May 2011 Edition of the Taylor Times

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Taylor Times May 2011 Volume 21 Issue 5 Taylor Emergency Services, along with Taylor’s Industrial Mutual Aid Group (TIMAG) are proud to be hosting an Emergency Preparedness Open House BBQ When: 5:30pm - 8:00pm Where: Taylor Community Hall We invite all of you to come out and meet our community industrial partners and learn more about personal and community emergency preparedness. We will be serving a full BBQ with free burgers, hotdogs, drinks, and more. Members of the District of Taylor Fire Department will also be on site, showcasing their skills through various demonstrations. We will also have games and activities for the children. Come on out enjoy the fun, get educated, and be prepared should an emergency happen.

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This is the May 2011 edition of the Taylor Times.

Transcript of May 2011 Edition of the Taylor Times

Taylor Times May 2011 Volume 21 Issue 5

Taylor Emergency Services, along with Taylor’s Industrial Mutual

Aid Group (TIMAG) are proud to be hosting an

Emergency Preparedness Open House BBQ

When: 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Where: Taylor Community Hall

We invite all of you to come out and meet our community

industrial partners and learn more about personal and community

emergency preparedness. We will be serving a full BBQ with free

burgers, hotdogs, drinks, and more.

Members of the District of Taylor Fire Department will also be on

site, showcasing their skills through various demonstrations.

We will also have games and activities for the children.

Come on out enjoy the fun, get educated, and be prepared

should an emergency happen.

Community Services

May 2011 Edition

BASIC ITEMS YOU WILL NEED TO SURVIVE FOR 72 HOURS:

Water - At least two liters of water per person per day (Include 2 small bottles that can be

carried easily in case of an evacuation order)

Food - That won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (Remember to

replace the food and water once a year).

Manual Can Opener.

Flashlight and Batteries.

Candles and Matches or Lighter - (Remember to place candles in sturdy containers and

put them out before going to sleep).

Battery-Powered or Wind-Up Radio - (With extra batteries).

First Aid Kit.

Special Items - Such as prescription medications, infant formula and equipment for people

with disabilities.

Extra Keys - For your car and house.

Cash - In smaller bills, such as $10 bills (Travelers cheques are also useful) and some

change for payphones.

Contact Information.

A Copy of Your Emergency Plan.

Recommended Additional Kit Supplies

It is always a good idea to have extra supplies on hand. Here are some recommendations:

Clothing - A change of clothing and footwear for each household member.

Sleeping Items - One sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member.

A Whistle - In case you need to attract attention.

Garbage Bag - For personal sanitation.

Toilet Paper - and other personal care supplies.

Safety Gloves

Basic Tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves).

Small Fuel - Driven Stove – Fuel and manufacturer’s directions, be sure to store properly.

Extra Water - Two extra liters of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning.

Call District of Taylor Emergency Coordinator Bryant Bird if you require any further

information 250 - 789 - 3333 ex 22

Community Services

May 2011 Edition

Back by popular demand on Saturday May 28th we are hosting our 2nd Annual Taylor Hill Climb! We will be meeting at the base of the hill at 5:30pm to begin a workout of a life time! There will be people at the top of the hill with water and we will have a BBQ waiting for you at the bottom once you have completed the hill and have your ticket from the top!

Now that the snow is gone we have already started climbing the hill. If you want to get yourself in shape early and set a personal best we are meeting at the bottom of the hill Mondays at 6:30pm. So come out and get in shape for this spring, nothing feels better than that feeling of accomplishment and the view from the top.

Join us for some hill climbing fun and excitement, and a BBQ to follow!

We will see you all there on Saturday May 28th!

Please do not bring your pets out to this event, as it is a school playground and having pets on

the school ground is not permitted!

This year our Community Services department is putting together the Annual Community Garage Sale, it will take place on Saturday, May 14th. The registration form is on the following page. Please fill it out and hand it in to the District Office by Thursday, May 5th at noon.

Advertisement this year will be done through fsjnow.com, locally by posters, and through the information center which opens Sunday, May 1st.

