Volume 27 Issue 11 by The Valley Sentinel

sentinel YOUR COMMUNITY YOUR NEWSPAPER

SERVING THE ROBSON VALLEY SINCE 1986

THE VALLEY

WEDNESDAY March 14, 2012 $1.16 Plus HST

Volume  Issue  www.thevalleysentinel.com

INCLUDING THE COMMUNITIES OF VALEMOUNT, MCBRIDE, DUNSTER, TETE JAUNE, BLUE RIVER, MOUNT ROBSON, CRESCENT SPUR AND DOME CREEK

WEATHER

Pre-school Reading Program

MOSTLY CLOUDY High: 3°C Low: -7°C Details pg 14

THE MAYOR LOOKS OUT - PAGE 3

IN ALABAMA - PAGE 8

“RCMP: Safe and approachable for valley children”

Above: On Thursday, March 8, Corporal Barry Kennedy reads to children attending Stepping Stones Children’s Centre, operated by the Robson Valley Support Society, in McBride, B.C. Photo by Astrid Frazier

RVSS Reading program builds trust Astrid Frazier CONTRIBUTOR

ANNIVERSARY - PAGE 9

EQUINE CARE - PAGE 10

n October 2011, the Robson Valley Support Society’s (RVSS), Stepping Stones Children’s Centre partnered with the McBride RCMP to implement a weekly program where a uniformed officer would come to the Centre to read stories to the children. Elizabeth de Vries, Counsellor for Children and Youth Exposed to Domestic Violence at RVSS, noticed that a startling number of her clients had huge fears of RCMP officers and when discussing safety planning with these children the thought of phoning 911 or speaking to an officer was unimaginable. “Often families living with domestic violence have an unspoken rule to not involve outsiders, especially the police,” said de Vries. “For some children the only interactions they’ve ever had with the police are when an officer is arresting one of their parents.” The initial goal of the reading program was an attempt

to reduce fear and build trust between young children in our valley and RCMP, so they learned that police officers are safe and approachable people. Beth Frederick, Early Childhood Educator and Manager of Stepping Stones Children’s Centre is also a Supported Child Development Consultant. She agreed that the program would be a great way to foster trust along with promoting literacy and introducing the children to helpful professionals. She believes the children in the centre have responded positively to the program. The children often have numerous questions for the officers and each need their own moment to tell the officer a story of their own. The officer usually reads one to two books, depending on the mood of the group, and sometimes even joins in on a song. Constable Nathan Fox recalls a situation when in uniform at the McBride Recreation Center. A two year old child walked right up to him and started pulling at his duty vest. The child wanted to know where the book was hiding! The child didn’t seem to know what Continued on Page 3

2 • Wednesday March 14, 2012 The Valley Sentinel

UPFront

Beyond the Market: Growing local food for a local market Birgit Stutz Contributor

“Locally produced food is different”

Above: Mark Robbins, Regional Agrologist with the Ministry of Agriculture, gives a presentation on new farm start-up and farm business development during a recent Beyond the Market workshop in Dunster, B.C. Photo by Birgit Stutz

xpanding the local food industry was the topic of an all-day workshop at the Dunster Community Hall last week. About thirty locals attended the Beyond the Market workshop in Dunster March 8 to learn more about the opportunities for a growing agri-food sector across Northern B.C.. The free event was geared towards all farm and food service operators,

including farmers, ranchers, greenhouse operators, apiarists, new farm entrants, chefs, caterers, food service managers, grocers, and purchasing directors, as well as anybody else interested in learning about the business of farming. The workshop consisted of several presentations by key experts in farm operations and business development as well as a networking session and a local growers and ranchers panel discussion. Jillian Merrick, Project Coordinator of the Beyond the Market program, started off the workshop with introductory remarks. Merrick said that selling food locally gets farmers a better return, however, one of the problems with local food production is that there is often no consistent supply to meet the demand. Citing beef production as an example, she said that local beef production could expand. “By finishing and processing beef locally the farmer gets a better return, but there are also more challenges. Group sales need to be looked at.” Brent Warner, of White Loaf Ridge Management Company, then gave a presentation on producing and marketing food locally – opportunities and challenges for northern agricultural producers. Warner is a professional horticulturist/agrologist and is recognized and well respected as a spokesperson for the direct marketing and agritourism component of agriculture. “Chefs have finally realized that locally produced

food is different,” Warner told workshop participants. “As well, people are now looking at food as part of their health care system.” Warner stressed that it is important that farmers have the public’s trust and “don’t mess it up.” Warner said that today’s agriculture is more than food, it’s an experience. “Ninety-two per cent of shoppers go to farmers markets to meet the farmers,” he said. “Farmers need to get out of the commodity game. You don’t want to just sell a commodity, we need to process, add value.” Warner used the winery model as an example of an agricultural sector that capitalizes on the tourism experience, stressing that this model can be applied to any ag sector. “Agri-tourism is an experience,” he said. “On-farm sales, festivals, leisure activities, farmers markets, all attract people. The opportunity is putting local culture back into food.” Warner pointed out two main points: presentation and knowing who your customers are. Branding, having a logo, labelling produce are all part of marketing and letting the consumer know who you are. “There needs to be a direct connection through the label, from our family farm to your family’s table. The experience has to work all the way through retail.” Warner said that it’s important to concentrate on the customers a producer already has, not spend Continued on Page 15 everything on reaching out

FuNDINg For STuDENTS, NoT For wAgE hIkES. The BCTF is demanding a 15 per cent wage hike and other benefits that would cost $2 billion and raise taxes for BC families. Virtually all other public sector unions have settled for no wage increases. It’s unacceptable that schools are disrupted and that students and their families are inconvenienced over an unreasonable salary demand in difficult economic times. The union is making claims and demands that simply don’t add up.

BCTF CLAIMS AND DEMANDS

FACT

The union wants more paid time outside the classroom – sick leave for teachers on call, expanded bereavement and discretionary leave.

The government wants more time for teacher training and to ensure that Pro-D days really are for professional development.

The union says all teaching positions should be selected on the basis of seniority.

The government supports seniority but qualifications must also count so that math teachers teach math, and science teachers teach science.

The union says that teachers who perform poorly in evaluations will be dismissed – ‘one strike and you’re out’.

The government wants to support teacher improvement through a standardized evaluation process.

The union says that government refuses to negotiate.

There has been over a year of negotiations and 78 full bargaining sessions.

The union says that class size limits have been eliminated.

Class size limits will remain in place on all grades across BC.

The union says that BC has 700 fewer special needs teachers.

2100 new teaching assistants have been hired since 2001. And, with a new $165 million Learning Improvement Fund, we will hire more.

It’s time to focus on what matters most in education – BC’s students. That’s why we are focused on per-student funding which is at an all time high, not on wage increases. We all want to do more to make BC’s education system even better. It’s the driving force behind BC’s Education Plan that teachers, parents and students are helping to shape. Teachers care about their students. Parents care about their children’s future.

LET’S PUT STUDENTS BCEDPLAN.CA

Local News

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 14, 2012 • 3

Mayor Andru McCracken: On the inside looking out McCracken has been busy fostering new relationships both within the district and beyond, along with First Nations groups. “Our fates are tied together,” said McCracken. Something that surprised him was, “There’s way more on the go than anyone is allowed to let on. There’s way more projects on the hopper than you’d expect.” One main advantage McCracken finds on the inside looking out is, “...the ability to communicate with everybody what is going on and why. It puts you in a very powerful situation because there are people who are in a...for lack of better word, snipe. Yet if there is good reason it’s so much better to share it and talk about it. Knowing the rationale is a good reason. I think everyone should know that they are on the inside now too. With the exception of land, legal and labour, everything we do is in the public eye. I say to people all the time at the meetings ‘all the rationale for everything we do is right here in this document’.” Along with the piles of reading in his office, McCracken is busy in other ways as well. “I’m listening to ideas. If they come in and need help, first of all they get encouraged.” He’s also in the process of getting the Borealis Energy Project and Town Hall construction upgrade contracts signed. There are many meetings with the Regional District, OBAC, and many boards including, CBT and the Regional Hospital. The integrated Sustainable Plan is coming up and there are endless amounts of people to stay in touch with and make contact with. Despite the long hours and piles of reading McCracken emphasizes, “I love this. I love this job.”

Jennifer Meagher Contributor

“Piles of reading”

Above: On Friday, March 9, Mayor Andru McCracken hard at work in his office. Photo by Jennifer Meagher

n a conversation with Mayor Andru McCracken of Valemount, B.C., I asked how he’s enjoying his role and what he’s working on now. McCracken states, “It’s absolutely fascinating. It’s totally fun and a bit scary. I’m a pretty brave guy so I like danger; I like not knowing where I am. What scares me is I represent the Village now. What scares me more is that I represent Council.” McCracken has taken the Mayor job on full-time. It has a steep learning curve. “The shear amount of information I’m expected to digest, it’s just incredible.” That being said, he gives much credit to the Village staff who “really run the place.” McCracken enjoys the challenges of his new role. “People would probably disagree with this but I like that there’s no obvious answers.” He believes Valemount’s current hardship is an opportunity for residents to be truly resourceful. “By resourceful that means tapping into the manpower, the people that are here, the community and I think that’s what we need to do is focus on that.” He believes that, “a lot of the answers that Valemount needs are here.”

Valemount Learning Centre 250-566-4601

Woodstove Exchange Program

LOCAL JOB LOCAL JOB POSTINGS POSTINGS

RCMP reading program continued from front page officer he was talking to, but he recognized that the uniform meant safety and fun story time. In another instance a uniformed officer from Valemount, B.C. was at RVSS and touring the building. When he went into the daycare room, the children ran up and asked him what book he brought to read. They again connected the uniform with trust. These are wonderful examples of the trust that has already been built. Corporal Barry Kennedy, and Constables Nathan Fox and Peter Berndsen each bring their own unique style and personality to the reading. It’s a lot of fun to watch them interact with the children. One of them even does accents and different voices. “It’s priceless,” said de Vries. “The RCMP members are finding the program quite rewarding. It’s turned out to be a lot of fun for the police to interact with the children. The children are not only benefiting from the program, but so are the police,” said Corporal Barry Kennedy. Beth and Elizabeth have started conversations about having something similar in Valemount.

