July 03, 2013 by Black Press Media Group

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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

CHIDIAC:

Holocaust course wins major award

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Russell puts own stamp on Les Mis Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com Producer Judy Russell knows well the challenges of bringing one of the world’s most beloved stories to the community stage – Les Miserables. Russell is proud and pleased, to finally be able to put her “own stamp” on it. She and Robin Norman (a well-known voice coach) and their team are now in rehearsals for “Les Mis”, as it often called. Victor Hugo’s inconic story of Jean Valjean’s journey of redemption. Prisoner 24601. Released from prison after 19 years, Valjean breaks parole and turns his life around, changing his identity and becoming the wealthy mayor of a small town. First a little history: The show came to North America and on to the Broadway stage on March 12, 1987 debuting at The Broadway Theatre. After 6,680 performances in 16 years, when it closed on May 18, 2003 it was the secondlongest running Broadway musical after Cats. Three years after the original run closed, Les Miserables returned to Broadway in November 2006 for a limited run. The revival closed in 2008. “Now it’s our turn,” Russell says. Her father, Alex Murray, musical score in hand, followed along at a recent rehearsal as actors went through their songs – because it’s a musical, strong vocal performances accompany good acting (and dancing) skills. The cast chosen for Les Mis is the cream of the crop, he says. “I’m just thrilled with these actors. It’s the best group I’ve ever seen assembled in Prince George. I have to thank UNBC for being there because a lot of these people come here to study and then we find out they have acting talents. And we hear from them because they want to be part of this,” he said. “When we auditioned for Les Mis, there were dozens of people trying for the roles – we had lists of 30, 40 or 50 people going for the parts.” Jon Russell portrays Enjolras, charismatic leader of Friends of ABC, a group of students dedicated to political change in France. Russell describes his time on stage as brief but with “quite a lot of energy packed into a tight frame.” The role is both physically and emotionally demanding but it is one the actor, who recently returned from Vancouver, has seized with a gusto. “It is an ideological role,” he said. “My character is willing to die for a cause he believes in [revolution]. All he thinks about is this battle.” Moments before, Russell has been on stage right, standing on a table, rifle in his hand, singing a powerful and soaring Red and Black in a scene from the ABC Cafe. During rehearsals there are a few breaks in the onstage action, redoes and tweaks here and there as Judy Russell suggests changes that will make it all flow more smoothly. Jon, who began in theatre as a dancer, says his creativity with acting comes from not only being raised in a musical theatre family with parents (Judy and Bill) and grandparents

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Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Jon Russell (left) as Enjolras and Curtis Abriel as ABC Society member in a rehearsal scene, ABC Cafe, from Judy Russell’s Les Miserables which opens July 16.

(Bunny and Alex Murray) but also because it is more relaxed taking instruction from family members. That doesn’t mean he can slack off, if anything he works harder, he says. “Sometimes we go back on things we did, look at them again, then decide what to keep. As family, we have a lot of the same instincts, so we tend to agree on a lot of what goes on on stage. I like that – I probably wouldn’t get that working, say, in theatre in Vancouver.” Russell has early memories of the musical in which he’s been cast. And yes, he has to audition like everybody else. “I remember when I was about eight years old, my parents were working with two or three songs from Les Mis for a dance

festival they were doing – that was my first introduction to the musical.” Nigel McInnis (Miss Saigon, The Producers) has the role of Marius, a rebel student with the ABC Society and young lover of Cosette. “I love this musical,” he said. “I am also a huge admirer of Victor Hugo’s work and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring one of his characters to life. The whole cast in this one is terrific. It is one of the most beloved musicals ever produced and it is going to be a pleasure to behold for the audience.” Boubil and Shoenberg’s landmark musical has landed in Prince George. Judy Russell will present Les Miserables July 16 to August 3 at the Prince George Playhouse.

In the Judy Russell production, Andy Beesley portrays Valjean, Catherine McCarthy as Fantine, Mathew Chiappetta as Javet, Nigel McInnis as Marius, Jon Russell as Enjolras. Gary Chappel and Robin Norman play the roles of Monsieur and Madame Thenardier. Laura Buchanan and Solange Nelles will give debut performances. The “Les Mis” Orchestra with PGSO conductor Kevin Zakresky and members of the PGSO and Prince George’s musical community make up the 16-member orchestra. Tickets for Judy Russell’s production of Les Miserables are on sale at Studio 2880. Call 250-563-2880. Performance schedule includes one matinee.

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BASEBALL

welcoming THE WORLD

Free Press file photo Members of Team Cuba show off their country’s colours after winning the 2011 World Baseball Challenge at Citizen Field. With the organizing committee moving forward with this year’s event, the Cubans will return to Prince George this August.

