Clearwater Times, December 24, 2015

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BROADS ON BOARDS:Women learn how to ski. See A12 inside.

Keith McNeill

District of Clearwater is moving forward the replacement of its com-puters and hiring a new information technology services company after the municipality’s com-puter network became infected with a virus.

According to a report from director of finance Wes Renaud to town council’s finance and audit committee, the District’s network was infected by the Cryptolocker virus in February, 2015.

Cryptolocker is a ran-som-ware trojan that tar-gets computers running Microsoft Windows.

Once the computer becomes infected, the virus displays a message offering to have itself removed if a ransom is paid.

As a result of the District’s computers becoming infected, BDO, the District’s auditors, stated in a letter, “The virus exposed certain vulnerabilities in the IT (information technology) system and consulting, including that backups were not being ade-quately maintained and tested. Furthermore, the District’s IT consultant recommended that the District engage with the

perpetrator of the virus, which introduces further risk to the District.”

Most of District of Clearwater’s computers are sluggish, a varied in makes and models, and are well beyond their warranty period, Renaud noted in his report.

Computers in satel-lite locations, such as the firehall, Sportsplex and former District office, are not on the same network.

Sea to Sky Network Solutions, IT consultants hired following the virus attack, recommended that a redundant server be set up that would back up all dat on the main server every hour and store the data at an offsite location in Vancouver.

Other recommenda-tions included a new Dell main server with a five-year warranty, new Dell workstations also with five-year warranties, and new network equipment (including firewalls and wireless equipment for the office).

During its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 15, town council approved spend-ing $58,000 to speed up the replacement cycle of the District’s computers.

Council also approved awarding a $65,000 IT service contract to Sea to Sky of Vancouver.

Virus attacks District of Clearwater

Ta-da!Raft River Elementary students give the grand finale to their class' performance during a Christmas concert held at the school on Thursday, Dec. 17. A good-sized crowd attended the event. Look for more photos of the concert plus Christmas stories largely written by student from Raft River inside this issue. The winners of the Times' Christmas story contest were announced in last week's issue. Photo by Keith McNeill

Total lossFirefighters battle a trailer fire in Barriere on Sunday afternoon. The lone male occupant was not home at the time and there were no injuries, but the structure was totally destroyed. The blaze is not considered sus-picious and the woodstove was the likely cause. Nine firefighters from Barriere were joined by eight from Chu Chua under a recently renewed mutual aid agree-ment. The occupant had no fire insurance.Photo submitted

Highway 5 Little Fort, BC250-677-4441

Located on Highway 5

Highway 5Clearwater, BC

250-674-3148

A2 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 24, 2015 Clearwater Times

Keith McNeill

“I was the only person there under age 17 and so I got special interest,” was the report from Megan Sim, president of Clearwater's junior council, after she attended the Union of BC Municipalities con-vention in Vancouver last September.

“I was amazed by the number of munici-

palities with no con-ception of what junior council is about. I got quite a collection of business cards from people who wanted to know more,” she told town council during its meeting on Dec. 15.

One major highlight of the convention for Sim was a presentation by Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar.

The space medicine pioneer was “amaz-

ing”, the Clearwater Secondary School stu-dent said.

Another thing that impressed her at UBCM was how local council members were able to meet with and have meaningful dis-cussions with the pre-mier and leader of the opposition.

“I learned that we can affect change ... if we just speak up,” she said.

Mayor John Harwood congratu-lated Sim on being chosen president of the junior council and for going to UBCM.

“Getting this expe-rience at the age you're at right now will effect all the rest of your life,” the mayor said.

Also during the Dec. 15 town coun-cil meeting, District of Clearwater chief administrative offi-cer Leslie Groulx gave the oath of office to six members of junior council: Annie Whelan, Emily Giesbrecht, Cole Stone, Stacia Panko, Hanna Wadlegger and Sim.

Clearwater's junior council has the same members as the students council at Clearwater Secondary School. It serves as a communication bridge between the municipal-ity and local young people.

2 - 3

Junior council president learns lots at UBCM conference

Members of Clearwater's junior council get sworn in during a town council meeting held Tuesday, Dec. 15. Pictured are (l-r) Annie Whelan, Emily Giesbrecht, Cole Stone, Stacia Panko. Hanna Wadlegger, Megan Sim and District chief administrative officer Leslie Groulx. Photo by Keith McNeill

Liberals take step backwards on financial transparency: McLeodOffice of M.P. Cathy McLeod

OTTAWA – The federal Liberal government has abandoned transparency when it comes to financial matters for First Nations, according to Official Opposition Indigenous Affairs Critic Cathy McLeod.

“Today’s decision by Minister Bennett to cease all discretionary compliance measures regard-ing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act is a step backwards for transparency for all Canadians,” McLeod said on Dec. 18. “The government is functionally abandoning the First Nations Transparency Act without repealing it. This is a sad day for those First Nations commu-nity members who called for enhanced financial accountability and transparency.”

McLeod said the FNFTA represents real progress in ensuring that First Nations leadership worked in the best interests of their communities, and that the Act should remain in place.

“The Act ensures community members have access to basic financial information such as

audited financial statements, and the salaries and expenses of chief and council. Now with no com-pliance measures in effect, it’s a safe prediction that the compliance rate will collapse, and finan-cial information will again be shrouded in secrecy from community members,” said McLeod.

“Our Conservative government supported this legislation because it is based on the premise that all Canadians deserve accountability and trans-parency from their leadership,” said McLeod. “First Nations governments operating under the Indian Act had been the only level of govern-ment in Canada that was not obligated to make basic financial information public.”

McLeod pointed out that withdrawing enforcement of the Act is being done without the benefit of a parliamentary debate. “For all prac-tical purposes, this is a repeal of the Act, being carried out without actually bothering to give Members of Parliament any chance to debate it,” said McLeod. “It is ironic that a law about trans-parency is being gutted in such a non-transparent way.”

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CLEARWATERClearwater Pharmasave

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Clearwater Times Thursday, December 24, 2015 www.clearwatertimes.com A3

Kamloops This Week

A Clearwater man accused of murder-ing his estranged wife before taking his children hostage and becoming involved in an hours-long standoff with police has been ordered to stand trial.

Iain Scott, 43, was charged with first-degree murder after Angila Wilson was found dead in her Clearwater home on April 20, 2014.

Scott’s preliminary inquiry took place earlier this year.

On Dec. 13, Kamloops provincial court Judge Chris Cleaveley said the Crown presented enough evidence to potentially convince a jury of Scott’s guilt, ordering him to stand trial in B.C. Supreme Court.

Scott’s standoff with police began after Clearwater Mounties found the body of Wilson

— a 33-year-old nurse who worked at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital — while performing a well-being check at her home.

Scott, who had the couple’s three chil-dren, was found at a different home.

After an eight-hour standoff, during which

the children were released unharmed, Scott was taken into custody.

He applied for bail earlier this year, but was ordered to remain behind bars.

Scott is due back in court to set a date on Dec. 21.

He remains in cus-tody.

Keith McNeill

During its Dec. 15 meeting, town council approved an extra $16,000 to cover a cost overrun for the new bio-energy plant at Dutch Lake Community Centre.

Reason for the overrun was unan-ticipated costs for the relocation of a

propane tank from the front parking lot to the back of the building, plus an extra work order to install an underground con-nection from the plant into the building, chief administrative officer Leslie Groulx reported to council.

Groulx noted that during the previous two months, with the

bio-energy plant work-ing, the heating bill for the former Dutch Lake School was just $2,200 (including $1,000 for propane and $1,200 for chip delivery).

During the same two months last year the propane bill to heat DLCC was nearly $14,000.

Groulx added that

it was important to note that there was a three-week period of -20C weather in November, 2014.

Canfor-Vavenby has been providing chips for the bio-energy plant without charge, so the only cost to the district is chip delivery.

Total cost of the project, including

the cost overrun, was $285,000.

Funding for the project came from

Southern Interior Beetle Action Committee (SIBAC), an interest-free loan

from Wells Gray Community Forest, and the federal Gas Tax.

2 - 3

Keith McNeill

Royal Bank of Canada's branch in Clearwater is here for the long term, according to manager Rachael Elliot.

“We keep getting people coming in, asking what they should do with their accounts. They think we're moving away. We're not. We're staying,” Elliot said.

The confusion apparently is the result of, first Buy-Low moving from the former Safety Mart location in Brookfield Mall to its new location next to Highway 5. Then two other businesses in Brookfield Mall followed the grocery store to the new shopping centre. Finally, Brookfield Mall itself was placed in receivership last summer, creating uncertainty

for the remaining tenants, including RBC.

“We've been in Clearwater for over 50 years,” Elliot said. “We believe in this community and we have a commitment here. If we have to move, it would just be a matter of find-

ing the right building. But we'll be here in Clearwater.”

Elliot, an employee at the branch for 11 years and a Clearwater resident for more

than 20, took over as manager in November.

Helping her to make the transition has been Norman Cooper, a community manager based in Kamloops who visits the local branch every week or two.

Cooper also has been help-ing train two new employees hired to take up the slack cre-ated by recent retirements and transfers.

“We're not leaving. In fact, we're growing,” he said.

Cooper has been in mana-gerial positions with RBC for many years. This is the sixth branch that he's been attached to.

Royal Bank supports the the community through local fundraising and the RBC Foundation.

Royal Bank con� rms commitment to Clearwater

Rachael Elliot (r), the new manager of the Clearwater branch of Royal Bank of Canada, and Norman Cooper, a community manager from Kamloops, talk about the future of the branch. Contrary to rumors, the bank has no intention of leaving the community, they say. Photo by Keith McNeill

“”

We're not leaving. In fact, we're growing.

Norman Cooper

Council approves funding for bio-energy cost overrun

Accused in estranged wife’s murder will stand trial in the new year


Keith McNeill

“I was the only person there under age 17 and so I got special interest,” was the report from Megan Sim, president of Clearwater's junior council, after she attended the Union of BC Municipalities con-vention in Vancouver last September.

“I was amazed by the number of munici-

palities with no con-ception of what junior council is about. I got quite a collection of business cards from people who wanted to know more,” she told town council during its meeting on Dec. 15.

One major highlight of the convention for Sim was a presentation by Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar.

The space medicine pioneer was “amaz-

ing”, the Clearwater Secondary School stu-dent said.

Another thing that impressed her at UBCM was how local council members were able to meet with and have meaningful dis-cussions with the pre-mier and leader of the opposition.

“I learned that we can affect change ... if we just speak up,” she said.

Mayor John Harwood congratu-lated Sim on being chosen president of the junior council and for going to UBCM.

“Getting this expe-rience at the age you're at right now will effect all the rest of your life,” the mayor said.

Also during the Dec. 15 town coun-cil meeting, District of Clearwater chief administrative offi-cer Leslie Groulx gave the oath of office to six members of junior council: Annie Whelan, Emily Giesbrecht, Cole Stone, Stacia Panko, Hanna Wadlegger and Sim.

Clearwater's junior council has the same members as the students council at Clearwater Secondary School. It serves as a communication bridge between the municipal-ity and local young people.

2 - 3

Junior council president learns lots at UBCM conference

Members of Clearwater's junior council get sworn in during a town council meeting held Tuesday, Dec. 15. Pictured are (l-r) Annie Whelan, Emily Giesbrecht, Cole Stone, Stacia Panko. Hanna Wadlegger, Megan Sim and District chief administrative officer Leslie Groulx. Photo by Keith McNeill

Liberals take step backwards on financial transparency: McLeodOffice of M.P. Cathy McLeod

OTTAWA – The federal Liberal government has abandoned transparency when it comes to financial matters for First Nations, according to Official Opposition Indigenous Affairs Critic Cathy McLeod.

“Today’s decision by Minister Bennett to cease all discretionary compliance measures regard-ing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act is a step backwards for transparency for all Canadians,” McLeod said on Dec. 18. “The government is functionally abandoning the First Nations Transparency Act without repealing it. This is a sad day for those First Nations commu-nity members who called for enhanced financial accountability and transparency.”

McLeod said the FNFTA represents real progress in ensuring that First Nations leadership worked in the best interests of their communities, and that the Act should remain in place.

“The Act ensures community members have access to basic financial information such as

audited financial statements, and the salaries and expenses of chief and council. Now with no com-pliance measures in effect, it’s a safe prediction that the compliance rate will collapse, and finan-cial information will again be shrouded in secrecy from community members,” said McLeod.

“Our Conservative government supported this legislation because it is based on the premise that all Canadians deserve accountability and trans-parency from their leadership,” said McLeod. “First Nations governments operating under the Indian Act had been the only level of govern-ment in Canada that was not obligated to make basic financial information public.”

McLeod pointed out that withdrawing enforcement of the Act is being done without the benefit of a parliamentary debate. “For all prac-tical purposes, this is a repeal of the Act, being carried out without actually bothering to give Members of Parliament any chance to debate it,” said McLeod. “It is ironic that a law about trans-parency is being gutted in such a non-transparent way.”

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How to Donate: Cash or cheques can be dropped off at the Food Bank or by

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Food Donations: dropped off at the Food Bank, Clearwater Credit Union or at Buy-Low Foods

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Editor, The Times:On Dec. 17, Kinder

Morgan Canada stood before the National Energy Board to pres-ent our case for the multi-billion dollar expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline system. It’s a pivotal milestone for our team and represents years of planning, scientific studies and meaningful consultation.

The scrutiny and rigor this project has undergone, both inside and outside of the formal review process, is unprecedented. The input and feedback we’ve gathered has cre-ated a stronger, safer and more responsive project.

Safety is the cor-nerstone of everything we do, and our team has carefully developed measures to protect the health of our workers, communities and eco-systems. And, 89 per cent of the proposed pipeline expansion par-allels existing pipeline or utility infrastructure, minimizing community impacts.

One of the exciting things about leading an infrastructure project

of this magnitude is talking about the direct and lasting economic benefits it would create for communities along the pipeline corridor and all Canadians. The expansion will create more than 123,000 per-son-years of employ-ment through construc-tion and operation of the pipeline.

The project will also create a long-term legacy of tax revenues to support vital govern-ment services that we all rely on. During con-struction and the first 20 years of operation, it will generate an addi-tional $28.2 billion in taxes and royalties, and an additional $26.6 mil-lion in annual property taxes for local govern-ments and reserves – that’s more than double the current amount.

The project is anticipated to require approximately $4.5 bil-lion in goods and ser-vices, and will result in an estimated $480 mil-lion in direct construc-tion workforce spend-ing, such as meals, hotels and vehicle expenses, in communi-ties along the route. New opportunities will

flow into sectors such as transportation, man-ufacturing, engineer-ing, legal, accounting, retail and hospitality. Local communities and Aboriginal groups will also benefit from the agreements that we’ve signed to provide fund-ing for educational, environmental and infrastructure projects.

Clearwater residents will see significant ben-efits as a result of the expansion. If approved, the District will collect over $850,000 in taxes, and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District will collect over $13 million annually.

In addition, the expansion will result in $377 million in construction spend-ing in Clearwater and Vavenby, and work-ers are expected to spend close to $35 million in the area on things such as accom-modation, meals and clothing. And, Trans Mountain has signed a Community Benefit Agreement with the District to provide $390,000 in funding for various community projects, as well as local education and training

opportunities.Canada is and

should remain an international model for responsible resource development and we should be proud of it. We share the value British Columbians place on the environ-ment, and as part of the expansion, we have proposed additional measures to further enhance our industry-leading safety regime.

This includes a $100 million investment in Western Canada Marine Response Corporation to double response capabilities for the tanker route, create five new response bases, cut mandated response times in half and create up to 100 new jobs.

The world has changed since the origi-nal Trans Mountain Pipeline was built in 1953. We need an expanded pipeline sys-tem that will provide access to new, high-paying markets. But, communities can take comfort knowing it will be done safely while balancing social and environmental interests, addressing concerns raised by the public and

unlocking billions of dollars in benefit to our country.

Today, we are more confident than ever that this is the right project, at the right time, for Canada.

Ian Anderson, president

Kinder Morgan Canada

BC Press CouncilThe Times is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the BC Press Council.Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to: BC Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

Velma Sollows: Not anymore. I gave up, I guess.

