North Island Gazette, November 29, 2012

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Santa greets young Mecca Humphrey and her grandmother, Diane Fyvie, as he arrives at the Eagle View Elementary School craft fair Sunday in Port Hardy.

The North Island holiday craft fair season has kicked into high gear, and the Port McNeill Lioness host their annual bazaar Saturday at the Old School and Community Hall.

Meanwhile, we share images from events in Port Hardy and Port Alice last weekend in North Island Life, page 13.

J.R. Rardon

Ferry panel gets an earful in Hardy J.R. Rardon Gazette editor PORT HARDY—Citing everything from a flawed process to erroneous information in its printed booklets, local residents and civic leaders unloaded on officials from B.C. Ferries and the Ministry of Transportation during a small-group meeting held Friday as part of the B.C.

Coastal Ferries consultation and engagement process.

The consultation tour, which will run through Dec. 21 and include stops in 30 coastal B.C. communities, is ostensibly to gather feedback from local residents and ferry users on the best way to achieve a $26 million savings identified by BC Ferries as required by 2016.

North Island ferry proponents, however, perceived a company that has already made up its mind that the way to those savings will be through fare increases and service cuts.

“The data BC Ferries has reported on route 10 is confusing and the shortfall you’re reporting is highly inaccurate and provocative,” said Bev Parnham,

mayor of Port Hardy. “And I also want it on record that the questions we’ve been presented are contrived, and they take away from the over arching, bigger picture concerns of BC Ferries operations that have to be resolved before any specific action is taken.”

Parnham went on to question why Inland ferries are funded as part of the B.C.

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highway system while the coastal ferries are not, and closed her comments by calling for the return of BC Ferries to a crown corporation, rather than an “armslength entity.”

BC Ferries has cited increasing fuel and labour costs and decreasing ridership as having created a substantial funding shortfall across the system. It

has already announced fare increases totaling more than 10 per cent over the coming three years, and is seeking additional savings.

The consultation panel, including BC Ferries directors David Hendry and Peter Simpson and Kirk

See page 3 ‘Process flawed’

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Man sought Teacher to face charges in January

by RCMP An unendorsed warGazette staff Comox Valley rant was issued for his RCMP, in conjunc- arrest in relation to tion with Port Hardy charges of assault with RCMP, are seeking the a weapon, two counts of assault, assistance breach of of the pubprobation, lic to locate criminal Allan David harassM a r t i n ment by MacLeod repeated, with respect unwantto six outed constanding tact, and charges. criminal MacLeod harasslives in Port ment by Hardy but works as a David MacLeod w a t c h i n g and besettruck driver ting. and is possiIf you know the bly in Campbell River of or Port McNeill. He whereabouts may be driving a blue MacLeod call 911 or 1995 GMC Jimmy immediately, CRIMESTOPPERS at with British Columbia license plate 610SRE. 1-800-222-8477.

If you have any MacLeod is fortyfive years old and is questions, please condescribed as 6’4”, tact Cst. R.L. Downey, 320 lbs, with shoul- of the Comox Valley der length blond hair, RCMP, at (250)338green eyes with a 1321 or via email at mutton-chop type of r a e l y n n . d ow n e y @ rcmp-grc.gc.ca. moustache.

Gazette staff PORT HARDY— Former School District 85 teacher Timothy Ouellette, who faces child pornography charges, will return to Port Hardy in January to hear the charges against him.

Ouellette was scheduled for his first appearance last week in the Port Hardy Courthouse.

Dan Nowosad acted as agent for the defence, while Ouellette himself was not present in the courtroom.

The court set an arraignment date for Ouellette’s case, initially for January 10th in Port Hardy, later amended to January 9th due to confusion over available dates.

Ouellette, formerly a resident of Port McNeill, was suspended from his position within SD85 in March after the School District became aware of his initial arrest and is no longer in the employ of the Board of Education.

Officers from Port

Court Report

Timothy Ouellette McNeill RCMP, along with members of the Vancouver Island Integrated Tech Crimes Unit, served a search warrant on Ouellette’s residence in March after the B.C. Integrated Child Exploitation Unit shared an investigative package with the local detachment.

Ouellette was arrested without incident that day and multiple pieces of evidence seized.

He was then released under multiple conditions pending further investigation.

Earlier this month the B.C. Provincial Crown Counsel laid two charges relating to the investigation, namely possession of

child pornography and possession of child pornography for the purposes of distribution or sale.

Ouellette is currently on bail with conditions restricting him from being near children under 14 and restricting his access to the internet and internetcapable devices.

• Dennis Woloshuk appeared in court facing charges of possession of illegally caught fish, and placing or setting gear or apparatus during close time.

Woloshuk contested the charges, which date to September of last year.

The Defence, in a somewhat obscure argument, contended that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans policy of issuing variance notices for closures was not legally sound and did not give adequate notice to its clients.

The Defence also used witness testimony to put forward that Woloshuk had been led

to believe that a gentleman’s agreement was in effect in the area, allowing an early start for fishermen.

The Crown’s position was more straightforward. Its submission was that the DFO was in accordance with the law in posting variances, and that ignorance was no defence.

Even if the Defence’s proposition was true and the variance notice was improper, Crown pointed out that the previous notice would be in effect and Woloshuk was still foul of the law.

Judge Gould, presiding, noted that, even if a gentleman’s agreement had been observed in the past, the agreement was not binding and had no status in law.

The Justice did have some sympathy for his plight. “It may well be that Mr. Woloshuk has been a victim of circumstance,” he said, and agreed, “Variances are done in a fairly peculiar manner.”

However, he did find

Woloshuk guilty since, “Clearly the accused and his vessel were in the area and had in fact been fishing.”

In its submission for sentencing, Crown too had some sympathy for the accused due to witness testimony. Initially Crown had thought to suggest a fine in the region of $10,000 and a year’s prohibition for the “blatant disregard” of the law.

On reflection of testimony, Crown suggested that it did seem that the accused “had been led down the proverbial garden path.”

Crown suggested that a $5,000 fine for fishing, a $2,000 fine for the fish seized and no prohibition order would be more in order, since the offence was still an “economic decision.”

The Judge ordered Woloshuk to pay a $1,000 fine and $3,000 compensation on the fishing during closed time offence and a $500 fine and $500 compensation in relation to the fish seized.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 3

Process flawed, ferries consultation panel told from page 1 Handrahan, executive director of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s marine section, came armed with two booklets describing the crisis facing the coastal ferry system and containing charts with detailed ridership figures on all its coastal routes.

The nearly 50 civic leaders, business owners, tourism operators and other residents in attendance were underwhelmed.

Heidi Soltau, Area A director for the Regional District of Mount Waddington and a member of the Tri-Island Ferry Commission, said the figures for Route 25 serving Port McNeill, Sointula and Alert Bay were “misrepresentative.”

All three routes serving North Vancouver Island — Route 25 and the two mid-coast routes out of Port Hardy serving Prince Rupert and Bella Bella — fell into the “underutililized” category in the panel’s charts.

“When I first got elected

13 years ago, I was told the fastest way to confuse an audience was to put a graph in front of them,” said Alfred Dick, a councillor with the ‘Namgis First Nation Band. “And it’s true.

I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about in these pages here.

“You’re making us, the users, the sole people to bear the responsibility of your $26 million mismanagement.”

As a donnybrook, however, this meeting was a very one-sided affair. The review panel accepted the verbal blows placidly and fired back bland assurances that the grievances would be noted.

“I want to assure the people in the room that a big and important component of the summary report will be a meeting-by-meeting analysis of the key things we heard in each community,” said Anna Wright, the event moderator who repeatedly reminded participants to fill in a response form either in the provided booklet or online. “That

Leighton Wishart and Al Huddlestan flank Port Hardy Mayor Bev Parnham as she addresses Peter Simpson, David Hendry and Kirk Handrahan of the J.R. Rardon BC Ferries consultation process Friday at the Civic Centre.

will form a really key part of the report.”

But several respondents said the very process was flawed from the outset, noting the process had pre-identified six specific considerations — including budget shortfalls, ferry utilization and ferry service levels — and has formulated a response questionnaire limited to those areas.

Christmas Greetings Send your best holiday greetings to customers, friends and to the North Island with a greeting in our Christmas edition featuring stories & art by North Island children.

Book early to ensure a spot in this popular feature.

Call Lisa @ 250-949-6225 or email sales@northislandgazette.com

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GAZETTE NORTH ISLAND

“The proper way to do a consultation process is to provide accurate timely information on the subject, follow that up with consultation with the community, then follow up that consultation up with analysis and review,” Alert Bay Mayor Michael Berry said. “At that point comes the brochure, if you will. I really do find the process is ill thought-

out. To that end, I have grave concerns about the feedback that will come out of the feedback forum.”

The small-group meeting in Port Hardy drew participants from ferry-served communities on Cormorant and Malcolm Islands, Port McNeill, Port Hardy and Bella Bella. The consultation panel’s coastal tour also included “open house” stops

in Alert Bay and Sointula, but left out Port McNeill, which drew a sharp rebuke from Port McNeill councillor Shirley Ackland.

“You need to see (coastal ferries) as part of the infrastructure of the province,” Ackland said. “We need it funded by everybody in the province. I don’t ask you to roll up the highway to Alaska because I’m not on it at 3 o’clock in the morning.”

The $700,000 consultation and review process will move into its next phase after the new year, when the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and BC Ferries begins to draft a long-term plan for the coastal ferry system. It is unknown whether the current Liberal government will have a completed draft prepared to present as part of its platform in the provincial election scheduled for May, 2013.

For more information on the consultation process, and to fill out a feedback response form, visit coastalferriesengagement.ca.

North Island Crisis & Counselling Centre invites everyone to join us for a Candlelight Vigil:

When: Thursday, December 6th.

Where: Robert Scott School: in front of the old library Time: 6:30pm December 6th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, it is a time to reflect on concrete actions that each of us can take to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women. The vigil marks the anniversary of the 1989 Montréal Massacre. We remember the fourteen young women who were slain at l’École Polytechnique because of their gender.

Remember Their Names…

Genevieve Bergeron, age 21 Helene Colgan, age 23 Nathalie Croteau, age 23 Barbara Daigneault, age 22 Anne-Marie Edward, age 21 Maud Haviernick, age 29 Barbara Maria Klucznik, age 21 Maryse Laganiere, age 25 Maryse Leclair, age 23 Anne-Marie Lemay, age 22

Sonia Pelletier, age 28 Michele Richard, age 21 Annie St-Arneault, age 23 Annie Turcotte, age 21

4 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012

School board addresses future finances A O’Toole Gazette staff The School Board heard that future budgeting would need to include some cuts to maintain the financial health of the District.

Thanks in part to declining student enrollment and changes to the funding model, School District 85 will receive fewer funds in the future, and has begun laying out a strategy to balance this shortfall with minimal impact.

For reference, treasurer John Martin presented managed and unmanaged approaches, the unmanaged approach eating into the fund balance and leaving a deficit by 2015/16.

In contrast, the managed approach — cutting $200,000 from the budget year-on-year — kept the fund balance in the black up to and beyond 2018/19.

Martin informed trustees that without management a spending deficit was imminent and a “fiscal cliff�

loomed, bringing the specter of catastrophic cuts in the future.

Guidelines were also suggested for the cuts needed; to avoid permanent unemployment where possible and to exclude direct cuts to classroom services, for example.

The presentation was a draft form, to inform the trustees of the problems faced, but it was urged that the items discussed be brought to the table in the near future for more formal consideration.

School District Superintendent Scott Benwell explained that funding protection was currently in place so the District was being allocated funds as though it contained approximately 2,000 students instead of a more accurate figure of around 1,400. “Funding protection is going away,� he explained, and echoed Martin’s sentiments that action was immi-

nently needed to avoid serious cuts in the future.

School Board ERASE strategy Kelly Amodeo made a presentation to the Board unveiling a new anti-bullying tool as part of the ERASE strategy against bullying.

The newly minted web portal provides a contemporary way for students to report bullying to school authorities.

The portal, accessible through smart phones as well as through computers, allows students to report anonymously if preferred, or to request contact from authorities.

The back end of the portal then submits a report, categorizing the type of bullying, as well as location, time of report and persons involved to Amodeo.

She explained to the trustees that this report was

Safe sober celebrated J.R. Rardon Gazette editor PORT McNEILL— The Mount Waddington Health Network’s Addiction Services Planning Committee unveiled the result of four years of work last week during a celebratory dinner to recognize completion of a longsought addiction and recovery service plan for residents of the Mount Waddington region.

Changing Together — A Healing Journey, a comprehensive set of guidelines and recommendations on treatment, recovery and prevention of substance abuse, was presented to 68 participants in attendance.

Chief Hutch Hunt provided a welcome address and Chief Bill Cranmer added a welcome to attendees, who included representatives of all local first nations as well as the Vancouver Island Health Authority, local government and non-governmental health-care workers. “The purpose of the meeting was a celebratory dinner for all the communities in the region, highlighting

what has been achieved and what is currently being worked on,� said Shirley Ackland, committee member and Port McNeill councillor. “It was the first opportunity since we gathered last January and had a rough draft of the plan.�

The final draft, which Ackland estimated was the “sixth or seventh edition,� was published in September and announced to local community councils, first nations and the Regional District of Mount Waddington.

It notes the establishment of a “safe sober� facility in Port Hardy at the Lighthouse Resource Centre and a regional recovery centre in Alert Bay run by the recently-formed Cormorant Island Supportive Recovery Society.

