FORMER MERRITT SWIMMER MAKES WAVES /PAGE 10
PROVINCE CHIPS IN $10,000 FOR THEATRE PROJECT /PAGE 3
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TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS
DOING IT FOR HER The story of a
Faculty at NVIT heading back to class
husband’s journey across B.C. to save his wife
Cole Wagner THE MERRITT HERALD
accident just before Christmas last year, said Michalchuk, a charming and well-spoken young man. “Since the car accident, her symptoms have gotten progressively worse,� he said. “She got banged up really badly in the accident and just the whole stress involved in being in a serious car crash isn’t a good thing when you are battling MS. She’s had a massive relapse and her symptoms have skyrocketed.� His wife has been accepted into a program in the United States, where an American phy-
Thanks to a new partnership with the University of British Columbia (UBC), faculty at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) will be heading back to school themselves this September, as part of a two-year Master of Education program being offered through the Merritt school. Designed as a cohort program — meaning the bulk of the course work is done within a group setting — the program is geared towards increasing the number of aboriginal faculty members at public post-secondary institutions, in particular NVIT. “The idea behind the Master program was to bring it to Merritt because our staff and faculty have a difficult time travelling to [the] Lower Mainland for a majority of the graduate programs,� explained Dr. Verna Billy Minnabarriet, vice president of academics at NVIT. “To have it in our home campus is the ability to have the faculty and staff be at home, have their support mechanisms in place, so that it lessens the stress around doing a Master’s program,� she added. Currently, a Master’s degree is required to teach at NVIT. Offering faculty at the institution a chance to earn one without the need to travel would ensure NVIT staff are better prepared for when a teaching position within the school comes up, explained Minnabarriet. Because the program is offered through a partnership with the University of British Columbia, graduates of the Master of Education course receive a UBC diploma. But Minnabarriet stressed the course offered at NVIT will be far from the typical Master’s-level classroom experience. “Especially in a cohort setting — you’re building cohesiveness. You’re building the networking skills. Not only are you learning from your professors, but you’re also learning from each other,� said Minnabarriet.
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See ‘Future of’ Page 5
Joining Tim Michalchuk as he walks from Prince George to Vancouver to raise money are his grandparents Dan and Jean Michalchuk. (From left) Dan, Tim and Jean Michalchuck. Keith Lacey/Aberdeen Publishing Keith Lacey ABERDEEN PUBLISHING
Tim Michalchuk is walking several thousand kilometres across British Columbia for the love of his life, but he would go much further if it meant finding a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS). “I would circumnavigate the globe under my own steam if I knew it would result in a cure for my wife,� said Michalchuk, whose walk from Prince George to Vancouver made a pit stop in Merritt late Friday afternoon. Michalchuk’s wife Shannon Dickson, 46, was diagnosed with MS more than six years
ago, and she badly needs therapy as her symptoms have worsened dramatically over the past few months, he said. Michalchuk and Dickson have been together almost 10 years and have two children, Mavorneen, 7, and Peter, 4. Shannon also has four adult children from a previous marriage and grandchildren. She’s also the grandmother of a “beautiful six-month-old girl, and there is another one on the way,� said Michalchuk. Michalchuk is calling his journey Walking One Million Steps To Save My Shannon.
Mirror Vintage Your Looking Glass to the Past! s 6OGHT 3T -ERRITT "#
Michalchuk and his grandparents, Dan and Joan Michalchuk, were treated to a barbecue from a generous Merritt family on Friday night. They contacted Tim through social media and invited them to enjoy dinner with several friends and spend the night and take a hot shower before heading back on the road early Saturday morning. Michalchuk, 28, left Prince George on April 2 and hopes to land in Vancouver later this week in an effort to raise between $40,000 to $60,000 needed for his wife to try experimental treatments in the United States and Mexico as her
symptoms have become severe the past few months. “She needs medical help quickly,� he said. Michalchuk has managed to raise close to $8,000 so far, but expects those numbers to increase significantly as he gets closer to Vancouver. He has started a Go Fund Me page using social media and donations can be made by going online and visiting www.gofundme.com/ kehkkd4k. Shannon managed to enjoy a good quality of life in the time since being diagnosed with MS until getting into a serious motor vehicle
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April 26, 2016
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
No new nurses for Merritt, Fire department puts out four IHA still recruiting dumpster fires in two hours Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD
Merritt isn’t benefitting from any of the 300 nurses recruited to the Interior Health Authority, but the need for more nurses here is still well known. In January, the Ministry of Health announced it would hire 1,643 full-time registered nurses, 300 of which would be earmarked for the Interior Health Authority (IHA). IHA vice president and chief operating officer of hospitals and communities, Susan Brown, confirmed 300 nurses have been hired, however, none were recruited to the Nicola Valley Hospital. “Merritt was definitely identified as a community that required one nurse to be regularized,� Brown said, adding
that the IHA will look into that. IHA health services administrator for Thompson-Cariboo rural, Berni Easson, said they are still trying to recruit nurses to Merritt. She said the reason none of the 300 nurses were placed in Merritt was because there were other vacancies identified as in need. “Just because those 300 vacancies were filled doesn’t mean that we’re not still recruiting,� she said. Easson said the Merritt hospital still needs more nurses, but there is less of a need for full-time positions as there is for part-time positions. She said more nurses are needed to cover for sick days and vacation time at Merritt’s hospital. “We are still recruiting for nurses, but more on a casual
basis,� she said. Casual nurses are essentially on-call and don’t have a permanent position. “If we had three qualified nurses that came to our door tomorrow and said we’d like to apply here to work in Merritt, we’d hire them as casuals,� Easson said. The Nicola Valley Hospital has 26 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses combined. The difference between the two is that licensed practical nurses are not trained to the same extent as a registered nurse, Easson said. Currently, the Nicola Valley Hospital has eight full-time registered nurses, six that work part-time and two casual registered nurses. Four full-time licensed practical nurses and six casuals work out of the hospital.
Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD
The Merritt Fire Rescue Department extinguished four fires in garbage bins that sparked around town late Friday night (April 22). Firefighters responded to the first fire at 10:52 p.m. at Central Elementary School, and the others were subsequently discovered burning in bins outside neighbouring Merritt Secondary School, Coopers Foods and Diamond Vale Elementary School. Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson said he thinks the fires broke
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“The other thing is you never know what is in the dumpsters. You could have compressed gas cylinders or anything like that, which will obviously pose an even greater risk to firefighters,� he said. The fires were deemed suspicious and anyone with any information is asked to contact the Merritt RCMP at 250378-4262 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Firefighters were kept busy putting out the flames for a couple of hours, returning to the fire hall by about 1:30 a.m. that night.
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out at about the same time. “It’s our belief that while we were at one incident, there was another,� Tomkinson said. He said the RCMP patrolled the area, but didn’t find a suspect. Tomkinson told the Herald that this isn’t a victimless crime given the damage done to the bins and the cost of using up fire department resources. The fires also posed a potential threat to the buildings that they were near. “There’s always a risk of a fire extending to a building,� Tomkinson said of this type of incident.
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Theatre society gets $10K from province Keith Lacey ABERDEEN PUBLISHING
providing $10,000 to the board as it continue it’s drive to try and have a performing arts and movie theatre facility theatre built in downtown Merritt. Tegart said having letters of support from city council, potential First Nation partners, the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council and School District 58 — which has already been achieved — would make a huge positive difference as the society makes plans to apply for significant funding from the
the project — from numerous community partners, it would go a long way towards the provincial government being willing to provide substantial funding for the multimillion dollar project, said Tegart. The meeting was held in the community arts room at Brambles Bakery in downtown Merritt. “Your partnerships are going to be critical,� said Tegart, who met with several board members before announcing the provincial government is
The Nicola Valley Community Theatre Society’s board of directors was told by Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart last Friday to get as many community partners as possible on board showing vocal support for a new community theatre before making any official funding request to the province. If the board were able to present letters of support — and subsequent intent to provide funding to
provincial and federal governments. After getting support from as many community partners as possible, the society is also going to have to come up with a final number in terms of asking for how much money they believe they are going to need the province to provide for this project to become a reality, said Tegart. “For me to move forward, I need your ask (funding dollars),� she said. “But you need to be real, be real about what percentage
ment, Tegart promised that you need to have come from the provin- she would approach various ministers in cial government.� Victoria and vouch for Tegart told the the great work being board at least five done by the society times during the and do everything in 90-minute meeting her power to try and that “money is tight� secure funding. and there is an endThe letters of less list of community support must clearly projects across B.C. indicate the respecthat are also seeking tive group’s are supsignificant provincial portive of the project funding. and how much they’re If the society can provide letters of com- willing to contribute should senior levels of munity support from government agree to as many partners as funding, said Tegart. possible and provide a final figure of what they will need from See ‘Community’ Page 5 the provincial govern-
Money raised will go towards stem cell treatment From Page 1 sician has shown great results with MS patients using stem cell transplant therapy, he said. “We’re looking at a bunch of alternative therapies, but the stem cell therapy in the United States appears to be our best option at the moment,� he said. “Unfortunately, all of these alternative treatments are expensive.� Michalchuk decided to begin his journey in Prince George instead of his hometown of Bella Coola. “We figured Prince George would be the best place to start simply because we could generate more interest and media interest in a bigger city instead of tiny Bella Coola,� said Michalchuk. For the past four weeks, Michalchuk has covered between 35 and 50 kilometres every single day. Despite some rigorous training to prepare for the walk, Michalchuk concedes the first few ORIES D-DAY MEM3 PAGE
‘‘
days were easily the most difficult. “The first week was really rough and I have to admit I didn’t think I could do this around the second day walking down this massive hill heading into Quesnel,� he said. “My knees were just aching and my entire body was in agony, but I managed to hang in there and had a better day the next day. “After the first week, near 100 Mile House, I just caught a second wind and I’ve been in pretty good shape ever since.� Michalchuk reiterated he would extend his journey if it meant finding a cure for his wife. “If I didn’t have a job and children to raise, I would most certainly consider doing something along the lines of what Terry Fox was trying to do in terms of going across all of Canada,� he said. “Right now, this walk across B.C. is something I knew I could do and I’ve only got a week or so to go. It’s been an amazing experience.� ORGA
PAGE 4
‘The boys are really missing their dad, but they are really supportive and so proud of what he’s doing.’
When Canadian hero Terry Fox attempted his Marathon of Hope more than 30 years ago, he didn’t generate much interest and had very little success raising money until he hit Ontario after several months on the road (his journey started in Newfoundland) and Michalchuk is hopeful the good people in Vancouver are going to jump on board and come through with generous donations. Even if he doesn’t reach his fundraising target, Michalchuk said he won’t ever forget the experience of walking across beautiful B.C. “I had never been to the Okanagan before and it’s just spectacular,� he said. “This journey has allowed
HERALD MERRITT Runners convene for Merritt race
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INSIDE Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports ----------------------- 10 Classifieds ----------------- 11
REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: April 29, 2009
LEGACY SQUARE CONTRACTS AWARDED Merritt City Council met last Tuesday to award contracts in the construction of Legacy Square on the corner of Voght St. and Granite Ave. Deven Routley of Silverback Construction was given the project management contruct and has been working to prepare the site for cement pouring this week. “We’re going to start foundation work this week, the tenders are in place except for the signage and metal roofing,� Routley said. The signage and metal roofing are some of the very last materials to go into the project, he explained, so the construction will begin without them. Routley said he is confident those contracts will be filled by the time the project reaches the finishing stages. In the meantime, Council moved to re-issue those tenders.