Looking for work? We can help. Get the training and support you need to find and keep a job in B.C. Job search resources • Personal employment planning • Workshops and training • Specialized services

Updated March 14, 2012

Updated Mar. 14, 2012 •

• • • • • •

This offer only applies to the residents of the Village of Valemount and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George area from Tete Jaune to Albreda Only 10 rebates available! (may require attendance for limited entry draw) Exchange your old, uncertified woodstove (pre1994) for a new EPA-certified wood, pellet or gas heating appliance Receive a $750 rebate To get started stop by the Village of Valemount or our local retailers and pick up an Expression of Interest Form Initial Closing date for Expression of Interest is April 12, 2012 Local Retailers: Canoe Mountain Extreme Sports 1424 5th Ave. 250.566.9949 Valemount Home Hardware 1248 5th Ave. 250.566.4256

For further Information, please contact: Tom Dall at 250.566.4435 or email cao@valemount.ca

 Banquet Servers  Bartender/Server  Camp Ground Attendant/              

Fee Collector Community Grant Writer Cook/Chef Counter Sales Clerk Engineering Heavy Duty/ Field Mechanic. Front Desk Groomer/Operator Housekeepers Maintenance Person Night Audit Part time Banquet Servers Red Cross Swimming Instructor. Servers/Bartenders Track Maintainer Traffic Control Person

Front desk staff can give you We are here to about help.each Please detailed information of these postings, including info on how to submit call or drop in. For more your application for these job opportunities.

information on these jobs or other employment assistance services visit us at Regency Valemount

Learning Centre Place 12015th Ave, Valemount. 250-566-4601 www.valemountlearningcentre.org

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES CENTRES Locations across B.C. Visit one near you. WorkBCCentres.ca 1.800.663.7867 TDD: 1.800.661.8773

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

The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

4 • Wednesday March 14, 2012 The Valley Sentinel

OPINION

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

» VIEWPOINT

» DAVE MARCHANT

Daniel Betts editor@thevalleysentinel.com

Not Funny

had a rare opportunity to attend a movie recently. Before the movie started the typical Hollywood sales pitches of upcoming movie trailers greeted me but just before the feature began I was surprised by a potentially nostalgic delight as the old Looney Toons song began to play. I was about to be shaken with a blast from the past and I wondered how they may have resurrected Bugs Bunny or if they were actually going to play an old cartoon. I was intrigued to say the least. What came on the screen was rather disturbing. Elmer Fudd had been converted into a three-dimensional caricature. While Mr. Fudd could be considered a likeable character in two-dimensions, his psychotic obsession with duck hunting and completely unsafe handling of firearms created a scenario that was less than amusing. Daffy Duck’s digital conversion, complete with saliva spewing lisp, added a new dimension of disgust and revulsion as the caricature attempted, what I presume was meant to be, an entertaining Broadway style musical piece while under constant fire from a maniacal gunman. What was most disturbing was the extremely fast paced sporadic rapid-fire shotgun blasts, exploding set pieces and disturbing scenes of loaded shotgun muzzles being jammed into character’s faces. The piece generated a alarming atmosphere that left me feeling embarrassed that I may have, in my youth, enjoyed something similar. Warner Bros. took something successful from the past and modernized it to accommodate our “need it now” fast-paced society. Epic fail. Trying to modernize a two-dimensional absurdity into our modern society’s need for fast paced realistic entertainment does not translate well. I was most pleased Elmer’s aim had not improved over the years as I was worried what a three-dimensional depiction of Daffy getting his head blown off would look like. Over the years the way violence is viewed and depicted has changed considerably. In the context of a two-dimensional cartoon, it seemed funny due to its absurdity. When I was young, TV shows and movies rarely showed the true effects and consequences of violence or the use of firearms. Even in live-action programs a character getting shot simply clutched his or her chest and crumpled to the floor, rarely was blood shown. In our modern age we are well aware of the true consequence of violence. Adding crazy to the equation is no longer amusing. In a way this experiment shows how society has changed. With school shootings, mall shootings and wars brought to us live and streaming on the Internet, our tastes have changed. We are no longer blissfully ignorant to pain and suffering yet we expect elements of realism in all our escapes. Even the young people in the audience appeared confused by what they saw and most importantly, nobody was laughing. Have we become a more sophisticated society or has the constant barrage of fast past realism stripped us of our innocent appreciation for the absurd?

SuBScriptionS:

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» MAILBAG

Crystal Ridge Support Dear Editor My husband and I recently purchased a home in the Village of Valemount. We have been visiting Valemount for years for the purpose of snowmobiling and have always been in love with the mountains. The real estate market in Valemount and the close proximity to where we live were two large factors for making our purchase there. There are also a number of other factors that came into play when we had made our decision. A large portion of those factors was the exciting potential recreational growth that could occur in the area. We believe that having a first ever of its kind Crystal Ridge Sled Ski Project will make a large impact on the economy of the village. We already are aware that there is some of the best downhill alpine skiing in the area and Mike Wiegele seems to be capitalizing on the industry while doing very, very well for himself all the while not giving much back to the communities that surround his operations. The users of Crystal Ridge will be directly supporting local businesses by staying at the accommodations in the area, eating in the local restaurants or purchasing groceries and foodstuffs at the stores. The snowmobiles that are used to access Crystal Ridge will require fuel

AndreA Scholz

Publisher Production Manager publisher@thevalleysentinel.com

dAniel BettS

editor editor@thevalleysentinel.com

AdvertiSing

ads@thevalleysentinel.com office: drop Box: MAin: eMAil:

which would be purchased from one of the gas stations in town and I know that the local recreation stores located in Valemount are always busy at the end of a day! Crystal Ridge will definitely bring a larger and more diverse group of people to the area. There has been a lot of support, time and manpower that has gone into the project and a lot more to go yet. I know that there are so many others like me that believe in and support this project and the area. As I am saddened to see all of the empty stores downtown our hopes are that they are once were full again and the Village of Valemount and the Robson Valley will be thriving! Lara Goertz - Drayton Valley, Alta.

Sentinel Letter Policy

e welcome Letters to the Editor on all subjects. We do not publish anonymous letters, so please include your name and contact information so that we can verify that you wrote the letter. All letters are the opinion of the writer and not The Valley Sentinel. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity or compliance with current standards of public taste.

ubmit your letter to the editor by emailing it to editor@thevalleysentinel.com or drop by The Valley Sentinel office in Valemount.

SylviA grigAt

office assistant

deAnnA Mickelow sales rePresentative

contriButorS: birgit stutz, donalda beeson, aMber stayer, Jennifer Meagher, Marie birkbeck, & astrid frazier

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

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 March 14, 2012 • 5

OPINION » MAILBAG

» MAILBAG

Sled Ski Supported in Valemount Bylaws not being enforced Dear Editor

Dear Editor

I have been informed through VARDA that a proposed Sled/Ski facility is in the planning stages for the Valemount area and would like to offer my support in this endeavor. I spend perhaps 25 to 30 days a year sledding, mostly in McBride area with my family. With this facility in nearby Valemount, I would be spending the majority of our recreational time in your area due to the fact that my entire family skis and snowboarders as well as snowmobiles. The concept of sled/ski is awesome and think this is the a great alternative to the uncertainty of heading into the backcountry with my family. I like coming to Valemount and the family loves staying at the Best Western when we are in the area. I would wholehearted support your project by bringing my family to your hamlet on a regular basis with this facility in place.

Well here we go again another bylaw that will not do anything for our village. The village has always had speed limits but never enforced them, and if you’re an out of town sledder that seems can do no wrong. Where is our Mayor and council? Not out enforcing the bylaws we have in place already. As for the 2012—2014 planning projects it looks like this Mayor and council is the same as the past group. Mayors and councils there going to try to spend the Village to death. Joe Marsh - Valemount

Lorne Myers and Family - Calgary, Alta.

Social Work Week Recognized Dear Editor They serve families, children and youth, seniors, criminal offenders, trauma victims and people in need of social services. Social work practitioners and clinicians make a difference every day in every B.C. community. British Columbia has proclaimed March 5-11, 2012, as Social Work Week to recognize the contributions of those valuable individuals in the social work field for helping make a difference in the lives of their fellow British Columbians. Social workers and others working in the field are faced daily with extremely difficult decisions that affect the lives of others. Many of these decisions must be made instantly in high-pressure, complex and occasionally dangerous situations. A social worker who recently retired after 40 years said, “Nobody has all the answers, but some professions have to take on the social responsibility.”

Practitioners and clinicians advocate, counsel, support and quite often cheerlead as they support those in need and in crisis. British Columbians are fortunate to have such a strong set of individuals who are willing to take on the heavy burden of responsibility and make difficult decisions with the aim of serving the public. During Social Work Week, I want to recognize the more than 2,600 social workers, front-line staff and clinicians in the Ministry of Children and Family Development and delegated Aboriginal agencies, as well as the many other organizations serving the citizens of B.C. in family service, health and community-based organizations. They are skilled, trained professionals who believe in the worth and dignity of the people they work with, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Mary McNeil - Minister of Children and Family Development

APPLY FOR A YOUTH OR COLLEGE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD CBT is offering $2,000 to up to 66 students If you’re a student in the Columbia Basin you could qualify! CBT’s community service awards reward students for volunteer service in their communities. Twitter Facebook • 45 awards available for graduating high school students; Twitter • 21 awards for college students planning to continue their studies; and • application deadlines are in March and April. Visit www.cbt.org/programs for details. www.cbt.org • 1.800.505.8998

Winter is HERE! Brookfield 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 Power wants to ensure that all of your outdoor recreational activities are positive and memorable experiences this winter. For more information: 604-485-2223

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6 • Wednesday March 14, 2012 The Valley Sentinel

COMMUNITY EVENTS SPECIAL EVENTS

DJ Zurelikkus March 16, 2012, 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Come out to party and enjoy the sounds of DJ Zurelikkus. All ages welcome! There will be a bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. All funds raised during this event will go to help the Baxter/Fleury family, who have recently experienced a house fire in Mackenzie, B.C.. Purchase your tickets at Super 8 Valemount, McBride Husky, and the McBride IGA. Intro to ebooks March 16, 2012, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. @ McBride & District Public Library Bring your mobile device for an intro to the library’s e/audiobook program, Overdrive

Email essentials March 21 2012, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. @ McBride & District Public Library New to email? Want to learn the basics. Martina will be teaching the essentials of common, free accounts.

