I think B.C. and Canada are doing a good job on environmental issue, but we need to be seen to be doing more. A B.C. carbon tax that brings in $5 billion to provide $5.7 billion in tax cuts does not appear to me to be making the necessary changes in addressing the global environmental concerns. The perception is that we are doing nothing. This needs to change. Phil Harrison Comox A selective contrarian Tom Fletcher’s “Inconvenient truths” column was highly selective in its choice of so-called climate “alarmist” examples. Yes, contrarian examples exist, and can be used to make a point. For example, some glaciers are growing (around seven per cent, compared to more than 70 per cent that are shrinking). One who would

sympathize with some of Fletcher’s comments is the famous independent scientist James Lovelock, annoyed with some “environmentalists who emotionalize the arguments.” But Lovelock, the father of the Gaia Theory, directs his focus not to these people but more importantly to the climate scientists, the results of their work, and the stark options facing civilization. In his latest book, A Rough Ride to the Future, Lovelock notes that the fact that there has not been as much warming to date as most models were predicting has contributed to the denier perspective. He sees early computer models as simulating the atmosphere well, whereas only now are models simulating the interaction between the oceans and the atmosphere, something much more complex to model. It is clear that there has been significant warming linked to burning fossil fuels. Increasing parts per million of CO2 and other warming gases is documented, as is ocean acidification. The built-up inertia in the Earth system, given these data, may be a tipping point from which it could be too late to take meaningful action. The nature of this issue means we cannot be 100 per cent certain, however the Precautionary Principle would urge action on 80 per cent confidence when the realization of a risk would be catastrophic. Editorials that denigrate vocal activists and selectively choose data lower the quality of discussion, contribute to polarized discussion, and raise doubt as to whether any action is needed; just what climate change denial interests want. Black Press, given that it touts itself as the largest independent news chain, can do better. Kevin Tyler Kamloops

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Express

NEWS Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad presents $10,000 in anti-racism funding to Nechako Healthy Community Alliance member Lisa Striegler on Nov. 19. SUBMITTED photo

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Teaching anti-racism with theatre Vivian Chui Omineca Express Through theatre and cultural exchange this spring, Vanderhoof’s residents — new-intown, settler, or native — will have an opportunity to reflect and learn about being a good neighbour to all. On Nov. 19, Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad presented $10,000 in anti-racism funding to Nechako Healthy Community Alliance member Lisa Striegler. In the coming spring, the funding will enable the Good Neighbours Committee, one of the alliance’s member groups, to bring to the community three theatrical performances that reflect situations of discrimination in Vanderhoof and a multicultural learning exchange, said Striegler, the committee’s chair. Called the Mirrors Project, the play was first written in 2013 and then presented to select audiences in the spring of 2014 for feedback on whether it reflects reality, Striegler explained. “It grew out of the idea that people are good and they want to have a nice, happy community, but they don’t understand the realities of what some people live with,” she said. “If we can hold up the mirror to ourselves, as the settler community, and see how our interactions with people perpetuate racism, we can make some change.” Depicting scenes of people’s interactions with the health and education systems, as well as with the business sector, the play was found by the preliminary audience — which included new immigrants, the settler community, and First Nations — to generally reflect their

experiences in the community, Striegler said. With feedback from the workshops, Mirrors, including audience-specific scenes as short as 15 minutes long, can now be presented to staff in the health and education systems, as well as to Vanderhoof’s businesses at the Chamber of Commerce, she explained. “The intent behind is that the play is followed up by a discussion or dialogue so that people can integrate some of their thoughts and feelings of what they saw,” Striegler said. “Hopefully this could result in some program change or policy change or, what we really want is, practice change.” She added, “We actually got lots of policy that’s anti-racism, but in practice, it doesn’t always follow.” It’s a long-time coming change to happen, along the same line of thinking as the provincial government adding Aboriginal education elements into the B.C. school curriculum this year, Striegler said. “It’s a systemic problem that comes out of the colonial mindset that we think we’re treating everybody the same, but we’re actually treating everybody like us,” she said. “It’s not something that happened a long time ago and we get over it — colonialism still happens.” She added, “The evidence is now in 2015, and we’re just putting in residential school information into the B.C. curriculum…it should be catching up by now.” A great-granddaughter of a settler, Striegler started the Good Neighbours Committee 15 years ago and a roundtable discussion participant shared a story of being different.

A well-educated woman with a healthy self-esteem, the participant recounted, “So this is me, this is who I am, but when I get to the top of the hill to go into town, driving from Saik’uz First Nation, there’s a feeling of insecurity and the thought: I wonder how I’m going to be treated today.” It’s a thought that white settlers may not necessarily have in town — wondering if they would be treated disrespectfully because of their colour, Striegler said. “My utopian ideal is that nobody feels that way, when they come into town,” she said. “I think people in town wouldn’t want anyone to feel that way.” Along with the Nechako Healthy Community Alliance, the College of New Caledonia, the Burns Lake Ts’iyanne Buts’udilhit’ Friendship Centre Society, and the Smithers Bridging Committee also each received $10,000 from the B.C. government to help eliminate racism. “Racism comes in many forms. And so do the ways to address it,” Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said. “By funding anti-racism projects, along with supporting community engagement and multiculturalism, our government can help strengthen communities and help end racism in B.C.” These groups are four of 14 organizations throughout B.C. participating in the province’s Organizing Against Racism and Hate (OARH) program. They shared $240,000 in funding from the provincial government towards activities in 24 communities that connect area networks in their common goal of wiping out racism, including local outreach, educa-

tional events, workshops and community engagements.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Omineca Express

Winter Wonderland Christmas Festival 2015 Over 30 lighted festive floats provided by local businesses and service groups dazzled crowds as they proceeded down Stewart Street in Vanderhoof at the annual Parade of Lights on Dec. 5 evening. Right: Along with carolers, scenes of nativity, as well as beloved wintry characters such as Olaf and the Grinch, trucks on and off trailers were decked with lights for the event. Below: As crowds thronged the streets to observe the procession that started at 7 p.m. at the Vanderhoof arena, a teddy bear, sporting a Christmas hat for some festive spirit, peeked out of a stocking with a smile at the spectators. Bottom right: The popular Disney snowman Olaf poised in mid-dance at the waving crowds as the annual parade proceeded down Church Ave. In addition to the annual Parade of Lights, the weekend of festivities included Midnight Madness, a day-long of sales and deals for shoppers; Gingerbread Lane for local craftsmen; as well as on-and-off-stage spectacles for Vanderhoofâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts enthusiasts. VIVIAN CHUI photos

