Agassiz Observer, January 04, 2013

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The Agassiz ❖ Harrison OPEN FRIDAY NIGHTS!

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New Year’s day paddle

NEIGHBOUR TO RESCUE

A chimney fire is averted thanks to quick thinking neighbour

3

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• 7254 - a Pioneer ave., agassiz

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Friday, January 4, 2013

STUDENT SHOWCASE

Artwork submitted to Legion competition off to zones

6

INSIDE

opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 mailbag . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 community . . . . . . . . . 6 classifieds . . . . . . . . . . 9

KATHY PREUSS PHOTO

The youngest members of the Harrison Paddle Sports Club spent part of a clear New Year’s Day in their OC-6, an outrigger canoe. The club is recruiting new members in the hopes of creating a team consisting of Agassiz and Harrison area paddlers. For more information about the new club, see page 8.

Drug charges for prison guard Kent guard charged with trafficking drugs, say RCMP

Robert Freeman BLACK PRESS

Home of the Burger Family.

No. 9 Hwy at Morrow Rd, Agassiz

A 42-year-old correctional officer at Kent prison in Agassiz was arrested on Boxing Day and charged with two counts of allegedly trafficking drugs into the maximum security facility.

Police believe the drugs to be marijuana and methamphetamines.

“The RCMP and Correctional Services Canada (CSC) have been working together throughout this investigation,” RCMP Const.

Tracy Wolbeck said in a news release.

“This partnership led to an arrest without incident and the two agencies will continue to work together as this case moves through the court system,” she said.

How much was allegedly trafficked by

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the correctional officer, and for how long a period of time police investigators believe the trafficking occurred was not immediately available from the RCMP. The accused, Paul Fleming, was arrested at 6 a.m. at the institution, but released later from custody on several conditions. He is scheduled to return to Chilliwack provincial court Jan. 29.

2 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, January 4, 2013

News

Second public hearing draws small crowd bylaw revision heading to council at next appropriate council meeting: Facio which defines zoning within the Village.

Allen stated his opposition to several points in the proposed bylaw, stating first his opposition to the time allowed for public comments.

“I object to the process because I don’t believe seven minutes a reasonable time for comment on a bylaw this (large),” he said.

He also believes there is nothing wrong with bylaw 672, which has been in effect since 1992, with amendments.

“The only thing I can see that really changes is the graphics,” he said. “All you really needed to do was add new schedules. I don’t see all this work as necessary. It’s

Jessica Peters The Observer

A former mayor of Harrison Hot Springs was almost the sole voice speaking up against a zoning bylaw in that community at a public hearing held Dec. 17.

John Allen spoke against the bylaw for three seven-minute time allotments, during the second public hearing for bylaw 1020.

The bylaw has had two readings and one public hearing already, held Nov. 19. On receiving a report on that hearing, council made several amendments, resulting in the second hearing. If the bylaw receives a third reading by council and is passed, it will replace the current bylaw 672,

just (bylaw) 672 rehashed and it didn’t need to be rehashed.”

The bylaw, he claimed, conflicts with the Official Community Plan — a document he had a hand in creating.

“It’s as if an OCP doesn’t exist,” he said. “I take offense to that because I’m one of the ones who did the work on the OCP.” As he moved into his second seven-minute allotment, Allen questioned staff about the elimination of some regulations regarding setbacks. Staff explained that the bylaw would refer to current provincial standards, and that including those standards word for word would mean changing the bylaw whenever the

provincial government changed its regulations.

When staff answered his final questions, Allen asked the chair, Mayor Leo Facio if he had a chance for rebuttal. He was told no, and the 45-minute meeting was officially ended.

The bylaw will be presented to council again “at the next appropriate council meeting,” Facio said. The next regular council meeting is on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. in council chambers at the Village office.

Few members of the public attended the meeting, and only a handful spoke publicly.

Peter Bugden spoke up to echo Allen's thoughts.

"I'm sitting back here listening to Mr. Allen and I'm of the opinion you haven't thought this bylaw out. at all, and you should go back to the drawing board," Bugden said.

Councillor Zoltan Kiss made a motion to extend discussion of the bylaw, calling it "a very extensive document" that he was having a "hard time understanding."

The motion was struck down by the mayor. The bylaw restructure has been in the works for over a year and has been before council and the public at a number of information meetings, public hearings and council meetings throughout 2012. news@ahobserver.com

Wire theft slashed after new rules on metal buying

Jeff Nagel

black Press

Metal theft is down sharply in the first six months since a new provincial law took effect to clamp down on unscrupulous scrap buyers.

Telus spokesman Shawn Hall said the number of live phone

cables stolen by thieves dropped 80 per cent from almost 250 in the first half of 2012 to just over 50 in the second half.

“We saw the number of thefts decline almost immediately after the legislation was passed,” Hall said. “It makes it far more difficult for thieves to unload their material.”

The Metal Dealers and Recyclers Act requires scrap metal buyers to keep a daily log of their purchases and suppliers, who have to provide identification, be registered and can only be paid by cheque for amounts over $50.

Some individual cities already had their own

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bylaws, but the regulatory patchwork meant thieves could steal wire in one area and sell it in a city where it either wasn’t regulated or local rules were poorly enforced.

In the past, some dealers have paid cash without getting any ID from “salvagers” – even ones bringing in everything from street drain covers and traffic lights to metal grave markers and whole phone booths.

“There’s more to be done, but the legislation

is certainly doing its part,” Hall said. “It makes it difficult for those bad apples in the scrap industry to continue knowingly buying stolen material.”

Hall also credits police for taking metal theft seriously, but added he’s hopeful the problem doesn’t escalate again after some recently jailed chronic offenders are released.

Telus lost $16 million to metal theft last year and Hall noted service outages also leave

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If offending dealers don’t shape up after inspectors hit them with violation tickets, authorities can also seek charges under the act – the maximum penalties are fines of up to $100,000 for a business and six months in jail for an individual.

“It’s important that this industry is regulated and our inspectors will continue to inspect metal dealers and monitor the industry to ensure compliance,” Justice Minister Shirley Bond said.

Critics in the recycling industry say there should be more emphasis on police pursuing thieves rather than adding to their paperwork.

They also say some police forces are not yet fully prepared to receive daily electronic logs of buyers.

agassiz-Harrison community services presents the

work, earn & learn program

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This job search skills training program is designed for youth between the ages of 15 & 30 with barriers to employment.

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residents without 911 emergency calling and cost small businesses sales when they can’t process credit and debit cards.

BC Hydro has also reported a more than 50 per cent drop in copper wire theft since July.

So far 64 of the 76 identified metal dealers or recyclers have registered – as required under the new law – and the rest must do so by Jan. 26.

Provincial inspectors have met with all operators and performed the first periodic spot checks of most of them to ensure they comply with the new rules.

A Richmond metal dealer became the first in the province to be issued a $575 ticket under the new law for buying stolen metal – storm drain covers pilfered from Vancouver

Participants must not be enrolled in school, unemployed & not in receipt of Employment Insurance & have barriers to employment.

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The Chilliwack

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Throughout the program, participants are paid a training stipend equal to the current minimum wage.

The Agassiz ❖ Harrison ❖ Hope Serving Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows since 1978

THE NEWS CHIEFS HOCKEY...CHILLIWACK’S TEAM For more details: 604.702.0062 www.chilliwackchiefs.net

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if you are interested in participating in the program, please contact WorkBC today at (604) 796-0266. Interested employers are encouraged to contact Agassiz-Harrison Community Services at 604-796-0266 to leave a message for Heather.

Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, January 4, 2013 3

News

Quick thinking helps extinguish chimney fire

Christmas memories

Neighbour noticed something amiss with smoke

Jessica Peters THe OBserver

The quick thinking of a keen-eyed neighbour helped put out a potentially disastrous fire on New Year’s Eve. Chris Miles noticed some smoke coming out of a neighbour’s chimney on Lougheed Hwy. in Harrison Mills.

Only, the smoke wasn’t coming out of the top of the chimney, but below.

He let the neighbours know about the chimney fire and called 911 at about 3:30 p.m.

The homeowners put up ladders and put the fire out with a garden hose.

Fire Chief Wayne Dyer said Miles’ observation and quick actions likely kept the house from burning. He also wants to remind everyone with a wood stove that

annual maintenance is necessary to lessen the chance of chimney fires.

For homes that use a wood stove year round, he said maintenance should be done twice a year.

There was a second fire over the holiday season, he said, on Golf Rd. A water pump seems to be the cause of a structure fire that

started around 10:17 p.m. on Dec. 28.

Crews were on scene fighting the blaze until 2:30 a.m. the next day, and stayed on scene until an investigation was conducted in the morning along with the RCMP. The water pump in the utility room is where the fire began, Dyer said. news@ahobserver.com

sUBMITTeD PHOTO

Santa stopped by the Legion on Christmas morning, where community volunteers and local students rallied together to serve a memorable holiday meal for more than 40 seniors.

This year, Agassiz A&W joined in the cause, too, donating food and supplies for the event.

Spiders no emergency: dispatchers Hockey scores and traffic complaints among 911 calls Jeff Nagel

Black Press

Do not dial 911 to ask dispatchers who won the hockey game.

And please, don’t call to report a broken TV as an emergency, or a big spider in your living room, no matter how scary it is.

Those are some of the nuisance 911 calls E-Comm spokesperson Jody Robertson says dispatchers must contend with regularly while trying to rapidly respond to real police, fire or medical emergencies.

The emergency dispatch centre for the Lower Mainland released a list of idiotic

calls that should never have come to them.

One dialed 911 to complain about a “lousy tasting chicken sandwich” from a fastfood restaurant.

Another wanted police to make her daughter clean up her room.

Still another asked dispatchers if they knew if purchases could be returned to a certain store without a receipt on Boxing Day. The list was released after what Robertson called the “very bizarre” spate of 911 calls from drivers in Burnaby stuck in a traffic jam at Metrotown mall on Boxing Day. “The one that

actually blew me away was the one where the fellow said he used 911 as his password for voicemail,” Robertson said. “So we were getting accidental calls from him repeatedly.”

Other cellphone users have asked how to configure voice mail settings or contact their cellular provider.

Robertson said people regularly call 911 to ask when power outages will end, when roads will be clear of snow after a storm and what day to adjust clocks for daylight savings time changes.

“911 is not an information line,” she said, urging people to use public information

lines (such as BC Hydro’s for power updates) and nonemergency numbers for local police unless immediate action is required.

E-Comm answers nearly a million 911 calls each year for Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, Whistler, and Squamish.

About 100,000 calls per year – 10 per cent of the total – were made mistakenly, often from pocket dialing.

E - C o m m recommends using keylocks, protective cass and not preprogramming 911 into phones to help cut down on the problem.

Hemlock kicks off 2013 with a bang Marty McKinney

FOr THe OBserver

After spending a week digging out from the early heavy snow fall residents at Hemlock Valley took some time to enjoy all the fresh snow on the ski runs.

There were some record days for skiers/boarders riding the slopes as the sun brought out hundreds to the slopes and parking was at a premium.

New Year's Eve was again a highlight for the holidays as the Hemlock Resort staff performed the annual Torch Light Parade at 9 p.m. down the Big Foot Ski run and finished off with a choreographed ending to the run.

The Hemlock Valley Fire Department assembled and set off the fireworks donated by Hemlock Resort, the Action

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Hemlock Group and a number of generous Hemlock residents following the Torch Light Parade and quite the show it was.

Comments from the spectators were that it was spectacular and the best ever.

Now the groups must plan to outdo themselves again next year.

Marty McKinney is Fire Chief of the Hemlock Valley Fire Department.

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4 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, January 4, 2013

Opinion Picking your pocket

It’s a new year, and that means that all levels of government have their hands in your pockets a little more deeply than in 2012.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation sent out a press release last week outlining just how much additional pocket picking is coming our way in 2013. The list is substantial.

The most substantial, and perhaps the most unfair, is the boost in Medical Services Plan premiums. These premiums will go up by $60 per family this year, and have now risen 24 per cent ($300 per family) in three years — far more than the rate of inflation.

This boost in MSP fees was first brought in by the provincial government to help deal with its deficit, and it has since discovered that it’s a tax boost that causes minimal political trouble. It appears this premium will keep rising until enough members of the public start to pay full attention to just how much it is costing them.

The federal government doesn’t get off scot-free. As of Jan. 1, premiums for Employment Insurance are rising, and so are

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

contributions to the Canada Pension Plan. While contributors will get their CPP contributions back eventually if they retire and collect CPP, the same cannot be said for EI. A small portion of the population actually collects it, but all working people and their employers pay dearly for the program.

The province is facing a massive deficit and claims it will bring in a balanced budget, so that adds up to all kinds of tax increases that we have yet to see. But in the meantime, BC Hydro, controlled by the province, is raising rates by almost four per cent on April 1.

Taxpayers may get a small break if the PST, due to come back on April 1, isn’t levied on some services, as happened under the HST. We will wait and see what happens on that front.

One thing is certain — governments have an insatiable appetite for our money. While much of the money they take goes to useful services, there is plenty of room for better management and for minimal tax increases.

-Langley Times

Are you making better health a priority in 2013?

To answer, go to the Home page of our website: www.ahobserver.com

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Is gas the enviro-villain of 2013?

B.C. Views Tom Fletcher VICTORIA – They’re well on the way to stopping the expansion of oil exports to Asia. Now will B.C.’s American branch-plant environmental machine turn on natural gas?

A couple of weeks ago I described the dispute between the Haisla Nation and the rest of the Coastal First Nations group over the pioneering of liquefied natural gas development on Haisla territory at Kitimat. Powerful chiefs of the Heiltsuk, Gitga’at, Haida and others in the so-called Great Bear Rainforest oppose the idea of kicking off a new LNG export industry without extending the hydro grid to support renewable power for the region.

LNG is shaping up as B.C.’s largest-ever industrial project, if it

gets built. And there are signs the American-directed environmental attack is swinging to our gas boom.

Some in the Canadian media insist no such U.S. influence exists, or that it is trivial and benign. They mock federal Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver’s description of “foreign radicals,” pretending this applies to everyone opposed to oil pipelines.

There weren’t many reporters with me when I covered the negotiations for the Great Bear Rainforest in 2006. To the Vancouver media it was just a big forest deal up in the middle of nowhere. Along with B.C. cabinet minister Pat Bell, Coastal First Nations and forest companies, the Sierra Club, ForestEthics and Greenpeace muscled their way to the table.

How they did so became clear in early 2007. Behind these big three eco-propaganda groups was a $60 million war chest from an obscure outfit called Tides Canada.

Another front group, as it turns

The Agassiz ❖ Harrison

out. The actual source of the money was the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, the Wilberforce Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Rockefeller

“Hollywood is about to gas us with an anti-fracking movie starring Matt Damon” Brothers Fund.

