Prince George Citizen December 5, 2019 by Prince George Citizen

PRINCE GEORGE

THURSDAY

November 7, 2019

December 5, 2019

Your community newspaper since 1916

the Rocky Mountain Rangers at the Hill 70 Memorial near Lens, France.

rangers remember at france memorial

MARK NIELSEN Citizen Staff

as Canada’s Forgotten Battle. days in August 1917, three divireserve of Canadian troops became known at Hill 70 near fending off five German diviprocess. took place four months after Vimy Ridge, regarded as the became a nation and so, has overshadowed Hill 70.

Kamloops and was a Canadian-born soldier of Chinese heritage, died in the battle.

history books simply cannot deliver - how daunting the task was for the troops.

PLASTIC BAG BAN PLAN ON HOLD

City council’s quest to formally rid the Prince George’s checkout stands of plastic bags has been put on hold.

City council members unanimously agreed during the Oct. 23 meeting to wait until a provincial government public consultation on the issue has been completed before taking any concrete steps.

The consultation was launched after the Canadian Plastic Bag Association convinced the B.C. Supreme Court to overturn a ban imposed by the City of Victoria. The court found the ban was outside municipal jurisdiction because the purpose is to protect the natural environment and that is a provincial responsibility.

It’s known as Canada’s Forgotten Battle.

“At the time, Canada didn’t recognize Chinese Canadians as citizens,” noted Adam Davey, an officer in the Rangers’ Bravo company in Prince George. Alpha company is based in Kamloops.

Over 11 days in August 1917, three divisions and one reserve of Canadian troops took what became known at Hill 70 near Lens, France, fending off five German divisions in the process.

The battle took place four months after the Battle of Vimy Ridge, regarded as the day Canada became a nation and so, has overshadowed Hill 70.

to an eight-year campaign

$12.5 million in donations and almost all of it from private memorial is now in place to commemorate the battle.

“At the time, Canada didn’t recognize Chinese Canadians as citizens,” noted Adam Davey, an officer in the Rangers’ Bravo company in Prince George. Alpha company is based in Kamloops.

At the centre of the Hill 70 Memorial is a striking white limestone obelisk, overlooking an ampitheatre partly surrounded by an elevated walkway. It is named after Lee, who came to symbolize the 1,877 Canadians who died in the battle.

But thanks to an eight-year campaign that raised $12.5 million in donations and gifts in kind - almost all of it from private sources - a memorial is now in place to commemorate the battle.

more than 30 Rocky Mountain among those who attended commemoration to formally open and also to remember the one of their own.

history books simply cannot deliver - how daunting the task was for the troops.

“As an infantry officer, I’m looking at the ground and thinking ‘wow, it would’ve been nearly impossible to take the position tactically,’” he said. “It was certainly quite emotional.”

Following the main ceremony, a Ranger honour guard marched along that path and to a pair of park benches made possible through donations from the Rangers’ retired members.

On Oct. 2, more than 30 Rocky Mountain Rangers were among those who attended a day of commemoration to formally open the memorial and also to remember the sacrifices of one of their own.

Frederick Lee was a member of Mountain Rangers’ forerunner, Battalion. Lee, who grew up in

Private Frederick Lee was a member of the Rocky Mountain Rangers’ forerunner, the 172nd Battalion. Lee, who grew up in

“It’s expected that by late 2019, further direction and guidance will be given by the province on the jurisdiction and powers of local government in regulating plastic waste and single-use plastic bags,” Engineering and Public Works General Manager Dave Dyer told council. “City staff will prepare a report to council once this direction is announced to consider next steps.”

“As an infantry officer, I’m looking at the ground and thinking ‘wow, it would’ve been nearly impossible to take the position tactically,’” he said. “It was certainly quite emotional.”

But take it they did, and then fended off 21 German counterattacks after doing so.

Much of the credit has gone to a Canadian-born commander – Arthur Currie.

Following the main ceremony, a Ranger honour guard marched along that path and to a pair of park benches made possible through donations from the Rangers’ retired members.

“The whole site is quite fascinating,” Davey said. “The Frederick Lee walkway is supposed to resemble the trenches, so it’s concrete on either side and as you’re walking up this hill, it then opens up to the cenotaph at the top.”

For Davey, who served in Afghanistan, the walk brought home something the

Much of the credit has gone to a Canadian-born commander – Arthur Currie.

By then the portly real estate speculator from Victoria had gained the respect of the high command as the chief planner for Vimy and had been promoted to lieutenant general and given command of the Canadian Corps. He had then been ordered to attack and capture Lens, a small industrial city north of Vimy, to divert the Germans from reinforcing Ypres.

Currie refused and had he been a newlyminted British lieutenant general, he probably would have been sent home, historian John Cowan said in an account posted at Hill70.ca.

For Davey, who served in Afghanistan, the walk brought home something the

In July, council unanimously endorsed Coun. Murry Krause’s proposal to direct staff to draft a report on how best to “regulate” single-use plastic bags.

In deciding to take a wait-and-see approach, council also directed staff to develop a public education campaign on the issue. Cost of such a campaign is estimated at $10,000 to $15,000.

Currie refused and had he been a newlyminted British lieutenant general, he probably would have been sent home, historian John Cowan said in an account posted at Hill70.ca.

continued on page 3

In deciding to take a wait-and-see approach, council also directed staff to develop a public education campaign on the issue. Cost of such a campaign is estimated at $10,000 to $15,000.

According to a staff report, Prince George residents go through an estimated 14.8 million plastic checkout bags a year.

Members of the Rocky Mountain Rangers at the Hill 70 Memorial near Lens, France.

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

MURRY KRAUSE

PGCITIZEN.CA

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

MURRY KRAUSE

Paid Advertisement, your complete Citizen inside.

PRINCE GEORGE

Prince GeorGe

THURSDAY

November 7, 2019

Thursday december 5, 2019

Your community newspaper since 1916

Greyhound driver fined for crash

MARK NIELSEN Citizen Staff

It’s known as Canada’s Forgotten Battle. Over 11 days in August 1917, three divisions and one reserve of Canadian troops took what became known at Hill 70 near Lens, France, fending off five German divisions in the process.

The driver of a Greyhound bus involved in a fatal four-vehicle crash has been fined $2,000. colin Lucas Dunlop was issued the penalty last week in Prince George provincial court after pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention under the Motor Vehicle Act. one person was killed and seven injured in the April 21, 2017 chain-reaction crash on Highway 97 south of Kersley. it involved the bus, a car, a pickup truck and a tractor pulling a piece of farm equipment. The tractor’s driver, Mike Bailey, was killed when he was thrown from the machine.Hiscommon-lawwife,KatinaLondon, was behind him in the pickup truck. She was knocked unconscious when the car struck her vehicle, and for a time was put into a medicallyinduced coma. About a month later she was stable enough to be flown back to Quesnel but, according to a civil lawsuit filed against Dunlop and Greyhound canada in April 2018, is now confined to a wheelchair as a result of a severe brain injury. A trial in B.c. Supreme court on the matter is scheduled to begin June 1, 2020. Dunlop and Greyhound canada have also been named in four additional civil lawsuits - two from people who were passengers in the bus and two from people who were in the car the bus had struck, all claiming varying degrees of injury. Trials on two of them are scheduled to begin Feb. 3, 2020 and Feb. 16, 2021 respectively.

The two people who were in the car are from idaho. The passenger suffered extensive and serious injuries, according to his claim, including traumatic brain injury and injuries to his spine. Previously a firefighter, he is no longer able to work and is suing for general, special, aggravated and punitive damages.

The battle took place four months after the Battle of Vimy Ridge, regarded as the day Canada became a nation and so, has overshadowed Hill 70.

But thanks to an eight-year campaign that raised $12.5 million in donations and gifts in kind - almost all of it from private sources - a memorial is now in place to commemorate the battle.

The car was stationary when it was struck by the bus, according to the claim.

On Oct. 2, more than 30 Rocky Mountain Rangers were among those who attended a day of commemoration to formally open the memorial and also to remember the sacrifices of one of their own.

Private Frederick Lee was a member of the Rocky Mountain Rangers’ forerunner, the 172nd Battalion. Lee, who grew up in

The car’s driver as well as the two bus passengers - a Vernon man and a Kelowna woman - are claiming damages for a range of injuries they say have caused ongoing pain and suffering. in responses to three of the actions, the defendants are denying the claims and have not yet responded to the fourth.

PLASTIC BAG BAN PLAN ON HOLD

City council’s quest to formally rid the Prince George’s checkout stands of plastic bags has been put on hold.

City council members unanimously agreed during the Oct. 23 meeting to wait until a provincial government public consultation on the issue has been completed before taking any concrete steps. The consultation was launched after the Canadian Plastic Bag Association convinced the B.C. Supreme Court to overturn a ban imposed by the City of Victoria. The court found the ban was outside municipal jurisdiction because the purpose is to protect the natural environment and that is a provincial responsibility.

Reach foR the toP natasha Jang makes her way up the second of three routes at oVeRhang climbing Gym on saturday evening in the women’s final of the crush fest bouldering competition.

Kamloops and was a Canadian-born soldier of Chinese heritage, died in the battle.

Downtowntaskforceinworks

“At the time, Canada didn’t recognize Chinese Canadians as citizens,” noted Adam Davey, an officer in the Rangers’ Bravo company in Prince George. Alpha company is based in Kamloops.

ted clarke Citizen staff

Dawn Matte grew up in a tough neighbourhoodclosetothecity’sdowntowncorewithin a few blocks of where she now manages a health food store and never has she felt as unsafe about the surroundings close to her business as she does now.

Following the main ceremony, a Ranger honour guard marched along that path and to a pair of park benches made possible through donations from the Rangers’ retired members.

She took over as manager of Ave Maria on 20th Avenue three years ago and has seen a steady increase in the number of frightening encounters she and her staff have had with people who frequent the strip mall and adjacent convenience store.

For Davey, who served in Afghanistan, the walk brought home something the

Matte was among 35 business owners, police,healthandsocialworkers,andindividuals who made presentations at a special city council meeting Monday night to highlight their concerns and offer possible solutions to thecity’sgrowingproblemsofcrime,poverty, affordable housing shortages, mental health issues and drug and alcohol addictions.

history books simply cannot deliver - how daunting the task was for the troops.

“As an infantry officer, I’m looking at the ground and thinking ‘wow, it would’ve been nearly impossible to take the position tactically,’” he said. “It was certainly quite emotional.”

But take it they did, and then fended off 21 German counterattacks after doing so.

Much of the credit has gone to a Canadian-born commander – Arthur Currie.

“i am afraid for my employees,” she said. “i now have to look out for my employees’ mental health. (They are) terrified to go into work because they’ve witnessed a knife fight in front of the store, or myself and my daughter being threatened by a man who had an axe in his backpack. it’s scary.”

About 135 people packed into council chambers and an adjacent room to take part in the 4 1/2-hour meeting, which ended after council unanimously approved coun.

Brian Skakun’s motion to form a new task force early in the new year to tackle the city’s socialproblems.Skakunbelievesthebusiness community’sconcernshavebeenunderrepresented in council discussions.

MURRY KRAUSE

Mayor Lyn Hall said the task force will focus on finding short-term solutions as well as long-term strategies and it will act quickly. in addition to input from the business community, he would like to see representatives of the rcMP, northern Health, B.c. Housing, housing shelter operators, the native Friendship centre and School District 57 participate in the task force. council has invited Downtown Prince George and the chamber of commerce to speak at the Dec. 16 public meeting and will work out details of how the task force will work.

In July, council unanimously endorsed Coun. Murry Krause’s proposal to direct staff to draft a report on how best to “regulate” single-use plastic bags.

“Unfortunately it took a real push from the chamber, the business community, a lot of downtown businesses i guess being outraged with what’s happening to their life savings, to their employees, and other things,” Skakun said.

Currie refused and had he been a newlyminted British lieutenant general, he probably would have been sent home, historian John Cowan said in an account posted at Hill70.ca.

continued on page 3

“it was reassuring to see all the help that wasinthecouncilchambertonight,”Hallsaid. “People are saying, ‘We’re prepared to help, we’ve got some great ideas, all we want is a few minutes of committee’s time to tell you what we’d like to do.’

