Prince George Free Press, December 24, 2012

HEALTH: Still a shortage of family doctors in P.G. A5 Monday, December 24, 2012 Coun. Frizzell attends a convention in Dakar A3

Newsline 250-564-0005

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Board irked by request

Santa’s new sleigh Merry Christmas to all

A llan W ISHA RT/ Fre e Pre s s

These youngsters and their caretaker got a bird’s-eye view of Santa’s helicopter coming in for a landing at Moore’s Meadow on Friday morning. A number of local daycares and preschools had their children out to see the event and talk to Santa.

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The Board of Education of School District No. 57 (Prince George) has asked the minister of education to withdraw his request to gather savings from existing operations in order to provide salary increases to support staff.

In a December 3 letter to board chairs Education Minister Don McRae requested that savings plans be established and funded from within existing operating budgets to provide at least a three per cent increase to support staff over the next two years. Trustees from the Prince George School District met on Tuesday evening and directed that the board respond to the minister expressing concerns regarding the request.

In a letter to the minister, board chair Sharel Warrington stated: “Our board, along with many others, believes the request at this time is unreasonable and poorly timed, being dropped on us six months into the current fiscal period.

“Learning that enriches the life of each student in our district is our first and foremost priority. In order to achieve this goal, we believe that all of our employees are to be valued and be fairly compensated for the work they do, this should and can be achieved in a climate of collective bargaining that recognizes challenges and opportunities.”

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A2

Prince George Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

NOW OPEN

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Monday, December 24, 2012

A3

MEDICAL: Attracting more doctors to the north A5 Fostering a growing family in Prince George B1

Up Front BILL PHILLIPS 250-564-0005 newsroom@pgfreepress.com

www.pgfreepress.com

Ph o to Sub mitte d

One side of the tent is pictured in this photo taken during the opening ceremonies in Dakar, with over 3,000 municipal delegates in attendance.

■ INTERNATIONAL

Coun. Frizzell attends world meet in Dakar Local politician called to fill in for chair of international relations DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com

At the end of November Coun. Garth Frizzell, through his work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, had the opportunity to share his expertise at a international council held in Dakar, as well as take in some sessions at the Africities Summit, which happens once every three years.

“At the end of November I was contacted by the FCM and asked if I could go to Dakar in two days to the World Council of Municipalities,” Frizzell said.

He learned the chair of international relations was unable to make the conference. As the vice-chair Frizzell was invited to go. In addition to his official position, his background in economic development put him in a unique position to deliver a paper on policy advocacy to the assembly.

At the same time the international council coincided with Africities Summit.

“So on the one hand about 500 local government representatives from around the world met for the council, while councillors from Africa, who meet every three years, were there for the Africities Summit. I gave a presentation for the world council, but took in some of the

summit as well,” Frizzell said.

The two gatherings couldn’t have been more different, he said.

“It was two worlds that we were watching,” Frizzell said. “At the world council it’s very formal, very diplomatic, very similar to the types of debates you see in the provincial government, the federal government or the United Nations.

At the Africities people were very passionately talking about things that are affecting their lives. From a Prince George point-of-view, what they talked about seems remote and foreign to us like kids being taken away and put into the military, or Al Qaeda’s influence directly impacting villages. These things seem remote and off the page of an international paper, but these people are actually living these things. We get to see how the issues we face are different, but the goals we try to achieve are similar, like stability, having systems in place like roads, security, safety. These things allow us to do our work, feed our families and make sure our kids get an education.”

A statement made by a man from Cameroon particularly stuck with Frizzell, that kids should be learning to use pens, not military guns.

The paper Frizzell delivered was about policy advocacy, and not directly related

with his city hall duties.

Through his work with the FCM, on a related committee, members look at how municipalities from around world can better serve their citizens.

“A lot of countries provide development aid,”Frizzell said. “What we looked at 25 years ago was how can that be best delivered by local government. Over the last four or five years, we looked at aid effectiveness.

“When a disaster hits you want people who can put things like sanitation, sewage and water back into place, the experts,” he said. “If you are talking development, then you send someone who understands how some of services work, from a fully synced fire rescue service to economic development. We have found it’s most effective if can you can help them or set up or build the capacity of local governments to do the work themselves.”

Frizzell said other countries take the position aid is something you fly in, then drop off and leave, “We found it was more effective if you get on the ground and help local government do it themselves,” Frizzell said.

“My role was to take this policy work we’ve been talking about for years and introduce the ideas of local development

to communities. We hope it will become formal policy for united cities for local governments world-wide.”

For example, Frizzell said the Chinese approach to aid is to perhaps put in a mine for uranium, and give funds to the national government while taking the uranium. The French might put in an electrical power plant and set it up as a for-profit corporation.

“Some of our work,” Frizzell said, “might be to find a local government that has people who want to set up connections to sell mangos, then find another local government where someone can’t find enough mangos for his juice factory.

We set up a way for two the two governments to talk to each other and to set up a trade route.

Then people are working, selling mangos and juice distribution is world wide.

This way the local government can get tax revenue and get into a stabilizing situation.

“Though it’s not part of official duty as councillor, it was a situation where I could see how some of our systems are so advanced and effective, we have things we can share - but things we can learn as well.”

The trip, paid through FCM partners, didn’t cost the taxpayers anything.

A4

Prince George - News - Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

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Community Alert WA N T E D C Crime Stoppers is asking the public’s aassistance in locating the following pperson who is wanted on a British CColumbia wide warrant. As of 1030 hhrs this 19th day of December 22012, Samantha Nicole PATRICK (B: 11989-12-03) is wanted on a British CColumbia wide warrant for ILLEGALLY Samantha Nicole POSSESSING WEAPONS x 8. PATRICK PATRICK is described as a First Nations female, 160 cm or 5’3” 160 cm or 5’03” tall and weighs 70 70 kg or 155 lbs. kg or 155 lbs. PATRICK has black hair and brown eyes. PATRICK should be considered violent.

WA N T E D Crime Stoppers is asking the public’s assistance in locating the following person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. As of 1030 hrs this 19th day of December 2012, Gerard Arthur CASTONGUAY (B: 1952-03-06) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant for DRIVING Gerard Arthur WHILE PROHIBITED x 2. CASTONGUAY CASTONGUAY is described as a Caucasian male, 178 cm or 5’10” 178 cm or 5’10” tall and weighs 84 84 kg or 186 lbs. kg or 186 lbs. CASTONGUAY has grey hair and blue eyes. CASTONGUAY should be considered violent.

WA N T E D Crime Stoppers is asking the public’s assistance in locating the ffollowing person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant.

AAs of 1030 hrs this 19th day of December 2012, James Edward JOSEPH (B: 1985-12-28) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant James Edward for ASSAULT. JOSEPH is described JOSEPH as a First Nations male, 170 cm or 170 cm or 5’7” 5’07” tall and weighs 70 kg or 155 70 kg or 155 lbs lbs. JOSEPH has black hair and brown eyes. JOSEPH should be considered violent.

If you have information regarding these crimes call CRIMESTOPPERS

1-800-222-8477 www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca

You will remain anonymous. You may be eligible for a cash reward.

Remember... We don’t need your name - just your information

A lla n W ISHA RT/ Fre e Pre s s

Some of the more than 300 children who received gifts in Gateway Christian Ministries’ Great Toy Giveaway on Saturday can’t wait to see what’s inside the wrapping paper. The annual event sees more than 150 volunteers work on the day of the giveaway to make sure everything goes right.

Courtrooms still full in P.G.

In Provincial Court in Prince George on Sept. 25: Dean K. Poitras was found guilty of assault and sentenced to 81 days in jail.

Poitras was also found guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking and sentenced to 30 days in jail.

In Provincial Court in Prince George on Sept. 26: Franco Antoniazzi was found guilty of driving without reasonable consider-

ation for other persons using the highway, fined $500 and was assessed a victim surcharge of $75.

Lori Chew was found guilty of failing to comply with a probation order and sentenced to one day in jail.

Aaron W. Clifford was found guilty of assault, sentenced to one day in jail, placed on probation for one year and prohibited from possessing firearms for 10 years. Clifford was also found guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking and a second count of assault, sentenced to two months in jail, placed on probation for one year and prohibited from possessing firearms for 10 years.

Melanie L. Dimery was found guilty of driving while prohibited, fined $500, assessed Are you new to a victim surcharge of $75 and Prince George? prohibited from driving for one year.

Jessie L. Giroux was found Have you delivered a baby guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking in the last 3 months? or recognizance and sentenced Or know someone who is pregnant? to one day in jail.

Phillip C. Gunanoot was found guilty of mischief and Welcome Wagon has placed on probation for 18 information and gifts to present months. on these occasions.

Luca B. Holgate was found guilty of mischief, placed on probation for nine months and Visits are done by appointment only assessed a victim surcharge of please call … $50.

Dustin A. Lindgren was Corrine Kirkpatrick found guilty of three counts of failing to comply with a 250 640-0637 condition of an undertaking or corrine.kirkpatrick@gmail.com recognizance and sentenced to welcomewagon.ca eight days in jail.

Harrison E. Mullis was found guilty of two counts of driving

while prohibited, sentenced to 14 days in jail to be served intermittently, placed on probation until the expiration of the jail sentence, fined $500, assessed a victim surcharge of $75 and prohibited from driving for 18 months.

Steven C. Sears was found guilty of fraud and sentenced to time served of 15 days in jail. Sears was also found guilty of a second count of fraud and sentenced to time served of 35 days in jail. Sears was also found guilty of fraudulently obtaining food, beverage or accommodation and a third count of fraud and received a conditional sentence of one month. Sears was also found guilty of two counts of theft of property with a value less than $5,000 and received a conditional sentence of three months. Sears was also found guilty of a third count of theft of property with a value less than $5,000, received a conditional sentence of three months and was placed on probation for three years.

Gabriel D. Stan was found guilty of driving without due care and attention, fined $1,000 and assessed a victim surcharge of $150.

In Provincial Court in Prince George on Sept. 27: Charlena R.L. Abou was found guilty of failing to comply with a probation order and failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking and sentenced to 36 days in jail.

Arby L. Bai was found guilty of theft of property with a value less than $5,000, assaulting a peace officer and assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, sentenced to 87 days in jail and placed on probation for one year.

Clayton A.G. Hawkins was found guilty of possession of stolen property with a value greater than $5,000 and possession of stolen property with a value less than $5,000 and received a conditional sentence of two years less a day.

Vincent A. Martin was found guilty of break and enter, sentenced to 13 months in jail, placed on proWith over 30 years of experience, I can help you preserve your freedom, reputation and livelihood. bation for two years and received a lifeFor an appointment call 564-4454 time prohibition on the possession of fire980 Fourth Avenue, Prince George • aartsenlaw.com arms.

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Prince George - News - Free Press

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Monday, December 24, 2012

A5

■ HEALTH

City still needs general practitioners DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfree press.com

Drawing doctors to the region through the Prince George Residents program and the medical school is helping lessen the gap for families who don’t have a doctor, but there is still a shortfall of between five and 10 family practitioners in the city, something members from the Prince George Division of Family Practice is working on.

Doctors Garry Knoll and Bill Clifford updated council on the progress of their organization during Monday’s meeting.

Increasing work loads, longer waits and spiralling costs have lead to a lot of frustrated doctors and patients during the last decade, Clifford said. He added this is particularly true since usually the family physician provides primary care.

“This is where the majority of Canadians get health care,” he said.

The division wants quality health care for everyone in the city and set out four strategic directions to take to make that vision a reality. They include providing and supporting access to multidisciplinary care, sus-

Kaehn re-elected as regional board chair

taining a strong community of family physicians, developing and supporting excellent primary care homes and reducing demand through healthier communities.

Clifford said he is aware most health choices are made outside of his office. For example, people choose how and what they eat, whether or not they smoke and whether they participate in enough physical activity.

“It’s our community that makes the biggest difference in health care,” Clifford, who pointed out the organization is known as an unofficial recruiter,

CIM GIVES

TO

said.

This knowledge, he added, lead to the healthy cities movement.

“Now we’re championed by the World Health Organization,” he said, adding the organization was formed in Canada.

He said there is a lot the division would like to do. Some of that work can best be done in partnership with the city.

Project 2020 works on creating a healthier community by promoting hiking trails and biking as well as public awareness campaigns.