Most made their billions in computers and software in San Francisco or Seattle. They’ve funded scientifically suspect campaigns such as “Yellowstone to Yukon” and “boreal forest” aimed at turning more than a third of Canada into parks. Increasingly, they are partnering with aboriginal people in B.C. and across Canada.

Some in B.C.’s major media

P.O. Box 129 7167 Pioneer Ave. Agassiz, B.C. V0M 1A0 Phone: 604-796-4300 | Fax: 604-796-2081 www.ahobserver.com

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have since grudgingly credited independent B.C. researcher Vivian Krause with filling in the blanks. She has shown that starting in 2002, these foundations began formally organizing against Canadian fossil fuel production.

When the B.C. and Canadian governments matched the $60 million Great Bear Rainforest fund for “ecosystem-based” forest management, they didn’t realize they were reinforcing a blockade against oil exports. Tides and its backers have continued to fund and create new protest groups, which are quoted as they pop up by credulous B.C. media.

Their argument against oil exports centres on the sexy but false premise that Alberta’s “tar sands” somehow uniquely threaten the global climate. Lately, as the size of B.C.’s gas development has become clearer, the protests have started to refocus.

Now we hear dire claims about the decades-old technique of “fracking” in gas development, OFFiCe HOuRS Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Sat., Sun., & Mon.

and previously obscure groups are springing up to protest gas projects.

Hollywood is about to gas us with an anti-fracking movie starring Matt Damon. Previews suggest that Promised Land works the usual evil-greedy-capitalist themes, in the Avatar tradition.

ForestEthics, Sierra Club and Greenpeace, meanwhile, are campaigning against their original forest preservation deal on B.C.’s Central and North Coast.

Sustainable development solutions aren’t good for their business model. If people think a problem is solved, they stop sending money.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is surging ahead with its own shale oil and gas boom. Plans are underway for LNG exports from the U.S. to Asia.

I think 2013 would be a good year for Canada to start making its own decisions on energy development.

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

CNA

Published at Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Popkum/Bridal Falls, Rosedale and surrounding areas by the Black Press Group Ltd. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #116572 Copyright and/or property rights sub sist in all material appearing in this issue. The publisher shall not be liable for minor changes or er rors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The pub lish er’s liability for other errors or omis sions is limited to publication of the ad ver tise ment in a subsequent issue or refund of monies paid for the ad ver tise ment .

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Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, January 4, 2013 5

Mailbag

Resolution writing not just an annual event I am not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions, because I would rather approach life with the attitude that there are improvements to be made each and every day of the year.

And reality has helped me rationalize that notion.

You see, I haven’t made an official list in years, yet I keep on improving.

Does that mean I think the entire process is a big ol’ waste of time.

Hardly.

Growing up, there was a great level of importance placed upon resolutions — the making of them and the breaking of them.

As a child, I believed that I would be writing my own rules for the year to come. My very own commandments. And being a young lover of putting pencil to paper meant any writing opportunity was taken with great

Jessica Peters

pleasure on my part.

So, I would set out and create a list of good intentions. I would write promises I never intended to keep. A tenet of good faith that could be called upon for guidance from time to time, but mostly ignored.

You could say those early resolutions were my first foray into creating fiction, or maybe fantasy. Because back in the day, they may have read something like this: • Be nicer to my brothers.

• Help with chores

without being asked.

• Do better (in school, at piano lessons, in sports, or what-have-you).

Truth be told, I’m still working on the first one.

And in admitting that, I have just remembered that I still need to send off a Christmas parcel to my eldest sibling in Saskatchewan.

Then there’s number two.

As I write this, late at night at home, there are dinner dishes sitting in my sink that will be waiting until the morning. As a friend often says, dishes are patient.

She's right. They aren’t asking to be washed. Yet. And then there’s that third resolution, which involves the ambiguous phrase: ‘Do better.’

Well, that's all wellintentioned and everything, but do better by whose standards? Mine? Okay, done.

There is something to be

plug 3x3

said for striving to be better.

We all want to exceed our own expectations and shoot out of the gate in a glorious fireworks-filled display of success. We want things like money, fame, ease of life.

We want the admiration of our friends and we want to provide for our families. But the ugly truth is, all success requires hard work.

Hard work.

Hmm. It’s not really something we drool over.

We don’t say to ourselves: “Gee, I hope I have to work harder tomorrow than I did today.”

No, it would be much more pleasant to skip from the concept of success to the attainment of it. Of course, without hard work, success is impossible.

Our grandparents knew that, and no matter how much technology has advanced to supposedly make our lives easier, the

same fact holds true today.

So, this year, I will resolve to work harder (but not longer.) If not to amass a bigger retirement fund, then to become a better me.

To be honest, this year’s resolutions are ones that have been in the works for a while now, but they all involve variations of ‘hard work.’

And here's the list: • I will work harder at being a good friend.

Losing a friend in 2012 was one of the biggest heartbreaks of my life, and in her honour I will strive to be a better friend to those who are still here. To cherish them. To listen to them actively. To love them, so that when they are gone, I can remember their spirit entirely.

• I will work harder at showing my children I love them; children should never

wonder if their parents care about them. They should never feel alone.

If 2012 taught us anything as a society, it is to hold our children’s thoughts, feelings and fears within our own hearts.

• And, as always, I will work harder at improving myself. This is something I don’t need to write down, and I don’t need to start today, tomorrow or the next day.

This has always been my lifelong goal: Do better.

The wonderful thing about “doing better” is there is no finish line.

Every small achievement is commendable — something to be proud of.

Getting a Christmas package off to your brother midway through January?

Not so much.

But hey, no one is perfect.

Happy New Year! news@ahobserver.com

Sudoku January 4, 2013 Intermediate Level

See answers in Classifieds.

There are better places to advertise. ads@ahobserver.com The Agassiz ❖ Harrison

The Observer Ag a s s iz Y Ha rr is on

FUNclub Rave Reviews...

Open until 4:30pm December 24th & January 31st Closed December 25th, 26th & January 1st Tuesday–Friday 9am–5pm, closed Mondays Deadlines advertising: 4:00 pm Friday classifieds: 4:00 pm Tuesday

604.796.4301 | TF: 1.866.865.4460 7167 Pioneer Ave In print every Friday or see us online 24/7: ahobserver.com

A notorious diamond thief stops along the highway where 12 year-old Owen sees him mistreating a dog.

The boy intervenes to give the thirsty dog a drink, but it escapes into the woods. He helps the angry thugs search for the animal deep into the forest, then ditches them. Owen finds the dog and they hide out in his secret fort. Can one kid with a tricked-out fort protect an animal from three determined thieves?

The Observer, Petro’s Pizza, The Video Station, and The Adventure Park at Tugboat Junction are inviting kids up to the age of 12 years to join the Observer Fun Club.

When your name appears in this section, come in to the Observer office within 2 weeks with this clipping & you will receive: • a free pizza from Pizza Plus • a free movie rental from the Video Station • a free activity pass from The Adventure Park at Tugboat Junction • a free book from the Agassiz Public Library upon presenting the birthday letter to them.

The Agassiz ❖ Harrison ❖ Hope

6 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, January 4, 2013

Community

IMPORTANT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT Re: Information Gathering Round Table Meeting

All citizens of the Village of Harrison Hot Springs are cordially invited to a facilitated information gathering session on January 17, 2013. The format of this gathering will be round table discussions where you will have an opportunity to provide input on ways to improve the quality of life in the Village.