In deciding to take a wait-and-see approach, council also directed staff to develop a public education campaign on the issue. Cost of such a campaign is estimated at $10,000 to $15,000.

“This is a tough challenge and to know there are people who would step up means a lot.”

According to a staff report, Prince George residents go through an estimated 14.8 million plastic checkout bags a year.

citizen

Photo by James Doyle

Mark NielseN Citizen staff

Members of the Rocky Mountain Rangers at the Hill 70 Memorial near Lens, France.

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

RCMP aPologize foR oveRsight

Mark NielseN Citizen staff

Prince George RCMP’s superintendent has apologized to a former local woman for a constable’s failure to refer her to victim services when he responded to a call of suspicious behaviour.

In an Oct. 30 letter, Supt. Shaun Wright agreed with Erin Bauman that the constable neglected his duty when he committed the oversight.

“On behalf of the RCMP, please accept my apology,”Wrightsaidinpart.“Operationalguidance has been provided to him with a view to improving his performance in the future.”

It was among a number of concerns Bauman raised following an Aug. 14, 2018 event. It began

Area MPs named to shadow cabinet

Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer has been named the Conservative shadow minister for Northern Affairs and Northern Economic Development Agency.

While he wasn’t in the previous Conservative shadow cabinet, Zimmer served in the last session as the chair of a parliamentary committee on access to information, privacy and ethics.

Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty was named the Conservative critic for transportation. He had previously served in the shadow cabinet as the fisheries critic. Kamloops MP Cathy McLeod will serve as the Conservative critic for natural resources, forestry and mining.

at about 5:30 a.m. when, as she was walking along Burden St. between Fifth and Third Avenues to meet a friend, she noticed a young man on a bike appearing to commit a robbery at her neighbour’s home.

Soonafter,Baumansaid,ablackSUVcarrying two to four men followed her as she made her way to Watrous Park, a short walk to the north.

As the SUV circled the park, she called RCMP and the constable and a partner arrived on the scene while other members started patrols of the area.

Laterthesameday,Baumanfiledacomplaint with the detachment, claiming in part that the constable failed to show understanding and compassionandfailedtothoroughlyinvestigate her complaint.

On those counts, Wright disagreed.

He noted that in a followup interview with another RCMP member, the constable “stated that he could have come across as cold during this time, not because he was not insensitive to the issues, but rather due to the fact he was trying to gather more information as quickly as possible in order to assist the investigation.”

Wright found the constable “acted in a professional manner” when he and his partner arrived on the scene shortly after the detachmentreceivedhercall,attemptedtogetfurther details from Bauman and relayed them to the other members in the area.

On the matter of compassion, Wright said it is a difficult behaviour to assess, “unlike rude behaviour or use of force” and can be “shown in different ways by different members.”

Bauman stated the constable was not rude

to her, Wright noted, “but you believed that he should have been more compassionate when dealing with you. I am satisfied that he was professional with you and that he dealt with the investigation appropriately.”

Wright also disagreed with Bauman’s allegation that the constable showed an improper attitude when he called at 10 p.m. that night to apologize rather than do so face to face. Wright said he did not agree that 10 p.m. is late for most people.

“Further,thatwhileitisalwaysbettertospeak to an individual person, it is not always feasible to do so,” he said.

Bauman said she plans to pursue the matter through other avenues and provided a list of “actionableitems”RCMPandotherauthorities should undertake.

Lheidli T’enneh hosts historic balhats

Citizen staff

For the first time in 73 years, the Lheidli T’enneh Nation hosted a balhats (potlatch) on Friday that celebrated the partnership between School District 57 and the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation at Uda Dune Baiyoh, House of Ancestors located on Third Ave.

The two groups have developed a local education agreement and support the Aboriginal

lheidli t’enneh elder Violet bozoki offers a prayer to bless the food on friday at uda dune baiyoh - house of ancestors during an all clans learning balhats.

Education Advisory Committee. The partnership was first announced in May.

“We believe this is a first in Canada,” Lheidli T’enneh chief Clay Pountney said about the partnership.

“One of our key priorities as Lheidli T’enneh is to ensure that our students and those of other Indigenous nations and communities are supported at every level to achieve educational success. SD 57 has welcomed our commitment to work with their team to ensure we achieve this objective. To know the Lheidli T’enneh flag and a plaque celebrating this unique partnership will be displayed in every public school in our territory is truly reconciliation in action.”

Rod Allen, interim SD 57 superintendent, said

during the Balhats that the number of Indigenous students who graduate needs to increase and with the collaboration between the Lheidli T’enneh and the school district, he knows that will be achieved.

Historically Balhats, like the All Clans Learning Balhats held Friday, was the process used to conduct business within the Indigenous nations and communities until Canada deemed hosting a Balhats as unlawful.

Pountney said he believed the last one held in Lheidli T’enneh territory was in 1946.

“Today is the day that the Lheidli T’enneh Nation regained the Balhats, regained our history and turned the corner toward a vibrant, sustainable future,” Pountney said.

citizen Photo by James doyle.

Gift to hosPice from left, steven henderson, president of Prince George hospice society, toni stedeford, past president of Prince George hospice society, donna flood, executive director of Prince George hospice society, and steven findlay, president of Prince George downtown rotary club, pose with the $25,000 cheque the downtown rotary club presented to the Prince George hospice society. these funds will be used in support of the room renovation campaign at the rotary hospice house.

Citizen staff

citizen Photo by James doyle

Cariboo Rocks the North lineup unveiled

The lineup is in place for next summer’s Cariboo Rocks the North.

In all, 11 bands will perform over the threeday festival, set for Aug. 7-9 at Exhibition Park: Tom Cochrane and Red Rider, Nazareth, Powder Blues Band, Aldo Nova, Harlequin, Haywire, Kick Ax, Prism, The Stampeders, Sweet and April Wine.

The lineup was announced last Thursday.

“We just try to create a good complement of artists that work well together and kind of

represent the feel and vibe of the event that we want to create, which is fun, good classic rock,” Kyle Sampson, CRTN event manager, said. As in years past, there will be a “heavy Canadian flavour.”

That said, Sweet is coming in from outside the border.

Prism and Harlequin are returning acts. Tickets are available at the CN Centre box office, online at www.ticketsnorth.ca and by phone at 1-888-293-6613. For more information, go to www.CaribooRocksTheNorth.com.

Pedestrian hit by SUV

Prince George RCMP are investigating after a 22-year-old man was hit by a sport utility vehicle at the corner of Ospika Boulevard and Davis Road on Sun., Nov. 24.

The man was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries and the SUV’s driver, a 73-year-old man, remained on the

scene. Called to the site just before 4:30 p.m., RCMP closed the area to traffic to gather evidence. As well, the SUV was seized and will undergo a mechanical inspection as part of the investigation. Alcohol is not believed to be involved. Anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300.

Citizen staff

WorkSafeBC urges ladder safety this holiday season

The holiday season is approaching and WorkSafeBC is reminding workers, employers and the public to use ladders safely, both on the job and while decorating at home.

Last year there were 1,138 accepted claims as a result of falls from ladders across all industries in B.C.

“Falls from ladders are a common source of injury in B.C., particularly at this time of year when winter weather conditions pose hazards,” Barry Nakahara, senior manager, prevention field services for WorkSafeBC, said.

“Everyone can reduce the risk of injury by choosing the right ladder for the job, ensuring it’s in good working condition and taking the time to set it up and use safely.”

To use ladders safely, follow these safety tips:

- Select the appropriate ladder for the job and ensure it is long enough to extend one metre above the upper landing.

- Inspect the ladder to ensure it is in good working condition before each use.

- Always set up the ladder on a firm, level surface to ensure it is stable during use.

- Maintain three points of contact while climbing a ladder: two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot.

- Wear slip-proof footwear.

- Don’t carry heavy or bulky objects while climbing up or down a ladder.

- Wind, rain, and snow may pose additional hazards that need to be mitigated.

- Check for power lines and ensure a minimum distance of three metres can be maintained at all times before starting work.

“Stay safe this holiday season. Before putting up holiday lights and decorations at heights, think about ladder safety,” Nakahara said.

CN Rail strike settled

Ted CLARKe tclarke@pgcitizen.ca

The picket lines came down Tuesday, Nov. 26 along the CN Rail tracks on First Avenue and at hundreds more locations across Canada now that a tentative settlement in the labour dispute has been achieved.

Conductor Draven Cruikshanks shovelled away the doused embers of the trash can bonfire that kept him and his co-workers warm for the past seven days, relieved their work stoppage is finally over.

Their strike to secure better working conditions for 3,200 rail workers across Canada resulted in a week’s lost wages but Cruikshanks says it should result in better working conditions and he can’t wait to get back on the job.

“I’m just happy the company finally accepted the union’s contract and we’re able to go back to work,” said Cruikshanks. “Hopefully we got the better rest rules we were looking for.”

Conductor Shawn Hale was on hand to help dismantle the picket and wrap up his last four-hour strike shift and he was looking forward to moving freight again.

“It’s not fun for everyone, their families are all affected by us not working and now we can get back to our routines and hopefully see some change around here,” said Hale. “We had to make a stand for our collective agreement and that’s the only way it was going to happen was us shutting ‘er down and putting up a stand.”

In Prince George, the strike forced a work stoppage for 109 conductors, trainmen and yard workers who work the east-west line as part of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference CTY Division

343 and another 76 workers with similar duties who work the north-south line represented by Division 105.

Terms of the tentative deal have yet to be announced. The deal will be presented to the membership for ratification within the next one or two months. The workers were not receiving any strike pay while they were off their jobs.

“It’s good to be going back to work, our negotiating committee has our best interests at heart, obviously,” said Jeremy Butterfield, the local chairperson of Division 105. “It’s an agreement they’ve put forward and it has to be good. Everybody’s happy to get back to work, nobody wants a work stoppage especially this close to the holidays.”

One positive spinoff of the strike was the camaraderie and friendships gained among union brothers and sisters and their families who got together to wave signs at passing motorists and sat under tents to feast on home-cooked meals or donated food from local businesses or other union supporters.

“There was a lot of support from the community in Prince George – lots of good food - and everyone got to meet people we haven’t met who have been working here and everyone’s kind of building teams here now,” said Hale.

“When you’re standing down here in the middle of the night there’s not much more to do than talk to each other.”

They had more donuts and coffee than they needed and donated the leftovers to some of the social agencies to distribute.

“I’m glad they settled it before the cold snap came in,” said Cruikshanks.

Timberwolves player happy strike is over

Ted CLARKe Citizen staff

As stressful as it was for students at UNBC wondering if their semester was going to be ruined by a faculty strike that finally ended Friday after more than three weeks, the routine of living up to their commitments as varsity athletes gave the Timberwolves basketball teams a slice of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic time.

While they didn’t like crossing picket lines to get to their practices and games at the Northern Sport Centre, the chance to stick to their schedules as basketball players offered a needed distraction which kept their frustrated minds off what they were missing with their academic futures held hostage by a labour dispute beyond their control.

“It gave us a bit of a support system,” Emily Holmes, T-wolves women’s team point guard, said. “You talked to others about it and had your coaches and teammates, so it gave some sense of normalcy and it kind of brought us together to kind of stay focused on basketball. We still had that and had to continue training and practicing and playing games so we stuck together and used that as a positive reinforcement to try and manage the strike as best we could.”

The T-wolves men’s and women’s teams drew the bye and had no games this weekend as other Canada West teams played their final games leading into the Christmas break. Holmes said students still doesn’t know when the semester will end and whether they’ll be writing exams in January

to make up for the lost time.

“We’re happy we’re getting the chance to go back and the bottom line is we’re getting credit for the semester and that’s what’s important, especially for our graduating players,” Holmes, a 22-year-old history major, said.

“We didn’t know for a while but it was so far into the semester they were trying to make sure we weren’t at any risk of losing credit for our courses. It’s still a bit stressful figuring out how the rest of the semester is going to work, if we’re going to have exams or if the semester is going to be pushed into January.”

While Holmes is from Prince George, she knows students from out of town remain unclear if their travel plans to go home for Christmas will be disrupted.

“There’s an option that they might omit exams and continue classes to the 14th, we don’t really know yet,” she said. “I think it will be more up to professors and students sorting things out within class as to how they want to proceed with finals and grades.”

The T-wolves don’t play again until Jan. 3 when they resume their U Sports Canada West schedule in Calgary against the University of Calgary Dinos.

