sentinel
Local resident travels to India for MS treatment, Page 9.
Next step for Commerce Resources mine in Blue River, Page 3.
THE VALLEY
Your Community Your Newspaper
Serving the Robson Valley since 1986
WEDNESDAY January 26, 2011 $1.16 Plus HST
Volume 26 Issue 04 www.thevalleysentinel.com
Agriculture
Elk epidemic frustrates farmers Local: Valley farmers seek solution for increasing elk problem. Joshua Estabrooks
editor@thevalleysentinel.com
M
any farmers in the Robson Valley are at their wits end when it comes to protecting their farms from an increasing elk population. The issue has been growing steadily over the years, and it seems that this year is particularly trying for many farm owners as they scramble to protect what little hay they have stockpiled for their livestock after two summers of drought like conditions. One of the frustrated farmers is Terri Jensen, who has been losing sleep and running herself ragged trying to keep the voracious herds of ungulates away from her precious hay supply. “I have been chasing elk for the last three nights from my hay pile. I have had a bear banger going off, but within an hour of scaring them away they are back. It has been a drought for the last two years so I have barely enough hay to get me through the winter to feed my cows. I don’t have any extra.” Jensen is not alone either, as other farmers are also battling the herds of elk that seem less and less intimidated by human deterrent techniques. “I have seen between 100 – 200 in my fields in the spring,” said Ed Zimmerman. “It’s like a plague of elk when the damage is the worst. They just
stampede our farm and I don’t know what to do about it anymore. The government offers compensation on crop damage but it is a joke. We’re suffering anywhere from $15-20,000 a year in crop damages here for the last ten years. They damage our stockpiles and our fields.” Another Valley resident who has experienced problems with elk this year is Tete Jaune resident Archie Karas. “We have had elk problems very recently, this fall and right into the present time.” Karas, who grew up in Jasper, said he first saw elk heading down the highway from Jasper in 1995, and the populations have now established themselves in the Valley. “The majority of elk you see in Jasper are highly domesticated, and whether anyone wants to admit that or not, their environment has been so artificially controlled for them and the town site is the most comfortable place to be, or near it, because there are no predators. Out here the elk are starting to become very comfortable in the Valley proper, and we have seen a steady increase in the population right here on our land in the last five – eight years. We would rarely see a bull in the late late fall, but now we are seeing about 17 cows that are basically living in this area. They are
McBride Grizzlies player, Hajara Sandu, pressures Valemount goaltender, Brendan Forman, during a Peewee hockey tournament in Valemount over the weekend. More photos of the event on Pages 10-11. Right: Parents from both Valemount and McBride cheer on their teams.
Cont’d on Page 14 Photos By: Daniel Betts and Joshua Estabrooks/The Valley Sentinel
WEATHER WEDNESDAY High: 5°C Low: -2°C Details pg 18
INSIDE: Opinion.........................pg 4 Community Calendar.....pg 6 Classifieds........... pgs 16, 17
Activities......................pg 18 Weather.......................pg 18 Real Estate................. pgs 20
COMING NEXT WEEK BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT COVERAGE
FLYERS
• CANADIAN TIRE
2 • Wednesday January 26, 2011 The Valley Sentinel
» COMMUNITY
Who are the new people in town? Sentinel hires dynamic duo
Andrea Scholz
Joshua Estabrooks
editor@thevalleysentinel.com
S
ome of our readers may have seen or heard of some new faces around the Valley or have also heard there is a new student at Valemount Elementary School. The Valley Sentinel has the inside scoop on this story as they happen to be the newest members of our team and we are very pleased to introduce them to you. Andrea Scholz joins us from the Town of Nelson, British Columbia where she owned and operated a web development company called Smart Nuts Technology and was one of the creative minds behind the highly
Daniel Betts
Keana Nisbet
popular community website, www. ilovenelson.com. As Production Manager, Andrea will use her extensive graphic design training and experience in the art direction and layout of The Valley Sentinel every week, as well as adding yet another level of professionalism to our winning ad design team. Additionally, Andrea has applied for her business license with the Village of Valemount and plans to operate Smart Nuts Technology from The Valley Sentinel office and her home. Daniel Betts was raised in the Town of Creston, British Columbia and brings many years of writing and management experience to the role of Associate Editor of The Valley Senti-
nel. Besides technical writing for business, he has been a freelance writer and recently completed a science fiction novel. While Daniel is particularly excited about the wonderful opportunities for both winter and summer outdoor recreation in the area, he is most looking forward to writing and editing. Daniel says, “Being a writer is the core of who I am and I am very pleased and excited to be here in this beautiful Valley doing what I love to do most.” Andrea’s daughter, Keana Nisbet, has already joined the Grade 6/7 Class at Valemount Elementary School where she received a very warm welcome from her new classmates. Ke-
ana is very excited to be living in a new town and has already fallen in love with the beautiful mountain scenery. Keana is an avid reader who enjoys hiking, archery, downhill skiing and writing. Daniel, Andrea and Keana are outdoor enthusiasts who have always felt more comfortable in small communities, having lived in them for many years. Many of our readers will have the opportunity to get to know them well as they plan to jump in and get involved in many aspects of the community. Anyone is welcome to drop by The Valley Sentinel office anytime to say hello to the newest members of our team.
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
Valemount Community Forest Company Ltd. Daniel Betts/The Valley Sentinel
Notice of Annual General Meeting Please Take Notice that an Annual General Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Valemount Community Forest Company Ltd. will be held Monday, February 7, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Village Council Chambers, 735 Cranberry Lake Road. This meeting is open to the General Public.
Curtis Pawliuk, General Manager of Valemount Area Recreation Development Association (VARDA), presents Arnold Wied, former association president with a lifetime membership and achievement award in appreciation for all his hard work toward recreational sustainability in the Valemount area. Wied attended a general meeting on January 19th to receive the award. Upon accepting the award, Mr. Wied said, “It is a long long trail for Valemount to get where we are and I think the really important thing, from my point of view, is that now that we have McBride and Blue River, we are finally beginning to think about working together to promote the whole area as a snowmobile mecca for the whole world to come to and I think that VARDA has put us in a position where that can probably start to happen.”
UPFRONT
The Valley Sentinel Wednesday January 26, 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
Tantalum deposits in Blue River warrant a mine Joshua Estabrooks
editor@thevalleysentinel.com
C
ommerce Resources has completed the exploration work in the area of interest known as the Upper Fir area, near Blue River, and the results look good. According to Corporate Communications Spokesperson, Chris Grove, the area holds millions of tons of material, but the company must now undergo a scoping study to determine if it is economically feasible to extract the tantalum from the area. “It takes way longer than anyone ever expects. We hired the best people in the mining industry, which in our mind is AMEC, and they do all of the technical stuff, scoping out the operating costs of the project and the environmental baseline data collected for over 4.5 years by another independent third party. It’s just a ton of stuff. It is very large scale.” So far, the project has been progressing well, said Grove, and the company is now waiting to see the results of the scoping study to determine if they can go Junior Girls and Junior Boys
Basketball Tournament
January 28th and 29th at The Valemount Secondary School Game Times Friday January 28th
9:45 - Valemount Girls vs Cedars Christian 11:10 - Valemount Boys vs Cedars Christian 3:25 - Valemount Girls vs Ft Saint James 4:50 - Valemount Boys vs Clearwater “B”
Saturday January 29th
9:45 - Valemount Boys vs Clearwater “A” 2:00 - Valemount Boys vs Clearwater “B” 3:25 - Valemount Girls vs Clearwater
Concession Available
Community Hub Meeting Date: Wednesday, January 26 Time: 7:00 pm Place: Council Chambers, Village Office Everyone Welcome
Correction Notice: In The Northern Health seeks input article from the January 19th paper it was incorrectly stated that 34 people who have taken part in the program have lost over 3,000 pounds. The correct numbers are actually that 103 people have lost 3,269 pounds.
ahead with the mine. “This is a pre feasibility study of the mining, on site at the project. Hopefully that will be in the next thirty to sixty days.” The exploration phase is not officially complete until the scoping study is completed, but Grove said that his company is confident the deposits are enough, if the financial side lines up. “Technically we are still in the exploration realm but as soon as the scoping study is out then we will technically be in the development phase. We recently signed an agreement with the Simpcw First nation, which is something we are extremely proud of and it is not something that all mining or exploration companies have felt they need to do. We are very much of the mind that this mine needs to be good for everyone, it needs to be good for the Simpcw, the residents of Blue River, the residents of Valemount, the province, the country and almost last on the list is good for the guys in the offices in Vancouver.” To date, they have drilled over 227 holes since exploration began, totaling 13,000 metres. “That’s a lot of drilling,” he said. “I can’t speak to the specific vol-
ume, but I can say that there is enough material up there, if the economics work out, to justify a mine.” In terms of the tentative timeline, Grove said that even if everything goes well with the scoping study, the project is still two years off, due to the process they have to follow. “After the scoping study we file all of the 4.5 years of environmental stuff and then hopefully within six months we get the environmental impact certificate, and once we get that then we get to finally file the application to become a mine. We don’t know when we’d actually get the permit, and then we would be looking at creating the facility, so it could be another two years before we are actually hiring anybody.” Some good news for the company is a recent announcement that the price of tantalum has doubled, and there is a worldwide shortage of the material, said Grove. “The announcement was from the world’s largest producer of tantalum. They will be coming back in at 50% production so it can be assumed that there will be a prolonged shortfall of tantalum worldwide. This is very good news for us.”
