Gateway - July 2014 by Prince George Citizen

GATEWAY

Rural physicians taking on surgical roles

The fantastic Mr. Fox

Part 3 of a three-part series

2015 Canada Winter Games mascot Nanguz the fox makes his first public appearance

NEWS PAGE 14

LIFE PAGE 20

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

Your community voice for the north!

WEDNESDAY July 16 2014

NEWS AND EVENTS FOR PRINCE GEORGE AND CENTRAL INTERIOR

Home away from home

Pam Saulters and her daughter Audrey, 4. Audrey is a cancersurvivor and Ronald MacDonald House was their home away from home while in Vancouver for treatment. Citizen photo by Brent Braaten

NEWS PAGE 3

Protect your eyes this summer HEALTH & SAFETY PAGE 26

Summer is here! Time to create your very own backyard oasis HOME & GARDEN PAGE 30

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYnews Ronald McDonald House a ‘life preserver’ for northern family Christine Hinzmann

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Seeing one pupil significantly larger than the other in their daughter’s eyes, the parents of threeyear-old Audrey Saulters wondered what would cause such a thing. A week later, there was a nickel-sized lump on the side of Audrey’s neck. Audrey was seen by a doctor right away and the visit was followed up with a biopsy on July 29, 2013. On Aug. 1, with a tennis ball-sized lump now on her neck, just five weeks after finding the tumor in the first place, Audrey and mom, Pam, and dad, Ryan, were sitting in B.C. Childrens’ Hospital, reeling from a cancer diagnosis. Seven-year-old son, Easton, stayed with Pam’s parents in Prince George. Audrey’s type of cancer is called embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma is a disease in which malignant cells form in muscle tissue. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of sarcoma. Sarcoma is a cancer of soft tissue, such as muscle, connective tissue, such as tendon or cartilage, or bone. Rhabdomyosarcoma usually begins in muscles that are attached to bones and help the body move and is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in

Colleen Sparrow Publisher

www.pgcitizen.cA

Neil Godbout managing Editor

children. To find out how to best approach treatment, the first two days in hospital were spent having a CT scan, a PET scan, and surgery to insert a port to access veins in Audrey’s upper chest to more easily administer chemotherapy.The next day the fight against the rapidly-growing tumor began. “There was a 42-week chemo plan,” said Pam.“And a couple months in she did six weeks of radiation but the radiation was specialized and we had to go to Seattle for that.” During this time, Ryan, who had to return to work, and Easton would travel back and forth to visit with Audrey and Pam as often as they could. The nagging question on the family’s mind was why did Audrey get cancer? “Bad luck,” said Pam.“Our radiologist said there’s no reason for this, it’s just bad luck.To say it’s bad luck isn’t enough but – it’s bad luck.” When put into a situation suddenly like this, it doesn’t occur to parents of where they’ll be sleeping at night. Ryan stayed with Audrey in her tiny room, and Pam had to get a hotel room. Cont’d on page 4

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYnews Cont’d from page 3 There was a three-week waiting list for Ronald McDonald House at the time. “When you’re sitting in the hospital you’re around sick kids and dying kids, you don’t see any survivors, so I think that’s the hardest part,” said Pam about the experience. Trying to keep a positive attitude throughout treatment far away from home, Pam was grateful for the friendly atmosphere at Ronald McDonald House which is launching a campaign to help raise funds for a new facility. A donation of $75 pays for one night’s stay for a family at Ronald McDonald House. “When we stepped into Ronald McDonald House it was like stepping into a community of people who knew exactly what we were going through,” said Pam.“The connections we make at Ronald McDonald House are like life preservers in tragedy. We are all there under such tragic circumstances, that we become so close to each other, so quickly. We’re thrown in there together and grab onto each other like our lives depend on it. We grow so attached because our walls are broken down and we are so vulnerable to each other. It creates some pretty amazing relationships based on very real, raw experiences. And when you’re having a bad day, you never have to go through it alone.” Audrey just completed her last chemo treatment last week. “At the end of June, Audrey will have scans to see if the cancer is gone,” said Pam.“She’ll have to see a ton of specialists to look after the after effects of the chemo and radiation and then as long as

