New business coming soon
Condé editor@merrittherald.com
Excitement filled the air on Saturday, Oct. 12, as local and federal officials, business owners and community members gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of a new furniture manufactorer set to open in Merritt.
The event took place at the future site of the facility, at Midday Valley Road, with a crowd eager to celebrate another business coming to town.
Mayor Mike Goetz kicked off the ceremony expressing his enthusiasm for the project.
“It’s a great business, a family business and we’re looking forward to welcoming this family into the community and be a part of it,” he said.
“I’m very grateful for them to be investing in our community. I think this is what’s going to be the catalyst that makes us grow.”
The new furniture manufactorer, operated by Mako Wood Furnitured Inc., is expected to create around 80 jobs within the first year of operation.
The facility will focus on producing high-quality, sustainable furniture.
Dan Albas, member of Parliament for the Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola riding, said that the new business in town is “an example of a small family business that has grown over the years.”
“They make high quality furniture and they’ve chosen to invest in Merritt because Merritt has what it takes,” Albas said.
“If I were (the mayor) or one of your councillors, I would feel very proud to see that this kind of investment is coming to Merritt as well as new jobs and just the economic benefits.”
Mayor Goetz highlighted all the hard work that the family behind the business put up over 25 years.
“This gentleman started 25 years ago in his garage and it has produced this. It just goes to show you the power of family and power of persistence and I’m very grateful to have your guidance.”
The new furniture manufactorer is set to open sometime in 2025.
Laísa
Groundbreaking ceremony at Midday Valley Road celebrates the new furniture manufactory coming to Merritt. Photo/Laísa Condé
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Collaboration between City and Bands promises river restoration
ning to grow back.
On Oct. 10, 2024, STUWI(x) Steering Committee members, City officials, and community members gathered at the end of Pine Street to showcase the work that has been and will be done.
Funded by the Green Adaptation Resilience Disaster Mitigation grant stream, the STUWI(x) Project is a collaborative effort between the City of Merritt and the six Bands which aims to restore the natural river channel at the confluence of the Coldwater and Nicola Rivers.
The project site, at the end of Pine Street by the junction of the Nicola and Coldwater Rivers, was heavily impacted by the 2021 atmospheric river event, which drastically altered the river’s course.
“This is one of the main areas that was flooded the worst,” said Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz, speaking in a dried portion of the Coldwater River’s path during the tour. “We’re standing where water used to flow, it no longer flows here, and this is where we are now working with the area First Nations to return this land as a reclamation project.”
Currently the focus is on restoring the floodplain to its natural state, enhancing water quality, and improving the local wildlife habitat, with native plants already begin-
“One thing you will notice here, a lot of the native plants have actually regrown themselves, they’re coming back on their own,” said Mayor Goetz. “So a lot of that work gets done, but the steering committee will decide what this will look like, how it will go and how it will work, and that’s where the six Bands will come in and make the decisions on it, along with the City representative.”
The STUWI(x) Steering Committee consists of a City representative and a representative from each of the six neighbouring Bands; the City representative cannot be a member of Mayor and Council. “I think what’s really super important is the fact that this is not driven by Council,” said Goetz. “It’s not a colonial decision, this is a truth and reconciliation decision, so we’ll still be part of helping everybody get there.”
The project is divided into four stages, with the first stage, securing property underway. STUWI(x) projects that Phase 1 will be completed in 2027, Phase 2 will focus on removing man-made elements from the floodplain, followed by Phase 3’s collaborative design planning, and Phase 4’s construction prioritizing sustainability and flood resilience.
The entire project corridor is supported
by $5.7 million in funding, with funding going towards the buyout of private properties, managing the steering committee, removing structures and utilities, and ultimately carrying out the naturalization of the area.
The project has a strong focus on integrating both Indigenous knowledge and Western science. One of the key objectives is to find solutions that balance traditional practices with modern flood mitigation strategies. “We don’t want to go out and spend a bunch of money for some engineer from Vancouver to come down here and tell us how to naturalize this site,” said City of Merritt flood recovery and mitigation director Sean Strang. “We want to do it as a valley.”
Lower Nicola Indian Band’s STUWI(x) representative Doreen Sterling emphasized the importance of listening to the river and learning from traditional knowledge. “The river knows where it’s supposed to be,” said Sterling. “It knows what it’s supposed to do, but we, as highly intelligent people, keep trying to tell it to go a different way.”
“Over the years and through my life experiences, I’ve consulted on many, many things; but nothing that I’ve said has come to be, and the ideas
See SUPPOSED Page 5
Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com
Lower Nicola Indian Band’s STUWI(x) representative Doreen Sterling is hopeful about the project. Photo/Kenneth Wong
Public Hearing
TheCit yofMerrittwillbeholdingaPublicHearing for Official Communit yPlanAmendment BylawNo. 2377,2024, and Zoning AmendmentBylaw No.2378, 2024 forthe proper ty at 28 45 Neilson Street
PROPOSED CHANGES: BylawNo. 2377,2024proposesto amendthe OCPL andUse Designation forthe subjec tpropert y from‘LowtoMediumDensity Residential’to‘Industrial’. Bylaw No.2378, 2024 proposes to amendthe Zoning for the subjec tpropert yfrom‘Recreational Commercial (C1)’ to‘M1 –Light Industrial’.