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the Merritt Country in the 5K at rald a pack of runners Ian Webster/He Little leads as Ontario. r-old Calvin as far away of life and from RACES Seven-yea OFF TO THE participants from all walks races attracted
me to see many places I have never visited before and it’s incredible just how beautiful B.C. really is. “Having my grandparents along for the journey has also been fantastic.� His grandmother gets emotional talking about how proud she is of her grandson. “What he’s doing is simply remarkable, and we couldn’t be prouder of him,� she said. “He loves his wife very much and to do this for her is amazing.� During a phone call to the Herald, his wife Shannon said she misses her husband immensely and she couldn’t he more proud of him. “The boys are miss-
simple tasks like tying her shoes. She has lost use of the left side of her body and she has very little feeling on her right leg and needs a cane to move around most of the time. Her speech can also become impaired and she often loses track of her thoughts and needs assistance getting dressed and getting in and out of her vehicle. She and Michalchuk have done a lot of research about stem cell treatment and remain optimistic it will give her more strength and allow her to eliminate many of her most serious symptoms. The money raised will go towards stem cell treatment, but the family also faces additional costs to purchase things like walkers and canes and renovations to their home including ramps. For more information about Michalchuk’s walk across the province, you can visit his Facebook page at Million Steps to Save My Shannon.
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ing their dad, but they are really supportive and so proud of what he’s doing,� she said. “We can’t wait to see him, and we’re hoping to all meet up in Vancouver as he approaches the finish line.� Dickson said her symptoms continue to deteriorate, but she remains hopeful that some of the alternative therapy she will soon be pursuing will have positive results. “My physical symptoms right now aren’t the best, but I remain hopeful,� she said. Michalchuk said he’s in the best shape of his life because of this journey and while he has managed to battle a lot of physical pain over the past four weeks, it pales in comparison to the physical challenges his wife faces on a daily basis. Since the car accident, Dickson said she has lost the function of her left hand and her husband has to cut up her food and she can no longer perform
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April 26, 2016
City Calendar April 22 - April 24 Ladies Volley Fest - CMS & MSS
City of Merritt
CITY
April 26, 7 pm Regular Council Meeting - City Hall April 27 Mayor Drop-In Session - City Hall May 6 Dive-in Movie - N.V. Aquatic Centre May 7 Mother’s Day High Tea - Baillie House May 7 - 8 Spring Into Action Baseball Tournament - Central Park May 13 Family Fun Night Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre
Merritt Business Walk
FAST APPROACHING on May 3, 2016 We would like to remind business owners that on May 3rd, City of Merritt Members of Council, Staff, and community volunteers may be visiting your business between the hours of 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM. The survey will help increase communication between the City and local businesses, provide an opportunity to discuss ways we can build our community, and to share available resources. The survey will be available as well online starting April 26th. For more information contact: Will George, Manager of Business & Economic Development, (250) 378-4224, wgeorge@merritt.ca.”
STILL ACCEPTING
Classes offered at the City
May 13 & 14 City Movie Nights - Civic Centre May 13 - 15 Crop Weekend Merritt Civic Centre May 19 National Lifejacket Day Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre May 19 NVIT Grad Merritt Civic Centre May 21 - 22 Merritt Stock Car Association Speedway Races Merritt Speedway Track In Lower Nicola May 28 Spring Garden Festival Baillie House
Council meetings can also be streamed live online at: http://www.merritt.ca/livestreaming-council-meetings Recordings of the City of Merritt’s council meetings can also be seen on Shaw Cable (Channel 10) on Thursdays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m See past council decisions at: http:// www.merritt.ca/city-council/councilmeeting-decisions
page
GRANTS IN AID APPLICATIONS
Have a great idea for an event? Are you part of an organization that delivers a positive contribution to the community? Each year, Council carefully considers providing funding assistance to non-profit groups that operate in the City of Merritt and provide valuable social and community services in the municipality. Throughout 2016 Council may allocate grant in aid funds in response to requests received during the calendar year with dispersal of funds from the either the grant in aid or community initiative fund. These funds may be reserved for unplanned events or support for organizations throughout the operating year. The City of Merritt has 5 different grants available to non-profit community organizations for 2016. The grant options include: In-Kind, Financial Aid, Sponsorship, Community Initiatives and Extraordinary Grants. The 2016 Extraordinary Grant Applications are available online. www.merritt.ca/city-services/finance/grants-aid
YOU’RE INVITED! to meet with Mayor Menard on April 27 from 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., in the Mayor’s Office at City Hall (second floor), 2185 Voght Street. Interested citizens are welcome to stop by, say hello and discuss issues and opportunities for the City, its residents and businesses.
If you would like to schedule a particular time to meet with the Mayor at a Drop-In session please call reception at City Hall 250-378-4224.