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COMMUNITY The second cast of Peter Pan Jr., presented by the Vanderhoof Children’s Theater, performed the group’s last showing this year to a full house in the Integris Community Theatre on Dec. 4. Left: In Neverland, Wendy, played by Keyta O’Meara (centre), tells another story as Captain Hook’s pirates and Peter Pan’s lost boys listen on. Centre left: Peter Pan, played by Chevy White (right), scolded Tinkerbell, played by Bridian James-Schneider, in Neverland. Directed by Richard Wruth and with Tanya Reid as production manager, Vanderhoof’s Children’s Theater presented their 36th production this year, and will be going to New York City in July 2017. VIVIAN CHUI photos

It’s showtime: pixie dust, fishing derby, rebirth Right: At the Nechako Community Arts Council’s Art Show and Exhibit in Burrard Market Square on Dec. 5, a Vanderhoof resident studied photographer Bill Dobbs’ first painting of his fire regeneration series, which depicts how quickly plants grow after a fire. It’s Dobbs’ first time in exhibiting his work, though he has done photography for 30 years, he said. “I’ve never had the confidence to,” he said. “Annerose [Georgeson, a Vanderhoof artist] helped a lot in jumping out of the comfort zone.” VIVIAN CHUI photo

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Left to right: Jean Johnson, Andy Sundahl, Megan Young, Derek Broughton, and Sylvia Byron present to the audience The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby, a comedy depicting an out-of-towner stranded in a small Canadian town, during the show’s opening weekend in Burrard Market Square on Dec. 5.

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Nechako Valley Secondary Honour Roll - Term 1 – 2015/16 Jillian Pearson, Joanna Penner, Madison Stier, Chelsey Ziler GRADE 11 Megan Baher, Felicia Brooks, Caleb Derksen, Matthew Ebert, Kaimi Giesbrecht, Rayea Johnson, Destiny Johnston, Mari Knox, Rylin Kusler, Calvin Li, Kimberly McGregor, Beth Mushumanski, Zech Nightingale, Dylan Parent, Tahlea Perry, Brooklyn Read, Sidney Thiessen, Naomi Trueman, Reed Wiens GRADE 12 Jordan Andres, Sydney Andres, Bradley Bieganski, Abigale Delisle, Sahej Dhak, Alison Eggleton, Lachlan Fantillo, Kent Fehr, Lane Hampson, Paris James, Paige Loewen, Sara McBride, Eric Silver, Catherine Stier, Kris Williams 1st CLASS HONOUR ROLL (3.5 – 3.99 GPA) GRADE 7 Ryan Carrier, Andrew Derksen, Brook Dowswell, Lauren Dyck,

Adriana Ens, Eileen Friesen, Brody Johnson, Emily Kanary, Payton Mueller, Megan O’Bee, Lizzy Ponsford, Louis Roberge, Jaxson Schumann, Avaryne Wiebe GRADE 8 Franz Aebischer, Brynli Albertson, Charis Bach, Kalissa Brooks, Torin Chapman, Lizzy Ebbott, Skyler Fitzpatrick, Ethan Floris, Juliana Hampson, Dylan Haslam, Meghan Heyd, Adrianne Hoglund, Sophie Hutchinson, Spencer Lewis, Nolan McCleary, Mikhaila Moritz, Linnea Moutray, Keyta-Lee O’Meara, Lexi Persson, Alicia Quaw, LeMar Reed, Elliott Tone, Patrick Vahi, Joshua van der Giessen, Weston Warkentin, Gracie Wiebe, Kyra Wiebe, Jerica Young-Greene GRADE 9 Mykenzie Albertson, Hannah Andres, Kennedy Andres, Christina Askeland, Callie Bray, Gracie Combs, Alyssa Dowswell, Keisha

Knox, Megan Loewen, Addison Miller-Gauthier, Kayla Morin, Jakob Parent, Logan Sewell, Jasmine Silver, Brooke Steffey, Isabelle Turgeon, Jessie Yorston GRADE 10 Kaden Abbott, Eran Bach, Ryan Egli, Amy Friesen, Camille Ouellet, Brooklynn Pearson, Sarah Sawatzky, Keira Schwartz, Faith Snow, Jocelyn Stevens, Nigel Watney, Nadia Zwick GRADE 11 Charlie Borek, Kelson Fines, Brooklyn Gull, Isabella Hampson, Dylan Hansen-Martin, Bridian James-Schneider, Jane Li, Kaelan Lobelle, Spencer McNabb-Clemmensen, Shailyn Olin, Leah Pippy, Bianca Pittman, Chrissie Roberts, Quin Wall, Chevy White, Owen Wiens, Amber Zielke GRADE 12 Shelby-Dawn Bowler, Annika Dauphinais, Cody Derksen, Emma Floris, Wyatt Giesbrecht, Alicia Harder, Matteo Koehmstedt,

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Instructors and 12 participants of the College of New Caledonia’s first funded Heavy Equipment Operator Program gathered for a field session in Vanderhoof on Nov. 6. The 12-week full-time program started on Oct. 28 and will finish on Jan. 29 in 2016.