TheProposedL andUse DesignationandZoningwillallow thedevelopment of parcel as Light Industrial,similartothe neighbourproperties in theCit yofMerritt. This aligns with the generalvisionofthe correspondingOCP sector of DiamondValetodirec tIndus trial development to theareasouth of Clapperton.
PROVIDEINPUT: Inputiswelcomedatthe Public HearingonTuesday,October 22,2024 at6.0 0pm. Speakinpersonbysigningup at thehearing,orbyproviding awritten submissiontothe Corpor ateO fficer at info@merritt.ca priortonoon, Friday,October 18 , 2024, or by mail to theCorporate Officer, City of Merritt ,POBox 189, Merritt ,BC, V1K 1B8, to be received before theconclusionofthehearing.
Please note that theCouncil will notreceive furthersubmissions from thepublicconcerningthisapplicationafterthe conclusion of thepublichearing.Itisthe responsibility of the submitter to ensure that materialsarereceived priortothe closeofthepublic hearing.
MOREINFORMATION: Acopyofthe proposed Bylawamendment smay be viewed Tuesday to Friday 8:00 am to 12:0 0pmand 1:15 pm to 5:45 pm at City Hall,2185Voght Street , MerrittBC, until Tuesday, Oc tober22, 2024,oronlineatany timeat WWW.MERRITT.C A.
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Sex offender avoids further jail for repeated assaults on common-law wife
WARNING: This story contains details some readers might find disturbing.
A delusional Merritt man who repeatedly sexually assaulted his common-law wife after becoming convinced she had a sex toy hidden inside her body will not spend any further time in prison, a judge has ruled.
The 40-year-old man cannot be named under a court-ordered publication ban put in place to protect the identity of the victim, his former partner.
The man was sentenced in B.C. Supreme Court last week in Kamloops after earlier pleading guilty to charges of sexual assault and unlawful confinement, as well as two counts of breach of bail.
Court heard the man’s behaviour became increasingly erratic and paranoid in 2020, during which time he was using alcohol and cocaine regularly.
In April of 2020, he began to accuse his partner of secretly keeping a vibrator. When he couldn’t find it, he began to aggressively search her body.
He digitally penetrated her on four separate occasions between April of 2020 and July of 2021, each time searching for the imaginary sex toy. In one case, he pried her legs open and used a flashlight, court heard, shouting, “It’s in there, I know it’s in there.”
The man later referred to the supposed sex toy as an “implanted vibrator” when talking to police. He told officers his partner could control the device using her phone.
The Crown sought a prison sentence as long as three years, while the man’s defence lawyer suggested house arrest.
B.C. Supreme Court Justice Sheri Donegan ultimately sided with the man’s lawyer, sentencing him to a conditional sentence order of two years less a day to be followed by three years of probation.
Donegan pointed to the man’s mental state. He was undiagnosed bipolar at the time. An expert witness also testified that the offending would not have happened had the man not been using cocaine.
“Unlike so many other sexual offenders, he was not motivated by his own need for sexual gratification. He was motivated by delusional beliefs stemming from his mental illness,” Donegan said.
“It was this delusional thinking that caused him to offend. If not for his cocaine use, he would not have offended.”
While on house arrest, the man will be subject to electronic monitoring and required to undergo mandatory inpatient treatment.
The man, who had no prior criminal record, had been in custody. He was released to begin serving his sentence in the community.
“We’re supposed to have the best water in the world, yet we struggle”
From Page 3
and the concepts have been put aside,” said Sterling highlighting frustration from previous inauthentic consultations from developers or industrialists. “It wasn’t a consultation, there was no documentation of it, there was no results; it’s only people who come who make decisions to do what they’re going to do, and say they consulted us.”
Despite previous inauthentic consultations, Sterling sees hope in the STUWI(x) Naturalization Project, a project that many such as Strang have dubbed a ‘first of its kind’ having City and Bands working together. “I’m happy to see some collaboration, but what I’d be looking forward to is the results,” said Sterling. “I’m really happy to be included in this process, because the sacredness of water is so, so important; and the salmon are vital to us as Indigenous people for our survival.”
“We have countries that have no water, and here we are. We’re supposed to have the best water in the world, and yet we struggle,” added Sterling. “So for me, my involvement probably goes to my deathbed, I taught everywhere and it didn’t start here... I’ve always talked about the water my whole life, and that’s a long life.”
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Tim Petruk CASTANET
Plastic pollution denial is not an option
It’s hard to believe that any Canadian political party would deny that we have a plastic pollution problem. The evidence is overwhelming. But the BC Conservative Party is doing just that. They want to go back 100 years, to when plastics were the new wonder materials, without any concerns.
