Prince George Citizen October 24, 2019

PRINCE GEORGE

THURSDAY

October 24, 2019

Your community newspaper since 1916

PGCITIZEN.CA

BITE OF THE APPLE Nine-year-old Kassidy Heffernan bobs

Fashioned Thanksgiving Celebration festivities.

Judge acquits driver charged in CNC student’s death

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

tclarke@pgcitizen.ca

A woman driving a pickup truck that struck and killed a College of New Caledonia student in June 2018 was found not guilty Thursday of impaired driving.

Michelle Denise Dac was acquitted in provincial court by a judge who found reasonable doubt that Dac was not impaired by alcohol at the time of the accident on Highway 97. The collision resulted in the death of Sandeep Kaur, an international student from India who had been attending CNC for two months. She died at the scene. Kaur was jaywalking when she tried to

$2.00

cross the two southbound lanes of Highway 97, north of the intersection at 22nd Avenue. Witness testimony established that Dac was observing the speed limit just before the accident and had no chance of stopping when Kaur ran out from in front of a white van stopped in the right lane.

Dac’s view of the student was obstructed by the van as Kaur ran into the left lane where the impact occurred.

In earlier testimony, Dac said she left her work as an injury adjustor for ICBC at 4:01 p.m. on the day of the accident.

Police interviewed five of her colleagues at work, one who recalled giving her a hug to console her when she became upset at the recent death of her father and another

who spoke with her in the parking lot an hour before Dac left work. None of the witnesses detected any signs of impairment or noticed anything unusual.

At 4:18 p.m., 20 minutes before the accident, Dac purchased a two-litre bottle of California Cooler and two smaller cooler bottles at a liquor store on 10th Avenue. In her earlier testimony, Dac originally testified she had no recollection of going to the liquor store after work. While waiting for first responders to arrive after the crash, Dac opened the rear door of her truck and took an empty cooler bottle and poured in half of the contents of a full two-litre

See JUDGE AQUITS, page 3

CITY AWAITS RESULTS FROM CHINA TRIP

Despite little to show from earlier trips to China by elected officials and bureaucrats, the City of Prince George spent nearly $8,000 to send city manager Kathleen Soltis and economic developer manager Melissa Barcellos to a business conference in Hong Kong in November 2018.

While there have been no concrete benefits announced yet as a result of attending the Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference last fall, Soltis and Barcellos went “with the purpose of promoting Prince George as a location for an e-commerce distribution centre within the Prince George Foreign Trade Zone recently designated by the federal government,” wrote the city’s senior communications officer, Michael Kellett, in an email to The Citizen.

Soltis and Barcellos met with seven companies and 12 individuals to discuss business opportunities in Prince George. They also met with two trade commissioners, including the senior trade commissioner from the Canadian consulate in Hong Kong, a potential investor in a data centre recommended by the B.C. government’s International Trade and Investment Office and representatives from CN Rail also attending the conference.

Soltis and Barcellos were invited to attend the conference by Prince George Airport Authority president and CEO John Gibson.

“They know the city’s development plans and specific investor information about the city that the airport does not know in detail,” he said in an email to The Citizen. “At this time, there is not an outcome that we can share publicly, as continuing discussions with proponents is extremely confidential.”

There have been discussions and memorandums of understanding signed with Chinese officials in the recent past.

As the acting city manager in 2012, Soltis joined a city delegation to Jiangmen with

See CHINA TRIP, page 3

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

for apples on Monday during Huble Homestead’s Old-

NEIL GODBOUT Citizen staff ngodbout@pgcitizen.ca

cooler in and the last remaining ounce of a bottle of vodka. She then sat on the grass and guzzled the mixture within about 30 seconds and deposited the empty bottle in a garbage can. She said she drank the mixture to try to calm herself down.

Police detected liquor on Dac’s breath and her blood was tested twice. The first test, at 6:23 p.m., showed 140 milligrams of blood alcohol content in the sample, while the second, taken at 6:44 p.m., showed 130 mg. The legal limit is 80 mg.

After watching video surveillance taken from three angles at the liquor store where Dac made her purchases right before the accident, provincial court judge Peter McDermick said Dac showed a series of actions that displayed some degree of fine motor skills. She seemed steady on her feet as she placed the bottles of liquor on the counter. She inserted her bank card into the card-reading device on the first attempt and entered the code without difficulty or hesitation while carrying on a conversation with the clerk. As she approached her

Mayor Shari Green, then city councillor and now mayor Lyn Hall, city councillor Dave Wilbur and Heather Oland, the CEO of the now-defunct Initiatives Prince George.

At the time, city councillor Brian Skakun opposed the trip, due to its $35,000 price tag, in the middle of a core review of city operations and expenses.

Green, Oland and city manager Beth James returned to Jiangmen the following year.

Despite these trips, a 2010 visit to Jiangmen by Mayor Dan Rogers and city councillors Garth Frizzell and Don Bassermann,

vehicle she reached up to the sunglasses from the top of her head smoothly and accurately. In the judge’s estimation, the video evidence suggested reasonable doubt she was actually impaired at the time her truck hit Kaur.

Dac’s original charges of dangerous driving, impaired driving causing death and causing an accident resulting in death were later dropped.

Concerns raised by students to make the area in front of the college safer resulted in the installation of a 310-metre section of chain-link fence on the median from 18th Avenue to 23rd Avenue to prevent pedestrians from jaywalking on that part of Highway 97.

City staff also removed a sidewalk from the CNC campus to a decommissioned bus stop, erected signs on the CNC campus directing pedestrians to the intersection and installed concrete barriers on the west side of East Central at 20th Avenue. Vehicle access from Westwood Drive to 22nd Avenue was also permanently blocked.

as well as two visits to Prince George by Chinese delegations, there has yet to be a formal sister city accord signed by Jiangmen.

In 2015, Mayor Lyn Hall signed a memorandum of understanding with visiting representatives from Suzhou City to form closer business and cultural ties, as well as pursue sister city status, but there have been no further developments announced. Later in 2015, Soltis and Barcellos, as well as representatives from the Prince George airport, went to China as part of a provincial trade mission led by Premier Christy Clark.

CHINA TRIP, from page 1

Doherty, Zimmer eager to get back to work

Calling the 2019 federal election “the ugliest six weeks of the past four years,” Todd Doherty says he can’t wait to get back to business in Ottawa now that he’s been elected for a second term representing Cariboo-Prince George.

Doherty held the riding for the Conservatives, defeating the next closest candidate, Liberal Tracy Calogheros. In his emotional victory speech at the Courtyard Marriott, the 51-yearold Doherty showed his supporters the Parliamentary pin given to all MPs and explained how it gives him access to Parliament at any time on any day. Doherty had his pin made into a ring and told the crowd it was “my Stanley Cup ring, my Olympic gold medal, my Super Bowl ring.

“Being your MP is the greatest honour I’ve ever had and I will continue to be a strong voice,” he said. “My pledge to you is the very same I pledged in 2015. I can’t promise you things that are out of my control. I can only promise what I can control, to be the hardest-working member of Parliament. We will be visible and regardless of who you voted for you know you have someone that’s fighting for you.”

Doherty was obviously disappointed the Conservative vote was not enough to defeat the Liberals, who will form a minority government but was grateful for his new mandate to represent his constituents and hold the Liberals under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accountable.

“While the national count isn’t what

we wanted, we’ve had some significant gains and I can’t wait to get on the floor and actually kick some ass again,” he said.

His top priority for Cariboo-Prince George is to secure a softwood lumber agreement with the U.S. to help stimulate the forest economy and get forestry workers back to work.

Calogheros said she hopes climate change and aboriginal reconciliation remain high on her party’s new order of business and predicted the House of Commons won’t be so divisive as a result of Monday’s election.

“I’m really proud of the campaign we ran, we managed to talk about a lot of things that matter to people and we got

out all across this riding and brought a lot of people together in a lot of conversations that mattered,” said Calogheros. It was another successful campaign for Bob Zimmer, who won his third consecutive term for Prince GeorgePeace River-Northern Rockies by an overwhelming majority.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty shares an embrace with wife Kelly during his victory speech on Monday evening at Courtyard by Marriott.

“The term I would use is bittersweet, we did very well here as a riding and I never take anything for granted but I’m really pleased with the numbers so far,” said Zimmer, from his election headquarters in Fort St. John. “The bittersweet part of course is we didn’t form a majority like we’d hoped, so we’ll see how that’s going to play out in the next few weeks to a month to see what agreement the prime minister makes with the NDP.”

ELECTION NUMBERS

Cariboo-Prince George

Zimmer, 51, also wants a softwood agreement but his overriding concern for the country is to begin construction of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline project from Alberta to the West Coast.

“I just want to see our resources get to market,” he said. “(Trans Mountain) is one the current Liberals support and I hope they don’t give carte blanche to the NDP and they seek support on an issue by issue basis.”

Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies

SD57 NAMES NEW SUPERINTENDENT

emotional needs.

Anita Richardson is the new School District 57 superintendent. She will step into her new role on Jan. 1.

Richardson was born in Prince George, raised in the Robson Valley and was a teacher and principal in Mackenzie before moving to Alberta where she spent years with the Horizon school division as the associate superintendent. The Horizon program sees academically gifted students achieve excellence in an environment that supports the students’ unique intellectual, social and

“The Board of Education is very excited to welcome Anita back home to School District 57,” Tim Bennett, board chair, said in a release. “It was important the successful candidate demonstrated leadership and results working with community through authentic relationships, supporting improved outcomes for students and vision for the district. Anita’s passion, background and experiences will complement the strong leadership team we have in the district and help continue to move the district forward into 2020 and beyond.”

“I am looking forward to getting reac-

quainted with the communities and people that make up School District 57,” Richardson said in a news release. “I know that by developing strong relationships with the dedicated board of education, our amazing staff, members of Lheidli T’enneh and McLeod Lake Indian Band, our committed educational stakeholders, together we will grow School District 57 into a learning community that truly prepares our students to seize life’s opportunities. It is only together, supporting one another, working toward our common goal that we will see School District 57 reach its true potential.”

BIKE-A-THON RAISES SPIRIT FUNDS

The tenth annual Bike-A-Thon hosted by the Punjabi Canadian Senior Society raised $20,842 which was donated to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.

The fundraising effort has raised more than $150,000 over the last decade.

Each year a group of cyclists leaves the Guru Nanak Darbar Skih Temple and rides to Purden Lake where they enjoy a picnic lunch and then cycle back to Prince George.

“It is important that the money raised stays here locally to help and that our event draws the community together,” Gordie Powar, Bike-A-Thon coordinator, said.

Spirit of the North Healthcare CEO Judy Neiser said she’s grateful for their longstanding efforts.

“Each year they continue to direct their donations to an area of greatest need and

focusing on healthy messages to youth is ideal,” she added. “Our hope is that what is learned through this program is retained and shared with family and friends so that everyone benefits from great lessons learned at a young age.”

Programs benefiting from funds raised by the society in the past include the cardiac campaign, Optos OCT-SLO for the eye clinic, Spect CT Scanner, and a Dedicated Maternal Operating Room. This year’s Bike-A-Thon was held in support of the Spirit of Healthy Kids program; a partnership between Northern Health, Prince George Cougars and the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. The program is provided to elementary school students with the focus of teaching youth how to make healthy choices and be active, encourage regular reading, be kind and give back to the community.

Citizen staff

RICHARDSON

Citizen staff

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

SPIRIT OF GIVING The Punjabi Canadian Senior Society made a $20,842 donation to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation on Friday afternoon.

Vet takes protest public

TED CLARKE Staff Reporter tclarke@pgcitizen.ca

Patrick Cannon just wants a place to call home.

The 61-year-old Canadian army veteran, whose tour of duty in Bosnia in the mid1990s left him with post traumatic stress disorder, finally reached a breaking point last Saturday.

He and his German shepherd companion Gunner parked themselves in front of the closed office of the BC Housing office on Second Avenue and held up a sign which read: “Liberals - If you’re asking me for my vote, you’re asking for more than I’m willing to give.”

Evicted from his rented home since Aug. 4, Cannon has been living with friends, couch-surfing or housesitting since then and he’s fed up with it. He owes $8,922 in tax payments from 2018 and Revenue Canada has been sending him letters asking him for the money.

“Revenue Canada is after him for thousands of dollars and he’s a pensioner and he can’t pay,” said Cristian Silva, a launch manager for Team Rubicon, an organization that helps Canadian military veterans utilize their skills and experience to help deal with disasters and humanitarian crises. “At the end of the month he’s broke. To see him here like this just breaks my heart. He’s paid his dues and he’s tired. He just wants his own house.”

Cannon has twice gone into bankruptcy, the first time when he was discharged from the military in 2003 and the second in 2012, which lasted seven years. But bankruptcy does not eliminate taxes owed and he’s

Patrick Cannon, a homeless veteran of the Bosnian war who served as a heavyduty mechanic in the Canadian military for more than two decades, issued a desperate plea for help on the weekend with his dog Gunner in front of the BC Housing offices on Second Avenue.

been left with a tax bill of $75,874.15 he says he cannot afford to pay.

“Each and every year I’ve been paying on this for seven years in bankruptcy, divorce and all other manner of hell and over seven years the amount I’ve paid is over $200,000,” he said. “How do they calculate their interest on late payments when I have to pay my taxes again in April and I know I’m going to be due with another $7,000 bill? Why do you think guys are killing themselves, because they can’t get ahead of the interest.”

Cannon has been told he doesn’t qualify for provincial housing subsidy because his annual income of $62,000 in 2018, generated from a monthly disability payment of $3,356 and $1,145 military pension, exceeds the limit. He says his tax troubles stem from the fact he was overpaid in his pensions for several years in the lead-up to his second bankruptcy and Revenue Canada has been taking back those overpayments.