“We were the only school (on strike) so it’s been a bit of different year and a different time playing but we’ve all made it through so we’ll see how things go in the next two weeks,” Holmes said. “Hopefully we can get back on track and things will have cleared up for January.”

Northern Health not affiliated with Healing Hands book

Northern Health has issued a warning about a business activity posing as a charitable campaign.

In a statement issued last week, Northern Health said it has received reports of a company soliciting contributions from businesses in the region to pay for an activity book, called Healing Hands, to be donated to

children in hospitals.

Northern Health said it is “not affiliated with or endorsing this book” and is asking businesses receiving phone calls requesting donations to “check very carefully about the origin of such solicitations before making a donation.”

“People who are interested in making financial contributions to healthcare in

Northern B.C. are encouraged to do so through local hospital foundations and auxiliaries, and other charitable organizations whose work supports health projects and health services delivery in Northern B.C.,” Northern Health added.

Trouble with the book has popped up over the years.

In 2014, a hospital in Kitchener, Ont.

RCMP issue counterfeit currency alert

Prince George RCMP is urging local businesses to keep a close eye on the cash they are receiving in answer to reports of counterfeit currency - notably fake $50 US billsbeing passed.

“Although it has yet to be confirmed, these incidents are similar to a string of reports throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Southern Interior of B.C.,” RCMP said.

“As such, retailers in Prince George and throughout the province should use extra caution when receiving American currency as payment.”

received an unwanted box of the books along with a letter say they were “generously donated by your local business community.”

Hospital spokesperson Mark Karjaluoto told the Kitchener Record that any money that goes towards the books does not go to a charity or benefit the hospital.

“They are contributing, in fact, to a business activity,” he said.

For more information and to learn more about identifying both Canadian and American counterfeit currency, click the following link: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/ counterfeit-prevention/. Citizen staff

oPinion

Let’s lower the voting age

the general membership of the BC NDP agrees with me, the voting age should be lowered to 16. Lowering the voting age might seem strange to some but I and many others think that it could be one of the easiest ways to increase our dismal voter turnout rates. It might even save a few people from experiencing the emotional trauma of being told “OK BOOMER”. This tagline is often used when a young person and a Baby Boomer are having a disagreement and the Gen Z or Millenial does not feel like they are being heard. The common feeling is that Baby Boomers “just don’t get it”. I do agree that there are large differences between our generations but I think we need to be doing everything possible to learn from our elders and get to the root cause of why we don’t feel heard. Our young people are worried about the future. They are starting to see the effects of climate change with their own eyes and this has made them uneasy. People like Greta Thunberg are inspiring younger and younger

SENSIBLE SOLUTIONS

MACKENZIE KERR

people to get involved in advocating for their futures and they should have a voice when it comes to electing the politicians that are dictating their future. I spent a lot of time in classrooms during the last election and I can tell you from experience that some of the toughest questions came from these visits. It makes sense that the kids are so informed as they study the political platforms as part of their education. The common response from those not in support of lowering the voting age is that 16-year-olds don’t know enough about politics to make an educated vote but I disagree.

If politics and civics are taught well and voting stations are put in high schools, the barriers to voting for the first time will be removed and Gen Z will begin to feel empowered and participate. They are informed, they want to

have a say in their futures and if we get them to vote once, studies show that they are far more likely to do it again. Another surprising consequence of lowering the voting age is that it also encourages parents to practise their democratic right as well.

I directly witnessed the positive impacts of engaging youth in the last election. I can’t tell you how many conversations I had that started with a parent coming up to me and saying “your presentation inspired some really interesting conversations at our dinner table.”

The average age in Parliament is 52, contrasted against the average age of Canadians at 40. If we want a truly representative democracy, we should be aiming to close the gap between these numbers. I believe we will see a domino effect if we lower the voting age. It will lead to an increase in younger candidates, and hopefully, that will mean more young people elected, closing this age gap. Not only will this help young people feel more represented in government and decrease intergenerational tensions, but it will also help with knowledge transfer when it comes to passing

knowledge from one generation of parliamentarians to another.

So is this just a crazy idea or have countries actually successfully lowered the voting age?

It has been successful in Austria, Scotland, Argentina, and Brazil to name a few. If we trust 16-year-olds enough to drive and work, why do we not trust them with the ability to be informed enough about politics to vote?

A mistake in either of those activities has far more potential to do damage than casting a ballot. Our society has a habit of just voting for the same party they have always voted for regardless of the candidate or leader. It’s less likely that voters will inform themselves on the platforms of every party because there are barriers to accessing this information. Who has the time to read through 4, 80-page policy documents? 16-year-olds do, especially if it’s assigned as homework. Including more young people in our political process is not going to erode our democracy, it will strengthen it.

What separates humans from animals

When I was young, family dinners would result in a wide range of conversations – everything from the difference between girls and boys to what it was like to live through the Second World War. I don’t recall all the conversations but I do remember one line of questions – what separates humans from animals? It was a question we returned to many times over the years.

The glib answer is: “we have opposable thumbs.” Our ability to grasp objects is governed to a large extent by our hands (and feet). I can pick up a hammer, a sword, or a pen because these objects have been shaped by human ingenuity to fit into our hands and take advantage of lateral movement of our thumbs relative to our fingers.

A dog, lacking a thumb, is not able to manipulate any of these devices. Of course, we are not the only creatures with opposable thumbs. Many creatures have hands with similar shapes. All of the primates, for example, can grasp in pretty much the same way. Certainly our close cousins, the chimpanzees and bonobos are able to utilize hammers, swords, and pens although not with our devastating effectiveness. There are other creatures with grasping capacity. Raccoons

RELATIVITY

TODD WHITCOMBE

come to mind. They inhabit the neighbourhood where I grew up and were capable of opening gates and garbage cans. Their hands are fairly dexterous. If not our opposable thumbs, then, what distinguishes humans from animals?

The next round of conversation was about our use of tools. Humans modify the world around us to create hammers, swords, and pens. When I was young, there wasn’t a lot known about tool use by animals. Most instances where tool use was observed were either dismissed as accidental or simply chalked up to instinctual behaviour. A lot has changed in the past 50 years.

We now know a whole range of animals take advantage of natural objects to modify their environment and provide access to food.

Otters, for example, will dive for both food and rocks with which to crack open shells. They will float on their backs and crack open tough shells with repeated blows. Elephants use rocks and logs to modify drinking holes.

Even pigs use improvised shovels to help dig nests.

But some creatures go well beyond simply using available materials and actually modify their tools. Birds have been observed stripping a thin stick bare so as to be able to poke it into a hole in search of insects. Crows have been observed to modify sticks even further, bending them to fit around corners and building hooks to snag food items. Watching a crow solve a puzzle or problem is quite enlightening. Our closer relatives, the apes and monkeys, go to great lengths in their use of tools and their understanding of their environment.

Orangutans are considered the best “escape artists” at the zoo. They have been known to hide bits of metal from their keepers which they then use to pick the locks on their cages. Wild chimpanzees have been observed making sponges by chewing and matting together leaves. Man-the-tool-maker is no longer one of the goalposts defining our species.

If it is not physiology or tool-making, maybe it is language which separates us from animals. Except over the past 50 years, we have learned a great deal about animal communication. Animals have languages, albeit of a simpler form than ours, but they are still able to communicate fairly sophisticated concepts. More to the point, they are able to recognize others

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by their voices.

One experiment conducted on meerkats involve recording the voice of one member of a tribe and then playing it back for other members. The animals became clearly agitated and confused when the voice was played from different locations in rapid succession. The animals could not understand how their comrade could be in two locations at once. It is not language which separates us from animals. Indeed, a BBC video will even teach you how to speak meerkat if you are so inclined. No. It is not having language which makes us unique but it may be what we do with our language which separates Homo sapiens. In his book, Sapiens, Yuval Harari makes the case for our ability to tell stories as the defining characteristic of our species.

About 70,000 years ago, long after we had tamed fire and developed the ability to shape tools, our species engaged in a cognitive leap forward. We likely developed the capacity to tell stories which allowed for one generation to pass on knowledge to the next. But they also allowed us to imagine and it is imagination which has allowed us to dominate the planet.

“Homo sapien” literally means “wise man” but perhaps it is our imagination which truly makes us unique.

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Question of the week

last week’s question: Do you support the UNBC faculty strike?

h ow you voted: yes 43% no 57% total votes: 1,412

Kindness changes lives

ihad a beautiful drive home to Prince George from Smithers recently after attending the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. The new Smithers Chamber manager, Sheena Miller, planned an amazing event and fundraiser. I was swept up into an exciting evening of networking, fun and entertainment as the Smithers business community celebrated, supported and recognized one another. I am so grateful to have been embraced by such a wonderful community of people.

This trip reminded me of my early years in Prince George when I would regularly drive through the Bulkley Valley for my work with a book company. The last time I had traveled to Smithers was about 20 years ago in November.

I distinctly remember freezing cold sub-

LATITUDE

zero temperatures and three feet of snow. I had to take the Greyhound for that trip because the roads were so bad. But there was a major hitch. The bus pickup time to get back home to Prince George was 2 a.m. out front of the 7-Eleven, that was of course closed at that hour, situated right on Highway 16.

The problem was that I could not afford a second night at the Capri Hotel, who very kindly allowed me to hang out in their banquet room until it was time to head out into the night. I admit it, I was scared. Scared of falling asleep and missing

Taking personal responsibility

recently the courts heard Luke Strimbold’s lawyer painting a picture of his client as an adult who was himself abused as a child, and said essentially that because of that, he didn’t know any better. His Lawyer requested a mere 18 months in prison, while the crown attorney requested four to six years, similar to what is given for stealing a nice car.

Using past abuse as a defence does no good for society. It sends the message that we are not responsible for our own actions. It encourages us to excuse our bad behaviours if we can possibly blame someone else.

I realize it has got to be difficult to come up with arguments when defending a predator, but seriously, some arguments should be struck from the record, and this is one of them. Following Strimbold’s lawyer’s logic, there would be no decent people left on earth. I am not a math person, but it wouldn’t take very many generations for every single person alive (or, more likely, dead) to be either a child molester, murderer, and/or terrorist.

Abuse has a serious impact on people, but this defence paints every abused person as a potential abuser, and that is wrong. It is unfair, and unjust. By some miracle, it is more common for abused children to grow up to be decent people than it is for them to horribly abuse in turn. Science still has no good explanation for the hows and whys of this, but we are all grateful for this fact.

THINKING ALOUD

TRUDY KLASSEN

The majority of people have a general knowledge of right and wrong, and though they themselves were abused, simply decide that this will never happen to a child under their care or protection.

If they find themselves seriously negatively impacted, most people work hard to recover and be safe adults. Many abused adults choose to become advocates to improve safety in places like sports teams, schools, children’s events, choirs, etc.

Common decency, the normal “morally correct behaviour” that most people practice, exists because people work at mastering their desires, passions, and tendencies. When a person goes too far outside these boundaries, something is seriously wrong.

Acknowledging that the majority of abuse survivors do not grow up to be abusers, makes what Luke Strimbold did more grievous. He chose to do it.

At some point, his sick mind decided that his selfish, twisted desire to dominate mattered more than the vulnerable child he was abusing. That is not normal.

Normal human behaviour is to protect the vulnerable. Let’s hope the judge will have chosen to take that into account.

this week’s question: Did you spend too much on Black Friday?

h ow to vote: to answer go online to our website: www.pgcitizen.ca the results will appear next week along with our new question.

the bus, or freezing to death because the bus didn’t come, or worst of all, getting abducted off the side of Highway 16. Thankfully the wind-chilled trek across the field and highway was successful and the bus arrived on schedule. Six hours later, I was safely in Prince George with a bus load full of other weary travelers. It is hard to believe that Greyhound is gone and that mid November is now a balmy 6 C at this latitude.

So much has changed in 20 years. I sometimes question why I have received so much opportunity over the past 20 years. Why did doors fling open and lucky breaks appear? Why has so much kindness been given to me here in Prince George? Yes, I gave, but there has to be more to it. Does being white with parents that had the means to insist on a university education factor in? I hope not, but if so, I have to wonder, what if a person

doesn’t have that?