On the day of the Garage Sale we will place signs and balloons directing people to your Garage Sale location. For only $5.00 you can have your Garage Sale advertized with us! Please Call Shelanda at the Community Services Office if you have any questions 250-789-3333 ext 21.

District Staff have been working diligently to open the golf course and clean the Participaction trail. Use the trail

as part of your workout routine in preparation for the 2nd

Annual Taylor Hill Climb May 28th.

Don't forget to get your “Taylor Get Active” passport stamped at the Lone Wolf Clubhouse upon completing your run.

Keep posted to our Website and Facebook page to find out more details.

Community Services

May 2011 Edition

Community Services

May 2011 Edition

District of Taylor

Community Garage Sale

Registration Form

Date: Saturday May 14th

Cost: $5.00 Please complete the form below and return it no later than noon Thursday, May 5th,

2011 to the District of Taylor Office. For more information, contact Shelanda at 789-3333 ext 21

Taylor Community Garage Sale

Registration Form

Name: ____________________________________________ Phone # _______________

Address _____________________________________________

Please check all categories that apply to your sale

Kitchen appliances

Kitchen odds & ends

furniture

Antiques

Computer

TV/stereo equip.

Clothing

Gardening

Hand tools

Electric tools

Car/auto

Atv

snowmobile

boat

Children's Toys/games

BBQ

Bicycle(s)

Camping supplies

Arts & crafts supplies

Music (cd’s, tapes, records)

Movies (DVD, VCR)

TV Games (Xbox, etc.)

Fishing

Hunting

Misc. sports equipment

Other____________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

Community Services

May 2011 Edition

When: Sundays 5:30 - 6:30pm AND Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30pm

Where: Taylor Community Hall

Cost: 8 session Pass $85.00

Drop In: $15.00

Registration and payment are completed at the District Office Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

Exciting news! We are pleased to have such an increase in numbers for our Bootcamp

classes that we are now offering a Thursday class as well as a Sunday class!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact.

Shelanda Ryder Events and Program Coordinator

250-789-3333 ext 21

See you there!

Children’s Night is from 6 - 8pm.

Dates for upcoming Children’s Activity Night:

Wednesday, May 25th

Wednesday, June 29th (Last Children’s Night before Summer Break)

Activity Night is a $2 Drop In Fee per each Child.

Children’s Activity Night is available to children who are or have previously attended Kindergarten up to grade 6.

2 treadmills & 1 elliptical

machine are currently available for public use along with changing room.

Hours of operation: 6:00am-10:00pm Sunday - Saturday

Register for your Electronic Access Card at the District Office

Monday to Friday 9:00am –5:00pm. $20.00 Deposit for the card. $20.00 a month

User Fee.

Electronic access is available at the back of the Community

Hall.

Bingo is from 7-9pm.

Dates for upcoming Bingo Games:

Friday, May 13th (hosted by your local Emergency Social Services group)

Friday, June 10th (Last Bingo before Summer )

Participants must be 19 years or older or in direct accompaniment of a parent or caregiver. Players will be allotted two bingo cards.

When: Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:15pm

Where: Taylor Community Hall

Cost: 8 sessions for $70.00 (Less than $9.00 per class)

Drop in: $15.00 The new session of Tai Chi began April 26th.

Classes Run Until: June 14th

Community Services

May 2011 Edition

Birthday Party Packages

Swimming Lessons

Parents and Tots Swim

Family Swim

Aquafit

Teen Swim

Special Swimming Nights

Much More…...

Are you ready to put your skills to the test with a race to the fittest! In this Race you will be tested both physically and mentally. You must have one person 19 years of age or older on your team. Teams of two can register at the District of Taylor Office Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. You must be registered by May, 25th at noon in order to participate in the challenge. There will be no registering on the day of the race. Registration is $10 per team, this includes one Race to the Fittest T-Shirt and a free BBQ at the end of the race.

See you there!

