Merritt Herald April 13, 2023

number of Nicola Valley residents attended a protest at the Nicola Valley Hopital’s green space on Easter

as the

was once again shuttered due to a nursing shortage.

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Nicola Valley residents protest ER closure

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Marius Auer

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

During the tenth diversion of emergency department services at the Nicola Valley Hospital since the beginning of this year, residents of the valley gathered on the hospital’s green space to rally against what many see as a lack of provincial action on the issue.

About 50 Merrittonians and other Nicola Valley residents attended what was unofficially dubbed a Rally for Healthcare on Easter Sunday (April 9) amidst a 12 hour closure of the Nicola Valley Hospital’s emergency department. The hospital’s ER has been closed ten times in 2023, with the diversions increasing in frequency since they became common last year.

“The people of Merritt have had enough, we just want this to be solved,” said Georgia Clement, an organizer of the rally.

“If one of us gets hurt and requires an emergency room, we need to drive another 90 or 120 kilometres away from this area. Someone may need to be stabi-

lized before they spend that time on the highway, and that could cause someone a life or death situation. It’s just a matter of time here.”

Interior Health Authority (IHA) recently told the Herald that staff recruitment and retention efforts for the Nicola Valley Hospital are ongoing, with the closures being a last resort measure to address staffing shortages caused by the overall vacancies, short-notice sick calls, and vacation time. Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz has called for an investigation into the source of the closures, but the health authority has not announced their intentions to complete such an investigation.

Goetz also recently confirmed to local media that he had received a call from provincial Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, and had a conversation regarding the hospital’s situation. Goetz said the minister provided him assurances that his team was tracking the issue and actively working toward solutions for it. Rally organizers said there are ways to address the problem, which has wide spreading effects.

“There’s a community here that thrives on the outdoors, there’s a community here

that has a lot of high risk jobs, and that emergency room is busy,” added Clement. “We can’t tolerate this anymore, it has to stop. There’s ways to stop it, IHA pays their CEO $441,000, you’d think maybe she could come up with some answers for us.”

The provincial government has announced that faculty and support staff of Merritt’s Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) ratified a new collective agreement under the Shared Recovery Mandate.

Clement noted that she plans to continue the rallies until a permanent solution is found, pledging to get “more organized and loud,” and already planning the next protest. She also said the rally was in support of Dr. Robert Granger, a Merritt-

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Residents of the Nicola Valley gathered on Easter Sunday (April 9) to protest the Nicola Valley Hospital emergency room’s tenth diversion of 2023. Marius Auer/Herald

‘‘

‘We can’t tolerate this anymore, it has to stop. There are ways to stop it.’

COMMUNITY ORGANIZER GEORGIA CLEMENT

Residents rally at hospital

From Page 3

based trauma surgeon currently working at Vancouver’s Royal Columbian Hospital, who was told by IHA he did not meet the requirements to cover shifts in the Nicola Valley’s ER. A number of rally attendees proclaimed their support for Granger.

Among attendees was a retired Nicola Valley family doctor who called for a greater focus on the ‘care’ aspect of healthcare.

“Medical care has changed, and I can’t call it care anymore,” said Dr. Robert Holmes, a rally attendee and retired physician who practiced in the Nicola Valley from 1975-2000.

“They call it Canadian healthcare, but it’s actually that nobody cares anymore. The care has gone out of Canadian healthcare, and we have a massive bureaucracy. This is the greatest problem in healthcare, and B.C. is a part of it.”

Holmes noted that during his time as a physician in the province, which began in Prince Rupert in 1966, government bureaucracy has strangled healthcare in rural settings, citing the nearby Ashcroft Urgent and Primary Care Centre as an example. The small community’s ER has suffered similar closures over the past number of years.

The only way to change, according to Holmes, is through public demonstration and collaboration between different groups in the Nicola Valley.

“There has to be a massive change, and massive change only comes around with civil disobedience,” noted Holmes.

“This is what I hope we are starting today. People are starting to show that they are physically concerned by coming out. My big disappointment is that there are not enough Indigenous people with us here today. They have to be involved, because it involves them. We hear too much about the ‘Merritt Hospital,’ when it’s not, it’s a Nicola Valley Hospital that looks after 16,000-17,000 people who are residents.”

Although IHA stated that Sunday’s closure was caused by nursing shortages, many rally attendees showed their support for Dr. Robert Granger as a possible solution to the diversions, as doctor shortages have forced the department’s closure previously.

Holmes noted that he views the denial

of Granger’s request to cover shifts in Merritt’s emergency department as the act of an authoritarian regime, with the decision affecting thousands of residents.

“All the changes that have happened here in this hospital have been done without any consultation with the people of Merritt and the Nicola Valley,” claimed Holmes.

Myra Ireland, a resident of the Nicola Valley, told the Herald that she fell and injured her face to the point of needing stitches during the last ER’s last closure, but refused the offered ambulance transport to Kamloops in fear of taking the seat over someone else in more critical condition. Ireland noted that she believes while the choice was her own to make, she should never have had to make it at all.

Ireland’s situation is similar to many who live in Merritt and the surrounding area, with other protestors sharing their concerns over the lack of access to emergency healthcare services without driving close to 100 kilometres.

“It just makes me worry, because I live a small distance outside of town, so this is the closest hospital for me,” said Lolann, another Nicola Valley resident attending the rally. “It’s important to be able to depend on our healthcare system that we rely on to keep us safe.”

Rally organizers said they plan to gather again on Saturday (April 15) at 2p.m., and more regularly until the issue is permanently addressed.

Over 50 Nicola Valley residents gathered on short notice this Easter Sunday (April 9) to protest the closure of the hospital’s emergency room for the tenth time this year. Marius Auer/Herald

EDITORIAL

A community that truly cares about the ‘other’

an unexpected way.

This weekend, while covering the rally for healthcare during the Nicola Valley Hospital’s tenth closure of the year, I had the pleasure of chatting with a number of locals who shared their concerns and opinions with me. While it would be understandable for Nicola Valley residents to be infuriated, and some were, most had a simple message – they are worried for the vulnerable and members of the community.

tournament down the street, the families travelling the highways that wind through town, and the community members with health conditions that need access to an emergency room.

the spot of someone else in a more critical situation. She told me that she never should have had to make that decision in the first place – and I agree.

Merritt has always struck me as a passionate and caring community, and a recent event I attended reminded me of that in

What I heard most from those I talked to on Sunday was a great level of concerns for the other – the players at the softball

To be clear, everyone needs and deserves access to an emergency room, but some need it more than others. The story of Myra Ireland, a local senior, moved me. During the last ER closure, she fell and injured her face to the point of needing stitches. Despite this, Myra refused an ambulance ride to Kamloops’ Royal Inland Hospital out of fear that she would take

While the issue could somewhat be fixed by finding doctors and nurses to fill the temporary vacancies that cause our ER to shutter, the problem is much deeper and more complex, and must take overall vacancies in rural healthcare into account. Merritt deserves consistent healthcare, along with all other rural locations, and more effort must be made to find concrete and permanent solutions.

These city landscape paintings were done by four students in Mrs. Vandenbrinkʼs Grade 4/5 split class at Bench Elementary. Clockwise from the top left, they were crafted by Molly Schwarz, Gavam Saini, Luke Puterbough, and Vienn Virtuso.

MARIUS AUER HERALD EDITOR

LETTERS to

the editor April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Editor,

Though it’s only for April, it seems that every day of the year should be Child Abuse Prevention Month in this world.