everything checks out we won’t have to go back for three months.” There’s some uncertainty about the long-term effects of Audrey’s chemotherapy and radiation treatments. “Anything from fertility issues, fibroid issues, and hearing, eye sight and dental issues, and skin cancer,” said Pam.These are all things to watch for in her now four-year-old daughter. But other effects are inevitable. “Audrey will have a facial deformity because of the radiation, so as she grows it will become more noticeable,” said Pam. The Saulters family is one of more than a thousand Prince George families to use the 13-room Ronald McDonald House in its 30-year history.That number will grow as the new 73-room Ronald McDonald House will open this month at BC Children’s Hospital. Along with the private guest room, with a five-piece ensuite, each room is equipped with the latest systems to ensure the healthy environment necessary for children with suppressed immune systems so families can stay together. Families can enjoy all the amenities at the House including fully equipped kitchens to make meals, dining rooms, a sports court and playground, games room, Wi-Fi zones and computer stations, and an arts and crafts and music room.The goal is to ask citizens throughout the province to donate 30,000 nights which will keep 73 families together every night for a year.To donate visit www.rmhbc.ca/how-to-help/ gift-a-night.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYnews

Nonstop to Calgary Neil Godbout Prince George flew through the WestJet test period. The airline said it would be continuing to offer its daily direct connection to Calgary. “WestJet announced the service has been added to their booking systems for the winter season and beyond,” said PGAA spokesperson Lindsay Cotter. Being an open option for the winter booking season was seen as a major benefit for the travel agents and sun-chasers of the region. “This is great news for the traveling public heading east or to find sun,” said airport president and CEO John Gibson. “The connections out of YYC [Calgary’s international airport code letters] save people time and money.WestJet’s seasonal nonstop flight to Puerto Vallarta continues to be a very strong service, however, the sun destination choices out of Calgary are extensive.”

WestJet’s director of network and schedule planning John Weatherill said Prince George travellers now had substantially more convenient connections on top of the international routes accessible through the Vancouver airport. “The nonstop to Calgary opens up some of our favorite sun destinations for snow birds including Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Phoenix and Varadero,” said Weatherill. “This flight also connects to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mazatlan and Palm Springs as well.” The winter schedule has the nonstop flight leaving Prince George at 6 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, getting into Calgary at 8:28 a.m. Mountain Standard Time.The flight then leaves Calgary at 10:25 p.m. MST, getting into Prince George at 11:10 p.m. PST. Starting Oct. 26, this 90-minute flight will be operated on the 78 seat, made-in-Canada, Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYnews

Northern Health gets fund to reduce use of antipsychotic drug To reduce the inappropriate use of antipsychotic medication among dementia patients, Northern Health has received $50,000 from the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to implement programs at four sites in the region. Northern Health is among 15 healthcare organizations across Canada taking part in the national initiative. There are existing programs in place at Northern Health that this project will

complement. One initiative is called PIECES, which stands for physical, intellectual, emotional, capabilities, environmental and social. “That program is a best practice, a learning and development initiative, that provides an approach to understanding and enhancing care for patients,”said Jonathon Dyck, communications officer for Northern Health. Cont’d on page 9

GATEWAYnews Cont’d from page 8 “It takes a holistic approach to common issues, diagnosis and challenges for older persons at risk, including those with aggressive behaviour.” Another program in place is called the gentle persuasive approach that delivers a basic understanding of dementia and how people who have a form of dementia can react under different circumstances. This approach strives for a positive outcome for both the patient and the caregiver. Details of this funded program and how it will be implemented is yet to be determined, Dyck said. The foundation provides funding and helps measure the impact these projects will make to patient care and health spending. At present, one in three long-term care residents in Canada is on antipsychotic medication without a diagnosis of psychosis from a doctor.

Choosing Wisely Canada, an organization with a campaign to help physicians and patients engage in conversations about unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures, has identified the use of antipsychotics to treat behaviourial and psychological symptoms of dementia as common practice. “The use of antipsychotic medications as a first choice to treat behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia is a practice that can seriously harm patients,” Dr. Karen Fruetel, vicepresident Canadian Geriatrics Society, a member of Choosing Wisely Canada. “That’s why the Canadian Geriatrics Society is encouraging healthcare providers, patients and their caregivers to ‘think twice’ as part of the Choosing Wisely Canada campaign. We’re pleased to see that the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement is supporting teams to make evidence-informed decisions that improve patient care.”