Angela Kulchar, Gavin Lowen, Katelyn Massee, Sara Montague, Brooke Neufeld, Shelby Park, Kiah Persson, Taylor Philips, Graeme Thiessen, Norma Jean Wiebe, Austin Zhang 2nd CLASS HONOUR ROLL (3.0 – 3.49 GPA) GRADE 7 Orin Albertson, Owen Blattner, Bridgit Borek,

HOLISTIC ALTERNATIVE THERAPY BY MAGDALENA SAITO

PRINCIPAL’s HONOUR ROLL (4.00 GPA) GRADE 7 Harper Abbott, Faith Baker, Connor Baumann, Amanda Bueckert, Rena Daniel, Jorden Hooper, Taedyn Jacobsen, Jazz Nielsen, Iara Pavon, Lachlan Pedersen GRADE 8 Alexandra Aebischer, Megan Boon, Adara Bryan, Hayley Fergusson, Andrea Hartwig, Madisyn MacKinlay, Olivia Manojlovic, Nicole McBride, Gabriel McLain, Rachel Pagdin, Griffin Thiessen, Brooke Vandelaar GRADE 9 Kostas Bach, Jordan Cranmer, Cam Delisle, Connor Ebert, Eshawn Johal, Seanna Kusler, Kayla Manky, Kennedy Miles, Simon Nemethy, Cassy Penner, Emily Prestmo, George Prince, Hayley Stephen, Cohen Thiessen, Dalin Weaver GRADE 10 Alaura Brooks, Kaylan Fehr, Anikka Nielsen,

Tristan Buchanan, Bayley Cail, Jorja Cranmer, Coleton Currie, McKenzie Faulconer, Paige Faulconer, Calliy Henke, Daemon Jackson, Jocelyn Miller, Nicole Nevidon, Kassidy Penner, Alexa Philips, Olivia Prestmo, Matthew Roberson, Wyatt Steffey, Autumn Unger, Hyatt Verduzco, Mark Watney, Carter Wiebe, Orin Wiebe,

Noah Wiens, Kayden Young GRADE 8 Ethan Bradley, Nicholas Coburn, Kaybra Dyck, Kael Evans, Daimon Filan, Jackson Hassman, Tanner Lawson, Shelby McCook, Liam McCully, Talmage Rancier, Kameron Shoesmith, Bridget Teichroeb, Owen Teichroeb, Noah Thomas, Cale Toth, Bailey Vahi

Christmas Finally the big day is almost here, all the joy, and snow, and typical signs of the season. I hope that many of you have tried to make yourr Christmas eco-friendlierr than normal. And know that protecting yourr community and yourr environment is the best and biggest gift you can give to Aside from the commercialism that tends to follow large scale Holidays. Take the time to reconnect to your roots, and discover the meaning of the season all over again. Making peace with your soul and not selling it for unnecessary gifts. No matter what or how you have decided to celebrate this season whether you’ve spent a fortune, or spent your time. Now is the moment in this season to think about how to make the time you have left more meaningful · Plan a family get together · Consider those who are less fortunate · Volunteer your time · Gift some older toys and clothing to those less fortunate · Your kindness during this season is the reason for it · Learn about your community; get to know your neighbours Peace on earth starts with you, works its way into your home, your family, your neighbourhood, your community and then it spreads. Every kindness makes this world a better place. Peace on earth starts with Peace in you! Bless you all and have a very very very Merry Christmas!

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Debuting first full-length album for happy 21st Vivian Chui Omineca Express A local singer-songwriter is fulfilling her birthday wish this week — to release her debut album before turning 21. Five days before her 21st birthday, Jerusha White from Fort St. James is launching her first full-length album The Other Woman with a celebration at Nechako Valley Secondary’s Integris Community Theatre on Dec. 17. Started two years ago, it’s a production that first took the singer-songwriter to recording studios in Vancouver, then Edmonton, and finally Victoria, said White’s mother Loretta Turgeon. “We went through a learning process to get the quality,” Turgeon said, adding that all studios have a part in the process to bring the musicianship of the recordings up, such as varying the volume in certain sections to bring out the emotions and attractions in each song. “We want to represent northern Canada with quality,” she said. “Up here they know her but the rest of the world doesn’t, and we want to say that up here in the north we have quality talent, the desire to know quality and get what we want.” She added, “We want to put out something the world will appreciate and like.” With the help of local contractors and professionals who have donated their professional time, the album’s production was financially supported with hard work through the provincial government’s Small Scale Salvage Program, as the family harvested and sold dead wood in small patches inaccessible to larger logging companies, Turgeon explained. White has performed in various events throughout the region, including the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George where she was the starting performer of the event’s closing ceremony. Though originally a one-song appearance, the organizers enjoyed her performance and asked for two songs instead, with a 45-minute performance after the ceremony and the desire to contact White for future events, Turgeon said. Q: Vivian Chui A: Jerusha White Q: Can you tell me about your songwriting process? A: Songwriting is a very different thing for everybody who writes music. You can either write from personal experience or write from third person, or write from things you might imagine. You can write from any perspective. A lot of the time songwriters write from personal experience. I can’t do this because it’s too personal for me. I grew up with a musical theatre and classical background.