Over 50 years of hindsight has shown that plastic pollution is real, it’s harmful and we need to do something about it. We need to reduce our use of plastics. Plastic pollution denial is not an option.
The BC Conservatives want to reverse progressive legislation aimed at reducing plastic pollution. Why?
On Oct. 19, if you vote for the BC Conservatives you are voting for increases in plastic pollution. Is that what you want?
Steve Burke West Kelowna
LETTER to the editor
Why I am voting for Francyne Joe this upcoming election
Editor,
My name is Chief Stu Jackson of the Lower Nicola Indian Band, within the provincial riding of Fraser-Nicola.
I am writing today about an important issue to the province of British Columbia, specifically our region of Fraser-Nicola. I will be voting in this election, and am choosing to vote for Francyne Joe with the BC NDP.
Growing up with Francyne in the community, I never could have imagined the leadership that she has shown not only on behalf of Indigenous people, but for women and gender diverse communities, 2SLGBTQI+ folks, and small business owners alike. Francyne has spent over five years in Ottawa working with both grassroots community organizers and sitting on different committees in the House of Commons and Senate as an advocate.
The BC NDP has made drastic improvements for the province, but we need to make sure that all communities, including rural, are feeling the impacts of this positive change. With David Eby as Premier and Francyne Joe as MLA for Fraser-Nicola, I strongly believe that residents of our communities like Lillooet, Hope, Merritt, and Agassiz will have a strong champion for the rural population.
Merritt is home for Francyne, not only did she grow up here but she also always maintained her connection to home by sitting on the Band Economic Development Board for the Shackan Indian Band, and currently is on the Conayt Friendship Centre’s Board of Directors.
I trust that Francyne Joe will advocate for the needs of those in our riding at the Legislature in Victoria because she has never been afraid to speak up. I trust that the local issues around health care, housing, DRIPA, and the environment will become a priority for the next BC NDP government.
This is a change election for the riding of Fraser-Nicola, as there is no incumbent running. I will be voting for Francyne Joe to be our next MLA and humbly ask my neighbours and friends reading this that you do too. Election is this Saturday, Oct. 19.
Chief Stu Jackson
Lower Nicola Indian Band
COURTEPATTE: The kindness of strangers in Merritt
In today’s world of divisiveness and a growing sense of social alienation, it becomes more and more striking how easily one small gesture can make your day.
I went into one of our local shops on the morning of Oct. 12 for my monthly haircut appointment, a busy long weekend Saturday.
As it turned out, only one hairdresser was in that day, leaving her scissors quite busy.
As I waited for my turn in the chair and another gentleman getting his haircut, his wife waited as well for her appointment, which was thrown off because of the short staff. Once he was done, the couple asked if she could go ahead of me, which hey, was no skin off of my back. I sat there for an extra little bit scrolling through social media.
They finished up, paid and were out the door. Ten minutes later, my haircut was done, and as I was getting out of the chair, my hairdresser informed me that the couple had
paid for my haircut.
I had no idea. They could have told me that they were picking up the bill, and I could have given them my gratitude in person (and try to convince them not to), but just like that, they paid and were slipping out the door.
Having to wait an extra few minutes for my haircut had such a small impact on my day. The kindness of this couple, however, put a pep in my step the whole way home.
So thank you, Mysterious Strangers. It’s that sense of community that brings a nostalgic smile to your face.
Pay it forward, people!
From the Herald archives: Oct., 1997
COLDWATER COMES THROUGH
Owners of one Merritt historical landmark recognize the importance of maintaining another. That’s why Coldwater Hotel owners Vince and Marion Smoluk donated $1,000 to the Nicola Valley Archives Association heritage committee for the purpose of preserving the Baillie property. Association heritage committee chair Kim Leclair said the donation was much appreciated. “It’s a great help receiving this,” she told the Herald.
The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Bringing the ocean to local school
Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com
Children in Lower Nicola had an unique experience to explore the ocean in 360 degrees.
Global conservation Ocean Wise brought its Sea Dome to the Lower Nicola Band School. This visit was part of a larger initiative by Ocean Wise to bring the wonders of the ocean to inland communities in British Columbia, including stops in Savona and Williams Lake.
The Sea Dome, a six-meter inflatable structure, provides an immersive ocean experience through 360-degree high-quality cinematic footage projected onto its interior walls.
Inside the Sea Dome, children embark on a cinematic adventure starting in space, observing Earth’s oceans and the moon’s impact on tides. The journey then dives into tropical reefs and BC’s north coast, showcasing vibrant marine life, including sea lions, orcas, and humpback whales.
“By bringing the ocean to the children and showing them its wonders, we hope to inspire a new generation of ocean protectors,” said Ocean Wise mobile programs man-
ager Mercedes Bosch Toca. “It makes it easier to understand the direct and indirect impact of every human action on ocean health if connections are made.”
