Nov. 24th Issue 24

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Your source for weekly news and views in the Robson Valley

Volume 1 Issue 24

Cavers rescued from 7-storey chasm

Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

It was dark and still snowing, the temperature just below freezing, when rescuers reached two injured cavers out of the final pitch of Fang Cave, about 50 km north of Dome Creek.

The cavers had fallen into a 20-metre vertical pitch at the popular caving site located in Evanoff Provincial Park. Two women and one man around 20 years of age were experienced cavers, says Jeff Smedley, who coordinates Prince George Search and Rescue. The B.C. Cave Rescue Association also joined the search.

Smedley says the middle climber fell and landed on the guy below her. The woman suffered from a concussion while the male was not injured beyond capacity. The top climber continued out of the cave and used a satellite phone to call for help.

The accident happened around 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 11th. It was midnight by the time rescuers reached the base of the mountain, and then the fastest and fittest hiked through about 20 cm of snow to the cave entrance. Smedley says it took 1.5 hours for the first rescuers to reach the cave entrance, which is in subalpine, in addition to the two-hour drive on logging roads to access the trailhead.

At the cave, the two stranded cavers were at the bottom of a 20-metre vertical pitch and rescuers had to rig some ropes so one of them could repel into the cave with harnesses to pull the pair out.

Prince George Search and Rescue along with some local Prince George B.C. Cave Rescue Association members were able to pull the pair out and transfer them to a local hospital by 5 a.m. with non-lifethreatening head and leg injuries.

Cont’ A8

Winter comes full force A5

Photo: Shelly Hartman Of winter’s lifeless world each tree/ Now seems a perfect part/ Yet each one holds summer’s secret/Deep down within its heart. ~Charles G. Stater

More Inside: A new life for Stedmans?

The search for water in Cranberry Marsh

A2 Wednesday, November 24, 2010

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Musicians descend on Valley

Delhi 2 Dublin

Harmeet Singh hsingh@therockymountaingoat.com

Nov. 26- Maria in the Shower Maria in the Shower, a four-piece band from East Vancouver, will be playing in Dunster on Nov. 26, as part of a fundraiser for the Dunster School for Fine Arts. The band describes itself as “a place where all music comes to play. Swing, samba, ballads, rockabilly, blues, gypsy soul and more...We deliver true folk songs, rooted in the rich soil and realized through hard work, joy and love of storytelling.”

Maria in the Shower will be joined on stage by Dunster locals Seth and Shara Macdonald.

Nov. 28- Delhi 2 Dublin

Photo: Mark Maryanovich Delhi 2 Dublin will be playing in Valemount Nov. 28 at the high school. The Vancouver-based group mixes different traditions and instruments to create a high-energy sound and performance.

The Good Lovelies

Fusion band Delhi 2 Dublin will be playing at Valemount High School on Nov. 28.

The group’s five members each hail from different backgrounds and play a mix of Bhangra, Celtic, Dub Reggae and Electronica. Delhi 2 Dublin has been playing all over Canada throughout 2010. All of the songs from their recent album Planet Electric were “road-tested” in front of audiences before being recorded. Tickets for the Valemount show are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Doors open at 7p.m. with Delhi 2 Dublin taking the stage at 7:30p.m.

Maria in the Shower

Nov. 30- The Good Lovelies

Photos submitted

The Good Lovelies will play in at the McBride Roundhouse Theatre Nov. 30th. The Juno-winning folk singers from Toronto have been releasing music since 2007.

Maria in the Shower, another folk group, will be playing in Dunster along with Seth and Shara Macdonald to raise money for the Dunster Fine Arts School.

The Good Lovelies, a three-woman band based in Toronto will be playing at the McBride Roundhouse Theatre on Nov. 30.

Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough and Sue Passmore make up the folk-roots and western swing group.

The group won the 2010 Juno for Roots Album of the Year by a group for their self-titled album. The Good Lovelies have been releasing music since 2007, including their Christmas album Under the Mistletoe, which received great reviews all over Canada.

Tickets for the Nov. 30 show are available at Stedman’s in McBride, or by calling Carol at 250-5690165. Doors at 7p.m.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

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Pre-school closes from lack of staff Harmeet Singh hsingh@therockymountaingoat.com

Photo: Harmeet Singh Gwenelen Hanson and Alexys Gunderson make use of the renovated play area at the daycare, which uses the same space as the pre-school. The pre-school was shut down at the end of October.

20-year-old rescued from Mt. Robson Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

Robson Valley Search and Rescue and RCMP were called to the help of a 20-year-old Montrealer on Friday, after he hadn’t been heard from in eight days..

Phillip Bergogne set out on Mt. Robson Nov. 11th by himself for a six-day hike to Berg Lake. He had been overdue for two days, when Valemount RCMP and Search and Rescue were contacted to come to his aid.

Rescuers used a helocopter to sweep the area and found the 20-year-old “scared and freezing” near Berg Lake, on Mt. Robson.

“With the weather change and all that snow, he wasn’t prepped for that,” Const. Simon Bentley says. “He was also alone, had no locator beacon or anything.”

Bergogne, who had arrived in Jasper Nov. 10th, had told his family to call someone if he hadn’t contacted them after eight days.

Rescuers flew him to the info centre, and Search and Rescue drove him into Valemount, where he was cleared by paramedics.

Const. Bentley says all he wanted to do was get back to Jasper so he could get to Edmonton and fly back to Montreal.

Youth confesses to vandalism Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

Valemount RCMP have arrested a youth in connection with a break and enter and theft on Nov. 9 at the IGA on 5th Avenue. The incident occurred in the early morning hours, and was caught on a security camera.

Const. Simon Bentley says when he questioned the youth, the young man confessed to the crime.

No arrests have been made in connection with the slew of windows broken on 5th avenue and the United-Anglican church, and the vandalism of RCMP squad cars and personal vehicles, which occurred Nov. 8, however.

Const. Bentley says they have “persons of interest” they are questioning, but are also relying on Crimestoppers for tips from the public. They are also waiting on security footage from the bank, which may give clues to a group of youth that were seen in the early hours of Nov. 8.

“Right now we have no evidence linking anyone to those crimes.”

RCMP were called to a separate incident, a home invasion on Nov. 11th at 10:30 on 7th Ave. in Valemount.

Three individuals kicked in the door of a residence and assaulted the occupants, Const. Bentley says. RCMP made one arrest in connection with the incident. RCMP are not yet releasing the name of the adult who was arrested because the other people involved in the crime are still under investigation.

“There were no ties to drugs or anything, it was just a straight up, ‘We’re going to kick your door in and beat you up,” Const. Bentley says. “We’re still looking for the other two individuals who did most of the damage.”

Const. Ron George made two arrests on Nov. 12 in relation to a shoplifting incident at the Valemount IGA. Two adults fled in a vehicle, but were tracked down and arrested. They have both been charged with shoplifting.

The Valemount Children’s Activity Society was forced to close its pre-school at the end of October, following two staff members leaving their positions.

“We’re just waiting for somebody who has the heart to do it,” says Alison Markham, a parent and member of the non-profit volunteer board that runs the pre-school.

“We would really like this pre-school to be open.”

With some eight to 12 children attending the school regularly, there was no way to run the pre-school adequately without at least three people, Markham says.

