Houston Today, February 03, 2016 by Black Press Media Group

PROFILE: Houston Search & Rescue Feature

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Health Centre progress on ‘Primary Care Clinic’ By Xuyun Zeng Houston Today

SNOW Removal

The new doctor slated to serve Houston has moved into town. Northern Health local regional administrator Cormac Hikisch said that Dr. Onoura Odoh completed the Practice Ready Assessment, a provincial program that fasttracks international doctors to practise in B.C. He has now applied for a B.C. licence to practise, which remains the last barrier to him serving the community. “He can’t actually practise medicine until that comes through, it’s expected to come in by mid-February,” said Hikisch. “[He] has already started to settle in at the Houston Health Centre, so he’s been on-site a few times this week receiving training on the electrical medical record that is in place

Robin Vander Heide/Houston Today

District of Houston work crews are hard at work removing the excess snow from roads and sidewalks after a few days of warm weather.

“

now and getting to know the staff.” “As soon as that licence comes through,

keeping a list for him in advance of him being able to provide service,” said Hikisch.

tioner to that primary clinic,” Hikisch added. “It was something that was recommended to be explored by the Houston Health Services Review, and we’re trying to determine when the right timing would be to look at that based on the need for two physicians.” They will also be adding two support staff, of which one was hired. The final touches to the primary care clinic, which houses two doctor’s offices and two diagnosis rooms, are underway. “There’s still supplies that need to go onto shelving and cabinets to go up, but it’s coming together and will be there for Dr. Odoh. The Health Centre will host an open house in mid-to-late February that will have a tour, but no finalized date has been published.

“‘As soon as [the] licence comes through, he’ll be looking to work.’ Starting this Monday, people can call the Health Centre to get on a waiting list to become Dr. Odoh’s patient.”

he’ll be looking to work.” Starting this Monday, people can call the Health Centre to get on a waiting list to become Dr. Odoh’s patient. “Dr. Odoh will make decisions in the future about how patients are added to his panel, but we will be

- Cormac Hikisch The ultimate plan for the Health Centre would be to have two doctors and one nurse practitioner. Hikisch noted that they are actively trying to hire the latter. “We have received funding through Northern Health and moved forward with adding a nurse practi-

Mineral deposit survey could lead to exploration in Northwest By Alicia Bridges Black Press

A new survey of mineral deposits unveiled at the 2016 Mineral Exploration Roundup conference in Vancouver last week could lead to a spike in exploration in the Northwest, according to Smithers

Exploration Group president Rob Maurer. Non-profit organization Geoscience B.C. last year used aerial magnetic surveys to detect concentrations of minerals in an area between Terrace, Kitimat and Smithers, including sites that had not been surveyed since the 1960s.

“The data we have generated here will provide detailed insights into the bedrock and focus mineral exploration and investment in this area.”

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increased exploration. “When it’s been done in the past, when economic times were more plentiful, the aerial survey information being released has actually set off some little staking rushes where people are quick to get in there and stake claims in spots they think show promise based on the information,” said Maurer. Although exploration has slowed with the downturn in the mining industry, Maurer said the new information could still stimulate activity in the Northwest. He said the data would not specifically identify where to build a mine, but it helped narrow down the search for hidden resources. Because sites that looked promising could be snapped up quickly, Maurer expected the data would lead to increased ex-

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ploration in the survey area. “To take advantage of this information people do have to stake mineral claims or someone else will

“

emphasized the survey was unlikely to lead to a sudden boom in exploration. Instead, he said a slow increase might occur, starting with small amounts of sampling, prospecting or reclamation

chance of attracting investment or some really high quality companies in the area.” Despite the current downturn, which has been blamed for the recent round of 100 layoffs at

“I wouldn’t want to get people’s hopes up that this survey will become an instant boom and there’s going to be drillers and camps and jobs for everyone. Even in a stronger economy and a stronger investor climate, those things still take time.” - Rob Maurer, Smithers Exploration Group President

stake claim to that resource,” he said. “And to keep those claims people have to do work every year and it’s a matter of, they need to spend an amount of money or do an equivalent amount of work that equates to a number of dollars per hectare per year.” However, Maurer

this summer. “I wouldn’t want to get people’s hopes up that this survey will become an instant boom and there’s going to be drillers and camps and jobs for everyone,” said Maurer. “Even in a stronger economy and a stronger investor climate, those things still take time.” AMEBC president and chief executive Gavin Dirom predicted the Geoscience B.C. data would be a major stimulant for exploration. “Whether it’s immediately taken up and there’s an immediate result we will have to wait and see,” he said. “But it’s one of these things that if you’re not doing it then you’re not going to be competitive and you won’t have a

Huckleberry Mines, Dirom said the conference was busy and the mood was optimistic. Although the overall number of participants was down from about 6,500 to 5,400, the conference trade show and exhibits were sold out. Dirom said the overall mood among participants was “optimistic but realistic”. “When they come together during Roundup it allows them to share and to compare strategies and methods of how to cope with the current downturn,” he said. “And that helps to then generate new partnerships, perhaps, and also some pretty smart and innovative ways to not just survive but then to succeed and prosper yet again.”

Houston Today

Maurer believes the tough times have made surviving companies grow stronger and smarter, having been forced to become more efficient. “People [are] being very innovative, using newer technology, newer techniques,” he said. “One thing I’ve seen here this year and last year is the use of drones ... companies are starting to use those to do flyover research and take photos because you can purchase one of those units for comparable to the same price of a couple days worth of helicopter time,” he said. Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach was among about 65 people from the Smithers area who travelled to Vancouver for the AMEBC conference last week. Based on his conversations with industry members, he said it appeared people in the resources industries were utilizing the lull to prepare for an upswing. “Talking to people down here at the conference, a lot of people also see opportunity in it,” he said. “It’s a chance to make some strategic moves and get in position for the recovery.” Bachrach said there were also positive developments in the Northwest, citing Pretivm’s Brucejack Gold Project north of Stewart and the Imperial Metalsowned Red Chris copper-gold mine near Iskut village.