Community Services

May 2011 Edition

Price List

General Admission

Children (0-12) $2.00

Adult (13-54) $3.00

Senior (55+) $2.00

Family (up to 6) $8.00

Aquafit (drop in) $4.00

Pool Rental (per hour) $45.00

**Punch Passes**

Children (0-12) $18.00

Adult (13-54) $27.00

Senior (55+) $18.00

Family (up to 6) $64.00

Aquafit $36.00

Season Passes

Children (0-12) $60.00

Adult (13-53) $90.00

Senior (55+) $60.00

Family (up to 6) $240.00

Lesson Sets 2011

June 6 - June 16

June 20 - July 30

July 4 - July 14

July 18 - July 28

August 2 - August 12

Levels 3 - 10 require a deep water components & will be completed at

the Fort St John North Peace

Leisure Pool

**Punch Pass cards are good for 10 Visits**

Featuring: “A Bugs Life”

Movie starts at Sunset (approx. 7:30pm)

Come on out and enjoy a movie under the stars and

check out the Grand Opening of the Rocky Mountain

Forts Trappers Cabin

Pack a lawn chair &

Don’t Miss out on the Fun

Friday May 20th At

Peace Island Park

Community Services May 2011 Edition

Community Services May 2011 Edition

Job Posting

Position title: Head Lifeguard / Lifeguard / Swim Instructors Reports to: Director of Community Services Duration: May 16 – August 27th, 2011 Placement: Temporary Full-time/Part-time

Nature/scope: Successful candidates are responsible for the overall health and safety of patrons in the pool facility.

Major responsibilities include:

Instructing Canadian Red Cross swim programs

Lifeguarding of various aquatic programs

Monitors the general maintenance and safety of the pool deck, change rooms and associated areas

Organize and coordinate appropriate activities, games, and events of interest to participants

Maintains a safe and clean work environment

Additional responsibilities include:

Organizes and ensures that the pool is set up for scheduled activities and that user needs are sufficiently met

Completes reports, statistics, records, etc. as needed cashier and custodial work

Performs other related work as required

The successful applicant must possess the following:

National Lifeguard Service Certification – Pool Option

Standard First Aid with CPR C

Water Safety Instructor and/or YMCA Canada Swim Instructor

Clear criminal record check

Interested Applicants Please submit your resume, cover letter, copy of your qualifications, along with references to: Bryant Bird, Community Services Director PO Box 300, Taylor, BC, V0C 2K0 or Fax: 250-789-3561 Email: [email protected]

*Inquiries are welcome, at 789-3333, ext. 22

Application Deadline – Open until positions filled

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted

Community Services May 2011 Edition

Taylor Summer Kids Kamp

Senior Assistant Manager

Job Posting

The District of Taylor is currently accepting applications for a Kids Kamp Senior Assistant Manager.

Reporting to the Kids Kamp Manager, you will fully participate in all Kamp activities, this includes but is not limited to:

Training and assisting Kids Kamp Staff. Planning the Day to Day and Month to Month Schedule of Kids Kamp. Identifying and booking field trips, Kamp guests, snack ideas, and more. Contributing to and maintaining an on-going and consistent safety plan for Kampers and staff. Demonstrating strong communication skills, enabling you to build positive and trusting rela-tions with Kampers, parents/caregivers Kamp Manager and Kamp/District Staff. Creating and maintain a FUN environment!

As a Senior Assistant Kamp Manager you will have experience working with children ages 5 - 12. You will possess strong leadership skills, enabling you to create and maintain a tight-knit team of Kamp leaders. You have a great level of enthusiasm and you are a creative person who enjoys FUN!

Standard first aid certification and a clean criminal record check are mandatory qualifications for the position (to be completed by the beginning of Kamp). Senior Assistant Managers Position is Preferred to have a Valid Drivers License. All Applicants must be 17+

Applications, including a cover letter, resume and a letter of reference, should be submitted to the District of Taylor Office, attention Shelanda Ryder, Kids Kamp Manager, no later than Friday, June 3rd 2011 @ 5pm. Inquiries are welcome at The Community Service Office (250) 789-3333 ext 21.