“I need them to look at me and not say I make too much money because there is no money, everybody’s clawing at it,” he said. “With the fixed income I have, I need fixedincome housing. I’m entitled to get myself out of a duffle bag and have a home. That’s not unreasonable.”

Cannon has tried to explain his situation

with Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer but most of his time the past month has been devoted to campaigning for the election and he’s been unavailable. MLAs Shirley Bond and Mike Morris have been sympathetic to his case and he says they have tried to help him with his application to BC Housing.  Cannon, a native of Sarnia, Ont., served 22 1/2 years in the military as a heavy-duty mechanic and went to Bosnia for two years with the Swan Service Battalion in 1997. After his military discharge in 2003 he worked as a truck driver in Edmonton but due to PTSD he hasn’t worked since then.  Bright lights, smoke, glare and flashes trigger his symptoms and can lead to an anxiety attack.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

SODA fundraiser Saturday

CHRISTINE HINZMANN Staff Reporter chinzmann@pgcitizen.ca

A locally-based charity that helps the disabled in South India is hosting its annual fundraiser Saturday at the Hart Crown Banquet Hall.

The Samuha Overseas Development Association (SODA) was founded in 1996 and each year has committed to raising $20,000 for their overseas efforts.

The main beneficiaries of the program were children who were affected by polio. Since the disease has been eradicated in India for about a decade, the program now gears itself to all children with any kind of disability and adults who are disabled, as well.

“The funds go to an organization called Samuha in South India in the state of Karnataka,” Hilary Crowley, president of the association, said.

It started when Crowley spent a year in Karnataka from 1994-95, which was right at the height of the polio epidemic. As a physiotherapist, she was training people there to help those in need.

“And I’ve been going back there pretty well every year since for about six weeks at a time,” Crowley said, who emphasized she funds her own trips and all the funds raised on Saturday goes to Samuha.

“So I monitor how the money is spent and it goes directly to their disability program. So it’s the families there that benefit from it. Every cent goes to the program. It works out to be about 70 per cent going to children and the rest to adults with spinal cord injuries.”

The support from Prince George has been so great that it’s been possible to fund the early intervention centre for children under six years old as well as the spinal cord injury

unit, Crowley added.

“Coming through the doors at the event people will smell wonderful Indian food,” Crowley laughed. “So it’s really excellent food and I recently published a book about my 25 years of experience in India so Footsteps to Freedom will be available. There will be a silent auction and there will be entertainment - we’ll have some Indian dances and then I show my slides of the project and the work we’ve been doing.”

Crowley will be making the trip to India on Nov. 5.

Usually Crowley takes Canadian physio and occupational therapy students with her but this year another physiotherapist will accompany her.

“Hopefully next year we’ll start taking students again,” she said. “It counts toward their degree - they’re allowed to do an international six-week placement during their training. It’s mostly community-based work and they learn how to work with no equipment.”

Crowley said she’s taken about 30 students over the years.

“They’ve all really appreciated it,” she added. “One of them has even gone on to become a pediatrician and most of them are working with children.”

Once the UNBC physiotherapist program starts up in September 2020, Crowley hopes to take those students with her on her annual trip as one of their practicums.

“That’s my hope,” Crowley said. Doors open at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Hart Crown Banquet Hall, 3955 John Hart Highway. Admission is by donation. Tax receipts given for donations, excluding the $25 price of dinner. Cash or cheque only. To reserve seats, send an email to soda.sec@gmail.com.

This is one of the many children SODA has helped over the last two decades. The local charity is holding its annual fundraising dinner on Saturday, where all the proceeds go towards helping disabled people in southern India.

Discount bread store closes

TED CLARKE Citizen staff tclarke@pgcitizen.ca

At four loaves for a buck, bags of bread were flying off the shelves at the McCain’s Discount Bread Outlet store on Quinn Street as customers grabbed armfuls to fill their freezers.

It was the last day for the store, which closed permanently on Oct. 15, and the bargain-basement prices left those shelves bare at the end of the day for store employees Heather Kennedy and Debbie Blakely.

Kennedy and Blakely know there’s no other bread store in the city that regularly discounts $5 loaves of bread and sells them for $1.25. Their customers, especially seniors, students and lowerincome families struggling to keep on top of the bills, will feel the pinch the most on their grocery bill.

For them, the cost of living just became more expensive.

Joyce Miller was back for a second trip on closing day. The low prices and the friendly staff made her a regular customer years ago.

“I have a neighbour with six children and so I thought while I’m here I’ll grab her some too,” said Miller. “Five of them are in school and they all pack lunches so they go through a lot of bread. They have such a variety, they have all kinds of goodies here and I’ll just miss it all.”

Local schools that have breakfast and lunch programs to feed kids will also have to look for another source of cheap bread.

“People are devastated, all the seniors that can’t afford bread in the stores,” said Blakely. “I’ve made friends with the people who come in here. I enjoyed coming to work every day and talking to customers, I felt very at home here.”

For more than 20 years, trucks have

been delivering racks of bread, buns, bagels, muffins, cookies and cakes that didn’t get sold at the stores and restaurants that order from the company’s huge Canada Bread headquarters in Langley. That all came to an end two weeks ago Tuesday when Grupo Bimbo, a Mexican conglomerate that bought Canada Bread five years ago, decided to close all of its McGavin’s Bread Basket stores in B.C. The shutdowns began last year and the Prince George store was the last to go.

Deanna Little had her truck backed into the loading bay filled with bags of bread that had gone past their expiry dates. The discount store was a weekly stop for Little to deliver treats like cinnamon bread to her pigs, chickens, turkeys and cows on her farm east of the city. She’s among 30 farmers close to the city who have been buying stale bread that would have otherwise have been disposed of in the landill.

“I’m going to miss the girls more than anything, they’re like family,” said Little. “I’ve been coming here off and on for 20 years.”

Wally McCue has been a regular customer for 16 years and especially loved the multigrain bread. He bought supplies of baked goods too old to sell to give to his farm animals on his property in Beaverly. On closing day he came by with going-away gifts for Kennedy and Blakely, a token of his appreciation for all the money their store has saved McCue and his family over the years.

Drivers will continue to supply stores and restaurants in and around the city but all unsold bread will be trucked back to the bakery in Langley and processed into animal feed.

The McGavin’s Discount Bread Outlet store was originally on George Street and moved into the light industrial area at 2140 Quinn St., more than two decades ago.

OPINION

Doherty’s example

Justin Trudeau stole the word “progressive” during the federal election campaign and cruised with it to a comfortable minority government. He’ll have little problem governing for most – if not all – of the next four years. There is no chance the Conservatives, the Bloc Quebecois and the NDP would ever band together to force another election.

OUR VIEW

The party that should take “progressive” back are the federal Conservatives. For most of its history, that party called itself the Progressive Conservatives Party of Canada because slow and steady progress, modernity and evolving sensibilities were core beliefs.

That progressive side of small-c conservatism was abandoned under Stephen Harper. His political heir, Andrew Scheer, snatched defeat from the jaws of victory Monday against the weakened Trudeau Liberals by staying true to the Harper base and offering anger and resentment instead of hope and change. Harper’s time as prime minister

was a fluke, caused by the implosion of the federal Liberals, not by his political brilliance or a party platform embraced by a majority of Canadians. The Harper Conservatives won because there was nobody else to choose from (and Canadians were giving a serious look at Jack Layton’s NDP before his untimely death).

Conservatives have to return to their progressive roots to have any chance of winning a future federal election. They have to be centre-right on the political spectrum, with centre first and right second. They need look no further than their Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty, who embodies the brand of upbeat, hopeful progressive small-c conservatism Harper abandoned but the federal Conservatives need more than ever.

On the surface, Scheer had the tools to lead the Conservatives past Harper but when the election test came, he couldn’t turn the page. Instead, he fell back to calling Trudeau a fraud and a liar on national television. That’s not how elections are won in a modern, urban Canada.

Doherty stressed during his campaign that Canada needs to face climate change head on, to do more to protect the environment, to keep working

towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and to do a better job welcoming and including immigrants in the Canadian fabric. While doing so, he also stressed the importance of law and order, fiscal responsibility, economic growth and natural resource development.

That is 2019 progressive conservatism

in a nutshell.  Conservatives were progressive before and they can be again. Hopefully, Doherty can nudge his colleagues in that direction. If he can’t, Conservatives are doomed to be no better than the Bloc Quebecois, a regional party without a national vision.

- Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout

STRONGER SENSE OF IDENTITY NEEDED

We will have a new government by the time this column is published. Our votes will hopefully be counted and a government in waiting.

What do we do with the factions created? How does the Albertan willingly go to work, pay their taxes, knowing that the Quebecer getting a good portion of his taxes voted against his very livelihood? How can a government employee go to work, if the government elected promised to reduce the civil service?

At the end of the day, we all live in Canada, and we have to find a way to live together, regardless of our political views, and outcomes of elections.

My concern is that when we focus on our differences, especially a diverse country like Canada, we are at risk of losing the cohesiveness needed to maintain a sense of togetherness. Canadians need to know that together we are stronger than apart.

THINKING ALOUD

TRUDY

I am not a rabid nationalist, but we do need a sense of what it means to be Canadian. Our political leaders do need to feel that Canada is worth getting the best trade deals; that Canadians deserve to be treated well abroad, simply because they are Canadians, and we take care of our people.

I wrote previously about Canada maybe not having a specific national identity, but I think that’s wrong. I did a bit of research and found that that idea came from Justin Trudeau. Perhaps he was trying to demonstrate his tolerance and openness. However, at a very basic level, declaring we have no identity does not mean we are tolerant or virtuous. It may simply mean

we don’t care to think deeply. They are “neutral” words that mock those that have left home, jobs, and country to come here. It makes a mockery of our men and women in uniform. Why risk life and limb to fight for a vague nothing?

If our political leaders cannot properly articulate what it means to be in Canada, perhaps it is time for ordinary Canadians to think about it. Our shared values were more clear a hundred years ago when men and women were fighting a common enemy. Then, our political leaders were all of similar backgrounds. We owe it to the sacrifice of the ordinary Canadian, all those who fought for our right to determine the Canada that would survive. We need to work out what we have done with the Canada they protected.

We have created a multiethnic country, but we are surely not just a disconnected collection of disparate groups. Finding our shared values, the things that bring us together is the key to building our sense of

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Canada. That will make us a country worth defending, worth fighting for in our trading relationships, and worth voting in an election for.

My challenge for us, regardless who has won the election, is let the things that divide us guide our personal choices in our personal lives –dining room tables, social groups, organizations we support. Those things provide richness and diversity.  Look around for what unites us. Have coffee with the rabid environmentalist neighbour. Or with the person who bravely puts an opposing election sign on their lawn. Or with the one you see crossing your picket line. Or the government employee who audits tax returns. Or the lady who carries a sign opposing abortion. Or for the one who worships at the mosque, or the tiny church, or the big church.

I think our lack of a strong sense of Canadian identity hurts us more than we think. We have work to do.

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KLASSEN

uestion of the week Q

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

“How do you decide who you’re voting for?”

Beginning with the least popular vote at 15 per cent with 93 votes, readers said the “local candidate” is their deciding factor, with “party leader” coming in at 17 per cent and 106 votes, the “party platform” came in at 26 per cent and 166 votes and topping the vote is “all of the above” at 43 per cent and 274 votes.  The total number of votes was 639. Remember this is not a scientific poll.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

BACK IN TIME

I have very much enjoyed reading the front pages of the Prince George Citizen from a hundred years ago that you publish in the “This Week in History” section of the newspaper.

An article in last Thursday’s edition entitled the “Sidelights on Life in a German Prison Camp” caught my eye. This article was published on Oct. 15, 1919, and described the conditions in a German prisoner of war camp in Karlsruhe, in southwestern Germany, during the First World War.

It was particularly interesting to me for two reasons. First, earlier this year, my son spent 10 weeks on exchange in Germany in a town that is very close to Karlsruhe. Second, my grandfather spent three years in a prisoner of war camp in eastern Germany during the First World War. He served in the British Army and was taken prisoner during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 after being stranded for three days in “no-mans land.” He eventually made it back to England, but not until 1919. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away before I was born, so I was never able to ask him about his experiences during the war. But this article gave me some fresh insights into the conditions in the camps so I’m very grateful that you published it.

Thank you.

Gary Wilson Prince George

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:

“Are you happy with the outcome of the federal election?”

HOW TO VOTE: To answer go online to our website: www.pgcitizen.ca

Love forms spiritual core

It seems that nothing in the world has caused more war and destruction than religion, yet many of the greatest leaders who have ever lived embraced spirituality as a central source of their strength. How does one come to understand this apparent dichotomy?

Perhaps the issue is that people have created religion as an institution to understand the deeper spiritual nature of humanity. Institutions serve important social purposes, but they are not perfect. As religions evolve, they take on social aspects, developing rules and regulations.  Along with creating a sense of belonging for their members, they also begin to define who can and who cannot be a part of the community.  At their worst, they become a means of social control, telling followers what they need to do in order to achieve salvation.

I grew up Catholic and Catholicism was central to my education. This was never a problem for me because I lived in a society which was growing more and more critical of institutionalized religion. I have always felt free to question doctrine and practice, and that is actually a very good thing.

I have come to several realizations in this process. The most important is that there is a very big difference between the doctrine of the Catholic Church and the message of Jesus of Nazareth. Catholicism has been around for over two thousand

LESSONS IN LEARNING GERRY CHIDIAC

years and has endured some questionable leadership. It was also the unifying force in Europe for many centuries and thus developed some odd rules in this effort to create social unity and enforce compliance.   Through my questioning, I learned that what is most moral is to follow an informed conscience, even if it brings one in conflict with civil and religious laws. This led to further exploration of my own spirituality.  What I found is a comfort and a peace in the message of Jesus, despite the noise of dos and don’ts proclaimed by Catholic teaching.