Too many people will procreate regardless of their (in)ability to raise their children in a psychologically functional/healthy manner. Many people seem to perceive thus treat human procreative ‘rights’ as though they will somehow, in blind anticipation, be innately inclined to sufficiently understand and appropriately nurture our children’s naturally developing minds and needs.

In the book, Childhood Disrupted, the author writes that even “well-meaning and loving parents can unintentionally do

harm to a child if they are not well informed about human development” (pg.24). I strongly believe that every parent should be knowledgeable about factual child-development science.

Also noteworthy is that, regarding early-life trauma, people tend to know (perhaps commonsensically) that they should not loudly quarrel when, for instance, a baby is within clear-hearing range; whether they know about the intricacies of why they shouldn’t, however, is another matter.

Since it cannot fight or flight, a baby stuck in a crib on its back hearing parental discord in the next room can only “move into a third neurological state, known as a ‘freeze’ state. This freeze state is a

trauma state” (pg.123).

This causes its brain to improperly develop. It’s like a form of non-physical-impact brain damage. Also, it’s the unpredictability of a stressor, and not the intensity, that does the most harm.

When the stressor “is completely predictable, even if it is more traumatic — such as giving a [laboratory] rat a regularly scheduled foot shock accompanied by a sharp, loud sound — the stress does not create these exact same [negative] brain changes” (pg.42).

Since so much of our lifelong health comes from our childhood experiences, childhood mental health-care should generate as much societal concern and government funding as does physical

health, even though psychological illness/dysfunction typically is not immediately visually observable. [I myself live with ACE-related chronic anxiety and clinical depression that are only partly treatable via medication.]

A psychologically and emotionally sound (as well as a physically healthy) future should be every child’s foremost right, especially considering the very troubled world into which they never asked to enter, but no such rights exist.

Frank Sterle Jr. Merritt

Albas MP Report: spending highest in three decades

When first elected to our country’s highest office in 2015, Prime Minister Trudeau promised to reduce the use of external consultants to save billions (as reported by the National Post). However, as I pointed out in my January MP report, the Trudeau Liberal Government has increased the use of private consultants by close to 60% since 2015.

Plans”.

Despite the significant increase in the use of private consultants, the PBO has revealed that the overall size of the federal public government has increased from roughly 340,000 fulltime equivalents (FTE) in 2014/15 to 413,000 FTEs in 2021-2022.

FromtheHerald archives: April, 1998

DOWN COMES GRANNY’S KITCHEN

A popular city landmark came down last week to make room for Phase 2 of the Railyard Mall.

Demolition took place as several residents watched silently.

One longtime city resident said he’d eaten in Granny’s Kitchen several times over the years and would miss the restaurant and its friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

In early January of this year, I reported on concerns regarding the significant increase in the use of private consultants by the Trudeau Liberal government.

This week, the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) released a new report on the overall size of the Federal Government: “Full-Time Equivalents in the Federal Public Service – 2023-24 Departmental

The 2023-24 departmental plans indicate that the number of FTEs is projected to reach 428,000 in 2022-23, representing an increase of 23,000 full-time people compared to the departmental plans from the previous year.

Interestingly, the longterm departmental plan fore-

casts that the federal public service will be reduced to 400,000 FTEs in 2025-26; however, the PBO has pointed out that “current plans do not include additional FTEs that will likely result from new measures announced by the Government in Budget 2023”.

In terms of costs, as CBC recently reported, “Ottawa is projected to spend about $151 billion more next year than it did in 2014-15, the year before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his party won government in November.”

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s budget projects

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total expenses will be $496.9 billion in 2023-24 when there’s no extraordinary pandemic-related spending. And under Freeland’s current plan, spending will increase in the years to come.

Her budget projects spending will reach $555.7 billion in 2027-28.

For context, this level of spending now exceeds sixteen percent of Canada’s GDP, the highest it has been in over three decades, given that the Liberal Government no longer projects any return to a balanced budget and has abandoned all fiscal guardrails.

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.

DAN ALBAS

VIEW FROM THE HILL

2295 BLAIR STREET

Fraser-Nicola MLA ‘pretty disappointed’ in riding changes

Baker CONTRIBUTED

The Fraser-Nicola electoral district is one of many that will be seeing boundary changes after the release of the 2022 British Columbia Electoral Boundaries Commission’s report on April 3, which includes a shift back into the Cariboo-Chilcotin electoral district for Ashcroft, Clinton, and Cache Creek.

Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart is a resident of Ashcroft and has seen the boundaries in that area change many times in the past. According to Tegart, both as a member of the riding and as its MLA, they are tired of being “tweaked.”

“We were in [Cariboo-Chilcotin] previously and representation was made back in the day to please put us back in Fraser-Nicola, and they did that. Now here we are again. If you want people to feel like they belong somewhere, you don’t change the boundaries every eight years,” said Tegart.

Her concern is that constituents in these communities, as well as neighboring towns like Hope and Princeton that have also seen repeated changes to their electoral boundaries, will eventually be de-incentivized to vote because they feel insecure within their ridings.

Tegart, who was initially pleased with the commission’s efforts to maintain steady representation in the region, also expressed some frustration that such a major shift in her riding was made as, in her words, “a lastminute change.”

“Fraser-Nicola had some areas added to it [in the first draft] and the feeling was that it seemed to be very reasonable,” said Tegart. “This new report, the final draft, is the most modified I’ve seen in all my years of following commissions that look at boundaries. We have no opportunity for input, to let them know how we feel about these changes, because that opportunity was only available after the first draft.”

Despite her ongoing frustration with the instability of electoral boundaries in the area, Tegart acknowledged that these commissions always face a challenge in determining the best electoral boundaries for “huge rural areas with very sparse population” like the northern end of the Frasier-Nicola riding.

New electoral boundary commis -

sions are called every eight years, or after every second general provincial election, in order to account for any major changes in the distribution of the province’s population. Without maintaining flexible electoral boundaries, a sudden change in the population of a single region could upset the balance of representation within the entire province.

“I think it’s fair to say that everybody recognizes the amount of work that was done,” Tegart said of the most recent commission’s report, “but there will be areas that aren’t happy, and I’m pretty disappointed.”

Tegart’s status as MLA of Fraser-Nicola will not change as a result of the new electoral boundaries, and she still plans to seek re-election in the riding. As she pointed out with good humor: “If I walk about a quarter of a kilometer, I’m in Fraser-Nicola! And FraserNicola is where my heart is.”

MLA Jackie Tegart has served in the riding of Fraser-Nicola since 2013. Photo/Herald File

Madeline

City Council seeking members for advisory committees

Madeline Baker

Merritt City Council sat down to determine which committees should be added, removed, or continued into their ongoing term at their April 4 Committee of the Whole meeting, and now they’re calling on the public to get involved.

While some committees, known as standing committees, are dictated by the provincial government and predominantly filled by council members themselves, select committees are made up of community members and represent the general public’s best opportunity to present important issues directly to council.

This year, four select committees are looking for applicants to make up their voting base: the Age-Friendly and Accessibility Committee, Economic Development Committee, Airport Advisory Committee, and Youth Advisory Committee. About six voting positions are available in each committee and will be filled by applicants from the community.

Once those positions are filled, committees will meet four times a year – unless a specific project or circumstance calls for more regular discussion and planning – and bring their recommendations, reports, and proposals to city council for consideration.