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COMMUNITY

Police Report

From Jan. 21 to Jan. 28, police received 38 calls for service, of which four were abandoned 911 calls, two were bylaw complaints and six were traffic and one was a false alarm. Police would like to emphasize to drivers that they need to stop for school buses that is displaying a stop sign with red lights flashing. Police received a complaint on Jan. 26 at 9:30 a.m. of drivers not stopping for school buses. “We received the report of ongoing concerns that vehicles are not stopping for school buses when they are required to do so,” said Cpl. Steven Thackeray. Thackeray added that this applies both on highways and on municipal roads. “This is essential for the safety of the kids that are getting on and off the bus, to ensure they are safe,” he added. The next morning, police followed a school bus in a cruiser from Topley to Houston to ensure drivers were complying. No one was caught that day. “Drivers are obligated to stop when those stop signs are out, and that’s traffic travelling

in the same direction as the bus and the opposite direction of the bus, when those stop signs are out they have to stop.” Thackeray added that they will be stepping up their vigilance on this offence. Under the Motor Vehicle Act, drivers found contravening this will receive points and a $167 set fine, Thackeray added. *** Police received a report at approximately midnight on Jan. 24 of an argument that occurred at a residence on Nadina Way. The report stated that a family member had assaulted another family member. Police attended, noting that both parties were under the influence of alcohol, but no serious injuries had occurred. The victim did not cooperate with police when questioned. The aggressor was provided transportation to another family member’s house for the night. *** At approximately 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 25, police patrolled in Granisle when they observed a vehicle with a burned-out headlight. Police tried to stop the

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The U16 Houston Ringette team is headed to Kelowna on February 5-7 to compete in the Sweetheart Tournament. Five players from the U12 Houston Ringette team will also be heading to the Sweetheart tournament. They will being joining players from Quesnel. Good luck to all of the Houston Ringette players who are participating! vehicle but it sped up and lost control, and pulled over. Upon stopping the vehicle, police determined the driver was impaired by alcohol. The individual was arrested, and the vehicle was impounded. That person was brought back to the detachment for sample of breath, and that person is currently under further investigation.

Police are recommending federal Criminal Code charges for impaired operation of a motor vehicle. *** Police would like to encourage the public to attend the Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game this Family Day

at the Claude Parish Memorial Arena starting at 3:30 p.m. The RCMP will challenge the fire department. “We had a really good turnout last year, and police have won the last two years, so we want to keep our streak intact,” said Thackeray.

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Hired Equipment Registration Bulkley Stikine District

The Bulkley Stikine District of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is creating its list of registered Equipment for Hire for the 2016/2017 fiscal year, which begins April 1, 2016. All individuals or companies registered this past year through the District Office in Smithers will receive invitations to re‑register their equipment for the coming fiscal year by mail. Any individuals who were not registered in 2015, but wish to have their equipment listed, are hereby invited to contact the District Office to obtain the appropriate registration forms. Note that while you do not need to have Commercial (Comprehensive) General Liability Insurance or up‑to‑date WorkSafe BC coverage to register, you will have to meet these requirements prior to working on any ministry projects. Only owned or lease‑to‑own equipment is eligible for registration. Full details of equipment, including serial numbers and proof of ownership, are required for registration. Equipment may only be registered in one area in any given year. Seniority is not transferable from area to area. The deadline for new registrations is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2016. Late registrations will be accepted, but will be put at the bottom of the open list. Note that there is no charge for registering new equipment or for changing or deleting equipment information already listed.

To have equipment registration forms mailed, faxed or e-mailed to you, please contact the local District Office in Smithers by mail at Bag 5000, 3726 Alfred Avenue, Smithers, British Columbia, V0J 2N0, by phone at 250 847-7403 or by fax at 250 847-7219. You can also register online at www.bcbid.ca

FINAL Touches

Robin Vander Heide/Houston Today

Saturday, January 30, new residents began to move into the newest complex at Pleasant Valley Village. Volunteers were still busy installing washers and dryers into several of the units. And pictured above, Vic and Bertie Siemens, were hard at work installing the curtain rods.

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Opinion

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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Houston Today

Phone: 250 845-2890 • Fax 250 845-7893 News: editor@houston-today.com or: newsroom@houston-today.com Advertising: advertising@houston-today.com

In our opinion:

B.C. briefs: MLAs

inners of two Lower Mainland byelections will join 83 other MLAs when the B.C. legislature begins its spring sitting Feb. 9 with a Speech from the Throne. Finance Minister Mike de Jong will present his 2016-17 budget Feb. 16. The government has signalled that among the measures will be a 50 per cent reduction to Medical Services Plan premiums for single parents who earn more than $30,000 a year and pay the family rate of $150 a year. Byelections set for Feb. 2 were triggered last summer when Coquitlam-Burke Mountain B.C. Liberal MLA Doug Horne and Vancouver-Mount Pleasant NDP MLA Jenny Kwan resigned to run in the October 2015 federal election. The latest review of B.C. electoral boundaries has resulted in creation of two more seats in time for the next election in May 2017. The new seats are Surrey South and Richmond-Queensborough, taking in part of New Westminster and reflecting large population growth. Lost hard drive prompts changes. Information and Privacy Commissioner Elizabeth Denham has made nine recommendations to the B.C. government to prevent incident like the loss of a portable hard drive containing 3.4 million education ministry student files. Policies for protecting personal information were not followed, staff training was not adequate and compliance with rules was not monitored, Denham said in a report released this week. Recommendations include mandatory encryption of personal data and an audit system to make sure security procedures are followed. The portable hard drive was made as a backup and reported missing in September 2015 after an extensive search of a secure government warehouse in the Victoria area. The hard drive has not been located. It contained student names, date of birth and personal education numbers which in some cases could be linked to lists of cancer survivors, children in care and special needs students. Emergency crews get overdose kits. Firefighters in Surrey and Vancouver will be the first to carry kits to administer naloxone to people suffering from opioid drug overdoses. Ambulance paramedics have long been equipped with the drug, but the program is being expanded to firefighters after an increase in overdoses to opioid drugs such as heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl. Fire departments across the province can join the program by signing an agreement with B.C. Emergency Health Services to provide physician oversight, after regulations were changed to allow fire rescue first responders to administer naxalone. B.C.’s health ministry funds services including needle distribution, opioid substitution treatment, two supervised injection sites in Vancouver and a “take home naxalone” program with kits available at 120 B.C. sites. The ministry estimates that 370 opioid drug overdoses have been reversed by the treatment. -Tom Fletcher, Black Press

