Volume 26 Issue 6

sentinel

Senior Girls Basketball photos, Page 9. Can you feel the Love? Those theatre people are at it again, Page 12.

WEDNESDAY February 9, 2011 $1.16 Plus HST

Volume 26 Issue 06 www.thevalleysentinel.com

THE VALLEY

Your Community Your Newspaper

Photos of elusive Brown Raven surface

Serving the Robson Valley since 1986

Atoms win at home!

Photo By Alannah Prue

Photos By Susan Prue

Daniel Betts

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

A

fter many weeks of searching, the infamous Brown Raven has finally been photographed.

Valley resident Susan Prue and her daughter, Alannah, spotted the unusual bird, took a series of pictures and named him “James Brown.”

The Valley Sentinel contacted renowned ornithologist, Jason Rogers from Banff, and asked him about the unusual colouring. “It may be a bird that hatched last year and failed to molt due to a

Cont’d on Page 3 WEATHER WEDNESDAY High: -8°C Low: -16°C Details pg 18

More photos on Page 2 Joshua Estabrooks/The Valley Sentinel

The Valemount/McBride mixed Atoms hockey team played their hearts out at a home tournament in Valemount over the weekend.

Pictured above, the team celebrates an overtime game winning goal after playing a gripping final against Quesnel.

INSIDE: Opinion.........................pg 4 Community Calendar....pg 17 Classifieds...................pg 16

Activities......................pg 18 Weather.......................pg 18 Real Estate...................pg 20

COMING NEXT WEEK

LOOKING BACK AT LDM INCIDENTS OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS.

FLYERS

• CANADIAN TIRE • FIELDS

2 • Wednesday February 9, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

Âť COMMUNITY

Valemount/McBride Atoms take first place Valemount forward, Ian Forman blasts a rocket in on the Quesnel goaltender.

Photos By Joshua Estabrooks/The Valley Sentinel

Valemount forward, Keihsa Byford, challenges Quesnel for the puck during the final game of the tournament.

Offensive defenceman, Eston Bustin, streaks down the ice during the shootout competition.

Valemount forward, and McBride resident, Brogen Taphorn moves in on goal during the shootout competition.

The Valemount Wildcats celebrate their 1st place finish in both the tournament and the team shootout competition.

Below: Valemount defender, Mickael Snow gets some repairs from trainer Ole Quam.

THANK YOU In Loving memory of

Larry Basaraba

April 16, 1952 - January 14, 2011 Larry was the oldest of four children born to Nick and Helen Basaraba of Valemount, BC. Larry was predeceased by his brother Donnie in 1977.

He is survived by his parents, sisters Shirley (Larry), Lillian (Walter) and nieces Brooke Dehnke (Braeden) and Amanda Matwee.

He also leaves behind his wife Sue Gehrig, their children Ruben and Amy (Jared), and grandsons Blair and Oakley Watson.

We would like to give our heartfelt thank you to all the Emergency Personnel, Superior Propane, Our Family, Friends,and our whole community for their cards, food, visits, hugs and prayers during our sudden loss of Larry. Our Caring, Loving Community has helped us to get through these days and will continue to do so in the days ahead.

Forever Grateful to you all.

Sue & Family Lil , Walter & Family Shirley, Larry & Family Nick & Helen

UPFRONT

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 9, 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

Kordyban discusses court action Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

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arrier Lumber President, Bill Kordyban, took some time last week to discuss his perspective on the court action between his company and the United Steelworkers Union. The court process, in it’s various forms, is in regards to whether or not Carrier, on behalf of Valemount Forest Products, owes former workers severance pay.

Kordyban doesn’t believe his company does owe severance, he said, as he maintains that there was staff working on the site up until the decision to permanently close the facility, and his intention was always to operate the plant once markets allowed. “I have yet to receive from an arbitrator or a person in authority the explanation of how a plant could be declared permanently closed and yet we had people working there, even upgrading the plant, for years after, because to me they are completely diametrically opposed. Yes, the mill wasn’t operating, so is any sawmill that is down for two weeks not operating? Is it permanently closed? We had people working there, they were cleaning up, getting the place ready to go, they were still on the payroll, and yet the plant has been declared per-

manently closed. How can you have both?”

The arbitration process ended with a decision that yes, severance was owed, but no amount was determined, said Kordyban, so in December he made an offer to settle the dispute with the Union once and for all. “It was well over a million dollars. I sat down with my solicitors and I asked them to come up with an amount that took all of the complicating factors into account.” Determining what is actually owed is not as simple as looking at a list, said Kordyban, as some severance had already been paid to some of the employees on the list. “We have already paid over $350,000 in severance, and we don’t think that it is right to pay severance twice to the same people nor do we feel that we should pay severance to those who have received some taxpayer funded retirement bridging. We think that would be double dipping. There are other complications too, like people who are retiring or who have retired and are receiving benefits. The offer that we made took all of this into account based on the current awards that are out there relating to this. We didn’t try to short change anybody.”

The discussions with the Union didn’t go as intended, said Kordyban, as they continued to come back to

the table with higher and higher numbers of severance, which is why Kordyban decided to pursue the Supreme Court challenge, he said. “We kept the Supreme Court option open while we were negotiating in case things didn’t’ work out. If the court would rule in our favour then we wouldn’t owe anything, and we are keeping that option open, but I thought let’s try and get this settled. We made a good offer and if we had’ve settled then the court process would have been over.”

Kordyban said that he will take part in the next round of arbitration with the Union to determine just how much is owed, but that decision will be subject to the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge, which will look at whether or not the initial decision of the arbitrator was patently unreasonable. “I want people to know that I tried to settle this thing with the Union as a gesture of good will. If I am legally obligated to pay the severance I am happy to do that with no hard feelings. If that’s my obligation that’s my obligation, but it hasn’t been explained, in my mind, adequately, how that could be my obligation.”

Resolution found to McBride student’s dilemma Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

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ocal parent, Phil Marsh, is pleased he and McBride Secondary School have reached a resolution to his daughter’s dilemma, but the issue has raised concerns over the future of rural schools in the face of increasing availability of distance education programs.

The issue first arose when his daughter, Rebecca, was asked to leave McBride Secondary in the afternoons as she is taking two distance education courses. The little known board practice was uncovered by marsh during his discussions, but Superintendent of Schools, Brian Pepper, said the final decision on the matter is up to the individual school. “Typically in the district when someone is on a half time program they only come to school half time. That being said, there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that lead to different decisions and there are very few things that we can say are absolutes.”

For Marsh, he said he grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of cooperation he faced as he tried to find an amicable solution to the issue, and feels as though parents are being pressured not to utilize out of district distance education programs even though he feels that on an individual basis, a student taking distance education in the physical school building doesn’t cost the district any additional money. “We have to come up with different solutions but I have found the communication and the willingness to discuss this issue with parents, teachers and administration just isn’t there.

They should be standing up beside me and saying that this is what’s happening and it’s wrong, not fighting us every step of the way.”

From the school district’s perspective, Pepper said they would never blame a parent for utilizing technology to access the best possible education options for their children, but the increasing trend towards distance education is something that could even-

tually threaten the viability of rural schools throughout the province. “If a child is taking distance Ed from an institution outside of their school district it means the dollars are going somewhere else. On has to wonder where the tipping point is. For small schools you can’t give kids the same number of courses or the same options as at a big school, and it makes it a real challenge for the principal to put together a program to give the kids what they need to be able to graduate and to be able to graduate with focuses in different areas, like science or humanities or whatever. Building a timetable that meets the best interest of all the kids in the school, especially the senior kids, is a real challenge.”

Pepper said that this issue is currently being discussed throughout the province, but a solution for rural schools has yet to be reached. “We need to have conversations about this in all of our communities. What do we want rural education to look like in the Valley as we move forward? Will it be bricks and mortar schools, will it be a combination of a brick and mortar building and a teleconference from another location? Distance offerings from within the district, outside the district?

What will it mean in terms of hours per day that the school is open, employment of teachers in the community, and so on. This is going to be a conversation that is coming to rural BC, not just School District 57, in the not too distance future.”

For Marsh, he said he understands the predicament distance education creates for local schools, but he feels that creative solutions to the issue could be found if there were some real, candid discussions between all affected parties. “A teacher in Valemount could be teaching to students in Valemount and McBride, thereby giving her enough students to make a full course, and vice versa. Let’s talk about these solutions instead of using coercion to try and keep kids taking courses within the school building.”

Valemount Cold Beer and Wine Store Owner, Peter Felmark, congratulates local resident, Deanna Meek, on winning a foosball table as part of a Budweiser beer in store promotion.

Congratulations Deanna! Happy foosballing!

Joshua Estabrooks/The Valley Sentinel

Brown Raven continued from page 1 hormonal problem. That is, the brown may indicate a very worn/sun-bleached plumage. It may be that the bird is molting normally but the plumage colour is abnormal. If this is the case, it may be that there is a deficiency in the oxidation of eumelanin (termed ‘brown’) or just not enough eumelanin (termed ‘dilute’). If we’re dealing with the ‘brown’ colour abnormality with this bird and I think we probably are, then this bird will be brown for the rest of its life, as this colour abnormality is genetically based. These kinds of abnormalities are uncommon, but I don’t think I would call them rare.” Rogers explained.

