Volume 26 Issue 5 by The Valley Sentinel

AVALANCHE RELATED STORIES:

FEATURED ARTICLE:

- Local resident has close call, Pg. 7 - Avalanche education, Pg. 7 -Highway avalanche cleared, Pg. 16

- Valemount’s famous Catholic Priest, Father Sasges, remembers and reflects on his wilderness adventure on the eve of his 80th birthday, Pg. 5.

sentinel THE VALLEY

WEDNESDAY February 2, 2011 $1.16 Plus HST

Volume 26 Issue 05 www.thevalleysentinel.com

Your Community Your Newspaper

Serving the Robson Valley since 1986

Photos Submitted

WEATHER WEDNESDAY High: -4°C Low: -14°C Details pg 22

INSIDE: Opinion.........................pg 4 Community Calendar....pg 10 Classifieds........... pgs 20, 21

Activities......................pg 22 Weather.......................pg 22 Real Estate...................pg 24

At around 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 30th, an accident occurred on Highway 16 at the Moose Lake spring pullout. Unconfirmed reports indicate that Tete Jaune resident and LDM driver, Rob Bustin, was travelling westbound when a transport truck pulling a vehicle carrier with eight new vehicles entered the westbound lane and impacted the passenger side of his plow truck. The impact and debris caused the highway to be reduced to single lane one-way traffic until the area could be cleared of the substantial wreckage. In total, the cleanup took 10 hours to complete, utilizing three wrecking trucks, one lowbed and one front-end loader. Bustin was taken for medical treatment in Valemount, while the three occupants of the commercial vehicle were taken for medical treatment in Jasper. Injuries at the time of the accident from all parties were reported to be minor in nature. Eyewitnesses at the scene have reported that two of the occupants of the car carrier were actually travelling inside one of the new cars. Valemount R.C.M.P. is investigating the crash to establish the causal factors in this incident as well as contributing factors to the crash. No charges have been processed at this time, however all considerations with respect to charges will be made once the investigation has been completed. Valemount R.C.M.P is requesting that anyone who may have witnessed this crash contact them at (250) 566-4466.

COMING NEXT WEEK MORE WITH FATHER SASGES

FLYERS

• CANADIAN TIRE

2 • Wednesday February 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

» COMMUNITY

Union to seek assets from Carrier to pay former workers Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

s the battle for former Valemount mill workers’ severance continues, United Steelworkers Union Local 1-417 President, Marty Gibbons, said the union is taking a more aggressive approach. To date, the union has been successful at every step of the legal process, winning the arbitration process, two

rounds with the labour board and now is heading to the Supreme Court where Carrier will have to argue that there was an error in law during all of the previous processes. “I guess they’re figuring fourth times a charm. It will make what they have done up to this point look easy. It is an extremely difficult test to meet and if they are unsuccessful they will have to pay our legal fees.” Meanwhile, the union has sat back long enough, said Gibbons, and will

be pursuing a ruling from the original arbitrator to come up with a specific amount the employees are owed. “We will have a hearing on that in March in Kamloops and after we get the numbers of what is owed then we will ask that it be registered in court. We are then going to pursue assets of Mr. Kordyban. We have been patient a long time and we are not being patient anymore. There was a ruling in arbitration and we are going to ask him to lay down the num-

bers owed and we will go after assets for that money owed.” The union will insist that the money be paid immediately, or put into a trust account, said Gibbons. The actual total is not known at this time, but previous reports have stated that it is in the millions. “It will be a huge win for the community of Valemount. That operation was part of our union for more years than I have been alive and our loyalty to the workers will never end.”

ecoTech still working towards hydro solution

McBride’s New Years baby arrives!

Birgit Stutz Contributor

Photo Submitted

McBride Councillor Irene Rejman (left) presents McBride’s New Year baby Kensey Wiltsie with a quilt made by Vonda Jacques. Kensey was born January 6, 2011 to Melissa and Raymond Wiltsie. She is a sister to Skyler and Kaiden.

recent press release by BC Hydro has some Valley residents concerned that the proposed biomass project for McBride won’t be going ahead. BC Hydro has recently selected five proposals for projects on the integrated system under the Community-Based Biomass Request for Qualifications. However, ecoTECH Energy Group (Canada) Inc. out of Langley, B.C., formerly ecoPhaser, wasn’t listed as one of them. “ecoTECH voluntarily released itself of the power call because we are hoping to be able to negotiate a deal with BC Hydro when the powerline is installed,” said ecoTECH CEO and chairman Colin Hall. “All of the IPPs (Independent Power Producers) in the Robson Valley have been working with BC Hydro to resolve all the technical issues about the potential of installing a powerline from Valemount to McBride that’s big enough to handle transmission along the entire corridor in the valley. We’ve had a tremendous amount of help from BC Hydro. We’re hoping to get permission to build the line very soon, and we are preparing to talk to BC Hydro once it’s decided that the powerline will go ahead.” The biomass energy plant project proposed by ecoTECH would see a 42-megawatt power station, which will generate power from biomass, a hydroponic horticulture greenhouse, and an indoor food fish propagation unit. Fuel for the biomass plant would be supplied from forestry cull piles, blowdowns, deadstanding timber and unmerchantable timber. ecoTECH is currently in the process of acquiring land for an industrial park just outside of Village boundaries.

Earthquake drill sends employees diving for their desks Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

t 10:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George employees were among over 460,000 British Columbians who practiced

“Drop, Cover, and Hold On” on January 26, in The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in Canadian history. Renee McClosky, Manager of External Relations for the Regional District, said

Mica Mountain Transport Overnight service from Edmonton, Kamloops & Kelowna Service to Hinton, Jasper and The Robson Valley

Phone Jim or Chris Morris (250) 566-9907 or (250) 566-1179

that the drill lasted approximately 60 seconds, which was in the form of a video clip online that simulated the sounds of an earthquake. Employees were encouraged to take cover under their desks during the simulation, as they would in the event of a real earthquake. “It was designed to increase awareness of what to do in an earthquake. We live in an area where it doesn’t happen often, but we had a 5.5 magnitude earthquake in ’86, so it is unlikely but it doesn’t mean it won’t happen.” Participants were asked to take an online

quiz as well, which tested basic knowledge of what to do in an earthquake event, as well as how to ensure your home and office is set up in an earthquake friendly manner. “It taught us how to properly hang photos on a wall, how to set up and place bookcases, basically how to minimize the damage and risk an earthquake can cause in your home. It also showed us how to survey your surroundings and take a look at if this were an earthquake zone what would be the danger areas.” Having a 72-hour

emergency kit ready is important in any emergency, said McClosky, but usually they are set up in preparation for a fire or flood in the North. “We never really know what’s around the corner. Overall it served as a good reminder to be prepared for emergencies of any kind. We had a little quiz that all of the staff did about if there is an earthquake where should you go and what should you do?” Something that McClosky said she learned was that a doorway is in fact not a good place to be in an earthquake, but

rather taking shelter under a sturdy desk is the best option. “The greatest risk during an earthquake are the things falling around you, and even if you are not able to get under something get next to something taller than you so it may be able to protect you from things falling from above.” To find out more about the ShakeOut, go to www.shakeoutbc.ca. Thankfully, no one was injured in the drill, and all employees eventually came out from under their desks and went back to work without incident, said McClosky.

UPFRONT

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 2, 2011 • 3

Serving the Robson Valley since 1986

Reach The Valley Sentinel at: 250.566.4425 or 1.800.226.2129 • Email: editor@thevalleysentinel.com • Fax: 250.566.4528

Dunster resident loses dog to evening Cougar attack Daniel Betts

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

n the evening of January 17th, Fred Wall’s loyal and protective bordercollie, Bud, was doing his job protecting the family farm located on Read Road in Dunster. “If he had been hiding he might not have been killed, but he was very territorial,” Wall said. It all started around 7:00 p.m. that evening when Bud began barking excitedly. Just before 8:00 p.m., Bud raced around to the back of the house to come face to face with a healthy four year-old, 120 pound cougar. Doing his job, Bud bravely tackled the feline predator. By the time Mr. Wall reached the back of the house with his rifle, the cougar had fled, leaving Bud’s body behind. Wall recovered Bud’s body and placed it in his shop, to keep it away from the cougar in case it came back. The following morning Wall found cougar tracks all around his house and

outbuildings in the fresh snow; a clear indication that the cougar had spent some of the night looking for Bud’s body, or more prey. Wall called the conservation officer in Clearwater to report the incident. “They [Conservation Officers] have always been very good as far as I am concerned, they always send somebody out.” Collin Niemeyer from Tete Jaune, who has hunting hounds, and Lester Blouin of Dunster, who has a current Cougar tag, came out to Wall’s Farm that afternoon. It did not take long for Niemeyer’s dogs to locate the cougar as it had been hiding in some machinery 100 yards from the property. The dogs were able to chase the animal up a tree and Blouin dispatched the predator. “I hated to lose the dog because he was a good dog but at least he died doing his job,” Wall says. This was not the first time a cougar has caused problems for Wall. A few years ago he lost a couple sheep to a cougar and just as

he had done with the current incident, he called the conservation officer who took care of the predator the next day. “There are a lot of cougars around, we usually have a lot of deer around our hay-yard in the winter time and this year we have had hardly any. And there are still a couple of them around. John Peterson phoned me the day after we got this cougar, he lives just below me, and he had a cougar in his yard the day after we killed this one.” The Ministry of Environment offers this advice when confronting a cougar: If you meet a cougar: * Never approach a cougar. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable. Cougars feeding on a kill may be dangerous. * Always give a cougar an avenue of escape. * Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.

* Pick all children up off the ground immediately. Children frighten easily and their rapid movements may provoke an attack. * Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack. * Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright. * Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don’t crouch down or try to hide. Pick-up sticks or branches and wave them about. If a cougar behaves aggressively: * Arm yourself with a large stick, throw rocks, speak loudly and firmly. Convince the cougar that you are a threat not prey. * If a cougar attacks, fight back! Many people have survived cougar attacks by fighting back with anything, including rocks, sticks, bare fists, and fishing poles.

Robson Valley elk issue reaches local MLA, Shirley Bond Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

ince last week’s story on the elk issue facing some of the ranchers in the Robson Valley, our phones have been ringing off the hook. More and more frustrated ranchers are asking for a solution, and local MLA Shirley Bond has taken notice. Explaining the reasoning behind the government’s policy on elk in the Robson Valley, Regional Wildlife Biologist for the Omineca Region for the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations, Doug Heard, said that they don’t know exactly where the elk came from, but it is clear they have been reproducing and increasing naturally in the area. Heard said that the objective of the hunting regulations has never been to eliminate or reduce pop-

“If there isn’t an awareness that this is a growing population that is causing farmers some significant distress then we need to make sure that that picture is clarified at the government level.” ~ Shirley Bond

ulation numbers, but rather to maintain the numbers as they are. “We don’t have as an objective to eliminate or reduce elk in the Robson Valley so of course then our actions are not designed to do that. The ranchers and farmers in the RV have an agricultural representative on our public consultation group, and let me tell you he has been bringing their concerns to the table for years.” There are other interest groups at the table as well, said Heard, including resident and non resident hunters as well as environmentalists with varying opinions on what to do with the elk, and ungulates in general. “Ranchers throughout the region have brought their point of view to the table, that elk and deer, ungulates, are an increasing problem. That has been brought to the table and the table decides on what to do.” So far, the table has decided to continue with the limited hunting seasons, in which 30 antlerless (female) elk can be killed by hunters carrying the proper permits, but when asked if they had any data to confirm if the current regulations are working or not, Heard said there hasn’t been a study to deter-

mine that fact. “I have no idea whatsoever. We have never done any work to assess the numbers of elk in the Robson Valley. The farmers could very well be right when they say populations are increasing but we don’t know either way.” Heard said that a study would require funding, manpower, and the political will to direct his office to undertake one, and as of yet that has never occurred. “There used to be none in the Valley and now there’s enough and we’re killing the same number every year, so we know that there is more elk than there used to be. It’s a crude way to measure numbers, and we’re not making any effort to increase the precision of that with aerial survey or counts or even interview surveys. I would have to be directed to do that.” Heard did say that the behaviour of the elk in the Robson Valley is not unique, so he is skeptical that they are any more aggressive or troublesome than elk found in other parts of the province. He advised that the best way to combat elk is to secure food storage areas with sturdy fences, as it has had an effect on problem animals in the Kootenays. “They are making progress, yes, but it is not a problem that has been solved. I shouldn’t lead anyone to expect that once every rancher has fenced off and eliminated access to stored hay that the elk problem goes away, but I think you’ll find in the Kootenays that every rancher has fenced off their stored hay. The supplemental winter-feeding that is provided by that hay is going to increase the survival and productivity and population growth of elk, so there may be somewhat fewer elk if you’re not feeding them.” On the topic of political will to undertake a study on elk populations in the Valley, MLA Shirley Bond said she is on the case, and will be working this week to set up meetings with her colleagues to work towards this end. “Anytime my constituents have an emerging issue, and obviously this is one, my job is to take that concern to Victoria and sort out what we can do. There is a process and it does include people, and it would be incumbent upon us to look at the extent of the problem and first of all seek some input about possible solutions and decide on a course of action.” Bond said that if indeed elk populations are increasing, then it follows logically that the efforts to maintain the population numbers should be adjusted. “The wildlife management practices that are in place are about maintaining elk numbers, so if we’re seeing a large increase in that then I think it is information that we need to work on. The winter hunting seasons are about disturbing elk populations so big-

ger herds are broken up and they move on and the reason for that is it reduces the impact on individual ranchers, so obviously in this case it is not happening and they are actually making a home in our ranchers areas. If there isn’t an awareness that this is a growing population that is causing farmers some significant distress then we need to make sure that that picture is clarified at the government level.”