Applications can also be submitted by:

Fax: (250) 789-3561 Email: [email protected] Mail: PO Box 300, Taylor, B.C. V0C 2K0

Available to start Tuesday, July 5th 2011

Community Services May 2011 Edition

Taylor Summer Kids Kamp

Senior and Junior

Leader(s)

Job Posting

The District of Taylor is currently accepting applications for the following positions for the District of Taylor Summer Kids Kamp: Kids Kamp Senior Leader and Junior

Leader (2 - 3),

Kids Kamp staff are responsible for the day to day activities of the Kids Kamp participants, ranging from 5 - 13 years of age. This includes, but not limited to: programming and leading activities, ensuring a safe environment for Kampers and staff is constantly maintained and working as a part of a cohesive and FUNtastic team.

Successful candidates must possess excellent public relations and leadership skills. Standard first aid certification and a clean criminal record check are mandatory qualifications for these positions (to be completed by the beginning of Kamp). Experience with children, especially in a child care setting, is a definite asset. We're looking for LEADERS who like to create FUN!

Applications, including a cover letter and resume, should be submitted to the District of Taylor Office, attention Shelanda Ryder, Kids Kamp Manager, no later than Friday, June 3rd 2011 @ 5pm. Inquiries are welcome at the Community Service Office (250) 789-3333 ext 21.

Applications can also be submitted by: Fax: (250) 789-3561 Email: [email protected] Mail: PO Box 300, Taylor, B.C. V0C 2K0

Available to start Tuesday, July 5th 2011

Community Services

May 2011 Edition

Full - Day Kamp: 9am - 4pm daily

Includes: 2 snacks & a Kids Kamp t-shirt. Week # 4 is a 4 Day Week.

Full Day 1 Week: $80

Full Day 2 Weeks: $105

Full Day 3 Weeks: $130

Full Day 4 Weeks: $170

Full Day 5 Weeks: $190

Full Day 6 Weeks: $225

Full Day 7 Weeks: $260

Half - Day Kamp: 9am - 12pm

*NO half days available on Fridays* Includes: 1 snack

Week # 4 is a 4 Day Week.

Half Day 1 Week: $55

Half Day 2 Weeks: $75

Half Day 3 Weeks: $90

Half Day 4 Weeks: $110

Half Day 5 Weeks: $125

Half Day 6 Weeks: $150

Half Day 7 Weeks: $170

An additional 10% discount applies for 3 or more children ( First 2 children pay full fees, and each additional child there after receives a 10% discount)

If you have any questions or concerns please call me Shelanda Ryder Kids Kamp Manager 250-789-3333 ex 21

IN THE HEAT WITH THE TAYLOR FIRE DEPARTMENT

Spring is in the air! Can you feel it? I know we keep getting snow but before we know it, the snow will be gone and everything will start to turn green! We know that with spring comes grass fire season. So, we would like to remind you that if you are burning grass or yard debris, you must request a Burn Permit from the Fire Chief to get approval first! You will be expected to have a water hose available, just in case, to put out any fire before it gets away from you. In addition, if planning to burn over .2 hectares, you are required to notify Forestry and they will give you an Open Fire Tracking Registration Number. You can get this registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717. And, please be careful when dealing with fire. BBQ, BBQ, BBQ!!! The sun is out and the BBQ is all fired up! BUT, did you remember to clean those grills and inspect all elements to make sure all hoses and fittings are in good repair? If not, now is as good a time as any. BBQ’s that are too close to buildings can cause fires, so ensure your BBQ is a safe distance from buildings. It is good practice to never leave your BBQ unattended while in use. Check out “Grilling Safety” for more safety information and tips. Speaking of BBQing, the District in conjunction with TIMAG will be cooking up a storm for Emergency Preparedness on May 4th at the Community Hall. The Fire Department will also be in attendance with the fire trucks, doing demonstrations and a kids hose relay. Come join us at the Community Hall and get prepared! The Taylor Fire Department’s Annual Mother’s Day Breakfast is right around the corner! Join us down to the Fire Hall Sunday, May 8th from 8am till noon and have the firefighters cook a fantastic breakfast for you! It’s only $5.00 a plate and the first 100 moms get a carnation. There’s a door prize for the moms too! The fire trucks will be pulled out for all to see. Taylor Fire Department Calendar Update!!! We had 100, figured we would need at least another 100 and ended up having to order an additional 250 for a grand total of 450 calendars. That being said, I am proud to say that they are almost all gone! There may be only 4-5 left! A great big THANK YOU! to everyone for your support. We can’t wait to send a cheque to the Burn Unit at the BC Children’s Hospital where the net proceeds from the calendar sales will be put to good use.