The next step, Ackland said, will be to establish a safe recovery centre, preferably in Port McNeill, which is located at the junction of the road and ferry system, easily accessible by a number of North Island communities. “I’m encouraged that we’re moving forward into services and pro-

grams to help the North Island,� she said.

The first steps toward the recovery centres occurred when Ackland met with physicians Granger Avery and Jane Clelland and several others over four years ago, after two different people had died in cells while under the influence. “People looking to sober up didn’t have any option for that except the cells,� she said.

Sean Junglas of the Salvation Army in Port Hardy offered the Lighthouse Resource Centre as a safe sober stop, and Port McNeill Hospital has established a detox centre.

The next step, Ackland said, is a transition treatment and recovery in Port McNeill, where families could visit clients while they attend work or school in a drug- and alcohol-free environment until they are able to cope independently. “Most people into addictions don’t choose that life,� Ackland said. “They’re involved because of something that happened in their past.�

time sensitize, requiring a response within 72 hours or an alert would be raised at the Superintendent level.

The reports could also be aggregated to spot trends in offenses.

Trustees were broadly supportive of the initiative but had some specific questions on the program. “We know bullying is not reserved for schools, indeed schools are often some of the safest places,� pointed out Benwell,� Are we taking the lead for communities?�

Amodeo responded by saying that while bullying was not restricted to schools, schools are a hub for students and that any bullying that takes place out of school is likely to continue in schools.

Trustee Danita Schmidt echoed concerns raised by teens themselves, that the portal was vulnerable to trolls making false claims. “Do we investigate each claim?� she asked.

Amodeo was confident she could differentiate the real and false reports. “Trolls are pretty easy to spot. It’s a small community, if someone was trolling I’d hear about it.�

Partnership Benwell informed trustees he had been approached by the Regional District of Mount Waddington, asking if the School District would be open to support for the workforce strategy.

He told the trustees that, while he was in favour, he had not wanted to unilaterally agree.

As an example of the support offered, Benwell suggested that the RDMW could provide work-safe appropriate clothing for kids involved in work experience programs. “It can be a hard experience [for a student] if the school says ‘We’re going out in a couple of days, you need this, this and this.’ If a student can’t get hold of those things it can be

tough,� he pointed out. The RD’s support would be a good boost for the students, he continued, allowing them all a sense of pride in entering the workplace.

The Board was unanimously supportive.

Trustee reports In their reports, the trustees gave glowing accounts of their visits to Cheslakees Elementary, Sunset Elementary and Woss schools.

Trustee Werner Manke said he was “excited about Cheslakees and the potential that is there.� He also spoke very highly of his visit to Woss saying he was struck by the individual attention given to each student. “There is no other place in the District where students are given so much individual attention.�

Chair Leightan Wishart praised the “dedicated staff� at Sunset, and trustee Eric Hunter said he was “enthused and excited to see where Sunset is going.�

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LOCATION

DATE

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Alert Bay

Cormorant Island Health Centre Cormorant Island Health Centre

Thurs. Nov. 8 Fri. Nov. 9

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G&N

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Thurs. Nov. 8

11am - 4pm

Holberg

Health Centre

Tues. Nov. 27

2pm - 6pm

Port Hardy

Health Unit Health Unit Health Unit Health Unit Health Unit Health Unit Hardy Bay Seniors’ Centre Family Place Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre Salvation Army Lighthouse Centre

Mon. Oct. 29 Wed. Oct. 31 Thurs. Nov. 15 Thurs. Nov. 22 Sat. Nov. 24 Thurs. Nov. 29 Wed. Nov. 7 Mon. Nov. 5 Tues. Nov. 6

9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 1pm - 4pm 1pm - 4pm 9am - 3pm 3pm - 7pm 9am - 12pm 1pm - 7pm

Port Alice

Health Centre Health Centre

Wed. Oct. 31 Wed. Nov. 7

9am - 4pm 1pm - 4pm

Port McNeill

Health Unit Health Unit Health Unit Health Unit Health Unit Health Unit

Tues. Oct. 30 Wed. Nov. 7 Wed. Nov. 14 Sat. Nov. 17 Wed. Nov. 21 Wed. Nov. 28

9am - 3pm 1pm - 4pm 1pm - 4pm 9am - 3pm 3pm - 7pm 1pm - 4pm

Quatsino Reserve

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Thurs. Oct. 25 Thurs. Nov. 8

10am - 6pm 10am - 6pm

Sointula

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Thurs. Oct. 25 Fri. Oct. 26

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Woss

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Tues. Nov. 6

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11am - 2pm Wed. Nov. 14

If you are not eligible please contact your family physician or local pharmacy about vaccine availability and cost.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 5

Flower Shoppe gives buckets to Hamper Fund Gazette staff PORT McNEILL— Lyn Skrlac of Port McNeill’s Flower Shoppe spent the summer giving to fight breast cancer everywhere.

Her winter giving is a bit closer to home.

Skrlac has conceived a plan to aid local families in need through the Gazette’s annual Hamper Fund by challenging area businesses and organizations to attract customers and donations through Christmas trees decorated in a variety of themes.

The Hamper Fund provides Christmas hampers of food and toys to needy families across the North Island. It is now in its 33rd year.

Saying she would be ecstatic with a dozen participants when she kicked off the tree campaign with a letter drafted three weeks ago, Skrlac has wildly exceeded that goal with 24 confirmed participants and six “maybes” this week in Port McNeill alone. At least four more organizations in Port Hardy have also taken on the challenge, which ask customers and visitors to donate cash, toys or non-perishable food items when they come to see the trees.

“It’s exciting,” said Skrlac, who for the past three summers has hosted the Bras for a Cause fundraiser to fight breast cancer.

“It’s gone beyond my wildest expectations.”

She got help from the Port McNeill Chamber of Commerce, which quickly joined the effort and shared the project with its membership.

Skrlac kicked off the campaign by erecting her own tree, decorated in a “bucket” theme with small tin pails filled with fragrant winter greens and bright holly berries hanging from its branches. A large basket for food and toy

Lyn Skrlac has put an inviting display in the Flower Shoppe’s front window. At right, small buckets adorn the Christmas tree and serve as gifts for Hamper Fund J.R. Rardon donors.

donations sits at the base of the tree, and a smaller cup for monetary donations rests nearby.

As incentive for customers or browsers, she is giving away a bucket of greens to each contributor and small candy canes to each child.

“I’ve got about 40 of the buckets to give out, and then I’ll start taking them off the tree,” said Skrlac. “I hope I run

out. There’s nothing I’d like better than to have a couple of truckloads of stuff to send off for the hampers.”

Game on!

The North Island Eagles hockey program has announced its second annual Alumni Hamper Game, which will be played Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Chilton Regional Arena in Port McNeill.

The hockey game pits

current Eagles midget players against Eagles alumni, many of them parents and coaches.

Halftime entertainment is also being lined up for the contest — last year it was a brief exhibition contest between beginning-level “peanut” players from Port McNeill and Port Hardy.

Organizers asks fans for an admission donation of a new toy, nonperishable food item or cash.

Additional Eagles program games may also be played as Hamper Fund benefits; stay tuned to this page for details in the coming weeks.

20/20 vision A group of Port Hardy women have turned their personal social evening into a shared event that will provide toys to many young North Islanders this holiday season.

The 20/20 club features a group of women who take turns hosting once-a-month gatherings, with each guest contributing $25 to that month’s hostess. This month, hostess Barb O’Connor donated her hostess share, totaling $290, to the Gazette Hamper Fund. In addition, each of her guests brought gifts and the women spent the evening wrapping them for hampers as their party.

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Toy Drive

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The ladies of Port Hardy’s 20/20 club used their monthly meeting to amass a large collection of gift-wrapped toys to distribute with the Christmas hampers next month.

Mary Arsenault

GAZETTE NORTH ISLAND

6 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012

COMMENTARY Comments? Box 458, Port Hardy, B.C. V0N 2P0 250-949-6225 Fax 250-949-7655 or email us at editor@northislandgazette.com

We’re in this together As much as we may decry the rampant consumerism of the Christmas season, it remains a fact that we have officially entered the season of giving.

And you can double your giving power by keeping your shopping dollars right here at home.

First, that local purchase provides you with a gift to share with a friend or loved one. Second, it enables your neighbours to continue to make a living locally while circulating North Island dollars through the North Island economy.

It doesn’t have to be a traditional store purchase. Everywhere you turn these days there are craft fairs and Christmas bazaars, with handcrafted and homemade clothes, treats and gifts produced by your neighbours.

If you need something from a store, by all means check out your local merchants first. We realize there are items that may not be available here — it is the nature of a small market to have an economy on a scale corresponding to the lower population.

But running down-Island or, heaven forbid, to the States to load up truckloads of stuff only risks steepening the slide of population and business loss in the region.

At the bottom of that slide, you’re not just driving off to go shop. You’re going to find a new job and home.

We Asked You Question:

Will you be getting a flu shot this year?

Yes 48%

No 52%

www.northislandgazette.com Total votes received for this question:55 Voting deadline is Monday at 3 p.m.

Partners responsible for creating the Cormorant Island Community Health Centre celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The BC Ferries consultation panel made no friends here Friday by bringing what was termed a “flawed” process for input.

Poverty of politics continues VICTORIA – B.C.’s ritual day of shame over child poverty has come and gone once again, with politicians trading blame and timeworn talking points.

The occasion was an annual gathering staged at the B.C. Teachers’ Federation office in downtown Vancouver, organized

by First Call, an umbrella group sponsored by the BCTF, the B.C. Government Employees’ Union and a collection of like-minded “anti-poverty activists,” as they describe themselves in their latest report.

The familiar script unfolded. The report misinterprets federal income statistics from two years ago and calls for a long list of uncosted measures that they assert will eradicate poverty.

A sampling: provide raises for employees and contractors at all levels of government until they are making an unspecified “living wage,” because we all know

B.C. Views Tom Fletcher

with

how public sector workers uniquely suffer from pay and pension inequality.

Raise the minimum wage again and index it to inflation. Establish universal public dental care, prescription drug and eye care programs, and daycare.

Raise welfare rates and expand eligibility for employment insurance. Cut tuition and provide more student grants. Eliminate homelessness.

And so it continues toward a socialist Utopia and certain

The North Island Gazette is published Thursdays at Port Hardy, B.C. by Black Press Ltd. Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #391275. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

bankruptcy for provincial and federal governments already deeply in the red.

My point is not to deny that there are many poor people in B.C. and Canada.

There are. But at this point we don’t even have a reliable way of measuring the problem, let alone effective solutions.

The report states: “Statistics Canada said the child poverty rate in Greater Vancouver was 18.4 per cent in 2010 …” No, they didn’t say that. They said what they always say, that “LowIncome Cut-Off,” or LICO figures, are not an accurate measure of poverty.

The political response was equally predictable. The government must establish a national anti-poverty strategy with firm annual goals, said Veteran NDP MP Libby Davies.

Social Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux spoke on behalf of the B.C. Liberal government, and she, too, stuck to a A member of

This North Island Gazette 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 B.C. Press Council.

Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2.

For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

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. Sandy Grenier . . . . JR Rardon Aidan O’Toole . Lisa Harrison

familiar script. The best path out of poverty is a job, she said. This is true, but also obvious.

Here’s one of the report’s more blindingly obvious section headings: “Child poverty concentrated in big cities.” No kidding. The whole population is concentrated in big cities.

Poor people are increasingly crowded into the most expensive places.

If I’m on welfare or working in a low-wage job and receiving a provincial rent subsidy (one of those things LICO doesn’t measure), should I live in downtown Victoria or Vancouver?

Shouldn’t I relocate to a smaller community where housing is cheaper?

There are lots of complications to this, but some kind of incentive to relocate could help big and small communities.

Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press. tfletcher@ blackpress.ca

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 7

LETTERS editor@northislandgazette.com

Kudos for United Steelworkers standing strong Dear editor, Good on the United Steelworkers for standing strong for Canadian Jobs. Where is the B.C. Federation of Labour’s big guy, Jim Sinclair, on this foreign workers issue?

There should be many more unions involved in a much bigger protest to

keep foreign workers from depleting and eroding our jobs. If we are going to extract and sell our resources, then jobs and good wages should be given balanced consideration with corporations’ ability to generate profits.

We need to protect our decent-paying private sec-

tor jobs, and it is entirely doable. The corporations should expect to have to pony up some funds to help train local workers along with the union journeymen’s programs, etc. as necessary.

Christy Clark has a big “BC Jobs Plan”, with a $5.7 million add cam-

paign wasting our heavy deficit tax dollars to brag about it. Then our genius Premier condones imports of unskilled Chinese workers to displace and undermine our jobs by $10 to $17 an hour.

Oh I know, let’s import some cheap labour to take our jobs? Our Langley

MLAs Rich Coleman and Mary Pollack should apologize for being silent on this nonsense. The BC Liberals are becoming a joke and have some serious explaining to do.

As a fiscal conservative I have some issues with some unions like their accountability, reporting transpar-

ency of funds, etc. But they serve a useful purpose and I want them all to be strong on this issue. Ever wonder why they call it common sense when it’s so uncommon?

Roland Seguin Langley, BC

Liberal MP proposes anti-anonymity bill Dear editor, Every year on December 6 Canadians wear white ribbons and observe a minute of silence to show their support for ending violence against women. The occasion, informally known as White Ribbon Day, marks the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique Massacre, in which fourteen women were singled out for their gender and murdered.

While Canada has made important progress since that tragic day, we have a

long way to go. In rates that are far higher than men, too many women continue to experience physical, psychological and sexual abuse.