Please come prepared to share: 1) what you like about the Village, 2) what you don’t like, and 3) what you would like to see for the future.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Council members will be present to listen carefully to your concerns and suggestions.

Details of Gathering: Date: January 17, 2013 Time: 7:00pm ~ 9:00pm Meeting location: Memorial Hall, 290 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs, BC

Refreshments will be served.

E is hereby given that Wethe hold a Public Hearing in expect to Council see a capacity crowdwill in attendance so come early to claim your seat at the table! in the Centennial Centre, Section 890 of the Local Government Act Tennant-Derksen Creative Strategies 170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC, on Monday, January 21, 2013 7:00 p.m. to consider presentations from the public with respect to oning Bylaw 1219, Amendment Bylaw No. 1489, 2012”.

NOTICE OF

he public may make NOTICE representations to Council OF respecting matters OF NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC proposed bylaw and all HEARING persons whoHEARING believe that their interest in PUBLIC PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that shall the Council will hold a Public Hearing in ed by the proposed bylaw be afforded reasonable opportunity to PUBLIC NOTICE hereby given that the willa hold a Public Hearing in accordance withisSection 890 of the Local Government ActCouncil in the Centennial Centre, Municipal 7170 Cheam Agassiz, BC, on Monday, 21, 2013 PUBLIC NOTICE is given thatJanuary the Act Council hold a Public esent written submissions. accordance withHall, Section 890Avenue, of hereby the Local Government in thewillCentennial Centre,Hearing commencing at 7:00 p.m. to consider presentations from the public with respect to

in accordance with Section 890Bylaw of No. the Local Government in the21, Centennial Centre, Municipal “District Hall, Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC, Monday, Act January 2013 of 7170 Kent Zoning Bylaw 1219, Amendment 1489, 2012”. on Municipal Hall, 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC, on Monday, January 21, 2013 commencing 7:00the p.m. to make consider presentations frommatters the public with respect to At theat hearing, public may representations to Council respecting ons received before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2013 will be contained in the proposed bylaw and all persons who believe that their interest in commencing at 7:00 p.m. to consider presentations from the public with respect to District of Kent Zoning Bylaw 1219, Amendment Bylaw No. 1489, 2012”. property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to “District of Kent Zoning Bylaw 1219, Amendment Bylaw No. 1489, 2012”. hearing.be heard or to present written submissions.

NOTICE At the hearing, the public may make OF representations to Council respecting matters Written submissions received before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2013 will be hearing. PUBLIC At theat the hearing, the public may make representations to Council respecting matters HEARING contained presented in the proposed bylaw and all persons who believe that their interest in eproperty subject of the proposed bylaw are outlined in the map below: contained inthe the bylaw all below: persons who believe that their isThe affected bysubject bylaw shalland afforded a reasonable opportunity to interest in lands that are ofproposed theproposed proposed bylaw are outlined inbe the map PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Council will hold a Public Hearing in property affected byLocal theGovernment proposed shall Centre, be afforded a reasonable opportunity to accordance withis Section 890 of submissions. the Act bylaw in the Centennial be heard or to present written Municipal Hall, 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC, on Monday, January 21, 2013 be heard or to present written submissions. commencing at 7:00 p.m. to consider presentations from the public with respect to “District of Kent Zoning Bylaw 1219, Amendment Bylawp.m.

No. 1489, Written submissions received before 4:30 on2012”.

Monday, January 21, 2013 will be Written submissions received before 4:30 p.m. matters on Monday, January 21, 2013 will be presentedAtatthethe hearing. hearing, the public may make representations to Council respecting contained in the proposed bylaw and all persons who believe that their interest in presented at the hearing. property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to heardare or to subject present written The lands bethat ofsubmissions. the proposed bylaw are outlined in the map below: The submissions lands that arebefore subject of onthe proposed bylaw are Written received 4:30 p.m.

Monday, January 21, 2013 will be outlined in the map below: presented at the hearing.

ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT The lands that are subject of the proposed bylaw are outlined in the map below: Purpose: In general terms, the proposed amendment is to: a) provide a new Home Occupations section that includes existing Cottage Industries language and creates additional opportunities for small, home based businesses in the District of Kent; and b) include a new section on Farm Home Plate and Farm Employee Residence to assist in preserving the long term agricultural potential of land within the Agricultural Land Reserve.

The proposed amendments include: a) Part 3 Definitions: new and revised definitions; ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT b) Part 7 General Regulations: the replacement of existing Part 7.12 Home Occupations with a new Part 7.12 Home Occupations; and Purpose: c) Part 7 General Regulations: the removal of Part 7.14 Cottage Industries and replacing 7.14 Farm Home Plate In general terms,with the Part proposed amendment is to: and Farm Employee Residence. a) provide a new Home Occupations section that includes existing Cottage This bylaw and any relevant documents to be considered by Council may be inspected Industries language and creates additional opportunities for small, home based between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding holidays, businesses in the to District of Kent; from January 4, 2013 January 21, and 2013 inclusive, at the reception desk in the b) include new section Plate and Farm Employee Residence to be Municipal Hall aOffice locatedon at Farm 7170 Home Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC. Enquiries may assist inundersigned preserving the agricultural potential of land within the directed to the at long (604)term 796-2235.

Agricultural Land Reserve.

MENDMENT

Clockwise from top left: Poster submissions included one from Grade 8 Chehalis student Mindee Louie-Felix, Grade 6 Kent elementary student Simon Grieshaber-Otto and Grade 12 ACE student Kyle Fisher.

Posters and poetry move onto next level of competition

ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT Jessica Peters posters into The Observer for ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT The Observer publication.

The Royal Canadian Legion's Purpose: Three weeks ago, we published annual Remembrance Day a story written by one local Purpose: contest always brings out the best student, and this week, we are n general terms, the proposed amendment in young wordsmiths and artists. publishing the work of a few the proposed amendment is to: is to: And this year was no different. local artists.

In general terms, the proposed amendment is to: a) provide a new Home Occupations section that includes existing Cottage The proposed amendments include: new Home Occupations section that includes existing TheCottage Legion brought a) Part 3provide Definitions: and revised definitions; Darcey Kohuch, Director new of Development Services While the above works a) a new Home Occupations section that includes existing Cottageseveral Industries language and additional opportunities for small, home based th Dated day of January, 2013 creates poems, stories, essays and are just a few of the winning b) this Part47 General Regulations: the replacement of existing Part 7.12 Home Industries and creates small, home based Occupations with District a newlanguage Part 7.12 Home Occupations; and additional opportunities anguage and additional opportunities for small,forhome based businesses increates the of Kent; and c) Part 7 General Regulations: the removal of Part 7.14 Cottage Industries and businesses in the District ofPlate Kent; and include a new section on Farm Home and Farm Employee Residence to replacing with Part 7.14 Farm Home Plate and Farm Employee Residence. s inb)the District of Kent; and b) include a new section on Farm Home Plate of and Farm Employee Residence to assist in preserving long toterm agricultural land within the This bylaw and any relevantthe documents be considered

by Councilpotential may be inspected ew section on Farm Home Plate and Farm Employee Residence between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding holidays, assist into preserving the long term agricultural potential of land within theto Agricultural from January Land 4, 2013 Reserve.

January 21, 2013 inclusive, at the reception desk in the UFV Hope is offering free The workshops being offered Municipal Hall Office located at Land 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC. Enquiries may be Agricultural Reserve. eserving the long term agricultural potential of land within the motivational workshops in are Making Vision Boards, directed to the undersigned at (604) 796-2235.