Pajama Storytime March 23, 2012, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. @ McBride & District Public Library Wear your pjs and bring your favorite bedtime toy. We’ll have bedtime stories and songs. Pancake Breakfast March 18, 2012, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Come to the Legion to enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, and a drink.

Adults $6.00, Seniors $5.00, Children under 12 $5.00.

Robson Valley Support Society is seeking donations of women’s used shoes (all kinds: athletic, casual, dress, boots) for a Prevention of Violence Against Women Week event. April 15th - 21st is a week designated for raising awareness of violence against women. Please contact either office if you have a pair you would like to donate. 566-9107 or 569-2266. The shoes will be donated to a charitable thrift store after the event.

Sentinel Historical Spotlight

Game Zone March 20 & 21, 2012, 2:30-4:30 p.m. @ McBride & District Public Library Come out and play your favorite board games. All ages welcome!

“Dunster Hall” Dunster Hall, built in 1930/1931. Photo taken in 1973 before the hall was demolished for road construction. On the photo it says “Dunster Hall (Lee)”. What or who is Lee? Valemount Museum & Archives #997.09.125

Native Cultural Teachings March 21, 2012, 10:30 a.m.@ McBride & District Public Library For those who missed Angel the first time, join us for an encore presentation of her talk on Native Culture.

Courtesy of The Valley Sentinel From the Valemount Museum and Archives/ ©Valemount and Area Museum.

ONGOING EVENTS Valemount MONDAYS: • VALEMOUNT SENIORS Carpet Bowling 9 a.m. Golden Years Lodge • Lions Bingo 1st & 3rd Mon., at Lions Hall, doors open 6 p.m., everyone welcome. • Royal Canadian Legion General meetings every 3rd Mon. of month 7:30 p.m. in Legion. • PLAY AND LEARN 10 a.m. until noon at Pepe’s Restaurant tuesdays: • valemount mma club upstairs at The Trading Post. Co-ed from 7-8:30 p.m. • Valemount Children’s Activity Centre Board Meeting 1st Tuesday of the month - 7 p.m. @ the Centre beneath the Community Hall (the red door). • adult recreational vollEyball 7-9 p.m. Valemount Sec. School gym. Contact Suzanne Bloodoff @ 250 566-9979 • Council Meeting 2nd & 4th Tues., 7 p.m., council chambers. Everyone welcome. • Ladies Auxiliary #266 Legion Meetings 1st Tuesday of every month 3 p.m. in Valemount Legion. WEDNESDAYS: • Public Library Board Meeting Every 2nd Wed. 5 p.m. Downstairs at the library. • valemount seniors music night 7-9 p.m. Golden Years Lodge • TOASTMASTERS meets every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Best Western. THURSDAYS: • Adult Recreation Badminton. 7-9 p.m. in the Valemount Sec. School gym. Contact Betty @250 566-4656 • CHAMPS Weight loss Support Team for men and women. Thurs. 6:00 p.m. Downstairs Valemount Clinic. Shirley 566-9829, Dolly 566-8458. • Chamber of Commerce Quarterly General Meetings 3rd Thurs. of January, April, July and October @ 4:45 p.m. at the old Learning Centre on Gorse St. in the CNC classroom • Saddle & Wagon Club Meeting 3rd Thurs. 7 p.m. 566-9707 • VALEMOUNT SENIORS SOCIAL CLUB. Regular meetings first Thurs. of every month at 7 p.m. downstairs lounge at Golden Years Lodge. FRIDAYS: • valemount mma club upstairs at The Trading Post. Co-ed from 7-8:30 p.m. • VALEMOUNT LEGION Friday Night dinners starting at 5 p.m. • ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Friday evenings at 8 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Catholic Church basement SATURDAYS: • valemount mma club upstairs at The Trading Post. Open Mat from 9-11 a.m. by appointment only. • Valemount circle dance. For more info please contact 250 566-1782 SUNDAYS: • valemount mma club upstairs at The Trading Post. Kids class from 6-7 p.m.

Tete Jaune •

Tete Jaune Community Club meetings held the 1st Tues. of the month at 7 p.m. at the Tete Jaune Hall.

DUNSTER

• Dunster family Dance First Saturday of each Month from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Instruction from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and short sessions throughout the evening. Lots of variety dances (-waltz, fox-trot, polka, cha-cha, two-step, schottische, etc.) Pot luck snacks at 8:30 p.m. and then more dancing until 9:30 p.m. Admission - $5 for anyone over 12 - maximum of $10 per family. All welcome!! Contact Pete at 250 968 4334 for more information. The final Family Dance for this year will be in April!

McBride • Mcbride community forest Open quarterly meetings on the first Wednesday of the month on January 4, April 4, July 4, and October 3. McBride Village Council Chambers 7 p.m. tuesdays: • TOPS Tues. 6:45 p.m. weigh-in, 7:15 p.m. meeting. Health Unit in McBride. New members welcome. Brenda Molendyk 569-3113 • Village Council Meeting 2nd & 4th Tues.,7:30 p.m., Village Council Chambers. • Alcoholics Anonymous Every Tuesday, 8 p.m. at the Health Unit. • STORYTIME at the McBride & District Public Library 10:30 a.m. • Bible readings at the McBride & District Public Library at 7 p.m. Join us for stories from one of the world’s most widely printed books. Hosted by John Christison. WEDNESDAYS: • Free Drop in Community Volleyball from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the McBride Secondary School • KIDZ KRAFTS 2:30-3:30 p.m. AT ODDS AND ENDS • Diabetes Support Group 1st Wed., 1 p.m. at Beaverview Lodge Sat. 10 a.m. -12 p.m., 441 Dominion St. • Support Group For Families Dealing With Mental Health Problems Last Wed every month 7:30 p.m. @ McBride Health Centre. More info call Norma 569-2637 or Elizabeth 968-4347 • Valley Piecemakers Quilt Guild Every other Wednesday. 7:00 p.m. in the High School. New members welcome, contact Dawna Hickerty 569-3210. • LEGION AUXILIARY BINGO First and Third Wednesday of the month at McBride Library. THURSDAYS: • OAPO Stitch & Knit Every Thurs., 2:30 - 4 p.m., Beaverview Lodge, Hilda Murin 569-3305 • Free dance lessons at 7 p.m. at the Elks Hall SATURDAYS: • WRITERS’ CIRCLE at 1 p.m. Alternates between Dunster Fine Arts School & McBride Library. All Welcome. Contact 569 2411/ library@mcbridebc.org for more info.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 14, 2012 • 7

Rick Hansen Relay to stop in Valemount and McBride Jennifer Meagher CONTRIBUTOR

n Monday March 19, Rick Hansen’s ‘Man In Motion World Tour’ will stop in Valemount and McBride. Its nine month, 12,000 kilometer, 25th Anniversary Tour began in Canada’s most eastern point, Cape Spear, Newfoundland, on August 24, 2011. It will end in Vancouver, B.C. on May 22, 2012 visiting 600 communities and 70% of Canadians along the way. According to the Rick Hansen website, the Tour will, “Retrace the Canadian segment of the original Tour, but this time one man in motion will be represented and celebrated by many in motion; engaging 7,000 participants from across Canada, who have made their own difference in the lives of others.” Medal-Bearers, who will pass on the singular Rick Hansen Medal as it makes its way crosscountry, will run, walk, wheel, or bike their segments as representatives of “a wide spectrum of examples of making a difference,” including championing inclusivity, empowering youth, protecting the planet, promoting health, and medical progress. The first Valemount segment will begin at 9th avenue and Birch Street at 9:55 a.m. Valemount’s Medal-Bearers are: Karen Doughty, Marie Birkbeck, Clair Hardford, Graham McNeil, Larry Peterson, Christine Torgerson, and Dawson Heigh. The Endurance Athlete scheduled to visit Valemount will be Herve Lord, former Paralympic competitor. After loosing the use of his legs in a car accident, in November 1983, Lord was moved by the Terry Fox movie and decided that when he left the hospital would get involved in disabled sport. Since then he has been involved in Track, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Tennis. Lord also played Sledge Hockey for 25 years, 19 of which were spent on the Canadian National Team. He has competed in five Paralympics Games. Describing himself Herve says, “I push myself to the extreme. I believe in train-

Rick Hansen Relay Monday, March 19, 2012 Come out and support our local medal bearers for the Rick Hansen Relay!

“Endurance Athlete”

The ﬁrst medal bearer will begin the relay at 9:55 am from 9th Avenue and Birch Street (map is online). The community is welcome to join our local diﬀerence makers on the walk and invited to join in the Community Celebration at 10:25 am–10:40 am at the Valemount Visitor Centre. There will be speeches, photos, videos, and music. Former Paralympic Sledge Hockey Player Herve Lord, an Endurance Athlete, will represent Rick Hansen at the celebration. A ceremonial transfer of the medal for the conclusion of the relay day will be included along with a few local singers leading us in the singing of Oh Canada. For more information call Jennifer Robinson 250.566.9905 or go online to www.rickhansenrelay.com

Above: Herve Lord is the endurance athlete visiting Valemount during Rick Hansen’s ‘Man in Motion World Tour. Photo Submitted

ing hard and being the best you can be.” Valemount community events will run from 10:25 to 10:40 a.m at the Tourism Centre and will include speeches from community representatives, medal bearers, and the endurance athlete. Organizer Jennifer Robinson says, “It’s a privilege to have the Rick Hansen Relay stop in and I look forward to the community celebration.”

