November 10 - 2022

New apartment building to open in Merritt

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A new apartment building is opening its doors in Merritt, providing 75 units of housing for the community. Olympic Villas, located on Walters Street, is a four-storey apartment featuring a number of unit types and amenities, and was built utilizing BC Housing’s “HousingHub” program. The program was created in 2018 and works with com munities, non-profit organizations, and private-sector developers to increase the supply of rental housing and ownership options for middle-income residents.

The Province of BC provided Olympic Villas Inc approximately $16.6 million in low-interest financing via the HousingHub program, which will be paid back with interest by the company. While the funding is made available through the provincial government, the funds themselves are not provided by the Province. The funding is part of a 10-year, $7-billion housing plan intro duced by the NDP government when it was first elected in 2017. Since then, the Province said it has helped fund over 36,000 units of affordable housing.

“These new units will have a very positive impact in Merritt, delivering safe and affordable homes for families, seniors, and others in the community,” said Murray Rankin, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. “Housing developments like this will help

communities like Merritt continue to grow and contribute to a stronger rural B.C.”

The development has had its share of controversy, including the removal of 20 affordable housing units from the original plans of the building. The pre vious Merritt City Council questioned the affordability of the units, before ulti mately passing the application for devel opment without any affordable housing units included. The provincial funding of the project also faced criticism in the BC Legislature. BC Liberal House Leader, MLA Peter Milobar, questioned why that loan was approved after the removal of the originally proposed affordable hous ing.

Rent at Olympic Villas ranges from $1,020 for a studio to $2,380 for a threebedroom apartment. The building is located near restaurants, stores, a school, and the Nicola Valley Hospital. It fea tures amenity spaces, which include a gym, three common rooms, and a barbe cue area. The building also features eight accessible units.

When the building was first proposed, a main concern of the city council and community at the time was parking. The new development hopes to address this concern with the installation of 120 parking spaces behind the new build ing on Walters Street. The apartment building also borders Voght Street, one of Merritt’s busiest roadways. Merritt’s newly elected Mayor, Mike Goetz, said

he is pleased with the new development.

“The City of Merritt is very pleased to have 75 new housing units available for present and future residents,” said Goetz.

“The City of Merritt has historically low vacancy rates and new housing is very much in demand. We are grateful to add these new units to our housing sup ply and continue to invite developers to help grow our community.”

Residents are expected to move into the new building later this month, when it receives its final occupancy permit. Developers with Olympic Villas Inc said they were excited to offer the new homes for “professionals and entrepreneurs.”

“Housing represents the quality of life, which determines the level of satis faction and happiness in our lives,” said Irfan Sonawala, director, Olympic Villas Inc.

“We have built with amenities and construction quality to create such happy memories beyond essential housing. This building is targeted to attract profession als and entrepreneurs who play a key role in the growth of smaller towns to eco nomical hubs. We are appreciative of the HousingHub program that goes beyond essential affordable housing to quality housing at market rents that make such remote development possible.”

For more information on provincially funded housing projects, visit www. bchousing.org/homes-for-BC.

Fraser-Nicola is proposed to expand and include Harrison Hot Springs and the District of Kent in its southwest corner, and areas west of Kamloops, including Savona and Tobiano, to the northeast.

Olympic Villas, located on Walters Street, is Merritt’s newest apartment building looking to relieve the ongoing housing shortage. Marius Auer/ Herald

Indigenous child-welfare amendment

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

British Columbia is changing provin cial legislation to give Indigenous peoples jurisdiction over their own child and family services. The change makes B.C. the lead ing province in Canada to recognize this inherent Indigenous right within provincial legislation.

The updated legislation will not only help re-establish, develop and exercise child-welfare laws within Indigenous com munities, but it will also help to further address and reduce the disproportionate number of Indigenous children in provin cial care.

“The colonial era of the Province

controlling child welfare must come to an end - and this legislation cannot be passed soon enough,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “This legislation holds the promise of finally affirming the inherent rights of First Nations to ensure our children are with their families, communities, and people. It brings me incredible joy to think about this change in my lifetime, and for my grandchildren and great grandchildren. As Indigenous peoples, we have the right to exercise self-determination over our chil dren and we are glad this is finally being recognized through law.”

Indigenous peoples will be able to rec reate their own models for child and family service delivery, including family support, child protection and adoption services. The amendments, the largest in more than 25 years, were developed in consul tation and co-operation with Indigenous rightsholders, Modern Treaty Nations, Indigenous Governing Bodies (IGBs), Métis Nation BC and Indigenous partners.

This revision is an important step in meeting government’s commitments under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and achieving the goals in the Declaration Act Action Plan,

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. Photo/Herald

First Snowfall of 2022

Last week

the City of Merritt had its first snowfall of the season. For my friends who just moved to Merritt, seeing snow was definitely a wondrous event akin to seeing fireworks or the northern lights, but for most people, it just is a reminder of a cold period of the year when adjustments need to be made. It is during this time that we need to always bundle up, shovel snow on our properties, and most of all, adjust the way we drive.

In my experience, the first snowfall is always a good way to see who among drivers are prepared and who aren’t. Back in Calgary, you can always bet that there will be traffic incidents during this time. Highways, urban, and suburban roads are commonplace for typical rear ends, crashing on medians, and sliding into ditches.

Here in Merritt we had a pretty good build up of snow beginning last weekend. Roughly 4 - 10 cm of snow accumulated throughout the City, turning it white overnight. Highways were not any better with 97C even closing for a period of time to clear the build up. With all of this in mind, I had expected to hear some accident reports or at the very least see some cars on the side of the road, but this wasn’t the case.

I am very impressed by how good traffic has been throughout the City. Everyone has been appropriately adjusting road conditions and I hope the trend continues as Old Man Winter rears his frigid head to our town.

OPINION

Herald Junior Reporters

Highlights from the Haunted House fundraiser

As October came to an end, grads of Merritt Secondary School (MSS), along with parents and volunteers, finished the month off with a bang. The haunted house was one of many upcoming grad fundraisers and was an all-around success.

With people coming in until it was time to close, the grads were able to guarantee a prom venue for June. On top of that, they raised over $2,500 to cover any other prom expenses such as a DJ, food, decorations, etc.

Both children and adults experienced quite the fright as they walked through the haunted house, growing more and more anxious with

every step that they took. Along with the spooky walk, the committee also ran a concession stand with pizza, chips, candy, pop, water, and cupcakes, throughout the three nights. Such a successful fundraiser would not have been possible without the generous contributions made by Save on Foods, No Frills, Yaki Joe’s, the Hedrick family, and the Etchart family. Tony Broman, the president of the 2023 grad committee, would like to give a huge thank you to Felicity Peat, Tina Etchart, Alisha Hedrick, and Kim Bennett for helping ensure that the event ran smoothly. Along with parent coordinators, Tony would also like to show appreciation to volunteers including grads, parents and MSS students that took time out of their busy schedules to participate in this event. Lastly but most importantly, Tony would like to express his

ALBAS: “The middle class is struggling”

Early this week I was contacted by a local journalist for reaction to reports that the government delegation headed by PM Trudeau to attend the Queens funeral in London had cost $397,000 for the 5-night stay.

One room was reported to have cost $6,000 per night and included a private butler.

The Trudeau Liberal government so far refuses to disclose who stayed in that room.

For the record, this was a non-partisan delegation that included past Liberal and Conservative Prime Ministers as well as other dignitaries and elected officials.

When I was asked for my reaction, I was taken back to ten years ago when it was revealed a former Conservative cabinet minister had charged taxpayers $16 for a glass of orange juice, ironically also while travelling in London at an expensive hotel.

My reaction is the same then as it is now.

It is totally unacceptable there is not greater respect for the spending of tax dollars.

In the case of former Minister Bev Oda, the

Minister did the honourable thing and resigned after her expenses were reported. She also repaid the expenses out of her own pocket.

In this case the Trudeau Liberal Government will not even tell us who should be held accountable for staying in a $6,000 a night hotel room.

That is totally unacceptable.