“

Forest industry waits for Pacific trade deal By Tom Fletcher Black Press

Wood products producers are encouraged by the Trudeau government’s decision to sign the TransPacific Partnership, the first step to ratifying a sweeping agreement with Japan, Australia and other Asian countries. International Trade Minister Christia Freeland said this week she will take the next “technical step,” allowing the TPP to be debated in the House of Commons. It’s the first signal the Liberals will continue the work started by the Conservative government, which warned against being left out as the U.S. and Mexico go ahead with the TPP. “All in all we think this is a pretty good

“The deal not only phases out tariffs against Canadian forest products, it has clear provisions to settle disputes and rules around blocking imports due to concerns about insects or other contaminants.

agreement,” said Paul Lansbergen, acting president of the Forest Products Association of Canada, in an interview from Vancouver. “A lot of our industry is in rural Canada, and I think it’s important for the government to recognize the importance of the well-paying jobs that

-Paul Lansbergen, President Forest Products Association of Canada we provide,” he said. “And when our economy is having some rough times, particularly oil and gas, really the government should be thinking about how our economy is diversified.” Lansbergen said the deal not only phases out tariffs against Canadian for-

est products, it has clear provisions to settle disputes, and rules around blocking imports due to concerns about insects or other contaminants. Some of the TPP partners currently have few forest product imports from Canada because of “prohibitive” tariffs,

2009

he said. Vietnam applies tariffs of up to 31 per cent, Malaysia up to 40 per cent and Brunei up to 20 per cent, which would be phased out under TPP. Japan, a long-time customer for B.C. lumber, has tariffs of up to 10 per cent on forestry and valueadded products such as oriented strandboard and engineered wood. Forest product exports have done well with the low Canadian dollar, with sales to the U.S. returning to historic levels after a collapse of the U.S. housing market in 2008. Canada’s softwood lumber agreement with the U.S. expired last fall, but bilateral wood products trade is exempt from the TPP as it was left out of NAFTA.

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Annual Subscriptions: Local (Houston only): $38.00 (includes tax) Seniors: $28.00 (includes tax) Out of Town: $50.00 (includes tax) We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

M.A. Ruiter - Sales Manager Xuyun Zeng - Reporter/Photographer Robin Vander Heide - Reporter/Photographer Annamarie Douglas - Production Manager Laura Blackwell - Sales Representative

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Houston Today

Opinion

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

HOUSTON TODAY “Member, B.C. Press Council” Published by Black Press Upstairs Houston Mall P.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0

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Phone: 250 845-2890 • Fax 250 845-7893 News: editor@houston-today.com or: newsroom@houston-today.com Advertising: advertising@houston-today.com

On the

Street... How do you feel about the Pleasant Valley Plaza’s movie theatre closing down?

Tyler Wardrop

Trevor Sowers

Troy Reitsma

Tim Anderson

“It’s a little sad. I worked here a few times when it first reopened. I watched some good movies here and I feel pretty bad that it’s going to shut down.”

“Ticked off. I love the theatre. I used it and sad to see it go.”

“I’m disappointed that it’s closing. I think it was a real benefit to our community.”

“Disappointing, it is — that a business could not make it in town. Hopefully they give it another shot at some point.”

By Xuyun Zeng

B.C. views: This is your province on weed By Tom Fletcher Black Press

With unlicensed marijuana dispensaries popping up in urban areas and thousands of unregulated medical licences for home growing still in legal limbo, the Trudeau government is starting work on its promise to legalize recreational use. Marijuana was a media darling in the recent election, but meeting in Vancouver with provincial ministers last week, federal Health Minister Jane Philpott found herself preoccupied with issues deemed more urgent. These include shift-

ing our post-war acute hospital model to community primary care, tackling aboriginal health care needs, pooling pharmaceutical purchases to slow rising costs, and meeting an urgent Supreme Court of Canada directive to legalize assisted dying. At the closing news conference in Vancouver, Philpott was asked how recreational marijuana should be sold. Licensed medical growers want exclusive rights do it by mail as permitted by the Harper government, another measure forced by our high court. That would shut out the rash of supposedly medical

storefronts, which city halls in Vancouver and elsewhere imagine they can regulate. Philpott said the question is “premature” and federal-provincial justice ministers were dealing with it at their meeting. Ottawa will have a “task force” too. Vancouver descended into a pot store freefor-all due to benign neglect from council and police, and Victoria isn’t far behind. Vancouver Coun. Kerry Jang, a rare voice of reason in the Big Smoke, has protested dispensaries using street hawkers to attract young buyers, and pot stores setting up near schools.

Other communities, more aware of their limitations, have resisted issuing business licences. One recent proposal in the Victoria suburb of View Royal came from a fellow who insisted marijuana extract had cured his cancer. This is typical of claims that proliferate on the Internet, and is one of many warning signs about dispensaries that put up red cross signs to sell pot products with exotic names. B.C. Health Minister Terry Lake was more forthcoming a few days earlier, responding to a Vancouver reporter who judged marijuana

more interesting than his just-announced plan to hire 1,600 more nurses by the end of March. Lake noted that Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is keen to sell marijuana through the province’s monopoly liquor stores. B.C.’s government liquor store union has also endorsed this idea, forming an unlikely alliance with non-union private stores to get in on the action. “There are public health officials that I’ve talked to who say that the co-location of marijuana and liquor sales is not advisable from a public health

perspective,” Lake said. “I think whatever we do it has to be highly regulated, quality control has to be excellent and above all we must protect young people.” Yes, liquor stores check ID. But the notion that marijuana might be sold next to beer and vodka in government stores deserves sober second thought, and serious scientific work of the kind that has shown damage to developing brains from teenage marijuana use. Of course all of this urban hand-wringing over pot stores ignores the de facto legalization that has existed across B.C. for decades.