Do you have any comments on any of the articles you have read? Drop us a line at

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

sentinel

4 • Wednesday February 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

OPINION

THE VALLEY

Serving the Robson Valley since 1986

Reach The Valley Sentinel at: 250.566.4425 or 1.800.226.2129 • Email: editor@thevalleysentinel.com • Fax: 250.566.4528

Joshua Estabrooks Viewpoint

» DAVE MARCHANT

Daniel Betts Viewpoint

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

Close call

Survival

o I had a sarcastic political rant all lined up for this week, but the events on Sunday morning have changed my opinion this week. This week I want to recognize, once again, our highway contractors, LDM, and their fearless employees that seem to be under siege this winter from motorists of all shapes and sizes. The accident on Sunday morning involving local driver, Rob Bustin, and a semi truck car carrier created some of the most alarming damage I have seen in the six years I have been living here. What shocked me when I went out and looked at the wreckage of the LDM truck, was that the only salvageable piece seemed to be the driver’s seat. On first glance one would assume no one could have exited that vehicle under their own power, and I think it is truly a miracle that Mr. Bustin survived the ordeal. The craziest part of all this is it is becoming less of a surprise when this happens. Aren’t these guys supposed to be out there making our roads safe to drive on? I can only imagine how much concentration it must take to be plowing these highways, but more and more it seems the drivers also have to be on the lookout for other motorists, when it really should be us looking out for them. Every winter we hear this and that about how they aren’t doing a good job, or how cutbacks and penny pinching is compromising the quality of road conditions, but at the end of the day, who of us wants to jump in the drivers seat and get out on the roads when no member of the public in their right mind would venture out? All policies and company decisions aside, the drivers of these trucks are members of our community, and it is their necks on the line when roads are closed and cars and trucks are all over the ditches. Who gets the roads into shape, after all, when we’re all sitting at home huddled by the fire? Guys like Rob Bustin are, and I think given the resources they have at their disposal they do a pretty damn good job.

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» MAILBAG

Ugly Wild Killer Cats Dear Editor

n regards to wildlife compared to tame domestic pets and human lives, especially children, in my eyes, children and their pets are far more valuable than a cougar’s life. If a cougar was to drag your child or grandchild away, what would you do? Would you wait for hours or even days just to have the permission of a Conservation Officer to arrive and kill the ugly wild killer cat? I would want to have it shot on the spot myself. As far as I’m concerned, wild cougars are plentiful for hunters so a few dead ones that prey on our pets and small children should be dispatched immediately and it won’t hurt the ones still roaming about trying an easy out. There are lots of wooded forests left; it is not as though the humans are taking over the billions of billions of acreage to make a town. Just go up in an airplane and see for yourself

Joshua Estabrooks

pUBlisher/editor editor@thevalleysentinel.com

EMilY Van DEr sanDE

how much wooded areas there really are out there in this country. Female cougars do not have their babies near residential areas. They go far into the bush about 30 to 50 kilometres. Cougars just found an easier way of sinking their 1500 psi of exerted jaws into domestic pets and livestock. They have already, in 100 years, attacked humans of which 60% were little children. Most domestic pets, especially dogs, get nervous and that should tell owners that there is danger hanging around. Cougars live to kill and kill to live on anything alive. Maybe someone, conservation officers, could transport them to larger and farther forests like they do with bears.

Vivian Clark Valemount

DaniEl bEtts

associate editor daniel@thevalleysentinel.com

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ooking at the many stories The Valley Sentinel is running this week I can’t help but see a few patterns emerging. The one theme I find myself thinking of most is survival. A respected valley resident survives an avalanche and offers his cautionary tale to warn others of the danger. Snow removal professional, Rob Bustin, narrowly escapes a horrific head on collision demonstrating the dangers snowplow operators experience every day. From the past, valley resident and community spiritual leader, just days from celebrating his 80th birthday, Father Emil Sasges shares his amazing story of survival in the wilderness. Human beings are survivors by nature. No matter how bad things can get and no matter how hopeless a situation may seem at the very core of our being is the desire to survive. Stories of survival give us hope as well as valuable knowledge that may help us one day should we find ourselves in a similar situation. It is important that surviors impart their knowledge to the rest of us and I would like to applaud and honour those who have stepped forward to share with us this week. Courage and bravery can be found in abundance from our neighbours this week. One may question the initial actions of Mr. Matt Elliot but none can question his courage in coming forward to tell us his story and put into the minds of others the real danger that exists in the mountains. Rob Bustin’s harrowing experience sheds light on the dangers faced by those who keep our roads clear by putting themselves in harm’s way daily so that the rest of us can get to work or home safely. Father Sasges’ experience on Black Stuart Mountain is a testament to human bravery and reminds us to not give up but to keep busy and find your own way out. When our mortality is faced it is our nature to oppose the forces arrayed against us but it is also our nature to share experiences to spare others the same pain. I hope those of you who read this week’s edition will find the same hope and courage I have found while preparing this week’s paper.

All material published in The Valley Sentinel; editorial content, photographs and advertising, is copyright to The Valley Sentinel and may not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express permission of the Publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing costs.

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 2, 2011 • 5

» COMMUNITY

Father Emil Sasges: Mountain Wilderness Survivor

Days from his 80th birthday, Father Emil Sasges remembers and reflects upon a pinnacle moment in his life. Photo By: Daniel Betts

Daniel Betts

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

n the afternoon of September 12th, 1969 a yellow Jodell D-11 aircraft soared over the craggy peaks of the Cariboo Mountain Range. The cleancut pilot of the home-made plane, Father Emil Sasges peered out grimly through cockpit windshield at the dark menacing clouds blocking the mountain passes that would normally take him home to Valemount. The skies above and behind the little plane were clear and while the weather had changed noticeably before his departure from Quesnel, Father Sasges had not anticipated the surprise weather system moving in from the south. In the days before GPS and instrument landing systems pilots flew by the seat of their pants and the Jodell had only a basic navigational panel and no radio. The clouds were forming too low to safely traverse the passes and with time running out Father Sasges turned his plane about, however there wasn’t time to reach any airport. Father Sasges directed his plane closer to the mountain tops to search for a safe

place to land. He spotted a grassy steep meadow above the tree line at the 6,500 foot level near the peak of Black Stuart Mountain. Wisely he took a few test runs at his impromptu landing strip then came about for a final approach. Father Sasges believed he could land his plane, wait out the storm overnight then take off the next day. As the plane neared the grassy surface, Father Sasges was surprised to see heavy cumulus thunderheads coming in. A sudden gust of wind forced the plane down violently into the rocks before the grass. The left wheel sheared off, the left wing broke off at the spar, the undercarriage crumbled and the plane flipped over. “I had to fight for my life right from the beginning, I was so busy I couldn’t afford to panic,” Father Sasges explains 42 years later from the comfort of his home. Father Sages only suffered a nick to his forehead and chin, but was otherwise uninjured. However the weather system had reached the crash-site bringing with it an assault of rain and 60 to 80 mile per hour winds. When Father Sasges jumped from his plane he was instantly soaked and for the rest of the night he was danger-

Installation of Officers, Awards Ceremonies and Initiation of New Members

Valemount Branch 266

at the Royal Canadian Legion 970 Main Street Valemount, BC Saturday February 5, 2011 Cocktails at 5:00 PM Pot Luck Dinner at 6:00 PM Members & Invited Guests 19 yrs & Over Please

ously close to freezing to death. This shelter. What little food he had was rawas the start of a three-week ordeal of tioned. In order to say mass every day survival. he rationed his mass wine to just a few Father Sasges was born in Saskatche- drops a day. wan on February 6th, 1931 and grew up Over the next two weeks, Father just outside of Vernon on a little mixed Sasges came heartbreakingly close to farm with a bit of orchard, livestock, rescue several times as aircraft would and garden. After completing grade come close enough for him to see but eight he received his calling and went they were unable to see him. On one to the seminary in Burnaby where he occasion a helicopter came up just completed four years of high school, under the fog and Father Sasges was four years of college and four years running back and forth flashing them of theology. After being ordained Fa- with a cowling from the wreckage. “I ther Sasges was assigned to Kamloops heard them above me and I thought where he spent eight years, after which they were going to land, but they didn’t he was assigned to the Robson Valley and I never heard them again,” Father in 1965. It was in Kamloops that Father Sasges recalls. On another occasion Sasges picked up his interest in flying an Albatross search plane came right and building aircraft. “There were sev- over top of him and were only about eral home-built aircraft in Kamloops 50 feet from his location; he could have and I joined them on my days off. I got thrown a rock and hit them with it. into a partnership with an amphibian After ten days Father Sasges felt he aircraft we were building. When I was wasn’t being found and he started assigned up here [The Valley] we sepa- making preparations to walk out of the rated the partnership by taking over wilderness. He demolished the tail secanother aircraft that was previously tion of the wreckage and began making built, the Jodell. It was a beautiful little a pack-board. While having no formal plane. That aircraft was a tremendous survival or backcountry training, Fagift because there wasn’t a highway ther Sasges experiences as a child on through here at the time, it was either the farm and hiking in the woods gave you take a train or a plane to get back him some idea of how to prepare, but and forth,” Father Sasges explains. His there was nothing in his previous exministry extended from Clearwater to perience to compare to what he would McBride and west to Red Pass and the soon have to contend with. On the most efficient way to travel between fourteenth day on Black Stuart Mounthe little towns was by plane. He even tain, he left the wreckage, but under a landed his plane in a hayfield at a pris- false understanding of where he was on near Clearwater to visit the inmates. going. “I was believing my ears as I On the morning of September 13th, could hear logging equipment and it 1969 Father Sasges’ jaws were ach- sounded like it was 5 miles southeast ing from his teeth chattering all night but it was in fact twenty miles southfrom the cold and he was extremely west and that created a huge problem. dehydrated from the intense effort of I knew the general area and if I had just survival. There was eighteen inches of hiked out I would have gone west, but snow on the ground and he was able to I believed my ears and that led me on a melt it, which he believes saved his life. huge circle of 40 miles through impos“If I hadn’t drank something the next sible terrain.” day I would have died,” Father Sasges Next week we will recount Father declares. Because of the weather the Sasges ordeal in the wilderness, his miimperilled priest was very busy with raculous rescue, and the outpouring survival. He demolished the plane of love from the community upon his wreckage to build a shelter. “At first I triumphant return home. Also, Father made a shelter out of snow, but the Sasges reflects upon his ministry after wind and rain destroyed the snow and the crash with some thoughts on the the wind was so bad it was ripping the future. fabric,” Father Sasges explains. Grizzly bears had ripped out huge chunks of The family of Bob Battensby sod hunting for marwould like to thank: mots in the area and • Doctors Ray Markham, Harry Keyter, he used the loose sod Joseph Owega, and Chris Cunningham to build a wall for his •

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for their excellent care. The ambulance attendants and nurse who helped us that day. The nursing and support staff of the McBride Hospital for taking such good care of all of us. The friends who brought food and comfort. Everyone for all the cards, phone calls, and hugs. The snow “angel” shovellers for paving our way. Our special friends for all the time and support you gave over the last few months—you know who you are and we love you. North Thompson Funeral Services for you compassion.

We are blessed to live where we live. Bob’s story can be found in full at: www.norththompsonfuneral.com

6 • Wednesday February 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

REGIONAL NEWS

Stilwell outlines health care plans Allan Wishart

Prince George Free Press f Moira Stilwell wins the provincial Liberal leadership next month, expect to see major changes to B.C.’s health care system. At a press conference Tuesday morning in Prince George, Stilwell, the MLA for Vancouver-Langara, said there were four main areas which needed improvement, including improving health care in rural and northern B.C. One of the main avenues she sees for that improvement is making it easier for northern students to return to the north. “We need to bring our kids home,” she said “There are hundreds of British Columbians who want to return to the communities where they grew up to do their residencies, but because they chose to study medicine in a different country, we won’t let them. “We need to change this policy immediately, because it isn’t helping anyone.” Stilwell also wants to see reforms in dealing with patients most in need of care, expanding mental health services, and determining what the best role is for private care in the public health system. “What is the answer to the question, ‘Will the public system pay for my follow-up care is I have cho-

sen to have a private operation?’ Because we are so scared to even mention private care, we don’t have a discussion. We pretend private care doesn’t exist.” While mentioning her personal preference in such a case would be for the private provider to furnish the follow-up care, she said she could see a system where a private contractor working for the system could be monitored for the level of complications arising from their work. “If a contractor is within the norms for complications, then the public system will pay for any services related to complications. If a contractor is outside the norms, the private provider needs to pay for the services.” She says the province needs to start paying as much attention to mental health as it is to physical health, starting in the school system, and wants to see better and more comprehensive services for the sickest patients. “We need to spend more money on them up front, so hospital costs are less. ... There are a number of pilot projects around the world where people are having success doing just that. By spending more on the people who are using the system the most, they have reduced overall costs, and improved the health of patients.”