The proposed amendments include: January. on Jan. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to There will be free books, 12:30 p.m., Obstacle Busting l Land Reserve.

The proposed new amendments include: a) Part 3 Definitions: and revised definitions; supplies, coffee, and door on Jan. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to a) Part 3 Definitions: new and revisedofdefinitions; Kohuch, Director of Development the Services b) PartDarcey 7 General Regulations: replacement existing Part 7.12 prizesHome and being held on three 12:30 p.m., and Goal Planning Dated this 4th day of January, 2013 consecutive Mondays. on Jan. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to b) Part 7 General Regulations: the replacement of existing Part 7.12 Home Occupations with a new Part 7.12 Home Occupations; and endments include: Occupations with the a new Part 7.12 Home and and c) Partnew 7 General Regulations: removal of Part 7.14Occupations; Cottage Industries nitions: and revised definitions; c) with PartPart 7 General Regulations: theand removal Part 7.14Residence.

Cottage Industries and replacing 7.14 Farm Home Plate FarmofEmployee

entries locally, the contest is not over. The top winners will now be judged in the zone level (from Hope to Langley). Zone winners will then move onto the provincial level, and finally, the national level.

Good luck to all the entrants, and keep up the great work.

UFV hosts free motivational workshops 12:30 p.m. Workshop spots can be reserved by contacting Michelle Vandepol, Hope Centre Coordinator, at Michelle. vandepol@ufv.ca, by phone at 604-869-9991 or 1-888-5047441, local 3779.

Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, January 4, 2013 7

Agassiz Harrison

Business Excellence Awards Category definitions

non-Profit of the year Recognizing the organization making a significant difference in our local community in terms of public service, the arts, fund raising, collaboration & the number of local people they serve.

Agassiz Harrison

Business Excellence Awards OFFICIAL NOMINATION FORM

The Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce would like to present the 2013 Business Excellence Awards. These awards will be presented to local businesses or their staff members that have proven to be outstanding in their field of expertise.

excellence in agriculture This award focuses on quality, innovation & success in all aspects of agriculture. Celebrating farming, agronomy & food production; this award recognizes the significant impact quality agriculture has on everyday life.

PLEASE MARK THE AWARDS CATEGORIES YOU ARE NOMINATING:

excellence in tourism Tourism is a cornerstone of the BC economy & this award recognizes the important contribution made by the tourism sector to the Harrison/Agassiz region. This award is given to a tourism based business that has shown excellence in all aspects of customer service providing visitors to our region with an experience beyond their expectations.

Excellence in Agriculture Business Nominee:______________________________

excellence in retail This award celebrates the professionalism, innovation & creativity within our retail sector. It recognizes outstanding performance at all levels: customer service, creativity, branding & marketing.

Excellence in Retail Business Nominee:______________________________

excellence in Culinary Awarded to a dining establishment (includes cafes, fast food and fine dining) that exhibits consistency of quality, excellence in food, atmosphere & service. excellence in service - Business Exemplary customer service, customer retention & customer relationship management define the recipient of this award. This award honours a business that has been a leader in demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, quality workmanship & professional mannerisms. new Business of the year This award acknowledges an outstanding new business (established less than 3 years). This business shows strength in creative marketing, welcoming local customers, high standards of customer service & innovative business practices.

People’s Choice award The ‘People’s Choice’ Award is given to the business or organization that is recognized by the residents of Harrison Hot Springs & the District of Kent as attaining the highest level of business excellence in the region.

Chamber’s Choice award This business will have contributed to the growth & development of the community through their products, services & customer service. Given to an organization that has a strong history in the business community, continued growth & innovative strategies. green excellence award Recognizing environmental responsibility & leadership. Nominees will be judged on their stewardship or protection of environmentally sensitive areas. employer of the year A business owner who has been a leader in their community, one that demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit, quality service & workmanship, and exemplary customer service. The nominee should be one that shows professionalism towards their employees and empowers them to succeed. employee of the year An employee that shows leadership, is dedicated to quality service & workmanship. This nominee should be one that gives exemplary customer service.

Non-Profit of the Year Business Nominee:______________________________

Excellence in Tourism Business Nominee:______________________________

Excellence in Culinary Business Nominee:______________________________ Excellence in Service-Business Business Nominee:______________________________ New Business of the Year Business Nominee:______________________________ People’s Choice Award Business Nominee:______________________________ Chamber’s Choice Award Business Nominee:______________________________ Green Excellence Award Business Nominee:______________________________ Employer of the Year Business Nominee:______________________________ Employee of the Year Business Nominee:______________________________ NOMINATIONS DUE BY: Thurs., Feb. 14, 2013 at 10:00 am AWARDS & DINNER: Thurs., Feb. 28, 2013 at 6:00 pm at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa Nominator: ________________________________ Telephone: ________________________________ RETURN YOUR NOMINATION TO: Agassiz Harrison Observer 7167 Pioneer Ave., or email ads@ahobserver.com MEDIA SPONSOR:

The Agassiz ❖ Harrison

8 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, January 4, 2013

Community

Time collecting memories is time well spent Family histories must be told from generation to generation, in order to survive

Ruth Altendorf

For the observer

Last year, around this time, I was facing a daunting job.

Like many people my age, I had accumulated a considerable amount of family photos, facts, figures and

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stories to be passed on — hopefully in an organized state — to the next generation.

There were the Altendorf and my own family trees and histories; there were countless photo books and a large box of loose photos — all beckoning to be taken care of.

And, as if this was not enough, there was the story at the HHS Recreation Commission I wanted to write in honour of all my fellow volunteers.

But, when to do it and where to start?

But then it happened, that due to circumstances I faced the first seven months of the year being on my own, which gave me no excuse to prolong the status quo.

And so, in early January, 2012 I gathered all my courage and all the

The Agassiz Harrison Observer (sister paper to the Chilliwack Progress, Hope Standard, Abbotsford News & many other Black Press papers) When you advertise with the Observer you may be certain of two things:

stuff I had collected, brought it to the living room and sorted it out.

And this, in my opinion, was perhaps the most important part of the undertaking because even if I had to stop right there, I could have put everything neatly in large, marked envelopes or folders and that would have made it already much easier for anybody to find whatever was needed or wanted.

Next, I tackled the family history. My husband and his brother, as well as my father, had put considerable time, effort and money into the cause and I did not want to let them down.

There was a cousin, Hans Altendorf, who even wrote a book about the Altendorf family, chronicling their story all the way back to Napoleon’s time.

Ruth AltendoRf

Harrison Happenings My own family history is much shorter, the oldest entries on the tree being two ancestors who both died in the year 1900.

Generally though, it seems that while men do a great job recording dates and facts, it is usually left to the women to relate, through story-telling, the more personal side of family members to future generations.

I, too, have recorded a number of stories I had heard from my own mother and

grandmother, as well as from my motherin-law. And, in the future, I might even record some more because they are truly interesting.

To do this, I should hasten to say, is not as easy as it sounds, because all of these stories should be substantiated by true facts.

In one of the stories, for instance, I related something I had heard quite often: It was the story of a relationship between the famous german poet Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe and the “Kirsten Madchen” (Kirsten girls) members of my mother-in-law’s family.

My brother-in-law doubted the story and found out that, indeed, it did not hold up to the facts he obtained.

In this case, I thought, the debate became part of the story adding

spice and zest to the family history.

Of course, not everybody is interesstd in researching and assembling family history, which is unfortunate.

If nobody would, history would die and so would we. We all live on in the memory of those who come after us.