Mayor Mike Goetz called committees “the pulse of the community” and emphasized their importance as extra sets of eyes and ears to determine what needs are not currently being met by the city council and government.

As an example of the developments that can be spearheaded by committee members, Goetz pointed out that the flashing lights that were added to certain low-visibility crosswalks around the city came from a proposal made by a previous Age-Friendly and Accessibility committee.

Though all the committees are of equal importance, Goetz expressed particular excitement about the Youth Advisory Committee, which will consist of two placements from Merritt Secondary School and two from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology along with the four chosen by council from community applications.

“I’m really hoping that we get a lot of youth to put their names forward,” said Goetz. “This is about them, not us. It’s for them to see how this works and be a part of change.”

More information about the City of Merritt’s standing committees, such as the selection criteria for each committee based on its area of focus, can be found at merritt.ca/committees. Applications can also be downloaded from the city website or picked up at City Hall.

Wildflower Bloom Campaign

Throughout t he mont h of April, wildflower seed pac kages and pins will be available for purc hase to raise awareness of t he HOSPICE PALLIATIVE C ARE SERVICES

Merritt Council Chambers are shown in an undated shot. Photo/Herald File

Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz is inviting members of the public to put their name forward as council establishes a number of committees. Photo/City of Merritt

NVIT culinary arts students complete year end assessments

JR and Martina Hance look on as daughter Tala makes sure her pan is the right temperature before cooking her salmon entree. Marius Auer/Herald

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Students of the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT)

Professional Cook 1 program wrapped up their courses at the school’s Eagle’s Perch campus this week, concluding 28 weeks of fast paced learning and hands on experience.

NVIT offers both a PC1 and PC2 program, with PC1 running for 28 weeks starting in September, and the latter running for seven weeks beginning in April. As part of the program, students are registered as apprentices, gaining technical training while also accruing apprentice hours. Last week, students at NVIT’s PC1 program wrapped up their school year with final exams.

“We are doing our practical assessments, students are

cooking five dishes in a timely fashion,”

Chef Kim Wallace, NVIT’s culinary arts instructor, told the Herald in the hustle bustle of the kitchen.

“The day started at 8 a.m., there was a briefing for about five minutes, and then there was the initial 15 minutes for the setting up of tools and equipment. Then, they had a two hour window of prep work and cooking, and then they each have a designated time slot.”

Following their months of training and apprenticeship, students must complete a five course meal to standards set out by Skilled Trades BC. Students are assessed by Wallace on a number of factors out of 35 points, with a 25 point minimum required to pass.

The young chefs in

training served their creations to visiting parents and family members who came to support the students and enjoy the fruits of their labour.

The day’s menu included boston cream chowder, poached eggs, chicken caesar salad wraps, salmon filets with tomato vinaigrette and rice pilaf, along with a blueberry muffin dessert. After being assessed and graded, students’ dishes were sent to visitors for consumption. Wallace said the growth of his students in the kitchen over the past 28 weeks has been exponential.

“At this stage, 28 weeks later, it’s really a self-sufficient kitchen,” noted Wallace. “It’s really their kitchen at this point. It’s been amazing.”

After finishing their PC1 program successfully, students can go on to PC2 after accruing more industry work

experience hours.

The PC2 program is a more fast paced and intensive experience, just seven weeks in duration despite it covering a number of topics. This year, Wallace has eight students starting their PC2. NVIT has offered a culinary arts program since opening its Centre of Excellence in Sustainability in 2018.

Wallace added that the students in this year’s PC1 program were keen learners, absorbing so much information that the instructor had to adapt the curriculum.

“This group, particularly, they were very keen from the beginning” added Wallace. “As I got to know them, and we got to know each other, I was giving them more and more all the time, and we did a lot, even outside

of the curriculum. They were a great group for that for sure.”

City of Merritt reopens public facilities from dawn until dusk

The City of Merritt has announced its public washrooms have reopened for public use as the weather warms up, and events at outdoor city facilities make a comeback.

Washroom facilities operated by the city, such as those at Central Park, Fairley Park, Voght Park, and others, are open from dawn to dusk. The City of Merritt is responsible for their maintenance.

For additional information, contact City Hall and speak to the public works department at 250378-4224.

FortisBC reminding residents to dig with care

teams, and externally with regulators, WorkSafe BC, BC 1 Call, first responders, other utilities and so many others, it really is a team effort to help reduce damages to underground utilities and help keep the public safe.”

The efforts of Field and his team seem to be working, as FortisBC reports that for the first time in 20 years, damages to their underground gas system fell below 900 in 2022. The utility provider added that approximately 70 percent of damages were from those who did not contact BC 1 Call before digging.

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April is Safe Digging Month in B.C., with FortisBC reminding Merrittonians to reach out to BC 1 Call before disturbing the ground in any way. Photo/Unsplash

Marius Auer

With the weather warming up, and home improvement projects churning in the minds of many locals, provincial natural gas provider FortisBC is reminding them to call before they dig.

FortisBC’s team of Damage Prevention Officers said in a recent press release that utilizing their free service to identify underground infrastructure before breaking ground greatly reduces the risk of injury, avoids interrupting essential services, and prevents costly repairs.

“We are there to educate and provide information,” shared Tara Garrett, damage prevention officer with FortisBC. “We’re trying to prevent mistakes from happening. But mistakes do happen and we never want to make anyone feel bad for

that so we’re there to help educate so those mistakes don’t happen twice. We want everyone to always keep themselves and each other safe.”

To keep residents safe and informed of the location of any potential infrastructure, natural gas or otherwise, FortisBC offers its BC

1 Call as a solution. BC 1 Call is a non-profit organization which provides free searches of gas lines and underground services prior to excavation or disturbance of the ground.

With basic information such as dates, depths, locations, and property ownership, Merrittonians can request a “locate ticket” of their dig site via phone or online. Big or small, all outdoor improvement projects warrant a “click or call.”

“We might be a small team, but we collaborate with so many organizations,” added Ron Field, damage prevention officer with FortisBC.

“Internally with our operations

FortisBC said common outdoor improvement projects that can damage underground infrastructure include building or installing fence posts, realtor signs, mailboxes, patios, retaining walls, fire pits, and even planting and digging a garden. Those planning similar projects should contact BC 1 Call before getting started.

BC 1 Call’s location request tickets can be accessed entirely free of charge by phone at 1-800-474-6886, or online at www. bc1c.ca.

If yes, please contact the Canadian Re d Cross. You may b e eligible for financial assistance

Apply at re dcross.ca/rentalprop er t y Call for info at 1-833-966-4225

Apply by May 31, 2023

RAL HEATLH MONTH

Make the dentist a fun experience for kids

Lead by example: Children who witness their parents putting off going to the dentist or being apprehensive about visiting the dentist may develop their own fears. Always paint the dentist in a positive light and keep appointments.

Focus on the good aspects: Talk up all the benefits of going to the dentist, such as having a squeaky clean and fresh mouth. Many hygienists will hand out small toys after a successful visit, or at the least a great new toothbrush and other fun products to try.

Visits to the dentist for periodic cleanings and checkups are an important component of oral hygiene. Dentists also may be the first people to identify potential issues that can affect health elsewhere in the body.

Many people are unaware that children should visit the dentist early in their lives.

Primary teeth may eventually fall out, but they shouldn’t be ignored. They save space for permanent teeth and serve other f unctions. Therefore, parents should begin to acclimate children to the dentist at a young age to make the experience fun and even enjoyable.