Ella Van Dusen:Yes, because he makes people happy.

Barry Rich:Sure. You've got to believe in something.

Dennis Peacock:Yes, why not. Just like I believe in the tooth fairy and the free market. I don't want to be called the Grinch like I was last time.

Hazel Klein: Of course. How else would I get the gifts I get??

Questionof the Week

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

4 - 5

Trans Mountain expansion will create significant benefits for Clearwater


Interior Health year in revieweditorial by Erwin Malzer

Opinion “ If the skies fall, one may hope to catch larks.” - Francois Rabelais, writer

As I mark my first anniversary as board chair of Interior Health, I’m looking back on the high-lights and challenges of 2015. From wildfires that blazed through much of our region, to major investments in surgical care, and a change in lead-ership within our organization, it has been quite a year.

We saw the departure of Dr. Robert Halpenny as president and CEO and in October, we announced his successor, Chris Mazurkewich. Prior to working with Alberta Health Services, Chris was chief operating officer, strategic and corporate services at Interior Health. It is great to have him back.

In September, we welcomed the first patients to the new Interior Heart and Surgical Centre. Located in Kelowna, this state-of-the-art facility now delivers the highest level of surgical care ever seen in the Interior. We are thrilled to offer this calibre of health care to residents from every cor-ner of our region.

With less than a year to go before the opening of the Clinical Services Building in Kamloops, a business plan is under development for a new patient care tower, the next phase of redevelop-ment at Royal Inland Hospital.

Planning is also underway in Merritt for the redevelopment of the emergency department at Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre.

In Ashcroft, a new temporary bus service is taking area patients to medical appointments in Lillooet with the physicians who will relocate to Ashcroft in the new year upon completion of their practice ready Assessments.

An innovative outreach program is helping patients in the Cariboo access urology care closer to home. Urologists from Royal Inland Hospital now travel to 100 Mile District General Hospital to provide urology services for patients there.

A significant milestone was reached this year when our board approved the letter of understand-ing with the Ulkatcho First Nation, the last of eight health agreements that create a strong part-nership to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

We continue to develop new ways to use tele-

health to help patients living outside of major urban centres. For exam-ple, a service introduced this year will help fami-lies in the Cariboo and Chilcotin region whose babies may have hearing loss, stay closer to home for testing by linking an audiometric technician in Williams Lake with an audiologist at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

Our work to expand access to HIV testing and treatment has led to sig-nificant increases in screening for the disease. Since 2013, HIV testing in the region has increased by 50 per cent. Screening is a critical step in controlling and eventually ending the AIDS epidemic.

Throughout the year I really enjoyed meet-ing staff, physicians, volunteers, and our elected officials. We managed to cover a lot of territory, including Barriere, Chase, Clearwater, Kamloops, and Salmon Arm. These visits are a priority for myself and the CEO, and over the coming year we will visit other communities in the region.

There is much to celebrate, but we also have much to accomplish. In an effort to decrease demand on hospital and residential services, we are shifting our focus to integrated primary and community care, embracing new approaches that not only benefit our patients but also the health-care system.

At Interior Health, every person matters and I am extremely proud of the staff, physicians and volunteers who demonstrate this philosophy every day in their dedication to quality health care. Our current board is exceptionally engaged and, for the first time, has a majority of women serving and chairing half of the board committees. I am confi-dent that the next year will bring plenty of change for the better.

– Erwin Malzer is board chair of Interior Health Authority.

74 young Road, Unit 14 Brookfi eld Mall, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N2Phone: 250-674-3343 Fax: 250-674-3410Email: [email protected]

Publisher: Al KirkwoodEditor: Keith McNeillOffi ce manager: Yevonne Cline

www.clearwatertimes.com

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4 - 5

Erwin Malzer

Editor, The Times:The Clearwater and

District Food Bank Christmas Concert and Silent Auction/Bake Sale was held on Dec. 5.

Six local groups and individuals provided a variety of music that was highly entertain-ing. The groups include Calvin Lutz and his Band in a Box, the Steve James Garage Band, Sandy Crane’s Strings, Barbara Hall and Grant Gale, the Courtney Johnson Dance Group and the Clearwater Community Chorus.

We appreciate the contributions of all their talents to the suc-cess of the evening.

We also thank the following who con-tributed to the success of the event: the pro-viders of the auction items and the baked goods that helped bring in approximately $4,300 not including the major donations that were presented at the concert; Lloyd Bishop, Dr. Bob Mackenzie and Doug Fenwick for provid-ing and operating the superb sound system; Debbie Caldwell, Kim Strickland, Susan and John McFarland, Reo and Sherry Joubert for the setup and manning

of the silent auction and bake sale; Cal Lutz for helping with the coordination and setup for the concert: and all others who contributed their assis-tance.

The final and not the least thank you goes to those who attended the event and enjoyed the concert and supported the Food Bank with dona-tions, bidding on the auction items and buy-ing the baked goods.

It was a successful evening thanks to all of the above.

The proceeds of this event help us to pro-vide nutritious ham-

pers to approximately 80 individuals each month. We need your continued support to continue to provide for the needy in our com-munity.

Keep your eyes open for the mid-season food drive on the second Saturday in June 2016 and keep the first Saturday in December 2016 year open for our next tal-ent filled event.

Thanks again to all who make the Clearwater and District Food Bank a success.

Harry JamesClearwater and

District Food Bank

Bobbi Bordeleau (l) presents a $500 cheque from Clearwater-Vavenby Lions Club to Harry James of Clearwater and District Food Bank. The donation was one of several made during a community concert held Saturday, Dec. 5 in Dutch Lake Community Centre. Photo by Keith McNeill

Food Bank says thanks for the support from the community

Editor, The Times:I know it is Christmastime,

but I am feeling so very thank-ful.

Thankful first of all to you, the editor, for the opportunity and invitation to write for the Valley Voices. I have learned so much about local history, inter-viewed such interesting people, and challenged myself to stretch into topics outside my usual interests.

Thankful, also, for the coach-

ing and editorial advice over the years. I have honed my word-skills and learned a lot about the computer. I started out writing articles by hand with ink and paper and mailing them in. Then I started the "hunt-and-peek" method of typing and email came along. I still type with two fingers, but o-so speedily!

Thankful to the people I have interviewed. Your stories and descriptions are such rich experi-ences and the memories have

now been preserved and shared to pass forward in time.

I am also feeling hopeful. Hopeful that another writer (and I know they're out there) will step forward and take a turn. Who knows, like Laura Ingalls Wilder and Mark Twain, you might start writing for the news-paper and end up writing your first book!

Hurrah for newspapers!Eleanor Deckert

Avola, B.C.

Writer feels thankful for support


Editor, The Times:On Dec. 17, Kinder

Morgan Canada stood before the National Energy Board to pres-ent our case for the multi-billion dollar expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline system. It’s a pivotal milestone for our team and represents years of planning, scientific studies and meaningful consultation.

The scrutiny and rigor this project has undergone, both inside and outside of the formal review process, is unprecedented. The input and feedback we’ve gathered has cre-ated a stronger, safer and more responsive project.

Safety is the cor-nerstone of everything we do, and our team has carefully developed measures to protect the health of our workers, communities and eco-systems. And, 89 per cent of the proposed pipeline expansion par-allels existing pipeline or utility infrastructure, minimizing community impacts.

One of the exciting things about leading an infrastructure project

of this magnitude is talking about the direct and lasting economic benefits it would create for communities along the pipeline corridor and all Canadians. The expansion will create more than 123,000 per-son-years of employ-ment through construc-tion and operation of the pipeline.

The project will also create a long-term legacy of tax revenues to support vital govern-ment services that we all rely on. During con-struction and the first 20 years of operation, it will generate an addi-tional $28.2 billion in taxes and royalties, and an additional $26.6 mil-lion in annual property taxes for local govern-ments and reserves – that’s more than double the current amount.

The project is anticipated to require approximately $4.5 bil-lion in goods and ser-vices, and will result in an estimated $480 mil-lion in direct construc-tion workforce spend-ing, such as meals, hotels and vehicle expenses, in communi-ties along the route. New opportunities will

flow into sectors such as transportation, man-ufacturing, engineer-ing, legal, accounting, retail and hospitality. Local communities and Aboriginal groups will also benefit from the agreements that we’ve signed to provide fund-ing for educational, environmental and infrastructure projects.

Clearwater residents will see significant ben-efits as a result of the expansion. If approved, the District will collect over $850,000 in taxes, and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District will collect over $13 million annually.

In addition, the expansion will result in $377 million in construction spend-ing in Clearwater and Vavenby, and work-ers are expected to spend close to $35 million in the area on things such as accom-modation, meals and clothing. And, Trans Mountain has signed a Community Benefit Agreement with the District to provide $390,000 in funding for various community projects, as well as local education and training

opportunities.Canada is and

should remain an international model for responsible resource development and we should be proud of it. We share the value British Columbians place on the environ-ment, and as part of the expansion, we have proposed additional measures to further enhance our industry-leading safety regime.

This includes a $100 million investment in Western Canada Marine Response Corporation to double response capabilities for the tanker route, create five new response bases, cut mandated response times in half and create up to 100 new jobs.

The world has changed since the origi-nal Trans Mountain Pipeline was built in 1953. We need an expanded pipeline sys-tem that will provide access to new, high-paying markets. But, communities can take comfort knowing it will be done safely while balancing social and environmental interests, addressing concerns raised by the public and

unlocking billions of dollars in benefit to our country.

Today, we are more confident than ever that this is the right project, at the right time, for Canada.

Ian Anderson, president

Kinder Morgan Canada

BC Press CouncilThe Times is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the BC Press Council.Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to: BC Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

Velma Sollows: Not anymore. I gave up, I guess.

Ella Van Dusen:Yes, because he makes people happy.

Barry Rich:Sure. You've got to believe in something.

Dennis Peacock:Yes, why not. Just like I believe in the tooth fairy and the free market. I don't want to be called the Grinch like I was last time.

Hazel Klein: Of course. How else would I get the gifts I get??

Questionof the Week

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

4 - 5

Trans Mountain expansion will create significant benefits for Clearwater


Interior Health year in revieweditorial by Erwin Malzer

Opinion “ If the skies fall, one may hope to catch larks.” - Francois Rabelais, writer

As I mark my first anniversary as board chair of Interior Health, I’m looking back on the high-lights and challenges of 2015. From wildfires that blazed through much of our region, to major investments in surgical care, and a change in lead-ership within our organization, it has been quite a year.

We saw the departure of Dr. Robert Halpenny as president and CEO and in October, we announced his successor, Chris Mazurkewich. Prior to working with Alberta Health Services, Chris was chief operating officer, strategic and corporate services at Interior Health. It is great to have him back.

In September, we welcomed the first patients to the new Interior Heart and Surgical Centre. Located in Kelowna, this state-of-the-art facility now delivers the highest level of surgical care ever seen in the Interior. We are thrilled to offer this calibre of health care to residents from every cor-ner of our region.

With less than a year to go before the opening of the Clinical Services Building in Kamloops, a business plan is under development for a new patient care tower, the next phase of redevelop-ment at Royal Inland Hospital.

Planning is also underway in Merritt for the redevelopment of the emergency department at Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre.

In Ashcroft, a new temporary bus service is taking area patients to medical appointments in Lillooet with the physicians who will relocate to Ashcroft in the new year upon completion of their practice ready Assessments.

An innovative outreach program is helping patients in the Cariboo access urology care closer to home. Urologists from Royal Inland Hospital now travel to 100 Mile District General Hospital to provide urology services for patients there.

A significant milestone was reached this year when our board approved the letter of understand-ing with the Ulkatcho First Nation, the last of eight health agreements that create a strong part-nership to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

We continue to develop new ways to use tele-

health to help patients living outside of major urban centres. For exam-ple, a service introduced this year will help fami-lies in the Cariboo and Chilcotin region whose babies may have hearing loss, stay closer to home for testing by linking an audiometric technician in Williams Lake with an audiologist at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

Our work to expand access to HIV testing and treatment has led to sig-nificant increases in screening for the disease. Since 2013, HIV testing in the region has increased by 50 per cent. Screening is a critical step in controlling and eventually ending the AIDS epidemic.

Throughout the year I really enjoyed meet-ing staff, physicians, volunteers, and our elected officials. We managed to cover a lot of territory, including Barriere, Chase, Clearwater, Kamloops, and Salmon Arm. These visits are a priority for myself and the CEO, and over the coming year we will visit other communities in the region.

There is much to celebrate, but we also have much to accomplish. In an effort to decrease demand on hospital and residential services, we are shifting our focus to integrated primary and community care, embracing new approaches that not only benefit our patients but also the health-care system.

At Interior Health, every person matters and I am extremely proud of the staff, physicians and volunteers who demonstrate this philosophy every day in their dedication to quality health care. Our current board is exceptionally engaged and, for the first time, has a majority of women serving and chairing half of the board committees. I am confi-dent that the next year will bring plenty of change for the better.

– Erwin Malzer is board chair of Interior Health Authority.

74 young Road, Unit 14 Brookfi eld Mall, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N2Phone: 250-674-3343 Fax: 250-674-3410Email: [email protected]

Publisher: Al KirkwoodEditor: Keith McNeillOffi ce manager: Yevonne Cline


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Published by Black Press Ltd.74 Young Road, Unit 14 Brookfield MallClearwater, B.C. V0E 1N2

4 - 5

Erwin Malzer

Editor, The Times:The Clearwater and

District Food Bank Christmas Concert and Silent Auction/Bake Sale was held on Dec. 5.

Six local groups and individuals provided a variety of music that was highly entertain-ing. The groups include Calvin Lutz and his Band in a Box, the Steve James Garage Band, Sandy Crane’s Strings, Barbara Hall and Grant Gale, the Courtney Johnson Dance Group and the Clearwater Community Chorus.

We appreciate the contributions of all their talents to the suc-cess of the evening.

We also thank the following who con-tributed to the success of the event: the pro-viders of the auction items and the baked goods that helped bring in approximately $4,300 not including the major donations that were presented at the concert; Lloyd Bishop, Dr. Bob Mackenzie and Doug Fenwick for provid-ing and operating the superb sound system; Debbie Caldwell, Kim Strickland, Susan and John McFarland, Reo and Sherry Joubert for the setup and manning

of the silent auction and bake sale; Cal Lutz for helping with the coordination and setup for the concert: and all others who contributed their assis-tance.

The final and not the least thank you goes to those who attended the event and enjoyed the concert and supported the Food Bank with dona-tions, bidding on the auction items and buy-ing the baked goods.

It was a successful evening thanks to all of the above.

The proceeds of this event help us to pro-vide nutritious ham-

pers to approximately 80 individuals each month. We need your continued support to continue to provide for the needy in our com-munity.

Keep your eyes open for the mid-season food drive on the second Saturday in June 2016 and keep the first Saturday in December 2016 year open for our next tal-ent filled event.

Thanks again to all who make the Clearwater and District Food Bank a success.

Harry JamesClearwater and

District Food Bank

Bobbi Bordeleau (l) presents a $500 cheque from Clearwater-Vavenby Lions Club to Harry James of Clearwater and District Food Bank. The donation was one of several made during a community concert held Saturday, Dec. 5 in Dutch Lake Community Centre. Photo by Keith McNeill

Food Bank says thanks for the support from the community

Editor, The Times:I know it is Christmastime,

but I am feeling so very thank-ful.

Thankful first of all to you, the editor, for the opportunity and invitation to write for the Valley Voices. I have learned so much about local history, inter-viewed such interesting people, and challenged myself to stretch into topics outside my usual interests.

Thankful, also, for the coach-

ing and editorial advice over the years. I have honed my word-skills and learned a lot about the computer. I started out writing articles by hand with ink and paper and mailing them in. Then I started the "hunt-and-peek" method of typing and email came along. I still type with two fingers, but o-so speedily!

Thankful to the people I have interviewed. Your stories and descriptions are such rich experi-ences and the memories have

now been preserved and shared to pass forward in time.