Having seen the pictures Rogers com-

mented that, “Generally ravens are solitary, but breeding pairs will stay together year-round. The groups you see are birds, consisting especially of younger ones and non-breeders that probably roost together and therefore take advantage of the same food sources. Ravens form groups to share knowledge about food sources. Additional functions of the group may be to allow birds to better defend food sources and find mates.”

If Roger’s assessment is correct the brown raven will be a Valley resident for some time and “James Brown” seems as fine a moniker as any.

sentinel

4 • Wednesday February 9, 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

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

Distance Dilemma

A Welcome Stranger

A

O

n first read, the recent issue facing local parent, Phil Marsh, seems like an open and shut case. Marsh had a problem with a practice within the school district, he addressed it, and it was resolved. But the resolution reached only deals with one specific issue with one specific student, and has opened up what seems to be an increasing problem facing rural schools throughout the province. Just what we need right? Another threat to rural education.

The choice to pursue distance education options is not a new one, but the ease and quality of these alternatives has increased dramatically due to the availability of better and better technology.

It is an interesting dilemma because on one hand, as a parent, you want to give your child the best possible education you can get. We could beam Harvard University right into our homes if we wanted to, but doing so essentially removes one more student from the local school district, which reduces overall funding to the school in our communities and further inhibits the local school from offering the choices. And this lack of choice drives more and more parents to pursue alternative education options.

It’s a vicious circle, and no one is to blame. You can’t blame the parent for wanting the best for their child, and you can’t blame the school for not encouraging the practice as it makes it harder and harder for the school to remain viable.

We all saw last year what happens when a school is no longer deemed viable. It is closed. And I don’t think we could buy all the schools in the Valley like what was done in Dunster if they are deemed unviable in the future.

What needs to happen is just what Marsh and Superintendent of Schools, Brian Pepper, said. We need to start talking about this, seriously, and at every level. The province needs to re-examine rural education, that’s a given, but this issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible. They could come up with a revenue sharing agreement for out of district education providers or increase the distance education options within each district. There has to be a solution where everyone wins. This is, after all, supposed to be about getting the best possible education for our children, isn’t it?

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Happy Birthday Father

S

omehow the Lord can bring people into your life just when you need them. Father Emil Sasges has been such a person for me. When I first came to the North Thompson Valley as a young bride, I was thousands of miles away from my home, church, friends and family. His pastoral visits, caring wisdom, warm humour, meaningful songs and ever-ready smiles have nourished my family over the years.

I still remember this song he taught me 24 years ago that remains a comfort to me in times of doubt and troubles: “Do you know who you are? Can you see with my eyes?

Have you heard what I said in my Word? Do you know who you are?

If I am a Father then you are a child and all that you need I will give.

Let your heart be at rest, I’ll do what is best for I said I have come that you may live.”

Father Emil Sasges, ordained in 1957, is the longest serving priest in the Kamloops Diocese. He has served as the travelling pastor for the North Thompson Valley three times: 1965-1976, 1983-1988 and, although currently “retired,” has been serving Valemount and Blue River since 2007.

When I realized he was approaching his 80th birthday, I was curious about two things: “Why did you decide to “retire” in such a small, remote community?” And “Why is it so important to you that you continue travelling such distances to lead Mass every week?”

“The Mass is the very heartbeat of the Church. It is life for me. It is as basic as breathing.

With his many years of service in the small remote towns of BC, Father Sasges states, “I am at home in remote places. When I offer Mass to one person, it is communion first with the Lord and also with all the others who respond to the Lord, all over the world.”

You might see him at the library, out for a hike, picking berries, zipping along on his bicycle, in summer swimming in the lake, in winter skating on the ice. You might notice his keen interest in children. You might have needed to speak to him in confidence, seek instruction, ask him to clarify some doubt. You might have memories of him designing the church in Valemount or the Catholic Centre in Blue River. You might have been one of the volunteers who Continued on Page 5

Joshua Estabrooks

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s most of our readers know, I am new to town. Moving is a stressful proposition requiring much effort and a transitional period to become comfortable with new surroundings. I’ve always been an adventurous type of person and have moved many times to many different kinds of places. I grew up in a small town but I have spent some years in large cities, I can’t say I was comfortable in a city but the experience of it has given me perspectives that I would not have acquired any other way. A city is one of the loneliest places to be with thousands of strangers crammed into each square block. A person who knows nothing but city life would have difficulty appreciating the true meaning of the word “community”. The tenants of a high-rise apartment building in a city like Calgary would have little interests in or even realize someone new is moving into their building, but becoming a Valley resident is a much different experience.

I feel like I have gladly shaken hands with hundreds of people in the last couple weeks, including the Mayor and Village Council of Valemount. I have been invited to dinner and almost every conversation includes the words, “Welcome. If there is anything you need please let me/us know.” I am greeted with warm smiles and people wave at me as I drive or walk around town. I have received more than a few phone calls just to see how things are going and if there is anything I need. More than a few residents have expressed how pleased they are that new people have moved to the Valley. A warm welcome such that I have received certainly helps reduce the stress and feel more comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings. I know I am a stranger to the Valley but I feel very much like a welcome stranger. I look forward to meeting more of my neighbours, learning more about the Valley and joining in the friendly community spirit that I have encountered here.

I would like to thank everyone who has shown Andrea, Keana and myself such welcome and who have offered his or her help over the last couple weeks.

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.

CMCA AUDITED

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 9, 2011 • 5

» COMMUNITY From Page 4 donated time and materials to construct, furnish, maintain and repair these buildings.

Whatever your connection to Father Emil Sasges, it is certain that you will want to join the many people who wish him the best on February 6, 2011, on his 80th birthday and the Lord’s blessings and good health continuing for many more birthdays to come!

Father Sasges offers Mass on Sunday at 5pm, and Monday and Tuesday at 9am at Our Lady of the Snow, Blue River, BC

- Eleanor Deckert Blue River

Senior Open House

Daniel Betts Associate Editor ouncillor Bobbi Roe hosted an open house for the brand new Seniors Complex located on 3rd Avenue and Cedar Street.

Roe showcased the simple yet modern design based on modular technology used to build the housing units at Whistler for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Each unit comes complete with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, wheelchair accessible bathroom, spacious living room, and a large bedroom.

The first resident moved in on January 6th.

Only 2 units are available. Seniors can rent one of these available apartments for 30% of available income up to $550.00 per month. Residents pay for electricity, cable and phone, however water, sewer and garbage are paid for.

The impressive looking units are the result of a “seniors’ rental housing

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Community Foundation McBride Spelling Bee Winner Birgit Stutz Contributor he McBride Community Foundation is gearing up for a busy year. “Our two goals are to set up granting cycles and to set up fundraising,” said Chair Loranne Martin. “Last year was the foundation’s very first granting cycle. This year we will have two granting cycles so it is more beneficial to the community.”

The foundation’s intake dates for applications for the first grant cycle in 2011 are from February 1 through March 15. Grants will be awarded in April. “For 2011, we got over $4,000 available, so the grants will be up to $500,” said Martin.

“With regards to fundraising, we are looking at corporate sponsorship and how to raise operating funds,” said Martin. “Every dime we fundraise goes right back to the community. We are trying to keep everything very local.”

The McBride Community Foundation board currently has six members: Martin, Russ Purvis, Kelly Porter, Marilyn Wheeler, Mike Moseley, and Sheilagh Foster. Porter and Wheeler are new members of the board. Foster will be retiring from the board at the end of this grant cycle. Martin said the foundation is looking at expanding its committee by creating a group called “Friends of the Foundation”. “These honourary members are predominant citizens in the Robson Valley who provide valuable services to the foundation and community,” she said. “We are currently looking at defining what the role of those members will be. We are trying to increase the profile of the foundation by expanding the committee and getting more public involvement.”

The foundation would also like to create its own website as it has proven difficult for people to access the foundation’s page under the Village website. Martin said this will require some funding though. “(All this) is going to be hard work but I think it’s going to be an exciting year,” said Martin. “We are looking forward to it.”

Martin said the committee is thrilled to soon have a banner available that grant recipients can display at their event to raise the profile of the foundation. “The banner was generously sponsored by Dr. Mike Moseley,” she said.

The McBride Community Foundation is an independent and autonomous committee. Its mission statement is “to improve the quality of life and benefit the residents of the Robson Valley through grants to charitable organizations for projects that enhance health, education, arts and culture, sports and recreation, environment, social services, and youth and seniors.”

Any registered local charity can apply for a grant. Grant applications are available online at http://www.mcbride.ca/ under “Village Office” or go directly to http://mcbride.ca/admin/index. php?page=content&ID=4. Filled out applications may be dropped off at the Village Office at 100 Robson Centre in McBride or sent by email to mcbridecommunityfoundation@mcbride.ca.

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initiative” which created up to 1,000 new housing units across B.C. Ten units in McBride are expected to open on schedule this month.

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Photo Submitted

Birgit Stutz Contributor McBride Elementary School student is getting ready to compete at the regional spelling bee in Prince George at the end of this month.

Ten-year-old Reed Scales-Ford recently participated in the McBride Elementary school’s spelling bee and came out on top. This is the second year in a row that Reed has won the spelling bee at his school. The Grade 5 student has now been invited to attend the Prince George Citizen Regional Spelling Bee at the Vanier Hall in Prince George on February 26 where he will compete against Grade 4 to 8 students from 46 schools.

“Last year Reed beat one kid in Grade six, and this year he beat two kids in Grade 6,” said Reed’s mom, Mellany Ford. “The kids compete at their school level, then the top student goes to Prince George. The next competition after that would be in Toronto. Reed won the spelling bee at his school last year as well and went to Prince George, but he didn’t get any further.”