“Clearing the streets of Valemount”

Left: On Friday, March 9, Village of Valemount Public Works staff, Duane Smith and Trevor Pelletier were hard at work chipping ice off the drains so the lakes that formed on the roads over night could drain out. Public Works Superintendent Victor LaBoucane oversaw the mission in his truck. Photo by Donalda Beeson

INVITATION TO TENDER The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (the “Regional District”) invites tenders from qualified suppliers for the provision and installation of a heat reclamation and distribution system for the Robson Valley Recreation Centre at 461 Columbia Street, McBride BC. Sealed tenders will be received by Diane Hiscock, General Manager of Financial Services, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, 155 George Street, Prince George, BC up to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2012. Tenders must be sealed and returned in an envelope marked “Heat Reclamation and Distribution System for the Robson Valley Recreation Centre - Invitation to Tender CS 12-04”. The responding organization or individual must have their name and full mailing address clearly marked on the outside of the tender envelope. Tenders will be opened in public at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2012 at the Regional District office. Late proposals will not be accepted and will be returned unopened to the proponent. Invitation to tender documents may be obtained on, or after Wednesday, March 14, 2012: A) In a PDF (Public Document Format) file format from the Regional District’s website at www.rdffg.bc.ca , or B) In hard copy format from the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, Service Centre, 155 George Street, Prince George, B.C. between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding Statutory holidays. C) In hard copy format from the Robson Valley Recreation Centre, 461 Columbia Street, McBride, BC, during regular business hours. D) on the BC Bid® website www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca.

PUBLIC INPUT MEETING Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs

Advantage Insurance Services Ltd.

Your best insurance is an insurance broker 433 Main St, McBride, BC

1.888.611.5557

Project applicants for Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs are presenting their proposals to the public on: Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Community Hall For further information contact Anne Yanciw at 1.250.566.4435 or by email to dco@valemount.ca. Administered and Managed by: Village of Valemount 735 Cranberry Lake Road PO Box 168, Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 Ph: 250.566.4435

A mandatory site meeting will be held for all prospective tenderers. The meeting is scheduled to start promptly at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at the Robson Valley Recreation Centre. Tender submissions received from any tenderer who did not attend the mandatory site meeting will be rejected. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George reserves the right to accept or reject any or all tenders. Facsimile tenders and electronic tenders will NOT be accepted. All questions relating to this project must be directed to the Project Manager: Terry McEachen, General Manager of Development Services Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Telephone: 250-960-4400 Fax: 250-562-8676 Email: tmceachen@rdffg.bc.ca 155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 Telephone: (250) 960-4400 Toll Free: 1-800-667-1959 Fax: (250) 563-7520 • Web: www.rdffg.bc.ca

8 • Wednesday March 14, 2012 The Valley Sentinel

Community Robson Valley hummingbird recaptured in Alabama Birgit Stutz Contributor

ocal hummingbird bander Curtis Culp feels like he’s hit the jackpot. Culp recently received exciting news that one of the birds he banded last summer was recaptured in Foley, Alabama, 2,250 miles, or 3,621 kilometres, from his feeder. That is the second-longest recorded recapture of a rufous hummingbird, with the longest being a bird that flew from Tallahassee, Florida, to Chenega Bay, Alaska. “It’s pretty exciting,” said Culp, who only recently found out about this recapture and has had two other long distance recaptures, both in Texas, in the seven years he has been banding. “It’s incredible that I have three recaptures, really. The number of bands compared to the number of hummingbirds, it’s like winning the lottery. It’s pretty rare.” Culp’s most recent recapture was caught by Fred Bassett on December 28, 2011. Culp banded the female hummingbird on July 19, 2011. “The amazing thing about this rufous is that it was banded as a juvenile, hatched last summer, maybe in the Robson valley, then flew 3,621 kilometres to Alabama in six months. In 2009, Culp recovered a female Rufous hummingbird which was banded in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, almost 2000 km from here. “I usually pick up about 20 recaptures of my own every year. One of the Texas birds I caught three times. So this shows that the hummingbirds will come back to the same feeder. It also shows that banding doesn’t harm them.” Culp has banded about 1,700 Rufous hummingbirds in his seven years of banding. He started banding hummingbirds in 2004, after being trained by biologist Cam Finlay, the “guru of banding”, who lives in Victoria on Vancouver Island. “Cam came up here and showed me how to band,” said Culp, who’s “always been interested in hummingbirds”. Banding is done as a way of tracking the birds’ migration patterns.

“Suspended in flight”

Above: A hummingbird pauses before appraoching a feeder in Dunster, B.C. last spring. Photo by Andrea Scholz

Building a brighter future in a stronger BC. These are challenging times in the global economy. But with BC’s enviable record of strong fiscal management, we can continue to make investments that matter to British Columbians while maintaining low taxes and controlled spending. This is exactly what Budget 2012 delivers. • I ncreased funding for health care, with $1.5 billion in additional funding by 2014/15 • $4.7 billion a year in block funding for school districts, plus a 3-year $165 million Learning Improvement Fund to support teachers aiding students with special needs • A lmost $3 billion in new capital spending in hospitals, schools, post-secondary institutions, roads, and other infrastructure

Budget 2012 also supports families and individuals. • F amilies will be able to claim up to $500 – per child, per credit, per year – for any eligible sports or arts program • U p to $1,000 a year in tax credits for seniors or family members sharing a home, to help cover the cost of renovations that allow seniors to stay independent longer • A new First-Time New Home Buyer’s Bonus, making first-time buyers who purchase newly built homes eligible for a personal income tax credit of up to $10,000 • E ffective April 1, 2012, the current HST rebate threshold for new home purchases increases to $850,000. Purchasers will be eligible for a provincial HST rebate of up to $42,500 Budget 2012 keeps BC’s economy strong in the midst of uncertainty in the global economy.

InvESTIng In PrIOrITIES

British Columbia. Canada Starts Here. 2012/13 Expenditure Budget Totaling $43.87B 41%

27%

23%

Health 41% $17.97B

Social Services 9% $3.9B

Education 27% $11.76B

All Other 23% $10.24B

For more details on Budget 2012, visit www.bcbudget.ca or www.bcjobsplan.ca

LOCAL NEWS

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 14, 2012 • 9

In Celebration of Marriage: A Valemount Love Story Jennifer Meagher CONTRIBUTOR

n a world where people meet on the Internet and text instead of converse it’s a rare and beautiful treat to hear a true, old-fashioned love story. One beautiful June day, in 1952, Joan Price and Arne Nordli laid eyes on one another for the very first time. As they passed one another on the street, he said to his friend, ‘I have to meet that girl.’ She, at the same time, told her sister that she would marry that man. Sure enough, St. Patrick’s day of 1954 she did and they have spent the past 58 years happily married. Though 19 year old Joan had to get her mother’s permission to marry (the legal age for women to marry without parental consent was 21) she didn’t want to hear the lectures on the difficulties of marriage; she was sure in her choice and no one could tell her otherwise. So when a living arrangement with family wasn’t working out, she caught a bus and hitchhiked her way to Hughenden, Alta. where her new husband was working and listening to the radio broadcasts in search for his not-so-missing wife. Like all couples they have faced their share of challenges. Joan tells us the key to making it through these times is consistency with one another no matter what. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining the underlying respect and love of that first glance. In 1965, they lost their home and all their possessions in a fire. Fortunately, they still had each other and the children so they loaded up and moved to Valemount to start fresh. Joan shares, “We have always been very affectionate with each other. There’s a lot of love and a lot of affection and that is important. Now our kids are also very affectionate with their partners and this is nice to see.” As the years go by, these two independent spirits have learned to depend on one another and take care of each other as they age. When Joan was very ill in the hospital in 1973, Arne brought her three bouquets of her favourite mini-carnations. He told her “If you’re going to do flowers, you may as well do them right.” In a recent Ted Talk (www.ted.com Ideas Worth Spreading), Jenna McCarthy tells us “What you don’t know about Marriage.” What makes a bad marriage is obvious: financial difficulties, disrespect, infidelity but even without these things, many marriages still fail. According to Statistics Canada, around 38 per cent of all 2004 marriages will end in divorce by 2035. Happily, this means 62 per cent are likely going to make it. So what are these

“Through thick and thin”

Above: On Wednesday, March 7 Joan and Arne Nordli sit and talk to Jennifer Meagher about their upcoming 58th anniversary which they will celebrate on March 17. Photo by Jennifer Meagher

62 per cent doing right? According to McCarthy, in addition to a wife who feels beautiful and a husband who agrees, the happiest couples focus on the positive aspects of life, even when things are hard. Also, the most successful marriages seem to include a man who helps with the housework. Essentially, the more he helps around the house, the ‘nicer’ she is to him and in turn the nicer he is to her and so on, resulting in marital bliss. While it’s impossible to know exactly how accurate a study like this is, I know through my experience, I’m much nicer to my partner when he helps around the house and as Joan describes Arne’s contributions, she’s still swooning 58 years later.