The Nelson Star had a funny story last week about a local woman’s discovery on Google Earth. Zooming in on area mountains, one finds not only the Purcell landmark Loki Peak, but also Weed Peak, Grow Op Peak, Cannabis Peak and Hydroponic Peak. Whatever the source of this cyber-prank, it could also be applied to other regions of B.C. For the record, I’ll restate my longstanding position that legalization is the only logical answer. I’ll say the same about other drugs that drive most B.C. crime, but that’s a subject for another day.

Help offered to struggling mining industry By Tom Fletcher Black Press

The B.C. government has released the first phase of its aerial survey of mineral deposits in a largely unexplored region of northwest B.C. GeoscienceBC, a non-profit established by the province a decade ago to stimulate mining activity in areas affected by the mountain pine beetle epidemic, released data from an area from Smithers south to Kitimat and

east to Houston. Maps of geological formations are constructed from magnetic surveys done by helicopter. The results were released Tuesday at the Association for Mineral Exploration B.C. Roundup conference in Vancouver. Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett said the project is assembling the largest geoscience database in B.C. history, with much more precision than an earlier survey in the 1960s. The next phase

will be be to the east, from Houston to the Vanderhoof area. The region has had little surface prospecting because it is covered with glacial deposits from the last ice age. “There are Highland Valley copper deposits out there,” Bennett said. “There are Brucejack gold deposits out there. There are huge zinc, silver, lead deposits out there. They’ve been found before in B.C.” With mining investment stalled by

low commodity prices and some existing operations shut down, Premier Christy Clark opened the conference by announcing a plan to let mining companies defer their BC Hydro bills to keep operating. The bills would have to be paid later with interest, when metal and coal prices recover. The association released its own study before the conference, detailing that more than half of the province is either off limits

to mineral exploration or restricted. Some of that is from parks or protected areas, while other areas are subject to land use plans the association described as “overlapping and sometimes ambiguous.” Bennett said he appreciates the reminder about land restrictions, which he described as difficult to change even when wildlife habitat or other circumstances have changed since restrictions were imposed.

GeoScienceBC

The helicopter maps mineral potential in remote areas using magnetic imaging. The industry also has to accept that public and First Nations expectations have

changed greatly in recent years, and mining has to adapt to that reality, he said.

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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Houston Today

Community Builder Featuring the stories and spirit of the local people

Houston SAR recounts past and looks ahead By Xuyun Zeng Houston Today

Houston Search and Rescue reflected upon last year and discussed their plans for this year at a Jan. 13 annual general meeting. Members heard from president Frank McDonald who reported that 2015 “was our busiest year ever with 13 call-outs.” “It’s been quite taxing on the group, because of the demand on our time. We are volunteers. We aren’t paid,” said McDonald.

“

“Missing mushroom pickers pose an annual problem for HSAR because of their secrecy.” - Frank McDonald

Five call-outs were mushroom picker related, four were water incidents, two were urban walk-aways, and there was one case of a missing hitchhiker and another of a stranded snowshoer. McDonald noted that missing mushroom pickers pose an annual problem for HSAR because of their secrecy. July 2007 “They typically don’t want to tell Xuyun Zeng photo anybody where they’re going; where their secret patch is,” he said. “Three of the cases Some of the current Houston Search and Rescue organization members pictured from l-r are: Andy Muma, Pam Sjoden, Robert Onderwater, were right in Houston and we had two Jocelyn Bell, Wendall Ewald and Frank McDonald. others Bluethat were [in the] Kispiox-Hazelton area.” have more team leaders get certified,” said there was a fatality a couple of years ago lottery grants. Green McDonald would not give names but McDonald. “So they’ll be responsible for in Nelson’s swift water team, so they’re “It would be approximately $30,000 for said that the most challenging call-out last taking out a crew and interacting with the reviewing all the standards for safety.” a team of our capabilities and that would Harvest year happened in Hazelton. search manager.” HSAR received $19,500 from gaming go a long way for us to get a building,” he “It was the largest search, and it was McDonald wanted to see more rope and grants that will be used to fund training said. also a repeat offender. There was a search avalanche specialists. He would also like to and equipment. Elections for HSAR officers also for him the previous year,” he said. “So see more swift water rescue specialists in “Funding is always an up-in-the-air kind happened. we ended up working with Bulkley Valley HSAR, as they currently have to depend of thing,” he said. “We don’t have a reliable “Last year and for a couple of years, Search and Rescue, RCMP, we even had on Smithers’ or Vanderhoof’s teams for source of funding so we’re asking various Greg McLeod was our secretary-treasurer, some from Nechako Valley and we had one water rescue. companies or various grant providers to and he stepped down,” McDonald said. SAR specialist come up from the Lower “It’s unfortunate because as you can provide us with funds.” “We knew he wanted to step down, and Mainland to assist on that.” see, four of our searches were water related McDonald hopes that a new funding we split the role. Jocelyn Bell is now the The meeting also talked about future this year,” he said. “But this is going to be model championed by the BCSAR treasurer and Pam Sjoden is now the training. a very difficult area because the Emergency Association will get passed in the provincial secretary.” “We always wanted to certify more Management BC and BCSAR is reluctant legislature, which would provide HSAR Vice president Wendell Ewald will stay Colour Logo File people in the basic ground search and to start new teams because of the hazards with stable funding from the province, on in his role, as will directors Andy Muma rescue and then from there ... I’d like to involved, and in one [case] particularly, rather than “hoping” for money from and Robert Onderwater.