Also announced this week is the Bank of Canada is once again raising the overnight interest rate to 3.75%.

This is another increase from the previously announced increase of 3.25%

I am hearing from many families who are seriously struggling financially, as the increased payments on household debt have become unsustainable for them.

As one family recently shared, they are now coping with the extra payments solely through their line of credit however, the interest of the line of credit is also increasing, and they have calculated they can make two more months of payments before they max out their line of credit.

Many have also expressed concerns that if there is a cold winter having high heating bills on top of everything else will be the “straw that broke the camel’s back”.

Unfortunately, as the Official Conservative Opposition, every effort we have made to have carbon tax increases delayed or GST removed

from fuel have been opposed by the Liberal/ NDP partnership.

With the Bank of Canada now confirming that carbon taxes increase inflation, this would be one measure the Trudeau Liberal Government could undertake to help many struggling Canadians and yet they refuse.

At a time when many are struggling, the Liberals do not have any concern with renting a $6,000 a night hotel room,

I am seriously concerned PM Trudeau does not appreciate or understand just how real the financial challenges that some Canadians are facing.

I should also add that many that I hear from, in this challenging fiscal situation, have good jobs and as a result do not qualify for many of the rebate and assistance programs that are available.

This Liberal government once promised to help the middle class and yet everyday I hear from more middle-class families who cannot afford to make ends meet.

My question this week: Do you think Canadians that heat their homes with natural gas or propane should be punished with a carbon tax for attempting to stay warm in the cold winter months?

I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.

From the Herald archives: November, 1918

CELEBRATING VICTORY

When the official announcement that “War is Over” flashed on the wires of Merritt last Monday morning, men, women and children began flocking to the downtown streets, eager to learn if the news were actually true. Returned soldiers were led by Piper Andy Kirk of Vancouver to a procession along Quilchena Avenue. People around town kept joining as the procession passed each block celebrating the great news.

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

gratitude towards the community of Merritt for supporting the grads so generously throughout the course of this fundraiser.

GURSIMAR NAGRA MSS

Characters of the haunted house pose for the camera. Photo/Tina Etchart

B.C. amends Indigenous child-welfare legislation

Theme 1: Self Determination and Inherent Right of Self Government.

“This is a pivotal shift toward real and meaningful change that respects Indigenous rights and improves services and supports for Indigenous children, youth and families,” said Premier John Horgan. “B.C. was the first province to bring the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into provincial law and it’s fulfilling to see how that bold action continues to create reforms that support rec onciliation and make life better for Indigenous com munities.”

The proposed amendments will respect the inher ent rights of Indigenous communities to provide their own child and family services, and to keep Indigenous children safely connected to their cultures and their communities. It will also do the following:

• recognize that the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) must be administered and interpreted in accordance with Indigenous communities’ inherent right of self-government with respect to child and family services;

• enable IGBs to assume jurisdiction over childwelfare services provided to an Indigenous child in accordance with Indigenous laws;

• strengthen collaboration and enable consentbased decision making with Indigenous communities on adoption placements for Indigenous children;

• ensure that both Treaty First Nations and non-Treaty First Nations have opportunities to exercise jurisdiction in these areas;

• enable information sharing between the Province and IGBs to help IGBs plan for and exercise jurisdiction;

• establish a new Indigenous child-welfare direc tor position in the Ministry of Children and Family Development to provide guidance and advice to CFCSA directors and their delegates in navigating a multi-jurisdictional child and family services model; and

• enable joint and consent-based agreements to be made in accordance with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act for relevant powers under the Adoption Act and the CFCSA.

“We know that the current child-welfare system is a continuation of harmful colonial practices, and the solution is to re-assert jurisdiction over their chil dren, youth and families in accordance with their customs, traditions and Indigenous laws,” said Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development. “These amendments are a significant step in the creation of an approach that properly respects the inherent rights and legal orders of Indigenous Peoples and reshapes the provincial laws to focus on the best interests of Indigenous children.”

To learn More about the federal act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, please visit https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/ acts/F-11.73/page-1.html

Carbon monoxide safety reminder

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

As tempera tures drop and Merrittonians seek comfort and warmth indoors, the Merritt Fire Rescue Department is reminding locals to be wary of “the invisible killer.”

Carbon monox ide, a dangerous gas produced by common house hold appliances, is responsible for the deaths of roughly 300 Canadians each year. With proper preparation and education, the MFRD says this risk can be largely reduced and miti gated.

Carbon mon oxide is produced

when fuels such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, wood, and coal burn incompletely. It is a colorless, odor less, and tasteless gas that can have severe health consequences if areas producing or containing the gas are not prop erly ventilated. Symptoms include a dull headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Carbon monoxide poison ing is extremely dangerous - poten tially even deadly.

“This is the time of year where people start burning fuels to keep warm, like

running furnaces and fireplaces,” said Gareth Tilt, firefighter and public education coordinator for the MFRD.

“When those sources burn incompletely, and when they’re not venting the way that they should, that can create some issues where carbon monoxide builds up in areas where we gather.”

The opera tion of common appliances such as gas-fired furnaces, boilers, hot water tanks, and stoves can produce car bon monoxide, when the source fuels are burned incompletely. Proper ventilation

and maintenance, along with carbon monoxide detec tors, are a must in homes. Carbon monoxide detec tors should be tested monthly and have their batteries replaced every six months, similar to the cycle of smoke detec tors. Combination units can be found that detect both smoke and carbon monoxide.

When testing combined units, users should learn to identify the often different beeps between the smoke detector versus the carbon monoxide detec tor. Detectors should be placed throughout the

Story continues on Page 10

Lower Nicola Garlic Fes t THANK YOU!

The Lower Nicola Garlic Festival of 2022 would like to thank the following for making this Festival the most successful yet.

9am - 4pm

THANK YOU to our Sponsors: Rock Solid Industries, Froese Trucking, Trigs Storage, Nicola Valley Credit Union, Blacks Pharmacy , Courtesy Corner , Miss Vicki’s, Mandolin’s, Save on Foods, TNRD area M & N Hub International Insurance, Nicola Valley Flooring.

THANK YOU to the very talented musicians, performers and craft helpers that donated their time to keep us all entertained , we are grateful . Strange Companions, John Hartling, Bobby Garcia & Cooper Country , The Wayfaring Strangers, Marilyn Christensen, John Flottvik , Al Horne & Denise, Love to Dance Academy and the Art Council

THANK YOU to the wonderful vendors showcasing their talent that attracted so many people to come and enjoy the event We could have not done it without you

THANK YOU to our committed volunteers who worked tirelessly towards the success of the Festival Kudos to the incredible kitchen staff that managed to feed so many.

We are grateful to all of you for the support .

Quilchena Ave. Down Quilchena Ave ending at corner of Quilchena Ave and Chapman St. Pictures with Santa opens after the parade

Saturday, November 26

Craft Fair 8:30 am 4:00 pm Civic Centre

Children’s Christmas Craft Making 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Civic Centre Pictures with Santa Civic Centre 10:00 11:30am & 1:00 3:00 pm Countr y Christmas Live Music Night Doors open at 6:00 pm show starts at 7:00 pm. Canadian Countr y Music Hall of Honour

Breakfast with Santa 10:00

From Page 9

home in regular intervals, as car bon monoxide gas ses often mix with the air and follow drafts throughout a space.

“We’d like to see them around the sleeping quar ters in particular, largely due to the fact that’s a time when people have all their doors closed, and airflow isn’t great,” added Tilt.

“If you are affected by carbon monoxide, you ideally want to be outside in fresh air, or at the very least an open window or door that’s got fresh air coming in. They [detec tors] should be in a central location, outside each sleep ing area, and on

every level of the home. If they can be interconnected, that’s what we would love to see.”

As the winter season approaches, Tilt reminds Merrittonians to warm up their vehicle in their driveway rather than a garage, and highlights the danger of the use of propane heat ers and barbecues indoors. Vents, including those leading to furnaces and dryers, should be cleaned regu larly to mitigate fire risk.

For more information and resources by the Merritt Fire Rescue Department, visit www.merritt.ca/ firerescue, or call the station at 250378-5626.

