Dec 29 full document

SPORTS YEAR IN PICTURES AND HEADLINES PAGES 23 AND 24

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MERRITT HERALD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

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2016 Year in review

Ian Webster, Michael Potestio and Cole Wagner/Herald

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Christmas time often means one party after another with drinks galore. When you accept an invitation, plan ahead of time how you’re going to get home. Members of the same family or group of friends can designate a driver, arrange to share a taxi at the end of the evening, or use a free or for-hire drive home service.

Even if your alcohol consumption is minimal you still ought to check that you’re still capable of driving safely. Use a personal breath alcohol tester to find out if you’re over the legal limit; they are on sale at most provincial liquor and wine stores.

It might be hard to remember this when under the influence, but a person’s behaviour and faculties are altered by alcohol. When blood alcohol content is over 0.5 g/l, a driver’s field of vision shrinks, distance perception changes, visual reaction times increase, there is more sensitivity to glare, and vigilance and resistance to fatigue are reduced.

Perhaps the ultimate danger is that alcohol consumption results in a loss of inhibition, which causes drivers to under-evaluate dangers and break traffic laws.

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THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 3

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS HOSPITAL EXPANSION

Design consultant picked for ER Cole Wagner THE MERRITT HERALD

The planned expansion and renovation of the emergency wing at the Nicola Valley Hospital is one step closer to breaking ground, as the design consultant for the project has now been selected.

Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd. was awarded the contract from nine submissions, stated a press release from the Interior Health Authority on Dec. 23.

Kasian, along with a team of other consultant companies, will be working alongside IHA during the upcoming spring, when a general contractor is expected to be selected for the project.

The expansion and renovation of the hospital’s ER is expected

to cost approximately $5.6 million with the Thompson Regional Hospital District (TRHD) supplying $2.24 million, and the Nicola Valley Health Care Endowment Foundation committing to raise about $700,000 for equipment and furnishing.

The IHA’s portion of the project costs will be about $3 million.

The project will add about 400 square metres of new space to the ER and include features such as a covered ambulance bay with a dedicated ambulance entrance, confidential triage and registration spaces, a decontamination room, A bird’s eye view of the Nicola Valley Hospital with the outline of the ER expansion in red. expanded trauma and treatment Michael Potestio/Herald areas, a new nurse’s station and should be finished within 20 to 24 Health Minister Terry Lake said equipment storage. months from now — which would he expects to break ground on the During the project’s announcemean the new and improved ER ment at the Nicola Valley Hospital project by November 2017. could be open in 2018.

Completion of the expansion and Health Centre last November,

YEAR IN REVIEW

The Herald’s most-read stories in 2016 With the calendar year at an end, the Herald’s staff takes a look at the top ten most-read stories of 2016, according to the online stats.

1. Tolko Industries to close Merritt mill 2. Man wanted on Canadawide warrant suspected to be in Merritt On Sept. 22, Tolko Industries suddenly announced plans to close its sawmill in Merritt, a decision which would leave more than 200 locals out of a job by December.

Brad Thorlakson, Tolko’s president and CEO said the decision to close the mill stemmed from a reduction in the annual allowable cut, a rate set each year by the provincial government.

News of the closure sent shockwaves through the Nicola Valley, as many workers were left scrambling to find work — and some prepared to leave the community entirely.

The timing of the announcement of the closure left some shaking their heads, as Merritt was preparing to host its first annual Loggers Sports Show, in celebration of B.C. Forestry Week, the same week the announcement was made.

News travels fast online — and news that a wanted man was suspected to be in Merritt travelled even faster.

Despite clocking in at just over 100 words (at 102), a brief release about Doug James Marsden was shared more than 550 times in a short window of time on Facebook, garnering a massive number of views in the process. By Oct. 20, Merritt RCMP still hadn’t come across Marsden, who was wanted on a number of drug trafficking charges.

7

INSIDE Opinion ---------------------- 6-7 Sports ------------------------- 23 Classifieds ------------------- 25

Online

this week merrittherald.com

Crash in town

A collision between a semi truck and a pickup truck where Douglas Street meets Houston Street sent one person to hospital on Wednesday morning.

Search ‘HOUSTON CRASH’

B.C. Views New Year’s Day marks the implementation of the Great Bear Rainforest agreement, hailed as a landmark around the world but largely ignored here at home.

Search ‘FLETCHER’

Healthy Living What does it mean to live authentically, and why is it important to do so? To be authentic is to be real; our words and actions reflect who we truly are inside.

Search ‘RANDALL-YOUNG’

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December 29, 2016

YOU’RE INVITED! to meet with Mayor Menard on January 4th from 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., in the Mayor’s Office at City Hall (second floor), 2185 Voght Street.

City of Merritt

CITY

Interested citizens are welcome to stop by, say hello and discuss issues and opportunities for the City, its residents and businesses.

page

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.

The City of Merritt has struck a number of committees tasked with providing Council with information and recommendations on a wide variety of issues. Members serving on committees are volunteers from the community, seeking to make a difference.

The City is seeking one (1) member of the community to sit on the Tourism & Economic Development Committee. The Terms of Reference for the committee include providing timely and strategic advice to Council on matters pertaining to economic development, investment and business attraction, tourism, and longerterm economic sustainability.

Application forms are available on the City’s web site at www.merrritt.ca or at City Hall. The Tourism & Economic Development Committee meets every other month. We encourage interested members of the public wishing to sit on this committee to fill out an application form today. Completed applications must be submitted to: Melisa Miles Director of Corporate Services City Hall PO Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 mmiles@merritt.ca Applications will be accepted until January 03, 2017.

For more information, contact Melisa Miles at (250) 378-4224 or by email at mmiles@merritt.ca

Aquatic Programs Welcome to the World On your 6 month visit with your public health nurse, you will receive a free parent-and-tot swimming session. Please ask for more details.

Success by Six Tuesdays . Ongoing 10:00 am - 12:00 pm . Free Come and swim for free with your child. This program is intended for caregivers and children 6 years and under to come for a fun and free swim at the Aquatic Centre.

Sponsored by Success by Six Splash Down with Santa . All Ages Saturday, Dec. 3 1:00 - 3:00 pm . Regular Admission Celebrate the holiday with family and Friends. Santa will visit and spread some holiday cheer. Come make a craft, play some games and make a splash with one of Santa’s elves!

Stocking Stuffer Sale Dec. 5 – Dec. 24 Get 10% off retail items, punch cards, monthly memberships, and 20% off annual passes! Stock up on the savings!

New Year’s Eve Day Swim . All Ages Saturday, Dec. 31 1:30 - 3:30 pm . Free Admission Come out and take part in a New Year’s party the entire family can enjoy!

Family Fun Nights . All Ages Friday, Dec. 16 Friday, Jan. 13 Friday, Feb. 10 Friday, Mar. 10 Thursday, Apr. 13 6:00 - 10:00 pm . Regular Admission Come down to the Aquatic Centre for a fun filled family evening, this event will run the 2nd Friday of the Month!

Games, activities and concession items will be available.

The City of Merritt is seeking a member of the public to sit on the Environment Select Committee.

Craft & Splash Tots . 3-6 yrs Fridays, Jan. 6 – Mar. 17 . 10 wks 9:30 - 11:30 am . $12.75 Tuesday to Thursday, Mar. 21 – Mar. 30 . 8 wks 10:30 am - 12:30 pm . $12.75/day or $35/wk * please note there will be no day of registration.* Drop your child off for a morning of creative fun! Your child will make a craft and have a splash in the pool with one of our energetic aquatic leaders. Please send your child with a snack, water bottle, and towel; dressed ready to go in their swimsuit. Sign up early as spaces are limited!

Free Teen Night . 13-18 yrs Wednesday, Mar. 22 8:30 - 10:30 pm . Free admission Come and Hang out after with all your friends. Teen nights are sponsored events for the youth in our community. Events will include free admission, snacks, beverages, games, prizes and much more.

Free Pre-Teen Night . 7-12 yrs Thursday, Mar. 23 8:00 - 10:00 pm . Free Admission Pre-Teen nights are sponsored events for the youth in our community. Events will include free admission, snacks, beverages, Minute to Win it games, prizes and much more.

Super Hero Swim . All Ages Sunday, Jan. 22 1:00 - 3:00 pm . Regular Admission Dress up as your favorite Super Hero and come down to the Aquatic Centre for an afternoon of fun!

Dive-in Movie . All Ages Friday, Jan. 27 6:00 - 8:00 pm . Regular Admission Relax at the Aquatic Centre, look up and watch the big screen, where the movie will be seen. Concession available with pizza, popcorn & pop for $1. each.

Easter Hop. All Ages Sunday, Apr. 16 1:00 - 3:00 pm . Regular Sunday Admission Come down and hop around with the Easter Bunny and help find all the eggs!

For more information on any of these programs .

w w w.merrit t.ca

The City is seeking one (1) member of the community to sit on the Environment Select Committee. The Terms of Reference for the committee include that the committee review and provide input on existing or proposed bylaws, policies and programs of the City that have the potential to have a positive or negative impact on the quality and sustainability of air, water and land.

Intro to Synchro . 7+ yrs Ability to swim 25 meters Fridays, Jan. 13 – Mar. 17 . 10 wks 3:45 - 4:45 pm. $45 Learn the basics of synchronized swimming!

Dive-in Movie . All Ages Friday, Apr. 7 6:00 - 8:00 pm . Regular Admission Relax at the Aquatic Centre, look up and watch the big screen, where the movie will be seen. Concession available with pizza, popcorn & pop for $1. each.

24 LEISURE SERVICES

The City of Merritt has struck a number of committees tasked with providing Council with information and recommendations on a wide variety of issues. Members serving on committees are volunteers from the community, seeking to make a difference.

Junior Lifeguard Club . 7-14 yrs Ability to swim 25 meters Wednesdays, Jan. 11 – Mar. 15 . 10 wks 3:45 - 4:45 pm . $45 Learn the basics of lifeguarding in a fun atmosphere!

Application forms are available on the City’s web site at www.merrritt.ca or at City Hall. The Environment Select Committee meets quarterly. We encourage interested members of the public wishing to sit on this committee to fill out an application form today. Completed applications must be submitted to: Laura Chivers, Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre Staff Members, J’aime Etchart & Diana Lorenz

The City of Merritt is seeking a member of the public to sit on the Tourism & Economic Development Committee

NOTICE

Photo Credits: Merritt Herald, Ian Webster, V22 Photography, City of Merritt Leisure Services,

NOTICE

Melisa Miles Director of Corporate Services City Hall PO Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 mmiles@merritt.ca

Applications will be accepted until January 06, 2017.

For more information, contact Melisa Miles at (250) 378-4224 or by email at mmiles@merritt.ca

Winter • 2016/2017

please call the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre at 250-378-6662

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

NOTICE

Position: The City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of a permanent full time Community Policing Coordinator for the Community Policing Office.

Generally the hours will be Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but will occasionally require flexibility to accommodate evening shifts or shifts on weekends.

With the changing weather, the City of Merritt would like to remind residential property owners and occupiers that they are responsible for the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks or pathways abutting their property within twenty-four (24) hours of accumulation (except on weekends and holidays).

Business and Industrial owners are required to have snow and ice removed from sidewalks or pathways abutting the property by ten (10) a.m., and as needed, following the accumulation of snow or ice.

Please see the website at www.merritt.ca for complete employment opportunity posting.

Current resumes reflecting applicants’ knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position and detailing education, qualifications and proof of required licenses/certificates/degrees will be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 06, 2017 by: Carole Fraser Human Resources Manager, City of Merritt PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Date Posted: December 09, 2016 Posting Expires: January 06, 2017

Thank you for your cooperation, City of Merritt

THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 5

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YEAR IN REVIEW

3. Merritt RCMP make first contact with possible fentanyl In February, Merritt RCMP came across their first fentanyl-related drug overdose in the city.

It would be an early warning sign of one of the defining stories for the province in 2016, as B.C. dealt with an unprecedented spike in overdoses, and deaths connected to the opioid. On Feb. 23, two people at the Coldwater Hotel were administered naloxone by ambulance workers — the life saving drug which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

As the province began to familiarize itself with fentanyl — an opioid 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine — more and more deaths were attributed to the drug. As of Nov. 30, 755 deaths in B.C. were attributed to overdoses — a drastic

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increase over the 510 in 2015, and 366 in 2014.

In fact, in November alone, 128 people died from overdoses, the worst month on record ever — numbers which suggest that this is a story which will continue to develop into 2017.

4. Upper Nicola cowboy in need of support A well known cowboy in the Nicola Valley, and a fixture at rodeos for his signature buckin’ broncs, Norman Lindley had been stubbornly battling cancer for two years before his family turned to the community for support.

The story was shared 214 times on Facebook, with former cowboys, rodeo fans and family of Norman Lindley chipping in to spread the word to raise support for the Upper Nicola Indian Band member. Lindley and his horses would make an appearance at the Nicola Valley Ranch Rodeo on Aug. 27, where he was met with an ovation from the crowd.

Sadly, in September, Norm lost his battle with cancer.

5. Man wanted for assaulting wife with machete Violence, a wanted man, and a sense of urgency were once again combined when Lance Allen Abel went on the run after allegedly assaulting his wife with the blunt end of a machete. After police issued a warning about Abel — urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to come forward — he would eventually turn himself in to RCMP in West Kelowna.

6. Merritt Country Christmas Parade

Authorized by: WCB First Canadian Health Veterans Affairs Registered under the Hearing Aid Act (B.C.)

Notice of Holiday Hours of Operation The Thompson-Nicola Regional District office located in Kamloops and the TNRD building inspection office in Merritt will be closed from 1:00 p.m. on December 23, 2016 through to January 2, 2017 inclusive, re-opening on January 3, 2017.

The TNRD would also like to advise of the following holiday closures: All TNRD Libraries will be closed on December 25th, 26th and January 1st. Please visit www.tnrdlib.ca to see the hours of operation for your local library branch and the Bookmobile.

The Lower Nicola Eco-Depot and the Aspen Grove, Brookmere and Upper Nicola solid waste facilities will be closed on December 25th & 26th and on January 1st. Please visit the TNRD website at www.tnrd.ca for regular hours of operation for these facilities.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season.

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Purchase • Renance • Lot & Construction Financing With three photographers on hand, the Herald went all out in covering the annual country Christmas parade.