Falcon Gaining Support with Ministers Bill Phillips

Prince George Free Press

iberal leadership hopeful Kevin Falcon received some hefty cabinet and northern support Monday. Both Prince George MLAs – Forests, Mines, and Lands Minister Pat Bell and Transportation Minister Shirley Bond – voiced their support for Falcon as leader. “Having the endorsement today of Shirley Bond and Pat Bell is something I’m very proud of,” said Falcon. “I thank them for their support and the organization they bring to the table. That is a big boost to our campaign.” The organization will definitely be an asset as the leadership battle heads into the home stretch. Bell, who is the MLA for Prince GeorgeMackenzie, said he will be actively campaigning for Falcon. He added one of the key reasons he is supporting Falcon is the former transportation minister’s support of infrastructure projects to help the natural resource sector. “Kevin clearly demonstrated his support to transportation infrastructure and things like the Prince George Airport, the Port of Prince Rupert and the highway infrastructure,” Bell said. As for Bond and Falcon, they have two things

in common. Both have served as cabinet ministers in health and in transportation. “When Kevin was the minister of transportation, he didn’t just care about Prince George, he cared about McBride, he cared about Valemount, and he’s even been to Dunster,” Bond said. With Bell and Bond, Falcon’s B.C. Liberal caucus supporters include Rich Coleman (Fort LangleyAldergrove), Iain Black (Port Moody-Coquitlam), Stephanie Cadieux (Surrey-Panorama), Ron Cantelon (ParksvilleQualicum), Dave Hayer (Surrey-Tynehead), Douglas Horne (Coquitlam-Burke Mountain), Rob Howard (Richmond Centre), John Les (Chilliwack), Joan McIntyre (West VancouverSea-to-Sky), Mary Polak (Langley), Pat Pimm (Peace River North), Marc Dalton (Maple Ridge-Mission) and John Yap (Richmond-Steveston). The New Democrats were quick to denounce Bell and Bond’s support. “Shirley Bond and Pat Bell’s decision to support Kevin Falcon flies in the face of the B.C. Liberal leadership candidate’s long record of acting against the interests of northern residents,” the party said in a press release issued less than an hour after Bell and Bond

announced their support. The press release criticized Falcon for, as minister of state for deregulation, eliminating the Office of Northern Development, which was created in 1998 by the former NDP government. Falcon has now stated he will create a premier’s office in Prince George. The NDP say the sale of BC Rail was an issue that has negatively affected the North and that Falcon, as transportation minister, was a champion of the deal.

Photo By: Allan Wishart/ Free Press

Liberal leadership candidate Moira Stilwell discusses changes she is proposing for the province’s health care system during a stop in Prince George on Tuesday.

Photo By: Bill Phillips

Liberal leadership hopeful Kevin Falcon (centre) has garnered the support of Prince George MLAs Shirley Bond and Pat Bell.

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The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 2, 2011 • 7

» COMMUNITY

It can happen to anyone Daniel Betts

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

ur beautiful mountains can have an irresistible allure that creates an emotion similar to love in that the mind has difficulty accepting the inherent dangers involved with having a personal relationship with the landscape. Wellknown and experienced local sledder, Matt Elliot, recently faced the consequences of pushing personal safety over the edge with potentially tragic consequences. “I had the scenario planned out, but it didn’t go quite as I planned,” Elliot explains when describing his extremely close call. “I had a pretty good suspicion it could go, but I decided I felt I could make it out if it went. From what I knew from what was there and my ability and my machine’s ability I thought I had a pretty good shot of making it. I have climbed that chute once or twice a year and I know how things usually go on it. I live only ten minutes away, it is my backyard and I had a little more confidence in knowing how that place operates.” However when Elliot made his run up the chute in question the speed and volume of the avalanche that was triggered was nothing like he expected. The wave of snow quickly swept over him. Elliot swam for it, a split second decision against pulling the t-handle on his avalanche bag, which in hindsight turned out to be a lucky choice as the device had been installed incorrectly and would have done more harm than good. Elliot was quickly buried in six feet of snow and was unable to move. “It felt like being in cement; I was mad at myself,” Elliot admits. As Elliot’s companions rushed to his aid to begin a desperate search, Elliot blacked out from lack of oxygen. The Avalanche Handbook by David McClung and Peter Shaerer declares, “Even small avalanches are a serious danger to life, even with properly trained and equipped companions who avoid the avalanche. Between 55 and 65 percent of victims buried in the open are killed, and only 80 percent of the victims remaining on the surface survive.” Looking at the “Avalanche Survival Curve”, which can be found at www. pistehors.com, a victim’s survival rate dramatically drops after fifteen min-

utes. Elliot was under the snow for ten minutes, pushing the statistical survival limits. Luckily, his companions had seen what happened and could narrow the search area quickly. Elliot was also wearing a “Pieps”. “Pieps” is an avalanche rescue beacon; a transceiver that, when activated, transmits the position of a victim, to rescuers searching above using the same or similar device that can receive the victims signal. Once an approximate location is determined, long probes are used to push down into the snow to pinpoint the location of the victim and if successful the victim is dug out with shovels. Finding Elliot’s Pieps signal, his companions were able to quickly narrow down his location so that they could effectively probe for him. Elliot woke up the moment his companions opened his helmet to give him air. Very recently, on January 15th, 2011, two experienced cross-country skiers, Rob and Mark Glaser from Calgary, were both killed in an avalanche while enjoying Kananaskis Country while a high avalanche warning was in effect. Rescuers found it extremely difficult to find the two men as they had both left their beacons in their vehicles. “Listen to what you are seeing and use what the terrain is telling you,” Elliot advises. This is a cautionary tale about choices. Even with ten to fifteen years of experience costly mistakes can be made with over confidence. Elliot strongly suggests following the directions of area avalanche forecasters who have been very accurate in their predictions regarding snow conditions. He strongly suggests that everyone have all the proper gear such as Pieps, probes and an avalanche bag and regularly check that everything is in working order. “Any bit of information should help you make the right decision,” Elliot advises. An accurate avalanche forecast, which is updated daily, can be found at the following website: http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/bulletins/latest/northcolumbia. For information on avalanche training courses contact Curtis Pawliuk at VARDA (Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association) at 250 566 4817.

Randy Hawes comments on Blue River Daniel Betts

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

ith the possibilities for a tantalum mine developing near Blue River following the announcement by Commerce Resources that exploration studies have yielded some positive results it was coincidental that last week was Mineral Exploration Week in British Columbia. The Honourable Pat Bell, Minster of Forests, Mines and Lands and the Honourable Randy Hawes, Minister of State for Mining hosted a teleconference during which The Valley Sentinel had the opportunity to address Minister Hawes. Minister Hawes opened the conference with some interesting information regarding exploration spending around

“there is a rush on for all rareearth elements; it is actually a world-wide phenomenon” - Minister Randy Hawes British Columbia. In 1999-25 million dollars were spent on exploration, in 2010-154 million dollars were spent and in 2010-322 million dollars were spent, which is the third highest total in British Columbia history. “Mineral prices are at extraordinary high levels and are anticipated to stay there. The interest in British Columbia is unprecedented and continues to grow,” stated Minister Hawes. Minister Bell added that with the opening of the Natural Resource Operations Ministry, a new division of government that was formed after the last cabinet shuffle, the number of mining

offices around the province would be increased from 5 to almost 30. The closest mining office to the Robson Valley will soon be found in Clearwater; Kamloops is currently the closest office. Minister Hawes mentioned the opening of the Copper Mountain mine near Princeton, a forestry dependent community which two years ago had been economically depressed due to the pine beetle epidemic and the global economic meltdown. After the mine opened there has been new construction in the area and 500 people are employed at the mine site. During the mine opening one third of the community came to the mine site. “I have never seen people that electric, that happy or that excited about something,” Minister Hawes stated Minister Bell added that the mining industry across British Columbia amounted to six billion dollars in value. “There are 50 industrial mineral mines [in British Columbia] that are often overlooked but are significant employment generators that are keeping small regional economies thriving. 380 exploration projects are employing people from Smithers, down into the Kootenays and out on the Queen Charlotte Islands,” Minister Bell stated. The Valley Sentinel asked Minister Hawes what he knew of the recent findings near Blue River. “I am aware of that finding. I can’t tell you what the potential is, the company itself will do an assessment to see if they’ve got the sufficient mineralization to warrant going into a full mine. I can comment that right now there is a rush on for all rare earth elements; it is actually a worldwide phenomenon. I think we are going to find that we have a number of sites with rare earth elements like tantalum and others. This one I think is big enough to have a mine, but that is not a decision that I make; it is a decision the proponents make, but it is significant enough that I have heard about it quite a bit,” Minister Hawes replied.

VARDA: Leader in Avalanche Education Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

This January VARDA sent its first remittance from the month of December 2010, to the Canadian Avalanche Center for the Associations of British Columbia Snowmobile Clubs, “Buck a Head Program” for the amount of $3,155. The program means that one dollar from every trail pass sold will be donated to the Canadian Avalanche Center. This fundraising initiative is instrumental in supporting snowmobiling specific prevention and awareness programs in BC. These programs have been identified through an extensive collaborative process with a wide range of snowmobiling organizations. Funding these services will be an important component of an overall strategy to ensure safe, enjoyable snowmobiling in BC’s backcountry in the winters to come. VARDA works closely with the Association of British Columbia Snowmobile Clubs and was keen on the “Buck a Head” program since the early dis-

cussions began of offering such support. The program has been received very well by the snowmobile users and they take pride in knowing that a portion of their trail pass fees are going to further avalanche education and safety. With the donations received from the program and other program contributions, the snowmobile community is one of the largest donors to the CAC. With strong financial support coming from the “Buck a Head” program, and VARDA’s other safety initiatives including: -being the first snowmobile club to purchase and install their own trailhead beacon checkers -installation of a Beacon Training Station in the Clemina Creek Area -providing strong online safety messages via its website and various chat forums -collection / reporting of snow and weather data directly from the riding areas VARDA is striving to be a leader in Avalanche Education and Support !

8 • Wednesday February 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

» COMMUNITY

Valemount has a new bylaw officer and building inspector Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

he Village of Valemount will be taking a new approach to bylaw enforcement and building inspections, after a recent decision by council to sign contracts and expand the hours for each position. CAO, Tom Dall, said that the decision came after discussions with RCMP, who reported that between January and September, 2010, they responded to over 580 complaints that dealt with bylaw enforcement, mainly noise complaints, parking issues and loose dogs. “I think that gave us a pretty loud message that we had to do something. Council felt that we need to take a much more proactive approach to the complaints.” Council decided to increase the hours of both the building inspector and the bylaw enforcement officer, but since the current arrangement had a restricted number of hours available, two new positions were needed. “We couldn’t just increase Al Smith’s hours because of his commitments to the Village of McBride and the Regional District. He didn’t have the hours available we needed.” In light of this, Steve Barnes was hired to look after building inspections, and Erik Myggland was hired to take on the Bylaw Officer position. Each position has been set for 20 hours a week, and they will both be available by individual phone numbers. “They will both be operating out of their homes.” The bylaw officer position will be for a three-month probationary period, with an option to renew for a further 21 months and a final option to extend the contract for one extra year. The full three-year contract will be for $18,720.00 per year, with payments of $1,560.00 per month upon receipt of a monthly invoice and report. Discussing the Bylaw Officer position specifically, Dall said that the enforcement philosophy will be taking a reactive approach, as Myggland will focus primarily on responding to complaints as opposed to patrolling around town looking for infractions. “Our whole purpose is that the police will continue to assist us with bylaw 3.36” x 4”

enforcements but at least we will have someone available to work with. Erik will be available seven days a week. It won’t be restricted to specific days. You still may not get an immediate response but it will be a lot faster than it used to be.” Myggland said he is ready to take on the challenge, and feels his past experience in security, the military and his current martial arts training has prepared him for the position well. “I have only been here for a year too, so that’s a benefit because I see everyone on the same level. I don’t have any biased opinions of anyone.” He said he will be taking some training courses when they come available, and expects to be catching up on complaints for the first little while. “I’ll be working with the RCMP to see how we can all work together on some of these issues. The Village is currently making up tickets so we can hand them out once we get going.” Myggland wants to make it clear that people do have some time to check into the bylaws and see if they are in compliance. “It’s not going to be like the Gestapo or anything. I want people to find out what their rights are and what they can do to be compliant with the bylaws before we start handing out tickets. The first month will be more focused on education.” With regards to loose dogs within the Village, Myggland says people have time to fix the holes in their fences, but he does feel the issue needs to be addressed, as it is dangerous for residents and the animals. “Animals aren’t usually dangerous, but they can be unpredictable just like people can be. I have lots of experience with dogs, and I know what it’s like to lose an animal to the pound, so people can Joshua Estabrooks/The Valley Sentinel be assured I have no intention of go- Erik Myggland will begin enforcing Village Bylaws this week. ing around and gathering up people’s pets. But they have to be proactive in sponding to will be noise complaints, with contractors and developers that keeping their pets at home.” parking issues and water restrictions we can respond to situations and perSome things dog owners may not during the summer months. “These mit requirements in a timely fashion. know about Village bylaws is that a dog are all things that are clearly laid out It is going to be a learning curve for is not allowed to be tethered all day, in the bylaws.” everyone, including the Village, beand it is against the bylaw to tie your According to Dall, the changes are cause we haven’t had a program like dog up with a choke chain. “These are a good indication that Valemount is this before.” all things people need to be informed taking steps in the right direction. “We To contact the Bylaw Enforcement about. Check the bylaws out online or really need to state that we are open Officer, call 250-566-0144. request them from the Village.” for business in Valemount and we are To contact the Building Inspector, Other issues Myggland will be reto take a step forward to work call 250-566-1315. 3.36” x 4” 3.36" xstarting 4"

CBT OPPORTUNITIES

Careers At CBT

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Funding Available for Youth Projects

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The next deadline for applications is Monday RSS February 21, 2011.