She stresses that it was not a board decision to close the pre-school, but rather just extenuating circumstances because of a lack of staff.

Lotte Rauter, who took a leave of absence from the centre in mid-September, started the pre-school and daycare programs back up five years ago after it closed temporarily because of staffing issues.

“She turned it from a cage into a pre-school,” Markham laughs, as Rauter spearheaded several renovations to the children’s centre in the basement of the Valemount Community Hall. She lobbied for windows that now light up the once-dark space and, with the help of funding from the Columbia Basin Trust, the centre now has new floors, new furniture and a renovated washroom.

But with Rauter’s leave of absence and another staff member leaving their position, the pre-school is now in limbo again.

The daycare centre is still open, which provided an alternative for some parents and others have chosen to keep their children at home until the pre-school can reopen again, including Amanda Gunderson, chair of the board.

There are currently eight children attending daycare with only one staff member, Amanda Kemp, working there full-time. Kemp has some part-time help from two other staff who are qualified under licensing obligations by having 20 hours of training, first-aid certification for children and criminal record checks.

But without early childhood education training, they cannot teach pre-school. Pre-schools are different from play schools, in that they require a structured curriculum for learning.

The parents have been very understanding and patient, Kemp says, although they do want to see the school started up again.

One major hurdle is that there is a lack of qualified early childhood educators in the Robson Valley, says Gunderson. The board has advertised its job postings with the Valemount Learning Centre, she says. It is also willing to help anyone who might be interested in taking on the job, she says, with some financial assistance and research into becoming qualified for the position.

Early childhood education programs can be completed through distance education. Kemp is currently half-way to finishing her education online through the Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute in Victoria.

A similar program can be completed online through Northern Lights College, which has campuses throughout northern B.C. The board is hoping to re-open the pre-school by January 2011. Anyone interested in having their children attend either the daycare or the pre-school when it reopens should contact the centre.

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

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The Cold War is over Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

“A period of very difficult, tense relations has been overcome,” said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Lisbon last week. For those of us who do not keep up on world events, it would be excusable to pass the comment off as mere diplomatic banter, but my friends, today the west can rest easier. The Cold War is finally over!

I can already hear some critics shouting historical dates at me, but did anybody really breathe easy after the fall of the Berlin Wall? Did anybody breathe easy through any of the elections in Russia during the 1990s? Did anybody breathe easy when Yeltsin sent Russian tanks into the Balkans? The truth is Russia has been on a teeter-totter for almost 20 years.

The Communist Party always threatens a comeback, and until very recently, economic instability in Russia seemed on the brink of making this a very real pos-

sibility. Then the ‘War on Terror’ in the Middle East gave Putin the opportunity to play international strong man again, backing regimes like the one in Iran simply to spite President Bush, while seeming incapable of even stopping the flow of smuggled nuclear material out of decrepit ex-Soviet states. Putin’s act rang true to many old-generation Russians who remembered the glory days. Although they were brutalized, at least they had a formidable military, world-leading space program, and a hockey empire. They also had a dependable supply of bread, something capitalism has not provided until very recently. Russia was respected.

Pride is certainly a strong motivator in our species.

Now, on this historic day, Russia and NATO have finally agreed that they no longer pose a threat to each other! This is not small news. Perhaps we have seen this coming for a while, but it was never certain. President Bush and President Putin were almost comical in their strong man act. Perhaps it was the comical nature of these two leaders that allowed the world to not take them too seriously… all the time. Now that cooler heads are in power, we are finally making international diplomatic breakthroughs again. Russia has not only signed onto a statement saying that NATO is no longer a threat (which means that the very purpose of

NATO is now officially in question), President Medvedev has agreed to be a part of NATO’s planned missile defence shield. Why will this shield be any different than the one proposed by Bush?

This time NATO asked if Russia wanted in. Russia has its own war on terror. It is just as likely that a rogue state will send a haphazard nuclear missile their way.

Geographically, Europe and Russia are far easier to reach from the Middle East than North America. And really, nuclear war with Russia is as unlikely as Sarah Palin ever getting elected as president. (And yes I do mean that nuclear war with Russia is very likely if little miss ‘going rogue’ Palin ever gets elected).

The truth is, Russia knows that it could never face off against NATO. Nobody can in any kind of conventional war. China is fully accepting of the free-market world of international trade despite its clear contradiction to any kind of communist idea. Who is left to parade the red flag anymore? Cuba? Hmmm, even Castro recently called Communism flawed. Venezuela? North Korea? Hahaha.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Denmark and Secretary General of NATO said: “The NATO nations and Russia have today agreed in writing that while we face many security challenges, we pose no threat to each other.”

President Obama has called Russia a new

partner in NATO. I hope that now the developed and almost-developed world have finally united, we can continue to grow a better world. We can finally fight the war on terror with the most formidable weapon…education! We can also co-operate to make the global economy (any yes it is, and always will be in the future a global economy) more fair and equitable for all, regardless of nation and culture. This alone will most definitely fight terrorism with better results than any smuggled arms race. There is a lot of hope in the world. What better time to hear such a historic announcement, than at the beginning of the Christmas season?

Cheers Joseph Nusse

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Winter shovelin’ season

A5

Letters Thank you

A big thank you from to all the helpers, guests and shoppers at the Community Bookfair. I could not have done it without you!

Marie Lerch Valemount

Tourism alone will not do it

Slippery roadways cause spike in accidents

Photo: Laura Keil

The B.C. Ambulance service saw a spike in calls Nov. 17th near Valemount, with calls to three highway accidents likely due to poor driving conditions. Nov. 16th and 18th, they received two calls. No one was seriously injured, but several vehicles left the road towards Blue River. Valemount RCMP also received 14 calls Nov. 17th due to “people doing stupid things without proper tires” Const. Simon Bentley says. McBride RCMP reported no increase in calls due to the heavy snowfall, but were called to one incident with a deer. Highway #5 and #16 in the area remained open throughout the snowfall.

Valemount late-night shopping

Another year is drawing to an end, and it has proved to be challenging at best for most businesses. On behalf of VACC, The Late Night Shopping Committee has been working hard to ascertain the best possible combination to entice shoppers to come and spend their time and money in the down town core during the evening hours.

Our sincere desire and hope is that you will be able to participate in the planned activities which are scheduled to start at 5pm and continue to about 9pm.

We determined that the previous years experiences did not concentrate people in the core. Rather, they were split up into several areas of town, and there was not enough time for them to partake of all that was offered.

In an effort to keep the shoppers and evening revelers in the downtown core Friday night, we have split the festive events into two days. Dogsled rides courtesy of Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding, (weather conditions permitting) on the Saas Fee lot, carolling, Bon Fire –pending; many in-store specials and prizes, Hot Chocolate, & treats are some of the events taking place on Friday Night. Participating businesses include: Alpine Country Rentals, Canoe Mountain Extreme Sports, Fields, IDA, IGA, Home Hardware, Kiwa Crafts, Infinity, Noreen & Mel’s Hair & Esthetics, Pepe’s, Caribou Grill, Gathering Tree, Country Wide, Diamond H Donairs, Catherine’s Corner, Mystic Journey, A Cut Above, Valemount Crafter’s Guild, Best Western Inn and Suites.