Alistair McInnis sports@pgfreepress.com The 2013 World Baseball Challenge has been given the green light. After a meeting on June 25, the organizing committee elected to move forward with the event. World Baseball Challenge co-chair Jim Swanson is pleased to see the event move forward, and was quick to compliment the efforts of the tournament’s marketing director. “I think for all that he does in the community and for this event in particular, I think Shawn Rice should be named Citizen of the Year every year.” Organizers held a meeting the week before to look over their budget and discuss ways to gather more financial support. Cuban flights had to be paid for the last week in June and, facing a deficit budget, the committee considered cancelling the tournament. “Following a late push for financial support, we are excited to be hosting this major sporting event for a third time. We are so thankful for those who showed their support for what this event does for the community and its profile,” Rice, also a co-chair, stated in a press release. “This is the biggest sporting event in Prince George this year, people recognize that, and we’ve had tremendous backing from Mayor Shari Green and Shirley Bond at every step, along with many others. “We have a volunteer committee of 34 people and they all work very hard on this tournament. But all the vision and planning doesn’t become a reality without the corporate sector, their words of encouragement and their tangible participation. We continue to appreciate those who step up to make this community a great place to live.” The tournament is scheduled for Aug. 13 to 22 (Aug. 23 rain date) at Citizen Field. Six teams have committed to participate: Team Canada, the U.S., Cuba, Japan, Chinese Taipei and the Bahamas. This is the third event of its kind in Prince George, and first that’ll have U.S. and Cuban teams. The Cubans are the defending champions, having captured the 2011 tournament. The U.S. won Prince George’s inaugural World

Baseball Challenge in 2009. wrong with that. That is the main thing that Anybody interested in volunteering China (Beijing Tigers) and Germany have we have to market and I think we’re in great during the tournament can e-mail also been represented in the event. shape to do it.” worldbaseball@telus.net. “I know that pretty much every Major League team is 16 expected to have a scout here,” Swanson said. “Hopefully we’ll bring something pretty spectacular to this event.” Securing the teams and sponsors wasn’t an easy task. But Swanson acknowledged that, for most of the WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS committee, the real work is now underway. Opening pitch Agriculture • Lawn & Garden • Construction is fewer than seven weeks away. “We’re really in great shape. But some of the different climates have changed,” Swanson said. In the release, sent on June 26, the World Baseball Challenge recognized their corporate partners and sponsors who help make the tournament a reality. “We are further along in preparations for the World Baseball Challenge than for either 2009 or 2011, and the hard work will continue as we focus on putting this city’s best foot forward again in hosting Cuba, USA, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Bahamas and the host team, Canada,” Rice stated. “We encourage people to secure their seats for the entire tournament by going to Ticketmaster or online at www. ticketmaster.ca, and there are still outstanding opportunities for companies to get involved with sponsorship.” Swanson encourages 1-855-560-5411 anybody interested to www.huberfarmequipment.com volunteer, as they’re seeking help in a variety of areas. He’s also hopeful having the tournament in August will help draw more spectators. “A big part of our revenue objections comes from ballpark revenue, the game day projections and there’s nothing

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Teacher wins award for Holocaust class Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com It comes around. “In Grade 12,” Gerry Chidiac says, “I took a course called Cultures in Conflict, and it really made an impact on me.” Chidiac went on to work in global development projects, before returning to Prince George as a teacher at Duchess Park Secondary. Last month, he received an award from the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre for a course he developed at the school. The name of the course? Cultures in Conflict. “It been offered here since 2008, and is very well-received. It’s been put on the timetable at PGSS for next year, and I know of a teacher in Valemount who is looking at adapting it for distance education.” The course’s focus is on genocide, defined by the Oxford Canadian Dictionary as “the mass extermination of human beings, esp. of a particular race or nation.” Last week, Chidiac was in Vancouver to receive the Kron Sigal Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education. He was honoured, along with Kayla Dominelli of Springvalley

Middle School (Kelowna), for demonstrating “dedication to teaching students about the Holocaust and its important lessons for humankind.” The Holocaust, the extermination of the Jews by the Nazis during the 1930s and 40s, is a major component of the course. “We study the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust and the Rwanda genocide mainly,” Chidiac says. “We touch on the Congo, but there are so few resources available from there, it’s difficult to do much.” The Congo holds a special interest for Chidiac, since it was one of the places he worked while doing global development projects. “It was great to visit the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre,” Chidiac says. “It’s a great resource. With the technology available, I’m trying to figure out ways to link up with them for the course. They have online exhibits, of course, but they also present symposiums for students and teachers online.” In his acceptance speech for the Kron Sigal Award, Chidiac talked about why he thought teaching about the Holocaust was important. “I am of German descent and it bothered me a great deal that my grandparents’ generation was

R U N • S K I • S W I M • A P PA R E L

COME IN FOR YOUR PERSONALIZED SHOE FITTING TODAY! Allan WISHART/Free Press Duchess Park Secondary teacher Gerry Chidiac shows the certificate and book he received for being a winner of the Kron Sigal Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education.

responsible foe the most heinous crimes the world has ever seen. I asked myself how this could happen, and I found the answer. “The reason is because so many people conformed, and so few had the courage to think for themselves, and even fewer had the courage to speak their thoughts.” He says that is why teaching about the Holocaust and other genocides is important today.