New Homes Registry keeps Homebuyers Informed

Consumer Protection for H o m e b u y e r s Buying or building your own home? Find out about your rights, obligations and information that can help you make a more-informed purchasing decision. Visit the provincial Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) website for free consumer information including:

Services: • New Homes Registry – find out if any home registered with the HPO after November 2007: • can be legally offered for sale • has a policy of home warranty insurance • is built by a Licensed Residential Builder or an owner builder • Registry of Licensed Residential Builders

Publications: • Residential Construction Performance Guide – helps determine when owners • • • •

should file a home warranty insurance claim Buying a Home in British Columbia – A Consumer Protection Guide About Home Warranty Insurance in British Columbia Maintenance Matters bulletins – practical information for homeowners in multi-unit buildings Sign up for an online subscription of consumer protection publications

www.hpo.bc.ca Toll-free: 1-800-407-7757 Email: hpo@hpo.bc.ca

Savvy homebuyers are taking advantage of free access to the New Homes Registry to stay informed. This helpful, easy-to-use, online resource is available from the provincial Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) website. Prospective homebuyers are using the registry to make more informed purchasing decisions. Homebuyers, as well as realtors, lawyers, local governments, and others can quickly check the residential builder licensing and warranty status of a new home or a new home under construction. The New Homes Registry provides free access to find out if a home has a policy of home warranty insurance and is built by a Licensed Residential Builder, or whether it is built without home warranty insurance. Homebuyers can obtain valuable information such as the name and contact number of the warranty provider, the builder’s warranty number and whether an owner-built home can be legally offered for sale. Every new home built for sale by a Licensed Residential Builder in British Columbia is protected by mandatory third-party home warranty insurance. Better known as 2-5-10 home warranty insurance, this coverage includes: two years on labour and materials, five years on the building envelope (including water penetration), and 10 years on the structure. It’s the strongest system of construction defect insurance in Canada. The New Homes Registry allows homebuyers to search online at their convenience for both single detached homes and multi-unit homes registered with the HPO after November 2007. For free access to the New Homes Registry visit the Homebuyers section of the HPO website at www.hpo.bc.ca.

10 • Wednesday March 14, 2012 The Valley Sentinel

COMMUNITY Equine first aid workshop held in the Robson Valley with illnesses such as colic and laminitis when out on the trail, and what to do with a sick or injured horse while waiting for the vet to arrive. There was also plenty of time to ask questions and for socializing. The RV Chapter of the BCHBC was founded in the spring of 2010. The goals of the RV Chapter are the improvement of access to both the frontcountry and backcountry areas of the Robson Valley, as well as exploration and reopening of some of the historic pack trails in the area along the Continental Divide. Also, advocating for the improvement of trail access, and involvement in such activities as improving trail heads and staging areas, GPSing and mapping of existing trails so they are officially recognized, building new trails, and maintaining and preserving existing trails for day rides and backcountry excursions. The Robson Valley Chapter is open to new members, with or without horses. Membership fee is $35 per year. Please contact Treasurer Reg Marek at 250968-4346 if you would like to join the club.

Birgit Stutz CONTRIBUTOR

“Easy Does it”

Above: On Saturday, March 10, at the Falling Star Ranch, Dr. Tom Vogel demonstrates how to check a horse’s capillary refill time. Photo by Falling Star Ranch

he Robson Valley Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of BC held an equine first aid workshop at Falling Star Ranch in Dunster on Saturday, March 10. Local veterinarian Dr. Tom Vogel gave a two-hour presentation on preventative health care as well as common injuries and illnesses and how to treat them. The session was well attended with close to 20 people, both club members as well as other interested horse owners. Participants learned how to take a horse’s vital signs, when a horse needs veterinary attention, how to properly treat and bandage a wound, how to deal

“Helpful Instruction”

Above: On Saturday, March 10, Dr. Tom Vogel (kneeling) demonstrates how to properly bandage an injury on a lower leg. Photo by Falling Star Ranch

BUSINESS DIRECTORY INCOME TAX RETURNS Personal & Small Business Number Cruncher Accounting

Now serving Valemount as well as McBride. Will pick up in Valemount. Call Amy Vause for an appointment at 250 569-0171.

Speedy returns - Ask about Instant Refund

Harmonic Body Harmonic BodyTherapies Therapies Acupressure Acupressure Reflexology Reflexology Massage Massage Yoga Yoga

Kathryn Kathryn Smith Smith 250-566-4022 250-566-4022 Valemount, BC verra_k@yahoo.com Valemount BC

verra_k@yahoo.com

Canadian Acupressure College; Reflexology Assoc. of Canada; Raynor School of Massage; RYT-500.

Canadian Acupressure College; Reflexology Assoc. of Canada; Raynor School of Massage; RYT-500

Harmonic Body Therapies

N APA Automotive Parts & Repairs 1140 Main Street Phone: (250) 566-9774 Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 Fax: (250) 566-9771

Acupressure Reflexology Massage Yoga

Kathryn Smith 250-566-4022 verra_k@yahoo.com Valemount BC

Canadian Acupressure College; Reflexology Assoc. of Canada; Raynor School of Massage; RYT-500.

Harmonic Body Therapies Delivering Fuel East to McBride

Vanderhoof & District Co-Operative Association

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

Greg Belshaw

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

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

Acupressure Reflexology Massage Yoga

Kathryn Smith 250-566-4022 verra_k@yahoo.com Valemount BC

Harmonic Body Therapies Acupressure Reflexology Massage Yoga

Kathryn Smith 250-566-4022 verra_k@yahoo.com Valemount BC

Canadian Acupressure College; Reflexology Assoc. of Canada; Raynor School of Massage; RYT-500.

Fir Timbers Available

Harmonic Body Therapies Acupressure Valley Reflexology Massage Yoga

Kathryn Smith 250-566-4022

Systems

verra_k@yahoo.com Valemount BC

Joel Steinberg Canadian Acupressure College; Reflexology Assoc. of Canada; P.O. Box 124, Raynor School of Massage; RYT-500. Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0 250-674-0017

Harmonic Body Therapies

joel_valleygeo@telus.net

Acupressure Kathryn Smith Security Web Alarm Systems Reflexology 250-566-4022 Security Web A lArm SyStemS SECURITY WEB ALARM SYSTEMS 24 hr monitoring - 1.888.564.8585 Massage verra_k@yahoo.com homeAND andBUSINESS business HOME ALL Valemount BC Yoga all makes and MAKES AND MODELS

Stay connected, subscribe to The Valley Sentinel. $52/year ensures you stay on top of the news in the Robson Valley !

Fire, flood, detection models 24 hrsmoke, Monitoring Ofﬁce in PG. video survellance systems.

Canadian Acupressure College; Reflexology Assoc. of Canada; Raynor School of Massage; RYT-500.

Canadian Acupressure College; Reflexology Assoc. of Canada; = Area Installer. •Local 24ofhrMassage; Monitoring Raynor School RYT-500.Office

Harmonic Body Therapies

Serving McBride, Dunster, • Serving McBride, Dunster, www.securityweb.ca & Mt. Robson. HarmonicValemount Body Valemount,Therapies Mt Robson

Serving McBride, Dunster, in PG.installation Local technician.

Robson Area. • Valemount, Local Area Mt Installer.

Harry Carson Mike Dryden Area.

www.securityweb.ca

Acupressure Reflexology Massage

Kathryn Smith 250-566-4022 verra_k@yahoo.com Valemount BC

Acupressure Reflexology Massage

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

Harry Carson 250.640.8412 Mike Dryden 250.566.1536 Harry Carson 1.888.564.8585 • Mike Dryden 250.566.1536

250-566-4022 verra_k@yahoo.com Valemount BC

Call now! 250 566-4425

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 14, 2012 • 11

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Drywall ServiceS Boarding Taping Textured Ceilings

JASPER

TREKS & TRAVEL YOUR LOCAL PROPANE PROVIDER Sales Service 250-566-1324 Installation 1-800-424-6331

Call Todd At Wahoo Enterprises (250) 569-0320 “Serving The Robson Valley For Over 15 Years”

Sands Bulk Sales LTD Husky Oil Limited

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

a Ly tt le C

rtage

Proudly Serving Hwy 5 Since 1999

Servicing All Points Hwy. 5, Kamloops to Valemount. Hot Shot Flat Deck & Courier Units

Phone: 780-852-5473 Toll Free: 1-888-437-2483 African safari - “A once in a lifetime dream holiday”. Disney and last minute packages to the sun.

Patricia Theriault Marrek

#200B - 610 Connaught Dr., Jasper, AB

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

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

Call Mac Cochrane

250-968-4498

1-877-372-1182 Depot at Infinity Office - 250-566-4225

New in the Robson Valley:

Returning Flow Acupuncture

HAUGK

Wednesday & Friday in Valemount

HOME DESIGNS & RENOVATIONS

Thursdays in McBride

Kitchen Bath Doors Windows Cabinets Floors Tiles Painting Insulation and more

Licenced Journeyman with over 30 years experience

Micah Yoder, Registered Acupuncturist

Phone: 250-566-1782

Clearwater Glass Ltd.

94 West Old Thompson Hwy. Next to the shopping centre.

Phone 250 674-3768 Fax 250 674-3762 We are ICBC approved glass express shop. We also do Canadian Direct Insurance glass claims. We do commercial glass, household glass, windows, doors, and heavy equipment windows.

Smart Nuts Technology

Call for quote: 250-566-4425

call Andreas @ 250 569 0004 / c: 981 0457 andreashaugk@shaw.ca

ROCKO’S MUSIC All Music Supplies available Assorted Blues Harps, Strings, Cords, Capos, Mikes, Stands, Chord Books, Song Books, & Local Cd’s

Rocko’s Music - 250-968-4335 Brown Rd. Dunster Just Past Vogels

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR DIRECTORY FOR ONLY $12.50 PER WEEK. THE VALLEY SENTINEL YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR NEWSPAPER

250-566-4425

CHURCH LISTINGS VALEMOUNT

GOOD SHEPHERD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

3rd Ave & Elm St. Phone: 1 877 314-4897 Sunday 8:30am Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat9am, Wed & Fri 7pm

ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH

250 566-4797 7th & Cedar, Sunday

Worship 10:00 AM

NEW LIFE CENTRE

1247 - 1st Ave. 250-566-4824

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

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

VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 250 566-9996

WESTRIDGE Jen Applebaum

Licensed Property Manager * Handyman Services * Design Consulting

rusticluxury@telus.net

plumbing & heating

250.566.4005 Office 250.566.1323 Cell Valemount

www.rusticluxury.com

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

Greg McNee Insured & Reliable Seniors - show this ad & receive a 10% discount

Cell: 250 566 1687

Worship Service on Sun 10:30am

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 “Free Down Payment Mortgages”

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

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

Church 569.2378 or 569.8845 1st Ave

Worship Service on Sun 10:30am

MORTGAGES

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

ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH

Debra Parker AMP Mortgage Consultant

P: 250-426-8211 ext 375 Cell: 250-421-7600 E: debra_parker@centum.ca

Looking out for your best Interest.