Visit www.merritt.ca to view the Spring Leisure Guide Photography Classes . 14+ yrs Monday, May 30 – Jun. 20 . 4 wks 6:30 - 8:00 pm . $36 This introductory course covers the basics of using any digital camera combined with the good photography. Through fun and informal lectures, field trips and critiques, you will learn how the digital camera works, and how to get the best images. This workshop is intended for all photographers using digital SLR camera and point & shoot cameras. Each participant is expected to bring a digital camera with a fully charged battery, manual and memory card(s). (no class Feb 9) Instructed by Julie Knoll FoodSafe Level 1 . 14+ yrs Saturday, Jun. 11 8:30 am - 4:30 pm . $90 FOODSAFE Level 1 is a food handling, sanitation and work safety course designed for front line food service workers such as cooks, servers, bussers, dishwashers, and deli workers. The course covers important food safety and worker safety information including foodborne illness, receiving and storing food, preparing food, serving food, cleaning and sanitizing. Get active, get healthy! K - Gr. 7 May 1 – June 1 The 60 Minute Kids’ Club is a fun and engaging program designed to get children from K - Gr. 7 excited about making the right healthy choices. The challenge is on - all public and band schools in Merritt are taking part in the 60 minute kid’s club challenge. Information will be provided through the schools. You can also inform yourself at: www.60minkidsclub. org. Register online and track your 5 healthy habits. Earn points for yourselves and your school. The challenge ends with an announcement of the most healthy and active school in Merritt and the top 10 most active and healthy kids in each school. Parents can also join the challenge with their kids.
2185 Voght Street, Box 189, Merritt, BC, V1K1B8 | Phone 250-378-4224 | Fax: 250-378-2600 | email: info@merritt.ca | www.merritt.ca
TUESDAY, April 26, 2016 • 5
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Community support needed for more provincial funding From Page 3 “They need to state their support for the project and the percentage they are willing to back. If they are wiling to provide dollars, that needs to be clear in the letter.� Board president Kurt Christopherson assured Tegart there are numerous community groups who support this project and many are willing to commit financial assistance if senior levels of government show strong financial support. A project of this size — roughly $3.4 million to erect the building and another $1.5 million to furnish and equip once constructed — won’t see the light of day unless the federal government is also on board and the many partners the society is dealing with for support are willing and able to provide their fair share
of funding, said Tegart. Committee members told Tegart that they have raised more than $300,000 over the past few years towards the community theatre project and also have an additional $120,000 from the sale of one of the two lots they purchased for $275,000 back in 2014 where they hope the new theatre would be built. While they continue to apply for as many provincial and federal grants as they possibly can, a big stumbling block has been the fact the society has been unable to attain charitable donation status, making them ineligible for numerous substantial grants available for arts groups like theirs, said director Clara Norgaard. “They look at us as a business,� she said, noting the project would include three movie theatres and a performing
arts centre that would generate the majority of revenue once the facility was operational. Christopherson and other board members told Tegart they would take a long and serious look at changing the original business plan that included a for-profit multi-plex theatre and performing arts centre and revise the plan to lease out that space if it would mean being able to attain charitable status and allow them access to significant grants. Christopherson told Tegart that community support for this project is still overwhelmingly positive and he agreed the time has come to get more community partners involved. “If we are all on the same page, this can be a huge success,� he said. Without increased community support, the likelihood of her being able to get a positive
response to a significant funding request is very limited, said Tegart. “At this time, you all know money is very tight and we all know there is no money thereâ€? unless the federal government and numerous other local partners step forward, she said. “This is a significant amount of money we’re looking at. I need the amount you will be requesting so I can go to the appropriate ministry and look for money. Just remember that you are one of the many, many groups like yours that are looking for money.â€? Tegart also promised on behalf of the society to discuss this project with local MP Dan Albas and inquire about potential federal funding for the project. “There are things like the Build Canada Fund ‌ I will be looking at those potential
pools of funding for you,� she said. “What I will commit to you is
I’m willing to knock on doors in Victoria. I’m not making any prom-
ises, but I will see what I can do for you.�
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Future of NVIT program hard to predict From Page 6 The collaborative approach to the program, in contrast with the traditionally competitive classroom, will allow students in the program to explore different ways of learning, especially indigenous ways of teaching and learning, said Minnabarriet. “It is an indigenous-based program, that is being held up to an indigenous lens, by a majority of indigenous professors,� she explained. “It’s important students see themselves reflected back in the people who teach and lead them. This partnership between UBC and NVIT will draw on the university’s strong Indigenous leadership and programming to help transform and diversify post-secondary education,� added Angela Redish, vice
time funding grant through the provincial government — which means the future of the program beyond a twoyear scale is hard to
president of academics with UBC. Currently, the $350,000 price tag attached to the program is being covered by a one-
predict. Applications for the program are already being accepted.
“Breaking the Chain of Abuse�
Adopt a Pet
Please make an appointment to visit Ph: (250) 315-5276 E: gwc.9@hotmail.com View other future best friends @ www.angelsanimalrescue.ca
Sweet Pea
Sweet Pea would love a quiet adult only home. She can be a tad nervous so someone experienced with dogs, who is patient, calm and gentle would suit this little girl.
Donations
Champ
Cutie Pie
Champ requires a stable quiet home in a rural Cutie Pie loves to cuddle, is very good in the setting. He will need basic training and life house, travels well in the vehicle, loves people experiences. He is mild mannered, learns quick and is very good with children. Cutie must go and is friendly. Champ is very leery of strangers to a home where she is the only pet. and requires a skilled individual to help him desperately learn trust in needed humans andfor otherspay dogs. and neuter services.
Donations can be to made to The Angel’s Animal Rescue Society at The Interior Savings Credit Union, Account #1193739.