“Those are the kinds of things

we can work on together,” Clifford said.

One example includes an advertising of a good partnership Clifford showed with photos of people partially ‘mooning’ everyone, attached to the window of a bus in anther city, to remind people a certain part of their anatomy needed to be regularly checked by your doctor.

Along that same line, another advertisement shows a lady pushing her head through a lifesaver with the caption Get Your Rear In Here, We Need To Take A Look.

CNC

Directors with the Regional District of FraserFort George re-elected Art Kaehn (Electoral Area E, Hixon-Woodpecker) as the chair and Dave Wilbur (City of Prince George) as vice-chair Thursday.

Kaehn has served as chair of the regional district since 2007. This is Wilbur’s second term as vice-chair.

TELUS CELLULAR EXPANSION In partnership with the province to improve cellular coverage, TELUS is proposing the construction of new radio communications installations along Highway 97 and Highway 16 East. The latest sites are located north and south of Summit Lake, as well as Dunster and Dome Creek, on the way to the Robson Valley Over the next three years, TELUS has plans to expand new wireless coverage along 1,700 kilometers of highways throughout the Province of British Columbia to improve the safety of highway travel.

HIGHWAY CROSSINGS The regional district will be writing a letter to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure after receiving a copy of a letter from the Hixon Community Association expressing concern about the lack of a safe highway crossing in the community. Directors shared information from other communities who share similar concerns for their communities including McBride, Valemount, Mackenzie, MacLeod Lake and Bear Lake.

De Ly nd a PILON/ Fre e Pre s s

Canadian Institute of Mining board members Jerome LaMarre (West Fraser Electro Mechanical), Glen Wonders (Allnorth), Ed Beswick (NWP Coal Canada), Christy Smith (Taseko Mines), Trent Bilodeau (Star West Petroleum) and Brent Marshall (Northland Auto Group), presented Randall Heidt of CNC with a $10,000 cheque, bringing CIM’s donations to the college to $40,000 to aid students interested in the mining industry.

HST REBATE The Salmon Valley Volunteer Fire Department is taking advantage of a rebate and saving big dollars. Back in 2009, the department financed its 2009 engine through the Scotia Bank for a five-year term ending in January 2014.

With the transition back to the GST and PST there is an opportunity for the fire department to save approximately $7,000 by exercising the early buy-out option and collecting the higher rebate available under the HST.

Thank you B.C. for digging safely in 2012 This year, more calls to BC One Call for natural gas pipeline information and safe digging practices resulted in fewer pipeline hits.

Make the right call BC One Call: 1-800-474-6886 FortisBC uses the FortisBC Energy name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (12-336.1 12/2012)

A6

Prince George - News - Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

■ HOLIDAYS

Rangers helps at Gateway Cadets will spread good cheer at facility DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com

With our wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Pat Bell

Shirley Bond

MLA Prince George-Mackenzie

MLA Prince George-Valemount

Central Street East Prince George, BC Toll

th Avenue Prince George, BC Toll

Pat.Bell.MLA@leg.bc.ca www.patbellmla.bc.ca

Shirley.Bond.MLA@leg.bc.ca www.shirleybondmla.bc.ca

Captain Wally McCue of the Rocky Mountain Rangers has a special task in mind for his cadets this week, one that mirrors an experience he had as a young RCMP officer that taught him more of the meaning of the season.

“I’m a Canadian officer of cadet corps,” McCue said. “Historically we helped other agencies in town with food hampers and setting up gifts at Christmas. I thought this year we might do something a little bit more personal for Christmas, something not so materialistic.”

When presenting the idea to his corps, McCue told his young cadets the story of what happened to him many years ago in another country.

As a young policemen McCue was on tour with the musical ride in the United States. He worked pretty much two weeks straight, right through much of the Christmas season. Then,

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on his only day off, he was told to get into his dress uniform and report to an old folks home in Pennsylvania, the state he was in at the time. He was given no direction whatsoever, just told to go and meet with the old folks.

“It was kind of a life changing experience for me,” McCue said. “Those old folds had no friends, no family left in that community. They were so thrilled to see someone in uniform, someone who’d take the time to sit with them, talk with them. Tears were streaming down their faces, they were so appreciative.”

McCue told the people who run Gateway Lodge his plan, and they thought this was a terrific idea.

He got in touch with his mom who lives in Victoria, and had her ship up some holly from her garden.

The holly will go into a bag along with a few chocolates, a candy-cane and a regimental car.

These bags will be given to a special section of people who live in Gateway.

“There’s about 15 in one section who have no one in world,” McCue said.

His 18 Rocky Mountain Rangers will spend some one on one time with them, pass out the bags and take the opportunity to talk and visit.

“I’ve told my Rangers that every walking person on the planet has a story to tell. This is the perfect time and an opportunity to spend time with people of another generation, and just give a little bit back of themselves.”

They will then get together as a group, gathering with the 50 or so residents who live at gateway.

“We’ll read some poetry with them and spend about an hour in half as group,” McCue said.

“It’s a good lesson, to learn the meaning of Christmas early. It’s no about the material things, it’s about giving.”

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■ POLITICS

SEASON’S GREETINGS

NDP candidate picked

DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com

Teresa MA LLA M/Free Press

A trio of handcrafted carolers greet visitors outside a resident’s door at the Prince George Chateau.

2012 Camry LE Lease payments of $278 for the 2012 Camry LE (BFIFLT-A) based on a 48 month walkaway lease with $2660 down. Lease rate of 2.9% OAC. Total lease obligations are $16,004*

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A7

Monday, December 24, 2012

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Sussanne Skidmore-Hewlett will be the NDP candidate in the Nechako Lake riding in the 2013 provincial election.

Hewlitt said it was not a traditional nomination meeting, with a slough of speeches as party members weighed in by vote, choosing their candidate for the area.

Rather the party used a mail-in ballot and a poll-in station.

“It was a poll so people in the riding could come and vote if they didn’t get a chance to send in their mail-in ballot. It’s a big riding and we wanted to make sure everyone had an opportunity to vote,” she said.

Skidmore-Hewlitt said she spent the day at the Fraser Lake library.

“It was really exciting, a great day and a close race. I’m really happy with the results.”

Skidmore-Hewlitt said one of the biggest issues in the area, besides the affect of the destruction of the Burns Lake mill, is the Northern Gateway pipeline.

“One of the biggest issues in that area is Enbridge, the environmental impact, the consultation process,” SkidmoreHewlett said. “I think the provincial government has a role to take in this. I think its really important the people in that district are heard.”

What she is hearing, SkidmoreHewlett said, is a lot of concern about the project.

“I’ve had chats with lots of people out there and have honestly not come across one person who is in favour of it.

The folks I’ve talked to are against the

pipeline going through their communities, their waterways.”

The results, she said, could be devastating.

“It’s not a matter of if a spill happens, it’s a matter of when a spill happens,” she said People are concerned about the environmental impacts.

Other concerns in the area are much the same as anywhere else in the province.

“There is trades training, post-secondary education, funding for health care,” Skidmore-Hewlett said.

She added the Burns Lake mill fire remains an issue.

“The loss of the Burns Lake mill is a huge issue, and the process that’s gone on there has really taken a toll on the community,” she said. “I think people overall just want things to be done fair and right, and if there was something done wrong it needs to be addressed.”

She will be running against incumbent Liberal MLA John Rustad and possibly other candidates.

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Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

Opinion

The Prince George Free Press, founded in 1994, is published every Wednesday and Friday in Prince George by Prince George Publication Limited Partnership. Contents copyright of Prince George Publication Limited Partnership.

www.pgfreepress.com

Media its own worst enemy O

ne of the major problems facing media today is that the rush to be first has usurped the rush to be correct.

There were a couple of instances of this recently that highlight why the media the architect of its own demise.

And yes, we are media, so we get tarred with the same brush.

However, we are striving to buck the trend here at the Free Press and deliver good quality news.

So what happened?

The world media last week got “suckered” by a bunch of students in Montreal. They, as a class assignment, were directed to create a “viral” video that was a hoax.

The students fabricated a video of an eagle swooping down, plucking a baby out of its stroller, and flying off with the toddler in tow.

Well, the media went nuts. The story was reported on virtually every major media outlet in the world … yes the world. It wasn’t just on CBC or in the National Post, the story was carried around the globe.

What did journalism do wrong?

No one did what most editors scream at reporters all the time (or at least they used to) and that is, “make the call.”

In the rush to get the story first, no one checked to see if the story was real. There is another old saying in this business: “If your mother tells you she loves you, get it corroborated.” In other words, find out the truth before you report it and the only way to find out the truth is to “make the call.”

The second instance of poor journalism happened right here in Prince George. It was reported on a local website recently that the trial for accused killer Cody Legebokoff would get underway September 9.

The story spread quickly and was soon on almost all the media around town.

Here at the Free Press, reporter Teresa Mallam was the only one in town to “make the call.”

She checked with Crown counsel to verify the facts of the story and discovered that a trial date for Legebokoff had, in fact, not be set. The September 9 date was, actually, for pre-trial applications. Pre-trial applications can be anything from an argument for a change of venue to a request for a publication ban.

It’s not the trial.

Sadly, we see, too often in the media today, that accuracy is casualty of expediency and that media will, also too often, rely on other media as a source of information.

If we make any resolution for the New Year here at the Free Press, it’s to be better than that.

Daily

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■ OPINION

Still time to shop It’s Christmas Eve. about gift giving, it was to find something useful.

Have you got your shopping done yet? Ah, She always said she would prefer a bar of soap there’s still some time. As per the above cartoon, rather than some fancy trinket. So, we usually got perhaps too many of us were counting her trinkets. on the end of the world last Friday to One of the best parts about Christmas get out and shop early. I heard of one Eve is examining the presents under the Writer’s end-of-the-world pizza party in town tree and trying to guess what they are.

Block where they were asking for cash, up One of the most intriguing presents I ever BILLPHILLIPS got, at least until I opened it, was from an front, for the pizza. Smart.

Of course there those of us for whom aunt and uncle when I was a kid. trudging through the mall the weekend before I must have checked that gift a thousand times Christmas is pretty much akin to an apocalyptic trying to figure out what it was. Through the wrapnightmare. ping I could ascertain that it was hard on side and That is exacerbated by the cruel ones among us soft on the other. For the life of me, I couldn’t guess who, with shopping done, simply go to the mall to what it was. wander aimlessly in front of those of us who were Christmas morning came it was the first present I counting on an actual apocalypse to get out of shop- wanted to open. Ripping the wrapping off I discovping. ered a hockey puck and a pair of socks. Sometimes To add insult to injury, that survival kit for it’s all in the anticipation. grandma somehow doesn’t have the same cachet it One year my parents went western for Christmas. did a week or so ago.

All of us kids got toy guns and cowboy hats. I was I suspect that the Mayans didn’t account for the probably about three years old at the time so I don’t Year 2000 glitch in their calendar and, thus, the calremember it at all. culations were off. The big question is … by how However, I have an old black and white photo much. Hey, don’t let a good disaster scenario die too myself, my brother, and my sister modeling our quickly. newfound western-ness in front of the tree. And, Suffice to say, though, that Santa will make his judging by the look on my face, it was pretty cool. rounds tonight and Earth will still be here tomorIt’s Christmas Eve, so hopefully you’re at home row for Christmas morning. trying to figure out what that spectacularlyGood thing too, otherwise those calendars I wrapped present for you is and not still trying to bought for everyone would not be a useful gift. “get a few things.”

If there was anything my mother drilled into me Have a merry Christmas.

Circulation Manager: Lana Metz Email: circulation@pgfreepress.com.............250-564-0504

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This Prince George Free Press 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 within 45 days 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 * Based on Stats Canada average of 2.2 person per household. ** CCAB Audit March 2009.

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Monday, December 24, 2012

Viewpoints

A9

The Prince George Free Press

welcomes letters from our readers.

Send submissions to 1773 South Lyon Street, Prince George, B.C. V2N 1T3. e-mail - editor@pgfreepress.com

www.pgfreepress.com

Bowman delivers ‘quantum of confusion’ Editor: I would like to respond to the opinion of Victor Bowman.

Your column caused me a considerable quantum of confusion. First you say “the fuss created is way out of proportion to the act,” then you say “the practical joke is just another form of bullying.”