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYnews

UNBC power plant earns sustainability award University of Northern British Columbia’s bioenergy plant received an award for sustainability in construction during the Canadian Green Building Awards, held in Toronto. It was one of only eight buildings this year to receive the honour, which is extended to facilities that “are among the most exemplary sustainably-designed buildings in Canada.” It is also the first building in northern B.C. to earn the honour. “We’re thrilled and honoured,” said David Claus, an assistant director of

facilities management at the university.“I see it as a recognition of the sustainability efforts we’re taken more broadly that this building.” The plant is certified as LEED Platinum, the highest level of LEED certification, recognizing leadership in environmental design.The building features biomass gasification technology from Vancouverbased Nexterra and was designed by Hughes Condon Marler Architects of Vancouver. IDL Projects of Prince George built the plant. Cont’d on page 12

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYnews Cont’d from page 10 Funded by the federal and provincial governments, it was opened in 2011. Since then, the consumption of fossil fuels to heat the buildings connected to the campus district energy system has decreased by nearly 90 per cent, according to UNBC. “This project really demonstrated innovation and collaboration among the design consultants, construction management, and client collectively,” said Sheldon Boyes, Vice-President of IDL Projects Inc.“It was truly a team approach that led to the LEED Platinum rating and now this Canadian Green Building Award. We’re proud to have been part of it.” The award is the latest in a series the project has earned. The first was in 2010 when UNBC tied with Harvard University for the top campus sustainability project in North America. Others have included a provincial award from the BC Clean Energy Association and local awards for

environmental leadership, innovation in technology, and design. In a survey of university students nationwide conducted by the Globe and Mail in 2011, UNBC was tied for first for environmental commitment. “It is a testament to the university’s commitment to sustainability and the project being part of campus-wide initiatives that bumped the building’s status to this level,” said architect Karen Marler. The bioenergy plant houses one of two bioenergy systems at UNBC.The other is a wood pellet system at the I.K. Barber Enhanced Forestry Laboratory. It was created by the federal government and the Wood Pellet Association of Canada and consumes pellets donated by Pacific Bioenergy. UNBC is hosting the opening reception for the International Bioenergy Conference and Exhibition in Prince George, which runs Wednesday through Friday of next week.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYnews

Rural physicians taking on surgical roles Part 3 of a three-part series When Dr. Bret Batchelor arrived in Vanderhoof as a medical school trainee he quickly became interested in the operating room at St. John Hospital. Rural surgery is becoming increasingly scarce in rural B.C. and in Canada generally, so Batchelor found the idea of working in a community with an operating room exciting. After graduating and setting up shop as a family doctor in Vanderhoof, Batchelor took the next step and a decided to get special training to do some basic surgical procedures. “The current people doing surgery were all over 50 years old and looking in the future at retirement at some point and there’s nobody able to step up into those positions because we didn’t know where the training was,” he said. After making some calls, Batchelor discovered the enhanced surgical skills (ESS) program run out of the University of Saskatchewan in Prince Albert.The one-year program, which Batchelor completed last June, gave him the training to do everything from vasectomies and tubal ligations to Caesarean sections. “Now I spend about half of my time doing things related to surgery and the other half of my time I maintain my GP

services and do emergency medicine, inpatient medicine and obstetrics,” he said. ESS doctors like Batchelor are critical to maintaining surgical care in the rural communities that are common in B.C.’s north and interior.They work alongside other family doctors who have taken special training in anesthesia as well as operating room nurses and others. During his time in Prince Albert, Batchelor said he was on call virtually every day so that he could get enough experience on the required surgeries to get qualified. The ESS doctors are trained by specialists and play a key role in the Prince Albert hospital. “They were very supportive,” he said of the surgeons who trained him.“The ESS residents have now become an established thing in that hospital so all the nurses all of the physicians that are involved with the ESS know that resident and know that we are very hardworking reliable people who are able to add an additional level of service to their hospital.” Batchelor is one of a handful of ESS doctors in Vanderhoof, which makes the caseload workable for all of them. Cont’d on page 16

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYnews

Cont’d from page 14 He believes St. John Hospital’s operating capability makes it easier to attract doctors which is why Vanderhoof is blessed with a vibrant medical community. “One reason I’m a big advocate for having surgical suites in certain small towns is that is allows for a real core stabilization of the physicians in that area,” he said. Batchelor and other ESS doctors are trained in about 20 different procedures that fall into specific categories like hernias and carpal tunnel and trigger finger releases. “When you look at all the disciplines in