I have also found other seekers, some Christian and some not, who were on the same journey as me. It was as if we had all discovered a deeper river, a source of understanding which flowed beyond religion and brought peace and joy. Jesus taught us to love God and to love our neighbour as ourselves. It is all about love, and love is beautifully defined in a teaching given to early Christians and recorded in the first book of Corinthians. Love is patient and kind. It does not hold grudges and it is not boastful. It wants what

MORE POLITICAL UPHEAVAL COMING

Again, I invoke the patience of the readership as we all grow used to the new ways and means of creating a column. After struggling all week to grasp the nettle of an idea that would survive the tsunami of change brought on by a federal election, a light finally came on: to quote the great Marshall McLuhan, “the medium is the message;” and in this latest national contest, it was clear that several different paradigms were being offered, manifested by the actual parties.

Let’s begin with the Liberals and the Conservatives. If you ask the rank and file what they really think about their respective leaders and policies, derision bubbles to the surface. Indeed, a true believer in progressive or conservative values has nowhere to stand in either tent, as both lack convincing or principled platforms. They are too similar because they represent two sides of our oldest paradigm: confederation, framed by questions of culture, or by questions of law.

Defining Canada culturally, with laws

RIGHT OF CENTRE NATHAN GIEDE

following behind, has been a Grit specialty since the end of the Second World War. Tories haven’t had many chances to offer an alternative, but defining powers in the hope a trickle-down effect on culture might ensue sums up many policies.

The New Democratic Party and the Green Party based their platforms on a paradigm that might be called postmodern notions of state and citizen. For the NDP, which was founded as populist and agricultural prairie socialism fueled by non-conformist Protestant ideals, the best thing to pursue is fairness. Their base has changed, but the fundamental theme noted above has not, as everything from identitarian intersectionalism to affordability are constantly cited.

For the Greens, the tool of the state and conscientiousness of the citizen are to be

used in order to preserve the world. Canada is not a place where “single issue” parties last, yet the Greens have the longest serving leader, and the plethora of signs showed strong support. While the Dippers start with a quasi-rationalist premise, the Greens are semi-empirical-evangelists, pointing to the flora and fauna as evidence that we must change our ways, or face extinction.

Thus, we have at least two of the paradigms: is Canada working for us vs. how to make Canada work; and making man’s world fair vs. adjusting to our natural world. The last viewpoint comes to us from Quebec of all places - twice in fact: self-interest, as a group or an individual.

Many will accuse me of finding symmetry where there perhaps is none. Of course those silly gooses have forgotten that the only good Liberal, who brought the Grits out of obscurity and made them a powerhouse for a century, was Sir Wilfred Laurier. He was both a Francophone and a free-trader; without him, we could not possibly have either the Bloc du Quebecois or the Peoples’ Party of Canada, both asking completely

is best for my neighbour, and it always forgives.

In loving God, we realize that we too are loved. God is patient and kind with each of us and asks us to be the same with each other. The message really is that simple. For me, this has led to a deeper understanding of what is central to Catholicism. Perhaps it ties in with my own early Christian and Semitic roots, but I have come to cherish my friendship with Jesus. The Mass is no longer an obligation, it is an opportunity for us to commune in a deeply spiritual way. This is not to say that Catholicism is better than any other spiritual practice, only that it is the one that touches my soul in this way. I believe that others find the same peace in the ways that they choose to believe, and that is a wonderful thing. If what I believe ever leads to separation and seeing others as “less than,” then I am off track. If it draws me closer to joy, peace and the celebration of myself and each person I meet as a beautiful and sacred gift to the world, then I know I am travelling in the right direction.   My questioning has brought me to the conclusion that life is not about religion, it is simply about learning to love.

— Gerry Chidiac is a champion for social enlightenment, inspiring others to find their greatness in making the world a better place. For more of his writings, go to www.gerrychidiac.com.

sincerely, “what do I get out of any of this?” This position is defensible on several grounds: if the whole system seems rigged against you, or the impracticalities of the Dominion constantly increase the taxes while actual progress seems nowhere to be found, or if one elects various parties without any kind of measurable change in policy, the people saying “I’m getting mine and getting out,” start to make sense. In the case of Quebec, their intransigence has given them undue influence for no less than fifty years. The PPC has simply adopted this method of getting more liberty for oneself at the lowest denominator - the individual citizen. Canadians are not famous for their selfishness, productivity, or “profit motive,” but it’s been a growing area of concern for many as costs and debts increase.

Thus, in this most recent election, Canadians actually had six parties to choose from, all of which were helping frame no less than three different paradigms. Far from being a waste, this latest contest will likely be recalled as the first sign that great political upheaval was on the way.

MEMORIES OF A NOR’EASTER

TNIGHT SHIFT

NEIL GODBOUT

he woman was a nor’easter.

For those unfamiliar with that word, it’s what Canadians in the Maritime provinces and Americans on the northeast seaboard call those big storms that roll in from the mid-Atlantic on a regular basis.

Those storms are loud, powerful and relentless.

Kathi Travers was a nor’easter. Like most people, I remember the first time I spoke with Kathi. It was early 2000, I believe. I was new to Prince George, an Okanagan transplant who had joined The Citizen as an associate editor. She had called in to make a change to her Animal Tracks column before it was published. That Boston accent was amazing and so was the character behind it.

Over the years, we argued about so much – fluoride in the city’s water, having a snake in a glass case for the kids to look at in the public library, Justin Trudeau, Hillary Clinton – but we adored each other.

She took great pleasure introducing me on her 93.1 CFIS FM radio show as her “favourite P.G. fiction writer” because it was a backhanded compliment – I have written three teen fantasy books but she also meant the editorials and columns I

wrote that she disagreed with.

Speaking of her show, in 2016 she had me and her dear friend (and mine) Lisa Redpath on her show to have us eat the fluffernutter sandwiches she made for us.

A New England favourite, a fluffernutter is peanut butter and marshmallow creme on white bread.

She was so happy.

It was so disgusting.

We all laughed.

Kathi loved her friends and told them she loved them. She disliked other people and told them so with equal enthusiasm. No malarkey (one of her favourite words and pronounced “ma-LAW-key) from her. There was never any guessing what she thought about you or the topic at hand because she would tell you, whether you wanted to hear it or not.

She deserved a better friend than me.

She sent me two texts at the end of September.

“Very sad by news about the paper,” she wrote on Sept. 19. “It has been a privilege to have been a columnist for the Citizen. Hope you are ok considering.”

A week later, she texted again.

“Thinking of you and hoping that you are ok with all that is happening in your life.”

She attached a happy face emoji.

I replied to neither text.

I foolishly thought I’d have Kathi around forever.

When we had lunch in July, she hugged me at the end and told me she loved me.

I squeezed her back and told her I loved her, too.

That’s how we should all be with our friends and loved ones because we never know what tomorrow will bring. The hellos and goodbyes are as important as everything in between.

May the animals always lick your

face in appreciation, my friend. May the snakes all shrivel up and die, may handsome Justin and Barack always be smiling at you, may your Patriots win every Super Bowl, your Bruins every Stanley Cup and your Red Sox every World Series.

You earned nothing less.

Kathi Travers with a little furry friend in 2003.

MEEP MEEP Kelly Road Roadrunners player Brookelyn Van Camp spikes the ball against the PGSS Polars. The Roadrunners met the Polars on Saturday afternoon at the College Heights Secondary gymnasium in the gold medal game of College Heights Secondary Senior Girls Invitational volleyball tournament. The Roadrunners claimed the title, winning the first set 25-19 and taking the second set 27-25 in a thrilling come-from-behind victory. The D.P. Todd Trojans took on the College Heights Cougars in the bronze medal game. D.P. Todd took the first set 25-20 but then College Heights battled back taking the second set 25-20 and 15-13 in the final set.

Vikings taking on Polars

The undefeated Nechako Valley Vikings will be the heavy favourites when they step onto the field Friday at 4:30 p.m. at Masich Place Stadium to take on the Prince George Polars in a B.C. Secondary Schools Football Association semifinal playoff.

The Vikings rolled to a perfect 3-0 record to take the top seed in the Northern Conference double-A varsity standings and have allowed just 20 points all season. The Vanderhoof team wrapped up the regular season last Friday with a 14-0 win over the Kelly Road Roadrunners.

In their only regular season meeting, scheduled for Oct. 5, the Polars (0-3) were forced to default to the Vikings due to a shortage of players.

In the other Northern Conference semifinal, Friday at 7 p.m. at Masich, the secondplace College Heights Cougars (2-1) will face the Roadrunners (1-2). The Cougars trounced PGSS 43-6 in their last regularseason game last Friday.

The two semifinal winners will meet for the P.G. Bowl on Friday, Nov. 1 at Masich.

In junior varsity North Division playoff action, the top-ranked Duchess Park Condors (3-0) began the playoffs with a

T-wolves face Manitoba in Friday playoff

Citizen staff

For the third straight season the UNBC Timberwolves women’s soccer team is playoff-bound.

In a rematch of last year’s U Sports Canada West Conference playoffs the T-wolves will face the Manitoba Bisons Friday afternoon in a preliminary-round playoff game in Calgary.

“It’s good for the team, good for the program and good for the girls, they’ve worked hard and put a lot of effort into it,” said T-wolves head coach Neil Sedgwick. “There’s been a real focus on the execution of gameplans and staying consistent with that and understanding the pieces of those gameplans and putting them into practice. They just stick together and they work hard together.”

UNBC ended the season with a pair of road losses. They fell 1-0 in Victoria on Friday and 2-1 Saturday to the T-birds at UBC. Sofia Jones scored the T-wolves’ goal in Saturday’s game.

“They were fantastic throughout that game,” said Sedgwick. “UBC scored two world-class goals early in the game and after that we just played and they just did it together. They appreciate how working together gets them success.

“The goal was a great challenge at midfield by Hannah Emmond and then it ended up on Kiana Swift’s foot and she played a pass between the two centrebacks into Sofia and she’s exceptional round the goal when she gets into those situations.”

Last year in Vancouver, the T-wolves beat the Bisons in the preliminary round - UNBC soccer’s first-ever U Sports playoff victory. The T-wolves went on to lose to UBC in the quarterfinal round.

“Last year was so exciting for the team and Manitoba is a good team to play in the playoffs,” said Sedgwick. “I believe they’re much stronger than they were a year ago, so it’s going to be a tough game. Hopefully the weather’s good in Calgary.”

Sedgwick says his team is healthy going into the game, scheduled to be played on the natural-grass surface at Dino Field. If there is significant snowfall, there’s a contingency plan to either move the game to the field turf at McMahon Stadium or a full-sized indoor field in Calgary.

The winner will advance to the quarterfinal round against the host Calgary Dinos.

“That would be a dream, if we’re able to get past Manitoba and play Calgary at home,” said Sedgwick.

semifinal Wednesday afternoon at Masich against the Kelly Road Roadrunners (0-3), while in the other semifinal, College Heights

(2-1) lined up against PGSS (1-2). The winners advance to the junior P.G. Bowl next Wednesday at Masich.

The T-wolves finished sixth in the Pacific Division with a 3-7-4 record, while Manitoba (8-5-1) ended up third in the Prairie Division. The Dinos (10-1-3) placed second in the Pacific, behind the Canada West-leading Trinity Western Spartans (11-1-1).

Citizen staff

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

Nechako Valley Vikings player Bridger Jensen runs the ball against the Kelly Road Roadrunners on Friday afternoon at Masich Place.

Soccer men miss playoffs

TED CLARKE Staff Reporter tclarke@pgcitizen.ca

One bad half of soccer Saturday at Masich Place Stadium was the knockout punch the UNBC Timberwolves had hoped to avoid. It was a shot to the gut that dropped them out of the Canada West Conference men’s soccer playoff race.

Justin Donaldson broke a scoreless draw in the 58th minute and opened the floodgates for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack. The visitors from Kamloops scored three more goals and stung the T-wolves 4-0 Saturday, then beat UNBC again 2-0 in Sunday’s rematch to lock up the last remaining Pacific Division playoff berth.

Until that second half Saturday, the T-wolves were every step as dangerous as the WolfPack, each team trading chances in what was an evenly-played game. Not long after UNBC striker Stu Rowlands put a shot off the goalpost, Donaldson took the ball wide on T-wolves defender Jonah Smith and launched a high shot in behind goalie Rob Goodey.

Then in the 72nd minute, a forward clearance by TRU put the ball at the feet of Jan Pirretas Glasmacher and from 20 yards away he booted in the second goal. Donaldson scored his second of the game on a penalty shot in the 78th minute and Dylan Hooper connected on a free kick goal at the 86:22 mark.   Over and out.

They needed to win both games to cinch a top-four finish in the brutally

UNBC Timberwolves midfielder Owen Stewart looks to make a play against Thompson River University WolfPack midfielder Steffen Masaites on Saturday afternoon at Masich Place Stadium.

tough Pacific Division but failed to deliver and that sealed the T-wolves’

fate, a second-straight season without a playoff game.

“We felt like we had good control in the game for about 60 minutes and that one goal really changed it,” said UNBC midfielder Owen Stewart. “At that point we had to push because we knew we had to win and that kind of speaks in the final scoreline. It’s us going right to the end and trying to find a goal so you give up a bit defensively and that happens.”

UNBC (4-8-3) finished seventh while TRU (6-5-5) leapfrogged the Fraser Valley Cascades into fourth place. The Cascades (5-5-5) lost their postseason grip Sunday in Vancouver with a 3-0 loss to UBC.