In this case, the joke (aka act of bullying) resulted in a death. There was another recent event in the news in which an act of bullying also led to a death. Both of these involved public humiliation and derision of a certain degree, and yet you apparently deem the preceding particulars to their predicament to be “trivial drivel.”

I dare say that the people affected by these events would deem them of much greater importance.

You say “emotional pain can often be much more harmful than physical pain,” and “emotional pain erodes an individual’s self-confidence and can have a lifelong negative affect on them.”

So, I’m wondering how you reconcile any fuss created from an act of bullying to be out of proportion since these people experienced all these things to an extent that they are no longer alive.

Laura Hildebrandt Prince George

HELPING OUT

A lla n W ISHA RT/ Fre e Pre s s

Grant Bachand, left, of the Society for Business Program Students and Nicole Emsky of the CNC Students’ Union work to fill the wooden sleigh in the Atrium with toys to be donated to the Elizaebeth Fry Society. The latest selection came as the result of a buying trip made possible by a cash donation from CUPE Local 4951 at the school.

Are school shooting linked to absence of prayer?

Editor: Just a thought ... School shootings were at a minimum worldwide prior to the 1990s with one or four shootings from the early 1900s to the very late 1980s in Canada, Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia (Not including the U.S.).

This is about the time in which people started to argue against National Anthems and The Lord’s Prayer before commencing class in the mornings.

In Canada there were four school shootings prior to 1989 in 87 years. Since 1989 in Canada there have been seven school shootings up to 2010 in only 21 years. In Europe from 1913 to 1983 there were four school shootings in 70 years.

From 1989 to 2012 there have been 16 school shootings in only 23 years. In the United States prior to the 1960s when prayer was deemed unconstitutional by the courts they suffered one school shooting in 1927 and since prayer was deemed unconstitutional in the 1960s, from 1966 to 2012 there have been well over 70 school shootings.

That’s one school shooting in 39 years to over 70 school shootings in 46 years. Right around the time the United States Supreme courts deemed prayer in schools and at school events ‘unconstitutional,’ and let’s not forget in the United States it is a constitutional right to bear firearms; it was in 1927 and still is today. Perhaps it’s high time we as a community start reviewing the facts.

Some food for thought. I am eighth generation Lebanese, Scottish and Irish on my mother’s side, when I asked one of my great aunts why we were not taught our home language and customs, she responded in kind “because our family came here to be Canadians, not to be Lebanese.”

Yes we are a great multicultural country with many great people, religions and customs, and yes every person should have the freedom to practice their own, but what happened to my rights and customs as a native born Canadian? When in Rome...

God bless, and I wish you all a very merry Christmas.

Steven A. McBeth Prince George

Free Press reserves the right to reject unsigned letters. Letters are edited for brevity, legality and taste. Contact Editor Bill Phillips, 250-564-0005

Coffee with a reporter Stories come to reporters in a variety of ways. News releases, press conferences and phone calls are some.

Sometimes you might think whatever story you have in mind isn’t worth a phone call or visit to the newspaper’s office, but is it worth a cup of coffee?

Reporter DeLynda Pilon would like the chance to hear what you have to say so every Friday at 11 a.m. she will be having a coffee break at Zoe’s Java House at 1251 Fourth Ave., and is hoping you will drop by to chat. Or just stop in and introduce yourself.

11:00 am Fridays at Zoe’s Java House at 1251 - 4th Avenue

DELYNDAPILON

A10

Prince George - News - Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

■ OTTAWA

Medical marijuana laws

May this Christmas season

Licence-holders not able to grow their own

fill your home with joy, your heart with

KEVIN DIAKIW Black Press

love and your life

The federal government is poised to eliminate licensed medical with laughter. marijuana grow-ops in homes that have long been criticized over safety concerns and connections to the illegal drug trade.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced Sunday a planned shift to a new system of federally regulated commercial producers of medical pot who will supply authorized users who have a prescription from their doctor.

“Under our new rule, only facilities that meet strict security requirements will be able to produce mari- Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq. juana for medical purposes,” Aglukkaq told a press conThe Fire Chiefs Association of ference in Maple Ridge on Sunday.

B.C. (FCABC) said the change will 2366 Westwood Dr. 250-563-2695 The new system – which also ends improve safety in residential neighgovernment production of medical bourhoods. pot – is expected to “The fire service across Canada come at a sharply has been raising the alarm about from everyone at higher price for the fire and safety risks associated the nearly 26,000 with growing marijuana indoors users authorized for many years,” said FCABC Prespossess medical ident Len Garis, who is also SurCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT to marijuana. rey’s fire chief. “We applaud the Local authorities government for taking action on have argued most this issue.” medical pot home Garis stressed that the fire service growers are pro- has never been concerned about ducing far more the use of marijuana for medical plants than they purposes. require, suggest“Our focus is on how medical ing rampant abuse marijuana is grown,” he said. “The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program of the program by fact is, medical marijuana has typiThis program is for those who need a little more guidance with the business plan development stage. We help under-employed Aboriginal licensees selling cally been grown in a residential individuals create employment for themselves. Upon succesful completion, into the illicit mar- setting, which is not suitable or clients receive an incentive that they can contribute to start-up costs or to ket. safe for growing marijuana.” leverage additional financing Angelique’s “The high value Under the previous regulations, Native Arts Financial Literacy Workshops of marijuana on medical marijuana grow opera“2005 Community The two day workshops cover topics such as assets, budgeting, consumerism, the illicit market tions operated without their local Arts Council’s Arts credit and banking. Day one covers financial literacy and spending plans, Gallery of Honor Award” increases the risk municipal government’s knowlplanning, goals, payday loans and high interest loans, banking and banking of home inva- edge or approval, and were not regulations, reconciling your bank statements, signing loan agreements and amortization sheets. sions,” Aglukkaq subject to health, fire, building or Day two covers tracking weekly and monthly expenses, planning and saving for noted.

“These plumbing inspections. expected yearly expenses (vehicle, school, holiday, etc.), costing out goals, as a production operaResearch indicates that both family discussing household, clothing, entertainment expenses and income, what tions can also pres- criminal and medical residential is debt, what is credit, how to deal with creditors and how to repair credit. ent fire and toxic marijuana grow operations result Saving Circle mould hazards.” in similar health, fire and safety Saving Circle is a free matched savings program offering low-income people the

ABORIGINAL BUSINESS & CENTRE

We’re involved in the community because we care

opportunity to save towards required equity and gain money management skills.

Information: 250-562-6325 www.abdc.bc.ca admin@abdc.bc.ca

Aboriginal Business & Community Development Centre

hazards associated with unsafe electrical work, structural changes and excessive moisture.

Taking marijuana production out of homes and into a licensed commercial environment is a step in the right direction, Garis said.

“We are happy to see Health Canada commit to inspecting and auditing medical marijuana producers to make sure they comply with all regulatory requirements,” he said.

“We would like to see them take a further step and ensure that all previous residential growing sites are remediated, and that future buyers are made aware that these homes were previously used to grow marijuana.”

The federal Ministry of Health said it intends to implement the system by March 31, 2014, at which point all current licences to possess or produce pot would expire.

The government is holding a 75-day comment period for the public to give feedback on the proposal (at http://bit.ly/U4xtqi), which will end on Feb. 28, 2013.

The details of the new regulations are available on the ministry’s website (http://bit.ly/SFDUlX).

– with files from Jeff Nagel and CTV News

More Than Just PG AQUATICS

HOLIDAY HOURS

3845 - 15th Avenue, Prince George, BC

ACTION IS THE KEY

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Aboriginal Business & Community Development Centre is here to meet the individualized approach needed to assist Aboriginal entrepreneurs with developing their business ideas. We have assisted over 1,600 clients since inception.

Self-Employment Assistance Services • Business ideas • Market research • Start-ups • Acquiring financing • Mentoring • After-care services

The Prince George Aquatic Centre will be CLOSED on December 24th at 2pm, CLOSED all day December 25th & December 26th, CLOSED December 31st at 7pm and OPEN Jan 1st from 11:30am - 5:30pm.

Visit www.princegeorge.ca Four Seasons Leisure Pool • 250-561-7636 • 775 Dominion Street ~ Aquatic Centre • 250-561-7787 • 1770 George Paul Lane www.princegeorge.ca

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Monday, December 24, 2012

A11

COLUMN: A time to reflect on 2012 and look ahead to 2013 A12 The PGSS Polars had a reason to celebrate at CN Centre on Friday A13

Sports ALISTAIR MCINNIS 250-564-0005 sports@pgfreepress.com

www.pgfreepress.com ■ HIGH SCHOOL

Eagle soaring to new heights in basketball Cedars Christian School’s Kayla Gordon commits to Trinity Western Spartans ALISTAIR MCINNIS sports@pgfreepress.com

Kayla Gordon’s relationship with basketball has opened a lot of doors.

The Cedars Christian School Grade 12 student will take her biggest step in 2013. On track to complete high school in June, she’s already landed a spot on a Canadian Interuniversity Sport roster.

Gordon, 17, has reached a scholarship agreement with the Trinity Western Spartans in Langley. She committed to the Spartans after a university tour in October.

Although UNBC was also in pursuit of her services, Gordon notes that a few key factors gave Trinity the edge. While the option to stay home was tempting and would’ve been more affordable, Gordon is excited about moving away and living in a different city.

There’s also the corporate communications program she’s entering.

“I kind of chose the education, UNBC doesn’t really offer what I wanted to take,” Gordon says. “That’s kind of why I chose Trinity, and I just like the Christian school. I really like the head coach’s values and just the whole idea of how she wanted to build culture into her team and I thought that really fit well into her program.”

While she’s comfortable with her decision, Gordon expressed gratitude towards the support provided by Timberwolves head coach Loralyn Murdoch.

“It was hard because she’s put so much into me as a player, just

A lis ta ir M cINNIS/ Fre e Pre s s

Cedars Christian Eagles forward Kayla Gordon dribbles the ball up the floor during the Condor Classic, Thursday at Duchess Park Secondary. training me since I was young, like 12, so I totally have so much respect for her as a coach. It was a hard decision to chose Trinity over UNBC, but I’m happy with my decision.”

The Spartans are coached by Cheryl Jean Paul, who’s into her third season guiding the team.

Although they’ve struggled in starting 2-8 this season, the Spartans finished a respectable 8-10 in 2011-12.

With her last high school volleyball season behind her, Gordon began her final basketball season with the Cedars Christian Eagles this month. They were one of eight teams in the girls draw of the Condor Classic, held Thursday and Friday at Duchess Park Secondary.

This is another important season for the Eagles. For the second year in a row, they’ll host the B.C. high school girls basket-

ball single-A provincial championships at the Northern Sport Centre on the UNBC campus.

The 2013 tournament, sponsored

by Powerhouse Realty and BK Two-Way Radio, is scheduled for March 6 to 9.

In the 2012 provincials at the NSC, Cedars finished runner-up to the Houston Christian Wildcats, falling short by an 80-63 score in the final. It marked the second consecutive year the

Wildcats topped the Eagles in the championship game, also capturing the 2011 title at Sparwood Secondary School.

But the defending champions have fallen off the map. The Wildcats lost a graduating core led by 6-foot-6 centre Ruth Hamblin, now a rookie on the NCAA Division 1 Oregon State Beavers.

They entered the 2012-13 school year unsure they’d even have enough players to form a team.

As for the Eagles, they lost guard Janene Giesbrech to graduation, but have the majority of their players back in uniform.

That also bodes well for their quest to repeat as City League champions. They defeated the Duchess Park Condors 87-59 in last year’s City final.

For Gordon, a first-team allstar in each of the last two provincials, winning a B.C. championship banner at home would be a storybook ending to high school basketball.

“We really have a good chance, I think, this year with Houston Christian not in the mix,” she says. “Unless some team comes out of nowhere, if we work hard, I have a feeling that we’ll have a great chance at winning this year.”

They’ll also have targets on their backs. The Dec. 19 rankings had the Eagles atop the single-A leaderboard, making them early favourites to win the B.C. singleA title.

“They base it on last year and then returning players, and we’re pleased with it, and there’s a responsibility that goes along with it,” Eagles head coach Al MacDonald says. “We want to follow Houston’s footsteps.”

Cariboo Cougars returning to the Mac’s Tournament ALISTAIR MCINNIS sports@pgfreepress.com

Only the top midget programs compete in the Mac’s Tournament.

