Alberni Valley News, December 19, 2013

Page A29

Earn up to 300 Bonus AIR MILES this week at Safeway

Alberni Valley

Have ‘Coffee With’ Barb Stevenson, who is retiring this week from rom Fir Park and Echo Village.

NEWS

Put a Real Estate Expert to work for you!

W. Earl Engstrom

Call Earl at: 250-720-9051

Every home ◆ Every Thursday ◆ Every day online www.albernivalleynews.com

THURSDAY, DEC. 19, 2013

ll

EDITORIAL

Vol. 8 No. 17

Page A10 LETTERS Page A11 SPORTS Page A21 ENTERTAINMENT Page A25

BC CLASSIFIEDS

Pages A27–28

Christmas shift shuffle

For many Alberni Valley workers, Christmas is a regular work day.

Page 3

Shelia Savic, left, Keely Wagner, centre and Kim Madsen are three of 32 employees at Fir Park/Echo Village who are working on Christmas Day.

Start to finish at

WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Happy Holidays!

Ad (7x2 in.) from the management & staff at

Windsor Plywood Port Alberni Windsor Plywood • 4740 Tebo Ave • Port Alberni • Ph: 250-724-5751 • Fax: 250-724-3325 NEWS ❙ editor@albernivalleynews.com

DELIVERY ❙ 250-723-6399

SALES ❙ sales@albernivalleynews.com

A2 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

STOCKING STUFFERS

Your

– EXPERT STORE –

1000’s of Great Stocking Stuffer Ideas!

LAST MINUTE GIFTS Bird Feeder 1/2 Price

14

5489-054

99

Hot Air Popcorn Popper

7

$ 49

Regular

Bird Seed 1699Regular$ 99 8kg

5489-072

19 99

9

Regular

3813-335

For BBQ Lover

16

9

Regular

Regular 7474-082

SAVE $ 1000

6426-898

3499

Regular

Telescopic Trekking Poles

29 $

99

$ 99 99

For the Walker 99

14

$

For that Perfect Look

Stainless Steel BBQ Tool Set SAVE $ 00 7

SAVE $ 00 5

24

$

3860-291

19

99

SAVE $ 1000

99

For the Shop

8 Gal Shop Vac

59 92

$

99

99

Regular

1277-718

e k a m s d r Gift Ca ! ! t f i G t a a Gre

OPEN FRIDAYS TIL 8

SAVE $ 3300

Johnston Rd. • 250-724-3700 • www.homehardware.ca

Alberni Valley News -Thursday Thursday,, Dec. 19, 2013 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com A3 A3 www.albernivalleynews.com

◆ COVER STORY

Just another CHRISTMAS Day Emergency workers find ways to celebrate with family around shifts.

WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

C

hristmas Eve and Christmas Day for most people mean time with family, opening presents and having turkey dinner with everyone around the dinner table.

But for members of Port Alberni’s emergency services, those who work with the elderly and others, it means a day away from their families while they are at work.

The holidays can still be celebrated with some deft scheduling. Despite the inconvenience and sacrifice, working on Christmas Day has its own rewards—some monetary (firefighters, ambulance attendants and elderly care workers all receive extra statutory holiday, or “superstat” pay to work on Christmas Day) and others less tangible.

This year, Port Alberni Fire Department captain Ed Francoeur isn’t working on Christmas Day. But he’s worked nearly every Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in the 21 years he has worked with the Port Alberni Fire Department.

“I can count the number of times WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS on one hand that I haven’t worked BC Ambulance crew chief Bruce Patterson has worked numerous Christmas Day shifts in his 27-year paramedic career. them,” the married father of four said.

Firefighters work shifts of four Day will either have a turkey dinner Francoeur celebrates Christmas territory when you take this job,” days on and four days off. They or a special meal of some sort with his family as best as his shift Patterson said. “You know at some have no choice about whether or together. will allow. point you’re going to be away when not they work on Christmas Eve or But the bucolic stillness of a He can’t fool his now adult others are not.”

