Gateway to the North

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WEDNESDAY October 18, 2017

NEWS AND EVENTS FOR PRINCE GEORGE AND CENTRAL INTERIOR

Healthier You Expo moves to CNC Frank PEEBLES Citizen staff fpeebles@pgcitizen.ca

Citizen photo by James Doyle

Stephanie Mikalishen, Manager of Philanthropy, Marketing and Camps with the YMCA of Northern BC helps to answer questions at the YMCA of Northern BC booth during last years Healthier You Expo. The YMCA returns to this years expo.

Healthy individuals lead to healthy communities and healthy economies.

It is in everyone’s mutual interest to celebrate and foster the values of fitness, nutrition, healthcare, and positive lifestyles.

Some of the city’s top talent in the healthcare professions, and some of the area’s best ideas for healthy living will have a spotlight at the annual Healthier You Expo coming up Oct. 22.

This is the 11th annual Healthier You Expo, so organizers wanted to start the new decade off with some changes to improve the public experience at the event. The venue is the most obvious difference, moving to the spacious halls and gathering spaces at the College of New Caledonia, a partnership that also draws in the multitude of resources CNC has in the health fields.

“CNC will be offering information stations showcasing the healthcare professions for which they have programs,” said Cheryl Stewart, one of the lead organizers of the expo and sales manager for the Prince George Citizen.

“A lot of careers are available in healthcare that can be accessed right here in Prince George.”

One of those local healthcare professionals will have a spotlight of her own at the Healthier You Expo. Crystal Lawrence is a nurse and instructor at CNC and has taken groups of nursing students to India to provide some basic health assistance in developing communities there. She wrote some popular dispatches from the field that were published in The Citizen, and now she will take the stage to talk in person about past experiences and future goals. Lawrence is one of the keynote speakers.

“We will also have stations where you can get free flu shots, get your vital signs checked for free, all kinds of practical information to gather in as you enjoy the expo,” said Stewart.

Even the parking is free that day at CNC, and there is no admission charge. The Healthier You Expo is open on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with information sessions, exhibitors, keynote speeches and a broad range of wellness topics to explore.

The Healthier You Expo has become a popular and highly anticipated event, each year, thanks to the past partnerships with Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, the YMCA of Northern BC, and Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society. Also on board this year are Northern Lights Denture Clinic and Canfor.

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Hedley returning to CN Centre in February Frank PEEBLES Citizen staff fpeebles@pgcitizen.ca Fans get to give another expression of appreciation for a band beloved around these parts.

Canada has made Hedley into one of the nation’s hottest rock bands ever, but Prince George has especially deep connections since guitar player Dave Rosin calls this his hometown.

Hedley has frequently included P.G. on their travels, and they are coming back again on their cross-Canada 2018 Cageless Tour. Their upcoming album, the band’s seventh, bears the same name.

“Performing live is truly what Hedley are all about,” said frontman Jacob Hoggard. “Touring from coast to coast and being able to bring the music directly to our incredible fans is like a constant thirst for us. We are hitting more markets than ever before, the production is bigger and better, and as always, we have lots

of tricks up our sleeve. We can’t wait to share this show with the world.”

Joining Hedley is another British Columbia gift to the music world. Shawn Hook is a poppy yet gritty solo star who comes from Nelson and has provided a solid soundtrack for modern B.C. society. In 2016 he was a nominee for the coveted Juno Fan Choice Award. His recent single Reminding Me, a duet with pop star Vanessa Hudgens, lit up the downloads this past summer.

A third act joining Hedley is Halifax pop-rock band Neon Dreams, riding high on the single Marching Bands with guest rapper Kardinal Offishal.

Hedley, over the course of their career, has sold more than a million albums, surpassed four million singles sales, they’ve hit No. 1 with their videos 18 times on MuchMusic, won four SOCAN awards and two Juno Awards.

The leadoff single from Cageless is the

HEDLEY

rocketing song Love Again which was the most added first single in the history of the band and quickly rose to Top 10 at three different listening formats.

Tickets to the Prince George concert on Feb. 8, 2018 are on sale now.

In addition, Hedley launched an offering of

VIP packages exclusively on the band’s hedleyvip.com website. The packages include exclusive merchandise, a meet and greet with the band, and an intimate acoustic performance at the meet and greet. VIP package holders will also be entered to win one of 10 mysterious and very exclusive Golden Tickets.

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The Illusionists at CN Centre Frank Peebles Citizen staff A rare spectacle is coming to Prince George. Paradoxically it is one you’ll have to gape and stare at to believe, and even then, you won’t see how it’s done. But the results will be as visible as a spotlight shining on The Illusionists.

This is a show straight from Broadway to Prince George, but it’s not musical theatre.