And with 51 entries in this year’s edition, there was no shortage of subjects for some great shots.

Between Michael Potestio, Ian Webster, and Cole Wagner, the Herald’s team managed to put together well over 100 shots of the parade, including this highlight of the “Polar Express” float from Carrie Ware & Company — which was named the best overall float in 2016.

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6 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 29, 2016

VIEWPOINT EDITORIAL

Turning the page on 2016 I had a draft of this editorial sitting on my computer desktop before I left for the Christmas Cole Wagner holidays.

COLE’S NOTES In a way that kind of encapsulates the year 2016, I was forced to make note of a couple more celebrity deaths before getting this ready for print: Carrie Fisher of Princess Leia fame, and George Michael of WHAM! — both of whom passed on right around the Christmas holidays.

It’s been that kind of year — every time you think it can’t get any crazier, any wilder — it does. If years were acclaimed HBO television series, 2016 would be Game of Thrones, where the twists are so numerous that one can only be assured of this: you never know what might happen next (oh, and your favourite characters are always a moment from death).

Two major political battles; the Brexit-victory in the U.K. and the election of Donald J. Trump to the office of President of the United States — served as the stunning backdrops for the rest of the events of 2016.

It was a veritable Red Weddingesque twist that nobody saw coming until it was too late. And just like a cliffhanger in the season finale, we don’t know what the fallout of these events will be — but we certainly know we’re in for a change as a result.

At times, the headlines seemed to follow a formula: “[Beloved Hollywood celebrity] died unexpectedly this morning, they were [too young].” Or: “[Gruesome terror attack] kills [too many people] in [wartorn area/major tourist hub], ISIS claims responsibility.”

See ‘REASONS’ Page 7

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com

Netanyahu, Obama and the United Nations Israel’s Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is very, very cross about last Friday’s United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the creation of illegal GWYNNE DYER Jewish settlements The international all over the occuSTAGE pied West Bank and in East Jerusalem.

He called in the ambassadors of all the Western countries that voted for the resolution to tell them off: Britain, France, Spain, even New Zealand. He also had the U.S. ambassador on the carpet, although Washington merely abstained in the Security Council vote. But, Netanyahu said, Donald Trump’s incoming administration has promised to fight “an all-out war” against the resolution.

The resolution is only words, of course, but they are words that have not found their way into any UN Security Council resolution since 1979, because the United States always used its veto to kill any resolution that contained them. Words that describe

Sales Associate Michele Siddall sales2@ merrittherald.com

Editor Cole Wagner newsroom@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

the settlements as having “no legal validity” and constituting a “flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-state solution.”

This is a restatement of a truth that was once almost universally accepted even in Israel. When Israel’s astonishing victory in the 1967 war put the entire remaining area that had been granted to the Palestinians by the UN partition agreement of 1948 under Israeli control, most Israelis initially saw it as an opportunity for peace.

Israel now had a powerful bargaining card. If the Arabs wanted their lost territories back, they would have to sign peace treaties with Israel — and probably agree to demilitarise those territories into the bargain.

To a generation of Israelis who had lived in permanent, existential fear of losing a war, that looked like a good bargain. But even then a minority of Israelis wanted to keep the conquered territories forever and repopulate them with Jewish settlers.

Some of these expansionists were motivated by religion, others by security concerns,;but they all understood that the way to thwart any give-away of these territories was to fill them with Jewish settlers.

The settler movement began slowly: 15

Reporter Michael Potestio reporter@ merrittherald.com

RANITE AVE., PO BOX 9, MERRITT, B.C. PHONE (250) 378-4241

years after the conquest, there were still only 100,000 Jews living in the occupied territories, but the number had doubled to 200,000 by 1990, and doubled again to 400,000 by 2002. It is now at least 600,000, and may be as high as 750,000.

If the settler population continues to grow at the current rate, there could be as many as a million Jews in the occupied territories by 2030. At that point, the long-term prospect of a Jewish majority heaves above the horizon. And that is what the current confrontation between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is really about.

Netanyahu avoids any actual peace talks with the Palestinians because a peace deal (if it could be achieved) would mean the end of the settlement project. He can’t say that out loud, of course, but it is the openly expressed view of the settler leaders whose support has been essential to Netanyahu’s various coalition governments.

This is why Netanyahu has to lie all the time, and it drives Obama crazy. In a conversation caught on an open mike in 2011, France’s then-president Nicolas Sarkozy told

Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com

See ‘UNCERTAINTY’ Page 7

Office manager Ken Couture classifieds@ merrittherald.com

FAX (250) 378-6818

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.

THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 7

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OPINION

Top five social media Reasons for hope

stories of the year While the main list of stories in this issue was assembled based purely on page views — which is why three Tolko stories cracked the top ten — these are the top five stories based on their performance on social media. They are ranked by total reach, which is determined by shares, comments and reactions on Facebook.

1. Movie with a deep message being filmed near Merritt — April 20 (165 shares, 54 reactions, 0 comments, 16,423 people reached) 2. Man wanted on Canada-wide warrant suspected to be in Merritt — Oct. 11 (572 shares, 4 reactions, 2 comments, 11,619 people reached) 3. Reflections on a 44-year career from Tolko’s ironman — Oct. 19 (53 shares, 81 reactions, 9 comments, 7,666 people reached) 4. Multi-million dollar expansion announced for NVIT — Dec. 16 (45 shares, 69 reactions, 6 comments, 6,039 people reached) 5. GEARING-EDGE: Calamity House — fact, fiction or rumour? — Dec. 12 (46 shares, 44 reactions, 17 comments, 6,013 people reached)

From Page 6 The seemingly endless roll of death, terrorism, and divisive electoral politics has many anticipating the end of the year — not for what lies ahead next year, but to be able to finally say good riddance to 2016.

Certainly, there are enough reasons for locals to be ready to move on. Between two doctors leaving the community early in the year, leaving 2,000 Merrittonians scrambling to find a family doctor, and the closure of the Tolko Industries mill — leaving more than 200 locals out of work — it would be hard to argue that the news was always good in the Nicola Valley this year.

But while optimism might be in short supply, there were more than a couple of stories this year which reminded me that a dark night only makes the stars shine brighter.

One of the first stories I covered after moving to Merritt was Brad “Caribou Legs” Firth attempting to run across Canada ultra-marathon style. Brad was trying to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women through his run. I remember speaking with Brad that day, silently skeptical that one man could undertake such a long journey — without any support crews, or backing money — and hope to survive. That was May. In November, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Brad as he relaxed onboard a Greyhound bus coming from Newfoundland and Labrador, his task completed — just like he said.

In 2017, construction crews will break ground on significant, multi-million dollar expansions to both the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, and the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre. For the locals involved in advocating on behalf of these two facilities, the expansions represent a huge win, and years of hardwork to get to this point.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau showed an ability to walk a fine line on energy and the environment, approving the Trans Mountain Expansion while, at the same time, nixing the Northern Gateway project. For tradespeople and skilled workers displaced by the mill closure, this announcement lifted some of the pressure from the Tolko shutdown. It remains to be seen how nasty the battle between anti-pipeline protesters and construction crews will become over the next year — including potentially the Coldwater Indian Band locally.

But in the same vein, the Standing Rock protests in North Dakota demonstrated to us that indigenous voices cannot be silenced. We learned, watching the brave men and women who endured brutality at the hands of private security forces and local police, that peaceful protest is still a powerful democratic force in the face of overwhelming odds.

Call me a glass-half-full kind of guy, but I don’t see the civilized world coming to an end in 2017. And even if it does, I’m betting on Elon Musk and the SpaceX guys to figure out that whole “colonize Mars” thing pretty quick.

Uncertainty the only certainty ahead From Page 6 Obama: “I can’t stand him (Netanyahu). He’s a liar.” And Obama replied, “You’re tired of him?

What about me? I have to deal with him every day.”

But Obama’s decision to abstain on the Security Council vote condemning Israeli settlement policy in the Palestinian occupied territories was not just a childish last slap at Netanyahu.

Obama has a fundamentally different view of what constitutes long-term security for Israel –— one that he shares with most other outside observers, but a shrinking proportion of Israelis.

Long-term does mean long-term. It cannot be assumed that Arab states will always be relatively

poor and incompetently led, and that Israel will always be the unchallengeable military superpower of the region. So, in the view of Obama and other outsiders, Israel’s long-term security still depends on making a fair and lasting peace with its Arab neighbours — including the Palestinians.

The settlements fatally undermine the prospects for such a deal. For a growing number of Israelis, that is irrelevant, because they have a fundamentally demonic view of the Arabs and do not believe that a lasting peace with them is possible. In which case, of course, Israel might as well grab all of East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

The Jewish settlements are indeed illegal under the Fourth Geneva Convention, and there is not a single government outside Israel that believes they

are legitimate. But the recent Security Council resolution will have no effect on Israeli policy, nor will the state of Israel suffer grave consequences as a result.

President-elect Donald Trump will stop any further such resolutions with the US veto, although he is unlikely to be able to undo this one.

And we will all have to wait a long time to know whether it is the perspective of Netanyahu and Trump, or that of Obama and almost all other world leaders, that ultimately defines Israel’s future.

Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

7

?

HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK To vote, go online to merrittherald.com

What are you looking forward to in 2017?

PREVIOUS QUESTION Should a local elected official (councillor, mayor, or First Nations chief) be allowed to hold two offices at the same time?

YES: 10% (3) NO: 90% (27)

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.

Thanks Merritt for your support over the last 25 Years!

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8 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 29, 2016

YEAR IN REVIEW

20

Through the

THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 9

www.merrittherald.com

16

YEAR IN REVIEW

Herald’s lens

Ian Webster, Michael Potestio, Ken Couture and Cole Wagner/Herald

10 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 29, 2016

YEAR IN REVIEW

7. Another family doc closing practice

8. Local doctor closing up shop after 20 years

Public health was dealt a significant blow in January, as two longtime doctors announced they would be leaving the community, with no replacements lined up to take over their practices.

The impending departure of Dr. Urbanus Bester was reported by the Herald on Jan. 6, a move which was estimated to leave 2,000 people without a family physician in Merritt.

Then, 19 days later, the Herald reported that Dr. Andries Smit would also be leaving town in the spring — and he had similarly been unable to find a replacement.

Where there were once seven doc-

tors in town, there were now only five.

At the Conayt Friendship Centre, a nurse practitioner program saw a spike of about 500 more patients after the two family doctors left.

Despite ongoing efforts from Merritt’s physicians and the Interior Health Authority (IHA), efforts to recruit a new doctor to the city have so far been unsuccessful. Since 2013, the IHA has stated its intention to recruit three more doctors to serve in Merritt.

Only one doctor — Dr. Drew Soderberg — has come to the community since then.

9. Tolko closure a shock

I would like to thank all of the local businesses and clients for your continued support this past year.

Your business is much appreciated and I look forward to working with you in the New Year!

I can make advertising work for you!

Contact Michele at The Merritt Herald 250-378-4241 sales2@merrittherald.com

Do you want to showcase your creativity, if so, you have a chance to design a logo

10. Tolko gives cold shoulder to benefits extension Shortly after the initial shock of the announcement of the Tolko closure set in, Merrittonians set about to try to answer the question “what’s next?”

Though many workers were guaranteed a severance package as negotiated by the union — ten days pay for every year of seniority at the mill — others were in more precarious situations.

Workers in the midst of technical training and certification programs — paid for by Tolko Industries — would no longer have their courses paid for as of December. A request from the United Steelworkers Local 1-417 president Marty Gibbons to extend company benefits for workers for six months after the mill closed was also denied by Tolko.

Meanwhile, a community transition team, set up by the provincial government and featuring input from Merritt’s city council, set to work in the community, connecting workers with employment services.

As the sun set on the mill on Dec. 16, the lumber yard sat eerily bare, as the site would be shuttered but not sold by Tolko.

INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING AT PRICES YOU CAN AFFORD

Bachelor Suite: $1122 1 Bdrm Suite: $1495 • 2 Bdrm Suite : $1895

Providing affordable independent and assisted living, with all of the comforts of home.

For more information on our facility and extended services: Office Hours: Mon - Thurs 7:30 am - 4 pm Phone: 250-378-4254 2670 Garcia Street, Merritt, BC • www.nicolameadowsmerritt.com

CONTEST! If your design is chosen you’ll

WIN $300

NVITEA Logo Contest Rules 1.

Artwork must be submitted to the NVITEA Secretary, Anna Brown located in M049, 4155 Belshaw Street Merritt, BC V1K 1R1 on or before January 23rd at 4:30pm.

2. All submissions will be showcased at NVIT between January 24th-January 27th, 2017.

3. All submissions must be 4” x 7” in size.

4. All submissions must be on a plain white background.

5. All submissions must be camera/print ready.

6. No more than 2 colors can be used in the logo.

7. Please ensure the logo is of basic design to ensure shrinkage of the logo is not distorted or too busy.

8. Signatures of artwork should only be on the flip (or back) side of the artwork.

9. NVITEA will select the winning logo submission and will contact only the winning artist.

10. All artwork submitted will become the property of NVITEA and will not be returned.

11. You must be 18 years of age to submit a logo for consideration.

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology Employee’s Association (NVITEA) Local 19, is the local voice for faculty and staff at NVIT. Represented by the President and the Executive Team, they represent over 75 members. From lobbying governments to assisting members with grievance handling and collective bargaining, NVITEA works to further the interests of post-secondary educators.

NVITEA is a faculty and staff association formed in 1994 to provide educators at NVIT with a provincial voice. NVITEA operates at the local and provincial levels with the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators. Each year, NVITEA holds an annual general meeting whereby members participate in workshops and approve policy, priorities and a budget to guide the work of the organization over the coming year, developed at AGMs. For more inforamtion contact Anna Brown at (250) 378-3361 or email: nvitea@hotmail.com.

THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 11

www.merrittherald.com

REAL ESTATE REVIEW

www.facebook.com/rlpmerritt

Helping you is what we do.™ M E R R I T T

Holly Tilstra Property Manager

www.pinterest.com/rlpmerritt

Phone: 250-378-6181

1988 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 • Fax: 250-378-6184

SALES TEAM

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Lynda Etchart Property Manager

www.twitter.com/rlpmerritt

Independently owned and operated

Claudette Edenoste Broker/Owner

Crystal Chandler Assistant

250-280-0689

Property Management Team: 250-378-1996 Email: proplepage@gmail.com

claudetteedenoste@ royallepage.ca

Karen Bonneteau Sales Rep

John Isaac Broker

250-315-5178

250-378-1586

kbonneteau@telus.net

Debra Schindler Personal Real Estate Corp.

Melody Simon Sales Rep

250-315-8539

250-315-3548

johnisaac@telus.net

melodydsimon@ hotmail.com

debbieschindler2@gmail.com

Connecting your listings to buyers and sellers world wide. www.royallepagemerritt.com

SOLD

E

LAK N A G

IAL

C MER

COM

LO

5-2760 VOGHT STREET 1563 COLDWATER AVE 29 TOPAZ CRESCENT $ MLS#131450 MLS#135767 99,900 $319,000 MLS#135036 $140,000

104-2799 CLAPPERTON AVE 2502 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 1701 ORME STREET 2175 NICOLA AVENUE $159,000 MLS#131538 $165,000 MLS#137683 MLS#133972 $ 220,000 MLS#137306 $198,000

IAL

C MER

COM

E

LAK GAN

LO

2102 MAMETTE AVENUE $ MLS#136578 229,000

2890 PANORAMA DRIVE 2571 COLDWATER AVENUE 1599 COLDWATER AVENUE 1364 VOGHT STREET MLS#129746 $ 249,000 MLS#134789 $ 258,000 $239,000 MLS#136535 MLS#132638 $299,000

1898 BLAIR STREET 312 BASALT DRIVE MLS#137384 $429,000 $ 369,000 MLS#135705

1502 RIVER STREET MLS#135151 $ 549,000

2397 TORGERSON ROAD 6621 MONCK PARK ROAD 1280 MILLER ROAD LOT 1 ABERDEEN ROAD MLS#137878 $749,000 MLS#137675 $845,000 $619,000 MLS#132723 MLS#137879 $899,000

5360+5320 MANNING CRK FS RD

$1,199,000

MLS#137303

3265 CUMMINGS ROAD MLS#137578 $1,499,000

CHECK OUT OUR LISTINGS ONLINE: WWW.REALTOR.CA AND SEARCH BY MLS# MLS # House # STREET

Merritt up to $200,000 137991 76-2776 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 132252 35-254 HIGHWAY 8 135761 1138 HOUSTON STREET 137633 1876 COLDWATER AVENUE 130290 17-2760 VOGHT STREET 131450 #5-2760 VOGHT STREET 133041 2326 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 138023 206-1701 MENZIES STREET 131538 104-2799 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 137421 1859 GRANITE AVENUE 132661 203-1701 MENZIES STREET 131428 2501 JACKSON AVENUE 137616 2387 COUTLEE AVENUE 133972 1701 ORME STREET Merritt $200,000 to $300,000 138024 19-1749 MENZIES STREET 137175 2575 COUTLEE AVENUE 134248 2113 BLACKWELL AVENUE 136578 2102 MAMETTE AVE 137594 2556 CORKLE STREET 136052 2614 COLDWATER AVENUE 134789 2571 COLDWATER AVENUE 132638 1599 COLDWATER AVENUE 137646 419 DODDING AVENUE 137901 2298 MCGORAN PLACE SOLD 137154 2290 MERRITT AVE 137057 2387 REID AVENUE 137206 2398 MCGORAN PLACE 137655 20-1901 MAXWELL AVENUE 136535 1364 VOGHT STREET Merritt $300,000+ 135175 1376 DOUGLAS STREET 137201 2141 TAYLOR PLACE 137271 1565 CHESTNUT AVENUE 137181 1540 BANN STREET 137196 2637 FORKSDALE AVENUE 135092 1849 PINERIDGE DRIVE 135113 3358 PANORAMA PLACE 137461 1761 SUNFLOWER AVE 135151 1502 RIVER STREET 136010 3793 PETIT CREEK ROAD Homes On Acreage 136008 453+461 WILD ROSE DRIVE 136347 2564 KINVIG STREET 137242 2433 PAIGE STREET 135991 1837 NICOLLS ROAD

PRICE 42,500 58,000 94,990 135,000 135,000 140,000 150,000 154,000 159,000 159,000 159,000 175,000 198,000 198,000

205,000 213,000 225,000 229,000 234,900 247,500 249,000 258,000 279,000 279,000 285,000 289,900 290,000 291,990 299,000 325,000 344,900 359,000 378,000 459,900 469,000 480,000 515,000 549,000 1,486,000 177,000 279,000 385,000 475,000

MLS #

House # STREET

Homes On Acreage 132182 DL3520 MILL CREEK ROAD 134647 2397 CARRINGTON STREET 137878 2397 TORGERSON ROAD 137675 6621 MONCK PARK ROAD 137879 1280 MILLER ROAD 137296 5360-5320 MANNING CREEK FS RD 136011 3793 PETIT CREEK ROAD 137578 3265 CUMMINGS ROAD Bare Land 132760 1849 VOGHT STREET 135536 1925 COUTLEE AVENUE 137593 4207 FALCON CREST DR 137592 4217 FALCON CREST DR 130261 1914 QUILCHENA AVENUE 137306 2502 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 132195 2556 ABERDEEN ROAD 129746 2980 PANORAMA DRIVE 132723 LOT 1 ABERDEEN ROAD 137445 2819 ABERDEEN ROAD Commercial 137368 1255,59,63MIDDAY VALLEY ROAD 132968 2326 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 134949 2040-52 NICOLA AVE(Business only) 137683 2175 NICOLA AVENUE 132977 2338 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 137384 1898 BLAIR STREET 135428 377 MERRITT-SP BR HWY 134988 2040-52 NICOLA AVENUE Logan Lake 133958 208-279 ALDER DRIVE 129026 67-111 CHARTRAND AVE(Business) 137542 460 OPAL DRIVE 135036 29 TOPAZ CRESCENT 133956 9 SAPPHIRE COURT 125620 31 BRECCIA DRIVE 136183 LOT B TUNKWA LAKE ROAD 133022 227 BIRCH CRESCENT 136185 125 JASPER DRIVE 138049 4881 PINE RIDGE WAY

PRICE 499,000 599,000 619,900 749,000 845,000 1,199,000 1,486,000 1,499,000 39,900 44,900 68,000 68,000 80,000 165,000 195,000 239,000 899,000 1,900,000 138,000 150,000 160,000 220,000 310,000 369,000 395,000 499,000 62,500 69,900 88,000 99,900 122,400 189,000 198,000 203,000 399,900 425,000

Happy Holidays The team at Royal Lepage sends out their warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

May this New Year fill your home with joy and laughter.

Wishing everyone a prosperous, healthy and happy new year!

4881 PINE RIDGE WAY

$425,000

NG ISTI L E NEW LAK N A LOG

Enjoy the good life “Resort Style”. Beautiful 2+1 bedroom custom Douglas Fir log home on 1/2 acre. Drive your snowmobile or quad right into your basement through double doors and into your 12x24 workshop. Enjoy the huge Blaze King woodstove and the firewood under the deck. To make life easy a unique crane provides help by lifting the firewood to the upstairs area. Laundry located off main floor. Log home includes Armara antique stove with bun warmer and 6 burners. Outside deck provides hot tub, views and an all fenced backyard with creek and lots of privacy. Call to view and start living the dream! Year round access, use as vacation cabin, sleeps 10. Bareland strata fee $700/year.

MLS# 138049

12 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 29, 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS OPIOID CRISIS

Cold adds risk as drug overdoses soar Tom Fletcher BLACK PRESS

Cold weather has meant more B.C. illicit drug users overdose alone at home, in public washroom stalls or on deserted streets, pushing B.C.’s highest-ever drug death total to new heights.

The isolation of drug users, and the likely introduction of even more lethal synthetic opioids into the street drug supply, contributed to 128 B.C. overdose deaths in November, provincial health officials said Monday. That brings the total deaths in B.C. to 755 for the year, up 70 per cent from last year, with little relief in sight when the numbers roll in for December.

“We are seeing people die with a naloxone kit open beside then, and they haven’t had time to use it,” said Lisa Lapointe, B.C.’s Chief Coroner, referring to the overdose treatment that has been made widely available.

By the end of December, the B.C. government expects to have 18 “overdose prevention sites” open in high-risk areas, including Surrey, Victoria, Prince George, Kelowna, Kamloops, Maple Ridge, Langley, Abbotsford and Vancouver.

Health Minister Terry Lake issued an emergency order Dec. 9 to open the new supervised sites without permission from the federal government.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall pleaded with affected communities to stop their protests against overdose prevention sites. The supervised sites will save lives, “and what they will not do is bring problems into communities,” because the drugs and users are already there, Kendall said.

Clayton Pecknold, B.C.’s director of police services, said he is encouraged by the latest federal government efforts to intercept synthetic drugs coming from China by mail.

More online at merrittherald.com, search ‘COLD OVERDOSE’

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THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 13

www.merrittherald.com

MOVING REAL ESTATE BC LTD. #102, 2840 Voght Street, Box 236 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8

250-378-6166 – TF 1-877-841-2100 www.century21.ca/movingrealestate December 29th, 2016 - January 11th, 2017

FEATURE HOME

MAGNIFICENT LAKEFRONT HOME 6404 MONCK PARK ROAD Quality custom built home on 1.05 acres with approx. 140 ft of lake frontage on Nicola Lake. Has 32 ft fiberglass dock & inground heated pool. 4 huge bedrms all with W/I closets & gorgeous ensuites. Open gourmet kitchen with Silestone counters, high end S/S appliances & massive open living room with stone faced F/P. Walk out to one of the 2 porcelain tile decks & enjoy the views. High end theater room with 120” projections screen & much more.

#2792 ELDORADO PARK

CED

$2,818,000

OVER 4900 SQ. FT.

AFFORDABLE BEAUTIFUL STARTER HOME

IN QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD

Custom finished home with quality finishings inside & out. Beautiful custom cabinetry, HW floor with gorgeous tile work, deluxe 5 pce ensuite, plus living quarter for parents and a legal bsmt suite.

Nicely updated mobile with 2in Appealing 2 bedroom plus home den rancher bedrooms, new roof featuring in 2015 &10HW tank, immaculate condition ft ceilings, furnace has updated, newconcept paint, hardwood & been tile flooring, open extra large window A/C & kitchen withsundeck, granite new countertops, 5 pce heat tape to all plumbing. ensuite, crown moldigers & more.

Wonderful family home with 3 bedrms up, large living area, eating nook in kitchen, separate dining area plus fully finished basement with laundry, rec.room with pellet stove and lots of storage.

U RED

Nice 2 bedroom, 1 bath home comes with all appliances, and new plumbing with heat tape. Close to golf course and easy walk to shopping. Pad rent $346 per month.

#2674

$44,900

#2734

QUALITY BUILT

$539,900 AMAZING VIEWS

#2678 #2768

$48,500 $349,900

#2748

$279,900

LARGE FAMILY HOME

OPPORTUNITY

Immaculate 5 bedrm home with large family room & living both with gas F/P’s, 4 baths, covered deck off kitchen, office plus 2 bedrm suite. Double garage, storage shed & garden area.

Great commercial/residential revenue property with a current lease in place.

Approx. 4230 sq.ft. of retail space plus 1300 sq.ft. in a 4 bedrm residential suite above, in the heart of Merritt.

#2772

#2778

D

UCE

RED Immaculate family home on 0.26 acre lot & well maintained . Has 4 bedrms up, 2 bedrm legal suite on ground level, new high quality laminate on main floor, 4 baths, large family rm & extra large foyer.

#2732

$394,900

Custom cedar home on over 1 acre with room for a shop. Features 3 bedrms, 3 baths, vaulted ceiling, rock F/P in living room, wrap around deck off kitchen, rec.room in bsmt.

Single garage.

#2728

$499,500

$399,900

$349,900

INVESTMENT

SPACIOUS RANCHER

INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL BUILDING

Side by side duplex, good for investment, on corner lot and close to elementary school and convenient store. Has 2 or 3 bedrooms per side and a single garage. Don’t miss this one!

Large family home in Lower Nicola with 3 bedrooms, living room with F/P, large dining rm & family room with F/P’s, 3 pce ensuite plus fully finished basement, rec.rm, cold rm & workshop.

Light industrial lot of 0.8 acres with 62x32 insulated shop on edge of town. Zoning allows for manufacturing, wholesale commercial, service industries, agricultural or horticultural with offices or residence.

8500 sq.ft. building on corner lot with exposure & access to truck route. 6500 sq.ft. of retail space, 1600 sq.ft. of warehouse, plus enclose lunch room above. Loading dock, paved parking.

#2687

#2681

#2724

$166,000

$319,900

HOUSE NICOLAOPEN BLUFFS

$264,900

#2626

BC GOVERNMENT TO HELP FIRST TIME BUYERS! Looking to buy your first home?

Under the new Mortgage and Equity Partnership Program, the government will match down payment funds of eligible first-time buyers up to $37,500 with a 25 year term second mortgage. No payments are required and no interest will accrue until sixth year of mortgage term.

Call your Financial Institutions for more details, then call us and let’s find your new home!

$850,000

Grandview Heights

Saturday, Oct. 8 and 15, - 1:00 – 4:00 pm, 2514 Spring Bank Avenue Starting at $299,900 + GST

2514toSpring Bank From 2200 sq.ft.

2800 sq.ft. theseAvenue spacious townhouses Prices Starting at $299,500 + GST have open concept kitchen with quartz countertops, gas F/P and double garage.

- From 2200 to 2800 sq.ft. townhomes Views of river and grasslands.

- Quartz countertops in kitchen - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths - Full basement, double garage - Great views, close to shopping

#2743

RESIDENTIAL VIEW LOTS

Prices Starting at $89,000 + GST

Fully serviced residential lots with fantastic views of the Nicola Valley and surrounding mountains.

Close to shopping and college.

Start building your dream home today!

This premier subdivision offers a rural living experience with expansive views of the Nicola Valley. Minimum lot size of 0.5 acre up to 0.96 acre, offers privacy and room to landscape. The cul de sac design guarantees no thru traffic and crown land surround entire property. Road are paved with city services in place. Call for details.