Therefore, receiving an invite is an accomplishment. For the Cariboo Cougars, it’s an honour they’ve been receiving annually.

With more success, comes higher expectations. For this program, the bar has been raised. They aren’t only heading to Calgary to experience the tournament, they want to advance to the playoff round and challenge for the trophy.

“We’ve always had an above .500 record there. But at the same time, .500 is not good enough,” Cariboo head coach Trevor Sprague says. “You’ve got to win all of your games.”

The Cougars will compete in Pool 2 with the Calgary Northstars, Edmonton South Side Athletic Club BP Athletics, Prince Albert Mintos and Winnipeg Wild. The Wild represent the Cougars’ first opponent, the teams scheduled to play on Thursday at 10:45 a.m. (11:45 a.m. Mountain).

The Cougars will resume their schedule on Friday against the Northstars. After

meeting Prince Albert on Saturday, they’ll conclude their schedule on Sunday against the Athletics.

The Cougars haven’t looked out of place in the event, realizing the fine line separating champions from the rest of the pack.

While they finished 2-2 in the 2011 tournament, they outscored the opposition 16-10 in four games.

Returning players Nathan Warren and Logan Styler travelled with the Cariboo team to Calgary for last year’s Mac’s Tournament. They’re hopeful they will see a better outcome this year.

“I think we need to put up a good fight

this year,” says Warren, the team’s starting goalie. “I don’t know how the Alberta teams stack up against us, but we should be a pretty strong team like every other year at the Mac’s. We should do pretty well.”

Styler, a forward, believes they need to compete at least as hard as they did in their latest league game. If they show the type of effort they displayed in a 4-0 win over the B.C. Major Midget League leading Vancouver North West Giants at the Coliseum on Dec. 16, they’ll have a turn to PAGE A14

A12

Prince George - Sports - Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

■ COLUMN

This holiday season is different than past years We’re doing things never really anything a little different at the normal when you work Free Press this holiday in media. However, this season. holiday season is parIn the past, we’ve ticularly different than used two issues for past Decembers.

Year-in-Review stories.

One aspect that really We’re using one edition stuck out is the press of the Free Press to look deadlines. I actually back on 2012. typed this column on Part Thursday, of the which ULL reason is would OURT timing. normally With this be a day RESS issue a off for ALISTAIR MCINNIS me. I typiChristmas Eve edition, we’ve cally work a Saturday decided to focus on to Wednesday work pre-Christmas stories. week.

In my case, I’ve also But since this issue used it to preview went to press on Friday some sports events this afternoon, I worked weekend. on my normal days The Prince George off. We’ll have another Cougars have a trio Friday press deadline of Western Hockey a second time this League games, while month, as the Jan. 2 the UNBC basketball issue goes to press this teams are scheduled to Friday. hit the floor for exhibiReasoning behind tion games. the early press deadYes, there’s still that lines is that Christmas dreadful first issue of and New Year’s Day 2013. But we’re taking fall on Tuesdays this a different approach to year. Having a Monday it this year. That issue rather than a Wedneswill focus on some day issue this week, stories to look out for in addition to a Jan. 2 in 2013. issue that goes to press Some journalists the week before, betwould say that there’s ter fits the schedules

F C P

A lis ta ir M cINNIS/ Fre e Pre s s

After toys and toques get cleared, Rowdy Cat leads a group of volunteers off the ice during the Prince George Cougars’ Teddy Bear and Toque Toss game on Dec. 16. Although other sports groups won’t see any games until the new year, the Cougars are back in action this weekend. They’ll hit the road to meet the Victoria Royals in a doubleheader on Friday and Saturday, before visiting the Vancouver Giants on Sunday. of everybody involved and allows us to take some much needed extra time off.

Anybody who works in the newspaper industry knows how different the schedules are. The editorial department, advertis-

X CROSSWORD

PUZZLE NO. 644

Copyright ©, Penny Press

ACROSS 1.”On My ____” 4. Complexion affliction 8. Snatch 12.Rival 13.Train sound 14.Like a certain fish 15.Infant’s problem 17.Chimney clogger 18.Doctor or chart 19.Spruce, e.g.

20.Bundle of cotton 23.Peeled 27.Friend’s opposite 29.Fleecy female 30.Zone or table 33.Picnic intruder 34.Strangely

36.‘20s car 37.Gathered 38.Apparatus 39.Beach discovery 41.Made level 44.Not at work 45.Realtor’s measure 47.Kind 49.Penny or dime 50.Looked over again 55.Waiter’s handout 56.Makes angry 57.Dried grass 58.On ____ (tense) 59.Cheeky 60.Valuable rock

DOWN 1. Frequently, to a bard

2. ____ is me!

3. Named before marriage 4. Painful 5. Leader 6. Convent member 7. Breakfast food 8. “Beau ____” 9. Requested again 10.Medicinal plant 11.Computer unit 16. Abound 20. Rafter 21. Ms. Bancroft 22.Calligraphy, e.g.

24.Shelf of rock 25.Hole punch 26.Lock openers 28.Yesteryear

31.Foster role 32.Distribute 35.Commotion 40.Outdoor trek 42.Place 43.Underwater worker 45.Pinnacle 46.Sorority member 48.Grocery reminder 50.Split 51.Earlier than, in poems 52.“____ Will Buy?” 53.Play it by ____ 54.Change the color of Answers can be found in the classifieds.

ing reps and those working at the press all deal with different deadlines.

On top of that, we had a supplement to complete this month.

The next Northern Report comes out on Friday.

YEAR-IN-REVIEW With only one Yearin-Review issue, I’ve decided that a change to the sports section is in order.

No top-10 stories or top-10 personalities this time around. Instead I’ll highlight teams,

tournaments, performances, records and games.

My plan is to keep those stories short, and fill the section with photos. Sidebars as well, perhaps. I wouldn’t call myself an InDesign expert, but I’ll

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see what I can do.

It can be stressful, no doubt. But I also enjoy putting together the Year-in-Review issues, pulling out some file photos and relieving the highlights.

You can also expect an entertaining piece from our weekly sports columnist, 94XFM sports director Hartley Miller.

Feel free to let me know what you think.

CHRISTMAS It’s that most wonderful time of the year.

The holiday season is also one of the busiest and most stressful. My hope is that all of us who had a lot of loose ends to tie this month can relax and enjoy Christmas.

My childhood years long behind me, I’ve grown to appreciate Christmas not for opening presents and playing with new toys. The holiday is important for being with loved ones and appreciating what you have.

Even as adults, we can lose sight of life’s values during our hectic day-to-day lifestyles.

Much more important to me than material possessions is the break from work, and spending time with family. I also enjoy living in a city where a white Christmas is almost a guarantee.

To my family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances, have a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a safe holiday season.

Prince George - Sports - Free Press

www.pgfreepress.com

Monday, December 24, 2012

A13

■ HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY

Polars celebrate OT win over Cougars in Spirit Game The PGSS Polars won a thriller at CN Centre on Friday.

In the 10th annual Spirit of Hockey and Community Cup game,

the Polars edged the College Heights Cougars 7-6 in overtime.

Polars forward Isaiah Berra scored the game winner in the

extra session. Isaiah Berra skates for the Coast Inn of the North Midget Tier 1 Cougars.

The Cougars are four

wins behind in the overall series, PGSS having won seven of the 10 games.

Commonly known as the Spirit Game, the

event has turned into a tradition for students of the two schools.

The game of hockey is used to promote school spirit and the

spirit of giving. College Heights Secondary collected funds for the Salvation Army while PGSS picked up food for the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

Both schools and their feeder schools have worked together collecting gloves, toques and socks for those in need.

The Polars entered

this year’s contest riding a three-game winning streak in the series. They hammered the Cougars 11-3 in the 2011 game.

Organizer and Polars coach Renzo Berra cofounded the event with Nevio Rossi in 2003.

On top of the on-ice action, the event featured entertainment at the intermission.

s cate orts Sp lide as & G istm ide ry Chr Str StrideMer & Gl cates ide Sp Merry or ts Chris tmas St r id e Me & G St r ry li ca ri Ch de tes d r is Sp M e& o tm er r G as r ts y C lid ca hr e S tes istm p as or ts

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Gift Certificates Snow Shoe Children & Adult Ski Packages Available! Sales, Rentals and Service

Stride & Glide A listair McINNIS / Fre e Pre s s

Members of the PGSS Polars celebrate their 7-6 overtime victory over the College Heights Cougars in the 2012 Spirit of Hockey and Community Cup game, Friday afternoon at CN Centre.

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Literacy Art Calendars are a joint fundraiser between the Prince George Public Library and the Community Arts Council. 100% of proceeds are shared between these two groups. The calendars feature local luminaries like MLA and Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond, UNBC President Dr. George Iwama and former Mayor Colin Kinsley (and many more) with their faces painted as works of art by local artists. All the painted figures have literary themes and are quite striking to look at. These limited edition calendars are $25 and can be purchased from both branches of the public library, Studio 2880, UNBC Bookstore, Hubbell Jewellers, the Citizen newspaper, Direct Art, University Hospital library and the Prince George Chamber of Commerce.

A14

Prince George - Sports - Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

www.simsgroup.ca

Wishing you a joyous Holiday Season and a most prosperous and healthy New Year Cariboo Cougars forward Liam Blackburn attempts to cut around a Vancouver North West Giants player during their BC Hockey Major Midget League game on Dec. 16 at the Coliseum. The Cougars blanked the Giants 4-0 in the contest, their last league game until 2013.

7961 Otway Road, Prince George, BC V2M 7B4 250-564-9011 1-877-564-9011

Wishing you a safe and Happy Holiday season!

A lis ta ir M cINNIS/ Fre e Pre s s

■ MAC’S TOURNAMENT

Cougars leave on Tuesday from PAGE A11

FUN AND ADVENTURE 988 GREAT STREET, PRINCE GEORGE B.C., V2N 5R7 www.forestpowersports.com

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legitimate chance of winning the Mac’s title.

“Once we outplay the team and everybody shows their attributes and commits to the coaches’ systems, we can pretty much beat any team we want to,” Styler says. “Hopefully we can just all gel again at the Mac’s Tournament and hopefully we’ll have good success there too.”

Twenty-five male teams will compete for the title, with Pool 2 one of five groups. The five divisional winners and three wildcards will advance to the playoffs.

Quarterfinals and semifinals are scheduled for Dec. 31. The championship game will take place Jan. 1, 5 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Cougars leave for the Mac’s Tournament on Christmas morning, Tuesday.

“This is our playoff time right

now. It’s playoffs,” Sprague says.

NOTES: ALUMNI GAME – After taking a holiday break, players reconnected for the Cariboo Cougars’ alumni game. This year’s team was scheduled to face-off against ex-Cats in a friendly game, Sunday at CN Centre.

ALL-STARS – Warren is one of six Cariboo players who has been selected to represent the league at the 2013 BCMML AllStar Game. The event is scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Langley Events Centre.

Other Cougars invited to participate are forwards Liam Blackburn, Braiden Epp and Ryan Forbes, as well as defencemen Nick Headrick and Stephen Penner.

LEAGUE – After returning from the Mac’s Tournament, the Cougars will resume their regular season on Jan. 5 at CN Centre, when they open a doubleheader against the Valley West Hawks.

With 24 of 40 regular-season games complete, the Cougars sit third in the 11-team league with an 18-6 record.

FEMALE There will be another Cougars team from Prince George competing in the Mac’s Tournament.

The B.C. Female Midget AAA League’s Cougars will also hit the ice in Calgary this week.

The Cougars are listed in Pool 7 with the Highwood Raiders of Okotoks, Saskatoon Stars, St. Albert Slash and Fraser Valley Phantom.

The Cougars, who play in the five-team B.C. Female Midget AAA League, open their schedule on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

(11:30 a.m. Mountain) against the Raiders. They’ll also meet St. Albert on Friday, Fraser Valley on Saturday and Saskatoon on Sunday.

Semifinals are on Dec. 31, with the championship game on Jan. 1.

The staff at Huber Equipment would like to wish you a

Merry Christmas May all your holiday wishes come true

14370 Upper Mud River Road, Prince George, BC

250.560.5431

HUBER EQUIPMENT

3187 Tatlow Road, Smithers, BC

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Prince George - Sports - Free Press

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Monday, December 24, 2012

A15

■ SPORTS BRIEFS

Cougars resume WHL regular season on the road The Prince George Cougars won’t have a lot of time to relax

after Christmas.