We have no choice where we are born or who we are born to. One’s race, colour, socioeconomic position and social status is not something we choose when we arrive in this world. What if someone is raised in abusive and traumatic circumstances that creates terrible suffering and deep emotional scars? What if a person only knows dysfunction starting from their first memories? What if someone is exposed to substance abuse and the strong hold of addiction early in life? What if an individual cannot access medical support for mental illness challenges?

A special artist and friend advised me in a conversation of late that every single person matters and is on their own journey. Don’t judge; love them where they are. Use your power to create and build. Kindness and compassion win.

LINDA REMPEL

Truth leads to healing

Ihave to admit that I am not a big fan of fiction and less a fan of blockbuster films. I prefer to know what actually happened and is happening in the world. Still, great fiction is great because it reveals deeper truths of our humanity.

My intention in seeing Frozen 2 during the opening weekend of its release was to spend an enjoyable evening out with my family. I did not expect to be impressed or moved by the story, but I was.

Frozen is loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Snow Queen. It tells the story of Elsa, gifted with magic powers and her younger sister Anna. The 2013 blockbuster film ended with Elsa saving her sister’s life with an act of true love and courage and embracing her role as Queen of Arendelle.

In the 2019 sequel, the heroes of the story embrace the importance of respecting Indigenous cultures and prioritizing environmental protection. Despite the fact that these are not popular issues in certain circles, it is encouraging to see a large corporation like Disney using its influence to increase public awareness. What I found most refreshing about

LESSONS IN LEARNING

GERRY CHIDIAC

Frozen 2 however, was its emphasis on true leadership. No leader is perfect, but those who are great have the courage to risk doing what they believe the right thing. They are motivated by an internal compass which is directed toward higher ideals. Many times in the film, when faced with a dilemma, Elsa and Anna both focus on doing “the next right thing.”

We may not be able to see the top of the staircase, but we can always take the next step. Each step draws us closer to the truth, and the truth can be terrifying.

In her quest to save her kingdom, Elsa soon realizes that she has been lied for her entire life, that one of her royal ancestors was not the person she thought he was. She embraces this truth and does what she knows is right. Chaos ensues for a time, but in the end peace and happiness are restored.

It is also significant to note the influence

In the 2019 sequel, the heroes of the story embrace the importance of respecting Indigenous cultures and prioritizing environmental protection.

of love. Love can recognize that people make mistakes, but it does not judge. Elsa recognizes that her ancestor was wrong, but she does not condemn him. She simply does what she needs to do to right past wrongs.

Though the story is a fairy tale, it contains many deep truths. Perhaps I am reading too much into a family film and Disney had no intention of making such profound statements. Nonetheless, the message is clearly visible.

Not only families, but nations have deep, dark secrets which hold us back from achieving our potential, and this can lead to our own demise. We conquer

territory, build great structures and bring other nations the “gift of civilization”. The truth is that those we tried to subjugate were already civilized. The structures we built were for our own benefit. Our history books have told us for generations that our powerful nations have done a great thing, but is that really the truth? More importantly, do we fear the answer to this question?

It is said that the truth will set you free, though it may make you miserable at first. It may cause some discomfort for a time, but truth always leads to healing.

Perhaps Frozen 2 is just a children’s movie. Yet, what better message is there to share with our young?

Sometimes fiction is the clearest revelation of reality. As Gandhi said, “All through history the way of truth and love has always won.”

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.

Canfor to shut down sawmills for two weeks

Citizen staff

All of Canfor’s British Columbia sawmills, with the exception of one, will be shut down over Christmas and New Years, the company said Mon. Nov. 25.

The two-week curtailment will begin Mon., Dec. 23 with operations resuming on Fri., Jan. 3.

The company’s WynnWood specialty operation in Wynndel,

will be down for five days.

The high cost of fibre and continued weak lumber markets are behind the moves, the company said.

The curtailments will remove almost 58 million board feet of production output.

“We deeply regret that our employees have been impacted by multiple curtailments in 2019, we know it has been a difficult

year for our employees, contractors, their families and the local communities,” Canfor senior vice president of Canadian operations, Stephen Mackie, said in a statement.

“The curtailments are not a reflection on our hard-working employees or contractors. We appreciate all of their efforts and continued commitment to safety during these difficult times,” he added.

Pedestrian seriously hurt

A 49-year-old male pedestrian was taken to hospital with serious injuries Monday afternoon. Prince George RCMP and other emergency services responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 16 at about 4 p.m.. The driver was traveling westbound on Highway 16 on a green light at the time of the collision, according to evidence from the scene and multiple witness accounts, police said in a statement.

SPORTS

High-energy Perepeluk back in Cougars’ fold

Reid Perepeluk is not going to win the Western Hockey League scoring race.

You’re not likely to see him dangle the puck on his stick on a rink-length rush and watch him weave his way through a crowd to finish off a goalie with a dastardly deke.

That’s not what led Perepeluk into his current role patrolling the right wing in his third season with the Prince George Cougars.

It’s his ability to accelerate into passing gear with silent Tesla efficiency and make use of his battering-ram speed on blades to disturb the peace and strike fear into the eyes of an opponent.

That’s what makes the 19-year-old winger a rare commodity that has continued to increase in value to the Cougars since he re-joined the team after a 30-game stint in the Kootenay International Junior (B) Hockey League with the Kamloops Storm in 2018.

When Perepeluk is on the ice, creating havoc within the rules of the game. every one of his teammates suddenly grows a few inches taller and few pounds heavier. And when he does get his chances to score, he knows what to do with the puck.

“He’s a huge part of our team and we really miss him when he’s not there,” said Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb, who had Perepeluk back from a three-game suspension Saturday in Kelowna, where the Cougars lost to the Rockets with a score of two to three.

“It doesn’t matter what line he’s on, he plays the same. There’s not a lot of players like him in the league, he’s unique. He’s kind of a throwback - physical, skating, and he gets in on the forecheck and he turns pucks over. For sure, if they took that stat he’d be leading the league in hits. He’s a hard guy to play against.”

The six-foot-three, 215-pound Perepeluk let his frustrations get the better of him in the dying seconds of a 4-0 loss to the Vancouver Giants in Langley Nov. 16.

He took a run at Giants defenceman Bowen Byram and was handed a major penalty for charging and a game misconduct which led to his three-game suspension.

“It was the last 15 seconds of the game and we were penalty-killing and they were being really dirty, breaking guys sticks over guys heads and stuff like that, so I decided to take control and with about five seconds left I went as hard as I can on the forecheck

to destroy the guy and got a major for a charge,” said Perepeluk.

At the time of the suspension, Perepeluk had just recovered from a groin injury that forced him to miss two games against Victoria.

He’s hoping it won’t take long to get into game condition again and pick up where the Cougars left off last weekend with their back-to-back wins at CN Centre over the B.C. Division-leading Kamloops Blazers.

“It did really suck not playing, especially when we’re winning, it was harder to watch it and not be out there,” said the 19-yearold Perepeluk, a native of Yorkton, Sask., picked by the Cougars in the sixth round of the 2015 bantam draft.

“We’re going into Kelowna with a lot of confidence and hopefully we don’t come too highly and come unprepared. Hopefully we just keep winning games.”

Perepeluk returned to the ice Saturday playing on a line with centre Brendan Boyle and left winger Nikita Krivokrasov, who joined the Cougars in trade last week from the Tri-City Americans.

“They’re both real hard-working players,” Perepeluk said. “Nikita can definitely move the puck very well, likes to pass, just a very smart player who works hard in the corners and that’s going to translate into offence.”

Through 19 games playing on an offensively-challenged Cougar team Perepeluk has already matched his seven-point total from last season, which took him 55 games. He now has three goals and four assists with a minus-4 rating and a team-high 25 penalty minutes.

“Obviously I want to keep improving on my finish game and be able to finish on my chances but also create havoc and space for

other players,” he said. “That’s a big thing I want to contribute, too.

“The past 10 games haven’t gone well with injury and suspension. Once you miss five games in a matter of three weeks you get a little bit out of game shape. I’m just trying to get back in that game shape and think and process the game at that level because the practices are a lot different than the games.”

Getting Perepeluk back is certainly a relief for Cougars centre Ilijah Colina, at five-footsix, 165 pounds one of the smaller players in the WHL.

“We’re just going to have more energy with his physical presence,” said Colina. “He brings speed and energy which is good to get us going at the start of games. He’s always flying around the ice and that’s something we need. We don’t have many guys like that.”

Ted Clarke Citizen staff

citizen Photo by James doyle

Prince George cougars forward reid Perepeluk stickhandles the puck out of his zone with Kamloops blazers defender brody stuart hot on his heels in January at cn centre.

Cold weather ideal for ice oval

Ted CLARKe Citizen staff

Clear skies and cold temperatures. That’sbeentheprevailingweatherpattern recently for Prince George and that’s good news for skaters wanting to get started taking their laps at the Exhibition Park ice oval.

Crews started flooding the 400-metre track on Monday and have been keeping the hoses flowing every two hours several times a day, which means it is now open for public skating.

“We’ve done really well this week, we’ve been pouring the water to it,” Neil Bilodeau, part of a small army of dedicated volunteer ice-makers who build and maintain the oval ice throughout the cold-weather months, said.

“We’ve had a good turnout, quite a few new guys helping as volunteers. It varies but we’ve had eight, 10 and 12 people come out. With the hose floods we’ve got four stations and you need two guys on each station so it works really good to get at least eight guys out and move the hoses around.”

Eventually, once the ice is an inch or two thick, a water truck will be used to spray a more even layer of water on the oval and the Zamboni will shave the high spots and get rid of the bumps and grooves.

There’s been a few breezy days, which helps freeze the ice faster, but it makes spraying with the hose a bit more of a challenge.

skaters make their way around the ice oval during the 32nd annual prince George iceman held last February. the ice oval is now open for the season.

“The downside to the wind is you’re wearingthehumidity,”Bilodeaulaughed.“You’ve got to turn your back to the water. Our biggest downfall is the sun. On clear days it beats down on the ice in the afternoon and doesn’t do it any justice.

“As long as we can keep the temperatures we’ve got now, that’s super. If we can get a good enough base down we can make it last prettygood,especiallywithcoldertemperatures coming on.”

Lows dipped to -20 C last weekend and the forecast calls for highs to remain below freezing.

On snowy days, the ice crews use a skidsteer (Bobcat) equipped with a blade to plough the ice and a mechanical brush

thensweepsthesurface.Volunteersarealso ready with their shovels to clear snow.

The Ice Oval Society has made several improvements to the facility, located adjacent to Kin 3 arena west of CN Centre. Physically-challenged skaters now have wheelchair access to the ice and a fullyaccessible washroom has been built this year. The oval also accommodates parents with young children in sleds.

Season passes for the oval are available through the website at www.pgoval.ca.

Single memberships are $25 and a family pass(maximumoftwoadults)costs$60.Day passes are $2 (individuals) and $5 (families).

The oval will be open most days from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Some time periods will be blocked off for exclusive use of the Prince George Blizzard Speed Skating Club and mastersspeedskatersonlongblades.Check an updated schedule at pgoval.ca.

The society has purchased new skates which are available for rental in the indoor change room. Speed skates and nordic blades (which attach to a pair of cross-country ski boots) are available for rental for $5 for two hours.

Rentals are available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., subject to volunteer availability.

The society is also actively promoting its Chill the Oval campaign and through its website has a portal to accept private donations.

The ultimate goal is to raise enough money to pay for a permanent paved surface with refrigeration to extend the skating season and make the oval a year-round facility suitable for in-line skaters, roller skiers and other user groups on wheeled equipment.

citizen photo by James doyle

Mongomo, Landry lighting the T-wolves’ fire

Ted CLARKe Citizen staff

Maria Mongomo is getting healthy again and that’s great news for the UNBC Timberwolves.

The fifth-year forward offered a reminder to the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack how important she is to the T-wolves’ success two weekends ago in Kamloops, where she averaged 30 points over two games.

She shredded the WolfPack defence for 29 points, 16 rebounds, five steals and two assists in the first game, a 68-66 overtime loss, and came back the following night to score 31 points, eight rebounds, four steals and three assists in an 87-77 win. That earned the native of Las Palmas, Spain a Canada West third star-of-the-week award.

While still not up to full speed due to a sore Achilles tendon, Mongomo is giving the T-wolves hopes they will become more frequent fliers to the Canada West win column when their season resumes in January.

