TUESDAY OCTOBER 22, 2013
www.pqbnews.com
Official newspaper of the Save-On-Foods Oceanside Generals
BCYCNA
Gold 2012 General Excellence
STREAK IS SNAPPED
LOADS OF TALENT ON DISPLAY
Generals get a much-needed victory in new coach’s debut
The Island Arts Expo in Qualicum Bay described as a smorgasbord for art lovers
A33
A13
POPULAR CHRISTMAS EVENT
Walk now good to go After taking a year off, the Bethlehem walk is back JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
The Bethlehem Walk returns this season after a one-year hiatus, a “gift to the community” from the Parksville Fellowship Baptist Church. This will be the 20th year of the event. In 2011, more than 10,000 people wandered through the period-accurate displays that depict life as it was in the town of Christ’s birth about 2,000 years ago. “It’s exciting for us at the church,” said Bethlehem Walk coordinator Gail Barbero, who estimates the event will employ the efforts of about 350 volunteers, including actors and singers. “It is our gift to the community.” Each night between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 14-17, residents can enter the grounds of the church (550 Pym Street) and be greeted by actors playing roles like shepherds and shopkeepers, using elaborate sets and “introducing the people to the story of Christ,” said Barbero. There is also a special showing for young children and seniors on Dec. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. There is no admission fee to walk the grounds and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Bethlehem as it would have been 2,000 years ago, through more than 40 booths set up with blacksmiths, bakers, tanners and other shopkeepers. There will be a choir, cookies, hot drinks and much more. “What we’re trying to do is take people back in time to Bethlehem,” said Barbero. “There is nothing to purchase and no admission fee.” A huge sleigh will be set up to take donations — both non-perishable food items and money — for the local Salvation Army. In 2011, visitors donated more than $12,000 and what was described as “many van loads” of food. See GLAD, page A6
LISSA ALEXANDER PHOTO
YEAR-ROUND MARKET: Eva Grodt of Eva and Reg’s Dahlias had a variety of colourful flowers at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday. See story page A3.
ATTACK ON LIVESTOCK
Investigation continues in Hilliers JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
Regional District of Nanaimo staff continue their investigation into the alleged attack on sheep by a pack of dogs in the Hilliers area, but as of press time Monday there were no developments to report. The woman who contacted The NEWS about her sheep being slaughtered, a story which was picked up by provincial media, said Monday she is “not thrilled” with what she’s learned about the investigation or its pace. As reported in last Thursday’s edition of The NEWS, five sheep belonging to Amber Dawes were killed by dogs in Hilliers last week. Dawes, and others in the area, have said
there have been other incidents of livestock killed and harassed by dogs. Dawes said she continues to be concerned for the safety of both livestock and children in the area. Dawes, who used to operate a kennel, has seen the dogs she believes were the guilty of the latest attack numerous times, and she said they killed a number of her quail months previous. She identified the dogs as pit bulls. The regional district’s director of bylaw services said his staff is working through “quite a process” to ensure all actions by the local government are legal. “We know there is a lot of concern out there and we are working as hard as we can,” said Tom Armet. See MINISTER, page A6
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