For me it’s easier and I feel more connected as a musician if I’m getting into character and I’m portraying a character, rather than trying to channel my own energy. Obviously when you’re portraying a character you put your own energy, feelings, and emotions into this character, and you give everything you got, 110 per cent. I find for me, when it’s my own memories, my own pain sometimes, it’s painful, and the the last thing I want to do on stage is to break down into tears. I want to give a full performance, give my best shot, and I’m not able to do that if I’m constantly worried about if I’m going to cry. I try to write more from third person and I write a lot about things I see, my colleagues and peers’ experiences and how they feel and what they say, what if someone wrote a song about this. It’s really quite different and it’s not many people who do this kind of writing. it’s very tedious if you will, you have to constantly go outside the box and think, hey, what would I say if that was me. Q: How did you learn how to write songs? I have been writing since I was eight years old. I have pieces of music laying everywhere, songs laying everywhere, sometimes they work out sometimes they don’t, sometimes you save them for later. I’ve always written the same way, this third person, and not writing from personal experience One song in the album in first person is called “I want it all.” I wanted to venture into that and see what it’s like, and try it; it is quite common. If everyone’s doing it, I want to give it a shot and see if it’s any different and what happens. It was a very difficult thing to do. I was crying, I was upset; it was a really painful process actually. It really solidified my belief that that writing style is not for me. I am not able to get into character; I am not able to deliver as much. As an artist, it’s a big thing for me, delivering 110 per cent all of the time. Q: What instrument do you use to write? I don’t really use any instrument when I’m writing. Usually when I’m writing I’ll have lyrics or a line running around my head for a couple of days. It’ll be sitting there at the back of my mind and I can’t get it out so, I usually write it down and stretch it out and find what it’s trying to say. The song usually writes itself; it comes out. I haven’t ever had to push through a writer’s block; I haven’t experience this yet. But for now, I’ve been really blessed and lucky and I’ve been able to just let the music come out. It’s usually the lyrics first and then sit down at a piano and piece out the melody and let the melody show me where it wants. I’m a big believer that music writes itself. A lot of people like to plan every single note and really be quite involved with the music. I find that it works for me better if I let the music show me where it wants to go. As far as the writing goes, the music writes itself and I’m just a tool to let it out. For every song I write I also find a model song. That means it has a similar melody, feel, groove, or beat, something that is the same, so that I have something to base my pattern off of. I hear them and I go, oh, that beat, I like this beat, I want to use it. I will use something similar or I’ll come up with something that feels the same. I find that to be one of the best things about music. Not only does music gives you this feeling, but when you listen to a song that you like, you feel warm like you just ate something that you like, or you’re happy inside, but it brings emotion out. And what I love the most is that I have the ability to listen to this music, any music, hear the emotion, and feel that I can use this emotion to express something else. Music is so versatile; it’s really relatable to everything and everyone. Q: What are your songs about? There’s a lot about love; it’s very relevant. I don’t write from experience, so a lot of my friends stories such as soand-so’s boyfriend did this, this person having to like this guy but he doesn’t like her back, and this is how she feels about it.

There’s one song [in the album] called “Echoes”, co-written with Greg Ventin, the lead of Rosewood’s Diary. A dear friend, a fantastic writer, an amazing musician. We co-wrote this song and it’s interesting because it’s not really about anything love-related, it’s more self-reflection. To co-write that with Greg was a really cool experience, so comfortable. Q: So this album took two years to produce? I’m very picky. If something’s not exactly how I want it, or if it’s not up to par, I’ll dig my heals and say, look, this has to get fixed until I’m happy about it. Because it’s a debut album, I want it to be so that if I listen to it in a year or so, I’m not going to say I wish I could have changed this or done that. Obviously there’ll always be these things that come up and as you grow as an artist, you get better and better. I feel like if I hadn’t taken the time, I think it would have been a really big letdown for myself, because I wouldn’t have had time to grow. Voice is a funny thing; it changes as you grow, especially as a woman your voice doesn’t stop growing until you’re 21, I believe. It changes week by week, one week you might have a really high voice, one week a really low voice. I want to be able to work with this changing in the voice. When I listen to the track now, compared to the track in the beginning, I sounded like a totally different person to myself. I’ve learned so much; I’ve grown so much. I’m really happy that I took the time. One of the things, more than anything I would like to say, is the amount of gratitude for everyone that has helped me along this amazing experience. I would not be here without everyone. I would still be sitting in my room writing to myself, and singing to myself. You really are nothing without the people around you, and you learn that so fast in this business. Q: So we’ll see you on Thursday at the CD release party? I’m so excited, so nervous, I’ve done tons of performances for sure, but for me, it doesn’t seem to matter. I just feel this fresh new feeling all the time. Every performance I get nervous, every performance I get excited, every time I go on stage I feel like it’s the first time. I enjoy that it’s fresh all the time because I feel like the day I go on stage I feel like I’ve done this before, I shouldn’t do it anymore because you lose that *gasp* it’s this intake of air when you grab your mic, the moment the light hits you, the “whoa, okay, I’m here, man!” I think that’s what keeps me going partially. It’s this rush, the adrenaline before performing. It’s the worst drug in the world because I can’t get rid of it.

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B.C. call for proposals on developing early intervention program for Nechako Lakes children The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) is seeking proposals from proponents to develop and deliver Early Intervention Services/SchoolAged Therapy within the entire Nechako Lakes Area, including the communities of Burns Lake, Southside, Granisle, Fraser Lake, Vanderhoof and Fort St James. The Early Intervention Therapy (EIT) Program provides community-based occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech-language pathology and family support services for eligible children and their families and communities. The target population for Early Intervention Services (EIS) is: children from birth to school age who have suspected or identified developmental delays and/ or disabilities. The target population for School-Aged Therapy is children of school age who have suspected or identified developmental delays or disabilities. Recognizing the importance of the early years, the primary goal of the Early Intervention Therapy (EIT) Program is to optimize the growth and development of children from birth to

school entry who have, or are at risk for, a developmental delay and/or disability. With the fear of services being lost, there has been misinformation that tries to portray Early Childhood development services as disappearing. While such tactics have raised political awareness, it is incumbent on the Ministry and Agencies to work together to maximize benefits to those the services will benefit. Carrier Sekani Family Services is supportive of the decision of the College of New Caledonia to shift its focus from direct service delivery back to education. Warner Adam, CEO of Carrier Sekani Family Services notes “the plan to enable agencies best positioned to focus on direct service delivery means enhanced service; not a reduction as has been suggested in some community meetings. We applaud CNC for concentrating on its education mandate and preparing a diverse work force for the Burns Lake region.” Adam continues, “CSFS does not run “cost recovery” programs. We maximize funding to direct service delivery, and al-

ready have established programs running in Vanderhoof that can be replicated in Burns Lake. Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) has for sometime recognized the need for increased Early Childhood Development services (ECD) and has repeatedly approached the Ministry of Children and Family Services (MCFD) about providing such needed services to the communities in the Burns Lake area. There are philosophical differences in the manner organizations believe services should be provided. CSFS believes in order to improve access services should be delivered where people reside rather than a hub that people must travel to. As noted by Chief Wilf Adam of the Lake Babine Nation “a lot of the people who need these services the most live in poverty and having services where they are and provided by community people is most effective.” CSFS also argues community funding must stay in community, CSFS supports qualified local professionals to deliver the services. In response to an invite to

come to northern BC and meet with the community before the New Year Deputy Minister Mark Sieben indicated the Minister is required to be in Victoria and neither he nor Minister Cadieux will come to the north. Warner Adam states, “research indicates the importance of Early Childhood as a foundation for success. It is disre-

spectful that Victoria places such little emphasis on the future of citizens in the north, all the while planning for how it can extract the resources from underneath those citizens.” This invite is on the heels of Burns Lake Mayor Luke Strimbold arguing that decision making outside of community must change.