TELUS leaves local Senior on hold Daniel Betts Contributor
many hours on his pay-per-use cell phone, much of it on hold, looking for answers from TELUS. One of the service representatives, from the “Loyalty and Redemption” department suggested he get a cell phone. “A lot of seniors don’t want a cell phone. They don’t like cell phones. They just want a phone,” declared Hubert. He tried again and spoke with a differ-
ent representative who said, “So what am I supposed do about it?” “I want a respectful courteous answer,” said Hubert, “This is a senior’s residence, is this how you treat us? Is this an example how you will treat your mother or father?” Hubert was also very concerned about whether there was adequate phone lines for the other seniors who would soon be moving in, because he left with the distinct impression there was not. The Sentinel, upon learning of the issue, contacted Shawn Hall with TELUS Media Relations and told him about Hubert’s situation. Hall explained that there had been a mix up with Hubert’s account address and that there is no issue with the building itself, which has more than enough lines to meet demand. Hubert informed us that on Saturday, January 22nd, he received a personal phone call from the TELUS General Manager for our region with assurances that his service would be hooked up immediately, and true to his word, Hubert’s high speed internet and telephone services were hooked up on Sunday, January 23rd. Despite the runaround and unfortunate experience with unhelpful customer service individuals, Hubert is very pleased to have phone service and was most impressed that once the problem was realized his situation was given priority and resolved quickly.
Community Health Forum
Community Health Forum
A community health forum will be hosted on:
A community health forum will be hosted on:
We are seeking feedback in the provision of our health and other primary health care services. For questions regarding this session, please contact Adrea Rusnak at (250) 566-1997.
We are seeking feedback in the provision of our health and other primary health care services.
All community members are welcome to this event.
All community members are welcome to this event.
L
ocal resident, Doug Hubert, moved into the new senior housing complex in Valemount with the expectation that all the services he was used to having would be provided, so he was a little surprised when the technician who came to install his phone declared that the job was “undoable.” Hubert spent
“This is a senior’s residence, is this how you treat us? Is this an example how you will treat your mother or father?” ~ Doug Hubert
Tuesday February 1, 2011 7:00 – 9:00 PM Robson Valley Community Centre (McBride)
Monday, January 31, 2011 7:00 – 9:00 PM Valemount Community Centre
For questions regarding this session, please contact Adrea Rusnak at (250) 566-1997.
4 • Wednesday January 26, 2011 The Valley Sentinel
OPINION
sentinel 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
» DAVE MARCHANT
Viewpoint editor@thevalleysentinel.com
A plague of elk
S
o I have been learning a lot about elk in the Robson Valley lately. It is definitely an interesting problem that has many people asking for the government to step in and assist with the solution. In talking to the local farmers of our Valley, I was definitely shocked to hear how plague like these animals can be, but when you think about where they most likely came from, it makes perfect sense. In Jasper, elk are seen along the highways, “posing” for photos and grazing on the nicely cut and maintained grass. People love them, and rightfully so, they are very impressive creatures. But that’s Jasper, and not an area with large tracts of agricultural land. Now that the elk are moving in here, and have been for two decades, they are finding the Robson Valley to be a paradise, no doubt. There are crops to eat, people to protect them from predators, and in the winter these large stacks of feed that just sit there waiting for them to come eat. For the farmers, however, it is a much different story. These animals are voracious in large numbers, and the frustrated farmers are caught in the middle. They are allowed to shoot problem predators that come in to their area, but just because these elk aren’t eating their livestock, to me, doesn’t mean they are any less of a problem or worry. They are essentially threatening the livestock in that they are eating their precious winter supply of food. A bear, wolf or cougar eats a cow, and a herd of elk eats all of their food. In the end the result is the same, right? The loss of income and animals for the farmer. But with predators they are permitted to defend their properties, with the ungulates they are not; and as the elk get more and more used to people, they seem to be harder and harder to deter from their destructive activities. So what needs to happen? I can’t say I know the answer, but I think the government owes it to these farmers to sit down with them and come up with an effective game plan. Simply offering compensation for the farmer’s losses doesn’t cut it, as it doesn’t alleviate the problem, or help the farmer sleep at night, And especially in light of the limited rainfall we have had the last couple of years, hay is growing more and more scarce. So for some farmers, when it’s gone it’s gone, and any compensation after the fact will do little to feed their livestock throughout the winter.
» COMMUNITY Valemount Food Bank Director Len Jones, President Dorothy Jones, and Director Cheryl Torgerson accept a cheque for $566.29 from Tourism Valemount Marketing Coordinator, Jennifer Robinson. The donation is a result of Tourism Valemount’s “Christmas with Bells on” campaign, which took place during the Christmas season locally. Joshua Estabrooks/The Valley Sentinel
subscriptions: To subscribe or renew your subscription, send a cheque or money order and your mailing address to us by mail or email: ads@thevalleysentinel.com Robson Valley.......................$52 + HST British Columbia.................$62 + HST Outside B.C..........................$72 + HST Outside Canada......$72 + HST + postage We publish every Wednesday. Advertising booking deadline is Thursday 5pm.
Joshua Estabrooks
Publisher/editor editor@thevalleysentinel.com
Emily Van dEr sandE
daniEl bEtts
associate editor daniel@thevalleysentinel.com
andrEa scholz
business manager emily@thevalleysentinel.com
Production manager andrea@thevalleysentinel.com
sharon mccolm
dEanna mickElow
sales manager office assistant deanna@thevalleysentinel.com ads@thevalleysentinel.com contributors: birgit stutz, raghu lokanathan, donalda beeson officE: drop box: main: Email:
1012 Commercial Drive, Box 688, Valemount, British Columbia, V0E 2Z0 McBride Stedman’s, 377 Main St., McBride, British Columbia 250.566.4425 toll frEE: 1.800.226.2129 fax: 250.566.4528 ads@thevalleysentinel.com wEb: www.thevalleysentinel.com The Valley Sentinel has a CCAB paid audited circulation of 960.
All material published in The Valley Sentinel; editorial content, photographs and advertising, is copyright to The Valley Sentinel and may not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express permission of the Publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing costs.
The Valley Sentinel Wednesday January 26, 2011 • 5
Âť COMMUNITY
Community garden one step closer to becoming a reality
Daniel Betts/The Valley Sentinel
Daniel Betts Contributor
T
he Village of Valemount is closer to achieving a community garden following a lively and effective discussion on the evening of January 19th. Village Economic Development Officer, Silvio Gislimberti, led the discussion with 17 local residents who attended the second brainstorming meeting held at the Council Chambers in the Village Office. Many ideas for the project were offered and discussed. Local resident, Jim Stewart, generously offered use of his property and equipment for the project, however the committee felt that the nature of the project was better suited for public land closer to the Village. The community greenhouse idea was discussed but initial research indicated that
such a project would be very costly and in order for the project to get off the ground smaller steps need to be taken while working toward an ultimate goal in the future. Discussions around what the ultimate goal of the project would be included raising crops for the food bank, a “Food for Schools� program and a larger silviculture project to boost village economic development. Possible locations for a community garden included the NW parcel next to the current high school property, which is owned by the Village and is currently not in use. The idea of approaching the Columbia Basin Trust and Community Futures Development Association of B.C. for funding was mentioned. The next step in the process is the development and documentation of a plan for the
project which will be discussed at the next meeting on Wednesday, February 9th. Following the creation of a plan the committee would need to approach the Village Council for use of land, which would be followed by a search for funding. All those who were in attendance were eager to offer their opinions and insights. Local resident, John Grogan, who attended the meeting, commented, “I’m so encouraged by the broad interest in people [for this project].� Gauging the overall interest in the community for the project through the local newspapers was suggested and local resident, Peter Fox, volunteered to act as the contact for the group. If you are interested in participating in the community garden please contact Peter Fox at rockyfox@telus. net or 250-566-9148.
Valemount Historical Society AGM
Looking for new Board Members Tues, February 1st , 1:30pm Valemount Learning Centre - Meeting Room Everyone Welcome
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  � �  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
Valemount Economic Development Officer, Silvio Gislimberti, guides the lively discussions at the recent community garden meeting which was well attended by interested residents.
6 • Wednesday January 26, 2011 The Valley Sentinel
THE
ROBSON VALLEY MONDAY
JAN 31
• Valemount Seniors Carpet Bowling 9am • Valemount Co-ed MMA 7-8:30pm
• ALEX CUBA McBride Roundhouse Theatre 7:30pm • Valemount Co-ed MMA 7-8:30 pm upstairs at The Trading Post. FEB 7
• 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.
TUESDAY
FEB 1
• 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 • ALEX CUBA Valemount Community Theatre 7:30 FEB 8
• TOPS 6:30pm at the Health Unit in McBride • 7-9 PM VFD mtg @ Fire Hall • ADULT RECREATIONAL VOLLEYBALL 7-9 pm Valemount Sec. School Gym
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
JAN 26 • 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
JAN 27
FEB 2 • 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 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
Dunster Winter Market Every Saturday 11:30-1pm
Vendors welcome Call Karen Shaw 250 968-4331
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
Coming Events
• 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
• Cribbage 1pm - 4pm at the Valemount Golden Years Lodge in lower lounge •ADULT RECREATIONAL BADMINTON at Valemount Sec. School Gym 7-8:30pm
FRIDAY JAN 28 • Friday night dinners at the Valemount Legion 5pm • Valemount Junior Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament at VSS in Valemount. Check ad on
page 3 for times.
