March 2 - 2023

Six years in the making, Merritt Youth and Family Resource Society’s contractors installed their new building on Quilchena Avenue this week.

THIS WEEK

FORESTRY PROTEST

Forstry workers gathered once again, this time downtown, to protest government inaction on cutting permits.—

/PAGE 3

B.C.

GETS FUNDING

The City of Merritt will explore their eligibility for a new set of federal grant dollars aimed at flood recovery efforts. —

/PAGE 5

HOSPITAL

CLOSURES

Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz is calling on Interior Health and the Ministry of Health to investigate local ER closures. —

/PAGE 8

WOMEN’S

DAY

A special section with features on local women and organizations for International Women’s Day. —

/PAGES 13-17

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Forestry workers continue demonstrations

a lot of people moving as well. The mill keeps the City running, and without the City, what do we do? It’s going to become a ghost town.”

in terms of our specific permits,” said Bruce Rose, executive vice president of AP Group.

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Two weeks after their first demonstration and no new cutting permits later, Aspen Planers employees and local forestry contractors gathered once again this week to deliver their message to the Ministry of Forest: “free the permits!”

Aspen Planers’ Merritt mill was closed for over a month starting December 2022, and only reopened a few weeks ago due to an external supply of logs. Both AP Group, the parent company of Aspen Planers, and mill union leadership say the issue behind the closure is a lack of cutting permits being issued

by the provincial Ministry of Forests.

“Nothing yet, they’re still holding our permits hostage, we’ll say,” said Bryan Halford, chair of Aspen Planer’s local United Steelworkers union chapter.

“We’ve made many calls, we’ve had the MLA try to get ahold of them, many phone calls to the minister, emails, but nothing.”

British Columbia’s Forest & Range Practices Act, which regulates the cutting of trees on government-owned Crown land, sets out the process for obtaining permits and permissions in regards to

provincial forestry practices. The provincial government also sets an Allowable Annual Cut (AAC) for areas across the province, which determines the number of metres cubed of timber may be cut in the region per year.

The AAC for Merritt’s forestry area is 1,200,000 m³, and those looking to harvest from that set amount must apply for cutting permits before falling trees.

Ministry of Forests staff recently told the Herald that a vast majority of local permits are issued within 45 days, and that it has been working with both Aspen Planers and local First Nations to find ways to

address First Nations’ concerns around the cutting permit process and environmental stewardship process that could be delaying the issuance of new permits. However, Aspen Planers said this is untrue, and that communication from the ministry around cutting permits has been nonexistent until late last week. The mill is set to close down again in the coming weeks, unless a supply of logs can be found.

“That means that a lot of guys won’t be able to feed their families unless they go and get other work,” added Halford.

“Housing is super expensive, so I could see

Halford added that at the very least, he would like to see the Ministry issue cutting permits that would allow Aspen Planers to harvest wood that was damaged in B.C.’s recent wildfire season, which must be done within a certain timeframe to ensure wood quality and replanting efforts are not compromised. Halford noted that the protests won’t end before new cutting permits are issued.

Aspen Planers leadership told the Herald that they met with Ministry of Forests late last week, and are assessing the information and concerns regarding their permit applications before moving forward.

“We have no permits, but we have had a discussion with the district office late last week, that provided a little more insight to what’s going on

Rose said that a majority of First Nations in the Nicola Valley, of which there are six, have concerns or questions regarding Aspen’s applications for cutting permits in the area. He noted that after assessing the information, AP Group will meet for individual discussions with each band to hear their concerns. The Herald has reached out to several local First Nations for comment regarding their concerts.

“When we manage to get the logs, the proper amount and type of logs, then we run,” said Rose.

The mill is currently closed, but will reopen next week on another limited run of imported coastal cedar logs. Then, Aspen said its up to the provincial government to issue permits that they have applied for. Rose and Aspen Planers have been heavily critical of the province’s cutting permit process.

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Aiden Van Rensburg recently crossed the border along with his U13 Kamloops Blazers team to participate in the Phoenix Presidents Day 2023 Tournament.

OH, HONEY HONEY

Merritt based honey producers, Coquihalla Apiaries, recently sat down with the Herald for a Q&A on honey production, honey’ many uses, and the future of the industry.

Aspen Planers employees and local forestry contractors gathered to protest government inaction on local cutting permits amidst ongoing protests in the Nicola Valley. Marius Auer/Herald

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B.C. gets flood funding

A second advance payment of $556,955,880 to the Province of British Columbia through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) was announced on Thursday, February 23. The payment is dedicated to the cost of recovery for affected communities in B.C. during the November 2021 floods.

“The Government of Canada has been working closely with the province, municipalities and First Nations

to recover and rebuild following the devastating flooding that took place in November 2021,” said Bill Blair, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness

“This payment is another important step in building back from this event in a way that better protects British Columbians.”

Evacuation operations, public works and infrastructure restoration, and property replacement are just some of the eligible expenses

that B.C. communities may apply for.

“We’re going to dissect the announcement to find out how it is going to affect us,” said Mayor Mike Goetz. “We will then proceed to the recommendations on how to get the funding and then go from there. I will have a clearer picture tomorrow on what that exactly would look like.”

While it is still unclear on how much Merritt is going to benefit from this new federal funding, Goetz is optimistic that this announcement will help the city

move forward with its much needed work.

“I think it will be easier for us to get this from the Province than it will be from the feds,” he said.

“B.C. has already come to the table for us. Minister Ma was already here and gave us funding for two pieces of dikes that can fixes some areas along the Coldwater River.”

Goetz met with his staff on Friday, February 24, to discuss the next steps the City has to take to secure funding, and will move forward with an application.

Federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair visited Merritt last March to see the devastation at the hands of the 2021 B.C. floods. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Izaiah Reyes MERRITT HERALD

The Coldwater River used to flow through this now dried-up channel along the City of Merritt’s Coldwater River Trail. Marius Auer/Herald

EDITORIAL

A reintroduction, and a commitment to the reader

MARIUS AUER HERALD EDITOR

I’ve always been a big fan of taking walks at night, where I can clear my mind and enjoy the fresh air without the possibility

of running into that elementary school classmate for some uncomfortable small talk, or being amongst Merritt’s surprising daytime hustle and bustle for a City this size.

During one of my recent outings, I found myself walking along Quilchena Avenue late at night, when I was overcome with a feeling of appreciation for the

freedoms I have as someone who lives in Canada. This was accompanied by a sense of guilt for benefiting from the privilege that I have as a white, male person in this country.

Whether I intentionally benefit from this privilege or not, it’s there, allowing me to walk alone and completely unbothered in the middle of the night. While this is

just a small example, it forced me to face my privilege head on, and made other examples more apparent to me going through both my personal and professional life.

Taking over as Editor of the Herald, I am committed to bringing fair and balanced news coverage to everyone in the Nicola Valley, while fully acknowledg-

ing my privilege, and amplifying the voices of those who have had theirs constantly suppressed in our society.

Local news sources should be representative of the community they serve. Strong local journalism means increased representation, more social cohesion and political debate, and a commitment to reporting the facts.

If you want to be heard, whether it be a Letter to the Editor, a column, or an interview, reach out to me, and I will respect and value your voice.

I’d like to thank Izaiah Reyes, Theresa Arnold, Ken Couture, my family, and the people who have allowed me to share their stories since I joined the Herald.

LETTERS to the editor

#KeepThePromise to tuberculosis patients

Editor,

Support TB REACH, help more patients: #KeepThePromise

Starting 2015, Canada began investing in TB REACH initiative. Up till 2022, CAD$205 million has been contributed, more than 40 million people have been screened, and more than 2.6 million people have been diagnosed and treated.