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“I want to teach my students to question. In a lot of classes, they don’t have the opportunity to question what the teacher says. Here, they do. “We have to have an understanding of what happens. People have different opinions, and people will disagree, but that’s OK. As long as we can discuss why we think a certain way, that’s the important thing.” There are many books Chidiac

could turn to for Cultures in Conflict, but one is central: Night, by Elie Wiesel. “It is a very short read, but not an easy read,” Chidiac says. “He was just a teenager when he went into the concentration camps, so that impacts the students.” He tests them on the book, and gives them a choice: They can either do a written test, or produce a piece of art. “Some of the art they have produced has been stunning.” Students today, the workers of tomorrow, need to have more of a global education, he feels. “We live in a global economy, but many of the experts we send to other countries may not know much about what is going on in the cultures of those countries. Because of this, they may tend to stay focused on their area of expertise, and not wee what impact it is having on the people. “Treating people well is good business. Understanding and respecting their culture is Answers can be found in the classifieds. a good place to start.”

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Elders gather Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com

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Rota, in a press release. “This wonderful event has raised more than $250,000 for worthwhile charities in Prince George.” Rota spent 11 seasons in the National Hockey League, five of which were with the Vancouver Canucks (1979 – 1984) at left wing. Arriving in Prince George at age 11, he would go on to captain the Prince George midgets to a provincial championship. He was inducted into the Prince George Hall of Fame in 1998, and the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. Rota continues to have investments and business interests in Prince George. Also attending the Commonwealth Cup will be Cliff Ronning and Dennis Kearns.

…

Hockey fans will be in for a treat at the 10th annual Commonwealth Cup golf tournament. Some familiar hockey names will be here for the event. Prince George’s own Darcy Rota will be the honorary chair of the charity event. “Darcy Rota is not just an NHL star, he is ‘our’ NHL star” said Dan McLaren, chair of the Commonwealth Cup, referencing Rota’s many years as a resident of Prince George. Rota was first at the Commonwealth Cup in 2009 and named honorary mayor by then Prince George mayor Colin Kinsley. “It gives me great pleasure to be named as the honorary chair for the 10th Annual Commonwealth Cup,” said

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It is an event planned by Elders for Elders. The 37th annual BC Elders Gathering will be held in Prince George, hosted by Lheidli T’enneh Nation, from July 9 to 11. “We’re expecting about 2,500 people each day.” says project manager Rena Zatorski of Red Earth Management. “This is not a small event.” Zatorski says the definition of an Elder depends on the individual Nations. “Some of them may have a specific age someone has to be to be considered an Elder; others may recognize people based on their wisdom or contribution to the Nation.” She emphasized an Elder, whatever other qualifications the Nation may set, “needs to know their language and culture.” The opening day, July 9, will be held at the CN Centre, while the events on July 10 and 11 will be at the University of Northern B.C. Northern Sport Centre. Zatorski notes that, as in any event this large, the agenda is still being worked on. “We’ve got the main portions of the agenda and the workshops set, but there Photo submitted almost always going to be last-minute Queen Mary Gouchie and King Duncan Gouchie will be part of the Elders Gathering in Prince George. changes, so we’re updating the website (www.37theldersgathering.ca) all the time.” Dignitary speakers for July 10 are Organizing for this year’s event started at the scheduled to include Grand Chief Ed John of Welcome to 10 the United Nations and Union of BC Indian Chiefs end of September, with a core group of five or six people. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, while Carrier Sekani “Last year,” Zatorski says, “the Sto’lo Nation had Tribal Council Tribal Chief Terry Teegee and Metis 20 or 25 people working on the gathering, but they Nation of BC vice-president Annette Maurice are had to put it together in about three months. among the keynote speakers slated for July 11. “We’ve had more time, so we’ve found the The theme of this year’s Gathering is “Honour smaller group has worked well.” Your Journey”, and the Lheidli T’enneh will be The workshops cover a range of topics, from keeping to this theme by marking the 100th crafts such as friendship scarves and cedar-bark anniversary of its forced relocation from what headbands to plat workshops (using the UNBC is now downtown Prince George to its current Traditional Garden) and elder abuse. reserve. As part of the ceremony on July 9, a film One of the final events on July 11 will be a depicting the 100-year journey of the band will decision on where the 2014 Gathering will be be shown at CN Centre, with music by the Prince held. Zatorski says there is no set rotation for the George Symphony Orchestra and the Lheidli Gathering to be in different regions of the province. T’enneh Drum Group. RECOGNIZED BUSINESS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE “Any Nation can put in a bid for the Gathering,” Zatorski says the workshop agenda for the she says. “Th ere are a lot of logistics involved, and gathering is developed by Elders. there will be a lot of people. Every room in the “The organizers meet with the Elders to decide city is booked, and we still have people looking to what areas they would like to have speakers from register.” and workshops in.”