Winners of just three of their first eight games, the T-wolves have 12 games left to establish themselves as a playoff contender and they will need Mongomo to pick up where she left off.

“This year has gone a little bit not like we expected,” said T-wolves head coach Sergey Shchepotkin. “First we had our foreigners’ injuries and we are not as good under the basket. So I really had a lot of concerns how it would go with a lot of new people on the team.

“(Despite) all those concerns I had, it shows right now we are pretty competitive and we are doing pretty well against all teams.”

Injuries crept up on the T-wolves before the season started. One of their top recruits, six-foot-two forward Laura Garmendia Garcia, a native of Castelldefels, Spain, suffered a torn ACL late in her season playing in a Spanish women’s league. Yhe same injury happened to six-foot-one Russian forward Svetlana Boykova during a preseason game against the UNBC alumni. Both were expected to help fill the huge void left when Canada West first team allstar post Vasiliki Louka, the T-wolves’ alltime top leader in points, rebounds, blocks and minutes played left after five seasons to play pro in Greece.

That put additional weight on the shoulders of five-foot-11 post Emma vanBruinessen to take control under the net and she’s utilized her four years of playing time with Augustana of the Alberta college league as a springboard to success in her first U Sports season.

“It’s still a big hole on our team and her rebounding and her efforts as an undersized post really have made a difference,” UNBC point guard Emily Holmes said. WithGarmendiaGarciaandBoykovaunavailable and Mongomo still hurting, the T-wolves have struggled to pile up victories but they’ve been close in virtually every game in a season highlighted by a 17-point win over the ever-

after nursing an ankle injury most of the season. she collected 60 points in two games against tru in the t-wolves’ most recent games nov. 22-23.

powerful UBC Thunderbirds.

Fourth-year-guard Madison Landry has been a great equalizer for UNBC. With 164 points in eight games, the Duchess Park graduate was the leading scorer in Canada West heading into last weekend, averaging 20.5 points per game. Landry’s 36-point effort in the win over TRU tied a team record for most points in a game.

“Madison really stepped into that leadership position, she‘s not afraid to take the important part of the game on herself,” Shchepotkin said. “It’s not only about scoring, she shows her leadership when she talks and she helps her teammates during the game. She’s 100 per cent there in the game.”

Mongomo’s 16.4-point average was eighth best in Canada West and she had 23 steals through eight games. Guard Alina Skakirova, now in her third season, is also doing her part offensively, averaging 16.1 points and her three-point proficiency (14for-37) put her in the top 10 in the league.

Holmes stands only five-foot-four but what she lacks in height she makes up for in hustle. In eight games she racked up a team-leading 30 assists (third in Canada West) and had 14 steals and eight buckets from three-point range.

“She’s really showed mature basketball,” Shchepotkin said. “Her first year we weren’t even sure she could play in this league but every year she improved a lot and she has that maturity and plays very smart basketball now. She knows where to go and when to go.

“She plays very good defence. Despite she is small, she’s tough and she can play against big players.”

The T-wolves are in for tough sledding during the first two weeks of January, first

in Calgary against the Dinos, ranked second in Canada, and then at home to Fraser Valley. After that, their next four opponents – UBC-Okanagan, Brandon, Regina and MacEwan – all have losing records.

unbc forward maria mongomo, shown in action in a home game in november against the Victoria Vikes, is finding her stride

A hAppy outdoor life

Ellen (Vance) Jameson, one of four children, was born in Fort St. John in 1937. Her parents homesteaded in the Taylor area as far back as 1930.

In 1945, there were no schools in Taylor so the family moved to Crawford Bay on the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake near Nelson. Ellen attended school from Grades 1 to 10 in Crawford Bay.

Her father found work at logging camps and then at the Bluebell Mine at Rionde. He worked there for 10 years until the mine closed. The family knew they would have to move to find work somewhere else.

In 1954, Ellen’s father, brother and her boyfriend Bill Jameson went north looking for work. They found steady work at the McBride Timber Company west of Prince George.

Ellen married the boy from across the road in Crawford Bay. She said, “I was 13 years old when I met Bill. He told me that he was going to marry me. I was determined that this would not come to pass because Bill and the other boys always teased me so I told him no, because I hated boys and especially those that teased me. We got married six years later in Prince George in 1956 when I turned 19.

“I finished Grade 11 in Prince George. In 1955, I went to work full time at the

SENIORS’ SCENE

KATHY NADALIN

Bank of Montreal and worked there until I retired in 1992 after 36 years in the banking industry.

“My parents first lived in the Mud River area. In the mid 60s they moved into Prince George, bought property in the Peden Hill area and developed a subdivision on the land near where Costco is now located. Prince George was booming and, at the time, all you had to do to develop a subdivision was to have it surveyed, put in the roads and then sell the lots. The first roads to go in were Vance Road and Pederson Road.

“My father gifted a subdivided lot to each of his four children. We built our first house and lived there for 28 years. We had space for a huge vegetable garden and lots of flowers. I have fond memories from those days that include our many wonderful family fishing and camping trips.”

Bill worked as a truck driver for various trucking companies and then went to work for Ocean Cement. The winters

were hard on truck drivers and quite often he had to work out of town. When he was laid off, at the age of 53, Ted Moffat hired him to manage the fishing equipment department at Northern Hardware for the next 14 years. He retired in 1998.

Sadly, Bill passed away in 2015 at the age of 84 and after 59 years of a good marriage.

The couple had one son Jerry (Cindy) who in turn gave them three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Ellen said, “Bill was an accomplished outdoorsman and always tied his own flies. It is well known that his flies worked every time.

“At first, Bill went fishing with his buddies until I joined him. I became his fishing partner and claimed the title of chief cook and bottle washer. I became very good at fishing and he didn’t mind that one bit.

“We were square dancing partners for over 20 years. We traveled to Square Dance events and met many new friends, saw quite a bit of British Columbia and had a lot of fun along the way. In 1997 we travelled to the Yukon and Alaska for six weeks. It was the best trip ever.

“We volunteered together for over 15 years with the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign. For some reason, I always got the banking job and they wanted me back year after year. At Christmas, we generally adopted a family and had fun together as we shopped for the family knowing that we were going to make someone happy.

“Now, I live at River Bend and I am very happy here. The staff is great and I made many new friends here. I have the space I need to do my crafts and my quilting in my suite. I was relieved when I found out that I could bring my very best furry friend Magic to live here with me.

Life is good.”

December birthdays that I know about: Chuck Chin, Bill Bosnich, Elaine Swaykoski, Adrian Girard, Marion Valle, George Weinand, Sandra Rees, Wendy Girard, John Husberg, Bob Raine, Erika Harder, Judy Schlesier, Ingrit Gohl, Dirce Pandolfo, Dr. Phil Staniland, Marg McLachlan, Wilfred Vogt, Terry Burgess, Shirley Byman, Alcide Gauthier, Elaine Sokolowski, Belen Pankonin, Denise Baldock, Larry Herbert, Robert (Archie) Nicholson, Lucy Young, John Warner, Faye Sibley, Joan Watt, Donalda Carson, Simone Kwast, Shirley Michaud, Bob Michaud, Maureen Bricker, Jean Durston, Carol Haugland, Doris Banzer, Erich Bertram, Margaret Leveridge, Wendy Foresterling, Esther Monroe, Catherine Halladay, Ralph Chappel, Norm Sevigny, Angel Holden, Trish Barnes, Albert Gendron, Arthur Cardinal, Fred Bagg, Duncan Gouchie, Sandy Sitter, Lauri Karjaluoto, Nora Larsen and very special greetings for Gus Krauza who is 90, Delbert Wood is 94 and Molly Rustad turns 98.

December anniversaries: 69 years for Ivor and Joan Buchi (nee Perry), 65 years for Eldie and Georgina Ward, 64 years for Jack and Avis Cook, 63 years for Don and Marion Vaale, 63 years for Alcide and Margaret Gauthier, 63 years for Larry and Anna Herbert, 62 years for Charlie and Joyce Burkitt, 61 years for Gerry and Jewel Bates, 58 years for Malcolm and Elaine Lamb, 57 years for John and Eva Werlberger, 57 years for Roy and Shirley Green, 55 years for Bill and Donna Bosnich, 53 years for Mario and Emma Mauro, 52 years for Bill and Shirley Smith and 36 years for Armand and Gert LeFebvre.

Citizen photo by James Doyle

Ellen Jameson and her dog Magic are seen here at her home in Prince George.

ColdSNAP 2020 oFFerS A World oF MuSiC

Christine hinzmann Citizen staff

Coldsnap 2020 will do its best to chase those winter blues away from Jan. 24 to Feb. 1.

The lineup has been announced, the organizers are organizing and the performers are ready to entertain the heck out of this town.

As it has since 2007, the Prince George Folkfest Society presents the multi-musician winter event at a variety of venues throughout the city. Offering big dances for those who wish to party like it’s 1999 there’s Kick Up Yer Heels, Hip-Hop Happenin’, International Dance Party and Coldsnap Ceilidh.

There’s shows on offer where people can sit and relax and hear beautiful music presented by many talented artists from across the globe. These shows are called Sunday Full of Soul, International Folk Jam and Sensational Songwriters.

There’s also other opportunities that bring audience members up close and personal during free daytime events presented by a variety of local organizations.

“We’ve got something for everybody at Coldsnap,” Sue Judge, artistic director of the folkfest society, said. “As usual we have a pretty wide range of musical tastes. As we’ve gone through the years we always try to cover most genres of music. Last year we had classical and this

to attend a live performance can do so without there being a financial barrier, she added.

“That way it’s inclusive and accessible,” Judge said.

The society is still working on the schedule for the daytime workshops, which will be posted by year’s end.

“Every year we partner with a number of community groups to present the Coldsnap artists in a free daytime event,” Judge said.

The events are called ice jams because they are like mini-concerts that are a bit more informal than a regular concert that offers audience members the opportunity to ask questions of the musicians in a more casual environment.

There are also workshops on a variety of topics, like songwriting, offered throughout Coldsnap and that schedule is pending.

year we have hip hop, which is different for us. We’ve done it before but not for a while. It takes a while to cycle around the different genres and certainly people who love to dance are really going to love the four dance nights we have at the Ramada.”

For people who like to support local and regional musicians there are two

Seniors and elders invited to Tea & Tell

Christine hinzmann

Exploration Place is bringing back their Tea & Tell event to celebrate International Human Rights Day and International Year of Indigenous Languages on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. at the museum. It’s been a few years since the last Tea & Tell and the new public programs coordinator, Christie Mason, thought this was a great way to bring community seniors and elders together to talk about some very important issues.

Along with hearing the guest speaker visitors coming for the Tea & Tell are also welcome to explore the latest exhibits at The Exploration Place, including the display showcasing in memoriam revered elder Mary Gouchie.

“Mary Gouchie was dedicated to the revitalization of Indigenous languages,” Mason said.

To complement the museum’s focus on reviving Indigenous languages the guest speaker is Yahlnaaw Grant who is from Skidegate, Haida Gwaii.

Grant, who now lives in Prince George, has earned her bachelor’s degree in First Nations Studies from the University of Northern B.C. and is currently working on her master’s degree, with the focus on Indigenous language revitalization.

Grant also works at the Two Rivers Gallery as the Indigenous programming intern.

“Language encompasses aspects such as art, culture and tradition as these components create our language and our language allows us to describe these components,” Grant explained.

Admission is free for seniors and elders. There is limited seating. RSVP at education@theexplorationplace.com or call 250-562-1612.

nights at the Legion where four regional musicians will be performing. Those musicians are coming from the coast, the Alberta border and 100 Mile House.

“And I just confirmed a musician coming from Telkwa,” Judge said. “Those artists will be performing at what we call ‘pay what you can’ nights at the Legion.” It’s important everybody who wants

Judge was quick to say that the event wouldn’t be possible without all the great local sponsors and volunteers that she wishes to thank for their years of support of Coldsnap.

Residents looking for just the right stocking stuffer for that hard-to-buy for, has everything person on their Christmas list can get tickets for all the mainstage Coldsnap shows at coldsnapfestival.com and at Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave.

The exploration Place has an exhibit called Mary Gouchie: Hubodulh’eh to celebrate the lheidli T’enneh elder in memoriam. Visitors attending the Tea & Tell may explore the exhibit during the event.