It is theatrical magic instead. The Times of London called it “magic’s Cirque du Soleil.”

It has been a sellout around the world and never has it come to Prince George as a whole or in any of its parts.

There are five components to this one show. All five of those parts are people.

Each one a special world-class talent in the realm of performance magic. They banded together to make a blockbuster ensemble show that is now setting box office records for this unique form of entertainment.

The five stars, each a master in their own

fields, are: •The Trickster, Jeff Hobson.

He is the epitome of glamour and showmanship. Don’t be fooled by his innocent appearance; Jeff has audiences laughing long after the curtain goes down.

• The Inventor, Kevin James.

He is known for innovative illusions, is an inventor, comedian and collector of the strange and unusual. Kevin is one of the most prolific inventors of magic in the world and has created some of the most celebrated illusions of the last century.

• The Deductionist, Colin Cloud.

He is one of the greatest thought readers of all time, a psychic savant known as a reallife Sherlock Holmes. Don’t play against him in a game of poker – he’s never lost.

• The Manipulator, An Ha Lim. The first-place winner at Korea’s Busan International Magic Competition (2006), Italy Club Convention Manipulation (2006), and World Magic Seminar in Asia — continued on page 5

GATEWAYnews (2007), An Ha Lim was also a Golden Lion Award winner at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas (2008). •The Daredevil, Jonathan Goodwin: Widely considered one of the most creative, skilled, and frankly crazy stunt performers in the world, Goodwin is an accomplished knife thrower, archer, escape artist, fakir, martial artist, free diver, and free climber. Unlike the other performers in the show, Jonathan is not a magician or

illusionist but he will leave the audience breathless with his death-defying stunts.

This team of bewitching performers will be live in Prince George on the CN Centre stage on Apr. 17 for a one-night-only performance.

Tickets are on sale now. Prices start at $59.50 (plus local fees). Purchases can be made in person at the CN Centre box office or online at the www.ticketsnorth.ca website.

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College of New Caledonia’s Burns Lake campus growing Barbara GEERNAERT Citizen staff bgreernaert@pgcitizen.ca The College of New Caledonia’s Lakes District Campus in Burns Lake continues to grow during the 2017 fall semester.

The college experienced an enrollment increase with 150 registered students compared to 81 at this time last year.

“CNC Lakes has faced some enrollment challenges in the past couple of years but we’re pleased to see the numbers go up at this point in the semester,” said CNC president Henry Reiser.

“Despite any challenges, the College of

New Caledonia is committed to continue providing exceptional and varied education options for all students in the community of Burns Lake.”

Two new non-credit programs were introduced at CNC Lakes.

Foundations for the Future (FFF) is a tuition-free opportunity designed to provide students with “snapshots” into a variety of different studies.

In September, FFF students participated in 12 hours of “Conversational Carrier,” which taught students a basic understanding of the Carrier language.

— see MORE PROGRAMS, page 8

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More programs, more opportunities safety, cashier training, Foodsafe, intro— from page 7 duction to First Nations communities and Upcoming FFF courses include: introducwomen’s self defense. tion to science (part one and two), baking In the new year, CNC Lakes will offer a (part one and two) introduction to Abpractical nursing and carpentry program. original studies, existential philosophy and “We continue to connect with the comgesture drawing. munity to provide Pathways to Reaching We continue to the best educational Employment Potential options for the region,” (P.R.E.P.) is the second connect with the said Corinne George, tuition-free program community to pro- regional principal of now offered in Burns vide the best educational CNC Lakes.

Lake and provides “We have many new students with hands-on options for the region. We and exciting opportuniworkplace skills trainhave many new and excit- ties coming.” ing opportunities. ing opportunities coming.

In light of the recent The program also provincial announcebrings a variety of — Corinne George ment to eliminate themed courses includtuition fees for Adult ing computer training, Basic Education and English Language management skills, self-care, First Nations Learning Programs, more educational opfocus, financial skills and job search. portunities will be made available in the Continued education remains popular near future according to CNC. in the community with a variety of courses being offered, including, Canadian firearms

BK TWO WAY RADIO - PG R0011448711 5.00x70.0-4C PG45 / 019119

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Search, rescue medal established Barbara GEERNAERT Citizen staff bgreernaert@pgcitizen.ca

The Government of Canada is establishing the National Award Medal for Search and Rescue, an initiative that is well overdue according to Todd Doherty, local MP for

Cariboo-Prince George.

“It’s about time. I was shocked because with all the background and research, this really is the largest group of volunteers and they need to be recognized,” Doherty said.

“I’m so excited they are finally moving forward with it.”

The move came after Mel Arnold, MP for North Okangan-Shuswap, tabled a private members bill, Bill C-347, in April which proposed to establish a national award medal for search and rescue volunteers.