Santa and his elves will be visiting on Saturday afternoon from 1pm – 4 pm at The Best Western Hotel. A photographer will be on-site to take photo pics for a nominal fee. Bring your toboggans out to Twin Peaks

Resort from 10 – 4pm. for an afternoon of sliding fun!

Hot chocolate & marshmallows will be available as well.

We recognize that we must learn to have fun without it costing folks so much, so we have deliberately not approached businesses for donations as we all have to watch the bottom line.

We have tried to create a market opportunity for you, and we are asking that you take advantage of promoting your business in some special way.

So here’s to a successful year end splash. Thank you all for working so hard this year, in order to survive, especially in this tough economic climate.

On Friday Dec. 3rd, be encouraged, and encourage your staff to work hard, up-sell, and above all, to have fun. Season’s greetings to you and yours, and may God give us all a prosperous new year.

Maurice Hill.

Vice President Valemount & Area Chamber of Commerce.

An issue I would like to talk about that I read in the paper is the sawmill in McBride that is up and running with 40 jobs and 10-20 spin-off jobs. There is also a rumour that MFI could also be re-starting. Good for McBride.

Blue River is going to benefit from the mine, whenever it starts up. Good for them. I understand the mining company had approached Valemount, but got the cold shoulder. How sad is that!

In the meantime, we are in the middle of these two communities, with nothing, and all our village people can talk about is tourism. Tourism alone will not do it.

We need INDUSTRY! We don’t even have a saw mill left for someone to possible come and look at.

I would also like to say when the mill was on its last legs, the mayor and council at the time did not support the crew out there. The only thing they did, after it was too late, was say that they would write a letter of support for the crew. Too little! Too late!

Thanks a lot, for nothing. Now our current mayor and council say that they had support Bill Kordyban (Carrier Lumber Ltd.) because the door had not been “completely” closed. As we have found out, that door has been closed, locked ,welded shut and finally demolished.

Now I think the Village should be looking into some kind of industry for Valemount.

I was just down in Merritt visiting. One day I drove by a huge building. My son said it was a pellet plant, and from the size of it, capable of employing 50-100 people. That is something to look into. We have more than enough timber here.

So, I would just like to say, again, that it is time to get your head out of the sand. Remember these guys at election time, I know I will.

This is one man’s opinion.

Morris Turmel

The Goat’s letter policy Please write to us! Letters to the editor must be 400 words or less. The editor and publisher reserve the right not to publish any material that is offensive or libelous.

Letters must be signed and legible. letters@therockymountaingoat.com

The Rocky Mountain Goat is issued every Wednesday

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Are you ready for winter?

Warm goat socks

Jeannette Lorenz sells her fleecewear, Crystal Booth raises money for the skating club, Keith Heidorn displayed many of his paintings for sale, while others sold hats, pottery and pictures at Valemount’s Community Craft Fair Nov. 20.

The skating club is rich thanks to Crystal Booth

Kevin Vander Linden of McBride shows the softness of his goat hair socks, made for warmth

David Pilcher is a work of art

Beauty art

Beauty hats Photos except top left: Mackenzie Ray Booth

Fun at the Fun Fair

This page brought to you by Rocky Mountain Goat guest kid reporter Mackenzie Ray Booth and Laura Keil

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A7

Entrepreneurs seek new life for Stedmans Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world, he says, and he already has connections with UFC fighters who he’d like to bring to Valemount for The roughly 2,300 square feet of the old Stedworkshops and training. mans building could become a new fitness centre

“Valemount being so secluded is great because in downtown Valemount, if Eric Myggland and you don’t have the distractions of the big city. It’s Jodi Pownall have their way. the perfect locale for a fighter to train,” he says.

The couple founded a Mixed Martial Arts club

He adds that he would like to have the capacity last spring and have been operating out of the to help troubled teens, after a youth confessed to Trading Post four nights a week. But the club is breaking into IGA Nov. 9, and several other incigrowing every week, Myggland says, and they have dent of vandalism are still under investigation. outgrown their current space.

“I know what it’s like and where they’re coming “For my club alone, the space we’re in is too from,” he says. “It’s a typical small town scenario. If small,” Myggland says. you don’t have money to do things like hockey and On Monday evening, a co-ed beginner’s class dirt biking, you got to find something to do.” led by Jose Cornejo is crammed into the plain Valemount’s Economic Development Officer Silwhite room upstairs in the Trading Post, above the vio Gislimberti has done research into the feaPhoto: Laura Keil Crafters Guild and Irly’s hardware store.

The windows are steamed and the 12 people here The Valemount Mixed Martial Arts club currently meets in the upstairs of the sibility of setting up several “community hubs” tonight have only a few feet around each other Trading Post, a space MMA organizers would like to keep for private lessons. like the one in the Stedmans building and the other empty buildings that currently sit on 5th while they tussle on blue gym mats.

Avenue.

He says there is the possibility that Columbia BaThe new building on 5th Avenue would have two classsin Trust could fund start-up costs, such as renovations. rooms, each larger than their current space.

The Shop Easy building on 5th Avenue is another eye“It’ll be our own building. That’s what we’re striving for,” sore many residents are hoping to fix, if they can muster Pownall says. enough tenants to pay rent estimated at $5,500 a month.

She says they are looking to partner with other fitness Pownall says they would like to get the building up and instructors to create a community fitness centre that is running by February, if they are able to get in at the beginshared by several business owners who would contribute ning of January since they have to do renovations, such as to the rent, roughly $1,400 per month. They are in disadding a washroom and change room. cussions with yoga, Karate and ballet instructors with The owner has been open to discussing the idea, she the hope of creating a “hub” that would help each group Jodi Pownall says. “He’s quite eager to get someone in there because it’s weather slower periods of the year. The two rooms would been empty for a while.” also allow two activities to go on at the same time, includShe says they would like to keep the Trading Post as ing a work-out area with some gym equipment. a spot for private lessons and new high-altitude training.

The extra space could also allow more classes, and MygThey only pay five per cent of what they make to use the gland says he would like to invite residents from McBride upstairs rooms. and Blue River to come to Valemount to do some training.

“It’ll be our own building. That’s what we’re striving for,”

Farm gate permits to launch in new year Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com Farmers hoping to get permits to sell their meat directly to customers under a new farm gate program will have to wait another few months, say Northern Health officials.

Greg Thibault, who manages public health protection for Northern Interior Health, and will sign off on all D and E licenses, says the pace of pushing through the new permits has been slow.

“We’re working on getting a common set of practises that will be applied across the province,” he says. “That’s the rub is trying to get five health regions to agree.”

Under new provincial rules, meat producers in certain remote areas will be able to sell meat directly to customers with Class D or E licenses. Class E licenses, allowing farmers to slaughter up to 10 animals per year, will be available in any area of the province, given a “proven lack of slaughter capacity.” Class D licenses are issued in nine designated areas and allow 25 animals a year and sale to retail within the area. D license holders aren’t allowed to sell meat outside the designated areas is to ensure they don’t compromise slaughterhouses (A and B licenses).

Some local producers in the Robson Valley have questioned whether they will be able to obtain a license if a slaughterhouse opens nearby, such as the one proposed

by Mike Monroe. Thibault says if the capacity of the butcher is small, such as the 20 head a week system pro-

posed by Monroe, licenses will likely still be available.