Outside the dome, students participated in hands-on learning sessions, where they had the chance to feel a polar bear’s fur and examine a shark’s jaw. These interactive experiences further reinforced the message of ocean conservation and helped make the learning process even more engaging for the students.
The Sea Dome’s visit to Merritt is part of Ocean Wise’s broader effort to bring marine education to communities that may not have regular access to the ocean. In addition to the Lower Nicola Band School, the Sea Dome also visited schools in Savona and Williams Lake, offering a similar experience to students there.
“We know we can meet the challenges facing the ocean head on if we get people working together,” added Bosch Toca. “We’re happy to visit your school or community, all you need to do is request to book the Sea Dome at ocean. org; it’s free!”
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
NVSAR enhances emergency response with donation
The Nicola Valley Search and Rescue (NVSAR) team is getting better equipped for future emergency situations, thanks to a generous donation from Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary.
On Oct. 9, the charity organization provided the search and rescue team with a $5,870 cheque.
According to NVSAR member Holly Buckland, the donation is providing the group with the gear that they need to be more efficient while on mission.
“The goal for us is to not over complicate our processes. In an emergency situation, we need gear that is functional and easy to use,” she said. “With some research and recommendations, we have found the perfect upgrades to our medical supplies that could help save lives.”
Buckland added that during August, the search and rescue team dealt with a lot of medical callouts, which exhausted their first aid supplies.
“A portion (of the donation) is going towards replenishing our general first aid supplies,” she said. “We are also getting a litter shield for our stretcher/ basket that will protect a subjects’ face from the elements or debris.
“We were prepared this year to assist with evacuations with the exception of respirators for the team, so we will now be getting respirators for each member.”
On top of that, the group will also be getting a vacuum spine board, which
offers a quick, comfortable and easy full-body immobilization for patients that have suffered multiple fractures, as well as new pads for their automated external defibrillator (AED).
Buckland highlighted the significance of the donation to the group, saying that “we will have the much needed enhancement to our supplies and gear to carry out another year of medical callouts.
“Our volunteers spend countless hours training and preparing for when the call comes, so it’s the reassurance our team needs that the community supports our efforts,” she stated.
“The Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary approved everything we asked for and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
For those who wish to get involved with the NVSAR, Buckland said that the organization takes applications for new recruits every year.
“The process is not daunting once you get involved, it’s one night a week for a couple of hours and maybe some general training with the group throughout,” she added. “It takes about 7 to 8 months to complete basic training and then you have the option to concentrate on some disciplines such as rope rescue, avalanche rescue, ice rescue, swiftwater rescue, and advanced first aid.”
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Holly Buckland poses with Ellen Miller as she is presented with a $5,870 cheque towards the Nicola Valley Search and Rescue. Photo/Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary.
Laísa Condé editor@merrittherald.com
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
New vibrant mural unveiled in downtown area
Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com
Local artist Leonard George has painted a new vibrant mural on the back of Conayt Friendship Society’s Quilchena Street building.
The mural, filled with symbolic imagery representing culture, community, and reconciliation, was unveiled during a gathering of community members, staff, and local leaders.
At the heart of the mural is a dancer, symbolizing Mother Earth, standing beneath a pit house representing the Nlaka’pamux homeland.
Surrounding the dancer are shadowy images of ancestors holding drums, symbolizing their call to welcome the children back home. Floating faces in the mural represent the returning children, highlighting themes of reconnection and cultural heritage.
The mural, which spans the back wall of the society, was made possible by funding from the Residential School Commemoration Fund, aimed at promoting truth and reconciliation.
One of the mural’s notable features is the inclusion of handprints along one side. These handprints were made by local unhoused individuals, society staff, and elders from the community. “You’ll see some little hands over there, we have a few elders on the wall as well, so it’s various hands from all over,” said Executive Director Hyrum Peterson. “We had a bit of a mishap with the paint, it got spilled here, but we just put extra handprints on the ground so it fits right in!”
Conayt Friendship Society hopes to continue expanding youth programming and reclaiming spaces for cultural and community activities. “We are hoping to get more funding in the near future and bring back the Spirit of the Youth activity and have another youth centre for hangout, whether it’s here or at a different location,” added Peterson.
The mural stands as not only a beautiful visual addition to the Friendship Society but also a meaningful symbol of the ongoing efforts toward reconciliation.
Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz thanked Leonard George for all the beauty he has brought to the Nicola Valley through his murals across town.
“I was in Vancouver, and the Minister of Tourism (Soraya Martinez Ferrada) mentioned how much she enjoyed coming into town and seeing the washroom with the mural on it, and I let her know who painted it.”
Mayor Goetz expressed his appreciation for the mural, saying, “I had no idea this was happening until I got the invite. When I came around the corner and saw this, it was absolutely amazing. I love what we see, so thank you very much for working so hard to beautify our community.”
As the gathering concluded, Peterson invited attendees to enjoy refreshments and a meal to continue celebrating the mural’s completion, a symbol of healing, culture, and hope for the community.