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VIEWPOINT EDITORIAL
The EU at risk A recent headline in the leading Franch newspaper Le Monde said it all: “Migrants, the Euro, GWYNNE DYER Brexit: The The international European STAGE Union is mortal.” And it’s true, the EU could actually collapse, given one or two more years of really bad decisions by the 28 national governments that make up the membership. The most immediate threat is Brexit (British+exit), the possible result of the Yes/No referendum on British membership in the EU that is scheduled for June 23. Prime Minister David Cameron promised this referendum three years ago to placate an anti-EU faction in his own Conservative Party (Cameron himself wants to stay in the EU), but it is coming at a particularly bad time. Cameron doubtless calculated that the referendum would produce a large majority for staying in, and force the nationalist “Little Englanders” in his own party to shut up for a while. But the vote is actually being held at a time when many English people are upset by the large flow of immigrants into the United Kingdom and blame it on the policy of free movement for EU citizens. The million-plus wave of refugees and economic migrants that has surged into the EU in the past year feeds the British panic even more, although Britain still controls its own borders and none of those migrants can enter the UK without London’s permission. The result is that the polls now show the “Leave” and “Remain” votes almost neck-and-neck. The refugees and illegal economic migrants really are a problem for most other EU countries. The vast majority of them enter the EU through Greece and Italy, but they almost all want to travel on to the richer EU countries which, with the admirable exceptions of Germany and Sweden, want nothing to do with them.
See ‘Multiple crises’ Page 7
Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com
Millennials move over, here comes... Employers haven’t had it easy with millennials — a broad term for a global grouping of people who are fairly young at this particular moment in time. (Definitions vary, but it usually refers to people currently aged 18 to 35). These young people have been asking more of their workplace than ever before, and it looks like employers could have an even harder job on the horizon. “Generation Z” is just turning 18, and they might want more, especially in one key area: work that is meaningful. The research institute of ADP — a business administration group which produces data on work trends and economic health — surveyed 2,400 full-time and part-time employees in different age groups, including millennials, working at companies with over 250 people, to find out how the global workplace had changed. Their resulting report says that
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millennials have pushed companies to change in key areas, including giving employees more freedom (to work from wherever they want, for example) and autonomy (including to “self-manage,” rather than be managed). But the one big thing the ADP picked out was the search for a sense of fulfilment. “The need for meaning has certainly evolved over the years,” the ADP researchers wrote. “Today, the younger generation of millennials places more of an emphasis on a search for meaning within their jobs than previous generations, who tended to look for meaning outside of work.” The slim bits of research that exist on what kids today want from future careers indicate that “getting ahead” might be less important to the very young. Adecco, a human resources firm, surveyed 1,000 students last year and found that 41 per cent of millennials wanted jobs that provid-
ed scope for growth. Only 30 per cent of Generation Z respondents asked for the same. (“Growth” admittedly is an amorphous concept). ADP didn’t survey Generation Z, the oldest of whom are barely out of school and most of whom
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have yet to start anything like a career. But it warned its community of human resources directors that they’d better be thinking about it. Shontaye Hawkins is a workplace culture expert. To read more, go to www.profit is the newblack.com.
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Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
This Merritt Herald is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact newsroom@merrittherald.com or call (250) 378-4241. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at www.mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.
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OPINION Multiple crises clearly endangering Europe’s future From Page 6 This is rapidly leading to a breakdown of the “Schengen” agreement, by which all the EU members except the United Kingdom and Ireland abolished their border controls with other Schengen countries. New border fences are now springing up everywhere as EU members try to keep the migrants out. Then there is the euro, the common currency shared by 19 EU countries including all the big ones except the United Kingdom. It was a bad idea from the start, because a single currency without a single government behind it cannot deal effectively with big issues like debt and inflation. It was bound to end up in crisis as the economies of the member states diverged — and they have. The EU was transfixed all last year by the threat that Greece would crash out of the euro. The Greek crisis has been put on hold for the moment, but it is clear by now
that Italy, Spain and Portugal, at least, would also benefit from leaving the euro zone. This is a currency that has no future, although its demise is not necessarily imminent. So: three separate problems; none of them likely to be fatal to the EU on its own. The EU survived with separate national currencies for four decades before it adopted the euro; it could do so again, although the transition back would be painful and probably chaotic. The Schengen treaty was a nice idea, but not essential to the Union’s smooth functioning. And Britain’s departure could be nothing more than a spectacular act of self-mutilation. It’s the fact that all these crises are hitting together that endangers the EU’s very existence. The only immediate and certain consequence of Brexit would be Scotland’s secession from the United Kingdom (so that it could stay in the EU), and nobody would have much sympathy for England’s post-
Speak up
Brexit difficulties. But the walkout of the country with the EU’s second-biggest economy would trigger a political earthquake. The various populations of the EU are seething with dissatisfaction about immigration and refugees, about the euro, about all the compromises and bureaucracy that must be tolerated to keep a 28-country “community” going. MiniTrumps are cropping up everywhere, offering radical solutions that usually include an explicit or implicit commitment to leave the Union. It could snowball. Where Britain (or rather, England) breaks trail, others might follow. We could end up with a severely shrunken EU, back down to the original six members plus a few others, while the countries of Eastern Europe try to get used to being once more the buffer between Russia and the West. Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.