The winner of the Prince George Citizen Regional Spelling Bee will receive a trophy and a $5,000 Canspell Education Award sponsored by Egg Farmers of Canada as well as winning a trip to Toronto at the end of March to compete at the Postmedia Canspell National Spelling Bee Finals. There, the 21 finalists from across Canada vie for the Canadian Title, the Canspell Cup, $15,000 in education awards and the chance to compete internationally at the Scripps

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National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May or June.

“Last year was the first time the McBride Elementary School ever did the spelling bee to participate in the Postmedia Canspell National Spelling Bee,” said Mellany, adding that the school has a spelling study group for a couple of months before the written spelling bee test takes place.

“I am excited about going to Prince George,” said Reed, whose favourite subject in school is math, “because it’s the subject I am really good at.” Reed said he also likes physical education, especially dodgeball.

“He is an exceptional student,” said Mellany,“We’re really proud of him. He’s worked really hard. He deserves to go to Prince George. It’s fun for him. It’s a nice confidence booster.”

Postmedia Canspell is a free national spelling bee program launched in 2005 that offers students in grades 4 to 8 an engaging opportunity to sharpen their study and spelling skills. The program promotes the learning achievements of young people across Canada. In 2010, Canspell engaged more than 1700 schools from St. John’s to Victoria. Some 250,000 students registered at the entry level to compete in school, regional, and national competitions. The Postmedia Canspell website (www.canspell. com) features the Spell It! Study Guide with another 1100+ words that students are encouraged to learn to prepare for competition at the regional and national levels.3.36” x 4”

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McBride Elementary School 5th Grade Student, Reed Scales-Ford, came out on top for the second year in a row and is now preparing for the Regional Spelling Bee to be held in Prince George on February 26th - GOOD LUCK REED!

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CBT OPPORTUNITIES CBT invites interested individuals or firms to submit proposals describing their expertise and experience in the following areas: • Request for Proposals – Know Your Watershed Phase 2 Delivery: Water Stewardship Education.

Deadline February 25, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. MST. Contact Charlene Desrochers at cdesrochers@cbt.org.

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6 • Wednesday February 9, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

» COMMUNITY

Agony, Peril, Triumph: The Rescue of Father Sasges Daniel Betts Associate Editor n Wednesday, September 24th, 1969 at about 3 p.m. after twelve days of waiting for rescue at the site of his wrecked Jodell D-11 homemade aircraft, Father Emil Sasges made the difficult decision to walk to safety. Using pieces of the wreckage, Father Sasges built a pack board to carry his meagre rations and supplies, including a sleeping bag he had sewn together with fabric from the plane. After loading his makeshift pack and saying a few prayers he set off “following his ears” toward the sound of a logging operation he believed to be 5 miles southeast of his location.

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Photo by Dave Milne - Orginally published in the December 20th, 1969 issue of Weekend Magazine

The wreakage of Father Sasges’ Jodell D-11 Aircraft on the side of Black Stuart Mountain in the Cariboo Mountain Range.

His first night was spent near a game trail that Father Sasges followed the next day until it led him to a river. After crossing the river, which had sapped much of his strength, Father Sasges found himself in the worst terrain he had ever encountered, a maze of jack pine. During the night he could hear the logging operation continuing, but it was very hard to tell from what direction it was coming from. During the next couple of days, Father Sages become very good at crossing the river, however it continued to sap his strength. Father Sages soon found himself in a swamp with huge, slick, fallen trees all around. “One time when I was walking through the swamp I tried walking on a log but it was very wet and my feet went out from under me and I fell right on my back. There was a sharp branch just behind me when I landed, if I had been two inches further back I’d have been impaled on that log. Things like that happened to me unbelievably often, I shouldn’t even be here.”

Father Sages followed a creek that led back to the river and he decided to build a raft, hoping he could drift down the river to safety. He took his time 3.36" xusing 4" materials and the putting the craft together

tools he had available. With exhausting effort he put the raft into the river and leaped aboard, the swift current took control and Father Sasges soon lost strength trying to navigate. Eventually he was forced to abandon the raft and swim with all his strength while hanging onto the pack board until he collapsed on a bank. He forced himself to keep moving for fear inactivity would cause his body to go into shock. With most of his rations lost, Father Sasges abandoned his pack board, as it was now too heavy to be of use. Father Sasges tried to make camp and found some dry tinder but, “on the road, my matches were so wet they were no good,” he explains. Father Sages, needing to keep warm, walked into the night, following a game trail, until exhaustion took him and he collapsed.

As hard as his journey had been it was soon to become so much worse. Following game trails led Father Sages back to the same river that had taken his raft and pack board. Once again he was led to the same perilous swamp he encountered a couple days before. He waded through hip deep mud and battled Devil’s Club. Father Sasges endured agony and exhaustion for three more days as his feet and legs began to give out on him. “One of the big mistakes that I made was to not take my shoes off the last three nights. I couldn’t untie the wet laces and in the morning they were frozen and I couldn’t get them back on so I decided to leave them on but that cut off the circulation and I ended up with trench foot.” With his legs feeling like wooden stumps walking was soon reduced to crawling as he forced himself to the edge of the river where he crumpled

Photo by Dave Milne - Orginally published in the December 20th, 1969 issue of Weekend Magazine

Father Sasges (middle) tells his tale to three men who took part in his rescue: (L to R) his nephew Gerry Sasges, Father Gerry Desmond and Father Barry Desmond.

onto the sand. That is when his miraculous rescue occurred. “If I hadn’t spent those 9 days wandering in the wilderness I wouldn’t have been on that exact spot on the river.3.36" There was only a window of x 4"

Apply Now for CBT’s Environmental Initiative Gr ants CBT is accepting applications for community-initiated and community-supported projects that help to maintain and enhance the environment in the Columbia Basin. Applications are being accepted for projects under $10,000; and between $10,000 and $20,000.

Applications must be submitted both online and in person.

If you need help submitting your application online or experience technical difficulties, contact Tiffany Postma at tpostma@cbt.org or 1.800.505.8998 well in advance of the deadline date.

Completed applications must be received no later than 3:30 pm PDT March 18, 2011. For detailed eligibility criteria, application guides and forms, visit www.cbt.org/eip. www.cbt.org • 1.800.505.8998

Join us:

Summer Wage Subsidies Access Columbia Basin Trust’s Summer Works Program to boost your small business and provide a job for a student this summer.

• $7/hour wage subsidy; • Quick turnaround on applications; • Employment of students age 15 and up.

Application forms will be available at www.cbt.org/summerworks February 22, 2010. Grants Twitter Facebook will be approved based on minimum requirements, Twitter Facebook on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information visit the website or call 1.877.489.2687 ext 3644.

w w w.cbt .org/summer work s

Join us:

Photo by Daniel Betts

Father Sasges at his 80th Birthday Celebration, February 6th, at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church in Valemount.

about 30 seconds. The hunters saw me, which was the marvel that I was in that exact spot when they came by.” Father Sasges explains with wonder.

Bob Conn and four hunting companions were travelling down the river in a boat when they spotted Father Sasges. The hunters took him to a hunting lodge and alerted the R.C.M.P. in Williams Lake.

The plan had been to drive Father Sasges out but that would have taken several hours. “They put it on the news and the planes that were searching heard the news that I was found. An albatross landed on the lake where I was and in 40 min I was in Prince George,” Father Sasges says.

Father Sasges had lost 40 pounds but he says he soon regained his weight. “The doctor had put me on a liquid diet because he didn’t think I could handle the solid food. But I talked the nurses into bringing me some food and they did. I was so hungry and I devoured some food. They [nurses] saw how I ate it and they kept bringing me food. I never stopped eating.” Father Sasges remembers with amusement. Father Sasges was in the hospital for 19 days and soon heard about what was happening while he was missing. “The amazing response from the people here is another story. You wouldn’t believe it. They actually formed search parties and went up the draws here searching to see if they could see some sign of my being down. They didn’t know what route I would take but they sort of guessed where I might be and they searched for many hours,” Father Sasges recalls.

Father Sasges was anxious to get home and get back to work. He received an “unbelievable” welcome. “It couldn’t have been more enthusiastic. I was amazed and I guess that response explains why there is still the interest in my story. I started travelling again right away,” Father Sasges explains. Every town, from Birch Island to Red Pass, which was his biggest congregation at the time, gave him a unprecedented warm welcome home. Father Sasges’ ordeal made national headlines. He even appeared on the popular game show, “Front Page Challenge.”

It wasn’t long before Father Sasges was ready to get his plane back. “People from here helped me go in, package up the parts and then a helicopter brought it out. We re-built it in Blue River, in the basement; we assembled it in the carport,” Father Sasges says with pride. Father Sasges continued to use the very same plane to take him from town to town until 1988 when he was transferred to the Town of Golden. Because he couldn’t take the plane with him, he gave it to a friend and the last he heard it was near Quesnel. Father Sasges served in Golden for two years before spending a number of years performing retreat work, travelling around Canada.

In 2006, Father Sasges was very happy to come back to the Valley.

Father Sasges intends to serve as a priest until he “can no longer function,” but he does not feel that will be for many years to come. “I’m ready for another 20 years,” Father Sasges states confidently, “I am feeling better than most times in my life. I keep physically and mentally active. It helps if you use it so you don’t lose it.”