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Explore with Dora Koba Entertainment is is bringing its newest theatrical production, Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys, to Prince George. Everyone’s favourite explorer and all her best amigos are coming to Prince George’s CN Centre on October 6. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or by phone at 1-855-9855000. For the ultimate Dora experience, take advantage of the exclusive VIP Package that includes premium tickets, a meet and greet with Dora, fun merchandise, and more. Starring Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego, Boots the monkey and pals Map, Backpack, Tico, Isa, Benny, Swiper and more, Dora has lost her teddy bear, and the search is on to retrieve him! With the help of the audience and her courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach The City of Lost Toys. Dora fans will delight in this two-act song and dance spectacular that invites audiences to think, sing and play along. Dora is designed to teach kids to explore, communicate, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and discover a diverse and exciting world – all while having a lot of fun.

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MS walks success again Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com An archway of red and white balloons greeted participants of the 2013 Scotiabank MS Walk as they made it to the finish line June 9. With a slogan of Lace Up for Someone You Love, the annual event held at Fort George Park – as well as MS Walks held in Mackenzie, Hazelton and Burns Lake – together raised over $35,000, said team leader Alison Porter. Porter headed up the largest local

team – 33 members made up of her Cote family members and friends – and said her group’s number grew steadily in the weeks before the run. “There are more teams walking as groups in the MS Walk now than ever before,” she said. Her team name, F%%%MS, and logo on their T-shirts drew giggles and lots of attention from supporters and other team members. But while their team name was meant to be funny, their reason for being there Sunday was very serious. They were walking or jogging for Porter who has MS, as well as others who live with MS. First to cross the finish line was Riley Lucas. The Brown Bombers, led by Prince George Free Press sales rep Penny Brown, came

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in second place in both individual and team fundraiser categories with $4,075. Leona Janot raised $10,000 this year – she doubled her own total from 2012 – for her aunt Jennifer Werk who has MS and is in a wheelchair and was the top individual fundraiser. The Prince George Walk a Mile in My Shoes team won first place in the team fundraiser category, raising over $7,000. As well, during the month of May, Bites of Bliss Cakery on Third Avenue, with its Charity Cupcake of the Month, donated $1 for every specialty cupcake sold to the MS Society of Canada, Prince George Chapter. “We sold about 100 of our lemon raspberry cupcakes, which was the flavour we chose for the MS Society last month,” said owner Cindy Klassen.

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GORDEN JAMES Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com

URBAN COUNTRY

at the TREASURE COVE Photo Submitted Singer-songwriter Gorden James plays the Treasure Cove Casino Showroom on July 6.

Musical Ride tours north The RCMP Musical Ride will be in Prince George for two shows at the Outdoor Ice Oval, behind CN Centre. Shows are July 13 at 7 p.m. and July 14 at 2 p.m, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets to sit and watch the show. The barns behind the Livestock Arena will also be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day (except during the shows) so you can get a closer look at the horses. Advance tickets available at the RCMP offices and Community Policing office. The Musical Ride will also be in Fort St. John on July 11 at the North Peace Cultural Centre, and in Quesnel on July 16. Be ﬁrst to add to the story or read what your neighbour thinks. Be a part of your community paper. Comment online.

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Country singer-songwriter Gorden James and two of his band members will be in Prince George for a July 6 concert. They play the Treasure Cove Casino Showroom. “For this show I am bringing my percussionist ‘Rockin’ Ricky Choy and the amazing piano/organ man, Bob Silversides, formerly with Loggins and Messina, Seals and Croft and Bobby Curtola,” James told the Free Press. The Kelowna-based artist played Prince George last year. He describes his own music style as “urban country, easy listening with a touch of blues.” His debut album, Heart of the Matter, continues to get airplay across Canada and overseas. And he does have a heart. When he isn’t writing, touring or performing on stage, James spends time volunteering for Kelowna Hospice (he wrote a song for the Kelowna Hospice House called Loving Beyond Goodbye). And he wrote a song, Better Land, for Soles4Souls with proceeds from the sale of the single going to Soles4Souls – an organization that gets shoes to people who need them in Canada and around the world. James is also widely known to music fans from being featured on CMT Canada’s Big in a Small Town. He was one of 30 artists selected from across Canada to participate. “They e-mailed me and asked me to audition,” said James. “They picked 30 artists from across Canada, two of them from B.C. It was a really cool experience. All the staff and crew treated us like gold. It also gave my album, Heart of the Matter, great exposure.” The artist won a songwriting competition in 2002, sponsored by Factor, CMT and Country radio across the nation and released four singles last year. Now he and the Good Guys Band are working on completing a new album for release this year. He has performed in venues from large concerts to store openings. “When they want something small, it’s usually just me who performs,” said James. “If they want a duo, I bring along Mike Mueller of the Good Guys Band. When it’s a larger event, like the Dancin’ Barefoot Music Festival in Peachland, then the whole Good Guys Band shows up.” For more about the artist visit www.gordenjames. com. Country singer Gorden James will perform at the Treasure Cove Casino showroom on Saturday, July 6. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

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LISTENING and HELPING Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com

others like them. Outside of the society, most of them probably don’t see another child with a hearing disorder in their daily lives.” There is a real mentoring process at work in the society, even if much of it isn’t structured. “The parents of the older children can mentor the ones with younger children, letting them know what they’ve been through. The amount of technology available today is great, from new hearing aids to access to information.” Gauthier said the mentoring doesn’t stop with the adults. “I’ve noticed some of the

older children working with the younger ones, helping them through things.” Woodward said the society is using modern technology to get the word out about its activities. “We have a Facebook page and a website. A lot of the stuff was designed by a couple of CNC students, Jason Peters and Jordann Audet, as a project for one of their New Media classes.” Look up NBC Hearing Society on Facebook, or go to www.nbchearingsociety.com for full information about the society as well as thr Setember Adventure Camp.