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Houston Today

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

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Houston ACT (Action Changes Things) Committee INVITES YOU TO... rd

Houston’s 3 Annual

WINTERFEST February 5th-8th, 2016

FRIDAY, February 5: 6 – 8 pm

Houston WinterFest 2016 Kick-Off Hill behind HSS Sledding party – free crazy carpets, hot dogs, hot chocolate and FUN!

MONDAY, February 8: 10 am – 4 pm

Family Ski Day! Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Trails **shuttle service provided! Warm chalet, hot chocolate and goodies, free trail use, rentals available, races, lessons and tons of fun!

11 am – 1 pm

9th Street Hockey Shinney Game 9th Street SafeGrad 2016 will be selling hamburgers and hot dogs! Sponsored by Finning

3:30 – 5:30 pm

Free Public Skating Sponsored by Canfor, Finning and Bulkley Valley Credit Union Claude Parish Memorial Arena

1:30 – 3:30 pm

Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game RCMP vs Fire Department Claude Parish Memorial Arena

Geocaching Poker Run will begin from here – ask us for details!

SATURDAY, February 6: 10 am – 1 pm

Houston Link to Learning Family Literacy Brunch Houston Community Hall Continue with Geocaching Poker Run all weekend!

12 – 3 pm

Free Bowling – Pleasant Valley Plaza

1 – 3 pm

Beginner Snowshoeing Workshop 4 Seasons Park - Free Rentals **shuttle service provided!

9 – 11 pm

Adult Drop In Curling & Social - no minors Houston Curling Rink

SUNDAY, February 7: 10 am – 12 pm

1 – 3 pm

3 – 5 pm

Jam Pail Curling for Kids Houston Curling Rink Please bring clean shoes, helmets and gloves!

S SPECTATOER! WELCOM

Intermediate Snowshoeing Workshop Free snowshoe rentals! Morice River Trails **shuttle service provided!! Salmon in the Snow! Walking tour of Streamkeepers Salmon Project Houston Leisure Facility Free Public Swim - Houston Leisure Facility

BUS SHUTTLECE NEW! ! SERVI t need a ride!!! W NE y participants tha Brunch,

...for an

racy ke the Lite li ts n Skiing. e v e r Fo s Countrythe following s ro C d n a ith ing Snowshoeice will begin Saturdayhwour:

lf s Serv g every ha tre Shuttle Bu route leavin • Chamber Info Cen g ld B s Telu .m. • NWCC • •Community Hall a.m. to 3 p kend: 9:30 e e w e th ay. y thru s runs dail and Mond y, Sunday car seat/booster seat Shuttle Bu a rd tu a S n o own child’s provide Note: Must

NTS E V E W E N AR! THIS YE The weekend will be FILLED with fun activities... something for EVERYONE! For information on any WinterFest events, please contact Dawn Potvin at (250) 845-1291 or Sally Sullivan (250) 845-9321

www.houston-today.com

RES!! 15.5 AC

CALDERWOOD REALTY $395,900

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

SPORTS

Houston Today

ACT committee finalizes plan for Family Day long weekend WinterFest By Xuyun Zeng

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If you are buying or selling, call me today! I also offer Free Home Market Evaluations and information on the current real estate market.

Dan Hansma 250-845-8234 dan.hansma@gmail.com

Houston Today

This year’s WinterFest will not have fireworks nor a fishing derby, but organizers are working hard to finalize plans for a shuttle bus. Cost, permits, time constraints and lack of sponsorship precluded the possibility of a fireworks display and fishing derby. “It wasn’t organized in enough time,” said organizer Dawn Potvin. “That is a huge event unto itself, so no organizer stepped up to take care of that piece, so we had to let it go, hope to have it next year is somebody would like to organize it.” The shuttle service will leave halfhourly daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from the Northwest Community College and stop at the Telus Building, Chamber of Commerce and Community Hall.

Xuyun Zeng/Houston Today

The ACT (Action Changes Things) committee meeting last week to discuss final plans for upcoming Winterfest weekend. See page 7 for the full weekend schedule. “There’s going to be a free shuttle service,” she added. “There are many events throughout the weekend, some of them are out of town, some of them are in town, but a lot of families find it hard to get from here to there. So there will

be a cyclical shuttle running.” The shuttle bus will also take people to out-of-town events such as the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club trails, and Four Seasons Park for snowshoeing. Potvin estimates that three or four

Class 4 drivers have stepped up to drive the 15-passenger vans on loan from the Houston Senior Citizens’ Association and the Houston Christian School. Parents with children needing booster seats must provide their own.

Managing Your Money Is it better to contribute to investments held within an RRSP or a TFSA? You have funds to invest and you’re wondering whether it’s better to put them in your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or in a Tax-free Savings Plan (TFSA). That depends on two main factors:

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1. How frequently the funds will be removed from and re-contributed to either investments within an RRSP or TFSA in the years leading up to your retirement. If you are going to need the funds prior to retirement and intend to re-contribute them at a later date, a TFSA may be the better option because you can make withdrawals at any time and the contribution room is restored in the following year; but when you make RRSP withdrawals, you lose that contribution room. 2. What your marginal tax rate is today and what your marginal tax rate will be when you finally remove the funds. Generally, if your marginal tax rate is lower at the time the funds are removed from your registered plan at retirement, the RRSP option will produce a better result – but that is only true if your marginal tax rate actually is lower. Your marginal tax rate can be influenced by income-tested benefits including the Age Credit, Old Age Security (OAS), the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the GST/HST Credit. Because they are income-tested benefits, they are reduced or clawed-back as your income increases, ultimately disappearing entirely at an upper threshold that is different for each of the benefits. If the funds you remove from your RRSP after age 65 increase your taxable income and result in the loss of some or all of your income-tested benefits, you will have effectively – and perhaps substantially – reduced your income and increased the tax you pay. And you would have cancelled out some of the value of your RRSP withdrawal. There is no doubt that RRSPs and TFSAs play key roles in financial and retirement planning and there are strategies – like income-splitting – that you can use to reduce your taxable income and avoid claw backs. Your professional advisor can help you decide what’s best for your situation.