RSS

RSS

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 9, 2011 • 7

Âť COMMUNITY

Valemount in the National Headlines

O

that this approach works. He also said that the reasons for success are “multifactorial.� It was the right time and not only had much of the staff at the clinic already been through the program, but they already had a “personal relationship� with the town. Dr. Du Toit said this shared experience and repertoire with the town is of the utmost importance, and he isn’t sure if other towns would be as successful, as you have to “be able to support people through it.�

Next he hopes to take the Robson Valley Lifestyles plan to the Health Authority in hopes of standardizing a training program. The big question, he said, is sustainability, and it’s too early to tell as it will take ten years to prove; however the large percentage of the town that has been successful with this eating plan, which by my calculations is about 6-8%, is undeniable. If you missed the news broadcast you can check out your community members online at, http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/ Shows/1221254309/ID=1

Water Rate Hike

Father Sasges celebrates his 80th Birthday with his congregation at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, February 6th. Father’s congregation in Blue River also celebrated his 80th Birthday with a dinner in his honour.

Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

It shouldn’t have been a surprise to residents of Valemount who received their increased water rates recently, but it definitely had many people in the community talking.

Valemount CAO, Tom Dall, said that most properties saw an increase of about 40-50% to their water rates on their utility bills, which is mainly due to “catching up and increased operational costs.�

Dall did indicate that they will be monitoring the plant’s operational costs and rates will be adjusted once more data has been collected. “This is our first year of almost full operation. We are working out the bugs, but we need another year or more to get some reliable statistics and then we can look at either increasing or decreasing rates. We have to find out what that reality is.�

When asked if the Village could have kept the rates as they are until they knew what the costs were, Dall replied that the money would have to have come from somewhere, so the increase would have been on either the utility bill or general taxation. “The money has to come from some place, whether it comes from general taxation and we have to raise everyone’s taxes 20-30% or we take it from the user fees from people who actually use the water. Those are tough choices that council had to make, and it made sense to take it from the water users. Any capital costs have to come from general revenue but this increase in rates is simply for the operation of the facility at this point.�

The rate increase applies only to properties that have water hookups, said Dall, so undeveloped land is not included. “The ultimate solution is water meters, and we have received some letters with regards to that. We would need grant funding and support to install water meters, but the willingness from the Village is there, and it is one of our water smart projects that we are looking at through the Columbia Basin Trust. Then people who use more water would pay more.�

HELP BUILD BC HYDRO’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:

� �   ­  € � ‚ ƒ‚ ƒ

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.

Mica Creek Camp Accommodation All workers on the Mica projects are required to stay at BC Hydro’s Mica Creek camp.

Do you want to help build the Mica projects?

To ďŹ nd out about employment opportunities, please contact your local union or Columbia Hydro Constructors at 250 921 9008 chcgeneral@bchydro.com or by fax at 250 814 6666.

bchydro.com

2618

Donalda Beeson Contributor nce again Valemount has made national news headlines, this time recognizing our health professionals and community members for something entirely encouraging and eagerly optimistic. CBC News recently featured Valemount Health Centre’s Dr. Stefan Du Toit and 127 locals who, by way of setting realistic goals, following a low glycemic index eating plan, exercising diligent portion control (but not necessarily exercising), and offering each other support in a group based setting, have collectively lost over 3,250 pounds since last January. The group previously known as “Eat for Life� has discussed what they should call themselves, and for now Robson Valley Lifestyles seems to ring true. As they will all tell you it is about healthy living not dieting and more important than the weight loss is the “potential for primary prevention,� or rectification of health issues.

No one could have predicted the success they have had or the level of exposure they would be getting over a year later. The publicity and interest is completely “unexpected,� said Dr. Du Toit.

He has realized since the airing that “there is a real opportunity to this out there�, as they have had calls all the way from Michigan and Niagara Falls. They first attracted the attention of UBC Professor Dr. Jay Wortman from the CBC documentary, “My Big Fat Diet,� who was interested in Valemount, having had similar results in his study using a similar anti-carbohydrate eating plan within the Namgis First Nation’s community of Alert Bay. They have now gotten the attention of the CBC who interviewed Dr. Du Toit on the radio a few weeks ago and most recently compared Valemount’s success to their T.V. program, Village on a Diet (which features the BC community of Taylor dieting, somewhat unsuccessfully), calling Valemount the real live Village on a Diet. The CBC news clip aired last week where they spoke to Dr. Du Toit as well as one of the group’s many success stories, Kerry Pearson, who dropped 90 pounds and realized in the process that she enjoys jogging, which she said she would have never done before.

Pearson is quick to point out, she is just one of “so many great success stories in this community that should be shared.� Pearson turned us onto Phyllis Hitchings who last week reached 100 pounds of weight lost. Her children have created a type of congratulatory fund of $500 for her to spend on a makeover for herself in July by which point she is sure she will be in her maintenance phase, sustaining her goal weight loss of 134 pounds. Hitchings who has had a ton of support from her family, friends and the whole community, said joining this group is the “best thing that has ever happened to [her]�, and that it hasn’t been all that difficult. Hitchings gives credit to the meetings, and listening to other people and what they are doing. She feels the news broadcast is “good for the community�, and is thankful for the doctors and staff that have been supporting the group, and asked, “I wonder where we would be without them?�

The Robson Valley Lifestyles ringleader, a very fit Dr. Du Toit, hasn’t always been that way, in fact he was his own first patient following a similar eating plan, and has sustained his weight loss of 40 pounds for the last twelve years proving to himself, first,

8 • Wednesday February 9, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

» COMMUNITY

Notes from All Over Sharing is Caring The Service BC office is now sharing office space with the courthouse in Valemount, in an effort to reduce costs. The ministry says, “The Province will see fiscal savings by co-locating, sharing the costs of rent and office equipment.” In addition, due to the assistance from Service BC, court services are now available five days a week.

Tell Her She’s Beautiful February, the month of love and at sometimes superficial beauty, is also Tell Her She’s Beautiful month, a worldwide event started on Facebook, growing everyday with 158,725 already people virtually attending.

Valemount Learning Centre

250-566-4601

LOCAL JOB POSTINGS

Updated Feb 9, 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) We are here to help.

Please call or drop in.

For more information on these jobs or other employment assistance services visit us at 99 Gorse Street, Valemount. www.valemountlearningcentre.org

The point is to unexpectantly tell someone they are beautiful, woman or man, and perhaps in doing so change the course of their day or life. “What makes this month so special is you aren’t the only one calling them beautiful, the whole world is saying it with you,” the creator explained and also said he does not “endorse beauty as being about appearances. [He believes] all beauty is from within” and “not [to] be fooled by the name” as men get insecure as well.The creator said it started with a conversation with a friend about body image.

The friend felt unattractive and was going to great lengths to conform to the unrealistic beauty standards portrayed by the media. He said to her, “I bet I could get the whole world to tell you that you’re beautiful,” and went to work creating this event, dedicating it to all of [his] friends with “body image issues, and specifically for that one friend, so [that] for a few days, everyone that passed by her would call her beautiful. And they did.”So this month tell someone you think they are beautiful, and remember YOU ARE beautiful!

“Snaps!” for the Scenery Protected Between Clearwater and Valemount In a recent Forest Prac-

tices Board audit report released last week, BC Timber Sales (BCTS) and the forestry companies that made a significant effort in protecting the scenic value of Highway 5 between Clearwater and Valemount, were recognized and congratulated.

The Forest Practices Board is BC’s watchdog for forest and range practices who report directly to the public and government, and the audit looked at 73 cut blocks within the “designated scenic areas” along the Highway 5 corridor. “The only exception”, said Al Gorley, board chair, “was in mountain pine beetleinfested areas, where it was sometimes challenging to reduce the visual impact of salvage logging.” All licensees involved did their best at protecting the areas by “incorporating irregular boundaries, edge treatments and natural landscape features into cut block design.”

Valemount Based Adventure Company Awarded Osoyoos Visitor Centre Contract On January 26th the BC Ministry of Tourism Trade and Investment awarded a three-year contract to Valemountbased company, Adventure Management Ltd., to operate the Osoyoos Visitor Centre. The 26-year old company, owned by Valemount couple Wendy

INVITATION TO TENDER The Village of McBride invites tenders for the following project: Project No: Project Name: Location: Description:

2011-001 Post Office Painting Village of McBride Robson Centre Complex Work will consist of painting the interior walls of the Canada Post, McBride Post Office located in the Robson Centre.

The work is scheduled to be completed prior to April 15, 2011 (this date is subject to change depending on duration of Canada Post Security Clearance). List of previous experience and references must be provided.

Tender Documents will be available February 9, 2011 and may be obtained from the McBride Village Office at 100 Robson Centre-855 SW Frontage Road, McBride BC during regular business hours.

A mandatory viewing will take place on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm.

Sealed tenders, completed in accordance with the Minor Works Contract on the forms provided, will be received by the Village of McBride at 100 Robson Centre- 855 SW Frontage Road, McBride, BC up to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2011.

The lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted. The Village of McBride reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Tenders.

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

For further information contact: Eliana Clements, Chief Administrative Officer Village of McBride, 100 Robson Centre, Box 519, McBride BC V0J 2E0 Phone (250) 569-2229

Dyson and Bruce Wilkinson, also currently operates the Merritt, Mount Robson and Valemount Visitor Centres. Dyson said they employ twenty three people during tourist season and eight in the winter and it looks like they will be increasing that number! Congratulations Adventure Management.