Citizen file photo

A.W. Cardinal along with Jasmine Colette who are Blue Moon Marquee performed during a free community outreach event for Coldsnap Music Festival last year at the Prince George Native Friendship. Similar events will be held at Coldsnap 2020.

Citizen staff

Citizen file photo

a round town

rinG of fire

Until Monday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. at #36-556 North Nechako Rd., Theatre NorthWest presents Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash, which features five actors, 10 instruments and more than 30 songs played live to tell the amazing true life story of Johnny Cash through song. Tickets at theatrenorthwest.com.

family GaminG afternoon

Saturday, Dec. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Nechako Branch, Prince George Public Library, 6547 Hart Highway, there is a Family Gaming Afternoon at Nechako Branch where people are invited to bring the family to monthly gaming afternoons at Nechako Branch and play a variety of tabletop board games and video games. Contact: 250-563-9251 | ask@pgpl.ca

emerGinG adult social

Monday, Dec. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Bob Harkins Branch, Prince George Public Library, 888 Canada Games Way, this emerging adult social is geared for those 19 to 30 years old to kick back, eat snacks and try different activities with other emerging adults.

Contact: 250-563-9251 | adhanjal@ pgpl.ca

seniors christmas celebration

Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Way, Shirley Bond MLA, along with numerous community sponsors, invites local seniors to attend the 12th annual Seniors Christmas Tea. This celebration include snacks, entertainment, and door prizes. To register please call 250-612-4181

tea & tell

Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. at the The Exploration Place, 333 Becott Place, community seniors and elders are invited to celebrate International Human Rights Day and International Year of Indigenous Languages by attending a special tea and tell event featuring special guest speaker Yahlnaaw Grant. Free admission for seniors | Limited seating. RSVP at education@theexplorationplace.com or call 250-562-1612.

Johnny reid concert

Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. at CN Centre, 2187 Ospika Blvd., Johnny Reid stars in his My King of Christmas Tour. Widely known for his energetic stage performances, Johnny will once again perform in Prince George.

Tickets are $89.50, $69.50, $59.50, $39.50 (plus service charges and fees). For more information or to purchase tickets over the phone, call the TicketsNorth Box Office at 236-423-1157. Restrictions: Section E is no alcohol.

liGht uP the orchard

Until Monday, Dec. 23 from 4 to 9 p.m. Northern Lights Estate Winery, 745 PG Pulpmill Rd., enjoy a family-friendly walking tour and get into the spirit of the holidays with a stunning lights display in the winery’s orchards. Kids receive a complimentary hot chocolate and treat while the adults get to enjoy $3 off a bottle of wine to take home.

Concession will be available with adult and kid-friendly beverages as well as snacks. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for wine club/seniors 65 and older, a toonie for children two to 14, which includes a hot chocolate and small treat, children under two years old are free. Family rate is $12 for two adults, up to three children, all plus GST. The Orchard will be closed Dec. 4 and 19. For more information call 250-564-1112.

celebration of liGhts

Wednesday, Dec. 18 to Monday, Dec. 23 at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum, 850 River Rd., the museum transforms during its Celebration of Lights event.

Enjoy a walk taking in the sight of more than 100,000 Christmas lights or hop onto the Cottonwood Minirail Express to explore the eight-acre park for a small fee.

Guests are invited to roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a bonfire or have a meal from the concession for purchase.

People can enjoy a visit with the special guest in a red suit and live entertainment. On Dec. 18 admission to the park will be with donation of a non-perishable food items. For more information visit www.pgrfm.bc.ca.

GrievinG Parents christmas dinner

Sunday, Dec. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Omineca Art Centre, 369 Victoria St., the Grieving Parents United organization is inviting those who have lost an infant or experienced loss in pregnancy to gather together to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner together.

During the free event guests are invited to create memory boxes that will be donated to the hospital. Everyone is welcome to attend the dinner, including those with living children who can show their support and help raise awareness for this kind of loss. Guests must RSVP by emailing Shayla Mena at shaylamena@ outlook.com or Natasha Saunders at tashtalkshealing@gmail.com.

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

Citizen Photo by James Doyle Rebecca Thackray as Trenna sings during a performance of Ring of Fire on stage at Theatre NorthWest. Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash goes until Dec. 23.

Celebration offers sense of community

Christine hinzmann Citizen staff

During the 12th annual Seniors Christmas Celebration held Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Civic Centre the host hopes those in attendance will feel a bond with their community.

“This is probably my favourite event of the year,” Shirley Bond, MLA, who hosts the event, said. “The opportunity to celebrate with seniors in the community has been such an incredible thing.” It started with about 80 people in attendance 12 years ago and has now grown to accommodate about 900 for this year’s event, Bond added.

“It is an unbelievably joyful event,” she said.

“So many seniors talk to me all year long about it and they start phoning early to register and I’m very much looking forward to it. I have to say without unbelievably generous sponsors from across the city this could not be possible. Canadian Tire is a major sponsor, we have River Bend, P. G. Hyrdo Mechanical, Royal LePage and the list goes on. These are generous sponsors and that’s what makes it possible.”

There are entertainers and gifts, refreshments and a visit from old St. Nick himself.

“It’s a chance to give back in the community and I absolutely love it,” Bond

said.

It all started 12 years ago when Bond said she had aging parents that inspired her action.

“How do we make them feel as special as they are,” Bond said. “So every year the number of volunteers increase, the sponsorship grows, and it’s really about having seniors feel special - that’s what matters to me.”

Bond remembers the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre was very important to her parents who participated in the many activities offered there and that made them feel included and cared for in the broader community and capturing that feeling during the joyful event is the goal.

“There are seniors who don’t have a network of friends and family that are here so this is the chance for many of them to be together,” Bond said.

“Having lost my parents and knowing how important that sense of broader community was to them that really inspired the first one. I still remember it because it was a very, very cold winter day and those seniors lined up to come have tea and be with one another, so I’ll be praying for good weather so we can have a really wonderful celebration with hundreds of seniors from the community.”

To register for the Seniors Christmas Celebration call 250-612-4181.

MLA Shirley Bond chats with some seniors at her annual Seniors Christmas Celebration last year. This year’s event takes place Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Citizen file photo

Hallmark fantasies come to life

Natalie B. ComptoN

The Washington Post

The Hallmark Channel is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Countdown to Christmas, a tradition that, this year, started 60 days before the actual holiday with the release of 40 new seasonal movies to a collection of titles some 232 strong.

The plots contain overlapping themes often involving some sort of homecoming, some sort of a hometown hunk, some multigenerational problem-solving, and, of course, some sort of sweaterwearing. The movies tend to transport busy corporate types from cities to deeply quaint towns where they find love or, at the very least, the spirit of Christmas. Watching these movies may trigger the desire to visit one of these towns. Who doesn’t want to sit at a cozy mom-andpop establishment, sipping a steaming beverage while holiday lights twinkle up and down Main Street?

Don’t we all want someone to wrap their arms around us in the back of a Clydesdale-drawn carriage?

Is it too much to ask that these Hallmark movie towns exist?

It is not, because they do. America is filled with fairy-tale destinations for you to live out your Hallmark movie fantasies this holiday season. We picked five of them for you to visit.

leavenworth, washinGton.

Population: 2,000

Leavenworth takes pride in being a Bavarian village tucked away in the Cascade Mountains. The holiday programming in town does not disappoint, particularly the 500,000 Christmas lights that make up Leavenworth’s Village of Lights.

During the town’s Christmas Lighting Festival, Leavenworth celebrates with live music and a visit from Santa and perhaps here you’ll cross paths with your future spouse, who happens to be in attendance, gazing longingly at you while you’re distracted by the extraordinarily festive display. You may bump into them later at Leavenworth’s nutcracker mu-

seum, where thousands of nut-opening dolls are on display. If you don’t find love, at least you’ll have seen thousands of nutcrackers.

Jackson, wyominG

Population: 10,500

In the wintertime, thousands of elk migrate to Jackson’s National Elk Refuge to do their standard wintertime elk activities. It’s a good time for non-elk to migrate to Jackson, too.

The town gets very cold and very festive around the holidays. That combination makes for an epic annual Torchlight Parade wherein locals ski down the town hill in a zigzag pattern while holding onto blazing flares. Before the parade check into the Wort Hotel, a historical property that hosts its own 12 Days of Christmas programming the way Hallmark would have scripted. Once you meet your love interest (perhaps in the crowd of Torchlight Parade spectators?) who inevitably warms your cold, wintry heart, invite them on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the wildlife refuge.

duranGo, colorado.

Population: 18,900

Welcome to Durango, a town so lovely in the wintertime that its website says it could be the best time of year to visit. You see this from the moment you arrive. In the background: the San Juan Mountains under a blanket of snow. In the foreground: cozy locals bundled up in lounge chairs around fire pits enjoying the aprèsski scene. You nestle in with them, doing your best to blend in while also standing out to a potential “special someone.”

After your afternoon on the slopes, or on a ride on the Polar Express vintage steam train (yes, Santa is onboard), mosey over to food-and-drink court 11th Street Station or the bar El Moro for more opportunities to meet your soul mate. If that doesn’t pan out like you and Hallmark hoped, try Noel Night on Dec. 6. Everyone in town comes out for the evening, where shops offer food, wine, games and discounts.

middleburG, virGinia.

Population 900 Nestled in Virginia’s horse country, Middleburg is surrounded by rolling fields with livestock, vineyards and orchards. Park your car and stroll (yes, stroll) down the historical district’s main drag until you run into the Christmas Sleigh, a German Christmas-themed store packed to the brim with holiday paraphernalia. We’re talking ornaments, chunky sweaters, holiday sweets, nutcrackers and festive beer steins. The shop also claims to have America’s most robust collection of Austrian and German traditional Trachten clothing for people of all ages, if that’s your vibe. Pick up some lederhosen and go catch the Middleburg Christmas Parade on Dec. 7, where you’re bound to have a holiday rom-com moment. Picture the scene now: You bend down to pet one of the hounds and realize a dreamy local has done the same.

You lock eyes. The rest is history (or airing on the Hallmark Channel).

north Pole, alaska

Population: 2,100

Perhaps the most perfect backdrop for a meet-cute is North Pole, Alaska. The town is so dedicated to the season that even its city government website has a Christmas countdown on the homepage. About 15 miles outside of Fairbanks, the town of North Pole’s main attraction is Santa Claus’s house, where visitors can take photos with the big man himself as well as some real reindeer.

The holiday season kicks off with such fanfare as a winter festival, a candlelighting ceremony, a community treelighting (maybe this is your best bet for bumping into an attractive stranger) and ice carving.

Airbnbs in the area are aplenty, including deeply romantic log cabins that advertise visibility of the northern lights.

Washington Post photo Middleburg, Virginia’s Christmas parade is led by the Middleburg Hunt, riders and their hounds on a snowy day.

a guide to the perfect household gifts

Kendra nichols

The Washington Post

With products that combine form and function, you’ll want to save this list for the next housewarming party, graduation or even wedding season.

crate and barrel: oven to table servinG bowl set

We liked this set for its classic simplicity and clever combination of form and function: The acacia stand (both figuratively and literally) elevates the 11-inch-wide bowl, which is dishwasher-, microwaveand oven-safe to 400 degrees. ($29.95, crateandbarrel.com).

moma: Fold-by-number cloth naPkins

For all of MoMA’s seriously impressive art, we were tickled by the playfulness of this six-napkin set. Each 20-inch napkin has built-in instructions for a different folding design. ($42, store.moma.org).

skeem desiGn: Poetry

FirePlace match bottle

The 120 matches in this mantel-worthy bottle are silk-screened with a thoughtprovoking poem by Sean Kearney. Print the poem (which is on the product Web page) onto a gift card for full effect. ($46, skeemshop.com).

hay: rainbow tray

This iridescent stainless steel tray could add a bold touch to a desk, vanity or entryway drop zone, while providing a dedicated place for keys, jewelry or trinkets. ($15-$20, nannieinez.com).

kooduu: synerGy Pro

This multitasking party machine is a portable wireless speaker, an LED light and an ice bucket (or a planter). The two smaller sizes fit one wine bottle, and the

largest fits two. ($139-$249, amazon. com)

corkcicle: riFle PaPer co. canteen

We’re big fans of Rifle Paper Co.’s stationery and decor, so we are all over this collaboration, which puts five Rifle Paper designs on a triple-insulated, 16-ounce stainless steel bottle.