They haven’t played a Western

Alist air Mc I NNIS/Free Press

Prince George Cougars defenceman Dallas Ehrhardt tries slowing down Vancouver Giants forward Kale Kessy during their Western Hockey League game on Dec. 16 at CN Centre.

The Cougars edged the Giants 2-1 in the contest.

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It’s not only hockey teams from the area returning to action.

The UNBC Timberwolves will close out their 2012 basketball schedule with some exhibition action.

The UNBC men’s team will hit the hardwood at the University of Winnipeg. They’ve entered the Wesmen Classic, an eight-team university tournament that runs from Friday to Sunday.

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On the women’s side, the Timberwolves will play exhibition games against PacWest teams in the Lower Mainland this weekend.

The Timberwolves are into their holiday break from the Canada West Universities Athletic Association 2012-13 regular season.

The men sport a 5-5 mark, while the women are 3-7. They resume their Canada West schedule on Jan. 11 at Regina.

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Hockey League game since Dec. 16. But with their holiday break winding down, they’ll reconnect this week.

The new year won’t come before the Cougars return to the ice for regular season action.

They’re on the road this weekend for a trio of games. After meeting the Victoria Royals in a doubleheader on Friday and Saturday, they’ll take a ferry to the Lower Mainland for a game against the Vancouver Giants on Sunday.

The Cougars sport a record of 12 wins, 18 losses, one overtime setback and three shootout defeats (12-18-1-3). They’re tied with the Everett Silvertips (13-22-0-2) for eighth in the 10-team Western Conference. The Cougars have three games in hand.

The Royals, sixth in the conference, carry a 17-14-0-2 mark into Friday’s game.

The Giants sit last in the 22-team league at 9-25-0-0.

Starting the new year at home, the Cougars welcome the Kelowna Rockets to town with a CN Centre doubleheader on Jan. 4 and 5.

The Cougars won’t have forward Carson Bolduc or assistant coach Jason Becker this weekend. Bolduc was named to the Team Pacific roster for the 2013 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Becker will guide the

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A16 Monday, December 24, 2012

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Monday, December 24, 2012

B1

CHRISTMAS: Sharing some very special memories B2

Community

Jean Barman condenses 150 years of B.C. into one book A21

TERESA MALLAM 250-564-0005 arts@pgfreepress.com

www.pgfreepress.com

Fostering a growing family

TERESA MALLAM arts@pgfreepress.com

The residential house looks like many others on the snow-lined street except for one thing. Outside it has a long ramp. Inside there is an elevator. It was those kind of features that Janine and David Horton looked for when deciding on a new home for their growing family which includes two foster children.

Both in their 20s, Janine and David are raising foster siblings, a boy and a girl, in addition to their own oneyear-old twins. The boy has special needs. The Hortons feel both blessed and challenged with daily feeding schedules, playtime – there are more children’s than adult toys in the living room – and appointments but they happily took on fostering in 2008 with their eyes wide open.

“We were having fertility issues so we started talking about adoption. Then we heard about [the need for] fostering,” said David, a program director for Ness Bible Camp.

Things happened just a little sooner than they expected. Less than six weeks after expressing their interest in fostering to the Ministry of Children and Families, the Hortons were presented with an infant to care for.

“We didn’t have the usual nine months in which to get used to the idea of having a baby. We were thrown into parenthood quite quickly. When we got him, that was actually the first time I’d held a baby in my arms – and the first one I ever changed diapers on,” he says, laughing.

That’s because Janine, a licensed practical nurse, was putting in her final two shifts in at work and David was the designated caregiver. Now she is home with the children.

“It was a very fast learning curve,” agrees Janine.

However, getting to foster the siblings from infancy has also meant that the couple could follow all of their developmental stages. It also means they have developed a close bond.

“They always tell you in fostering that you need to ‘guard your heart’ because you may not have the children with you forever but at the same time you have to show them love. You have to know how to draw that line. We are hoping this will be for the long term but if it isn’t then our own heart break in losing them is nothing compared to the feelings these kids have to cope with when they don’t have a stable home environment or a get a good start in life.”

Last year, the Hortons became proud parents of twins.

“We are happy that all our children (foster and natural) will hopefully grow up together and really know each other,” says Janine. She wouldn’t change their decision to foster. It takes love and time – not a big house and money – to make a big difference in a child’s life, she says.

“Every fostering situation is different because every foster child has a different background and set of circumstances. For us it has been a very rewarding experience.

People often ask us about fostering and I try to give them as much information as I can. I want to encourage them Te re s a M A LLA M / Fre e Pre s s because there are still so many children out there who Janine and David Horton are foster parents to two young children who they are raising along with their need good homes. own twins born last year.

B2

Prince George - Community - Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

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The magic of Christmas brings peace and happiness.

May you be surrounded by those you love this holiday season.

Te re s a M A LLA M / Fre e Pre s s

Rosel and Wilf Vogt celebrate their first Christmas season in the Prince George Chateau.

Christmas memories TERESA MALLAM arts@pgfreepress.com

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Together for nearly six decades, the couple arrived here with their young daughter in 1957.

This year, they made the decision to move out of their house and into the Prince George Chateau. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This will be our first Christmas in our new place,â&#x20AC;? said Wilf, 81. Ben has a part-time job working as a chef in the Chateau kitchen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he may come by his culinary talents naturally. For 20 years, the Vogts owned a popular local restaurant, Roselâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, before getting into the bed and breakfast industry. A common thread in the two businesses, they say, is a love of meeting people and making new friends from around the world.

They have found memories of special guests. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a young man from Calgary who was here to play in the local orchestra and he told us heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never put a decoration on a tree,â&#x20AC;? said Rosel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So he made an ornament, and I remember that it was a wooden star with tinsel wrapped around it, and he put it on the tree.â&#x20AC;?

The couple also took part in a foreign exchange program â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had Chinese students and my son later on had people staying who were from Germany, Finland, Peru, all over. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very enriching experience sharing cultures with people and we enjoyed hearing what they did in their own native countries at Christmastime.â&#x20AC;?

The couple has four children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and they still hear from people who have stayed with them either at the bed and breakfast or with the exchange program.

Rosel finds the holiday season too commercialized for her taste and it would be fun, she says, to return to making handcrafted gifts for friends and family. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We used to crochet or knit our Christmas gifts but that seems to be a thing of the past,â&#x20AC;? she said. The holiday season does mean that they can celebrate the traditions of both their native Germany and their adopted home in Canada.

Years ago, the family used to spend time at the lake where the would spend the day snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On Christmas Eve at our house we usually sing carols and open our presents,â&#x20AC;? says Rosel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leaves the children free to spend Christmas Day with the other side of their family â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and they like getting to open their presents.

In Germany, we used to have candles on the tree, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do that anymore (because of the fire hazard) but when we sit down for our Christmas dinner, we have a single candle burning at each place setting. We turn off the lights and â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for the little ones especially â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magical.â&#x20AC;?

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Prince George - Community - Free Press

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Monday, December 24, 2012

A true sporting legacy in Prince George

In 2004 when the Scott Tournament of Hearts left a legacy with the Prince George Community Foundation, the designation was to promote curling in the region.

Five years later with the Road to the Roar Pre-Olympic Curl-

ing Trials held in the city a second legacy fund was set up to support a similar cause. With both these funds in the position to grant, it was a natural fit when the Junior Curling program in conjunction with Active

CURVES TREE

Support Against Poverty made application for funds through the TrueSport program. They have partnered to expand the current curling program to include 10 additional spots for youth who would otherwise not be able to afford registration for this sport.

Combined, the program will see more than 70 young people learn the sport of curling and all they will need to supply is a pair of shoes. Equipment for the program such as brooms and sliders, along with a variety of other equipment to improve players skills and ability to learn the sport will be purchased and will last for many seasons.

Equipment to promote wheelchair curling and blind sport curling will also be included.

“We were happy to be able to work with these groups to put together funding to promote a sport that is highly supported in Prince George” said Judy Neiser, Executive Director for the Prince George Community Foundation in a press release.

In total junior curling will see $4,000

from TrueSport, and an additional $3,000 from the curling legacy funds held with the P.G. Community Foundation. This will go to fund new equipment. coaching time and ice facilities are donations in-kind through the Prince George Curling Club, which will make for a total program worth more than $17,000.

“This is the first year we have applied for the TrueSport grants and this is the second of the six programs chosen to advance to the implementation stage. In total we will see over $70,000 worth of funding at work in the community from the initial grant of $18,000 that we have received from True

Sport., which has received their funding through the JW McConnell Foundation.

“Because the program operates on the premise of Asset Based Community Development, TrueSport asks that we look within our community to see what we have in the way of facilities, equipment, expertise and manpower available. It stretches available dollars with in-kind support to make our granting dollars go further.”

At the heart of True Sport is a simple idea … good sport can make a great difference.

For more information and to join True Sport visit www. truesport.ca

P en n y BR OWN/Free Press

Each year members of the Curves Gym decorate the club Christmas tree with donated hats, mitts, socks, and scarves for the Salvation Army. This year, much-needed food is part of the donation. Employee Elaine Wingfield was the driving force behind the club’s charities. Sadly, she passed away Friday, December 14. Although this is Elaine’s last tree, the tradition will continue.

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B3

We wish you a joyous Holiday Season & a Happy New Year!

On behalf of Canfor and Canfor Pulp, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy and Safe Holiday. This Holiday Season, like all others, we will be making a donation to your local food bank.

Don Kayne President and CEO Canfor CEO Canfor Pulp

B4

Monday, December 24, 2012

Prince George - Community - Free Press

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Daily

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OUTSTANDING JOURNALISM AND INSIGHT From an editorial team with over 100 years combined experience reporting local community news.

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TERESA MALLAM ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Prince George - Community - Free Press

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Call for banner submissions Two Rivers Gallery in partnership with the City of Prince George invites artists and designers to submit entries for the 2013 Street Banner Project.

Entrants may submit up to three entries for a juried competition in which banner designs will be selected and up to eight successful designs will be digitally printed on high-quality outdoor banners displayed across the city.

Street banner locations may include Third Ave., Civic Plaza Rd., Civic Plaza, 15th Ave. (Carney to the Bypass) and CN Centre. Each design will use a maximum of four colours (plus white) chosen from a designated palette of six

possible colours.

Programming manager Carolyn Homes says that colours should be “full intensity” because natural light will filter through them, lightening them by several shades.

Banners must reflect a positive image of Prince George.

Themes may include active living and recreation, people and community, culture and nature.

Banners will be up for almost two years in all seasons. Individuals with winning designs will receive $500 for each design selected. Each artist

Trio set to perform The 28th Festival D’Hiver Francofun Winter Festival gets underway Saturday, Jan. 26 with a grand opening show in collaboration with Coldsnap at the Ramada Hotel.

Entertainment will be provided by the dynamic Yves Lambert Trio.

Tickets are on sale at Le Cercle with discount price for members.

Yves Lambert was one of the founding members of La Bottine Souriante.

For 26 years he was a major figure in the band made famous in Quebec and internationally. Lambert was among the most influential players in the roots Quebecer revival and was known for his unique ability to translate anecdotal, poetic or political texts into songs. His work as a songwriter and his capacity to create unique musical moods make

him a key figure in folk music production.

He’s played a leading role in Quebec’s cultural heritage.

In 2010, he formed the Yves Lambert Trio. The group showcases the unique connection between maturity and youth by creating a new world of poetry and celebration. Lambert’s charisma and talent, coupled with Tommy Gauthier and Olivier Rondeau’s virtuosity and passion, the nuances of their arrangements and their distinct harmony make this trio one-of-akind musical experience.

The trio revives undiscovered songs and add their own brand of energy, multicultural ambiance and colourful sounds so that the Yves Lambert Trio has a sound all their own.

Babine workers get training

Babine Forest Product workers will have an opportunity to gain skills for apprenticeships for free at CNC’s Burns Lake campus, thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Industry Training Authority (ITA). The 19-week training program is slated to begin at the end of January and will include essential skills, job readiness skills and several industry certifications.