“If he’s the only one out there, he could get swamped,” he says. “Does the size of his facility match his infrastructure and his staffing?”

“Just because Monroe’s opens up, doesn’t mean the whole area is shut down for Class Es.” He adds the Robson Valley will qualify for Class E licenses, but Class D licenses will only be available for areas where meat could become unavailable due to storms, for example in Powell River.

The new system will have meat inspection officers visit each farm initially. Northern Health is training four officers who will train license holders in proper slaughter technique across northern B.C., says Lucy Beck, regional director of public health protection. The officers will also enforce and monitor production.

The training will likely take one day, and enforcement will be based on a “complaint basis” with license holders inspected every three to five years, she says.

Class E license applicants will have to go through a feasibility study which looks at how far away they are from a slaughter facility.

With only four officers for 600,000 square km of territory to potentially cross beginning in early 2011, Beck says it could take several months, especially due to winter weather conditions.

Attention all Robson Valley tourism businesses: The Rocky Mountain Goat is distributed free in Jasper and Mt. Robson

A8 Wednesday, November 24, 2010

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Who will drive the Liberal train now?

As journalists, independent media is more than just a job.

It’s our life.

(Probably because we live at our office)

Illustrated by Kiara Hogg

Cave rescue goes well... ...Cont’ from A1 Smedley says any cave rescue falls under the B.C. Cave Rescue Association’s jurisdiction until they get a subject to the surface at which point local search and rescue and B.C. ambulance take over.

“B.C. ambulance was on the scene, but it was all ground access since it was too dark to fly,” Smedley says.

In October 2009 Smedley was involved in a 100-person cave rescue effort which successfully brought an injured caver out of Fang Cave alive after being seriously

injured by a large falling rock deep within the cave network. Smedley says that in that case, the man was hit and critically injured on Saturday in the middle of the afternoon and was passed up to a Canadian military helicopter in the darkness of Sunday morning.

Prior to the last incident at Fang Cave, Smedley was involved in the most extensive caving rescue effort in Canadian history when in 1992, 110 people were involved in the recovery of the body of

a caver who had been struck by a falling boulder deep in Arctomys Cave approximately 20 kilometres up Moose River, high in the alpine of Mt. Robson Provincial Park. He says that he has only seen three cave rescues during his time with Prince George Search and Rescue.

He says Fang Cave has seen increased used in the last few years due to its relatively easy accessibility.

See colour photo on A16

3” x 3”

Seeking Interest Ice maintenance Cranberry March Tourism Valemount is seeking the expression of interest of individuals or companies willing to prepare and maintain some ice-skating circuits on Cranberry Marsh for the winter season 2010-2011.

For more information please contact: Jennifer Robinson Tourism Valemount Coordinator 735 Cranberry Lake Road Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 Phone: 250.566.3335

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS CBT is inviting interested individuals or firms to submit responses describing their expertise and experience in performing a variety of consulting services.

Full details can be viewed at www.cbt.org/opportunities or requested from Rina Gresiuk at rgresiuk@cbt.org or 250.265.9935.

Please forward submissions to rgresiuk@cbt.org by 4:30p.m. (Pacific), December 20, 2010 for consideration.

www.cbt.org

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A9

New ideas seek more water for Cranberry Marsh Diverted McKirdy Creek can not be re-diverted

Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com Courtesy: Google Earth

At one time Cranberry Marsh was a clear mountain our water treatment plant. There are always lake with consistent water flow and a definite shoreline, those possibilities.”

Dall says that at the moment, the location of but over the past two summers, even the lowest portions of wetland have become bone dry by mid-summer. Now such a well is not finalized. It could be within the Village of Valemount, the Ministry of Environment, village boundaries or fall under the regional Ducks Unlimited and the Regional District of Fraser- district’s jurisdiction. He adds that the idea is in the early stages, Fort George are working on so“It may be that we could use it as a but it could happen lutions that would allow Ducks Unlimited to maintain a con- back up water supply for the village.” eventually depending on the conditions of stant water level in the marsh, Tom Dall, the marsh and future preserving both recreational CAO Valemount and ecological values currently water levels. For Dall, threatened by dry summers. the more important Tom Dall, Chief Administrating Officer for the Village result of the meeting was a mutual willingness of Valemount, says the issue of low water in Cranberry from all parties to work on solutions which would result in a maintained water level in Marsh has been of concern to the village.

The most recent meeting in early October has resulted Cranberry Marsh.

McKirdy Creek was once the main water in the birth of a somewhat unconventional idea.

Arrows indicate the historic and present day flow of McKirdy Creek. The creek According to Dall, the idea of a deep five-hundred foot tributary of the lake but it was diverted many was diverted out of Cranberry Marsh and into the Canoe River in the 1950’s. well has been considered and feeding Cranberry Marsh years ago. Solutions that are currently being Historically, it flowed into Swift Creek and into the Fraser River. It now is may not be such a well’s only use. considered do not include re-diverting the locked up in the Columbia Basin Treaty.

“It may be that we could use it as a back up water supply creek back to its natural course.

Cedarside and Valemount was extremely problematic Jim McKirdy is 90 years old and has lived near Vale- for CN ever since the line went in around 1913. Accordfor the village. We could hook into it so that it goes into mount his entire life. He says the stretch of rail between ing to McKirdy it was CN who diverted McKirdy creek in Canoe River in the early 1950’s in order to lower the Village of Valemount water level in Cranberry Lake, therefore stabilizing their Valemount Public Library track bed which sunk constantly deeper and deeper every Request for Proposals Bylaw Enforcement Officer Services Is seeking an experienced year. McKirdy says that the problem was so bad that in Person(s) to provide the 1930s make-work projects were created to fill in the The Village of Valemount is seeking proposals from motivated and railbed where it had sunk. skilled individuals in conflict resolution and bylaw enforcement to fill He confirms that prior to the creek being diverted, the contract position of Bylaw Enforcement Officer.

Starting Nov 30, 2010 Cranberry Lake was a clear mountain lake with many Reporting to the Corporate Officer, the incumbent will be primarily Full Job Description available fish, beaver and even otters. He says First Nations peoples responsible for the day-to-day compliance and enforcement of the at used to set traps for beaver and otter along the lake shore Village’s regulatory bylaws dealing with such issues as animal control, business license, noise, and unsightly premises violations. even as late as the 1920s. Even his father Fulton McKirdy, 1090A Main Street who homesteaded in the valley about a year before the Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm Qualifications for this position include: rail line was completed, witnessed the tremendous fish • Relevant experience in bylaw enforcement, supplemented Contact Wendy Cinnamon that came out of the lake. with knowledge of the principles, standards and practices of the relevant areas of municipal bylaws is a strong asset McKirdy says that the soft land did not just and preferred. present problems for the railway. What is now • Ability to understand and apply the provisions of the Whiskey Fill Road was once the old Highway Village’s regulatory bylaws.

• Ability to deal effectively and politely with the public and Five. Before that, McKirdy says it was a wagon

to effectively communicate (both verbally and in writing). track which claimed the lives of many horse.

• Must have demonstrated experience working with Win a 30 minute helicopter tour of the “They could get ropes on them and try and computer programs in a Windows environment.