($34.95, corkcicle.com.

Floor 9: stemless wine Glasses with metallic brushstroke desiGns

This gift-ready set elevates the usual wine glass by giving each a different colour and gold brushstroke design (hand wash only). Pair it with your favourite bottle.

($50, floor9living.com)

modern sProut: eco Planter Grow kit

We all know someone with greenthumbed aspirations. This passive hydroponic kit makes it easy, with a reusable canning jar and steel net pot, plus growing medium and seeds; choose from basil, parsley, mint and cilantro. ($25, store.modsprout.com)

the FoGGy doG: waste baG holder

Finally, a gift for dog lovers that isn’t meant for dogs. Choose from dozens of prints to find the perfect waste bag holder for the dog owner, or owners, in your life. ($24, thefoggydog.com)

otherland: the threesome candles

Focused equally on scent and design, Otherland unveils new limited-edition candles every season, allowing you to

curate your own collection. This gift set comes with your choice of matchbox message, such as ‘hot mama’ or ‘bravo!’ ($89, otherland.com)

casPer: the doG bed

While researching a story on the latest pet furniture, we came across this luxurious memory-foam bed, which hopefully will keep Fido from waking everyone up in the middle of the night. ($125-$225, casper.com)

the sill: Plants For beGinners monthly subscriPtion

For all wannabe plant parents, online retailers are getting in on the trend with shippable, pre-potted plants. This three- or six-month subscription includes monthly easy-care plant babies.($120$225, thesill.com)

vinrella: water bottle umbrella

An umbrella that won’t soak a purse? Yes, please. These polyester and steel umbrellas come in lots of colours and designs. Just make sure you air-dry them eventually. ($22, amazon.com)

meli wraPs: makana variety Pack

Your eco-friendly friends will appreciate these reusable food wraps made with cotton, beeswax, tree resin and plant oils. They can stick to most surfaces and will last about a year. ($24, meliwraps.com)

Washington Post photo Otherland: The Threesome Candles.

photo courtesy of Vinrella Vinrella: Water Bottle Umbrella.

Photo courtesy of MoMA

Fold-by-Number Cloth Napkins.

poverty and the responsibility of business

Homelessness is increasingly becoming a problem in cities big and small across North America. Yet as business leaders we tend to see the issue as one that is not our problem or responsibility, unless of course, we have a business that is being affected by a homeless camp, squatters in our doorsteps, or addicts in our alleyways.

We cannot comprehend why people aren’t working like we are, or taking responsibilities for their lives in a fashion that would be becoming of someone of our status in society. We wrongly assume that the crime, squalor and social problems associated with poverty and homelessness can be fixed with increased public funding, greater police presence and harsher penalties. It’s easy for us to complain and demand solutions to these inconveniences to our business, shopping patterns, or our nice neighborhoods. However, have we considered what our responsibilities are as leaders of commerce and the solutions to these ills of our age we have access to?

It’s at this point that you are probably sneering and thinking that I have lost my mind if I am suggesting for one moment, that businesses leaders like you and I have a responsibility for dealing with poverty in our communities. But hold on a second. Let me challenge you to consider that working to solve this problem might actually be good for you, your business, and your community; that the solutions to these problems cannot any longer be left to government and social agencies to provide. Let’s face it, there has been a colossal failure by agencies and government in dealing with this issue of poverty.

As a society, we have continued to fund band-aid programs, government projects, and charities that have not only been unable to solve the problems, but have actually made things worse by creating dependency and lowering the self-worth of the poorest of our society who feel their only option is a handout. Yes, we feel good as people, when we give a donation to a charity that hands out free food, free needles, and coats and clothing to those living below the poverty line. We feel justified, as we think our tax money is going to pay for more policing, or healthcare services for the homeless.

At Christmas we give a few bucks to our favourite charity that gives out a pair of mitts or a hamper to a struggling family and wash our hands of the poor for the rest of the year.

So, am I just another heartless Scrooge

who despises the poor and has no practical understanding of what it is like to be without? It’s true I grew up in a safe middle-class family with parents that made ends meet and I went on to have businesses that earned me good money. Yet I do have a notion of the challenges of poverty and homelessness from 30 years of volunteering hundreds if not thousands of hours, in the downtown core of my community serving soup and sandwiches and watching the problems get worse not better.

I can say that I have felt good and righteous over the years by my “help” to those in need, but I honestly believe that the only time my “good deeds” have been of any benefit to anyone in poverty is when I have had a real relationship that was NOT based on me giving something and expecting nothing in return.

In my frustration with seeing a lack of change as a result of most of my time, energy and donations, I recently asked some of the people at a local drop-in centre where I volunteer, why they came and what was the root of the problem. I questioned four women at one table about the root of the homeless problem. One woman told me bluntly that she was a third-generation alcoholic and she chose to live on the street because if she got an apartment, her husband would move in and beat her up. This lady wasn’t asking for pity and when I told her I respected her decision to live on the street, she smiled.

Another woman told me after a longer conversation that the reason she was living in poverty was because she had mental health issues after having been sexually abused as a child and a teenager in foster care.

“They asked me, a child, where I wanted to live after they had taken me from my mother. How was I, a child, suppose to know that?”

One fellow said that he used the drop-

in centre for a place to go in the evening to get out of his apartment and find community. He said others were there to get sandwiches so they could have lunch at their jobs. Some, he said, were there because there was a cycle of poverty and that more money was the solution. I challenged him by asking him if I would give $1,000 to everyone in the room if that would solve the problem. In his wisdom, this man suggested that I would need to get an agreement from each person that they would use that money to achieve a goal, then after a few minutes of thinking said that “No, giving more money wouldn’t fix anything the problem is different, we need more jobs.”

The poor are no different than you or me. They want to be respected; they want to give more than they want to take. They want to contribute to society. Yes, they need safe affordable housing and food, but I have never heard anyone say they wanted everything for free. Handouts of all sorts create dependency and when we don’t respect people and ask for accountability for their actions as we would anyone else, we do them a disservice.

So, where does business fit in, and what are our responsibilities? Let’s start by using the resources at our fingertips to make a difference.

In business, we have capital (money) which we can use in a number of ways. One thing we can do that can make the biggest difference for the poor is to give them jobs. As business owners, we all have jobs both big and small that could be done by the poor, many of whom have skills and need the opportunity to work.

In my 30 years of business I have hired people off the street, children who shoplifted from me, mentally handicapped youth, immigrants and socially awkward people.

The jobs I offered were not high paying and may have only been a few hours a

week, but allowed every person I hired to have dignity and self worth. Sometimes it took considerable effort on my part or the part of my other staff to make things work out; occasionally I was disappointed when a hire never showed up for a shift. Yet, I can honestly say that none of my handouts, donations, or charity even remotely compared to the difference that a job made in someone’s life.

Imagine what would happen if 1,600 businesses in a community hired someone living in poverty for only two hours a week to start. Two hours might not seem much to you or I but a job cleaning, sweeping, or doing manual labour can give purpose, hope and the first step out of poverty to someone who has hit rock bottom.

Not only does work help financially but it empowers people to take control of their lives and rise above those aspects of poverty that pull them down.

Empowered people try to make their societies and communities a better place to live.

Yes, it’s easy to be critical of social problems and the lack of results, but until we use our talents as leaders to make a difference, the shame should be on us. Not only should we be creating jobs, and building capacity, talent and self worth in our poor, but we should be holding accountable those charities and agencies that depreciate the value of our poor by holding them in poverty by counting them as statistics to ensure their continued funding, instead of being focused on results.

When the model is broken, we in business have a responsibility to become actively engaged in using our resources so that homelessness, crime and poverty are reduced, not perpetuated.

Dave Fuller, MBA is a Business Coach and the author of the book Profit Yourself Healthy. Enraged by this article? Email dave@profityourselfhealthy.com

Citizen file photo A homeless camp was set up in the alley way off of Dominion Street in September.

DAVE FULLER

THE PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

CLASSIFIEDS

REMEMBRANCES

It’s

In Memory

William (Willie) Dixon

Passed away October 31, 2019. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in 100 Mile House. (Sister Sherri 250-302-9257).

KALYN, O. Ernie

February 20, 1942 (Hafford, SK) November 6, 2019 (Victoria, BC)

Ernie was an avid outdoorsman - no trip was complete without a wildlife count, a skilled woodworker who made many beautiful works of art, and a construction consultant to friends and family everywhere. He withstood years of ill health with grace and good humour and few of his many friends ever heard him complain. He is survived by his wife, Virlee, his daughters Karin and Deb (Chuck), one sister, Sylvia Kalika (Orest) and numerous family and friends.

JOHNS, Donald “Richard”

Donald “Richard” Johns passed away peacefully on November 25, 2019 with his wife, Yvonne, by his side. Richard is survived by his wife of 51 years Yvonne; daughter Vickie (Keith) Keira, Ryder; son, Jason (Susan) Asa, Ezra, Silas, step granddaughter, Chloe and her son, Obadiah; sisters and brother, June (Bob), Judith (Duane), Ruth, Bob (Sharon), Peggy and their families. Richard was a skilled heavy duty mechanic who enjoyed reading, golfing, hunting and fishing. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations in Richard’s name may be made to Hospice House.

Sharon Valerie Charlotte Baxter

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sharon Baxter on November 24, 2019.

Born in 1942 in New Westminister BC, Sharon lived her younger life in the lower mainland before moving to Prince George in 1974. Sharon loved her summers at the family cottage and always stayed very active. She enjoyed 5 pin bowling, carpet bowling, Red Hatters and was a long time season ticket holder to her beloved Spruce Kings. Sharon was also a devout Christian with Timbers Community Church. A loving wife, mother and grandmother she will be deeply missed by everyone. No service by request.

Ray Webster died November 27, 2019 at age 62. Survived by his wife of 25 years Deanna Antosko, daughters Rayann & Caroline, six grandchildren, one brother and four sisters. Predeceased by parents and two brothers.

Marilyn Williams

Marilyn passed away at Hospice House on Nov 22, 2019 with all her family at her side.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Rick, daughters Darleen (Alex) and Sherri and son Bill (Shelly)

Marilyn will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren Alexa (Trevor), Taylor, Dawson, Sean, Jonelle, Keenan and Brayden, her brother Dal (Donna) , sister in law Linda (Uriel) and many caring and loving friends.

A memorial service will be held at Assman’s Funeral Chapel at 1pm on Sat Dec 14th, 2019

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Cancer Research or Hospice House would be appreciated. Thank -you to Dr. Kim Weiserber and Dr. Linda Wilson for their support and care and to Hospice House for their assistance.

JOHNSON - Anna Marie

Our Mom passed away on November 27th, just a few days after her 93rd birthday. Mom was born in Chase and spent her childhood on Shuswap Lake in Magna Bay, BC.

After Mom and Dad were married and had started a family, Dad’s work took them all over the province. As their family grew and the moves became more frequent, Mom was the anchor that made everything work. She could make a house feel like a home in no time. Mom was able to adapt to any situation and make us feel secure and loved.

Mom was pre-deceased by her husband Bob Johnson in 1989.

Anna is survived by her children: Barbara Johnson, Eric (Melanie) Johnson, Thelma (Peter) Mohammed, Sharon (Neal) Hirsch, Robert (Eleanor) Johnson, Ruth (Mitch) Olineck, Shirley Beamer and her family; Grandchildren: Mitchell (Karen), Kristy (Geoff), Kurtis (Lindsey), Jennifer (Ken), Riley(Jen), Adam (Alison), Carrie, Myles (Brigette), Alison(Ryan), Arlo (Crystal) Levon, Peter (Michelle), Allysa ; and numerous great grandchildren. Mom is also survived by her two sisters Helen McLean and June McEwan (Jimmy). She will be greatly missed by her family that was so close to her heart.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 4th at the McBride Cemetery at 1:00pm where she will be laid to rest beside her husband Bob.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Red Cross or the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

Fr. John Lawrence, OMI

died peacefully at St. Patrick’s Home, Ottawa on Saturday, November 23, 2019. He is survived by his sisters, Benjamina MacIsaac, Loretta MacLennan, Sr. Theresa MacLennan, and his brother Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Fr. John Lawrence MacLennan was born March 26, 1929 in Glen Dale Parish, Matford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to John and Mary (Nee Cameron) MacLennan. He studied general arts for two years at St. Francis Xavier University (Antigonish, NS) and taught elementary school in Nova Scotia prior to entering the Oblate Novitiate in September 1950. Fr. Larry made is first vows September 8, 1951, his final vows September 8, 1954, and he was ordained June 15, 1957. Fr. Larry went back to complete his degree in education at Loyola University in Los Angeles (CA) in 1970 and studies in formation at St. Louis University in St. Louis (MO) in 1986-87.