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CBT has an opening in the Castlegar office for a Communications Coordinator (full-time, 15-month term). A detailed description of duties, skills and qualifications can be viewed at www.cbt.org/careers or requested from Debra Stewart at 1.800.505.8998. Please forward resumes to dstewart@cbt.org by noon (Pacific) February 7, 2011 for consideration. Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater selfsufficiency for present and future generations. www.cbt.org

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The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 2, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ 9

Âť COMMUNITY

V-Day to take place in the both Valemount and McBride Donalda Beeson Contributor

n April 8th at the Valemount Secondary School, and April 15th at the McBride Roundhouse Theatre, V-Day Valemount 2011 will present a one-night benefit reading of V-Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer. Last year over 5,400 V-Day benefits took place around the world raising funds and awareness towards ending violence against women. Since 1998, V-Day and these highly successful events have raised over $75 million for local beneficiaries working to end violence against women and girls. Valemount and McBride have joined this global movement as part of the V-Day 2011 Campaign. A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer: Writings To Stop Violence Against Women and Girls, is a groundbreaking collection of monologues by world-renowned authors and playwrights, edited by Eve Ensler and Mollie Doyle and commissioned by V-Day for the first V-Day: UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS festival, which took place June 2006 in New York City. Proceeds from the book benefit V-Day. These diverse voices rise up in a collective roar to break open, expose, and examine the insidiousness of violence at all levels: brutality, neglect, a punch, even a put-down. The volume features such authors and topics as:

Edward Albee on S&M; Maya Angelou on womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work; Michael Cunningham on self-mutilation; Dave Eggers on a Sudanese abduction; Edwidge Danticat on a border crossing; Carol Gilligan on a daughter witnessing her mother being hit; Susan Miller on raising a son as a single mother; Sharon Olds on a bra; Patricia Bosworth on her own physically abusive relationship; Jane Fonda on reclaiming our Mojo; and many more. These writings are inspired, funny, angry, heartfelt, tragic, and beautiful. But above all, together they create a true and profound portrait of how violence against women affects every one of us. The book includes information on how to organize V-Day events and readings of the book. A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, And A Prayer is a call to the world to demand an end to violence against women. V-Day Valemount 2011 is a local effort within the worldwide context of the 2011 V-Day Campaign. Organizing this event on behalf of Robson Valley Support Society (RVSS) is Shelly Battensby, their Services Coordinator, who said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer, is a collection of monologues written by men and women to be performed by men and women,â&#x20AC;? which â&#x20AC;&#x153;examine many aspects of violence against women on the global stage and are a combination of humour, empathy, sadness, and celebration.â&#x20AC;? Battensby said for anyone wishing to audition,

Petuniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back in town!! Donalda Beeson Contributor â&#x20AC;&#x2122;mon down to the Valemount Anglican/United Church this coming Tuesday, February the 8th, at 7:00 p.m. and meet everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite yelpinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; yodelinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ramblinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; one-man western swing, rockabilly personality, Petunia! He will be playing a solo show for the students at the Valemount High School in the morning and then later on that night he will be joined by 50 year, lap steel guitar veteran, Jimmy Roy (pronounced Jimmy Wah), right off the stage of the Grand Old Opry and into your church for a community performance. It is always a foot-tappinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; good time, in the low-lights and haunting acoustics of the Valemount Anglican/United Church, where Petunia said he enjoys playing since by his judgment over half his guests are churchgoers, giving him the chance to extend his regular audience. Petunia has been on tour since May 26th of last year, in his pressed black suit and shiny cufflinks; he has â&#x20AC;&#x153;travellinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on his mindâ&#x20AC;?, and since every â&#x20AC;&#x153;travellinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; manâ&#x20AC;? needs a good pair of shoes, his are brown for walkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and tappinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. He is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;wild oneâ&#x20AC;?, who will â&#x20AC;&#x153;never settle downâ&#x20AC;?, a modern day â&#x20AC;&#x153;roving cowboy,â&#x20AC;? right out of one of his songs. He hits the high notes and lows, with only his fast moving lips, embodying a southern

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HELP BUILD BC HYDROâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MICA PROJECTS BC Hydro is currently working on projects to upgrade and expand the Mica Generating Station with the installation of two additional 500 megawatt generating units into empty bays 5 and 6. Construction will start in early spring 2011. The work, expected to take 4 years, will be completed by two main contractors. BC Hydro has contracted Andritz Hydro to supply and install the turbine and generating unit. BC Hydro has not yet awarded the civil contract for the concrete work required to house the new turbine and generating unit.

Employment Opportunities Construction of the Mica Projects is expected to require roughly 650 person years of trades work over four years. Labour needs will change as the project goes through the construction stages. In the ďŹ rst year of the project, contractors are expected to hire:

Trade QualiďŹ cation ticketed workers:

Other workers:

Â? Â? Â Â Â Â Â&#x20AC; Â? Â&#x201A; Â&#x192;Â&#x201A; Â&#x192; All union labour for the Project must be hired through the Collective Agreement Â Â? Â? Â staff on site to manage the hiring process for both BC Hydro and our contractors.

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country twang, a well-travelled guitar and slide, and his invention, a kazoozaphone, which is a kazoo duct taped to a bike horn attached to a coat hanger which he hangs around his neck. Petunia and Jimmy Roy cover a variety of genres, from rockabilly to country western swing, to bluegrass, to folk, and back to rock, it all melds into a unique style Petunia calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;roots,â&#x20AC;? because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the root of all things rock and country. Petunia also plays a mix of songs; last time he played â&#x20AC;&#x153;a song a lot of young people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know but their grandparents do,â&#x20AC;? he introduced before playing Harry McClintockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big Rock Candy Mountain. In addition, since last time was his second time playing in Valemount, he offered â&#x20AC;&#x153;if anyone drove many miles to hear a certain songâ&#x20AC;? he would play it, and ended with an encore of Johnny Cashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Sunday Morning Comedown. With an intimate audience of just over thirty-five people in attendance last time, this performance is sure to be even more pumpinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, due to his fast growing fan base in the Valley, as well as being joined by Jimmy Roy, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be late and bring a friend. Tickets are only $12.00 at the door. Catch Petunia and Jimmy Roy before they are off roving again, heading East to Jasper to play a show in the evening of the 9th at the Legion.

scripts will be available at the RVSS Valemount office after February 2nd, and auditions will take place on February 23rd, also at the RVSS Valemount office. As well it will take a lot of volunteer work to pull this off, so anyone wishing to help with production, directing, stage management, volunteer management, performance, makeup, or supporting events, please contact Battensby. They are also looking for sponsorship, either financially or in-kind. To learn more about V-Day Valemount 2011 or to get involved contact Shelly Battensby at rvssvalemount@telus.net. There is also a public Facebook event: search V-Day Valemount â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayerâ&#x20AC;? 2011. To learn more about V-Day and its campaigns visit www.vday.org.

10 • Wednesday February 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

THE

ROBSON VALLEY MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY FEB 2

• Valemount Seniors Carpet Bowling 9am • Valemount Co-ed MMA 7-8:30pm

• Valemount Co-ed MMA 7-8:30 pm upstairs at The Trading Post. • Lions Bingo at Lions Hall in Valemount 6 pm. FEB 14

• Valemount Seniors Carpet Bowling 9am • Valemount Co-ed MMA 7-8:30pm • Valemount Co-ed MMA 7-8:30 pm upstairs at The Trading Post.

FEB 8

• TOPS 6:30pm at the Health Unit in McBride • 7-9 PM VFD mtg @ Fire Hall • ADULT RECREATIONAL VOLLEYBALL 7-9 pm Valemount Sec. School Gym

FEB 15

• TOPS 6:30pm at the Health Unit in McBride • 7-9 PM VFD mtg @ Fire Hall • ADULT RECREATIONAL VOLLEYBALL 7-9 pm Valemount Sec. School Gym

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

FEB 3

• Valemount Seniors Music Night 7-9pm • Drop in Volleyball McBride Sec. School 7-9pm • CBAL Play and Learn 10Noon, Valemount Lions Hall • Valemount Ladies MMA Kickboxing & Fitness 7-8:30pm FEB 7

Coming Events

FEB 9 • Valemount Seniors Music Night 7-9pm • Drop in Volleyball McBride Sec. School 7-9pm • CBAL Play and Learn 10Noon, Valemount Lions Hall • Valemount Ladies MMA Kickboxing & Fitness 7-8:30pm • Toastmasters at The Best Western 7:30-9:30pm FEB 16 • Valemount Seniors Music Night 7-9pm • Drop in Volleyball McBride Sec. School 7-9pm • CBAL Play and Learn 10Noon, Valemount Lions Hall • Valemount Ladies MMA Kickboxing & Fitness 7-8:30pm

• Cribbage 1pm - 4pm at the Valemount Golden Years Lodge in lower lounge •ADULT RECREATIONAL BADMINTON at Valemount Sec. School Gym 7-8:30pm

SAT/SUNDAY

FEB 4

FEB 5/6

• Friday night dinners at the Valemount Legion 5pm

• Dunster Winter Market Saturday from 11:30 am - 1 pm • Valemount MMA Open

FEB 10

• Cribbage 1pm - 4pm at the Valemount Golden Years Lodge in lower lounge •ADULT RECREATIONAL BADMINTON at Valemount Sec. School Gym 7-8:30pm

FEB 17

• Cribbage 1pm - 4pm at the Valemount Golden Years Lodge in lower lounge •ADULT RECREATIONAL BADMINTON at Valemount Sec. School Gym 7-8:30pm

Mat 9:00 - 11:00 am Kids class Sundays 6:00-7:00 pm. Saturdays upstairs at The Trading Post.

FEB 11 • Friday night dinners at the Valemount Legion 5pm • VALEMOUNT WINTER FESTIVAL STARTS

FEB 18 • Friday night dinners at the Valemount Legion 5pm

FEB 12/13

• Dunster Winter Market Saturday from 11:30 am - 1 pm

• VALEMOUNT WINTER FESTIVAL. Check the schedule on page 19 • Valemount MMA Open Mat 9-11 am Saturdays upstairs at The Trading Post, Kids class Sundays 6-7 pm. FEB 19/20

• Dunster Winter Market Saturday from 11:30 am - 1 pm • Valemount MMA Open

Mat 9-11 am Saturdays upstairs at The Trading Post, Kids class Sundays 6-7 pm.

Do you have an event coming up? Call us and we will put it in the Coming Events Calendar! Call 250 566-4425 or email ads@thevalleysentinel.com

Dunster Winter Market

McBride Community Forest Open Meeting

Every Saturday 11:30-1pm

First Wednesday of the month

Vendors welcome Call Karen Shaw 250 968-4331

7pm in the McBride Village Council Chambers

Services VALEMOUNT • PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MEETING EVERY 2ND WED. 5 PM DOWNSTAIRS AT THE LIBRARY. • PUBLIC HEALTH UNIT Prenatal Classes, Baby Clinics - Call 566-9138 ext 228 for appointments. • CHAMPS Weight loss Support Team for men and women. Thurs. 6:00 pm Downstairs Valemount Clinic. Shirley 566-9829, Dolly 566-8458. • COUNCIL MEETING 2nd & 4th Tues., 7 pm, council chambers. Everyone welcome. • CHAMBER OF COMMERCE General Meeting 2nd Thurs of the month @ 12pm at the Learning Centre • SADDLE & WAGON CLUB MEETING 3rd Thurs. 7 pm 566-9707

• LIONS BINGO 1st & 3rd Mon, at Lions Hall, doors open 6pm, everyone welcome. • VALEMOUNT CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY CENTRE Board Meeting 2nd Mon. 7 pm @ the Centre beneath the Community Hall (the red door). • ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION General meetings every 3rd Mon of month 7:30pm in Legion. • LADIES AUXILIARY #266 Legion Meetings 1st Tuesday of every month 3pm in Valemount Legion. • VALEMOUNT SENIORS SOCIAL CLUB. Regular meetings first Thurs of every month at 7pm downstairs lounge at Golden Years Lodge. Seniors Music Night 7PM WED • VALEMOUNT CIRCLE DANCE. For more info please contact 250 566-1782 • ADULT RECREATION BADMINTON. Thurs at 7pm in th Valemount Sec School gym. Contact Jamie @250 566-4656

• ADULT RECREATIONAL VOLLYBALL. Tues from 7pm - 9pm. Valemount Sec School gym. Contact Suzanne Bloodoff @ 250 566-9979 TETE JAUNE • TETE JAUNE COMMUNITY CLUB meetings held the 1st Tues. of the month at 7pm at the Tete Jaune Hall. MCBRIDE • VALLEY PIECEMAKERS QUILT GUILD Every other Wednesday. 7:00 pm in the High School. New members welcome, contact Dawna Hickerty 569-3210. • ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Every Sun, 8 pm at the Health Unit.