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Leonard George and members of the Conayt Friendship Society pose outside of Conayt’s building. Photo/Kenneth Wong
After tough loss, Cents secure thrilling first home win
The Merritt Centennials have finally picked up their first home win of the 2024-25 season.
Tuesday, Oct. 8 – Merritt Centennials 0, Sicamous Eagles 5
In a dismal offensive and defensive display Tuesday night, the Merritt Centennials were shut out 5-0 by the Sicamous Eagles at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.
The first period saw a balanced game from both sides, with six shots on goal each, though neither could find the back of the net.
After a scoreless first frame, Gavin Bretherick opened the scoring to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead in the second period.
Sicamous added two more goals throughout the middle frame, setting a three-goal lead for the visiting team.
The Eagles took advantage of Merritt hitting the penalty box early and often in the third as Ashton Gallagher found the back of the net just a few minutes into the final frame.
The final dagger was during a 5-on-3 powerplay for the Cents, when Sicamous’ Steve Stevenson managed to break out shorthanded for a final score of 5-0.
Wes McLeod, Merritt Centennials’ head coach, analyzed the team’s performance.
“We just couldn’t compete in certain areas of the ice. We generated some scoring changes, especially early on that we didn’t capitalize on, and they were able to build the lead,” he told the Herald. “When the other team has a lead, then you’re chasing it.”
“We just got to be better and the guys are aware of it and they’re holding each other accountable. We are expecting a better performance on Friday night.”
Friday, Oct. 11 – Merritt Centennials 6, Revelstoke Grizzlies 5
The Merritt squad finally picked up their first home win of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season on Friday, Oct. 11.
Both Andrew Krakora and Mathis Perron made a total of 30 saves in Merritt, backstopping the Centennials to a 6-5 shootout victory over the Grizzlies.
Despite a very balanced first period between the two teams, the Grizzlies managed to add two unanswered goals early in the game.
Centennials’ Brayden Thurlow found the back of the net twice in the second period to tie the game 2-2. However, the Grizzlies managed to add another two goals of their own by the end of second period.
Merritt did not let the pressure dictate their game as early in the final frame both Troy Horn and Sam Giangualano put it past the goalie, setting the score 4-4. Close to the end of the final frame, Revelstoke managed to add a goal of their own, but 12 seconds after, the Centennials found the back of the net with Sam Giangualano (5). After a scoreless overtime, the two teams headed to a shootout to decide the winner. Both Giangualano and Troy Horn put it past the Grizzlies’ goalie, while Krakora stood tall and stopped the two players he faced to seal the win for the Cents. With the win, the Cents improved to 2-5-1-0 on the 2024-25 season.
Merritt is back on the ice Friday, Oct. 18, against the Golden Rockets and on Oct. 19 against the Chase Heat.
ICE BREAKER
Laísa Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com
The Merritt Centennials finally cliched their first home win after they faced the Revelstoke Grizzlies in a thrilling 6-5 shootout win. Photos/Laísa Condé
Merritt Misfits clinches 3rd place in tournament
Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com
The Merritt Misfits volleyball team showcased their skill and determination this month at a tournament in Kelowna, securing a well-deserved third place.
The tournament featured eight teams from across the region, which all gathered at Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School, with the Misfits battling through a series of matches.
After a strong showing in the preliminary rounds against Kalamalka, Aberdeen Hall and Shuswap Middle School as they beat them all in straight sets, the Misfits advanced to the playoffs.
“On the first day, we beat them all and the girls were pretty excited about that,” said Gian Cavaliere, coach of the Merritt Misfits.
“We had some really good serving from the team on that Friday, some really consistent serving. They were covering on defense and really grinding out some of the points, which was good.”
Heading to the playoffs, Merritt faced the Immaculata in the first round, beating them in another straight sets. The Misfits faced Aberdeen Hall once again and won, heading into the semifinals but lost to Vernon Christian School.
“The team is learning a new system this year that’s different from triple ball, and they were asked to put that new system into play and they’re starting to pick it up fairly quickly,” he added. “So that means we can move on to other aspects of the game that we can focus on.”
Cavaliere called the opportunity to participate in the tournament “a good eye opener to see where we’re at.”
“We’ve been starting league play off really well, we’re 4-0 in league play right now, so we’re 9-1 overall in the season and the hope is that we just keep grinding out our practices and keep hammering the important ideas in hope that the girls can get ready for the rest of league play.”
Cavaliere added that despite having some old faces in the team, the newbies are doing really well despite only having practiced for a couple of weeks.
“I’m really proud of the girls so far, what they’ve done and what I’ve seen on the court. They’ve picked up the new system quickly and it’s allowed me to be flexible in who I play where and who I feel is important for certain roles.”
He couldn’t hold his pride towards the players.
“I am really quite proud of the girls for their improvement,” Cavaliere added. “We’re going to keep on improving and keep on working on our game in hopes that we are peaking at the right time of the year.”
The Merritt Misfits will host a home tournament this upcoming weekend on Oct. 18 and 19. In total, 16 teams are coming to Merritt for the competition.