• Valemount Co-ed MMA 7-8:30 pm upstairs at The Trading Post.
FEB 3
• Cribbage 1pm - 4pm at the Valemount Golden Years Lodge in lower lounge •ADULT RECREATIONAL BADMINTON at Valemount Sec. School Gym 7-8:30pm
JAN 29/30
• Dunster Winter Market Sat from 11:30 am - 1 pm • Valemount MMA Open Mat 9:00 - 11:00 am Saturdays upstairs at The Trading Post, Kids class Sun 6:00-7:00 pm. • Valemount Junior Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament at VSS. Check ad on page 3 for times.
FEB 4
FEB 5/6
• Friday night dinners at the Valemount Legion 5pm
• Dunster Winter Market Saturday from 11:30 am - 1 pm • Valemount MMA Open Mat 9:00 - 11:00 am Saturdays upstairs at The Trading Post, Kids class Sundays 6:00-7:00 pm.
FEB 11
FEB 10
• Cribbage 1pm - 4pm at the Valemount Golden Years Lodge in lower lounge •ADULT RECREATIONAL BADMINTON at Valemount Sec. School Gym 7-8:30pm
SAT/SUNDAY
• Friday night dinners at the Valemount Legion 5pm • VALEMOUNT WINTER FESTIVAL STARTS
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.
McBride Community Forest Open Meeting First Wednesday of the month 7pm McBride Village Council Chambers
• ADULT RECREATION BADMINTON. Thurs at 7pm in th Valemount Sec School gym. Contact Jamie @250 566-4656 • ADULT RECREATIONAL VOLLYBALL. Tues from 7pm - 9pm. Valemount Sec School gym. Contact Suzanne Bloodoff @ 250 566-9979 TETE JAUNE • TETE JAUNE COMMUNITY CLUB meetings held the 1st Tues. of the month at 7pm at the Tete Jaune Hall. MCBRIDE • VALLEY PIECEMAKERS QUILT GUILD Every other Wednesday. 7:00 pm in the High School. New members welcome, contact Dawna Hickerty 569-3210.
• ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Every Sun, 8 pm at the Health Unit. • OAPO STITCH & KNIT Every Thurs., 2:30 - 4 pm, Beaverview Lodge, Hilda Murin 569-3305 • ALANON every Mon. 8pm at the Health Unit • TOPS Tues. 6:45 pm weigh-in, 7:15 pm meeting. Health Unit in McBride. New members welcome. Brenda Molendyk 569-3113 • VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING 2nd & 4th Tues,7:30 pm,Village Council Chambers. • DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP 1st Wed, 1 pm at Beaverview Lodge & Sat.10 am -12 pm, 441 Dominion St 569-2658 / 569-0113 • SUPPORT GROUP FOR FAMILIES DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS Last Wed every month 7:30 pm @ McBride Health Centre more info call Norma 569-2637 or Elizabeth 968-4347
The Valley Sentinel Wednesday January 26, 2011 • 7
» COMMUNITY
Teen mentoring program kicks off in Valley for local youth Birgit Stutz Contributor
T
he Robson Valley Support Society (RVSS) is offering a new teen mentoring program in the Valley. The RVSS has been contracted through the Salt Spring Women Opposed to Violence and Abuse society (SWOVA), a non-profit organization on Salt Spring Island, to facilitate the “Pass It On” girls mentorship program. The “Pass It On” program involves trained older high school girls supporting and mentoring younger high school girls in an effort to help prepare them for high school and provide positive role models to the girls. The combined communities of Valemount and McBride are one of the five pilot sites selected through the province to receive funding and facilitate the mentorship project for one year. The “Pass It On” project was conceived to provide venues for young women to explore issues that matter to them,” said Jennifer Quam, “Pass It On” facilitator with the Robson Valley Support Society. “Our belief is that in so doing the attitudes that support health, safety and respect would strengthen in them and ultimately impact the entire youth community. This is our goal.” Quam said six Valemount
girls and five McBride girls from Grades 10 to 12 have been selected to serve in the role of senior peer mentors based on teacher input and personal interest. “The few selected have been going through weekly training with me since November to become mentors. We are now trying to find an equal number of mentees in Grades 8 and 9. We are working with the school to get the girls to match up with mentors.” The mentors have received
“The pairs of matched girls will meet regularly over a fourmonth period ending in May. Meetings will consist of activities both supervised and unsupervised in the community, such as coffee visits, library visits, movie nights, sporting events and other activities approved by the mentorship supervisor and with parental support.” Quam said results from the activities in this pilot project will be used to provide direction
“I am really hoping that this weekend is really good. It’s a great thing for young teenage girls.” ~ Jennifer Quam
training from Quam in communication, problem solving and leadership. “The older girls will be more able to facilitate helpful conversation and to form supportive relationships with their younger partners,” said Quam. The mentees chosen may be good candidates in the future to begin mentoring younger students, thus “passing on the skills, experiences and support to the next group as they come up.”
for future initiatives of the SWOVA Society and in turn the RVSS. “Pass It On” was developed as an offshoot of Respectful Relationships, which is currently being facilitated by Quam, who is the female facilitator, and Corey Girling, who is the program’s male facilitator, to Grade 9 and 10 classes in Valemount and McBride. “Each class gets 12 workshops within the program, an anti-violence program that also deals with homophobia, racism, and sexism,” said
Quam. “Within those 12 workshops each class gets two separate gender workshops where all the boys go with Corey and all the girls with me.” Quam said that in every class throughout the province students had expressed interest in more separate gender time, which led to the development of the “Pass It On” girls mentorship program. As a separate part of the “Pass It On” girls mentorship program, the RVSS is hosting a “Pass It On” girl’s weekend retreat next month. “All female students in Grades 7-12 from both Valemount and McBride are invited to meet in McBride for an entire weekend of innovative, youth-centred workshops to assist the young women in preventing violence and participate more fully in their communities by addressing health and safety issues,” said Quam. Quam and Christina Antonick, “Pass It On” facilitator from SWOVA, will facilitate the event, which will take place on February 5 and 6. “It will be an overnight event at the EFree Church in McBride,” said Quam. “The girls will partake in four workshops: Depression/ Expression, In the Mirror-Personal Identity and Body Image, The Balancing Act-Between the Lines of Girls’ Relationships, and Once the Sun Goes Down-
Exploring Party Safety. Geoff Strong, Child and Youth Mental Health Counsellor with RVSS, will co-facilitate the Depression/Expression workshop.” The RVSS has received funding from both Villages as well as the regional district for the weekend event. “We’ve also had a lot of support from both high schools,” said Quam. The event begins at the EFree Church in McBride at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 5. All meals will be provided at no cost. Transportation will also be provided for free for the Valemount students as part of the program. “Our goal is to get out as many girls as we can,” said Quam. “I am really hoping that this weekend is really good. It’s a great thing for young teenage girls.” For more information, contact Quam at 250-569-2266. All permission slips must be returned to the child’s school’s office no later than Thursday, January 27.
Valemount Learning Centre
250-566-4601
LOCAL JOB POSTINGS
Updated Jan 26, 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)
When your child chooses science, they’re choosing more than a rewarding career. They’re choosing to contribute, achieve and have their thinking recognized. And to start them off right, we’re even offering one potential scientist a $25,000 scholarship. To learn more, visit yearofsciencebc.ca
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
Funded in whole or in part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
8 • Wednesday January 26, 2011 The Valley Sentinel
» COMMUNITY
Notes from All Over Seth and Shara Opening for Alex Cuba
events and more!
If Alex Cuba wasn’t enough to entice you out of your homes next Tuesday evening, local favourites Seth Macdonald and Shara Gustafson, of Mamaguroove, should be! The duo have happily agreed to open for Alex Cuba!