“CNC is pleased to be part of the recovery from the Babine mill tragedy. This program will give people in the area the opportunity to gain skills and confidence to re-enter the workforce and prepare for a career in the trades,” said Scott Zayac, associate regional

director for CNC. Participants will receive funded training as well as training allowances and other supports. The ITA is

supporting this initiative through funding under the Canada British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA).

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will also receive a printed banner of their design.

For more information about the 2013 Street Banner Project contact Carolyn Holmes, Two Rivers Gallery at 250-6147804 or write carolyn@tworiversgallery. ca.

Submission deadline is Friday, January 25 at 5 p.m.

B5

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Advertising Sales Consultant Make a difference in Prince George by joining the Free Press team; the number one community newspaper in Prince George.

The Free Press has an opening for the position of Advertising Sales Consultant. We are seeking a “team player” with organizational skills, sales experience, pleasant telephone skills, experience in creating written proposals and an ability and desire to work and learn in a fast paced, busy environment.

The ideal candidate must be motivated and take the initiative to sell multiple media products, including on-line advertising and special products, work with existing customers and find ways to grow sales and income. Strong interpersonal skills and a strong knowledge of sales and marketing are required. Above average communication skills, valid driver’s licence and a reliable vehicle are necessary.

The benefits and opportunities of working for the leading newspaper in Prince George are why we attract and employ the best.

If a rewarding challenge resonates with you, contact us today.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to the attention of: Roy Spooner, Manager Marketing & Sales Prince George Free Press, 1773 South Lyon Street, Prince George, BC V2N 1T3 roy@pgfreepress.com

Monday, December 24, 2012

B6

Monday, December 24, 2012

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Prince George - Community - Free Press

From heartaches to joy

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TERESA MALLAM

heartaches over the years but she recalls one Christmas that made her beam with joy.

“It was the Dirty 30s, hard Memories of Christmas include happy and sad ones for times and there wasn’t much money around. My mother had Nell Glass.

The senior spells her last name just died. I was a little girl and for the reporter Thursday at the I was worried that my Dad Prince George Chateau noting didn’t love me. On Christmas “as in breakable.” When you Day when we sat down at the hear her life story, it seems like table there was a plate of candy Te re s a M A LLA M / Fre e Pre s s she should also have a sticker and oranges. There was also a on her forehead: Fragile. Handle book, a story about a girl who Harland Stene is not sure what to make of this jolly had lost her mother and how holiday ornament held up by Nell Glass. The seniors with care.

Glass has braved a number of much her father loved her. It reside at Prince George Chateau. was a beautiful story and it made me realize he did love me.”

Her childhood was also filled with simple pleasures and making do with little money especially at Christmas.

“We (Glass, her brother and two sisters) used to bake gingerbread cookies and we made popcorn and strung them on the tree. Everything on the tree was handmade.”

As tough as it was growing up without a mother, Glass had later to endure the loss of her husband and son. At 36 years old, Glass was left a widow with three young children.

“My husband Andrew died of Asiatic flu during the epidemic in 1953. He was also 36 years old and the 42nd death in Ontario. We had just come back from England and he thought he could get over it. It was a terrible year. He died in October and so the first Christmas without him was very hard. He was Christmas. He always decorated our house with lights inside and outside and he did wonderful window displays for Woodwards where I worked.”

Three months after she moved to the Prince George Chateau from the Lower Mainland, Glass’s son passed away.

“He was a gifted musician and loved to play To many people are arrested every holiday guitar.

But he had rheumatoid arthritis and it season after failing breathalyzer tests at was very painful life for him. He loved music. police roadside checkpoints. Driving while She has a daughter living in Prince George – her intoxicated puts your own life in danger, main reason for moving here – and another son but the worst thing is that it endangers the in Ontario.

Despite her painful personal losses, Glass lives of other road users as well. Make sure laughs easily and she lives with an attitude of that this festive time of year doesn’t end in gratitude. Her ‘glass’ is always half full and she tragedy for you or anyone else. Christmas finds joy in simple pleasures around her. time often means one party after another “It’s very pretty here. I think there are about 100 with drinks galore. When you accept an residents and there’s always something going on.

On Sunday, we had 211 people with families and invitation, plan ahead of time how you’re guests for a holiday dinner with ham and turkey. going to get home. Members of the same They’re having another one on Christmas Day for family or group of friends can designate a people who will still be here. I keep very active driver, arrange to share a taxi at the end of here with shuffleboard and other activities and I the evening, or use a free or for-hire drive help organize some events. It keeps me busy.” arts@pgfreepress.com

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HOLIDAY HOURS: Westwood: Dec 18-22nd 9:30-8 • Dec 23rd 10-6:30 Hart: Dec 18-19th 10-7 • Dec 20-21st 10-8 • Dec 22nd 9:30-7 Dec 23rd 11-6:30 • Dec 24th 10-5

Prince George - Community - Free Press

www.pgfreepress.com

Monday, December 24, 2012

NORTHERN LIGHTS

B7

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A nativity scene is one of the many exhibits on Connaught Hill as part of the annual Northern Lights Festival, which runs until Jan. 1.

UNBC delivers course to Japan The University of Northern British Columbia has recently completed delivering what is believed to be the first university course ever delivered to Japan via videoconferencing technology.

The course, an Introduction to Gender Studies, was delivered in partnership with Gakushuin Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College, which has had a long relationship with UNBC. The 12 students at the Prince George campus were joined by a further 28 participating in Tokyo, all of whom had previously attended UNBC for coursework in the English language. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We all had a sense we were part of something historic,â&#x20AC;? said UNBC professor Jacqueline Holler, who delivered the course and just recently returned from Tokyo where she met the Japanese students for the first time â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in real lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and delivered the courseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final exam. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The technology provided a spectacular platform and there was less than a half-second delay between the two sites. Outside of the scheduled lectures, students also connected with each other via Skype to discuss readings and course content.â&#x20AC;?

The course provided an interdisciplinary study of the role of gender in the structures of society

and personal identity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In delivering this course, I gained a renewed appreciation for the importance of cross-cultural communication to gain understanding and possibly challenge perspectives we may take for granted,â&#x20AC;? said Holler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a pilot project, I think this course has provided further evidence of the need for a university like UNBC to be rooted locally while reaching out to the world.â&#x20AC;?

The course also provided evidence for how new technologies, such as high-definition videoconferencing, can expand opportunities for UNBC to reach students around the world, as well as in its own region. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This course was history-making for both countries and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m grateful to professor Holler, our IT department, and our English Language Studies program: all of them stepped up and made this pilot possible,â&#x20AC;? said UNBC President George Iwama, who UNBC signed an MoU with Gakushuin in Japan earlier this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Combined with our experience in delivering courses via video conference to our regional campuses and through the Northern Medical Program, this international experience demonstrates possibilities for serving

remote communities in British Columbia and beyond.â&#x20AC;?

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Prince George - News - Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

Prince George - News - Free Press

www.pgfreepress.com

Monday, December 24, 2012

Happy Holidays from all the staff & management at Northland Autogroup

Northland Autogroup, a major sponsor of the Prince George Pirates hockey team Food Drive. This year’s 2nd annual drive is on track to collecting over 50,000 lbs of food

Brent Marshall, Northland Chrysler Jeep Dodge, purchased the Finning tree for over $40,000 at the Festival of Trees.

All proceeds went to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.

OVER

Northland Motorsports Park racing for the community with proceeds to charity.

H.E.R.O.’s Brent Marshall, owner of Northland Autogroup, president and chair of H.E.R.O.’s as well as a former search & rescue volunteer joins in the unveiling of the H.E.R.O.’s billboard. The goal is to work towards having a state of the art helicopter air ambulance to serve Northern British Columbian communities.

NORTHLAND DODGE 1 Volume Dealer 1 Truck Dealer #

#

IN BC (for the last 7 years)

COMMITTED TO LOCAL HEALTHCARE!

IN CANADA

OUR DRIVE AGAIN TO BE #1 IN CANADA

Northland Autogroup presented the 7th Annual Healthy Children’s Golf Invitational Fundraising Golf Tournament which raised over $12,000 for the Spirit of the North Heathcare Foundation

HERE WE GROW AGAIN...

We are in the process of building a huge, state of the art Chysler Jeep Dodge Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealership. Construction will all be done by local contractors. Benefits for the community will be encompassed in the project.

®

www.

northlanddodge.ca

250-562-5254 1-866-924-4725 1995 - 20th Avenue, Prince George, BC DL# 30541

B9

B8

Prince George - News - Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

Prince George - News - Free Press

www.pgfreepress.com

Monday, December 24, 2012

Happy Holidays from all the staff & management at Northland Autogroup

Northland Autogroup, a major sponsor of the Prince George Pirates hockey team Food Drive. This year’s 2nd annual drive is on track to collecting over 50,000 lbs of food

Brent Marshall, Northland Chrysler Jeep Dodge, purchased the Finning tree for over $40,000 at the Festival of Trees.

All proceeds went to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.

OVER

Northland Motorsports Park racing for the community with proceeds to charity.

H.E.R.O.’s Brent Marshall, owner of Northland Autogroup, president and chair of H.E.R.O.’s as well as a former search & rescue volunteer joins in the unveiling of the H.E.R.O.’s billboard. The goal is to work towards having a state of the art helicopter air ambulance to serve Northern British Columbian communities.

NORTHLAND DODGE 1 Volume Dealer 1 Truck Dealer #

#

IN BC (for the last 7 years)

COMMITTED TO LOCAL HEALTHCARE!

IN CANADA

OUR DRIVE AGAIN TO BE #1 IN CANADA

Northland Autogroup presented the 7th Annual Healthy Children’s Golf Invitational Fundraising Golf Tournament which raised over $12,000 for the Spirit of the North Heathcare Foundation

HERE WE GROW AGAIN...

We are in the process of building a huge, state of the art Chysler Jeep Dodge Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealership. Construction will all be done by local contractors. Benefits for the community will be encompassed in the project.

®

www.

northlanddodge.ca

250-562-5254 1-866-924-4725 1995 - 20th Avenue, Prince George, BC DL# 30541

B9

B10

Prince George - Community - Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

Honouring our loved ones

Christmas can be an especially bittersweet time of year.

Memories of past Christmases with loved ones who are no longer with us can be painful.

Honouring lost loved ones at Christmas keeps their memory alive while providing comfort to surviving family and friends.

May you be blessed with peace, hope and the spirit of love this season.

Memorial Park Cemetery 3300 Memorial Park Lane

www.princegeorge.ca

May Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good graces fill you with love, happiness and peace.

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Ph o to Sub mitte d

Prince George Chamber of Commerce CEO Jennifer Brandle-McCall with the Top 40 under 40 publications.

â&#x2013; CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Top 40 under 40 is out Publication being sent out to local businesses Hot off the press, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce is delivering 10,000 copies of its first annual Top 40 Under 40 print publication to local businesses and distributions points across the province this week.

Bundles of the 30-plus page magazine are being packaged up and mailed out while an electronic version of the magazine is also available on the Chamber website home page at www. pgchamber.bc.ca.

The Top 40 Under 40 initiative was introduced by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce to focus on supporting young professionals and positively showcasing the successful and resourceful people that choose to live and work in Prince George.

Nominees were judged, by a panel of local business people, according to their professional achievements, experience, leadership, innovative actions, responsibilities, success, and community involvement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was so exciting to see the Canadian Freightways semi-trailer pull into our parking lot and proceed to unload 10,000 copies of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Top 40

Under 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? said Chamber CEO, Jennifer Brandle-McCall in a press release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not often you get such a substantial delivery of good news all at once and our Chamber is proud to be part of such a positive community initiative.â&#x20AC;?

While the publication celebrates local business professionals, the second impetus for the initiative was to broadcast good news about Prince George to audiences outside of the city. A 2011 survey of Chamber members showed that Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profile and reputation was the second largest obstacle standing in the way of doing business better, particularly in its relation to employee recruitment (an economic slump was the largest obstacle). Being responsive to their membership, the chamber introduced the Top 40 Under 40 project to help inform British Columbians on the career opportunities that exist for people in Prince George.

Copies of the Top 40 Under 40 publication may be obtained by contacting the Prince George Chamber of Commerce at: chamber@pgchamber. bc.ca, by phone (250) 562-2454, or by visiting 890 Vancouver Street.

www.pgfreepress.com

Prince George - Community - Free Press

Kiosk with rotating display images and touch screen interfaces in Chinese and English.