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HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK Do you think marijuana should be legalized in Canada? To vote, go online to merrittherald.com
PREVIOUS QUESTION LADDER COMPANY Members of the Merritt Fire Rescue Dept. were out in force on Sunday practising their ladder skills at the side of the City Hall building. Ian Webster/Herald
A big thank-you to all those who signed the Highways improvement petition Dear Editor: From the Committee for Improved and Pro-active Highway Maintenance in Service Area #14 Nicola The committee for Improved and Pro-active Winter Maintenance originated from public concerns as to why during a winter storm there are differences in highway surface conditions (winter maintenance) north of Lac Le Jeune on Highway #5 Coquihalla, #5A North at Stump Lake, #97C Okanagan Connector at Pennask Summit, and #5 South at Gulliford Rest Area (Merritt Area Boundaries). These highways within Service Area #14 are not plowed and sanded to the same standards, even though the maintenance specifications are the same in all the
service areas. Many residents of the Nicola Valley are afraid to venture out on the highways to attend medical appointments, school, employment, sports events, business functions, etc. Numerous citizens have complained to the local maintenance contractor or to Ministry employees, only to be brushed off or given numerous excuses as to why there is a lack of timely plowing and sanding. We have managed to collect 2500 +/- signatures on our petition to date; most are from residents of the Nicola Valley. These are all citizens and taxpayers that would like to see improvement in highway maintenance. The committee contacted and met with Trent Folk and Donalda Richie of the Ministry of Transportation
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and Infrastructure Management. This meeting was followed by a meeting with Bob Gilowski, owner, and Gary Zecchel, CEO, of VSA Highway Maintenance Ltd. They explained and reviewed their maintenance procedures and operations to the committee. The lack of anyone taking a genuine interest in the concerns of the petition led to another meeting with the same Ministry management, including Mike Lorimer, Regional Director. At this meeting we reviewed the maintenance specifications that were not being met, before and during the winter storm cycles. The committee asked the Ministry staff to review our documentation and respond accordingly. After two weeks and numerous accidents on the local highways, the com-
mittee finally had to initiate contact with the Ministry of Highways. There was no response from them until Minister Todd Stone announced an increase in funding, and stated that he believed VSA Maintenance Ltd. was doing a good job. Our question is, “Why would they need an increase in funding if they are doing a good job in maintaining the highways to the specifications outlined in their contract with the taxpayers?” We feel the Minister has minimized the concerns of the committee and the 2,500 citizens that signed the petition. This petition was not meant to criticize the VSA Highway Maintenance crews. We feel with VSA management adding additional resources to the already hardworking
employees, they would be able to perform their duties in a safer work environment. Highway maintenance contracts are written not only to ensure the highways are safe for the traveling public, but also for the crews that maintain them. The committee has set the petition aside until next winter. Hopefully, the increase in funding as well as the concerns of the traveling public will bring about improved and proactive winter maintenance. If not we will have no other choice but to continue with our cause. Thank you to all who supported and signed the petition. Respectfully submitted by Mayor Neil Menard, Wayne Schindler, Earl Nygaard
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LETTERS POLICY The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification purposes. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.
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Former Merritt swimmer making waves in the big pool Ian Webster THE MERRITT HERALD
It’s been almost eight years since Kaelan Freund called the Nicola Valley home, and the talented youngster was breaking local swim records left, right and centre. Turn the clock ahead to 2016, and the now 17-year-old is still turning heads at the pool — as he prepares to head to Penn State University in the fall on a swimming scholarship to the prestigious NCAA Division 1 school. It’s been quite a journey for the former summer phenom, who lived in Merritt from 2001 to 2008, along with his dad Jason, mom Julie, his sister Brittany and brother Joshua. All three Freund kids were enthusiastic members of the Otters swim club during the family’s time in the Valley, and mom and dad were very much your typical pool parents — helping out wherever and whenever the need arose. Right from the start, Kaelan displayed tremendous talent and potential in the water. By age eight, he was setting club and regional records by the truck load. (He still holds 11 Merritt Otters’ standards.) In both 2007 and 2008, Kaelan won four gold medals (the maximum allowed) at the Okanagan championships, and later at the provincial summer swim championships in Trail and Prince George respectively. The Freunds moved from Merritt to Kamloops in 2008, and the children joined the Classic’s winter swim program at the Tournament Capital Centre. Despite the jump to a moredemanding, year-round swim program, Kaelan’s success continued unabated. As a 10-year-old, he set over 20 Classics’ team records en route to winning the Swim Stars title (four gold, one silver) in his age group at the provincial short-course championships in March of 2009. In early 2010, the Freunds were on the move again — this time to Lethbridge, Alberta. The kids wasted little time hitting the pool, joining the Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club (LASC). The years in the Wildrose province seemed to fly by, with Kaelan continuing to rack up achievements in the water. In 2010, he attended the Alberta Summer Games, winning five individual gold medals and another four medals in relay events. By 2011, the young Freund was making a name for himself on the national scene. He was selected to Team Canada’s youth team that competed in the North American Challenge Cup in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in August.