However, COVID has posed disproportional stress upon TB-prone areas. Urgent switch in healthcare resource and funding allocation to tackle the new top health issue drained the energy needed to screen, diagnose, and treat TB patients. Areas within the TB service provision field that were affected include but were not limited to: manpower in conducting outreach program to spread screening technology, diagnostic team, and medication; research and pharmaceutical production effort in battling the more complicated HIV-associated TB and ever-changing drugresistant TB; epidemiological monitoring effort to align international TB-fighting goals…

Here we have TB REACH, long-time, trusted partner of the Canadian government since its establishment in 2010, with the potential to fill gaps in TB-related service provision. Therefore, I call on the Government of Canada to maintain investment in TB REACH by committing at least CAD$33 million over three years to ensure that communities affected by TB can access the care they need, and the promised 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals can be realized.

Thank you, Vanessa

Liang

Albas: ‘goal of the CCP was a minority Parliament’

of these efforts?

“To install a minority Liberal government.”

One of the bombshell stories that is of significant concern is a leaked report from Canada’s Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) documenting how Communist Chinese Government officials and their agents interfered in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections.

What was the goal

According to the documents, the support for Prime Minister Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada is due to the Communist Chinese Government viewing the Liberals as more pro-China in contrast to what a potential Conservative government would be.

The second goal of the CCP was a minority Parliament because it is said that Beijing “likes it when the parties in Parliament are fighting with each other,

whereas if there is a majority, the party in power can easily implement policies that do not favour the PRC.”

Was this clandestine campaign successful in interfering in our Canadian democratic process?

China’s former Consul General stationed in Vancouver stated she “helped defeat two Conservative candidates in 2021.”

The Conservative Party of Canada believes that number is significantly higher and may have contributed to losing eight or nine electoral districts.

What is the Trudeau Liberal government doing about this? So far, basically nothing, aside from attempting to downplay the situation and express concern around the leaking of the documents.

I am not suggesting that Communist Chinese Government agents ‘stole the election,’ as I believe Canadian voters ultimately decided the outcome of the last election. However, I am deeply concerned about reports of a foreign government manipulating our democratic process.

If a single electoral district can be manip-

ulated in an election due to foreign interference, we should all be concerned, and the government of the day has a responsibility to Canadians to ensure the proper authorities- like the Commissioner of Elections (that investigates violations) and the RCMP have the evidence they need to prosecute any violations.

As some may have diplomatic immunity, our government should expel any suspects at the very least.

How else can we prevent future violations?

The Leader of the Official Opposition,

From the Herald archives: March, 1998

CELEBRATE GAINS FOR WOMEN

Hon. Pierre Poilievre, supports following the lead of Australia and the United States in creating a foreign agent registry. This would be similar to the domestic lobbyist registry Canada uses but would apply to individuals in Canada who foreign governments pay to influence our political processes.

For whatever reason, Prime Minister Trudeau has refused to substantially answer the questions from journalists and the opposition on this matter and whether he will immediately implement such a registry here in Canada.

The first International Women’s Day was declared at a Copenhagen Conference of women in 1911. Its North American roots are often attributed to a series of labor protests between 1857 and 1912 when women in New York’s garment factories challenged the long hours, low wages, child labor, and horrendous working conditions that marked their lives.

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 and address.

Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Goetz calling for ER closure investigation

of solution to this,” said Goetz. Interior Health recently told the Herald in an interview that staff recruitment and retention efforts are ongoing, with the closures being a last resort measure to address staffing

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz is calling for an investigation into the cause of a number of diversions at the Nicola Valley Hospital’s emergency room (ER).

Emergency department closures have plagued B.C. hospitals for a number of years, with staffing shortages forcing rural ERs, such as the one in Merritt, to shut their doors for periods usually spanning about 12 hours. Recently, Merritt’s ER was closed twice within the span of one week, and has closed three times so far in the month of February. With the ER having been closed a total of six times since December 20 of last year, Goetz said it’s time for some answers.

“IHA [Interior Health] needs to get involved and find out –that’s why I’m calling for an investigation–let’s find out what the real root of the problem is, and then let’s address that problem,” Goetz told the Herald.

“We can work

together with them to help them get there, and we just all really need to know what the problem is because a lot of the time, we don’t get shared the information of what’s going on and why it’s closing. When the first closure came out, we were told that it was a nurse shortage, and then about 20 minutes later, we were told it was a doctor shortage.”

The Mayor noted that clear information is a missing piece in the puzzle, with clarity needed on the cause of the ER closures and possible solutions to the ongoing issue.

Goetz said he is in regular contact with Interior Health and Ministry of Health officials regarding the closures, and has a meeting scheduled for February 24 with IHA President and CEO, Susan Brown, to discuss the cause and impacts of a lack of ER access in rural communities like Merritt. He also recently called upon the provincial government to drop its mandate that

requires healthcare workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Goetz announced last month that he would chair the BC Rural Health Alliance, an advocacy group made up of elected municipal leaders from Vancouver Island, the Kootenays, and the Southern Interior, all regions that have suffered from ER closures and other healthcare issues.

He noted that with Merritt’s location at the intersection of a number of major highways, and its population of seniors and blue collar workers, an ER that runs 24/7 is non-negotiable.

“We’re at the point where something has to be done, whether you want to deal with it or not, something has to be done,” said Goetz.

Kamloops–North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar recently stood during question period in BC’s Legislature to grill Minister of Health Adrian Dix about several healthcare issues, including the ER closures in Merritt. He said that his

office was alerted of a situation that occurred during one of the Nicola Valley Hospital ER’s recent closures where a senior with pneumonia and her 80 year old husband were forced to drive to Kamloops’ Royal Inland Hospital on treacherous roads for medical attention.

Minister Dix responded by identifying the treacherous road conditions as a possible reason for the physicianshortage related closure, adding that the closure was a patient safety measure due to the lack of staffing. Dix also argued that more medical staff are serving rural B.C. communities now than ever before, citing an increase of 38,000 healthcare workers since his appointment as Minister of Health in 2017. Mayor Goetz believes the answer for Merritt lies in working with both the Ministry and Interior Health.

“It’s a frustrating situation, but I feel that if I work with IHA, who can then work with the Ministry, we can come to some sort

shortages caused by the overall vacancies, short-notice sick calls, and vacation time.

As far as Goetz’s request for an investigation, it remains to be seen if the health authority will accept.

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Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The emergency room at the Nicola Valley Hospital was closed three times between February 1 and 21 due to nurse and physician shortages. Marius Auer/Herald

City gets federal funding for needed arena repair

Lower Nicola School wears pink

The costs of a recent repair at the City of Merritt owned Nicola Valley Memorial Arena has now been paid for by federal funding following an announcement by the federal government.

A new federal grant will be awarded to Merritt for a recent repair work done at Nicola Valley Memorial Arena (NVMA).

On Thursday, February 23, the Government of Canada announced over $2.5 million in PacifiCan funding for 16 projects across the Thompson Okanagan.

“Amazing things are happening in the Southern Interior. The region is known for its world-class skill hills, wines and produce and is also home to a thriving tech community and innovative forestry and mining sectors,” said Harjit S. Sajjan Minister of International Development and Minister

responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan).

“Investing in shared public spaces and tourism experiences will bring communities together, attract new visitors, and ensure that the Thompson Okanagan region thrives well into the future.”

PacifiCan is a new economic development agency promotes growth and diversification in B.C.’s economy. Merritt, Eagle Bay, Keremeos, Blind Bay, Magna Bay, Kelowna, Vernon, Peachland and Armstrong will be the recipients of the new PacifiCan funding.

Merritt will be receiving $122,907 for a

BAC Condensing tower replacement at the NVMA. This grant will cover 75% of the total $163,876 project cost.