Prices Starting at $85,000 + GST

#1726

Located Off Lindley Creek Road

#102-2840 Voght St., Merritt, B.C. - 250-378-6166 - Toll Free: 1-877-841-2100

#1928

14 • THURSDAY, December 29, 2016

www.merrittherald.com

THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 15

www.merrittherald.com

Century 21 Moving Real Estate BC Ltd. Doug Beech (Owner) 378-7392

Don Gossoo Managing Broker

Moving Real Estate BC Ltd. NEWER HOME

ON ½ ACRE

Don Ward 315-3503

D SOL

Nice log home of 1680 sq.ft. on great ½ acre lot in Lower Nicola. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, large kitchen, dining & living room. Home has been well maintained. Has large 24x40 garage/shop plus horse barn

Custom home with panoramic views on the Bench above the golf course. 3 bedrms, 4 baths, vaulted ceilings, custom kitchen, HW floors on the main, fully fin. Bsmt, private backyard with swim spa on the deck.

#2760

#2784

#2785

FOR EXPERT ADVICE & QUALITY SERVICE, CALL US.

$459,900

Brad Yakimchuk

Karen Yakimchuk

315-3043

315-3076

Personal Real Estate Corporation

Moving Real Estate BC Ltd.

RETIRE HERE

SPACIOUS RANCHER

IN SUN VALLEY COURT

CUSTOM FINISHED

NICOLA BLUFFS

NICOLA BLUFFS

In great retirement community within walking distance to shopping & amenities. This townhome has 2 bedrms, 2 baths, laundry on the main, living room with gas F/P & carport parking in front.

Beautiful 2 bedroom plus den rancher in immaculate condition, 10 ft ceilings, HW & tile flooring, open concept kitchen, granite countertops, S/S appliances, 5 pce enusite, B/I bookshelves in den & more.

Nice 3 bedrm, 2.5 bath townhouse with unique floor plan, large bay window, gas F/P, some newer kitchen appliances, back splash & flooring. Home has been professionally painted up & down including ceilings.

Prestigious custom finished home in quiet location with 7 bedrms, 7 baths, including inalw suite on main plus legal suite in bsmt.

Basement features large entertainment area with full bar & gym.

Two storey townhome in newer Strata development. Open concept kitchen with quartz countertops, laminate flooring, gas F/P, 3 bedrms up, 4 bath and full basement for rec.room & storage. GST applies.

New two storey townhome with open concept kitchen with quartz countertops, laminate flooring, gas F/P, 3 bedrms up, 4 baths and the basement is finished for rec. room & storage room. GST applies.

#2768

#2769

#2734

#2744

#2745

EXECUTIVE HOME

$539,900

Ray Thompson 315-3377

#102 - 2840 Voght St., Merritt, BC • www.century21.ca/movingrealestate

3 bedroom home on large lot within walking distance to downtown. This manufactured home of 1188 sq.ft. is on a concrete foundation & just 2 yrs old. Master bedroom with 4 pce ensuite and plenty of closet space.

$259,000

250-378-6166 • Fax: 378-4344 or Toll Free: 1-877-841-2100

Janis Post 315-3672

#2786

$234,900

$349,900

$199,900

$539,900

$299,500

$299,500

IN LOWER NICOLA

DUPLEX

NEW HOME

QUIET LOCATION

LARGE FAMILY HOME

RIVERFRONT

ON THE BENCH

NEW RANCHER

NEW STRATA UNIT

NEW TOWNHOME

Wonderful family home with 3 bedrms up with full basement. Large living room, dining area, eating nook, rec.room with pellet stove in basements. RV parking, fruit trees, garden area, 2 decks and great views.

Great location for this full side by side duplex in a good neighbourhood. Each side has an unfinished bsmt for storage. Living area of 1484 sq.ft. with 3 bedrms, 2 baths, some new paint and flooring. 24 hrs notice.

New 2 storey home with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, spacious open concept style kitchen with stone counters, spacious living room, nice master bedrm with 3 pce ensuite & W/O closet. Double garage. GST applies.

Quality 5 bedrm family home with fully finished basement, private fenced yard & RV parking. Home features new kitchen cabinets, backsplash & countertops, new flooring on main, new roof & updated HW tank.

Immaculate 5 bedrm family home in good area.

Has large open kitchen with oak cabinets & nook area with access to covered deck. 2 bedrm legal suite at ground level, Backyard has garden area & shed.

#2749

#2772

1400 sq.ft. rancher with full basement, 2 bedrooms up, 2 down, 3 baths, open concept kitchen with dining room. Spectacular views from the large windows. Center double siding gas F/P. Natural stone countertops, gorgeous kitchen cabinets, laundry on the main. GST applies.

New 2 storey townhome with 3 bedrm up, 4 baths, open concept kitchen with quartz countertops, laminate flooring, gas F/P, and fully finished basement. 2 car garage. GST applies.

#2762

Beautiful 3 bedroom rancher with full bsmt on quiet cul de sac. Has 20x24 heated shop, room for RV, new fenced, new kitchen with granite counters & S/S appliances. Newer furnace, vinyl windows & siding & floors.

2 bedroom rancher with den and loft, open concept style home with spacious kitchen/ dining area that opens to living room with gas F/P. Loft could be used as family room. New Home Warranty. GST applies.

#2756

2 bedroom manufactured home overlooking the Nicola River in Eldorado MH Park. Had 574 sq.ft. private deck with hot tub & saunda plus a 30x12 detached work shed. Paved parking.

#2748

$279,900

IN PRIME LOCATION

$339,900

IMMACULATE BENCH HOME

$389,900

$392,900 OPPORTUNITY

ON THE BENCH

$399,900

#2751

RIVERFRONT

$84,900 MANY UPGRADES

#2791

$374,900

IMMACULATE HOME

Beautiful 4 bedrm family home on the Bench with 2 car garage, extensive updates and move in ready. Backs onto city tennis courts with panoramic views of the valley. Full daylight basement with family rm.

Fully fin. 5 bedrm home, 3 bedrms up, 2 down, kitchen with custom cabinetry, eating bar opens to dining room. Workshop downstairs, tool rm, storage shed. Fenced backyard , RV parking.

New roof in 2015, new A/C.

Nice Bench home with many recent reno’s including windows, roof, paint, flooring, fixtures & S/S appl. Home has 4 bedrms, 3 baths and fully finished bsmt. Private backyard with new deck, fruit trees & workshop.

4 bedroom starter home or investment opportunity. Home as 2 bedrooms up & 2 down with a partially finished basement.

Has newer roof, windows, some flooring, 5 appliances & paint.

Nicely finished mobile home in Eldorado MH Park overlooking the river and golf course. Has 2 bedrooms, laminate floors, new skylight and comes with appliances.

Quick possession.

5 bedroom family home with 2 bedroom inlaw suite in the basement. Excellent family home with plenty of yard space & recreation nearby. Lane access for parking. New roof, upgraded furnace & more.

#2703

#2770

#2726

#2752

Quality built & immaculate family home in quiet area on 0.26 acre lot. Home has been well maintained, high quality laminate, 4 bedrms, 5 pce ensuite & 2 other full baths.

Has 2 bedrm suite with long term tenant.

#2604

#2775

#2732

$369,900 PRIVATE YARD

$399,900

NEWER APARTMENT

$345,000

CHARMING RANCHER

$172,000

$44,900

BENCH VIEW HOME

BROOKMERE

SPACIOUS RANCHER

$234,900

$394,900 IN LOWER NICOLA

#2781

$389,900

#2746

$339,900

#2743

$299,500

DOWNTOWN

D L O S

Cozy 1100 sq.ft. rancher with 2 bedrooms, huge oak kitchen, HW floors throughout.

On big double lot with RV parking, fish bond, fruit trees, small workshop and storage shed

#2783

Call us for a Market Evaluation.

$229,900

FIRST TIME BUYERS

INVESTORS

WELL MAINTAINED

CED

U RED 3 bedrm rancher with fully basement, pool & RV parking. New updates include a new roof, siding, bathrms, paint, U/G sprinklers, deck & new pool deck. Nicely landscaped with mature foliage.

Quality built one bedroom apartment, close to schools, shopping and bus. Nice open design, kitchen has granite countertops and Shaker style cabinets. Nice view of mountains. Strata fees $160 per month

Completely updated rancher in desirable area. Has 1 bedrm plus den and open hobby room/office. Fenced yard, lane access to 30x20 pad for RV parking and 18x10 shop with power.

#2701

#2773

#2776

$359,900 DUPLEX

Up and down duplex in an area close to shopping and downtown core. 3 bedrooms up and 2 bedrooms in lower unit. Has electric heat and separate meters. Currently rented.

#2689

$129,900

$214,900

Charming 4 bedrm, 2.5 bath rancher with full basement in downtown location, with large rooms throughout, all new windows & doors, boiler system & HW tank, new roof in 2008, updated floors & bathrms.

#2721

$289,900

Happy Holidays!

$224,000

LOOKING TO INVEST?

Perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiast with year round activities. Close to fishing, crosscountry skiing, quading & more. Beautiful 2 bedrm home with open kitchen/living room, double garage, lots of parking.

#2524

$309,900

5 bedroom family home in outstanding location on view side of Parker Drive and adjacent to vacant city property. Hardwood flooring on main floor, large spacious rooms & full basement. Needs some TLC.

Very clean home with 2 bedrms, great open floor plan, island in kitchen & central A/C. Very nice yard with flower garden & cedar hedge for privacy and a covered sundeck for those BBQ days, and a woodshed for storage.

Cozy 2 bedroom house, would be good starter or retirement home. Completely redone 10 years ago. Kitchen/living room open style.

Single garage/shop has bedrm, bathrm & kitchen for visitor or teen.

Newer 2 bedroom apartment on 3rd floor, comes with stainless stove, fridge & D/W. Close to shopping, schools & bus. Strata fees $160 per month.

2 bedroom mobile in Eldorado Mobile Home Park. New plumbing with heat tape, 1 bath, comes with all appliances. Quick possession. Close to golf course. Pad rent $346 per month.

#2750

#2612

#2691

#2774

#2674

$252,900

$69,900

QUIET SETTING

This side by side duplex, currently rented, good for investment on a corner lot and close to elementary school & convenient store.

Each side has 2 or 3 bedrms plus a single garage.

Home has 3 bedrooms up 1.5 baths, newer windows and siding and a partly finished basement with rec.room. Close to elementary school. Lane access with carport in back.

Large family home in good neighbourhood in Lower Nicola. 4 bedrooms, living room with wood burning fireplace, large dining & family room also with fireplace. Large yard with nice gardens.

#2687

#2662

AFFORDABLY PRICED

DUPLEX

2 bedroom mobile home in Eldorado Mobile Home Park. Buy as personal residence or a rental unit. Storage unit on pad. Pad rent $360.

Currently tenanted.

2 bedroom rancher in a cozy setting with a big yard and an attached single car garage.

Zoned C2 with possibility of working from home. Currently rented at $875 per month.

#2688

#2692

$173,900

$159,900

GREAT STARTER HOME

IN ELDORADO PARK

$24,900

$148,000

D L O S $166,000

$129,900

#2681

$44,900

$319,900

Merritt offers very affordable housing prices and is ideally located at the hub of 3 major highway connecting us to the Lower Mainland, Kamloops and the Okanagan. The surrounding area offers an abundance of recreational activities from fishing, boating, hunting, camping, golfing, and cross-country in Kane Valley to various music festivals throughout the year. Let us help you invest in your future!

www.century21.ca/movingrealestate • 378-6166 • www.century21.ca/movingrealestate • 378-6166 • www.century21.ca/movingrealestate

16 • THURSDAY, December 29, 2016

www.merrittherald.com

CENTURY 21 MOVING REAL ESTATE BC LTD. LAKE

IC & I

AT NICOLA LAKE

COMMERCIAL BUILDING

RV PARK

3100 sq.ft. open concept home with master bedrm w/4 pce ensuite on the main plus 3 bedrms down, 3 baths, huge office/den, living room with vaulted ceilings, large view windows. Large workshop + double garage.

Great opportunity to own a commercial/ residential revenue property with a currently lease in place. Has approx. 4230 sq.ft. of retail space with 4 bedrm residential suite above, in the heart of downtown.

15.9 acre RV Park bordering the Coldwater River. Hookups in place & future set of plans for expansion available. Has city wate, sewer & power. Also has small rental home with long term tenants.

#2778

#2771

HOMES ON ACREAGE/LAND ON 5.63 ACRES

ON TWO ACRES

MAGNIFICENT LAKE HOME

IC & I

NEW Unique property with 3 bedrm, 3 bath home offers privacy & panoramic views.

Has 32x26 detached garage/shop with 11 ft ceilings & 200 amp. Lots of parking, nicely landscaped yard.

Wonderful 2 acre property in Lower Nicola with large 24x40 shop plus a 624 sq.ft. outbuilding you could use for home-based business. The 3 bedrm 2 bath rancher with oak kitchen cabinetry, updated main bath & an extensive private back deck & hot tub.

Quality built lakefront home on 1.05 acres with fiberglass dock & inground heated pool. 4 huge bedrms with W/I closets & ensuites. Open gourmet kitchen, massive open living rm with stone faced F/P. High end theater room with projection screen & more

#2779

#2767

#2792

$649,000

SPECTACULAR VIEWS

$495,000 ON 22 ACRES

ED

UC RED

Custom cedar home on over 1 acre features 3 bedrms, 3 baths, open kitchen, large deck off nook area and rec.room in basement with 3rd bedrm. 1 car garage, raised garden beds & many fruit trees

Approx. 22 acres just minutes from Merritt. Nicely renovated 4 bedrm home. Great horse property with a 44x36 horse barn & 100x44 metal Quonset shop. Home has 4 bedrms, 3 bath, open style country kitchen. 2 car garage, new drilled well & nicely landscaped.

#2728

#2733

$499,500

$699,900

$2,818,000

Nicola Lake is located 10 kms from Merritt.

Great lake for fishing, boating, swimming & camping.

#2664

$699,900

$349,900

$1,850,000

AT NICOLA LAKE

COMMERCIAL BUILDING

COMMERCIAL BUILDING

2 bedroom recreational cabin with living room, dining room & kitchen. Enjoy the sandy beaches & breathtaking views. Boating, fishing, swimming and snowmobiling in winter. No water or sewer services.

n busy location with tenant, and is fully leased. Total of 6600 sq.ft. with 4100 on the main, 1050 sq.ft. in basement and 1520 on top floor that could be used as living quarters.