surgery there are only certain things we can do as GPs that we feel comfortable doing because they’re not majorly invasive and don’t require large periods of operating time,” he said. In addition to the ESS scope of practice, patients in Vanderhoof and other rural communities with operating rooms benefit by having visiting specialist surgeons come to town to take advantage of increased operating room time and to provide more local care to their rural patients. “There’s an enormous opportunity for outreach surgery,” said Dr. Stu Iglesias, the ESS lead for the Rural Co-Oridination Centre of B.C.“If you look at Vanderhoof,

for example, their OR goes flat our for most of the week and only a portion of the surgery done there is done by docs who live in Vanderhoof.” Surgical care in Vanderhoof has benefits for other parts of the Nechako region. Since ESS doctors can do emergency c-sections when required, more expectant mothers can stay closer to home to deliver their babies. For instance, doctors in Fort St. James can handle low-risk deliveries knowing that surgical backup is just down Highway 27 if needed. “For very low risk patients who meet a certain criteria, they’re able to deliver in their hometown because we have this here,” Batchelor said.“Whereas if

Vanderhoof didn’t have an operating room all of the patients in the BulkleyNechako area would all have to go to Prince George to deliver their babies.” Vanderhoof is seen as a model for those advocating for rural surgical care. For decades the hospital has been able to maintain its operating room while other facilities of its size have seen their surgical capacity disappear. “Vanderhoof has always been one step ahead of everyone else,” said Dr. Brian Galliford, medical lead for Northern Health’s perinatal program.“They’ve looked into the future because they’ve always had somebody there that can do c-sections.”

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYnews

Canada Winter Games gets cultural cash from province The 2015 Canada Winter Games got a substantial provincial government investment , yet none of those dollars were earmarked for sports. The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development has provided $150,000 towards an arts and culture festival during the games. Arts and culture are intrinsic components of any Canada Games event. Host cities are mandated to entertain the visiting athletes and visitors, provide local residents with ways of gathering and interacting during the two-week event, and Games organizers hope for legacy elements to be left behind for public benefit long after the final horns and whistles blow. “Government of British Columbia funding will help B.C. performers from throughout the province take part, with a focus on artists from First Nations and northern communities,” said Karen Jeffery, manager of ceremonies and culture for the 2015 Canada Winter Games coming to Prince George next February.“Eligible artists include musicians, actors, dancers, writers, sculptors, visual artists, street performers and filmmakers. Events include music performances, mural painting, ice sculpture and literary readings.

Presentations will be held at a variety of venues, including a Main Stage in the Canada Games Plaza. Workshops offered during the festival include dance, playwriting and choral music.” “The 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George will host the largest arts and cultural festival in the history of northern British Columbia,” said minister responsible Coralee Oakes. “The festival offers British Columbia’s artists, including representatives from First Nations, a wonderful opportunity to perform for a national and international audience alongside Canada’s best talent. We are proud to help B.C.’s diverse, superb artists enjoy a great opportunity to show the nation and the world that artistic excellence and cultural creativity are thriving in our province.” Games CEO Stuart Ballantyne said “2015 marks the first time a winter edition of the Canada Games will be held in British Columbia and what better way to celebrate than to showcase some of British Columbia’s great artists, entertainers and performers.” Artists of any description interested in how they can participate are encouraged to contact Jeffery at 250-596-2015 extension 218, or email: kjeffery@ canadagames2015.ca

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYlife The fantastic Mr. Fox Neil Godbout Nanguz the fox may be known as a trickster in Lheidli T’enneh tradition, but excitement over the 2015 Canada Winter Games mascot was genuine as he made his first public appearance. More than 100 young people waiting to take part in the Northern B.C.YMCA’s Healthy Kids Marathon cheered the arrival of the mascot as he took the stage at Masich Place Stadium. Decked out in a Canada Winter Games polar fleece, Nanguz - the Dalkeh Carrier word for fox - has made the leap from a two-dimensional drawing by 10-year-old Hart Highlands elementary school student Kaitlyn Muir into a real, live waving and high-fiving character. Muir won the Games’ mascot-selection

competition in March, taking the prize out of almost 400 submissions and nearly 3,000 votes nationwide. Provincial Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes was on hand to congratulate Muir. “Kaitlyn’s creativity and imagination that has given us Nanguz the fox, the official mascot of the 2015 Games, is all things that are spectacular about our community,” said Oakes.“I want to congratulate you on your success because that is what fills our hearts... inspiring kids from across the north and showing them how it’s possible to start with an idea, reflect on it and develop it into something big that’s going to be a legacy piece for the north I think is absolutely fantastic.” Cont’d on page 23