These are no easy solutions to these complex issues, but Parliament will soon have a chance to take practical action on one part of the problem—cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is a powerful, relentless and insidious tool used by children and adults alike. There is no escape, no respite.

" Our children need this protection."

Cyber-bullying follows you worldwide and over your lifetime, even after death, ruining careers and reputations as adults. As one cyber-bullied young student told me: “you have no place to run, no way to hide. Everyone knows.

You feel trapped and cornered forever. Your life is ruined!”

Bullying by spreading false messages, criminal harassment and defamatory libel is already covered under the Criminal Code if it is done using print, telephone, television or radio— but not on the internet.

I have a bill to correct that and extend protection to electronic media, a long overdue step. It will

remove the anonymity that currently shields those who use the internet to do so by requiring disclosure from ISPs. This plan has been endorsed by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and the Canadian Association of Police Boards.

Our children need this protection. Yet most of the Conservative Party shockingly voted against this bill at second reading. Their opposition is difficult to understand.

Parliamentarians should

be working together to strengthen action on bullying, not trying to stop it.

Please tell the Conservatives to vote for Bill C-273 when it comes back to the House and take a small, but important, step against the cyberbullying of our children.

By doing so they will also be honouring the spirit of White Ribbon Day and helping protect women.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Hedy Fry MP, Liberal Party of Canada

Salvation Army launches Christmas kettle appeal Gazette staff PORT HARDY—The Salvation Army kicks off its annual Kettle Campaign and Christmas Cheer Appeal mailer tomorrow, and has set a goal of $13,000 to aid the local Lighthouse Centre.

Donation-collecting kettles will be placed at Overwaitea Foods and at Port Hardy Shopping Centre near the entrance to the BC Liquors branch.

Christmas Cheer Appeal letters will be mailed in early December to households in the Mount Waddington region.

“Money donated through the kettle campaign and generated through the annual mailer helps fund the Salvation Army’s programs throughout the year”, said Sean Junglas, Community Ministries

Director. “Please help us make a difference.

For those who are facing Life’s challenges, we want them to know — they are not alone. With your help, we can make a difference.”

The Salvation Army Mt. Waddington Community Ministries focuses on social services helping to provide the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and emergency assistance. This includes addressing such needs as homelessness, addictions, abuse, food security and counseling.

The purpose of all the programs and services is to meet people “where they are at” without judgment. They offer these programs and services in a warm, friendly and safe environment that helps

Letters to the editor

Sean Junglas, director of the Lighthouse Resource Centre in Port Hardy, joins Cole Morton, assistant manager at Overwaitea, to kick off the Salvation Army kettle drive this J.R. Rardon week on the North Island.

to foster relationships that are nurturing and loving. The Lighthouse Resource Centre, located at 8635 Granville

Street, Port Hardy, serves the Mt. Waddington Region. The Lighthouse Resource Centre is a partnership between the

Vancouver Island Health Authority, Ministry of Social Development, BC Housing, and The Salvation Army.

The Centre opened in October of 2007. The Centre serves the Mt. Waddington Region with an “everyone welcome” philosophy; the primary focus is on support services and programs for clients encountering a variety of barriers including low income, unemployment, addictions, social isolation, homelessness and mental illness. They have approximately 913 people using over 2600 services per month. These include a Hot Lunch Program, Mental Health & Addiction Services, Nurse Practitioner, Extreme Weather Shelter, Emergency Assistance,

Advocacy, Spiritual Care, Healing Circles, Access to Treatment Services, Recovery Groups, Life Skills Programs, Legal Services Society, access to Computers & Telephone, Laundry & Clothing Closet, and Income Tax Preparation.

In the past year, the Lighthouse Centre served 13,242 hot meals, provided access to resources and referrals to 10,964 clients, provided clothing to 1,165 clients, and provided 1,029 extreme weather overnight stays.

The hot meal and clothing figures both represent a 20 per cent increase over the numbers served the previous year.

Volunteers are still needed. If you can spare a few hours to help, please call Sean at 250-230-8151.

The goal is to publish every letter, so keep them brief, clear and to the point. Be hard on the problem, not the person; skip quotes except where readily confirmable; accept editing for length and legality. Include full name and home community (plus phone number to confirm authorship). Mail, fax, email or drop off c/o the editor by 4:00 pm Friday.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

8 www.northislandgazette.com

North Island

Hot Spots

November 10- December 1 Port Hardy Hospital Auxiliary Society Christmas sale, 10a.m.- 4p.m. Mon- Sat in the Thunderbird Mall, Port Hardy. Come out and support your local hospital auxiliary.

November 30 Quatsino youth floor hockey tournament at Quatsino Hall. For more info contact Ray Clair 250-949-7292.

December 1 Christmas Showcase of Arts & Crafts, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Port McNeill Community Hall and Old School. Sponsored

by Port McNeill Lioness. To book a table or display call Anne at 250-956-3770 or Helen, 250-956-3673.

December 1 Elder College in Port Alice: Making Christmas Decorations. 2-4 p.m. in the SEAVAC Multi-Purpose Room. Call Colleen at 250-949-7912 ex. 2863 to register.

December 1 Salmon Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre. Regular admission rates apply.

December 1 Mount Waddington Highland Dance Assn. presents Celtic Christmas, Highland dancing with a holiday twist, 6:30 p.m., PHSS theatre. Tickets $10, available in advance at Cafe Guido and Your Dollar Store in Port Hardy and at The Flower Shoppe in Port McNeill.

December 1 North Island Eagles host the second annual Alumni Benefit Hockey Game, 6:30 p.m., Chilton Arena in Port McNeill. Eagles midgets face off against alumni to assist the Gazette Hamper Fund. Admission is a suggested donation of a toy, non-perishable food item or cash.

December 1 Alert Bay Christmas Bazaar, 4 p.m., Lawrence Ambers Rec Centre. Craft/food/jewelry/carving you-name-it tables.

Donna and Norman Stauffer (250) 974-5281.

December 2 Mount Waddington Highland Dance Assn. presents Celtic Christmas, Highland dancing with a holiday twist, 1 p.m., Gate House Theatre, Port McNeill.

December 2 Third annual Santa Parade in Port Hardy, 4 p.m. on Market Street. Seeking businesses and others willing enter floats and/or provide donations to help put on the parade.

Info, Angie Clance, 250-949-7248.

December 2 T’sakis FC hosts annual Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at U’Gwamalis Hall, Tables $10, additional tables $5 each.

Admission $1 or donation of a non-perishable food item for the Gazette Hamper Fund. To register a table or for more info, call Marilyn Johnny at 250-949-6772.

Activity Centre. Variety of gifts for sale. Art, Jewelry, Sculpture, demonstrations, live music, cookie exchange.

Cafe will be serving “afternoon Christmas tea� among other things. 250-949-0575 or jeannedesign@gmail.com.

December 3 Parent and tot storytime hosted by Cafe Guido, 10 a.m., downstairs in Book Nook. Continues each Monday through Dec. 17.

December 4 Pajama Storytime, 6:30-7 p.m., Port McNeill branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library. Info, 250-956-3669.

December 5 North Island Secondary School Fun Fair, 4-8 p.m., Port McNeill. All ages welcome — concession, face-painting, craft table, winter wonder walk, hockey shoot, snowball stomp, ice fishing, pictures with Santa. Sponsored by NISS PAC. December 6 Dad's Night Out (but mom is welcome!), 6:30-7:30 p.m., Port Hardy branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library.

December 6 Fort Rupert Elementary presents Let It Snow. Celebrate the holiday season with arts & crafts, class performances and spaghetti dinner. Raffle table & 50/50 draw. 6p.m. in the FRES gymnasium.

December 2 A Month of Sundays 11a.m.-4p.m. at the Coal Harbour

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www.northislandgazette.com 9

RDMW seeks return of coho fishery J.R. Rardon Gazette editor PORT McNEILL—The Board of Directors of the Regional District voted to request the restoration of a coho salmon fishery for Area 12 that has been closed or limited for 10 years. “I would ask that the regional district compose a letter with our wishes to open the coho fishery, that the conservation methods put in place 10 years ago are being met, and that the strength of the studies are revealing that our area could sustain a coho fishery and not deplete stocks,� said Phil Wainwright, Area

B Director, who recently represented the board at the Sportfishing Advisory Council meeting in Port Hardy. “Last year the rep from DFO said, ‘Please continue to send your letters asking for additional fishery of the Coho in Area 12.’ The reason he said that was there are studies that have been done since we wrote our last letter that are encouraging for opening a coho fishery.�

Board chair Al Huddlestan asked for clarification that Wainwright understood the data to be favourable to reopening the fishery.

warded by North Wa i n w r i g h t Regional Island Tourism, said the official, District as a recreational because of his Mount fishery would position, could Waddington also have an not specifically impact on that direct the advisory board. But that he rec- sector. “If we have more fishommended the RD continue to lobby the Ministry in ing opportunities here in the summer months, it support for the fishery. “I feel a little more com- does attract more tourism,� fortable knowing there’s Wainwright said. some data out there that Define halibut season supports that, making it a Wainwright said the advireasonable request, rather than just saying, ‘Hey, we sory council also voted to want it open just because request a defined halibut we want it open,� said sport fishing season, rather than the catch limit season Huddlestan.

Wainwright noted the currently in place.

Under the total catch request could also be for-

limit, the 2012 season was closed on Sept. 9 when the recreation sector reached its federally allotted limit. “In a defined season, people will book their fishing experience knowing they can do their fishing,� said Wainwright. “Whereas this year saw a greater emphasis on people fishing for halibut earlier in the season. “It was like the goldrush mentality. I’m sure the measures put in place weren’t intended to do that, but we did see it turn out that way.�

Wainwright noted the vote for the defined season was strictly a recommen-

dation, and that numerous other advisory councils would have their own input to the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans.

A switch to a defined season would require alternate methods to prevent the catch limit being exceeded. “If there has to be a conservation measure put in place, you’d likely cut the limit of halibut from two fish in possession to one fish to try to conserve the stock,� he said.

A program allowing recreational fishers to purchase quota from commercial fishers has not proven popular, Wainwright added.

Working group provides update on health plan J.R. Rardon Gazette editor PORT McNEILL— Work progresses toward a comprehensive health-care model for the North Island, council was told in a presentation last week

by Alison Mitchell and Dr. Rick Scragg, cochairs of the Mount Waddington Health Services Stabilization Working Group.

Mitchell and Scragg, who made a similar presentation the following day to the Regional District of Mount Waddington Board of Directors, brought council up to date on the efforts of the working group to recruit and retain physicians, create multi-disciplinary teams including nurse practitioners and

nurses for local clinics, educate the public and establish a long-range, regional-level plan to provide comprehen-

Council Meeting Port McNeill sive health care in the region.

The need for the working group’s efforts, which began with its formation more than a year ago, was highlighted a few days later when Vancouver Island Health Authority announced the closure of the emergency room at Port Hardy Hospital Thursday and Friday due to a physician shortage. “VIHA has provided funding to recruit doctors to Port Hardy, to

increase the coverage of the ER there,� said Scragg, who works in Port McNeill Medical Clinic and provides ER coverage at Port McNeill Hospital. “Whether that’s sustainable is questionable, because it’s costing VIHA a ton of money.� “Right now they’re doing it mostly by using locums,� Mitchell clarified, citing the temporary physicians brought in to cover gaps in service.

VIHA, based partly on recommendations by the local working group, has identified the need for comprehensive health centres on the North Island, staffed by a mix of physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses, Mitchell and Scragg

“Whether that’s sustainable is questionable, because it’s costing VIHA a ton of money.�

Dr. Rick Scragg

said. Eventually, these “integrated primary care� clinics could come to include a range of service providers like pharmaceutical, physical therapy and mental health and addictions. “The first centre to be built or housed would be in Port Hardy, because that’s the community where the greatest need has been identified,� said Mitchell.

Scragg said enticing new doctors to the area may be dependent on establishing the inte-

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grated model. “These new physicians coming out of school now want to work on teams, and they want a salary, not the fee-for-service model (of pay),� he

said. “To get that, you need to have the team, and you need to have the building.�

Ferry consult criticized Mayor Gerry Furney indicated to council he had drafted a letter of protest to BC Ferries for its failure to include Port McNeill as a stop on its 30-community consultation process tour of Vancouver

Island. The consultations are designed to gather input from communities potentially affected by the corporation’s plan to find $26 million in savings by 2016. “I have sent a protest to them,� Furney told council, which was in full agreement and agreed to sign such a letter. “It’s just not right, the way they’ve gone about this.�

You are invited to an information session with the Board of Education School District No. 85 (Vancouver Island North). Please join your local trustee and other board members for the important discussions on: - The Strategic Plan - Trustee Electoral Areas Please refer to the schedule below for a meeting in your area.

Area

Date

Time

Location

Port McNeill

Dec. 5

6:30-8:00pm

North Island Secondary School library

Port McNeill

Sointula

Dec. 11

5:00-6:30pm

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AJ Elliott Elementary School gym

Alert Bay

Dec. 12

6:30-8:00pm

Alert Bay Elementary School gym

Port Alice

Jan. 16

6:30-8:00pm

Sea View Elem./Jr. Sec. School gym

Port Hardy

Jan. 23

6:30-8:00pm

Port Hardy Secondary School library

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 11

College reopens after job action SD85 eyes Renee Andor Black Press Classes were cancelled for North Island College students last Tuesday and Wednesday as college CUPE workers walked off the job and set up picket lines in front of all campuses.