“The City had been relying on a 20-year old BAC Condensing tower, but leaks were identified and substantial repairs were required,” reads Merritt’s recent press release.

“To avoid a catastrophic failure during a time where the community was still reeling from the 2021 flood, staff recommended a full replacement.”

The condenser towers are one of four key components that make up the refrigeration system of the arena. The other three components are the evaporator, compressor, and expansion valves.

A Request

for Proposal was issued in March 2022. City council granted the project budget through the City’s general fund reserve and surplus balances. The full replacement process was completed in September 2022.

The $2.5 million PacifiCan funding uses $240,000 for two projects funded through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and over $2.3 million for 14 projects funded through the Tourism Relief Fund.

Its announcement builds off of the recent opening of PacifiCan offices in Cranbrook and Kelowna, establishing an easier access to their services for Southern Interior communities.

Marius Auer

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Students and staff at Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) School gathered on Pink Shirt Day, February 22, clad in pink and ready to spread love and positvity rather than anger and hate.

The group photo is an annual tradition for the school, which looks to promote positivity and kindness by addressing bullying directly.

According to Statistics Canada, 71 perent of Canadian youth between the ages of 12 and 17 surveyed reported experiencing at least one form of bullying in the past twelve months. Among those youth, about 42 percent reported experiecing it monthly

or even more frequently, while the remainder said they experienced bullying a few times per year.

Bullying can take many forms, including physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying. Parents are advised that common signs of bullying include unequal power, hurtful actions, direct or indirect actions, and repetitive unacceptable behaviour.

At LNIB School, Pink Shirt Day was a day of celebration and awareness of an issue that is ongoing, and requires society wide participation to change.

For more information on bullying, visit www.pinkshirtday.ca.

Students, staff, and faculty of Lower Nicola Indian Band School gather for their annual Pink Shirt Day photo on February 22, 2023. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Izaiah Reyes MERRITT HERALD

professional service, from people who care.”

First Nations drinking water settlement extended

Kevin Hille of OKT.

“The Government of Canada had essentially controlled water infrastructure on reserves for decades which makes them responsible for the deplorable state of water infrastructures on reserves.”

Nooaitch Indian Bands.

2013, and June 20, 2021.

The First Nations Drinking Water Settlement recently announced that it will be extending its claims period to March 7, 2024. Eligible applicants will now have a full year to submit a claim to the settlement.

With the new extension, claims submitted between March 8, 2023, and March 7, 2024, will be assessed, and eligible payments will be processed after March 7, 2024. Those that were submitted before March 7, 2023, will be assessed by the Administrator, and eligible payments will be processed. All claims for Specified Injuries compensation will be processed after March 7, 2024.

The First Nations Drinking Water Settlement came from a class action lawsuit filed against Canada. The suit was filed by Olthius Kleer Townshend (OKT) LLP and McCarthy Tetrault LLP on behalf of

the Neskantaga First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, and all other First Nations across the country dealing with long term drinking water advisories.

“The theory of our case was that Canada owed a duty because of the control it has over First Nations finances and lands,” explained

By December 2021, the suit ended in an $8 billion settlement. First Nations and individuals impacted by longterm drinking water advisories that lasted continuously for at least one year between November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021 are now eligible for some monetary compensation.

Among the First Nations qualifying for the claim are Upper Nicola, Lower Nicola, Coldwater, and

To be eligible for compensation, Individuals must: - not have passed away before November 20, 2017; -be a member of a First Nation; and -have been impacted by a long-term drinking water advisory (boil water, do not consume or do not use) that lasted at least a year between November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021.

If born before November 20, 1995, the claimant must have ordinarily resided/lived on an Impacted First Nation during a long-term drinking water advisory that lasted continuously for a year or longer, anytime between November 20,

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If born on or after November 20, 1995, the claimant must have ordinarily resided/lived on an Impacted First Nation during a long-term drinking water advisory that lasted continuously for a year or longer, anytime between November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021.

Individuals can also apply for Specified Injuries compensation

for injuries they experienced while complying with drinking water advisories.

For questions about the claims process and assistance with

the Claim Form, contact the administrator toll-free at 1-833-252-4220.

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WELCOME TO

KINDERGARTEN 2023 STUDENT REGISTRATION

The Board of Education of School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen)

Kindergar ten establishes a strong foundation for lifelong learning , as teachers provide dynamic, play-based oppor tunities to help each child grow and learn. Our child-centered programs de velop a sense of well-being and belonging and offer oppor tunities for exploring , creative play, de veloping language and literacy while focusing on social responsibility and cultural diversity

Kindergar ten provides our young learners with an enriched learning experience at their own unique de velopmental le vel. We look forward to working with each Kindergar ten child’s family as we welcome you to your child’s ne w school community

Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for a complete overvie w of our online registration process.

REGISTRATION SCHEDULE

Monday to Friday: March 6 to 17, 2023

For September, 2023:

To register, a child must be 5 years of age on, or before, December 31, 2023.

Parents should register their child at the neighbourhood school.

Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for a complete overvie w of our online registration process.

If you are unable to register online, please contact your neighbourhood school.

When registering online you will need your child’s Bir th Cer tificate, immunization record, Care Card and proof of address when registering

Parents interested in a Kindergar ten distance education program for their child, can contact the South Central Interior Distance Education School at 250-378-4245

Parents wishing to enrol their child in the French Immersion Program are required to register at Collettville Elementary

If you have any questions, please contact your neighbourhood school:

250 - 378 - 2514

MERRITT

Izaiah Reyes MERRITT HERALD

The new claims period extension of March 7, 2024 comes after the recent extension happened last December. Photo/FNDW

Circle of Sisters+ conference coming

The Circle of Sisters+ conference is coming to Merritt from March 3-5.

Photo/SCFSS

Izaiah Reyes MERRITT HERALD

Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society (SCFSS) are collaborating with different organizations in the Nicola Valley to host a women’s conference this coming March. The conference will provide the women and LGBTQ+ members of the community with resources available to them, from health to business and more.

The Circle of Sisters+ women’s conference is a three day event taking place at NVIT, on March 3-5. SCFSS is collaborating with many organizations to give women a 360 service, ranging from resources in health and wellness, to learning about entrepreneurship from local women in business.

Ally and Emily run Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society’s women’s group. During their meetings, they have received a great deal of feedback from women, suggesting that they should put a conference together.

“Emily and I hashed out an idea for a conference that we put forward to our managers,” Ally explained. “They were in full support of the idea. As we kept developing it, we

were requested to collaborate with the other agencies in Merritt. Our little idea that came from our women’s group really escalated to what is now the Circle of Sisters+ conference.”

Happening on March 3-5, the event will take place close to International Women’s Day on March 8. The organizers say that this is a very blessed coincidence.

“This event just happened at the right time,” said Ally. “I think when we were at our planning stage, we came across it and thought it was fantastic. However, the dates and times we chose for the event was to accommodate for the women that will attend the conference.”

The conference is open to all the women of the Nicola Valley, as well as to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“We want to be really inclusive to our LGBTQ+ people and welcome them into the circle,” said Ally.

“There is a lot of Indigenous content featured here and we feel that it’s important for our non-Indigenous community members to participate in them. I would say 95 percent of the women facilitating the event are all from the Nicola

Valley. That’s a really important thing we promote. It’s been a huge passion for us to support and promote our local people.”

SCFSS collaborated with a number of organizations to put together the event.

“We’ve got some really awesome opportunities through all this collaborations between the different agencies,” Ally explained. “We’re really hoping for about 200 people to attend for each day of the conference.”

The conference will be utilizing eight classrooms from NVIT, as well

as its lecture theatre and gymnasium.

“We have hair braiders coming in, a tarot card reader, reflexology, horticulture, and a lot of educational workshops as well,” said Emily.