• Must have the ability to work reliably with minimum drag them out with a tractor, but many horsValemount Community Forest! supervision. es, especially the bigger ones were lost to the • Must be strongly self-motivated and highly organized with The Valemount Community Forest Company Ltd. is looking for a design mud, ” says McKirdy. strong administrative skills. concept and slogan that best reflects the values of our Community Forest.

• Ability to be on call 24/7.

Under the Columbia Basin Treaty, it is illegal • Valid BC Class 5 Drivers License. to divert any water source that currently flows • Provide own reliable vehicle (including fuel, maintenance The emphasis should be on local management of forest resources & creating in the Columbia Basin. Even though McKirdy

and insurance) and the necessary equipment to carry out & sustaining local employment opportunities. Designs can be hand drawn the duties agreed upon in the Contract.

Creek once naturally flowed into Swift Creek, or computer generated.

• Equivalencies recognizing related experience will be and then into the Fraser River, drawing water considered.

The contest winner will receive a 30 min helicopter tour sponsored by the from McKirdy Creek to feed the Marsh would Valemount Community Forest & Yellowhead Helicopters. require international negotiations.

The successful candidate is required to supply a criminal record check.

The Columbia Basin Treaty, an international Submit your logo design & slogan by mail to: treaty, was signed by the United States and The lowest bid may not necessarily be accepted.

Valemount Community Forest Co. Ltd. Canada in January 1961. The Treaty allows eiAttn: Jody Newham Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of proposal and ther Canada or the United States the option to P.O. Box 1017 resume outlining your qualifications to provide the Village of terminate the Treaty any time after September Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 Valemount with Bylaw Enforcement Officer Services to: Or email to: vcfadmin@valemount.ca 2024, provided a minimum 10 years written In person to: 99 Gorse Street, Valemount, BC. Village of Valemount notice is given.

Attention: Tom Dall, Chief Administrative Officer Contest Deadline: 4:30 pm, December 22, 2010.

Representatives from the Ministry of EnviPO Box 168 Winner will be chosen by the VCF Board of Directors & announced January ronment say that natural aquifers exist at difValemount, BC 21, 2011.

V0E 2Z0 ferent levels under the valley floor. Significant cao@valemount.ca Contest is open to the community of shallow aquifers are already utilised for private Valemount & surrounding areas. water wells, but such deep aquifers would not Applications will be received until 4:30 p.m. December 06, 2010. affect shallow wells in anyway.

Janitorial services

Logo Contest!

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www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, November 24 , 2010

Briefs:

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECISIONS

The provincial government’s Executive Council suspended a planned 15 per cent reduction in personal income tax rates on Nov. 17.

The reduction, which would have taken effect on Jan. 1, 2011, was subject to legislative approval and would have applied to earnings up to $72, 293.

Executive Council has also decided, in consultation with the BC Government Caucus, that the 2011 Speech from the Throne will proceed on Feb. 14, 2011but will be limited to outlining the transition period between Feb. 14 and when a new premier is sworn in.

Executive Council also directed that budget will be a status quo budget, with no new initiatives beyond what is statutorily required.

MUNICIPALITIES RECEIVE $16.2 MILLION IN LIEU OF TAXES

The provincial government, through the Ministry of Citizens’ Services, is providing $16.2 million to 63 B.C. municipalities as grants in lieu of property taxes for 2010.

Grants-in-lieu of property taxes are distributed as a way to compensate municipalities for services that benefited government properties. The grants are based on the assessed value of provincially owned office buildings and other properties in each municipality. To save time, money and paper, the funds are distributed electronically.

NEW MINISTER APPOINTMENTS

TOURISM INCREASES IN B.C.

The number of international tourists visiting B.C. has increased for the fourth straight month over last year, according to figures released by Statistics Canada.

From Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2010, international overnight visitor arrivals to B.C. grew 3.2 per cent to 3,585,857 – up from 3,473,607 for the same period last year. The government attributes the increase to momentum from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

SHELTERS BEDS FOR EXTREME WEATHER

More than 30 communities have submitted plans for additional shelter space when extreme weather alerts are activated this winter according to the provincial government.

More than 1,400 spaces have been identified in 34 communities under the Extreme Weather Response Program, with the ability to reach homeless people in 53 communities.

Community-based services will receive approximately $800,000 this year to provide extra emergency shelter space during winter periods when the health and safety of homeless individuals is threatened.

Communities decide what conditions warrant an Extreme Weather Alert. Alerts have already been declared this month in communities such as Vernon, Kelowna, Fort St. John and Nanaimo.

Premier Gordon Campbell announced Nov. 17 that Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson will now be Minister of Energy. On Nov. 22, Science and Universities Minister Ida Chong was appointed as Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development.

Tourism Valemount Committee Looking for contract services Event Coordination for Winter Festival The Valemount Winter Festival will be held February 11–12, 2011. Most activities will be staged at Cranberry Marsh.

Evening events and ceremonies will be held at the Valemount Community Hall or Valemount Visitor Information Centre.

Event coordination duties include the following activities: • Develop brochure with events • Mail invitations to clubs and organizations • Arrange volunteers for day and evening events • Arrange registration evening • Arrange transportation to & from hotels to Cranberry Marsh • Develop package for guest to receive at Registration Night • Prepare tourism package for guests Email expression of interest to Jennifer Robinson marketing@visitvalemount.ca by November 30, 2010.

Subscribe Today!

Call Joe at 250-566-1444

Gardening with Pete Peter Amyoony Special to The Goat

With Christmas coming in another month, I thought this might be a good time to discuss Christmas cactus and its close relative the Easter cactus. The Christmas cactus (schlumbergera bridgeseii) and the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopisis gaertneri) are not like most other members of the large family of cacti. The cactus is the largest family of succulents, all of which store water in their tissues during rainy seasons and draw on it in times of drought. Cacti store water in their stems while most other succulents store water in their leaves (e.g. the Jade plant).

The majority of cacti grow in hot dry desert areas.

However, both the Christmas cactus and the Easter cactus are found growing in debris that collects in the crotches of trees in the humid forests of Central and South America. This is why they do best if kept away from full summer sun and kept moderately moist except for a brief rest period of about 4-6 weeks in the fall.

If they are kept warm and in the bright light on a year round basis, they may not bloom for years. Cooler temperatures and long dark nights bring on bud set. It seems to do well if you keep it away from heat vents and near a window where it will be cooler at night. Covering the plant to keep it away from the lights in the house from 6pm to 8am will usually bring on the buds in 8 to 9 weeks. A little less water at this “rest time” will also help set buds.

Many people are misled by the name “cactus” and

think that it doesn’t need to be watered regularly.

Because it is a jungle plant, it needs regular and deep watering during its active growth period. It is best to water as soon as the top ½ inch (1.25cm) of soil is dry.

If the leaves (stems) are wrinkling, you are not watering enough. Water a bit more each week until the leaves are plump and firm but be careful that the water drains quickly through the pot and that excess water in the saucer is dumped out. Most people who lose their Christmas or Easter cactus lose them to rot because the potting soil is too dense and heavy or the container does not have good drainage. They cannot be left in a soggy state or the roots and lower stem will rot off.

Most books suggest that the true Christmas cactus don’t have the sharp teeth on the sides while the Easter cactus does, but different “experts” seem to have different views. Unless you buy a plant from a supplier who gives you the Latin name on a tag, you may find it difficult to tell the difference.