You can touch history In a ground-breaking exhibit that fuses cuttingedge technology with history, Chinese citizens will have the opportunity to identify ancestors who journeyed to Barkerville, British Columbia during the gold rush of the 1860s.

Who Am I? Bridging the Pacific from Guangdong to Barkerville and Back opened at Sun Yat-Sen Gardens in Vancouver December 13.

The exhibit is on display until January 11, before embarking on an eighteen month tour to Hong Kong and Guangdong Province in China.

The exhibit invites visitors to explore Barkervilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extensive collection of historic photographs through over 60 panels of beautifully displayed photos and stories and two interactive computer kiosks. At the kiosks, visitors will have the opportunity to fill in the blanks by identifying their ancestors as they swipe through the collection of 1400 images using a unique iPad interface.

With help from a $20,000 B.C. government grant and generous contributions from the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition, the City of Prince George as wells as many private donors, the exhibit tour will strengthen growing cultural ties between British Columbia and China by honouring the legacy of B.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early Chinese settlers.

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett said that â&#x20AC;&#x153;by supporting Barkervilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Travelling Exhibit to China, we are celebrating the important cultural and economic role played by Chinese immigrants in the history of British Columbia. Today, Chinese Canadians continue to make key contributions to the development and success of our province - through business, commerce, the professions and the arts.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Barkervilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extensive historic photographs, featuring many from the Chow Dong Hoy collection, are a rich catalogue of the Chinese population in Barkerville, and a testament to the significant contributions they made to the success of the town,â&#x20AC;? says curator Bill Quackenbush, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but we know little about them, who they were, and what their connections were to

their families in China. This is our attempt to mitigate that as well as to inform them and the people of Guangdong of their ancestorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in the development of British Columbia.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a National Historic Site of Canada and one of BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage Properties, Barkerville has always prided itself on its ability to give a social context to our explanation of our history,â&#x20AC;? adds CEO Judy Campbell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This combination of technology and history is one of those rare instances when innovation has the potential to bring us closer together. If we are able to identify even one of the subjects in this collection, this exhibit will be a resounding success.â&#x20AC;?

Barkervilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collections have an increasingly important role to play in building bridges between cultures and linking our past to our future. Barkerville has been praised by Chinese officials for its excellence in preserving and presenting the history of the Chinese immigrants.

The buildings, photographs and archival material tell stories that have been lost on the other side of the Pacific.

The goals of this Exhibit are to create important links for research and communication with museums and academic institutions on both sides of the Pacific, to enhance awareness of Barkerville in China, and to increase tourism to BC and Canada.

Monday, December 24, 2012

B11

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B12

Prince George - Classifieds - Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

Your community. Your classiÄeds.

250.564.0005 INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS CHILDREN EMPLOYMENT SERVICE GUIDE - PERSONAL BUSINESS SERVICES PETS / LIVESTOCK ITEMS FOR SALE / WANTED REAL ESTATE RENTALS TRANSPORTATION MARINE LEGALS

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responsible for errors after the Ärst day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the Ärst day should immediately be called to the attention of the ClassiÄed Department to be corrected for the following edition.

bcclassiÄed.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassiÄed.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LATION

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Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justiÄed by a bona Äde requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHT

Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassiÄed.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

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Announcements

Employment

Coming Events

Business Opportunities PYRAMID CORPORATION is now hiring! Instrument Technicians and Electricians for various sites across Alberta. Send resume to: hr@pyramidcorporation.com or fax 780-955-HIRE.

PROGRAM OF INDIA Tarsem Parmar Sunday Dec 30th & Jan 6th 6 pm SHAW Channel 10

Information ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2013-2015 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis The most effective way to reach an incredible number of BC Sportsmen & women.

Two year edition- terrific presence for your business.

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: fish@blackpress.ca ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Do you think you may have a problem with Alcohol? Alcohol Anonymous, Box 1257, Prince George, BC V2L 4V5 Call 250-564-7550

Career Opportunities TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager at home! We have jobs across Canada. Thousands of graduates working. 32 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-6658339, 604-681-5456.

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking CONTRACT LOGGING Trucks Wanted! If you are a safe, reliable, and experienced driver that would like work in West Central Alberta, please call Darcy @ 403-638-6047.

Lakes District Maintenance Ltd. is looking for Auxiliary / Seasonal Snow Plow Drivers for November 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013

NECHAKO RIVER FLOW FACTS 19 December 2012 Reservoir Elevation: 851.74 m (2794.43ft) SLS Discharge: 39.14 m3/s For more information please call Rio Tinto Alcan at 250-567-5105. A recording of Flow Facts is available 24-hours in Vanderhoof at 5675812

Personals A+ Massage gives you complete stress release with a total body comfort massage.

(250)617-5283

Lost & Found Found; Camera at Walmart parking lot in early Dec. Phone to identify 1-250-998-4550

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Positions available in McBride and Tête Jaune Cache. Minimum of Class 3 BC Drivers Licence with air endorsement or recognized equivalent required. Wages and allowances per collective agreement.

Apply in person at the Tête Jaune Cache Office, or to careers@ldmltd.ca or fax to 250-692-3930 www.ldmltd.ca

LARRY’S HEAVY HAULING Has a 2007 Freightliner cabover looking for a DRIVER who will look after her and help do the interesting work she does in Western Canada.

Good wages & benefits.

Contact Lee at: Larry’s Heavy Hauling (250)561-1137 Email: larrysheavyhaul@telus.net

Employment Help Wanted 2 CHEVRON gas stns in Vanderhoof and PG looking for 6 Shift Supervisors on a F/T basis with min. grade 12 edu. and 7 months retail exp to manage gas stn, hire/train staff, maintain inventory. Salary $12.50/hr. Apply to: chevronvgas@gmail.com An Alberta Construction Company is hiring Dozer and Excavator Operators. Preference will be given to operators that are experienced in oilfield 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.

WANTED SHORT Logger and Hayrack for work till the end of March. Call 604-819-3393.

HAWAII ON the Mainland, healthy low-cost living can be yours. Modern Arenal Maleku Condominiums, 24/7 secured Community, Costa Rica “friendliest country on earth”!

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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. Fax resumes to: 780725-4430

Services

Health Products GET 50% off - Join Herbal Magic this week and get 50% Off. Lose weight quickly, safely and keep it off, proven results! Call Herbal Magic today!

1-800-854-5176.

WANTED: TICKETED “B” Welders, Electricians and Millwrights International Forest Products Ltd. is looking for ticketed “B” Welder with Millwriting experience, electricians, and millwrights to join our lumber manufacturing facility in Castlegar, BC. The skilled individuals must be self motivated, able to work on their own, and in a team environment.

Applicants must be flexible with shift scheduling and trade lines.

Interfor offers a competitive wage and benefits package as outlined in the USW Southern Interior Master Agreement.

JOB POSTING – Plant Accountant Pinnacle Pellet is seeking an experienced Accountant to fill a full-time accounting position at its Burns Lake, BC Plant location.

Responsibilities include: • Full cycle accounting including payables, payroll coordination and inventory control • Involved in budgeting process and monthly analysis of budget variances Skills and Qualifications: • Preference given to candidate enrolled in accounting designation program • Background in a manufacturing environment an asset • Proficiency with Microsoft Office • High level of accuracy and attention to detail • Excellent Written and Verbal Communication

Interested candidates are invited to submit resumes by January 07, 2012 to Interfor’s front office in Castlegar.

Candidates can also submit their resume by mail, fax, or email to : PO Box 3728, Castlegar BC, V1N 3W4 Fax #: (604) 422-3252 Email: kira.moffat@interfor.com We thank all applicants in advance, however, only those selected for a interview will be contacted.

Pinnacle Pellet is a dynamic and rapidly growing company that currently manufactures wood pellets at 6 locations in British Columbia. Pinnacle offers competitive salaries and benefits, as well as the opportunity for young professionals to build a long term career.

Submit your resume to: E-mail: hr@pinnaclepellet.com

Help Wanted

No Phone Inquiries Accepted – Closing date December 31, 2012

EARN MONEY $$ Paper Routes Available

Travel CONDOMINIUM HOTEL 1-2-3 bdrm condominiums 8251850sq ft. Convenient Beach Access, Heated Pool/Hot Tub In-room Washer/Dryer, Flat Screen TV’s, Free Wi-Fi, Private Balconies, Daily Housekeeping, Handicapped Rooms Available.

Weekly/Monthly Rates, Free Local Calls, Free Local Beach Transportation.

Conveniently Located to Shops and Restaurants. www.crystalpalmsbeach resort.com 1-888-360-0037.

11605 Gulf Blvd. Treasure Island FL 33706.

fax 250.562-0025 email classads@pgfreepress.com Career Career Employment Opportunities Opportunities Help Wanted

Delivery Days Wednesday and Friday Call 250-564-0005 Ask for Circulation Department Prince George

Free Press Press

Editor The Merritt Herald, an award-winning twice-weekly newspaper published in the Nicola Valley, is seeking an editor.

The editor will manage a newsroom of one reporter and both will be responsible for all aspects of getting the newspaper to press — writing, editing, taking photographs and laying out using InDesign.

The successful candidate will be community-oriented and have a serious interest in current events — locally, provincially, nationally and globally.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with some experience in journalism, one who works well with others in an office setting, one who thirsts for an opportunity to improve their skills while helping to mentor those around them, one whose copy of CP Style is dog-eared and one who has a passion for new ideas.

Qualifications • Proficiency with InDesign and Photoshop are required, as is a background in the community newspaper industry.

• Previous experience in the community newspaper industry • Own transportation required.

Please apply to: Theresa Arnold Merritt Herald 2090 Granite Ave. Merritt , BC V1K 1B8 Phone: (250) 378-4241 Fax: (250) 378-6818 Email: publisher@merrittherald.com

Prince George - Classifieds - Free Press

www.pgfreepress.com

Monday, December 24, 2012

B13

Services

Pets & Livestock

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Rentals

Rentals

Transportation

Financial Services

Lessons/Training

Misc. for Sale

Apt/Condo for Rent

Suites, Lower

Off Road Vehicles

PAWSITIVE STEPS DOG TRAINING

VENICE PLACE APTS 1438 Queensway Bachelor, 1 & 2 bdrm Suites Balcony, Elevator, Underground parking. Heat included Call (250)561-1446

1 bdrm bsmt suite, College Hts, sep entrance, $650/mo incl utilities. 778-349-4584

www.pawsitivesteps.ca info@pawsitivesteps.ca 250-614-7297

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

Commercial/ Industrial

Merchandise for Sale

Real Estate

$100 & Under

Other Areas

2010 Polaris 550 Sportsman ATV 511 kms. Only been on gravel logging roads.

When purchased $11,500.00 plus $500 in after market items (Warn winch, windshield, mirrors, camo saddle and rear bags, gun boot and holder plus cover.

REDUCED to $8000 Serious inquiries only.

250-562-3747

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.

Legal Services 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.

*Agility & Obedience & Rally O* Puppies to Adult Register Now!

20 ACRES Free! Buy 40-Get 60 acres. $0-Down, $168/mo.

Money back guarantee. No credit checks. Beautiful views.

Roads surveyed. Near El Paso, Texas. 1-800-843-7537 www.sunsetranches.com

Personal Care

Rentals

S T OF P BEReader’s Choice G

Apt/Condo for Rent

Best Place for Glasses

Midtowne

2012

Like new, leather-look, turquoise chair from The Brick $100 Ph 250-596-1220

$200 & Under ONE HOUR OPTICAL Spruceland Mall 250.564.0095 Pine Centre Mall 250.564.0047 www.visionsoptical.com

Home Improvements Bath & Kitchen Specialist We bring creative design ideas to the table, as we work closely with you to achieve the perfect remodel.

No job too big and none certainly, too small. Call Tom today for free estimate.

250-961-0439 G Gilbert Renovation Year round reno needs. Int/ext, nothing too small. 30 yrs exp.

Free estimates! Call Gaetan (250) 560-5845 or 552-7184

Painting & Decorating Paint Special 3 Rooms $589 incl. prem qlty paint, your color choices, 2 coats, filled nail holes. Ceiling & trim extra.

Free Est. HB Tech 250-6496285

www.pgfreepress.com

“Her report card really improved with Sylvan.

So did her confidence.”