DISTRICT OF TAYLOR PHONE DIRECTORY

District Office 789-3392 Community Services 789-3333 Taylor Medical Clinic 789-6772 Arena 789-3004 Pool (Open May- August) 789-3549 Curling Rink 789-3734 Community Services 789-3333 Visitor Info Centre 789-9015 Peace Island Park 789-9295 Golf Clubhouse 789-3711 Golf Course Maintenance Building 789-3381 Taylor Public Library 789-9878 Crafty Folks 789-3720 Big Bam Ski Hill 789-9158 Peace River Green Houses 789-2429 Flatter Me... Again! 263-5019

Taylor Elementary 789-3323 Peace Community Church 789-3045 Post Office 789-3407 BC Hydro (Power Outages) 1-888-769-3766 BC Nurse Line 1-866-215-4700 Pacific Northern Gas 1-800-667-2297 Shaw 785-3039 Hospital 262-5200 Ambulance/Fire/RCMP 911 Welcome Wagon 262-2070 Valley Grove Restaurant 789-3225 Amanica’s Video and Pizza 789-9438 Peaceview Diner 789-9000 McNaabs Tire & Auto 789-3221 Rumors, Cuts & Curls 271-2121

Landfill Site Information Taylor and Area

Solid Waste Information

Do not put batteries and other dangerous items in the landfills for disposal, workers at this facility could be injured because of your carelessness. These are accepted at most savage yards for safe disposal.

All bulky waste must be taken to the Fort St John or Bessborough Regional Landfills. Hours of operation are as follows:

Bessborough

Phone (250) 843 - 0026 Monday to Thursday 9:00 - 4:45pm Friday 9:00 - 5:45pm Saturday 10:00 - 1:45pm Sunday Closed

Provided by Peace River Regional District

Fort St. John

Phone (250) 785 - 1067 Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 - 5:45pm

Sunday to Monday Closed Christmas Day Closed

District

Office

789-3392

Building Permits

If you are planning a construction project or renovation this summer, you may need to obtain a Building Permit prior to commencing any work on the project.

Section 2.2 of Building Bylaw No. 391, 1991 states; “no person shall construct or authorize the construction of any building or structure or part thereof unless a permit for the work has first been issued by the Building Inspector.”

Some of the projects that do not require a Building Permit are: replacing your asphalt shingles, replacing a door or window with one of the same size as the original, and installing new siding.

If you are altering any plumbing, making any structural changes, or building a deck or new structure, you will be required to obtain a Building Permit prior to beginning any work.

If you are not sure whether or not you will need a permit, you can contact the District Office at 250-789-3392 to make an appointment with the Building Inspector. A Building Permit application can be picked up at the municipal office from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Mike Ryder, Building Inspector

Taylor Medical Clinic

250-789-6772

Appointments

Appointments can be made by calling 250-789-6772 (Taylor Medical Clinic) or 250-785-6677 (Fort St. John Medical Clinic) Monday to Friday. Remember to specify your preference for the Taylor Clinic. Appointments are preferred .

Drop-ins welcome

Stop in during regular hours of operation and see a doctor without the long wait.

Hours of Operation

Sunday - Closed

Monday - 9:00am – 12:00 (Noon)

Tuesday - Closed

Wednesday - 9:00am – 12:00 (Noon)

Thursday - Closed

Friday - 9:00am – 12:00 (Noon)

Saturday - Closed

*CLOSED ALL STATUTORY HOLIDAYS*

3 BOARD OF VARIANCE MEMBERS WANTED With the implementation of the Community Charter, your District Council is responsible for appointing the Taylor Board of Variance.