• OAPO STITCH & KNIT Every Thurs., 2:30 - 4 pm, Beaverview Lodge, Hilda Murin 569-3305 • ALANON every Mon. 8pm at the Health Unit • TOPS Tues. 6:45 pm weigh-in, 7:15 pm meeting. Health Unit in McBride. New members welcome. Brenda Molendyk 569-3113 • VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING 2nd & 4th Tues,7:30 pm,Village Council Chambers. • DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP 1st Wed, 1 pm at Beaverview Lodge & Sat.10 am -12 pm, 441 Dominion St 569-2658 / 569-0113 • SUPPORT GROUP FOR FAMILIES DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS Last Wed every month 7:30 pm @ McBride Health Centre more info call Norma 569-2637 or Elizabeth 968-4347

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 2, 2011 • 11

» COMMUNITY

Photo By David Edwards with ben Waxer’s camera

From Left to Right: Jasper residents Sage Barker, Ben Waxer, Alanna Coady, Meagan Huibers, Dana Parsloe and Valemountonian Donalda Beeson take a break during the annual post New Years canyon crawl in Jasper. It took the group three hours to get to the top and back, fueled by coffee and Baileys and a sense of adventure.

The “SECRET” ice man

Daniel Betts editor@thevalleysentinel.com

hree years ago, 30 year Robson Valley resident, Joe Gagnon took it upon himself to start secretly clearing a path of ice along the canals on the marsh behind the Best Western in order to skate. Mr. Gagnon had not realized it but he was being referred to as “the secret man” who was responsible for making it possible for people to skate on the marsh. When word got out that he was the person responsible, he was approached by the Village Office to assist with a project and ever since, Mr. Gagnon has been the man to clear the ice on the marsh. This year, because of the tremendous amount of snow that has fallen, his usual way of clearing the ice, a blade on the front of a four wheeler, was ineffective. Mr. Gagnon came up with the idea to put his 5 Ton, 1993 Diesel Skid Steer on the ice, which worked perfectly until it came time to drive off the ice to refuel. It turns out that the edges of the marsh are much warmer than the centre and the heavy vehicle dramatically

sank and got stuck while attempting to leave. “Because everything is covered in snow you can’t know and all of a sudden I was looking at the sky,” Mr. Gagnon says with amusement. With the help of a friend and 300 feet of cable the skid steer was successfully pulled from the marsh. By taking precautions, Mr. Gagnon is now able to safely drive his skid steer onto the ice to clear it. During this year’s Winter Festival, Mr. Gagnon, with the help of his son, Davy, who will celebrate his 16th birthday next month, has volunteered to maintain the ice at the marsh. A temporary shelter will be set up for the Skid Steer to rest in during the festival. Ironically Mr. Gagnon will not be able to skate this year as his skates have been misplaced. “Speed skates are the best, I really enjoy it, and it is better for me, lowers the blood pressure and clears the brain,” Mr. Gagnon explains with enthusiasm. Joe Gagnon has been living in the Robson Valley since 1981. He worked at the local Mill for a number of years. Mr. Gagnon will be travelling to the Yukon this summer to mine for gold.

Winter is HERE! Brookfield Renewable Power would like to remind you of the dangers that exist on rivers this time of year. Because river currents can weaken ice – especially backwater currents close to dams – it can be very dangerous to travel on rivers whether on foot, on snowmobile, on skates, on skis, or on all-terrain vehicles (ATV). Also, a dam’s control gates can be activated remotely and will cause unsafe conditions such as water level and river current changes. Stay Safe! Brookfield Renewable Power wants to ensure that all of your outdoor recreational activities are positive and memorable experiences this winter. For more information: 604-485-2223

12 â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday February 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

Âť SPORTS COMMUNITY

Right: Valemount junior girls basketball players Paisley Hanson and Brittany Kerik storm up the court towards the basket during a game against Clearwater. Below: Valemount player Olivia Bruce takes a shot.

Right: Alex Macdonald makes a shot under pressure.

Photos By Daniel Betts and Joshua Estabrooks/ The Valley Sentinel

Left: Lysa Snow prepares for a free throw. Below: Hannah Knelsen dribbles into the offensive zone.

Below: Darci Peever gets control of the ball under pressure.

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 2, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ 13

Âť SPORTS COMMUNITY Right: Valemount junior boys basketball player, Kyle Osadchuk, fights off a player from Clearwater. Below: Gage Ringer gets some air as he sails towards the basket.

Left: Lukus Lerch shoots for two! Right: Nilesh Anghnoo makes quite the leap in the offensive zone. Below: Sean Carson breaks away from the Clearwater defence.

Right: Jesse Szerencsei shoots for the hoop.

Left: Coach Dan Kenkel takes a look at the clock as time runs out in the game.

14 • Wednesday February 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

» SPORTS

Cage fights coming to Valemount? Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

he Valemount Mixed Martial Arts Club is testing the waters to see how the concept of hosting a cage-fighting event will go over with residents. Club President, Erik Myggland, said that he has informally approached the Village and has received positive feedback, but he is curious how the community at large feels about the proposed event. The idea would be to host the event in conjunction with the mud races that are set to take place this summer, as both sports attract compatible crowds, he said. “I want to put on 10-12 fights for one night. It will be a big deal. There will be trophies and purses and the whole works. It probably won’t be sanctioned because there is no overarching body for mixed martial arts yet, but one of the smaller leagues may want to jump on board and get involved. We don’t know yet.” If it goes ahead as planned, Myggland said he will be inviting members of Revolution Martial Arts Club from the lower mainland, as well as Pride Gym members. The event would have a beer garden and would run from 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. until midnight. “The two events would compliment each other really well in my opinion. The people coming for the mud races will want to check out the fights and the people coming for the fights will want to check out the mud races.” The event would be very similar to what the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Challenge) events that are quite popular on pay per view television, he said, and it would go a long way to raise the profile of Valemount on the mixed

martial arts map. “When I started the club here in Valemount I was doing it just to see if there was any interest, but it has become really popular locally, and this is a natural progression.” Local fighter Jose Cornejo has been busy representing Valemount in the ring as well, as he is heading to Nanaimo on March 26 to take part in a martial arts tournament. “Our club is now fully registered with the government, and we recently became members of the World Muay Thai Council.” Membership allows club members to travel to London, England for an international competition in November and Thailand a year later. “Whoever trains with us and wants to go is welcome to come. We are also able to send members to Thailand for a 30 day training camp now.” Myggland said he wants to thank the club’s sponsors for helping them get up and running, as well as their continued support as the sport grows locally. “Thanks to Yellowhead helicopters, Monashee Motors, Travis Automotive and The Valley Sentinel for all of their help. It’s very encouraging to see local businesses getting on board.” New to the club this season is an academic component for the youth members, said Myggland. The program will reward students who demonstrate academic excellence as part of their mixed martial arts training with the Valemount club. “Currently we have over 50 members. We’re steadily growing in size and reputation throughout the MMA world.” Let us know what you think about hosting a cage fight event in Valemount. Send your comments to editor@thevalleysentinel.com.

Your Health Is Your Wealth

DR. Peter Boyne BSc, BEd, DC

In Valemount on Mondays Variety of Chiropractic Techniques Soft Tissue Overuse Disorders Custom Foot Orthotics

From Jasper Chiropractice & Body Care Clinic Jasper, Alberta 780-852-5288 780-931-2911 (cell) 209 Bonhommer St., Jasper Side of Dental Clinic in Valemount www.jasperchiro.ca contact@jasperchiro.ca

Joshua Estabrooks/The Valley Sentinel

Valemount youth curlers Dawson Wikstrom, Braden Smith, Maddisyn Smith, Maddie Ghosh-Logan, Zach Moman, Parker Moman, and Sapphire Pelletier were all smiles as CIBC employee (and coach) Diana Piper presents a cheque to Curling Club President Gerry Piper and coach Teressa Colosimo for $500.00 from the CIBC Ambassador Program. The funds will go towards the purchase of sliders for the kids. Currently there are 15 children aged 5-12 who take part in the youth curling program every Friday from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

McBride wins back to back tournaments Birgit Stutz Contributor

he McBride hockey community had reason to celebrate on the weekend when the McBride Grizzlies Peewee team came home with the gold medal from the annual peewee tournament in Clearwater, January 29 and 30. “The boys played great,” said Brian Shawara, Head Coach of the McBride Grizzlies. “Our goalie played well, the entire team played well. They played as a team. They were peaking at the right time.” The tournament was made up of eight teams in two divisions of four. McBride and Valemount, which placed third in their division, played in the same division, which also included Clearwater and Williams Lake. The other division was made up of another Williams Lake team, Salmon Arm, Kamloops and Merritt. “We won all the games in our division,” said Shawara. “On Saturday we played Williams Lake and won 5 to 2. Then we played Clearwater and won 3 to 1. On Sunday we played Valemount and won 9 to 1. This put us into first place in our division.” The best team in each division then competed against each other for first and second place. “We played the Kamloops Spartans in the final,” said Shawara. “It was a fast and rough game and a great game to watch. The first period was 0-0. It was a close game until the third period, but our team

played a strong period and we won 6 to 1 and became the first place champions.” Shawara said the coaches, managers and parents were very proud of the kids’ hard work over the weekend. “They are a great bunch of kids to coach,” he said. “It was a great experience for everybody and a nice tournament.” While the Valemount Wildcats Peewee team didn’t place in the tournament, the kids nevertheless had fun. “We played some fun hockey,” said one of the players’ parents, Carl Forman. “The kids did well and had fun. We won one game and lost two. Nothing was close. We won by lots and lost by lots. It was a good experience.” Forman said half of the players on the Valemount team, including the goalie and three players, were atoms as the Valemount team only has six peewees.

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Brand Name Clothing! Giftware Open Mon-Sat Hours 11am -5pm Karas Mall Closed Every Wednesday Closed on Feb 5th and 12th.

The McBride Grizzlies celebrating their win.

sage hair studio Britney Antoniuk Certified Hair Stylist

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The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 2, 2011 • 15

» COMMUNITY

Valemount Council briefs Daniel Betts

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

he regularly scheduled council meeting for the Village of Valemount was held on January 25th. Mayor Bob Smith, Councillors Murray Capstick, Cynthia Piper, Rita Tchir, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Tom Dall and Corporate Officer (CO) Sandy Salt were in attendance. Absent was Councillor Bobbi Roe. Delegations Council received a presentation from the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George in regards to the Canoe Valley Recreation Centre Local Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1599, Amendment Bylaw No. 2655,2010, which proposes to see a 16.7% increase in the area’s property tax requisition to meet fiscal challenges that the Regional District is having with respect to the operation of the Recreation Centre. After debate the council voted to accept the amendment. Councillor Murray Capstick was opposed. Unfinished Business Council carried a motion to attend the Northern Health: Partnering for Improved Health Meeting on February 25th in Prince George which Northern Health would host and fund. Mayor Bob Smith, Councillor Bobbi Roe and Councillor Rita Tchir will attend the meeting. Correspondence for Action Council carried a motion to send

Mayor Bob Smith and CAO Tom Dall to attend Water Smart Implementation Conference on March 8th, 2011 in Nelson, B.C. In regard to the minutes of the January 18th, 2011 meeting of the Wildfire Protection and Prevention Planning Committee, Council carried a motion to consider making changes to the Terms of Reference to allow the Chair of the meetings to be selected or rotated for each meeting. Council also carried a motion to accept that Brendan Taylor become a member of the Wildfire Protection and Prevention Committee. Information Items & Reading File Council reviewed Information Items and Reading File Items. Administration Reports Council accepted Administration Reports from CAO Tom Dall in regard to: Good Neighbour Bylaw, Building/Fire Inspector Contract, Strategic Planning Update Priority Items and Northern Development Initiative Trust Grant Writer Funding, Council Reports Mayor and Councillors reported on their activities for the past two weeks. Calendar of Events Calendar of Events was reviewed with an emphasis placed on the coming Winter Festival to take place on Friday, February 11th through Sunday, February 13th. Andrea Scholz/The Valley Sentinel

McBride resident, Leonard Dovich, celebrates his 69th birthday with friends at the Beanery 2 Bistro.

Advance Public Notice Load Restrictions

Photo Submitted

The recently installed sign at the Robson Valley Community Centre in McBride. The massive artwork measures 13 x 5 feet and is handcrafted from locally harvested and milled Cedar.

McBride Council briefs Birgit Stutz Contributor

be held the weekend of September 23-25, 2011.

he regularly scheduled meeting for the Village of McBride was held January 25 with Mayor Mike Frazier, Councillors Irene Rejman, Mike Moseley, and Loranne Martin, Chief Administrative Officer Eliana Clements, Deputy Administrator/Treasurer Danielle Smith and Economic Development Officer Margaret Graine in attendance. Councillor Rick Thompson was absent.

OCP Amendment Bylaw Council carried a motion that the “Village of McBride Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment Bylaw No. 711” be given first and second reading.

Grant-in-aid for Fraser Heritage Festival Council carried a motion that a grantin-aid in the amount of $250 be provided to the Robson Valley Arts and Culture Council for the Fraser Heritage Festival and World Rivers Day celebration that will

Zoning Amendment Bylaw Council carried a motion that the “Village of McBride Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 712” be given first and second reading. Public hearing A motion was made and carried that a public hearing for Bylaw No. 11 and Bylaw No. 12 be held February 15 at 7 p.m. at the Council Chambers.