SnowSeekers Go-Guide App for iPhone features Marmot Basin
Calling all V-Men and V-Women This is a volunteer call-out for the V-Day Valemount 2011 benefit reading of A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer. If you would like to be involved in ANY way in the upcoming VDay event, please give Shelly Battensby at the Robson Valley Support Society a call, at 250-566-9107 or e-mail rvssvalemount@telus.net. Volunteers are needed for production, directing, stage management, volunteer management, performance, makeup, supporting
Now you can check the snow conditions at Jasper’s Marmot Basin Ski hill on your iPod touch or iPhone, or better, it will let you know when there is fresh snow with a Push Notification! And the Snow Powder Push Notification is just one feature of the newly redesigned SnowSeekers Go-Guide application. It’s a complete guide to winter in western Canada, and it’s free! Download it or go to SnowSeeker.com Local Blogger Puts the Robson Valley on the Interweb Accurately and Comedically Valemount Local and frequent Valley Sentinel contributor, Jennifer Meagher,
is a new blogger in the internet sea of endless bloggers, but I’m pretty sure she is one of the only ones blogging about her experiences living in small town. In her first entry at The View from My Car, Meagher admits, “After a six year love affair [she finds herself] settling into what [she hopes] to be a long-term commitment. Tucked between the Cariboo and Rocky Mountains, Valemount, British Columbia, has always held a particularly tight hold on [her] heart.” In this week’s entry she covets thy neighbour, “gazing lustfully at [her] more than middle-aged and very bundled neighbour, as he flaunted himself around his walkway for hours at a time carousing with his snow-blower for the simple joy of it.” Don’t miss her next entry at http:// theviewfrommycar.wordpress.com/ Grants Awarded The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George approved the following requests for Community and Recreation Grants in our area: • $3,000 to the McBride Roundhouse Theatre Society for equipment and technical costs. • $800 to the McBride Secondary School for travel costs. • $1,000 to the Robson Valley Support Society for a computer system. • $2,000 to the Yellowhead Ski Club for train maintenance and grooming. The Bus will not be Back for Blue River
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
The former Interior Health Authority bus service that ran from Blue River to Kamloops will not be running again. The proposed new service will just be from Vavenby to Kamloops, “because going to and from Blue River add[s] several hours to the trip and would not result in enough more passengers, it was felt.” Mat the Alien Landed in Jasper After reports of a UFO sighting in Jasper last Sunday night, it has been confirmed that indeed, one Martian known
as Mat the Alien, a popular west coast DJ from space, took over Jasper’s newest club scene, the Horseshoe Club (previously known as Pete’s and now popularly known as Re-Petes) and abducted a sold out house of youth, taking them away to a special dancing land. CBT Wage Subsidy Program to Continue for another Year Students and businesses will be able to access the Summer Works program again in 2011. In addition the wage subsidy program made possible by the Columbia Basin Trust will be increasing their budget to $500,000 from $390,000 in 2011, which in turn will also allow more students to be hired! Information on the application process and timelines will be available in February of this year at www.cbt.org/summerworks. Village of Valemount Dog Licenses Did you know that if your dog is over the age of eight weeks, you need a dog license? But not to worry, it’s just $25 a dog, and if they are spayed or neutered it’s only $12.50. Did you hear him on the radio? Many of you dedicated CBC listeners will undoubtedly already be aware, but Valemount healthcare provider, Dr. Du Toit, was interviewed by the radio station around 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19, to speak about his amazing diet, “Eat for Life”. Scatterbrained folk singer Local scatterbrained folk singer, Raghu Lokanathan, is on his way to Vancouver Island, but called the Sentinel office from Kamloops in a panic. The musician couldn’t find his wallet, and believe he may have left it on the roof of his car while filling up at Petro Canada. He describes it as a “thick. Blue wallet” and is hoping someone saw it in the slush and may be kind enough to return it. Please call the Sentinel office if you have seen the wallet at 250-566-4425.
BUSINESS ADVERTISEMENT OPPORTUNITY Village of McBride is offering businesses located in the Robson-Canoe Valleys an opportunity to advertise at the new Visitor Stop & Park along Hwy # 16 in McBride. (currently under construction - to be open this summer) Space is limited so if you want to capture summer traffic ACT NOW! Visit: www.mcbride.ca for details or call the village office at 250-569-2229 First-come-first-served protocol applies
The Valley Sentinel Wednesday January 26, 2011 • 9
» COMMUNITY
Local travels to India for controversial MS treatment
Mick Callas with his nurse, Sonja, during his treatment in India.
Joshua Estabrooks
editor@thevalleysentinel.com
Y
ou may have noticed Valley resident, Mick Callas, walking around town lately with a big smile on his face. You may have also noticed he no longer looks like a “drunken sailor,” as he describes the way he used to walk around. The reason is he has recently returned from India, where he underwent a promising new treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Callas found out he had MS in 1995, but he said it didn’t start bothering him until 2006 when his left leg began feeling “buzzy” and began to drag a bit. “Then it just got worse and worse. That’s the nature of the beast with MS. And every once in a while you will have a little episode where your vision will go in one eye or something and two weeks later it comes back. I have a friend that lives in McBride that was basically confined to his bed 15 years ago from the disease.” There are a number of types of MS, but Callas said he isn’t sure what his particular manifestation is called. “Whatever I have I had a gimpy left leg. It finally got to the point where I had to use a cane. Inside I would use a walker and once for about two or three weeks during one episode I had to have Bob Thompson push me around in a wheelchair, and that was a bit spooky and it took three months to recover.” After each episode, Callas said he noticed his left leg would be a little bit worse, and the pain associated with MS was also getting more severe. “I was starting to think about going on medication, which costs between $15-30,000.” This was not Callas’ preferred option, as he has always been wary of the side effects of pharmaceuticals, so when a friend of his told him to watch a W5 documentary program about a strange Good Place to Stay in Kamloops
55
1901 E. Trans Canada Hwy PLUS TAXES Kamloops, BC V2C 3Z9 per night $5 for Tel: (250) 372-3386 each add’l person Fax: (250) 372-8740 lamplighter31@hotmail.com 32” LCD TV IN ALL ROOMS Expiry date: Jan. 31, 2011 (Excludes long weekends & holiday)
The hospital where Callas received his treatment.
new treatment for the disease he was very interested. “There is a doctor Zamboni in Italy whose wife had MS, and he was trying to come up with things and working with some ideas that people have had for a number of years. The medical association of every country has said it is a neurological thing and it has to be treated with drugs. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t.” The treatment Callas mentioned comes from Dr. Paolo Zamboni’s discovery that many MS patients had higher levels of iron in their brains, and the deposits of iron had unique patterns, clustering around the veins that normally drain blood from the head. As there was no explanation for this phenomenon, Dr. Zamboni decided to open these veins using standard angioplasty technology, and called the procedure “The Liberation Treatment.” After the treatment to unclog the veins in question, patients had a decrease in new MS attacks, and a large reduction in the brain lesions that define MS, as well as an improved quality of life. Callas said he watched the documentary with great interest, and found through his own research that the procedure is not scorned by the health care industry, but because it is not fully understood there isn’t a lot of funding for further research in North America. “The treatment seems like it is from alien technology from a crashed UFO. They go into your femoral artery with a little camera that goes up and checks the two veins in the back of your neck. I didn’t understand it and a lot of the doctors don’t understand it because it shouldn’t have anything to do with a neurological disease, but if you unblock these arteries you feel better. I am not
Photos Courtesy of Mick Callas
a scientist but I can tell you they did that to me and it worked. There was a guy that was in a wheelchair and he hasn’t gotten out of the wheelchair in three years, now he wasn’t walking yet but he stood right up and we all went woah!” The treatment is not available in North America, but Callas serendipitously stumbled across a website for a company that sets up patients with travel and accommodation to Delhi, India, where the treatment is offered. The cost of the medical trip is $12,500, so Callas said he got a loan to pay for it, and so far it has been worth every penny. “That hospital was top notch. Even the nurses that waited on me had five years of schooling just to become a nurse. They were so fascinated with where we lived, so I said I would send them some DVDs. They couldn’t believe that I lived in such a remote area. The population of Delhi is about the same as all of Canada.” The company Callas travelled with is called Liberation Gateway, and caters specifically to MS patients looking to receive this specific treatment. Since receiving the treatment, Callas said he has noticed significant improvements in his MS complications. He returned to Canada on January 9, and has been more mobile and pain free than he has been in years. “I’m not jogging around yet, and I still use a cane a little bit, because my left leg is ¾ of an inch to an inch thinner because the muscle has atrophied. It will either build back up, or it won’t, but either way I am pretty happy that I have a second leg because I can get around again. I was in constant pain, and that has also cleared up.”
Valemount VVale alemount PPu Public ublic LIBRARY LIB LI BRA RARRRYY
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Reservations Only 1-800-563-7401 Y NEWL TED VA O N E R
Select Canada
Annual General Meeting 7pm, Wednesday, February 9, 2011
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BC Accommodation Approved
Downstairs at the library, Everyone welcome! New board members welcome!
Janet & Nester Kunka are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jackilyn to Joey Lussier, son of Garth & Jeanette Lussier from Ste. Rose, Manitoba. Wedding will take place on July 23, 2011 in Valemount, BC
10 • Wednesday January 26, 2011 The Valley Sentinel
» COMMUNITY
ABOVE LEFT: Local resident Owen Torgerson asks for a moment of silence in rememberance of Larry Basaraba before the tournament begins. ABOVE RIGHT: Valemount forward Ian Forman takes a shot ot McBride goalie Logan Crichton.
ABOVE - Valemount player Devon Craig fights for the puck in the corner LEFT - McBride Coach, Brian Shawara asks McBride Grizzlies, “How bad do you want this?” With two minutes left in the final game of the tournament. BELOW - Valemount Forward Coleman Szerencsei scores a goal on McBride
ABOVE: Valemount defenceman Darian Griffin passes the puck up the ice.
ABOVE: McBride Forward Bryden Basran breaks away from tight Valemount coverage.
The Valley Sentinel Wednesday January 26, 2011 • 11
» COMMUNITY
ABOVE: McBride Captain Keith Shawara gets air while scoring on Quesnel in the final game of the tournament.
ABOVE: McBride Defender Rylan Moore takes a shot from the point. BELOW: McBride Grizzlies savor their hard earned win against Quesnel to take first place in the tournament.