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYlife Cont’d from page 20 Oakes was also in the city to announce an additional $150,000 of provincial funding for the Games, targeted towards showcasing B.C. artists. “The work that I’ve tried to do in this ministry is to carve out as much as I possibly can to bring here to the north,” said Cariboo North MLA who is based in Quesnel.“[The arts program is] such an important part of the Games; it’s our opportunity to showcase how magnificent Prince George and the north is. I’m excited to see what the artists create. If it’s any indication, look at what Kaitlyn created today.” Games host society chair Anthony Everett said the money will play a major role in what happens on the main stage at Canada Games Plaza (formerly the Civic Centre Plaza) during the two-week event next February. Without support from all levels of government, especially provincial,

the cultural component of the Games becomes more difficult, said Everett. The host society is mandated to program a professional arts and cultural festival during the Winter Games that covers a variety of disciplines. Programming will be guided by a jury review made up of local artists representing various fields. Eligible artists include musicians, actors, dancers, writers, visual artists, street performers and filmmakers for events such a music performances, mural painting, ice sculpture and literary readings.There will also be workshops on dance, playwriting and choral music. “If you’re in Hazelton and you want to participate in the Games, that’s the kind of funding that’s required,” he said. For information on how to participate, contact Karen Jeffery, manager of ceremonies and culture, at 250-5962015 ext. 218 or email kjeffery@ canadagames2015.ca.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYarts&entertainment

A symphonic summer awaits musicians Frank Peebles

he Orchestra North summer learning programs might be based in Smithers but Prince George is tattooed all over its music development sessions.The Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO) is a full partner in the initiative, along with the Bulkley Valley Classical Strings Society, Bulkley Valley Arts Council and Northwest Community College. “Encouraging collaboration and excellence of music, Orchestra North Summer Program aims to enrich the artistic life of communities and participants, while having fun at the same time,” said co-director Sebastian Ostertag, former PGSO principal cellist and director of the PG Youth Orchestra. “The program features a professional faculty who have taught and performed throughout Canada and Europe. The festival will include up to five orchestras, chamber music groups, special projects and pop-up concerts in Smithers.” Cont’d on page 25

GATEWAYa&e Cont’d from page 24 It is a chance for orchestral music players to get instruction, play with others in the chamber music and symphony music fields, and take part in performance opportunities. Ostertag said the sessions would include “daily music instruction, public concerts, a concerto competition, and the performance of ‘Huble Homestead’ for solo clarinet, violin, cello and orchestra by Prince George composer and clarinetist Simon Cole.” Ostertag By bringing together added that musicians of all ages by bringing and abilities from together across the north and musicians of beyond, Orchestra North all ages and abilities from celebrates collaboration across the north and excellence in music, with the goal of enriching and beyond, Orchestra North the artistic life our celebrates northern communities. collaboration – Sebastian Ostertag and excellence in music,“with the goal of enriching the artistic life our northern communities. Musicians in rural Canada face unique challenges. Orchestra North focuses on bringing high-quality musical opportunities to rural areas.” Another co-director is Roxi Dykstra, the former principal violist with the PGSO and teacher at the PG Conservatory who is now based in Germany. She said “The talent is there, the creative desire is there - the challenge is geography. Many participants live many hundreds of kilometres from the nearest symphony orchestra, and rarely get to meet other musicians from the north.” Thanks to the support of northern-based individuals and businesses, tuition bursaries and billeting are available for many of the participants. The organizers have worked to include as many musicians as possible who want to advance their skills and enjoy their fellow orchestral musicians. Instructor Chantal Lemire (she, too, has performed with the PGSO) added “Orchestra North is such a unique program. Where else in the north can you hear 12 different string quartets over lunch?” The workshops and performances happen June 30 to July 5, for all ages and abilities. For more information or to register, send an email to OrchestraNorth@gmail.com or visit their website at www.orchestranorth.com or look them up on Facebook.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYhealth&safety

Tips to protect eyes while soaking up sun and water

From swimmers to hot-tub soakers, water-sport enthusiasts need to take extra care of their eyes during the summer, warn BC Doctors of Optometry. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 28

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYhealth&safety Cont’d from page 26 “Just because its summer, doesn’t mean that your eye health and safety practices can take a vacation,” says, Sherman Tung, a BC Doctor of Optometry.“There are a number of precautions you should take to keep your eyes healthy and safe while you’re enjoying the water.” Dr.Tung strongly urges people to wear eyewear with UV protection. UV damage to eyes is most common with sports on water or snow, where the effects of sunlight are increased through reflection, he says. And prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in North America in adults over the age of 55. Other safety tips for eye health around the water include: • Beware of strong smelling chlorinated pools and hot-tubs. If chlorine levels become too high, the over-chlorinated water can become acidic and can cause many problems, including a burning sensation in your eyes.