Get a tour of the office: Ask the staff if your child can get a special tour of the office with explanations of all the tools and equipment. The dentist may be able to also give a test ride on the exam chair, moving it up and down, as well as showing off the water fountain and oral irrigator.

Avoid giving false hope: Do not tell a child that “everything will be OK” at the dentist’s office. If a child needs treatment that may be uncomfortable, he or she may not trust you the next time a dental visit is scheduled,Over time, dental visits can become an easy routine with children, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy mouths and teeth.

Health risks of poor dental care

Diabetes: People with diabetes are at increased risk for periodontal disease, speculating that diabetes patients’ risk is higher because people with diabetes are more vulnerable to infections than those without diabetes. While that suggests periodontal disease is a byproduct of diabetes, research points to the relationship being a two-way street. Periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar, making dental hygiene an especially vital component of routine healthcare for people with diabetes.

Heart disease: Research indicates periodontal disease increases a person’s risk for heart disease, with the inflammation caused by the former leading to the latter. People with existing heart conditions also may find that periodontal disease exacerbates those conditions. The Mayo Clinic notes that the link between heart disease and periodontal

disease is not fully understood, but enough studies have been conducted for scientists to support the notion that the two are connected.

Can periodontal disease be prevented?

Periodontal disease is preventable. A daily dental hygiene regimen that includes brushing after meals, flossing at least once per day and swishing with mouthwash are some simple, healthy habits that can prevent periodontal disease. In addition, the AAP recommends that people at increased risk for periodontal disease, including the elderly and smokers, should discuss their risk with their dental professionals.

Dental hygiene can do more for individuals than produce a mouthful of pearly white teeth. In fact, people who prioritize dental hygiene may lower their risks for various diseases.

ORAL HEALTH IS A VITAL PART OF YOUR OVERALL HEALTH AND SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED. OUR SMALL OFFICE IS COMMITTED TO YOUR FAMILIES DENTAL NEEDS. We offer a wide range ofservices starting withyour check-up andcleaning to fillings, rootcanals, crowns/bridges anddentures.

FIVE STEPS TO GOOD ORAL HEALTH

4.

5.

#110-1700

(Located

APRIL IS ORAL HEALTH

MONTH!

Good oral health has an impact on our overall well being! As par t of a healthy lifest yle and to help reduce the r isk of Oral disease:

✔ Keep your mouth clean with regular br ushing, flossing and limited sugar

✔ Check your mouth regular ly for signs of gum disease or oral cancer

✔ Eat well. Good nutr ition helps build strong teeth and gums

✔ Do not smoke or chew tobacco

✔ Visit your dentist regular ly for check u and cleaning

New patients are always welcome.

How parents can get kids excited about brushing their teeth

Dental hygiene is an important component of a healthy lifestyle, but it’s an element youngsters rarely embrace with open arms. Parents know that getting kids, especially young children, to brush their teeth is not always so easy. In recognition of that, the Canadian Dental Association suggests the following strategies to make brushing teeth something kids will look forward to.

• Make it fun. Brushing teeth may not be considered a fun activity, but who’s to say it can’t benefit from a little levity? It is recommended turning tooth brushing sessions into dance parties and/or sing-alongs.• Reward good behavior. Parents can reward youngsters who brush their teeth without incident by offering praise or allowing them to pick a bedtime book when brushing at night.

• Put kids’ favorite characters to work. Many popular children’s television shows and books have stories about brushing teeth. Watch these stories with your children, then reference the stories and characters if kids are reluctant to brush their teeth. Parents also can find toothbrushes and/or toothpaste that feature kids’ favorite characters to get youngsters more excited to brush.

• Become a storyteller. Parents also can make up their own stories, explaining to kids how they can be superheroes who brush away the bad guys that cause cavities.

• Brush alongside your children. Kids love to mimic their parents, so moms and dads can brush alongside their youngsters in the hopes they’ll follow suit.

Many children may never jump at the chance to brush their teeth. But parents can employ a few savvy strategies to make daily brushing sessions more fun for youngsters.

AND GUMS IS A LIFE LONG COMMITMENT.

Merritt Youth Soccer Association kicks it up a notch

the league a notch.

One of the biggest challenges is, unsurprisingly, volunteer recruitment. The executive, among them Chelsea Werrun who currently serves as secretary, relies as much as possible on parent involvement. Some parents are part of the game along with their children, from U5 (Small Fry) all the way up to U13, and end up honing their coaching skills along the way. While the executive, most importantly the division directors, communicate regularly with their volunteers and make it a priority that everyone feels appreciated and comfortable, recruiting enough volunteers remains tricky.

“It’s tough right now, people are so stretched, whether it’s through work or volunteerism or child rearing, so it’s really tricky to make sure we can get enough volunteers.” said Werrun.

fun each season, which means that as many as 60 volunteer coaches could be needed.

Currently, many of the executive members fill more than one position and each division director also doubles as head coach, like Mario Celella, who coaches the U5 division. His involvement started after last year’s AGM.

“Just seeing that a lot of groups were struggling to get people, it made me feel like if I don’t get involved, who is going to get involved?” noted Celella. This season is his second year of coaching, after his kids started playing. “Just hearing the possibility that the league is not going to exist if there are no coaches, I had no choice.”

MYSA are clear to him. “Keeping kids engaged in things, especially when it comes to the community, it’s a positive benefit for everybody.” he noted.

While the volunteer coaches are integral, there is another important position for any soccer game - the referee. Referees are paid a honorarium, about $25 per game, and the position is often filled by students from Merritt Secondary School. However, with games for the MYSA happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays, there are often scheduling conflicts with high school sports programming, especially on Thursdays.

The Merritt Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) has become an integral part of the local sports scene over the years, but keeping the ball rolling is not always easy. The committed executive of currently eight volunteers strives to improve with each season, bringing the game of soccer closer to the hearts of Merrittonians, and kicking up the awareness about

“Right now I know that U9 and U11 need more coaches, and we want to make sure we have enough coaches to cover the amount of kids who are interested in playing.”

The MYSA’s season runs from April to June and in addition to the executive, two coaches are needed for each

With the threat of having to reduce the size of the league for this season looming, the executive stepped up their outreach to parents of all players and was able to secure enough volunteers to get started, but more are needed to keep going.

“We expect these program to be here, but nobody is really giving it the thought that the program is not going to exist if we don’t take part in it. I have seen that things are just dissolving and they are never coming back again because we are not getting involved.” added Celella.

The benefits of maintaining the

“We are definitely looking for anyone who is interested in reffing on a Thursday for our U9, U11, and U13 games” said Werrun. “There is a referee course you can take and then we have one of our super awesome locals, Ian Webster, who refs a lot of our games; he does a little orientation and he is really awesome in supporting us and lending his knowledge to the next generation.”

To get involved with the Merritt Youth Soccer Association in any capacity, reach out via their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ MerrittYouthSoccer), or their website at www.merrittyouthsoccer.com.

This feature brought to you by the Merritt Herald and our participating advertisers.

Ball carrier Chloe Hughes of the Gladiators in a previous MYSA season. Photo/Herald File

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

NV Search and Rescue club a true community effort

For Dunsmore, being a search and rescue volunteer happened my chance.

“When I had my first call as search and rescue, I was working in policing and we had a call out and had to access search and rescue in Princeton,” she said.