Some detectors come equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, although this should be confirmed as separate units. Photo/ MetroCreative

Remembrance D ay

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2022

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields.

Pictures for this supplement were provided by the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives and by family members.

Legion to host Remembrance Day ceremony

well.”

These groups, among others, will be honoured and commemo rated during the Legion’s upcom ing ceremony on November 11. The event will take place at 10AM, by the cenotaph at the Merritt Civic Centre.

Merritt’s own Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 96 has hosted an annual Remembrance Day ceremony for decades, with Legion members and the public alike planning to gather in respect and remembrance once again this year at the City’s cenotaph. The annual commemo ration has been scaled back in recent years due

to the COVID-19 pandemic, but organizers are ready to bring back the full event.

The Legion supports a num ber of causes in the community, including giving generously to other organiza tions and indi viduals. They support not only veterans, but local non-profits and individuals in their endeavours to bet

ter the community.

During this time of the year, the Legion is mainly focused on the former, includ ing their poppy campaign and Remembrance Day ceremony.

The Legion execu tive said that the scope of the Legion’s work is wider than many anticipate.

“A lot of people think that the Legion is just for World War I, World War II, and Korean War veter ans,” said Arlene

Johnston, presi dent of the Legion Branch No. 96.

“We have the RCMP that are protecting us every day, and we still have vet erans coming home from all the conflicts around the world. The Army Cadets and all of them are still ongoing, and providing safety to our communities and the world. We want to remember everybody, not just the people that have passed as

Legion members, Rocky Mountain Rangers, and the RCMP will partic ipate in this year’s ceremony. The program includes a vigil before the ceremony, the Colour Party’s march in, remarks and prayers, as well as the tradi tional playing of The Last Post on bugle. Other pro ceedings will take place during and after the ceremo ny, including the laying of wreaths and a moment of silence.

The two min utes of silence, which the Legion’s website describes as the “most

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Legion Colour Party members march in a ceremonial procession honouring fallen veterans at Merritt’s Pineridge Cemetery in 2021. Photo/Herald File

From Page 12

sacrosanct and central element” of Remembrance, is acknowledged at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Canadians pause and remember in silence the sacrifices of those who

died in service and those who served and continue to serve. The moment of silence is held annually at the same time in which hostilities ended in 1918, at the end of the First World War.

“We’re here to help any veteran from any of the armies and navies, and a whole list of different branches that we support. I want to make sure that people are aware that we do unfortunately have ongoing conflicts, and it isn’t just about the

old wars,” added Johnston. Following the ceremony and the Colour Party’s return downtown, the Legion’s building on Quilchena Avenue will be host to an open house and commemorative event highlighting the service and sacri-

fice of veterans in Canada. Hot rum will be served to those of age, but all are welcome to attend.

For more information, send an email to Legion096@ outlook.com, or call during regular business hours at 250-378-5631.

Remembrance Day ceremony returns in Shulus

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans (NVFNV) is a local organization

looking to educate and inform locals on the often overlooked and unrecognized

sacrifices made by First Nations veterans in the valley, and across the country. While their main focus is currently the new monument

project, a major upgrade from the two large boulders currently at the memorial site, the organization continues to educate

through a plethora of resources and their annual Remembrance Day ceremony.

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The Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans recently held a fundraiser update at the Shulus Arbor, unveiling a dynamic list of names that will be included on the new monument. Submissions for additional names are due November 15, 2022. Marius Auer/Herald

From Page 13

The organization came to be in 2003, when local veterans Percy Jackson of Shackan and Richard Jackson, Jr. of Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) together recognized the need to honour and recognize First Nations veterans in the Nicola Valley.

The two found a large granite boulder, moving it to Shulus to become the NVFNV first monument. Four plaques were placed on the boulder, representing World War I,

World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The NVFNV have taken on numerous projects in the past, such as their collaboration with the Last Post Fund’s Indigenous Veterans Initiative. Funding through this initiative has allowed the organization to place over 20 military markers honouring Indigenous veterans.

“The goal of the organization is to pay respect and honour to our veterans, which is what’s most impor-

tant,” said Carol Holmes of Upper Nicola, member of the NVFNV.

“When we take a look at the history of Indigenous people, we are not recognized for how we’ve contributed to Canada. Our veterans served, and many of them volunteered, but they were never recognized. There was very little recognition, so it’s important for us to make sure that our veterans are being honoured and recognized, and that their stories are being told.”

The veterans hope to continue

collecting and disseminating these local stories of bravery and courage in serving the country, with many local First Nations serving throughout Canada’s history.

At least two First Nations veterans residing in the valley have been killed in action. Those who did return were often mistreated, and given far less support and recognition than their non-Indigenous counterparts, if any. Holmes adds that there is a personal onus on Canadians to research and edu-

cate themselves on Canada’s history with Indigenous veterans, but hopes that her organization can help to bridge the gap. Those looking to support the NVFNV can share their own or family’s stories of serving, or donate to the new pillar monument’s progress through the LNIB office, with a notation it is for the Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans. The organization hopes to erect its new monument by March of 2023, having raised a significant amount

Over 100 community members, students, and organizations gathered for a Community Update on the NVFNV monument project at Shulus on October 11. Marius Auer/Herald

From Page 14

of funding through Veterans Affairs, donations by businesses, and community fundraisers.

“Going off to

war was an immediate response, so there were minimal places to actually document and to research,” added

Holmes. “With First Nations there was very little. It was left up to the Indian Agent, and in most cases they didn’t keep track

or really care. We need that information shared and known, not only for our people, but for Canadians to know that this is our country and we continue to contribute to our nation.”

The NVFNV annual Remembrance Day ceremony is back this year after a two year hiatus, and will see participants gather at the Anglican Church in Shulus before parading to the Catholic Church, which is the site of the current monument. A ceremony will then take place at the

site, marking the last ceremony there before the organization moves the event to the new monument location in 2023. All are welcome, and participants are asked to gather at the Anglican Church by 10:20AM.

For more information, or to have your or a family member’s name on the new monument, contact Carol Holmes at 250-378-7809. The deadline for submission of a veteran’s name to be included on the monument is November 15, 2022.

Why the poppy?

The association between the poppy and war dates back to the Napoleonic wars, when a writer saw a field of poppies growing over the graves of fallen soldiers.

During the Battle of Ypres in 1915, Canadian Lt.-Col. John McCrae was inspired to write the poem In Flanders Fields on sighting the poppies growing beside a grave of a close friend who had died in battle.

The poem was a great inspiration in adopting the poppy as the Flower of Remembrance in Canada, France, the U.S., Britain and Commonwealth countries.

The first poppies were distributed in Canada in 1921.

Today the volunteer donations from the distribution of millions of poppies is an important source of revenue for the Royal Canadian Legion that goes toward helping ex-servicemen and women buy food, and obtain shelter and medical attention.

Members of the Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans accept a donation of $5000 from Merritt Royal Canadian Legion 96. Marius Auer/Herald

Honour Ranch opens after two year delay

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Just an hour away from Merritt and 10 minutes away from Ashcroft lies a very unique accommodation for men and women who serve in uni form.

The Honour Ranch is a safe haven for people in many fields to conduct mental health programs. The lodging aims to provide a great environment at no cost for uniformed individuals or

groups to conduct programs promot ing their mental well being.

“It’s a platform,” said Bob Parkinson, a board member of the Honour House Society. “Honour Ranch basically started when we saw that people coming to the house were not get ting support around mental health that they needed. We wanted to create a platform that can get more mental

health supports out there.”

Honour House Society is a non-for profit society that dedicates them selves to the aid of people in uniform. There are over 80 volunteers, a board of directors, and a staff executive director that make up the organiza tion.

Honour Ranch is the second prop erty operated by the group, with the first being the Honour House located in New Westminster. The

house is a free accommodation for uniformed person nel, both retired and active, and their families while they seek medical treatment.