I am also feeling hopeful. Hopeful that another writer (and I know they're out there) will step forward and take a turn. Who knows, like Laura Ingalls Wilder and Mark Twain, you might start writing for the news-paper and end up writing your first book!

Hurrah for newspapers!Eleanor Deckert

Avola, B.C.

Writer feels thankful for supportIn our January 14th edition,

the Clearwater TIMES will celebrate babIES born In 2015

Don’t miss the chance to share your excitement by announcing the arrival of a new member of the family!

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Proud to supportNorth Thompson Star/Journal Monday, June 18, 2012 www.starjournal.net A11

By Elli KohnertNorth Thompson Star/Journal

The small settle-ment of Vavenby is home to Ecki Manthei, a gifted artist who‘s artwork grows out of his connection to nature, and his drive to follow every new idea with a passion that moves him to create what is in his imagina-tion, without delay.

Ecki’s home stands out from all others in the Vavenby trailer park where it cannot be missed. Two large life-like eagles formed from wood, seem to be guarding his prop-erty. Varieties of crea-tures also made from wood, line the path to the house; and the ambiance of this place leaves no doubt that an artist lives here.

Ecki, and his life partner, Marilyn, arrived in the North Thompson Valley about five years ago. When they saw the trailer court in Vavenby, they “liked it right away and bought it”; a comfort-able, quiet place that allows his creativity to flourish.

Ecki says he emi-grated with his parents from Austria when he was a very young boy in 1945. He has lived and worked in various northern locations in

Canada, and eventu-ally came to live in Cloverdale, B.C. It is there that he began his artistic career.

Seashells were his medium then, tells Ecki as he explains how they lend them-selves to be made into clocks for instance, or be used as a canvas for his paintings.

When the couple eventually settled in the community of Vavenby, it is here that Ecki took on art as his life work.

Ecki has trans-formed one room of their home into an art gallery, where he now displays the numer-ous ‘Art By Ecki’ cre-ations.

The variety of his work is remarkable; it ranges from usable art, like wooden spoons and clocks, to wildlife and nature paintings. Ecki uses antlers for many of his carvings that depict wildlife, especially wolves, in their habitat.

“When I am walking in the forest, or along a stream, I often see something that gives me an idea for a proj-ect,” says the artist, “I may pick up a rock that would be just right to paint something on, or maybe I am lucky to find a moose or deer antler, and I know right away what I want to

carve on it!” He notes that near-

ly all the materials he uses in his creations are natural; giving the artwork its special character.

Sometimes a per-son may come into the gallery to view Ecki’s work, and they may purchase a special item of art for their own home. Most of the time though, Ecki and Marilyn market the art work by taking part in craft fairs.

“At some I do well, with others I do not,” commented the art-

ist on selling his work through craft fairs.

The couple say they have a few tentative ideas in mind for mar-keting; such as going on the road to sell their creations. But right now, they have no immediate plans that they want to follow.

“We like it here in Vavenby,” says Ecki, “We feel comfortable around here, and we do enjoy to be with the friends we have made in the area. For now, ‘Ecki’s Art’ will have its home in the North Thompson Valley .”

Nature plays a large part in Art by Ecki

(Above) Ecki Manthei of Vavenby shows one of the many ant-lers he has carved that are displayed in his home gallery.

(Top left) Ecki’s life partner, Marilyn, looks on on as he passionately describes his art creations to the Star/Journal reporter.

(Bottom left) Some of the beautiful creations that Ecki offers for sale to the public from his Vavenby gallery or at craft fairs.

STAR/JOURNAL photos: Elli Kohnert

Celebration of Art in Barriere June 23, 24By Jill HaywardNorth Thompson Star/Journal

Everything is in place for the June 23, and 24, Barriere Celebration of The Arts. The venue will be similar to last year’s event and will once again be hosted on property beside Highway 5 in Barriere, now the home of Sam’s Pizza and Rib House.

The two day Celebration of Art event is an extravaganza of art and culture, featuring the amazing talent of the North Thompson Valley and British Columbia.

Put on by the North Thomspon Arts Council, and the Yellowhead Artists Cooperative, the venue

continues to be admission free to the public, and encourages youth to attend and participate in the 12 years and under Art Activity Area.

Those involved say they expect a strong turnout of ven-dors this year and that they are looking forward to presenting such a broad range of top qual-ity art for exhibition and/or for sale.

Organizers say booth space is being filled fast by artists and artisans, and they encourage those who have not yet registered to do so now and avoid being disappointed. Service groups and organizations are also wel-come to participate to promote their programs in a booth at the site. Vendors are reminded they

must supply their own canopy or tent, and that power is not available.

If you would like more infor-mation or would like to book a space, or volunteer, please call Jessie at 250-672-9772.

“We figure that all the rain will be done with by then,” said one positive thinker, “It will be a great weekend, and the vendor tents will be to provide shade from the sun, not keep the rain off. We are expecting lots of art-ists, and a steady stream of visi-tors to our presentation. Come on down and see the extremely good works being produced from people within our art com-munity. You’ll be impressed – I guarantee it!”

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North Thompson Star/Journal Thursday, December 17, 2015 www.starjournal.net A17

VALLEY VOICESVALLEY VOICES

From Dec. 9, 1990Comfy as an easy chair

“Isn’t she just amaz-ing?” said The New Neighbour about a public personage on the shady side of the half century mark, “Isn’t she gorgeous and slim?”

To which I said something pithy about the benefits science and technology offer the rich and famous...to which she gave me that you-are-so-jealous look. She’s semi-right, of course, because who doesn’t regret what gravity and too much gravy do to our anato-my over time?

But then, as I was sorting out the books that form a large part of the annual Christ-mas loot for our grand-children, I remembered something else.

I was blessed with two grandmas, both of whom wore grandma clothes and grandma shoes, and were built like...well, like grand-mas, by my childish lights. Both had ample laps upon which to sit, great pillowy bosoms to lean on, warm, soft grandma arms to hug with.

One day, when I was five, I met a friend’s grandmother. Poor thing, I remem-ber thinking looking at that tiny, birdlike grandmother person,

all got up in a suit and pillbox hat. That must not be nice to sit on at all.

That child is prob-ably a grandmother now, and genetics be-ing what they are, she’s likely slim and stylish. I, on the other hand, offer our grandchildren another generation of comfy grandma-hood.

I can live with that.~~~~

From Dec. 18, 1995When Santa came calling

You can’t set foot in town (or turn on the television) these days without confronting that old guy in the red suit...or at least one of his seemingly infinite incarnations.

It’s a wonder child-hood trust lasts as long as it does, considering how much more expo-sure to Santa kids have today than they did two or three genera-tions ago.

Used to be the old guy showed up once at the department store, once at the Christmas concert, and then de-livered on time Christ-mas morning. Period.

Back in the late 60s and early 70s, we had a wandering rogue Santa Claus who appeared out of nowhere on those last pre-Christ-mas eveneings, barging into the farmhouse for some unscheduled one-on-one with children of a certain (jaded) age... and occasion-ally jigged somebody’s blushing mother on his knee into the bargain.

Bigger than your average Saint Nick and a trifle boister-ous, this Santa had done his homework, knowing precisely who had been naughty and sometimes displaying an alarming grasp of the details of certain youngster’s misadven-tures.

Then off he’d go, ho-ho-hoing into the wintry night, leav-ing preteens with the whites of their eyes showing, older broth-ers and sisters with their eyes rolled back and heads wagging and, frequently, Mom and Dad considering a little seasonal fortifica-tion in light of his rev-elations.

Did he really keep

the illusion alive? Maybe. Certainly nei-ther kids nor parents rushed to unmask the interloper...especially considering his entirely Santa-like insight into the younger set’s track record.

~~~~From Dec. 19, 1994Home, for the holidays

If there is a day when the house should be crowded, Christmas Day is it.

Years ago, when we found ourselves far from our large and noisy extended family, Mother found a new way to fill the house when Christmas rolled around.

A nurse in a small-town hospital, she simply loaded up all the old fogeys, who frequented the wards in the depths of winter, dropped by the nurses’ residence for all the lonely single women, and hauled them all over for dinner.

Early.World War I was re-

viewed in detail more than one Christmas Day at our house, most memorably by a boom-ing Scot with snowy bird’s wing brows and a one-legged Russian with more mustache than tact. Both had canes and appeared ready to do violence until mother inter-vened, They may have

been fiery old geezers, but not so foolish as to mess with Mom.

One year a pair of young Australian nurses sat side-by-side on our couch amongst the old guys, and gave us a rousing rendition of “Waltzing Matilda,” then dissolved into tears of homesickness.

The house would become so warm we’d have to open doors and windows at intervals, to air the place out. Mom drew the line at alcohol consump-tion, and she could be starchier than any

hospital uniform ever issued: nobody pushed his luck.

Somebody always played the piano; somebody always played Scrabble. If we youngsters (there were always extras besides just us) got too wild we were sent outside to run laps around the house. And we did.

Supper was cer-tainly successful if all the men left the table, struggled back to the living room and went sound asleep before the dishes were done.

Then there was one more round of coffee, and groaned refus-als of the last of the mincemeat pie, and Mom and Dad began the shuttle, return-ing our guests from whence they came.

The Scot and the Russian went in dif-ferent carloads. And then, finally, there was no one left but us and we were glad, content to be just us again with Christmas safely be-hind us.

~~~~Rest in peace Ann,

you will be missed.

Ann Piper: Shared Christmas memories of long agoIn 1990 Ann Piper, husband Don, and their youngest son, Don Jr., moved to Little Fort, from the Chilcotin. With an extensive background in journalism, and at

that time having been writing for over a decade for the Williams Lake Tribune, Ann was soon working in Barriere at the Yellowhead Star, later to become the North Thompson Star/Journal. As the editor of this newspaper, Ann regularly brought to its pages the issues, views, triumphs and failures of the communities within this re-gion. She advocated for what she believed in, was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and get involved, and could always be counted on to provide common sense to those who would listen. We would like to share with our readers a few excerpts from one of her columns, “Country Corner With Bea”. The column proved to be a favourite for readers until Ann’s retirement in 2004. Ann passed away on Nov. 15, 2015.

The Times file photo:

Ann Piper shown with an armload of ribbons for the North Thompson Fall Fair where she volunteered for many years in a number of capacities, including ribbon convenor.


Tim Petruk – Kamloops This Week

Six of the eight alleged victims of a former RCMP officer and youth hockey coach facing sexual assault charges dat-ing back more than 30 years have asked the Crown for special accommodations when they testify next month.

Alan Davidson’s four-day preliminary inquiry on eight charges of indecent assault by a male on a male person — as the Criminal Code was worded at the time of the alleged offences — is slated to get underway in Kamloops provincial court on Jan. 5.

The 60-year-old was arrested in March 2014 and charged in connec-tion with the offences,

which are alleged to have taken place in Clearwater.

Earlier this year, he was charged with three counts of sexual assault involv-ing young boys in Yorktown, Sask., where he worked as an RCMP constable between 1986 and 1993.

At the time of his arrest in 2014, Davidson was work-ing as a deputy sher-iff in Alberta.

Six of the eight accusers have asked for special treatment when they testify.

Crown prosecu-tor Alexandra Janse said four of the com-plainants would like to testify by way of closed-circuit televi-sion, while two have requested to have a support person pres-ent.

An application is expected to be made

by the Crown to have those requests grant-ed some time before Jan. 5.

The 16-month investigation into Davidson’s actions came about after a Lower Mainland man went to police in 2012 claiming he had been sexually assaulted by his hockey coach in Clearwater in the

early 1980s.Seven additional

complainants came forward during the course of the RCMP investigation.

Davidson was an officer in Saskatchewan from 1982 to 1996 and was posted in Regina, Coronach, Lloydminster, Yorkton and North Battleford.

Police said that, after he left the RCMP, Davidson lived in Camrose and Calgary in Alberta, as well as in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island.

Preliminary inqui-ries are hearings after which a judge deter-mines whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.

Sometime overnight on Dec. 10 an unknown person entered a property in the Flats area of Clearwater and stole a Stihl chainsaw and a welding mask.

If you have any information regarding this theft, please contact the Clearwater RCMP.

Slippery road contributes to crashOn Dec. 13, a full-size pickup truck travelling

north on the highway just south of Blue River went out of control, apparently due to ice, and went off the road, causing the vehicle to flip.

There was only one occupant, who was unin-jured in the collision.

Due to the mild temperatures snow has been melting and refreezing regularly making road conditions difficult to predict and black ice more likely in many areas. Please use caution this holi-day season.

Impaired driver in ditchOn Dec. 16, Clearwater police were called

for a possibly impaired driver in the ditch on Highway 24.

Members responded and located the vehicle.

The driver was uninjured but impaired by alco-hol.

Police issued the driver a 90-day driving pro-hibition. The vehicle was recovered from the ditch and impounded for 30 days.

Happy holidaysPolice wish everyone a happy and safe holidayOver this holiday season there are many occa-

sions for celebrations and fun.While celebrating and having all that fun, we

would only ask that everyone please take care to ensure you have a safe ride to wherever you need to go.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas from everyone at the Clearwater RCMP.

6 - 7Thief takes chainsaw

C L E A R W A T E R

1-800-222-TIPSClearwater RCMP Report

Jan. 5 start to inquiry into sex-assault charges against former Mountie, local hockey coach

Alan Davidson

Writing to Saint NickHeather Romeril helps her daughter, Jordyn Romeril, to write a letter to Santa Claus during Christmas Tree Light-Up at the Wells Gray Infocentre on Sunday evening, Dec. 6. Photo by Keith McNeill

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North Thompson Star/Journal Thursday, December 17, 2015 www.starjournal.net A17

VALLEY VOICESVALLEY VOICES

From Dec. 9, 1990Comfy as an easy chair

“Isn’t she just amaz-ing?” said The New Neighbour about a public personage on the shady side of the half century mark, “Isn’t she gorgeous and slim?”

To which I said something pithy about the benefits science and technology offer the rich and famous...to which she gave me that you-are-so-jealous look. She’s semi-right, of course, because who doesn’t regret what gravity and too much gravy do to our anato-my over time?

But then, as I was sorting out the books that form a large part of the annual Christ-mas loot for our grand-children, I remembered something else.

I was blessed with two grandmas, both of whom wore grandma clothes and grandma shoes, and were built like...well, like grand-mas, by my childish lights. Both had ample laps upon which to sit, great pillowy bosoms to lean on, warm, soft grandma arms to hug with.

One day, when I was five, I met a friend’s grandmother. Poor thing, I remem-ber thinking looking at that tiny, birdlike grandmother person,

all got up in a suit and pillbox hat. That must not be nice to sit on at all.

That child is prob-ably a grandmother now, and genetics be-ing what they are, she’s likely slim and stylish. I, on the other hand, offer our grandchildren another generation of comfy grandma-hood.

I can live with that.~~~~

From Dec. 18, 1995When Santa came calling

You can’t set foot in town (or turn on the television) these days without confronting that old guy in the red suit...or at least one of his seemingly infinite incarnations.

It’s a wonder child-hood trust lasts as long as it does, considering how much more expo-sure to Santa kids have today than they did two or three genera-tions ago.

Used to be the old guy showed up once at the department store, once at the Christmas concert, and then de-livered on time Christ-mas morning. Period.

Back in the late 60s and early 70s, we had a wandering rogue Santa Claus who appeared out of nowhere on those last pre-Christ-mas eveneings, barging into the farmhouse for some unscheduled one-on-one with children of a certain (jaded) age... and occasion-ally jigged somebody’s blushing mother on his knee into the bargain.

Bigger than your average Saint Nick and a trifle boister-ous, this Santa had done his homework, knowing precisely who had been naughty and sometimes displaying an alarming grasp of the details of certain youngster’s misadven-tures.

Then off he’d go, ho-ho-hoing into the wintry night, leav-ing preteens with the whites of their eyes showing, older broth-ers and sisters with their eyes rolled back and heads wagging and, frequently, Mom and Dad considering a little seasonal fortifica-tion in light of his rev-elations.