“I thought for a good chunk of that game (Saturday,) until whenever they went ahead, we had chances to be the team in the lead and we got beat by a good player in Justin (Donaldson), who’s a fantastic striker, a fifth-year in this league and one of the top attackers,” said T-wolves head coach Steve Simonson. “They’re a tough team to play against, they’re quick and aggressive and capitalize on your mistakes and they were clinical in their finishing.”

The T-wolves began the season with 15 newcomers on the 32-player roster and plenty of question marks. With the

exception of Saturday’s second half, none of their 15 games were blowout losses, an encouraging sign considering the calibre of their Canada West opponents.

“Everyone talked about last year, losing 10 players, this is going to be a big rebuilding year - we probably did better than most people on the outside would have given us credit for,” said Simonson. “It was more a changed season, lots of new faces and to go into the final weekend with a chance to still make the playoffs in a division where only one team had clinched before (Friday) night, that shows it’s a really competitive division. We’ve been in every single game this season so I can’t be more proud of them on the whole.”

The T-wolves anticipate losing just one player next season, with midfielder Jonathan Botelho graduating after five seasons on the practice roster. The Prince George youth soccer product was subbed in for his first career game action late in the second half Sunday.

“If you were to tell us at the beginning of the year we’d be playing for a playoff spot come the last weekend of the year I know all of us would take that,” said Stewart. “It stings right now but I know we’ll look back and be pretty pleased.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

Energy holding markets down

Best not to bet on a fat guy in a contest to lose 10 pounds, as my eldest daughter once did with me. It turns out that dropping 10 out of 240 pounds of chubby bunny is much easier than chiselling 10 pounds off a feisty little dancer.

Another strange statistical glitch might be called the law of really big cakes. I’m told that you can’t make a huge recipe (as in a cake factory run) simply by multiplying the ingredients of a small cake by degrees. Something chemical just doesn’t translate well, making the craft of factory cake quality control a precision art.

In statistics, the law of large numbers suggests that massive samples of data tend to produce results aggregating toward the average. In business, the twist on this law might be more like the cake factory than the statistical proof, but suffice it to say, the bigger the corporation, (eventually) the less spectacular the results. Said another way, industries and corporations go through life cycles that eventually trend toward something less shiny.

And so our analysts advise us that massive technology company profit margins are likely coming off the boil. This is nothing to be alarmed about and doesn’t mark a major inflection point, it simply reflects

the industry’s natural lifecycle. Tech sector revenue growth should stay healthy overall.

Our crew still believes that Q3 earnings growth in aggregate will push into positive territory, albeit not by much, considering other major factors constraining profits. Energy is a lead weight. The 19 per cent year-over-year decline in crude oil prices during the quarter has created a difficult operating environment. We expect the energy sector to subtract two percentage points from S&P 500 earnings growth even though it represents a mere 4.3 per cent of the index. This is a turnabout from a year

ago, when the sector added four percentage points to S&P 500 profits.

Sluggish overall global economic growth and pockets of domestic weakness are also factors. We anticipate some highprofile earnings misses from cyclical companies with overseas exposure in the industrials and materials sectors, and even in tech. Some domestic retailers could stumble as well. All of this would be par for the course in an imperfect economic environment.

Some of these drags on earnings growth can be traced back to the U.S.-China trade dispute; other culprits are structural

economic challenges in Europe and China. Even if the mini trade deal between the U.S. and China is inked as advertised, the trade-related headwinds will not all disappear, because tariffs would remain in place.

At home, real estate fuelled growth seems baked-in. RBC Economics notes that home resales rose 0.6 per cent in September, totalling 512,000 units, the highest level in 21 months, and 6.6 per cent above the 10-year average. Following softness in key Canadian housing markets (Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal) last year, real estate prices appear to be stabilizing and we’ve likely seen the bottom of the pricing cycle. Vancouver and Toronto markets benefited from the resurgence in pricing power on the back of tight supply conditions.

Overall, the Canadian labour market added 53,700 jobs in September, above the consensus estimate of only 7,500. This marked the fifth above-50,000 monthly employment gain in 2019. The labour market is growing at its fastest pace in over 10 years, with employers having hired an average of 40,400 new employees per month over the past six months.  — Mark Ryan is an investment advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. (Member–Canadian Investor Protection Fund), and these are Mark’s views, and not those of RBC Dominion Securities. This article is for information purposes only. Please consult with a professional advisor before taking any action based on information in this article. See Mark’s website at: http://dir. rbcinvestments.com/mark.ryan

CP FILE PHOTO

Pumpjacks pump crude oil near Halkirk, Alta. in this 2007 file photo.

Volunteer knitters needed

CHRISTINE HINZMANN Staff Reporter chinzmann@pgcitizen.ca

What a nice way to volunteer.

Knitting for babies.

The University Hospital of Northern B.C. auxiliary is looking for experienced knitters this winter who would be interested in knitting baby items to be sold at the hospital gift shop.

Proceeds of all that is sold at the gift shop by hospital gift shop volunteers goes toward much needed equipment for the hospital.

Items that are most in demand at the shop are baby cardigans for up to six months old in pastel colours like pink and baby blue, light green, mauve and even white. The knitting conveyors are asking for people not to donate any yellow cardigans because the colour reflects onto the baby’s face and makes them look jaundiced.

People are also really loving the thumbless mittens for newborns so they don’t scratch their little faces. Booties are also popular items.

Doreen Wilkins and Janet Wheeldon are the volunteer knitting conveyors for the hospital auxiliary.

Wilkins started knitting for the hospital in 2011, a year after she retired from teaching and since then the number of knitting volunteers have dwindled from 10 to five and those five are still trying to keep up with demand that 10 people were meeting in days gone by.

Wheeldon started knitting for the gift shop six years ago.

Each lady volunteers at least twice a week at the gift shop and then spends many more hours knitting at home. Since the program started in 2011 there have been 14,402 volunteer knitting hours logged. That is 600 days of round-the-clock knitting.

“When I read about what the hospital aux-

iliary does and all the good work, it inspired me to start volunteering here,” Wilkins said. “It’s important to serve and I like meeting with the public.”

Wheeldon started when a neighbour invited her and she started by delivering flowers to patients but the pace wasn’t fast enough and she quickly found her way to the gift shop where there’s always lots to do because it’s so busy.

The local hospital auxiliary has become so well known for their wares it’s now a destination for shoppers, especially at this time of year when unique Christmas items are already on the shelves, Wheeldon said.

“We always get awesome comments from visitors about the selection we have here and that’s largely due to our wonderful gift shop managers,” she added. “Doreen donates thousands of hours to knitting. She must be really fast because she brings lots of items into the store for sale.”

But they need to have more stock to meet the demand and right now it’s diminished.

“Janet gracefully took over making mittens and some toques and now she makes lap blankets for those who are in Jubilee Lodge,” Wilkins said.

“Any amount of knitting people can do would be welcome,” Wheeldon added.

Festival of Trees on the horizon

Citizen staff

For 25 years, the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation has been lighting up Prince George in its biggest annual fundraiser to provide hospital equipment enhancements.

The 26th annual Festival of Trees is right around the corner and all those beautifullydecorated trees will be on display starting Nov. 22 at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre.

Home for the Holidays is this year’s theme and the buildup to the festival is now in full swing for the annual gathering of volunteers, sponsors and supporters. In the 25-year history of the event, more than $8 million has been raised.

“The Festival of Trees is a tradition in the community,” Judy Neiser, foundation CEO, said. “It’s about volunteerism, collaboration, creativity, good times with friends and family and celebrating the festive season, all while supporting healthcare in the North –

right here at home where we live, work and play.

“We are so grateful to the community and region for supporting this event. This year will be another outstanding year for sure.”

The ever-popular fashion show is the feature event on the second day of the festival, Saturday, Nov. 23, followed by the Santa breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 24 and the teddy bear breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 1.

A fun-filled day of activities is planned for the community kick-off on Nov. 24 and the civic light-up will happen that day at dusk.

The signature events on the Festival calendar are the seniors luncheon on Monday, Nov. 25 and the seniors tea on Thursday, Nov. 28. Get your tickets early because both events sell out quickly. Tickets are on sale now.

Check out the festival website at festivaloftreespg.ca or go to the Facebook site: www.facebook.com/FestivalofTreesPG/ for more information.

Ideally, knitters would be experienced, non-smokers who could create a high quality product to sell in the gift shop. More rustically knitted items or items that require laundering before they’re sold will be donated to the hospital auxiliary thrift shop, Wilkins explained. Donations of wool are also welcome and specifically those soft yarns in pastel colours suitable for baby clothes. To become a volunteer knitter for the auxiliary or a gift shop volunteer leave a message at the Gift Shop for Doreen Wilkins or Janet Wheeldon at 250-565-2231.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

Hospital Auxiliary volunteers Doreen Wilkins, left, and Janet Wheeldon hold up some of the knitted items that are for sale in the hospital gift shop. The Hospital Auxiliary is looking for knitters to help create these items.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Adeline Gratton was one of 60 volunteers that helped fluff up the trees for the Festival of Trees in the Civic Centre in this 2017 file photo.

Sentencing elderly sex offenders with dementia a complex task

HEATHER CAMPBELL POPE

Special to The Citizen

Elderly sex offenders with dementia pose a dilemma in criminal sentencing. Their despicable crimes call for denunciation, yet their age and mental state evoke a degree of practical compassion. While jailing such offenders communicates society’s condemnation of their abhorrent conduct and satisfies our desire for retribution, it is well-documented that prisons have historically been ill-equipped to manage older inmates with dementia.

The B.C. Supreme Court recently dealt with this challenge. The case involved an 86-year-old man with possible dementia who was convicted in 2018 of two counts of non-consensual sexual intercourse and two counts of indecent assault. The crimes were against his young daughters and occurred in the 1960s and 70s.

In an August 2019 ruling, Justice Arne Silverman stated that the need for a lengthy jail sentence was not disputed. The Crown sought a sentence of 12 to 14 years; the defence suggested in the range of nine years. Noting that he took “no pleasure in sentencing an elderly man to a lengthy period of imprisonment,” the judge sentenced the man to 10 years. In doing so, he said, “If you were 60 years old instead of 86, you would be going to jail for between 15 and 20 years.”

For many in society, the father got what

he deserved: while decades late, he has been held responsible for his actions. This feeling of satisfaction is natural and understandable.

For others, the sentence is absurd: jailing an 86-year-old man with dementia is inhumane and impractical. While this position is noble, it borders on misplaced sentimentality. Old age or dementia does not automatically exempt someone from the values enshrined within Canadian society.

Indeed, as elder advocates work to advance older people’s rights, more can be done to recognize that full participation in society also carries responsibilities. Neglecting this aspect of citizenship amounts to infantilization. In appropriate cases, older people with dementia ought to be held accountable; to find otherwise is a step backward for the elder rights movement.

To be sure, in many situations, it would defy common sense to jail an elderly person with dementia. But the recent B.C. case involved a complex balancing of competing values. The crimes were appalling, and the father escaped prosecution for decades because he had threatened violence against his daughters if they told anyone. However, he was also nearing age 87 and likely suffering from a neurocognitive disorder.

This offender does not appear to align with society’s stereotypical image of a

dementia patient – that is, someone in the late stage of disease and totally dependant on others for care. He had no formal dementia diagnosis; his neurocognitive disorder was described as “possible” and “emerging.” There was also no fitness issue at trial, and while there had been some “slurring” of the man’s faculties since trial, he was still able to give his lawyer instructions during sentencing. And while it might have been possible to argue that a lengthy sentence would amount to cruel and unusual punishment or a violation of the offender’s liberty, defence counsel determined that it was not an appropriate case to advance a Charter application.

Prison reform activists might reasonably argue that the sentence is short-sighted, as dementia is a progressive, terminal disease. The elderly man’s condition is only likely to worsen, and while there is the potential for compassionate release, its criteria is extremely restrictive and the provision is rarely used.

But to justify differential treatment in cases of child sex abuse, we must point to something more than an offender’s old age and emerging neurocognitive disorder. While more must be done to improve the custody conditions of historical sex offenders with dementia, the federal prison system is improving how it manages elderly inmates. In 2018, Correctional Service Canada developed a policy framework to support the health and wellbeing of older federal inmates, including those with dementia, and the agency is also committed to facilitating appropriate transfers to community housing. For instance, it funds Haley House, a 10-bedroom transition home in Peterborough, Ont., for elderly and palliative offenders on parole. Also, unlike most countries,

Prison reform activists might reasonably argue that the sentence is short-sighted, as dementia is a progressive, terminal disease. The elderly man’s condition is only likely to worsen, and while there is the potential for compassionate release, its criteria is extremely restrictive and the provision is rarely used.

Canada identifies older offenders in its national dementia strategy.

While frailties and failing health must considered, it can be too simple to rely on an offender’s old age and mental state to justify a light sentence. Sometimes it is appropriate to impose a harsh penalty that conveys society’s condemnation of the criminal behaviour. Not doing so indulges our impulse to infantilize older people.

— Heather Campbell Pope is founding director of Dementia Justice Canada and a former member of Correctional Service Canada’s Older Offender Health Care Advisory Committee.

Zombies welcome at gallery fundraiser

CHRISTINE HINZMANN Staff Reporter chinzmann@pgcitizen.ca

It’s a Zombie Beach Party at the Menagerie this year on Saturday as the Two Rivers Gallery hosts its ninth annual fundraiser. The funds raised go towards the programs the gallery offers, the exhibitions it presents and special outreach programs like Art Heals at the hospital.

For the Zombie Beach Party, the gallery is transformed with theme-based decorations.