As such, Council seeks 3 community minded individuals willing to be appointed to the Board to hear applications for the relaxation of zoning bylaw regulations (not pertaining to use). Generally, the Board gauges community input and standards in making decisions on the relaxation of such regulations as sitting, dimensions or size of a building or structure.

Members do not get paid for sitting on the board, but will be compensated for reasonable and nec-essary expenses. Since the board has traditionally met between 2 to 3 times a year, expense reim-bursement is expected to be minimal.

If you wish to have input into how your community develops, we would be interested hearing from you. Please submit your name, address and a few details about yourself to:

Fred Jarvis, Mayor District of Taylor Box 300 Taylor, BC V0C 2K0

TAYLOR COUNCIL MEETINGS Taylor Council and Committee Meetings schedule is as follows:

Council Meetings Committee Meetings

May 3, 2011 May 17, 2011 June 7, 2011 June 21, 2011

July 5, 2011 July 19, 2011 August 2, 2011 August 16, 2011

September 6, 2011 September 20, 2011 October 4, 2011 October 18, 2011

November 1, 2011 November 15, 2011 December 6, 2011 December 20, 2011

The deadline for agenda items (including notice of delegations)

is the preceding Thursday at 12:00 noon.

Both Committee and Council meetings are open to the public and the media. Matters related to Section 90 of the Community Charter (copies are available) are dealt with in-Camera (or at private closed meetings). These are loosely described as legal issues, land and labour/personnel issues.

At both Council and Committee Meetings there is a gallery/media section where members of the public can informally ask questions of Council – and your interest is always welcome!

Committee Meetings are non-decision making meetings where staff reports and correspondence

The Taylor Community Garden Club is ready to get going again this year. I am looking for some community volunteers to help keep this garden running.

Call Kristine Doerksen for more

Information!

250-793-2463.

Johnnie was flying a remote helicopter here on Fairway Ave.

A gust of wind came along and took it out of sight. We have looked for weeks and cannot

find it, but we thought when the snow melted it would show up.

However we have had no luck in locating it. Maybe it landed in someone's yard. If you have found this please e-mail Roxanne at

[email protected]

BUSINESS FOR SALE

1 – 2010 - 5” Ironman Continuous Eavestrough Machine Mounted On A 2003 Tandem Axle Loboy 28 Ft 5

th Wheel Trailer (Enclosed),

Comes With Inventory And Tools.

Ready For The New Season $30,000.00 OBO

Phone: Mike @

250-793-8212

or

Bill @ 250-789-9026

GREAT NEWS!

THE TAYLOR GREEN HOUSE IS UP AND RUNNING! THE COMBINATION IS STILL THE SAME AS LAST YEAR SO COME ON DOWN

AND GET READY FOR THE PLANTING SEASON!

FOR MORE INFO CALL 250-789-3381

Just a heads up to the Alexander's. The family tree book that was completed in 1992 is being updated, if you haven’t been called yet, it’s coming. A tribute to those that have passed away will be included, pictures are needed.

Call me anytime.

250-789 - 9460 Home 250-785-1987 Work

Wilda Alexander

McMahon Natural Gas Plant will undergo a total facility shutdown; to complete regulatory inspections, improvements and upgrades. Performed to ensure the continued integrity, reliability and safety of our facilities, turnaround maintenance is conducted at each of our three large gas plants on a three-year rotational cycle. The shutdown in the Taylor area will involve the processing plant and gathering systems. Emergency pro-cedures and equipment will be in place during the shutdown.

Spectra Energy recognizes that all this activity may inconven-ience some in their daily routines. But we also recognize that a project of this size results in a significant, positive economic boost to our community.

We ask that during this period of heightened activity and in-creased traffic, all community members pay particular attention to road safety with all users.

Nothing is more fundamental to our success or more compel-ling to our employees, than leading in safety. Our vision is that all Spectra Energy employees and contractors demonstrate personal commitment to continuous safety improvement, re-sulting in zero-injury and zero-work-related illness culture.