“I didn’t know much about the program, but I was interested and from there on, I just started the training, took courses, and became a training officer.”

Dunsmore and her fellow volunteers have undertaken several rescue operations in the snow, rivers, and other treacherous conditions, also responding quickly when people with dementia and children wander away.

When pressed to recall an operation that she can instantly think of, Dunsmore recalled:

“I remember one incident 10 years ago, where we had a call between Merritt and Kelowna. Usually within 24 hours is kind of high risk when we have to find somebody. And then the risk of finding them alive or uninjured after the first 24 hours, it gets worse and worse as the days go on. We had one man who was missing. It was day three, and we were starting to think that this wasn’t going to be a great ending. And on the third day, we actually spotted him from a helicopter.”

Tracy Dunsmore has been a volunteer for the Nicola Valley Search and Rescue since its inception in 2003. Photo/Tracy Dunsmore

Joshi

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are the first ones we think of when in crisis. They then often turn towards the skilled group of volunteers that make up the Nicola Valley Search and Rescue (NVASR) to assist them in their mission.

The Nicola Valley Search & Rescue Society was set up in 2003, thanks in part to the efforts of Tracy Dunsmore. Having previous search and rescue experience from her time living in Princeton helped Dunsmore initiate the process of setting up something similar when she moved to Merritt two decades ago.

“I have always loved being outdoors and hiking. So, this (as search and rescue volunteer) came naturally to me,” Dunsmore told the Merritt Herald.

Over the years, Dunsmore’s team of skilled volunteers has gone over 50. They are available “on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year” as they go about assisting the RCMP, BC Ambulance, and Provincial Coroners Service as and when needed.

“We’re a small community, but we have a large area to cover. So, apart from the RCMP detachment area, we also cover for the areas that don’t have a search and rescue team. So, it is a huge area that we respond to,” Dunsmore pointed out.

“We were able to access him. He was quite far back into the bush. He wasn’t familiar with the area. He hadn’t been prepared and wasn’t a big hiker. He didn’t have any proper clothing, food or anything.

“He was pretty tired and cold when we did find him. He’d gone with his girlfriend and was just going for a bit of a walk initially, and she’d stayed in the truck. Then, he didn’t come back, and that’s when she drove back to Kelowna and called them [RCMP]. So, that was a good ending.”

Despite the risks, volunteering for search and rescue is not a thankless job, as Dunsmore puts in.

“A lot of times it’s moving on, but we do a lot of times when we have a rescue like that, that’s where a lot of our donations come from. They will get donations from the family, or friends of the family, and online and they’ll send us a letter thanking us. We do get lots of thank you cards and lots of emails and Facebook messages from families and friends that were involved or wanted to thank us for that and donations.”

“Yeah, it’s nice,” said Dunsmore, who is currently actively involved in training new volunteers.

“I do a lot of the [classroom] training right now, and I’m currently doing my rope rescue certification. I just trained for ice rescue a few months ago. So, I still like to do a lot of things like that. I used to do the swift water rescue, but I’ll leave that to the younger people now,” added Dunsmore, while signing off.

society

teaches

youth

adults in Merritt We of fer a variety of dif ferent programs: Precanskate, Canskate, Power skating, Junior Academy, Junior Star skate, STARSkate and Adult Skate Behind the scenes we have many volunteer s to help keep this organization running smoothlywe appreciate ever y one of you and thank you for stepping up to help out your community!

Our Program Assistants spend many hour s on the ice throughout the season helping our coach with the various programs Their help is extremely valuable and we appreciate all of the hour s you give to the club A big Thank You to this year’s Program Assistants:

Harit THURSDAY, April 13, 2023 A19 www.merrittherald.com

Would you like to become a part of something that matters thank you! WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS If you’re looking to learn more about NVSAR or would like to become a volunteer go to www.nvsar.com for more information. WHO ARE WE: The British Columbia Search and Rescue Association, was registered in 2002 as a non-profit society and enhances the provision of volunteer search and rescue services in the province by facilitating access to funding, educating the general public on outdoor safety, and providing volunteers with a common link to information and resources.

GET INVOLVED: This is a way to be involved in service for our community! We have specialty teams, such as rope rescues, swift water rescues, ground search, ice rescues and avalanche rescues TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS

that

skating to

and

Claire, Jayda, Charmen, Lisa, Jill, Amy, Abby, Iggy, Aziza, Meera, Aver y, Addison & Patience The Nicola Valley Skating Club is run by a volunteer executive These volunteer s meet monthly as well as spend many hour s behind the scenes in a variety of roles Thank you to this year’s executive: Jill, Diana, Lisa, Charmen, Melissa, Kayla, Jessica, Amy & Jenn We also want to thank the parents of our skater s – there are of ten many jobs throughout the year in which we require some parent help

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

Surveying B.C.’s seniors

A province wide survey looks to engage those living in B.C.’s long-term care facilities, with the provincial Ministry of Health now seeking volunteers to connect with residents at Merritt’s Gillis House and collect their experiences and perspectives.

Survey BC Seniors is an initiative of the Ministry of Health, through its Office of Patient-Centred Measurement. An initial survey conducted in 2016 saw 43 percent of the province’s long-term care residents give responses, which informed the B.C. Seniors Advocate’s official recommendations to the provincial government on need policy and procedural changes needed in B.C.’s long-term care system. The survey came with a stipulation to resurvey in roughly five years, the process of which is now underway.

“The goal is to approach every resident in long-term care in the province and give them an opportunity to share their experiences about their quality of life,” said Emily Jurek, regional engagement lead with the Office of Patient-Centred Measurement.

“We’re asking questions about everything from food and meals, to activities, to visits with family and friends, and we’re wanting to give each one of those residents the opportunity to share their perspective, so that we can see how things are going.”

A total of 29,284 residents currently live in 294 publicly-funded care homes, and the survey hopes to connect with each one of them, and provide their families with opportunities for feedback as well. In Merritt, Gillis House is the only publiclyfunded long-term care facility. Volunteer surveyors will connect with Gillis House residents over the coming months to go over survey questions, and provide a social connection for survey respondents.

Surveys are currently underway until

May 2023, and the results will be distributed to each care facility for their internal use, along with informing the recommendations of B.C.’s Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie, to the provincial government. It is expected that Mackenzie’s report will be released sometime in the fall of 2023. Jurek said it was important to resurvey, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and its various effects on healthcare.

“Things have changed through the pandemic, and it’s important that we be able to assess how things are going as we are moving out of the pandemic, [know] how that has affected long-term care, and how we can approach those changes that may have happened,” added Jurek.

Jurek noted that in the previous survey, staffing shortages were identified as one of the challenges facing long-term care facilities in the province. Following the survey, and the recommendation to government for increased staffing, a reassessment of the issue in 2020 found that direct care staffing hours per bed increased 8 percent across all 5 of the province’s health regions.

Along with the opportunity for those in the system to provide insight and feedback on their experiences in long-term care, Jurek said it provides volunteer surveyors the opportunity to connect with residents on a personal level while assisting them in accessing the survey.

“We know that having a person there to sit down with the resident and work through the questions with them not only has the positive effect of just brightening their day, they get to have a visitor, but also really increases their ability to participate in the response rate that we’re getting,” noted Jurek.

For more information on the survey, visit www.surveybcseniors.org. To volunteer as one of the surveyors engaging with nearly 100 residents at Merritt’s Gillis House over the coming months, visit the website, or contact Emily Jurek via email at ejurek@providencehealth.bc.ca or phone at 778-675-8873.