According to NIC, the North Island College Faculty Association (NICFA) said it would respect these picket lines as CUPE 3479 members tried to grab the Province’s attention during the two-day strike.

“What we are looking for is a wage increase equal to the settlements that all of the public sector locals that have currently settled this term have received,” CUPE 3479 president Michelle Waite said Monday, adding the union wants a four-per-cent pay hike over two years, noting a similar increase in the B.C. Government Employees’ Union Master Agreement signed earlier this fall.

The two day strike was aimed to reflect the two years that CUPE college support workers have been without a contract.

Waite blames the Province’s 2012

Leslie Dyck, Naida Catheryn and Carolyn Mulvaney stand in front of the North Island College as part of a two-day action by the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

A O’Toole

Cooperative Gains Mandate because she said it’s keeping a possible wage increase off the table completely during bargaining.

“Our biggest issue is our employers’ inability to negotiate wages with us because the government hasn’t allowed them,” she added.

“And so that’s where we’re stuck — our fight isn’t with our employer (North Island College) right now; our fight is with the government.”

NIC spokesperson Susan Auchterlonie said the college — and its bargaining agent the Post-Secondary Employers’Association

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(PSEA) — must abide by the mandate from the Province.

She added the college has a “very good relationship” with its CUPE staff and has been expressing its “frustration” with the situation to the PSEA and the Ministry of Advanced Education.

Overall, Auchterlonie stressed NIC is just hoping things will be resolved soon; the semester wraps up with the last day of classes

Dec. 7 and exams are set to begin right after, so the lost instructional days are coming at a somewhat critical point in the year.

“We’re just really hopeful we can get this resolved quickly,” said Auchterlonie. “We don’t want to have any further disruption for our students.”

Waite said CUPE 3479 will assess the situation before deciding on any further strike activity.

Union members at NIC voted 86 per cent in favour of strike action last week and followed up with strike notice to the Labour Relations Board.

CUPE represents approximately 3,000 college support workers across B.C., with the local 3479 having around 170 members.

CUPE support workers at B.C.’s community colleges have been without a contract since 2010, but Waite pointed out CUPE chose not to sign a collective agreement during the 2010 to 2012 term when the Province’s net zero mandate was in place as other public sector unions did.

Waite said she hopes for some response from the Province soon, as CUPE members don’t want to hinder student learning.

“The last thing we want to do is impact students,” she said.

“All of us there love our work because most of us deal with students — and this is a last resort.”

With files from Gazette staff.

of the bulk pricing agreements.

“Renewing our fleet of buses helps to keep students safe and lower our carbon emissions,” said Don McRae, Minister of Education. “By pooling our purchasing power across school districts, we can negotiate better prices and direct those savings into classrooms.”

B.C. student transportation services cost more than $90 million annually.

Approximately 1,200 buses are owned and operated by school districts, and another 600 school buses are operated by contractors.

Buses are regularly replaced when they reach certain milestones in years or kilometres driven.

B.C. school buses travel over 33 million kilometres each year, the equivalent of 43 round trips to the moon.

Annual Customer Appreciation Night 7EDNESDAY $ECEMBER s PM PM

plus 3 special prizes 1st - Canon Rebel T3 Camera Kit 2nd - Samsung 10.1” 16GB Galaxy Tablet 3rd - Fire Pot Gift Set SAVE TIME. SAVE MONEY.

Gazette staff School District 85 students who bus to school may enjoy a shiny new ride next school year.

Vancouver Island North has been awarded $324,847 by the province toward the purchase of three new school buses, part of a $14 million fleet overhaul that will provide 125 new buses to 37 school districts in B.C. Once again this year, the Ministry of Education has negotiated bulk pricing agreements with school bus vendors.

Bulk pricing was introduced by government for the first time last year and resulted in savings of 10 to 15 per cent.

Previously, school districts negotiated bus pricing individually. Contractors, Independent schools and First Nations schools also are able to take advantage

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12 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Gazette Christmas Contests

Christmas Story Contest Open to children of all ages The North Island Gazette is holding our annual Christmas story contest.

Writers can enter in three categories: Grades K-3; 4-7; 8-12 Please restrict your entries to a maximum of 300 words.

The Gazette will publish winning entries and runners-up December 20.

Entries are judged by a panel of community volunteers.

The entry deadline is Monday, December 10. Include your full name, grade and your school.

We prefer stories be emailed to production@northislandgazette. com. or drop it off to the Gazette office 7305 Market St., Port Hardy.

Colouring Contest Open to children of all ages 4 categories ages: Ages 0-5; 6-8; 9-12; 13 & up Please provide name, age, school, grade and phone number on the back of your colouring contest submission.

Starting sentence for the story is: Steven could barely sleep on Christmas Eve he was so excited.

He had just closed his eyes when he felt a weight on his bed as though someone had just sat down.

He sat up and turned on the light and his jaw fell open as he saw an elf standing on his bed.

“Santa needs your help,” he said…

Drop off at the Gazette office

by Dec. 10.

Prizes awarded to 1st & 2nd each category

Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 13

North Island Life

Crafty locals Gazette staff As Christmas approaches at seemingly breakneck speed, groups of crafty local artisans set out their stalls across the North Island, hoping to attract the hoards out searching for the perfect Christmas gift.

Port Alice Community Centre was joined by Eagle

View Elementary School and the Thunderbird Mall in Port Hardy in hosting craft fairs, showcasing locally made products.

Even the big man himself popped in and posed for a few photos.

Here’s some of the scenes from the local fairs held recently...

Clockwise from left: Cassie Griffiths of Port Hardy takes her turn for a photo with Santa during the Eagle View Elementary School Christmas Bazaar Sunday; Riley and Emma Gordon of Port Hardy enjoy a holiday treat during the Eagle View Elementary School craft fair; Santa made an appearance at the Thunderbird Mall during the Christmas Craft Fair this weekend; Terry Elliott does some Christmas shopping at the Christmas Craft Fair at the Thunderbird Mall; Brooke Mercer holds a mitten of treats while her brother, Matt, tucks into his candy cane Sunday during the Eagle View Elementary Christmas Bazaar; Sandy Morgon smiles from behind her display of homemade Christmas wreaths at the craft fair in Port Alice; Doug Shewan of Dragntalz Art answers some questions on his jewelry during the Christmas Craft Fair at the Thunderbird Mall this weekend.

J.R.Rardon, A O’Toole, Shirley Scott

14 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012 Eli & Bill Cranmer sing a ‘Namgis feast song at the tenth anniversar y celebration of the Cormorant Island Community Health Centre in Alert Bay.

Toasting the health of Alert Bay centre attended by local health is a challenge,” said Gazette staff ALERT BAY— care workers, ‘Namgis Ian Knipe, VIHA”s North Island rural and leaders, civic leaders Director of Aboriginal “Our Aboriginal health care and VIHA Board chair Health.

Aboriginal Health marked a significant Don Hubbard. team conmilestone gratulates the Friday with community the 10th anniin celebratversary of the “On behalf of VIHA’s ing ten years Cormorant of improving I s l a n d board and executive Community team, let me offer our the health of Northern Health Centre heartfelt congratulaVa n c o u v e r in Alert Bay. tions on this wonderful Island resiTen years dents.” ago, the partnership.”

T h e ‘Namgis First Cormorant Nation partVIHA Board chair nered with Don Hubbard I s l a n d Community the Village Health Care of Alert Bay, C e n t r e the Ministry “On behalf of VIHA’s includes a medical of Health, the Mt. Waddington Regional board and executive clinic, acute care beds, Hospital District and team, let me offer our multi-level care beds, the Vancouver Island heartfelt congratula- Emergency, laboratory Health Authority to tions on this wonder- and X-ray services as build the $5.6 million ful partnership,” said well as Community Health programs centre. The facility Hubbard.

Located across including public health replaced three versions of the St. George’s the street from the nursing and continuHealth ing care.

Hospital, which had ‘Namgis “The Cormorant provided health care Centre, the Cormorant to the region since Island Health Care Island Community Centre was designed Health Centre is a won1909.

“I would like to to integrate with other derful example of how pass along my warm- health services in we can work together est congratulations to Alert Bay to provide to provide quality, the staff at Cormorant a more seamless sys- culturally appropriIsland Community tem of health care for ate care to all British said Health Centre for pro- the community. The Columbians,” viding ten years of ‘Namgis First Nation Aboriginal Relations great care to the resi- donated the land for and Reconciliation dents of Alert Bay,” the health care centre, Minister Ida Chong. said Health Minister as well as the beautiful “I’d like to congratuMargaret MacDiarmid. cedar logs which give late and thank the staff “Thank you for help- the centre its tradition- at the Health Centre and the ‘Namgis First ing make a difference al look and feel.

“Providing health Nation for their dedito the lives of patients services in rural and cation over the past 10 and their families.”

The celebration was isolated communities years.”

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GAZETTE NORTH ISLAND

Alana Jacobson

Thank You I would like to thank all of you who have worked so closely with me during my time at the District of Port Hardy. I have enjoyed my time here, but have now chosen retirement and my last day in the office was Thursday, November 22nd.

Jeff Long has been hired as Director of Corporate and Development Services and has taken on my job responsibilities. You can contact him at jlong@porthardy.ca or 250-949-6665.

—Gloria Le Gal

Sunset Elementary School PAC would like to thank the following for making our new playground project a huge success: Janke Services Ltd. Port McNeill Enterprises Ltd. Lemare Lake Logging Windsor Plywood David Hedrick Lee McAstocker Lance & Shelby Wilson Randy Hunt John Barrett Thanks to the generosity of the above noted businesses and the hard working Dads, without you this would not have been possible!

Thank you so very much!

Sunset Elementary School PAC

Courtesy of Island Foods you receive a free pop with every Just for You Placed in the Gazette!

GAZETTE NORTH ISLAND

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www.northislandgazette.com 15

SHOP E AT SPEND ENJOY

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www.northislandgazette.com 17

SHOP LOCAL It Pays to Shop Local!

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 19

SPORTS

&

RECREATION

Submit results to 250-949-6225 Fax 250-949-7655 or email us at sports@northislandgazette.com • Deadline 10 am Monday

on deck Tell us about items of interest to the sports community.

November 30 Floor hockey Quatsino youth at Quatsino Hall. Ages 13-18, looney/tooney auction and concession available. For info contact Ray Clair, 250-949-7292.

Men’s hockey A League: Mustangs at Islanders, 8 p.m., Port Alice.

B League: Stars vs.

Whalers, 9:15 p.m., Port Hardy.

November 30December 2 Curling Bill Gurney Memorial Men’s Bonspiel at Broughton Curling Club, Port McNeill.

Game draws tba; lounge, concession.

Info, Nick 250-9562736.

December 1 Rep hockey North Island Eagles atoms host Sooke, 3 p.m., Port Alice; Eagles peewees host Peninsula, 4:15 p.m., Port McNeill; Eagles midgets vs. Eagles alumni in the 2nd annual Hamper Fund Alumni Game, 6:30 p.m., Port McNeill.

December 1-2 Minor hockey Port Hardy Minor Hockey Association novice tournament, Don Cruickshank Memorial Arena. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday. Concession, raffle prize table, 50/50 draws. Round-robin format.

December 2 Rep hockey North Island Eagles atoms host Sooke, 9:15 a.m., Port McNeill; Eagles peewees host Peninsula, 11 a.m., Port McNeill.

Men’s hockey A League: Islanders at Mustangs, 5:45 p.m., Port McNeill. B League: Rookies vs.

Smokers, 8:45 p.m., Port Hardy.

Hirsute hockey for health Aidan O’Toole Gazette staff PORT HARDY—At one time November was the grey, dreary bridge between Halloween parties and Christmas preparations.

Then, with a single letter change, Movember was born, and manly men everywhere threw out their razors and let nature take its course.

This year saw a new Movember tradition begin in Port Hardy, as the Port Hardy Warriors and Port Hardy Bulls faced off in the inaugural Movember hockey fundraiser game.

The brainchild of the Warriors’ Brian Texmo, the game played to a packed house at the Don Cruickshank Memorial Arena to raise funds for Men's Health Awareness, the main Movember charity.

Leigh Deans, who assisted in promotion and fundraising in addition to running the scoreboard, reported this week the event took in $2,012.32.

“I kept counting through the night, and at the last count there were 190 (fans),” said Deans. “We had lots of help and the community just embraced it.”

Texmo, armed with an impressive biker-esque horseshoe ‘stache, was one of the referees for the game and opened by thanking the crowd for its support before dropping the puck to start the game.

The game was fittingly gentleman-like, as the two teams and their well-mustachioed

A crowd of nearly 200 turned out Saturday to watch the inaugural Movember benefit hockey game at Don Cruickshank Memorial Arena. At right, moustachioed rivals Quinn Mellow of the Warriors and Curtis Martyn of the Bulls skate during the game.

A. O'Toole

"We had lots of help and the community just embraced it."

Leigh Deans

countenances battled for early control.

The Bulls’ Cody Diotte took a seat after three minutes for a holding call and the Warriors took advantage when Jake Colbourne pushed the puck goalwards from the blue line and Jordan Nicholson directed it in with 15:50 on the clock.

The Warriors con-

tinued to pressure but the Bulls’ goalie, Tyler Fuller, kept the score 1-0 with a series of fine saves.

The Bulls had chances of their own, particularly in the closing minutes of the period when they found a twoman advantage after Mitch Walker and Jared Breitkreitz incurred the attention of the referees in quick suc-

cession. The Warriors were able to hold on to their lead and close out the period.