For further details, please contact: Rod Locke, Team Leader Lands & Community Relations at 250.262.3457 or Doug Gulevich, Area Business Leader at 250.262.3541

Spring Run Off It is spring out; the snow has almost completely gone and what is left is mostly areas in the shade or has been piled up over the course of the past few months. I have been watching the water from the snow, the runoff, as it begins its journey to the collection points before making its way to the mighty Peace River.

As I walk to work some mornings the water is often covered with a

thin coating of ice. It is not moving, and seems almost stagnant. As the day moves on the sun gets warmer, the water slowly begins to run, you see little bits of ice and flotsam begin to join the growing torrent until, and soon the stagnant water course is alive with rushing water, some clear, some filled with indicators of where it has come through on its way to the Peace River. We all know that if we wait long enough it will slowly dwindle down until it is again that stagnant puddle and in

time those same ditches that ran deep and fast will begin to dry up to where we can then walk in without even getting wet. It dwindles and disappears because it has nothing to draw from; the snow that was its source is gone. The only time it may run again is during a rain which itself ends with the same result, no more water.

I was struck by a spiritual comparison to this water flow. My walk with God has in the past been like the runoff season. I came to believe in God after many years of information, actions of others, challenges,

and discussions about God. Much like the snow, we stockpile this information about God in our minds and in time it all begins to make sense, seeping into our heart and soul. It begins to melt, for some of us because of a difficult time or some sudden revelation that suddenly opens the floodgates of understanding and all this information, all this emotion, all this unidentified seeking of something more, begins to run faster and fuller through our minds looking for a home, a collection point, a final destination. For many this destination is an intimate relationship with God, though for some this revelation doesn’t make it that far – it flows for a time but dries up before becoming the

relationship our Creator wants with each of us.

When we look at this very simple comparison of spring runoff to our walk, to seeking God, it shows me that whether or not I have made it to the final destination, I need to continue to add snow, to add water from the Source. For my walk I need to continue to feed my mind and my soul, with information and learning of my God. If I don’t continue to add to this growing torrent I am at risk of drying up, just as the ditches do in the spring when the snow is finally all gone. If I am seeking, I need to continue to seek to add to my knowledge of God in order to eventually be certain of my belief in God. But for both those who have

met God and for those who are seeking understanding of Him, it is crucial that we continue to add to what we are learning in order to keep the water running. Our God calls Himself living water, and says that if we partake of His living water we will never thirst.

Don’t take this picture and begin to dissect it to find the parts that don’t fit, but simply recognize that whether looking for something, or growing after finding it, we must continue to feed ourselves with

knowledge in order to continue to run. “Run the race good and faithful servant” means feeding ourselves throughout our life, not enjoying one big feeding and thinking that’s all we will need. Without continually adding, our runoff with dwindle and dry up.

How is your faith? Are you still working on information from the past and have you stopped adding to it? If you are looking, I encourage you to continue to look, to add to your knowledge of God and His word, for the answer is before you. Keep learning. Keep adding to your

understanding of God to keep your faith from drying up. Living water stays flowing because the source is abundant.

Pastor Wally Pohlmann - Peace Community Church, Taylor

Getting kids outside is as easy as organizing a nature walk. With the right motivation any child can get excited to discover the outdoors.

Use age appropriate, fun activities to make adventures into the outdoors fun for kids and grownups.

Nature Walk Basics

Plan the walk ahead of time by using local guidebooks or online resources. Trails.com is a great resource for finding local walks and hikes in most areas.

Tools Needed

Field guides for birds – these can be picked up at the local library

Field guides for trees, local flora and fauna – check the library for local guides

Hike and trail guides – most every area has trail guides which list many hikes that are appropriate for children

Backpacks – for adults and kids. Don’t let the kids carry too much in their pack, make judgments based on age

and individual. A two year old and a six year old should carry completely different weight limits.

Water – bring enough for everyone

Snacks – never leave home without them. The kids will be hungry from all of their adventures so think of pack-

ing healthy, hearty snacks that will keep them full longer: apple with peanut butter, cheese with crackers, cut up veggies and fruit.