Laísa
The Merritt Misfits participated in a tournament this month in Kelowna, where they managed to secure the third place.Photos/Laísa Condé
Merritt Freemasons seek new members to revitalize Lodge
Facing a critical shortage of members, the Merritt Freemasons are on a mission to attract new members.
With dwindling numbers, Nicola Lodge No. 53 is encouraging younger community members to join and help preserve their legacy of fellowship, charity, and moral development.
“Grand Lodge says, let people know what you do in the community,” said Master Mason William Ernest Starr. “Young people just aren’t joining anymore.”
Located on 2067 Quilchena Ave., Lodge No. 53 currently has only six members. According to Starr, Freemason Lodges require a minimum of seven Masons to operate.
“We’re still okay, because people from Kamloops Lodges come down to help us,” explained Starr. “But they also have their own Lodge and other Lodges, because we help each other, but we can’t keep this up forever.”
Freemasonry is steeped in history, dating back centuries.
“It used to be the Masons themselves, the operative Masons which do all the work, and that goes way back to King Solomon’s days,” said Starr. “1300 (CE) was the first record of speculative Masons, which they joined the guild, (the) idea was then to help aid and support any poor, distressed masons and whatever, and it’s moved on from that to the community that they live in.”
According to Starr, the Freemasons once had 30,000 members in B.C. Today, they are down to 4,000 members. In the Nicola Valley, the Freemasons have had a presence here for approximately 140 years according to Starr, initially setting up a Lodge in Upper Nicola before moving to Merritt.
“We’re one of the really old ones, each Lodge is numbered as we would join the Grand Lodge, we’re number 53, and I think they’re up to about 200 now, so you can tell that we’re a very old Lodge” said Starr. “Years ago, a lot of them were businessmen and farmland ranchers, and their kids used to join the rancher kids, and that’s what kept it going.”
Since then, Lodge No. 53 regularly donates to charities, such as $1,000 to the food bank, supplying the school board $3,000 in meals, and three $1,000 bursaries just to list some of their endeavors.
“The Cancer Car Society used to be ours, but because we didn’t have enough people to drive the vehicles, we had to turn them over to the Cancer Society, and they’re running it now, but
we’re still giving about $6,000 a year as I understand, just in this little area to keep it going,” said Starr.
Nicola Lodge No. 53 funds these charity endeavors through the two buildings it rents out in Merritt. “We use the proceeds from that to give out, we pay taxes and all the rest; whatever’s left over, we give to charities,” explains Starr. “The problem is, if our Lodge closes, which is just hanging in by its teeth right now, the buildings will be sold.”
Starr initially joined the Freemasons for its camaraderie as well as his own curiosity.
“Basically you’re asked, ‘would you like to help your fellow brothers?’, ‘do you contribute to charities?’ ‘would you like to help more?’ and so on,” recounts Starr. “And that’s basically what I wanted to do, is to see what I could do in the community.”
“What a person wants out of Freemasonry depends on the individual,” Starr added. “Everybody has their own idea, so you can’t narrow it down, what I was telling you was basically my idea (of) what I get out of it, a lot of our people get other things out of it.”
The Merritt Freemasons are now hoping to inspire the next generation to take part in the tradition.
Starr expressed optimism that new members could help revitalize the Lodge and continue its charitable work. “It’s a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself, to help your community and grow as an individual,” he said.
To join the Freemasons, interested individuals fill out an application with personal and family details, which is then reviewed by the lodge. An investigating committee of three members meets with the applicant to discuss their background, motivations, and character.
If the committee is satisfied, the candidate is invited to become an Entered Apprentice, after being asked multiple times to confirm they are joining out of their own free will.
“We all have creeds, it doesn’t matter; so long as you’re a good man and apply, you’ll be accepted if you believe in the Supreme Being.”
People interested in joining the Freemasons can do so by contacting (604)329-4815, (250)378-2773, or visiting Nicola Lodge No. 53 located at 2067 Quilchena Ave.
THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU
Crossroads Community Church
2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911
Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.
Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Orme) Sunday service 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464
Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899
Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:30 p.m.
Sacred Heart 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
Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.
Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735
Service Time every Sunday - 10 am
Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268
Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502 Service Times: Sunday 10 am
Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com
CLASSIFIEDS
2Bedroommobile homewithlarge additionin LowerNicola.
LawrenceMcKenna
September21,2024
LawrenceMcKennaenteredintorestinMerritt, BConSeptember21,2024aged70years.
VALUEADDED
NonieMiyazaki
October8,1951 -October2,2024
Itiswithgreatsadnessthatweannouncethepassing ofNonieMiyazaki.Noniepassed awaypeacefullyat Gillishouse,Merritt,BConOctober2nd2024.