Did he really keep

the illusion alive? Maybe. Certainly nei-ther kids nor parents rushed to unmask the interloper...especially considering his entirely Santa-like insight into the younger set’s track record.

~~~~From Dec. 19, 1994Home, for the holidays

If there is a day when the house should be crowded, Christmas Day is it.

Years ago, when we found ourselves far from our large and noisy extended family, Mother found a new way to fill the house when Christmas rolled around.

A nurse in a small-town hospital, she simply loaded up all the old fogeys, who frequented the wards in the depths of winter, dropped by the nurses’ residence for all the lonely single women, and hauled them all over for dinner.

Early.World War I was re-

viewed in detail more than one Christmas Day at our house, most memorably by a boom-ing Scot with snowy bird’s wing brows and a one-legged Russian with more mustache than tact. Both had canes and appeared ready to do violence until mother inter-vened, They may have

been fiery old geezers, but not so foolish as to mess with Mom.

One year a pair of young Australian nurses sat side-by-side on our couch amongst the old guys, and gave us a rousing rendition of “Waltzing Matilda,” then dissolved into tears of homesickness.

The house would become so warm we’d have to open doors and windows at intervals, to air the place out. Mom drew the line at alcohol consump-tion, and she could be starchier than any

hospital uniform ever issued: nobody pushed his luck.

Somebody always played the piano; somebody always played Scrabble. If we youngsters (there were always extras besides just us) got too wild we were sent outside to run laps around the house. And we did.

Supper was cer-tainly successful if all the men left the table, struggled back to the living room and went sound asleep before the dishes were done.

Then there was one more round of coffee, and groaned refus-als of the last of the mincemeat pie, and Mom and Dad began the shuttle, return-ing our guests from whence they came.

The Scot and the Russian went in dif-ferent carloads. And then, finally, there was no one left but us and we were glad, content to be just us again with Christmas safely be-hind us.

~~~~Rest in peace Ann,

you will be missed.

Ann Piper: Shared Christmas memories of long agoIn 1990 Ann Piper, husband Don, and their youngest son, Don Jr., moved to Little Fort, from the Chilcotin. With an extensive background in journalism, and at

that time having been writing for over a decade for the Williams Lake Tribune, Ann was soon working in Barriere at the Yellowhead Star, later to become the North Thompson Star/Journal. As the editor of this newspaper, Ann regularly brought to its pages the issues, views, triumphs and failures of the communities within this re-gion. She advocated for what she believed in, was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and get involved, and could always be counted on to provide common sense to those who would listen. We would like to share with our readers a few excerpts from one of her columns, “Country Corner With Bea”. The column proved to be a favourite for readers until Ann’s retirement in 2004. Ann passed away on Nov. 15, 2015.

The Times file photo:

Ann Piper shown with an armload of ribbons for the North Thompson Fall Fair where she volunteered for many years in a number of capacities, including ribbon convenor.


Robyn Rexin

A large crowd of people – approxi-mately 70 – attended Christmas in the Village at Vavenby Christian Church on Sunday morning, Dec. 20. More chairs had to be added, another table, and a few people stood. It confirmed to the congregation that a larger building is needed.

John and Valerie Gerber opened the program by singing "The Perfect Tree". The fourth Advent candle was lit next after a Bible reading.

Then everyone became involved in the singing of the famil-iar Christmas carols. The video " Snoopy's

Christmas" followed.There were two

more performances to watch. The Children's Church, under the direction of Lisa Wilkinson, sang two songs - "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

with some words changed, and "Hush, Shhh, There's a Baby" with actions added. Isaac Moilliet and Zion Toscano got up next to sing "All Things New."

Pastor Ian Moilliet

followed to deliver his message The Peace Treaty. Then everyone went to get their lunch from the large spread.

All performances were excellent and the potluck lunch deli-cious.

Kamloops This Week

Submissions for the 2016 Kamloops Independent Short Short Film Festival is accepting submissions for the March event.

Preferred format is .mov or .mp4 but DVDs of the films can also be submit-ted. The entries will be screened on March 6 at Paramount Theatre. Deadline to submit films is Feb. 26.

Films can be dropped off at Moviemart, 444 St. Paul St.

Exposing local artworkArt Exposed is open

for submissions in any medium, including two-

and three-dimensional works.

Artists can submit two pieces and all will be on display at the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre, 7 West Seymour St., from March 11 to March 19. Deadline for submissions is Feb. 13.

Cash prizes will be awarded and for next year — the sixth annual Art Exposed — new categories of emerging and established artists have been added.

For more informa-tion, go online to kam-loopsarts.ca.

First look at festivalThe Salmon Arm

Roots and Blues Festival has announced its first acts for next year’s event.

Canadian duo Whitehorse — Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet — will be at the annual event next August. New Orleans Suspects is also heading north for the festival.

The band was cre-ated six years ago by Neville Brothers Drummer Willie Green, Radiators bassist Reggie Scanlon, Dirty Dozen Brass Band gui-tarist Jake Eckert, pia-nist C.R. Gruver and sax player Jeff Watkins. The Suspects has been praised as having a sound that “exceeds the sum of its notable parts.”

Early-bird tickets for the Aug. 19 to Aug. 21 festival are on sale now at rootsandblues.ca.

Sandra Homes

The Senior Education Toolkit is the result of a grant applied for by the District of Clearwater and supported by the Union of BC Municipalities.

Linda Selbee and Pearl Broswick were hired to create an information toolkit to be used by others to help improve the safety of seniors.

Over the past year many seniors have ben-efited from this program.

Information about Emergency Social Services, fire safety in public buildings, local transit, advance care planning, and understanding dementia have been presented to appreciative audiences. Thirty or more people attended each workshop, with over 60 attending the December luncheon sponsored by Wells Gray Country Seniors Society at which Linda and Pearl gave their final report.

The Emergency Information Kits provide easy accessible information in case of medical emergency or a community disaster. Sixty per-sonal kits have been completed. There is a plan to complete more kits in the future.

A senior’s directory has also been printed and distributed. This little book gives a place to record medical and emergency information. It contains a calendar for the year and has a quick reference for phone numbers.

Encouraging and educating seniors in the use of local transit has contributed to an increase in ridership. Seniors participated in a bus ride to Kamloops and gave recommendation that helped improve the system. Input from seniors has also contributed to an experiment with more frequent local runs.

Advance Care Planning began with a presen-tation of what is needed at the hospital. Dr. Bob Mackenzie, Linda Mackenzie, Janice Wyatt and Crystal Wadlegger assisted in this process.

Hospice members and members of the com-munity were trained to assist people to fill out the paper work using the My Voice manual. This paperwork is to assist people in making healt decisions while they are able in preparation for

when they cannot make their own decisions. Over 50 Advance Care Kits have been com-pleted.

An initial “Understanding Dementia” work-shop presented by Tara Hildebrand of the Alzheimer Society of BC was well received, with 60 people participating. A second workshop about dementia was organized and “Changing Behaviour and Perspectives” attracted 54 partici-pants.

The sobering thought left with the crowd was that the person with dementia is not able to change his or her behaviour so it is up to the caregiver to change his or her attitudes and behaviour.

A Phone Buddy Program is underway. All callers have criminal record checks and provide either a once a week or more phone call to chat and checkup with their buddy. There are six call-ers. Over 36 calls are made a week. Both men and women participate in this program.

This grant is now completed. These programs are now available for others to build on.

8 - 9Senior Education Toolkit helps the elderly in Clearwater and area

Mutual aid fire protection agreement signed between Barriere and SimpcwDistrict of Barriere Mayor Virginia Smith and Chief Nathan Matthew sign a Barri-ere/Simpcw Mutual Aid Agreement for Fire Protection between the two commu-nities on Dec. 14 at Chu Chua. The previous agreement had expired, so starting in 2014 the two communities joined in looking at what a new agreement would include. Their discussions included: number of volunteers, existing equipment, insurance requirements, fire protection areas and levels of training and minimum training standards set out in the new BC Fire Service Playbook. As a result of these talks it was agreed that both departments are now at a place where they can offer support to one another on an as needed basis, benefiting both com-munities. Photo by Crystal Celesta

Lynne Frizzle (l), seniors coordinator for Wells Gray Country Seniors Society's "Seniors Networking with Seniors and the Community" program shares a hug with Linda Selbee, coordinator for District of Clearwa-ter's "Senior's Toolkit " program. Selbee gave the final report for her program to about 60 seniors attending a Christmas luncheon for seniors sponsored by WGCSS at the Elks Hall on Dec. 8. Photo by Sandra Holmes

Submit short film to festival for March event

Christmas in the Village attracts large crowd


Robyn Rexin

This past week was a busy one at Vavenby Elementary School.

On Tuesday, Dec. 15, the Strong Start children did Christmas projects.

For the first one they chose a laminat-ed construction paper tree, snowman, or gingerbread man and decorated them with pre-cut shapes.

For their second project the girls made stockings out of pre-cut construction paper. Leader Jody Phillips helped the children thread the needles with the yarn and then knot it. This was a good exercise in fine motor skills.

The fourth project was to make a star decoration out of popsicle sticks and glitter. Pipe cleaners were used to hang the stars on their Christmas tree at home.

Before leaving the children were given all of their projects, the cookies they had made, the book marks that had been made previously but had needed to be laminat-ed, and the clay tree ornaments that they began earlier. Mrs. Jody added a treat

from her. The girls had a wonderful time.

Primary students put on Christmas perfor-mance

There was a Christmas perfor-mance by the Primary students on Thursday, Dec. 17. They recited the poem “T'was the Night Before

Christmas” and added actions.

One student wore a Santa hat, the rest had reindeer headbands on.

They did an excel-lent job. Their teacher, Michelle Farns, said that the children had worked hard on it.

There was a large and appreciative audience.

After the perfor-mance the students took their parents into the classroom to show them the work done so far this school year.

On their last school day before the Christmas holidays the Primary students had a fun day and they all

came dressed in their pyjamas.

They did Santa math and later each wrote a story about a girl building a snow-man. They also played some games such as musical chairs and Grinch tag.

The Parents Advisory Committee (PAC) made a hot lunch. The students got mini pizzas, fruit kabobs, finger foods, Christmas cookies, and grape juice.

School will begin again on Jan. 4.

No crib and darts dur-ing holidays

The Vavenby crib and darts have stopped for the Christmas holi-days. Crib will start up again on Tuesday, Jan. 5, and darts on Thursday, Dec. 7.

Both will be at the hall and will begin at 7 p.m. sharp. They both cost $3.

8 - 9

Winners of the Times' Christmas stories contest hold their prize envelopes plus complimentary copies of last week's issue with their stories in them. Pictured are (l-r) Michael Shook, second place in the Kindergarten – Grade 3 category; Reid Muddiman, first in K – Gr. 3; Evan Colborne, third in K – Gr. 3; Andrew Ludbrook, second in Grade 4 – 7; and Claire Arduini, third in Grade 4 – 7. The photo was taken prior to a dress rehearsal for Raft River Elementary School's annual Christmas concert on Thursday. Photos by Keith McNeill

Inset: Astrid Ludwig holds her prize envelope plus a complimentary copy of last week's issue after winning first place in the Grade 4 – 7 category in the Times' Christmas stories contest. As a first place winner she received a $25 prize. Second place winners got $15 while the third place winners got $10.

Story winners get their prizes Vavenby students prepare for Christmas

Vavenby Primary School students (l-r) Nathaniel Weber, Hunter Chrstall, Ethan Merriman and Mercy Flegel recite “T'was the Night Before Christmas.”Photo by Robyn Rexin

Happy Holidays

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LEINS

PHARMASAVEMonday - Saturday 9 AM - 6 PM

Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM

201-365 Murtle Cres, Clearwater, B.C.

250-674-0058

There are two main types of calcium supplements used today. Calcium carbonate is less expensive and depends on stomach acid for best absorption. Take these with meals. Calcium citrate, the more expensive form, is absorbed well when taken with or without food.

Keep a list of all the medications you take with you at all times. This list should contain all prescribed medications, non-prescription medications and herbal products. Many people don’t include vitamins and herbal products on this list but they can be important in assessing your health.

Side effects can happen with medications. Most are minor and self-limiting. Examples include nausea, drowsiness and skin rashes. Side effects can happen when certain drugs are mixed with others. Alcohol is a good example of the “other” drug. As your pharmacists, we will inform you of any side effects that may affect your quality of life.

Good habits to cultivate for 2016 include taking your medications correctly, daily exercise, not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption and eating sensibly to keep your weight in control. These habits all contribute to a healthier life.

There is another habit we would like you to keep ... having our pharmacists fill your prescriptions. The side effects of this service are only positive. Have a happy and safe holiday season.


Robyn Rexin

A large crowd of people – approxi-mately 70 – attended Christmas in the Village at Vavenby Christian Church on Sunday morning, Dec. 20. More chairs had to be added, another table, and a few people stood. It confirmed to the congregation that a larger building is needed.

John and Valerie Gerber opened the program by singing "The Perfect Tree". The fourth Advent candle was lit next after a Bible reading.

Then everyone became involved in the singing of the famil-iar Christmas carols. The video " Snoopy's

Christmas" followed.There were two

more performances to watch. The Children's Church, under the direction of Lisa Wilkinson, sang two songs - "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

with some words changed, and "Hush, Shhh, There's a Baby" with actions added. Isaac Moilliet and Zion Toscano got up next to sing "All Things New."

Pastor Ian Moilliet

followed to deliver his message The Peace Treaty. Then everyone went to get their lunch from the large spread.

All performances were excellent and the potluck lunch deli-cious.

Kamloops This Week

Submissions for the 2016 Kamloops Independent Short Short Film Festival is accepting submissions for the March event.

Preferred format is .mov or .mp4 but DVDs of the films can also be submit-ted. The entries will be screened on March 6 at Paramount Theatre. Deadline to submit films is Feb. 26.

Films can be dropped off at Moviemart, 444 St. Paul St.

Exposing local artworkArt Exposed is open

for submissions in any medium, including two-

and three-dimensional works.

Artists can submit two pieces and all will be on display at the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre, 7 West Seymour St., from March 11 to March 19. Deadline for submissions is Feb. 13.

Cash prizes will be awarded and for next year — the sixth annual Art Exposed — new categories of emerging and established artists have been added.

For more informa-tion, go online to kam-loopsarts.ca.

First look at festivalThe Salmon Arm

Roots and Blues Festival has announced its first acts for next year’s event.

Canadian duo Whitehorse — Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet — will be at the annual event next August. New Orleans Suspects is also heading north for the festival.

The band was cre-ated six years ago by Neville Brothers Drummer Willie Green, Radiators bassist Reggie Scanlon, Dirty Dozen Brass Band gui-tarist Jake Eckert, pia-nist C.R. Gruver and sax player Jeff Watkins. The Suspects has been praised as having a sound that “exceeds the sum of its notable parts.”

Early-bird tickets for the Aug. 19 to Aug. 21 festival are on sale now at rootsandblues.ca.

Sandra Homes

The Senior Education Toolkit is the result of a grant applied for by the District of Clearwater and supported by the Union of BC Municipalities.

Linda Selbee and Pearl Broswick were hired to create an information toolkit to be used by others to help improve the safety of seniors.

Over the past year many seniors have ben-efited from this program.

Information about Emergency Social Services, fire safety in public buildings, local transit, advance care planning, and understanding dementia have been presented to appreciative audiences. Thirty or more people attended each workshop, with over 60 attending the December luncheon sponsored by Wells Gray Country Seniors Society at which Linda and Pearl gave their final report.

The Emergency Information Kits provide easy accessible information in case of medical emergency or a community disaster. Sixty per-sonal kits have been completed. There is a plan to complete more kits in the future.

A senior’s directory has also been printed and distributed. This little book gives a place to record medical and emergency information. It contains a calendar for the year and has a quick reference for phone numbers.

Encouraging and educating seniors in the use of local transit has contributed to an increase in ridership. Seniors participated in a bus ride to Kamloops and gave recommendation that helped improve the system. Input from seniors has also contributed to an experiment with more frequent local runs.

Advance Care Planning began with a presen-tation of what is needed at the hospital. Dr. Bob Mackenzie, Linda Mackenzie, Janice Wyatt and Crystal Wadlegger assisted in this process.