Phone: (250)847-9620 Toll Free: (866)847-9620 3860 AlFred Ave, SmiTherS, v0J 2n0

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BLACK PRESS COMMUNITY NEWS MEDIA

KElly JonEs, CFP ClU senior Financial Consultant

Carl Eddy Consultant

shaUna PEtErson, CFP FMa division director

shaUn MartIn, Consultant

*Investors Group is a registered trademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.

This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec – a Financial Services Firm), presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contact your own advisor for specific advice about your circumstances. For more information on this topic please contact your Investors Group Consultant.

The Action Changes Things (ACT) committee expects a higher turnout because of a warmer weather. “I’m hoping for a higher participation level based on the past two years, it’s just growing,” said Potvin. “I think weather has to do with that a lot, and past experiences and word-of-mouth. So I think we will be growing each year.” She noted that two years ago, many people decided against attending WinterFest because it was fullblown, -25 C, winter. However, warmer weather also threatens the weekend’s snowshoeing and tobogganing activities. “We can’t do anything about the weather … all we can hope it’s not ice,” said Potvin. “I’m not even hoping for snow at this point, I just want it to not get anymore spring-like.” Ninth Street will be barricaded on Family Day for the 9th Street Hockey Shinney Game. “It’s a [statutory holiday], no businesses will be open besides Mr. Sub, but they don’t close that part off, so you can still park, go to Mr. Sub,” said Potvin. All events will be free except the Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game.

Houston Today

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

www.houston-today.com

BUSINESSES & SERVICES D &M

Houston Barbershop

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When your car, truck or SUV is in need of service, trust the factory-trained technicians at Sullivan Motor Products.

Pleasant Valley Cleaners

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OPEN MON. TO SAT. 8AM - 5:30PM

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3356 10th Street, Box 68, Houston • Phone: 250-845-7000

...Northwest’s Largest Volume Dealer for a Reason!!

WALK-OFF MATS SERVICE • LAUNDRY FACILITIES • COMPLETE LINEN SERVICE SHOP SUPPLIES • DROP OFF LAUNDRY SERVICE • SEWING SERVICES - REPAIRS ETC.

This week’s featured business is...

ce n a m r fo r e P R A T S H T R NO on emporium... we carry store.We are like a recreati

ge rcycles. NorthStar is not your avera mobiles, ATVs and moto ow sn s, saw , es gin en all sm d snow blade parts and units for all b Cadet snow blowers an Cu d an bia lum Co ve ha For the winter we ucts and snowmobiles. For od pr r we po of ls de mo all s for attachments and accessorie sweepers, have garden tractors,tillers, your yard in the summer we We also have stuff for s. saw r we po & s er mm mowers, tri intball. watersports, fishing and pa te, Stop by today and see Pe it John or Linda and check all out! 5-3255 Phone: (250) 84 Industrial Site, Houston 2815 - 5th Street, Houston

HOUSTON BARBERSHOP Phyllis

250.845.2329

Come see us for all your tire needs!

Open six days a week

METAMORPH JEWELRY, GEMS Theresa

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& NAILS

Tire Shop hourS: Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm - Sat. 8am - noon Car WaSh hourS: Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm - Sat. 8am - 4pm

ANGEL’S FLOWERS & GIFTS Janet

250.845.2329

2216 Nadina Ave. North, Houston

Open six days a week

• • • • • • •

Trucking Loading Excavating Grading Track Skidsteer Sand Aggregates

• • • • • •

Advertise your Business or Service here for $500/week

Site Prep Demolition Cleanup Landscaping Gravel Screened Top Soil White Landscape Rock

Now a dealer for BIO-CLEAN A septic enzyme and tank cleaner

Les Willson

250-845-3761

Call Laura at 250-692-7526 or 250-845-2890 or email: laura@ldnews.net *Based on a 1-year commitment • GST not included

5/week

(with 1 year commitment) GST not included

CALDERWOOD REALTY If you are buying or selling call me today: 250-845-8234 I also offer Free Home Market Evaluations and information on the current real estate market.

Dan Hansma

dan.hansma@gmail.com

The best

EALSC! RV D u o ston B are in

Our lot is full of lightweight, affordable, quality-built travel trailers, fifth wheels and campers.

Phone: 250-845-2498 Include your business for only

Septic Removal, Portable Toilet Rentals Expediting and Hotshots

Cell: 250-845-8172 redrockt@telus.net

Phone: 250-845-2700

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See our inventory at: www.smprv.ca

ALL HUSQVARNA POWER EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Phone: (250) 845-3255 2815 - 5th Street, Houston Industrial Site, Houston

Small Engine Equipment & Repairs

Call Laura at 250-692-7526 or 250-845-2890 or email: laura@ldnews.net

10 www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Houston Today

To advertise in print:

Browse more at:

Call: 250-845-2890 Email: advertising@houston-today.com Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

A division of

INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements

Employment

Place of Worship

Information

Education/Trade Schools

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 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:

HOUSTON & AREA CHURCH DIRECTORY Houston United Church 2106 Butler Ave

SERVICES: Sundays at 11a.m. (Kids Sunday School during the service) To contact the church or for pastoral care: Morgan Ryder (250-698-7612 -H) or 250-692-9576 -C) or Marianne Dekker 250-845-2282

Houston Fellowship Baptist Church 3790 C.R. Matthews Rd. Pastor: Larry Ballantyne

Sunday School: 9:45am Church Service: 11:00am Everyone Welcome! Phone: 250-845-7810

Houston Canadian Reformed Church SUNDAY SERVICES: 10:00 AM & 2:30 PM Pastor Carl VanDam s.carl.vandam@canrc.org Office Phone: 250-845-3441 ~ Everyone Welcome ~ 3797 Omineca Way, Box 36, Houston, BC

Houston Christian Reformed Church

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit today: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career! AL-ANON Are you affected by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon meetings are Monday, 7pm at the Houston United Church. Contact number: (250) 8457774.