“We were inspired by the movie Beach Blanket Bingo, so there will be some of those 60s vibes throughout the night and of course the zombie vibe will be in full force,” Meghan Hunter-Gauthier, assistant curator, said.

There will be a specialty bar where patrons can do tastings of unusual drinks like absynth and indulge in a unique cocktail made specially for the occasion, she added. The appetizers have been uniquely created to fit the theme and are made by the Civic Centre catering team, she added. There will be fortune tellers to talk about the future and answer any questions about a person’s fate. There is also a silent auction.

“The headlining band is The Chevys so there will be some great entertainment at Menagerie,” Hunter-Gauthier said. “They’ll be bringing some great rockabilly music and we’ll be playing off that beach and zombie theme as well. DJ Ant will also be providing some awesome music for dancing.”

To add to the ambiance there will be an ongoing zombie makeup tutorial that will include a show and tell about prosthetics, and the makeup that really sees people transformed into the undead.

As always the Two Rivers Gallery will have many games to play at the Menagerie.

“So there will be some friendly competition going on to win some great prizes,” Hunter-Gauthier said.

There are boxes filled with a variety of gifts that are opened with the right skeleton key. To get a key to try in the lock people have to try the ‘go fish’ game, a stylized

During last year’s Menagerie at the Two Rivers Gallery this group won for best group costume when they dressed as the characters in Mario Kart. This year’s theme is a Zombie Beach Party and the fundraiser will be held at the gallery on Saturday.

giant Plinko or the skee ball game.

Prizes are themed fun night out with friends, arts and culture and food and drink.

There’s also a raffle draw that sees two people go anywhere Westjet flies.

There’s prizes for best individual and group costumes.

Last year’s group prize winners were dressed as the characters in Mario Kart.

Stephanie Bepple was dressed as Princess Peach and her group won a big dinner out for them all for their efforts.

“These characters are iconic and recog-

nizable and you can create the characters with just a little bit of effort,” Bepple said. “We had some pretty good success. It worked out really well. Everybody wanted to go as somebody different and we were able to complete the whole group.”

This year Bepple won’t be able to attend and she said that just opens up the opportunity for another big group to win.

“We set the bar pretty high and we’re wondering what the next groups will do,” Bepple said.

There was a lot of effort put into the

Grownup spooky stories at library

CHRISTINE HINZMANN Staff Reporter

chinzmann@pgcitizen.ca

For those who are looking for a way to honour their Halloween spirit without going to a party can make their way to a Spooky Storytime for adults on Saturday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the main branch of the Prince George Public Library.  “It’s going to be a little spooky,” Laura Weisgarber, library assistant, said. She and her co-worker Leslie Hilder came up with the idea and then put a plan in place.  “But you won’t be jump-scared,” she

said. “It’ll be a bit more laid back than that.

We got the idea when we started telling each other urban legends and from there it just evolved into us putting on a Spooky Storytime for the public but for adults.”

So a bit spookier than the mainstream.

Weisgarber remembers hearing one particularly haunting urban legend.

There was a man driving down a deserted road when he saw a woman who was visibly upset standing on the side of the road. He stopped and asked her if she was all right and he told her he could take

her home if she wished.

She got in the back of the car and she told him where she lived. When he pulled into the driveway and parked the car he didn’t hear her get out and yet she wasn’t in his back seat any longer.

He thought he’d better follow up and knocked on the door of the house. When he explained the situation to the older woman who answered the door, she told him that he had just described her daughter who died several years earlier.

“Along with scary stories and urban

event Bepple said.

“Each year the gallery picks a different theme and they go all out with it,” she added. “It’s a really well organized event and everybody there is really in the Halloween spirit and everyone is in costume and enjoying the event so you have the group mentality of just having fun and all the different games and all the things you can do there is just really great.”

Tickets are available online at www. eventbrite.ca/e/menagerie-zombie-beachpartyand at the gallery.

legends we might be making up our own stories with a library theme,” Weisgarber said. “There may be some interactive stories and we will be doing a walking tour of the library and telling stories along the way so half of the storytime will be that and half will be seated with a more traditional format.”

People are welcome to dress up if they wish, but it is not required. What is required is a call to register for the after-hours event at 250-563-9251 ext. 141 or 140.

Handy Circle holding loonie auction

CHRISTINE HINZMANN Staff Reporter chinzmann@pgcitizen.ca

With more than 250 donated items at the ready, the 17th annual Loonie Auction looks like it will be another successful fundraiser for the Handy Circle Resource Society held at AiMHi, 950 Kerry St., on Saturday and Sunday.

The resource society provides peer counseling, information and referral services, as well as offering workshops on topics such as financial security, housing, transportation and life skills. Handy Circle also offers social and recreational interaction at the resource centre located at 490 Quebec St.

All items up for auction will be placed on tables in the gymnasium at AiMHi and each item will have a paper bag placed near it. Each ticket costs a dollar and guests are encouraged to stack the deck in their favour by buying many tickets and loading the bag designated for their favourite item so odds are better when the winning ticket is drawn from the bag at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Items up for grabs are two speciallymade oak picnic tables, one child-sized and the other adult size. There is the traditional Loonie tree, proving money really does grown on these tress. There are

gift baskets and framed art and sayings, children’s toy sets and stuffed animals and many gift certificates from businesses supporting the Handy Circle’s good cause.

“We started the Loonie Auction off in 2002 and we were very meager and small,” Shirley Byman, vice president of the Handy Circle Resource Society and volunteer, said. “We just had coffee tins to put the tickets in because we were trying to improvise and then we advanced to the paper bags that we now have. We have some people that come to the event year after year and others that are brand new who think it’s a neat idea, so that’s good.”

All items offered during the Loonie Auction are donated from those in the community.

“I would like to thank all our sponsors and everyone that made donations because without them we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing,” Byman said.

The Loonie Auction takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Draws take place at 2 p.m. and continue until all the draws are completed.

Admission to the fundraising event is free. There will be a 50/50 draw where participants can win up to $500.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

Handy Circle Resource Society vice president Shirley Byman poses with some of the items that will be available for bidding during the upcoming Handy Circle Loonie Auction.

Barkerville Historic Town and Park is hosting its annual Ghostly Halloween event filled with activities for all ages Oct. 26 and 27.

Barkerville set for Ghostly Halloween

CHRISTINE HINZMANN Staff Reporter chinzmann@pgcitizen.ca

Visitors looking for an authentic old-fashioned atmosphere to celebrate the season can make their way to Barkerville Historic Town and Park for their annual Ghostly Halloween set for the weekend.

The busy summer season has passed and what’s left is eerily quiet streets of the town stuck in the 1800s.

“It’s very family oriented during the day so there’s lots of stuff for the little ones,” Jillian Merrick, Barkerville’s manager of preservation and presentation, said.

Barkerville offers a haunted house featuring monster-free spookiness for the first half of the day and then jump-scares later in the afternoon. There are family friendly events like trick or treating, a scavenger hunt, face painting and a bonfire while for those who dare can partake in the spooky town tour.

“There’s a switch over at our haunted house, so in the morning we call it monsterfree so it’s more appropriate for younger children and for those who might have

some sensory challenges, so there’s not any jump scares in the haunted house for the first couple of hours and then we switch so there’s live ghouls who provide a bit more scare.”

There’s also a new spooky town tour.

“That should be pretty fun and we’ve got trick or treating and the photo studio will be taking Halloween portraits,” Merrick said.

“It’s special to come out to Barkerville during this time of year but it’s nice to have a couple of extra activities.”

Several of the merchants at Barkerville will be open so there will be places to get warm and have a hot meal.

On Saturday and Sunday, Barkerville will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The ghostly scavenger hunt and face painting (for a fee) is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The bonfire is on from noon to 4 p.m., the monster-free haunted house goes from noon to 2 p.m., while the super-scary haunted house goes from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and the spooky town tour is from 1 to 2 p.m.

Admission to Barkerville is $5 and children five and under are free.

Studio Fair gearing up

CHRISTINE HINZMANN Staff Reporter chinzmann@pgcitizen.ca

The event known to officially start the holiday shopping season in Prince George is set for its Nov. 1 to 3 date at the Civic Centre.

This is the 43rd annual Studio Fair that sees artisans from across the nation and the north gather to offer their unique items.

“This is a fundraiser for the Prince George and District Community Arts Council but it’s more than that,” Lisa Redpath, program manager at the local CAC, said. “It is a community event and it’s to celebrate and highlight all of our local guilds, an amazing selection of local artists and out of town artists who love Prince George. I hear it quite openly that Prince George is their favourite stop - a lot of them do a circuit and Prince George is the first show on that circuit and it’s a reunion for them. So when they gather here they just enjoy the wonderful energy of the Prince George crowds.”

There will be more than 80 individual vendors at the Civic Centre, with guilds, including wood turners, potter, fibre arts, quilters, artists coop, artists workshop, along with groups including Judy Rusell’s Enchainement Dance Centre, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Community Foundation and Miracle Theatre, Cold Snap Society and the Northern Indigenous Arts Council presenting their best work, as well.

“There are many vendors guests expect to see every year and we’re always looking for new and innovative art forms,” Redpath said.

There are several new vendors including those who showcase a line of accessories as well as food vendors with healthy alternatives on offer. Brand new to the juried artisan fair is a self-contained outdoor vendor called 108 Sausage Company that sells their pork products such as bacon, loin chops, a selection of charcuterie board meats like Tuscan fennel salami and a variety of sausages all made with natural

free range pork.

Part of the Community Arts Council’s mandate is to engage and encourage young emerging artists so people will see 11-yearold Maya McCutcheon from Fort St. James selling her original Christmas cards with a lot of entrepreneurial enthusiasm in the pre-function area.

The Prince George Judo Club will be hosting the coat check, while Rotaract,

the youth component of Rotary, will be volunteering at Studio Fair, while showcasing their Shelter Box program.

“We’re really happy to have those two groups come in and assist us,” Redpath said.

The main door prize at Studio Fair will be created by former Community Arts Council artist-in-residence Corey Hardeman, who will create a painting on location during the event.

Studio Fair will take over the upper level of the Civic Centre and there will be two demonstrations taking place, including one from local artist Elmer Gunderson, who is best known for this wood carvings at Cottonwood Island Park. He will be working with clay at the event, as he is also a sculptor. Shirley Babcock, another local artist, will be creating a community canvas featuring contributions from members of the public. The finished piece will be donated to a charity of Babcock’s choice.

The Northern Indigenous Arts Council, sister organization to the Community Arts Council, will have two rooms on the upper level of the Civic Centre where members artwork will be highlighted.

“So people can see the best of the best of Indigenous art from Prince George and throughout the region,” Redpath said.  Studio Fair goes Friday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prince George Civic Centre, 808 Civic Plaza. Ticket are $5 for adults, seniors and student. Children under 12 years old are free.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTOS

Local sculptor Elmer Gunderson works on a piece during Studio Fair in the Civic Centre last year. The artist who will be creating on site for this year’s Studio Fair is painter Corey Hardeman.

E-bikes a hit on Sea-to-Sky

The Canadian Press

On a sunny September weekend in Squamish, about half a dozen tourism and rental companies say they’re out of electric-assist mountain bike rentals.

The rugged and varied terrain of British Columbia’s Sea-to-Sky region north of Vancouver has long made it an international mountain biking destination but now the trail systems are increasingly being used by cyclists riding with some extra juice. Athletes, recreationalists and industry members say the trend is opening trails to new riders, giving established mountain bikers more freedom to spend more time outside and creating some concern about the impact on sensitive ecosystems.

“This is the first seismic shift in mountain biking. This is like, holy smokes, things are really different,” said former professional mountain biker Wade Simmons.

Widely hailed as the “Godfather” of freeriding, Simmons was inducted into the Mountain Biking Hall of Fame in 2010. He now works in sales for Rocky Mountain Bicycles and said when the company introduced its e-bike inventory to dealers in the United States this spring, it closed the gap between riders of varying abilities during a demonstration ride.

“We had road bike riders, out of shape guys, but we were all riding together for two hours, which would have never ever happened on a normal bike,” Simmons said.

In response to the growing popularity, BC Parks introduced a new e-bike policy this summer. It allows e-bikes in certain areas, depending on classifications already established by the industry and other government bodies. It aims to help protect sensitive wildlife, ecosystems and cultural values.

“Cycling in parks can have an impact on trails and wildlife. Electric bikes allow more riders to use trails and reach areas that were previously limited to a few visitors, leading to increased pressure on sensitive wildlife and ecosystems,” the government said.

Some local governments are also looking to regulate where e-bikers can roam.

Whistler council recently supported a draft policy for electric powered personal mobility devices, including e-bikes, on recreational trails in the municipality. It prohibits them from some specific high alpine environments that could be vulnerable to damage, as well as a conservation area.

Mayor Jack Crompton said it comes in response to a “dramatic increase” in the

use of e-bikes in the resort municipality, adding that policies around emerging technologies like e-bikes should be flexible and responsible.

On the whole, he sees e-bikes as a positive addition to the recreation landscape.

“My hope is that we see more community members on e-bikes and more people being more active, longer,” Crompton said.

Simon Quinn-Sears, rental manager at Corsa Cycles in Squamish, said it’s a myth that e-bikes are only for the aging and injured. He’s a 32-year-old, able-bodied man and he said he prefers it to using a traditional mountain bike.

“You feel like a superhero because there’s no throttle, it’s not like riding a dirt bike or power sports thing,” he said.

The engine’s output reflects the energy you put into it, so the harder you peddle the more power you’re provided.

Traditional mountain biking is fine for people who want to earn their laps through a high-intensity workout but in his case, Quinn said his heart rate is 30 beats a minute lower, which is in his target range.