They couldn’t have picked a better day to start a new event. The Northern BC Children and Families Hearing Society held a family picnic recently at the Duchess Park Playground, and the weather was perfect. “This is the first time for this event,” program coordinator Tana Woodward said. “We had some people say they enjoyed our adventure camp, but they thought it would be better if families had a chance to meet each other before then.” Thus, the family picnic, complete with all sorts of activities for the children and plenty of shade for the parents and guardians to watch from. “This gives people a chance to mingle before the camp in September,” Woodward said. “We try to reach right across northern B.C. for the camp. There Allan WISHART/Free Press are travel grants Karensa Gauthier takes a try at one of the games during the available for people Northern BC Children and Families Hearing Society picnic at the from outside the Duchess Park Playground. Prince George area.” The camp will 13 be held in early September at Ness Lake, and features a lot of fun activities for the children, and a lot of information for the adults. Like most of the adults at the Sunday picnic, Tara Gauthier knows what it feels like to learn your child has a hearing disorder. “Our daughter was diagnosed at birth,” she says. “There’s a real feeling of isolation at first.” However, Prince George has a solid support system in place. “The people at the audiology clinic had information about the society, and one of the The 59 HP RX6010 is a feat of human engineering. It delivers fuel board members efficiency and low emission output without sacrificing power. It has called us to let us an optional power shuttle for easy operation. Plus, it comes with one of the highest lift capacities in its class. There’s nothing in the world, know about their or anywhere else, quite like it. services. “It’s great to © 2013 KIOTI TractorCompany a Division of Deedong-USA, Inc. be able to talk to parents who have been through the Located next to same thing you’re Allan WISHART/Free Press going through. And Morgan, left, and Sage Wiebe found the slightly windy conditions at having the kids be Duchess Park Playground quite good for bubbles, during the famwwwww.w.nno or trhtehrenrancar ec ar eg ea .gcea. c a able to see each ily picnic hosted by the Northern BC Children and Families Hearing other at events like Society. ContinentalWay Way• •Prince Prince George, George, BC 48704870 Continental BC••f afxa:x2: 5205- 05 9- 65 -9262-7242 7 4 this helps them realize there are

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PLAYING CN CENTRE

GET SWEPT AWAY

by GREAT BIG SEA In celebration of the band’s 20th anniversary, Great Big Sea kicked off a crossCanada tour in March. Newfoundland’s most popular band has not added more dates to the tour including stops at Prince George, Naniamo, Vernon, Kamloops and Red Deer. They play CN Centre Oct. 24. Alan Doyle, Sean McCann and Bob Hallett have kept Great Big Sea going for two decades

and won over a legion of fans. The band’s longevity is often attributed to the fact they firmly believed in bringing together music made of their own creativity and the joyous folk music of their home in Newfoundland. Released earlier this year an compiled by the band members themselves, XX is a special two-disc set which captures the many highs in a recording career that has produced ten

full-length CDs and two DVDs. In order to express the band’s two sides, one disc covers the biggest hits from their more pop-oriented repertoire while the other contains some of their most loved traditional and folk songs. Le Bon Vin is a hearty Newfoundland version of an old French folk song, one the band has sung live for years and finally taped for this collection. Josephine the Baker

COMING EVENTS honour, hosted by Lheidli T’enneh Nation, will bring over ﬁve thousand Elders to Prince George. Day 1 will take place at CN Centre and day 2 & 3 will take place at UNBC. CN Centre 2187 Ospika Blvd, Prince George, (250) 562-6279 blowley@lheidli.ca 37th Annual BC Elders Gathering

11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday 8:30 am - 2:00 pm May to October Meet your maker, baker and creator. The Prince George Farmers’ Market is the place for local products and fresh produce. Outdoors at the corner of George Street and Third Avenue, and both indoors and out at 1074 Sixth Avenue. One market, two locations, twice as good!