POOL ACE Former Merritt Otter Kaelan Freund, 17, will be attending Penn State University in September on an athletic scholarship. (Above, left and right) Freund swimming for the Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club. (Left) The Freund family (from left) Kaelan, mom Julie, Brittany, Joshua, and dad, Jason. Photos submitted
“The temperatures were ridiculous,” recalled Kaelan’s dad who was in attendance. “It got to 48 degrees Celsius one day. I’ll always remember the long-distance swimmers getting out of the pool and looking like lobsters.” In 2012, Kaelan began competing and medaling at Canadian Age Group Championships. In his first year, he picked up a silver and two bronze. That would increase to two gold and two silver in 2013, and two gold, two silver and a bronze in 2014. Named Lethbridge’s Junior Athlete of the Year in 2014, Freund was selected to represent Canada at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships in Kihei, on the island of Maui. “Kaelan was actually chosen to the World Junior Olympic team that was supposed to compete in China,” said his dad. “Unfortunately, Canada had some issues with their entries, and instead he competed in Hawaii.” By now, Freund was beginning to specialize in the 100 and 200-metre breaststroke events, and in the 200metre individual medley (50-metres each of freestyle, backstroke, breast-
stroke and butterfly). Competing at his first Canadian Open Championships in 2015 (as a 16-year-old), Freund made ‘B’ finals in two of his events, finishing 13th and 16th. That same year, Freund was one of six national recipients of the Victor Davis Memorial Award, acknowledging the young swimmer’s perseverance, discipline and commitment to his sport. Davis, a Canadian Olympic and world-champion breaststroker was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident in Montreal in 1989. Also in 2015, Freund won five gold medals and one silver at the Western Canada Summer Games in Fort McMurray. He also brought his number of LASC club records up to over 30 in total. Still just 17, Freund traveled to Toronto earlier this month to compete in his first Canadian Olympic Trials. “Things went okay,” Kaelan conceded. “It was a really big meet, and you get nervous really easily. You only get one shot at an event unless you make a final, which is really hard to do. “On the first day, I swam the
100 breast and was just off my best time (finishing 25th in a field of 54 swimmers). Day three, I swam the 200 breast, and that went very badly (41st). I don’t have much good to say about that event. But on the sixth day, I came back for the 200IM and got a best time (33rd) with a good swim that I can actually be proud of.” Interestingly, winner of the men’s 200m breastroke event was 23-yearold Ashton Baumann, the son of legendary Canadian Olympian Alex Baumann, who won two gold medals and set two world records at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Back home in Lethbridge, Freund is preparing to graduate from Chinook Secondary School in June. He is also readying himself for a summer of swimming competition prior to heading to Penn State in early August. His current focus is on the Summer Nationals, scheduled for August 4 to 7 in Edmonton. “I’m training six day a week — about 20 hours total when you combine swimming and dryland,” Freund said. The future Nittany Lion has already visited Penn State on a flydown. “I wanted to make sure I took a look before making any decisions,” he said. Freund had plenty of choices before deciding on Penn State. At one point in the recruitment process, 23 of the top 30 swim school in the United States were in contact with
him. “Money played a part in his decision, and how much a school could afford in bringing a Canadian down there,” Kaelan’s dad said. “Ultimately, however, it came down to the phenomenal mechanical engineering program that Penn State has. It came down to academics — which is really what the four years are about.” Freund will have some Canadian company on the Penn swim team, with three Canucks currently members of the men’s and women’s programs, and another freshman coming from the Ottawa area. All told, eight different countries are represented on the Penn State swim program, including Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Israel and Sri Lanka. Head swim coach at Penn State is Tim Murphy, who is in his second year after 15 seasons at Harvard where he amassed a 122-11 record in dual meets. Murphy’s current group of Penn swimmers broke 20 school records in 2015-16. All foreign students must attend an ISO (International Students Orientation) in their first year, and all athletes must live in on-campus dorms for their first two years. The young Freund is understandably very excited and nervous about what lies ahead, as are his mom and dad. “We’ll be 3,000 kilometres away,” said Jason. “You have to put a lot of faith and trust in the program.” Both parents have nothing but fond memories of their family’s time in Merritt. “There’ll always be a connection, and a special spot in our hearts for the community,” said Julie. “We spent six-and-a-half years there. It was the kids’ real growing-up years. And my grandma still lives there.”
TUESDAY, April 26, 2016 • 11
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MASSIVE Restaurant Equipment Auction - Sat, April 30th @10am www.KwikAuctions.com - Online Bidding Available - 4 Convenience Stores, Lease Returns, 6 Month Old Restaurant, 2 Pizza Shops
Glad Rags Cleaning Is Hiring Part-Time, Days, Evening and Weekends. We will train. Must have a vehicle Call Wendy @ (250) 378-7647
Tuesday issue noon the preceding Friday Thursday issue noon the preceding Tuesday
Help Wanted
Lower Nicola Indian Band Post Secondary Summer Student Employment Opportunities Are you a student returning to school in September 2016/17? Tentative Start Dates are listed below. OfďŹ ce hours are 8:30pm-4:30pm but evenings and weekend hours may be required. Lower Nicola Indian Band has summer student opportunities in the following areas: CULTURAL COORDINATOR ASSISTANT Start Date: May 9, 2016 End Date: Aug 26, 2016 Under the Supervision of the Director of Human Services the Cultural Coordinator Assistant will assist with the development and implementation of the Cultural programs offered to the LNIB community PUBLIC/CAPITAL WORKS Start Date: May 9, 2016 End Date: Aug 26, 2016 Under the supervision of the Director of Infrastructure general upkeep of the Lower Nicola Indian Band properties (may include Band School) performing such tasks as: Lawn maintenance; Manual duties to clean and maintain landscaped environment ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Start Date: May 9, 2016 End Date: Aug 26, 2016 Under the supervision of the Director of Lands and Economic Development the successful candidate would provide valuable support to the Economic Development staff in all areas of the department’s mandate. SpeciďŹ cally the individual would gain experience in meeting preparation, developing communications materials for newsletters or website posting, public speaking, reporting and budgeting. SUMMER GARDEN Start Date: May 9, 2016 End Date: Aug 26, 2016 Under the supervision of the Director of Infrastructure the successful candidate will assist in the revitalization and upkeep of the community garden. RECREATION ASSISTANT Start Date: May 16, 2016 End Date: Aug 26, 2016 Under the direction of Arena/Recreation Manager the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and participating in recreational programs and events for Lower Nicola Indian Band youth, adults and elders. Evenings and Weekends may be required. Work hours will vary.