“For me, I’m getting better exercise, I’m having more fun and I hurt less the next day so I’m riding more,” he said.

E-biking isn’t for everyone. Cooper

Quinn, president of the North Shore Mountain Bike Association, said he doesn’t own one.

“Part of the reason I ride bikes is for the physical exertion aspect of it,” he said. “That’s an aspect of the sport I enjoy.”

Most of the association members still use a traditional mountain bike as their primary ride, but member surveys show they have been adding e-bikes to their rosters over the past five years or so, he said.

Quinn sees advantages in e-biking for others, especially aging riders, out-ofpractice riders who want to keep up with their friends and new riders daunted by big hills.

For now, he said most people who use e-bikes are established riders.

“It’s going to be an interesting user group to monitor over the next few years as it continues to grow,” Quinn said. Quinn noted that many trails are maintained by volunteers working through associations like his.

“There’s certainly management challenges associated with it. As a great surprise to no one, trails in B.C., trails on the north shore and across Canada are getting busier as people start to do more and more recreation. So, putting another group of users out there is certainly a challenge,” he said.

Wade Simmons rides his electric-assist mountain bike on Mount Fromme, in North Vancouver, on Oct. 20.

Parade of Homes

Those thinking of building or purchasing a new home, or just renovating their current residence, were able to take a tour of twelve house on Sunday during the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Northern B.C.’s annual Parade of Homes. Guests were able to compare neighbourhoods, home styles, floor plans, and more from the five building companies

that were showcasing their work and in some cases were even able to meet the builders themselves. Homes built by Lithium One Homes, Hayer Construction, Bragg Construction, Fortwood Homes, and Copper Falls Custom Homes were all available to be toured during the annual event.

Guests tour the Lithium One Homes house at 4034 Brink Dr. on Sunday. This home is the Prince George Hospice Society’s Dream Home this year and will go to the lucky holder of the winning ticket being drawn Friday night.

The Copper Falls Custom Homes house at 2802 Links Dr. was one of 12 homes on the Parade of Homes.

Guests tour the Copper Falls Custom Homes house at 2802 Links Dr.

The Copper Falls Custom Homes house at 2786 Links Dr.

The living room of the Lithium One Homes house at 4735 Parkside Dr.

The outside of the Lithium One Homes house at 4735 Parkside Dr.

CITIZEN PHOTOS BY JAMES DOYLE

Right glass helps with flavour

DAVE MCINTYRE

The Washington Post

Recently, I looked into the debate over whether decanting benefits wine by allowing it to breathe when exposed to air. The verdict was mixed. Decanters can be expensive and unwieldy, and difficult to clean. They are useful for pouring older wines off their sediment, and the ritual of decanting can add to our enjoyment of wine, especially in more formal settings.

For improving a wine’s flavour, however, the glass is more important than a decanter. The size and shape of a wine glass will affect the aromas and flavors, not just as you swirl and sip, but throughout your meal.

This doesn’t mean you need to invest in expensive crystal stemware, or a variety of differently shaped glasses.

“You don’t really need any other type of wine glass beyond an all-purpose glass,” writes Maryse Chevriere, a sommelier and the James Beard Award-winning wine satirist of Fresh Cut Garden Hose on Instagram, in her new book, Grasping the Grape: Demystifying Grape Varieties to Help You Discover the Wines You Love. “Especially, if you’re just starting to get into wine.”

So, if you are new to wine, or considering a gift to someone who is, what should you look for in an all-purpose glass? Chevriere lays out a few basic criteria.

“If you only get to pick one, a clear, thin-lipped, ‘cut rim’ all-purpose glass should be it,” she writes, describing it as “a stemmed glass with a U-shaped bowl that is wider at the stem and narrows slightly as it gets up to the rim.”

She adds: “It’s the wine glass equivalent of the perfect pair of jeans.”

That U-shaped bowl is often called a tulip, because of its resemblance to the flower. The narrower rim focuses the aroma and guides the wine to your palate rather than down your shirt. The thin “cut rim” is favored over a thicker “rolled rim” for the same reason.

Different sizes, with glasses for white wines smaller than those for reds, evolved for a reason. White wines, such as a riesling or sauvignon blanc, tend to be acidic, and a smaller, narrower tulip will direct them toward the tip of your tongue, while a bigger, wider glass will direct fleshier, tannic reds, such as cabernet sauvignon, to the middle of your palate - all in the hopes of balancing the

wine and showing it at its best. Those bigger glasses may be ideal as well for full-bodied white wines, such as oaky chardonnay or skin-fermented “orange” wines.

Some stemware is marketed as all-purpose. “The One,” by master sommelier Andrea Robinson, is actually two, with a white-wine version and a slightly larger red-wine glass. They sell for about $15 a stem on Amazon. A fancier glass by British wine writer Jancis Robinson and glass blower Richard Brendon goes for $112 a pair. It’s delicate, precisely balanced and intended for use with sparkling and fortified wines as well. But, of course, you can find your own “all-purpose” wine glass. Find one you

like, with the specifications above for best results. You’ll want something that not only fits your budget, but also feels good in your hand as you swirl the wine and tip the glass to your lips. That’s not as silly or pretentious as it sounds: I’ve used glasses that felt top-heavy, when swirling seems dangerous and the glass less steady on the table. These are most likely inexpensive department store stemware.

If you drink a lot of sparkling wine, be it champagne or prosecco, I suggest investing in a set of special glasses for bubbly. It’s perfectly acceptable, even trendy, to drink sparkling from a regular glass, but smaller tulip-shaped stems, or even straight and narrow flutes,

focus the bubbles - which, after all, put the sparkle in sparkling wine. They also help with portion control - important, given the price of champagne.

I’m not dismissing fancy, expensive wine glasses. They have elegance, and can help express the nuances of fine wine. And different-shaped glasses can draw out fruit flavors or emphasize oak. As with many aspects of wine, there’s a lifetime of exploration for all of us.

If you’re just starting out on your wine quest, find an all-purpose glass that suits you. Then branch out. As your love of wine develops, you’ll want to explore different glassware, too. It can get expensive. But it doesn’t have to be.

A selection of wines in different wine glasses.

Around town

BIKE CAMPS

Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Otway Nordic Ski Centre, 8141 Otway Rd., there is a full day camp for Pro-D day for Caledonia Trail Blazers age six to 12 years old. During the camp the children will learn riding techniques including uphill, downhill, tight turns, braking, gearing and how to properly adjust their bike to fit. Riders need to bring water and snacks, gloves, all-weather clothing, a bike helmet and bicycle. Contact:  250-564-3809  |  cycling@ caledonianordic.com

DRACULA: THE BLOODY TRUTH

Friday until Nov. 9 at 8 p.m., Theatre Northwest, #36 - 556 North Nechako Rd., presents Dracula: The Bloody Truth by John Nicholson and Le Navet Bete. This is a co-production with Western Canada Theatre. This funny and thrilling comedy is perfect for the season. The main character offers advice on the dangers of vampires and how to manage during a close encounter. Contact:  250-563-6969 or visit www.theatrenorthwest.com.

FALL CLASSICS

Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 444 George St., the Prince George Symphony

Orchestra presents a slight twist on the Chamber Music and More series where musicians perform while the audience can select from a menu of appetizers and treats while listening to live music in a casual setting. For tickets visit www.pgso.com. Contact:  250-562-0800  |  gm@pgso.com.

FINAL STOP

Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum, 850 River Rd., wear costumes to visit the railway museum for a frightfully spooky yet family-friendly Halloween scare. Board the Cottonwood GhostTrain, indulge in Bone-Dogs and Witches’ Brew, hang around for a spell and dare to enter the sleeper cars. Admission and broom parking is by donation of a non-perishable food item donated to St. Vincent de Paul’s food bank.  Contact:  250-563-7351 | nfieber@pgrfm.bc.ca

HOMEROUTES SHOW

On Sunday, the Hart Highlands Winter Club presents Terry Gillespie at the Hart Ski Hill Lodge, 3740 Winslow Dr. show starts at 7 p.m., dinner available at 6 p.m. Gillespie is a blues, soul,  R&B, funk and reggae performer whose live performances are both laid back and powerful. Check out more from Terry at www. terrygillespie.ca. Tickets are $20 at the door.

MEMORIES TRIBUTE

Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m., at the Elder Citizens Rec Centre, 1692 Tenth Ave., the ECRA drama club will celebrate their many comedy skits and musical presentations. Tickets are $10 with proceeds going

toward the operating costs of the centre. Tickets are at the centre.

ADULT BAND

Every Monday until June 29, 2020 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 483 Gillett St., the Alban Classical New Horizons Adult Band meets. For more information visit www. albanclassical.org. Contact:  250-563-4693  |  admin@albanclassical.org

PJ STORYTIME

Every Monday until Dec. 9 from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bob Harkins Branch, Prince George Public Library, 888 Canada Games Way, bring the little ones dressed in their PJs for stories, rhymes, and songs before bedtime. Suitable for children up to five years old. Contact:  2505639251  |  adhanjal@pgpl.ca

HEARTBEAT MEETINGS

On the third Monday of the month at the Foundry, 1148 Seventh Ave., at 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. for youth between 12 and 24 and for adults at 6:45 to 8 p.m., there is a peer support group meeting offering empathy, encouragement and direction for those who have lost a loved one by suicide. If the door is locked, please knock. For more information contact Sandra Galletti at galletti@telus.net or call 250-961-9330.

ACAPELLA CHORUS

Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Studio 2880-15th Ave, back entrance, the White Spruce City Acapella Chorus is looking for women of all

ages to tuneup and re-energize their passion for singing. Everyone is welcome for fun, laughter and friendship. For more information call Pam 250-562-9855.

YOUTH NEEDLECRAFT

Every Tuesday until Dec. 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Bob Harkins Branch, Prince George Public Library, 888 Canada Games Way, there is Tens to Teens Needlecraft. Those 10 to 18 years old can join Alise to learn the basics of knitting and crochet. Yarn, needles, and hooks will be provided. Call 250-563-9251 ext. 108 to register.

MENTAL HEALTH MEETINGS

The first and third Wednesday of every month at 11:15 a.m. at 1139 Sixth Ave., the Prince George Mental Health Consumer Council welcomes the public to regular meetings. For more information call Sherry at 250-562-1839.

CANTATA SINGERS

Every Wednesday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at , St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, 1505 Fifth Ave., the Prince George Cantata Singers, a group of about 60 voices (ranging in age from 17 on up), come together each week to sing in harmony for musical performance. The choir performs about two to four major concerts per year, divided into two sessions from Sept. to Dec. and Jan. to June. Event fee is $90 per session.

The Prince George Chamber of Commerce hosted the 34th Business Excellence Awards on Friday at the Playhouse. The winners were: top row left, It’s All About Coffee & Food won the Service Excellence Award; top row middle, Sonica Kandola won Business Person of

the Year ; top row right, Birch and Boar Charcuterie and Provisions won Business of the Year ; bottom row left, Erin Stagg Fine Art won the Top Indigenous Owned Business Award ; bottom row middle, Pacific Western Brewing won the Envirommental Leadership Award

The art of dodging work Business Excellence Awards winners

Ihad a hard time writing this article today. I am not sure if it was fatigue, or laziness, but I procrastinated even sitting down at the computer until almost the last possible minute. Yes, I had excuses, distractions, a nap, and a few squirrels to chase on social media. I even looked at a quote that said Bill Gates – or was it Steve Jobs? (I feel too lazy to verify this and it may even be fake news) – said that they liked to hire lazy employees because they found easier ways of doing difficult tasks. Unfortunately for me though, while I felt lazy, I couldn’t dodge the fact that the clock was ticking and I had to get this article written and there was no easy way to accomplish it.

As a business coach, I sometimes run into clients who tell me that they were too busy to finish the tasks that they had promised to complete before our meetings. As I am well aware, running an organization, department or a family has demands that can be all encompassing and time consuming. There are urgent meetings, interruptions and challenges that do take our time and constantly pull us down into the weeds of

and; bottom row right, Trench Brewing and Distilling won the Excellence in Food and Beverage Award. Other winners were 4 Paws Pure (Micro Business of the Year), CrossRoads Brewing Street Festival Series (Remarkable Visitor Experience Award), The Exploration

the business. However, if we continuously allow day to day distractions to hold us back from actually fulfilling our commitments, whether they be in the workplace, with our family, or to our self-improvement, we will be disappointed and discouraged. When I work with clients that seem never to be able to get their actions completed, I start to wonder if they were really serious about achieving their stated targets or if perhaps, I have pushed them too hard. In some cases, to achieve the most mutually beneficial results, I have had to fire them. Sometimes it’s exactly our ability to dodge work that can lead to success. Recently, I met a man in a larger organization who skipped meetings. He told me that the meetings were a waste of time and that he felt he could accomplish more if he concentrated on his work while others on his team were talking about working. The

Place (Outstanding Corporate Culture Award), Salmon Valley Campground (Excellence In Hospitality Award), Prince George Hospice Society (Top Non-Profit/Charity Award) and Cariboo Rocks The North (Top Marketing Campaign Award).

financial industry with its changes in regulations is an area where some advisors and banks are focusing on their top 20 per cent that provides 80 per cent of their income because they want to avoid the work associated with supporting the bulk of their customers. This probably makes sense, unless you are in the 80 per cent of people that now require automated financial services.   Dodging work can be an art that benefits your business; however, you probably need some criteria to enable your success. You might ask yourself which of your daily tasks are redundant or unnecessary. What activities or chores could you delegate to someone else? Are there processes or activities that are no longer valuable or enjoyable? Often when we take the time to critically break down our days, weeks and months into tasks and timeframes, we see inefficiencies and work that we should be dodging.  Procrastination is common in business and everyday life. Leaving tasks until the last possible minute can have some benefits including feeling more focused when we actually start working on our task because we know we have no time left for distractions. As the adrenaline junkies most of

us are, leaving tasks to the last minute,  provides a boost of energy as the fight or flight response sets in. If we are prone to low stress, (not sure that this is possible in the current day and age) procrastinating can raise our stress level enough to ensure we get things done.