“The nature of the industry is very tough,” Parkinson said. “All the work the people in uni form are doing whether you are a police officer, fire fighter, paramedic, military, or correc tions, it’s very tough work. It’s hard to let your guard down and relax so to have a relaxing

environment such as the ranch is a big thing because it allows people to let their walls down and decompress.”

The oppor tunity to operate the ranch fell on their lap, accord ing to Parkinson. A Vancouver devel oper connected with the President of Honour House letting them know about the avail ability of land in Ashcroft.

“The devel oper purchased the ranch on our behalf and we

Located 10 minutes away from Ashcroft, the Honour Ranch finally opened its doors this summer to different programs serving the mental health of our country’s uniformed personnel. Photo/Honour Ranch

acquired it back in 2019,” said Parkinson.

“We had launched but then there was something called COVID-19 that shut us down,” he jokingly explained.

“We couldn’t con tinue with what we were doing but now we are available to help people and organizations put on programming and do things.”

Honour Ranch opened its doors back in the summer of this year. The ranch features 10 cabins and a family style lodge where groups can meet up to conduct their programs, varying from retreats, resil ience training and different forms of therapies.

“It’s been received extremely well,” he described. “We’ve had military groups and people from across Canada go up there and do things like forge therapy, where they were building axes and knives while talking and learn ing about mental health issues and supports.”

Chris Hennebery is the Chief Warrant Officer for the Royal Westminster Regiment. He manages ‘Veterans Artist Collective,’ a group which pro vides art outreach to veterans and

serving soldiers.

Hennebery was able to utilize the Honour Ranch on two separate occa sions; a plein air painting weekend he hosted back in June and a forge therapy weekend this past September.

“We would not have been able to run these programs without Honour Ranch,” he said.

“We wouldn’t be able to do this any where else because we’d have to pay for the lodging.”

Both weekends saw nine veterans and soldiers get involved with the art making ses sions as a form of creative outlet.

Honour Ranch acted as a scenic backdrop that encouraged the participants’ cre ativity.

“It’s very unique facility, really nicely set up, very profes sional volunteers who manage it, it’s overall an amaz

ing place,” he described. “All the veterans and the soldiers that come up there are just absolutely blown away by the facil ity.”

Parkinson said that the ranch guests they’ve had so far are from all over B.C., from Ashcroft to the Victoria and the Kootenays. Honour

Ranch also gets visitors outside of the province such as New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.

“The Ashcroft area is beautiful, and the ranch set ting is beautiful so everyone loves it.” “Many people who come up there say that the pictures don’t do it justice. It’s one of

those places where you see a picture of it and it looks nice but you get up there and it’s actually way more powerful. It’s a phenomenal place for people to get assistance.”

For more infor mation about the Honour Ranch, please visit www. honourhouse.ca

The Plein Air Painting Retreat took place at the Honour Ranch on June 24-26, 2022. Photo/Chris Hennebery

The Veterans Axe Forging Weekend took place from September 30 to October 2 at the Honour Ranch. Photo/Chris Hennebery

Legion Branch 96 awards ‘First Poppy’ to Mo Dixon

first poppy. A small gathering was held at the Legion on Quilchena Avenue, where Dixon was presented the poppy by Legion President Arlene Johnston. She said it was an honour, and shared her motivation for joining the organiza tion.

“I’m not a veteran, but I joined the Legion because my dad was a veteran,” said Dixon.

“I got to meet so many of his com patriots, but they’re all gone now. That’s the sad part. I visit them every year, I go up to the cemetery, and they are there. And I have a memory with each and every one of them.”

Remembrance Day proceedings. Dixon added that the Legion fills a gap in services and support for veterans, a fact that has been clear to her since day one.

“Even in those days we could see what the Legion was trying to do for the veterans, and they were really fresh out of service. In those days, they were shell shocked. It was so sad, and there was no help for them,” added Dixon.

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96 began its annual com memoration of Remembrance Day on Thursday, October 27, by presenting a lifetime Legion member with the honor ary first poppy. The first poppy is given to a prominent member of the com

munity to signify the start of the annual poppy campaign, which raises funds to provide financial assistance and resourc es for veterans.

Mo Dixon first joined the legion 47 years ago, and has dedicated her life to serving within the organization. Dixon is a well respected member of the com munity, and was chosen by Legion members as the recipient of this year’s

Along with her annual visit to veter an’s gravestones, Dixon has been heav ily involved with the Legion for nearly half a century. She served as President, organized fundraisers, coordinated Remembrance Day proceedings, and often visited schools to take part in their respective ceremonies. Dixon’s passion for the organization was evident while receiving the 2022 first poppy, clearly moved by the honour.

Dixon described herself as a proud Legion member, and doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon. She plans to be with the Legion for a long time to come, and is once again involved in this year’s poppy campaign and

“I thank everybody for supporting the Royal Canadian Legion. There are a lot of avenues that the Legion sup ports. Every single dollar that goes into the Poppy Fund comes back out of that fund, it doesn’t go into the general cof fers.”

Funds raised by the sale of poppies and accessories go into a Poppy Trust Fund, administered by the Legion. Use of the trust funds are strictly controlled, with stringent approval processes in place. The Legion branch executive is accountable for Poppy Trust Fund expenditures, and the local executive is happy to take on that task. Recently, the local Legion donated $5000 from the fund to the Nicola Valley First Nation Veterans (NVFNV) monument project in Shulus.

For more information on the Merritt Legion Branch 96, call 250-378-5631.

Cents observe Remembrance Day ahead of home game

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Centennials are taking time as individuals to pay their respects and honour those who have fought and died to protect Canadian free doms before their afternoon game on November 11, as they attend the Merritt Legion’s Remembrance Day ceremony.

Later the same day, the Cents will take on the Spruce Kings at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena in a game that will be free to attend for all active military person nel, veterans, and RCMP members.

Cents coaching and management staff told the Herald that the

initiative, along with the Cents attendance at the ceremony, is a part of the team’s collective and individual com mitment to paying respect to service members.

“The plan is for our guys to pay their respects and show up just like any other person,” said Curtis Toneff, head coach and GM for the Cents.

“There’s so much going in

the world, but the one thing we can’t forget is Remembrance Day and the sol diers who fought for our freedom. It’s not about the Centennials get ting face time out in the community, it’s about us being normal people and attending the ceremony, so we never forget.”

Before the start of the game, both the teams and attendees will

observe a moment of silence in hon our of the sacri fice of those who have served and continue to serve.

The moment of silence is similar to the two minutes of silence acknowl edged at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Canadians pause and remem ber in silence the sacrifices of those who served. The moment of silence is held annually at

the same time in which hostilities ended in 1918, at the end of the First World War. For more information on the Merritt Centennials, including their offer of free tick ets for service members for the November 11 game, visit www. merrittcentennials. com.

Lifetime Legion Member Mo Dixon receives the honorary first poppy on October 27, during a ceremony at Royal Legion Branch 96 on Quilchena Avenue. Marius Auer/Herald

The Merritt Centennials look to welcome all military personnel, veterans and RCMP mem bers to their game against the Spruce Kings on Friday, November 11. Photo/Herald File

honour of the men and women who fought for our freedom

RCMP helps members manage work stress

two trained CISM members avail able for our local RCMP members to access should they feel the need.

“We have those support locally if we need it right away but we can also call on other CISM members or peer to peer mem bers outside of that if they need help,” said Roda.

Roda noted the necessity of this program within their line of work, citing examples like death of children, sudden death, and horrific car accidents as some of the worst cases that officers may be exposed to on the field.

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

“Seeking help is not a weakness,” said Sergeant Josh Roda of the Merritt RCMP. “It takes strength to recognize some thing is wrong and it takes a lot of strength to work towards fix ing it and getting healthy.”

With Remembrance Day coming up, we are asked to not only honour the people who both serve and have served our country, but we are also asked to recognize the toll it takes on a person when they are in the line of duty, whether it be in the military, the police, the fire department, or emergency response.

“I think the mil itary, the police, or any first respond

ers see horrendous things when we go to work,” Roda explained. “We often deal with people on the worst day of their lives. We have to be there for them and be a part of their horrible day. Because this is the case, we have to worry about ourselves at times, so I just want to encourage anyone suffering from operational stress injuries to seek help.”