Hospice members and members of the com-munity were trained to assist people to fill out the paper work using the My Voice manual. This paperwork is to assist people in making healt decisions while they are able in preparation for

when they cannot make their own decisions. Over 50 Advance Care Kits have been com-pleted.

An initial “Understanding Dementia” work-shop presented by Tara Hildebrand of the Alzheimer Society of BC was well received, with 60 people participating. A second workshop about dementia was organized and “Changing Behaviour and Perspectives” attracted 54 partici-pants.

The sobering thought left with the crowd was that the person with dementia is not able to change his or her behaviour so it is up to the caregiver to change his or her attitudes and behaviour.

A Phone Buddy Program is underway. All callers have criminal record checks and provide either a once a week or more phone call to chat and checkup with their buddy. There are six call-ers. Over 36 calls are made a week. Both men and women participate in this program.

This grant is now completed. These programs are now available for others to build on.

8 - 9Senior Education Toolkit helps the elderly in Clearwater and area

Mutual aid fire protection agreement signed between Barriere and SimpcwDistrict of Barriere Mayor Virginia Smith and Chief Nathan Matthew sign a Barri-ere/Simpcw Mutual Aid Agreement for Fire Protection between the two commu-nities on Dec. 14 at Chu Chua. The previous agreement had expired, so starting in 2014 the two communities joined in looking at what a new agreement would include. Their discussions included: number of volunteers, existing equipment, insurance requirements, fire protection areas and levels of training and minimum training standards set out in the new BC Fire Service Playbook. As a result of these talks it was agreed that both departments are now at a place where they can offer support to one another on an as needed basis, benefiting both com-munities. Photo by Crystal Celesta

Lynne Frizzle (l), seniors coordinator for Wells Gray Country Seniors Society's "Seniors Networking with Seniors and the Community" program shares a hug with Linda Selbee, coordinator for District of Clearwa-ter's "Senior's Toolkit " program. Selbee gave the final report for her program to about 60 seniors attending a Christmas luncheon for seniors sponsored by WGCSS at the Elks Hall on Dec. 8. Photo by Sandra Holmes

Submit short film to festival for March event

Christmas in the Village attracts large crowd

DepotBag Lady Enterprises

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If you have 10 Garbage Bags or more -

We will come pick them up!!

RBC is pleased to announce the promotion of Rachael Elliot to the position of Branch Manager of our Clearwater Branch. Rachael brings a wealth of experience from various roles at RBC over the past 11 years.Congratulations Rachael

Congratulations Rachael

A10 www.clearwatertimes.com Thursday, December 24, 2015 Clearwater TimesON

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We Found a Reindeer on our Back Porch

We found a reindeer on our back porch. It was Rudolph. He had a glowing red nose.

We were amazed! We took him to the garage. We fed him carrots and veggie soup.

He loves us but on Christmas day Santa came to say, “Rudolph I need to take you home.”

We watched Santa take him home.

We yelled, “Bye, Merry Christmas.”

By Tyler MacDonald

Grade 3

The Biggest ReindeerI woke up and my

mom was making gin-ger snap cookies. Then I got my snow suit on and I went to the porch and there was a big reindeer with very big antlers.

It was the biggest reindeer I have ever seen. I got to ride it and it was the most fuzziest reindeer ever.

When I was riding the reindeer. It took me to Santa’s work-shop and Santa gave me an elf.

Then we went back to my house. I got into bed. Then me and Jeff, the elf went to bed.

When we were sleeping, the reindeer went back and told Santa to give me to the boy. Then the three best friends lived hap-pily ever after.

By Soren ArduiniGrade 3

Reindeer On My PorchOne day a boy and

a girl were sleeping sleeping. Their names are Lochlan and Lilly. Lochlan got up. He said "Look a deer," but Lochlan said, "its a reindeer, its a rein-deer."

"Lilly get up." And Lilly got up. "Wow," Lilly said. "We have to get him home." "No," Lilly said. "But we have to." And Santa got the reindeer.

But soon they knew it was not Santa and

another reindeer came out of the sky.

Lochlan and Lilly jumped on the rein-deer and he took them to the North Pole and when they got there bad snowmen were chasing them and they got away. They found a house so they went in and they looked.

A robot Santa was standing in the way and grabbed Lochlan. The reindeer kicked the robot and they freed the other rein-deer and the nice Santa took Lochlan and Lilly home. The end.

By LochlanAge 8

Bob The ReindeerI had just woke up

and was laying in bed when suddenly I heard a loud crash.

I ran up stairs, I looked around, I couldn’t see anything that could have made a noise.

I was walking down the stairs when I heard another crash. I ran to the window and looked at the front porch, I couldn’t see anything.

I heard the crash again, I raced to the back porch. I opened the door and I noticed a reindeer. His head was stuck in a garbage can.

I named him Bob and helped him get his head out. He looked hungry so I got him a

carrot. Bob gobbled the carrot and started walking around my yard.

I tried to wake up my mom and dad but they kept sleeping so I brought him into my back yard. I forgot that we didn’t have a fence and he ran away.

I went out into the forest searching for him. It was getting dark and I was about to go home when I observed something in the bushes.

It was Bob. I brought him into my

basement and woke up my brother. We built him a house in the forest and brought him into the house we left him alone for the night.

When we woke up he was gone. We looked for hours but we couldn’t find Bob. We gave up and went inside.

By Ethan SmithGrade 4

I Found A Reindeer On My Back Porch

It was 5:00 in the morning . It was Christmas, and sud-denly I heard a clappy sound.

I made my bed and went to the back porch door and suddenly I found a reindeer. I thought I might had been out of my mind.

It had a red shiny nose, the nose was glowing! It was very cute. It had a black velcro harness.

With golden bells & in white letters said Rudolph in very good writing.

Ruddoph said "I’m lost. On my way to your neighbours house. Then the rope broke while I was sleep flying . No one noticed."

I said "I don’t know where your home, the North Pole is, but I have a gps."

Rudolph said "lets use it! It will be very useful."

I said. "One second! I have to go get my winter coat on and make a note for my Mom and Dad so that

they don’t get worried. I also need to get my GPS."

He said "I can wait, but can you get me a carrot please?"

"OK, can I get you anything else?"

"Yes! Can I have a Christmas cookie?"

"Yes! WAIT! How will we get there?"

He said, "Can you get on my back?"

"YES!" Rudolph smelled so minty. He also was so fluffy. I said, "Mush, Rudolph, mush. Mush, mush, mush." And we were off.

"Let’s look for the Northern Star."

"Yes, good idea!" Hours passed, they

finally made it. We were looking for Santa. We finally found Santa Claus.

I said "Hi Santa, my name is Lily." He said "Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas. Thank you for bring-ing back Rudolph. Would you like a ride home?"

Then Santa said, "here are four candy canes. One for each family member. Now, let’s bring you home."

We made it home in one minute. I ran to grab my camera and took some pictures and lived happily ever after.

By Lily DulabaGrade 3

10-11

The spirit of ChristmasLucas Beka (l) shows the spirit of Christmas while Makalu Hokai plays the role of a person who doesn’t believe in the holiday. They were taking part in Raft River Elementary School’s Christmas concert on Dec. 17.Photo by Keith McNeill

Nate would like to wish everyone a very

Merry Christmas and happy new year from the

Kirkwood familyAl Theresa� Allison Eric�

Amy Jeremy and Nate

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12 - 13

SportsBroads on Boards teaches skiing skills

Penny Harper practices snowplowing while Sue Ward and Yevonne Cline watch. Six ladies took part in a program put on by Wells Gray Outdoor Club last weekend to teach basic cross-country skiing skills to women. Broads on Boards instructor was Charlotte Smith.

Jenna Wilson shows proper technique as she skis past the Wells Gray Outdoor Club lodge by the Candle Creek cross-country ski trails.WGOC's Sno-cial will take place Jan 3, starting at 1:30 p.m. Photos by Jen Belle.

Program launched for excellence in Aboriginal sportSubmitted

Nominations are now open for a new awards program celebrating the athletic achievements of aboriginal youth.

The Premier’s Award for Aboriginal Youth Excellence in Sport has been developed by the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Parters Council and the Province of British Columbia.

Nominees will be scored on athletic achieve-ment, leadership skills, commitment to higher education and for their recognition as commu-nity role models on and off the field of play.

The awards are part of Premier Christy Clark’s announcement earlier this year commit-ting to establishing a program to honour and

celebrate the achievements of aboriginal youth in sport.

“To young people, sports are powerful, giving meaning in confusing or even difficult times,” Clark said in a release highlighting the program.

“One of the ways we can embrace reconcilia-tion is by recognizing and celebrating aboriginal achievement in sports.”

Athletes will be honoured at the 2016 Gathering Our Voices Conference in March in Victoria. There will be 12 awards given — six male and six female — and recipients will also be asked to attend a special high-skill perfor-mance workshop to further their athletic and leadership abilities.

Nomination forms and more information can be found online.

Read us on facebook @ www.clearwatertimes

New Years Eve Bullarama An annual fundraiser for the North Thompson Agriplex & The Farm Kids Scholarship Fund

December 31, 2015 at the North Thompson Agriplex, Barriere, B.C.Bullarama & New Year’s Party (19+): $50 • Bullarama only: $30 • 12 & under (Bullarama only): Free

Doors open at 6pm • Bullarama 7pm •New Year’s Eve Dance to followTickets available at: The Star/Journal, Barriere Country Feeds, or the Horse Barn (Kamloops)

4th Annual

For online tickets go to: http://www.eventbrite.ca and type in: New Years Eve Bullriding

Ice time is availablefor private skating parties

The Sportsplex will be closed

Dec. 24,25,26, 31 and January 1st.

The staff wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday

Adult HockeyMens Drop In Hockey Fridays @ 7:45pm

Oldtimers Hockey will be Sundays @ 7pm & Wednesdays @ 8:35pm

Ladies Drop In HockeySunday @ 5:45pm

Family SkatingFriday @ 4:45PM & Sunday @ 4:15PM

Sponsored by Hop N Hog

NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX

Hockey Lives Here!

For more information about the Sportsplex or any programs call 250 674 2143

Clearwater Minor Hockey Become part of a winning team. Join Minor Hockey and learn

to play Canada’s Game. Open to Boys & Girls.www.cdmha.info/

Register @ 250 674 2594 or [email protected]

Wells Gray Curling Clubcall 250.674.3768


Interior Health

As people come together to celebrate the holiday season, influenza (the flu) can spread quickly so Interior Health reminds the public that it is not too late to get your flu shot.

Influenza symp-toms often include sudden high fever, headache, general body aches and pains, fatigue and weak-ness, a runny, stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat. In some cases, influenza can lead to more severe illness such as pneu-monia and even death.

"The flu shot is the safest and most effective way to prevent influenza," said Dr. Kamran Golmohammadi, medical health offi-cer with Interior Health. "Getting a flu shot helps pro-tect you from influ-enza and it also helps prevent you from spreading it to fam-ily, friends, and those

who may be more vulnerable to serious complications from influenza.”

The flu shot is still available at pharmacies, physi-cian offices and through local public health centres. To find a flu shot pro-vider near you visit Immunize BC’s Flu Clinic locator (http://immunizebc.ca/clin-ics/flu#8/49.246/-123.116).

"I encourage every-one to get their flu shot as soon as pos-sible, especially those in high risk groups. Protection from influ-enza generally begins 10 to 14 days after immunization. Getting a flu shot now will protect you and your family over the holi-day season and into the New Year”, adds Dr. Golmohammadi.

The flu shot is free for:

• seniors over 65 years of age

• children six months to 59 months of age

• Aboriginal people

• pregnant women• people with

chronic medical con-ditions such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes

• people who live with or care for people in high-risk groups

• visitors to a health care facility

For a complete list of those at risk and eligible for a free flu shot visit the Interior Health website (www.interiorhealth.ca/YourHealth/ Immunization/SeasonalFlu Campaign/Pages /default.aspx).

In addition to getting a flu shot, Dr. Golmohammadi

stresses that proper hand washing and covering noses and mouths when cough-ing or sneezing are also important ways to prevent the spread of influenza and many other infec-tions.

He advises that people experiencing influenza symptoms should stay home from work, school and holiday gather-ings to reduce the risk of spreading infection to others.

In B.C., the major-ity of influenza cases occur between December to April, with the peak of activity typically occurring in January.

12 - 13Medical centre installs automatic doorsKeith McNeill

"It makes it much easier. Otherwise, he would be unable to open the doors without help. It gives him that much more independence."

That's the verdict from Arlee Yoerger after her husband, Gerald Yoerger, opened the new handicap power doors at the front of Clearwater Medical Centre on Friday morn-ing despite being hin-dered by a walker.

The recently installed automatic door appar-ently have been on the priority list at the medical centre for some time.

Gerald Yoerger activates a new automatic door at Clearwater Medical Centre as his wife, Arlee Yoerger, watches. Photo by Keith McNeill

It’s not too late to get a flu shot

Alcoholics Anonymoussunshine Group

Elks Hall Tuesdays 8 pm,72 Taren Drive. open to everyone. For info contact Wendy 250-587-0026


12 - 13

SportsBroads on Boards teaches skiing skills

Penny Harper practices snowplowing while Sue Ward and Yevonne Cline watch. Six ladies took part in a program put on by Wells Gray Outdoor Club last weekend to teach basic cross-country skiing skills to women. Broads on Boards instructor was Charlotte Smith.

Jenna Wilson shows proper technique as she skis past the Wells Gray Outdoor Club lodge by the Candle Creek cross-country ski trails.WGOC's Sno-cial will take place Jan 3, starting at 1:30 p.m. Photos by Jen Belle.

Program launched for excellence in Aboriginal sportSubmitted

Nominations are now open for a new awards program celebrating the athletic achievements of aboriginal youth.

The Premier’s Award for Aboriginal Youth Excellence in Sport has been developed by the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Parters Council and the Province of British Columbia.

Nominees will be scored on athletic achieve-ment, leadership skills, commitment to higher education and for their recognition as commu-nity role models on and off the field of play.

The awards are part of Premier Christy Clark’s announcement earlier this year commit-ting to establishing a program to honour and

celebrate the achievements of aboriginal youth in sport.

“To young people, sports are powerful, giving meaning in confusing or even difficult times,” Clark said in a release highlighting the program.

“One of the ways we can embrace reconcilia-tion is by recognizing and celebrating aboriginal achievement in sports.”

Athletes will be honoured at the 2016 Gathering Our Voices Conference in March in Victoria. There will be 12 awards given — six male and six female — and recipients will also be asked to attend a special high-skill perfor-mance workshop to further their athletic and leadership abilities.

Nomination forms and more information can be found online.

Read us on facebook @ www.clearwatertimes

St James Catholic Church

Sunday Service Mass

11am - 12pm

324 Clearwater Village Road

1-250-372-2581

Clearwater Seventh-Day

Adventist Church

Pastor John MasiganSaturday Service - 10amClearwater Christian ChurchPh. 250-674-3468

Clearwater Living Streams Christian

FellowshipMeeting at

New Life Assemblyevery Sunday 4:00pm

Contact Dave Meehan 250-674-3217email: [email protected]

Clearwater Community Churchopen to everyone - all denominations

CLEARWATER NEW LIFE ASSEMBLYDan Daase - Pastor

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am

(Kids church during service)Wednesdays Am - Ladies Bible Study

Phone: 250-674-2345308 W Old N Thompson Hwy

ChurchDirectory

Your places of worship

VAVENBY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

3083 Capostinsky Rd. • Service 11 a.m.

Sunday Morning Celebration

ServicesIan Moilliet Pastor -

250-676-9574Non Denominational

Clearwater Christian ChurchNon-denominational congregation in fellowship with

the broader Christian community in the area.Meeting at: 11 Lodge Drive

Wayne Richardson (Pastor)

Sunday Worship Service

10 amOn the Web: www.clchch.com

For information 250.674.7073 or 250.674.2912

Pastor Doug Spinney 250.674.3624www.ccbaptist.ca

CLEARWATERCOMMUNITY

BAPTIST24E Old North Thompson Hwy

Worship Service 10:30

TRINITYSHARED MINISTRY

Anglican, Lutheran & UnitedMeeting at

St. James Catholic ChurchWorship Sunday 9am

Rev. Brian KrushelOffice: 250-672-5653 • [email protected]

www.norththompsonpc.ca

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Business & Service DirectoryACCOUNTANT

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Phone: 250-674-2532 • Kamloops: 250-554-2533 • Fax: 250-554-2536Providing Assurance and Accounting, Tax and Advisory Services

Accountant Appliance Repair

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Containers available for construction sites, yard clean-up, industrial sites etc.