Procrastination adds stress to our already stress-filled lives, when we don’t set aside the appropriate amount of time to fulfill our tasks resulting in an inability to keep our promises. A better approach is to block our time and schedule projects to ensure that we achieve our goals for the day, week or month. While I am all in favour of procrastinating if it works for you or dodging work that doesn’t create value or support the needs of your organization, community or the world, we need to consider carefully if always taking the easiest route, laziest approach, or leaving things to the last minute is the best possible approach to success.

— Dave Fuller, MBA, is an award-winning business coach and the author of the book Profit Yourself Healthy. Don’t procrastinate any further email your comments to dave@ profityourselfhealthy.com.

CITIZEN PHOTOS BY JAMES DOYLE

REMEMBRANCES

Muriel and Don Wheatley

October 19, 2007 October 27, 2013

Mom and Dad

In our hearts your memory lingers, always tender, fond and true; There’s not a day, dear parents, that we don’t think of you.

Love Ron, Val, Allan, Dianne and families

Michael

TIMMINS,Mary(Marie)B.

October15,1944-September29,2019

Afteracourageousbattlewithcancer,Mariepassed awaypeacefullyonSunday,September29,2019,at theageof74withherlovingfamilybyherside.

Afterherseconddiagnosis,Mariewasdetermined thatshewouldliveherlifetothefullestandnotlet theillnessslowherdown.Shewasabeautifuland stronglady,toseeheryouwouldneverknowthat shewasbattlingcancer.Shewillbeforever rememberedandmissedmorethanshewillknow.

Shewaspredeceasedbyherhusband,James(Jim), of53years.Mariealsoleavesbehindhertwosons, Mark(Brenda)andDerek(Mary);herthree grandchildren,(Ashlynn,Autumn,andLogan);her sister,PearlCraig;andherextendedfamilyin Scotland.

MarieandhusbandJimleftScotlandforCanadaas newlywedsontheCunardRMSCarinthiainOctober 1966,landinginMontreal,travellingacrossCanada bytrainbeforearrivinginPrinceGeorge,BC.

DuringtheearlyyearsinPrinceGeorge,Marie volunteeredatPrinceGeorgeRegionalHospitaland whennotraisinghertwoboys,sheworkedparttime intheservice/hospitalityindustrybeforereturningto fulltimeworkasthesecretaryatHeritage Elementary,wheresheworkedfrom1976untilshe retiredin2004.DuringMarie’stimeatHeritageshe metmanygoodfriends,students,andfamiliesthat shespokehighlyof.

Marielovedtodance,andthosewhoknewherwill rememberherandhusbandJimlightingupthedance floorateveryopportunity.

As you share the stories and the memories of how they lived their lives and how very much they meant, may you

Duringherretirement,Marieenjoyedspendingtime withherfamilyandfriends.Sheenjoyedtimeinher gardensandtravelling,especiallytripstothe CaribbeanandMexico.

ThankyoutoDr.DeniseMcLeodandstaff,whowent aboveandbeyond.Also,ahugethankyoutothe amazingandthoughtfulstaffatthePrinceGeorge RotaryHospiceSocietyforthespecialcareprovided toMarieandherfamily.

AsperMarie’swishes,therewillbenoserviceheld. Inlieuofflowers,donationsinmemoryofMariemay bemadetothePrinceGeorgeRotaryHospice Society.

"Thosewhobringsunshinetothelivesofothers cannotkeepitfromthemselves"-J.M.Barrie

Robert William Kiss Jun 30, 1927, Oct 7, 2019

Bob was born in Cabri, Sk in June 1927. He was the second son of Frank Von Kiss and Gladys Ola (Large) Kiss. Bob’s family moved to Meadow Lake, Sk. in the mid 1930’s where they owned and operated a family farm. Bob loved life on the farm and while there, developed a lifelong love of horses. Bob’s family experienced tragedy when his father passed away in a motor vehicle accident when Bob was 14 years old. Bob went to work at an early age first farming, then moving to Ontario to work in the logging industry. Eventually Bob moved to Prince George to work on road construction, becoming a proud member of the Operating Engineers. It was through this work that Bob got an opportunity to spend some time working in Iran. He enjoyed his time there, but was grateful to return home to Prince George once his contract was complete. In his early years, Bob was instrumental in starting the Prince George Singles Club. The Singles Club ran for several years offering live music for dances and social opportunities for single people. In 1977, Bob built a home for himself that was his pride and joy. He grew a beautiful garden every year and enjoyed canning, cooking and baking. Bob was a person with an opinion. He read the newspaper every day right up until his death. He followed politics at every level of government. He took an interest in the plight of others. He had a strong social conscience and felt that collectively we could do a better job of helping others. He liked sharing his views with others particularly because his was the correct view and he wanted to ensure everyone knew why he was right. Bob loved children. The neighbourhood kids all knew where to come if they wanted a handful of peas or to get their bikes fixed. Bob would get tears in his eyes holding a baby. He gained much enjoyment from his interaction with children. Bob was a daily visitor at the stock market when he was able. Bob was keenly interested in the development of local natural resources. He invested in local mining stock and was a supporter of economic development in the Prince George region. For many years, his daily coffee with other investors was the highlight of his day. Bob’s health had been failing for many years. He spent the last several years of his life at Birchview Residence on the Hart (formerly Schaeffer Residence on the Hart). He benefitted from the kind treatment he received from staff there, and formed relationships with staff and visitors. His keen sense of humour and sharp tongue kept everyone on their toes. Bob is predeceased by his parents, Frank Von Kiss and Gladys Ola (Large) Kiss; brothers, Frank Vaughn Kiss and Charles James Kiss; and nephew Gerald Charles Kiss. He leaves behind his brother George Kiss; sister-in-law, Rita; sister, Dr. Eliza Olson (Alta Elizabeth Kiss;) and several nieces and nephews. There will be no ceremony by request. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity, BC Children’s Hospital (Opthamology Unit), or the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Cherryl Mae Bennett on October 12, 2019. She was born in Swan River, Manitoba, on June 20, 1938. Left to mourn her passing are her five children Rick (Karen), Dawn (Mike), Randy (Janice), Drew, Stacey (Randy). Her grandchildren Josh, Carli, Levi (Rachelle), Caitlyn (Brandon), Paige, Molly. Great-grandchildren Linden, Rowen, and Sloan. She was predeceased by son Lon Douglas and grandson Jordan Keith. There was a celebration of life held at 1.00 pm, on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at 6786 O’Grady Road.

Annie “Ruby” Jane Dick September 16, 1928October 15, 2019

Ruby passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritan Care Centre, Stony Plain, Alberta. She was born in Clarenville, NL where she resided until 1972 when she moved to BC and later to AB. She was predeceased by her husband Frank (2005), her parents Joe and Dorothy Hynes, brothers Ivan and Harry, one sister Audrey and her baby son Joseph. Ruby leaves to mourn her loss: her two daughters Judy (Bob) Byrne and Joan (Russ) Davison and her son Dr. William Dick; her grandchildren: Catherine, Elizabeth, Jane, Joe, Jamie, Adam and Wyatt; her great-grandchildren: Denise, Madison, Mason, Casey, Madden and Nathan. She also leaves behind her sister Betty Williams, brother Barry (Pauline) Hynes, sister-in-law Rowena Hynes as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all of her family and friends. Rest in peace.

Wayne Frank Flannery

November 8, 1944October 7, 2019

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Wayne Flannery. Wayne was predeceased by his father Edward (Ed), mother Ethel and brother Glenn. He is survived by his daughter Marlene, sons Steven, Jon (Cee) and Wayne Jr. He also leaves behind his beloved granddaughters Luka, Anna and Madelynn, his sisters Anna Setter (Nev), Glenis Jackson (Bob), Doris Thomas (John) as well as many close nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Senior was an avid sports fan as well as a player and a coach. He loved to play cards, particularly poker and enjoyed the annual fishing trip with the boys. Wayne had a passion for golf and was very proud of his recent ace at Pine Valley. He also passed the time with the boys of the coffee club Densa and in his day was considered a Trivial Pursuit pro.

He was a man of few words but was a great mentor to his children and grandchildren of whom he was tremendously proud.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held November 2nd, 2019 from 1-4 p.m. at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club.

In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to Canadian Mental Health Association.

Obituaries

Obituaries

In Memoriam

REID,BarryG. September5,1955-October1,2019

OnOctober1,2019,Ilosttheloveofmylife.

BorninEdmonton,AB,grewupinPrinceGeorge, BC,andlatermovedtothecoast.

Survivedbyhiswife,Carla(Brittain);brother,Robert (Christine);sisters,Patricia(Amos)andBrenda (Mike);sevennieces;onenephew;manygreat-nieces andnephews;andonegreat-great-nephew.

Predeceasedbyhisparents,GeorgeandEvelynReid. Gonetosoon,mylove,youwillbemissedbyall.

Therewillbeacelebrationoflifeinthespringof 2020.Inlieuofflowers,pleasedonatetothecharity ofyourchoice.

MILLS,ThomasO.

July5,1947-October15,2019

Followingashortbutcourageousbattlewithcancer, Tompassedawaypeacefully,withfamilybyhisside, intheearlymorningofOctober15th,2019.

Heissurvivedbyhisspouse,histhreechildrenfrom hisfirstmarriage,andhisgranddaughter.

TomwasborninCranbrook,BC,onJuly5th,1947. HisfamilylivedintheLowerMainlandandOkanagan beforesettlinginPrinceGeorge.

Asayoungman,heworkedintheYukon,surveying theDempsterHighway.HethenrelocatedtoEngland andtravelledthroughoutEurope.Anadventurous spirit,TomalsotravelledtoMoroccoandEgypt, beforemakinglongerbackpackingtripsthrough Turkey,Iran,Afghanistan,Pakistan,andIndia.

ReturningtoPrinceGeorgeinthelate1970’s,Tom beganworkingforCanfor,married,andstarteda family.

Tomlovedspendingtimeoutdoors,hiking,fishing, andwatchingwildlife.Hewaskindand compassionate,alwayscaringforothers.

Inhislateryears,hewouldoftenreminisceabouthis workinthenorthaswellashistravelsaroundthe world.

Hisfamilywillmisshimdearly.

DonationsinTom’smemorycanbemadetothe PrinceGeorgeHospiceSociety.

SONIA BAZINET

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sonia Bazinet, in her 72nd year, on October 9, 2019.

Sonia is now reunited with her parents Mike and Sanda, brother Mark, sister Raylette and partner Joseph. She will be greatly missed by son, Adam (Adrienne), daughter, Carmen (Peter) and grandchildren: Alexis, Jacqueline, Justine & Patrick, brothers: Andy, Steven, Mike & Edmond, sisters: Pauline & Debra, as well as former spouse Denis.

A Celebration of Life will be held October 29, 2019 2:00 PM, at Cornerstone Life Centre, 6912 Hart Highway, Prince George, B.C. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Diabetes Canada or Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.

MORRIS,PeterJ. June12,1937-October11,2019

Withgreatsadness,thefamilyofPeterMorris announceshispassingonOctober11,2019,at JubileeLodge.Peter,themiddlechildinafamilyof nine,wasborninChapeau,Quebec.Hewasan electrician,atradehelearnedintheRoyalCanadian AirForce,andworkedstart-upsatpulpmillsin Quebec,Saskatchewan,andBritishColumbia,before finallymakingPrinceGeorgehomein1973.Peter hadmanyfriendsandwasalwayswillingtohelp wheneverneeded.Hevolunteeredforanumberof yearsatSt.VincentdePaulandwasawillingand committedticketsellerfortheKnightsofColumbus. Forseveralyears,hecoordinatedCitizenship CeremoniesforPrinceGeorgeandwasalsoa memberofthefirstlocalCitizensAdvisory CommitteeforCorrectionsCanada.

Peterissurvivedbyhiswifeof59years,Ursula,son Jerry(Barb),daughterConnie(Gord),grandchildren Brad(Erin),Lauren(Mickael),Colton(Kennedy), Erika,JordanandMichaela,brothersBillandAlex, andsistersAnneandMary.Hewaspredeceasedby hissonEd,hisparentsErnestandWillietta,brothers JackieandBrian,andsistersEileenandPatsy.

ThefamilywouldliketothankDrKJaved,DrS Olson,alltheamazingstaffatJubileeLodge,andthe manyfriendswhovisitedandhelpedkeephisspirits positive.FuneralservicetobeheldatImmaculate ConceptionParishinPrinceGeorgeonThursday, October17,2019at11:00am.

We sadly announce that Brian Lee McBride, born Jan 8,1950, has passed away on October 14, 2019.

Brian is survived by his partner, Karen Ross-Nutt; brothers Chris (Brenda), Ron and Greg; son Stewart (Kim).

Brian is predeceased by Father, Edgar; Mother, Barbara; Brother Alan. Brian was cared for in ICU for 17 days by an incredible team of dedicated medical professionals. Brian has many friends that have known him for many years through his professional and social life. He is remembered fondly by them. He is missed greatly. No service by request.

The family of James Norman Smythe sadly announces his passing in Prince George, BC, September 28th, 2019, in his 92nd year. James was born February 9th, 1928 in Carman, Manitoba, joined the R.C.M.P. at the age of 19, and was the first R.C.M.P. member stationed at Kitimat, BC, where he met his bride to be, Joan Marie Ingram in 1952.