The main thing to remember is to keep them moist but not soggy, keep them out of the hot summer sun and put them in a cooler and darker spot about 8 to 10 weeks before you want them to bloom.

The best time to repot or take cuttings is in the early spring when the plant is in active growth.

If you treat your plant well and don’t over water, you may be rewarded with a plant like the one I saw at Dorothy Simpson’s in McBride last week. The plant was over

4 feet (1.25m) across and I would estimate it had over 200 blooms and buds on it. It was a real joy to see!!

Pete Amyoony is a gardener in the Robson Valley of central B.C. high in the Rocky Mountains near Mt. Robson. He has lived, worked and gardened in the Dunster area for more than thirty years.

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

NORAD prepares to track Santa

Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

Ever wonder why Santa never shows up as a threat to national security? Well, turns out the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking him all along: Santa – and his nine reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph.

NORAD uses four high-tech systems – radar, satellites, Santa Cams and fighter jets to track Santa’s position in the sky.

Curious adults and children can watch his route around the world on NORAD Track Santa website http://www. noradsanta.org/.

The program, which began in 1955 because of a misprinted phone number in a department store advertisement, shows no sign of stopping. Last year, the tradition called for a 25-hour operations center where more than 1,200 volunteers from the military and the Colorado Springs community answered more than 74,000 phone calls and 3,500 emails from people around the world asking the location of Santa.

More than 13 million unique visitors from 231 countries also tracked Santa on the website. The site, which featured both an interactive map and the Google Earth map, offered photos, videos and family-friendly games for visitors throughout the month of December.

On the NORAD Tracks Santa Facebook fan page, visitor comments range from simple heartfelt “Thank yous,” to Santa sightings, songs, and charming stories of families brought together to share the Christmas spirit.

“NORAD is honored to be part of so many peoples’ holiday traditions,” said Jamie Graybeal, director of NORAD Public Affairs. “Throughout the year our men and women are working hard to provide aerospace security for North America, but for this one night annually, we are able to bring the magic of Christmas to children young and old around the world.”

Tracking Santa starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System. This powerful radar system consists of 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. On Christmas Eve, NORAD monitors the radar systems continuously for indications that Santa Claus has left the North Pole.

The moment that radar indicates Santa has lifted off, NORAD uses its second detection system. Satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles from the Earth’s surface are equipped with infrared sensors, which enable them to detect heat. Amazingly, Rudolph’s bright red nose gives off an infrared signature, which allow NORAD’s satellites to detect Rudolph and Santa.

The third tracking system is the Santa Cam network.

NORAD began using it in 1998, which is the year they put the Santa Tracking program on the internet. NORAD de-

scribes Santa Cams as “ultra-cool, high-tech, high-speed digital cameras” that are pre-positioned at many locations around the world. NORAD only uses these cameras once a year on Christmas Eve. The cameras capture images and videos of Santa as he makes the journey around the world.

The fourth system is made up of fighter jets. Canadian NORAD fighter pilots flying the CF-18 intercept welcome Santa to North America. In the United States, American

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NORAD fighter pilots in either the F-15 or the F-16 get the thrill of flying alongside Santa and his famous reindeer essorting him through restricted airspace ensuring the First Family recieves their presents, or coal.

The NORAD Tracks Santa Web site, www.noradsanta. org goes live on Dec. 1. The website is featured in seven languages and is corporately sponsored by NORAD Tracks Santa partners.

Photo:Laura Keil Valemount’s Raghu Lokanathan joined two other prominent Canadian folk musicians Anglican-United Church on Nov. 18 for an evening of collaborative singing. Prince Edward Island’s Catherine MacLellan, the Yukon’s Kim Barlow and Lokanathan were touring together throughout November, in various towns and cities from Whitehorse to Edmonton. The three performed material from their respective albums, in a tour called “Wise and Weathered.”

MCBRIDE SECONDARY SCHOOL CRAFT FAIR

Nusse Construction

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH, 2010 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

McBride Secondary School Gymnasium 34 tables of: • Robson Valley Handcrafts and baking • Concession

Basements to roofing Bathrooms and decks Renovations and retrofits If you need a job done right, put 35 years of experience to work for YOU!

All your Christmas shopping at one location!

Professional woodworking shop Completely self-equipped Concrete forms

Call 250-566-4840, ask for Tim

Stay informed and entertained!

Subscribe to The Rocky Mountain Goat TODAY!

One-year mail subscription costs $55 ($62.60 with HST) Please make payment out to “The Rocky Mountain Goat News” Box 21, Valemount, BC, V0E 2Z0

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www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Enter The Goat’s Contest!

What was the best, or worst Christmas present you have ever received or gifted?

Send us your response in under 200 words and be entered to win two free movie tickets to the Chaba Theatre in Jasper. Every week, entrants will be entered to win monthly draws at the end of November, December and January!

Responses may be printed.

Upcoming films include: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Gulliver’s Travels, Little Fockers, and Bluebeard.

Send your response to:

contest@therockymountaingoat.com

Advertorial: Robson Valley Support Society is a non-profit charity that has been operating in the valley for nearly 30 years. The agency provides a variety of community services to the residents of McBride and Valemount, which include: VIOLENCE PREVENTION: Stopping the Violence (STV) Counselling: • offers support to women who are experiencing,

or have experienced, various incidents of vio CHILD & YOUTH SERVICES:

lence: physical, sexual, emotional, and mental Child & Youth Mental Health Counselling: abuse • provides assessment, recommendation of treat STV Outreach Services:

ment, client care and therapy, and education to • assists women who are dealing with abuse with:

children, youth, and/or families

court support, possible transportation to legal or Infant Development Consulting:

medical appointments, or other related needs • encourages growth in physical, intellectual, and Safe Shelter Program:

social skills for developmentally delayed infants • provides emergency shelter for women and their

and children, birth to age three

children who are fleeing abusive relationships, as

Supported Child Development:

well as information, advocacy and referrals • provides support and consultation for children, Children Who Witness Abuse Counselling:

families, and day care staff, to promote inclusion • helps children and youth, between the ages 3 and

for children/youth, birth to nineteen, who have a

18 who have been exposed to domestic violence,

developmental delay

to identify and express emotions in healthy ways Family Supports Program: Police-Based Victim Services: • provides support to children, youth or families • assists victims of crime or tragedy

for life stresses or family issues, educational sup • can be contacted through your local RCMP or

port and life skills instruction

through the RVSS offices • acts as a support for families with a child with

exceptional physical, social or behavioural needs OTHER: SENIORS OR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Handyman: • completes minor home repairs and yard work

for a nominal fee: $2.50/half hour, $5.00/hour Lifeline: • a help-button service available 24 hours a day,

365 days a year, to summon immediate help for

medical or emergency situations • an installation fee and monthly monitoring fee apply

Respectful Relationships: • a school-based violence prevention program

that is delivered to youth ages 14 to 16 as a

partnerhsip between the agency and School

District 57.