As the teams came off the ice for cleaning, fundraising efforts by volunteers continued throughout the arena, with a 50/50 draw, puck toss and raffles joining the admission donations for the cause.

The Warriors were in control for much of the second period, and Shelby Cockell added to their lead after putting back Eddie Walkus’

shot with 12:59 on the clock.

Walkus added his own goal seven minutes later on a breakaway play thanks to an assist from Walker to finish the 3-0 win. Former North Island Eagles standout Andrew Lines returned to earn the shutout in goal.

An appreciative crowd was vocal throughout, and it seems like this is one tradition that will continue and thrive.

Texmo called it “a great success. Very

proud to call Port Hardy my home town after an event like that.

Everyone should be damn proud. “[It] was a privilege to play in front of the crowd, and the Warriors and Bulls couldn’t be happier,” Texmo added. “Thanks to all our volunteers, you were great. Thanks to all our local businesses who donated to make this happen. Next year will be twice as good.

Happy Movember, and stay classy Port Hardy — we love you!”

Warriors hand Mustangs first loss Gazette staff PORT HARDY—Eddie Walkus scored a hat trick and Corey Swain added a goal and four assists Friday as the Port Hardy Warriors handed the Port McNeill Mustangs their first loss in a 6-1 drubbing in com-

mercial league play at Don Cruickshank Memorial Arena.

The game was tied 1-1 at intermission after Walkus and Tom Cessford of the Mustangs traded goals in the opening period.

The score held until

14:18 remained, when the hosts suddenly unloaded on Mustangs goalie Bob Wells with goals from Jeff Cowles, Walkus and Shelby Cockell in a four-minute span to grab a 4-1 lead.

With goalie Cole Morton keeping the Mustangs (4-1-

1) off the board at the other end, the Warriors (5-2-1) eventually provided the final score with late insurance goals from Swain and Walkus.

The win kicked off a big weekend for the Warriors, who topped the Bulls 3-0

the following day in the inaugural Movember fundraiser for men’s health.

Islanders 5, Bulls 3 Also on Friday, the Neucel Islanders (1-3-1) notched a 5-3 win over the Bulls (2-61) in Port Alice.

20 www.northislandgazette.com

Sports & Recreation

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Regulators top tourney after comeback Gazette staff Twelve teams took the floor in Wakas Hall this weekend for the inaugural GNN Ladies Memorial floor hockey tournament.

Eight mens and four womens teams competed in a divisional round-robin format on Saturday to determine standings for Sunday’s semifinals and finals.

The ladies’ division finals saw the GN Memorial team run out convincing winners after beating the Unknowns 16-2 in the final game.

The men’s final was a much tighter game.

The Fort Rupert Roaches went into the final after topping their division and beating the GN Memorial men in the semis.

They faced the Regulators, who dispatched Revolution in the semis after topping the other mens division.

The Roaches settled first in a competitive, physical game and raced ahead to a 4-0 lead in the first eight minutes.

The Regulators got on the board with ten minutes left in the period and added a second a minute later.

The teams traded a further goal each to finish the period with the roaches ahead 5-3.

The Regulators struck first in the second only to see the Roaches add three more to extend their lead to 8-4 with six minutes left in an

increasingly physical game.

A dispute over a pushing call led to a change in refereeing personnel as the Regulators tried to fight back against a confident Roaches side.

Their tenacity paid off when they clawed back a goal to trail 8-5 with five minutes to play before Albert Charlie hit a remarkable hat trick inside a minute — including two near-identical shots from the halfway line which flew bullet-like into the top corner — to level the game with just under three minutes to play.

The celebrations were short-lived however as Terry Alway struck back for the Roaches almost immediately following a time out.

The crowd barely

Above: Terry Alway prepares a shot in the men's final of the GNN Ladies Memorial Tourney this weekend at Wakas Hall. Below: Regulators clear the ball from their net under pressure from the Roaches during the final A O'Toole played Sunday at Wakas Hall.

had time to sit down before Wallace King leveled the scores again.

A minute later Jordan Thompson put the Roaches ahead

again, with a minute left to play.

The Regulators still refused to lie down however and tied the game again with 0:45 left and force a sud-

den-death overtime.

The Regulators needed just a minute to find the net again as the indomitable Charlie struck once again to sink the Roaches.

ciative crowd sounded their approval of the players’ efforts.

ATHLETE of the Week ALBERT CHARLIE

Black in top third of pro event Gazette staff Kevin Black, manager and CPGA club pro at Seven Hills Golf and Country Club, finished in a tie for 32nd place with a 16-over-par total of 232 last week at the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada in Florida.

In all, 93 club pros took part in the threeday, 54-hole tournament was played at PGA Golf Club-Wanamaker, in Port St. Lucie.

Both teams played solidly throughout the final, and an appre-

Black enjoyed his strongest showing in round two, when he posted a 2-over 74. But he bracketed that round with a 7-over-par 79 in both the first and third rounds in windy, fast conditions.

The tourney was won by Brian Hutton of Southbrook Golf & Country Club in Binbrook, ON, with a two-under 214. He was one of only three players to shoot at or under

Sports Briefs par for the week.

Free ski The Canadian Ski Council is once again offering free skiing to Grade 4 and 5 students through its SnowPass program, and this year the program will go farther than ever before.

Formerly available

for use only in selected Western provinces, the SnowPass this year is going nationwide, and may be used at more than 150 ski areas from B.C. to the Atlantic Provinces.

The program is designed to get youngsters born in 2002 or 2003 active on the slopes this winter by offering free lift tickets at any of the participating ski areas, including Vancouver Island

ski areas at Mount Cain and Mount Washington.

To apply for the pass, visit www.snowpass. ca. You will need proof of age and a digital or printed photo of the child. The information may be uploaded through the website or mailed in with a printed application form.

There is a $29.95 administration fee for processing of the SnowPass card.

The Port Hardy player posted a oneminute hat trick while leading the Regulators to a come-from-behind win in last week’s GNN Ladies Memorial ball hockey tournament.

A O’Toole

Proud local sponsor 1705 Campbell Way, Port McNeill

250-956-4404 www.marketplace.com Open Mon-Sun 8am-9pm If you know someone who should be the Athlete of the Week, phone the Gazette at 250-949-6225.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 21

Sports & Recreation

Peewees net first win Gazette staff On Saturday, the North Island Eagles peewee rep hockey team came within one goal of its first win of the season.

The following day, they finally cracked that barrier.

Clayton Bono and Carson Strang each Broughton Curling Club unveiled its new Bill Gurney Memorial scored hat tricks and Sportsmanship Award last year when its men's bonspiel was David Charlie added J.R. Rardon two goals and three named for the former player and supporter. assists Sunday as the young peewee squad rolled to a 10-6 exhibition win over the Oceanside Generals in Memorial Men's throughout and volunGazette staff Parksville. teers are welcome to PORT McNEILL— Bonspiel.

Elliot Furney and Play will continue assist with the bar, conBroughton Curling Kaisha Laird added Club will kick off the throughout the week- cession or with dinner goals and Michael 2012-13 North Island end, with finals sched- and dessert for Saturday McLaughlin got the curling bonspiel sched- uled for Sunday after- evening's dinner. Sign victory in goal for the up at the rink or visit ule tomorrow night noon.

Eagles, a squad made Curling Concession and Broughton when it hosts the secup mostly of first-year ond annual Bill Gurney lounge will be open Club on Facebook.

Bonspiel season opens

players.

One day earlier, the peewees rallied from a two-goal deficit to draw even with Campbell River before the host Tyees snared a narrow, 7-6 win on a goal with 5:42 remaining.

Charlie scored a hat trick in Saturday's loss and Devin White added three assists.

Strang, Tanner Roberts and Mandy Foldy each scored a

and Shaw added a goal and three assists as the Eagles overwhelmed Nanaimo, 6-3.

The midgets improved to 3-2-1 against league foes after absorbing a 7-2 loss to Saanich the previous Sunday.

The team hopes to bring its road success home, where it will play six of its final eight league games over the final two months of the season.

Before resuming league play the weekend of Dec. 8-9, the Eagles will have a little

For the months of Nov. & Dec. Port Hardy Return-It Centre will now accept your bottles & cans & donate them to the Gazette Hamper Fund.

Just tell the cashier to deposit your empties to the Hamper Fund account.

Port Hardy Kinsmen Return-It Centre 9300 Trustee Rd, Port Hardy 250-949-7700 Open 4 days a week Thurs-Sun: 10am-5pm

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Now accepting electronics!

fun with the program’s alumni while helping out the Gazette Hamper Fund. The second annual Eagles Alumni Benefit Game will take place Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Chilton Regional Arena in Port McNeill.

Fans are asked to donate money, a new toy or non-perishable food items as intermission to the game, which will pit the midgets against Eagles alumni in an exhibition that often pits son against father and player against coach.

On last weekend’s road trip, Robbie Heavenor, Jared Sinclair and Kennelly each added goals in Saturday’s win at Saanich, with Darryl Coon, Ty Brittain and Zach Swanson contributing assists.

Sunday in Nanaimo, Coon and Tyson Cadwallader had two assists each.

Both goalies got into the act, with Stevyn Ruel posting the win between the pipes Saturday and Alex Howard getting the victory Sunday.

We print business cards & more!

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Don’t Drink and Drive Community service pages in the Gazette gged

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The North Island Gazette is once again working with RCMP and the community to warn against Drinking and Driving during the holiday season.

Both!

an was killed by Labatt. She This is Aim ee of year. r at this time impa ired drive gine how we wou ld ever ima are not d ays We coul The holid stma s aga in. cele brat e Chri they have alwa ys been an as espe cially hard our fa mily time together. of part smile t her rtan r mbe impo you will reme t Our hope is that nd the whe el. Plea se don’ behi ld be together befo re you get …fa milie s shou drive and k drin s. for Christma Pat and John Port Hardy

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home loss to Nanaimo the previous weekend.

"Our kids are working very hard and it is great to see them getting the results," said Conrad Browne, head coach. "We are starting to reach some of our goals and the success of that process is very exciting. It has been a pleasure to watch some of our lines really starting to play together well."

Does your organization or company need business cards, forms, brochures or booklets printed?

Midgets ready to face alums Gazette staff The North Island Eagles midget rep hockey team bounced back from an ugly home loss to turn road warriors in a sweep of Saanich and Nanaimo in Vancouver Island Hockey League Division 3 play last weekend.

Ethan Shaw’s second goal of the game in the last four minutes proved the difference as the midgets pulled out a 5-4 win at Saanich Saturday.

On Sunday, Chad Bell scored a hat trick, Eric Kennelly had two goals

goal and Strang and Benton Browne added assists in the game.

In Sunday's win, White had another playmaker with three assists. Tianna Walkus added two helpers, and Roberts, Bono, Taylor Ranger and Laird each had one.

The games represented the second and third straight strong showings for the Eagles, who played well in a

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22 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012

McNeill man picks up award NANAIMO, B.C.— Gerry Lambert of Port McNeill has received an award from the BC Forest Safety Council, in recognition of his notable contribution to forest industry safety within his employer’s operations in 2012.

Lambert was presented the Safety Most Valuable Player of the Year award at the Vancouver Island Safety Conference, Oct. 20 in Nanaimo. The award was co-presented by David Anderson, President and CEO of WorkSafeBC and Reynold Hert, CEO of the Safety Council.

“Gerry is a coastal tree faller from Port McNeill held in high regard by everyone around him, not only for his safe work practices, but his high quality of workmanship, his attention to detail and his strong work ethic,” said Jonathan Lok of Strategic Forest Management, who nominated Gerry.

“Beyond all this, he is an excellent co-work-

Gerry Lambert (middle) accepts his award from David Anderson, President and CEO of WorkSafeBC (right) and Reynold Hert, CEO of the Safety Council.

er, coach, manager and friend to many.”

Gerry has been employed with Strategic since 2009.

The selection criteria for the Safety MVP Award (awarded to individuals or groups) include: • 2011 / 2012 contribution to workplace safety where they work and / or for broader industry; • Safety improvements with marked results; and • New safety initiatives introduced that boosted safety at work The award was created to acknowledge

safety improvements at work by an individual, group or company that has demonstrated leadership in integrating health & safety into their business practices.

Flying high Marc Duncan, chairman of the B.C. Aviation Council, presents Terry Eissfeldt and Peter Barratt, co-owners of West Coast Helicopters, with the 2012 Robert S. Day Award for Leadership in Aviation. The award, presented during the BCAC’s annual Silver Wings Awards gala in Vancouver last month, recognized the company’s commitment to safety and its development of helicopter tourism on B.C.’s coast.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 23

Music meeting rings out Highlanders to Gazette staff PORT McNEILLâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;An introductory meeting to kick off a new youth music program turned into an impromptu concert Saturday, including performances by the very kids the program is designed to serve.

Wild Heart Music, the brainchild of Port McNeill-raised singer Georgia Murray, drew more than 55 people to St. John Gualbert (A-Frame) Church.

Murray, now based in Victoria, performed several original and cover songs, accompanied on some by her regular guitarist, Dave Parfit, and on the final two numbers by her father, Craig Murray.

And she promised it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the last such appearance on the North Island. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to be coming back in the New Year to play at the schools,â&#x20AC;? promised Murray, who was also accompanied on the trip by her partner and sometimes-DJ, Tony â&#x20AC;&#x153;DWhizâ&#x20AC;? Day. Murray and Reverend

L

Fran Jenkins leads youth in a call-and-response song Saturday at the A-Frame Church in Port McNeill. Below, Craig Murray accompanies daughter Georgia Murray on the Ricky Skaggs J.R. Rardon ballad Thanks Again.