Pursuant to Section 66 of the Transportation Act, notice is hereby given that load restrictions may be placed, on short notice, in the near future, on all highways in the Fort George Highways District. The district includes Avola, Blue River, Valemont, Tete Jaune, McBride, Prince George, Vanderhoof, Endako, Fraser Lake, Fort St. James, Bear Lake and Mackenzie. Restrictions will be imposed as conditions warrant, and normally the most southerly areas are restricted first. The restrictions limit vehicles to 100 per cent, 70 per cent, or 50 per cent of legal axle loading, as allowed under the regulations pursuant to the Commercial Transport Act. Overweight permits will not be granted. All term overweight permits are invalid for the duration of the restrictions. The public and trucking and transportation companies should govern themselves accordingly. Your cooperation in adhering to the above regulations is appreciated. Dated at Prince George, BC, this 26th day of January 2011. Renee Mounteney District Manager, Transportation

For more information visit www.DriveBC.ca or contact District Operations Technician Shaun Holahan at 250 565-4410 or by e-mail at Shaun.Holahan@gov.bc.ca

16 • Wednesday February 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

» COMMUNITY

Ministry Avalanche Technicians work to keep highway safe

On Sunday evening, Jan 23, a small avalanche came down along highway 16 (about 50 km west of BC, Alberta border – about a kilometre east of the Mt Robson info centre). It reached the highway shoulder, but did not cross the highway. The ministry’s avalanche technicians monitor this area closely during avalanche season and on Monday, in the morning; they determined the snow pack remained unstable. A sweep between the upper and lower flaggers was made by helicopter to ensure there was no traffic still on the highway in the avalanche zones. In order to protect the travelling public, the highway was closed from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. for avalanche control. The control, using explosives, brought down the unstable snow in the form of several small avalanches. Two loaders and a grader then cleared that snow and traffic was resumed at 3:30 p.m. Photos courtesy of B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

THANK YOU

The family of Merv and Theresa Lewis would like to thank everyone who was involved in the benefit dinner at the Dunster Hall. Also thanks to everyone who has contributed in anyway to the family during this time. There was overwhelming support of donations for the silent auction at the dinner as well as food and condiments. Thank you to all who donated with items, financially or has lent a hand during the past three weeks. Approximately $6000.00 has been raised and will be used towards travel, accommodations, meals and extra expenses while in Prince George and Vancouver. The communities in the Robson Valley are a very special place to live. Every neighbour is willing to give of themselves for others. We are truly blessed to have so many friends, family and loving neighbours. Thank you.

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 2, 2011 • 17

» COMMUNITY

Notes from All Over Sign Language and Blogging in Honduras with Harley You can now follow Valemount resident, 17-year old Mackenzie Harley, on his globetrotting experience through the rain forest and cities of Honduras as he explores and teaches Sign Language for the next 80 days! Check out what he has been up to on his online blog at http://kenzybeararoundtheworld. blogspot.com/. The very insightful, honest and humorous blog follows him as he not only teaches but also learns a few of life’s little lessons; it is a self-imposed, “reality check” as he describes the living conditions and his experience trying to explain the song “Gangster’s Paradise” in sign language. Positive Progress in our School’s with the Pass It on Program The Robson Valley Support Society has been facilitating a really special program called the Pass It on Program. The program includes a weekend, February 4th and 5th, which will involve, “innovative, youth-centered workshops to assist the young women [in Valemount and McBride schools] in preventing violence and participating more fully in their communities by addressing health and safety issues”. Good on ya’ girls! Valemount and McBride Join Global Effort to Stop Violence against Women V-Day Valemount 2011 presents a Benefit Reading of A MEMORY, A MONOLOGUE, A RANT AND A PRAYER: Writings To Stop Violence Against Women and Girls. Performances will be taking place in both Valemount AND McBride. Please join the Robson Valley Support Society (RVSS) in raising funds and awareness to end violence against women and girls, by either auditioning for a role, volunteering behind the scenes, or through sponsorship. Any men or women interested in auditioning for a part, scripts are now available at the RVSS office in Valemount and McBride. The parts are to be read not memorized, but you must be very familiar with your part. There will be three weeks to familiarize yourself with the monologue that most speaks to you before auditions on February the 23rd, and then another month to really familiarize yourself with the monologue before the reading.

Best Wishes to Father Emil Sasges

Happy 80th Birthday From all of us at The Valley Sentinel

Scripts are available - February 2nd, 2011 Auditions - February 23rd, 2011 at the RVSS Valemount office Valemount performance - April 8th, 2011 at the Valemount Secondary School Community Theatre McBride performance - April 15th, 2011 at the McBride Secondary School Roundhouse Theatre CNR Discriminates Against Jasper Employees/ Mothers The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) recently deemed the Canadian National Railway (CNR) had discriminated against three of their female employees based out of Jasper, Alberta, by neglecting their individual family situations. CNR was ordered by CHRT to not only reinstate the employees who had been terminated after declining transfers, but also to award them damages. The women were all unionized, “running trade employees”. In February of 2005, the Vancouver CNR terminal was having a staff shortage, and these three employees were among seventeen asked to transfer within 15 days. However, one employee, Cindy Richards, a divorced mother of two’s divorce order said she “could not reside outside of Jasper with the children without providing the other party 90 days of notice.” Another, Kasha Whyte, is also a single parent with a son with respiratory difficulties being treated by specialists in and around Jasper. The third employee, Denise Seeley, is a married mother of two younger children whose husband is also a railroad employee, hence the family already deals with “long absences and an unpredictable schedule,” already making finding childcare difficult, let alone how difficult it would be outside of Jasper. Each employee decided that the relocation would not be possible on such short notice, which resulted in their termination. On a side note, CNR has applied to the Federal Court of Canada for review of this decision. Brown Raven sightings continue It was a close call for the infamous brown Raven that has been spotted in and around Valemount lately. Bylaw Officer, Erik Myggland saw the rare creature sitting next to the Fire Hall on Monday, only to have it fly across town before he could issue it a ticket for being extra special.

Gary Schwartz Farrier Service

McBride, BC

(250) 569-3319

C aro C

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ertifi ed G

neral

o n u

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In Valemount every 2nd Wednesday of the month. 1-800-846-9190 or (250) 672-9921

New kiosk advertising opportunity for Valley Birgit Stutz Contributor

contact information such as phone number, address, web or email address, direcmall business owners tions and company logo, if from the Robson and Ca- available. The logo may be noe Valleys now have a great emailed to edo@mcbride.ca opportunity to promote in a JPG, PDF or TIF format. their businesses at the new Businesses also have the Visitor Stop & Park along option to either supply their Highway 16 in McBride. own photos or have them “The Village of McBride is taken by the Village. Photos offering businesses located can be emailed in JPG forin the Robson-Canoe Val- mat edo@mcbride.ca. Graine said there is no leys an opportunity to advertise in the kiosks located need to submit the pictures at the Raven Road Park,” and write-up at the time of said McBride’s Economic registration. “There’s still time for Development Officer Margaret Graine. “This is an un- that,” she said, adding the surpassed opportunity for layout and design will be the advertisers. The site is done by the Village of Mccurrently under construc- Bride according to a temtion, but will be open this plate. Each ad will be printed in summer.” Graine said there is still colour on a ‘dibond’ (type), room for advertising on the 8”x11” size plate. The setnew kiosks. “Space is lim- up cost is included in the ited so if you want to cap- advertising fee. Business can choose beture summer traffic, the time to act is now,” she said. tween three terms. One “This is a great opportunity year of advertising costs to showcase your business $75.00 plus HST. Two years with pictures. It’s an op- are $100.00 plus HST and portunity to advertise your three years are $150.00 plus business all year-round, no HST. Cheques need to be matter what your business, made payable to the Village and bring more people to of McBride – kiosk adveryour business. We need to tising. “The money raised show people what we have will be used to maintain here in the Valley. This is a the park, over time makbusiness opportunity that ing it self-sustainable,” said Graine. cannot be missed.” The advertising period Graine said advertising spaces are booked accord- will commence on June 1. ing to a first-come, first- “We are planning an official serve protocol. “There are ‘grand opening’ with ribonly 27 spaces available,” bon cutting ceremonies,” said Graine. “We plan to said Graine. Businesses are required to invite the supporters of the provide a written descrip- project from all over British tion of the business activi- Columbia.” For more information on ties not exceeding 60 words. Both printed form or by this advertising opportuemail is acceptable. Busi- nity, visit www.mcbride.ca nesses may also include or call the Village office at their hours of operation, 3.25” x250-569-2229. 4”

Call for Submissions Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, in partnership with Columbia Basin Trust, invite individuals of all artistic disciplines, arts, culture and heritage groups in the Columbia Basin to apply for project funding. Program brochures and application forms are available online at www.basinculture.com, or call CKCA at 1.877.505.7355 or email wkrac@telus.net.

1.800.505.8988 www.cbt.org Deadline for applications is March 11, 2011 or March 25, 2011, depending on the program. Administered and managed by:

PO Box 103 Nelson BC V1L 5P7 1.877.505.7355 wkrac@telus.net www.basinculture.com

18 • Wednesday February 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

» COMMUNITY

Young entrepreneur open for business

Daniel Betts

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

bright young entrepreneur and local valley resident has taken a courageous leap into the business world by opening a new hair studio. On Tuesday, January 25th, 2011, 19 year old Britney Antoniuk opened the door to Sage Hair Studio, a very modern, clean and stylish facility with the latest equipment and a ready supply of “Redken” styling products. Antoniuk’s business is located at 1088 Juniper Street behind the Museum and Public Library. Antoniuk recently graduated from Interior Academy of Hair Design in Kamloops B.C. where her helpful teachers not only certified her as a hair stylist but also gave her 3 weeks of training on starting and running her own business. Antoniuk has only been away from Valemount for the one year she was training in Kamloops. “I am a family person and I really wanted to be back where my family is,” says Antoniuk who is most grateful to her parents who gave her lots of help in starting up her business. “I just want to say thanks to my parents for helping me out so much”. Antoniuk is currently running the salon on her own however she is planning to hire someone else in the future. Anyone looking for a stylist who is on top of the latest trends should call on Britney Antoniuk at 250 566-0102.

Literacy is fun! Daniel Betts editor@thevalleysentinel.com On Thursday January 27th Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) and Valemount Public Library with the support of the Lions Club hosted Family Literacy Day at the Valemount Lions Hall. Children and parents enjoyed playing board games, bowling and floor games. A used game swap table was set up for anyone who wanted to trade. Cookies and juice were served as refreshment. Draws were held for free books and winners were able to pick titles from a wide selection. “The idea is to let people know that literacy is just not reading and writing but has a broad definition. Playing games count because strategy is involved. We want it [literacy] to be fun,” says Kim Thorn who organized the event through CBAL. Hundreds of schools participated in Family Literacy Day across Canada, although not all on the same day.

From Right: Stephanie Blanco (foreign exchange student from Venezuela), Cara Courtoreille, and Rita Gonella (foreign exchange student from Italy) enjoy a game of chess during Family Literacy Day.

Photo By: Daniel Betts

Britney Antoniuk knows all the latest trends at Sage Hair Salon

Photos By: Daniel Betts/The Valley Sentinel

Fire Chief Award Birgit Stutz Contributor cBride Fire Chief David Hruby was recently recognized for his 30 years of service and dedication to public safety. Bryant Kemble, Chairman of the Central Interior Fire Chief Association, presented Hruby with his 30-year Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal Bar at the McBride Fire Department’s annual appreciation supper. Hruby was born and raised in a small town of approximately 400 people in North Central Wisconsin in the United States as the middle child in a family of ten kids. In 1965, at the age of 14, he started on the fire department in his local small town as a junior fire fighter. After graduating from high school in his hometown Hawkins, Hruby joined the US Navy as an aviation mechanic in 1969, serving his country for five years. “All members of the military service were part of the fire services,” said Hruby. Hruby said the most challenging and the most educational time spent was on the Aircraft carrier Ticonderoga, where he was working with aviation fuels and explosives. After being discharged from the Navy, Hruby took his technical training as an automotive mechanic and participated on a volunteer fire department in San Diego, California from 1973 to 1974, and on different fire departments after that as well. “I never stayed in one place for too long,” he jokingly said. In 1974, Hruby moved to Colorado and worked as a long haul truck driver for the following three years. He then moved to Houston, Texas where he owned and operated a transfer and warehouse company until late 1979. After closing that business, Hruby moved to McBride in January of 1980. “I was looking to move back to small town living,” he said, adding he fell in love with the village during a trip. Within a year of his move to Canada,

Hruby took over the direction of the McBride Fire Department. He has been running it ever since. “Once the Village learned of the fire background I had, they asked me to take it over,” said Hruby. When Hruby first took over the direction of the McBride Fire Department, the fire department served only the Village of McBride and had one truck. In 1984, the fire department went under the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George and the service area stretched from just the village to a service area of five road miles. Rescue service was added in the late eighties and the service area for that was from Penny to Small River. During the years from 1984 to present, with careful budgeting, the trucks have expanded to three service units known far and wide by their signature flames on the hood. In the early nineties, Hruby and Kjell Valestrand implemented a youth program which allows for high school students to participate on the department, gaining invaluable training. “Kids can join at the age of 15,” said Hruby. “They train with us as full-fledged members and will respond as soon as they have minimal training. They are not given any slack.” Hruby said there is also a program in the high school where the students get school credit for being members of the McBride Fire Department. The McBride Fire Department is currently 28 members strong. Hruby and his wife Rosemary have two children and two grandchildren.