Pass It On: • offers young ladies transitioning from Grade

school to High School an outlet to discuss

issues and relieve anxiety Critical Incident Stress Debriefing: • debriefs groups of individuals that have been

impacted by a crime or tragedy

IN THE MCBRIDE COMMUNITY ONLY: Employment Assistance Services: • provides support for those returning to the work

force, i.e. assistance with résumés, career coun-

selling, teaching job readiness skills • provides job search assistance and employer job posting Stepping Stones Children’s Centre: • works with children respectfully and responsive-

ly in an environment that is developmentally ap-

propriate to social, emotional, physical, intellec-

tual, and creative growth • licensed facility and employs trained Early

Childhood Educators • provides Daycare and Preschool, as well as

Infant Toddler, School Age, and Summer School

Age Programs • can be reached directly at 250-569-8861 Robson Valley Support Society has two office locations:

• 942-3rd Avenue, McBride 250-569-2266 • 99 Gorse Street, Valemount 250-566-9107 If you would like further information about any of these programs, please contact the office in your community. A referral source is not required and most services are free.

Robson Valley Support Society PO Box 430 McBride, BC V0J 2E0 250-569-2266 250-566-9107

rvssmcbride@telus.net

rvssvalemount@telus.net www3.telus.net/robsonvalleysupportsociety/

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Call Leigh at 250-569-8807 or sales@therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Business Directory

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$40 for 4 weeks, or $20 for one week

Teepee Meadows Cottage

Spectacular mountain and marshland scenery Phone:250-566-9875 Located 3 km west of Valemount

Hosts: Claude, Alke & Noland Germain 545 Jack Adams Road, Box 786 Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0

Eatery and Gift Shop

1152 - 5th Ave, Valemount B.C. 250-566-0154

Open at 4:30 pm daily 1002 5th Avenue Valemount, B.C. Now serving soup, sandwiches and other specials

Phone: 250.566.4035 1020 Main Street Valemount, BC New Construction, Renovations Additions, Framing, Finishing Cabinetry & Wood Doors

Certified Septic Installer Bobcat Skid Steer With Various Attachments

G & A Moore Ventures Gerald Moore Contractor www.mooreventures.ca Tel: 250.569.2269

McBride, BC

Visit us at www.caribougrill.com

Book this space with your ad today for only $10 a week for four weeks!

Cell: 250.569.7147

For Drywall Services CALL TODD @

WAHOO ENTERPRISES

250-569-0320

STR8 UP Renovations New Construction, renos, form building. shops, decks.

Journeyman carpenter, 17 years experience.

Call Jeff Wagner, 250-569-7906

Mystic Journeys SPA & Retail Therapy -Expanded Men’s and Women’s clothing.

-Gifts from around the world and home decor.

-Something for everyone.

Located at the mall by the highway.

Hours 11-5 Extended hours over Christmas. Closed Sundays & Wednesdays.

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Classified ads policy

If it is for free, it is free. Up to 20 words for $2, 30 words for $3, 40 words for $4 etc. If the asking price is over $499, then it is $5 for 20 words, $6 for 30 words etc. Nonbusiness announcements are welcome at the same rates.

The Rocky Mountain Goat reserves the right to refuse to print any classified submission that is not an advertisement of a private sale, or rental arrangement.

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Twenty for a Toonie: The Classified Ads Building Materials

For Sale

For Sale

Salvaged metal siding for sale. Perfect for any outbuilding or shop. Approximately 550-600 square foot coverage. Will consider any offer! Call Joe 250-566-1444

5th Wheel. 28.5’ Citation Supreme 1997 Excellent condition, Queen walkaround Bed, Oakcabinets, 2 DoorFridge, Microwave, 3 Burnersstoveoven, Full Bath, Awning, Airconditioning, $14900.00. Call 1-250-566-9884, Valemount or jvgeorgeca@yahoo.ca

Browning Compound Bow. 22-45 lbs pull. About 12 years old, hardley used with aluminum arrows. $150.

250-566-1444

500 gal. single-wall fuel tank. Asking $200. Call 250566-5069, ask for Jared

Two used satellite dishes. As is, taken off of house. Open to offers, 250-566-1444.

Mobile Home with full addition, and large garage on a lot, in Valemount recently renovated. comes w/ fridge stove washer dryer.

Currently rented. Asking $110.000.00 O.B.O Call 778 328 7285 leave a message.

Minolta 2050 copier with two bottles of toner. Asking $300 OBO. Black and White copying only. Upto 11x17 size, also double sided. Older machine but still reproduces well. Handy for someone who needs to make copies of maps, booklets, handouts, etc. Call Rashmi at Infinity 250-5664225. Available for testing / viewing at Infinity Office & health, Valemount.

Trusses for sale. Approximately 42 foot span. 14 units. Single slant, could be modified with a chalk line and skill saw. Now considering offers! Call Joe 250566-1444 and skill saw. Now considering offers! Call Joe 250-566-1444

Flooring, Wide Plank Fir, 8”, T&G, new, kiln dried, select grade, $2.95/sqft. Please call 250-573-1817 evenings.

Found 1 pair of black, OR, Goretex gaiters on McKirdy Peak.

Call 250-566-4396 to claim.

Mazda B4000 4/4 1994.

C/W Canopy, 2 sets of tires on rims, well maintained, kept all receipts, 293K. Reason for sale; family got bigger. Asking $2500. Call JF at 250-566-8411.

Post your ad online www.

Fishing flies for Christmas?

Call Garry at 250-566-4456.

Flies, Fly boxes, Rod building and rod repairs.

Two 8x12 Garden sheds $550, Glass Top Range, black and stainless steel $500, 10.5 HP Snowwblower, gas, electric start $650, Stacking washer/dryer $400. Call 566-9181

Sudoku-Puzzles .net

Wanted

Garden shredder and travel-

ling cage for cat. Call DeloSudoku, Kakuro & Futoshiki Puzzles

jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

res or Bill Moore 566-4385

Sudoku 9x9 - Hard (139198822)

7 5

6

4

1

2

8

9 2

8

7

9

3

6

Plain Talk Horoscopes

By Craig Elder, M.A. Economics

Aries: You may be coming down with a cold, however for today it only affects the tone of your voice making you sound more dramatic.

Taurus: Your world could be turned upside down this week. To avoid this walk carefully on slippery sidewalks.

Gemini: A mysterious stranger will bring strangeness and mystery into your life.

Cancer: As Jupiter crosses through your sign, you will become doubtful. You may start to wonder if Jupiter is actually moving through your sign.

Leo: You are pondering what to do with your life.

Don’t fret though as the answer will eventually come to you in the form of regrets.

Virgo: Take two chill pills every 4 hours or as directed by anyone you may be annoying.

Libra: You will impress others with the quality of your small talk today.

Scorpio: Your insistence on sending hand-written Christmas cards will keep Canada Post in business.

Sagittarius: People talking about Christmas when it is still November continue to upset you, especially as they are forgetting what is important - your birthday.

Capricorn: You need to build your self confidence.

An easy place to start is how confidently you doubt yourself.

Aquarius: The next month looks pretty good for you. I’m not sure I’ll bother with your horoscope for the next few weeks.

Pisces: You need to have a plan for your future.

Okay maybe just an outline. Fine... can you at least muster a few unordered bullet points?

Wanted

Employment

ARE YOU BORED? I’m looking to start a friendship club for winter sports, hiking, events and activities in Jasper, and nighboring towns. Call Vanda at: 250566-0173.