ABOVE:McBride Forwards Hajara Sandu and Noah Janecke maintain pressure on the Quesnel goal in the final minutes of3.36" the final x 4" game. 3.36” x 4” Photos By Daniel Betts and Joshua Estabrooks/The Valley Sentinel
VACS Presents Grammy Award Winner
Careers At CBT Funding Available for Youth Projects
CBT has an opening in the Castlegar office for a Communications Coordinator (full-time, 15-month term).
Columbia Basin Youth Grants is a program that funds projects that benefit Basin youth, develop youth leadership skills, and meaningfully involve youth in the planning, development and implementation of the project.
A detailed description of duties, skills and qualifications can be viewed at www.cbt.org/careers or requested from Debra Stewart at 1.800.505.8998.
The next deadline for applications is Monday February 21, 2011. Contact Michelle d’Entremont, Basin Youth Liaison to discuss your project at cbtyouth@cbt.org or by calling 1.800.505.8998. www.cbt.org
•
1.800.505.8998
Please forward resumes to dstewart@cbt.org by noon (Pacific) February 7, 2011 for consideration. Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater selfsufficiency for present and future generations. www.cbt.org
•
1.800.505.8998
Alex Cuba February 1 @ 7:30pm Tickets at infinity $30 each ($35 at the door) Valemount Community Theatre
12 • Wednesday January 26, 2011 The Valley Sentinel
» COMMUNITY
Valemount council briefs The regularly scheduled council meeting for the Village of Valemount was held on January 11th, 2011. Mayor Bob Smith, Councillors Murray Capstick, Cynthia Piper, Bobbi Roe and Rita Tchir, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Tom Dall and Corporate Officer (CO) Sandy Salt were all in attendance. Delegations Council received a presentation made by Linda Hedberg, on behalf of the Valemount Public Library Board regarding a proposed library expansion. Council also received a presentation made by Caitlin Thompson on behalf of Canadian Mountain Holidays, regarding amending their Air Strip Snow Removal Agreement. Committee of the Whole: Affordable Housing Council participated in a 15 minute brainstorming session chaired by Deputy Mayor Roe, regarding Affordable Housing in the area. Robson Valley Support Society Re: The Pass It On Program The Village of Valemount carried a motion to make a donation in the amount of $200, to the Robson Valley Support Society, to be used in facilitation the Pass It On Program. The money will be used towards supplying food. Tourism Valemount Re: Visitor Information Centre Use The Village of Valemount carried a motion granting Tourism Valemount the use of the Visitor Information and Interpretive Centre during the Valemount Winter Festival from February 11th to the 13th, 2011. The space will be host to registration and a welcome reception, and will include a few display tables, and alcohol under proper certification.
Bylaw Enforcement Officer Position Council made a motion to approve the Mayor and CAO to sign a contract with Erik Myggland for an initial three month probationary contract with the option to renew for a further 21 months and a final option to extend the contract for one extra year should both parties agree and upon receipt of proof of liability insurance and the new business name. The full three year contract will be for $18,720.00 per year with payments of $1,560.00 per month being paid based on a monthly invoice and a monthly report. Council also approved the purchase of the kennel for animal storage and the necessary uniforms and stationary supplies to carry out the duties. Water Treatment Plant Update Council carried a motion to approve payment of $40,000.00 to Urban Systems for the extra work done in completing the project once the final completion certificate has been received from the architect. Council also approved staff to investigate the cost for the purchase and installation of two generators for the Water Treatment Plant operations. Zoning Change-Whisper Creek Log Homes Council carried a motion to approve staff to proceed with the legislative process to have the Village of Valemount Zoning Bylaw No. 610, 2007 amended to have the following changes made: R1 and R2 Zoning to be changed to the following: 1. Change 6.3 (6) & 7.3 (5) Column I from “Minimum Floor Area of Main Floor of Single Family Dwelling to read “Minimum Floor Area of Single Family Dwelling” which would remove the words of “of Main Floor”. 2. To change 6.3 (6) & 7.3 (5) Column II from 88m squared (947 sq ft) to read 93 m squared (1001 sq ft) Village of Valemount Mapping Upgrade
McBride council briefs
T
he regularly scheduled meeting for the Village of McBride was held on January 11th, 2011 with Acting Mayor Mike Moseley, Councillors Irene Rejman, Loranne Martin, Rick Thompson, Chief Administrative Officer Eliana Clements and Deputy Administrator/Treasurer Danielle Smith in attendance. Mayor Mike Frazier and Economic Development Officer Margaret Graine were absent. McBride Community Foundation Delegate Councillor Mike Moseley spoke on behalf of the McBride Community Foundation as a member director. The McBride Community Foundation has requested funding from the village 2011 budget to help defray costs incurred in the day-to-day operation of the foundation. A request for $500 was made and will be brought forward to Council’s budget discussions. Extension of deadline for funding for Water Metering and Conservation Project Chief Administrative Officer Clements said the original requirement for the “Towns for Tomorrow” grant was that the water metering and conservation project be completed by March 31, but the provincial and fed-
Installation of Officers, Awards Ceremonies and Initiation of New Members
Services Ltd.
Rosemary L. Hruby, CAIB Tel: 250.569.2264 Fax: 250.569.8838
1.888.611.5557
Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30 - 6pm Sat: 10am - 3pm
Home • Farm • Auto Insurance
Valemount Branch 266
Council carried a motion to approve a budget amount of $2,500.00 plus HST payable to Urban Systems to cover the initial investigation on what the actual costs would be to upgrade out mapping for the Village of Valemount. Contract for Airport Winter Maintenance Council carried a motion to approve staff to enter the Village of Valemount and Canadian Mountain Holidays into an hourly rate Airport Winter Maintenance agreement. Ash Street Sewer Lift Station Enhancement Project Resolution Council carried a motion to approve the resolution for an extension on the Sewer Lift Station Enhancement Project (Ash St). Grader Resolution Council carried a motion to approve the payment schedule for the grader purchase through MFA, to add the information to Resolution # 437/10, and reapprove the Resolution. Sewer Regulation and Connection Bylaw No. 663, 2010 Council carried a motion to approve reconsideration and adoption of Village of Valemount Sewer Regulation and Connections Bylaw No. 663, 2010. Sewer Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 664, 2010 Council carried a motion to approve reconsideration and adoption of Village of Valemount Sewer Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 664, 2010. Sewer Parcel Tax Repeal Bylaw No. 665, 2010 Council carried a motion to approve reconsideration and adoption of Village of Valemount Sewer Village Parcel Tax Repeal Bylaw No. 665, 2010.
Birgit Stutz Contributor
eral government had recently extended the timeline for projects under that grant to October 31. “The Village has to apply to the provincial government for an extension of the completion date,” she said. Council carried a motion whereas the federal and provincial governments will make a one-time extension of the deadline for funding of projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund from March 31, 2011 to October 31, 2011; and whereas all funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia will cease after October 31, 2011; and whereas the Village of McBride has asked the provincial government for an extension to October 31, 2011 for the Water Metering and Conservation Project (total eligible cost of $375,000, federal contribution $125,000, provincial contribution $175,000). Therefore be it resolved that the Village of McBride attest that it will continue to contribute its share of the required funding for the aforementioned project; and be it further resolved that actual claims for all eligible costs incurred by March 31, 2011, for the aforemen-
Advantage Insurance 433 Main Street, McBride
Donalda Beeson Contributor
at the Royal Canadian Legion 970 Main Street Valemount, BC Saturday February 5, 2011 Cocktails at 5:00 PM Pot Luck Dinner at 6:00 PM Members & Invited Guests 19 yrs & Over Please
tioned project must be and will be submitted no later than April 15, 2011 to the Province; and be it further resolved that the Village of McBride will ensure that the project will be completed. Grant-in-aid to RVSS Council carried a motion that a grant-in-aid in the amount of $250 be provided to the Robson Valley Support Society to help facilitate a weekend workshop partly funded through the Salt Spring Women Opposed to Violence and Abuse (SWOVA). The “Pass it on Girls Program” workshop will be held in McBride February 5 and 6, 2011. Letter of recognition to fire chief Council carried a motion that a letter be sent to Fire Chief David Hruby in recognition for his years of service and dedication to public safety. Hruby received his 30-year Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal Bar. Garbage collection rates amendment bylaw A motion was carried that the “Village of McBride Garbage Collection Rates Amendment Bylaw No. 708, 2010” be given final reading and adoption. Sewer rates amendment bylaw A motion was carried that the “Village of McBride Sewer Rates Amendment Bylaw No. 709, 2010” be given final reading and adoption. Water rates and regulation amendment bylaw A motion was carried that the “Village of McBride Water Rates and Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 710, 2010” be given final reading and adoption.
THE VALEMOUNT SENIOR CITIZENS HOUSING SOCIETY WILL BE HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE OF THE NEW SENIORS HOUSING UNITS AT 24-F CEDAR STREET ON MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2011 1:00 P.M. - 4:OO P.M. EVERYONE WELCOME
The Valley Sentinel Wednesday January 26, 2011 • 13
» COMMUNITY
New local embroidery service Alex Cuba comes to Valemount and McBride for a performance you won’t want to miss out on! Donalda Beeson Contributor
P Wendy Gropler invites you to come out and see what she can do with her state of the art embroidery and heat transfer equipment.