#2765

#2573

Great location on a corner lot with approx. 7300 sq.ft. building, zoned C-4 with site specific zoning to allow doctors, lawyers, professional offices. Lots of parking, nicely landscaped.

$425,000

$850,000

#2019

$595,000

10.9 ACRES

12.63 ACRES

9.88 ACRES

NICOLA LAKEVIEW HOME

INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

20 ACRES

Located in Miller Estates, a subdivision of custom built executive homes, just 10 minutes west of Merritt. Enjoy the views of the valley & surrounding mountains.

Land is mostly cleared with some trees.

Private acreage, treed with great access to Spius creek. Several good building sites, has a drilled well and hydro to lot line. Located in Sunshine Valley off Cleasby Road.

Great acreage to build your dream home.

Has easy access from highway, rolling hills, some trees, nice views, a well in place and power on the road. Adjacent lot also available.

This open concept rancher has a walkout basement & quality features like vaulted ceilings, rock F/P in huge living room with HW floors, spacious kitchen with island, 2 bedrms up, 2 down, large wet bar and games/rec.room.

Light industrial 0.8 acres with 62x32 insulated shop in TNRD but on edge of town. Zoning allow for manufacturing, wholesale commercial, service industries, restaurant, agricultural, etc.

Two 10 acre parcels in the City limits. One parcel has a two year lease. Zoned M-1.

Other parcel has “future development” zoning. Call for more details

#2763

$239,900

#2047

#2782

$176,900

#2613

$650,000

#2724

$264,900

#2555

$2,000,000

1 ACRE

179 ACRES

TYNER LAKE

INDUSTRIAL BUILDING

COMMERCIAL BUILDING

Enjoy the great outdoors on this 1 acre lot on Iron Mountain. Close to fishing, hunting, cross country skiing & more. Only 10 mins. from Merritt, 1 yr from Kelowna & 2 hrs from the Lower Mainland.

Located only 2 km from city this historical south facing parcel sits on bench above Highway 8 with panoramic views, 31 acres in hay that can yield 3 crops annually, has marketable timber, a rock quarry and 3 bedrm home.

Enjoy this waterfront rustic cabin on gov’t leased land. Cabin has kitchen with eating area, living room & 1 bedroom on the main with small loft above, a lake side deck and their own dock. It’s located 30 kms northwest of Merritt.

Immaculate 8500 sq.ft. pre-cast tilt-up building on corner lot of 0.8 acres. Easy access from highway on truck route. Has 6400 sq.ft. of retail space + 1600 sq.ft. of warehouse on ground floor. Paved parking, loading dock.

Bowling Alley for sale includes building, land and all equipment for turnkey business. Located downtown on 7503 sq.ft. lot. Building is approx.

6700 sq.ft. A must view for any interested entrepreneurs.

MERRITT A great place to live, work and play.

$199,000

#2735

$89,900

#2495

$1,241,000

#2675

264 ACRES

Let us help you find your new home.

$1,250,000

1 acre lot with exquisite views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Located in subdivision well under way, of spectacular custom built homes. Nicola Lake offers many year round activities.

#2731

$850,000

#2759

$450,000

Perfect opportunity to build the home of your dreams at beautiful Nicola lake, on this 1.05 acre lot the panoramic views.

Enjoy the boating, water skiing, sailing & fishing this lake offers.

#2578

Give us a call for a Market Evaluation and let’s get your property listed!

$199,000

LAKEVIEW ACREAGE

53 ACRES

SPIUS CREEK ESTATES

#2626

ON NICOLA LAKE

Gorgeous property with approx. 1 mile of Guichon Creek flowing through. A great variety of land with possibilities of subdivision. Not in ALR. Has old farm house & shop. Hydro to house, 2 titles.

#2656

$99,000

COLDWATER HILLS

$159,000 LAKEFRONT LOT

Rare property that includes R-3 and FD zoning. FD allows the Buyer to request a zoning to fit their plans such as an additional residential zoning or M-1 for Light Industrial.

#2575

Located off Petit Creek Road

$1,690,000

Recreation commercial waterfront lot allows for multi-family resort, Pub, restaurant, marina, etc. There are a total of 3 lots available, listed separately, side by side for a total of 12 acres.

Water & sewer not connected.

#2710

$1,200,000 LAKEVIEW LOT

15 ACRES

Prices starting at $199,000

These approx. 10+ acre lots are located approx. 15 minutes from Merritt in beautiful Sunshine Valley. Stunning views of the valley & some are riverfront. GST is applicable.

Call for more details. Disclosure available. #2540

Great property in well developed subdivision of acreage lots. This unique 15+ acre property has a large amount of river frontage, hydro at lot line. Well is not in, but potable water is within 60 ft of depth.

#2720

$289,000

Just under 1 acre lot with exquisite views of Nicola Lake. Lot allows you to mold the property to your exact specifications.

Lake offers many year round activities for the outdoor enthusiast.

#2729

$199,000

Located on Veale Road Prices starting at $139,900 + GST Beautiful 10 +/- acre parcels with gorgeous views of the Coldwater River, just 10 minutes from Merritt. Power at lot line & many lots have preapproved building & septic sites. Some lots have wells. New perimeter fencing. Call for complete details. #1869

#102-2840 Voght St., Merritt, B.C. - 250-378-6166 - Toll Free: 1-877-841-2100

THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 17

www.merrittherald.com

CELEBRATING A NEW YEAR

The Merritt Herald and our participating merchants would like to wish our community, clients, families and friends, a very happy and successful 2017.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Happy Holidays!

2017

Happy Holidays to all of our customers!

Hope to see you in 2017!

We appreciate your business at Stoyoma Dental and look forward to serving you in 2017.

Best wishes in the New Year!

Open to all residents of the Nicola Valley and surrounding areas.

Franks Mechanical wishes to extend our thanks for your continued support over the past year.

FRANK’S MECHANICAL SERVICE 2026 Mamette Avenue 250-378-1322

Phone: (250) 378-5877

18 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 29, 2016

CELEBRATING A NEW YEAR

Time to celebrate New Year’s Day is the time at which a new calendar year begins and many cultures around the world will mark the occasion with celebrations. However, as some cultures use a different calendar, New Year’s Day is not just celebrated on Jan. 1. In fact, celebrating the new year on Jan. 1 is a relatively new phenomenon.

The earliest recording of a New Year’s Day celebration is believed to have been in Mesopotamia, around the year 2000 B.C. and it was celebrated around the time of the vernal equinox in mid-March.

The first time the New Year’s Day was celebrated on Jan. 1 was in Rome in 153 B.C. Interestingly enough, the month of January did not even exist until around 700 B.C. when the second king of Rome, Numa Pontilius, added the months of January and February.

New Year’s Day was then moved from March to January as that was the beginning of the civil year, the month where the two newly elected Roman consuls — the highest officials in the Roman republic, began their one year tenure.

In medieval Europe, during the year 567, the celebration was considered pagan and unchristian like,

so the Council of Tours abolished Jan. 1 as the beginning of the year.

It was not until 1582 when the Gregorian calendar restored Jan. 1 as New Year’s Day — and the date still had not been adopted by all, as some still celebrated the new year in March!

Fast forward to today, New Year’s Day is rung in with a beautiful fireworks display. The largest New Year’s Day fireworks display was held in Dubai to mark the start of 2014, which broke the world record for the most fireworks set off in a single display, lasting for six minutes and including the use of over 500,000 fireworks.

New Year’s Day is a time where we look ahead to a fresh year, making resolutions to improve on things that we would like to better about ourselves. It is a time to strengthen our relationships, make an effort to become more healthy, knowledgable, motivated and generous. So, we gather with friends and family on the New Year’s Eve and celebrate. Some might even sing Auld Lang Syne, (a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788, set to a tune of a traditional folk song) as they say goodbye to 2016 and move forward to 2017.

Have a Happy New Year and thank you for your continued business Merritt!

Benefits of family meals Families who resolve to spend more time together may reap a host of benefits. One of the easiest ways to enjoy family company is to dine together — with researchers saying it’s one of the most important things parents and other caregivers can do for children.

Hectic schedules have made it commonplace for many families to grab meals on the go, whether on the ride to school or during the commute home from work. Family meals may also play second fiddle to sports practices, extra hours at the office and trips to the gym. However, according to family therapist and Harvard Medical School professor Anne Fishel, sitting down for a nightly meal is great for the brain, the body and the spirit.

Tthat is not the only advantage to family meals.

• A 2000 survey from the Obesity Prevention Program at Harvard Medical School found that the nine- to 14-year-old children who ate dinner with their families most frequently ate more fruits and vegetables and consumed less soda and fried foods.

• Conversations around the dinner table provide an opportunity for children to expand their vocabulary and knowledge about key issues. A 2006 article in New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development found dinnertime conversation boosts vocabulary even more than being read to. Young kids learned 1,000 rare words at the dinner table, compared to only 143 from parents reading storybooks aloud. At the family dinner table, parents can teach their kids how to speak well when among other adults and children without the distractions of television, phones and other electronic devices drawing kids’ attention away.

• Family dinners can help expand palates and get children to try new things.

• Experts in the Department of Child Development and Family Science at North Dakota State University say family meals help provide a regular, consistent opportunity to create an environment of inclusion for everyone in the family. Family meals also become a way to carry on family traditions and instill a sense of family unity.

• Eating together may help prevent certain poor adolescent behaviors.

Teens who have fewer than three family dinners a week are three and half times more likely to abuse prescription drugs and to use illegal drugs other than marijuana; three times more likely to use marijuana; more than twice as likely to smoke cigarettes; and one and a half times more likely to try alcohol, according to Court Appointed Special Advocate reports.

Family meals are more than just a chance to enjoy good food together.

Such meals may benefit children for years to come.

Scwexmx Child and Family Services would like to wish our communities and partners a Very Merry Christmas and All the best for a Safe, Happy and Healthy New Year!

Scw’exmx Child & Family Services Society 85 Highway 8, Merritt, BC V1K 0A7 Telephone (250)378-2771, Fax (250)378-2799

www.merrittherald.com

THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 19

Wagon West Diner

CELEBRATING A NEW YEAR H ap

All Day

Opting for e-statements instead of paper statements can help men and women reduce clutter around the house.

• HUGE PORTIONS • GREAT PRICE • SUPERIOR QUALITY

Dec. 25 & 26 Closed • Dec. 31 6am - 4pm • Jan. 01 Closed

250-378-2100

Make the year ahead clutter-free Many people feel the dawn of a new year provides an opportunity to clean the slate and begin anew. That notion can be applied in various ways, including around the house.

Cleaning the slate at home may involve reducing clutter around the house. Clutter can gradually overtake a home’s interior, turning a once pristine home into one overwhelmed with nonessential items. Clearing a home of clutter can seem like a monumental task, but the following tips can help homeowners and apartment dwellers make the year ahead clutter-free.

• Scan important documents and save them on a computer. Some documents cannot be discarded, but that does not mean they have to be stored in bulky file cabinets or desk drawers. Scan important documents such as medical receipts or tax returns and save them on your computer where they won’t take up any physical space. Purchase an external hard drive as a safety net where you can store backups of important documents in case a computer crashes and cannot be rebooted.

• Thin out DVD and CD libraries. Thanks to streaming services and digital music players, DVDs and compact discs have become somewhat obsolete.

Discard or donate DVDs that you can just as easily stream through your television, and convert compact discs to digital files that you can play on your computer and MP3 players, ultimately donating the discs and clearing space.

• Purchase furniture that doubles as storage.

Storage ottomans and benches can help clear common areas and bedrooms of clutter such as

py New Year!

blankets and bed linens that can make rooms feel more claustrophobic. Storage furniture might not get excess items out of the house, but such furnishings can create a more comfortable, welcoming environment.

• Switch to e-statements for bank documents and utility bills. Paper is a big contributor to household clutter. That’s still the case even though many adults now pay the majority of their bills online.

When given the chance to choose between paper or e-statements, opt for the latter so bills and bank statements don’t pile up on your desk or throughout your home office. If you still want to keep important bills and bank statements, download them to your computer and keep them in a designated folder on your desktop.

• Adopt an “out with the old, in with the new” mantra. Resolve to discard old items after purchasing new ones or receiving birthday or holiday gifts.

Hanging on to old items because they can still function and serve some utility is a recipe for a cluttered home. Anytime you or a family member brings a new item into your home, make sure the item it’s replacing finds its way out the door.

Join us Clearing clutter is a goal for many people at the dawn of a new year.

As intimidating as clutter can seem, discarding it is easier than it may appear.

3999 Airport Road, Merritt, BC

I would like to thank all of the local businesses and clients for your continued support this past year. Your business is much appreciated and I look forward to working with you in the New Year!

I can make advertising work for you!

Contact Michele at The Merritt Herald 250-378-4241 sales2@merrittherald.com

Chinese Buffet Everyday with Sushi Bar for the Royal Buffet on New Years Eve

ew N y

! r a Ye

p p a H

HOURS:

7 days a week 11 am - 9 pm *Free delivery within 3km and min $30 purchase.

s g n i t e e r G s ' n o s a Se r a e Y w e N y p p a &H

*Pick-up orders 10% off!

to our clients and friends!

From Dr. Lis Ladyman & Staff at

NICOLA VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC LTD. 1802 Charters Street, Merritt , B.C.

250-378-6136

2226 NICOLA AVE, MERRITT

250-378-1323 OR 250-378-8888

20 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 29, 2016

CELEBRATING A NEW YEAR Many people set a goal to lose weight as they turn over their calendars to the new year — but keeping off the weight sometimes requires lifestyle changes

Get to the truth about dieting and weight loss Weight loss is a popular resolution come the new year. But despite that popularity, the resolution to lose weight is no small task. When resolving to lose weight, men and women will encounter an abundance of information about dieting and weight loss.

It’s difficult to know who to believe and to determine which plans will be effective.

Research published by Shape magazine says nearly one in three young people embark on a new diet each month, but 45 per cent give up after one week, and about half abandon their goals within a month. Data released in the Daily Mail in 2013 said that although one in seven (13 per cent) women in the United Kingdom stick to a diet for 13 weeks or more, nearly one in five (19 per cent) succumb to their favorite food cravings after a month.