And, while we, perhaps, “pale” as individuals over time, we will still be remembered as part of a generation that lived, learned, worked and loved in our time.

And so, after seven months at having been “cloistered”, I had not only put together our family history, but also written and put together the story of the Harrison Hot Springs Recreation Commission and its volunteers.

It was a time well spent!

In with the new paddlers Crusaders break away from FvDbC, form new club

Jessica Peters the observer

1 You will have excellent customer service & 2 You will never have to pay for ad design

that of course, is in addition to The Givens: A It's a given that we work hard to give you the

best placement possible to get your name out there, whether it's in a special feature, the regular paper or flyers/coupons B It's a given that we have an award winning

newspaper & staff, are passionate about what we do & know that you probably are too C It's a given that advertising works & we'll show

you the best way to market your business no matter how big or how small

Hello I'm Chris of the Agassiz Harrison Observer & I am your partner in business.

Call me today to set up an appointment to discuss bringing more business to your door & helping you gain customers for life.

Chris Franklin - Advertising Consultant 604.796.4301 | ads@ahobserver.com

Tuesday may have been a holiday for most people, but for the members of the Harrison Paddle Sports Club, it was just another day on the practice calendar.

The new club got their 2013 schedule off to a crisp start by plunging their OC 6 outrigger canoe into the beautiful bluegreen waters of Harrison Lake.

“We’re using the OC 6 as an off-season training sport,” said Manfred Preuss, coach of the club’s Crusaders team.

He said the new club is hoping to build up its membership, with regular training in the dragon boats to start in early spring.

In addition to the Crusaders team, they are hoping to build up a youth paddling team and a ‘locals’ team. Most of the paddlers now come from other areas in the Fraser Valley, and mainly Chilliwack.

The Crusaders would become the new teams’ mentors, and Preuss would be sharing the coaching with well-known Vancouver coach, Dominic Shew.

Preuss has 12 years of coaching experience, and the Crusaders are currently the fastest team in the Fraser Valley. The Crusaders broke away from the Fraser Valley Dragon Boat Club in October to

Some of the paddlers warm up before a New Year’s Day workout on Harrison Lake.

create the new club.

The Crusaders paddle on Tuesdays and Sundays, and Preuss would be open to setting up a practice schedule with the new teams as it suits the paddlers.

“I’d like to work around the baseball schedule in Agassiz,” he said, to allow paddlers to be in multiple sports.

While the Crusaders practice year round, with the help of their new OC 6, the youth team would start in the spring and wrap up around the end of the school year.

Not only does Preuss want to expand the number of paddlers in the area, he is also pushing to expand the number of paddling events.

They are a part of the Core Canadian Outrigger Association, and will be hosting the Harrison

Halloween Huli on Oct. 19 and 20. Teams will race around Echo Island — a 15 to 18 km course — on the Saturday, and single paddlers will compete in an 11 km race on Sunday. The group is also hoping to create a social event as part of the weekend.

“We really want to build up the off-season,” he said.

And while he said they’re aiming for “paddling excellence,” they also know that there isn’t a boatload of veteran paddlers out there. They’ll have to start from scratch, and build up the new teams.

They’ll also be looking for sponsors, to help keep the membership costs down to encourage more participation.

For more information, phone 604-792-9336.

Friday, January 4, 2013, Agassiz Harrison Observer 09

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January 4, 2013

bcclassified.com cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition.

DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING

EXP CLASS 1 TEAM DRIVERS Earn up to $6500/mo. Send resumes mj@synergytruckingltd.com Fax:604-598-3497

AGREEMENT It is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

109 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Sudoku

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS . . . . . . . . . 1-8 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS . . . . 9-57 TRAVEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61-76 CHILDREN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80-98 EMPLOYMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102-198 BUSINESS SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . 203-387 PETS & LIVESTOCK . . . . . . . . . . . 453-483 MERCHANDISE FOR SALE . . . . . . 503-587 REAL ESTATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603-696 RENTALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-757 AUTOMOTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 804-862 MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903-920

7

OBITUARIES

188

LEGAL SERVICES

260

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.

C & C Electrical Mechanical • ELECTRICAL • FULL PLUMBING SERVICES • HVAC GAS FITTING *Free Est. *Licensed *Insured 24hr. Emergency Service

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

203

ACCOUNTING/TAX/ BOOKKEEPING

CGA: Tax, Audit, Tel:604-593-5447; ga@gmail.com

260

ELECTRICAL

604-475-7077

283 GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

Accounting: pnnjen-

ELECTRICAL

ALWAYS GUTTER Cleaning Service, Repairs, 20 yrs exp. Rain or shine.7dys/wk.Simon 604-230-0627

320

MOVING & STORAGE

YOUR ELECTRICIAN $29 Service Call Lic #89402 Same day guarn’td We love small jobs! 604-568-1899

GET the best for your moving 24/7 From $40/hr Licensed & Insured Senior Discount 778-773-3737

7

7

OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

Stephen John

Powell Sept 2, 1962 to Dec 21, 2012

Stephen was born in North Vancouver on September 2, 1962 to start his life’s great adventure.

He grew up in the Lower Mainland and graduated from Mission High School in 1980.

Afterwards, Stephen held a variety of jobs in the Lower Mainland through the years. He worked at the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel for 15 years then became an owner/operator of a local business in Vernon BC for 13 years. Through all of this, his love of people and customer service shone through.

His easy going nature and genuine love of people, along with a good conversation, some good food and music endeared him to many. He often said that “one should always explore their own backyard” and he did just that.

When he wasn’t camping, fishing or gardening, he was often working on his cars or lending a wrench to those who needed one. His other passion was food and when he cooked, everyone got a taste.

Along the way, he made many friends that became his “extended family” and when you needed him, he was there. He gave each and everyone an honest piece of himself and each of the lives he touched enriched his own.

His adventure will continue on as each of us has a get together, a good meal with family, a chat, looking through photographs or by just simply remembering.

He will be missed dearly by his wife, Deborah and daughter Morgan, sister Kay (Michael Evans), nephew Blake (Evans), (father/mother in law) Allen & Kasandra Bardell, (brother/sister in law) Robin & Lynne Tolksdorff, niece Celischa Tolksdorff, sister in law Sue Graham and countless friends he met and called family along the way.

The Powell family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers who enriched Stephen’s life. Dr. B.Botha, Dr. Le Roux, Dr. H. Hwang, Dr. E. Hardy, Dr. C. Blyth, Dr. E.Solano, Dr. R. Perini. Special thanks to all of the staff at the Vernon Cancer Clinic who genuinely care about each individual and their family that comes through their door. Special thanks to all of the staff on the 3rd floor west at Vernon Jubilee Hospital for the support, care and patience you gave to Stephen and his family. A thanks also goes to Brenda at Brenda Hala’s Photography and Dave at The Natural Choice Dog Salon who together, made us look our best. Thank you to all of our business customers who called to ask “How’s our boy?” The care and compassion you showed us was much appreciated. Thanks to all of the family and friends who were only just a call away when needed.

There will be an Open House at 616 Decosmos Rd. Vernon BC on January 19th and 20th , 2013 from 10 am to 5 pm.

Stephen lost his hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Anyone wishing to memorialize him may make a donation in his name to: Tom McMurtry & Peter Baerg Cancer Centre www.vjhfoundation.org A Guest Book is available online for condolences or stories at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com

10 Agassiz Harrison Observer, Friday, January 4, 2013

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 320

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

MOVING & STORAGE

353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 533

FERTILIZERS

REAL ESTATE ACREAGE

603

RENTALS 706

TRANSPORTATION

APARTMENT/CONDO

810

TRANSPORTATION 818

AUTO FINANCING

CARS - DOMESTIC

auto loan bryan 1.888.815.1314 www.kiarichmond.com

1PRO MOVING & SHIPPING. Real Professionals, Reasonable.