The Herald spoke with Sgt. Roda to talk about how the officers of the Merritt RCMP are managing the stresses they face while on duty.

“If RCMP members are involved in a criti cal incident such as a shooting, a horrible death,

or a horrible collision scene, our officers will call our Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team and they’ll touch base with all the mem bers involved to offer support. They will also do large debriefs on the situation so mem bers can talk about their feelings, talk about what hap pened and how they are doing. If they require fur ther support, we put people in touch with psychologists and counseling.”

The CISM team is a group of officers that are trained in crisis interven tion, deescalation techniques, stress management techniques. The CISM program is accessible for all RCMP members across Canada. In Merritt, there are

“It’s been incredibly valu able. Members are looped in right away when officers are dealing with the various case files, to offer sup port in real time.”

Geared towards active RCMP members, the CISM team’s ser vice is very ben eficial because of the ongoing check ins that the team does to members and their ability to refer them to any necessary resources and services.

“The RCMP has been excel lent in the last five years at really taking the reins on this,” Roda said.

“Members do not carry the bag gage of case files anymore and they have an under standing of how these incidents are going to affect them. I notice that I have a lot less members dealing with mental health issues because of these programs.”

“Our members this past year have gone through two horrific shootings where somebody took their life in front of our detachment,” he recalled. “Six months later we had a huge shoot out here with a dangerous offender in town. The abil ity to debrief and put members in touch with a psy chologist is critical to their health.”

Along with the CISM pro gram, the RCMP also has a peer to peer support network in place, with one member available at the local detachment. Active and retired members are also able to access the Operational Stress Injury Program where they can receive supports to cope with the stresses from the field.

“I hope all our responders can seek help so everybody can be healthy and we can serve the public the best we can.”

The Merritt RCMP detatchment has two available CISM officers and one peer to peer representative ready to support members that are in need of support. Photo/Herald File

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Remembering a distinguished founding member of the local museum

Failing his wireless test, he ended up at No.2 Manning Depot, Brandon.

They were now short of air gun ners so he was sent to Gunnery School in Quebec City and then to No.9 B & G School at Mont Joli, Quebec where he gradu ated in July, 1943.

to do what was called a “Tour of Instructing” for a few months.

when the atomic bombs ended the war with Japan.

Born in 1915, Sigurd Teit was the son of famed anthropologist James Teit and Josephine Morens. Sigurd spent most of his life in Merritt, even winning Citizen of the Year in 1992. He is also one of the found ing members of the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives, donating most of the James Teit works and artifacts that could be viewed there today.

Aside from this, Sigurd also was a decorated soldier, with his medals displayed at the museum he helped establish.

In the spring of 1942, while in Vancouver, Sigurd enlisted in the R.C.A.F. as a wireless air gun ner as they did not need any air gun ners at the time.

He went first to No.3 Manning Depot, Edmonton and from there to No.3 Wireless School, Winnipeg.

Sigurd left from Halifax shortly after, on the Oueen Mary with 22,000 other “bodies”. Landing at Greenoch, Scotland he went by train to Bournmouth in the south of England. He trained first at 22 Operational Unit, Wellesbourne, with a five man crew on Wellingtons, and then at 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit, Topcliff on Halifax Bomber with full crew of seven.

Sigurd then put in a tour of operations (40 trips) with 419 Moose Sqdn., Middleton St. George, first on Halifax Bombers, then on Canadian built Lancaster Bombers, as a Rear Gunner from the fall of 1943 to late summer, 1944. Then he was sent to 1664 Heavy Conversion Unit, Dishford

He crewed up again and started flying operations with 427 Lion Sqdn., Leeming. Sigurd finished four trips and was on the fifth when they were called back because the war had ended in Europe.

He signed up for the Japanese conflict, so came back to Canada early on the Aquitania and was stationed at Moncton. N.B.

After the war there must have been some DFCs (Distinguished Flying Cross) left over, and not knowing what to do with them they put a number of names in a hat. One of the names picked was Sigurd Teit. On Nov 23, 1945, Sigurd received a DFC.

Sigurd would continue to live a long life, and later pass away on November 5, 2002.

Sigurd Teit at the Lake Louise Station after receiving his Distinguished Flying Cross. Photo/NVMA

Erik, Sigurd, and Thorald Teit, home on leave. Photo/NVMA

Contributed Nicola Valley Museum and Archives

(Left to Right) Distinguished Flying Cross, 1939-1945 Star, Air Crew Europe Star Medal, Defense Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, War Medal 1939-1945. Photo/NVMA

Eddie LaRochelle

Edna Rawlings

Eddie Tom

Elizabeth Chaster

Edith Carr

Elmer (Shorty) Jensen Reg Eagles

Robert Charters (Seated)

Jim Hardy

Jim Nesbit

Robert Hogg

Arthur Monroe Fra ser

Cacuse Garcia

Ignatia (Lanigan) Grams

Jack Geater

Reginald Shuttleworth

Bertie Ware Ken Moyes

Les and George Griffiths

Joan Iver Hendy Archie McDougal

Smitty

Fred McDougall

Gaylord Blankenship

Fred Geater

Elva & Sam Reid

George Hunter

George Kinvig

Gordon Curnow

Eric Munro

Ernie Sing

Fabian LaRochelle

Faye Gay Frank Archer

Alec McIvor, John (Tona) Garcia, Camp Borden, Ont. c. 1940

Smith Bent & tim Voght

Phillip, Willfred, Leo Boulanger

Melvin (Buster) Curnow

Nellie Blankenship

Oliver Lindley

Nelson Atkinson

Paddy Stirling

Norman Rogers

Pat Carr

John Linney

Keith Huston

Johnny Curnow

Ken Berkley

Joseph Coutlee aka Young Joe

Ken Fairley

Jack Shaw

Jim Cartwright

Leslie Gerrard

Mae Elliott

Lloyd Barrett

Major Harold Mathews

Lloyd Fairley

Matt Hogan

James Edward Dunnigan

Peter McDonald

Ralph Graham

PTE J. McNaney

Ray Fairley

Rab Williamson

Ray Riley Jim Moyes Jr.

Remembrance Day

Jessie Maxwell

Jack Lockhart

James Alexander Hogg

Jim Maxwell, Doug Maxwell, Ben Shaw Don Peerenboon

David Hogg

Charlie Stirling

Tona Garcia

Donna McLeod

Dorothy Langstaff

Earl Walker

Cecil Hunter

Chubb Kirby

Dave Forsythe

Charles Howse

Richard Jackson Sr.

Don Faulkner

Dave Shuter

Cecil Grinstead

Richard Jackson Jr.

David Moyes

Denis Curnow

Des Vicars

Dick Goodall

James

Willie

Kenneth

Erik Sigurd and Thorald Teit

Herman Earnshaw

Hugh Vicars

George B. Armstrong

George HoggGeorge Hazlehurst

Roberta Mathews Birk Geofrey Curnow

Bill Berkley Bart Dodding

Gordon Geater

Harold Mosley

Harold Hunter

Frank Dodding Fred Dodding Fred Gay J.J. Johnston Jack Ewart

Annie Lauder

Alec Cousin Jr.

Billy McLeod

Bill Palagain

Bill Voght

Archie Hardy Sr.

Allan Leonard

Alexander Watson Lonie

Antoine Moses

Tom McGrath

Alphonse Garcia

Allan Eagles

Archie Allan

Andy Garcia

Alan Leonard

Albert E. (Dick) Stapleton

Al Hartwell

Henry Castillou

Henry Koller

Henry Ralph Blumenauer

Archie York by the Ship Majestic

Tommy Williams

Stanley Reginald Ted Taylor Teddy Gerrard

Walter Forsyth

William J. Koller

Barney StirlingAustin Williams

Bill & Jim Dunnigan

Bernard and Frank Dunnigan Brian Dustin

Harold Newman

Harry J. Winny

Harry Purvis

Earnest Sowerby

Jack Veale

James Moyes Senior

Henry Abel

Birdie Alice Clarkson

Ralph Hack

George Cressy Jr., Lawrence Smith

John Dalton

Gilbert Woods

Thomas Rodgers

Gord McDonald Sterling, Frederick Albert Carl Mierau

NVIT President Ken Tourand signs a 5-year Extension

our five founding bands, and the employees of NVIT, we will continue to work everyday to meet the educational needs of our learners.”

Tourand was hired as a faculty member at NVIT in 1995, was appointed President in 2010. With the extension until 2027, his 17-year tenure makes him the longest serving President in all of the B.C. post-secondary institutions.

local Chiefs allows NVIT to continue to grow and meet the evolving needs of our students.”

Since filling in the position, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) President Ken Tourand has lead the way for the institution’s significant growth over the years. Now, the only Indigenous public post-secondary Institution in British Columbia is pleased to announce that they will be extending their contract with the President, making him the longest serving President in the B.C. postsecondary system.

NVIT is excited

to announce a 5-year contract extension for President Ken Tourand. The NVIT Board of Governors has confirmed the new contract will see Tourand continue as President and CEO of NVIT until October 2027.

“I am excited to sign a five-year extension with NVIT,” confirmed Tourand. “with support from NVIT’s Elder’s Council, NVIT’s Indigenous Board of Governors, the leadership of

“While being the longest serving president in the BC post secondary system is indeed special, it is more a result of being hired as president and CEO when I was 41,” he said.

“I think what’s more important is that it has been an honour to work my entire career at NVIT. I have an incredible group of colleagues that are deeply committed to indigenous education and student success. The support of our five founding bands, and the unwavering commitment and support of our

Under his leadership, NVIT opened the lecture theatre and daycare in 2010, the trades building in 2015, and the Centre of Excellence in Sustainability in 2018, and is currently working in partnership with the Urban Native Youth Association and the City of Vancouver to build a new Urban Indigenous Youth & Education building. This project, located at the corner of Hastings and Commercial in East Vancouver, will replace the current Burnaby campus for NVIT.

“Ken Tourand’s vision for NVIT aligns with the original vision of the five founding bands which

is to improve the lives of Indigenous people through post-secondary education” confirmed Chief Stu Jackson of the Lower Nicola Indian Band. The Nicola Valley kwúkwpiʔ/Chiefs are in full support of Tourand’s extension and are pleased with the direction that he provides. They credit much of the success of NVIT in recent years to Tourand’s leadership and the team he has assembled.

yilmíxwm/ Chief Harvey McLeod of the Upper Nicola Band stated, “Our community citizens wanting to advance into a world of opportunity require support locally where we can train and grow our leadership from within. NVIT provides these opportuni-

ties, and we are fortunate to have the dedication of a strong leader such as Ken Tourand to continue to move

us forward.”

For more information, please contact Sue Sterling-Bur, Vice President Students

at (250)378-3347 or ssterling@nvit.ca.

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Ken Tourand, President of NVIT. Izaiah Reyes/ Herald

Grade 8 volleyball boys helped out the WeCare crew on Halloween collecting items for the food bank.

Photo/Shannon Dunn

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Local hitchhikes to Vancouver in pursuit of acting career

he took a chance by auditioning in 2009 for a role in ‘New Moon,’ a movie within the very popular Twilight franchise.

“I think they didn’t choose me back then because I was shy and I didn’t really know how to express myself. “ he recalled.

“When I entered in the auditions back in Kelowna, it sparked something in me that I couldn’t ignore because I knew then that this is my passion and I am going to pursue a career in it.”

Two months later, his restlessness from wanting to chase the acting dream led him to the Lower Mainland, Canada’s Hollywood.

“I caught a ride from someone in an old Thunderbird to Abbotsford and my aunt picked me up and drove me to the King George train station,” he said. “I ended up staying at the Covenant House Vancouver.”

work,” he said. “I graduated at the end of 2012 from acting school and I didn’t book significant work until 2019.”

The actor started booking small work such as an appearance in the 2013 film, ‘Gold.’ He kept gaining more experience, all the while working jobs in the retail industry in order to provide for himself.

“I worked in Army and Navy, I did construction for a little bit, and I worked at Marks Work Warehouse when it first opened up,” he recalled. “I was lucky enough to find a place with cheap rent and I’ve stayed here ever since.”

In 2019, Charters would reach a significant breakthrough with his budding career, as he starred in the hit television series, The Flash, appearing as the episode’s main antagonist and titular character, Godspeed, also known as, August Heart.

eyes open up for sure.”

Charters now promotes his current project, Alaska Daily, where he acts alongside Hilary Swank in a recurring role.

“I hope to book a regular role on a show one day,” said Charters. “If you have a dream, fight for it, even if the road is dark because you might be the light that can carve a path towards that dream.”

Alaska Daily can be streamed for free at https://www.ctv.ca/shows/alaska-daily.

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

There is a very fine line between dreamers and doers. One which can be crossed when a decision is made to take action in making dreams into reality. There are a number of old adages that speak on this idea, mostly heard from movies and T.V., which, luckily, is where one member of the Coldwater Indian Band found himself in after deciding to, much like in movies, hitchhike his way to a land of opportunities, chasing his dream to establish an acting career.

Kindall Charters is representing the Nicola Valley well in the entertainment industry, and what is more inspiring than one of the area’s own being in a popular T.V. show is how he got to that point. While dreaming of becoming a professional actor, Kindall Charters decided to move to Vancouver and through his determination was able land himself roles on multiple productions, including the hit T.V. show, The Flash.

Charters is a member of the Coldwater Indian band. Since his early years, the young dreamer had only wanted to do one thing, to act.

“It has always been a dream of mine to go into acting,” he said. “I used to go to the video mart near us and I would just look at a whole bunch of movies and get inspired by them.”

What was then just a pipe dream, had started to gain traction within Charters’ mind as

Covenant House Vancouver is a social service organization that provides shelter to the youth. Charters took advantage of this support for two years as he continued to pursue his passion.

“I was basically hoping for the best,” he said. “There was no planning behind it but I was able to network with people and that’s where I learned about the New Image College of Fine Arts. I trained in acting and I got better with my craft.”

Charters was eventually able to link up with an agent who would open doors for the hopeful actor.

“It took a long time for me to land

“I auditioned for it and they liked how I portrayed the character,” Charters recalled. “The feeling was amazing because I remembered before landing that role, I was sitting down, praying that I get the role. There was this feeling I had that something amazing was going to happen and it did.”

Throughout the journey, Charters was able to make appearances in notable projects such as Jamestown, Altered Carbon, Woman Walks Ahead, and Bones of Crows. The actor felt huge gratification as he recalled many people in his circle not believing in acting becoming a career.

“They started supporting me a lot more,” he said. “They share all the posts that I make promoting any work and appearances that I might have. A lot of people don’t understand the road you’ve chosen but after you create a path that nobody else can see, their

Kindall Charters behind the scenes. Photo/ Kindall Charters

Panthers Volleyball: Kendra Marklund and Brooklynn Snee

Captain of the MSS senior girls volleyball team is number 20

Kendra Marklund. Kendra is a huge part of the team as she is a leader on and off the court. She is on the starting lineup every game and excels as a power getting many points for her team. Kendra has been playing vol leyball for about 6

years now, being first introduced to the sport in elementary school. She has played volleyball for all of her high school years and also commutes to Kamloops to play club vol leyball as part of the KVA pack. When Kendra was

asked what her favorite volleyball memory was she responded, “I don’t really have a favorite volleyball memory as I love every moment of it!” Kendra brings a unique talent to the senior girls volleyball team being the only left handed player.

“My favorite part about volleyball is when we work as a team to build each other up and succeed!”

Number 11 on the senior girls team is Brooklynn Snee. She is a starting setter that brings a lot of skill to the court. Brooklynn has

been playing vol leyball since grade 6 in elementary school. Number 11 is very reli able to get every ball that comes her way and can perfectly set up the play. As she is a grade 12 student this year Brooklynn does a great job of

helping the team out and teaching the less experi enced players. When Brooklynn was asked what her favorite part of volleyball is she responded “winning games, when the team works together to succeed on the court!”

Both Kendra and Brooklynn are grade 12 students and this will be their last year playing high school volleyball. Come support these girls and the whole team dur ing provincials December 1-3 in Merritt.

Cents help clean up flood affected resident’s property

School, was heavily damaged during the floods. She has been billeted since, liv ing outside of limits while commuting into Merritt daily to complete repairs and other flood recovery efforts on her property. She said this work has been taxing, and that she was thankful for the help of her “knights in shining hockey pads.”

“It was remarkable, I just felt so grateful to have more of that wet dirt taken out from my crawl space,” said Rae.

“The fact that they volunteered their time, they didn’t let me buy them lunch and they didn’t want to get paid, it was just amazing.”

I have now is good, he shows up, but he can only give me part-time. We’ve come a long way since he’s started,” said Rae.

“Don’t give up. There were many, many times where I didn’t want to drive back in every day to deal with this, because I’m billeted out in Sunshine Valley. If you don’t do it, it won’t get done.”

While the Cents lending a helping hand went smoothly, there was a bit of a miscommunication about the nature of the team’s volunteer work. Rae shared the memory lightheartedly.

“Their coach neglected to tell them what they were coming to do,” Rae said with a laugh.

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Centennials were out in the community this week, lending a hand to residents still recovering from the flooding event of November 2021. Team members volunteered their time

to assist a Phase 4 resident, still dis placed from her home, in removing the large amounts of flood debris in the house’s crawl space.

Donna Rae has been displaced from her home for more than 11 months, and by the time she’s once again occupying her home, it will have been over one year. Rae’s home, located near Central

Rae added that the Cents were gen erous with their time, working in shifts for an entire afternoon to remove silt and debris from her home’s crawl space. She was impressed by their work ethic and called them ‘truly nice young men.’ The support comes at a good time, as Rae’s road to recovery has not been straightforward. She has had issues with contractors and long waitlists, but shared her secret to getting through the dread she felt from her situation.

“I’ve had problems with contractors and no-shows, stuff like that. The fellow

“Some of them had sandals on, shorts on, white socks. I asked them if their coach told them what they’d be doing, and they said ‘no.’ They didn’t complain, they just happily dug in and started working, hauling the buckets of dirt out.”

Rae is one of many residents still recovering from the effects of November’s flooding event. While many residents are back in their homes, and infrastructure is under repair, a number of Merrittonians remain displaced as they work to repair their homes.

Members of the Merritt Centennials pose with Donna Rae, a Phase 4 resident who is still dis placed, before entering her damaged home’s crawl space to remove debris. Photo/Submitted

Rae Bassett MSS

Preparations ramp up for the upcoming Provincial Volleyball Tournament

variety of roles over the course of those three days; score keeping, lines, logistics, ticket sales, and security,” he explained.

“We are needing about 80 people throughout those three days and we will gladly welcome anyone that wants to volunteer.”

the overall experience and being able to play at such a high level is definitely something we look forward to.”

Announced late last spring, Merritt Secondary School (MSS) will be hosting the tournament for the Sr. Girls Volleyball Provincial Tournament.

The high school looks forward to throwing a high level tournament, establishing Merritt as a viable location for large high school sporting events.

With the

Provincial Volleyball Tournament being less than a month away. The tournament committee had a general meeting to iron out the details for the upcoming event.

“I think we’re on the right path,” said Committee Chair Gian Cavaliere. “We’ve made milestone goals leading up to this tournament

and right now, being three weeks away, I think we’re at a time when we feel that we’re on top for most of the things.”

Cavaliere and the rest of the committee believes that Merritt has a potential of being a great high school sports town.

“I think when you’re a small community hosting an event this big, people are going to perceive you lacking certain facilities or

aspects of the tournament,” he explained. “I am definitely putting a lot of pressure on myself and my community to really push ourselves as far as we can to ensure this event is great.”

The meeting covered many fine details such as lodging, security, logistics, ticketing, and programming.

“Our challenge right now is to fine tune all of these small points of the tournament to make sure that it is an event can be described by teams as a great experience when they leave.”

There are 10 members that composes the committee, each covering specific aspects such as sponsorships and community engagement.

“Our committee is very sports minded and very involved with the Merritt youth sports scene,” said Cavaliere. “Our conversations have been very positive

and we bounce ideas off each other really well.”

Dave Finch is the head coach of the Sr. Girls volleyball team but he also functions as one of the committee heads, in charge of accommodations and volunteers. During the meeting they discussed issues with the limited vacancies in town for the visiting schools.

“It’s been very trying,” he described. “Merritt has been popping right now with all the construction that has been going on so it’s been very difficult to secure the number of rooms that we need for the volleyball teams.”

Right now, there are four hotels that the committee has connected with to reserve accommodations for the visiting teams.

“In a perfect world, every team would have secured their rooms already

but I’m pretty confident that all the teams will be well taken care of by the time the tournament rolls around.”

Finch is also shared the tournament’s need for volunteers.

Turning to social media and word of mouth to get the word out about the need for extra sets of hands.

“There is a

As for the Panther’s themselves, their final game before the tournament was played this past Tuesday. The team now looks to take advantage of their open schedule to train for the big event coming up.

“There has been a bit of a lull,” he described.

“We had our tournament last weekend canceled so we definitely need to reestablish that energy back within the girls.

We have our goals that weekend and

The Provincial Volleyball Tournament will begin on Thursday, December 1. The event will happen across three gyms: MSS, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, and the former Coquihalla Middle School.

“We want the community to really embrace this event,” Cavaliere said. “We want the community to come out and really cheer on the girls, even if they have no connection to the school. This is not just a volleyball tournament for the high school but it’s also a community event that we want members to support, love, and take care of.”

Nine of the ten committee leaders gathered at MSS library on Monday, November 7 for a general meeting in preparation for the upcoming Provincial Volleyball Tournament. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

MSS Panthers Sr. Girls Volleyball team. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

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

Award winning naturalists recounts experience in Merritt

lecture theatre.

The duo are currently on a 28,000 kilometre research trek along the Trans Canada Trail. They are currently hiking west from Cape Spear, Newfoundland to Victoria, BC, before they will turn north and head to Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories.

Eh Canada Travel currently works in partnership with local tourism group Tourism Nicola Valley (TNV), and the two have teamed with multiple local organiza tions to host two informative talks by Dr. Richmond and Morton.

Dubbed the “Hike4Birds,” Richmond and Morton’s research trek is a self described effort to learn about Canada’s landscapes, wildlife, and people. The duo’s trek has been recognized as a Royal Canadian Geographical Society Expedition, and the two were recognized as Adventure Seekers through Eh Canada Travel, a tourism website and program.

scientific studies on birding and that type of thing. They are now in our vicinity, and I’ve been in touch with them for a couple years now telling them we’d like to host them when they get close, and treat our region to some very high profile speakers.”

TNV and Eh Canada have partnered with the local chapter of NatureKidsBC and the Nicola Naturalist Society to host the two talks by the research veterans at NVIT’s lecture theatre. The first talk, on October 20, was geared towards adults and older children. A second talk aimed at younger children, in cooperation with NatureKidsBC, was held the following day. Richmond and Morton discussed nature photography, birding, and conser vation, among many other topics.

with amazing untapped potential as one of BC’s unrecognized birding hot spots and outdoors travel destinations.”

For more information on the event, and on Dr. Sonya Richmond and Sean Morton’s expedition, visit www.comewalk withus.online, or www.experiencenicolaval ley.com.

Award winning Canadian Naturalists and Photographers, Dr. Sonya Richmond and research partner, Sean Morton, made a stop in the Nicola Valley on their way, presenting their findings and experiences on the trail for two nights at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT)

“Dr. Sonya and Sean Morton are actually one of our influencers for all of Canada,” said Greg Girard, “co-bro founder” of Eh Canada Travel, who works with TNV as a consultant.

“They’ve been writing articles all the way from St. John’s to B.C., making their way through British Columbia along the Trans Canada Trail, documenting for

“During our time here we were treated amazingly by everyone we met and were enthralled by the dedication of local natu ralists and teachers to get locals and regional youth into nature,” said Richmond.

“I have to hon estly say that in our travels across Canada that Merritt stands out as a beautiful area

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WEL COME YOU

Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911

Service 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

Service 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

Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Service Time ever y Sunday 10 am

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

Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502

Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Award winning naturalists Dr. Sonya Richmond and Sean Morton, pictured here with TNV contractor Greg Girard, visited the Nicola Valley on their cross-Canada hike, giv ing two lectures at NVIT. Photo/Greg Girard

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt local, Richard Carmichael hit the jackpot,

Photo/BCLC

Deadline

Penni Lynn Challes

December 3, 1946 October 28, 2022

Penni Lynn Challes 75, of Merritt BC, passed away on 28 October 2022. She was born to parents Antonio Nadon and Victoria Moore, on 03 December 1946 in New Westminster, British Columbia.

Penni met Henri Challes in 1962. They were married on Feb 1963 in New Westminster BC. Together they raised 3 children: Tammy Ramsay, Sheila Abel, Tony Challes.

Penni is survived by Sister Marcha Adams, Numerous Nieces, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, and many long time friends.

She was preceded in death by Antonio Nadon (Father), Victoria Moore (Mother), Heather Reisinger (Sister), Henri Challes (Spouse).

Penni worked in the hospitality industry for many years in numerous establishments in Merritt and area. She was well known and loved by many of her regular customers After over 20 years of service, She retired in 2008.

She enjoyed gardening, and had beautiful flower beds and a vegetable gardens until moving into Nicola Meadows earlier this year She enjoyed helping the other residents with doing small repairs and lending a hand whenever possible.

The family has entrusted Merritt Funeral Home with the arrangements. No Service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society

To share your condolences, please leave a message on her facebook page or on the Merritt Funeral Home website.

Dr. Satnam Steven Singh Lali

August 20, 1986 October 23, 2022

Satnam Steven Singh Lali was born on August 20, 1986, in Merritt, B.C., to parents Chatter S Lal and Resham K Lali Growing up, Steven loved playi street hockey with his friends and exploring the wilderness that surrounded Merritt and the Nicola Valley Steven was also a dedicated student and was elected by his peers to represent the Merritt Secondary School graduating class of 2004 as Valedictorian

Steven attended Simon Fraser University in Burnaby and Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops Steven moved to Poland and graduated with a Medical Degree from the Medical University of Warsaw where his dedication, enthusiasm and keen intellect helped him stand out and complete the program with the third highest marks out of 69 students It was here that he met Magda Nowak, and together they had a son, Aleksander Singh Lali

Doctor Lali completed his three year Medical Residency at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, including one rotation at the Trauma, Critical Care and General Surgery Service Dr Lali was given the highest recommendation of any Resident in his program and surprised his supervisors by insisting on pursuing a career in Internal Medicine or Family Practice rather than specializing. After certification by the American Board of Family Medicine, Dr Lali moved to the rural community of Grants Pass, Oregon, where he began practicing medicine and building a home and welcomed the birth of his two cherished daughters, Olivia Harminder Kaur Lali and Sophia Evelyn Kaur Lali

Dr Lali’s unmatched work ethic, sincerity, compassion and innate drive to help others quickly earned him the respect and admiration of his patients and the medical community In 2019, Dr Lali joined the Grants Pass Clinic as the organization’s youngest partner His love of the outdoors and good company was further nourished in the mountains and on the trails of Grants Pass as he enjoyed many weekends riding quads, working on his property or recreating in his ‘shop’ with his friends and family

Dr Lali passed away peacefully at his home on October 23rd. He was predeceased by his sister, Harminder Kaur Lali Dr Lali is survived by his parents Chatter and Resham; three beautiful children, son Aleksander, daughters Olivia and Sophia; his sisters, Vina Lali (husband Erik Duivenvoorde), Raji Lali (son Nicholas Atwal), and Banveer Lali; and many uncles, aunts and cousins

Funeral services were held in Grants Pass, Oregon, on October 29th. A Sikh Akhandpath Ceremony was held at Dukh Niwaran Gurudwara Sahib in Surrey, B.C on November 1 3. At this time the family requests condolences may be sent to the family only via telephone at 604-594-5276.

James S. Heppner

January 12, 1941 November 6, 2022

Jim has passed into Glory!

With great love for his family, Jim, 81, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 6, 2022. He is survived by his ‘one and only’ loving wife Gwen, their children Stuart, Matthew (Amber), Rowe (Daryl), Chris (Chandelle), many grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by 3 brothers, 2 sisters and numerous nieces and nephews He is predeceased by 2 brothers

Jim loved the Lord, loved his family and loved his life Service will be held at 1:30 pm on November 12, 2022 at the Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church.

School District No 58 (Nicola Similkameen) ser ves the two communities of Merritt and Princeton, six First Nations Bands, the Métis community, and the Conayt Friendship Society In our district, we recognize that we learn, teach and work on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territories of the Nle?eKepmx and Syilx people, and we acknowledge our Métis communities and their contributions to the Aboriginal ways of being, knowing and doing The mountains, lakes and valleys within the district make it a natural setting for fabulous, year round outdoor activities We offer a warm small town atmosphere where relationships are fundamental to our success Merritt, where the office is located, is in the Nicola Valley and is the hub of a highway system that links Kamloops, Kelowna, and the Lower Mainland Ranching, forestr y, health, local government, and tourism are the major industries in the valley

Our Strategic Plan has a “Success for ALL Learners” focus, supported by a dedicated staff, engaged stakeholders and partners who share a genuine commitment to the district The district offers rich programming to just over 2075 students, 48% of whom are Indigenous We are proud of our ongoing work towards Truth and Reconciliation

School District No 58 (Nicola Similkameen) is accepting applications for UNCERTIFIFED Teachers Teaching on Call. The district is seeking highly skilled and dynamic individuals to join our list of Casual Uncertified Teachers Teaching on Call Preference will be given to individuals with a demonstrated work histor y or volunteer experience working with children and youth.

Required qualifications and training include:

• Bachelor’s degree or other post secondar y education

• Recent successful teaching experience and/or training preferred Effective interpersonal and communication skills

• Demonstrated interest in working with children and youth

Obser vation of the Human Rights Code of Canada and being Culturally Aware to all is a requirement for this position

Interested applicants should go to our district website at www sd58 bc ca which provides guidance on how to apply for teaching jobs in our district Applications must include: Cover letter, resume, copies of post secondar y transcripts and names of two super visor references (including most recent super visor) Only short listed applicants will be contacted

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the volume of applications received, the district is unable to provide commentar y or feedback regarding an applicant’s qualifications/ application, nor are we able to provide career advice/consultation Applications will be reviewed, and hiring will occur on an ongoing basis

For further information regarding this position, contact the Assistant Superintendent, Ms Jane Kempston at 250 378 5161 or email: jkempston@365.sd58.bc.ca

CURRENT JOB OPPOR TUNITIES

POSITION

JOB CODE CLOSING DATE

Computer Tech ½ 3353563 Open Until Filled

Af ter School Program Coordinator Merritt 3351285 Open Until Filled

Temporar y Education Assistant 3349961 Open Until Filled

Merritt Secondar y School

Fir st Nations Suppor t Worker 3259682 Ongoing

Strong Star t Coordinator 3256009 Open Until filled

Relief Education Assistant 3259613 Ongoing

Af ter School Program Assistant 3353582 Open Until Filled

Relief Clerk Typist 3256003 Ongoing

Relief Custodian 3259601 Ongoing Relief Bus Driver 3255978 Ongoing

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www makeafuture ca/bc schools 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

Route ME16, Clapper ton, Coldwater, Douglas, Houston, Priest 81 Papers Diamond Vale Area

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

Route ME27, Chapman, Cleasby, Granite, Spring 65 Papers Across From Post Office

Route ME25, Canford, Cleasby, Coldwater, Hamilton, Spring, Wilson 120 Papers Central Area