Dress appropriately for the weather conditions – an uncomfortable kid is going to want to go home that much

sooner, good outdoor shoes or boots plus layering for the weather will keep a child happier outside for a longer period of time.

Magnifying lenses

Bug boxes

Basket or box for “treasures”

Make the Hike Fun

Kids of all ages love to carry a “nature basket” which they can fill with whatever treasures from nature they choose: rocks, feathers, acorns or ferns.

Remain flexible while hiking with kids, search for “teachable moments” that will come up unexpectedly. Make sure no one feels rushed and is given lots of time to experience the outdoors as they want to.

Use fun activities for older kids to keep them interested and moving:

have races from one tree to the next

have a treasure hunt. Make a list beforehand of certain items each child has to find.

Make the Distance Age Appropriate

Keep the length of the walk age appropriate for the child. Bring a stroller or baby backpack for kids under three. Keep the hikes to shorter distances for younger children.

Hike Follow Up

Use a journal at home to document what was seen in the outdoors. Younger children can draw pictures or dictate what they want to write about. Use magazines to make a collage of the outdoors. Make art with the treasures that were brought home.

Finding ways to get kids outside doesn't have to be difficult. Using the tips provided here will help make an easy transition out into nature. There is much out there to see and experience and most kids will enjoy it once they are in the woods.

Resources: University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Visit www.suite101.com/content/nature-walks-for-kids-a103896 for more information.

Copyright Shelley Donohue. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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MAY 14th Cdls Awareness Day

"National Cdls Awareness Day is observed the second Saturday of May each year in order to shed light on this often misdiagnosed, little known genetic syndrome."

"Cornelia de Lange syndrome (Cdls) is a genetic disorder present from birth but not always diag-nosed at birth. It causes a range of physical, cognitive and medical challenges and affects both gen-ders equally. Cdls doesn't discriminate, it's seen in all races and ethnic backgrounds. The occurence

of Cdls is estimated to be 1 in 10,000 live births."

" As with many syndromes, individuals with Cdls strongly resemble one another. Typical facial fea-tures include thin eyebrows that meet in the middle, long eyelashes, a short upturned nose, and thin

downturned lips.

For more information on Cdls please visit: www.cdlsusa.org

On a personal note, our family would like to give a big thank you to everybody who has helped and supported us over the years!

The Farquharson Family

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Church of

Good Shepherd

9:30am

Peace Community Church 10:30

Bootcamp 5:30 - 6:30 pm

2

Kids Kamp Registration

Opens!

3

Council Meeting 5:00pm

Tai Chi

6:00 - 7:15pm

4

Practice Muster Drill

EMS BBQ 5:30 - 8pm

5

Bootcamp 6:30 - 7:30pm

6 7 Peace

Community Church

Appreciation Evening

8 Church of

Good Shepherd

9:30am

Peace Community

Church Opening

9

10

Tai Chi 6:00 - 7:15pm

11 12

Bootcamp

6:30 - 7:30pm

13

BINGO! 7-9pm

14

Cdls Awareness

Day

Community Garage Sale

15 Church of

Good Shepherd

9:30am

Peace Community Church 10:30

Bootcamp 5:30 - 6:30 pm

16

17 Committee

Meeting 4:00pm

Tai Chi

6:00 - 7:15pm

18 19

Bootcamp 6:30 - 7:30pm

20 Theater

Under the Stars

Taylor Times

Deadline

21

Free Swim Pool Opens!

22 Church of

Good Shepherd

9:30am

Peace Community Church 10:30

Bootcamp 5:30 - 6:30 pm

23

24

Tai Chi

6:00 - 7:15pm

25 Children’s

Activity Night

6- 8pm

26 CNIB Vision

Health

Bootcamp 6:30 - 7:30pm

27 28 Special

Olympics Golf Tourney

Second Annual Hill Climb and

BBQ!

29 Church of

Good Shepherd

9:30am

Peace Community Church 10:30

Bootcamp 5:30 - 6:30 pm

30

31

Tai Chi 6:00 - 7:15pm

SUNDAY

Endurance Tests!

May 2011