After 25 years in the RCMP, including living overseas, James retired with his family to a hobby farm in Pineview. An interest in law spurred him to become a Notary Public. Along with Joan, the couple established a successful Notary Practice which they managed for over a decade. James and Joan spent a pleasant 20 years of their retirement in Kelowna, BC, living on the Westside.

James had many outdoor interests, and led a life of adventure pursuing his love of photography, square dancing, world travel, hiking, canoeing and reading. His compassion for animals and health led him to become a vegan well ahead of his time.

James leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Joan Smythe, and daughters Charlene Smythe (George Craigen) and Joanna Smythe (Walter Matosevic).

He also leaves his grandchildren Bryce and Josey Bushell, Brennon Obst, and James and Mieke Matosevic, all of whom considered him a legend. He is also survived by great grandchildren Phoenix, Sebastian, Gryphon and Drakon, and his niece Sharon Spruston.

James, as you greet your next adventure, may the force be with you!

RoyVictorUnrau

RoyVictorUnrau,bornJanuary29,1953,in Chilliwack,BC,passedawayonOctober2,2019,in PrinceGeorge,BC,at66yearsofage. RetiringfromCanforattheageof60gaveRoyample opportunitytopursuehisfavouritepasttimes. Duringhislife,Royenjoyedagoodhuntorfishing withfriends,andexploringthelocalstreamsand woodsinpursuitofgoldpanningorjustenjoyingthe wondersofourcountryside.Roywouldoftenbeseen (andheard)ridinghisHarleyorplayinghisdrums. Roywasalsoawell-knownblackpowderenthusiast andattendedrendezvousinfullform.

Roywaspredeceasedbyhismother,DorothyUnrau; firstwife,BarbBreitkreutz;father,NormanUnrau; andsecondwife,RamonaLehr.

Royissurvivedbyhislong-timegirlfriend,Mona Kelley;stepmom,JoyceUnrau;siblings,TimUnrau andElizabeth(Scott)Clements;nephews,Zachary andNicholas;furryfriend,Sammy;andnumerous friendsandrelatives.

Glenn Johnston

Thefamilywouldliketoacknowledgethosewho caredforRoyduringhisillness,especiallyDoctors RachelMcGheeandCarolynBoucherandthestaff andvolunteersatPGHospiceHouse.Lastly,to Mona,whocaredforandlovedRoytotheend-you areanangel!

AsimplegravesideservicewasheldonFriday, October18,2019,followedbyaCelebrationofLifeat theEvangelicalFreeChurch.

Sand &

BEDNESTI

Career Opportunity

Career Opportunity

Village of McBride seeks Chief Financial Officer

Village of McBride seeks Chief Financial Officer

The Village of McBride is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join our team.

The Village of McBride is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join our team.

Our CFO will bring several years of experience in local government or the public sector to our team. This is a statutory officer position, reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer.

Our CFO will bring several years of experience in local government or the public sector to our team. This is a statutory officer position, reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer.

We need a highly motivated team player who is a strategic thinker, has demonstrated strong work ethic and professionalism and joins us in being customer service focused.

We need a highly motivated team player who is a strategic thinker, has demonstrated strong work ethic and professionalism and joins us in being customer service focused.

Our CFO is a member of the Village’s senior management team and provides leadership in the development of budgeting, financial planning and reporting as well as necessary policies, bylaws, collections, and asset management. The CFO attends council meetings as required to provide information and financial advice to our elected officials.

Our CFO is a member of the Village’s senior management team and provides leadership in the development of budgeting, financial planning and reporting as well as necessary policies, bylaws, collections, and asset management. The CFO attends council meetings as required to provide information and financial advice to our elected officials.

MCCASKILL

H&RBLOCKCANADAINC.TAXPROFESSIONAL BECOMEATAXPROTODAY! EnrollinTaxAcademyandlearntoearnasatax professional.

OVERVIEW:Seewhatittakestobecomeaproattaxesat H&RBlock’sTaxAcademy.Thealwaysin-demandskills andknowledgeyou’lllearncanopendoorstorealjob opportunities.

BLACK PRESS - CLASSIFIEDS 2x28.0 R0011750192

RN’s and LPN’s

Casual Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses needed for in home 1:1 pediatric respite care for medically fragile children in your area. Offering union wages, paid training and full support.

For full details and to apply visit www.resourceability.ca R0011750192

WEYERHAEUSER MAINTENANCE RELIABILITYLEADER

The CFO is accountable to the statutory duties of the financial officer under the Community Charter. The right candidate will have a professional accounting designation (CPA) or equivalent combination of education and experience enhanced by five years experience working in progressively responsible financial leadership roles preferably in local government. In addition, this individual will have a proven financial management track record and excellent communication skills. The candidate must also demonstrate knowledge of the Community Charter, Local Government Act and municipal accounting principles as they apply to this position. Prior experience with MuniWare Municipal Information System software is an asset.

The CFO is accountable to the statutory duties of the financial officer under the Community Charter. The right candidate will have a professional accounting designation (CPA) or equivalent combination of education and experience enhanced by five years experience working in progressively responsible financial leadership roles preferably in local government. In addition, this individual will have a proven financial management track record and excellent communication skills. The candidate must also demonstrate knowledge of the Community Charter, Local Government Act and municipal accounting principles as they apply to this position. Prior experience with MuniWare Municipal Information System software is an asset.

CAREERBENEFITS:Trainingfromindustryleaders,the abilitytotackleanytaxsituation,theopportunitytowork asapart-timetaxprofessionalatH&RBlock,and flexibilityandindependence.

There’sneverbeenabettertimetoenroll!Classesstart thisSeptember. hrblock.50864@hrblock.caor www.hrblocktaxacademy.caorcall250562-6247

MAYFAIRGASANDPLUMBINGINC

Weyerhaeuserin Princeton,BC,isseeking toaddaMaintenance Supervisor/Reliability Leadertoitslumber manufacturingteam.

The Village of McBride offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. If you are interested in this exciting career opportunity, please submit a covering letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience, in confidence, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 to:

The Village of McBride offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. If you are interested in this exciting career opportunity, please submit a covering letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience, in confidence, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 to:

Chief Administrative Officer

Chief Administrative Officer

Village of McBride

Village of McBride

PO Box 519, 100 Robson Centre McBride, BC V0J 2E0

PO Box 519, 100 Robson Centre

McBride, BC V0J 2E0

Email: cao@mcbride.ca

Email: cao@mcbride.ca

Graphic Designer

/

AMBER BEAUREGARD 2x10.7

PGC001880

Wearelookingfortwoexperiencedjourneyman plumberstojoinourserviceteam;weofferacompetitive benefitspackage.Ifthisopportunityissomethingyou wouldbeinterestedin,pleaseemailyourresumetoBrett atoffice@mayfairinc.comoraccounts@mayfairinc.com.

Thesuccessfulcandidate willhaveprovenabilities orexceptionalaptitudein safetyleadership, reliability/maintenance practices,team development,and technicalcapabilitieswith experienceworkinginan industrialsetting.

The Prince George Citizen is your best source for local and regional

sports, business, and events! As our graphic artist, you will provide creative leadership and direction to drive projects forward for The Prince George Citizen and our clients. We are looking for people who want to join an active group of engaged individuals who see our business as more than just publishing, but a part of the community. Come join us on this journey! Our values are the cornerstone of who we are – do they resonate with you?

Requirements:

Experienced professional with knowledge of Print and Interactive Media and Design Software

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with project management on integration of verticals

• Schedule and track integrated print promotion campaigns across multiple print publications

• Assist in preparing creative briefs to ensure clear objectives are set on a project-to-project basis

• Maintain production tracking sheets and provide progress reports

• Coordinate production of print ads and perform QA with tight deadlines

• Facilitate client proofing and rescheduling of print ads, as required

• Assist with the creation of digital assets for multiple print and online verticals

• Development of sales materials

• Design for online advertising and promotions

•Develop and enhance materials for all Glacier digital properties

• Proactively identify, assess, and implement procedural improvements to align with Glacier Media’s goals and objectives

• Demonstrate a creative element based on project specific criteria

Education, Qualifications and Skills

• Graphic design for print and digital advertising

• Web advertising development

• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop & Illustrator) with web design an asset

• Familiar with Mac Operating System

Personal Qualities

• Detail orientation and organizational skills are key

• Superior time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail

• Ability to work within tight deadlines and handle a wide variety of responsibilities simultaneously

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to develop effective solutions and drive for results

• Adaptable multi-tasker that can quickly switch gears when necessary

• Ability to listen and respond objectively to new ideas

• Excellent communication and problem solving abilities

• Ability to work with a wide range of personalities and functions across the company

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal, and in writing, isw essential

• A willingness to jump in where you are needed

Interested individuals should forward their resumes to scornell@pgcitizen.ca, attn.: Shawn Cornell by November 1, 2019 (No phone calls)

We thank all applicants, however we will be only contacting those shortlisted.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Wearelookingfor someonewhocanleadour maintenanceteamto world-classexecutionof standardmanufacturing andmaintenancepractices toimproveourprocesses andincreasereliability.

Competentinallareasof maintainingstrong workingrelationships, maintenanceprocesses, andadministration,the successfulcandidatewill havetheabilitytogrow anddevelopasaleader withinthecompany.

APPLYONLINE: weyer.jobs/14152

Trucking & Transport

YRB-WINTEROPERATOR/

LABOURER

YRBisseekingwinter operators/labourersforthe PGarea.

Minimumrequirements includeavalidclass1or3 driver’slicensewithair,a cleandrivingrecord,and driver’sabstract. YRBisalsolookingfor candidatesavailableonan asandwhenneededbasis. Ifyouaresemi-retired, andlookingforoccasional winterwork,thismaybe theperfectopportunity. Pleasedropoffaresume at2424HartHwyoremail tobens@yrb.ca. bens@yrb.ca www.yrb.ca

Bedroom/Bedding

Mills/Equipment

1998 KENWORTH with mixer trailer, white. $120,000. 617-3373

Musical Instruments

STRAUBE Chicago Cabinet Grande, upright piano. 1903. $1500. (250)561-9418

UPRIGHT Piano, 50” black “Boston”, by Steinway & Sons. UP-126 II. $7900. Still under warranty. (250)563-0518

YAMAHA ORGAN - Electone D80 3 Keyboard. Seldom used. $3500. 250-569-2234

Sheds/Outbuildings

Tires

ST. 2 bdrm duplex w/ 2 bdrm finished suite each side. Good revenue property, in good shape. $450,000 250-614-6667 or 250568-2338

Furnished Apartments

BACHELOR & 1 bdrm units, weekly rates, apply

just short of 1 acre, 3 bdrm, 2 bath, full bsmt, garage & more. Great neighborhood. $188,000. 250-992-5752

House, 2679 Queensway, upstairs completely reno’d, 2 bdrm up, 2 bdrm bsmt needs finishing, 60X110 lot, yrd completely paved. Suitable for rezoning to commercial or home based business. Currently rented. $320,000. 250-981-3583

2740 PETERSEN RD (Peden Hill). House and estate

Property For Sale

reliable water source. Log cabin attached to mobile home. Water line and hydro. Easy access. Mountainscape views. Private. 250-479-5545 45.5 ACRES Corner of Upper Fraser Rd & Beaver Forest Rd. with good driveway & building pad. $155,000. 250-614-6667

Lots & Acreages for Sale

1.148 AC. LOTS 35 & 36, Birchill Cres. 16 W., city limits. No GST. (250)563-7414

12 ACRES of commercial zoned land, 1400 ft of Hart Hwy frontage $150,000 per acre. 563-6985 or 981-1950. Will consider partial trades.

2.186 ACRE, 9341 Birchill Cres, close Hwy access, no gst. (250)563-7414

BUILDING Lot 8091 Flamingo Rd. 80’X135’ with city sewer & water. Allows mobiles as well. $85,000. 563-6985, 981-1950

HART Area, 400’ frontage X 100’ deep, serviced $300,000. 250565-4888

LARGE Res. lot, serviced, green belt on back, Oak Ridge Cres, Hart hwy. $89,900 obo 250-5623886 LOT for Duplex, 4-plex or apartment/condo. Fully zoned. Ready for permit. Near Multiplex & Walmart. 250-961-6786

Recreational Property

Apartments/Condos for Rent

2 BDRM near Parkwood & Hospital. HW flrs, balcony, heat & hotwater incl. n/p, $850. 250- 5612293, or 250-612-7528, HARDWOOD MANOR

Commercial

2649 Queensway, 3 Hoists, compressor, over 5000 sqft, 14’ bay doors, lots of bays, C5 zone, showroom, parts department. Reduced $1,200,000. 250-981-3583

CORNER of Queensway & Quadrant, C6

#105-2912 Hopkins Rd, Prince George, BC V2N 1L5. Creditors and others against the estate of Caroline Burkhardt, please submit to undersigned Executor Sharon Ann Stene, #110, 3033 South Ospika Blvd, Prince George, BC.

WOODLOT LICENCE # 629 Woodlot Licence Plan

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to section 17 of the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation, that a woodlot licence plan (WLP) has been prepared for Woodlot Licence #629 held by Karl and Dan Wicki. Woodlot Licence #629 is located near the Chilako River southwest of Prince George. If approved by the District Manager of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, this plan may apply for a term of 10 years from the date of approval.

The woodlot licence plan is available for public review and comment at 1579 9th Ave Prince George, B.C. V2L 3R8 at the office of DWB Consulting Services Ltd. during regular business hours between October 24th and November 22, 2019. Any written comments on the plan should be mailed to the address listed above listed or emailed to lkozak@dwbconsulting.ca. Please contact Laura Kozak, RPF at (250)-562-5541 to book an appointment to view or discuss the plan.