START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Meetings are at the Houston United Church, Monday and Thursday at 7:00pm. Contact number is:1-877-644-2266

Help Wanted

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.canada benefit.ca/free-assessment

• Teachers • Special Ed Teachers • Education Assistants

Denied Long-Term Disability Beneﬁts or other insurance? If YES, call or email for FREE initial legal consultation and protect your right to compensation.

778-588-7049 Julie@LawyersWest.ca www.LawyersWest.ca

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.

Services

Financial Services

Plumbing

Misc. for Sale

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.

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:

LARGE FUND Borrowers Wanted Start saving hundreds of dollars 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

Misc. for Sale

PETER NJENGA Chartered Professional Accountant - Accepting new clients. 604-5935447. pnnjenga@gmail.com

Career Opportunities

Accounting/Tax/ Bookkeeping

Timeshare

~ Everyone Welcome! ~ Services: 10:00 am & 3:00 pm

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

Certified GM Journeyman Technician

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 am Sunday Prayer Meeting: 7:00 pm Sunday School: During the Service

Everyone Welcome

Anglican Church of St. Clement 2324 Butler Ave., Box 599, Houston, BC

SEE POLAR Bears, Walrus and Whales on our Arctic Explorer Voyage next summer. Save 15% with our winter sale for a limited time. Call toll-free: 1-800-363-7566 or visit: www.adventurecanada.com (TICO#04001400)

Employment Career Opportunities

Rev. Jacob Worley Phone: 250-845-4940

St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 2001 Riverbank Drive Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z2 Phone: 250-845-2841

Sunday Service: 11:30 AM Parish Priest: Fr. Pier Pandolfo

Fraser River GM offers a full benefit package including; • Medical • Dental • Life Insurance • RRSP Plans • Competitive Wage and Compensation Packages

OWNER OPERATORS

Flatdeck Division · Must be willing to run Western USA, BC and Alberta · Must currently hold a FAST card, or obtain one within 3 weeks of receiving a position.

Beneﬁts & Hiring Bonus! Call Bob 604-888-2928 or email: bob@shadowlines.com

Education/Trade Schools HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION Specialists are in huge demand. Employers want CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Train with Canada’s best-rated program. Enroll today. www.canscribe.com 1-800-466-1535. info@canscribe.com.

1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

Real Estate Business for Sale

REFORESTATION NURSERY seedlings of hardy trees, shrubs and berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Spruce and Pine from $.99/tree. Free shipping. Replacement guarantee. 1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca

M&M Meat Shops Franchise for sale in Cranbrook, BC. Owners retiring. Busy main street location. Call Kathy Hosseini @ 1-519-895-2580 ext. 448 kathy@mmms.ca

Sales

Fraser River Chevrolet is looking for an experienced, career minded

Automotive Sales Consultant to set and meet sales goals and to consistently deliver results in accordance with our high company standards. The Automotive Sales Consultant will sell our products and services through the achievement of opportunity-based sales quotas. This individual will also develop ongoing relationships with customers and continually maintain their respective client portfolios.

Qualified applicants should email resume and cover letter with “Sales Consultant” in subject line to Shane Thon: sthon@shaw.ca

Eavestrough

Millwright

Eavestrough

Continuous Aluminum Gutters 6oIÀt )aFia ,nstallation

250-846-5509

Please apply with resume to Shane Thon by email sthon@shaw.ca – please include references and a drivers abstract.

w_vh@hotmail.com

Bulkley Valley Eavestroughing

Smithers BC

Kyahwood Forest Products is a Finger Joint mill located in Moricetown, 30 km West of Smithers BC. This entity is wholly owned by the Moricetown Band. We currently have an opening for Millwright at our facility.

Services at: 2:00pm Sundays

www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT

Integrity, passion, and presentational skills are essential for this role. Fraser River Chevrolet Offers An Industry Leading Compensation Package, An Incredible Work Environment & Career Advancement Opportunities.

1959 Goold St., Box 6, Houston 250-845-7578

2024 Riverbank Drive, Box 597, Houston Phone: 250-845-2678 Pastor: Mike McIntyre

Merchandise for Sale

MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT

Part-time opportunity to start supporting our Northern BC home educated students. Caseload to increase in the fall once training & proficiency is established. Detailed job description & online application can be found at: www.onlineschool.ca Click About Us, then scroll to Careers at HCOS

Fraser River Chevrolet, Quesnel BC is currently looking to fill the following full time position:

Travel

Merchandise for Sale

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

Travel

HOUSTON PENTECOSTAL CHURCH

Services

The ideal candidate will hold an Interprovincial Red Seal ticket and have two years of experience. Knowledge in the operation of an optimizer and finger jointing machine is an asset. Apprentices in the latter stages of their apprenticeship are also encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will bring good troubleshooting and problem solving skills to ensure the continuous operation and efficiency of the machinery, good communication and interpersonal skills as well as a working knowledge of digital and computer systems. Welding, machining and electrical experience would also be an asset. This position will be compensated with a competitive wage and benefit package that includes medical, dental and pension plan. Apply in confidence: Fax – 250-847-2763 Email: mbdc@bulkley.net Deadline for applications: February 15, 2016 No phone calls please!

SPORTS REPORTER Houston Today Newspaper is accepting applications for part-time casual and on-call position of Sports Reporter.

All they need is Love

We are looking for an individual who has a passion for sports. Qualified individuals will have proficiency in photography. Qualifications include:

Give the Gift of a Permanent Home Prior newspaper or writing experience an

• Variety of sports knowledge and/or experience. •

asset.

We expect all applicants to have a valid driver’s licence and own a reliable vehicle. This position requires weekend and evening work. Please submit your resume and cover letter to: www.spca.bc.ca

Attention: Publisher Houston Today Newspaper P.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0 or email to: editor@houston-today.com

blackpress.ca ◆ bclocalnews.com

Houston Today Wednesday, February 3, 2016

www.houston-today.com 11

MULTI SEASON RETREAT!

FINE ADDRESS TO COME HOME TO!