37th Annual B.C. Elders Gathering Tuesday, July 9 to Thursday, July 11 7:00am - 8:00pm A celebration acknowledging and bestowing respect, gratitude and

Saturday, July 13 11:00am - 7:00pm The Prince George Airport Authority is holding the 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Alder Hills Golf Course. This is a fun event for everyone. First time golfers are welcome and encouraged! The tournament is 18 holes, shotgun start, best ball format with: Prizes for: the best game, hole in ones, longest putts, closest to the pin, silent auction, plus a rafﬂe, 50/50, and putting contest. After there will be a barbecue and door prizes $60 per person. Four people per team. Come on your own, with a partner, your business associates, employees or put a team together. Everyone is welcome. All proceeds raised from the

tournament will be donated to Hope Air. www.hopeair.org Alder Hills Golf Course Prince George, (250) 963-2407 Email: mkenny@pgairport.ca

King of the Hill Saturday, July 13 6:30pm - 10:00pm Inland Kenworth Hornets, Chieftain Auto Parts mini stocks, Richmond Steel street stocks Highway 16 E, Prince George PGARA Raceway

RCMP Musical Ride Saturday, July 13 Sunday, July 14 7:00pm - 9:00pm A Canadian treasure comes to the city with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride. A troop of 32 horses and riders will entertain. 7:00pm show on Saturday 2:00pm show on Sunday. The horse stables will be open to the public from 9:00am-9:00pm both days, except during show times. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Two Rivers Crime Prevention Society in support of crime prevention programs. Family Pass: $20.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children (12 and under). CASH SALES ONLY, available at:

recreates the earliest years of the band, in the rough and ready sailor pubs of St. John’s. Born to Believe is a powerful radio anthem while Let My Love Open the Door is the band’s take on the Pete Townsend solo hit. The group is being brought in by Live Nation - Canada. Great Big Sea plays CN Centre on Thursday, Oct. 24. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

IN PRINCE GEORGE Community Policing; 575 Brunswick St. RCMP Detachment; 999 Brunswick St. North District RCMP; 4020-5th Ave. Individual and regular priced family pack tickets will be sold at the gate, event day only. CASH SALES ONLY! Adult-$10 Children 12 and Under-$5 Family (2 Adults & 2 Children, 12 years & under). Outdoor Ice Oval 2187 Ospika Blvd S, Prince George, (250) 561-3366

Kids Fun Triathlon Sunday, July 14 9:00am - 12:00pm Today is the 19th annual Prince George Kids Fun Triathlon, starting at the Four Seasons Leisure Pool and ﬁnishing at Fort George Park. Swim, cycle 4km or 8km, and ﬁnish with an 1km or 2km run. Four Seasons Leisure Pool 775 Dominion St (250) 564-8979

Kids’ Carnival Sunday, July 21 10:00am - 4:00pm This is an event for the kids, and the kids at heart! The whole family can enjoy carnival games, puppet shows, face painting, pioneer games and

activities, crafts, magic shows, and entertainment. There’s something for everyone, and you won’t want to miss it! Huble Homestead Historic Site is located 40km north of Prince George, just off Highway 97 on Mitchell Road. Admission is by donation. For more information, call or visit the website listed. Huble Homestead Historic Site 40km north of Prince George, just off Hwy 97 on Mitchell Rd (250) 564-7033 admin@hublehomestead.ca

Les Misérables Tuesday, July 16 - Saturday, August 3 8:30pm - 11:00pm Judy Russell presents the musical “Les Misérables” for the ﬁrst time in Prince George. Prince George Playhouse 2833 Recreation Pl, Prince George (250) 563-8401

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FROM WRONG TRACKS

to MUSICAL TRACKS DeLynda PILON/Free Press Phil Roy, local music promoter, shows how beats are created in his basement studio, doing business under the banner of MC Phil Osophy. With music, his fiancee and boys as the cornerstones of his life, Roy has completely turned his life around.

Delynda Pilon newsroom@pgfreepress.com Someone once sang ‘Music saves more lives than war - so put down your gun and get on the dance floor’, an appropriate lyric for MC Phil Osophy, founder and CEO of a recording studio carefully cultivated in the basement of his home off Ospika Boulevard. Where once he was an armed robber, a man playing with a multitude of drugs, from meth to coke and ecstasy, now he’s a promoter, someone learning to create his own beats, someone who believes in himself. “I floated around gangs,” he said. “I did things society wouldn’t accept.” Roy was born in Welland, Ontario. His single mom moved him and his brother, Paul, to

Toronto when they were both young, where they lived blocks away from the projects for several years. “My mother was an amazing woman,” he said. “She did whatever was legally possible to keep us together.” He describes his mom as honest and truthful, a woman who paid the bills on time and took good care of her two boys. Roy said he took a wrong turn in life when he went out in search of a father figure. “I liked to hang out with the thrill seekers,” Roy said. “They were the same guys who would show you affection, respect and keep you from getting hurt.” Within the diverse crowded neighbourhoods around the projects, Roy found himself drawn into the Lebanese and black areas of town, loving the music, culture and food.

He was in Grade 11 when his mom told them they were moving to Prince George. “I didn’t want to move,” he said, Nevertheless, Roy found himself several provinces and a lifestyle away from Toronto a short time later, attending Kelly Road school. That’s when he really started going wild. “Mom raised me the best she could,” he said. “She doesn’t believe in drugs or gangs. She’s a church lady.” But he was around 17, maybe 18 when he committed armed robbery, waving a knife in the hold-em-up scheme that ended with him in the slammer, convicted of his crime. “I was a follower,” Roy said, something he added was no longer true. “Back then, if you could convince me we would get away with it, more than likely I would do it.