Daniel Betts Contributor “The mountains moved me!” Wendy Gropler happily declared when asked what brought her to the Robson Valley from Prince George. Gropler is the owner of Sewhot Embroidery and Heat Transfers and is preparing for a grand opening event to take place on January 30th at 1125 Highway 5 North, behind the Valemount Pines Golf Course. Her dream of living in a log cabin in the mountains has come true and she is very enthusiastic about serving the Robson Valley with the help of a brand new state-of-the art industrial embroidery machine, the Amaya XTS. Gropler said she was a former highway rescue first responder who found she needed a change. “A couple of incidents really put me over the edge and it was something I just couldn’t do anymore.” With much enthusiasm Gropler is starting over and bringing with her two years of training and experience she acquired from Up The Creek Embroidery out of Prince George. Gropler can prepare any kind of quality advertising on almost any garment and expects to service many of the businesses in town. Many local businesses and organizations have already expressed interest in her work. She still has connections with Up The Creek Embroidery, which she could outsource work to should she become overwhelmed with large orders. She can also do much smaller orders for individuals looking for something per-
sonal such as a humorous t-shirt. She will have access to a heat press for shirts or other flat garments but it will have four attachments that will allow her to produce hats, mugs or even plates. Customers can bring their own shirts or garments but she also has a large catalogue of garments to choose from as well. “If you want one item done come see me, if you want a 100 items done come see me. Whatever you want it can be done,” she said. Gropler invites anyone interested to drop by on January 30th for coffee and tea and see what the machine can do. She explains, “A lot of people do have the delusion that I am sitting there with a needle and thread embroidering; I would really like people to know that I have an industrial machine that is going to give quality like you’re going to get out of big embroidery shops.” When asked what her expectations were for her business she replied, “to make people happy, because I am living my dream right now. I just want to put a smile on their faces and give them service that is not available up until now and make it as comfortable as possible. Come on over and have a coffee with me and we’ll sit down and find out exactly what you want and I will make it for you right there and you walk out the door with it.” For more information contact Wendy Gropler at 250 566 9096 or 250 612 2820 or by email at sewhotembroidery@gmail.com. Her regular business hours will be Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
School District No. 57 (Prince George) Pre-Registration Pre-registration is recommended for Kindergarten in School District No. 57 elementary schools. Registration will take place between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm on Wednesday February 2, 2011 Children whose fifth birthday falls on or before December 31, 2011 are eligible to enter Kindergarten in September 2011. A birth certificate is required. Further information is available in schools on preregistration day. Note: Full day Kindergarten will be in effect for all schools beginning September 2011
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICE School District No. 57 (Prince George) 2100 Ferry Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 4R5 Phone: 250-561-6800 Fax: 250-561-6801
rolific Cuban-Canadian, singersongwriter, musician extraordinaire, Alex Cuba is originally from Artemisa, Cuba but currently resides in Smithers, B.C. and he is bringing his trademark “sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks and rock chords” to Valemount, and McBride! This Tuesday, February the 1st at 7:30 p.m. at the Valemount Community Theatre, Alex Cuba’s cross-cultural sound will blow you away and soothe your soul, at the same time. And if his Spanish lyrics don’t seduce you his ‘70’s throwback Afro and luscious long-chop side burns will! Cuba will also be performing in McBride on January 31, at 8:00 p.m. in the McBride Roundhouse Theatre at the secondary school. Not only was Alex Cuba selected as one of iTunes U.S. Latino’s 2010 “Best Alternativo y Rock Latino” albums of the year, but his debut album with the Alex Cuba Band, “Humo De Tabaco”, won him a Juno award for World Music Album in 2006, with the single “Lo Mismo Que Yo”, featuring Ron Sex-
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smith, and charting in the Top 20 at BBC Radio 2. Also in the digital music world Alex Cuba solo has had four iTunes Singles of the Week in Canada, U.S., Japan, and the Netherlands, independently developing a notable, not to mention devoted, worldwide fan-base. Alex Cuba also recently collaborated with none other than B.C.’s own Nelly Furtado on her Spanish language debut album, “Mi Plan” which was released worldwide in September of 2009. Apparently, “The creative chemistry between Alex, Nelly and James Bryan” was so magical it “resulted in nine co-writes including the [first] single “Manos Al Aire” and the title track where [Alex Cuba] appears as an invited guest on vocals.” Between tour dates and Nelly Furtado collaborations, Cuba somehow found time to record his third album, a selftitled project that was released in Canada and the U.S. in June of 2010.
His newest Album features “surprising new grooves, innovative electric guitar inflections and varying tempos and structures,” keeping with his unique sound, as well as aiding in his musical revolution. You will not want to miss this one; his shows have been described as “explosive”, as he performs as a trio, with Alex himself on vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, electric bass and drums! And if that’s not enough, Dunster’s own, “Seth and Shara” of Mamaguroove will be opening for Alex Cuba in Valemount! This calibre of performance is made possible by the Valemount Arts and Cultural Society and the Roundhouse Theatre Society in McBride. Tickets are available in advance from Infinity Health in Valemount for $30 or at the door for $35. For McBride residents, tickets can be purchased at Stedmans, or for out of town purchases call Carol at 250569-0165.
Invitation for Construction Contract Quotes Raydi Investments Ltd. of Jasper is inviting quotes for a Construction Contractor for the following Project: Demolish Existing house & garage and disposal, Prep. Utilities & Connections, preparation of basement foundation, prepare site for modular home delivery, stairs, porches, decks, furnace and ductwork, gas lines, hose bibs, HWT & plumbing connections, basement electrical and connection, complete finishing of basement, concrete work for sidewalks and posts, prep lot for sod and trees, shrubs, build fence around lot.
Pharmacy Technician – 8 months - Online or on campus - The first CCAPP accredited program in BC Medical Transcriptionist – 9 months online or on campus - Work in hospitals, or online Financial Aid available for qualified students P.C.T.I.A. accredited college
Call Today For Free Info Kit
1-877-840-0888 www.ThompsonCC.ca
Project to begin Sept-Oct 2011 For Further information contact Diana @ 780-852-5406 or email diana@robinsonfoods.com
14 • Wednesday January 26, 2011 The Valley Sentinel
» COMMUNITY
Increasing elk epidemic frustrates farmers in Robson Valley From Front
Removing hay damaged by elk.
Two elk investigating Terri Jensen’s hay stack.
Photo Courtesy of Ed Zimmerman
Photo By Terri Jensen
having calves and those young ones grow up and live in this area. This is their home now and they don’t migrate anywhere else.” When the migration began in the mid nineties, Karas said he could identify problem bull elk (tagged) from Jasper in the Tete Jaune area, which he would watch come further and further down the highway which would take them about three weeks. “I remember when they were having some huge problems in Jasper with a few very aggressive bull elk that lived in people’s yards and were constantly being scared out of town. They were domesticated, and the Parks staff tagged them and called them problem bulls. I talked to the Parks guys and told them that I was seeing them out in Tete Jaune. I told them they were coming out here and living in farmers’ yards and eating our hay and they said there was nothing they could do about it. They did come out and identified them as some of the problem park bulls because they were tagged.” The only thing that Karas has found that works in deterring elk on his property is to fence his hay stacks with a very high fence, but even then the elk have been coming in to his feeding areas and pushing his horses out of the way to eat their food. “When they really start to get bold they come right into where you are feeding animals and they push animals off the feeders. We have pulled all our feeders up tight to where we can keep an eye on them because our horses are very timid towards elk. They will move out of the way and let the elk come in and eat what they want.” For farmers like Jensen, when her hay runs out she doesn’t know where she will get more, and the amount she is losing on a nightly basis is astounding. “I had 10 1,200 pound bales to see me through the winter. So far they have eaten most of one and half of another and a quarter of another. The bales that I make with my baler are 750 pounds, and they have eaten all of one and two-thirds of another one. These elk could eat half of my supply in one
night if I wasn’t there to protect it.” Proving how domesticated the elk are becoming, Jensen said a recent encounter with one proved that her efforts are growing more and more futile. Jensen was returning home at around 9:30 p.m. and discovered a herd of elk in her hay pile. Most of them ran about 200 feet away when she drove up to the pile honking her horn and flashing her lights, but one persistent elk would not get up from where it was laying down chewing its cud. “I hopped over the fence and was quite irate so I went charging at it screaming and yelling at the top of my lungs popping a lunging whip I had in the car. It didn’t move, and barely blinked an eye. I got up to it and wondered if there was something wrong with it, but it was certainly not distressed at all. I actu-
“When they really start to get bold they come right into where you are feeding animals and they push animals off the feeders.”~ Archie Karas
ally had to hit it with the whip three times before it actually opened its eyes and looked at me and then twice more before it got up and ran away. These are supposed to be wild animals. They are preying on our hay.” In response to the complaints, CO Officer Todd Hunter said that the best course of action for farmers dealing with elk is to secure their feed piles with fencing. Right now it is too cold to pound fence posts, so Hunter said he recommends wrapping the feed piles in snow fence or an equivalent product. “Right now if they can’t pound posts they can hide the good feed with poorer quality feed surrounding it, so the elk would go after last year’s stuff first. There are commercial repellents available as well. Motion detectors with lights or scare water mechanisms,
but for the winter time the best solution for haystacks is to use snow fencing wrapped around the bales so they don’t lose any feed.” There is also a limited hunting season for elk in the Valley, said Ministry of Environment Spokesperson, David Currie. “During the winter there is an antlerless elk season for private land in the Robson valley. The seasons are: Nov 15 to Dec 14, Dec 15 to January 15 and January 15 to February 15. There are 10 antlerless permits for each season.” Currie added that the seasons were established specifically to help reduce elk populations that are causing problems on private land during the winter. “All hunters are reminded to secure the appropriate authorization and licenses before hunting.” But for all the advice and effort so far from the government, local farmers say it is too little, and much of it is not effective. “When I reported an incident to a Conservation Officer in Prince George, I was told they could only give advice. This advice turned out to be impractical to implement.” As far as hunting the elk, Jensen is hesitant, as most farmers are heading into calving season; so the last thing they want on their land is a fresh kill which would most likely entice predators onto their properties. “These are government animals. If the government had’ve been more proactive and moved them out when they first started coming in that would have helped. This has been going on for a lot of years and they need to deal with this issue now.” One piece of advice Karas wishes to leave with his fellow farmers is that he has found Rock 101 FM, blasted out into the night, has seemed to help somewhat. “I have a radio near one of my haystacks that just blasts out Rock 101 all night and it seems to be working. We haven’t had too many around since I did that. I haven’t tried CBC or anything yet but the rock music seems to keep them away.” To report an issue with problem wildlife, the public is encouraged to call the CO Office in Prince George, at 1-877952-7277.