What’s the magic formula for weight loss? Experts advise that there isn’t any. Weight-loss strategies that require fad dieting or restrict certain foods may not produce long-term success. Rather, a lifestyle overhaul is often the most effective weight loss strategy.

• Recognize that quick fixes do not work. Drastic weight loss approaches may produce immediate results, but such plans are not sustainable. Drastic plans include certain detoxes and cleanses; diets that eliminate all but a few foods; and food-replacement strategies.

Feelings of deprivation or boredom may make people following these diets unsuccessful in the long

run. Losing weight means changing one’s food and exercise plans over the long haul.

• Eat in regular intervals.

Researchers at the National Weight Control Registry offer that spacing food evenly throughout the day is the key to successful, long-term weight loss. People who eat healthy food at regular intervals are better nourished, think more clearly and report fewer mood swings than those who eat erratically.

• Recognize that not all carbs are bad. People trying to lose weight often hear that they should increase protein consumption and drastically reduce their intake of carbohydrates.

While it’s smart to reduce consumption of processed carbs and those that are made largely of white flour, there are some healthy carbohydrates, including beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

• Be flexible. As a person’s body ages, his or her metabolism will change. Men and women should revisit their recommended caloric intake every few years. In addition, men and women can routinely revisit their exercise routines to determine the efficacy of those routines and alter their workouts to reflect the physical changes their bodies are going through as they age.

A person’s first step before dieting or attempting to lose weight should be to consult their physician, who can help men and women achieve their weight loss goals in a way that’s healthy and easy to maintain for years to come. d ve n io e ct lil b fun t w d nex o r fo u at yo re at r se

The City of Merritt would like to wish all a safe and happy holiday season!

GREAT FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS & NO STRESS

NEW YEAR’S EVE BUFFET!

•Banquet Room Available G Seats up to 60 patrons Saturday, December 31 - 4:30 to 8:30 pm • Meeting Facilities Reservations Highly Recommended Up to 20 people THANK YOU MERRITT FOR A GREAT 2016! • Birthdays • Receptions • Celebrations 250-378-6333 4025 Walters St. (Just off Voght Street next to Quality Inn)

Join us for our

THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 21

www.merrittherald.com

Congratulations and the

Winners are

The Passport to Christmas program was once again a huge success with over 2 million being spent locally and with 5689 pounds of food being donated to the local food bank.

The Merritt Herald and the local businesses would like to thank all of the people for participating again this year.

We look forward to even a better year in 2017!

1st

Prize

Mayor Neil Menard picking the winners

3rd

Florenc e Wilkin

2

nd

son

Prize

Prize

ble t availa o n o t o Ph ime at this t

Les Ber kes

Sandra

Silvey

22 • THURSDAY, December 29, 2016

www.merrittherald.com

CONTAIN-IT

Contact us today!

BOARD

Volunteer and help build skills and confidence in young readers. Literacy Merritt and Nicola Valley Society is seeking French and English speaking volunteers for the One to One children’s literacy program in local elementary schools. Volunteer 1.5 hrs/wk for 12 wks. 2016-17 sessions run Oct. to Feb. and Feb. to May. Attend a 2-3 hr training session and school orientation early Oct. Contact Kelly Reid, Literacy Outreach Coordinator at literacymerritt@gmail.com or call 250-378-7844.

MERRITT PICKLEBALL

Anyone interested in playing Pickleball, or just trying it out, please come to the old CMS School (2975 Clapperton) on MWF 9:00-11:00 a.m. or M 7:00-9:00 p.m. or W 6:30-8:30 p.m. Demo paddles are available for use. An easy sport to play, and great fun and exercise. For more information call Brian 250-378-7452; or Gary 250-280-0105.

CONAYT ELDERS DROP IN CENTRE

Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 2164 Quilchena Avenue. All Elders welcome — just come out and visit! For information call 250-378-5107.

MERRITT SENIOR CENTRE

Weekly schedule is as follows: Monday: senior exercises 10:30 a.m., cribbage and whist 2:30 p.m. Tuesday: bingo 1 p.m., doors open at 10:30 a.m. duplicate bridge 7 p.m. Wednesday: carpet bowling 1:30 p.m., court whist 7 p.m. Thursday: floor curling 1 p.m., floor curling (physically challenged) 10 a.m. second and fourth Thursday. Friday: rummoli and games 7 p.m. Last Friday of the month: pot luck supper 5:30 p.m. for more information phone 250-378-4407.

Every Wednesday at 1 p.m. Doors open at 11 a.m. Come in for lunch!

MESSY CHURCH

First Thursday of month, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church. For parents or guardians and children to share fun activities, crafts, games, songs, celebration and sitdown dinner with your family. For more information or to register 250-378-5735 or email tucc@telus.net

MERRITT SENIOR CURLING

Mondays and Tuesday’s at 1:00 p.m.. New members welcome. For more information call 250-378-7638.

The Living with Loss drop-in support group will be meeting the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at 2025 Granite Avenue, Room 12.

250-280-4040.

Sat.Mar. Dec. 16 31 Sat.

Scattered Flurries Cloudy w/Showers

A few Periods flurries Cloudy

Flurries ScatteredClouds Variable

Low: -4˚C Low: 6C

Low: Low: -10˚C 4C

Low: 4C -7˚C Low:

High: 9C 0˚C High:

High:10C -3˚C High:

High:8C -4˚C High:

On-site rentals

■

Secured

■

Sale of New and Used storage containers

FOOD BANK FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO

Early bird games start at 5 p.m. at the Elks Hall.

CONAYT BINGO

Join Conayt Friendship Society every Thursday for bingo.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and bingo starts at 6 p.m.

Everyone welcome to come and play! 2164 Quilchena Ave.

THE MERRITT CHAPTER OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF CANADA

Invites all persons interested in restoring and enjoying vintage vehicles to join us at our monthly meeting held at the Anglican Church Hall, 1990 Chapman Street, at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.

Vintage car ownership is not required. Call Jack Cross 250-378-2662 or Kim Jurriet 250-378-2672 for more information.

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION

Please come and visit us at the Legion. We’ve extended our hours for the summer. Hours are now Tuesday to Friday 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm and Saturdays 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Come join us Saturdays for our meat draw.

Guests welcome.

NEW TIMES

The Red Cross will be open Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. Please go to the hospital if you need medical equipment.

Are you interested in cars, cruising and joining in activities related to cars? Nicola Valley Cruisers car club would welcome you as a member. Meetings are monthly on the first Wednesday of the month at the Ramada at 7:00 p.m. For mor info call Russ or Charlotte at 250-378-2290

2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911 Service Time: Sundays 10:30 a.m.

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Ave. (Corner of Coutlee and Orme) • 250-378-2464 Service Time/ Sunday School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship

in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899 Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m.

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502 Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919 Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

Seventh Day Adventist Church

2190 Granite Ave. • 250-378-2339 Bible Study: 9:30 • Service Time: Saturdays 11:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772 Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735 Service Time/ Sunday School (K - Gr. 4) - 10 am

HELP US REACH OUR GOAL

Would you like to see a community performing arts theatre in Merritt? The Nicola Valley Community Theatre Society can use your help!

NICOLA VALLEY EXPLORERS

The Nicola Valley Explorers Society’s primary aims are to promote hiking cycling, snow shoeing, cross country skiing and other non-motorized trail use in the Nicola Valley. We also work to assist in the development and maintenance of recreational trails. Membership is open to anyone interested in non-motorized outdoor recreation in the Nicola Valley. For more information please contact

If you would like to donate to the Performing Arts Theatre, please donate through the City of Merritt and receive an income tax receipt.

For more information call Rich Hodson 250-378-6794

7 Day Weather Forecast Merritt, - Thursday, Dec. 14 29 -- Wednesday, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 7 Day Weather Forecast forfor Merritt, BCBC - Thursday, March March 20, 2013 Fri.Mar. Dec. 15 30 Fri.

■

Crossroads Community Church

LIVING WITH LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Do you want to list your event? Let us know! Call 250-378-4241 or email publisher@merrittherald.com Deadlines for submissions is noon on Friday prior to publication

Thurs.Mar. Dec. 29 Thurs.

14

Approved mini-storage

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU

NICOLA VALLEY CRUISERS CAR CLUB

ELKS BINGO

Contents are insurable

■

1750 1 17 7 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000

Check out ongoing events at: www.merrittherald.com/community-events

WANT TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN?

STORAGE

Sun. Jan.17 1 Sun. Mar.

A fewSnow flurries Wet

High: 6C -6˚C High:

Low: -11˚C Low: 2C

Mon. Jan.18 2 Mon. Mar.

Jan.193 Tue.Tue. Mar.

MainlyClouds Sunny Variable

SnowRainSunny Showers

Low: -20˚C Low: 0C

Low:-1C -19˚C Low:

High:6C -12˚C High:

High: 7C -14˚C High:

Jan.204 Wed.Wed. Mar.

A ix of Snow sun & clouds Light

High: 7C -14˚C High: Low: 0C -20˚C Low:

Stain Glass by

Almerina Rizzardo

• • • •

STAIN GLASS SUN CATCHERS NIGHT LIGHTS PICTURE FRAMES

Available at Creative Company 2074 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC Monday - Saturday Ph: 250-378-0813

THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 23

www.merrittherald.com

merrittherald.com

SPORTS

bcclassified.com

Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing sports@merrittherald.com

2016

The sports year in pictures

Photos by Ian Webster/Herald and submitted

24 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 29, 2016

SPORTS

2016 Sports Headlines

by Ian Webster, THE MERRITT HERALD

JANUARY Cents begin 2016 with some solid play; make moves at the trade deadline….Brian Barrett headed to the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame….Nordic Ski Club holds Chili Sunday….Langley’s Conlin rink takes Black’s Pharmacy men’s bonspiel; Merritt’s Allgrove quartet garners ladies’ title….Eighty-two-year-old Phil Lockie going strong in oldtimer hockey….Cents’ Grannary on NHL Central Scouting List…Nicola Valley Fish & Game Club ice fishing derby draws the crowds.

FEBRUARY Cents playing inspired; topple mighty Vees….Grannary stars in CJHL Prospects Game….MSS Lady Panthers take their junior girls’ home basketball tournament….Tracker Sportswear midgets upset South Okanagan in first round of the playoffs….Merritt Bowling Centre third at Inter-City ‘B’ Championships….Merritt soccer player Kelly Donaldson headed to Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame….Quilchena Braves tops in 47th Moccasin Tournament masters division….Rylan Sheldon wins four medals at Van Ryswyck Invitational Track Meet in Kamloops….Bench and Diamond Vale take elementary school basketball titles….Curling Across the Nation comes to the MCC. MARCH Cents fail to make the BCHL playoffs….Merritt badminton players a smash at B.C. Winter Games….Nicola Valley Skating Club hosts highly successful carnival entitled “Wicked Picks of the ’80s”….Minor hockey enjoys banner year with five titles, including Ramada peewees the best in B.C….Visiting teams dominate 29th Junior Native Tournament….Bullrider Ty Pozzobon back onboard following serious accident in 2015; joins new ERA circuit…. Young mixed martial arts star shines at Tiger Balm International….Cents’ Grannary and Faulkner make BCHL all-star teams.

APRIL Merritt broomballer Lexi Sherman inducted into Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame….Local cowboy Mike Gill hosts rodeo school….Merritt minor hockey players carry flags at Women’s World Championships….Cents hold spring camp….Youth soccer season kicks off….Mixed volleyfest a real circus….NCAA’s March Madness has Merritt connection….O’Donovan receives Aboriginal Youth Excellence Award….MSS soccer, rugby and track and field seasons underway….Merritt racqueteers clean up in Vernon….European handball the name of the game at elementary schools….Former Merritt swimmer making waves in the big pool….Honey Badgers the best of ladies’ Volleyfest….Minor baseball experiencing a resurgence.

The rebirth of the Nicola Valley Skating Club was made complete by a ‘wicked’ carnival on ice in March. Ian Webster/Herald

MAY Diamond Vale Elementary tops 60MKC again….Roger Sloan heating up on PGA’s web.com Tour….Panthers rock at Battle of the Border….Bench Bears sweep handball titles….Annual knobby ball tournament celebrates local First Nations culture….Merritt MMA combatants a hit at BC Open….Otters announce new coach….Cents busy with off-season signings….Iron Springs barrel race event sees record entry….Resa Stoltzfus wins all-around title at Merritt high school rodeo….MSS girls rugby team headed to provincials….Lacrosse season underway….Turn Me Loose In Shulus community run raises funds for Indigenous youth….Garthwaite and Pozzobon win big in Abbotsford and Albuquerque respectively….Rain fails to dampen stock car season opener….XploreSportZ continues to showcase new activities….Drew Kanigan takes first at Western Canadian Gymnastics Championships.

JUNE District elementary track meet produces great performances….Lady Panthers rugby sixth at tier 2 provincials….Flat track motorcycle racing comes to Merritt Speedway…

O’Donovan wins gold at B.C. target sports championships….Grade 8s lead MSS at provincial high school track championships….Great weekend features Merritt Country Run and return of Cow Trail Classic….Talented tyros tackle Kidz Triathlon….Horses and riders shine at NVRC show….NWMRA hosts mud races at Musicfest grounds….Otters open season in Salmon Arm….Tom Lutz takes MGCC men’s open golf tournament….Lynn Mobbs memorial barrel racing event a fitting tribute….Great games highlight final weekend of youth soccer….Croquet introduced to Merritt….Pickleball begins play in Central Park sports box….MSS hands out athletic awards….Squamish’s Soul Crush wins Stop the Violence slo-pitch tournament for second year running….Four provincial podium finishes for local agility dogs and their handlers.