Looking for Witnesses to a Mount Robson Collision The Valemount RCMP is seeking anyone who may have witnessed a collision between a transport truck and a snow plow on Highway 16 near Moose Lake in Mount Robson Park early Sunday morning, January 30th.

The RCMP is investigating and said “no charges have been processed at this time.” Anyone with information is asked to contact the Valemount detachment at 250-5664466.

Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding Defends 100 Slaughtered Dogs Amanda Sinclair, owner and operator of Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding in Small River, with 74 dogs in her kennel, came to the defence of sled dogs after hearing allegations that an employee of Outdoor Adventures, based out of Whistler, shot about 100 dogs over two days last April! Her belief? That industry standards need to be set in place so that something this senseless and appalling never happens again and she is fairly certain they will be developed now. The idea of putting down a dog

that has worked for you all their life is monstrous to Sinclair who said upon their retirement, she keeps her dogs as part of the family and gives them the run of the kennel.

MLA Terry Lake has been appointed to a task force to look into this issue further, and internet reports indicate that some members of the dog sledding industry are working together to create a set of industry standards.

Vinnie rides again!

Local hill climber and sledding guru, Vince Clark, is off to begin the season with the Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Hillclimb Association League. The first race of the season occurred (technically the second on the list, but the first one was cancelled due to weather issues) in Montpelier, Idaho. The event is referred to as the Bear Lake Hillclimb, and saw Clark, #156, take home a 3rd place and a 5th place result. He said it was a great day for racing, and is looking forward to the next event in Afton, Wyoming on February 25.

ing project development and a question & answer period. The meeting will be held at 7pm, Wednesday February 9th, 2011 at the Council Chambers of the Village Office. Chief Operations Officer, Craig Dunn, said “The community of Valemount has been extremely helpful and supportive of the idea of developing a clean renewable energy resource for the Canoe Reach and Valemount, and we would like to say thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak and answer questions.”

For further questions about the event, please contact Silvio Gislimberti, Economic Development Officer with the Village of Valemount, (250) 566-4435, http://www. valemount.ca.

Bonspiel time!

Come one come all and sign up for the Valemount Curling Club’s mixed bonspiel, set to take place February 18,19 and 20.

Call Sam at 250-566-9070 or Gerry 250-566-4659.

Public info meeting for geothermal project Borealis Geopower is excited to be given the opportunity to speak to Valemount Council, Chamber and Business Sector Members regarding our geothermal energy project in the Canoe Reach area. The presentation will include some basics of geothermal energy, information about Borealis and our partners, some of the upcom-

This week’s notetakers were Donalda Beeson and Joshua Estabrooks. Send us your notes at editor@ thevalleysentinel.com.

Donations coming in for sled assisted ski/board park Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

T

he word is out on VARDA’s ambitious and exciting Snowmobile Assisted Ski/Board Facility project. Just recently the Vegreville Sno Chaser donated just over $1,100.00 towards this project said VARDA GM, Curtis Pawliuk. “VARDA would like to offer a large Thank You to the Sno Chasers. We hope that this and the donation received from Yellowhead Helicopters will lead to further contributions toward this great project.

Pawliuk added that the bridge is a large undertaking, but VARDA is still very hopeful to have the first phase of this project up and running for the next winter season. “This summer we will see professional layout of the ridge trail

as well as flagging and brushing work in some of the potential runs and pick ups. We have lots to do still, but believe we are still on schedule pending all approvals for the bridge placement.”

VARDA is currently looking at a few different options for the bridge to try and get the best product in the most cost effective manner, he said. “We are looking at existing steel structures that may be available, to save costs, but are only looking for so long. If we can’t come up with something, we will have a structure engineered for recreational use and construct in from scratch.”

Anyone interested in donating to or participating as a volunteer in this project is asked to contact the VARDA office at varda@valemount.ca.

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 9, 2011 • 9

» VALEMOUNT SENIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL

Above Left: Meike Boeche takes a free throw.

Above Right: Britney Kerik breaks away for an open shot.

Below: Rebecca Lerch pushes ahead for a shot.

Right: Coach Tim Nuesse talks strategy with the Valemount Senior Girls team.

Photos by Daniel Betts and Andrea Scholz/The Valley Sentinel

Below: Kate Soucy takes the ball towards the hoop.

Bottom: Valemount Senior Stacey Duncan takes the ball down the court.

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

10 • Wednesday, February 9 The Valley Sentinel

Valentine Flowers Flowers you send your Valentine also carry a meaning. If you send:

Anemone - A dying love.

Yellow Crocus - Worn in the buttonhole on St. Valentine's day will entice your future intended love.

Daisy - Innocence Forget-me-not - True love and constancy Fuchsia - Elegance Lily - Purity Pansy - Loving Thoughts Periwinkle - Early Friendship Poppy - Consolation Snowdrop - Hope Sunflower - Warm of feeling Tulip - A declaration of powerful love (red), hopeless love (yellow) Roses Messages: Red - True Love White - I love you not Yellow - Jealousy Pink - Innocent love and happiness Orange - I love you vigorously Purple - I will love you forever Wild rose - Uncontrollable desire Moss rose - I admire you from afar

To My Valentine Love Always & Forever to my favourite Blue Eyes From Your Sweetie Jeanne Dennis

Dunster Love Story In 1961, Elizabeth Hann came to the Valley from Sussex, England wanting to see what it was like on the other side of the ocean and with the intention of going back after a year but, “it didn’t work out that way.”

Elizabeth had been corresponding with her very good friend who had immigrated to Canada and was living in Dunster.

Being a nurse, Elizabeth applied for a job at the local hospital and came to Canada for a visit.

She was introduced to John, her good friend’s brother-in-law. Cupid’s arrow flew and instead of returning to England to resume her life there, she brought John with her and the couple was married. Elizabeth and John returned to Canada and settled in Dunster. Love happens when least expected.

History of Valentine’s Valentine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.

The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.

Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns.

Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting

Valentine’s

at The Summit Grill & Cranberry Lounge On Monday, February 14th Surprise Your Valentine at the Summit Grill A Spectacular 3 course meal awaits you Come & Relax in the Cranberry Lounge for an After Dinner Drink The same 3 course meal is available in Lounge or Enjoy Dinner & Cocktails Summit Grill: Cranberry Lounge: Sun-Thurs 6:30am - 11:00am, 4:30pm - 9:00pm Sun-Thurs 5:30pm - 10pm Fri-Sat 6:30am - 11am, 4:30pm - 10:00pm Fri-Sat 5:30pm - 11pm

Valemount Inn & Suites 250-566-0086 • 1950 S Hwy 5, Valemount

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday, February 9 • 11

“To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven.” – Karen Sunde

“One is very crazy when in love.” – Sigmund Freud

soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine was a priest in Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom, indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.

The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the coming year, arose in this way .

Valentine’s Traditions

Hundreds of years ago in England, many children dressed up as adults on Valentine’s Day. They went singing from home to home. One verse they sang was: Good morning to you, valentine; Curl your locks as I do mine --- Two before and three behind. Good morning to you, valentine.

In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, “You unlock my heart!”

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now

“Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.”

- Robert Frost

“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of “Love builds bridges where your life to start as soon as posthere are none.” – R.H. Delaney “Love is staying up all night sible.”

– Billy Crystal with a sick child or a healthy adult.” – David Frost

means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him.

Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.

Jennifer Nordli

Spa Massage Practician • European Lymph Draining Massage • Swedish Massage • Chair Massage • Hot Stone Massage Make an appointment for your loved one, call: 250-566-9983 or 250-878-5009

A love seat is a wide chair. It was first made to seat one woman and her wide dress. Later, the love seat or courting seat had two sections, often in an S-shape.

In this way, a couple could sit together -- but not too closely!

Think of five or six names of boys or girls you might marry, As you twist the stem of an apple, recite the names until the stem comes off. You will marry the person whose name you were saying when the stem fell off.

Pick a dandelion that has gone to seed. Take a deep breath and blow the seeds into the wind. Count the seeds that remain on the stem. That is the number of children you will have.

Thinking of that loved one on Valentine’s Day?

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Large Selection of Chocolates for that irresistible desire!

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If you cut an apple in half and count how many seeds are inside, you will also know how many children you will have. www.pictureframes.co.uk

My Beautiful Goddess Our love will flow forever

- Warrior

Mon - Fri 9 - 5:30; Sat 10 - 4 ♥ 250-566-4225

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Chocolates ♥ Jewellery ♥ Candles

Pottery ♥ Journals ♥ Tea & More

Free In-Store Draws Valemount IDA Pharmacy

The Gathering Tree Lots to Choose from for That Special Valentine Come and Enjoy a Valentine’s Drink

Spoil That Valentine Of Yours.

Large Selection of Roses, Flowers, Plants & Chocolates to say

“I Love You”

- Beautiful Exotic Jewelry - Country Junction Candles - All Types of Crystals to say I Love You - Chocolate Body Paint - Home Made Chocolates 250-566-0154 • 1152-5th Avenue, Valemount

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Monday - Friday - 9:00am - 5:30pm 1163 5th Avenue Valemount, BC

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12 • Wednesday February 9, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

» COMMUNITY

A wonderful way to relax; new massage options for Valley

Daniel Betts/The Valley Sentinel

Jennifer Nordli is back in the Valley with a relaxing new career.