Business Directory
The Valley Sentinel Wednesday Janaury 26, 2011 • 15
PROPANE PROVIDER
RESTAURANT
Church Listings Valemount
RESTAURANT
Canwest Propane Ltd.
Open 7 days a week 11:00 am - 10 pm
YOUR LOCAL PROPANE PROVIDER
Free Delivery within Valemount Village Limits Take Out and Catering
Donairs - Burgers - Middle East Cuisine - Baklava Dine in or take out
Smorgasbord
250-566-4453
every Friday and Saturday, 5 pm - 9 pm, $14.95
Authentic Cantonese Cuisine & Western Food
Located in the Karas Mall, Valemount Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm Sunday 12:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Mondays
Sales Service 250-566-1324 Installation 1-800-424-6331
250-566-8238 1200 Main Street, Valemount
Delivery:
over $25.00 is free delivery under $25.00 will be a $3.00 charge
GOOD SHEPHERD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
3rd Ave & Elm St. Phone: 1 877 314-4897 Sunday 8:30am Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat-9am, Wed & Fri 7pm
ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH 250 566-4797
7th & Cedar, Sunday Worship 9:00 AM
NEW LIFE CENTRE
1247 - 1st Ave. 250-566-4824
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
FUEL DELIVERY Delivering Fuel East to McBride
Jen Applebaum
Licensed Property Manager * Handyman Services * Design Consulting
rusticluxury@telus.net
250.566.4005 Office 250.566.1323 Cell Valemount
www.rusticluxury.com
MORTGAGE CONSULTANT “Your Local Mortgage Consultant”
Vanderhoof & District Co-Operative Association
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
Vanderhoof Office Office: (250) 567-4488 Fax: (250) 567-4490 Cell: (250) 565-8436
SMALL ENGINE REPAIR
Mac’s Small Engine Service & Repair Closed Dec 8-Jan 8
Debra Parker AMP Mortgage Consultant
Phone: 1-866-426-8211 Cell: 250-421-7600 Email: debra_parker@centum.ca
Looking out for your best Interest.
CONTRACTOR SERVICES
Call Mac Cochrane
250-968-4498 PAINTING/HOME RENOS
S.C. BARNES
Steve Barnes
General Contractor Phone: 250-566-9114 Fax: 250-566-9166 Box 100 Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0
CONSTRUCTION
Dome Creek Builders
Custom Cedar & Exterior Finish (20 years Experience)
Call Kohl @ 1.250.553-6867 or Mal @ 1.250.553.2336
250 968-4349 or 250 566-4568 Sunday-11am, Sun. School 11am John McGuire 250.566.6801 or 250.566.1216 greenstarfsi@gmail.com 1012 3rd Avenue PO Box 967, Valemount, BC, V0E 2Z0
• GIS Services • Timber Cruising • GPS & Mapping • Forest Development • Total Chance Planning • Visual Impact Assessment • MPB Assessment & Control
VALEMOUNT COMMUNITY CHURCH Sundays 9:00 am 1275 5th Ave 250 566-4772.
VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 250 566-9990 Praise & Worship 11am
ADVERTISING
Advertising works!! Call us to place an ad in the Business Directory. 250 566-4425
Dunster ROCKO’S CHURCH
Sun. 11:00 am Home group meeting at Rod & Deb Reimer’s - Brown Road, Dunster. 250 968-4335.
McBride ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
197 Dominion, 250 569-2606 Sun. Communion Service 11am
BUILDING SUPPLIES
Hill Bill Products Ltd
CONSTRUCTION LTD. Bobcat Landscaping Services • Decks Concrete Foundations • Roofing • Framing Finish Carpentry • Kitchen/Bathroom Cabinets
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SERVICES
DRIVER SALES REPRESENTATIVE
• Lawn & gaRdEn • aTV’S • powER SawS • SnowMobILES
** MORTGAGES **
* Pre-approvals * Purchases * Refinances * Consolidations * Rental Property *Self Employed Mortgages * New to Canada * Vacation Home
Sunday School 10am. Family Worship 10:30am. Prayer meeting Thurs 7pm
FORESTRY
EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
Irly Building Supplies
Church 569.2378 or 569.8845 1st
Commercial & Home Renovations
• Hardware & Hardware for Cabinets • Electrical and Plumbing • Ply Woods, Drywall & Roofing
ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH
1.888.DNA.9233
250-566-0007 940 Main Street, Valemount
Staining of log homes • Free Estimates Servicing Valemount, Dunster, McBride, Blue River & Jasper
BULK OIL SALES
Sands Bulk Sales LTD Husky Oil Limited
GEOTHERMAL
Valley
Systems
845 Cedarside Rd. Valemount BC Joel Steinberg Phone: 250-566-4818 or 1-866-566-4818 P.O. Box 124, Fax: 250-566-4815 Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0 Cardlock and bulk plant facility Fuel truck for all your delivery needs
250-674-0017
joel_valleygeo@telus.net
Ave Sun 11am Sunday School 9:45am.
441 Dominion St., 250 569.3206 or 250 569.3386. Worship/Kids church 11:30am
SEVENTH - DAY ADVENTIST
Lamming Pit Road 250 569.3370 Sabbath School: Sat. 9:30 am, Worship Service Sat. 11am, Pathfinders Tues 7pm, Prayer Meeting Wed 7pm
MOUNTAIN CHAPEL (PAOC)
Church 569-3350 Office 569-6802 Sunday Worship 11:10am, Prayer Service Wed. 7 pm
MENNONITE CHURCH
Sun. Sch. 10am Sunday Services 11am, 7:30pm Wed 7:45pm
16 • Wednesday January 26, 2011 The Valley Sentinel
Business Directory
RECYCLING
Stay connected and subscribe to The Valley Sentinel.
INTERNET
CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACTOR SERVICES
MORTGAGE LENDER
Rex’s Recycling 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 ng ed
Call liz or KiM everard at 250.566.9111
reduCe • reuse • reCyCle
RESTAURANT
CONSTRUCTION LTD.
Free Delivery within Valemount Village Limits Take Out and Catering
Smorgasbord
250-566-8238 1200 Main Street, Valemount
250 566-4425
Bobcat Landscaping Services • Decks Concrete Foundations • Roofing • Framing Finish Carpentry • Kitchen/Bathroom Cabinets
every Friday and Saturday, 5 pm - 9 pm, $14.95
Authentic Cantonese Cuisine & Western Food
Call now!
S.C. BARNES
Open 7 days a week 11:00 am - 10 pm
Steve Barnes
Delivery:
General Contractor Phone: 250-566-9114 Fax: 250-566-9166 Box 100 Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0
over $25.00 is free delivery under $25.00 will be a $3.00 charge
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
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
DEC 15 GTS
AUTOMOBILES
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition. Fully loaded, automatic, bloack leather interior, 10 disc CD changer, roof rack, hitch mount, etc. $13,000. Call 250 569-7588
JUN 30 GTS
1999 Ford F150 XLT Triton V8. Fully loaded, power seats, P/W. Asking $3500 or best offer. You can view at 1178 4th Ave.
2000 Chrysler Intrepid. NOV 3 GTS Very good shape. 4 summer tires, 4 studded 1991 Ford F250 XLT, winter tires $4000 obo. extended cab, 4WD, Phone 250 566-4555 206,183 original km, MAY 19 GTS new tires, new brakes, box liner, trailer hitch. 1998 Jeep Grand Reverse gear needs Cherokee Larado, work. $1750 Phone Alpine Stereo. $4500. 250 968--4493 Call for more info. 250 SEPT 22 GTS 566-4318
OCT 27 GTS
HOLIDAY TRAILER
FIREWOOD
RENTALS
21’ Holiday trailer for Seasoned firewood. $60 sale. In nice shape. a pickup load. Call 250 Phone Mike at 250 566- 566-8447 FEB 2 4382
NOV 3 GTS
Birch firewood. Logging truckload $800 - U Haul. Call 250 569-2471
INSTRUMENTS
JAN 12 GTS
For Sale: A recording quality George Benson Ibanez Hollow Body MISC. FOR SALE Electric Guitar + case, $1000. We also have 5 Bulb sway lamp. $20 a variety of acoustic + obo. Call Deanna after electric guitars for sale. 5pm at 250 566-9021 For more info call Deb JAN 26 Reimer @ 250 968-4335
SEPT 08 GTS
MISC. FOR SALE
8 ft. Snowblower, PTO Speed 1000, $1200. Radial Arm Saw 10 inch, $200. 12inch single side thickness planer $400. Call 250 968-4419
JAN 26
RENTALS
Furnished Accom. Bachelor suite and 3 bdrm house for rent. Call 250 566-9884 for more information.