CUPE: Santa’s Anonymous

SUBMITTED photo

From left to right: Nancy Bangs and Evelyn Frenette present a $250 donation from CUPE local 4177 to Laura Goodwin and Karren Carver of the Vanderhoof Kinettes for the Santa’s Anonymous fund.

THE STUART NECHAKO ADVERTISER CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS... VANDERHOOF Omineca Express office Vanderhoof Co-op - Grocery Co-op Mall - Lobby Co-op Mall - Rear Entrance Vanderhoof Co-op - C-Store Extra Foods Vanderhoof Post Office Riverside Place Nechako View Senior’s Home Speedway Road Mapes CJ’s Trailer Court Loop Road Prairiedale Braeside Road Jones Road Sob Lake Road Redfern Drive Sinkut Frontage Road Kenny Dam & Lakes Road J&S Restaurant

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Omineca Express Wednesday, December 16, 2015

School support staff helps bring Christmas cheer to children in need

Submitted by Roni Ault Last week, members of Fraser Lake’s local CUPE union 4177 presented a donation of $250 to the local Santa’s Anonymous campaign. From left to right: Support staff from Fraser Lake Elementary-Secondary and Mouse Mountain Elementary - Jody Jenkinson, Valerie Welsh, Ann Green, Penny Eisert, and Susan McCarron Far right: Roxanne Lackey. Fraser Lake Crisis Centre

VANDERHOOF’S FAITH

Church Directory For more information or to join Vanderhoof’s Faith Church Directory

Call Pam at 250-567-9258

The Gospel Chapel 448 Connaught Street 11:00 a.m. Worship Service (Affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada) For more information call

567-3107

www.thegospelchapel.ca

Our Mission Glorifying God by helping all people move closer to Jesus Christ one step at a time.

Nechako Christian Fellowship WELCOMES YOU! 11:00 am Worship Service 767 Loop Road Email: NechCS@live.com Christ - Centered Bible - Based Missions - Minded Non-Denominational

“...holding forth the Word of life...” Phil 2:16

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship

The Church on the Corner “Giving you a Purpose to live for and People to live with” Worship Service: 11:00 am Sunday School: 9:45 am Small Groups meeting together regularly:

1393 Highway 16 East 250-567-4960

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Join us Sundays @ 9:30 am Everyone Welcome!

For more information visit our website: www.vcfemc.com

Visit our website: nechakocommunitychurch.com

567-9198 263 Vanderview Drive

Nechako Notes 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 non-profit 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 155 W. Columbia. Decision of the publisher is final. *** FORT FRASER CEMETARY COMMISSION...Annual General Meeting January 18, 2016 at 7:30 pm, Fort Fraser Hall Kitchen. *** THE VANDERHOOF CHESS CLUB... Exercise your brain! All ages, from beginner to master, feel free to join the Vanderhoof Chess Club every Monday through the school year (except Statutory holidays) 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the NVSS library. It’s FREE. Play chess with friends and meet new people. Use our boards or bring your own. Our goals are to have fun playing chess and to host an Annual Vanderhoof Chess Tournament. For details please contact Jeff Obayashi at jobayashi@hotmail. com or Jeremy Hara at NVSS to sign up for the chess club and/or tournament. *** ADULT BADMINTON...Thursdays at 8:30 pm. Bring your own racket, and wear indoor runners. More info call 250-567-9908. *** MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE... advocating for better services in our communities, such as: housing, counseling, education and job opportunities. Meetings held on the second Thursday of each month via – video conferencing from the communities of; Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Granisle, Ft. St. James, Southside and Vanderhoof. 1:30 – 3:00. In Vanderhoof meetings are held in the boardroom at the hospital. Clients, family members and community partners are invited to attend. Your voice is IMPORTANT. For more info on the committee and it’s works contact: Heather @ 250-692-7500. Or your Mental Health Service Provider *** The print syllabus for the NECHAKO VALLEY FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS is available for pickup at the Vanderhoof Library and Woody’s Bakery. You can also access the syllabus for all piano, speech arts and strings classes online at www.musicfestivalweb.com/nechako. The deadline for registration is Jan 11, 2016. Dates for the festival are Mar 7-20,2016. *** GIRL GUIDES... Sparks meets 5-6pm Mondays @ United Church. Brownies meets 6-7:30pmm Mondays @ United Church. Girl Guides meets 6-7:30pm, Mondays at St. Josephs Gym. Pathfinders meets 6-7:30pm Mondays @ Lutheran Church. For info on any of these please call Laura Freeman 250-567-6997. *** VA N D E R H O O F PA I N SELFMANAGEMENT GROUP... The People in Pain Network are hosting a monthly free pain self-management group meetings for people living with chronic pain and for those caring about a person living with pain. (The People in Pain Network a BC registered non-profit organization). Please visit our website at http://www.pipain.com/ vanderhoof.html Questions, please email us at Vanderhoof@pipain.com or call our toll-free number at 1-844-747-7246 *** VANDERHOOF AIR CADETS... Meetings - Tues 6:30-9:30 at the Gospel Chapel For more information call: 250-640-0218 or 250-570-7496 *** STUART NECHAKO MANOR...looking for volunteers. Help needed with outings, Serving meals, entertainment and visits for the residents. Please contact Marnie at 250 567 6290 for more information. *** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED....Would you like to become part of a team working together to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors? The Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery Group is looking for volunteers to join their team. Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery’s goal is to encourage stroke survivors to improve their lives through education, exercise, work groups, crafts, outings, etc. No special skills required; training and orientation are provided. Patience and caring understanding a necessity. Volunteers share responsibilities: assisting with activities, exercises, education, crafts, outings, fund raising. Time commitment: 3 hour meeting each Monday morning (excluding stat holidays), from September through mid-June. Please contact Penny (250) 567-3966 vanderhoofstrokerecovery@

www.ominecaexpress.com A13

PICTURE THIS....Your activity could be featured in “Picture This.” Snap a photo at your groups’ fundraiser. It could be anything from a car wash to cleaning up our streets. It could even include school activities. Basically people making a difference in our community. Send us your photo by e-mail (advertising@ominecaexpress.com) or drop it off at the Omineca Express (150 W. Columbia Street). Please provide a brief description accompanied with the photo. This week’s submission....