“The workshops will cover women in industry, entrepreneur information, and we even have a talixast, a cultural based workshop.”

The conference is the first annual women’s conference hosted collaboratively by the different agencies. It is also the first women’s conference done by SCFSS since the COVID19 lockdowns took place. To celebrate

Ma rria ge C om missioner

The Vital Statistics Agenc y, Ministr y of Health, is looking for an individual to ser ve as a Marriage Commissioner for Merrit t The individual will per form civil marriages within their communit y on behalf of the agenc y Applicants must reside in Merrit t in order to be considered for this position

the occasion, a dinner dance will also be hosted for the registered attendees on the evening of March 4.

“We want to have some fun to go along with all the different opportunities and learning,” said Ally. “We’re inviting the women to bring their families in. Bring their kids, bring their husbands, bring their granny, let’s all have some fun!” To register for the conference, please fill out the form in the following link: https://forms.office. com/r/tfK2vEvVyi

For information and an application form please visit our website at: gov.bc.ca/becoming-a-marriage-commissioner

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Nicola Valley Women in Action look to engage Merritt

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

International Women’s Day is often framed as a day to celebrate groundbreaking achievements and society wide change enacted by women throughout history, and Nicola Valley Women in Action says while that’s certainly a part of it – the day is also about recognizing the innumerous smaller ways that women make a difference every day.

Women’s Day was first celebrated on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, where the public events that day drew over 1 million people who showed their support. In 1975, the United Nations declared that year as International Women’s Year, and began celebrating March 8 as International

Women’s Day. Ahead of this year’s celebration, the Herald sat down with Megan Fulcher, a board director for Nicola Valley Women in Action, to talk about the group’s continued local efforts to recognize and celebrate local women nominated by their family, friends, and fellow community members.

“What I love about it is that it’s an opportunity to highlight all of the small or big things that women do in our community that are often unrecognized, because it could be that caretaker role,” Fulcher told the Herald.

“I think one of my favourite nominations was a lady who nominated her neighbour, because when she was sick, the neighbour went and picked up groceries for her. It doesn’t have

to necessarily be this massive movement, it can be and some of our nominees have been, but it can also just be small things.”

NVWIA has been hosting their annual celebration for nearly two decades, with this year’s ceremony recognizing local women being their 19th.

The organization’s board of directors, which consist of Fulcher and six others, work year round to organize the International Women’s Day event, which usually consists of that year’s nominees receiving their awards, followed by a reception.

Nominations are open year round, although a January deadline is set for the March ceremony, and are open to anyone looking to nominate a woman in their life that has made an impact on them or the com-

munity. Fulcher noted that there is no adjudication process for nominations, besides verifying basic information.

“Over the years, we’ve had many people decline, and often it’s because they don’t think they’ve done anything special,” noted Fulcher.

“We don’t turn away any

nominations, because somebody obviously thought it was worth their time to nominate the people, so they made enough a difference in their lives.”

In addition to organizing annual International Women’s Day programming, NVWIA also administers the Merritt RCMP’s Victim Services program, which

is made up of a specialized team of case workers within the detachment who are committed to providing support and vital services to those affected by crime and their families. Both case workers were nominated as a part of this year’s celebration.

Fulcher said that NVWIA invited everyone to join in

on the celebration, and urged Merrittonians to submit any nominations for next year’s event throughout the year. This year’s International Women’s Day celebration will be held on March 8 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Merritt Civic Centre, and will feature the annual recognition ceremony, young local musicians

playing piano, refreshments, and cake.

For more information, or to make an early nomination for next year year’s International Women’s Day celebration, send Nicola Valley Women In Action an email at nvwomeninaction@ gmail.com.

Nicola Valley Women in Action are behind a number of events and services in town, namely the RCMP’s Victim Services Unit, and annual Women’s Day celebrations. Photo/Herald File

Nicola Valley Women in Action 2023 nominees

Anastazsia Cash

Through her support of at risk women and youth, the impact she made during her time as a chaplain in a maximum security prison, and the devotion of her own time and resources to helping other women gain skills that they need to better their lives, Anastaszia’s nominee says she has shows that she “has a beautiful heart.” Despite Anastaszia’s preference to stay out of the spotlight and give back without seeking recognition, she is honoured in this year’s celebration.

Despite being the busy mom of three kids, Raelene’s nominator says that she still participates in all of her children’s activities, teaches Sunday school, and recently undertook a renovation of her family’s home. Along with the addition of new outbuildings during her renovation, Raelene is now raising a variety of animals. Last summer, Ralene took on the chief cook position at a children’s camp for two months when the regular cook became ill, showing her commitment to her community and her perseverance.

number of local individuals and families affected by the flooding and went above and beyond to support them.

Suzie’s nominator says that she gave back to both her guests and the community during some of the most trying and difficult times the Nicola Valley has seen.

Suzie also volunteers her time with Tourism Nicola Valley and Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Services as a part of her commitment to helping her fellow Merrittonians.

Nicola Valley Naturalist Club, and the Nicola Valley Arts Council, all of which Diana generously donated her time to. Diana also runs a successful homebased business called Grimshire Apiaries, selling fresh local honey and honey products. Her nominator says Diana enjoys spending time in her community with her three children and six grandchildren.

porting those around her, while at the same time helping people in the community as a whole. Stacey shares her passions for helping others and exploring nature with her family and friends.

events. Nicole’s nominator noted that her top-tier organizational skills and drive to succeed make Nicole an asset to the community as a whole.

Nicole MacKay Smith

necessary services to those impacted by crime in the Nicola Valley.

Kristyna Versteeg

Brooke Lynn Rankin

Shelby Morisseau

Raelene Chursinoff

Suzie Furey

After the flooding event of November 2021, Suzie Furey and the team at Knights Inn Merritt took in a

Stacey Hebner

Diana Grimshire

Many locals who have been to the Nicola Valley Farmer’s Market may recognize Diana, who can often be seen there and at other events in the community put on by Nicola Valley Search and Rescue, the

When she is not busy with her day job helping children and youth in the Nicola Valley, Stacey’s nominator says she is designing and growing a large and impressive garden. Described in her nomination as a “great mom and wife,” Stacey’s main focus is on sup-

Nicole’s dedication to youth in the community is apparent in her work both inside and outside of the classroom, describes by her nominator as “an asset to our youth in the community.” A wellknown, loved, and respected educator, Nicole donated countless hours to a number of volunteerrun initiatives in the community. Her dedication to both sporting and youth are clear in her coaching and facilitating a number of youthfocused sporting

Working as a part of the Merritt RCMP’s Victim Services Unit, Shelby’s nominator says she has quickly become a highly appreciated and valued team member with a commitment to teamwork and independent initiative. Shelby gladly dove into the highdemand local service, and hit the ground running to support clients, RCMP members, and her colleagues. She strives to continue learning and growing in her role, and is committed to providing vital and

Brooke is committed to improving her community in many ways according to her nominator, who says she works tirelessly to improve the land she is living on and her community as a whole. Running Terahydra Farm, Brooke grows herbs and vegetables in a organic, natural way, with the aim of becoming self-sustaining. Brooke is also the President of the Farmer’s Market, which includes her health and wellness business, Earth and Soul Creations. In just three years as a Nicola Valley resident, Brooke has gone from newcomer to becoming an integral member of the community.

Balancing a career and studying isn’t easy, although Kristyna’s nominator noted that she handles a challenge well. Kristyna manages to prioritize her studies while also supporting RCMP members, clients, and her colleagues in her role at the local detachment’s Victim Services Unit. She joined the unit at a time when it was understaffed and helped to revive the program. Kristyna enjoys learning, growing, and contributing new ideas and research to the Victim Services team, while making time for her family and hobbies.