JAN 5 TFN
WANTED - MISC.
JUL 7 GTS
EMPLOYMENT
#024
#014-1
JAN 26
www.rusticluxury.com
FEB 2
EMPLOYMENT
Line Cooks & Waitress needed. Wages negotiable. Possible accommodations. Full time. Blue River Husky. Phone 250 673-8221 or email mnicol@ mercuryspeed.com
Mountainview Apts. No smoking, no pets, clean and quiet building. Bach, 1 & 2 Bdrm units $375-$575 3 Bdrm house with attached garage. $850 Fully renovated interior. Furnished 4 bdrm, 2 Bath Home. $1200
Photos and details at
WANTED
Looking to purchase new/ used pair of cross country Custom Hand Split ski boots. Ladies sized 9.5 Cedar Post and Rail. Call or 10. If you have any you for details. 250 569- would like to sell or give 7286 away call 250 566-8447.
Rental listings Valemount Real estate #014-2
Looking for fat scraps to feed sled dogs. Call 250 968-6808.
RENTALS
Call Jen 250-566-1323
CLASSIFIEDS WORK!
Hit your mark - Everytime! 250-566-4425
ads@thevalleysentinel.com www.thevalleysentinel.com
The Valley Sentinel Wednesday Janaury 26, 2011 • 17 Main: 250.566.4425 | Toll-free: 1.800.226.2129 | E-mail: classifieds@thevalleysentinel.com | Web: classifieds.thevalleysentinel.com COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS 1226 Week of 1.24.2011
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS
Announcements
FinAnciAl services
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employment opportunities RUSKIN CONSTRUCTION LTD. Pile driving and bridge construction; www.ruskinconstruction. com currently looking for: Professional Engineers; Engineers in Training; Project Managers; Site Superintendents; Site Administrators; Journeymen/ Apprentice Welders; Crane & Equipment Operators; Bridgemen; Pile Drivers; Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics. Permanent and seasonal work. Competitive/Union wages. Fax resume 250563-2800. Email: bridges@ ruskinconstruction.com. POWER ENGINEERING, GPRC Fairview College Campus. Now accepting applications for fall study. On-campus boiler labs. Fourth Class Level and Part A of Third Class. Affordable residences. 1-888-999-7882; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview.
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Seniors housing update for Valley: Contrary to what was reported in other news outlets in the Valley, construction on the McBride seniors housing units is continuing as planned. BC Housing Spokesperson, Rhonda Nguien, said that the only aspect of construction that will have to be completed in the spring is the curb and sidewalk concrete work, as it cannot be finished until the snow is gone. “The schedule has been adjusted by the weather. We hope to have the rest of the work completed by the end of February and we’re trying to get the occupancy process underway in March.” In Valemount, seniors have already begun moving in, said Village Councillor, Bobbi Roe, and plans for a public open house are already underway. “We will be having an open house on the 31 of January. There are still a couple of units that still aren’t rented, and we have been promising that we would have an open house so the community could come in and take a look at the facilities.” It won’t be the official opening, said Roe, as that will take place in the spring when the landscaping is completed. “That will happen when we get the units all full and we finish the landscaping. Our MLA, Shirley Bond, and our MP, Cathy McLeod will be a part of the official celebration.” So far, 8 of the 10 units have already been rented, and Roe expects the occupants to be in by the end of the month. “It’s really nice to have them up and actually have people moving in. These are all people who have been waiting on a place to live. We didn’t have anyone transfer over from the existing seniors facility.” Roe isn’t stopping with the existing seniors units though, as she said more are already needed. “I am just delighted. We need more though. At our council meeting the other night we had a committee of the whole session and our topic was affordable housing. We are not just looking at seniors but also some assisted living, which is really needed, and some housing for young people and workers. We live in a resort community and we have to be proactive when it comes to housing options for our residents.”
Valentine's Day Book Your Space Today! Be part of our fun feature Send a message to your Valentine
Advertisers reserve your space! Booking Deadline: February 2nd, 2011 please call Sharon at 250-566-4425 Publishing Date: February 9th, 2011 or email ads@the valleysentinel.com
18 • Wednesday January 26, 2011 The Valley Sentinel
Activities to Entertain & Amuse Pioneer Photo
CROSSWORD AND SUDOKU
About this photo Description: Margie Duncan wading in Berg Lake to get ice for use in the lodge. Date: 1940s Credits: Valemount Museum & Archives ID: 2003.19.24 Image: 19 of 27 If you have any more information on this photo or any others that appear you can contact The Valley Museum & Archives in McBride, The Valemount Museum or contact us at The Valley Sentinel.
Horoscopes
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20
LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23
There are strange things happening, Aries, but it’s better to just go with the flow. Who knows, maybe you’ll like the change of pace and its effect on your lifestyle.
TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Better days lie ahead, Taurus. It’s just a matter of waiting a few weeks. In the interim, start a new project that will take your mind off of your worries.
GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Make the most of time spent with friends, Gemini, because for a little while you will be flying under the radar while you handle a few necessities that have been overlooked.
You’ve been feeling a bit gloomy, Leo, and it’s understandable based on how much you’ve had going on. But it’s easy to change your mood if you surround yourself with friends.
VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Generosity is a good thing, Virgo, but not when you put others continually before you put yourself. Reassess your values and make an effort to make changes.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 When one door closes another door opens, Libra. Look at the positive side of things and embrace the changes that are happening to you. If you dwell on the negative, you can’t succeed.
CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 There’s much more to you than meets the eye, Cancer, but you don’t often give others a peek into your inner thoughts unless they truly earn it. Someone special does this week.
Wednesday
SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 There’s so much going on that it’s any wonder you can still function on a daily basis, Scorpio. Although times may be stressful, things will work out in the end.
Thursday
Friday
SAGITTARIUS Dec21
-Nov
LAST WEEKS ANSWERS
23/
A relationship is blooming, Sagittarius, and you’re not sure how you feel about it just yet. Take a few more weeks to work through your feelings and form a solid opinion.
CAPRICORN-Dec 22/Jan 20 You have an eye for value, Capricorn, and it will help you realize a good deal this week. Share the wealth with other people if you can. Tuesday is a banner day.
AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, take firm hold of the financial reigns because overspending could be the downfall to an important relationship. Curb any purchase for a few days. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Creativity is blooming, Pisces, but you’re not sure how to harness your artistic energy. Redesigning a room could help.
saTurday
sunday
Daytime Light snow Condition
Daytime Light snow Condition
Daytime Light snow Condition
Daytime Scattered Condition flurries
Daytime Condition
60% P.O.P. 5°C High -2°C Low Wind SW 5 km/h 2-4 cm 24/Hr Rain
60% P.O.P. 4°C High -3°C Low Wind SW 5 km/h 4-6 cm 24/Hr Snow
60% P.O.P. -2°C High -6°C Low Wind NE 5 km/h 4-7 cm 24/Hr Snow
40% P.O.P. -6°C High -16°C Low Wind NE 5 km/h 1 cm 24/Hr Snow
10% P.O.P. -7°C High -14°C Low Wind SW 5 km/h 24/Hr Snow
Mainly sunny
Monday
Daytime Variable Condition cloudiness P.O.P. High Low Wind 24/HrSnow
30% -5°C -12°C S 5 km/h
The Valley Sentinel Wednesday Janaury 26, 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 at Canoe View Park off McKirdy Road 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 TBA - 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 available provided by the 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! You can park at Canoe View Park off McKirdy Road. 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
Valemount MMA Club • 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 January 26, 2011 The Valley Sentinel
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PRINCE GEORGE
www.mountainviewrealty.ca
Phone Book
Servicing Valemount, McBride & Area, Blue River and Dunster. Publishing at the end of February, 2011
Advertisers book your ads & listings early!
ge a t r a C Ly tt le Servicing All Points Hwy. 5, Kamloops to Valemount
Since 1999
Condolences to The Basaraba Family Transport Services
For more info on how to get your business included, please call Sharon at 250-566-4425 or email ads@the valleysentinel.com
• Same day service • Kamloops to Valemount • Monday to Friday • Food products • All points Hwy 5 North • General Freight
• Courier Packages • Household Goods • And More
Suz Lyttle Cartage • 1.877.372.1182 Valemount Depot @ Infinity Office • 250.566.4225