Local Job Postings

250-566-4601

LOCAL JOB POSTINGS

Updated Feb 2, 2011 • Autobody/Paint Technician • Chambermaids (2) • Cook / Chef • Front Desk (3) • Front Desk/Night Audit • Housekeepers (3) • Motel Managers (Couple) • Servers (2) • Specialty Cook (International Cuisine) Front Desk Staff can give you detailed information about each of these postings, including info on how to submit your application for these job opportunities. For more information about these jobs, please call: Valemount Learning Centre 250-566-4601 Box 789 Gorse St. Valemount, BC V0 E2Z0

Funded in whole or in part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

Business Directory

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 2, 2011 • 19

RESTAURANT

RECYCLING

250-566-4453

Located in the Karas Mall, Valemount Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm Sunday 12:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Mondays

Valemount

BULK OIL SALES

Rex’s Recycling Donairs - Burgers - Middle East Cuisine - Baklava Dine in or take out

Church Listings

Hours of operation

sunday - Monday Closed tuesday - Wednesday 1-5pM tHursday - friday - saturday 10aM - 5pM

Now o refu ffering nd on a full bot ll b *Pic tles eer a k up s ca nd c n be a arra ns ng ed

Call liz or KiM everard at 250.566.9111

reduCe • reuse • reCyCle

Sands Bulk Sales LTD Husky Oil Limited

845 Cedarside Rd. Valemount BC Phone: 250-566-4818 or 1-866-566-4818 Fax: 250-566-4815 Cardlock and bulk plant facility Fuel truck for all your delivery needs

GOOD SHEPHERD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

3rd Ave & Elm St. Phone: 1 877 314-4897 Sunday 8:30am Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat-9am, Wed & Fri 7pm

ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH 250 566-4797

7th & Cedar, Sunday Worship 9:00 AM

NEW LIFE CENTRE

1247 - 1st Ave. 250-566-4824

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

FUEL DELIVERY Delivering Fuel East to McBride

Jen Applebaum

Licensed Property Manager * Handyman Services * Design Consulting

rusticluxury@telus.net

250.566.4005 Office 250.566.1323 Cell Valemount

www.rusticluxury.com

MORTGAGE CONSULTANT “Your Local Mortgage Consultant”

Security WEB Web A lArm SyStemS SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS CHRISTIAN SCIENCE home and business

HOME AND BUSINESS ALL SERVICES all makes and MAKES AND MODELS 250 968-4349 or 250 566-4568 = models 24 hr Monitoring Ofﬁce in PG. Sunday-11am, = Installer. •Local 24 hr Area Monitoring Office Sun. School 11am = Serving in PG. McBride, Dunster, VALEMOUNT Robson Area. • Valemount, Local Area Mt Installer.

For Commercial and Farm Personal Contact Where High Level of Customer Service is JOB #1

Greg Belshaw Vanderhoof Office Office: (250) 567-4488 Fax: (250) 567-4490 Cell: (250) 565-8436

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR

Mac’s Small Engine Service & Repair

• Serving McBride, Dunster, www.securityweb.ca Valemount, Mt Robson Area.

250-566-1536 888-564-8585 www.securityweb.ca

Harry Carson 1.888.564.8585 • Mike Dryden 250.566.1536

Phone: 1-866-426-8211 Cell: 250-421-7600 Email: debra_parker@centum.ca

Looking out for your best Interest.

INTERNET

Canwest Propane Ltd.

YOUR LOCAL PROPANE PROVIDER

250-968-4498

Custom Cedar & Exterior Finish (20 years Experience)

Call Kohl @ 1.250.553-6867 or Mal @ 1.250.553.2336

Dunster

Sales Service 250-566-1324 Installation 1-800-424-6331

McBride ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

197 Dominion, 250 569-2606 Sun. Communion Service 11am

BUILDING SUPPLIES

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

Irly Building Supplies

Church 569.2378 or 569.8845 1st

ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH

Commercial & Home Renovations

• Hardware & Hardware for Cabinets • Electrical and Plumbing • Ply Woods, Drywall & Roofing

1.888.DNA.9233

250-566-0007 940 Main Street, Valemount

Staining of log homes • Free Estimates

Dome Creek Builders

250 566-9990 Praise & Worship 11am

ROCKO’S CHURCH

Hill Bill Products Ltd

CONSTRUCTION

VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Sun. 11:00 am Home group meeting at Rod & Deb Reimer’s - Brown Road, Dunster. 250 968-4335.

Call Mac Cochrane

PAINTING / HOME RENOS

Sundays 9:00 am

PROPANE PROVIDER

Closed Dec 8-Jan 8

Debra Parker AMP Mortgage Consultant

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Harry Carson Mike Dryden 1275 5th Ave 250 566-4772.

• Lawn & gaRdEn • aTV’S • powER SawS • SnowMobILES

** MORTGAGES **

* Pre-approvals * Purchases * Refinances * Consolidations * Rental Property *Self Employed Mortgages * New to Canada * Vacation Home

Vanderhoof & District Co-Operative Association

DRIVER SALES REPRESENTATIVE

990 Railway Road Prince George 1-866-309-2667 Office: (250) 564-3488

Sunday School 10am. Family Worship 10:30am. Prayer meeting Thurs 7pm

ALARM SYSTEMS

CONSTRUCTION

GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

Valley

Systems

Joel Steinberg P.O. Box 124, Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0 250-674-0017 joel_valleygeo@telus.net

Ave Sun 11am Sunday School 9:45am.

441 Dominion St., 250 569.3206 or 250 569.3386. Worship/Kids church 11:30am

SEVENTH - DAY ADVENTIST

Lamming Pit Road 250 569.3370 Sabbath School: Sat. 9:30 am, Worship Service Sat. 11am, Pathfinders Tues 7pm, Prayer Meeting Wed 7pm

MOUNTAIN CHAPEL (PAOC)

Church 569-3350 Office 569-6802 Sunday Worship 11:10am, Prayer Service Wed. 7 pm

MENNONITE CHURCH

Sun. Sch. 10am Sunday Services 11am, 7:30pm Wed 7:45pm

20 • Wednesday February 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

Business Directory GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

CONTRACTOR SERVICES

Stay connected and subscribe to The Valley Sentinel.

FORESTRY

S.C. BARNES

CONSTRUCTION LTD.

Systems

Valley

Bobcat Landscaping Services • Decks Concrete Foundations • Roofing • Framing Finish Carpentry • Kitchen/Bathroom Cabinets

Joel Steinberg P.O. Box 124, Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0 250-674-0017

Steve Barnes

General Contractor Phone: 250-566-9114 Fax: 250-566-9166 Box 100 Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0

John McGuire 250.566.6801 or 250.566.1216 greenstarfsi@gmail.com 1012 3rd Avenue PO Box 967, Valemount, BC, V0E 2Z0

joel_valleygeo@telus.net

HAIR STUDIO

FARRIER

• GIS Services • Timber Cruising • GPS & Mapping • Forest Development • Total Chance Planning • Visual Impact Assessment • MPB Assessment & Control

ACCOUNTANT

Caro C

sage hair studio

ertifi

Britney Antoniuk

l Patt e

ed G

Certified Hair Stylist

Book your appointment now!

250-566-0102

Gary Schwartz

1088 Juniper Street - Valemount

Farrier Service

neral

Acco

250 566-4425

untan

In Valemount every 2nd Wednesday of the month. 1-800-846-9190 or (250) 672-9921

McBride, BC

(250) 569-3319

sentinel

Call now!

Main: 250.566.4425 | Toll-free: 1.800.226.2129 | E-mail: classifieds@thevalleysentinel.com | Web: classifieds.thevalleysentinel.com Up to 20 words: $6 • Up to 25 words: $7 • Up to 30 words: $8+HST

THE VALLEY

Classifieds

Guaranteed to Sell $19.95+HST

GTS for 20 words and $1 plus HST for each additional word. Offer valid for the following classified categories: Automotive, Campers/Motorhomes, Miscellaneous, Recreational Vehicles, Pets/Livestock, and building materials. This offer is valid for single item sales only. Your ad will run for one month then you must call to keep it running at no additional charge. Some conditions apply call for details.

Main: 250.566.4425 | Toll-free: 1.800.226.2129 | E-mail: classifieds@thevalleysentinel.com | Web: classifieds.thevalleysentinel.com AUTOMOBILES

1995 Saturn SW 1, 4 door, 196,600 km, economical, standard, good winter tires, no rust, recently replaced engine, brakes, muffler. Asking $2000 obo. Phone 250 566-9987

JAN 12 GTS

2005 Toyota Matrix. Two sets of tires and two sets of rims, standard, $8000 obo. Call 250 566-4557

AUTOMOBILES

2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition. Fully loaded, automatic, bloack leather interior, 10 disc CD changer, roof rack, hitch mount, etc. $13,000. Call 250 569-7588

INSTRUMENTS

For Sale: A recording quality George Benson Ibanez Hollow Body Electric Guitar + case, $1000. We also have a variety of acoustic + electric guitars for sale. For more info call Deb Reimer @ 250 968-4335

MISC. FOR SALE

Custom Hand Split Cedar Post and Rail. Call for details. 250 5697286

OCT 27 GTS

For the British Columbia Visitor Centre @ Mt. Robson End of April to mid-October

WANTED - MISC.

Please submit summary of qualifications and references by February 25, 2011 to:

WANTED: Backcountry JUN 30 GTS wrangler/packer and SEPT 08 GTS backcountry lodge cook, summer season in Jasper. MISC. FOR SALE Email skyline@telusplanet. 1991 Ford F250 XLT, net or call 780 865-4021 extended cab, 4WD, after 8 pm. New Polaris snowmobile 206,183 original km,

NOV 3 GTS

JAN 12 GTS

away call 250 566-8447.

RENTALS

#024

#014-2 #014-1

Adventure Management Ltd. Box 146, Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 dyson.wendy@gmail.com

Mountainview Apts. No smoking, no pets, clean and quiet building. Bach, 1 & 2 Bdrm units $375-$575 3 Bdrm house with attached garage. $850 Fully renovated interior. Furnished 4 bdrm, 2 Bath Home. $1200

Photos and details at

www.rusticluxury.com

Call Jen 250-566-1323

CLASSIFIEDS WORK!!

RENTALS

Furnished Accom. Bachelor suite and 3 bdrm house for rent. Call 250 566-9884 for more information.

RENTALS

Rental listings Valemount Real estate

JANITORIAL SERVICES REQUIRED

JUL 7 GTS

FEB 16 new tires, new brakes, clutch $200. Call 250 DEC 15 GTS 566-8447 box liner, trailer hitch. Looking for fat scraps to FEB 26 2000 Chrysler Intrepid. Reverse gear needs feed sled dogs. Call 250 Very good shape. 4 work. $1750 Phone 968-6808. summer tires, 4 studded 250 968--4493 FIREWOOD JAN 26 winter tires $4000 obo. SEPT 22 GTS Phone 250 566-4555 Seasoned firewood. $60 WANTED MAY 19 GTS a pickup load. Call 250 HOLIDAY TRAILER 566-8447 Looking to purchase new/ FEB 2 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado, 21’ Holiday trailer for Birch firewood. Logging used pair of cross country Alpine Stereo. $4500. sale. In nice shape. truckload $800 - U Haul. ski boots. Ladies sized 9.5 or 10. If you have any you Call for more info. 250 Phone Mike at 250 566- Call 250 569-2471 would like to sell or give 566-4318 4382

EMPLOYMENT

JAN 5 TFN

DON’T DELAY CALL US TODAY!! 250 566-4425

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 2, 2011 • 21 Main: 250.566.4425 | Toll-free: 1.800.226.2129 | E-mail: classifieds@thevalleysentinel.com | Web: classifieds.thevalleysentinel.com PUBLIC NOTICE

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS 1227 Week of 1.31.2011

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE CORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE OF MCBRIDE

Notice of Public Hearing OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 711 Zoning Bylaw No. 712 Notice is hereby given that a public hearing for OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 711 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 712 will be held: 7:00 pm - Tuesday, February 15, 2011 Village of McBride Council Chambers 100 Robson Centre – 855 SW Frontage Road, McBride, B.C. The purpose of the proposed Bylaw 711, 2011 is to change the Official Community Plan Designation of Lot 10-11 & 14-15, Block 2, Plan 1373, District Lot 5316, Cariboo District from Light Industry (LI), to Local Commercial (LC). The purpose of the proposed Bylaw 712, 2011 is to change the zoning of Lot 10-11 & 14-15, Block 2, Plan 1373, District Lot 5316, Cariboo District from Light Industrial (M1) to Commercial (C1). At the public hearing, all those who deem their interest in land to be affected by the proposed bylaws shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions. Please note: emails will not be accepted as written submissions. Any material received before or at the public hearing will become public information. Copies of the bylaw may be examined at the office of the Village of McBride at 100 Robson Centre – 855 SW Frontage Road, McBride BC during regular office hours from February 1 to February 15, 2011. Eliana Clements, CAO McBride, BC FAX (250)569-3276

Sit back and enjoy your coffee with a copy of The Valley Sentinel.