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secrets through music is healthy. You get it out, and you feel relieved.” This honesty is important to him, something he listens for in the talent he completes masters, cd’s and promotes. He calls it reality rap, and he believes it will go far. With a day job that takes eight hours, a passion for music that takes every other moment and a fiancée, Danielle, who is with him through it all, Roy is not complacent. He’s put together a studio that produces a professional sound. A tour around the small space leaves one impressed, from the black panther pictures (like him, he said, they hunt by night) to a belief in people and local talent (“If you’ve got love for the music, with a positive mutual agreement, I’ll accept you”), to a soft spot for his mike, which has played host to numerous voices through the years, Roy doesn’t believe he’s going places, he knows it. With over $10,000 invested in equipment, and representing two artists in the U.S.A. and several locals, he sees only greater things in his future. His ambition guides him, along with a faith in the universe and the music, which he feels can bring positive change to others who might be as confused and lost as he was at one time. But he is no longer in that position. Instead he is making his dreams, and those 250-562-2323 2-2323 | www.butterﬂythreads.ca www.but w terﬂythreads.ca Mon–Sat 9:30am–5:30pm m of others, come true.

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“I was heartless. I didn’t care about anyone but myself. “I guess you could say I was lost. I was on my own, dating unstable girls. I remember sleeping outside under the stars.” Within that same period of time he met a woman, someone he still has contact with, the woman who would become the mother of his boys, Dayton and Elias. Though he and his ex split the sheets, Roy keeps in touch with his boys, missing them constantly. They are the second pillar, setting the foundation for his recovery. “I decided I can’t live like this, I wasn’t raised like this. And there’s no place for me like this,” he said. Roy found music therapeutic, freeing. “There are things you can’t tell anyone, not your parents, not your family or friends. But it’s in the music. Expressing deep dark

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250.564.0005 Your community. Your classiÀeds. Announcements

Coming Events

Education/Trade Schools Food Safety is EVERYBODY’S Business

Employment

Trades, Technical

Services

Hotel, Restaurant, Food Services

Welders Required

Legal Services

As of July 29, 2013 certiﬁcate 5yr expiry date in effect

Now accepting registration: Tarsem Parmar Sunday June 30th & July 7th 5:30 pm SHAW Channel 10

Lost & Found Found: Car keys near Blood Donor Clinic. Call 250-9620131 to identify.

FoodSafe Level 1 Keeping Food Safe

PROGRAM OF INDIA

Employment Business Opportunities ALL CASH Drink & Snack Vending Business Route. Complete Training. Small Investment required. 1-888-979VEND(8363). www.healthydrinkvending.co GET FREE Vending machines Can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash- retire in just 3 years. Protected territories. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629 Website www.tcvend.com MAKE MONEY and save lives. We are offering exclusive rights in your area, 100% guaranteed return of investment. Don’t pay until you see your business up and running. Voted top vending program in North America. Absolutely no selling involved; www.locationfirstvending.com Call 1-855-933-3555 for more information today.

Sat. July 13th IMSS Building 1270 2nd Ave.

Wed. July 24th AiMHi Building 950 Kerry St.

Sat. Aug 10th IMSS Building 1270 2nd Ave.

Classes Run 8:30–5:00pm Group Rates Available

ABC Foodsafe School www.abcfoodsafe.com info@abcfoodsafe.com

Fax: 250-563-2572

Member of:

250-563-2585

Education/Trade Schools

Career Opportunities

NOW HIRING FULL TIME SALES PEOPLE

Please apply in person with resume to: Visions Electronics #142-6333 Southridge Ave., Prince George, B.C QUAD L Enterprises Ltd. - a Vegetation Maintenance company is looking for: CUA’s, CA’s, UTT’s, UTW’s and Labourer’s. Work locations throughout Alberta and British Columbia We offer: Competitive compensation Company beneﬁts Excellent Health and Safety Program Please submit resumes with drivers abstract to: hr@isley.ca Fax: (780) 532-1250

If you’re out of sight...

F/T & P/T Opp. $10.25 hr. Full-Time 35-40 hrs. wkly Part-Time 12-20 hrs. wkly Apply In Person KFC Prince George, 2060 5th Avenue Fax: 1.780.486.3496 or email: blco@blco.ca

Income Opportunity NOW HIRING! Earn extra cash, demand for simple work. P/T-F/T. Can be done from home. acceptance guaranteed, no experience required, all welcome! www.BCJobLinks.com

Diane Rosebrugh & Dick Rosebrugh, B.Ed.

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

2-PERSON TEAM to manage all season wilderness resort and Front Desk/Server with strong sales and management skills. Fax 250-968-4445 or email: resort@terracana.com

Food Counter Attendants

OVER 90% Employment rate for CanScribe graduates! Medical Transcriptionists are in demand and CanScribe graduates get jobs. Payments under $100 per month. 1-800466-1535. www.canscribe.com. admissions@canscribe.com

Help Wanted An Alberta Oilﬁeld Company is hiring dozer and excavator operators. Lodging and meals provided. Drug testing required. Call (780)723-5051 Edson, Alta. Crew Leader to supervise student chocolate sellers. Cash daily, $675-$750 P/W. 1-855-543-9675 www.student1st.ca GUARANTEED JOB placement: General Laborers and Tradesmen for oil and gas industry. Call 24hr free recorded message for information: 1800-972-0209 Steady/PT to vacuum, wipe & wash cars. Apply to Hands on Car Wash, 1956 3rd Ave

...you’re out of business!