Gillis House on Tutill Court is Merritt’s only provincially funded long-term care facility, with their 74 beds falling under Interior Health’s jurisdiction. Marius Auer/Herald

Marius Auer

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Volunteers hurry hard to keep Curling Club going

Merritt Herald.

“We started applying for grants, appealed to several sponsors and finally we now have the requisite amount in place to go ahead with the new roof. It wouldn’t have been possible without the contribution of all our team of volunteers and our well wishers.”

Going from curling on natural ice in 1906, the curling rink and arena was established in 1914. Then, in 1959, a new curling rink was opened with two sheets of artificial ice alongside the natural sheets of ice. The improvements kept happening steadily as the sport grew in stature.

Sanders took to volunteering while actively participating in curling events.

“I realized that the MCC needed support to be able to sustain itself in the future,” said Sanders, speaking about the club’s future with pride in his voice.

Harit Joshi MERRITTHERALD.COM

In this age of e-gaming and e-sports, if there is any place that promotes ample room for playing on the field, then Merritt is that destination.With plenty of arena for all sports, the Merritt Curling Centre (MCC) has created a special place among the community.

Completely run by its strength of volunteers, the MCC proudly boasts ‘surviving’ on the hard work of its volunteers.

For many years, the curling rink has been facing issues with the roof. Although it has been repaired several times to fix the leaks, there was still no end to their woes. However, a permanent solution is finally in place, with the roofing all set to be replaced after grants to the tune of $350,000.

Jerry Sanders, one of the MCC volunteers for building maintenance, is thrilled to bits as work is all set to start soon.

“It’s been a big moment for us. We were facing problems with the roof for many years now and we tried everything to fix those leaks, but it just wasn’t enough. It reached a stage where we had to think of a permanent solution because the leaks had started affecting our structure as well with moisture on the walls,” Sanders told the

“I felt if I can contribute in some way, I would be pleased with that effort. I was on several committees before I took to this (building maintenance committee along with Paul Montgomery and Bob Taylor). We started working on the budgeting and then applying for grants from all possible avenues. This took some years, and I am very pleased that the moment has finally arrived for the new roofing to be in place. Once this happens, I am sure the structure will remain intact for another 100 years, probably.”

The role of the building maintenance committee is to negotiate ice contract, work closely with ice technicians, review and maintain ice plant every season, conduct furnace maintenance, and a plethora of other tasks vital to the MCC’s survival.

Sanders stressed on the importance of volunteering. “It is an excellent form of giving back to society. It also helps keep the society vibrant and alive. There is a sense of belonging and nurturing,” he concluded.

Jerry Sanders has volunteered with the Merritt Curling Club for a number of years.

Photo/Jerry Sanders

‘It is an excellent form of giving back to society. It also helps keep the society vibrant and alive.’

MERRITT CURLING CLUB’S JERRY SANDERS

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

Community Policing Office seeking local volunteers

the scenes to keep the CPO running smoothly. The Speed Watch program sees volunteers move signs to various locations in Merritt, with the signs then collecting speed and traffic data to share with the RCMP, City of Merritt, and developers conducting traffic assessments.

Those looking to interact with the public during their time volunteering can explore the CPO’s Block Watch, community patrol, and event programs. While Block Watch and patrols are focused on observing and reporting the goings on of one’s neighborhood or a specified area, Jones noted the CPO attends a number of events throughout the year to spread awareness about crime prevention. As the weather warms up, events are getting into full swing, and CPO patrollers will soon switch from their vehicles to bikes.

“They’re out twice a week, just keeping an eye on things and reporting things, as well as connecting with the community while they are out there,” added Jones.

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Community Policing Office (CPO) is seeking new faces to bolster their dwindling volunteer base, offering an exciting number of opportunities for programs that have struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic. Merritt’s CPO is a partnership between the RCMP and the City of Merritt, along with a number of other partners and stakeholders, that seeks to provide crime prevention resources, education, safety assessments, bike registration, and a number of other crime and safety based programs. While the programs continue to operate despite pandemic related downturn, new volunteers to aid community based safety efforts are sought.

“We’re looking for people to just get active again,” noted Marlen Jones, the CPO’s coordinator. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve sort of lost our volunteer base and we’re looking to reestablish that.”

Jones noted that a number of volunteer positions are available for those who enjoy interacting with the public, and those who prefer to work behind

“In the winter time its in their vehicle so they’re not [connecting in person] as much, but in the spring, summer, and fall, they’re out, and maybe answering questions from people they meet on the street, that kind of thing.”

Along with the programs with volunteer opening, the CPO is also seeking community members to join the local Crime Stoppers chapter, a crime prevention program and tip hotline. As the organization as a whole restructures, Jones said the Merritt chapter looks to keep up.

“There’s a lot of rebuilding happening within Crime Stoppers in the province, and so we want to keep on top of what the trends are, what changes were made, and we’re really looking at providing a lot more information to the community in the future,” said Jones.

The Merritt CPO continues to offer a number of programs that have already been running for years, despite the recent downturn in volunteer numbers. The Youth Collaboration Table, Go By Bike Week, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and community engagement forums are just some of the initiatives the CPO undertakes.

For more information about the Merritt Community Policing Office programs and initiatives, call 250-3783955, or visit www.merritt.ca/community-policing.

Cst. Blake Chursinoff and Community Policing Coordinator Marlene Jones standing outside of the Merritt Community Police Office on Granite Avenue. Photo/Merritt RCMP

‘This helps to centre me,’ says food bank volunteer

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Nicola Valley and District Food Bank provides a number of vital services to those struggling to make ends meet, representing an increasing percentage of the population amidst high inflation and cost of living increases.

The food bank serves an average of 900 clients on a weekly basis, currently out of its Quilchena Avenue location. The 1800 square foot storefront is used by the non-profit to receive, sort, and distribute its donated food and other goods. Mostly run by volunteers, the food bank is a true community effort.

Brenda Fahlman first got involved volunteering at the food bank following the devastating wildfire that destroyed the community of Lytton in 2021, when the food bank received such a high volume of donations that a second location, utilizing the Elks Hall, became necessary.

“I just saw an ad on Facebook and thought I could help out, I love sorting things and organizing and stuff like that,” Fahlman told the Herald.

“I went there, and soon I was there almost every day, and here [at the food bank] I volunteer for the three days a week that they’re open. Some of my janitor work is also volunteer.”

Starting out, Fahlman’s main tasks consistent of dividing, portioning, and preparing food hampers for distribution to clients. Floods, fires, and economic downturn have all led to an increase in the number of people requiring assistance from the food bank, meaning Fahlman’s role has also expanded.

She has picked up and delivered donations, sorted donated goods, interacted

with clients, and ensured operations at the much needed local food bank stayed running as they should, and continues to handle some of these tasks, and any other that may arise. The local retiree now finds herself volunteering for the food bank up to 16 hours a week, a task which she considers mutually beneficial.

“It makes me feel better, too,” noted Fahlman. “It makes me feel better about myself, because I have clinical depression, and with lots of ups and downs, this helps to centre me. It makes me feel good, like I’m contributing and I can do it.”

Fahlman added that the volunteering environment at the Nicola Valley and District Food Bank is a dynamic one, offering a fast paced and sometimes challenging environment, but maintaining a positive tone.

“We’re kind of like a little family in the food bank now, we’re all happy to be here,” said Fahlman.