Daniel Betts

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

“

I told my mom I was going to be a massage therapist, I didn’t get into massage therapy but it’s close,” said Jennifer Nordli. Nordli, the Valemount Secondary class of 2009 valedictorian and lifetime Valley resident,

completed her training with the Canadian Institute of Natural Health and Healing on January 12th and is now a qualified spa massage practitian. She has set up a room at The Gathering Tree where she will offer: European lymph draining massage (ELD), Swedish massage, chair massage and hot stone massage.

Nordli explains that the most difficult massage to perform is a Swedish massage, “It is always changing.

There is never a Swedish massage that is the same as another because each person has a different set of muscle groups that are tense. Different areas need more work than others.” By contrast, the European lymph drain massage has structure, “it flows really nicely and is very relaxing for the person receiving as well as for myself giving it.”

Nordli has no immediate plans to go into full massage therapy, explaining that it is expensive and it is very hard on the body, as it requires much more use of the thumbs and body pressure. “If I really enjoy doing this I’m just going to stick with it. The shelf life of a massage therapist is 3 to 7 years depending upon how many [massages] you do and your body positioning. There are people who can do it for longer. It’s not something you can do forever.” As a spa massage practitian she is limited to 50-minute massages and

she can’t spend more than 20 minutes on any one area of the body.

Besides the room at The Gathering Tree, she is willing to travel to her clients. “Oddly enough I have peo-

“There is never a Swedish massage that is the same as another because each person has a different set of muscle groups that are tense.”~ Jennifer Nordli

ple calling me from Edmonton and Vancouver who book appoints through the Best Western,” Nordli said.

If she has their permission, Nordli will see clients at the local hotels. “I have always wanted to do massage and I am glad I can bring it to Valemount,” said Nordli. To book an appointment anyone can call (250) 566 9983 or (250) 878-5009 or email spamassagejn@hotmail.ca. An appointment can also be booked by calling The Gathering Tree at (250) 566-0154.

Original play celebrates love ELAINE MURIEL KLOHN (nee Clark) 1923 – 2011

On February 1, 2011, Elaine Muriel Klohn passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

She was 87 years old.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: son Randy (Pat) Klohn; son Gary (Valerie) Klohn; daughter Patricia (Tom) McMaster; and son Tracy (Patty) Klohn, as well as her nine grandchildren: Christopher, Erica, Robbyn, Steven, Lisa, Shaun, Brian, Bonnie and Greg; and six great grandchildren Davis, Ryan, Taylor, Maverick, Hudson and Evan.

Elaine was predeceased by her dear husband Harold Edward Klohn in 1996; her brother Robert Scott Clark in WW11; her father Frank Charles Clark in 1951; her mother Elizabeth Duncan Davidson Clark in 1952; and her brother Frank Charles Clark Jr. in 1987.

Elaine was born on August 17, 1923 in Kamloops. She grew up in the fruitlands area on a beautiful acreage of apple orchard between present day Schubert Drive and Fortune Drive. Elaine fondly remembered days of childhood spent in the orchard with their horses, or swimming in the North Thompson River with her brothers and friends, or traveling with her family in their horse and buggy to spend time on her Grandfather Davidson’s homestead in Beresford with many aunts, uncles and cousins. Elaine had a merry personality, and loved gatherings with friends and family. She also loved to dance, and as a girl, won awards for her Highland dancing.

Elaine entered nurses training at Royal Inland Hospital and graduated in 1946. She spent time nursing at the Tranquille Sanatorium. Following this, she ventured to McBride, B.C., where she nursed at the Red Cross Outpost Hospital. There she met Harold who swept her off her feet and away to Victoria to get married, January 23, 1948. They returned to McBride where Elaine then helped operate Klohn’s Meat Market and Café with her new in-laws, Art and Bobbie Klohn, while Harold ran McBride Motors.

Over the next several years four children joined the family and Elaine stayed home to raise them. She was first and foremost a very loving and nurturing wife, mother and grandmother. She devoted her life to caring for her family whom she loved deeply. She kept busy making a warm and wonderful home for her family, lovingly preparing delicious meals including the family favourites such as cabbage rolls and potato pancakes. Elaine had a great love for animals particularly cats and dogs. There was almost always a pet in the family home and when there wasn’t, the stray cats in the neighbourhood knew where to come for a dish of milk and a kind hand.

After retirement, Elaine and Harold relocated to Kamloops in 1988 to be closer to their children and grandchildren throughout the Kamloops and Okanagan areas. When Elaine was not preparing some wonderful meal, she would spend time embroidering and crocheting, creating beautiful intricate doilies, pillow covers, blankets and tablecloths that she gave so generously as gifts. An invitation to dinner was always a happy event as Elaine had a way of creating an atmosphere of warmth and welcome, making us all feel like honoured guests, and of course nobody could make roast beef and gravy with Yorkshire pudding like she could!

Elaine’s family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Doug Hamilton for his care over the last 22 years, and to Cariboo Manor for the happy years Elaine spent there. When health conditions required a move to the Hamlets in Westsyde, Elaine was well cared for by the caring and compassionate staff, for which we are very grateful.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in the Schoening Funeral Chapel with friend, Reverend Ray Parker officiating. Reception to follow.

Should friends desire, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 201 – 635 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B3 in memory of Elaine would be appreciated.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, 513 Seymour Street, Kamloops, telephone 250 – 374 – 1454.

The Robson Valley Theatre Collective hard at work.

Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

G

et ready Robson Valley; your favourite theatre group is at it again. That’s right, Dunster resident, Sharon Stearns of Wishbone Productions, and The Robson Valley Theatre Collective will be performing an all new original work at the end of the month, called “Romancing the Robson.”

The group, who create and write collectively, have been hard at work after receiving funding from the Robson Valley Arts Society, said Stearns, and are looking forward to sharing their work with residents of the Robson Valley. “We are writing it as we speak. It will be a feel good performance about love, which is the most important thing in the world.”

The performance will be cabaret style, meaning it will involve short sketches and music. “We are examining as many

types of love as we can think of. Jealous love, unrequited love, platonic love, courtly love, puppy love. We will be using some standard traditional songs as well as some original music.”

The group consists of residents and one special visitor, Stearns’ sister Susan. Bob Thompson, Brigit Uhl, Monica Zieper, Harold Edwards, Jody Newham, Anne Marie Scott, Alaina Chapman and Stearns will all take the stage on February 27 and 28 at the McBride Roundhouse Theatre. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. said Stearns, and tickets can be purchased at the door or at Steadmans.

“We have group rates available, otherwise tickets cost $15.00 per adult and $12.00 for seniors and kids.”

Stearns said that she would also like to bring the show to Valemount, but will see if the momentum from the initial performances carries the group to both ends of the Valley.

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 9, 2011 • 13

» COMMUNITY

Valley figure skating clubs do well at recent competition

Billie Littlechild, Emily Crichton and Adaleena Mercuri celebrate their strong performances at a recent figure skating competition.

Birgit Stutz Contributor

B

oth local figure skating clubs were well represented at the Cariboots ‘n’ Blades competition in Williams Lake on the weekend of January 29 and 30 and came home with several medals. “We took seven skaters,” said McBride Figure Skating Club Coach Elizabeth Trask.

“The girls got medals in six different events, and every girl came home with at least one medal.”

Adaleena Mercuri placed second in Pre-intro Interpretive, while Billie Littlechild placed sixth and Shea Krenzler placed seventh. “Brooklyn Basran, Emily Crichton, Alison Quam, and Sheraya Quam competed in the CanSkate Performance Program,” said Trask.

“For both Alison and Brooklyn it was their first competition. In previous competitions, the skaters used to get placings, but this year they each got a certificate and a medal plus a report card with feedback from the judges. The ratings on the cards were gold, silver and bronze.

Shea also competed in the Elementary Performance Program, another competition where the skaters received certificates and report cards along with their medal.”

Mercuri and Littlechild also competed in the Pre-Preliminary and placed fourth and fifth respectively in two different flights. “The four younger girls did the Pre-Beginner Team Maneuvers, in which they go on the ice together and perform as a team, but each skater does a different skating element,” said Trask.

“Sheraya did a waltz jump, Alison did a forward spiral, Emily did a one foot spin, and Brooklyn did a drag and two bunny hops.”

Trask said some of the girls also competed in Primary Elements, which is a mini solo without music. “Emily got eighth in her flight and Alison got ninth and Sheraya got eighth in another flight.”

An interesting competition is the Bronze Creative, where the skaters don’t hear the music until they go out on the

ice. “They get to hear the music twice, then they have to make up their own program,” said Trask. “Nobody is allowed to help them.”

Basran placed fifth in that competition and Crichton got third.

In Silver Creative, Krenzler and Littlechild tied for second, and in another flight, Mercuri placed second as well.

“Everyone had a great weekend and everybody skated excellent,” said Trask. “I am so proud of them all. For a change we had nice weather too. It was a fun weekend.”

The Canoe Valley Figure Skating Club also had a good representation at the competition and came home with hardware. “We took five skaters,” said Canoe Valley Figure Skating Club Coach Sharonrose Shalla. “Everybody came home with a medal. It was phenomenal. Everybody skated very well. I am pretty proud, both as a coach and as a mom. It was a great weekend and a lot of fun. It’s a fun competition.”

Jessica Shalla competed in Pre-Intro Interpretive A and placed first. She also got a second place in Pre-Preliminary and a third place in Gold Creative. Melissa Brown placed sixth in Pre-Preliminary, and got second place in both Preliminary Solo Dance and Primary Showcase. Katlyn Jensen placed fifth in Pre-Preliminary, third in Primary Elements and sixth in Primary Showcase.