In his early years as a priest, Fr. Larry spent time in ministry, teaching in British Columbia, primarily at Prince George College High School, where he was principal in the 1980s. During these first 30 years, he also served as a parish priest in various towns and native missions in BC, including the Queen Charlotte Islands, Prince George, Dawson Creek, Fraser Lake, Burns Lake and Kateri Tekakwitha Mission in east Vancouver.

Fr. Larry was appointed Provincial of Oblate St. Paul’s Province in 1987 and he was re-appointed in 1990. His sabbatical year in 1993 was spent returning to his family’s roots in Dornie, Scotland, where he ministered to the parish there, making good use of the Scottish Gaelic that he had learned as a child. When he returned to Canada, he spent 10 years or so ministering to the poor and abandoned on the east side of Vancouver and returned to Prince George to support the parish in his semi-retirement. Fr. Larry moved to Ottawa in 2012 to retire at Springhurst Residence. He has been in long-term care at St. Patrick’s Home since earlier this year.

We are grateful to the staff at St. Patrick’s Home for their generous care and support of Fr. Larry during this past year.

The Vigil Prayer Service will take place at Canadian Martyrs Church, 100 Main Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 2P8, on Thursday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m. There will be an opportunity for visitation following the prayer service. The Funeral Mass will take place at Canadian Martyrs on Friday, November 29 at 11:30 a.m. with a reception to follow. Interment will take place at Glen Dale Parish, Nova Scotia at a later date.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kelly Funeral Home, Somerset Chapel, 613-235-6712. Condolences and Sharing Memories at www.kellyfh.ca

Obituaries

MACLENNAN,

In Memoriam

Parrett, Sharon Louise

February 7, 1962November 24, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sharon Louise Parrett (Haddleton).

Beloved wife of Glen and most wonderful devoted mother of Sydney and Erin Bull, Sharon’s long and difficult battle with cancer, came to an end November 24th. She slipped away peacefully and with the grace she displayed throughout her life, her family and friends at her side.

Born in Prince George, Sharon was predeceased by her parents Ivor Leslie Haddleton and Gertrude (Harvey) Haddleton . The youngest of three daughters, Sharon attended Langara College after graduation from Prince George Senior Secondary School.

Sharon built a successful career as an Official Court Reporter. She performed her duties for more than 35 years, with the same dedication and passion she applied to everything she tackled.

Her cancer journey led her to become a member of the North Breast Passage dragon boat team, where she became part of the executive and eventually the president. Her love of life and sparkle shone during practice runs on West Lake and when she joined her team mates at competitions.

Sharon treasured her family and friends and her family extended, and included, many outside her immediate family. She often put her own needs aside in order to offer some help, lend a hand, share a cup of tea or advice, or laughter.

Those who knew Sharon, have described her with one simple word, grace, for that is how she lived her life and treated everyone she met. Her strength, determination and toughness, were accompanied by the great depth of empathy she had for all.

Sharon’s accomplishments were many, but perhaps, the greatest was the impact and impression she made on virtually everybody she met.

She is survived by her loving husband Glen, daughters Sydney and Erin (Casey Cavers), sisters Mavis Conway (David) and Leisa Haddleton (Geoff Bradshaw) and brother Peter McLean (Julie).

A memorial Celebration of Sharon’s life was held on Saturday, November 30th @ 1:00 pm @ St. Michaels Anglican Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rotary Hospice House or the North Breast Passage Dragon Boat team.

KLAUSMEIER, Hans Jurgen

August 9, 1940 - November 20, 2019

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Hans Jurgen Klausmeier on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

He is survived by his loving wife Ursula, daughter Birgit, son Bjorn (Donna), two grandchildren Jurgen and Darian and one great grandchild Killian.

Hans left a wonderful impression on a lot of people both here and abroad.

“You will be sorely missed Pop and we will always love you. Enjoy the endless hunting and fishing on the other side. We miss you.”

No service by request.

Donations in Hans’ name may be made the Prince George Hospice Society.

October 5, 1957 - November 20, 2019

We are devastated to announce Ivan’s sudden and unexpected passing.

He is survived by his wife Carol and their sons Jonathon and Daniel (Britta) and his older brother Don.

Ivan will be remembered for his love of his family, ‘social butterfly’ tendencies, pleasant and helpful personality, kind heart, love of hunting, fishing, and his animals on his hobby farm. He taught much about life to Jonathon and Daniel with his practical, creative problem-solving abilities which were a necessity around the farm. Ivan worked at Shaw Communications for 40 years and had started his final vacation on November 7, 2019 leading to his retirement.

We take comfort in knowing that his passing was very sudden due to a medical event and that he didn’t suffer for months or years prior to his death. He was out in the ‘back 40’ of the farm enjoying it and looking after things as usual.

He is resting peacefully with his parents Eileen and John Martichuk along with his sister Marlene Bundock.

Service to be held on December 7, 2019 at 1:00 pm Prince George Funeral Services located at 1014 Douglas Street in Prince George.

Celebration of Life to follow tentatively at the House of Ancestors located at 355 Vancouver Street from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Will confirm venue at Funeral Service

Barrie John Anthony Selkirk

Beloved father, brother, son and bagpiper passed away Nov 21, 2019 at Simon Fraser Lodge. Handsome, Spanish speaking individualist, wonderful cook, and pretty good fisherman! We are planning a gathering after Christmas. Thanks to the caring community at Simon Fraser Lodge, especially Carmela.

Denis Vandal

Denis Vandal passed away Saturday, November 23, 2019 in Fort St. John at the age of 79.

Denis is survived by his loving wife; Debra, along with his children and their spouses; Shauna (Paul) Milne, Tony (Jamie) Vandal, Cory (Misty Gleave) Vandal, and grandchildren; Adam & Tempe Milne, Marcus & Josh Vandal, and Addie Vandal & Kellen Brown. He also leaves 5 brothers, 4 sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Denis to the Alzheimer’s Association or the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund.

Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com

JOHNADAMS’ 80THBIRTHDAY BirthdayOpenHouse: Sunday,December15th 11:00am-2:00pm 353OgilvieStreetNorth, PrinceGeorge. Comejointhefamilyas wesurprise(hopefully) Dadonhisbirthday. Therewillbealight lunchwithcake at12:30pm. Nogifts,please. 250-563-3355(Sandi) sturner@shaw.ca

bidding Antique & Modern Firearms, www.WardsAuctions.com. To consign, call Brad Ward 780-940-8378; Linda Baggaley 403-597-1095 BUSINESS & CONFERENCE CENTER - Williams Lake, BC. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, December 13Edmonton Site. The Pioneer Complex Business & Conference Center, 41,000 +/- Sq Ft MultiPurpose Multi-Tenant Conference Center Building. Jerry Hodge: 780.706.6652; Brokerage: Re/Max Dawson Creek Realty; rbauction.com/realestate.

Martichuk, Ivan Michael

Fishing

Brentwood snowblower, new motor, 13hp. $550.00

PG AIRPORT (NEWSPAPER CONTRA)

2x32.0

R0011754818

ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING

PUBLIC NOTICE OF RATE INCREASE

Tuesday May 5, 2015

Effective January 1, 2020

4:00pm to 6:00 pm

Long term parking rates at the Prince George Airport will be increasing:

Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum 850 River Road

$14/day from $13/day

$70/week from $65/week

$175/month from $165/month

General Public and all interested parties are invited to attend the presentation of the Prince George Airport Authority’s Annual Report and 2014 Operational Overview

Full rates and charges can be found on our website: www.pgairport.ca R0011754818

FOSTER FAMILY NEEDED

Carrier Sekani Family Services is looking for a fulltime foster family for two siblings; a 12-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl. These siblings attend school full time and love the outdoors. They are very active and love swimming. The girl loves music and participates in choir. The boy loves reading and is creative with Lego. These children thrive with structure and routine.

We are looking for an experienced caregiver or couple who are very patient, committed, loving, and understanding. These children thrive with one on one time and will do best living in a home with no other children.

The caregiver should have knowledge of trauma informed care, FASD, and an ability to conduct crisis intervention and conflict resolution or be willing to receive this training.

For more information, please contact Vivianne at 250-563-3360 ext. 122 or vivianne@csfs.org

2x10.7

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

2x28.0

R0011770586

Apartments / Condos-For

Spacious, 3 level 4 bdrms, 4 baths, superb location. $277,500. 250-561-1255 Ready to sell! 2220 & 2226 UPLAND ST. 2 bdrm duplex w/ 2 bdrm

250-5682338, 614-6667

COUNTRY Living, Quesnel area. Modest home atop a hill with trees, garden, babbling brook, minutes from town, just short of 1 acre, 3 bdrm, 2 bath, full bsmt, garage & more. Great neighborhood. $188,000. 250-992-5752

“DUNSTER PROPERTY FOR SALE” 115 acres with 1/2 mile Fraser River frontage. 10 acres Island. 15 acres cleared. Mixed forest. 100% 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

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

7902 North Nechako Road (DL 2099) 6 acres of land, subdividable after removal of gravel (est 700,000 yards). Priced to sell. Interested parties reply to Box 441, Station A Prince George 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

1000sq m building lot, #L72NCorintoPearleco-development Honduras. Contact Recap Investments, Toronto 1-888-212-8584 for more info and owner 250-5634999 $35,000 Canadian Cluculz; Meier Rd, 11.26 acres sub-lakeshore with lake access, and top location $299,000. 604908-0313

CITIZEN PROMO R0011752734

4.00x93.0-4C PG11 / PG000031

Contest prize inCludes:

Round trip airfare from Prince George including connection and airfare to each destination city 10 Nights accommodations 2 Tickets to each game

prize Value: $10,000. Includes all taxes and fees.

All weekly winners will be eligible for the Grand Prize draw Thursday, February 13, 2020.

No cash alternative, judges decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into. Prize must be accepted as awarded.

All entries must be received by 5pm February 5, 2020.

General rules:

No purchase necessary. Maximum one original newspaper entry per participating advertiser location will be accepted. Contestants must reside in BC and must be 19 years of age.

Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

Prince George Citizen reserves the right to restrict the local winners to only persons whose primary residence is within a 100 mile radius of the affiliate’s’ office.

Employees of Prince George Citizen, its respective parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising sponsors and promotional agencies, and the immediate family members of each are not eligible.

Contest entrants agree to abide by the terms of these Official Rules and by the decisions of the contest commissioners, which are final on all matters pertaining to the contest.

Winner must provide name/names of those able to leave on the trip the night of the draw, Thursday, February 13, 2020. Must be in attendance to win.

Entrants further grant the Prince George Citizen the right to use and publish their proper name online and in print, or any other media, in connection with the Contest.

Prince George Citizen reserves the right to use any and all information related to the Contest, including information on contestants obtained through the contest, for marketing purposes or any other purpose, unless prohibited by law.

The Contest and all of the related pages, contents and code are copyright of the Prince George Citizen - Glacier Ventures and/or participating advertisers. Copying or unauthorized use of any copyrighted materials, trademarks or any other intellectual property without the express written consent of its owner is strictly prohibited.

Each winner, by acceptance of the prize, agrees to release all Sponsors, and their parent and subsidiary companies, their officers, directors, employees, agents, shareholders, affiliates, suppliers, distributors, and advertising agencies from all liability, claims, or actions of any kind whatsoever for injuries, damages, or losses to persons and property which may be sustained in connection with the receipt, ownership, or use of the prize.

This contest is not intended for gambling. If it is determined that a contestant is using the contest for gambling purposes they will be disqualified and reported to authorities.

Prince George Citizen reserves the right to change the rules at any time.

This contest is officially sponsored by Prince George Citizen and the 20 participating advertisers.