Phone Jager Garbage 250-674-3798Serving from Vavenby to Blackpool area

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Motor Licence OfficePlumbing & Drains

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NTPDPLUMBING AND DRAINSGot Leaks? Plugged Drain? New Installs

Fully Insured • 100% Guaranteed • 250-674-8151

Wells & Pumps ≈ Yearly Maintenance ≈ Frozen pipesWe are right around the corner

Construction

Construction and Home Renovation

MARSHALL MCRAERed Seal Carpenter

[email protected]

250-674-1182

On the Level Enterprises

Automotive Repair

649 Kennedy Road • www.wellsgrayservicecenter.ca

PRO-FORM Feeds

Your number one stop for all your garden, building and farm supplies

Complete Farm & Garden Centre • Customer Service at its BestWinter Hours • 8:30am - 5:00pm • Monday to Saturday

250-674-3386 - 213 W. Old N. Thompson Hwy.

• Paint Supplies • Plumbing & Electrical • Hardware • Plywoods • Lumber • Fencing Materials • Vinyl Sidings • Roo� ngs • Specialty Items

• Treated Timber • Farm Gates • Interior & Exterior Doors

Building Supplies

Heating & A/C Business & Service Directory

Chain SharpeningCHAIN SHARPENINGProfessional Ground or Hand File

CHAIN SHARPENING30 Years of Experience Guaranteed Sharp NO Burnt TeethSpecializing in Ripping Chains

Stu Cahoon • Cell 250.674.1783 Home 250.677.4299Leave message for appointment

BOTTLE DEPOT

Depot

4365 Borthwick Ave. Barriere - BC

Bag Lady Enterprises

WINTER HOURS10am - 4pm Mon. - Sat.

Closed Sunday

Holiday HoursClosed December 24 - 27, 31, & January 1 - 3. We will be Open Dec. 28 - 30

TAXI SERVICE

WELLS GRAY

TAXIAVAILABLE 24 HOURS • 7 DAYS A WEEK

250-674-2214 • 250-674-1542

Taxi Service

HEATING & A/C

Your local provider for home comfortInspection & Cleaning of all

Makes & Models of Central A/Cs,Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Boilers,

Hot Water Tanks, HRVs, Etc.Hot Water Tanks, HRVs, Etc.

250.672.0251

SERVICING THE NORTH THOMPSON

Authorized Dealer

Rebates on equipment now

in eff ect

Certi� ed Partner

Heating & A/C

250-319-2306www.bjchvacltd.com

[email protected], BC

We Service, Maintain and Install Residential | Commercial | InstitutionalHeavy Equipment, Heating, A/C, Refrigeration, Heat Pump, Geothermal, Boilers, Rooftop Units, Oil & Propane Furnaces &Commercial Kitchen Equipment

BJC HVAC Ltd.PROUDLY SERVING THE NORTH THOMPSON


14 -15

CHRISTMASStories

We Found a Reindeer on our Porch

When I was sleep-ing I heard a funny noise and it was Rudolph. I saw Santa on my roof. My Christmas tree is deco-rated. It is cool.

By Lucas JonesGrade 2

Bella The ReindeerBANG!! As I was

making cookies some-thing fell on my back porch. We went outside and saw a Reindeer shaking snow off her back.

After she was done I noticed a tag which said Bella.

My dad went inside and called the vet. The vet said she had a sprained ankle. We thanked the vet and took Bella inside and put her on a dog bed then we put up signs with a picture of her on it and words saying, ”Lost Reindeer.”

Nobody claimed her so we kept her.

We showed her how to jump over 5 ft. jumps and soon she could fly higher than Santa could ever imagine.

On Christmas night before I went to bed

Santa came to see if we had Bella.

He noticed Bella's sprained ankle and had a big gasp and asked, “What happened?” “She fell on our back porch and sprained her ankle.”

So he took Bella home and before he left he said, “Merry Christmas.”

By Kylie BlackmoreGrade 5

The ReindeerI was asleep and

I heard a sound. The sound got louder I went outside. It sounded like somebody screaming a reindeer on the road. I was so excited I wanted to keep it.

I yelled everybody there's a reindeer on the road. Everybody came out of their houses. I think they want to keep it too.

The reindeer ran away. I followed the reindeer into the for-est. It led me to Santa's sleigh. It was glowing like the sun.

There were toys in the sleigh. The toys had names on all them.

The reindeer ran away soon as Santa

appeared. I wanted to follow the reindeer but it disappeared in a flash of light and I did not know where it went.

By Dylan VaisnisGrade 4

The ReindeerOne night I heard

a strange noise on my deck and I went to see what it was.

I saw Rudolph standing right in front of me and I suddenly heard a whistle.

I looked on the roof and there was Santa and he was standing right beside his sleigh and Rudolph jumped onto the roof and Santa hitched Rudolph up and they flew away.

By Evan CookeGrade 2

The Littlest AngelWhen I was sleep-

ing I woke up and saw a little angel was fly-ing around. And she said, “My name is Lily. What's yours?”

I said, “My name is Natasha.” She said, “Do you want to be an angel?” I said, “Why

ask.” “Because I am alone. There's no angels left. They're missing.”

“Well, ok then. I can be your friend too.” “Thank you.”

So she turned Natasha into an angel and became Lily's friend. Lily said, “Do you want to see my home?”

“Sure.” They flew up up to the sky and flew to the North Pole.

“This is my home the North Pole. My house is a doll house, it's dirty too.” “I can clean it up.”

“Thank you.” So they cleaned it up.

Lily said, “Do you want to live in it with me?” “Sure.”

They lived in the house for a week. They had so much fun! But what did they eat?

Small food it was good! Mini fries and hamburgers on Wednesday! We got a message in the mail say-ing the North Pole was in danger.

Devil angels were coming to destroy the last two living angels. I thought that was us so we have to hide.

They went out the back door so they would not see them,

they saw a cave, they flew into the cave and found a map to the Spirit of Christmas. They started follow-ing the map to Santa's sleigh.

They found another map that leads to where the Spirit of Christmas was now. They flew as fast as they can go

before the devil angels find them.

Then Natasha said, “Look over there, there's a cave, come on let's go find the Spirit of Christmas.” Then when they got into the cave they saw red eyes glow-ing in the dark it was a devil angel.

They grabbed the

Spirit of Christmas and flew as fast as they could and flew far away.

They accidentally flew into a portal, it led into a dark castle with red thunder it cubash! It struck the ground.

Then they saw a crowd of red eyes in the dark. Lily said isn't that the same red eyes who chased us? “Yes,” said Natash. “That's right we need to go back but now the portal closed. We're doomed, help! Don't say that the devil angels will hear us and attack.”

“Oops,” said Natasha. “Natasha don't we still have the Spirit of Christmas,” said Lily. “Yes, we do!” “Thank you for saying that.” “Let's open the portal.” “How?” said Natasha.

“The Spirit of Christmas can open anything.” “Cool!” “Now let's open that portal!” Then they opened the portal and then they made all the devil angels to a big cash so they would never harm anyone again, they lived so happy! The end.

By Natasha BrckoAge 7

Time for a napCleo Coates looks ready for a nap as she takes part in the Christmas performance at Raft River Elementary School on Thursday, Dec. 17. Photo by Keith McNeill

Business & Service DirectoryBusiness & Service

Directory

Contracting

On allService Centre

250.674.0145 | [email protected] Yellowhead Hwy S. Clearwater, BC V0E 1N1

O� ering Heavy Duty mechanical and Inspections

Mon. - Fri. • 8am – [email protected] • 851 Yellowhead Hwy S.

• PLUMBING• PORTABLE TOILET RENTALS

• SEPTIC INSTALLATIONS• SEPTIC PUMPING

• WATER COMPACTION• WELL INSTALLATION

• DUST CONTROL• WATER HAULING

• REGISTERED ON-SITE WASTEWATER PRACTITIONER

• HEAVY DUTY TOWING• CERTIFIED TRAFFIC CONTROL

• WRECKMASTER CERTIFIED• EXCAVATION & SKIDD STEER SERVICE

• BOB CAT SERVICES• FIRE SUPPRESSION

• PUMP TRUCK • READY MIX CONCRETE

She Is Looking for Home Improvement Help. Will She Find Your Business?

Advertise your business for as low as $16/weekCall for more information or come in to the Times #14-74 Young Road

250-674-3343

Auto Repair & Towing

HindleMotors

Automotive Repair • Used Auto Parts • Mobile Repairs Designated Vehicle Inspection • C.V.I. Inspections

Commercial Truck & EQ Repair Fully Licensed Technicians

CLEARWATER TOWING LTD.24 Hour ServiceFree Scrap Car Removal516 Swanson RoadUsed Auto Parts

OFFICE: 250-674-3123or CELL: 250-674-1427

••NOW DOING COMMERCIAL TRUCK REPAIR••

NELS HINDLE


Thought of the week

It is a � ne

seasoning for joy

to think of those

we love.

~ Moliere

1655 Lucky Strike Place | Kamloops, BC | V1S 1W5 | Phone: 250-374-6690 | Toll Free: 1-800-661-2025

ROAD MAINTENANCE (THOMPSON) INC.

Check Before you go! www.DriveBC.ca

Thought Thought of the week

It is a � ne

seasoning for joy

to think of those

we love.

~ Moliere


ROAD MAINTENANCE (THOMPSON) INC.

Check Before you go!www.DriveBC.ca

Road Maintenance (thoMpson) inc. Check Before you go! www.DriveBC.ca

DROP YOUR SPEED TO MATCH ROAD CONDITIONSThe posted speed is the maximum speed under ideal conditions. In win-ter it’s safer to drive below the posted speed. Snow and ice always has an element of unpredictability.


Wells Gray Country

TO ADD YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT OR ORGANIZATION CALL THE TIMES AT 250-674-3343

Dec. 26: Boxing Day Trap Shoot, 10am – 2pm, CNT Rod & Gun Club, 495 Sunshine Valley Rd.

Dec. 31: Bullarama and/or Dance, NT Agriplex, Bar-riere. Doors open 6 pm, www.fallfair-rodeo.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT• Indoor Market: Every Saturday May – Oct, 9 am – 12 noon, Elks

Hall.

• Tuesday Morning Coffee (TMC): Meets 10am – 11:30 @ Clearwa-ter Community Baptist Church. All women and children welcome. (9:30-10 am Bible Study). Info 250-674-3624

• Women in Business Luncheon: Last Wed. of the mth at Wells Gray Inn, 12–2 pm. Preregister at 250-674-2700

• Crafts & Conversations with Cheryl. Tuesdays 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the North Thompson Aboriginal Sharing Center. Phone 250-674-3703 for more info.

• Clearwater Farmers’ Market May – Oct. Saturdays 9am– Noon. For more info please call Anne at 250-674-3444.

• M&M (Mrs. & Ms.) Social. Last Sun of the mth Wells Gray Inn. 1pm: 250-587-6503

• Blackpool Community Hall Coffee House; Local musicians – 2nd Fri. of the mth. 6:30pm. Concession, $3 or 2 for $5.

• Clearwater Elks Bingo - 2nd & 4th Wed. Elks Hall 5pm, Info call Phyllis 250-674-3535

• Cribbage Wed. at the Royal Canadian Legion. 12:30 pm.• Fun Darts Fri. at the Royal Canadian Legion. 6 pm.

• Upstream Community and Heritage Society open house Tues-days: 9am-9pm @ Avola School House, various activities. Info ph Fay 250-678-5302.

• Voices United Community Choir- every Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 at the Catholic Church of St. James.

• Thompson Valley Quilters. Meet 2nd Wed. and 3rd Mon. of the mth at NTAC in the DLCC, 9 am - 4 pm. Info Linda 250-674-3437 or Dorothy 250-676-9270

• Vavenby Needle Arts Group. Meet every Tues. 11am - 4pm at Vavenby Community Center. Info Dorothy 250-676-9270

CHILDREN & FAMILIES• Racoon StrongStart - Raft River Elem school days Mon, Tues, Thurs

& Fri 8:45-11:45am

• Racoon StrongStart - Vavenby Elm school days Wed 8:50-11:50am

• Clearwater Breastfeeding Group: 3rd Wed. of every month 7:30pm @ YCS

• Mother Goose - Monday mornings, reg. Kerry 250-674-3530

HEALTH & HEALING• Hospice Grief Support: 2nd Thur of every mth, NT Funeral Home

1-3 pm, info 250-674-2400

• Shambhala Meditation Group: meets every Tuesday at Forest House 6:30-8:00 pm. Info: 250-674-3233.

• Connections Healing Rooms - Wed. 1-3pm (except stat. holidays). 86 Young Rd. No charge. Sponsored by Living Streams Christian Church. www.healingrooms.com.

• Healthy Choices – Tues 9am Clearwater Christian Church bsmnt (behind Fields). $2/wk drop-in free. Kim 250-674-0224

• Clearwater & District Hospice 3rd Mon. Sept-Jun 10am Legion 778-208-0137.

RECREATION• Drop-in soccer: May-Sept. Tuesdays & Thursday at 7pm at CSS � eld.

Everyone welcome!

• Bowling: Mon. 10–12pm & 1-3pm; Thurs., 1-3pm. Seniors Centre at Evergreen Acres. 250-674-3675

• Clearwater Sno-Drifters: 1st Thurs every mth. 250-676-9414

• CNT Rod & Gun Club: 3rd Tues. of the mth. Blackpool Hall 7pm Nov., Jan., & Mar. AGM in May

• Volleyball: Winter, dates TBA, at Clearwater Secondary School Gym, $2 drop in. Info: 250-674-1878.

• Youth Group: ages 12-18, Fri. 7-10 pm Dutch Lake Community Center, arts & crafts, gymnastics, games & special events, info 250-674-2600

• Yoga Tree – Call or email Annie 250-674-2468 [email protected]

• Core Strength Fitness. Tuesdays. 10-11am 250-674-0001

• Badminton: Mon & Wed, Oct – Mar, CSS gym, 7:30-9:30 pm, $3 drop-in fee, info 250-674-2518

• Drop in Basketball: Winter, dates TBA, $2 drop in at Clearwater Secondary School Gym. Info: 250-674-1878

• Slo-Pitch: Clearwater mixed Slo-Pitch league May – July. Contact Carmen Archibald 778-208-1773, 250-674-2632

• Drop in Soccer: June -Sept, tues and Thurs, 6:30-8:00 PM, CSS � eld, $2 drop in, grade 8 to adult

SENIORS• BUNCO: 3rd Tue of every mth, Dutch Lake Seniors Drop-in Centre,

1:30 – 3 pm, info 250-674-2400

• Wells Gray Country Senior’s Society 3rd Sun Social Meet at the Wells Gray Hotel at 12:30pm for lunch or dessert, & chat

• Wells Gray Country Senior’s Society Book Club Last Thursday of the mth 2pm at the library. All seniors welcome.