It’s looking very festive at the museum with decorated buildings, sleigh rides and hot chocolate. Open weekends until Christmas. gmail.com *** SENIORS CONNECTED... is looking for Seniors in need of Outreach & Transportation. We are also taking applications for Volunteers wanting to take part in the VSC Program. Vanderhoof Seniors Connected is a program dedicated to improving the quality of life for Seniors/Elders in our community through Companionship and Transportation Assistance. Phone 250-567-8587. For more information contact email at vanderhoofseniors@hotmail.com *** CALLING ALL SENIORS... come and join us for carpet bowling, pool or snooker Monday and Thursday afternoons at the Friendship Centre. We also have cards or bingo on Wednesday evenings. Music nights are also popular and these are the last Friday night of the month. Come and have some fun! Everybody welcome young or golden agers. Call Erling Clemmensen for more info: 250-567-9927. *** AL-ANON...Has your life been affected by someone elses drinking? The Al-Anon is for you! Meetings held on Mondays at 7pm in Community Room at Omineca Safe Home Society. For more information contact Gail at 567-4318. *** THE NORTHSIDE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE...meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Newcomers always welcome. For more information call Brenda, 250 5679705. *** V’HOOF HOSPICE SOCIETY... Do you have a few hours a month to give? Are you sensitive to the special needs of those persons at the end stages of life? Want to be part of a great organization that makes a difference in our community, then we are looking for you. The V’hoof Hospice Society is a not-for profit charity looking for new volunteer members. Our Society has a desire to help others. We are sensitive to the special needs of the dying patient and their families. We do not have personal agendas or “missions” to our Hospice work. Our main fundraising come in the form of donations to our Tree of Life. We are looking for new members to continue this great service. For more info call Valerie Pagdin at 250-567-6218 (weekdays), 250-567-3889 (evenings/weekends) or vanderhoofhospice@gmail.com *** THE FOOD BANK... is in serious need of food donations. Specifically the following is needed: “Chunky” soups and stews and canned milk. *** BADMINTON AT FLESS GYM... Every Thursday at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. come out and have some fun! *** ENDAKO HALL SOCIETY... meets every THIRD Wednesday of the month in the hall at 7:30pm. *** THE YELLOWHEAD DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION...is an organization for those interested in light and heavy horse driving. Monthly meetings every second Tuesday of the month. For more info contact: Jon 250-567-8484.

*** NECHAKO QUILTERS GUILD... meets the third Tuesday of the month 9:30 am (Sept. - May) at Nechako View Seniors Common Room. Fran Sheeley 567-5254. *** THE FRASER QUILTERS GUILD... meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am at the Fort Fraser Community Hall. Newcomers welcome. *** HOSPICE TREE OF LIFE... is to honour the living as well as to remember and honour those who have passed on. For more info call Valerie Pagdin at 250-567-6218 (weekdays), 250-567-3889 (evenings/ weekends) or vanderhoofhospice@gmail. com *** THE FRASER LAKE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP... meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 12 noon in Autumn Services. For further information call Judy at 250-6997763. *** VANDERHOOF 899 AIR CADET SQUADRON...Cadets will meet every TUESDAY night – 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel. Anyone age 12 to 18 interested in the Cadet Program is welcome to attend. Any adult interested in assisting in anyway, please contact the officers at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel Tuesday night. For more information call: Capt. John Callaghan - 250-640-0218, Yvonne Melo - 250-690-7496 Evenings. *** AA MEETING... Wednesday, 8:00 p.m. United Church Hall. 567-8087 or 567-4588 *** FRASER LAKE AA MEETINGS... Tues & Thurs 8:00 p.m. at St. Wilfred’s Church just across from the Village Hall. *** ST. JOHN HOSPITAL AUXILIARY SOCIETY... meets second Tuesday of the month (with the exception of July & August) at 7:00 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. For further info contact Edna 567-9759 - New members welcome. *** VANDERHOOF LIBRARY HOURS Tuesday 10:00am to 5:00pm Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm & 6:30pm to 8:30pm Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pm Friday 10:00 am to 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm *** FRASER LAKE LIBRARY HOURS Sunday & Monday Closed Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday & Thursday 12pm - 8pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 2pm *** NVSS BOTTLE DEPOT HOURS Open Mon, Tues, Friday 11am-5pm Saturday 10am-5 p.m.

A14 www.ominecaexpress.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Omineca Express

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A division of

INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements

In Memoriam

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAVEL EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE ADULT ENTERTAINMENT LEGAL NOTICES

AGREEMENT It is agreed by any display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. Used.ca cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition. Used.ca reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Used.ca Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHT Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of Used.ca. Permission to reproduce wholly or in 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.

ON THE WEB:

In loving memory of Hans Peter Rodseth January 15, 1949December 8, 2014 Winter comes, preparing your hiking trails for skiing. Your friends know you left this world a better place. We miss you and love you. Joyce and Russ TRY A CLASSIFIED AD

Information

Announcements

Employment

Information

Business Opportunities

NECHAKO RESERVOIR UPDATE 8 December 2015 Reservoir Elevation: 852.46 m

(2796.8 ft.) SLS Discharge: 30.5 m3/s Visit website www.waterofﬁce.ec.gc.ca for up to date real-time ﬂow information for the Nechako River. Visit website http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/data/asp/realtime/basin_upperfraser.htm for up to date snow pack information. Contact Rio Tinto Alcan at 250-5675105 for more information. A recording of this notice is available 24-hours in Vanderhoof at 250567-5812

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.