Keisha Byford placed seventh in Pre-Preliminary and sixth in Primary Elements, while Sydnie Pelletier placed eighth in Pre-Preliminary, second in Primary Elements and fifth in Primary Showcase.

Shalla, Brown, Jensen and Byford also competed in Beginner Team Maneuvers and placed second.

Now that this competition is over, both figure skating clubs are busy getting ready for their respective annual figure skating carnivals on March 12.

The Canoe Valley Skating Club will have two performances, one at 2:00 p.m. and one at 7:00 p.m. The McBride Figure Skating Club’s performance is at 7:00 p.m.

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

Photo Submitted

14 • Wednesday February 9, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

» COMMUNITY

Beyond Market program seeks to link growers with consumers Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

O

rganizers of an exciting new program from Community Futures are in the Valley this week to speak with local food producers and businesses. The goal of these discussions is to see if they can find ways to build more opportunities for producers to sell their produce beyond farm sales, said program spokesperson, Jillian Merrick.

The program is being funded by the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition, as well as Community Futures, said Merrick, and will work with the various regions along the Highway 16 corridor. “Currently there are number of commercial consumers in the region (schools, hospitals, care homes, daycares, restaurants, caterers, etc.) who purchase large quantities of imported produce. While many of these products could be supplied locally there are a number of barriers that

make it difficult for local producers to enter this market. These barriers include meeting demand for the volume and consistent supply of produce required, purchasing methods that place a high emphasis on price and ease of purchase, food safety regulations and replacing existing contracts with large food suppliers. Additionally, many large food systems require that produce arrive prepared for cooking.”

If the challenges can be mitigated, Merrick said, and local farmers can supply even a small amount of the food purchased by these commercial consumers, then the economic impact to the region could be significant. “It would reduce the leakage of dollars out of the region as well as increase the region’s food security, create jobs and build a stronger agriculture and value- added industry in the North.”

To do this, Merrick met with the Robson Valley Growers Group, as well as the Valemount community garden group, to begin collecting the data needed to

Local company causes stir in Okanagan community Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

O

soyoos was buzzing last week when news broke of a Valemount based company getting the contract to run the provincial tourist information centre in the community.

Local resident, Wendy Dyson, and her company, Adventure Management, successfully bid on the contract, and will add the Osoyoos info center to her growing list of centres her company manages. “We currently manage the

provincial information centres in Mount Robson and Merritt, and the community information centre here in Valemount. To anyone on the outside there is no difference between a provincial and community info centre.”

Dyson’s operations manager, and daughter, Amanda Wilkinson, will be overseeing the contract in Osoyoos, she said, and has worked there in the past when the centre first opened as assistant manager.

Adventure Management has been operat-

Rosetta Elnora Stone (Nee Tudge) In loving memory of Rosetta Elnora Stone, who passed away on February 1st, 2011.

Rosetta was born in Edmonton, Alberta on February 22nd, 1931. She was raised around Evansburg, Alberta. In 1953, Rose met her husband John in Robb, Alberta. They were married in Edson, Alberta on February 6th, 1954.

In early 1970, Rose and her family moved to Valemount, British Columbia, where they settled and raised their family.

Rose was predeceased by her loving husband John in 2001 and her grandson Dean in 2010.

She leaves behind, her children; Linda (George) Rondeau, John (Melissa) Stone, Martin Stone, Ivan (Lorraine) Stone, Cindy (Ron) Mitchell, Shelly (Dan) Nadon, Bertha (Brian) Brooks, James Stone (Leslie), Rosalynn (Steve) Hawthorne, Gordon (Josie) Wood and numerous grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Alice Olson, Grace Furphy and Dorothy (Len) Jones.

Funeral services for Rosetta will take place on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 at 1:00 PM at the Valemount Community Hall and interment will follow in the Valemount Cemetery, Valemount, British Columbia.

In lieu of other tributes, donations if desired may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice, in memory of Rosetta Elnora Stone.

EDSON FUNERAL HOME LTD. 780.723-3585 entrusted with all arrangements.

To send condolences on line, please visit our website at www.edsonfuneralhome.com

ing in the Robson Valley since 1986, when Dyson and her partner, Bruce Wilkinson, answered a request for proposals to operate some cabins in Red Pass. Dyson said the outdoor recreation business wasn’t fully supporting them, which is how she got into the info centre business.

Her company now develops training for tourism based businesses as well as the odd consulting job, in addition to managing info centres. “There are actually some efficiencies to having more than one visitor’s centre. We have training that we have developed so we can use it for everyone.

Also, the different centres know each other so they can call each other for advice. It works out to be a really good support system.”

In Osoyoos, a variety of reactions came to light after the decision was announced. Dyson said she expected there to be some negative reactions, as her bid was accepted over a local group that had been managing the centre, but she said they have no need to worry as her company has successfully managed info centres from afar before. “It didn’t surprise me. It is a similar reaction to when we went into Merritt, but once we get operating and get to know everyone, people see our capabilities.”

Adventure Management was recently nominated for a business excellence award from the Merritt Chamber of Commerce, she said.

undertake the study. “It’s a matter of finding out what the purchasers want and what the growers are capable of achieving and can we work out some agreements.

We’ll be working within each region to link growers to local buyers, but there are benefits to working across the region as well because each region may not have the same capacity.”

The discussions Merrick hopes to have with both the producers and the consumers should indicate where the barriers are, and what can be done to overcome them. “In terms of complying with health inspections, they would still be required to do that especially if they are selling to commercial outlets. The main focus is produce right now. We’re not really targeting meat production.”

Stay tuned for more on this program as it progresses throughout the year.

For more information, go to http://cfdc.bc.ca/projects/beyond-the-market.

Avalanche researchers in Robson Valley study terrain

Photo Submitted

Canadian Avalanche Center researcher Matt Peter and VARDA GM Curtis Pawliuk do some avalanche research in the Valley.

Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

V

alemount and Area Recreation Development Association (VARDA) General Manager, Curtis Pawliuk, has been busy lately hosting two employees from the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAC) who are working on the Avalanche Terrain Exposure (ATE) ratings for some of the more popular riding areas in the Valley.

The ratings are an online tool, said Pawliuk, where users can go to the CAC website and use the trip planner tool to get a better understanding of the danger ratings for a given area.

“They have our managed snowmobile areas broken down into popular areas within the managed area, and they are rated related to their danger scale as simple, challenging or complex.”

The ratings are similar to how a ski hill uses black diamonds to indicate

difficulty, said Pawliuk, which will help visitors decide where to ride when they come for a visit. “It gives them an idea of the rating for each area so what the end product will hopefully be is Google Earth maps with polygons inserted into our snowmobile areas breaking them down into the various ratings.”

The two employees were in the Valley for ten days, said Pawliuk, spending time in both Valemount and McBride. “It was an amazing experience. Their visit functioned as a mentorship for training as well. I used my time to receive professional days for my level two application.”

In terms of snow, Pawliuk said, “it’s absolutely crazy. There’s never too much snow as long as riders play safe.” Recently, VARDA took part in an avalanche awareness weekend, and were accepting donations in the parking lots of the managed snowmobile areas for the CAC.

Business Directory

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 9, 2011 • 15

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

PAINTING, HOME RENOS

Church Listings Valemount

RESTAURANT

GOOD SHEPHERD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Jen Applebaum

Licensed Property Manager * Handyman Services * Design Consulting

rusticluxury@telus.net

3rd Ave & Elm St. Phone: 1 877 314-4897 Donairs - Burgers - Middle East Cuisine - Baklava Sunday 8:30am Mon, Tues, Thurs, Dine in or take out Sat-9am, Wed & Fri 7pm

250.566.4005 Office 250.566.1323 Cell Valemount

www.rusticluxury.com

Commercial & Home Renovations

Staining of log homes • Free Estimates Servicing Valemount, Dunster, McBride, Blue River & Jasper

1.888.DNA.9233

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

ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH 250 566-4797

7th & Cedar, Sunday Worship 9:00 AM

NEW LIFE CENTRE

1247 - 1st Ave. 250-566-4824

INTERNET SERVICES

FUEL DELIVERY Delivering Fuel East to McBride

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR Vanderhoof & District Co-Operative Association

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

Greg Belshaw

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

MORTGAGE CONSULTANT

Mac’s Small Engine Service & Repair Closed Dec 8-Jan 8

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

Call Mac Cochrane

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

250-968-4498

CONSTRUCTION

Sunday School 10am.

Family Worship 10:30am.

Prayer meeting Thurs 7pm

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SERVICES

250 968-4349 or 250 566-4568 Sunday-11am, Sun. School 11am

VALEMOUNT COMMUNITY CHURCH Sundays 9:00 am 1275 5th Ave 250 566-4772.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 250 566-9990 Praise & Worship 11am

PROPANE PROVIDER

Canwest Propane Ltd.

“Your Local Mortgage Consultant”

YOUR LOCAL PROPANE PROVIDER

Dunster ROCKO’S CHURCH

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

** MORTGAGES **

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

Debra Parker AMP Mortgage Consultant

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

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

Looking out for your best Interest.