Rates. Different From the Rest.

604-721-4555.

GL ROOFING. Cedar shakes, Asphalt shingles, flat rfs. Cln Gutters $80. Liability Insur. 1-855-240-5362

PETS

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

Northstar Painting Ltd.- The Small jobs - We do it all! Interior and at Students Rates. WCB Safe, Reli778.344.1069

WEED FREE Mushroom Manure 13 yards - $160 or Well Rotted 10 yards - $180. 604-856-8877

548

FURNITURE

20 Acres FREE! Buy 40-Get 60 acres. $0-Down, $168/mo. Money Back Guarantee, NO CREDIT CHECKS. Beautiful Views.

Roads/Surveyed. Neaer El Paso, Texas. 1-800-843-7537 www.sunsetranches.com

Harrison Hot Springs, 1 bd, balcony, new floors, furnished, across from lake, very bright, quiet, cable incl. n/s, n/p, $650. (604)853-4273

HARRISON HOT SPRINGS 1 BDRM. WATERFRONT CONDO

MATTRESSES starting at $99

477

www.paintspecial.com 604.339.1989 Lower Mainland 604.996.8128 Fraser Valley

PETS

CANE CORSO MASTIFF all blues 6F, 2M, ultimate family guardian.

Ready to go. $1000. (604)308-5665

Running this ad for 8yrs

PAINT SPECIAL 3 rooms for $299, 2 coats any colour

CATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866

(Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls Cloverdale Premium quality paint.

NO PAYMENT until Job is completed. Ask us about our Laminate Flooring & Maid Services.

CATS OF ALL DESCRIPTION in need of caring homes! All cats are Spayed, neutered, vaccinated and dewormed. Visit us at fraservalleyhumanesociety.com or call 1 (604)820-2977 Residential Specialists. BIG jobs, Exterior Projects. Master Painters able, Efficient & Quality Paint.

German Shepherd/Lab pups, 1M/1F, both black, $200. (604)3162757. No Sunday calls KUVASZ-MAREMMA X puppies. 11 wks old. Vet-checked, 1st shots, dewormed. $600.

Photos www.facebook.com/RiverstoneQH ; email rstranch@gmail.com.

NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home? We adopt dogs! Call 604856-3647 or www.856-dogs.com PITBULL puppies. 9 males, 6 females. 6 wks old. White & brown. $350. each obo. 604-300-0807 PRESA CANARIO P/B UKC, fawn Both parents approx. 120 to 150 lbs. Call 604-302-2357 TOY POODLE. 6 weeks old, black, male. $700. Call 604-820-4230, 604-302-7602 Wolf X Shepherd pups, $450. blk w/markings, view parents. chrisjo@telus.net (604)869-2772

• Twins • Fulls • Queens • Kings 100’s in stock! www.Direct Liquidation.ca (604)294-2331 NEW PILLOWTOP QUEEN MATTRESS SET. In packaging.

Incls. Warranty $200! 604-798-1608

560

MISC. FOR SALE

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; www.bigirondrilling.com.

Phone 1-800-BIG-IRON

627

LOOKING FOR A DEAL ON A NEW VEHICLE? Save up to 40% OFF your next new vehicle...

No games or gimmicks, deal direct with local dealerships. www.newcarselloff.com

HOMES WANTED

No qr code reader?

Text info: 778.786.8271

F/s, w/d, gas f/p. Newly updated Looking for responsible mature tenant. NS/NP. D/D. References required. $780/mo Available now.

Call Kelly 604-819-1936

WE BUY HOUSES! Older House • Damaged House Moving • Estate Sale • Just Want Out • Behind on Payments Quick Cash! • Flexible Terms!

CALL US FIRST! 604-626-9647

845 636

MORTGAGES

TRANSPORTATION 810

AAA SCRAP CAR REMOVAL Minimum $150 cash for full size vehicles, any cond. 604-518-3673

AUTO FINANCING

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. Pioneer Steel 1-800-6685422. www.pioneersteel.ca.

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

1-800-961-7022

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

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 HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed!

Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

SCRAP CARS & METALS - CA$H for CARS Up to $300. No Wheels - No Problem! Friendly & Professional Service. Servicing the Fraser Valley 1-855-771-2855

The Scrapper

RENTALS 706

APARTMENT/CONDO

AGASSIZ - 2 bdrm, 2 bal, $695; bachelor, $500/m + util . N/P, N/S. DD & refs req’d. 1(604)799-3898 AGASSIZ

T. Marlowe Manor 1755 - #9 Hwy

Spacious 1 bdrms avail. now, $550/m.

Parking, coin laundry & elevator.

Pets upon prior approval.

Call 604-796-8760 www.creditdrivers.ca

Auto Financing 1.800.910.6402

HARRISON HOT SPRINGS

VISITORS’ GUIDE

It’s time to showcase our beautiful region to visitors & we have just the way to do so... by focusing on our local events, natural wonders, shopping, dining & accommodations in another award-winning, 40-page, full colour, glossy guide.

Sell your Home! Sell your Car! with the ClassiÀeG

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Distribution to Visitor Information Centres throughout BC Local, national & international press Consumer & trade show exposure Online edition at the Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer & Tourism Harrison websites Direct links from the online edition to each advertiser’s website Facebook & Twitter presence

To book your ad contact Chris at The Observer: 604-796-4301 | ads@ahobserver.com

LAST CHANCE TO ORDER!

SURREY: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, hardwood floors throughout and new roof. $549,000. 604-575-5555.

$

3-LINE EXAMPLE

Size not exactly as shown

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Chamber members will receive a 10% discount.

Fraser Valley distribution by the Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer

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A 50% deposit is required at time of booking with remainder to be paid no later than January 25th, 2013.

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Power Pack incluGes Agassiz-Harrison Observer

Power Pack iQcluGeV Agassiz-Harrison Observer

PRINT AD: Includes photo and 3-lines for one week.

PRINT AD: Includes photo and 3-lines for one week.

BCClassiÀeG.com

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USEDFraserValley.com

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Call 604.575-5555

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ONLINE AD: BC-wide reach! For one week!

ONLINE AD: BC-wide reach! For one week!

ONLINE AD: Local reach — until you cancel it!

ONLINE AD: Local reach — until you cancel it!

The Agassiz

Harrison

Hope

The Agassiz

Harrison

Hope

Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, January 4, 2013 11

News Subway smiles

Meet the Pros

DECEMBER 2012

YOUR SOURCE FOR QUALITY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

KENT PLUMBING

& HEATING LTD. For all your Service, Repair & Installation Needs “One call does it all”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Harrison Hot Springs Preschool and Child Care were happy to enjoy a party sub from Subway they won for their third prize tree in the Festival of Trees.

Raffle winner donates Xbox prize

Food bank drive results in gaming fun for Community Services program Jessica Peters THE OBSErvEr

q ECHOES FROM THE PAST

Local temperatures dipped below mean in ‘62 50 Years Ago, 1962 • The temperature during the month of November registered a high of 66°F, and fell to a low of 28°F at the end of the month. The mean temperature was 45°F while the long term average taken over the past 70 years at the experimental farm is 42.5°F.

• So you think you can stop on a dime?