Employment Automotive 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.canadabeneﬁt.ca/free-assessment

WATKIN MOTORS Ford, Vernon, B.C. immediately requires an experienced Ford Diesel Technician. Visit us online: watkinmotors.com About us, Employment, to apply and review required qualiﬁcations.

GET FREE vending machines can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-locations provided. Protected Territories. Interest free ﬁnancing. 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 HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Contact us now to start your training day. www.canscribe.com. 1-800-466-1535. Or email to: 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

Services

Employment

Plumbing

Career Opportunities

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

Furniture USED 5 STAR HOTEL FURNITURE - BY THE PIECE..One of Vancouvers 5 Star Hotels is renovating their rooms making available a great selection of high end furnishings. By 1 piece or buy multiples: Queen Headboard & Frame $50 / King Headboard & Frame $60 / Upholstered Arm Chair(multiple colors) $49 / Desk $99 / Dresser $79 / Bedside Table $69 / Pedestal Table $69/ Ottoman $29 / Benches $29 / Brass Lamp $19 / Vanity Mirror $39 / Framed Picture $9 . Call 604-371-1190, email Buyit@activeauctionmart.com or www.activeauctionmart.com

Selkin Logging Ltd.

t -PHHJOH 5SVDLT t 1SPDFTTPS 0QFSBUPST t 'FMMFS #VODIFS 0QFSBUPST t -PH -PBEFS 0QFSBUPS Competitive wage package and Benefits available. These are all camp positions. Valid Class 5 License required. Fax resumes to: 250-699-6545.

Misc. for Sale

Medical/Dental

ROMANCE Your Christmas Local BC Adult Retailer Shop Online Now & Receive 25% OFF! www.shagg.ca

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!

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT.

Obituaries

Marlene Joan Beers May 14, 1938 November 30, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Marlene, on November 30, 2015 at the Stuart Nechako Manor in Vanderhoof, BC. Mom was surrounded by all her seven children during her final days. Marlene was born, May i Sh d d 14, 1938 in Midland Ontario. She was predeceased by her husband Ivan Beers in June 2002, her parents Howard and Beulah Bylow, sister Shirley Moore, brothers Fred and Jim, and her son-in-law Jerry van Hell. She is survived by her children; Rick (Debbie), Susan (Terry), Lynda (Barry), Karen (Tim), Janet (Loyd), Carl (Debbie) and Sheila (Ross). She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. The family moved from Ontario to Duncan, BC in January 1969 where she lived for over 16 years. On November 30, 1985, Mom, Dad and youngest daughter Sheila arrived in Vanderhoof, BC to join oldest daughter Susan and youngest son Carl and their families for the next chapter in their lives. Mom passed away exactly 30 years to the day that she arrived in Vanderhoof. The family would like to thank the staff at the manor and Dr. Coetzee for their care and compassion. We would also like to thank our sister Susan for being there for Mom over the years, I Have Dementia especially during the last My eyes do see, year and a half. Special My ears do hear. thanks to our nephew Chris I am still me, Hooper for taking care of all So lets be clear. the arrangements. My memory may fade, A Celebration of Life was My walk may slow. held on Friday, December 4, I am ME inside, 2015 in Vanderhoof. Don’t let me go.

Fight Back. Volunteer your time, energy and skills today.

Omineca Express Wednesday, December 16, 2015 p y

www.ominecaexpress.com A15 p

Real Estate

Rentals

Legal

Acreage for Sale

Apt/Condo for Rent

Homes for Rent

Legal Notices

HOME FOR SALE

Victoria Manor

Commercial/ Industrial Property

Legal Notices

For Rent: 3 bedroom house. Telegraph Rd, Fort Fraser wood heat, $700/mth Call Don 250-570-1256

Commercial/ Industrial Property

16942 Sturgeon Point Rd 15 min from town. 1900 sq ft. 5 bedroom, pantry, one bath, one rough in. 117.5 acre lot, useable land. 3 bay shop finished. Too many updates and extras to list. Call Dave 250-567-5111

Apt/Condos for Sale For Rent: Apartments 1 bedrm furnished, 1 person $850.month 2 people $950. month. Cable, heat, etc. no internet 10% rent reduction age 65 or over $15. month extra for plug in. Security deposit $425. must have 1st month rent and d/d, or don’t apply. No pets. 292 Loop Rd. Vanderhoof. No Parties, loud noise or drugs this is grounds for Immediate eviction. Phone 250-570-2561.

Large 2 Bdrm from

$742 - $772

INDUSTRIAL SHOP/OFFICE FOR SALE FORT ST. JAMES

Townhouses 3/bdrm townhouses: familyfriendly complex, near schools & park. No smoking, no pets. $760/mth. 250-567-4430

Give life .... register to be an organ donor today!

Large 1 Bdrm from

$712 - $742

NO SMOKING - NO PETS

OFFICE O 3 Furnished Offices O Furnished Boardroom O Large Furnished Reception Area O Large utility room (could be 2 more offices) O 2 Restrooms (1 has shower facilities) O Phone System O Water Softener

* Balconies * Landscaped View * Cablevision Available

250-567-4048 or 250-567-9080

for more information 1-800-663-6189 www.transplant.bc.ca

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

SHOP O 4 Post Pickup Hoist O Hot Water Pressure Washer O Air Compressor O 2 Natural Gas Radiant Heaters O Washroom

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent ABOVE THE REST!

MAKE YOUR POINTOF-SALE

Silvermill Apartments Secure quiet apartments VACANCY

Office and shop with secure compound in Fort St James. This property is zoned industrial and is right on the highway so no need to worry about load restrictions in the spring. The entire property is secured by 6 foot chain link fence. Access is through an electronic gate operated by key fobs.

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.

This property is available for quick possession. Serious enquiries only call (250) 996-4201

NOTICE TO REMOVE PRIVATE LAND FROM WOODLOT LICENSE 1880 Please be advised that Juha Salokannel is proposing to remove 30h of private land from Woodlot License 1880 located in the vicinity of Fort St James. Inquiries/comments to this proposal must be submitted to Box 2224 , Fort St James, B.C., V0J1P0 or email to bushwise21@gmail. com by January 6, 2016. Only written enquiries received by the above date will be responded to. Information on this proposal can be obtained by contacting sharrisontfm@gmail.com.