• WGCSS Writers Circle: Meets 1st & 3rd Thur. @ Library

UPCOMING EVENTS

ONGOING EVENTS

250-674-2674

Bayley’s BistroBayley’s Bistroin the Brookfield Shopping Centre in Clearwater

Eat in or Take out Fried Chicken

250-674-2674

this ad is sponsored by

REGISTER TODAYTEL: 250.674.3530 IN PERSON: 209 Dutch Lake Rd. EMAIL: [email protected] • www.tru.ca/regional_centres/clearwater

Business Fundamentals – January 18 – March 6, 2016 The Business Fundamentals Certifi cate prepares students for employment in a variety of offi ce positions such as receptionist, bookkeeper, website administrator or personal assistant. Provides the basic offi ce skills needed to secure some entry-level offi ce administration positions & is ideal for those students who can only spend a short time in school.Welder Foundation program – February 1, 2016 - ONE seat available Introductory program that prepares learners for entry level positions as ap-prentice welders in most sectors of the economy including manufacturing, construction, transportation, resource extraction, & resource development. Students engage in a variety of classroom & shop activities. In the class-room, they learn theoretical principals of welding. Health Care Assistant Certifi cate program - March 2016 This 27 week program is designed to prepare the graduate to function, under supervi-sion, as a Health Care Assistant. Learned skills will be applied in the com-munity utilizing care facilities, assisted living facilities & private homes. The focus will be on training the health care worker to assist the older adult in meeting his/her basic physical, emotional, environmental & social needs. Gymnastics – Winter 2016 Please note: New times for age classes. There are 10 spaces available for each class. It is recommended that you register your child early to avoid disappointment.

5 and 6 —Girls Tues Jan 5 – Mar 8 2:45 - 3:45 pm $805 and 6 — Boys Tues Jan 5 – Mar 8 4:00 – 5:00 pm $807 to 9 – Co-ed Tues Jan 5 – Mar 8 5:15 – 6:15 pm $905 and 6 — Girls Wed Jan 6 – Mar 9 2:45 - 3:45 pm $757 to 9—Girls Wed Jan 6 – Mar 9 4:00 – 5:00 pm $9010 +—Co-Ed Wed Jan 6 – Mar 9 6:00 - 7:30 pm $1253 year olds Mixed Thurs Jan 7 – Mar 10 12:00-12:45 pm $654 year olds Mixed Thurs Jan 7 – Mar 10 1:00-2:00 pm $75

Upcoming CoursesOFA Level 3 Jan 18 - 29 $825OFA Level 1 Jan 23, Feb 16 $105Transportation Endorsement Feb 17 $110


Box 67, 100 Mile House B.C. V0K 2E0

BEFORE YOU SELL:• ASPEN • BIRCH • COTTONWOOD• PINE • SPRUCE • FIR PULP LOGS

Please call KATHERINE LEPPALA(250) 395-6218 (direct line) • (250) 395-0584 (cell)

(250) 395-6201 (fax)

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown LandTake notice that Estsek Environmental Services LLP, on behalf of Blue Water Power Corporation from 3870 Brighton Place, Abbotsford BC V2T 6Y8, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Thompson Okanagan, for a license for Road access to unsurveyed Crown land in the vicinity of Mud Creek, Kamloops Division Yale District for road access to the pro-posed Blue Water Power Project.Road access is required to conduct field investigations, including, but not limited to; fish and fish habitat, wildlife, water quality and quantity, geotechnical, vegetation and other required field studies during the investigative phase, in the vicinity of Blue River.The Lands File for this application is 3412986. Comments on this application may be submitted by one of two options:Option 1: Online via the Applications and Reasons for Decision website at: http://www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp where details of the application and maps can be found.Option 2: by mail to Senior Land Officer, Thompson-Okanagan, MFLNRO, at 441 Columbia Street Kamloops BC V2C 2T3.Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to February 3, 2016. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit our website http://arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information.Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact the Freedom of Information Advisor at Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations’ Office in Thompson Okanagan.

Announcements

Christmas CornerLocal Christmas Trees

4’ - 16’ • starting at $17.00@ Rooted By The River Nursery • 250-674-7111

Fri - Sat - MonSupporting the Food Bank

Information

CANADA BENEFIT Group - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canada-benefi t.ca/free-assessment

Clearwater Alcoholics Anonymous

Sunshine Group meets every Tuesday, 8 pm, Elks Hall

72 Taren Dr.Open to Everyone

For info contact Wendy 250-587-0026

Do you need help with reading, writing or math?

FREE confi dential adult tutoring available.• Clearwater Literacy

250-674-3530• Barriere Literacy

250-672-9773

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY GIFT CORNER

Located just inside the hospital main doors

Monday to Thursday10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beautiful gift itemsfor all occasions

Safe Home Response Providing a safe place to

escape for women and their children.

Volunteers always needed. Clearwater 250-674-2135,Barriere 250-672-6444, or

North Thompson Valley 1-855-674-2135

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP

Located across the railway tracks in Vavenby, B.C.

Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Great deals - low prices

Travel

TimeshareCANCEL YOUR Timeshare. No risk program stop mort-gage & maintenance pay-ments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consul-tation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

Employment

Business Opportunities

HIP OR knee replacement? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in walking/dress-ing? Disability tax credit $2,000 tax credit $20,000 re-fund. Apply today for assis-tance: 1-844-453-5372.

Drivers/Courier/Trucking

SUTCO seeks US qualifi ed drivers for Super B fl at deck division. We offer e logs, benefi ts, matched con-tribution pension plan, late model equipment and more. Apply; on line at sutco.ca, email [email protected] or fax (778)754-4025

Employment

Education/Trade Schools

HEALTHCARE DOCUMEN-TATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Con-tact us now to start your train-ing day. www.canscribe.com. Call 1-800-466-1535. Email: [email protected] A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Infor-mation Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765

Medical/DentalMEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: Care-erStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Professional/Management

WHATSHAN Retreat is accepting resumes for Caretakers (April 1-Oct 31, 2016). Closing date December 31, 2015. Send to tammy.verigin-burk @gmail.com. www.what-chan.com.

Trades, TechnicalWATKIN MOTORS Ford, Ver-non, B.C. immediately requires an experienced Ford Diesel Technician. Go to watkinmo-tors.com About us, Employ-ment, to apply and review re-quired qualifi cations.

Services

Financial ServicesINCOME TAX PROBLEMS? Have you been audited, reas-sessed or disallowed certain claims by Canada Revenue Agency? Call Bob Allen @ 1-250-542-0295 35yrs. Income Tax experience, 8.5yrs. with Revenue Canada. Email: [email protected] C- 250-938-1944

Photography / VideoPHOTOS

by Keith McNeillDigital and fi lm photographs.

Phone 250-674-3252 or email:[email protected]

Business/Offi ce Service

HAVE YOU been denied Canada Pension Plan disability benefi ts? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help you appeal. Call 1-877-793-3222 www.dcac.ca [email protected]

Moving & Storage• Indoor Storage Units • Offi ce space with equipment storage available. Hwy access for convenience & [email protected] Yellowhead Hwy 5

Food Products

Services

PlumbingFULL SERVICE plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928.

Merchandise for Sale

AppliancesFor sale: Washer in good working order. $150.00 obo. Call 250-587-6151

Estate Sales1200 sq. ft. house. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, .79 acre w/fruit trees, garden area, 600 sq ft shop, & 300 sq ft woodshed. Located on Peavine Rd. $120,000. obo. Ph 1-250-318-7235

Heavy Duty Machinery

2008 Hitachi ZX 200 Waratah 622B, 11,700 hours. $135,000. 2011 Caterpillar D8T 4000 hrs Ripper. $385,000. Caterpillar 256 compact track loader 3600 hrs. $21,500 Caterpillar 303 CR excavator 3200 hrs. $29,500. 1-250-260-0217.

A-CHEAP, LOWEST PRICES STEEL SHIPPING Dry Storage Containers Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated con-tainers all sizes in stock. 40’ containers as low as $2,200DMG. Huge freezers. Experienced wood carvers needed, full time. Ph Toll free 24 hours 1-866-528-7108 or 1-778-298-3192 8am-5pm. De-livery BC and AB www.rtccon-tainer.com

Wanted:Will pay cash for construction equipment, back-hoes, excavators, dozers, (farm tractors w/loaders)1985 or newer. Skid steers, wheel loaders, screeners, low beds, any condition running or not. 250-260-0217.

Misc. for SaleSAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSaw-mills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

Misc. WantedPrivate Coin Collector BuyingCollections, Olympic Gold &Silver Coins, Estates Jewelry+Chad: 1-778-281-0030 Local.

Sporting GoodsFor Sale: Pool Table 4’x8’ one piece. 2 sets of balls; 8 ball & snooker, cue’s, etc. $200. 250-672-1054

Food Products

Merchandise for Sale

ToolsFor Sale: Jet 14” bandsaw, fl oor model, cuts upto 9” deep, roller stand, portable & extra blades, $350. Floor Saw 5” portable, cuts laminate, rip & crosscut, $100. Coleman gen-erator 6875-5500 watt, portable on wheels, $400. 250-672-1054

Real Estate

Apt/Condos for SaleClearwater: 1 bdrm Income Apartment w/long term tenant. Ground fl oor. Asking $57,000.Call 250-292-8418

Business for SaleOne Chair Hair Salon in Clear-water Legion Mini Mall. All fur-nishings, equip, & supplies incl. Ph. 250-674-3354 for info.

For Sale By OwnerFor Sale or Rent: 225 Murtle Cres, 3 bdrm, 3.5 bath, dbl heated garage w/toilet & shower, rent $1,150/mo + util. For Sale: 208 Dutch Lk. Rd, 3 bdrm, 1/2 duplex, 2 full bath, $125,000.00. Offers. Pls lvg msg at 250-674-3668

Rentals

Commercial/Industrial

Commercial space avail for rent in the Interior Whitewater Bldg. starting Jan. 1/2016. Spacious, bright, clean, like new. Close to amenities. 675 sqft, $500/mo. 73 Old North Thompson Hwy, Clearwater. Ph 250-674-3727

Duplex / 4 PlexClearwater: 2 bdrm in tri-plex. Own entrance, avail Jan 1. Close to amenities. $600/mo + DD. Call Julie 250-674-0188

Clearwater: 3 bdrm duplex in Miller sub. F/S. Avail Jan. 1 Call Julie 250-674-0188

CLEARWATER lower duplex for rent, 700.00mth 3bdr,f/s,mic,w/dr,wood heat lrg yard,lots of parking,close to town quiet,n/p single or couple,one pet responsible for fi rewood,hydro not included available Jan/1/16,contact [email protected] references re-quired

Mobile Homes & Pads

Barriere: 2 bdrm for rent, $650/mo + util. DD/RR. 778-257-0498

Vavenby: 2 bdrm covered mo-bile w/addition on priv lot. W/D, F/S. Ref req. $675/mo + DD. Pets neg. Avail now.Call 250-676-9210

Legal NoticesLegal Notices Legal Notices

Rentals

Homes for RentClearwater: 5bdrm 2500 sq ft hm w/ 2, 3 & 4 piece bath in Weyerhaeuser sub. Cost neg depending on tenants. If you are horse people, I have 8 acres of land that could be incl. House and land are in 2 different locations. Call Randy at 250-674-8288

Rooms for RentClearwater: Room for rent in Weyerhaeuser sub. Wi-Fi, Sat TV. Nice clean place. NS, NP. $500/mo, incl laundry and util. Call 250-674-1768

Suites, LowerBarriere: 1bdrm suite, wouldsuit single/elder person. Near amenities, ample parking, hy-dro/heat incl. $650 to the right person newly renovated, avail. Jan. 1. 778-220-2148.

Barriere: 2 bdrm basementsuite, all util, all appl. NS/NP, no parties. Separate entrance /parking. $750/mo. 250-672-5643

Transportation

Auto Accessories/Parts

4 Winter Tires w/rims 17” - 8studded for Dodge truck. $400 250-672-2447

To advertise in print:Call: 250-674-3343 Email: [email protected]

Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

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It was a bit of a slog walking, or even snow-shoeing, through the white stuff for sev-eral days. But for me it is worth being out and about to see who or what has been there.

Some critters are so small they can skitter across the top, tiny clawed footprints close together with barely leaving an indent. All shapes and sizes go every which way; sometimes there is evidence of “playtime” or perhaps a scuffle.

Often around those areas of major activity I see the design that tells me that it was dinner time for a bird. Their wing tip feath-ers, stretched apart to help keep them aloft, leave imprints not unlike a hand with the fingers spread out.

Sometimes there are sprinkles of red

on the snow, but not always. Occasionally a feather remains as more attractive evi-dence.

I have always thought myself ter-ribly clever because, while I recognise very few tracks, I know when a rabbit has been around. Its small front feet and much larger back feet make

a triangular landing in the snow. Recently, I realised the largest part of the triangle showed the direction “Thumper” was pro-ceeding.

Looking closely, I had noted scratches on the wide, foremost part of the track. A fairly large penny dropped – these mark-ings were made by the toenails of the hind feet. The small front feet land first, but the back end then passes the front end. Now I just need to have one of those critters come hopping past me so I can confirm my theory.

To remind me that all indents in the snow are not made by living things, a tree dropped a sizeable snowball onto my neck recently. Needless to say, this sent chills down my back – as much from fright as from the icy drops inside my jacket. The rising wind soon sent lots more snow-balls flying.

The above descrip-tions refer to outings during this not-quite-winter-yet, but here are a couple of left-over yarns about expe-ditions taken in past years and later in the season.

How to identify fox tracks

Visitors braved the February weather to come from Kaslo to Clearwater.

“You have to see the waterfalls here in winter,” we insisted. “You’ve never seen anything like them.”

After walking the cleared trail to see Helmcken Falls with its remarkable cone, we persuaded them to just tough it out to wade through the snow to reach Spahats Falls. Here, after once again watching the falling water disappear into a snowy, icy cone, John pointed out some fox tracks.

“These are distin-guishable because of the two pointy toe-nails at the front,” he showed us.

“See, their steps are about a foot apart, but the marks from the toenails and the foot fur distinguish these tracks from those made by cats and other doggie critters. Wolves have extended toenails too which drag on top of the snow,” he informed his interested audience, before we dragged them back to the house and hot choco-late.

The mystery trackWinter was almost

over. Jake the long-legged, curly-haired, black poodle and I chose to walk on the solid surface of local roads so we wouldn’t sink through the soft-ening snow. Except it didn’t happen quite like that.

Jake sensed some-thing nearby and took a running leap over the snow that had been pushed up by the ploughs – and down he went into the depths of the ditch beyond.

Not even the world’s best trackers would be able to iden-tify the “track” left by his nose-plant!

A handsome dogOne more dog

story: John and I were leaving our motel room in Quesnel to attend a funeral. A gentleman with his excited and excit-able small dog was approaching.

I had to say Hello to Pooch, so the man picked up the snuf-fling wee critter for me to pet him. “You’re a handsome chap,” I said.

“Thank you,” said the owner. “So is my dog!”

18 -19Tracks – New and old stories

TrekkingTales

By Kay Knox

Ministry of Environment

Visitors can soon start booking trips to two popular BC Parks destinations drawing outdoor enthusiasts from around the world – Berg Lake trail and the Bowron Lake canoe circuit.

Beginning at 9 a.m. PST, on Jan. 2, 2016, those looking to hike the scenic Berg Lake trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park or paddle the pris-tine Bowron Lake canoe circuit in Bowron Lake Provincial Park can reserve a spot for the 2016 sea-son through Discover Camping.

BC Parks saw a record 2,295 reservations for the Berg Lake trail in 2015, a 45 per cent increase from 2014. The Bowron Lake canoe circuit also saw a six per cent increase in bookings in 2015, from 975 in 2014 to 1,030 in 2015 as more people discover these amazing adventures.

Reservations for the Berg Lake trail and the Bowron Lake canoe circuit open ahead of any other BC Parks experiences – and allow booking for the entire 2016 season.

Advanced preparation is required for both the Berg Lake Trail and Bowron Lake canoe circuit because of the type of backcountry experience involved. The limited facilities offered on these adventures ensure a true wilderness experience, so visitors need to be prepared and self-sufficient.

The Berg Lake trail is open year-round, and can be reserved from June 12 to Sept. 14. The trail cov-ers 23 kilometres and climbs 800 metres, offering scenic views of waterfalls, lakes and icebergs.

Bowron Lake Provincial Parks' world-renowned canoe circuit can be reserved from May 15 to Sept. 21. The entire circuit boasts 116 kilometres of pad-dling across 10 lakes, and includes several portages that are relatively flat. The entire trip takes from six to 10 days.