You probably can said the B.C. Automobile Association, but only if the dime is placed about six inches in front of a solid mass of concrete. It doesn’t matter how fast you’re going — you’ll stop — maybe forever.

• The entire cost of the house numbering in Kent will be borne by the municipality. The clerk was instructed to prepare a bylaw regarding the numbering system to be presented to council at the next meeting.

- Submitted by the Agassiz Harrison Historical Society

24 HOUR LICENSED SERVICE R.C.E. APPLIANCE REPAIR

FOR YOUR Advertising Needs.

THE

RENOVATOR

COMPLETE HOME RENOVATIONS •

Commercial & Residential Fiberglass & Wood Decking • Metal Roofs

Call Chris

•

604-796-2834 Service to all makes of washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers & refrigerators

604-796-4301 Ag assi z ❖ H a r r i s on

KELLY AT 604.819.1936 • KJLACROIX62@HOTMAIL.COM

THE

RENOVATOR COMPLETE HOME RENOVATIONS

• Furnaces Licensed Bonded • Water Heaters Insured • Boilers • Patio Heaters • Sheet Metal Installations • Gas Fitting • Fireplaces

604.796.0770

• Commercial & Residential • Fibreglass & Wood Decking • Metal Roofs KELLY AT 604.819.1936

KJLACROIX62@HOTMAIL.COM

Hope Auto Body Ltd.

❧ ❧

For the second year in a row, Tracey Paul has been blown away by the generosity of the community.

She and her husband Dr. Darren Paul own Agassiz Family Chiropractic, and used their office to collect donations on behalf of the Agassiz Harrison Community Services food bank last Christmas.

And that year, there were truckloads of food donated by the community.

When their patients and others heard they were holding the food drive again, the support was tremendous, she said.

“We had a couple carloads this year,” Paul said.

But that wasn’t the only thing that amazed her this year.

Anyone bringing in a case of food was entered in a contest to win an Xbox Kinect system, with two controllers and two games.

And when the time came to pull a winner’s name, that winner showed

the true spirit of the season.

“They gave it back to me and said to give it to someone who could use it,” Paul said.

After some thought, she decided to donate it to the Community Services after school program, so that kids in the program would get to use it.

The Xbox wasn’t the only prize though.

When the Harrison Beach Hotel heard about the food drive raffle, they offered up a two night’s stay. And Little Saigon, a restaurant in Mission, donated a $40 gift certificate toward the cause.

The Pauls hold the raffle as a way to “reward kindness” in the community.

“Our patients, and the whole community, were wonderful again this year,” she said.

While the community services had already handed out their Christmastime hampers to the community, the food donated will go toward refilling the shelves of the food bank.

604-796-2705

CASTLE CLEANING & ORGANIZATION

❧ the ease of organized: comfort of clean: clutter busting! green cleaning products closet solutions regular cleaning pantry set ups spring/seasonal cleaning office/garage organization gift certificates up/down scale move move in/out ❧ the

• Complete collision & glass services • Courtesy Vehicles • Express repair facility - all insurance company estimates written here

966 6th Avenue, 604 •869 •5244 www.hopeautobody.ca

debra cornish 604.796.0406

service@castlecando.com www.castlecando.com

FRASER CANYON FINBACK CUSTOM GLASS LTD. WOODWORKS

Windshield replacements Rock chip repairs All private insurance co.

Certified Automotive Glass Technician 35 yrs exp.

Full Service Glass Shop

DOMESTIC & IMPORTS

531 CORBETT ST. HOPE, BC. 604-869-9514

604.796.1196 | 604.857.3375 (cell)

New Cabinetry, and Cabinet Refacing Counter Tops 6390 Pioneer Ave, Agassiz

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM CARPENTRY SERVICES

12 Agassiz Harrison Observer Friday, January 4, 2013

HARRISON-AGASSIZ

CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE

HARRISON-AGASSIZ

Did you know…

The Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce currently has 106 members.

• 45 members in Harrison Hot Springs • 41 members in Agassiz • 7 members in Harrison Mills • Other members from Hells Gate to Abbotsford OUR BOARD IS MADE UP OF 3 EXECUTIVE MEMBERS AND 7 DIRECTORS: Robert Reyerse Ed Stenson Len Davidiuk

President Secretary Treasurer

DIRECTORS: Ian Maw

Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Chris Franklin

Agassiz Harrison Observer

Frank Peters

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Sonja Reyerse

Harrison Heritage House & Cottages

Michelle Mailhot

Agassiz Subway

Judy Pickard

Agassiz Harrison Historical Society

Linda Marks

Sutton West Coast Realty

Our Directors meet quarterly to organize the yearly meeting schedule, brainstorm various events & look after the administrative & housekeeping side of the organization.

As we are volunteer run, we rely on businesses to offer a meeting place/space (at no charge) for us to hold our meetings. In 2012 we hosted 3 meetings in Harrison Hot Springs (which included the boat cruise and AGM), 3 meetings in Agassiz and 2 in Harrison Mills.

We have six Socials a year including our January Breakfast Social, summer cruise on Harrison Lake with Shoreline Tours & our November AGM. This year’s AGM took place at the Hungry Chef Eatery. We had a great turnout, enjoyed a delicious meal & had a fun evening of networking with many members leaving with a most fabulous door prize!

604-796-2228 7072 Pioneer Avenue

A few of our highlights from our many volunteers this past year include:

Monday to Thursday 9 am - 5 pm

LEN DAVIDIUK TAX SERVICES

• Together with Tourism Harrison, the Harrison Festival Society, the Village of Harrison, the Agassiz Harrison Observer as media sponsor & the community of Sts’ailes organized Sasquatch Days. This was a major new event that brought two communities together & brought hundreds of people to our area.

• Sponsored the Heritage Run fundraiser for Kilby and the Agassiz Harrison Museum

“The Taxman Since 1978”

• Organized yet another All-Candidates debate for the by-election in Harrison

7020 Pioneer Avenue Box 498 Agassiz BC V0M 1A0

• Sponsored our annual Chamber Bursary to an AESS student

Personal • Business Full Bookkeeping Services Tax Planning • Year Round

• Sponsored the Slow Food Cycle Tour in Agassiz

604.796.2806

• Contributed to Canada Day activities in both Agassiz & Harrison

info@lendavidiuktaxservices.com

Buy one entree & get the second entree for half price* *

Open Year Round!

For reservations, call 604-796-9343 180 Esplanade Avenue in beautiful Harrison Hot Springs BC blackforest-restaurant.com

With this coupon only. Expires Dec. 7. Alcohol, Early Bird or daily specials not included.

Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner overlooking Harrison lake, at this Bavarian Specialty House & try our extensive new world wine list or German beer to compliment your dinner selection.

• Our Directors took turns & penned a monthly Observer Chamber page • Sponsored a July race at the Agassiz Speedway for the annual School’s Out Pirates & Princesses Day • Worked with Todd Richard & the Agassiz Harrison Observer (media sponsor) turned the Bands on the Beach event into a two day weekend concert • Sponsored & volunteered at the new Harrison Beer Festival • Hosted a Social Media follow-up session • Held our Annual General Meeting • Organized the Spirit of the Holidays Festival of Trees event • Donated funds to the Agassiz Food Bank with matching funds to Harrison If you are a Chamber member(or would like to become one) & have a space for us to meet for the Chamber Socials, please contact Chris Franklin (ads@ahobserver.com) or the Chamber directly (hachamber@gmail.com) SONJA REYERSE HARRISON HERITAGE HOUSE & COTTAGES

2 for $5

Mamas with Cheese