RHex’so Recycling ours of

peration

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

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

Call liz or KiM everard at 250.566.9111

reduCe • reuse • reCyCle

441 Dominion St., 250 569.3206 or 250 569.3386. Worship/Kids church10:00am

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)

Mark Taron - (250) 566-1190

Painting, Textured Ceilings, Drywall Boarding and Taping, Tile, Hardwood and Laminate Floors, Decks, Fencing, and Complete Landscape Renovation.

Church 569-3350 Office 569-6802 Sunday Worship 11:00am, Prayer Service Wed. 7 pm

MENNONITE CHURCH

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

12 • Wednesday March 14, 2012 The Valley Sentinel

sentinel

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 for up to 3 months after which you can choose to renew your ad.

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

AUTOMOBILES

TRAVEL TRAILER

1998 380 SKIDOO. Asking $1500.00 - Call for more information 250-566-9834 GTS JAN 11

4 Cooper Weathermaster Winter Tires With Rims, P215/60R15,Balanced, Installed on new Canadian Tire winter rims, 5 Bolt, Studded, 2.7inches center to center, Like new $500 obo will ship anywhere at buyers expense. Call 604-5880069 for more info

2007 Prowler Travel Trailer 24 foot. Like new, rarely used. Nice floor plan, Full bathroom, shower, stove, oven, microwave, sleeps six. Large awning. Must be seen - 250-566-9834 $15,000.

2004 Ford Freestar minivan Sports model. Tan colour. Loaded. Good condition. Clean. WInter rims and tires included. $6,500 OBO Phone 250569-7295 daytime or 250968 4322 evenings.

GTS SEPT 14

GTS JAN 25

Spruce Pine Balsam standing timber or logs call Derek at 566-1419

1996 GMC 3/4 ton long box, super cab, 6.5 diesel, automatic, 4 x 4, tunnel cover. $3,000 OBO 2505697181

WANTED

APR 4

Birch fire wood small size 7 axle logging truck load $1150.00 delivered in McBride Area contact 250569-2471

Full size 1” X 6” aromatic cedar boards; small quantity, rough cut. Contact Al Pernicelle 250-569-2602 or email outofsquare@mcbridebc.com MAR 28

LESSONS

RENTALS

4-BDRM 2 Bath with attached garage, A/C, and 6 appliances. $825.00 per month. Contact Crystle Booth at 1-250-566-1147 Great 2 bedroom house on huge lot. Close to town (Valemount), wood/ propane heat, non-smoking, pets negotiable. $650/ month. Call Marcy 604-5740904, or 778-320-6032

1988 JEEP YJ C/W SnowBlade, Beaconlight, 2-way radio. Approx. 275,000 km. $7,000 OBO Contact 250-5745880 or email ope56@ hotmail.com GTS NOV 2

BALLROOM DANCING LESSONS 6-week course starting in April.

1995 Blue SUBARU JUSTY 4WD - $1200 OBO Contact 250-981-1621

Instructor - Claude Germain Register at 566-9875 Cost $30 per person

#024 #026-C

#004

#006-2

Mtnview Apts. No smoking, no pets, clean and quiet building. Renovated 2 bdrm $575. Furnished suite in 4-plex: 2 bdrm / 1 bath. Large rooms, great natural lighting! No pets, no smoking. $675 3 Bdrms, 2 Baths: Double-wide trailer on town lot w/wired workshop. Propane/wood heat. Pet ok. $775 3 Bdrm house in fully renovated Duplex property. Electric/wood heat. Laundry, shed storage, large fenced yard, Pet ok. $750. May 1st.

Photos and details at

MAR 7

4 bedroom home for rent in McBride. Wood stove. Nice landscaped yard. Mature family only $800 month. 250-566-9126 MAR 28

CN Apts 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites $520 and $590 per month plus Hydro. On site laundry, no pets please. Call Scott 250-566-1569 MAR 21

GTS OCT 26

WALTZ ~ FOXTROT ~ JIVE~ 2-STEP ~ POLKA plus warm-up fun dances!

RENTALS

RENTAL LISTINGS VALEMOUNT REAL ESTATE

MAR 14

GTS DEC 21

GTS NOV 30

FIREWOOD FOR SALE

RENTALS

2000 Pontiac Montana Mileage: 171,000 kms. New summer tires. Studded winter tires. Asking $3,500 Phone 250-566-4580 GTS OCT 19

1997 FORD F 150 4 x4, reg cab, long box. Motor knocks, easy fix or good for parts. $700 250-566-4557 GTS JULY 20

Advertise Your Items For Sale in The Valley Sentinel Classifieds 250-566-4425 Only $6/week or $19.95 for our guaranteed to Sell!

www.rusticluxury.com Call Jen 250-566-1323 TRAILERS FOR SALE Mobile Home: 3 Bedrooms, small addition, 1 Bath with F/S, W/D $24,000 OBO Call Deanna 566-9086 or 566-1188 cell

LIVESTOCK / HAY

Offering FREE Board for companion horse in Dunster. Contact 250-968-4347 MAR 14

GTS FEB 8

Mobile Home: Hartman’s Trailer Park 2 bedrooms, new roof, bathroom, windows, and carpet. Pellet Stove and propane furnace. $25,000 OBO Call Nathan 250-566-5040 GTS FEB 15

HELP WANTED

Mature reliable waitress/ prep-cook, 40 hours/ week 755974 BC Ltd. Restaurant. Wages start at $11.75 per hour. Apply to: karen4u30@hotmail.com

500 pound round bales of straw at $25.00 each. Contact Mark 250-5692561 MAR 21

Grazing lease available for cows, fenced pasture with grass and water available. Call Terracana for details. 250-968-4304 TFN OCT 5

Hay for sale, $40 a round bale. Call Terracana 250968-4304

1285 Week of 3.12.2012

MAR 21

Auto FinAncing FREE CASH BACK WITH $0 DOWN at Auto Credit Fast. Need a vehicle? Good or Bad credit call Stephanie 1-877-792-0599 www. autocreditfast.ca. DLN 30309. Free Delivery. WANT A VEHICLE BUT STRESSED ABOUT YOUR CREDIT? Christmas in March, $500 cash back. We fund your future not your past. All credit situations accepted. www.creditdrivers.ca 1-888593-6095. cAreer trAining WORK FROM HOME. Largest Medical Transcriptionist employer in Canada looks to CanScribe for 100 more MT’s. We need more students! Enroll Today! 1-800-4661535 www.canscribe.com admissions@canscribe. com educAtion TRAIN TO BE AN Apartment/ Condominium Manager at home! We have jobs across Canada. Thousands of graduates working. 31 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-665-8339, 604-6815456.

employment opportunities SOUTH ROCK has positions for road construction workers, BASE - heavy equipment operators (Finish Grader Op). Asphalt - (paver, roller, screed, raker). Heavy Duty Mechanic (service truck). General labourers. Forward resume to: careers@southrock.ca. Fax 403-568-1327; www. southrock.ca. WELDERS WANTED. Journeyman 2nd and 3rd year apprentices with tank manufacturing experience. Automated Tank Manufacturing Inc. Located in Kitscoty, Alberta. 20km West of Lloydminster is looking for 15 individuals that want long term employment and a secure paycheque. Journeyman wages $33. - $37.50/hour. Wages for apprentices based on hours and qualifications. Benefits, training programs, full insurance package 100% paid by company, profit sharing bonus. Join a winning team. Call Basil or Blaine for an appointment or send resume to: blaine@autotanks.ca or production@autotanks. ca. 780-846-2231 (Office), 780-846-2241 (Fax).

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For sAle

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STEEL OF A DEAL BUILDING SALE! 20X24 $4798. 25X30 $5998. 30X42 $8458. 32X58 $12,960. 40X60 $15,915. 47X80 $20,645. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422. www. pioneersteel.ca.

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EMPLOYMENT

TFN OCT 5

EMPLOYMENT

Drivers required for the safe and courteous transportation of Railway Crews. Job is based out of BLUE RIVER. Clean abstract is required. This is a 24/7 on-call operation. Pay is a flatrate per trip, based on $15.00/hour. You will need a class 1, 2, or 4 driver’s licence. If you need to upgrade we may assist, some conditions apply. Retired and Semi-Retired more than welcome! To apply contact John Hollis either at John.Hollis@HallconCrewTransport.com or by fax to 780-468-4617. EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

F/T customer service (inside sales) person. Must have retail experience. Building & hardware experience a plus; F/T customer service (outside sales) person. Retail bldg & hardware exp a must, mechanical/small engine knowledge an asset. Applicants must be motivated and team players. No phone calls please. Drop off resume to Box D c/o The Times, #14 – 74 Young Road, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N2

NOTES FROM ALL OVER Notes from All Over Donalda Beeson Contributor

McBride Maniacs Ladies Hockey Tournament Friday, March 16, to Sunday the 18, 2012, the McBride Maniacs Female Hockey tournament. Come support the women! For more information you are encouraged to get in touch with Sarah Rich at (250) 569 7348. Practices are Sundays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 14, 2012 • 13

Robson Valley Community Learning Project Cafe Show-and-Tell Friday, March 23, 2012, a Robson Valley Support Society Initiative, the Robson Valley Community Learning Project in partnership with the McBride and District Public Library is hosting their next Cafe Show-and-Tell at The Beanery 2 in McBride, starting at 10:00 a.m. and ending at noon. Check back for more event venues. Everyone is Welcome. Contact Nancy Taylor, Community Learning Outreach Coordinator, Robson Valley Support Society at (250) 569 2266 or (250) 968 4358, or email nancy_t@telus.net for more information. Drop-in sports at the Valemount Secondary School Drop-in badminton runs on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and drop-in basketball on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Valemount Secondary School.