TRY A CLASSIFIED

Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd., has prepared amendment #19 our Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) covering operaƟons in the Stuart Nechako and Prince George Natural Resource Districts. In accordance with the Forest Planning and PracƟces RegulaƟon this amendment is available for public review and comment, from November 20th, 2015 to January 20th, 2016. The amended FSP can be viewed at Sinclar Group Forest Products in Prince George or at Apollo Forest Products in Fort St. James, during regular oĸce hours (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). A representaƟve will be available to discuss the FSP amendment and receive comments. Please make arrangements for viewing by contacƟng the individual at the phone numbers listed below. If an interested party is unable to review the proposed plan during regular business hours please contact Sinclar Group Forest Products by phone or in wriƟng to arrange a suitable Ɵme.

250-567-4208

Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd., Suite 2, 1515 S. Nicholson St., Prince George, BC. V2N 217 Contact: Darwyn Koch RPF. Phone 250.640.4514. email: darwyn.koch@sinclar.com

BURRARD APARTMENTS. Two bdrm suites. No pets 250-567-9128

250-567-9258

VANDERHOOF AND AREA BUSINESS DIRECTORY

EXCAVATING PRAIRIEDALE EXCAVATING Tandem dump truck, 4x4 Backhoe, gravel sales, general hauling, foundations, water & sewer lines and snow removal.

PLUMBING

FRANK TEICHROEB 3393 Sinkutview Rd, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A2 567-2029

ADVERTISING

CIE 0697864 BC Ltd.

Commercial and Industrial Plumbing and HVAC Heavy Water and Civil Construction Water Treatment and Filtration Systems

All jobs BIG or small, give us a call!

EXCAVATING

Central Interior Excavating

For All of Your Excavating Needs Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Lot clearing, waterlines, foundations, driveway construction, planning and installation of Septic Systems

INSTALLATION & REPAIRS

250-567-5888

Telephone: 250-567-3855 Fax: 250-567-9695 Email: info@centralinteriorex.com Excavators, Backhoes, Crawler Tractors, End Dump

ADVERTISING

ADvertiser STUART NECHAKO

Serving Fort St. James and area since 1972

Reaching Every Door

Pam Berger Publisher

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam Berger Publisher

250-996-8482 Advertising: advertising@ominecaexpress.com News: newsroom@caledoniacourier.com Website: www.caledoniacourier.com

150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0

Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070

ADVERTISING

Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com

150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE HERE GIVE US A CALL: 250-567-9258

Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070 Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com

A16 www.ominecaexpress.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Omineca Express

Express

SPORTS

Wrestling tourney draws hundreds of all grades Vivian Chui Omineca Express

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Winning his first wrestling bout of the season, Grade 8 student Nolan McCleary (left) from Nechako Valley Secondaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrestling team seized Keagan Mosser, Grade 11, from Prince George Secondary in Nechako Valley Invite, the regional wrestling tournament on Dec. 12. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was too loose, he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give enough resistance, and he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offensive enough,â&#x20AC;? McCleary said.

Over a hundred wrestlers across the region â&#x20AC;&#x201D; encompassing Smithers, Mackenzie, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Prince George, and Vanderhoof â&#x20AC;&#x201D; competed at the Nechako Valley Invite wrestling tournament in Nechako Valley Secondary on Dec. 12. Including athletes from Grades 2 to 12, Vanderhoof was represented by 51 wrestlers, nearly 40 of which were elementary school age, said Travis Himmelright, head coach of NVSSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrestling team and the Nechako Valley Wresting Club â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the elementary school division. Losing five Grade 12 wrestlers last year, Vanderhoofâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high school team is currently in its rebuilding stage, Himmelright said. For the elementary division however, which started 10 years ago, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program is the biggest so far, he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vanderhoof is limited with options [in sports], but we had good success in the past and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve grown every year, with word of mouth,â&#x20AC;? Himmelright said. This weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournament serves as a northern championship for the elementary school students, whose season is short compared to other sports, he explained. The secondary school wrestling season ends in February, but weekly practices for the elementary division starts in October and finishes by the end of December, he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Each practice] is an hour and 15 min-

utes of gymnastics and combatives,â&#x20AC;? Himmelright said. Aa an anaerobic sport with short stints, teaching athletes in managing their adrenaline, the focus at the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; level now is fun, he said. For Grade 8 student Nolan McCleary, who started wrestling this year, the sport is fun, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[With the sport] Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m able to wrestle somebody and have a reason to,â&#x20AC;? McCleary said, adding that he enjoys the satisfaction of winning as well. For him, the focus lies in trying to turn someone over and not allowing the opponent to grab first, he said. For Ken Miller, whose Grade 2 son Tyson is in his first year of wrestling, the sport is familiar in the family, as Ken used to wrestle throughout his junior and high school years, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He sees all my trophies in [wrestling] and wanted to get involved himself,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so active; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great thing for him.â&#x20AC;? He added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It teaches him discipline.â&#x20AC;? As an individual sport, wrestlers are still part of a team, Miller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of technique and skill,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just go in and hit someone.â&#x20AC;?

Viking invitational: free throw to the win A member of Nechako Valley Secondaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior boys basketball team jumps and shoots against Fraser Lake ElementarySecondary in their last match of the twoday invitational tournament on Dec. 5. In partnership with

It was a tight game as NVSS defeated FLESS at 55 to 50. Finishing behind Fraser Lake during the third period at 39 to 42, NVSS surged ahead with two free throws in the last two minutes to bring the team up to 51:50, then another two as the clock ticked past one minute, and with two last free throws in the last four seconds of the game.

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The 2015 Nechako Valley Secondary School Viking Invitational Basketball Tournament also included teams from Quesnel, Prince George, and Burns Lake.

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VIVIAN CHUI photo

Travel the world using your library card as your passport.

Make family time learning time. How do you learn as a family? Tell us #FamilyLiteracyDay

Find more activities you can do as a family at www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca