Christmas Supplement 2011
First Place Winner: Ages 0-4 Matt Mercer
First Place Winner: Ages 5-8 Xandryn Frost
First Place Winner: Ages 9-11 Emma Jensen
First Place Winner: Ages 12+ Breanna Podlasly
Christmas stories and colouring from our talented people on the North Island.
GAZETTE NORTH ISLAND
Christmas 2011
B2 www.northislandgazette.com
Thursday, December 22, 2011
A couple of kids out to cut a Christmas tree got the ol’ imagination juices owing for about 100 local writers who entered this year’s North Island Gazette annual story starter. While the tales were as varied and wonderful as the people who wrote them, there was a common theme that developed in many stories — helping others. We’re not sure how that happened, but it sure gives everyone a terriďŹ c insight into the way North Islanders think and behave. Other stories used comedy and some were a little sad in the way they tugged at our heartstrings and the judges had a difďŹ cult time choosing the winners, as they did when judging the hundreds of coloured pictures from children all over the North Island. We have those drawings up on the walls of the Gazette ofďŹ ce and it sure helps put everyone in the Christmas spirit. Winners in story contest will receive a cash prize for ďŹ rst and for second places. Prizes can be claimed at the Gazette ofďŹ ce in Port Hardy. Winners in the colouring contest will receive a cash prize for ďŹ rst, second and third places. In closing and from our Gazette family to yours, we wish you the very Merriest Christmas and hope 2012 is your best year yet! Sandy Grenier, publisher
ANOTHER GREAT SEASON IS IN THE BAG! Merry Christmas and a bundle of thanks to all the kind folks we’ve had the privilege to serve this year. From the management & staff
And the winners are... Story contest
Colouring Contest
Grade k to 3 1st Hailey Scow 2nd Merissa Walkus/Wallace Grade 4 to 7 1st Shelby Keen 2nd Jordan Hanuse Adult 1st Linda Boyce
Ages 0 to 4 1st Matt Mercer 2nd Theo Johnny 3rd Kaia Mackay Ages 5 to 8 1st Xandryn Frost 2nd Tainne Payne 3rd Kylie MacGregor Ages 9 to 11 1st Emma Jensen 2nd Tianna Walkus 3rd Abbi Kervin Ages 12+ 1st Breanna Podlasly 2nd Carlye Smedley 3rd Alica Walkus
Home is Where the Heart is! May the true spirit of Christmas reside in your heart and may glad tidings follow wherever you go this holiday season. Thank you for visiting us this year.
Dunlop’s
8945 Granville St 250-949-8313
Home Owners Helping Homeowners
Merry Christmas
& All the Best in the New Year
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Monty & Staff
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Thursday, December 22, 2011
ww.northislandgazette.com B3
Christmas 2011
Broken down sleigh
Grades K-3
By: Hailey Scow, Grade 3 Eagle View Elementary Jimmy and Kim were worried. It was December 16 and they still didn’t have a Christmas tree. Jimmy went to the shed and took out the hatchet and his sister glided into the nearby woods. “There’s one,” cried Kim. Jimmy walked to the tree and lifted the hatchet in both hands. Suddenly they heard a loud “snap” of a branch breaking behind him. The twins spun around and saw a large figure. It was Santa. His sled had broken down. Santa had lost his Christmas bag. Santa was quickly looking for his bag. The bag was magical and had all of the presents in it. Kim, Jimmy and Santa looked for the bag in the woods. It was on the highest branch of the tree. Kim carefully grabbed the bag and slowly gave the bag to Jimmy. Then Jimmy slowly gave the bag to Santa. Santa gave one present to each of them. Santa fixed his sled and headed back to the North Pole. Kim and Jimmy went back to cut down the tree and they had the best Christmas ever.
As the year 2012 approaches we would like to thank you for allowing us to be of service to you this year and wish you a New Year full of happiness and prosperity.
Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce
From all of us at
Thank you
to our sponsors, patrons and North Island communities for supporting the North Island Concert Society. The North Island Concert Society wishes everyone a
Merry Christmas and all the Best in 2012
North Island Concert Society
Fox Disposal, 4B Enterprises, All-Store Mini Storage & Beaver Harbour Storage
We’d like to wish you all a
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Transfer Station at Tacan Site Port Hardy will be closed Curbside Service will NOT be affected Dec. 24, 25 & 26 and Dec. 31 & Jan. 1.
Port McNeill Transfer Station will reopen Curbside Service Tues Dec. 27 will NOT be affected & Jan 4 for regular service.
B4 www.northislandgazette.com
Christmas 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Grades 4-7
A Night at the North Pole By: Shelby Keen Sunset Elementary School, Grade 4 Jimmy and Kim were worried. It was December 16 and they still didn’t have a Christmas tree. Jimmy went to the shed and took out the hatchet and his sister glided into the nearby woods. “There’s one,” cried Kim. Jimmy walked to the tree and lifted the hatchet in both hands. Suddenly they heard a loud “snap” of a branch breaking behind him. The twins spun around and they saw a tornado. “Oh no!” cried Kim. “Not good” shivered Jimmy. And at that moment Kim and Jimmy were spinning and spinning. They were in the tornado. “Ahhh” yelled Kim and then puffff, they landed in the snow. A sign was standing next to them and it said “North Pole”. “What?” said Kim, “what is going on?” “Wait a minute…the North Pole is where Santa lives,” said Jimmy. “Let’s go find him,” said Kim. They walked for miles and miles and then they saw a big factory. They heard singing and laughing then they heard a big “ho ho ho, Merry Christmas” Kim and Jimmy went into there. Surprise! There was Santa. Santa was staring at them with joy. “Hello children,” said Santa. “I am checking the nice and naughty lists, you are on the nice list.” “Can you help us get home?” said Kim. “Of course I can,” said Santa. Santa went outside, got his sleigh. “Hey,” said Jimmy, “it’s Dancer and Prancer and Comet and Cupid and Donner and Vixen.” “Hey” said Kim, “it’s Rudolph the red nose reindeer.” “You didn’t even let me finish,” said Jimmy. “Let’s go everyone,” laughed Santa. “Ho ho ho Merry Christmas,” they all yelled. They were dropped off at home. “Goodbye” they all said. Santa gave them a present and sent them off. Merry Christmas.
Santa’s Helpers By: Jordan Hanuse Wagalus School, Grade 7 Jimmy and Kim were worried. It was December 16 and they still didn’t have a Christmas tree. Jimmy went to the shed and took out the hatchet and his sister glided into the nearby woods. “There’s one,” cried Kim. Jimmy walked to the tree and lifted the hatchet in both hands. Suddenly they heard a loud “snap” of a branch breaking behind him. The twins spun around and a fat man with red clothes and a big white beard was stuck in a broken sleigh saying “Help somebody!” Right away Jimmy and Kim knew it was Santa Claus. Kim asked, “Are yo-o-o-u Santa Claus?” “Why yes I am,” said Santa. Jimmy jumped up and down and he went right up to Santa and hugged him. Jimmy said “Oh no, you can’t deliver presents with a broken sleigh!” “Don’t worry Santa, I got a toboggan in the shed.” Kim said “Don’t be silly Jim, that’s not big enough for all of his presents.” Then Jimmy said “What about our old sleigh, even though it is green it should work, we can paint it red!” Kim and Santa liked that idea. They found some red paint and quickly painted the sleigh. Jim asked, “Santa, how do you fly?” Santa replied, “That, I must not tell anyone.” Santa got into the sleigh and started to fly away but Jimmy quickly jumped onto the back of the sleigh and Kim followed. Kim whispered to Jimmy “What are you doing? You are definitely going on the naughty list.” They landed near the biggest building they have ever seen and Jimmy and Kim snuck into the building. There were piles of presents and toys everywhere. As they were wandering around Santa saw them and asked them how they got there. Kim said that it was all Jimmy’s fault because he wanted to see how you could fly. Santa said “you will not get any presents unless you help me pack the sleigh.” “We will do it!” they replied together. “But don’t look at your presents!” They started packing up the sleigh with hundreds and hundreds of presents. They finished and were so excited that it was finally Christmas. Santa gave Kim and Jimmy a ride home and told them “Don’t tell anyone about this, ok?” They both agreed. When their parents woke up they checked on Jimmy and Kim and they were both sound asleep.
SEASON’S GREETINGS With best wishes to our neighbours, friends and clients at this joyous time of year. For your trust in us, we are deeply grateful.
W. Paul Grier Barrister and Solicitor, Notary Public 6990 Market St. Port Hardy Ph: 250-949-6777 wpgrier@telus.net
It’s A Wonderful Life… with friends like you! To all our neighbours and friends, we wish the merriest and brightest holiday season ever! Thanks for lighting up our year with all your visits. Happy Holidays! — From Mayor, Council and Staff Town of Port McNeill
Thursday, December 22, 2011
www.northislandgazette.com B5
Christmas 2011
HO HO HO MERRY XMAS
Ages 0-4
EVEN SANTA TAKIES TIME OFF TO PLAY! DO YOU?
By: Theo Johnny, Age 4
CHECK OUT THE SHED FOR YOUR LAST MINUTE GIFTS GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE WIDE SELECTION OF SNOW GEAR RAIN GEAR, BOOTS, JACKETS...GO PRO
MORE THAN JUST BIKES! #3C-311 Hemlock Street, Port McNeill (behind Subway)
250-956-2686
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm
As the Holiday Season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped to shape our business in a most significant way. We value our relationship with you and look forward to working with you in the year to come. We wish you a very happy Holiday Season and a New Year filled with peace and prosperity.
250-949-7877 24 hour service
from your friends at North Island Timing Association
At the Holiday Season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. It is in this spirit we say… Thank You & Best Wishes for the Holidays & a Happy New Year
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
250-949-6109
Christmas 2011
B6 www.northislandgazette.com
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
The Racoon Scare By: Kirsten Strussi Grade 1 Eagle View Elementary
Grades K-3
Jimmy and Kim were worried. It was Dec. 16 and they still didn’t have a Christmas tree. Jimmy went to the shed and took the hatchet and his sister glided into the nearby woods. “There’s one,” cried Kim. Jimmy walked to the tree and lifted the hatchet in both hands. Suddenly a loud “snap!” of a branch breaking behind him. The twins spun around and they were scared. Jimmy cried “what was that?” Kim thought it was a stick that Jimmy stepped on. But when they turned around the twins saw a little racoon squirreling around trying to find food. Now that they found out what that “snap” was they could get the tree. They weren’t scared anymore. Jimmy and Kim got home with the Christmas tree. Now they could start decorating it with pretty decorations. On Christmas morning they would get presents under there tree from Santa. They lived happily ever after. Merry Christmas to all of the children that helped get the Christmas tree with Jimmy and Kim.
Bright Wishes at Christmas May you find yourself surrounded by all the gifts of this splendid season. We feel fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful friends like you.
Merry Christmas from Carla, Lynn, Katelynd & Sonya at The Hobby Nook & North Island Lanes
4HE (OBBY .OOK
From all of us at
Cafe Guido Wishing you and yours A Very Merry Christmas! OPEN Dec. 23: 7am-6pm Dec. 24: 8am-4pm Dec. 25 & 26: Closed Dec. 27 to 31: 8am-5pm Jan. 1: 10am-5pm
And A Happy New Year!
North Island Transportation Services Ltd. 250-949-6300
Have a safe and happy holiday season
From all of us at
Strait Shooter Photography Thank for another great year! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a picture-perfect New Year
Local freight & passenger transportation is our specialty Shuttle Service: Airport & BC Ferries Agents for Greyhound and DHL 7210 Market St. Port Hardy nit6300@telus.net Fax: 250-949-6388
Strait Shooter Photography 250-949-0528 www.straitshooter.ca
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Christmas 2011
The Blizzardy Christmas
www.northislandgazette.com B7
Adults
By: Linda Boyce
Jimmy and Kim were worried. It was Dec. 16 and they still didn’t have a Christmas tree. Jimmy went to the shed and took the hatchet and his sister glided into the nearby woods. “There’s one!” cried Kim. Jimmy walked to the tree and lifted the hatchet in both hands. Suddenly a loud snap of a branch breaking behind him. The twins spun around and saw two kids they never seen before. The boy said “Our dad is hurt in the woods, can you help us with your sled and Lynn, my sister, says a blizzard is coming.” Just as he said that the blizzard started. The four trudged to Lynn’s dad and other brother with a rope as a guide. Their dad was just coming to, for he had fell, banged his head and broke his leg. The five got him on the sled and headed back to Jimmy’s place. When they got back to the tree, Jimmy chopped it down and they continued on. By the time they got there the blizzard was in full force and the phone wasn’t working. Jimmy got the fire going and Lynn’s brother told them how their small plane crashed and they were looking for help. By that time Kim had a bunch of candles lit up for the power had gone out. Jimmy then got the generator going. Kim got out the hotdogs and they roasted wieners in the fireplace. They all went to sleep. The next morning another blizzard had started. Lynn said “Let’s decorate the tree and sing carols.” Jimmy, Kim and Lynn decorated the tree while the others watched. While decorating the tree they sang Christmas carols. Till Christmas Eve when Jimmy’s parents got home, the kids kept busy taking care of Lynn’s dad, playing games, singing carols and so on. Christmas morning everyone woke up. Lynn and her brothers even got some Christmas presents. Their dad was able to walk again. Late afternoon they all sat down for a Christmas dinner. Lynn said it was the best Christmas in a long time for her.
s g n i t e e r Seasons Gand all! to one
Your support makes every day a little sweeter for us. With sincere thanks and best wishes for a merry and bright holiday season to all of you. From Craig and Shelley and our staff
We look forward to serving you in 2012.
7035 Market • 250-949-5905
Sundown Market Port McNeill 250-956-4232
From the Staff at Creative Edge Salon & Spa From Our Family to Yours... Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Holiday Season
HAPPY HOLIDAYS From our Family to Yours We’d like to say in all sincerity, That we wish you much joy and prosperity; And when the holiday is through, May our best wishes remain with you! We’re proud to serve these fine communities and we thank you for your trust in us. From
Karin & Joan 14 Convenient Island Locations and 24/7 Claims Service to Serve You Better
v iic .c a TRAVEL | HOME | CONDO | AUTO | MARINE | BUSINESS | FARM | LIFE | MORTGAGE | CRITICAL ILLNESS
www.hardyrealty.ca 250-949-7231
Christmas 2011
B8 www.northislandgazette.com
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Grades K-3
A Ride Home By: Merissa Walkus/Wallace, Grade 2 Jimmy and Kim were worried. It was December 16 and they still didn’t have a Christmas tree. Jimmy went to the shed and took out the hatchet and his sister glided into the nearby woods. “There’s one,” cried Kim. Jimmy walked to the tree and lifted the hatchet in both hands. Suddenly they heard a loud “snap” of a branch breaking behind him. The twins spun around and see Santa. He offers to give them a ride home. Jimmy and Kim tell Santa they need to cut down their tree first. Jimmy quickly cuts down the tree. Santa loads the tree onto the sleigh. They get into the sleigh and Santa tells the reindeer to go. He takes them home. Jimmy and Kim get out with their tree. They have a good Christmas.
As we put yet another year out to pasture, we'd like to wish all of you a very joyous and satisfying holiday season. Working with great people like you has been udderly fantastic for us. Thanks!
Island Foods 250-956-3328
WISHING YOU A VERY GOOD YEAR!
Happy Holidays
HERE’S HOPING YOUR YEAR IS SIMPLY GOLDEN! For all your visits this year, we are sincerely grateful and we welcome the opportunity to serve you again in the year ahead.
With warm wishes and thanks to our neighbours and friends this festive season.
Hardy Builders’ Supply
HBS 250-949-6611
Season’s Greetings As another holiday season gets into full swing, we’d like to display our best wishes, and deliver our gratitude to all of those who have visited us this year. For your friendship, we feel truly blessed and look forward to serving you again, soon.
250-949-6630 scarlet@cablerocket.com
Happy Holidays Joyous Noel
Feliz Navidad Merry Christmas
Blessings At Yuletide
No matter how you say it, we hope it’s grand! Thank you for your generous support all year long. from all of us at Port Hardy Bulldozing
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Christmas 2011
www.northislandgazette.com B9
Grades K-3
Christmas Rabbit By: Rachel Pohl Heritage Christian On-line School, Grade 2 Jimmy and Kim were worried. It was Dec. 16 and they still didn’t have a Christmas tree. Jimmy went to the shed and took the hatchet and his sister glided into the nearby woods. “There’s one,” cried Kim. Jimmy walked to the tree and lifted the hatchet in both hands. Suddenly a loud “snap!” of a branch breaking behind him. The twins spun around and Kim saw a rabbit, Jimmy didn’t. Kim picked up the rabbit because she noticed it had a collar, on it said “To Jimmy, From Santa”. Kim found a cloth bag in her pocket, asked Jimmy if she could use his pocket knife and he said “yes”. She cut a hole in the bag and put the rabbit in the bag and put the bag in her pocket. At Santa’s house, he looked for the rabbit because it was Jimmy’s. Santa went to the woods where they were and Kim saw Santa’s sleigh with the reindeer. Jimmy and Kim both said at the same time “Santa, why are you here!” Jimmy turned away to look for a better tree. Kim noticed Jimmy wasn’t watching and quietly said to Santa “I think that you are looking for this rabbit”. “It has a name tag that says it’s from you”. Then she gave Santa the rabbit because he said that he was looking for it. For giving Santa back the rabbit, Santa rewarded her with a big beautiful tree. Kim showed it to Jimmy and Jimmy said “that is enormous and beautiful!” Kim and Jimmy thanked Santa and went home with the tree and decorated it. When they were ready to put the angel on top Jimmy lifted Kim up and she placed the angel on top of the tree. Then they had dinner and went to bed. At midnight Kim heard something on the roof. She opened the window and looked up. She saw Santa and his reindeer with rudolph and his glowing nose. She closed the window and she went back to bed. And luckily Jimmy didn’t wake up. On Christmas morning they woke up and went down stairs and opened their presents. In the first present that Jimmy opened was the rabbit and that’s when Kim said “that was the rabbit that made the loud snap Jimmy”. Suddenly, Santa appeared and said in his loud jolly voice “ ho, ho, ho, merry Christmas to all”. Jimmy ran up to Santa and thanked him for the rabbit. Kim thanked him for the beautiful Christmas tree. When Santa had left, Jimmy and Kim opened the rest of their presents and played with them all day long.
Wishing you and your family peace and joy this holiday season Claire Trevena MLA North Island Ph: 866-387-5100 claire.trevena.mla@leg.bc.ca
Claire Trevena MLA North Island
In the spirit of the season we have made a donation to “World Vision Canada” in lieu of cards to our clients. Thank you for your business and have a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Dave, Judy & Kathy
250-956-4333
Free Family Swim There’s no place like home for the holidays, especially when there are people like you for neighbours! Merry Christmas and many thanks.
District of Port Hardy
Thursday, Dec. 22 11am-12pm (Sponsored by Pacificus)
Free Public Swim Thursday, Dec. 22 1:15pm-2:45pm (Sponsored by CUPE 2045 & EPCOR)
Christmas 2011
B10 www.northislandgazette.com
Thursday, December 22, 2011
When Christmas goes wrong By: Allison Briscoe, Grade 6 Sunset Elementary
Grade 4-7
Jimmy and Kim were worried. It was December 16th and they still did not have a Christmas trees. Jimmy scurried to the shed and grabbed the hatchet. Then he took Kim and they glided towards the woods. “There’s one” cried Kim Jimmy walked towards the perfect tree. He lifted the hatchet with both his hands. Suddenly a loud “SNAP” The twin’s turned around to see what it was. “AHH, AHH!!!!” hollered the twins. It was a pack of WOLVES. Kim tried to climb a tree but it was too big. “What are we going to do” cried Kim. “We will fight them of?” suggested Jimmy. “Are you crazy!” exclaimed Kim. “Wait, their gone” whispered Jimmy. “Were saved” yelled Kim. “Not exactly” explained Jimmy. “What!!!” Screamed Kim. “Were going to have to spend Christmas here” whispered Jimmy. “Maybe Santa will come save us” cried Kim. “There is no such thing as Santa” screamed Jimmy. “You believe what you believe and I believe what I believe” suggested Kim. “Deal” agreed the twins. “Good night” the twins said to each other. 8 days later “Jimmy, we have to decorate the tree” cried Kim. “Why, no one will rescue us” explained Jimmy. “You don’t know that” cried Kim. “I’m sorry but, I can’t believe that were stuck out here” apologized Jimmy. “That’s okay” replied Kim. “Let’s get to work on the tree” voted Jimmy. 1 day later “Santa came” yelled Kim “He brought a search party too” Jimmy told Kim. “Can we open our presents” asked Kim. “Why don’t we bring home our presents to our family” suggested Jimmy. “Good idea” Kim agreed. So Jimmy and Kim went home to spend Christmas with their family. They had turkey dinner with their family.
Happy Holidays from the Gazette team Sandy, Carrie, Marlene, Julie, J.R., Mike and Aleister Thank you for being a part of your community newspaper! Wishing you all the best in 2012.
GAZETTE NORTH ISLAND
YOUR LIFE. YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR PAPER.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
www.northislandgazette.com B11
Christmas 2011
Ages 5-8 By: Tainne Payne Age 7 years
Glad tidings to you and yours at this special time of year. We feel fortunate to have neighbours like you and are thankful for your continued patronage.
We’re proud to serve you! We’re displaying our holiday best to let you know just how much we appreciate your business and how proud we are to be at your service. Have a great holiday and please stop by and visit us soon.
Thank You For SEEING US This Year! Wishing all our patients a safe and happy holiday season. We value your trust and are proud to serve you. Looking forward to seeing you and your family again soon.
DAVE LANDON MOTORS 250-949-6393 www.davelandonford.com
DL # 5507
At This Season Of Giving We’d like to give you our well wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season. We feel deeply honoured to have your friendship and trust. Thanks
NORTH ISLAND VISION CENTRE Dr. Stanley Eng. O.D., F.A.A.O. #7-Port Hardy Shopping Centre
250-949-6282
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B12 www.northislandgazette.com
Christmas 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
To all of our clients and your families
A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thank you for your support this past year and we look forward to providing you with our ďŹ&#x201A;ying and Maintenance services this coming year. From all of us at West Coast Helicopters (Port McNeill, Bella Coola, Campbell River, Nanaimo)