Christmas Day. “That’s just the way Christmas Day at the fire hall children the way he did when they The split between married and the shifts fall: if you have a shift can be broken in an instant by a were younger though. “If I had to single paramedics is even at twothat day then you work,” call to respond to an work on Christmas Day two for the Christmas Francoeur said. emergency. we’d pretend Christmas Eve shift this year, while Firefighters don’t have Francoeur remembers was on Boxing Day,” he three married people control over whether a call to a house fire one said. and one single person or not they work a year. The fire caused Veteran BC are working Christmas shift on Dec. 24-25, But extensive damage to a Ambulance crew chief Day, Patterson said. there is wiggle room to home but firefighters Bruce Patterson has Paramedics will accommodate someone managed to save worked more Christmas deck their “buses”— – Bruce Patterson ambulances—with during a shift. much of the family’s Days than he can “A guy may stay late valuables including their remember over his 27 reindeer antlers or so that someone coming Christmas presents. years as a paramedic. a Santa figure on on shift can finish dinner Not all Christmas Day “I’ve worked both the day shift and Christmas Day. People often drop ED FRANCOEUR with their family. And stories have a happy the night shift,” he said. treats off at the ambulance station, ...firefighter someone may come ending for firefighters.

Paramedics also work on a shift and if time permits paramedics will on shift early so that Francoeur remembers basis and someone’s shift has to fall drop by other emergency service someone else can go home for responding to a car accident. After on Christmas Day, Patterson said. offices to wish colleagues a merry dinner with his family,” Francoeur reflecting for a moment he declines Like fire and police the ambulance Christmas. said. to discuss the incident. “I don’t service must be available 24 hours Like firefighters, one tragic call If they can accommodate it, want to get into that further. I don’t per day for 365 days per year. can change the dynamic of the day. firefighters who work on Christmas want to dwell on it,” he said.

“Working shift work comes with the Continued / A9

‘Working shift work comes with the territory...’

COMPANY COMING FOR CHRISTMAS? Give the gift of comfort and style

Jean Futon was $959.00 NOW $499.00 Come see our great in-stock selection of sofa beds and futons

FURNITURE and UPHOLSTERY 4573 Merrifield St., Port Alberni 250-724-2021

A4 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News ®

SPEND $200, EARN

100 BONUS AIR MILES® reward miles*

300 BONUS

*With coupon and a minimum $100 Safeway grocery purchase made in single transaction.

*With coupon and a minimum $200 Safeway grocery purchase made in single transaction.

9 ®

Coupon valid from December 20 - 26, 2013 Limit one Bonus Offer per transaction.

Purchase must be made in a single transaction.

Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. AIR MILES® coupons cannot be combined with any other discount offer or AIR MILES® coupon offer including Customer Appreciation Day & Senior’s Day. Not valid at Safeway Liquor Stores. Coupon excludes prescriptions, diabetes merchandise, insulin pumps, insulin pump supplies, blood pressure monitors, tobacco, transit passes, gift cards, enviro levies, bottle deposits and sales tax. Other exclusions apply. Please see Customer Service for complete list of exclusions. Cashiers: Scan the coupon only once to activate the Bonus Offer. Do not scan more than once.

®

GRADE A

TURKEYS Under 7 kg . Fr WEEKLY H ozen.

OUSEHOLD LIMIT ONE .

With minim u purchase o m f Dec. 20 thru $ 50.00 Dec. 26

3

.-SUN. FRI.-SAT

TURKEYA S GRADE

/lb.

2.18/kg

DAY SALE

®TM Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Safeway.

Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. AIR MILES® coupons cannot be combined with any other discount offer or AIR MILES® coupon offer including Customer Appreciation Day & Senior’s Day. Not valid at Safeway Liquor Stores. Coupon excludes prescriptions, diabetes merchandise, insulin pumps, insulin pump supplies, blood pressure monitors, tobacco, transit passes, gift cards, enviro levies, bottle deposits and sales tax. Other exclusions apply. Please see Customer Service for complete list of exclusions. Cashiers: Scan the coupon only once to activate the Bonus Offer. Do not scan more than once.

00000 51133

Limit one Bonus Offer per transaction.

Purchase must be made in a single transaction.

0

7 DAYS ONLY! DEC. 20 - 26, 2013!

Coupon valid from December 20 - 26, 2013

AIR MILES® reward miles*

0

9

Bonus AIR MILES® reward miles*

00000 51133

earn up to

SPEND $100, EARN

®TM Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Safeway.

300 ®

®

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

20

DECEMBER

21

DECEMBER

SUNDAY

22

DECEMBER

2 Litre!

Coca-Cola or Pepsi Soft Drinks Assorted varieties. 2 Litre. Plus deposit and/or enviro levy where applicable.