• Wash your face with soap after swimming to reduce the chance of getting an eye infection. If you have an eye infection, stay out of the pool or hottub until you get treatment and are fully recovered. • Remove contacts before hot-tubbing and swimming or wear goggles to protect your eyes from water that is heavily chlorinated or contaminated with microorganisms. • Be sure your goggles fit your eye area properly and consider prescription goggles, especially for children who are significantly near- or far-sighted. And even after you incorporate all of these tips, remember that many eye conditions are symptom-free, says Dr. Tung. Doctors of Optometry recommend that children have their eyes examined by six months of age, again at three years, before entering school and annually thereafter; and that adults have their eyes examined every two years, and seniors have their eyes examined annually. www.newscanada.com

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYhome&garden

Create a backyard oasis this summer

Summer is here and while not all of us can escape to the beach or cottage, we can create our very own backyard oasis. It starts with considering what you already have and the areas of your backyard that could use a little love.Your oasis should reflect your personal taste and serve as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Read more for ideas on how to bring this concept to life: Create a cozy outdoor lounge area. Make your outdoor space feel like your indoor living room. Comfortable and clean patio furniture will do just that, enticing families and friends to sit outside and enjoy the warm summer months. This will be the centre of your oasis, a gathering place, so making it comfortable and welcoming is important. Bring the barbecue back to life. Grimy grills aren’t a welcome part of any backyard. Give it a good cleaning with baking soda. Using a damp brush, give the

grill and overall barbecue a good scrub and then a thorough rinse to bring the lustre back for a new season of grilling. Spruce up the garden. Your garden is a magical place, allowing you to escape the realities of day-to-day life so you can enjoy the simple beauty of flora and fauna. When designing your backyard keep the amount of sunlight and water that plants will need in mind. Be sure to include the colour and textures that you love to create an environment you’ll want to retreat to at the end of the day. Bring a sparkle to your pool and outdoor toys. Whether you have an in-ground pool or one of the inflatable variety, a few toys serve as necessary accessories for a fun and carefree environment. If they’ve been stored over the winter, mix baking soda with warm water and give the toys a good wipe or soak and then rinse. www.newscanada.com

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYgrill

Grill this salmon and scallops East Coast style

www.newscanada.com

his summer, get inspired by Canadian East Coast seafood and experiment with different flavours on the grill. For your next feast, try this delicious scallop recipe thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect as a main dish, or for more tapas-style dining. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 34

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

www.pgcitizen.cA

www.pgcitizen.ca | Wednesday, July 16, 2014

GATEWAYgrill Cont’d from page 32

Salmon Puttanesca with Scallops Ingredients 1 package of Clearwater Marinara Scallops & Sauce 1 tsp chili flakes 1 tbsp capers, drained, rinsed and chopped 20 black olives, sliced 2 salmon fillets (8 ounces each) Olive oil Fresh rosemary Preparation Place Scallops & Sauce in a triple wrapped piece of foil along with a few aromatics such as chilies, capers and black olives. Place foil bundle to the side of the grill, not over a direct flame about 2 minutes before starting the fish. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and lightly oil with olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh chopped rosemary. To grill fish, preheat grill to 225C (435F) and lightly coat grill with olive oil. Place fish in the middle of the grill. Allow fish to cook for 2 minutes, turn and close lid for another 2 minutes. Open lid and watch fish until finished (typically 5-6 minutes.) When fish is cooked, serve with Scallops & Sauce as a topper. Scallops & Sauce takes approximately 7 minutes to cook on high heat. Seafood Grilling Tips Stefan Czapalay, the executive chef for Clearwater Seafoods, has travelled the world giving cooks and chefs tips on achieving the perfect seafood dishes. Here are a few tips that you can easily follow at home: Preheat grill for approximately 30 minutes to lessen the chance of food sticking. Forget about using tongs when grilling fish. You’ll end up with a mess and a very high chance of the fish falling apart. Use a grilling spatula when barbecuing. If the protein is sticking to the grill, then it’s not ready to flip. Leave it be, wait 30 seconds and try again. Don’t flip until it is ready. When possible, always choose sustainable seafood products like another Clearwater line called Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014