SurvivedbyhiswifeKarenMcKenna,children: Megan& CurtisSmithofCreston,BC,ScottMcKenna ofMerritt,BCandShawn &DanielleReidofKamloops, BC;grandchildren:RoryRauch,KeiraChillihitzia,Parker& AbbyMcKenna,LaneSmith,JagerandJacksonReid;siblings:Carole& Ken Gardner, RickandJeanMcKenna,Diana Lyons,Jack &KimMcKennaandGreg &MichelleMcKenna;aswellasmanyniecesandnephews,friendsandfamily. LawrenceispredeceasedbyhisparentsRon& BettyMcKenna,hisbrotherRon McKenna;sisters:MargaretMcKenna,LindaMcKennaandLynneMcKenna. AfuneralwasheldonSeptember29,2024attheNicolaValleyFallFair Buildingat1:00pm.
PRODUCTIONWORKERS (FT/PT)
•Wages:starting$20to$28
•Steadydayshiftwork
•Studentswelcometoapply
•Noexperiencenecessary
•Willtrain
TRUCKDRIVERSWITHCLASS1
Localsteadywork
LICENCEDSECURITYGUARDS
Excellentmedical&dentalplan
Sheissurvivedbyherlovinghusbandof48years BrianMiyazaki,children, Trevor(Karin), Kenji(Melissa), grandchildren,Ethan,Matthias,Emi,Georg,andMichelle.SistersGwen (Dave)andJeanine(Rick).Aswellasmanyniecesandnephews.
NoniewaspredeceasedbyherfatherDon,motherDove,andsister Donna.
Nonie wasarespectedandpassionatevolunteerwithBCHockey, Omaha,MerrittMinorHockey,andtheMerrittCentennials.Sheloved givingbacktothelocalminorhockey andadoredvisitingwithallwho erwhilemanninghercashregisteratCentennial gamesandother ournaments.Herlove forhockey nowlivesoninherchildrenand grandchildren.
Nonie washappiestwithherchildren,grandchildren,and familyby herside.Sherestspeacefullyknowingthatherlegacylivesonandwill bedearlymissedbyallwhoknewher.Nonie’sfamilyasksthatshebe rememberedforthejoyshebroughttoothersinlife,notthesadnessof herpassing.
Brianandtheboys wouldliketothankalltheir familyandfriendsforall thesupportgivenduringthisdifficulttime.Aswellas aspecialthanksto thestaffatGillishouse,Nicola Valleyhospital,andRoyalinlandhospital duringNonie’sbrief,butcourageousbattlewithcancer.
Shouldfriendsdesire,donationsmaybemadetoKarenMcKennaat T3782725@telus.nettopurchaseaMemorialTreeinthenameofLawrence McKenna.TheCityofMerrittwillplantthetreeinMemoryofLawrencewith aplaque.
Pleasesubmitresumeinpersonto 1195HoustonStreet,MerrittB.C. 250-378-6161
3.AcceptreferralsfromCommunity,SocialWorkers,othercommunityservicesandetc.; 4.Outreachandengagementinthewiththecommunity; 5.Developandmaintainparticipantdrivenintegratedwellnessplans; 6.Advocateforparticipants’needs; 7.Supportparticipantstobuildcapacityinareassuchascommunication, self-advocacy andrelationships; 8.Participatewithteaminprovidingdeliverableactivitiesorinformation. 9.Participateinteammeetings; 10.Maintainaccuraterecords;
Therewillbenoformalfuneralserviceheld.Therewillbeacelebration oflifeheldat afuturedate.
The familyrequeststhatinlieuofflowersdonationsbemadetothe CancerSocietyofB.C.ortheHockey CanadaAssistanceFund.
2113Granite Ave.,Merritt,BC 250-378-2141 or1-800-668-3379
tislooking for:
•Ear ly ChildhoodEducator
•Infant ToddlerEducator
•Ear ly ChildhoodEducatorAssistant/ responsibleadult
QUALIFICATIONS:
•Certifiedlicenses to practiceinproper field
•Criminal recordcheck
•Child Care FirstAid Certified
We offercompetitive wage/benefits
CONTACT: CatherineHolmes,Manager 2951 FountainSt|MerrittBC|V1K1R5 (250)378-0017
ecemanager@nooaitchband.ca
JOBPOSTINGS
HEADSTART/DAYCAREMANAGER
Full Time PermanentPosition
R eporting to theHealthM anager,the Administratorwillbe responsibleprimarily forthe overallSupervisionoftheHeadstart/Daycareprogram. Thisincludesand understanding to staffsupervisionandscheduling,ensuringalllicensing,and reporting requirementsarebeingmet, andensuringaquality land-basedprogram isbeingoffered to childrenandfamilies.