Quickway Pilot looking for part time drives. Phone 566-1722, or fax resume to 566-4207, or mail Box 69 Valemount.

Wanted Couch and rugs in good condition. 250-566-1444 Carpool I am looking to carpool periodically with someone who travels to Jasper, and to travel to other towns. I will pay for part gas! Call 5660173.

For Rent

9

2

1

5

4

6 6 8

8 3

4

9

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

2

5

Shared Accommodation dwntwn McBride Incl: lge bdrm with private entrance, ADSL, phone/voice box, furniture. Shared: util, TV, house/yard. NS, ND/A (no drugs/alcohol), No Pets.

Refs plse. $450 - 569-8807 Older 2 bedroom house on 6th Ave. $450/month plus utilities. 250-566-4790.

Nanny Needed Nanny Required. Sept – Dec part time. Requires 2 days in Crescent Spur, 2 days in Dunster Jan–Apr – full time live in at Crescent Spur. Salary based on experience. Pls email resumes or inquires to Jessica@crescentspur.com.

You can reach me at 250553-2300 or 250-968-4486.

Pre-School Teachers

Two early childhood educators needed for the Valemount Children’s Activity Society’s PreSchool. Please call 250566-4826.

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Community Events November

December

Nov. 26 Official Open House & Fundraiser For Dunster Fine Arts School, at the school.

Silent Auction 6:30pm to 7:30pm Live Music 7:30pm to 9:30pm by Maria In The Shower and Seth & Shara Concession Of Delicious Soups/Chilis /Baked Goods Available All Night!

Tickets @ The Door $15/Adult $8/7-14 years. Six and under are free.

Dec. 3 Valemount late-night shopping 5 - 9 p.m.

Dogsled rides courtesy of Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding, (weather conditions permitting) on the Saas Fee lot, caroling, bon fire (pending). many instore specials and prizes, Hot Chocolate, & treats.

Nov. 26 Cont’ McBride Festival of Lights ********MORE INFO!!!

Nov. 27th Craft Fair at McBride Secondary School Nov. 28 Valemount Arts & Cultural Society proudly presents Delhi2Dublin 7:30 pm $25/$30 at the door, Valemount Secondary School Tickets at Infinity Where else can you see a purple-haired fiddle player rocking out with a kilt-wearing Korean flanked by two bouncing bhangra percussionists and a vocalist who looks like he would be at home in a Bollywood music video? This live performance is all about energy.

Nov. 30th The Good Lovelies McBride Roundhouse Theatre

Sunday

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Delhi2Dublin musicial performance Valemount Secondary School 7:30

5

Every Friday Musical jam at The Gathering Tree cafe in Valemount 7 pm Food and drinks at the Valemount Legion, 5:30 pm

Dec. 4 Santa and his elves will be visiting on Saturday afternoon from 1pm – 4 pm at The Best Western Hotel. A photographer will be on-site to take photo pics for a nominal fee. Bring your toboggans out to Twin Peaks Resort from 10 – 4pm. for an afternoon of sliding fun!

Hot chocolate & marshmallows will be available as well.

Every second Saturday Valemount Circle Dance, 7pm to 9pm Contact Micah at 250-566-1782

Dec. 4 Cont’ Christmas Bake Sale Location: Dome Creek Rec Centre 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Call Lyn to book a table at 553-6873

First Saturday of every month Dunster Family Dance 7pm to 10pm Instruction from 7 to 8pm and short sessions throughout the evening. Lots of variety dances (waltz, fox-trot, polka, cha-cha, two-stepschottische, etc). Pot luck snacks at 9pm and then more dancing until 10pm. Admission - $5 for anyone over 12 - maximum of $10 per family.

Ongoing diversions Every Monday Valemount Seniors’ carpet bowling 9 a.m.

Every Saturday The Dunster Winter Market has returned Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Soup and a bunwich for $5.00.

The sign-up sheet for soup and goodie makers will be at the hall every Saturday, and anyone who can volunteer is certainly appreciated.

If you would like to sign up, please call Karen Shaw at 250-968-4331. There is no charge for a table.

It may be a good opportunity to sell Christmas crafts and products. As usual, all proceeds go towards supporting the Dunster Community Hall.

Every Tuesday Adult rec Volleyball Valemount Secondary School 7-9

Tuesday

22

29

Valemount Seniors’ carpet bowling 9 a.m.

6

Thursday

Wednesday

23

Valemount Seniors’ carpet bowling 9 a.m.

28

Every Thursday Cribbage tournament, everyone welcome Location: Valemount Golden Years Lodge lower level 1-4 pm Drop-in badminton at Valemount Secondary School 7-9 p.m.

Every Wednesday Valemount Seniors’ Music Night, 7pm Location: Valemount Golden Years Lodge Drop-in volleyball at McBride Secondary 7-9

Monday

24

Valemount Seniors’ Music Night, 7p.m.

30

The Good Lovelies McBride Roundhouse Theatre 7 p.m.

7

1

December

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Saturday

Friday

25

Cribbage Tournament 1-4 p.m.

2

McBride Festival of 26 Lights Musical jam at the Gathering Tree 7 p.m.

Dunster Fundraiser: Silent Auction 6:30-7:30 Maria in the Shower 7:30-9:30

3

Dinner at the Valemount Legion 5 p.m.

Musical jam at the Gathering Tree 7 p.m.

Valemount Seniors’ Music Night, 7p.m.

Cribbage Tournament 1-4 p.m.

8

9

Valemount late-night shopping 5 - 9 p.m.

10

27

Dunster Winter Market 11:30 - 1 p.m.

-Christmas Bake Sale 4 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Dome Creek Rec Centre Dunster Winter Market 11:30 - 1 p.m.

-Sledding at Twin Peaks 10-4 p.m.-Santa at the Best Western 1-4 p.m.

Dunster family dance 7pm

11

Dinner at the Valemount Legion 5 p.m.

Valemount Seniors’ carpet bowling 9 a.m.

Valemount Seniors’ Music Night, 7p.m.

Cribbage Tournament 1-4 p.m.

Musical jam at the Gathering Tree 7 p.m.

Dunster Winter Market 11:30 - 1 p.m.

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www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Entrance to Fang Cave

Valley Photo Journal:

Photo Submitted

Photo: Laura Keil Snow finally fell this last week, leaving highway crews scrambling. Valley emergency crews also responded to repeated calls as vehicles were caught off guard by the sudden entry of Old Man Winter. The heavy snow was followed by a mild cold snap meaning compact snow and ice is still on all highways of the Robson Valley. Despite the conditions, many vehicles are still not slowing down.

Fang Cave is located in Evanoff Provincial Park about 50 km north of Dome Creek, however access by road is through Prince George, up the McGregor River Road.

The cave is a lime stone sump with about 3.3 kilometres of passage decending mainly vertical to a depth of 247 metres. It is among the top 20 caves in Canada for both length and depth. Such limestone caves are common in the Rockies side of the Robson Valley. Small River caves near Dunster consist of several different caves, the longest being over one km in length. Arctomy’s cave in Mt. Robson Provincial Park was until this year the deepest known cave in Canada and the United States at 537 metres deep and 3.5 kilometres in length. Geologists say that many more limestone caves in our area of the Rockies will likely be discovered as global warming melts glaciers, uncovering what has lay beneath for thousands of years.