The West Side experience is also available, which is less than half of the circuit and takes two to four days to complete. BC Parks recently pro-duced a short video for the Bowron Lake circuit so visitors can better plan their trip: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/bowron_lk/

Reserve your spot for two popular BC Parks adventures


FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY

February 19– March 20

January 20– February 18

December 22– January 19

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April 20– May 20

August 23– September 22

July 23– August 22

November 22– December 21

October 23– November 21

March 21– April 19

June 22– July 22

September 23– October 22

A p r i l 2 3 - 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

This week is all about give and take, Capricorn. Do for others, and they will do for you. A special event calls for some extra-special gifts.

Some habits are hard to break, Aquarius. Look to a mentor to help and you will succeed. A fitness goal is easily achieved with a new piece of equipment.

The odds may be stacked against you, Pisces, but that doesn’t mean you won’t come out on top with a little ingenuity. A weekend endeavor requires a leap of faith.

Speak up, Aries, and the problem will be solved. A little miracle at home makes for an interesting weekend. Travel plans come together.

Cast aside all doubt, Taurus. The offer is genuine and will bring you many rewards. A test of faith begins— be strong. Money woes ease.

Feeling blessed these days, Gemini? Pay it forward. A compromise at home raises everyone’s spirits and fun ensues all weekend long!

A business relationship blossoms with an addition. A larger-than- life personality drops by with an offer you can’t refuse. Oh boy, oh boy, Cancer.

Oops, Leo. You fall behind on a project, raising some eyebrows. Not to worry. You will get back on track sooner than you think, thanks to an innovation.

Spend less, save more and you’ll definitely get more, Virgo. More in your bottom line and more peace of mind. Flowers provide a great pick-me-up.

Lady Luck smiles on you, Libra, and there is nothing beyond your reach. A treasured heirloom resurfaces, bringing back many fond memories.

The tiniest of changes make a vast improvement in a project. A rejection is a blessing in disguise. Be grateful for what you’re given, Scorpio.

News from afar gets the creative juices flowing, and you accomplish more than you have in some time, Sagittarius. A game of wits at the office proves challenging.

Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

Think about ideas for the future if what you are doing right now does not seem very exciting to you, Aries. A new plan of attack can reinvigorate your motivation.

Cancer, you will be getting a lot of help with a special proj-ect, so expect it to go quite smoothly. Just be sure to pay back the favor when you can.

Somehow you always manage to pull through even with a ton of things on your plate, Libra. Even though you are successful, remem-ber to schedule some downtime once in awhile.

It can be frustrating when others do not seem to understand your motives, Cap-ricorn. Don’t feel pressured to change your way of doing things, especially if it’s working.

Aquarius, some-thing you have been looking forward to for some time is about to happen. It has been a long time coming but entirely worth it. Enjoy the ride.

Taurus, focus your energy on home-related projects. Procrastination is your enemy in these circumstances and can staunch any pro-ductivity you may have achieved.

Leo, a new perspec-tive could help you see that things you thought were a big deal are really mole hills instead of mountains, and that’s an important lesson to learn.

Don’t get caught daydreaming too much this week, Scorpio. People at work may think you’re not serious about your efforts when nothing could be further from the truth.

Pisces, stick up for yourself when you need to. You are your biggest advocate, and you will present a strong front when feeling secure.

Gemini, there is a way out of every situation, even if it seems like all exits are blocked. Swal-low your pride if need be and accept the help of others when it’s offered.

Virgo, learn how to deal with conflict in a productive way. Otherwise you may be stressed out and full of angst for no reason at all.

Sagittarius, expect to spend some mon-ey this week. Just how much you will spend depends on your ability to find the best bargains and discounts.

This Crossword Sponsored by

WELLS GRAY HOME HARDWARE86 STATION RD., CLEARWATER

674-3717

TRY A CLASSIFIED AD


FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY

February 19– March 20

January 20– February 18

December 22– January 19

May 21– June 21

April 20– May 20

August 23– September 22

July 23– August 22

November 22– December 21

October 23– November 21

March 21– April 19

June 22– July 22

September 23– October 22

A p r i l 2 3 - 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

This week is all about give and take, Capricorn. Do for others, and they will do for you. A special event calls for some extra-special gifts.

Some habits are hard to break, Aquarius. Look to a mentor to help and you will succeed. A fitness goal is easily achieved with a new piece of equipment.

The odds may be stacked against you, Pisces, but that doesn’t mean you won’t come out on top with a little ingenuity. A weekend endeavor requires a leap of faith.

Speak up, Aries, and the problem will be solved. A little miracle at home makes for an interesting weekend. Travel plans come together.

Cast aside all doubt, Taurus. The offer is genuine and will bring you many rewards. A test of faith begins— be strong. Money woes ease.

Feeling blessed these days, Gemini? Pay it forward. A compromise at home raises everyone’s spirits and fun ensues all weekend long!

A business relationship blossoms with an addition. A larger-than- life personality drops by with an offer you can’t refuse. Oh boy, oh boy, Cancer.

Oops, Leo. You fall behind on a project, raising some eyebrows. Not to worry. You will get back on track sooner than you think, thanks to an innovation.

Spend less, save more and you’ll definitely get more, Virgo. More in your bottom line and more peace of mind. Flowers provide a great pick-me-up.

Lady Luck smiles on you, Libra, and there is nothing beyond your reach. A treasured heirloom resurfaces, bringing back many fond memories.

The tiniest of changes make a vast improvement in a project. A rejection is a blessing in disguise. Be grateful for what you’re given, Scorpio.

News from afar gets the creative juices flowing, and you accomplish more than you have in some time, Sagittarius. A game of wits at the office proves challenging.

Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

Think about ideas for the future if what you are doing right now does not seem very exciting to you, Aries. A new plan of attack can reinvigorate your motivation.

Cancer, you will be getting a lot of help with a special proj-ect, so expect it to go quite smoothly. Just be sure to pay back the favor when you can.

Somehow you always manage to pull through even with a ton of things on your plate, Libra. Even though you are successful, remem-ber to schedule some downtime once in awhile.

It can be frustrating when others do not seem to understand your motives, Cap-ricorn. Don’t feel pressured to change your way of doing things, especially if it’s working.

Aquarius, some-thing you have been looking forward to for some time is about to happen. It has been a long time coming but entirely worth it. Enjoy the ride.

Taurus, focus your energy on home-related projects. Procrastination is your enemy in these circumstances and can staunch any pro-ductivity you may have achieved.

Leo, a new perspec-tive could help you see that things you thought were a big deal are really mole hills instead of mountains, and that’s an important lesson to learn.

Don’t get caught daydreaming too much this week, Scorpio. People at work may think you’re not serious about your efforts when nothing could be further from the truth.

Pisces, stick up for yourself when you need to. You are your biggest advocate, and you will present a strong front when feeling secure.

Gemini, there is a way out of every situation, even if it seems like all exits are blocked. Swal-low your pride if need be and accept the help of others when it’s offered.

Virgo, learn how to deal with conflict in a productive way. Otherwise you may be stressed out and full of angst for no reason at all.

Sagittarius, expect to spend some mon-ey this week. Just how much you will spend depends on your ability to find the best bargains and discounts.

This Crossword Sponsored by

WELLS GRAY HOME HARDWARE86 STATION RD., CLEARWATER

674-3717

TRY A CLASSIFIED AD


Blizzard The ReindeerMy dad went out

to the back porch on Christmas Eve.

Then I heard him scream with fear. Dad ran back inside and yelled

THERE IS A REINDEER ON OUR BACK PORCH!!!.

I sprinted out side and shrieked with joy. I was so happy and excited I fainted and hit my head.

I woke up on Christmas Day and ran to the back porch. I thought it was all a dream the reindeer is real. I sat down and thought and thought and thought.

All of a sudden it came to me Blizzard the reindeer’s name is Blizzard. I ran to tell my mom but she didn’t listen she told me to make coffee so I did and she came and screech and called the zoo.

And the zoo came and took Blizzard to live in the zoo for ever.

By Jayne ColeGrade 5

The Lost ReindeerOn one frosty

Christmas eve there was a huge crash com-

ing from the back porch. The little boy gazed out his window in amazement, there was a bulky tough reindeer.

Looking at the boy, the boy named Norman said, “Where did you come from?”

The big huge awe-

some looking reindeer said, “I come from the North Pole!”

Norman decided to go hop on his super fast ultra sled. It goes about 400 km per hour. They got to the North Pole by 10 pm The reindeer were happy.

Santa came over and brought Norman back to his house on his reindeer driven sled.

It is amazing it was faster than Norman’s ultra sled! Normans sled was out of gas so that’s great that Santa could help him.

The reindeer and Santa left saying HO HO HO HO Merry Christmas and threw candy canes out to all.

By Nick AndersonGrade 4

We Found a Reindeer on our Porch

I saw Rudolph the red nosed reindeer last night.

It was Santa's rein-deer Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.

I love you Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.

By Morgan MatwickGrade 2

Christmas at my HouseI put an angel on

the tree.By Owen

ChristensenGrade 1

The Angel MaryOne snowy morn-

ing the littlest Angel, Mary was playing her flute around the

magical town of Fair Village. Her sisters were the biggest Angels in Fair Village. Mary was a very kind Angel.

If one of her sisters wanted some thing of hers, Mary would give it to them.

All of Mary’s sister were very very nice to her. Mary would give Christmas gifts to everybody in her village to have a nice Christmas day.

One day Mary was flying in the village when she saw a little girl was crying on the side of the hill.

Mary went to see what was wrong. Sam just was sad because all of her friends were not being nice to her. So Mary and Sam became best friends.

And Sam felt much better once she had her friend Mary.

The endBy Harriet Broadbent

Christmas TraditionsI put up a tree.

I give Santa milk. I open presents when my mom and dad wake up.

By Damian van EngelenGrade 1

The Littlest AngelThe whole flock of

angels Twelve came and sat by the door.

The last angel was so small she could barely even fly.

The other angels teased her for being so small.

So one night the littlest angel was on her way to the very first angel meeting and then when she was just about to enter the door she heard that she was going to be banned from the meet-ings.

So when she walked in she asked why did you say that I was going to be banned from all the meetings?

And the head angel replied because you are too small and you can barely even fly.

The head angel said, “Sorry but you can’t maybe next time,”

So the littlest angel was on her way home and on her way home she sobbed because she was absolutely banned from her activ-ity.

So when the littlest angel got home she said, “I’m never every going to be in another activity again.

So when she went to lay down and she thought that she could maybe see Santa tomorrow so the next morning she woke up and she got dressed then she went out the door and got to the mall and she saw that Santa Clause was wearing glasses and she started to laugh and laugh.

By Joey ResslerGrade 4

The Littlest Angel

I have a little angel. My angel’s name is Gabby.

My little angel goes on the Christmas tree. It always goes next to the star.

My Mom’s a star. And my Dad has a shooting star.

My angel was named after my best friend Gabby.

One day my little angel came to life. It was 8:58 pm. My fam-ily was in bed already. When my angel came to life I woke up.

Then my angel turned back to an ornament. I found my angel on the floor and picked it up.

By Alyssa BallGrade 3

18 -19

Extreme emotionLucas Taniguti hams it up as he takes part in Raft River Elementary School’s Christmas concert on Dec. 17. Photo by Keith McNeill


It was a bit of a slog walking, or even snow-shoeing, through the white stuff for sev-eral days. But for me it is worth being out and about to see who or what has been there.

Some critters are so small they can skitter across the top, tiny clawed footprints close together with barely leaving an indent. All shapes and sizes go every which way; sometimes there is evidence of “playtime” or perhaps a scuffle.

Often around those areas of major activity I see the design that tells me that it was dinner time for a bird. Their wing tip feath-ers, stretched apart to help keep them aloft, leave imprints not unlike a hand with the fingers spread out.

Sometimes there are sprinkles of red

on the snow, but not always. Occasionally a feather remains as more attractive evi-dence.

I have always thought myself ter-ribly clever because, while I recognise very few tracks, I know when a rabbit has been around. Its small front feet and much larger back feet make

a triangular landing in the snow. Recently, I realised the largest part of the triangle showed the direction “Thumper” was pro-ceeding.

Looking closely, I had noted scratches on the wide, foremost part of the track. A fairly large penny dropped – these mark-ings were made by the toenails of the hind feet. The small front feet land first, but the back end then passes the front end. Now I just need to have one of those critters come hopping past me so I can confirm my theory.

To remind me that all indents in the snow are not made by living things, a tree dropped a sizeable snowball onto my neck recently. Needless to say, this sent chills down my back – as much from fright as from the icy drops inside my jacket. The rising wind soon sent lots more snow-balls flying.

The above descrip-tions refer to outings during this not-quite-winter-yet, but here are a couple of left-over yarns about expe-ditions taken in past years and later in the season.

How to identify fox tracks

Visitors braved the February weather to come from Kaslo to Clearwater.

“You have to see the waterfalls here in winter,” we insisted. “You’ve never seen anything like them.”

After walking the cleared trail to see Helmcken Falls with its remarkable cone, we persuaded them to just tough it out to wade through the snow to reach Spahats Falls. Here, after once again watching the falling water disappear into a snowy, icy cone, John pointed out some fox tracks.

“These are distin-guishable because of the two pointy toe-nails at the front,” he showed us.

“See, their steps are about a foot apart, but the marks from the toenails and the foot fur distinguish these tracks from those made by cats and other doggie critters. Wolves have extended toenails too which drag on top of the snow,” he informed his interested audience, before we dragged them back to the house and hot choco-late.

The mystery trackWinter was almost

over. Jake the long-legged, curly-haired, black poodle and I chose to walk on the solid surface of local roads so we wouldn’t sink through the soft-ening snow. Except it didn’t happen quite like that.

Jake sensed some-thing nearby and took a running leap over the snow that had been pushed up by the ploughs – and down he went into the depths of the ditch beyond.

Not even the world’s best trackers would be able to iden-tify the “track” left by his nose-plant!

A handsome dogOne more dog

story: John and I were leaving our motel room in Quesnel to attend a funeral. A gentleman with his excited and excit-able small dog was approaching.

I had to say Hello to Pooch, so the man picked up the snuf-fling wee critter for me to pet him. “You’re a handsome chap,” I said.

“Thank you,” said the owner. “So is my dog!”

18 -19Tracks – New and old stories

TrekkingTales

By Kay Knox

Ministry of Environment

Visitors can soon start booking trips to two popular BC Parks destinations drawing outdoor enthusiasts from around the world – Berg Lake trail and the Bowron Lake canoe circuit.

Beginning at 9 a.m. PST, on Jan. 2, 2016, those looking to hike the scenic Berg Lake trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park or paddle the pris-tine Bowron Lake canoe circuit in Bowron Lake Provincial Park can reserve a spot for the 2016 sea-son through Discover Camping.

BC Parks saw a record 2,295 reservations for the Berg Lake trail in 2015, a 45 per cent increase from 2014. The Bowron Lake canoe circuit also saw a six per cent increase in bookings in 2015, from 975 in 2014 to 1,030 in 2015 as more people discover these amazing adventures.

Reservations for the Berg Lake trail and the Bowron Lake canoe circuit open ahead of any other BC Parks experiences – and allow booking for the entire 2016 season.

Advanced preparation is required for both the Berg Lake Trail and Bowron Lake canoe circuit because of the type of backcountry experience involved. The limited facilities offered on these adventures ensure a true wilderness experience, so visitors need to be prepared and self-sufficient.

The Berg Lake trail is open year-round, and can be reserved from June 12 to Sept. 14. The trail cov-ers 23 kilometres and climbs 800 metres, offering scenic views of waterfalls, lakes and icebergs.

Bowron Lake Provincial Parks' world-renowned canoe circuit can be reserved from May 15 to Sept. 21. The entire circuit boasts 116 kilometres of pad-dling across 10 lakes, and includes several portages that are relatively flat. The entire trip takes from six to 10 days.

The West Side experience is also available, which is less than half of the circuit and takes two to four days to complete. BC Parks recently pro-duced a short video for the Bowron Lake circuit so visitors can better plan their trip: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/bowron_lk/

Reserve your spot for two popular BC Parks adventures

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Transcript of Clearwater Times, December 24, 2015