See Page 15

Jacqueline Whitecross

From Page 14

Jacqueline’s nominator noted her unwavering commitment to small business and non-profit organizations in the Nicola Valley, apparent through her many hours volunteering with the Merritt Rotary Club, Nicola Valley Rodeo Association, and Tourism Nicola Valley.

Jacqueline is truly a champion for small towns, using her voice to advocate for Merritt and its residents. She was a key piece of the Rotary Club’s effort to bring a Syrian refugee family to Merritt and supporting them settling in Canada. Her commitment to others is undeniable.

Heather Yastremsky

According to her nominator, Heather is the president of Merritt’s most successful Parent Advisory Council at Collettville Elementary School. Heather is committed to the school and the community as a whole, sitting not only on the PAC, but also on the Merritt Youth Soccer Association board. Passionate about sports and outdoor activity, Heather was a vital component in bringing Collettville

Elementary their new outdoor classroom, which encourages students to connect with and learn from their surroundings.

Surjit Kaur Sidhu

Surjit moved to Canada over 50 years ago, eventually settling in Merritt via Karachi, New Westminster, and Kamloops. She truly enjoys living in the Nicola Valley, especially interacting with the friendly people and spending time with her family. Surjit’s

nominator noted that she is 93 years old and still very much active in the community. Surjit enjoys knitting, crocheting, and spending time in her selfconverted prayer room, which was once a pantry.

Recognition ceremony approaching This year’s ceremony will take place at the Merritt Civic Centre on March 8, 2023, at 6:00pm. For more information, or to submit a nomination for next year, contact NVWIA at nvwomeninaction@ gmail.com.

Women in Indigenous culture

International Women’s Day is a global celebration and acknowledgement of the value of women in society. Women of different race, culture, and nationalities are highlighted every eighth of March.

With the Nicola Valley having such a vibrant and rich Indigenous community, the Herald spoke with members of Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society (SCFSS) to hear about their thoughts on what it means to be a woman in the Indigenous community.

“A woman’s role in our community

is a major one,” said Resident Elder Nettie Ernst. “I come from a matriarchal society, that is how our community is structured. I was brought up, as a young child, to adhere to what my grandmother and mother had to offer in their roles as the matriarch of our family.”

Ernst comes from the Upper Nicola Band. Her resiliency despite her traumatic experiences growing up, being taken to the residential school, and losing her Indian Status, speaks to a valuable trait of Indigenous women.

“I think the common experience of colonialism and the discon-

nect the land, and working to rebuild those culture and traditions have made Indigenous women so strong and so resilient,” said SCFSS Community Planner Stephanie Tourand.

“Indigenous people in general use humour a lot. It’s a big part of the way they cope with trauma, along with connection and ceremony. I think as a community humor is used as an outlet to bring the people closer together to cope with the trauma rather than letting it harden you.”

After leaving the residential school in Kamloops, Ernst contin-

ued her education despite hearing that she is not “university material”. She became a nurse working at the Royal Inland Hospital before moving down to work at Vancouver Coastal Health. “I met my husband while working at Royal Inland,” she recalled. “I had lost my status back in the 70’s when I married him because he was non-native. Back in those days, there was definitely a

See TOGETHER Page 16

Izaiah Reyes MERRITT HERALD

Nettie Ernst

Tourand: ‘we’re stronger together’

From Page 15

double standard.”

The Indian Act had the rule where an Indigenous woman would lose her status if she were to be married to a non-Indigenous man. This rule was amended in 1985 through the Bill C31.

“Before that bill, I lost everything,” she explained. “I didn’t have any tools to assist me with my children’s medical or dental, which is different now. We had to work our way through it all.”

Ernst regained her status and so did her son and two daughters. She began her process of healing from all the trauma with the help of her mother and grandmother.

“Thank goodness I had a grandmother and a mom that were powerful women,” she said. “Their teachings stuck with me all these years and going back to that Indigenous frame of living, I think is what probably what

saved me.”

Ernst lived down the coast for most of her years, moving back to the Nicola Valley later on. She now pursues work to pass on guidance and wisdom to families, becoming a Resident Elder at SCFSS as well as establishing the Grandmother’s Group, or Kʷu Stəmtímaʔ, in Upper Nicola. Her work demonstrates a nurturing aspect to the Indigenous women.

“I wouldn’t be doing this type of work, with children and families, if I wasn’t a nurturing type of person,” she said. “I am a strong advocate today because no one was advocating for me when I was growing up. I now share my story and my experience.”

Storytelling is another important component of the Indigenous culture. Women love to be social and share stories with their families and com-

munities.

“We are storytellers,” said Ernst.

“Our legends, our laws, our lessons in life are all contained in our stories. We are considered an oral people, passing down these stories to the next generation verbally.”

“We learn how to act in society based on what are in these stories,” Tourand added.

“When theres a story of a coyote doing something, making a mistake, then learning from it, it’s not just a story. It’s something that we really need to embody and learn from.”

With the advent of technology, Indigenous women started to excel and pursue opportunities that weren’t traditionally there for them.

“Years ago, I saw women more focused on house keeping skills,” said Ernst. “Back then it was common to see women focus on cooking, or nursing, like myself. Now I see women go to

post grad and higher education.”

“The fact that almost half of Indigenous people are living in more urban centres, creates a shift in demographic,” said Tourand. “The urban Indigenous experience requires women to be more proactive and reach out to their community to maintain a hold of their traditions and identity.”

Tourand adds that the challenge for Indigenous communities is to create opportunities, for these educated women, and men, so that they can come back home. However, as previously stated, perseverance and resilience are key traits of these women, motivating them to face the challenge head on.

“I think we’re stronger together,” she said. “I think it’s a challenge to ensure that everyone is still communicating even though we are not physically together.”

Merritt Girl Guides think ahead

World Thinking Day is an international awareness day celebrated on February 22 of each year. It is a day recognized and celebrated by scout and guide organizations around the world.

In B.C., thousands of members of the Girl Guides Canada organization, celebrate World Thinking

Day by lighting up their communities blue, symbolizing girl empowerment.

“For over a century since our founding in 1910, Girl Guides has been a place where friendships, adventures and real-life experiences are waiting to be found,” reads a Girl Guides B.C. press release.

“In Girl Guides, girls ages 5-17 explore fun kids’ activities designed

just for them. They have a blast making new friends, discovering the world, and taking on community projects. Girl Guides is a safe space for her to be curious, adventurous, and confident.”

This year, there were a handful of events across B.C. that took place in celebration of World Thinking Day. Some of them include the following:

- A lit-up night hike along the Xget’tem’ Trail in Kamloops

- A sing-andwalk from the BC Legislature to City Hall in Victoria (both lit up for Girl Guides as blue landmarks)

- A campfire singalong at the Shipyards Stage in North Vancouver

For other communities in the province, the guides

Continued Page 17

Izaiah Reyes MERRITT HERALD

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

From Page 16

participated in other gatherings with members, friends, and families, while admiring local lit-up landmarks or shining their own guiding lights.

“We’ve submitted requests to the City of Merritt in the past to participate in lighting up public spaces,” said organizer Susan Doncaster. “We would love to see it done, but if not, we might do something out in the public next year.”

In Merritt, the local Girl Guides celebrated World Thinking Day by gathering at Merritt Central

Elementary on Tuesday, February 21. The nine to 11 year old Guides unit, hosted the younger Sparks and Embers (formerly Brownies) for an evening of learning, friendship, and community.

“We focused on Global Guiding,” said Merritt Girl Guides Leader Chelsea Werrun. “We talked about girl guiding around the world, and our guides picked three countries to present.”

The girls learned about guiding in Peru, Oman, and Mexico, learning a bit about each

country and their culture.