JULY Otters excel at home meet….A pair of Merritt rugby players medal at PRC….Cents’ AGM sees Menard returned as club president; team captain Kaila traded to Alberni Valley….Local fastballer David Colter wins provincial gold….Young martial arts prodigy headed to world championships in Germany….Thunder lacrosse midgets secure provincial silver….Five in a row for Mair-Valin at Ladies Coquihalla Open….Plenty of local stars at Merritt Little Britches Rodeo….Sagebrush hosts Cents fundraiser golf tournament….Pozzobon moves into first place in PBR Canada standings….Rebels take Merritt mixed slo-pitch title….Local lacrosse players win silver at BC Summer Games….Matt Mackay-Smith leads the country in motorcycle drag racing….Barrett inducted into BCHHOF. AUGUST MMA’s Wycotte brings home medals from Worlds….Cents’ summer signings continue….Sunny skies greet stellar field for Coquihalla Collision men’s open golf tourney….Otters headed to provincials in record numbers….Tennis player Sahil Bansi tops field at Sunshine Open in Kamloops….LTD dance academy hosts summer camp….Ranch rodeo showcases the working cowboys’ talents....Cents’ training camp underway….Savona’s Sarah Gerard wins Iron Springs’ title SEPTEMBER Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo attracts the best….Cents trim their roster as they go through the pre-season undefeated….Michele Pinel and Beauty excel at threeday events….Merritt youth basketball set to go for third season….Centennials name their leadership group….Area well represented at Americas Masters Games….Pozzobon continues to top the nation…Elementary runners embrace cross-country season….L’Estage secures record ninth Pacific Forest Rally title….Mackay-Smith wins Canadian motorcycle drag racing championship….McKeown takes provincial Little Britches title.

OCTOBER Cents in the middle of the pack after first month….First Shift brings hockey to first timers….National Fly Fishing Championships attract the best from across North America….Bill John Memorial great way to end stock car racing season….Pozzobon wins PBR Canada points title….MSS runners make their mark in cross-country; junior girls’ volleyball team a force….M.O.R.E. brings dirt track racing to the Nicola Valley….Paralympian Richard Peter visits local schools….Minor hockey season hits full stride….Water polo introduced to enthusiastic youngsters….4Hers lamb it up at Provincial Winter Fair.

NOVEMBER Pozzobon fourth at PBR World Finals….Cents finally end nine-game losing streak….Young Eva Rodie a star at MMA’s Western Canadians….BCHBC holds toy ride….MSS hockey academy going great in inaugural season….Skating club’s enrolment growing in leaps and bounds….Coquihalla Taekwon-Do members excel at B.C. championships….Bears and Cougars take elementary volleyball titles.

DECEMBER

Cents’ Regush represents Team Canada West at World Junior A Challenge….BCHL announces new playoff format….High school hoops action underway….

Bowling and curling keep Merritt youth busy on Mondays….Cents’ on-ice woes continue; fall into last place tie in the Interior….Nordic ski club enjoys the splendors of Kane Valley….Simon rink takes annual Turkeyspiel….Cents’ Christmas report card indicates room for improvement….

Pickleball numbers going through the roof….Stock car association hands out hardware.

The Merritt Centennials would like to wish everyone a

Happy New Year!

Merritt vs Coquitlam Express Centennials Saturday, December 31 - 4 pm

RAINY DAY GAME

Are you a seasons ticket holder and have tickets that you weren’t able to use?

You can use them on December 31, bring a friend or two and enjoy the evening.

NICOLA VALLEY MEMORIAL ARENA

2075 Mamette Ave., Merritt

THURSDAY, December 29,, 2016 • 25

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Your community. Your classifieds.

250.378.4241 fax 250.378.6818 email classiďƒžeds@merrittherald.com

In Memoriam

In Memoriam In Loving Memory of

JOEY HANSEN

Obituaries

Obituaries

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

December 22, 1975 - January 4, 1997

We don’t just grieve the moment our loved one passes.

We greive the past, the future and now.

Our loved ones are more than a moment in time.

Loved and missed, Mom.

Obituaries

Obituaries

ANDREW RUSSEL SWAIN Jan 30, 1931 - Dec 18, 2016

We are saddened to announce that our dad passed away on Dec. 18 at the Kelowna hospital. He was born Andrew Russel Cwihun. He grew up on a farm near Two Hills Alberta, before making his home in Merritt in the early 60’s.

He is survived by his sister Julie, many relatives in Alberta, his son Kelly and daughter Tracy, along with many wonderful friends that he met during his 85 years of living.

He was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Ann, brother Mike, sister Donna and his eldest son Carter, who tragically drowned at 26 years old.

One of Dad’s accomplishments was getting his pilots license and flying his own plane. He was also a big fan of country music and played guitar and sang.

He drove taxi in Merritt’s early years when it was combined with the ambulance. He then worked for the local School Board, in the maintenance department until his retirement in the early 90’s.

Dad had a boss who could not pronounce his last name so he called him Swain. In time everyone followed. In the early 60s with a wife and 3 small children, people were misspelling the family name and losing important files so, with permission from his father, he legally changed the family name to Swain.

By Andrew’s request there will no funeral service.

Sometime in the spring/early summer we will hold a get together to celebrate Dad’s life.

MERRITT

FUNERAL CHAPEL

A Division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC

Celebrating lives with dignity

• 24 hour compassion helpline • Estate fraud protection • 100% service gaurantee • National transferability on preplanned funeral services www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com REGULAR OFFICE HOURS 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday On Call 24 Hours A Day

250-378-2141

or 1-800-668-3379 2113 Granite Ave. Merritt, BC

A FUNERAL PRE PLANNING ADVISOR is available at Merritt Funeral Chapel.

Please call ahead for an appointment, and a Personal Planning Guide will be provided.

“You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but to live until you die.�

'DPH &LFHO\ 6DXQGHUV IRXQGHU RI WKH PRGHUQ KRVSLFH PRYHPHQW P: 250-280-4040

www.merritthospice.org Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca

Shirley Vold December 18, 2016

Mrs. Shirley Vold passed away peacefully In Merritt on December 18, 2016 at the age of 75.

Sadly missed by her loving husband Ron, daughter Colleen (John) Koudys and grandson Tyler of Calgary, son Dan (Nancy) Hildebrand of Lower Nicola and granddaughter Cameron of Nanaimo, her brother Harvey Stewart and family of Guelph Ontario.

Extra special thanks go out to Dr. Simon, Dr. Van Heerden, nurse Peggy and all other nursing and reception staff at the Nicola Valley Hospital for their care.

By request, there will be no formal service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Should friends desire, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or the BC Cancer Research Foundation, in Shirley’s memory.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.MerrittFuneral Chapel.com

Ken Moyes

Personals MAKE A Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat Call FREE! 250-220-1300 or 1-800-2101010. www.livelinks.com 18+

Remembering Our Loved Ones Travel

Timeshare CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. NO Risk Program STOP Mortgage and Maintenance Payments Today.

100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call Us NOW. We Can Help! 1888-356-5248

Help Wanted

Business Opportunities

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking

CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government.

Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabeneďƒžt.ca/free-assessment

Experienced Class 1 Produce drivers needed to run California/Arizona, excellent pay and benefits plus safety bonus. email bill@keywestexpress.ca 1-604-539-1700.

Career Opportunities

Education/Trade Schools

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available.

Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your workat-home career today!

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT SCHOOL. Hands-On Tasks. Start Weekly. GPS Training!

Funding & Housing Avail!

Job Aid! Already a HEO? Get certiďŹ cation proof.

Call 1-866-399-3853 or go to: iheschool.com

Help Wanted

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

ELECTRICIAN

Services

Financial Services

Applications are invited for the position of Electrician with School District No. 58, (Nicola-Similkameen) in Merritt.

This is a 12-month per year, 7.5 hours per day position.

Salary and beneďŹ ts will be in accordance with the C.U.P.E. Local 847 Collective Agreement.

For a complete listing of the job description and qualiďŹ cations please visit the district’s website at www. sd58.bc.ca click on Employment/Current Job Postings (Job Code # 1654481) and follow the prompts. Applications, including a detailed resume with a minimum of three references, will be accepted until January 6, 2017. Please forward to: Attn: Secretary Treasurer School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) P.O. Box 4100, 1550 Chapman St. Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Fax: (250) 378-6263

Aug. 25, 1923 – Dec. 21, 2016

Only those applicants being interviewed will be contacted.

A true Merrittonian and pioneer has passed; Ken Moyes, August 25th, 1923 – Dec 21st, 2016.

Ken believed that the Nicola Valley was the best place to live. He was involved in many organizations including the Legion, the golf course, the curling rink, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Masons Club and he was a proud World War II veteran. Ken loved Merritt, he was a builder, developer, real-estate agent and part time rancher. He championed to have insured mortgages for Merritt so that many people could get into home ownership. He was honored to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 Ken was predeceased by Marry Jane Moyes, his wife of 50 years. He is survived by his three daughers, one son and Many grandchildren.

He loved his family. Love you Dad and Grampa. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

Nicola Lake Water Utilities is looking for a highly motivated, competent, energetic, candidate for the following position:

Maintenance Technician NLWU Nicola Lake Water Utilities is looking for a fulltime, permanent Maintenance Technician with electrical and mechanical aptitude to maintain Arsenic plant operations, day to day water testing and weekly water testing submissions to Interior Health and water testing facility in Kamloops.

You will have good interpersonal skills as you will interact with lot owners regarding water and sewer issues. You will be able to work closely with engineers, other staff and stakeholders to trouble shoot/problem solve as required, as well as, all other related duties to the maintenance of the water and sewer plants.

(QYLURQPHQWDO 2SHUDWRUV &HUWLĂ€FDWLRQ 3URJUDP LV required to be obtained for this position.

New hires are subject to pre-employment drug screening.

Applicants are invited to submit resumes, along with current driver’s abstract, accompanied by references to: Emcon Serivces Inc., 105-1121 McFarlane Way, Merritt, BC. V1K 1B9 Phone: 250-378-4176 ext. 105 Fax: 250-378-4106 E-mail: tsmyth@emconservices.ca

$750 Loans & More NO CREDIT CHECKS

Open 7 days/wk. 8am - 8pm

1-855-527-4368

Apply at:www.credit700.ca

Merchandise for Sale Firewood/Fuel Fir Firewood split or rounds delivered. Measured cords.

250-277-4477.

Heavy Duty Machinery A-Steel Shipping Storage Containers. Used 20’40’45’53’ insulated containers. All sizes in stock. Prices starting under $2,000. Modifications possible doors, windows, walls etc., as office or living workshop etc.,Custom Modifications Office / Home� Call for price.

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 HARDY TREE, SHRUB, and berry seedlings delivered.

Order online at www.treetime.ca or call 1-866-8733846. New growth guaranteed.

SAWMILLS from only $4,397 MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

Misc. Wanted BUYING Coin Collections, Olympic Coins, Gold & Silver etc. Call Chad: 250-863-3082 Coins, Coin Collections, Paper money collections, Buying U.S. Canada & World sets and collections, Royal Canadian Mint World Mint U.S Mint etc. Todd the coin guy 250-864.3521

Real Estate Acreage for Sale CHEAP LAND LIQUIDATION! Humboldt County Nevada. 80 acre parcels only $ 200/acre!

Great for investment, farm & recreational use.

Limited availability! Call Earl 949-632-7066. wwwcheapruralproperty.com

26 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 29, 2016

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent

Rentals Homes for Rent

NICOLA APARTMENTS

2bed, 1bath, clean two bed house with detached garage

Clean One Bedroom starting at $550/month.

NO PETS

ask about the MOVE IN BONUS!

$$975/mth plus utilities

250-378-9880

Available Jan 1st. call or text 250-315-8670

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

JANITORIAL SERVICES CONTRACT NICOLA VALLEY HEALTH CARE AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP The NVHC Auxiliary Thrift Shop is requesting Janitorial Services at the Thrift Shop building located on 1803 Voght Street in Merritt, BC. Tender information can be requested by email or by phone starting December 23, 2016 at 10:00 am.

Contact information for tender documents by email: jshall1@telus.net or by phone at 250-315-3600.

The tenders will close on January 6, 2017 at the Thrift Shop.

Questions regarding the contract can be emailed to jshall1@telus.net.

Services to commence on January 9, 2017.

Work Well With Civeo!

Civeo is a global workforce accommodation specialist that helps people maintain healthy, productive and connected lives while living and working away from home.

Civeo Premium Services Employees LP is currently seeking interested candidates for two positions at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology: CULINARY LEAD Responsibilities include preparing quality meals for customers, maintaining inventory, ensuring the highest level of food quality, adhering to BC Food Safety Requirements, communicating with the client (Nicola Valley Institute of Technology) about service requirements, issues, and changes required to any aspect of the operation. This individual must also report to the Operations Manager while maintaining a strong, positive working relationship with the other staff members on site, and performs the duties of the Food Service Worker as needed.

FOOD SERVICE WORKER Responsibilities include preparing quality meals for customers, maintaining inventory, ensuring the highest level of food quality, adhering to BC Food Safety Requirements, putting away groceries using the First In, First Out method (FIFO), maintaining cleanliness and organization of kitchen and dining area, operating the cash register and SRLQW RI VDOH ÀOOLQJ LQ IRU WKH &XOLQDU\ /HDG LQ WKHLU absence, dishwashing after each meal and as needed, keeping the kitchen and food service areas clean, and replenishing desserts, beverages and condiments as needed.

Both roles are temporary roles, running from January 9, 2017 to April 30, 2017 with the possibility of extension. They are full time roles; 30+ hours per week for the Food Service Worker and 40+ hours SHU ZHHN IRU WKH &XOLQDU\ /HDG ZLWK WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ for overtime. Work is Monday-Friday daytime work with occasional evenings and weekends. )RU PRUH GHWDLOV LQFOXGLQJ WKH TXDOLÀFDWLRQV for the positions, please visit http://civeo.com/ people-careers/job-opportunities/ Civeo Premium Services Employees LP is committed to the principle of employment equity.

We welcome diversity and encourage all who are TXDOLÀHG WR H[SUHVV WKHLU LQWHUHVW

Rentals Property Management

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent

MERRITT

bedroom apartment.

1988 Quilchena Ave.

November 22, 2016

Bachelor suite apartment. $600 plus hydro 2 bdrm suite in

Spacious 2

Move in bonus - 1/2 month free rent

For appointment call

250-378-9880

)HWFK D 'RJ )URP WKH 6KHOWHU

3 bdrm townhouse. $1000 plus utilities 250-378-1996 Call for all of your Residential or Commercial Property Management needs!

MERRITT REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property Manager: Lynda Etchart

Help Wanted

FREE CONSULTATIONS 2 FULL TIME DENTISTS & ORTHODONTIST ON SITE Call

250-378-4888 to book your appointment.