Announcements

cAreer trAining

February is ECZEMA AWARENESS MONTH. For more information about eczema and ways to manage your skin, visit the EASE program at www. eczemacanada.ca

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is rated #2 for at-home jobs. Train from home with the only industry approved school in Canada. Contact CanScribe today! 1-800-4661535. www.canscribe.com. info@canscribe.com.

Auto FinAncing $0 DOWN & we make your 1st payment at auto credit fast. Need a vehicle? Good or Bad credit call Stephanie 1-877-792-0599. www. autocreditfast.ca. DLN 30309. WANT A VEHICLE BUT STRESSED ABOUT YOUR CREDIT? Last week 12 out of 15 applications approved! We fund your future not your past. Any Credit. $500 christmas cash extended. www.coastlineautocredit.com or 1-888-252-8235. Business opportunities JEWELLERY SALES OPPORTUNITY! NEW to Canada, trendy, affordable! Work from home, Earn GREAT money & vacations. Contact Curt for catalogue and business information. ckjewellery@shaw.ca, 403.909.4302 cAreer trAining BECOME AN EVENT PLANNER with the IEWP™ online course. Start your own successful business. You’ll receive full-colour texts, DVDs, assignments, and personal tutoring. FREE BROCHURE. 1-800-2671829. www.qceventplanning. com.

educAtion APARTMENT/CONDOMINIUM MANAGERS (CRM) home study course. Many jobs registered with us across Canada! Thousands of grads working! Government certified. 30 years of success! www. RMTI.ca or 1-800-665-8339, 604-681-5456. STUDY ADVENTURE TOURISM! Train to be an adventure guide in just 9 months. Outdoor Recreation & Ecotourism Certificate. College of New Caledonia, Valemount, BC. 1-888690-4422; www.cnc.bc.ca/ valemount employment opportunities DRIVERS/OWNER Operators wanted - Truck Contractors need drivers with log haul experience & clean driver’s abstract. Owner operators needed with 6, 7, 8 axle log trailers. Visit www.alpac. ca or call 1-800-661-5210 (ext. 8173). FLAT ROOFERS WANTED - Experienced roofers. PVC, EPDM, T&G & other flat roof products. Valid driver’s licence. Skill based pay. Year round full-time. Phone 403-261-6822. Fax 403261-6826.

employment opportunities ENSIGN ENERGY SERVICE INC. is looking for experienced Drilling Rig, & Coring personnel for all position levels. Drillers, Coring Drillers $35. - $40.20.; Derrickhands $34., Motorhands $28.50; Floorhands, Core Hands, Helpers $24. - $26.40. Plus incentives for winter coring! Telephone 1-888-ENSIGN-0 (1-888-367-4460). Fax 780-955-6160. Email: hr@ ensignenergy.com. 770 ALBERTA HAULING need Class 1 drivers to haul logs in northern Alberta. Experience needed. Call 780-554-8511 for more information. RUSKIN CONSTRUCTION LTD. Pile driving and bridge construction; www.ruskinconstruction. com currently looking for: Professional Engineers; Engineers in Training; Project Managers; Site Superintendents; Site Administrators; Journeymen/ Apprentice Welders; Crane & Equipment Operators; Bridgemen; Pile Drivers; Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics. Permanent and seasonal work. Competitive/ Union wages. Fax resume 250-563-6788. Email: bridges@ruskinconstruction. com. FinAnciAl services If you own a home or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS will lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is NOT an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

FinAnciAl services

legAl services

$500$ LOAN SERVICE, by phone, no credit refused, quick and easy, payable over 6 or 12 installments. Toll Free: 1-877-776-1660 www. moneyprovider.com.

CRIMINAL RECORD? Guaranteed Record Removal since 1989. Confidential, Fast, Affordable. Our A+ BBB Rating assures EMPLOYMENT \TRAVEL & FREEDOM. Call for your FREE INFORMATION BOOKLET. 1-8-NOW-PARDON (1 866 972 7366). www. PardonServicesCanada. com.

For sAle A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE - Get Your First Month Free. Bad Credit, Don’t Sweat It. No Deposits. No Credit Checks. Call Freedom Phone Lines Today Toll-Free 1-866-884-7464. CAN’T GET UP YOUR Stairs? Acorn Stairlifts can help. Call Acorn Stairlifts now! Mention this ad and get 10% off your new Stairlift. Call 1-866-981-6591. STEEL BUILDINGS PRICED TO CLEAR - Holding 2010 steel prices on many models/ sizes. Ask about FREE DELIVERY! CALL FOR QUICK SALE QUOTE and FREE BROCHURE - 1-800668-5111 ext. 170. BUILDING SALE... “FINAL WEEK!” 25x30 $6200. 30x40 $9850. 32x60 $15,600. 32x80 $19,600. 35x60 $17,500. 40x70 $18,890. 40x100 $26,800. 46x140 $46,800. OTHERS. Doors optional. Pioneer MANUFACTURERS DIRECT 1-800-668-5422. Help WAnted HOMEWORKERS GET PAID DAILY! NOW ACCEPTING: Simple part time and full time Online Computer Work is available. No fees or charges to participate. Start Today, www.onwoc.com

personAls DATI N G SERVI CE . Long-Term/Short-Term Relationships, FREE CALLS. 1-877-297-9883. Exchange voice messages, voice mailboxes. 1-888534-6984. Live adult casual conversations-1on1, 1-866-311-9640, Meet on chat-lines. Local Single Ladies.1-877-804-5381. (18+). DENIED CANADA PENSION PL AN DISA BILIT Y BENEFITS? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help. Call Allison Schmidt at 1-877-793-3222. www. dcac.ca. services GET RESULTS! Post a classified in a few easy clicks. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Pay a fraction of the cost compared to booking individual areas. www. communityclassifieds.ca or 1-866-669-9222.

Valentine's Day Book Your Space Today! Be part of our fun feature Send a message to your Valentine

Advertisers reserve your space! Booking Deadline: February 2nd, 2011 please call Sharon at 250-566-4425 Publishing Date: February 9th, 2011 or email ads@the valleysentinel.com

22 • Wednesday February 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

Activities to Entertain & Amuse Pioneer Photo

CROSSWORD AND SUDOKU

About this photo Description: Mr. A. Littlechild and Mr. A.

McNicol graded the first road between Dunster and Tete Janue, BC with a team of oxen. Date: 1924 Credits: Valley Museum & Archives ID: 2003.8.24 Image: 20 of 59

If you have any more information on this photo or any others that appear you can contact The Valley Museum & Archives in McBride, The Valemount Museum or contact us at The Valley Sentinel.

Horoscopes ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23

Aries, there are times in your life when things will be easy. This week you will discover what it feels like to breeze through all the things you wish to accomplish.

Leo, as much as you may hate to admit it, you took someone’s advice and everything worked out for the best. Even though you butt heads with this person, express gratitude.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you’re a lonely soul this week and that’s because you are choosing to isolate yourself from others. Think about social engagements for next week.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, if you’re stuck in a rut it’s time to do something about it. Put all of your usual excuses aside and try something a bit different this time around.

Get up and try something that is completely outside of your comfort zone, Gemini. You will discover the rush of excitement that can ensue when you push yourself to the limit.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, they say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and your resolve certainly will be put to the test this week when many obstacles lie ahead. With some help, you’ll survive.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22

You need a place to rest your head, Cancer. That’s because you’ve been working yourself ragged for the last several days. It’s time for some much-needed R&R.

Just when you thought you could relax, Scorpio, new responsibilities pop up that need your immediate attention. It could be time to delegate some of these tasks.

Wednesday

Daytime Condition

Mainly cloudy

P.O.P. High Low Wind 24/Hr Rain

30% -4°C -14°C E 5 km/h

Thursday

Daytime Condition

Cloudy periods

10% P.O.P. -1°C High -12°C Low Wind SW 5 km/h 24/Hr Snow

Friday

Daytime Condition

Cloudy periods

40% P.O.P. 4°C High -10°C Low NE 5 km/h Wind 24/Hr Snow

SAGITTARIUS Dec21

-Nov

23/

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

Sagittarius, it might take a little while for you to dig out from behind the pile of honey-do tasks on your list. However, once you do, it will be smooth sailing for at least a month.

CAPRICORN-Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, someone can use your help this week, but you won’t know who it is until the week progresses. Just leave your calendar open for the next several days. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, there are busy times ahead, so rest up for the days of work on the horizon. You won’t be tackling everything alone, but there will certainly be a lot to do. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, you’re on the road this week, whether it’s a recreational trip or strictly business. Expect a few bumps along the way.

saTurday

Daytime Condition

Mixed precip.

80% P.O.P. 3°C High -6°C Low SW 5 km/h Wind 24/Hr Snow 3-5 mm

sunday

Monday

Daytime Scattered Condition flurries

Daytime Condition

Mainly cloudy

40% P.O.P. -2°C High -7°C Low Wind SW 5 km/h 24/Hr Snow

P.O.P. High Low Wind 24/HrSnow

40% -3°C -9°C S 5 km/h

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 2, 2011 • 23

Valemount Family Poker Run for the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities on Saturday Feb 12, 2011 Bring your family and friends to experience the thrill of riding in the beautiful mountain trails of the Lower Westridge area, while raising funds for BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities. Tourism Valemount, in cooperation with the Valemount Snowgoers Club and VARDA will be hosting the annual Winterfest Poker Run. The trail is a low-elevation, clearly marked 30-km-loop where you will experience beautiful views of the valley and village below. Take a break and fight off winter chills with a complimentary hot chocolate and a treat at the warming hut at approximately the 20 km mark of the trail. This trail is also an excellent place for new riders to improve their snowmobiling skills before heading into more serious territory. The Poker Run will start and finish at the new Westridge Parking Lot where you will pick up your cards and hope for the best hand! Prizes will be given for best hands, pledges, rider categories and ghost riders.

Registration and Pledge Forms are available online at www.valemountrecdevelopment.com

Valemount

Winter Festival 2011 Feb. 11 - 13

Winter Festival Schedule Friday, February 11, 2011 Valemount Visitor and Interpretive Centre 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Registration drop off 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Display tables by local organizations 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Welcome Reception—Free appetizers, live music, cash bar and door prizes

Saturday, February 12, 2011 Westridge Parking Lot 9:00 AM – Approx. 1:00 PM Snowmobile Poker Run Cranberry Marsh. Parking for events is off McKirdy Road adjacent to the marsh. 8:00 AM Pond Hockey (Start and end time may change dependant on the number of teams entered) 11:00 am Winter Triathlon 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Organized Family Activities, On-site concession available 11:30 am - 3:00 pm Dogsledding

Sunday, February 13, 2011 5 mile Road, Parking: Drive up and turn around and park on the west side of Hillside Road 12:00 pm – Approx. 3:00 pm Tobogganing Race, On-site concession, provided by the Valemount Swiss Bakery

Valemount Visitor and Interpretive Centre Festival Hours Friday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Saturday: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Get ready for a fun-filled, energetic outdoor winter experience at the Third Annual Valemount Winter Festival. Whatever your winter pleasure, you will find it here. A snowmobile poker run in the lower elevations, a winter triathlon, dogsledding, a pond hockey tournament, and family games at the marsh; tobogganing races, bonfires, and hot chocolate.

Friday, February 11, 2011

On Friday evening come and enjoy a wine and cheese reception and listen to local Harpist Doreen Beck who will play classical, folk, and Celtic tunes. Browse through the booths displayed by local organizations. Event information, package pick-ups and last-minute registration for some of the events will also be available. Enter a draw to win door prizes!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Pond Hockey Tournament–Come out and compete in on of Canada’s favourite winter sports in a 3-on-3 game in the Winter Festival’s first ever Pond Hockey tournament. All registered participants will get a Valemount Winter Festival t-shirt. Pond Hockey hats will be given for first, second and third place. Fee: $50 per team (maximum of 5).

Family games on the Marsh – Play in the great outdoors as you compete in family games on the marsh. Some of the games include kitchen curling, snowman building, egg-toss, beacon search, tea boiling and more. After joining the kids in the family games, warm up at the bonfire with your hot chocolate and goodies from the concession. This event is free to anyone who wishes to join in the fun!

Winter Triathlon – Set a personal best, strap on a pair of cross-country skis and compete against a friend or family member, or join up with two friends for the relay version of this race. You will feel the crisp, clean winter air on your face as you ski, skate and run through picturesque snow-covered landscapes, from wide-open vistas and spectacular views of the mountains to serene winter trails and friendly side streets through town. You will ski along the dikes and skate on the frozen surface of the marsh; and run through the outskirts of Valemount’s friendly village and cross the finish line back at Cranberry Marsh. There will be a long course and a short course, and you can compete on your own or with your friends on a relay team. All registered participants will get a Valemount Winter Festival t-shirt. Fee: $10 per person. Dogsledding – Climb aboard a dogsled–Canada’s oldest form of winter transport–with Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding. A professional guide will take you for a short ride through the trails near the marsh behind a team of friendly and energetic sled dogs. If you have never experienced the exhilaration of dogsledding, this is a great opportunity to check it out for the first time. First come, first served. No pre-registration necessary.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Tobogganing Races–Come and Join in the fun at the Winter Festival’s first tobogganing race. This race is for family, adults, youth and kids. Slide down Valemount’s snowy hills on your toboggan, sled, crazy carpet or sleigh. Chose from two 500-m-short races or a 2-km-long race. Enjoy a warm drink and lunch. Great fun for everyone!