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 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
Moving & Storage STEEL STORAGE CONTAINERS FOR SALE OR RENT jentonstorage@gmail.com
604-534-2775 Merchandise for Sale
4HE "#30#! CARES FOR THOUSANDS OF ORPHANED ABAN DONED AND ABUSED DOGS EACH YEAR )F YOU CAN GIVE A HOMELESS DOG A SECOND CHANCE AT HAPPINESS PLEASE VISIT YOUR LOCAL SHELTER TODAY
"#30#! Heavy Duty Machinery A-Steel Shipping Storage Containers. Used 20’40’45’53’ insulated containers. All sizes in stock. Prices starting under $2,000. ModiďŹ cations possible doors, windows, walls etc., as ofďŹ ce or living workshop etc., Ph Toll free 24 hours 1-866528-7108 or 1-778-298-3192 8am-5pm. Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com
Misc. for Sale
Massive Restaurant Equipment Auction
Moving Sale. 1750 Sunower Ave. Everyday until moved. 10am until nightime. Freezer, Beds, Night Tables, Tools ect.
Live - April 30th @ 10am www.KwikAuctions.com 7305 Meadow Avenue, Burnaby, BC - Shipping/Storage Available Massive New & Used Equipment Liquidation 4 Convenience Stores, lease returns, 6 mo old restaurant 2 Pizza Shops including Hobart 60 qt Mixer, Convection Ovens, Combi Ovens, Ice Cream Dipping Cabinets & Soft Serve machines, Dozens of pieces of NEW Refrigeration & Cooking Equip.!!
More than 1.5 million Canadian families are in need of affordable housing. Your contributions provides Habitat with the resources it needs to help families.
Misc. Wanted 999 COINS & BARS. 250-864-3521, I want to buy your coin collection also buying everything gold or silver. Todd’s Coins 250-864-3521
Real Estate For Sale By Owner 4 Bedroom Mobile Home on 1.5 acres along the river. Within The City Limits. Asking $185,000 (250)378-7412 or 378-7379
Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent 1 Bedroom for 1 N/S Adult Only, N/P’s. Heat & Cable Included. $550 per month. Ref’s Req’d. (250) 378 - 2954
Duplex / 4 Plex Donate Today!
Donate!
WWW SPCA BC CA
Auctions
2 bdrm in 4plex in Lower Nicola. $625/mth. N/S, N/P. Avail. May 01(250) 378 - 8223
Say yes and change a child’s life today.
Modular Homes 1.5 Mobile Home for Rent. W/D,F/S, No Pets. Available March 15. $875/mth. (250)280-7342
Submit Resume and Cover Letter with three references to: Lower Nicola Indian Band 181 Nawishaskin Lane Merritt, BC, V1K 0A7 C/O Sondra Tom, Executive Assistant Or: by fax (250) 378-6188 OR by email executiveassistant@lnib.net Application Deadline: May 2, 2016 at 2:00 pm
)HWFK D 'RJ )URP WKH 6KHOWHU
Become a Super hero!
Transportation
Trucks & Vans www.habitat.ca
1973 Chev 1/2 Ton, 4x4, 350 motor, 4 speed standard. Flat deck, good shape, good tires. $3,500.00 obo.(250)378-3648
www.bcchf.ca
12 • TUESDAY,
www.merrittherald.com
April 26, 2016
Kamloops SOMETHING G IN IS HAPPENO PS O L AT KAM . DODGE
THE COME FEEL FOR E C N E DIFFER YOURSELF!
N I S I G SPRIN R! IS TURN UP THE HEAT! THELEA T' $
49 SALE STK ,9 #21 0 894 0 4
$
89 SALE STK ,9 #16 5 117 0 5
$
2015 DODGE CHARGER HELLCAT
2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED
2016 JEEP WRANGLER LTD
2016 DODGE CHARGER SRT
2011 DODGE AVENGER SXT
2012 WRANGLER SAHARA CUSTOM
- HEATED SEATS - FOG LIGHTS
RARE COLOUR!
45,000KMS
72,252KMS STK#151371A
STK#151210A
SALE PRICE
SALE PRICE
38,900
$
$
66,124KMS STKU7587
SALE PRICE
13,900
33,900
$
2014 HONDA CIVIC EX SEDAN
2013 RAM 1500 SPORT
2014 DODGE DART SXT - RARE FIND - 8.4” U-CONNECT DIALOG SCREEN
23,363KMS
- CREW CAB - 4X4 - AUTO
47,211KMS
64,000KMS
SALE PRICE
SALE PRICE
ST#15727A
STK#151172A
STK#U7486
SALE PRICE
18,900
$
$
36,900
$
2013 MAZDA 2 GX HATCHBACK
2007 DODGE RAM 3500 SLT TRUCK QUAD CAB
65,333KMS
117,415KMS
ST#U7569
17,900 LOOK F UNDEROR US THE
CANAD IAN FLAG
ON THE KAMLO OPS AU TOMAL L
ST#151415B
SALE PRICE
SALE PRICE
31,900
13,900
$
$
62 SALE STK ,0 #16 75 126 2
THE STORE YOU KNOW. THE PRICES YOU DESERVE. THE SERVICE YOU EXPECT.
YOUR BEST DEALS Since
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Come see...
MAGIC MIKE
Th easy way tto your new vehicle! The hi l ! NOW AT KAMLOOPS DODGE
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1968
DEREK SALES MANAGER
DALE SALES MANAGER
NAOMI BUSINESS MANAGER
GRANT SALES
NIGEL SALES
BRETT SALES
DEVON SALES
JUSTIN SALES
TRAVIS SALES
2525 E. TRANS CANADA HWY, KAMLOOPS, BC
JOHN FLEET LEASE & COMMERCIAL SALES
MIKE BUSINESS MANAGER
NO CREDIT BANKRUPT DIVORCE SLOW CREDIT PAYER