“We sampled some food,” said Werrun. “We tried homemade salsa and chips, kabuli pilav, and alfajores.”

In the spirit of World Thinking Day, the local Girl Guides were encouraged to attend their celebration wearing blue. Blue lanterns were also set up on at Central’s gymnasium, stations were set up by the Guides to provide information about each of the three countries, and there were discussions about what guiding is like for each of them.

“I had fun learning about

the different countries and activities,” said Merritt Girl Guide Selene. “I enjoyed trying the new food, and Mexico was my favorite.”

The Girl Guides will be off to Surrey in March to watch the Canadian Rugby Finals. The Girl Guides season runs parallel to the school year. Girls who are interested in joining the guides can expect registration to open up in June. For more information please call 250-9369015, or email 378csparks@ gmail.com.

The histor y of all times, and of today especially, teaches that...women will be forgetten if they forget to think about themselves.

The Sparks and Embers (formerly Brownies) units were treated to a presentation done by the Guides Unit on global guiding. Photo/Chelsea Werrun

Members of the Merritt Girl Guides work on a group project during World Thinking Day activities, which happened last week in Merritt.

Photo/Chelsea Werrun

Cents host Mental Health Night, lose all three games

Salmon Arm, with the Cents’ Conor Sullivan saving 34/39 in the loss.

Cents at Wild - Home Game, February 25

action, with shots on goal limited to 14 for the Wild and 8 for the Cents.

The Merritt Centennials were unsuccessful in this weekend’s attempt at securing any of the six points available to them in a three-game weekend, losing all three and extending their losing streak to six games. The Cents now hold an 11–30–3–2 record with just eight games left in the regular season of the BCHL. The Trail Smoke Eaters currently trump the Cents by 13 points in the Interior Division standings, holding the last playoff spot over Merritt.

Cents at Silverbacks -

Road Game, Salmon Arm, February 24

The Cents headed to Salmon Arm’s Shaw Centre for their first game of the week, taking on the Silverbacks in Friday night hockey action.

Starting on goal for Merritt was #35 Conor Sullivan, with starting netminder Johnny Hicks still injured. The first period was a slow burn, and strong defensively on both sides of the ice. With the exception of a few minor penalties, the action didn’t start until a slashing call against the Cents’ Carter Schmidt

at the 17:42 mark, leading to a man-advantage for Salmon Arm. Silverbacks forward Brandon Santa Juana was able to find the twine behind Sullivan in this time, making it a 1-0 game for Salmon Arm at the end of the first period.

The second period began similarly, but saw action quicker with another power play goal by Salmon Arm following a hooking penalty against the Cents, making the score 2-0 at the 10 minute mark. The tide shifted briefly the other way when the Centennials scored on their own man-advantage just minutes later,

bringing the score to a more manageable 2-1. The period would end with this score.

The third period got off to a flying start, unfortunately for Merritt, with Casy Laylin finding the back of the net quickly to make the score 3-1 for Salmon Arm. Minutes later, following an interference call against the Cents’ Ryan Spinale, Silverback Nathan Mackie scored to make the score 4-1. Not half a minute later, Hayden Stavroff would cement the home team’s lead to 5-1, before the rest of the period would remain scoreless. Final score was 5-1 for

Saturday’s home game against the BCHL’s lone American team, the Wenatchee Wild, saw the Cents host Mental Health Awareness night in support of the Ty Pozzobon Foundation. The foundation was created six years ago following the tragic death of Merrittonian Ty Pozzobon, a pro bull rider who achieved international success before tragically taking his own life after a battle with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Saturday’s game featured a ceremonial puck drop by the Pozzobon family, ‘chuck a puck’ by donation with proceeds going to the foundation, and plenty of opportunities to learn more and get involved. The first period of play got underway with Conor Sullivan once again in goal for Merritt. The period saw mostly defensive

The Cents garnered two penalties within the first 15 minutes of play, but would also ultimately strike first with a goal by one of the team’s top scorers, Jackson Krill, at the 18:11 mark. The first period ended with the Cents in the lead by 1-0.

The second period put Wenatchee in the spotlight, with the team dominating both penalties and scoring for the entire frame. After penalties for both interference and roughing within the first half of the period, the Wild straightened up their act with a goal by Luke Weilandt at the 12:58 mark. Wild forward Micah Berger would break the tie and make it 2-1 in favour of Wenatchee with another goal just minutes later.

The third period saw two sets of roughing calls leading to two 4 on 4 scenarios, and more strong defensive play. Only one goal would be scored, by Wenatchee,

after the Cents had pulled their goalie in an effort to have more attackers on the ice. After a full 60 minutes of play, the final score was 3-1 for the Wild, with Cents goalie Conor Sullivan saving 39/42 shots on goal in the losing effort.

Cents at Warriors, Road Game, West Kelowna, February 26

The Centennials played one of the BCHL’s two Sunday games this week, taking on West Kelowna’s Warriors at their Royal LePage Place home ice after their major 9-1 defeat to the team last week. Starting in goal for Merritt was AP player Nathan Preston.

The Cents’ Sunday afternoon roster also included Jalen McRae, a Merritt-based hockey player and current starting player for the KIJHL’s Princeton Posse. The first period started with Christopher Duclair for the Warriors sneaking one past Preston, opening scoring to make it 1-0 at just the 2:25

mark. The Cents responded with a score-tying goal of their own just minutes later, making it a 1-1 score by was of Jaxson Murray’s 19th goal this season. Unsatisfied with the tie, the Warriors’ Nic Porchetta responded with a goal of his own just 23 seconds later to make the score 2-1. The second period was disastrous for the Centennials in their effort to keep the the game within reach. Despite their success at preventing another Warriors goal in the first half of the frame, things quickly devolved from there. Preston was unable to stop a shot from West Kelowna’s Brennan Nelson, who scored to make it a 3-1 game at the 14:07 mark. Less than two minutes later, Ben MacDonald made the score 4-1 with a quick shot to the back of Merritt’s net. At the next faceoff, Michael Salandra with the Warriors would make it away with the puck for a 5-1 game, with West Kelowna scoring 3 within

Continued Page 19

The Cents’ Saturday game at home against the visiting Wild was Mental Health Awareness Night in support of the Ty Pozzobon Foundation. Pozzobon’s mother, Leanna, conducts the ceremonial puck drop in honour of her late son.

Photo/Christina Jean

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

minutes. The remainder of the period saw only penalties.

The Cents started off with a man-advantage early in the third period, but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. When the Cents’ Carter Schmidt garnered an interference penalty

minutes later, the Warriors score on the power play at 11:10 to further increase their lead to 6-1. Striking fast once again, the Warriors scored again just 30 seconds later, by way of Christopher Duclair’s second of the night. The rest of the period would remain

scoreless, for final score of 7-1 for West Kelowna.

Nathan Preston saved 42/49 in the loss.

Next week

This coming week, the Cents will host both of their two scheduled games. On Friday, March 3, the league-leading Penticton Vees come to Merritt once again for a

rematch of last week’s game, where they beat Merritt 7-2. The following night, the Warriors visit from West Kelowna, looking to remain undefeated against this season’s Merritt Centennials. Puck drop for both games is set for 7:00pm at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.

Sports horizons expand with new Merrritt dojang opening

The sports landscape in Merritt continues to grow in people and in variety. With the old staples like hockey and rodeo going strong, while new interests like basketball and volleyball being established, Merritt will need something new to really kick things up a notch.

Luckily for the community, Baek’s Taekwondo Academy is getting ready to open in March, giving Merrittonians a chance to try their hand, and feet, at martial arts.

Taekwondo is a Korean form martial arts most recognized by its very impressive kicking techniques, that vary from head hight, to spinning, and everything in between.