2731 Forksdale Avenue, V1K 1R9

www.dentistryatmerritt.ca

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

Dr. Jaspal Sarao

ting a e H & g n i b m u l Nicola P Fully Qualied Tradesmen in..

"#30#!

Legal Notices

PHONE: 250-378-4943

WWW SPCA BC CA

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/Licensing loss? Travel/Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon.

US Entry Waiver. Record Purge.

File Destruction. Free Consultation 1800-347-2540.

Help Wanted

MERRITT, BC Proudly Serving Western Canada Since 1988

Emcon Services Inc., a Road and Bridge Maintenance Contractor based in Merritt, B.C. is seeking applications for a Jr. Financial Analyst position in our 0HUULWW RIÀFH 7KH PDLQ IXQFWLRQ RI WKLV SRVLWLRQ ZLOO be to provide relevant, reliable, timely and accurate LQIRUPDWLRQ YLD ÀQDQFLDO UHSRUWV WR DVVLVW PDQDJHPHQW LQ VWUDWHJLF GHFLVLRQ PDNLQJ 7KH SRVLWLRQ DOVR UHTXLUHV DQ LQGLYLGXDO ZKR LV DQ DQDO\WLFDO WKLQNHU YLVXDO SUHVHQWHU KDV H[FHOOHQW DWWHQWLRQ WR GHWDLO LV KLJKO\ RUJDQL]HG SRVVHVVHV H[FHOOHQW YHUEDO DQG ZULWWHQ VNLOOV KDYH VROLG FRPSXWHU H[SHULHQFH DQG NQRZOHGJH LQWHUPHGLDWH WR DGYDQFHG SURÀFLHQF\ LQ ([FHO RU QHZHU H[SHULHQFH ZLWK 0LFURVRIW $FFHVV ZRXOG EH DQ DVVHW Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited WR SUHSDUDWLRQ DQG DQDO\VLV RI ZHHNO\ PRQWKO\ DQG TXDUWHUO\ PDQDJHPHQW UHSRUWV DVVLVW LQ WKH preparation of business forecasts and budgets for regional cost centers (requires come travel), H[WUDFW ÀQDQFLDO GDWD DQG GHYHORS UHSRUWV DW WKH UHTXHVW RI PDQDJHPHQW UHYLHZ ÀQDQFLDO performance of regional cost centers and report WR PDQDJHPHQW DGKRF QRQ URXWLQH UHTXHVWV IRU analysis from various accounting positions (ie. payroll, LQYHQWRU\ PHFKDQLFDO HWF 7KLV SRVLWLRQ UHTXLUHV above average attention to detail, accuracy and FRQÀGHQWLDOLW\ :H UHTXLUH WKH LQGLYLGXDO WR ZRUN GD\V SHU ZHHN 0RQGD\ WR )ULGD\ D P WR S P $V WKLV SRVLWLRQ UHTXLUHV RSHUDWLRQ RI &RPSDQ\ YHKLFOHV DW WLPHV SOHDVH LQFOXGH D GULYHU·V DEVWUDFW LQ \RXU DSSOLFDWLRQ DORQJ ZLWK UHOHYDQW HGXFDWLRQ DQG H[SHULHQFH 2QO\ VKRUW OLVWHG FDQGLGDWHV ZLOO EH FRQWDFWHG DQG KLULQJ LV VXEMHFW WR SUH HPSOR\PHQW GUXJ WHVWLQJ Please mail, fax or e-mail resumes to: HR Manager Emcon Services Inc. 0F)DUODQH :D\ 0HUULWW % & 9 . & )D[ ( PDLO WVP\WK#HPFRQVHUYLFHV FD

HOURS

Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

PLUMBING & HEATING

Plumbing, Heating, Bonded Gas Fitters.

Service Work & Furnace Service.

Custom Sheet Metal Atlas RV Parts & Repairs

JR. FINANCIAL ANALYST POSITION

No phone calls please

WELCOME INS W ALKK-INS WAL NTS & W ATTIEENTS NEW PATI

Dr. Sunil Malhotra

$600 inc utilities.

$1000 plus utilities

DENTIST

F/S, heat and hot water included. No pets Starting at $750/mth

6 plex in Lower Nicola.

2 bdrm house.

Your

KENGARD MANOR

2064 Coutlee Ave., Merritt, BC

BUILDING SUPPLIES MERRITT LUMBER SALES 2152 DOU GLAS ST., MERRITT, BC

250-378-5382 • 250-314-4249

Lumber, Plywood, Fencing SPECIALS

SCREWS, NAILS, ROOFING, INSULATION, JOIST HANGERS & much more LARGE LANDSCAPING BEAMS AVA ILABLE

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Mon to Fri.: 8 am - 5 pm & Sat.: 8 am - 4 pm

ADVERTISING MERRITT HERA LD

Advertising works !

Place your ad in ou r Business Director y!

For more informatio n contact Michele at:

250-378-4241

sales2@merrittherald

.com

THURSDAY, December 29, 2016 • 27

www.merrittherald.com

Local Business Directory CONTRACTING

We offer FULL SERVICE SNOW REM OVAL • Grader • D6 Dozer • Single Axle Plow Truc k • Plow and Sand Truck • Skid Steer Loaders

www.arnicacontractin

inc. g.com CALL 250-315-5074

ELECTRICAL

DENTIST

ROOFING

niC Stoyoma Dental Clini Did You Know ?

Serving all citizens of Merritt and surrounding areas Stoyoma Dental is Merritt’s newest Dental Clinic. We are a Not For Profit Society serving all residents of Merritt and the surrounding areas. If you are covered by Status, Healthy Kids, Disability, Ministry or the Emergency Plan you are fully covered for eligible services & no additional funds will be required of you!

1999 Voght Street

MaKe aN appoiNtMeNt toDay!

HOURS: Mon-Fri 8AM - 4:30PM

New patieNtS alwayS welcoMe!

250-378-5877

(next to the Credit Union) po Box 3090, Merritt, Bc

MECHANIC

DRIVING SCHOOL

RVICE FRANK’S MECHANICAL SE APPROVED OLD OR NEW WE HAVE WARRANTY NE MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYO

set t ELE CTR ICA L SER VIC ES LTD .

EXTE NSIV E RESI DENT IAL, COMM ERCI AL,

AND HEAV Y INDU STRI AL EXPE RIEN CE. Fully CERT IFIED . SERV ICING THE NICO LA VALL EY, AND SOUT HERN INTE RIOR

Ph : 25 0- 80 9- 70 31 tyle r@g etse tt.c a Your

#1

Source for

BARK MULCH

BARKMULCH • PEELINGS SHAVINGS • SAWDUST Friendly Family Service Since 1972

Call Les Porter at 250-490 -11

32

CLEANING SERVICES Dirty Buckets is moving to Merritt!

Licensed, Professional Residential/Commercial

Cleaning Company

for the past 10 years.

We have been operating in Chilliwack y of references. plent with rates We offer reasonable all your cleaning needs! for 6th .

Sept able avail be will We For more info please contact:

Trish 250- 936- 8055 trishharrison58@gmail.com Jean ette 250- 525- 0257 jeanetteesson@live.com

• Tune Ups kes • Exhaust Bra • nsion • Lube/Oil pe Sus • s & Struts •Radiator Service • Shock e rvic Se g • Air Conditionin

250-378-1322

2026 Mamette Avenue

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE

TREE SERVICE JIM POT TER

MERRITT TREE SERVICE • Fully insu red, cert ified falle r • WSB C cove red • Dan gero us tree asse ssm ent ➤Schedule your FREE Estimate

CALL JIM at 250-378-4212

Solu tion s for you r tree pro blem s!

DAN ALBAS, MP Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola Toll Free: 1-800-665-8711 www.danalbas.com 2562B Main Street West Kelowna, BC V4T 2N5

MORTGAGE BROKER

Use the equity in your home to consolidate debt, top up RRSPs, or tackle renovations 1 Ca ll Ha rry Ho wa rd (250) 49 0-6 73

YOUR LOCAL MORTGAGE BROKER

PLUMBING

the mortgage

CLEANING SERVICES CERTIFIED IN MODERATE ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Featured Service

250-378-9410

CARPET CLEANING UPHOLSTERY & TILE & GROUT CLEANING – FLOOD & JANITORIAL SERVICES

www.tbmcleaningandrestoration.com TF: 1-877-612-0909

ADVERTISING I would like to thank all of the local businesses and clients for your continued support this past year.

Your business is much appreciated and I look forward to working with you in the New Year!

I can make advertising work for you!

Contact Michele at The Merritt Herald 250-378-4241 sales2@merrittherald.com

SIDING

IVAN’S SIDING S aleS & S ervice

• Vinyl & Hardie Board Siding • Aluminum Soffit, Fascia & EAVEStrouGhS

CALL: (250) 378-2786 “When others have come and gone, Ivan’s Siding is still going strong�

SErVING thE NICoLA VALLEY For 40 YEArS!

28 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 29, 2016

City Furniture’s Annual

New Years Day

6 HOUR BLITZ

ONE DAY • ONE BIG EVENT • ONCE A YEAR st JANUARY 1 • 11 AM TO 5 PM

0N% CING

All 201 and flo 6 Models or mo dels MUST G

FINA

O!

OAC

First 20 custom get a FREE G ers with p urcha IFT se

STOREWIDE SAVINGS Up To

70% Off

Closed Saturday, Dec. 31 to prepare for this huge event!

Phone: 250-378-2332 2025 Coutlee Avenue, Merritt

& Appliances Ltd.

HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm, Sat.: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, Closed Sundays

School Visit in Merritt

Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural C ities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rur munities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for R mmunities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard f Services and Programs

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) NVIT is the only Aboriginal public post-secondary institute in B.C. and offers a range of education and training programs for

Total government funding in 2016: $5.0 million +

both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. By 2025, B.C. is projected to have up to 1 million job openings, many of which

Breakdown:

will require training in the skilled trades. By supporting post-secondary education at places like NVIT, which provide learning

• $235,200 to the Merritt Youth and Family Resource Society to create 28 spaces

opportunities in trades and clean technology, we are ensuring that British Columbians will be first in line for those jobs.

• 10 Spaces at the Nicola Extreme Weather shelter • 6 new support recovery beds at the ASK Wellness Society

Total government funding: $4.793 million +

• $100,000 to the Nicola Valley Movie Society for architectural design costs from the Rural Dividend Fund

Breakdown:

• $100,000 to the City of Merritt to undertake business retention and attraction initiatives from the Rural Dividend Fund • $65,000 to the Nicola Valley and District Food Bank for the Christmas Hamper, Winter Outerwear and regular program

• $2M for new Centre of Excellence in Sustainability • $1.8M for new trades training building Rural Dividend Announced at the Country Music Hall of Fame

• $450,000 for programs and activities that enhance aboriginal learners’ experience • $207,000 for 52 critical trades seats since the launch of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint in 2014 • $100,000 for new industry-standard trades equipment • $75,000 for programs to support students who face barriers to education

Single Parent Employment Initiative The Single Parent Employment initiative removes barriers to employment for single parents on income and disability assistance, providing them with the training and supports they need to secure long-term employment. Single parents on income or disability assistance may be eligible for up to 12 months of training for an in-demand job, or a paid work experience placement while staying on income assistance. Additional support may also include public transit costs to and from school, and full child care costs during training or work placement – and for the first year of employment.

• $50,000 for programs to support people with disabilities to access and succeed in training aligned with in-demand jobs • $75,000 to NVIT to partner with University of Fraser Valley to pilot innovative training and initiatives to increase the success of persons with disabilities • $36,000 in 2015-15 for Trades Discovery programs to introduce high-school students and young adults to a variety of high demand trades

Eligible single parents can access these services and supports through their local WorkBC Employment Services Centre.

For more information about this initiative including frequently asked questions, visit:

Announcing Centre of Excellence in Sustainability

Graduate of Welding Program and Business Owner Cody Antoine

Premier Clark opens the $1.8 million Trades Training Building

http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/programs/spei.html

#2-2152 Quilchena Ave, Merritt, BC V1K 1R6 P: (250) 453-9726

E: Jackie.Tegart.MLA@leg.bc.ca

www.JackieTegartMLA.ca

Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities ities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities munities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities mmunities Working Hard for Rural Communities Working Hard for Rural Communities

JACKIE TEGART

Education

Your MLA ffo for or FRASER-NICOLA FR F R ASER-NICOLA

School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) – Capital Projects for 2015/2016 Total government funding: over $1.3 million.

School

Project

Funding

Diamond Vale Elementary

High efficiency boiler replacement

$250,000

Collettville Elementary

High efficiency boiler replacement

$225,000

Merritt Secondary

Upgrading dust collection systems and lighting

$663,000

Working Hard for Rural Communities

$60,480 to Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) and the District Parent Advisory Committee (DPAC) in the Nicola-Similkameen School District.

The future of our province is bright. Our B.C. Liberal government continues to stick to our plan to control government spending and run balanced budgets. Thanks to this plan and the hard work of British Columbians, we are leading the country in economic growth and job creation. Projections show a surplus for next year’s budget, which means we have the flexibility to pay down debt and to support programs and projects that will benefit British Columbians. I am pleased to see many projects in Fraser Nicola moving forward, including the improvement of services and facilities in childcare, healthcare, education, transportation and affordable housing.

School Visit in Merritt

Infrastructure

Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre

Total government funding: $13.2 million.

$5.6M for emergency department upgrades and expansion to 5 times it’s original size (500 sq/m from 100 sq/m).

Transportation

Did you know?

$4.8M to resurface and realign a 4.8km stretch of Douglas Lake Road.

$1,200 B.C. Training and Education Grant This grant is making it easier for B.C. families to save for their children’s future. Now, at all 174 RBC Royal Bank locations in B.C., families can apply for $1,200 toward each child’s post-secondary education.

Provincial Wildfire Training Centre and Merritt Fire Zone Office

For more information: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016EDUC0043-000892

$2.8M to resurface a 10 km stretch of Highway 5 between Coldwater Interchange and Comstock Road.

$4.74M for a new 1,332 sq/m facility that will enhance wildfire monitoring and response capabilities in the Merritt Fire Zone.

www.JackieTegartMLA.ca