HOUSEHOLD LIMIT TEN - Combined varieties.

$

10for

10

New York Strip Loin Steaks

$

Boneless. Cut from 100% Canadian beef.

Sold in a twin package of 4 for only $20.00.

NLY! 3 DAPYRSICEO

5

each steak

99

500 g. LIMIT FOUR.

ea.

!

NLY 3 DAPYRSICEO

NLY!

3 DAYS O

CLUB

2

Pantry Essentials Sliced Side Bacon

CLUB

Deli!

From the

Primo Taglio Brie 200 g.

Or Camembert 170 g.

99

3

ea.

S ONLY!

Y 3 DAPR ICE CLUB

Gold Pineapple

Product of Costa Rica.

HOUSEHOLD LIMIT FOUR.

$

2for

5

S ONLY!

Y 3 DAPR ICE CLUB

Safeway Kitchens Raisin Bread

White or Whole Wheat.

570 g.

2

$

for

5

LY!!

S OONNLY 33DDAAYPYS RICICEE

Bakery Counter Mini Croissants

Package of 15.

LUBPR CLCUB

Prices effective at all British Columbia Safeway stores Friday, December 20 through Sunday, December 22, 2013 only. We reserve the right to limit sales to retail quantities. Some items may not be available at all stores. All items while stocks last. Actual items may vary slightly from illustrations.

Some illustrations are serving suggestions only. Advertised prices do not include GST. ®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Safeway. Extreme Specials are prices that are so low they are limited to a one time purchase to Safeway Club Card Members within a household. Each household can purchase the limited items one time during the effective dates. A household is defined by all Safeway Club Cards that are linked by the same address and phone number. Each household can purchase the EXTREME SPECIALS during the specified advertisement dates. For purchases over the household limits, regular pricing applies to overlimit purchases. On BUY ONE GET ONE FREE items, both items must be purchased. Lowest priced item is then free. Online and in-store prices, discounts, and offers may differ.

$

5

S ONLY!

Y 3 DAPR ICE

Dove Hair Care 355 mL. Or Styling Products. Select varieties and sizes. LIMIT SIX FREE Combined varieties.

CLUB

Gift Cards for the Holidays

ET BUY 1 G

1FREE EQUAL OR

LESSER

VALUE

S ONLY!

Y 3 DAPR ICE CLUB

DECEMBER 20 21 22 FRI

SAT SUN

Prices in this ad good until Dec. 22nd.

AlberniValley ValleyNews News Thursday, -Thursday,Dec. Dec.19, 19,2013 2013 Alberni

E TOP H T

e v i F

Fundraising Concert Did you know that The Travelers are back for another fundraiser concert for the Community Arts Council? The event is on Jan. 18, 2014 at the Capitol Theatre. Start time is 2:30 p.m. Paul Kurucz and his daughters present “A Splash of Tartan, A Tribute to Robbie Burns”.Tickets are $10 and are available At Rollin Art Centre and Happy Soles

Cartons And Jars The Rollin Art Centre is looking for donations of washed milk cartons (any size) and glass jars (baby, spaghetti or jam jar sizes). The cartons and jars will be used as luminaries for the children next year, at our Celebration of Lights Festival. The art centre will be collecting them all year in order to give to the schools to make the 2014 event even bigger. Please drop them off at the centre, but note it is closed Dec. 22– Jan. 6.

www.albernivalleynews.com A5

www.albernivalleynews.com

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR WEEK AHEAD

Bulldogs Hockey The Alberni Valley Bulldogs play two more away games before taking a Christmas break.

On Friday, Dec. 20 the Bulldogs square off against the Clippers in Nanaimo. Game time is 7 p.m. And on Saturday, Dec. 21, the Bulldogs play the Grizzlies in Victoria. Game time is 7:15 p.m. Yes, 7:15 p.m. Catch the action with Evan Hammond on PEAK FM.

Books The Rollin Art centre’s annual book sale donations begin Tues. Jan. 7, 2014.

After that date, please drop off all your gently used books at the Rollin Art Centre in our book box under the stairs. Books cannot be accepted before Jan. 7 .

Improv It’s going to be a laugh a minute at the Capitol Theatre on Friday, Dec. 20. Whose Line Is It Anyway is being hosted at the Capitol. The improv comedy event starts at 7 p.m. Tix cost $5 for adults and $2 for children with a food donation. For more information, please call the theatre box office at 250-723-1195.