Wade Allen welcomed the audience and explained the outline of the music program, which is designed to replace former school

choir and band programs that have been cut due to dwindling funds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I grew up here I took choir and band and

performing arts,â&#x20AC;? said Murray. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want these kids to have the same chances I had.â&#x20AC;?

To that end, Murray hosted an online auction earlier in the month to raise seed money for the Wild Heart Music program.

Securing donations from resorts, tourism operators and even her brother, Clifton Murray of the Tenors (formerly Canadian Tenors), Murray raised nearly $20,000 in less than two weeks.

The money will be used in part to hire a choir instructor. Eventually she and the Wild Heart Music committee hope to expand the program to include musical instrument training.

Allen said the St. John Gualbert board has agreed to allow the church to be used for the after-school program, and added it will not be a church program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want this to be open to everybody,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Practice is expected to begin in January. Days and times will be announced in the coming weeks.

high-step it Gazette staff Performing arts fans on the North Island can get their fix of dance in the coming weeks, as a pair of local organizations continue long-running traditions in Port Hardy and Port McNeill.

This weekend, the Mount Waddington Highland Dance Association presents its 6th annual Celtic Christmas show, with a 6:30 p.m. presentation Saturday at the Port Hardy Secondary School theatre and a 1 p.m. matinee Sunday at Port McNeillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gate House Community Theatre.

The event combines traditional Highland dancing with variations featuring wild costumes and themes and traditional Scots music woven through other styles.

Traditionally featuring youth from local dance schools, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event adds a new twist with a feature performance by former World Highland Dance champion Ross Armour of Vancouver.

Born and raised in England, Armour won six straight AllEngland championships, and in 2004 won the 12-year-old

World Championship title.

Since moving to B.C. at age 16 Armour has won multiple B.C. Open, Western Canadian, Fraser Valley and North American championships in the adult class. He holds seven World Championship medals, and has also appeared on the North Island for the past several years in the Mount Waddington Highland Dance competition.

Tickets to the shows are $10.

They are available in advance in Port Hardy at Cafe Guido and Your Dollar Store and in Port McNeill at The Flower Shoppe, and may also be purchased at the door.

Nutcracker ballet Portside Academy of Performing Arts of Port McNeill will present its fifth annual performance of the beloved holiday classic Nutcracker Dec. 7 and 8 at Sunset Elementary School in Port McNeill.

Tickets are $10 and are available in advance in Port McNeill at The Flower Shoppe or at Portside Studio, 325 Cedar St. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

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24 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Recalling the heady days of summer The falling leaves are beginning to swirl and dance around our feet lately. It seems such a short time ago we eagerly watched them unfold, revealing new growth, a most welcome symbol of spring.

Then, with a firm nudge from the warm sun and much coaxing, summer finally arrived.

What a wonderful golden season it is to enjoy. It has the knack of mellowing us out, teaching us to touch base with what is important. Life takes on a more casual turn, of flip flops and shorts, having friends over for barbecues or just sitting and visiting and talking far into the night.

These are the moments we have waited for, to savor the richness of life, and perhaps the abundant crop that we have harvested from our own garden.

The last hurrah will sound and the curtain call will close the season far too soon for most of us.

We want it to last as long as possible, and early fall provides an additional extra few weeks to play it forward a bit longer.

This fall has been exceptional, with a glorious stretch of warm summer-like days that are truly a bonus we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect!

Getting the winter wood supply ready has top priority for many households these days. Pickup trucks loaded with freshly cut blocks is a common sight around town these week-ends.

As anyone who burns wood knows, there is nothing like the warmth of a crackling wood fire on a cold day in January. All the effort needed to get that wood supply cut, hauled and split is rewarded beyond measure.

Times have changed, but for those who did a lot of preserving and canning in the fall remember, this was the busiest of seasons, putting all these good things into jars to be enjoyed later in the winter months ahead.

From jams, jellies and marmalade to beet pickles and canned peaches, we were prepared!

Many women today still enjoy this season for that reason, and my daughter-in-law has everything from salsa to spiced plum sauce ready to add some wonderful variety to winter meals. It is truly a very satisfying feeling to see the jars you have filled sitting on the countertop before being stored away.

When gardens are mentioned we have many on the North Island that are exceptional. It goes without saying that if you or your friends grew any

zucchini, by now you will be trying to give them away by the armful.

Sometimes they have become huge, but you politely accept them, and ponder on what in the world to do with them.

Actually they are a very versatile vegetable and can be used in countless ways to help make tasty dishes.

One favourite is adding grated zucchini to scrambled eggs, frying the zucchini a bit first, and then whisking them into your eggs. This combination tastes very much like egg foo yung.

Another interesting combination is adding cubed zucchini to a mixture of peppers, onion, and tomatoes and then sautĂŠed in oil or butter, along with oregano or basil, salt and pepper. This is a very nice side, served with meat loaf. Grated zucchini is also added to chocolate Bundt

Around EVES Above: Tori Romas and Kalina Cotter try out a huge Scrabble game on their classroom smartboard at EVES. Left: The new Peer Counsellors that are solving disputes around EVES. They are Kalina Cotter, Tre McLachlan, Tori Romas, Gates Purdy, Jaiden Cuyler, Carson Cesaretti, Jasmine Crawford and Chantelle Regnier.

Greg Murray

cake, spaghetti sauce, or zucchini relish to mention a few.

However a word of caution is in order here. Be careful in revealing what this interesting flavor is, if asked.

If your family or

guests do not appreciate zucchini, they may not eat what you prepared, including your delicious chocolate cake!

Yes, the last days of summer are precious and few, and packed full of all the good

things the earth has produced for us to enjoy. And whether we like them or not, that even includes zucchini!

Dorothy Robinson is a Port McNeill resident who enjoys writing.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 25

Comox SAR in medevac Gazette staff PORT HARDY—A crewmember airlifted from a 740-foot cargo ship was taken by helicopter to Port Hardy before being transferred to a waiting rescue plane for a flight to hospital in Comox last Wednesday, Nov. 21.

The freighter Mitose was sailing approximately 130 km northwest of Vancouver Island when the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria received a call for help at 9:40 a.m. indicating one of its crew was suffering from possible medical distress.

The crew member was evacuated by an RCAF Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter from 442 Squadron, after he suffered a potential medical emergency, Wednesday, November 21st. A Cormorant helicopter and a Buffalo SAR airplane, part of the RCAF’s 442 Squadron, were launched from

A Cormorant Search and Rescue helicopter hovers of the freighter Mitose while crew members assist in the evacuation of a sailor suffering a medical emergency last week in seas 130 km 19 Wing Comox northwest of Vancouver Island.

their base at 19 Wing Comox and arrived over the ship at noon.

“We approached the stern of the ship and told the captain to turn in a direction that would create a stable platform so that we could safely hoist the crewmember into the helicopter,” said Captain Luc Coates, aircraft commander of the Cormorant.

“We hovered about 50 feet above the deck, and hoisted our first

Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech) down. It was challenging because the ship was pitching up and down 15 to 20 feet and moving left to right.” Once the first SAR Tech was on the ship, he attached a guideline to bring down two other SAR Techs and a rescue basket.

“The crew already had the patient ready to go and it was a quick matter of putting him in the bas-

In Midweek Local Bear Aware coordinator Mac Willing says efforts to reduce bearhuman contact has the town nearing Bear Smart status.

See in Midweek.

Do you want to practise forestry in BC? New forestry designation available now

ket and using the hoist and guideline to bring him into the helicopter,” said Sergeant Shawn Harrison, SAR Tech. Once the patient was on board, the helicopter flew to Port Hardy where he was put onto the Buffalo for a flight to Comox. On arrival, he was transferred in stable condition to B.C. Ambulance and taken to local hospital. The patient’s current condition is unknown.

The Natural Resource Professional (or NRP) designation is new and recent grads from natural resources conservation programs at the University of BC, Thompson Rivers University and the University of Northern BC can apply today. The NRP designation will allow you to practise aspects of professional forestry in every corner of the province. You might find yourself working for government, consultants, industry, Aboriginal groups and more! For more information and to see which programs qualify, visit our website at www.abcfp.ca.

It’s Here! It’s Big! It’s Full!

North Island’s largest annual

Christmas Showcase of

Arts & Crafts Saturday, December 1 st

11-4pm Photos with Santa Scout Hall

by Rangers

11-4pm Port McNeill Community Hall & Old School

Carefully handcrafted arts & crafts by people from the Island ' stained glass ' home cooking & baking ' jewellery ' cards ' paintings ' pottery ' sewing & much more! ' door prizes with admission of $2 ' children under 12 get in for free

Come for lunch & catch the spirit!

Lunch available at both halls

Sponsored by PM Lioness: info 250-956-3673 or 250-956-4400 or 250-956-3770

26 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Join us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube Email us anytime questions@nic.bc.ca

Mount Waddington Edition

COLLEGE CONNECTION

Learn what you can do at your community college

Visit us online www.nic.bc.ca Call us for details 250-949-7912

NOVEMBER 2012

ISSUE 10

MORE UNIVERSITY TRANSFER COURSES THAN EVER BEFORE

New English, philosophy, and university studies courses in Port Hardy this winter.

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSY-235) Study mental disorders, assessment, and treatment and develop new understandings about the social, cultural, and ethical issues in abnormal psychology.

Mon & Wed, 4 – 5:30 pm, via interactive TV INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (GEO-112) Examine concepts and theories used to analyze patterns, systems of distribution, and structures of economic activities and urban settlements.

Wed, 6 – 9 pm, via interactive TV INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE: POETRY & DRAMA (ENG-121) Study 20th century literature, including poetry’s organization, thematic patterns, and style and drama’s structure, theme, genre. Receive instruction in writing about poetry and drama.

Mon , 6 – 9 pm, via interactive TV

Apply now for classes starting this winter Interested in going back to school but don’t know where to start? There’s still time to register for many programs and courses that lead to university degrees. Discover how you can start your career in business, health, education, social work, and more from Port Hardy. Need help? Talk to a student advisor at 250-949-7912.

COLLEGE NEWS

BELIEF, TRUST, AND HARD WORK Former NIC upgrading student encourages others to return to school In Grade 8, Shaunna Downey was a self-proclaimed slacker who gave up on school.

More than a decade later, the third year nursing student credits NIC’s upgrading courses and instructors for giving her the confidence and momentum she needed to keep learning.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT retain it. NIC instructors shifted my focus and made it more about puzzle solving. Sometimes, it was frustrating, but it worked.”

Along the way, science instructors inspired Shaunna to consider apply for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

FIRST AID TRAINING STARTS AT NIC

“No matter where I go, I know they care and are following me through my story. It’s a great feeling.”

She returned to NIC in 2007 to upgrade her math. Within two years, “So many people put their belief and she completed Grade 8 to 11 math, trust in me,” she said. “If someone Grade 12 English, Grade 11 and 12 needs me to say ‘you got this’ or ‘you biology and chemistry as well as can do that,’ I’m there – because university level English, biology and that’s what it took for me.” psychology.

Speak to an advisor to discover a “NIC’s adult learning environment, wide range of upgrading options in the instructors, and an ability to do Port Hardy, Alert Bay, the Gwa’salamath year-round really, really helped,” ’Nakwaxda’xw Nation, and more.

Shaunna said. “I pretty much told For more information, visit myself I sucked at math and I couldn’t www.nic.bc.ca/upgrading

PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY & ARCHEOLOGY (ANT-151) Explore the origins and development of humans and their cultures, including the development of the civilizations of the Old and New World through readings and audio-visual material.

Mon & Wed, 2:30 – 4 pm, via interactive TV TEACHING: MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION (EDU-102) Examine the aims, principles, and ideals of current issues in education and develop an understanding of the complexity of teaching in today’s schools.

Tue & Thu, 10 – 11:30 am, via interactive TV

She’s still connected to a cheering section of former instructors and lab techs who keep in touch.

These days, Shaunna is paying it forward with support for friends who may be weighing the time, energy, and costs of going back to school against their career goals. She tells them about tuition-free upgrading and funding support for books and fees, as well as NIC’s small class sizes and community feel she doesn’t get at university.

INTRODUCTORY PHILOSOPHY: KNOWLEDGE AND REALITY (PHI-100) Introduce yourself to select problems in the philosophy of religion and the theory of reality and knowledge in this first-year course.

Mon & Wed, 11:30 am – 1 pm, via interactive TV

Reduce your risk of personal injury and get the First Aid training and qualifications you need this winter.

Choose from NIC’s WorkSafeBCapproved courses for employers, groups and individuals, including: t $13 -FWFM $ )FBMUI $BSF 1SPWJEFS 3FDFSUJmDBUJPO (Feb. 11) t )FBMUI $BSF 1SPWJEFS $13 (Feb. 23) t .BSJOF "EWBODFE 'JSTU "JE $13 $ (Feb. 25 – Mar. 1) t 0DDVQBUJPOBM 'JSTU "JE -FWFM (Feb. 4 or Mar 4) t 0DDVQBUJPOBM 'JSTU "JE 5SBOTQPSUBUJPO &OEPSTFNFOU (Dec. 9 or Feb. 5) t 0DDVQBUJPOBM 'JSTU "JE -FWFM (Jan. 21 – Feb. 1) & 3FOFXBM (Jan. 28 – Feb. 1) For more information, visit www.nic.bc.ca/health

Once I started going back to school, the dreams I put aside for myself were within reach,” Shaunna Downey, NIC Upgrading & Nursing Student.”