“Taekwondo helps build self confidence,” said Instructor Gary Abbott. “There aren’t a lot of opportunities like this for people to learn new skills and develop self confidence, so it’s definitely an asset in that regard.”

Abbott’s interest in the martial arts existed long before he even donned his first dobok, the official uniform for Taekwondo. It wasn’t until five years ago that he had the opportunity to enroll to Baek’s Taekwondo Academy in Chilliwack.

“I had just come back to Canada, from working in the U.S. when I decided to start training in Taekwondo,” he explained. “I’ve always wanted to train in Taekwondo but my work travels prevented me from being able to commit to it.”

Abbott works as an I.T. architect, and with the ability to work remotely, he was able to finally pursue his genuine interest, focusing on Taekwondo more as an expression of movement rather than a form of combat.

“I’m First Nations, and I do a dance called ‘Men’s Fancy’,” he explained. “It is very fast, and incorporates lots of movements like

spinning that I knew Taekwondo resembles. I thought it would be a really great addition to my skillset.”

Through his training, Abbott developed new skills and teachings that he can apply in his own life.

“It’s been a great experience, but also challenging.,” Abbott said. “You go to class twice a week but you have to commit yourself into self training at home, or wherever you can.”

Back in October, Abbott moved to Merritt and an opportunity presented itself. Teachers from his Chilliwack class suggested that he should start his own class in the Nicola Valley, a project he never had prepared for but was willing to do.

“I was uncertain if Merritt was big enough,” he said. “I posted on the Merritt Grapevine and I got 90 responses in two days. As I’ve talked with parents I’ve learned that there’s a huge need

for extracurricular activities like this.”

Abbott is set to open up a Merritt branch of Baek’s Taekwondo Academy. The school is branching out and has ties to both the World Taekwondo Federation and B.C. Taekwondo Federation.

“It’s been a journey since October,” Abbott said. “I had to find a space, get set up, and get interest to make this happen.”

The feedback from the community has been very positive according to Abbott. People

have supported the idea of having martial arts classes in the Nicola Valley.

“There used to be Taekwondo in Merritt,” he said. “I’ve talked with Ed who was the instructor of the old classes. I’ve actually bought all the mats for the flooring from him, so in a way, this is a continuation of the Taekwondo community here.”

The Dojang will be located at the old Brambles Cafe building on Quilchena Avenue. It will feature mat flooring, mirror walls, and 15

standing targets for training. Other equipments featured will include hand targets, body shields, and double sided targets.

“It will be very similar to what we do in Chilliwack because that’s the experience that I gather from.”

Students will begin as a white belt, and as they progress through their training, they move up in colors to yellow, then orange, all the way to black, the highest form of mastery. Training for five years, Abbott is a red belt and who will take the

test to become a black belt in the summer of this year.

Currently, there are 64 registrants for the academy.

Abbott has split the crop into three classes, who will be attending sessions twice a week.

“There will be a Monday and Wednesday class at 5 p.m. and at 6 p.m.,” he said.

“There will also be a class Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m.”

Abbott says that there are still room for more students, as they can accommodate for five classes. The

current capacity of the Chilliwack Dojang in comparison, has 90 students divided into four classes. Although the March 6 grand opening is fast approaching, Baek’s Taekwondo Academy is still inviting anyone interested to join. The classes consists of predominantly younger students, however the classes are open to all ages. Please visit https://www. baekstaekwondo. com/register-merritt to register, or call (604) 845-5234 to learn more.

The Merritt Centennials line up ahead of their game against Wenatchee on Saturday, February 25 at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, which was Mental Health night.

Photo/Christina Jean

Izaiah Reyes MERRITT HERALD

Gary Abbott transformed the old Brambles Cafe building into the Merritt dojang for Baek’s Taekwondo Academy.

Photo/Gary Abbott

Volunteers sought for local bluebird conservation efforts

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Another busy season of bluebird banding and monitoring is approaching rapidly for the local volunteers of a Vancouver-based avian research initiative, with many of the 400 plus bluebird nest boxes in the Nicola Valley due to be filled with the striking fledglings.

Bluebirds, along with many other species of birds, are facing steeper odds of survival and increased manmade challenges in their habitats. The Vancouver Avian Research Centre (VARC) looks to bolster the bird’s survival odds and engage Nicola Valley residents with their Nest Box Monitoring Program in the area. The program was established years ago by a local resident,

but the VARC took over the reins when the initiative quickly grew.

“It’s been running for a number of years, but we took it over in about 2019, because it was really becoming a bit wieldy for the gentleman who had set it up,” said Carol Matthews, executive director of the VARC.

“We really wanted to create it as more of a study so we could actually get some statistics out of it, and make sure that the information we were gathering was scientifically solid, as well as obviously providing the habitat for the birds.”

The program consists of approximately 460 bluebird nesting boxes in various locations about the Nicola Valley, which house bluebird fledglings from

late May to late July. Volunteers complete data collection sheets while visiting the boxes every two weeks, allowing the VARC to count the number of birds and compile important data. Since taking over the program, VARC said the number of bluebirds has increased from 65 in 2018 to 383 in 2022. The increase stems from increased capability to count the birds, more frequent maintenance of the nesting boxes, and new nesting boxes placed strategically in key mating locations.

The data collected by VARC volunteers is used by the organization itself as it creates its own study into the activities of bluebirds in the area, and is also sent to a North America-wide Nest Watch program. The organization also bands certain birds with

identifying leg bands to monitor their activities as part of a bird banding program. Matthews said that the plight felt by bluebirds facing climate change, habitat destruction, and poisoning by insecticides is felt by most birds.

“I would like to use this as a stepping stone for people to be more aware of the plight of all our birds, because most of the plight has been created by us with our activities,” noted Matthews.

“Habitat destruction is a huge challenge for our birds. Window strikes are the number one killer of birds in North America. Hitting our homes, 2.7 million birds a day, they reckon, die in North America through window strikes. Free roaming cats are another huge problem when it comes to birds and

other small mammals.”

Matthews noted that collective steps must be taken by society as a whole to ensure the continued survival of bluebirds and other at-risk species, with the cavity dwelling fowl their point of focus in the Nicola Valley. Sweltering heat seen in Merritt in recent years has greatly affected the birds, killing many by way of the heat directly, or by eliminating their insect prey.

“I know, for years, people feel that we environmentalists have been banging a drum, and maybe people haven’t heard it, but the results are now coming in,” added Matthews.

Locally, Home Hardware supports the VARC with materials for the nest boxes free of charge, along with a number of volunteers donating their time to

keep the program, and the birds, alive and well for years to come.

For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer for the nest box program, visit www.birdvancouver.com.

1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WEL COME YOU

Crossroads Community Church 2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

Sunday ser vice 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

Ser vice Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p m

Sacred Hear t Catholic Church

Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St • 250-378-3772

Ser vice Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a m.

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave ( The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Ser vice Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Max well St • 250-378-9502

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

A freshly banded baby bluebird is held by a volunteer of the Nicola Valley Nest Box Monitoring Program that VARC administers locally. Photo/Vancouver Avian Research Centre

CLASSIFIEDS

PLEAS E RECY CLE THIS NE WSPAPE R

Gino Lucchi

August 21, 1936 – February 19, 2023

It is with great regret that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Gino Impero Lucchi, born in San Lorenzo Nuovo Ital on August 21, 1936. Gino is survived by his w Ersilia and their son Felice, both of Merritt BC He was predeceased by 3 brothers, 2 sisters and his parents

Gino was born the 6th child in a family of 7 children. In 1965, Gino and his family immigrated to Canada to start a new life He soon found work in Merritt at Aspen Planers, where he remained an employee for well over 30 years, until his retirement

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday March 4th at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Merritt Burial to follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

“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 ” Dame Cicely Saunders founder of the modern hospice movement

P: 250-280-1701

www.merritthospice.org

Emai

CURRENT JOB OPPOR TUNITIES

We are currently inviting applications for the position(s) of:

Father Vernantius will officiate the service and welcomes all to join the family and friends in the hall for refreshments following the service Merritt Funeral Chapel is entrusted with his arrangements Online Condolences and memories may be shared at www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www makeafuture ca/bcschools-and-districts/nicola-similkameen-school-district-no-58/.