Get an MRI and find out what’s wrong.

We use a powerful 1.5T GE MR System, comparable to or exceeding hospital grade scanners.

Now accepting Physician Referrals

250-334-1023 www.vimri.ca 1211 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC V9N 3R6

NOTICE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GARBAGE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

CHARMEAD SCHELLA/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

Kicking it

Students have fun performing in the Ecole des Grands-cedres Spectacle last week.

FARMERS’ MARKET 9am-Noon

Dec. 21st Customer Appreciation Day Donuts & Coffee

&

Merry Christmas Happy New Year

Now being held at Cherry Creek School Gym - Now First Baptist Church.

Cherry Creek Road.

from Port Alberni Farmer’s Market

Farmers’ Market last day is Dec. 21st until Jan. 4th, 2014

Call Gwen 250.723.8351

WHO DO YOU KNOW? Win a $50 gift certificate for helping local businesses find the right employee for a job opening!

This week our search is for PHYSIOTHERAPISTS Who do you know that’s an experienced physiotherapist or just about to graduate?

If you want more information or if you have someone in mind, we need to hear from you!

IF YOUR REGULAR GARBAGE DAY IS:

IT WILL BE COLLECTED ON:

Monday, Dec. 23

Monday, Dec. 23

Tuesday, Dec. 24

Tuesday, Dec. 24

Wednesday, Dec. 25

Thursday, Dec. 26

Thursday, Dec. 26

Friday, Dec. 27

Monday, Dec. 30

Monday Dec. 30

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Wednesday, Jan. 1

Thursday, Jan. 2

Thursday, Jan. 2

Friday, Jan. 3

Please have your garbage cart out by 7:00 AM on your collection day.

If you have any questions please call the City Works Yard at 250-720-2840.

Contact Chamber of Commerce at 250-724-6535 The ‘Who Do you Know?’ campaign is a joint venture between the City of Port Alberni, Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot, and Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce.

CITY OF PORT ALBERNI

Thank you Randy Fraser, Streets Superintendent

A5

A6

www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 Alberni Valley News

ADSS out $60k in missing textbooks WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

M

ore than $60,000 in textbooks are outstanding at Alberni District Secondary School and officials are powerless to recover the money or the books.

School District 70

superintendent Cam Pinkerton confirmed the losses on Dec. 10.

The missing books are specifically from ADSS, he said.

“They’re worth about $90 to $120 a piece to replace so it adds up,” Pinkerton said.

“It’s a resource we expect to have back in the school.”

SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS Over 35 years experience all makes All Models sewing machines Sergers Industrials Vacuum Repairs Scissor Sharpening

Affordable Sewing & Vacuum Centre COURTENAY• 1-800-682-8808 2885 CLIFFE AVENUE NEXT TO MADMAN MCKAY

school’s textbook tracking system so that the school knows which students has what books.

Ostensibly, students return textbooks at the end of the semester or at the end of the year. Those students who don’t return textbooks are issued letters requesting their

return and even invoices for their replacement.

There is no academic penalty if a text is not returned.

“We can’t do that. The expectation is that we get the book back or money back,” Moncur said.

New textbooks are issued in September when students come

back to school. Those with outstanding books are asked to return them but are still issued new texts, Moncur said.

“The most we can do is encourage texts to be brought back and to send a letter home,” Moncur said.

Calls or letters from the school prompt some parents to

look for and return overdue books, Pinkerton said.

SD70 trustees are aware of the situation, Pinkerton said.

“They’ve requested more information for clarity about this,” he said. “It’s worth it in the long run to collect that kind of money.” reporter@albernivalleynews.com Twitter.com/AlberniNews

Kettle campaign needs help SUSAN QUINN ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

T

he Salvation Army’s kettle campaign is in dire need of volunteers, says campaign coordinator Schellie Hudson.

“I have about 35 spots still to fill,” she said on Monday

PAINT PROBLEMS? - LET ME HELP!

afternoon.

Because fewer volunteers have signed up to take shifts at the kettles set up around the community, this year’s campaign is down around $20,000 from last year, she said.

All proceeds from the kettle campaign stay in the community, and goes towards the Christmas hamper program, the food bank and emergency assistance.

“One of the problems we’re having here locally is people either cancelling shifts or just not showing up and not calling,” said Salvation Army Major Bruce Mac Kenzie. “It really leaves us in a quandary.”