The food bank also runs an annual Christmas Hamper Program, which distributes food, clothing, and gifts to hundreds of local families during a financially strenuous time. The program is one of Fahlman’s favourite parts of volunteering, evident in her cheerful tone when describing her involvement.

“It’s fun giving away free toys,” noted Fahlman with a laugh. “We had a book there for people to write comments, and all of them were just great and positive, people were shocked and in disbelief at everything they could get.”

Fahlman, along with fellow volunteer Georgina Johnny, was awarded the food bank’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 2022, recognizing her commitment and dedication to the organization. The food bank says it is searching for more volunteers and board members to join their award winning team.

Brenda Fahlman has volunteered countless hours for the Nicola Valley and District Food Bank since the summer of 2021. Marius Auer/Herald

Marius Auer

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

‘Friends’ support local library

Kerstin Auer

The Friends of the Library group checks all the boxes for anyone who wants to volunteer, but is not available for a big commitment. It’s an informal group of patrons who show their support for the library when called on, as a good friend would. Chelsea Werrun is the head volunteer and The Herald caught up with her to find out more about the organization that charges a one-time fee of only $5 for a lifetime membership.

The group got its start around the time the Merritt library was built; the project had gone slightly over budget and needed to raise about $40,000 to furnish the library. Desks, tables, chairs, and couches were on the list and, when the call for help went out, the Friends of the Library formed to complete the project. After the library was completed, the group continued to help when needed. Membership fluctuates, and while they stay Friends for life even after moving, some might not be actively involved anymore, so new members are always welcome.

“We have a membership list and whenever there are events or activities going on we just let people know” said Werrun. “We just had our Friends of

‘It was so fabulous, and just to see people talking again in a public space, it was so nice.’

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY’S CHELSEA WERRUN

the Library event in April and we got some new memberships that way; the last time I checked we had about 48 active members.”

Earlier this year, Werrun applied for the United Way Love Fund to bring the library and community together for several events. Once the funding was approved, she put the call out to the Friends, and Shirley Reynolds replied with the idea of a Newcomer’s Tea, which was held at the library on April 1.

“It was so fabulous, and just to see people talking again in a public space, it was so nice” noted Werrun. “We wanted folks that are new or haven’t been around or are just looking for conversations to come out and just reconnect again. I thought that was really, really awesome.”

There are two more events planned for this year, and Werrun is looking for ideas and input.

“My hope for one of the events is to find a local Indigenous author to talk about their writing process, or their book, or a little bit of both” added Werrun.

To join the Friends of the Library, complete the membership form available at the Merritt library, or reach out to Chelsea Werrun via email to nvfriends@gmail.com.

The Merritt Library is located at 1691 Garcia Street. Marius Auer/Herald

Softball season opener a smashing success this Easter

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Softball season was off to a hot start this weekend at Central Park’s ball diamonds as 22 teams, both local and visiting, faced off for three divisional titles.

Taking place on Easter weekend from April 7 to 10, the tournament saw five local and 17 visiting teams take part. The season opener was organized locally by Clay Munro, a local softball player who organized a number of local tournaments.

“It went very well, the weather held up nicely, and all my games managed to stay on time,” Munro told the Herald.

“I personally wasn’t playing, I was quite busy running around, but I watched a few games. I watched my team, the Bandits, win their division and I felt happy again after a long winter. I’m excited to start the 2023 Merritt slowpitch league with my Bandits again soon.”

Munro added that while the tournament was originally supposed to feature 26 teams, a late approval by the City of Merritt led to the eventual turnout of 22 teams, as four others left for a more certain tournament in Kamloops.

The full results of the Easter weekend tournament are as follows:

‘A’ division

1st place: Lights Out (Lower Mainland)

2nd place: Nemesis (Kelowna)

3rd place: Smacka Pitch (Lower Mainland)

‘B’ Division

1st place: Bandits (Merritt)

2nd place: FnA’s (Lower Mainland)

3rd place: Slowpokes (Lower Mainland)

‘C’ Division

1st place: Bad Company (Lower Mainland)

2nd place: W4L (Lower Mainland)

3rd place: Strikers (Lillooet)

While Munro plans to hold more tournaments this year, he was unsure when asked if they would be held in Merritt.

“Next tournament, I am unsure what my plan is for hosting in Merritt,” commented Munro. “I will be hosting again, but I’m unsure if it’s here, or another city, but who knows.”

Munro and the Bandits will be in Kamloops this May long weekend for the ‘Big O’ Memorial Tournament, competing against 95 other teams from all over western Canada.

‘A’ Division winners, Lights Out, hailed from the Lower Mainland. Photo/Clay Munro

‘B’ Division winners, the local Merritt Bandits, are the usual team of organizer Clay Munro. Photo/Clay Munro

‘C’ Division winners, Bad Company, also hailed from the Lower Mainland. Photo/Clay Munro

Merritt dancer provincials bound

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A young Merritt dancer is provincialsbound following a stellar performance at the Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts, with 10 year old Alex Cavaliere landing a first place win in all five of her solo performances.

Cavaliere, who has been dancing since she can remember, also appeared in nine other performances at the Kamloops festival. Soon, she will head to the 2023 Provincial Festival of Performing Arts in Penticton as part of the Merritt Performance Company to perform with her fellow high-calibre modern and contemporary category dancers in the 10-12 age category.

“I love all of it,” said Cavaliere when asked about her favourite aspect of her dance performances. She added that watching the growth of her fellow dancers, which includes her family, is especially rewarding. Her advice for aspiring dancers: do your thing.

“Yes, of course, if you want to try it then go and just be yourself, but still listen to the choreography,” added

Cavaliere.

“If they are giving you choreography, you can still play with it a little bit, unless they tell you to do it exactly a certain way.”

Judges have told Cavaliere that she is a dynamic performer, bringing her dances to life with facial expressions and rigorously choreographed moves that evoke a spectrum of emotions, whether happy and sassy, or serious and sad.

Before focusing on the upcoming provincial festival, Cavaliere took time to celebrate her younger sister’s first solo performance, which also took place in Kamloops.

“She did tell me that her favourite thing about the Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts was seeing her little sister doing her first solo on stage,” noted Liz Cavaliere, Alex’s mom.

Julianna, age 8, took the stage for her first solo dance routine at the Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts to high praise, both from the crowd and from her family. Alex told the Herald that she felt a sense of pride watching her younger sister tackle

the stage on her own for the first time.

“I was really proud of her, because I remember seeing her enthusiasm for practicing at home,” added Alex.

“She was scared the first time she learned it, but when we told her she could perform it, she asked how many times she could perform it, and we told her, and she was like, ‘I want to do all of them!’”

When it comes to her own practice, Alex spends approximately 8-10 hours in

the studio per week, and plans to practice on her own time as well in the lead up to provincials.

“I’ve been learning it since last year, so I have it pretty memorized, and I feel pretty confident,” said Cavaliere.

“I don’t want it to go away, so I’m probably going to practice it at home and try and do my corrections that my teachers gave me, so that I don’t get the same corrections.”

Do you have a community story idea? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing reporter@merrittherald.com.

Easter ‘Eggstravaganza’ makes return to Rotary Park

Marius Auer

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Rotary Park was hopping on Friday morning as Nicola Valley families gathered to kick off Easter weekend with the City of Merritt’s annual ‘Easter Eggstravaganza.’ Hundreds took part in the day’s festivities, which included an egg hunt, balloon creations, face painting, a petting zoo, a concession stand, and plenty of fun to be had for all.