HIGH SCHOOL MATH & ENGLISH (ALL LEVELS TO GRADE 12) Upgrade your high school level math and English tuitionfree for entry into health, business, trades, or university transfer programs. Learn in four-month self-paced sessions with instructor support. You pay the cost of fees/books, funding support may be available.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/mountwaddington Or call: 250-949-7912

WHAT’S HAPPENING

EVENTS & KEY DATES Anytime

Dec. 10-18 Jan. 2

Meet with Dee-Anne Cowan, your education advisor to choose classes and get ready for the winter term.

Call 250-949-7912 ext. 2860 Fall term exams.

Classes begin for university studies, upgrading, English, and more.

Subscribe to NIC’s RSS Event Feed to get the latest events and notices delivered directly to your computer: www.nic.bc.ca/rss

Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 27

Leading little literati Gazette staff PORT HARDYâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society and many other sponsors welcomed residents to its Early Learning Literacy Fair Saturday at the

Civic Centre.

Dozens of youngsters, teens and adults were treated to stories with Mother Goose on the Literacy Bus, while inside the arena they were treated to food, hands-

on activities, information booths and entertainment ranging from teen hip-hop performer Tristan SwainWalkus, Jessie Hemphill and Jamaine Campbell, to magician Kevin Ogren.

Clockwise from above: Chelsea Arthurs of Port Hardy, 2, creates with Playdoh Saturday during the Literacy Fair at the Civic Centre; Magician Kevin Ogren pulls a fast one on Effrey Sedgemore; Rosalee McDougall and mom Margaret share time at the crayon table; Mother Goose (Jodie Lukow) plays a counting game with youngsters Daphani and Masen Griffiths, Madison Alfred and Koa McCormick in the Literacy Bus; Jessie Hemphill and Jamaine Campbell perform during Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Literacy Fair. The event also included entertainment from teen hip-hop performer Tristan Swain-Walkus and magiJ.R.Rardon cian Kevin Ogren.

28 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012

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LEADER PICTORIAL .ORTHĂĽ)SLAND 'AZETTE

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

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BOOKING STILL avail for Christmas Showcase of Arts & Crafts. Sat. Dec 1st. 11am4pm. Port McNeill Community Hall & Rec Centre. FMI call 250-956-3673 or email marcanne@telus.net or phinton@live.ca

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Residential, commercial, industrial installations & maintenance. Require valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s licence, electrician trade certiďŹ cate & BCTQ. Fax or email resume: 250-949-9230 or: kkelec@cablerocket.com.

INFORMATION

PERSONALS

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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Port Hardy meets every Wednesday & Saturday at the Upper Island Public Health Unit on Gray Street at 8pm.

Sundays at the Salvation Army Lighthouse, 8635 Granville St., at 7pm.

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NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Port Hardy meets on Mondays at 7:30pm & Fridays at 8pm.

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PLACES OF WORSHIP

PORT HARDY BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of Trustee & Highland Morning Service 11:00 am Plus regular family activities Office: 250-949-6844 www.porthardybaptistchurch.ca Pastor: Kevin Martineau 11/12

ST. COLUMBA ANGLICAN UNITED 9190 Granville St. Port Hardy Phone 250-949-6247 11:00 a.m. Sunday School and Service Wed., 1:00 pm Bible Study Everyone welcome Meeting rooms available columbac@uniserve.com 11/12

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FULL GOSPEL CHURCH 2540 Catala Place Port McNeill (across from Firehall) Sunday 10:30 am - Morning Worship Church Office 250-956-4741 Pastor Stan Rukin Youth Pastor: Steve Taylor Cell: 250-527-0144 Office hours: 10am-4pm Mon-Thurs Visitors always welcome www.ptmcfullgospel.org

$)3#2)-).!4/29 ,%')3,!4)/.

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TIMESHARE

We We regret regret to to announce announce the passing of Juanita (Pat) Hawley Hawley on on November November 13, 2012 at the age of 68 years after after aa short short illness. illness. Pat is predeceased by her mother Hazel, Hazel, father father John, John, stepfather Peter and sister Glenda.

She (Tamara), Sheisissurvived survivedby byher her 33 children: children: Derek Derek Bohle Bohle(Tamara), Tracy Tracy Kessler Kessler (Roger) (Roger) and David Cummings (Serena).

Grandchildren Grandchildren Courtney, Courtney, Virginia, John Jacob, Christian and and great great grandchildren grandchildren Keynyn and Peyton and her sister Shelly Shelly Zimmerman Zimmerman (Rob). Also 2 neices, 2 nephews and many many friends. friends. Pat was born Feburary 1, 1944.

Throughout Throughout her her colourful colourful life ďŹ lled with many adventures she she always always ended ended up back on the coast where she was born. born. She She was was aa very very special mother, grandmother and friend friend who who will will be be sadly missed by all. There will be no service service but but aa celebration celebration of life will follow at a later date. In lieu lieu of of ďŹ&#x201A;owers ďŹ&#x201A;owers aa donation donation could be made to the Canadian Cancer Cancer Society or the SPCA.

CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN Alert Bay Sunday Services - 10 am Reverend Lincoln Mckoen 1-250-974-5844 Warden Flora Cook 250-974-5945 Warden Joan Stone 250-974-2234 11/12

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 4680 Byng Rd. Port Hardy Pastor George Hilton 250-949-8925 or 250-949-8826 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone welcomeâ&#x20AC;?

Saturday Services 9:30am - Bible Study groups 10:45am - Worship/Praise service Wednesday @ 7pm - Prayer meeting Avalon Adventist Jr. Academy Offering Christian Education 250-949-8243 11/12

HELP WANTED AN ALBERTA Construction Company is hiring Dozer and Excavator Operators. Preference will be given to operators that are experienced in oilďŹ eld road and lease construction. Lodging and meals provided. The work is in the vicinity of Edson, Alberta. Alcohol & Drug testing required.

Call Contour Construction at 780-723-5051.

AUTO SERVICE Journeyman technician required immediately at EJ Klassen GM in Port Hardy, Vancouver Island. Above average wages and beneďŹ ts. Fax resume 250-949-7440 or email: ejkgm@telus.net.

PLACES OF WORSHIP

PORT HARDY accounting ďŹ rm requires bookkeeper/accountant with preference to those with public practice experience and knowledge in using small business accounting programs, payroll and Microsoft OfďŹ ce. Successful applicants must have strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Send resumes by email to smythco@telus.net or fax 250-949-6760. Only successful candidates with be contacted for interviews.

Looking for a NEW job? www.bcjobnetwork.com

PLACES OF WORSHIP

North Island Church Services NORTH ISLAND CATHOLIC CHURCHES Sunday Masses St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Port McNeill: 9am St. Bonaventure Port Hardy: 11am St. Theresaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Port Alice: Saturdays 5:00pm Alert Bay: 1st & 3rd Saturdays 10am Father Roger Poblete 250-956-3909

11/12

PORT MCNEILL BAPTIST CHURCH 2501 Mine Road Sunday 9:45 am (Sept-June) - Sunday School 11:00 am - Worship Service 7:00 pm - Evening Fellowship Youth Group Wed - 7:00 pm Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programs & Adult Bible Studies are scheduled throughout the year.

For information contact Pastor Dave Purdy â&#x20AC;˘ 250-956-4737 11/12

LIGHTHOUSE RESOURCE CENTRE â&#x20AC;˘ Chaplain Services â&#x20AC;˘ Bible Studies â&#x20AC;˘ Spiritual Counselling â&#x20AC;˘ Weekly AA Groups (8635 Granville St. Port Hardy) 250-949-8125

PORT ALICE ANGLICANUNITED FELLOWSHIP Sunday Services - 4pm 1-250-949-6247 Box 159, Port Alice You are extended a special invitation to share in our Services

11/12

ST. JOHN GUALBERT UNITED ANGLICAN CHURCH 250-956-3533 Email: gualbert@uniserve.com Sunday Worship - 9:00am Reverend Wade Allen All Welcome 175 Cedar Street Port McNeill 11/12

GWAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;SALA-â&#x20AC;&#x2122;NAKWAXDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;XW SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH at entrance to Tsulquate Village (8898 Park Dr) Saturday/Sabbath 10:00 am-Sabbath School 11:15 am-Worship Service Pastor Randy Elliott 250-230-1885 cell 11/12

11/12

PORT HARDY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP at Providence Place, 7050 Rupert St Sunday Worship 10:30 am & 7 pm Tuesday Prayer 7:30 pm Midweek Biblestudies - Call the church for time and place 250-949-6466 Pastor George & Karen Ewald (home) 250-949-9674 E-Mail:pastorgeorge@providenceplace.ca 11/12

Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 29 PERSONAL SERVICES

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Sporty Bar & Grill UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT We are looking for a

Head Chef

with a minimum of 5 years experience. Food Save Certificate Level 1+2, Red Seal (or European trained). This is a full-time permanent position with a flexible schedule and a salary DOE or $20/hour.

Please send resume: Attn Alfons Bauer Box 1289, Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0 or email: sportybar@icloud.com

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Quinsam Communications is looking for a qualified Two-way Radio Technician 2 years experience preferred Wage to be determined by experience.

Email: topper@quinsam.ca or Fax: 250-287-4511

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HEALTH PRODUCTS

LEGAL SERVICES

THE LEMARE Group is accepting resumes for the following positions: •Grade Hoe Operator-with Coastal Logging Roadbuilding experience •Coastal Certified Hand Fallers •Coastal Certified Bull Buckers •Off Highway Logging Truck Driver •Grapple Yarder Operators • Heavy Duty Mechanics Fulltime camp with union rates/benefits. Please send resumes by fax to 250-956-4888 or email to office@lemare.ca.

Required for an Alberta Trucking Company. One Class 1 Driver. Must have a minimum of 5 years experience pulling low boys and driving off road. Candidate must be able to pass a drug test and be willing to relocate to Edson, Alberta. Scheduled Days Off. Call Lloyd 780-723-5051

HERBAL MAGIC. With Herbal Magic lose up to 20 pounds by New Year’s Eve and keep it off. Results Guaranteed! Start today Call 1-800-854-5176.

BIG BUILDING Sale. This is a clearance you don’t want to miss! 20x20 $3,985. 25x24 $4,595. 30x36 $6,859. 35x48 $11,200.

40x52 $13,100.

47x76 $18,265 One End wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca

HELP WANTED

ACCOUNTING CLERK North Island Community Services Society is seeking an Accounting Clerk, minimum of 28 hours per week with flexible work schedule and benefit packages.

Applicants must have minimum 2 years office experience with Simply Accounting and Excel. Must be a team player, but able to work independently, positive and organized.

Please submit resume with cover letter by Dec. 13, 2012 via mail or email to North Island Community Services Society, Box 1028, Port McNeill, BC V0N 2R0, or nicsbc@telus.net Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Electricians Wanted Journeyman Electrician - Require valid driver’s licence, electrical trade certificate, BCTQ. Group benefit package provided.

Please email resume to kkelec@ cablerocket.com or fax to 250-949-9230.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Emcon Services Inc., Road and Bridge Maintenance contractor, is looking for Auxiliary Equipment Operators for the current winter season, preferably with experience operating snowplows and sanding trucks. Operators are needed for Denman and Hornby Islands, Comox Valley, Campbell River, Cortes and Quadra islands, Gold River, Sayward, Woss, Tahsis and Port Hardy.

Qualifications include: • Valid BC Driver’s Licence (minimum Class 3 / air).

• Proven highway trucking experience • Experience driving tandem axle vehicles and • Operating a variety of transmissions • Pre-employment drug screening Qualified applicants are invited to submit résumés, along with photocopy of driver’s licence, an up-todate driver’s abstract and references to substantiate driving experience to: Emcon Services Inc., 3190 Royston Road PO Box 1300, Cumberland, BC V0R 1S0 FAX: (250) 336-8892 Email: island@emconservices.ca *Please specify the area that you would be able to work*

North Island Community Services Society

ADULT RESOURCE WORKER The Community Links Program is seeking an Adult Resource Worker to support individuals with developmental disabilities in Port McNeill and Port Hardy areas.

This position will be casual Monday to Friday. A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle are required. A Criminal Record check will be done.

Preference will be given to applicants with a Community Support Worker Certificate and/ or the equivalent education and experience.

Please submit resumes to: North Island Community Services Society Community Links Program Box 1028, Port McNeill, BC V0N 2R0 or email: nics-cl@telus.net Closing date: November 30, 2012 TRADES, TECHNICAL

CAMPBELL RIVER HAIR SALON SEEKS FT & PT STYLISTS. HOURLY WAGE, COMMISSION, & BONUSES. CALL ANGELA AT 604-3062643, FAX 604-941-8585 EMAIL angela.rollins@greatclips.net PROFESSIONAL/ MANAGEMENT

KURT LeRoy Trucking Ltd., of Campbell River is experiencing a 50% growth of new capital expansion over the next year with a new division on the mainland. We need a Highly Motivated experienced CGA to complete monthly cost accounting for each division. Payroll of 38-45 employee’s. Subcontractors will vary. Excellent salary and benefits. Please e-mail resume’s with driver’s abstract to rleroy@telus.net or fax to 250-287-9914.

JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Service Technician. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. in Hanna, Alberta needs a few more good people. Busy, modern shop. $25-$31/hour + bonus, benefits. Great community. Inquire or send resume. Fax 403-8542845; Email Chrysler@telusplanet.net

RED SEAL Diesel Truck and Trailer Mechanic wanted in Northern Alberta. Full time, permanent position. Initial accommodation supplied. E-mail: johnwb@telusplanet.net for immediate response.