Regular volunteers often fill in back-toback shifts, standing outside for four to six hours at a time to pick up the slack.

Gillian Shearwater is a long time volunteer with the Salvation Army.

She can be seen outside of Fairway Market or Safeway, playing her tenor or alto recorders.

She often uses the time to practice the songs she performs at seniors’ residences throughout the holiday season.

Shearwater said music used to be a big part of the kettle campaign, which is why she plays her recorders instead of ringing the bells.

“I had a partner for four years, from the high school, who played the bass clarinet. The first year he had three wobbly carols and I had one.

By the end…people would walk across the parking lot to listen,” she said.

Continued / A22

SUSAN QUINN/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Salvation Army volunteer Gillian Shearwater plays ‘Suki Yaki’ on her tenor recorder in front of Fairway Market last week. Shearwater has been a kettle campaign volunteer for many years in Alberni.

See me about a

FREE in home consultation

Holiday Schedule

I will advise you about...

Prep work for interior, exterior and decks and what type of paint to use

Effective Dec 24, 2013 to Jan 2, 2014 AL

4643 Gertrude Street

250-724-1291

www.beavercreekhomecenter.com

Dec 24

Regular Service

Dec 25 & 26

No Service

Dec 27– 30

Regular Service

Dec 31

Regular Service until 10:30 pm Free Evening Service from 10:30 pm to 1:30 am Provided by the City of Port Alberni and BC Transit

Jan 1

No Service

Jan 2

Regular Service

City of Port Alberni 3592-15

• • • •

The problem is ongoing, ADSS principal Nora Moncur said.

“Every year, tens of thousands of dollars in text books aren’t returned,” she said.

Students are issued textbooks in September, Moncur said.

The books are scanned into the

Transit Info 250·723·3341 • www.bctransit.com

Alberni Valley News Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com

A7

Seniors brackish about Canada Post mail plan WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

R

eaction in the Alberni Valley is mixed about Canada Post’s decision to phase out door-to-door mail delivery starting next year.

Last week, Canada Post announced it is phasing out home delivery and laying off approximately 8,000 mail carriers over the next five years.

The letter giant will be replacing door-todoor delivery in urban areas with community mailboxes. And it is also hiking stamp prices from 63 cents to 85 cents per stamp when purchasing booklets or coils of stamps, while an individual stamp will increase from 63 cents to $1.

The moves are needed to offset mounting financial losses, which last quarter amounted to $129 million, according to Canada Post. A recent

WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Howitt Hampers

WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Port Alberni Sunshine Club president Maureen Brechin says ceasing mail delivery to homes will impact more than 300 seniors in the club.

Conference Board of Canada report estimated that the postal service would lose $1 billion annually by 2020.

Critics said that the move will impact seniors, those with mobility issues and shut-ins the most.

Also, that the boxes present a crime risk.

Local reaction to the plan was mixed.

The move will impact the members

GRAD 2014 FUNDRAISER

DONATE YOUR BOTTLE RETURNS

ADSS GRAD Just mention you want the funds donated to the ADSS Grad Account For more information about Grad 2014 visit our Facebook page : Prom 2014

of the Port Alberni Sunshine Club, president Maureen Brechin said.

“It will mostly effect those of our members who are over 70 who have mobility issues or (are) house bound,” Brechin said.

“It will affect about one third of our 1,100 members.”

Walking to the mail box isn’t an issue for seniors who are under age 70 and still agile.

“But trying to walk to the mailbox when you’re 90 and have mobility issues isn’t the same,” she said.

According to Brechin affected seniors will have to find someone to get their mail for them. Home support workers are out because many aren’t allowed to perform

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

IF YOU THINK A STAY AT THE WICKANINNISH INN IS OUT OF REACH, YOU DON’T KNOW THE HALF OF IT: 50% OFF FOR LOCALS.

the service.

And switching to online bill paying isn’t an option for most seniors.

“A lot of seniors don’t know how to use a computer. They still pay their phone and hydro bills by cheque and mail,” she said.

The increased cost of stamps will also impact the elderly, Brechin said.

“Seniors are the last group of people who rely heavily on the mail.”

The issue hasn’t been raised at the Sunshine Club by members. “But this happened recently, and it’s the holidays so we haven’t been doing as much.”

Not all seniors will be impacted by the move.