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITYLIAISON
Bralorne Mine Projec t
The Indigenous Communit yLiaison(ICL)willberesponsibleforensuringthat I ndigenousemployeeshave dedicatedsuppor twithin Talisker ResourcesLtd. ( Talisker)humanresourcesprogram.Wor king togetherincommunicationwith assigne ntativesfrom Xwístenand Talisker,theICLshall coordinate the attraction, cruitment,andonboardingof Indigenousemployees at theBralorne M inesit nedandoperated by Talisker.TheICLrolewillalso consistofkeeping trackofallfiles,meetingsminutes,personnelfiles,arrangingmeetingsand gatherings, followingupon issues,preparing reports,andmakingpresentations. Thispositionis apar t-time contract based on25hoursof work weeklywhichmay fluctuate at timesasneeded.Afulljobdescription isavailableuponrequest
ColdwaterIndianBand JobPosting 2POSITIONSAVAILABLE
HOURS: FullTime–35hrs/wk
DESCRPTION: ReportingtotheSocialDevelopmentCoordinator,theCommunityConnections Navigatorwillberesponsibleforhelpingcommunitymembersnavigatechallengeswhile supportingthewellbeingofindividualsandfamiliesinaholisticmanner.TheCommunity ConnectionsYouthNavigatormustuseacollaborativeapproachwitheachcommunitymember tosupporteachpersoninachievingtheirgoals.
EARLYCHILDHOODEDUCATOR
Full Time PermanentPosition
SpecificDutiesandResponsibilities:
Bridge RiverHead Star t/DaycareProgramisseekinganindividual tocommitto providinghighqualit ycaretochildrenaged0-6 yearswithinterestinwor kingin auniqueprogramandensuringthatthere isuseofbestpracticeprovidedduring theprogramdeliver y.
PerformsalldutiesandresponsibilitiesinaccordancewiththeColdwaterIndianBand policies,standards,andprocedures,andasdirectedbytheFinanceCoordinator.Maintains confidentialityinallmatterstotheaffairsoftheColdwaterIndianBand.
1.Provideinformationandlinkagetoappropriatecommunityservices;
2.Guideandmotivateduringimportantperiodsofdevelopmentintheirwellnessjourney;
3.AcceptreferralsfromCommunity,SocialWorkers,othercommunityservicesandetc.;
4.Outreachandengagementinthewiththecommunity; 5.Developandmaintainparticipantdrivenintegratedwellnessplans; 6.Advocateforparticipants’needs;
FINANCEOFFICECLERK
7.Supportparticipantstobuildcapacityinareassuchascommunication, self-advocacy andrelationships;
Full Time PermanentPosition
8.Participatewithteaminprovidingdeliverableactivitiesorinformation.
9.Participateinteammeetings; 10.Maintainaccuraterecords; 11.Otherrelateddutiesasassigned.
Bridge RiverI ndianBandisseeking afulltime FinanceO fficerClerk .R eporting totheBridge RiverI ndianBand Administrator.The FinanceO fficeClerk willbe responsible forassistingofficeadministrationandaccountingdutiesincluding invoicing.
RequirementofCommunityConnectionsNavigator
•DiplomaorDegreeinSocialWork(otherrelatedfieldswillbeconsidered);
•ExperienceworkingwithFirstNationsCommunity;
•AccesstoreliablevehicleandcurrentDriver’slicense; •PassableCriminalRecordCheckandDriver’sAbstract; •Ableandwillingtoworksomeeveningsandweekends.
Onlythoseshor tlistedwill be contac tedand to apply submit resumesandcoverletter:Gar yForsyth,Administrator Fax:250-256-7999E-mail:administrator@xwisten.ca
Deadlineforsubmissions:January26th,2024
Onlythoseapplicantsselectedforaninterviewwillbecontacted.
Deadline:Openuntilfilled
PleaseforwardResumeandCoverLetterto: CynthiaL.Jager,SocialDevelopmentCoordinator,cynthia@coldwaterband.org POBox4600,Merritt,BC,V1K1B8
1. Tall, upright post on a boat 5. Basics 9. Used to refer to cited works 11. Folds 13. Former UK PM May 15. Cold region of Russia
16. Standard operating procedure
1. One who rides an elephant 2. Absence of bacteria 3. Soviet Socialist Republic 4. Men’s fashion accessories 5. “Honey” actress Jessica
6. Round red root vegetable
7. Latin term for
SUDOKU
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.
17. Separating 19. Particles
21. A way to map out
22. Referee declares 23. Beginner
25. Water (Spanish)
26. Gov’t lawyers
27. Non-reproductive parts of an organism
29. Spanish friends
31. A type of tree
33. Walk heavily
8. Doesn’t smell good 9. Mental health issue 10. Millisecond 11. Hairstyle 12. Edible starch 14. Middle Eastern military title 15. Protein-rich liquids
18. Indian musical pattern 20. Cancer and Capricorn
34. About a wood
36. Free-swimming marine invertebrate 38. Political action committee
39. SB19 hit song 41. Scorch the surface of
43. Moved quickly on foot 44. Sacred state for a Muslim
Country along the Arabian peninsula
Fishes of the herring family
46. Growl 48. Pearl Jam frontman
52. Irritating person
53. Something requiring a solution
54. Firing
56. Hazards
57. Taiwan capital
58. Impudence
59. Rock frontman Durst
Small amounts
Poured
Fabric
Food option
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