The federal government has since announced an agreement with provincial and territorial ministers to establish the award under the Pan-Canadian Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award Initiative.

“I introduced my bill in April recognizing the essential contributions search and rescue volunteers make to public safety across Canada. I welcome the decision for federal, provincial and territorial governments to join me in this worthy objective,” Arnold said.

Before Arnold’s involvement, a member of search and rescue in lower Vancouver Island, Nicholas Kerr, asked for support from other volunteers and from the public in presenting a paper and petition to reach a goal of 5,000 and 10,000 signatures to show that search

and rescue is worthy for a national service medal.

Kerr says the medal is long overdue since many other services are awarded with a service medal including, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal (20 years’ service), Police Exemplary Service Medal (20 years’ service), Canadian Forces Decoration (full time and reserve, 12 years’ service), Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal (20 years’ service), Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal and the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal, Commissionaires Long Service Medal (12 years’ service).

Kerr, a former member of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, joined search and rescue after leaving the regular forces and has responded to various emergencies where people have been stranded in the wilderness, from hikers, climbers, campers and kayakers.

— see RECOGNITION, page 12

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Recognition and appreciation overdue for search and rescue volunteers — from page 10 “Search and rescue is the only first responder organization that is not recognized for their hard work through a medal,” Kerr told the Daily Observer after receiving a Sovereign’s medal for his own work in search and rescue both nationally and internationally.

“Nick Kerr championed this and brought

it to our attention,” Doherty said.

“Our bill was progressing, and that’s when Arnold decided to move it forward.”

Doherty also introduced Bill C-211 before the House of Commons which establishes a national framework for those military and first responders dealing with post traumatic stress disorder.

“I thank the member for Cariboo-Prince George for seconding and supporting this bill,” Arnold said.

Today, there are about 300 search and rescue teams and more than 12,000 volunteers across Canada.

“The recognition and appreciation for search and rescue volunteers proposed

in my bill is overdue and whether it is achieved by my initiative or the government’s I am happy it is coming to fruition,” Arnold said.

“I am excited for the opportunity to identify and pursue a new bill and will continue to work hard for the communities I represent and those who keep them safe.”

Regional apprentice programs receive support Barbara GEERNAERT Citizen staff bgreernaert@pgcitizen.ca The Cariboo Region will receive $70,000 from the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to support the Youth Work in Trades Programs for 2017/18.

Funding will be used to support youth apprentices in their communities.

“This will give students a head start. They will have the experience and a link to employment making the transition between high school and industry easier,” says Jason Leber, manager of youth programs at ITA. — see ITA PREPARING, page 13

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ITA preparing youth for success beyond school — from page 12 “And there are so many options with about 100 trades to choose from.”

Three school districts will receive funding including Prince George ($30,000), Cariboo-Chilcotin ($20,000) and Quesnel ($20,000).

“In the north, it’s important to keep students living and working in the north and Prince George has a great program having registered 40 students last year,” Leber said.

“This shows good support from the school district and industry.”

Youth Work in Trades is a dual credit program which provides opportunities for B.C. students from Grades 10-12 by connecting them with local employers to gain practical experience in the trades.

“Students throughout the Cariboo who are given the chance to explore trades training are better equipped to find careers that they enjoy and are passionate about,” says Melanie Mark, minister of advanced education, Skills and Training.

“That’s why we support the ITA Youth in Trades programs that gives high school students the chance to pursue a career that They (students) will provide will have the them with a good qualexperience and ity of life, a link to employment transferrable making the transition skills and job satisfaction between high school for years to and industry easier come.”

An ap— Jason Leber prenticeship is a combination of on-the-job and classroom training and takes about four years to complete.

“The world is changing and B.C. parents need to know we are preparing young people to succeed for life beyond school and providing training options outside of the university post-secondary pathway,” says Walter Sorokovsky, ITA Apprenticeship Advisor, Prince George South.

“This funding provides practical experience for students entering the trades and will help prepare them for the job market.”

The ITA leads and coordinates B.C.’s skilled trades system. It works with employers, employees, industry, labour, training providers and government to fund training, issue credentials, support apprenticeships, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades.

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New breast imaging clinic open at hospital News Tip?

Call 250-562-2441

Citizen staff A new breast imaging clinic is now open at University Hospital of Northern B.C. in Prince George.

With the help of “state-of-the-art” equipment, the clinic will allow women to get screening mammograms and, if required, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds in one location, .

“This will improve access to services, and result in less time between screening, and diagnosis and treatment,” Northern Health and the B.C. Cancer Agency said in a joint press release.

The clinic is located on the hospital’s fourth floor and is the outcome of a $2.6-million project.

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