On Good Friday (April 7) from 10 a.m. until noon, hundreds of youngsters and their families gathered to collect their chocolate bounty and connect with their fellow community members. People of all ages could be seen joining in on the activities at the free event, which was organized by the City of Merritt.

“This was amazing,” noted Sky McKeown, the city’s director of recreation and facilities. “We have a huge

group of kids in every age group, and lots of parents out there holding hands and helping them collect the eggs, and lots of smiles for sure.”

McKeown added that people’s desire to get out into the community following years of pandemic restrictions is evident by the turnout and engagement seen at all city events, from the ‘Eggstravaganza,’ to ball tournaments and Canada Day celebrations. This is the city’s second Easter event at Rotary Park since most pandemic restrictions ended.

“People are itching to get out and participate, we’ve been missing out on it for a few years for sure,” added McKeown.

There was plenty of participation for this year’s Easter event, both from the public and from organizers. The Merritt Dance Society operated the concession stand, while the Special Days crew offered face painting and balloon art. Crazy Creek Farm from

Lower Nicola operated the petting zoo, which was unsurprisingly a huge hit.

Entrusted with perhaps the most important job of all, the Merritt Fire and Rescue Department safely delivered the Easter bunny to Rotary Park, offering tours of their fire engine and engaging with young Merrittonians. McKeown noted that without the cooperation of these different groups, the event could not have happened.

“It’s definitely hours and hours, getting here early in the morning, staking it out, and assisting the Easter bunny in laying out all the eggs,” said McKeown, adding, “it was a group effort for sure.”

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 9:00 am and 11:00 am

CLASSIFIEDS

Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday. To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email: publisher@merrittherald.com

Coldwater Indian Band Job Posting EDUCATION COORDINATOR

The Coldwater Indian Band is seeking an individual to fill the Education Coordinator position. The Education Coordinator is responsible for the planning , administration and coordination of Coldwater Indian Band Education Programs and Ser vices and repor ts to the Band Administrator. This position will be wor king from the Mer ritt Office.

Responsibilities and Duties

Planning – Annual and Long-ter m Education Plan for Coldwater Indian Band, member ship and as directed.

Human Resource – Super vises and valuates the perfor mance of anyone with direct repor ting relations to the Depar tment when applicable

F inancial – Develops Education Program budgets in consultation with the Band Administrator and administer s the budgets as approved by Chief and Council and all other associated duties.

Policy – Administer s the approved Post-Secondar y Education Policy.

Celebration of Life

Chris Stoller

July 8, 1934 - September 4, 2022

In loving memory of April 15th at 1:00 at the Merritt Senior Centre 1675 Tutill Court, Merritt Bring your stories & memories

Liaison and Representation – Par ticipates as Ex-Officio when required on the Band School SAC; Represents the band in negotiating the Local Education Agreement; Attends School District 58 meetings where applicable; Liaises with Post-Secondar y Institutions/Schools in suppor t of the Coldwater Indian Band Education Policy and programs; Liaises with SD #58 re: L.E.A., F.N.A.C, and staff where applicable; Advocates for Coldwater students within School District 58 & students attending different PostSecondar y Educational Institutions; Liaise with Indian Ser vices Canada in suppor t of the Coldwater Indian Band Education Depar tment programs

Post-Secondar y Program Administration – Administer s the Post-Secondar y program as per Job Description.

General Education Administration – Administer s all per tinent Education Program funding through Xyntax; Develop and maintain individual student confidential files; Maintains records of all Education programs, ser vices and funding associated with this depar tment; Keeps the Band Administrator infor med of sensitive and impor tant issues and events in relation to the operation of the Education Programs; etc.

Position Qualifications:

• Post-Secondar y Diploma (prefer minimum Business or Public Administration diploma)

• OR an equivalent combination of post secondar y education and directly related wor k experience.

• Proposal writing an asset

Lifestyle consistent with the impor tance of the responsibilities of the position Strong analytical and decision-making skills, tact, discretion and sound judgement Demonstrated commitment to fiscal management

Superior communication skills, written and oral

• Wor king knowledge of Xyntax an asset

• Knowledge of Nlaka’pamux and Coldwater Community an asset

• Ability to organize and manage wor kload

• Good negotiation skills (Local Education Agreements)

• Able to wor k independently and in a team environment

• Satisfactor y Criminal Records check

• Valid Driver’s License and Reliable vehicle

Send your resume with references and cover letter : Attn: COLDWATER INDIAN BAND H.R. COMMITTEE c/o Band Administrator (lantoine@coldwaterband.org .) or fax 250-378-5351 PO BOX 4600, MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8

Deadline for resumes: April 21, 2023

Only successful applicants will be contacted for an inter view.

Success for ALL Learners, Today and Tomorrow

CURRENT JOB OPPOR TUNITIES

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

DATE: April 27 & 28, 2023

At the Merritt Civic Centre Cost $300 (Taxes Included)

To register for the cour se long onto https://tcpgateway bccsa ca/index php

S agebr ush Golf Club is cur r ent l y hir ing p er s onable, f r iendl y, s er v ice or iente d indi v iduals inter e s te d in joining our Golf O p er a t ions and S er v ice Te ams

We cur r ent l y ha ve op enings for t he follow ing p ar t t ime & f ull t ime p osi t ions for t he 2 023 s e as on:

• Ou t side S er v ice s (Golf C ar t and Gener al Cle aning du t ie s)

• F& B Te am (S er ver s, b ar tender s)

• Hous eke eping St af f

• Tur f C ar e Te am (ent r y level p osi t ions)

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

IN V E N T ORY C O ORDIN AT OR

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

P le as e for war d r e sume s by email to info @ s agebr ushgolf club com N ote: onl y succe ss f ul applicat ions w ill b e cont ac te d for inter v iew

• must have a valid dr iver ’s licence

• landscaping exper ience an asset but not required.

• hardwor king individual

• exper ience with power tools

Please fax resumes to 250-378-4166 or email: tlcpond1@telus.net

By virtue of the Warehouseman's Lien Act, we will sell the stored goods of the following to recover costs of unpaid storage

Rista Mutton, - Unit# 36 & 43

Amount owing $472.50

These personal and household effects will be sold by either public or private auction on or after April 28, 2023

R Hack Mini Storage, 2865 Pooley Ave , Merritt 250-378-5580

Volunteers are urgently needed to care for animals and assist with BC SPCA events.

If you can help, please contact your local shelter today.

is looking for a FULL-TIME LABOURER. $21/hour

SUDOKU

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

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

1. Atomic mass unit

4. Criticize mightily

7. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

10. Stand in for

11. Everyone has one

12. Brew

13. Rectify

15. Popular Dodge truck model

16. Beef or chicken intestine

19. Satisfy

21. Of a particular people or localized region

23. Movements in quick tempos

24. Able to pay one’s debts

25. Fleshy bird beak covering

26. Dueling sword 27. Helps

30. Court is in it 34. Touch lightly 35. Airborne (abbr.)

36. Of one 41. Baked good

Jai __, sport

About aviation 47. Low oval mound 50. Rugged mountain ranges 54. Compel to do something 55. A way to carve

Sao __, city in Brazil

57. Mustachioed actor Elliott

59. American Idol runner-up Clay 60. A way to soak 61. Car mechanics group 62. Born of 63. Time zone