Roast for Bill Arnold Saturday, March 17, 2012, organized by the Community Foundations, there will be a Roast for Bill Arnold. $25 tickets, and there will be a silent auction. Watch the Dunster community board website for more information.

Beginners Morning Yoga Class in Valemount Tuesdays, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Valemount Community Hall, Brigitta is facilitating a morning yoga class for beginners. Bring a mat if you have one, and wear comfortable clothing.

Goddess of Fertility Day If you are looking to procreate, Sunday, March 18, 2012, might be the perfect time! However, if you are looking to avoid the unexpected pitter-patter of little feet, one might suggest it be a day of abstinence, as this is the Goddess of Fertility Day, which celebrates Aphrodite and other gods and goddesses of fertility. In ancient times, many cultures had multiple gods and goddesses. Each one represented various aspects of life. The ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite was by far the most well known goddess of fertility. People would pray and make offerings to Aphrodite when seeking to create a family.

Last Yoga Class in McBride Thursday, March 16, 2012, is the last yoga class in McBride as instructor Katrina Molendyk is moving. She would like to take this time to say a big “thank you to the Robson Valley Community Hall Association for donating the [cost of the] hall.” Also “a huge thank you to all the amazing students,” who “have truly touched [her] heart and changed [her] practice. May you all remain happy and healthy always!” Namaste.

JasperLIFE Mountain Adventure Club: 2 Day Ice Climbing Trip Monday, March 19, 2012 the JasperLIFE Mountain Adventure Club will be hosting a two day ice climbing trip that includes an overnight at the Beauty Creek Hostel and two days of ice climbing along the Icefields Parkway for $175. Transportation is provided. Space is limited. Advanced registration is required. Contact JasperLIFE to sign up! (780) 852 2100. Vernal Spring Equinox Tuesday, March 20, 2012 marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and fall (autumn) in the southern hemisphere from an astronomical viewpoint. Modern astronomy aside, humanity has recognized the vernal equinox for over thousands of years. There are no shortage of rituals and traditions surrounding the coming of spring. Many early peoples celebrated for the basic reason that their food supplies would soon be restored. It is also no coincidence that early Egyptians built the Great Sphinx so that it points directly toward the rising Sun on the day of the vernal equinox. On this day the Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. International Earth Day Always on the Vernal Equinox, International Earth Day was initiated to make earth inhabitants aware of their responsibility to care for the planet. This care includes environmental and natural resources. International Earth Day was founded by John McConnell, of Davis City, Iowa. In September, 1969, he proposed the establishment of Earth Day to the San Francisco, California Board of Supervisors. After approval, he gained support from many others, including then UN General Secretary, U Thant. In 1970, McConnell wrote an Earth Day Proclamation which was ultimately signed by UN Secretary General U Thant on March 21, 1971. This day is also called Sun-Earth Day.

The Dunster Winter Market Don’t forget, every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. until March 31, (the week before Easter), the Dunster Winter Market is up and running. A bowl of soup and a sandwich is a steal of a deal for $5. As always there will be yummy desserts from local bakers. It is also a good chance to visit and keep up on all the local news over the long winter months. Plus it is a good fundraiser for the community hall. If you would like to make soup or goodies or for more information contact Karen Shaw at (250) 968 4331. Also remember that sellers are more than welcome with home-baking, crafts, miscellaneous treasures, etc. Valemount Farmer’s Market: Call Out for Vendors Attention all vendors interested in participating in the potential Valemount Farmers Market, please contact Dallas Bullock for more details or to express your interest. Call (250) 566 1450 or email dallascbullock@gmail.com. The mandate is ‘make it, bake it or grow it’, and it will be on Thursdays from 4 until 7 p.m. near the Valemount Tourism Information Centre. Rick Hansen Relay Marie Birkbeck invites you all to come out and cheer on the participants in the Rick Hansen Relay (including her) Monday, March 19, 2012. She will be starting along Ash Street, from 8th Ave to 5th Ave, around 10:00 a.m. She will be carrying the Rick Hansen Medal for about 250 metres. Got a Tip? If you have a note idea or tip, or would like to share your event or happening with us, you are encouraged to contact Donalda Beeson at donalda@ thevalleysentinel.com or The Valley Sentinel (250) 566 4425. Please note that all items for publication on the Wednesday issue, must be in by the previous Friday.

Village of Valemount New at the Valemount Public Library Adult ﬁction

A searing wind ~ Michael W. Gear Changing habits ~ Debbie Macomber Lone wolf ~ Jodi Picoult The forest laird ~ Jack Whyte

Adult Non-ﬁction

The magic ~ Rhonda Byrne Spin art ~ Jacey Boggs The year round vegetable gardener ~ Niki Jabbour

Junior

Cowboy colt ~ Dandi Daley mackall Garﬁeld left speechless ~ Jim Davis Hunger journeys ~ Maggie De Vries Lonobias vow ~ P.C. Cast

New at the McBride Public Library Adult fiction

Touch – Alexi Zentner The Preacher – Camilla Lackberg A Gift of Grace – Amy Clipston Selected Shorts: A celebration of the short story (audiobook)

Adult Non-fiction

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking – Susan Cain Bossypants – Tina Fey Contemporary Crafts – Katherine Sorrell Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom (revised) – Christiane Northrup

Junior

Children

Plain Kate – Erin Bow Prehistoric Life – William Lindsay Storm Warning (The 39 Clues) – Linda Sue Park Extra Yarn – Mac Barnett

Wiﬁ and Internet stations available at no charge.

Downton Abbey – season two Alice in Wonderland When a Man Love a Woman Get Low

Time to say bye bye ~ Maryann Cocca Lefﬂer It’s my room ~ Robert Munsch CR Mudgeon ~ Leslie Muir Z is for moose ~ Kelly Bingham

http://valemount.bclibrary.ca Library hours Valemount Public Library

Tues, Thurs, Fri 10am-5pm Wed 10am-9pm and Sat 11am-3pm

DVD

Come by the library for free internet access or “like” us on Facebook to keep up with new titles and events!

www. mcbride.bclibrary.ca

Cemetery Bylaw Revisions and Update The Village of Valemount Council is seeking two (2) members of the public to assist a Committee of Council to update and renew the Cemetery Bylaws for the Village of Valemount. If you are interested, please provide why you would like to be involved, in writing to the Village office before March 20, 2012. If more than two people are interested, the Council members for the Committee will make the selection and advise the selected parties. If you have further questions, please contact the Village for more details. Applications can be dropped off at the Village office at 735 Cranberry Lake Road, or mailed to: Village of Valemount Attention: Tom Dall, Chief Administrative Officer PO Box 168 Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 cao@valemount.ca

14 • Wednesday March 14, 2012 The Valley Sentinel

Activities WEEKLY HOROSCOPE by MICHAEL O’CONNOR Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20) With spring right around the corner your engines are revving. Yet the actual gunshot will not come about until the new season actually begins. Still, your focus is sharp and you are ready to ride. Use this window to ensure all systems are ‘go’. When they are, you can relax into the moment and enjoy the sensations or your rumbling engines. Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21) It is likely that due to a long series of diligent efforts you have secured a pretty solid base. Yet you may feel blocked somehow. This is a good time to step back to reflect and review. This will not deflate your ambitions; rather it will allow you to celebrate and enjoy your successes. Use this opportunity to plan and prepare. Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) It is likely that you have been getting some extra attention of late. Meeting new people, the start of new friendships and initiating key connections are all featured. This has been an important period of advancement and you may yet be able to squeeze out a bit more. Now, tune-in to a fresh batch of dreams that are beginning to brew in your mind.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Admirer 7. National security deparment 10. The first State 12. Fallow deer 13. Flowed over completely 14. He had a golden touch 15. Blocks 16. Muslim call to prayer 17. A fashionable hotel 18. Greek god of war 19. Rended 21. Box (abbr.) 22. Severe headache 27. Common greeting 28. Reduced to submission 33. Equally

CLUES DOWN 1. Protoctist 2. Coat with plaster 3. Nocturnal birds of prey 4. Airforce of Great Britain 5. Before 6. Communist color 7. Partners with mamas 8. Arabian gulf & sultanate 9. Cony 10. Plunder 11. Make bigger 12. Dress up garishly 14. Gin with dry vermouth 17. Opposite of LTM 18. Feels ongoing dull pain 20. A major division of geological time 23. Unsusceptible to persuasion 24. Norwegian playwright Henrik

34. Briefly hold back 36. Woman (French) 37. N’Djamena is the capital 38. Not kind 39. Times past 40. Bird of the family Cracidae 41. Metric linear unit 44. Father of Psychology Wilhelm 45. Commonly encountered 48. Swiss river 49. Heavy unglazed drapery fabric 50. Community Relations Officer (abbr.) 51. Sidewalk material

25. Empire State 26. Ethiopia 29. The man 30. Officers’ Training Corps 31. Of an African desert 32. Furniture with open shelves 35. Yeddo 36. Union general at Gettysburg 38. Moons of Jupiter author Alice 40. Plant that makes gum 41. Acarine 42. University in N. Carolina 43. The quality of a given color 44. WW2 female grunts 45. Licenses TV stations 46. They __ 47. The 13th Hebrew letter

Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22) Seeing the bigger and perhaps the deeper picture continues. Either prompted by or activating reconsiderations of what constitutes security, this cycle of influence will be with you for many years to come. This will stir religions, spiritual and even mystical orientations. Who and what holds the power you seek? Such questions are leading you into new territory. Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 23) Committed to a creative journey, the need to get new tools and techniques and to take some calculated risks is urging you on. Deciphering what to do and how to direct this lead may require the support and guidance of others. This is sparking a soul searching journey. Patience with your self and the process is encouraged. Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22) Exploring a wider range and scope of relationships continues. Some of your objectives are likely very practical while others lean more to ideals and principles. This is a time of consolidating foundations and clarifying priorities more than it is one of expanding fronts. However, that time is approaching. For now, focus especially on healing and reconciling any relationship concerns. Libra (Sep 22 – Oct 22) Paying extra attention to the overall quality of your health and that of the quality of your lifestyle patterns continues. Disruptions and stresses on relationship fronts over the past couple of years may have thrown you off of your center. If so, the time is right to step back and assess if you have reacted negatively. Intend to assert a new normal in your daily rhythms with health in mind. Scorpio (Oct 22 – Nov 21) A creative imaginative cycle is drawing to a close. Have you made the most of it? There remains some time to do so but you better act now. There is reason to believe that you have entered a fog of dreams which are not serving your best interests. Alternatively, you are working with a turbulent current and are paddling towards happier waters.