4 bedroom home (2up, 2down) on a cul de sac close to schools. Gorgeous updated kitchen features new cabinets, countertops, flooring and trim. Island in kitchen with an eating bar. Patio doors off kitchen to sun deck in private fenced back yard. Another deck with a hot tub too! Laminate floors in kitchen, living and hall. Newer High Efficiency furnace. Fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave, window coverings and hot tub included.

$143,900

Spectacular views from this spacious country home located on just over 8 acres approximately 20 minutes south of Houston on the Buck Flats Road. 3 bedrooms on the main, 2 in the basement. High vaulted ceilings in the very open living room/kitchen and dining. 2 bay windows. Enjoy the views from your large sundeck. Basement is partly finished. Double carport, greenhouse, storage shed, garden area. All appliances included. Call Lia to view. 250-845-1147.

$229,000

RE/MAX HOUSTON

Locally owned and operated

Call 250-845-7325 www.remaxhouston.ca Whether you are buying or selling, Lia offers prompt, friendly and professional service with over 20 years of real estate experience and a lifetime in the Houston area.

2436 Poulton Ave., Houston, BC • e-mail: remaxhou@telus.net • www.realtor.ca

HOUSTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR The Houston Legion - Regular Meetings: 2nd Monday of the month is Executive, 4th Monday is a General Meeting. Houston Public Library Events: NID Lego Club - Fri, Feb. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. for kids ages 7 and up. • Game Night for Grownups! - Thurs, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation. Adults are welcome to drop in and play board games, cards games and RPGs. Junk food is included. • Book Club - Thurs, Feb. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. • Mark Zagwyn Photography - Fri, Feb. 26 from 11:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Mark will be on hand to take passport photos. Prints of his photography will also be on display. For more info on above events please contact the library @250-845-2256. International Women’s Dinner event is planned in Houston for Tuesday, March 8. More details to follow. Super Valu tapes may be donated to the Legion Ladies Auxiliary at drop off boxes at A&W; Shear Delight; Razor’s Edge and Terri-Lynn Hair Creations. The tapes are used as a fund-raiser for the L.A. to the Houston Legion. Activities for Seniors in Houston at the Seniors Centre: New Horizons FREE

swim for Seniors (60+) every Tuesday 9 AM to 10 AM until February 23. All Seniors invited. Reason: Expanding opportunities for Seniors to become active. TOPS 1901 meets every Tues.: 8-9:30 a.m. at the Houston United Church. Come join other women who are Taking Off Pounds Sensibly and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Coffee Break - an Interactive Women’s Bible Study meet every Tuesday morning from 9:30-11:00 at the Houston Christian Reformed Church, 1959 Goold Road. Childcare is provided. For more info call Margaret: 845-2348, Darlene 845-7438, Evelyn 696-3229. Buck Flats Community Development Society, meets every 3rd Sat. evening at 6pm at Andy Pollack’s house (17642) on Buck Flats Rd. All Buck Flats residents are welcome to attend, we discuss issues concerning the Buck flats area. Please call Chris Newell at 250-845-3564 for more info. Houston’s “Love by the Bowl” Soup Kitchen serving healthy homemade soups in two different seatings, 11-12 and 12 -1 on Wednesdays.

Community Calendar proudly sponsored by

Bulkley Valley CREDIT UNION

TOPLEY Topley Fire Protection Society meetings every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm. Structural Firefighting/Hwy Rescue. Interested? Topley Volunteer Fire Dept. is accepting applications. No experience necessary please contact Byron - F/C 250696-3348 or come to a Fire Practice Thurs @ 19:00 hrs (7pm).

GRANISLE The Granisle and District Senior Citizens meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre. Granisle Volunteer Fire Department meetings & fire practices every Tues., 7:00pm at the Fire Hall. Granisle Church of the Way services are Sundays at 11:00am. Please keep your announcements as brief as possible. Deadline (faxed or mailed or delivered) is 4 p.m. Thursday. Items are printed or alternated as space permits. Items will be accepted via fax, email or dropped at the office. No phone calls please. More calendar items are listed online and can be submitted or viewed at www.houston-today.com

HOUSTON & DISTRICT BRANCH 2365 Copeland Ave. P.O. Box 1480, Houston Phone: 250-845-7117

Since May 1941, Bulkley Valley Credit Union has been building a solid financial institution that members from Burns Lake to the Hazeltons have grown to rely on. People helping people is how we began and we strive to remain people-oriented, both in our financial services and through direct involvement with our communities. We are dedicated to local decision-making and local control, key factors in providing the kinds of services that meet the financial needs of individuals and business members alike.

www.bvcu.com

Lia Long 250-845-1147

forToday HOPE More than

1.5Transaction million Canadian families are in need of affordable housing. Your contributions provides Habitat with the resources it needs to help families.

When we bought our first house it was a learning experience. I remember securing a mortgage, making a down payment and going to the lawyer to sign the papers. It was not until this transaction was made that we could really call this home ours. We had to take ownership of it by agreeing to the terms of the transaction. Before this we imagined what we would do to make the place our home. Landscaping, furniture, finishing the basement, and painting the rooms were plans we made before we even had possession of it. Once we took ownership we moved in, it was now our home. Before I received Jesus Christ as my Saviour, I thought about what it would be like to be a Christian. I observed others who were Christians. I went to church and even read the Bible to learn more about Jesus and what it meant to be a follower of his. To be totally honest, sometimes I pretended to be a Christian when I knew I was not. I remember back in Slocan BC, Jan 13 1973, when I took ownership of what Jesus had done for me. I realized I was a hopeless sinner and only he could save me from my sins. God convicted me, he was my only hope, I could resist no more and there was nothing I could do but surrender to him. I got down on my knees, repented of my sins and cried out to him for mercy. True to his word, he heard me and saved me, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 NLT. A transaction was made that day and Jesus made me part of his family. That was over 43 years ago, every day I praise God for his mercy and grace and the new life he has given. Jesus said “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” John 12:32 NLT. God’s word also says “He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9 NLT Have you received him? Is he your Lord and Saviour? He has a new life waiting for all who will come to him. “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 NLT

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Submitted by Ken Penner