Students 12 & up. Cash paid daily. Provincial youth program $100-$150/wk. Call Toll free 1855-543-9675. www.students1st.ca

Advertising Works! 250-564-0005

THAI Cleaning requires full or part time workers. Mail resume c/o Free Press Box 9, 1773 S Lyon St, PG, BC V2N 1T3

Retail SUMMER Adventure. Work in the Historic Site of Barkerville. Mason and Daly General Merchants is seeking full time sales clerks. Apply with resume to Sales@MasonAndDaly.com

Trades, Technical Class 4 Engineer is required for Colonial Farms. Must be able to work Graveyard shift. Competitive Wages with Full Beneﬁts. Drop Resume between 8am & 2pm. 3830 Okanagan Street, Armstrong. (250)546-3008

ITM Trucking Ltd is looking for Welders (3 vacancies) for our 9888 Milwaukee Way, Prince George, BC. V2N-5T3 location. The applicant should have secondary school education with Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program or two to three years of work experience in the trade. The applicant should be able to Operate manual or semiautomatic welding equipment. Salary is $27.80/hour for 40 hrs/week. Please email your resume to itmcd@telus.net

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.

Alterations/ Dressmaking

Career Opportunities

FOUR SISTERS SEWING 250-564-4985

Financial Services DROWNING IN Debt? Cut debts more than 50% and debt free in half the time! Avoid bankruptcy! Free consultation. www.mydebtsolution.com or Toll Free 1-877-556-3500 BBB Rated A+ GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: it’s that simple. Your credit/age/income is not an issue. 1-800-587-2161. M O N E Y P R OV I D E R . C O M . $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused. Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877-776-1660.

Mobile Hydraulic Crane Operators, Millwrights, Steel Fabricator & Welders Timber West Mill Construction is now hiring Certiﬁed Mobile Hydraulic Crane Operators, Millwrights, Steel Fabricators, and Welders. E-mail resumes to: info@timberwestmc.com or fax (250) 964-0222

www.PitStopLoans.com 1-800-514-9399

Career Opportunities

Need CA$H Today? Own A Vehicle? Borrow Up To $25,000

No Credit Checks! Cash same day, local ofﬁce.

Household Services

$200 & Under

A mature lady interested in doing light housekeeping in your home. If interested call Sandra at (250)981-3752

Couch, loveseat, coffee table, & end tables, exc cond $150 for all. Air conditioner paid $600 asking $200. 6 bags water softner salt $5 for all. Call (250)563-0079

CRIMINAL RECORD? Guaranteed Record Removal since 1989. Conﬁdential, Fast, & Affordable. Our A+BBB Rating assures EMPLOYMENT & TRAVEL FREEDOM. Call for FREE INFO. BOOKLET

The YMCA of Northern BC is a growing multi-service association that offers fitness and recreation programs, licensed child care, rehabilitation services, community support services and international programs. We serve more than 20,000 people of all abilities, backgrounds, and stages of life in Prince George and Northern British Columbia. The CEO holds the key leadership position in the organization. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the CEO assumes complete responsibility for carrying out policies and delivering on the objectives outlined in the organization’s annual business plan. The CEO has the authority to direct the implementation of the YMCA’s programs and services, and is responsible for the management of all staff and volunteers. A complete job description is available at www.nbcy.org. Interested individuals are encouraged to send their resume and cover letter to Tom_Coon@ymca.ca.

SPRING YARD CLEAN-UP Garbage Removal & Gutter Cleaning Power Raking ~ Aerating (250)961-3612 or (250)964-4758 res

Medical Supplies Hospital Bed Mfg. Invacare Corp, style Mobilite model #5400 series. Fully electric, 3 motors, with side rails & mattress. $550 obo. (250)964-6819

Boat Accessories

1-8-NOW-PARDON (1-866-972-7366) RemoveYourRecord.com

Honda 7.5 HP outboard motor with built-in battery charger. $850 (250)564-7162

Career Opportunities

Outside Advertising Sales Representative Prince George Free Press Deadline: July 2, 2013 Description We are seeking a team player with a professional attitude to work and learn in a fast paced, business environment. Quali¿cations 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 develop new customers. 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. If a rewarding challenge resonates with you, contact us today. Please submit your resume and cover letter to: Roy Spooner, Manager: Marketing and Sales Prince George Free Press 1773 South Lyon Street Prince George, B.C., V2N 1T3, Canada Tel: (250) 564-0005 Fax: (250) 562-0025 Web address: http://www.pgfreepress.com

Join uswe’re here for good!

Career Opportunity Chief Executive Officer

Landscaping

X CROSSWORD Answers to puzzle NO. 284

Answers to puzzle NO. 518

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