All applicants must provide a cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and three (3) professional references for each position they want to be considered

Only those applicants selected for an inter view will be contacted.

JOB P O S TING S

IN V E N TOR Y C OORDIN ATOR IN V E N TOR Y A S SIS TA N T

T he Nic ola Valle y F o o d B ank ha s t wo s t a f f p o s it ion vac ancie s t o fill T he s e paid p o s it ion s pr ov ide opp or t unit ie s f or p ot e n t ial c andida t e s w ho ar e c ommunit y s e r v ic emot i va t e d and w ho ar e in t e r e s t e d in mak ing a p o s it i ve c on t r ibu t ion t o t he we ll - b e ing o f t he F o o d B ank ’s clie n t s

Unde r t he dir e c t ion o f t he G e ne r al Manag e r, t he Inve n t or y C o or dina t or is r e s p on s ible f or t he or g aniz a t ion and or de r l y main t e nanc e o f pr o duc t inve n t or y, including dail y r e p or t ing t o t he G M on s t a t us o f s upplie s and e quipme n t T his p o s it ion wor k s ve r y clo s e l y w it h t he t e am o f F o o d B ank volun t e e r s a t t he he ar t o f t he dail y op e r a t ion s in or de r t o e f ficie n t l y me e t t he ne e ds o f clie n t s T he inc umb e n t als o pr ov ide s g e ne r al dir e c t ion r e t a s k pr ior it ie s t o t he Inve n t or y A s s is t an t .

IN V E N T ORY A S S I S TA N T

T his p o sit ion ha s t wo di f f e r e n t ar e a s o f r e s p on s ibilit y :

1 Op e r a t ion o f t he F o o d De s k dur ing clie n t ac c e s s hour s (10 a m t o 1 p.m )

2 A s s is t an t t o t he Inve n t or y C o or dina t or T he incumb e n t is r e s p on s ible f or F o o d De s k op e r a t ion s (pr ov iding clie n t s w it h pr o duc t s), a s s is t s w it h t he handling o f pr o duc t inve n t or y, and c an als o b e c alle d up on t o a s s is t t he De li ve r y Van Dr i ve r w it h pr o duc t pick- up and de li ve r y T his p o s it ion wor k s ve r y clo s e l y w it h t he t e am o f F o o d B ank volun t e e r s a t t he he ar t o f t he dail y op e r a t ion s in or de r t o e f ficie n t l y me e t t he ne e ds o f clie n t s

IMP OR TA N T N O T E : In t e r e s t e d applic an t s mus t r e ad t he f ull job de s cr ipt ion s w hich ar e available a t t he F o o d B ank on Q uilche na A ve (har d c opy) or available b y e - mail up on r e que s t (f o o dbank @ t e lus ne t) P le a s e s ubmit your le t t e r o f applic a t ion ac c ompanie d b y a c ur r e n t r e s ume w it h r e f e r e nc e s t o De r landa He w t on, G e ne r al Manag e r, Nic ola Valle y F o o d B ank C l os ing d a te: Op e n un t il c andida t e cho s e n

Route ME26 Main St & Quilchena 52 Papers Towards the Cit y Wor ks Yard

Route ME70 & ME38 Ir vine, Cressy, For ksdale 76 Papers Bench Area

Thursday's Deliver ies Paid Per Paper Great First Job Any age ok Can have papers delivered to your door or they can be picked up at office Please feel free to call or stop by the Office for more info

2090 Granite Ave (250) 378-4241

FORES T S T E WA RDSHIP PL A N

P le as e be ad v is e d that Weye r h a e us e r C o m pa ny Li m i t e d a n d S t u w i x Res ou r c es Lt d intend to submit a For es t Stewar dship

P lan (F SP) w hich cover s ar e as w ithin the C as cades For es t Dis tric t

T his plan is a r e quir ement of the For es t and Range Pr ac tices A c t T he F SP outlines the r esult s or s tr ate gies that the holder s of the plan intend to implement in or der to meet the objec ti ves s et by government along w ith other le gal r e quir ement s including it s ar e a of appl ication.

T his plan is publicl y a vailable for r ev iew and for w rit ten comment. T hos e w ishing to r ev iew the plan ma y do s o by appointment, during normal work ing hour s at Weyerhaeus er ’s Princeton main of fi ce; or Stu w i x Res our ces L td of fi ce until M a y 1s t, 2023 P le as e phone (250) 280 -1420 to make an appointment Comment s can be made in w riting c /o P lanning For es ter, Weyerhaeus er Comp any

imite d, Box 550, Princeton, B C V 0X 1W 0 A ll w rit ten comment s mus t b e recei ve d prior to the above - mentione d date Reliable

Towing Merritt Ltd. 2900 Pooley Ave the following vehicle will be auctioned on March 16, 2023 for non payment Phone the office for inquiries @ 250-378-5000 2001 Travel Air Trailer VIN# 2TTTT25041R011684 Debtor: Robert Booth Amount owing: 5,521 80

Jeremy Scott Payment for your storage Units #11, #16, & #23 is overdue Payment is required on or before March 27, 2023. after which all contents will be disposed of. The items will be disposed of after 30 days of the notice being served or posted, unless the person being notified takes possession, establishes a right to possession, or makes an application to the court to establish a right to possession.

Contain It Storage 1750 Hill St Merritt, BC V1K 0A1 250-315-3000

Catch

Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted Legal/Public Notices Legal/Public Notices Legal/Public Notices Legal/Public Notices

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

1. Relaxing place 4. Plant by scattering 7. A type of explorer 12. Unique traits 15. Lady 16. Dismayed 18. Railway 19. Type of whale 20. Sodium 21. Manning and Lilly are two

ACROSS DOWN

1. A person with unusual powers of foresight

2. Single sheet of glass

3. Portrays a character

4. Expresses happiness

5. Acquires

6. “The Martian” author

7. Degree

8. 60-minute intervals

9. A detective’s pal

10. Group of nations (abbr.)

11. Popular Georgia rockers

12. Fencing swords

13. Basement

14. Samoan monetary unit

31. Hebrew calendar month

33. Car mechanics group

34. Undesirable rodent

35. Minneapolis suburb

37. Witch

39. Get free of

41. A written proposal or reminder 42. British School 44. Country on west coast of Africa 47. Cool! 48. Information

17. Male parent

22. Finnish lake

23. A smooth fabric

24. Arctic explorers (abbr.)

25. Mild yellow Dutch cheese

26. Very willing

28. Expressed pleasure

29. Lasso

32. Hindu model of ideal man

36. Move your head in approval

38. Ill-__: gained illegally

40. Die

43. Accused publicly

44. Precious stone

49. __ route 50. Jim Nantz’s network 52. Something to register (abbr.) 53. Give cards incorrectly 56. One who’s learning on the job 61. Stevenson adventure novel

Taking careful notice 64. CNN’s founder

Speak badly of

45. Individual thing or person

To www.merrittherald.com A22 THURSDAY, March 2, 2023

46. Behaved in a way that degraded

51. Derogatory term

54. No seats available

55. Liability

56. Popular beverage

57. Tough outer skin of fruit

58. __ Spumante (Italian wine)

59. Troubles

60. Negative