CONTRACTOR SERVICES

S.C. BARNES

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

Steve Barnes

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

CONTRACTORS/BUILDERS

Construction & Rental Properties 10,000 lb crane with 54 ft reach & manbasket Bobcat w/ tracks, bucket, hoe, brush mower, grapple ICF and bracing, scaffolding Container rental, Spray foam insulation Quality stone, Window blinds Ph: 250 566 8483 shfowler@telus.net • www.wclh.com/valemount

BULK OIL SALES

BUILDING SUPPLIES

Hill Bill Products Ltd

Irly Building Supplies

845 Cedarside Rd. Valemount BC Phone: 250-566-4818 or 1-866-566-4818 Fax: 250-566-4815

• Hardware & Hardware for Cabinets • Electrical and Plumbing • Ply Woods, Drywall & Roofing 250-566-0007 940 Main Street, Valemount GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

RECYCLING

Rex’s Recycling Valley Hours of operation

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

Now o refu ffering n f bot d on a ull ll b *Pic tles eer a k up s ca nd c n be a arra ns

Systems

Joel Steinberg P.O. Box 124, d Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0 Call liz or KiM everard at 250.566.9111 250-674-0017 nge

reduCe • reuse • reCyCle

joel_valleygeo@telus.net

ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

Sands Bulk Sales LTD Husky Oil Limited

Cardlock and bulk plant facility Fuel truck for all your delivery needs

McBride EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

Church 569.2378 or 569.8845 1st

Ave Sun 11am Sunday School 9:45am.

ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH

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

16 • Wednesday February 9, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

sentinel

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

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

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

JUN 30 GTS

1991 Ford F250 XLT, extended cab, 4WD, 206,183 original km, new tires, new brakes,

DEC 15 GTS box liner, trailer hitch.

2000 Chrysler Intrepid. Reverse gear needs Very good shape. 4 work. $1750 Phone summer tires, 4 studded 250 968--4493 winter tires $4000 obo.

SEPT 22 GTS Phone 250 566-4555

HOLIDAY TRAILER

2007 Springdale Holiday Trailer, 31ft.

Brand-new, never used.

Totally winterized, sleeps 8. Will sell for $21,000 or will take 16’ cargo trailer in part trade. Call 250 5664586

FEB 9 GTS INSTRUMENTS

FIREWOOD

RENTALS

Seasoned firewood. $60 a pickup load. Call 250 566-8447

FEB 2

Birch firewood. Logging truckload $800 - U Haul.

Call 250 569-2471

JAN 12 GTS

Rental listings Valemount Real estate #024

#014-2 #014-1

MISC. FOR SALE

RENTALS

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

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado, Alpine Stereo. $4500.

Call for more info. 250 566-4318

New Polaris snowmobile Photos and details at For Sale: A recording clutch $200. Call 250 566-8447

quality George Benson FEB 26 Call Jen 250-566-1323 Ibanez Hollow Body Electric Guitar + case, $1000. We also have MISC. FOR SALE MISC. FOR SALE RENTALS a variety of acoustic + electric guitars for sale. Custom Hand Split Accom.

For more info call Deb Cedar Post and Rail. 2 Tickets to ERIC CLAPTON Furnished in Vancouver on February Bachelor suite and 3 Reimer @ 250 968-4335 Call for details. 250 25th.

5th row seats. $300. bdrm house for rent.

HOLIDAY TRAILER 569-7286 Call 250 566-9126 Call 250 566-9884 for

SEPT 08 GTS JUL 7 GTS

FEB 16 more information.

21’ Holiday trailer for

JAN 5 TFN sale. In nice shape.

Phone Mike at 250 5664382

MAY 19 GTS

OCT 27 GTS

PUBLIC NOTICE

JANITORIAL SERVICES REQUIRED For the British Columbia Visitor Centre @ Mt. Robson End of April to mid-October Please submit summary of qualifications and references by February 25, 2011 to: Adventure Management Ltd. Box 146, Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 dyson.wendy@gmail.com

WANTED: Backcountry wrangler/packer and backcountry lodge cook, summer season in Jasper. Email skyline@ telusplanet. net or call 780 865-4021 after 8 pm.

NOV 3 GTS 1228 Week of 2.7.2011

www.rusticluxury.com

EMPLOYMENT

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

EmploymEnt WantEd

EmploymEnt opportunitiEs

WANTED: Experienced Civil, Paving and Quality Control Personnel to fill various positions at Large, BC Road Construction Company. Send resume to P.O. Box 843, Kamloops BC, V2C 5M8 or to paverswanted@yahoo.ca

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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).

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STEEL BUILDING WINTER SALE... $3.49 to $11/sq.ft.

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The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 9, 2011 • 17

THE

ROBSON VALLEY MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

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 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 21

• 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 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

FEB 22

• 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 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

FEB 23 • 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

Coming Events THURSDAY

FRIDAY

FEB 10

FEB 11

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

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

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

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.

FEB 24

• 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 25 • Friday night dinners at the Valemount Legion 5pm

FEB 26/27

• 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.

Yellowhead Helicopters Ltd.

Are proud to sponsor this “Community Events Announcement Page”.

We support the many Volunteers who contribute so much to the community.

3010 Selwyn Road PO Box 190, Valemount BC V0E 2Z0 Telephone: 1-250-566-4401 Fax Number: 1-250-566-4333

Annual Blood Pressure Clinic Paramedics will be at the Post Office in Valemount Valentine's Day Monday February 14th from 10 am - 3/4 pm FREE!

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

18 • Wednesday February 9, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

Activities to Entertain & Amuse Pioneer Photo

CROSSWORD AND SUDOKU

Description: The Hotel Cariboo in McBride, BC

Date: 1920’s Credits: Valley Museum & Archives ID: 2003.64.254 Image: 25 of 48 If you have any 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, a change is coming and right now it is difficult to tell if it will end up being a positive. Brace for what lies ahead regardless of the outcome.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, saying goodbye to someone you love will be difficult, but somehow you will manage it. Make a plan to visit this person soon to take the edge off the feelings.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, steer clear of stores because you simply do not have the finances to purchase anything extravagant right now. Stick to your budget.

Leo, colleagues are questioning whether or not you’re the right person for the tasks at hand. They underestimate your abilities. Show them differently this week.

Wednesday

-Nov

23/

Sagittarius, it’s easy to make assumptions when you don’t have all of the facts. But this can easily get you into trouble. Verify the information first.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22

CAPRICORN-Dec 22/Jan 20

Virgo, look at a situation through someone else’s eyes and it could shed new light on the situation you’re in. Things may not be as bad as you thought.

Capricorn, you should be happy this week, but all you feel like doing is moping around. This somber mood can be transformed with a visit from a friend.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you are looking for an adventure and it’s just around the corner. Take Cancer on this trip of a lifetime when you do depart.

You will want the company.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Have patience with someone you deal with on a daily basis, Cancer. This person has a lot on his or her plate and could use some wiggle room in the next few days

SAGITTARIUS Dec21

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, there’s much to be done, but the only place to begin is at the beginning.

Begin with one task and move on from there.

Soon the to-do list will be finished.

Thursday

Friday

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

Aquarius, although it doesn’t seem like things are getting accomplished, there are really many items getting finished that may be behind the scenes.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 A night out at the movies could be just what you need to unwind, Pisces. Make it a friendly get-together instead of romantic night out.

saTurday

sunday

Monday

Daytime Condition

Cloudy periods

Daytime Light snow Condition

Daytime Scattered Condition flurries

Daytime Light snow Condition

Daytime Light snow Condition

Daytime Variable Condition cloudiness

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

40% -8C -16°C S 5 km/h 1-3 cm

60% P.O.P. -3°C High -10°C Low Wind SW 5 km/h 2-4 cm 24/Hr Snow

60% P.O.P. -2°C High -6°C Low Wind NE 5 km/h 3-5 cm 24/Hr Snow

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

60% P.O.P. -5°C High -12°C Low Wind SW 5 km/h 24/Hr Snow 3-5 cm

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

60% -3°C -8°C S 5 km/h 5-7 cm

30% -2°C -10°C S 5 km/h

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday February 9, 2011 • 19

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!

SPONSORS

Mystic Journey Spa Gift Store and Boutique

For more information on any event go to our website: www.visitvalemount.ca or contact Jennifer Robinson at 250.566.3335.

20 • Wednesday February 9, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

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sentinel THE VALLEY

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Creative Writing Competition for Robson Valley High School students Judges • Wendy Cinnamon – Valemount Public Library • Jodi Pownall – The Learning Centre • Jackie Baker – Local Author

Criteria: Open to All Robson/Canoe Valley (Blue River to McBride) High School Students (Grades 8 through 12).

Write an original short story, double-spaced with a 12-point font.

No illustrations please. No more than 1,500 Words in length.

Judges will look for originality, story structure, and grammar.

Story to be submitted to The Valley Sentinel between February 9th to March 2nd, 2011.

Prizes: • 1st Prize:$75.00 • 2nd Prize:$50.00 • 3rd Prize:$25.00 Winners will be announced in the March 23rd Edition of The Valley Sentinel.

Winning stories will be published in The Valley Sentinel newspaper and Website. Winners will be presented with their prizes on March 25th, 2011.

Stories can be submitted by email to editor@thevalleysentinel.com or by mail to The Valley Sentinel, 1012 Commercial Drive, Valemount, B.C. V0E 2Z0

2011 SUMMER VISITOR GUIDE The Valley Sentinel is booking ad space for the 2011 Summer Visitor Guide.

Phone Sharon at 250-566-4425 to reserve your space today for the Robson Valley and Area Summer Guide.