Firewood, driest wood in town split & delivered $180/cord (250)964-2020

Misc. for Sale 5 1/2 foot mature corn plant $25.00 250-596-1220 AT LAST! An iron filter that works. IronEater! Fully patented Canada/U.S.A. Removes iron, hardness, smell, manganese. Sine 1957. Visit our 29 innovative inventions; w w w. b i g i r o n d r i l l i n g . c o m .

Phone 1-800-BIG-IRON. BIG BUILDING sale... “”This is a clearance sale. 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. Call Pioneer Steel at: 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca GREAT GIFT IDEA! ChillSpot is The COOLEST Dog Bed-A new and innovative, thermodynamically cooled dog bed, that enhances the cool tile surfaces our pets rely on during the warm weather months. Use promo code COOLGIFT For 10 % off! www.chillspot.biz

• 1 & 2 bedroom apartments available • Close to hospital & downtown • Rent includes heat, hot water • Elevator to undercover parking • Fridge, stove, quality carpets, drapes • Laundry on each floor • No pets

Majestic Management (1981) Ltd.

Brand new 2 bed bst. suite.

Hydro & gas included. Shared laundry, parking for 1 vehicle. $900 per month. Available Jan lst 250-981-6185

WHERE DO YOU TURN

TO LEARN WHAT’S ON SALE?

CE • OFFI ERCIAL M • COM IL • RETA Space available for rent For all your rental needs Call 562-8343 or 562-RENT

1645 Spruce St. Prince George

250-562-7311 Call today and ask about our in-centre or live, online tutoring programs.

The link to your community

1990 Yamaha Ovation 340 snowmobile.

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(Dealer Rebate available for all new home purchases including in stock homes) QUALITY AFFORDABLE HOMES - PROUDLY CANADIAN BUILT

3157 Bellamy Place, Prince George, BC 250-962-1733 or toll free 1-877-737-4278 *Discounts only available while Manufacturer·s Incentives are in effect.

Phone 250-596-4555

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B14

Prince George Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

Datebook

Free Press accepts Datebook submissions in written form only — dropped off, mailed or e-mailed. No phone calls please.

Free Press Datebook runs as space allows every Wednesday.

No guarantee of publication.

Mail to 1773 South Lyon St., Prince George, B.C. V2N 1T3.

E-mail datebook@pgfreepress.com

www.pgfreepress.com

WEDNESDAY Whist, Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Senior Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. Wing night and karaoke, Wednesdays, 6-10 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion.

B.C. Civil Liberties meets second Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m., 2105 Pine St. CNC Retirees meet fourth Wednesday, 9 a.m., D’Lanos.

Information: Lois 250563-6928.

Army Cadet Rangers free youth program, meets Wednesdays, 6:0-9:30 p.m., Connaught Youth Centre.

Information: Sondra 250-963-9462 or Andrew 250-9818270.

Community Builder

A l lan WISH A RT/ Fre e Pre s s

Pine Centre Mall marketing manager Sandra Raymont, left, and general manager Sonya Hunt heard the local Salvation Army was short of cash donations to help with Christmas hampers, so they presented Bill Glasgow of the Salvation Army with a cheque for $1,000 on Friday.

THURSDAY DayBreakers Toastmasters meets Thursday, 7-8 a.m., UHNBC Conference Room 1. Information: Heather 250-6499591.

Plaza 400 Toastmaster Club meets Thursday, noon, Aleza room, fourth floor, Plaza 400 building, 1011 4th Ave. Information: 6252. toastmastersclubs.org/ or 250-564-5191.

Tai Chi classes, Thursday, 7-9 p.m., Knox United Church, 1448 Fifth Ave. Information: 250-9643849.

Chess nights, Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., Books and Company.

Information: Marilyn 250-562-9580.

Old Time Fiddlers jam, Thursday, 7-10 p.m. Elder Citizens Rec Centre, 1692 10th Ave. ECRA Forever Young Chorus meet Thursdays, 12:45 p.m., ECRA, 1692 10th Ave. Prince George Grassroots Cribbage Club registration, 6:30 p.m. play 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Spruce Capital Recreation Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr. Information:

Proud those Proud to to recognize recognize those who give in our community.

who give in our community.

1475 Edmonton Street • 250.565.2515 1475 www.spiritofthenorth.bc.ca Edmonton Street • 250.565.2515

www spiritofthenorth bc ca

Gerda 250-564-8561.

MONDAY

FRIDAY

Bilingual Christmas mass, Dec. 24, 8:40 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church.

Dec. 31 New Year’s Dance. Hart Pioneer.

Dave and Andy. $35 per person. 250-9626712.

New Years Eve Dance at Art Space, 1685 3rd Avenue, above Books & Company, Appetizers at 7:30, Dance starts at 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., DJ. Music, African, Latino, Soca & Hip Hop. $20.00 a ticket, you can buy at Chance Are Consignment Boutique or call Mamadou at 250981-1959 or Colleen at 250-613-6239.

Tai Chi, Mondays, 1:30 p.m., Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr. Northern Twister Square Dance Club meets Mondays, 7 p.m., St. Michael’s Church Hall.

Information: Gys 250-

Drum Circle with Granville Johnson, Friday, 7-9 p.m., Le Cercle des Canadiens Francais de Prince George, 1752 Fir St. Information: 1-250966-2320.

SATURDAY Nechako Flea Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 5100 North Nechako Rd. A Butler’s Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 1156 Fourth Ave.

SUNDAY Nechako Flea Market, Sundays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 5100 North Nechako Rd. A Butler’s Market, Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 1156 Fourth Ave. Meat draw, Royal Canadian Legion, 3-5 p.m., sponsored

by Peace Keepers Proceeds to Alzheimer and MS societies and others.

563-4828 or Reta 250-962-2740.

TUESDAY Caledonia Ramblers, Dec. 25, easy snowshoe trek Pilot Mountain, 11 a.m. Bring Christmas treats to share at top.

Information: Melanie 250-981-4605.

Bridge, Tuesdays, 1 p.m., Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr. Spruce Capital Toastmasters meet Tuesdays, 7:25 p.m., 102-1566 7th Ave. Information: Tom 250-562-3402.

Sweet Adelines women’s fourpart chorus meets Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., Studio 2880. New members welcome.

Information: Kathleen 250-563-2975.

Hospital retirees meeting, first Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m., Prince George Golf Club. Information 250-563-7497 or 250-563-2885.

The Community Datebook provides free community event listings every Wednesday. Submissions are accepted in written form only – dropped off, mailed or emailed – No Phone Calls please. Datebook runs as space allows, there is no guarantee of publication. Mail to 1773 South Lyon St., Prince George BC V2N 1T3 E-mail datebook@pgfreepress.com

SUPPORT GROUPS Prince George ATV Club meets third Tuesday of month, 7 p.m.

Carmel Restaurant meeting room.

Information: George 250-964-7907.

Prince George Healing Rooms - Are you hurting?

Do you have health issues? Confidential prayers Monday noon-2 p.m. and 7-9 p.m No appointment necessary, located in the Prince George Pentecostal Church, 497 Ospika Blvd.

Information: 250-6179653.

Free sports and recreation, Wednesdays, 2 p.m., 1160 7th Ave., ages 15-30. Information: 250-656-5278.

Children’s choir, Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Hartland Baptist Church. Information: 778-415-5000.

Parents Together, a mutual/self-help support group for parents of teens, meets Mondays, 7:30 p.m., Intersect (basement entrance).

Information: Carmen 250-562-6639.

Tuesday night Tops (take off pounds sensibly) 6:15-

7:15 p.m. weigh in, 7:30-8:30 meeting.

Everyone welcome.

Information: Marvene 250-962-8001 or 250-612-2031.

DivorceCare, a support group for persons going through a separation or divorce. To find out if this group is for you, call 250-5646213. Group meets at Artspace, Room 202, Sundays at 5 p.m.

Call about childcare.

Prince George Healing Rooms - Are you hurting?

Do you have health issues? Confidential prayers Wednesday noon-2 p.m, All Nations Church, 1395 Fifth Ave. Information: 250-617-9653.

COPD support group meets Wednesday, 1 p.m., AiMHi. Information: Nancy 250-561-1393.

Heartbeat, a group for mutual support of those who have lost a loved one through suicide, meets monthly at CMHA office. Information: Sandy 250-960-9047.

Thursday Tops (take off pounds sensibly) 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., Knox United Church,1448 Fifth Ave. Information: 250-564-6336 (days), 250-964-4851 (evenings).

Red Hat Chapter meets for lunches and outings. Information: 250-563-1942.

Elks’ meat draw, Thursday, 4:306 p.m., Legion.

Proceeds to Elks’ Children’s Fund.

Rainbows grief and loss program for ages 5-15, registering for the fall session. No charge. Information: Catherine 250-5632551.

Tea Time for the Soul. Would you like someone to listen to you? Come, listen, and share while enjoying a cup of tea. Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m. at Forest Expo House, 1506 Ferry Ave. No cost.

For more information, Jesse or Catherine at 250-563-2551.

Singles and friends, social group of people of all ages and diverse backgrounds, meets Wednesdays, 7 p.m., A&W on 20th Avenue.

Wednesday Tops

(take off pounds sensibly) noon, AiMHi, 950 Kerry Sth. Information: 250-9603959, 778-416-0908.

Learning Circle Literacy Program works with adult learners and families on literacy, numeracy and computing skills.

Information: 250564-3568 ext. 228, or literacy@pgnfc.com.

Do you worry about the way you eat? Overeaters Anonymous may have the answers. No weigh-ins, dues or fees. Monday, 7:30 p.m., hospital, Room 421. Call Shelley 250612-3877.

Power Play, for children from newborns to five years old, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:3011:30 a.m., Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m., South Fort George Family Resource Centre, 1200 La Salle Ave. Information: 250-6149449.

NorthBreast Passage Dragon Boat Society meets first Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., Chronic Disease Management Room, UHNBC. Information: Anita 250-563-2949 or Betty 250-9627985.

NCP workers and retirees meet third Thursday of the month, 10 a.m., Pine Centre food court.

“GIVE A LITTLE… GAIN A LOT!” CP Sportability Recreational Sports particularly Boccia for disabled adults. We are looking for volunteers to learn Officiating and Coaching at games, Mondays, 3 – 5 pm at AiMHi gym.

Call Judy 250-563-6749 Girl Guides of Canada Would you like to make a difference in the lives of girls and young women in Prince George? We are looking for Guiders for all levels. Call Tamara 250-613-3065 Email: sweett@unbc.ca Lions Club – PG Central In support of medical needs for seniors, youth, eye care, etc.

Email: pat@pgrfm.bc.ca Call Mac MacDonald 250-563-6771 For information on volunteering with more than 100 non-profit organizations in Prince George, contact Volunteer Prince George

250-564-0224 www.volunteerpg.com

Prince George Free Press

www.pgfreepress.com

People of Prince George

Monday, December 24, 2012

B15

Brought to you by

Hub City Motors DL#31221

Studenst at Ecole Lac Des Bois were doing more than singing during this number at their school Christmas concert.

others pel) gets a glimpse of himself as Miserly old Scrooge (Gary Chap (Mark nt Prese tmas Chris of st Gho see him during a visit from The Carol. tmas Chris A of n uctio iew prod Wheeler) in Judy Russell’s prev ully adapted by Anna derf won ic, class ens’ Dick les This timeless Char Playhouse.

Russell, ran at the Prince George

Mary, Joseph and the stable animals wait by the manger after the birth of Jesus in a scene from Live Nativity, which runs Dec. 20 to 22 at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. at College Heights Baptist Church, 5401 Moriarty Cres. The event is free, and refreshments will be provided.

Allan WISHART photo

Pic of the Week

This weeks McDonald’s Pic of the Week was submitted by Rose Teskey Friesen. Rose wins a $25.00 McDonald’s Gift Pack for providing the Pic of the Week. For your chance to win, email a picture of a resident of Prince George with your name and phone number, as well as the name of the person (people) in the photo, to McPic@pgfreepress.com

Celebrating 60 years in Canada.

Selection of the judges is final. Prizes must be accepted as awarded. No substitutions.

(250) 564-7228 1-888-300-6013 www.hubcitymotors.com DL#31221

Hub City Volkswagen

1822 Queensway Street, Prince George vw.ca

B16

Prince George Free Press

Monday, December 24, 2012

www.pgfreepress.com

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