Lisa Harrison Sales Rep NORTH ISLAND

Relief Clerk Heavy Duty Mechanics Certified Millwright Millwright/Planerman Technician Detailed job postings can be viewed at

http://www.westernforest.com/building-value/our-people-employment/careers WFP offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit package. If you believe that you have the skills and qualifications that we are looking for, please reply in confidence to:

Human Resource Department Facsimile: 1.866.840.9611 Email: resumes@westernforest.com

DROWNING IN Debt? Helping Canadians 25 years. Lower payments by 30%, or cut debts 70% thru Settlements.

Avoid bankruptcy! Free consultation. Toll Free 1 877-5563500 www.mydebtsolution.com GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed?

Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: it’s that simple.

Your credit/age/income is not an issue. 1-800-587-2161.

M O N E Y P R OV I D E R . C O M . $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused. Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877-776-1660.

NEED MONEY? No credit checks! No upfront fees! Immediate response! Electronic deposits and payments! 1866-499-5629 www.mynextpay.com

Looking for a NEW job?

PETS PETS EASY CHRISTMAS Shopping for pets! No line ups, no cold weather. Deals to Bark about!!

Receive 10% off with coupon code: Clubpet10 1-855-8390555 www.petland.ca

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE FUEL/FIREWOOD SEASONED FIREWOOD Vancouver Island’s largest firewood producer offers firewood legally obtained during forest restoration, large cords. Help restore your forest, Burndrywood.com 1-877-902-WOOD.

FURNITURE FOR SALE...Ikea queen size sleeper/sofa, very good condition (navy pinstriped) $275; Costco oak veneer office furniture - desk $100, corner computer desk $50, 2 drawer file cabinet $40. Inquire @ 9499545

Give me a call at

GAZETTE

NOW HIRING

STEEL BUILDINGS/Metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206, www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

An active part of your business and our communities. Let me help your business get business.

Together we can help the North Island stay strong and grow!!

TRADES, TECHNICAL

Western Forest Products Inc. is an integrated Canadian forest products company located on Vancouver Island that is committed to the safety of our employees, the culture of performance and the discipline to achieve results.

We currently have the following openings:

CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

.com

Electrical contractor, located in Port Hardy on N. Van Island. Range of service includes residential, commercial and light industrial installations and maintenance.

HELP WANTED

FINANCIAL SERVICES

HOTEL, RESTAURANT, FOOD

TRADES, TECHNICAL HELP WANTED

PERSONAL SERVICES

250-949-6225 or email me at: sales@northislandgazette.com

smile...

of the week.

Paula and Simon Walkus check out the offerings at the Christmas Craft Fair at the Thunderbird Mall.

A. O’Toole

30 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

RENTALS

RENTALS

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

APARTMENT/CONDO

STORAGE

ATTENTION FORD RANGER AND MAZDA OWNERS For sale in Port Hardy Class 3 receiver Hitch 8 mths old Paid $220 new Asking $150 250-949-8928

PORT HARDY Airport Rd 2 bdrms, clean, quiet. NS. Refs. $525.Avail now.250-949-6319.

1 HEATED Storage unit left.

9x13. Call 250-956-4659.

PORT MCNEILL APARTMENTS

SHIPPING CONTAINERS 20’ or 40’. Buy or Rent. Safe and secure. Easymove Container Services. Serving Vancouver Island.

1-(888)331-3279

Well managed 1 & 2Bdrm suites. Gym & sauna on site. Call for availability.

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available.

1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

Phone Rick 250-956-4555 PORT MCNEILL MCCLURE APT’S. New Management 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom apartments. Competetive prices.

SUITES, LOWER GREATER PORT Hardy area: Fully private, above ground, 1bdrm suite, newer ocean view home, across the street from beach. High ceilings. Hardwood. Tastefully furnished. No excessive drinking, N/S. Avail soon, $450 (meals can be nego if needed) 250-949-9970

SUITES, UPPER

Call 250-956-3526.

PIXEL POINT of systems. Includes touch screen, cash drawer and 2 printers. $2000.

Call 250-902-9054.

SEAHAVEN APARTMENTS 7070 Shorncliffe St. Oceanview 2 bdrm suite.

Fridge/stove, balcony, blinds, private parking stall, locker, laundry on premises.

Quiet, adult building, non smoking, no pets.

References required.

Inquiries contact 250-230-1462.

REAL ESTATE BUSINESSES FOR SALE

APARTMENTS FURNISHED Mount Washington Franchise for sale

PORT HARDY Highland Manor •Bachelor •1 bdrms Move in incentive on approval References Call Jason 250-949-0192

John or Bridget 250-897-4888 Email: bridget@ galleryatsaratoga.com

HOUSES FOR SALE Incredible 5 acre treed PARK-LIKE PROPERTY with Well-Maintained Furnished Home 1500 sq.ft, 3-bdrm, 2 bath. Extremely close to Pristine Cowichan Lake, in the town of Caycuse.

Perfect for recreational property or full time living.

Motivated seller $378,800.

Exceptionally low yearly cost. Not leased land.

Call 250-745-3387 smartytwo@hotmail.com

STOREY’S BEACH: 3 bdrm, upper unit, $1050 per month.

Includes hydro, heat, appliances, shared laundry. Avail. Dec. 1. Contact Marty 250-2302520.

TOWNHOUSES PORT HARDY 3 bedrooms for rent. Available immediately.

W/D, new paint. Ref. req. Call 250-902-2226, 250-504-0067.

SEAWIND ESTATES: Gated community, recent reno’d, 3 bdrm, $800. Avail. Dec. 1st.

Call (604)418-3626 or email: trojan12@shaw.ca

4 BEDROOM house for rent on acreage located at 1066 Fair rd, brand new wood stove just installed. Large workshop, insulated and wired, perfect for small business. $1150per month. 250-954-9547

HOMES WANTED

NIMPKISH HEIGHTS 2 bdr, 2bth house (appx 950 sq ft) on 2 acres in a quiet country setting.

Washer/Dryer New kitchen appliances.

Small storage shed.

New roof and water tank.

Hydro and Sat included.

Pets welcome.

N/S preferred.

Security deposit $200 and $900/mth. To view call 250-956-4403 after 5pm on weekdays and 10am on weekends.

WE BUY HOUSES Damaged House?

Pretty House? Moving?

Divorcing? Estate Sale?

We will Buy your House Quick Cash & Private.

Mortgage Too High and House won’t sell?

Can’t make payments?

We will Lease Your House, Make your Payments and Buy it Later!

Call: 1-250-616-9053 www.webuyhomesbc.com

RENTALS

PORT HARDY $1200/mth.

Storeys Beach executive home avail now. 3 bdrm, 2 1/2 bath, hot tube, fire pit, fenced yard, w/d, credit report and references required. Call 250949-7079.

APARTMENT/CONDO AIRPORT RD: 1 lrg bdrm, clean & quiet. Ref req. $450.

Avail. Jan. 1. 250-949-6319.

ROOMS FOR RENT

PETS WELCOME - Quiet 2 bdrm apt near Airport. Private Parking. Small backyard. Ref. Req. Call 250-949-7189.

PORT HARDY: Avail Dec. 1. $400. N/P. Call 250-902-0726.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

GAZETTE NORTH ISLAND

29

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Auto Financing 1.800.910.6402

DreamTeam Auto Financing “0” Down, Bankruptcy OK Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals

1-800-961-7022

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

CARS 2007 CUSTOM Chev HHR. Excellent condition. Loaded.

White. 119,000 km, mostly hwy driven. On-Star. $11,900 firm. 250-755-5191.

SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES

2002-FORD EXPLORER XLS. Runs excellent. 157,000 kms.

Reduced to sell $4,999 OBO. 250-287-2009.

Your Community

Classifieds can take you places!

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MOBILE HOMES & PADS

HOMES FOR RENT

> >`>ÊÜ>ÃÊV ÌÌi`ÊÌ Ê

AUTO FINANCING

COAL HARBOUR One bedroom cottage, fully furnished.

Available now. $500. Call 250949-9982.

SUBSTANTIALLY RENOVATED 12’x60’ Mobile home.

Move in cndt. great Starter/In law accom. New roof, New gas furnace, 100amp services.

W/D, F/S incld. This mobile has all papers required through MHR. Pre Christmas Special $15, 000 delivered price Comox Valley 250-7025699

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TRANSPORTATION

COTTAGES

2 BEDROOM trailers for rent located on the Alberni Hwy, Parksville . Prices range from $600 to $750 per month 250954-9547

iv ÀiÊ ÌÊÜ>ÃÊ «ÊÌ ÊLiÊ

98 + HST

Call us today • 310-3535 •

Thursday, November 29, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 31

Goldeneye

Sandstone sentinels Several weeks ago I did a small painting out at Diver’s Beach, near Cluxewe. It was quite a nostalgic experience for me and, writing about it in this column, I emphasized the fact that our family used to dive out here in the seventies.

What I didn’t mention was that I used to paint out there as well and spent many happy hours among the huge sandstone rocks that are scattered about the shoreline there.

One of the paintings, an oil larger than my usual on-the-spot sketches, was included in a show in Victoria.

Naming a painting is always somewhat of an event, since it becomes an important part of the presentation, this being no exception.

The painting, with a misty background, was begun on a foggy morning, later finished in my studio and named after a line in a poem called “Chicago”

by Carl Sandburg in which he remarked that “the fog crept in on little cat feet”. I called it “Little Cat Feet” and resultantly puzzled a myriad of viewers, including the lady who eventually bought it.

Several years later at another show in the same gallery

she approached me and asked the inevitable question, “Are the little cat feet the marks on the rocks”?

When I had painted the sandstone rocks I had included the swirls

A Brush with Henschel with Gordon Henschel and pock marks that the tide had worn into them, never thinking that they might confuse the painting’s spectators. Twenty-five years late I wanted to paint the rocks again; in oils of course.

Low tide came early with a thick fog surrounding the amazing variety of shoreline guardians. The sandstone is moulded into every conceivable shape and cast about as if the tides were some Herculean entity that played dominoes with them when no-one was looking. For old times sake I brought an 18 by 24 inch stretched canvas. In the silence you could hear the ferry from Sointula

many miles away.

The fog never lifted that day as I lay in the different shapes against this misty background on the canvas. In fact, at times I felt I was painting in clouds as

“The sandstone is moulded... as if the tides were some Herculean entity...”

it drifted by me. About four p.m., after the tide drove me from my lair among the rocks, I stashed the wet canvas and my French easel behind an enormous log that seemed to be a permanent fixture against the salal on the shore and headed for home.

What a difference a day makes! The next day dawned bright with not a hint of the fog that had enveloped me the previous day.

Luckily I had concentrated on painting the background and its foggy impressions, which left me to concentrate on the rocks now bathed in sunlight.

About noon a figure

came from the path in the forest and headed my way. Hunkered down among the rocks, I knew he wouldn’t see me so I gave him a shout. As it turned out he was with Search and Rescue and was looking for someone like me. Apparently there had been a 911 call from somewhere on a North Island beach saying they had collapsed and needed help. Assuring him That I was OK and hadn’t seen another soul, he went back to his regular job at the asphalt plant along the Cluxewe River. A few days later, upon talking to the RCMP they informed me that it had been a prank by someone who had found an old cell phone on the beach and dialled 911.

Apparently this works if the batteries are still OK! This prank had disrupted the lives of a lot of workers from their normal workday.

Those are just a couple of the stories that lay behind what looks like an ordinary painting of a North Island shoreline. This time, so as not to confuse anyone I called the painting ”Sandstone Sentinels” Gordon Henschel owns an art gallery in Nimpkish Heights. www.henschel.ca

John Newman provides an appraisal of a ring brought in by Mayela Cole during an estate buyer’s appearance recently at Thunderbird Mall in Port Hardy.

Sandy Grenier

Bigger and Better.

Great News for Home Buyers and Sellers throughout Vancouver Island.

Three established Coldwell Banker offices join forces with Coldwell Banker Slegg Realty to create expanded operations with 48 sales representatives. As of November 14, 2012, Coldwell Banker Island Coastal in Courtenay and Coldwell Banker Vancouver Island Realty with offices in Parksville and Nanaimo will now operate under the Coldwell Banker Slegg Realty banner. With the addition of these three new office locations, Coldwell Banker Slegg Realty becomes one of the largest and fastest-growing real estate brokerages in the province.

Our Local Realtors Serving You…

Roy Carlton

Debbie Garrett

REALTOR ®

REALTOR ®

Property Manager 250-650-7653

250-902-9200

George Reid, RI (BC) Managing Broker Courtenay

Two Trusted Names Make a Winning Combination Coldwell Banker Slegg Realty 350 - 17th St, Courtenay 1-800-314-8615 • 250-898-8790

www.vanislandrealty.com

SLEGG REALTY www.sleggrealty.com

32 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Black Bear Resort would like to thank the following people & businesses for their support and help with the construction of our cabins.

Abernethy Contracting Ltd Bob Petereit Campbell River Aluminum Comox PaciďŹ c Express Island Advantage Distributors John Van Essen Jay & Kevin Jones K & K Electric North Island Insultech Ocean Eagle Development Port Hardy Bulldozing Port McNeill Enterprises Port McNeill Shake & Shingle

Rain Country Services Ray Bernier Rona/Shoprite Roger James Sea Star Solutions Sea Soil Tapp RooďŹ ng The Lite Shop The Plumber Town Of Port McNeill Windsor Plywood

Thanks to everyone else who helped.

Black Bear Resort & Spa 250-956-4900 www.blackbearresort.net