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

WEATHER FORECAST WEDNESDAY Daytime Condition

Mostly Cloudy

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

20% 3°C -7°C --

THURSDAY

Daytime Condition

Mostly Cloudy

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

40% 6°C -3°C --

FRIDAY Daytime Condition

Rain and Snow Mix

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

60% 8°C -1°C -

Sagittarius (Nov 21 – Dec 21) Changes close to home are requiring that you pay extra close attention. It is likely that these are challenging your confidences. Giving more to the situation is probably required. Sober planning and action is required. Do not lean on the past now. Do tend to all unfinished business if you want to be on track when spring catapults you into new directions. Capricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19) A busy cycle continues to lead you here and there. At best you are stimulating inspiring connections and at least reviewing key investments. A self-discovery process is part of the plot. You may feel that you have lost touch with the person you once knew yourself to be. Exploring and cultivating previously hidden talents is a promising sign. Aquarius (Jan 19 – Feb 19) Reviewing your priorities continues as a central theme. Who are you at this stage of your journey and what do you feel you want and need? Concentrating upon such questions will become more evident this week. Deciphering what are your genuine needs and liberating yourself from external influences that could steer you in the wrong direction remains important. Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) Taking a series of pioneering leads continues. At worst, you may not feel like you are standing on solid ground. This is a call to exercise your imagination and visualization powers. This classic form of practical magic requires that you get clear on your dreams and desires, then sit back, relax and visualize your ideals coming to fruition.

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 14, 2012 • 15

Community

McBride RCMP Briefs Birgit Stutz Contributor

Supreme Court Trial in assault case The Alberta man who attacked a visually impaired McBride resident on First Avenue in McBride on December 11, 2012 remains in custody after his fifth court appearance in Prince George, B.C. on February 18. 32-year-old Michael Allan Richter from Ponoka, Alta., is to appear in court on March 12 in Prince George to set a date for trial. Richter has elected to have his trial in Supreme Court in Prince George and has elected to be tried by judge alone. Long-time valley resident William (Bill) Groeneveld, age 55, was brutally assaulted by Richter in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 11. Groeneveld sustained severe facial and head injuries, including a broken jaw and facial bones and skull fracture, requiring surgery in a Vancouver hospital. Richter has been charged with five Criminal Code offences including aggravated assault, assault causing bodily harm, impaired driving, obstruct police and escape lawful custody. Caretaker charged with elder abuse A McBride man has been charged in connection with elder abuse. In May 2011, McBride RCMP entered into an investigation in regard to the possible mistreatment of residents living at the Beaverview Lodge in McBride. Beaverview Lodge is managed by BC Housing and is the residence to several low income, mentally and physically disabled persons and the elderly. A complete investigation was conducted and several residents provided statements to the police, despite fear they had in doing so. The accused had been hired as the building’s maintenance manager and caretaker in 2008. As a result of this investigation charges have been laid against Joe Doucet for uttering threats, intimidation and criminal harassment.

Doucet was released from custody with a promise to appear and has conditions not to attend the Beaverview Lodge and to have no communication with the residents of that area. A new caretaker has been hired by BC Housing for the Beaverview Lodge. “Elder abuse is not always immediately recognized,” said Constable Lesley Smith of North District Media Relations in a press release. “The abuse can come in many forms including financial, physical and psychological. Intimidation, threats and harassment are all examples of psychological abuse.” If you have any information or know of an elderly person who is being intimidated, harassed or taken advantage of, please contact your local RCMP Detachment or call CRIMESTOPPERS to remain anonymous at 1 800 222 TIPS. Dunster resident charged with sexual exploitation McBride RCMP has charged a local resident with two counts of sexual exploitation following a lengthy investigation. Dunster resident Cameron Arthur Swets, age 76, was charged after the investigation revealed that Swets allegedly committed the offences against two of his foster children during the time period from January 1993 through March 2000. The foster children were under the age of 16 at the time of the offences and cannot be named. Swets appeared before a judge on March 5 and was released on strict conditions that he not be in contact or be alone in the presence of any person under the age of 16 or who appears to be under the age of 16. Swets is next scheduled to be in McBride provincial court on May 11. Police are continuing to investigate further allegations made against Swets and are requesting that anyone who may have also been victimized by Swets to contact the McBride RCMP at (250)-569-2255.

Beyond the market continued from page 2 to new people. “Seventy per cent will be returning business,” he said. Marty Frost then gave a presentation on growing a co-op. Frost is a founding member of Devco, co-operative business development, and a director with the BC Co-operative Association. Frost explained that a co-op is a principle-based business model incorporated under the Co-ops Act. “There are different models of co-ops,” he said. “It’s important to identify who the members are going to be when planning a co-op. When setting up a co-op, you need a steering committee as a coop is a group effort.” Frost said co-ops are a preservation of communities. “They provide local goods and services, stable jobs and economic opportunities, and retain wealth and control in the community, build local leadership and business skills, as well as build communities through providing services.” After a farmer-to-chef networking session and a warm lunch provided by a local caterer, Mark Robbins, regional agrologist with the Ministry of Agriculture, gave a presentation on new farm start-up and farm business development. Robbins said that agriculture provides many opportunities to start and grow a farming enterprise that meets your needs and interest. “Many of the medium and large scale farming operations, supporting several families today, started small and grew over time as skills developed, markets were refined and demand for their product increased. It is important to recognize that farming is a good small business. To provide the best opportunity for success in your farm business, it is important to plan.” Robbins said traits of a successful farmer are passion, marketing skills, adaptability, and resilience. He stressed that in order to succeed in today’s agricultural market, the farmer needs to sell his story. “Why would somebody stop buying a product and buy yours?” he questioned. Robbins showed a short video clip of his family’s turkey farm in the Lower Mainland, as well as a longer video clip of a small mixed

farm on Vancouver Island to demonstrate the importance of selling a story, or an experience. Robbins also addressed farm business topics such as human resources, farmers pension plan (Agri-Invest), management accounting, financing, reporting of WCB, HST, GST, and succession planning. “Choose labour minimizing systems from the start,” he advised. “Hire outside labour earlier rather than later, by looking for interns, Woofers, or part-retirees.” Robbins said it’s also important when buying machinery to look at your needs down the road and by the best you can afford. While he said it is important to let your business model evolve, it’s crucial to stay within your story. “Production systems will need to change,” he said. The workshop ended with a local growers and ranchers panel discussion. Pete Amyoony, Chair of the Robson Valley Growers (www.robsonvalleygrowers.ca), said the consensus amongst the participants was to make sure that the Beyond the Market program is continued and funded for at least one more year, preferably more. “It is headed in the right direction,” said Amyoony. “It’s just starting to get people together and starting to build a really healthy network of producers and consumers. There is potential for a massive amount of economic growth in Northern BC if we start to encourage individuals, businesses and institutions to buy local produce and meat.” The Beyond the Market program aims to build, strengthen, and diversify the produce industry from Valemount to Terrace, linking farmers, ranchers, purchasers and consumers in the region in an effort to identify the barriers to the local food industry and encourage collaboration and entrepreneurial development to overcome them. The workshop was designed to present agricul-

tural producers with a variety of tools and strategies for developing a successful agricultural business amidst changing markets, regulations and consumer values. Beyond the Market is a collaborative partnership between Community Futures of Fraser-Fort George, Community Futures Nadina, Community Futures 16-37, the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, and the Community Futures Rural Economic Diversification Initiative. The workshop was made possible by the support of the BC Ministry of Agriculture and the Government of Canada under Growing Forward, a federalprovincial-territorial initiative. For more information on the Beyond the Market program visit www.beyondthemarket.ca.

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16 • Wednesday March 14, 2012 The Valley Sentinel

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Featured Listing

• Location Location Location • Top of the world views • 3 bedroom home • Double Garage • Minutes from Dunster Store

561 MAIN STREET MCBRIDE, BC

Irene Berndsen

2750 Birch Road $299,000 VALEMOUNT, BC

• 0.46 acre lot • Investment potential • Level lot with good access • Garage on concrete pad

229,000

• Run & Own a growing ‘green’ business • Bottle/Recycling depot • Everything you need to start your business!

Km 130 Telegraph Rd. Telegraph Creek

765 Dominion St $ 29,000 MCBRIDE, BC • • • •

2 story split 4 BDRM 2 1/2 Bath Large lot fully fenced Excellent condition

250-569-7397 Irene Berndsen

Prince George

• 98 Acres near the Stikine River • Off the grid – excellent infrastructure • Beautiful 2000 sq ft house • Farm property

1131 2nd Avenue MCBRIDE, BC • Serviced village lot • Good Location • Excellent investment

ireneb@royallepage.ca

w w w. m o u n t a i n v i e w r e a l t y. c a

Irene Berndsen, Sales Representative in McBride

Balcaen Electronics Ltd.

Closing Out Sale Starts Friday, March 16, 2012

25% off everything in store

G.E. Stoves, Fridges, Washers, Dryers, Microwaves, Freezers, Flat Screen Televisions, Audio and Video Components, Modulators PWR Supplies, Cables, Connectors, Switches, Remotes, Pumps, Belts, Oven Elements, ETC. 30 NEW and USED MOTORS - Stands, Racks, Misc., Etc.

Everything has to go - Store is Sold! Phones: 250-569-2244/3121/7477 - Located at 411 Main St. in McBride.