Continued / A22

John Howitt Elementary School students Gracie Aussen, standing left, and Brooke Mauke show four of 190 care packages they and other students have assembled. The packages are going to the Bread of Life and Port Alberni Shelter Society. The students also raised $600, and will be buying additional items for the hampers.

Exercise park idea stalls WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

C

ity councillors have put the brakes on an initiative that would see an outdoor exercise park installed at Bob Dailey Stadium.

Port Alberni city council clarified at their Dec. 9 meeting that they had not debated then voted for the project to go ahead.

“There’s been no debate so it isn’t going anywhere,” Coun. Jack McCleman said.

The discussion was prompted by a question from audience member Neil Anderson, who

asked what council’s direction was with respect to the issue.

“The surplus should be spent on a high need list and not a high want list,” Anderson said.

The proposed workout area would have been located in the grassy area between Bob Dailey Stadium and Glenwood Centre.

It would have been comprised of several pieces of workout equipment designed to use body weight as resistance.

The project hinged on savings realized from the resurfacing of the track last summer.

Some $60,000 in

Fill their stockings with care!

Stocking Stuffers in every aisle

Good neighbours deserve great deals.

If you live anywhere from Port Alberni west, we invite you to take advantage of this outstanding offer. Our “Good neighbours, great deal” promotion entitles locals to stay with us for just $125 per night midweek or $170 per night Friday and Saturday. Plus, you’ll get 15% off meals and $20 steams & 15% off all treatments in our spa.

For applicable conditions, please call us at 250.725.3100

Need help?

Stocking Idea Lists available in store for him and her Ask at the cosmetics counter

tel 1.800.333.4604

www.wickinn.com

3717 10th Avenue • 250.723-7387 Open 7days a week • 8 am - 10 pm

‘There’s been no debate so it isn’t going anywhere.’

– Jack McLeman savings were realized that, combined with a $10,000 donation from the track club, would have underwritten the initiative.

Parksville, Cowichan and Langford are other districts which have similar facilities.

Service groups should be approached to see what kind of contribution they could make to the project as well, Coun.

Dan Washington said.

“I’d like to see us use service club money rather than city money,” Coun. Dan Washington said. reporter@albernivalleynews.com Twitter.com/AlberniNews

Have YOU got yours?

See page 22

A8 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

Free Room and Board If you drink and drive In British Columbia, impaired driving kills an average of two people and injures 60 every week.

Across Canada, it is an average of four people killed and 207 injured every day.

These are entirely preventable tragedies and Port Alberni RCMP are using all the strategies at their disposal this season to drive these distressing statistics down. Despite the many strong ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ campaigns and messages out there in the community, people still foolishly take their lives and the lives of others in their hands by driving when they’ve had too much to drink.

And for what? To save a few bucks on a cab? To avoid an inconvenient trip the next day to pick up your car? No excuse is good enough. The time to think about getting home safe is before you take that first drink.

Enjoy the holiday season, but do so with the knowledge that your local police are out there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week watching for those who just don’t get it.

This important message brought to by The Alberni Valley News and these sponsors:

and Celebrate!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Cst. Tom Gill Port Alberni RCMP Jail

4907 Argyle St. www.MacDermott.com 250.724.3241 Two Locations 4833 Southgate 250-723-4940 or

3949 Maple Way 250-723-7270

Eat, THINK, and be wary...

Don’t Drink And Drive!

Please Don’t Drink & Drive

You always have a safe place to stay

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE Barclay 4277 Stamp Ave. 250-724-7171 Hotel www.albernitowing.com

DESIGNATE

Alberni Towing Ltd.

Have a Safe & Happy Holiday

(OUR 3ERVICE s We Port Alberni

(250)723-2545

3767 10th Avenue

FAX:

(250)723-4585

Don’t make the headlines ...

Don’t Drink and Drive!

Alberni Valley

NEWS

TAKE THE COORS LIGHT LIMO Celebrate with us, we will pick you up and take you home from Boston Pizza...

FREE OF CHARGE Call for Reservations & Pick-Up

250-723-2622

#100-3550 Johnston Rd

Alberni Valley News Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com

A9

Businesses paying it forward SUSAN QUINN ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Firefighters prepare a hotdog lunch for a school meal; the kitchen at the fire hall will feature a turkey dinner on Christmas Day, provided there are no emergencies for staff on shift.

Fir Park ‘like family’ From / A3

“And we tend to answer more calls involving alcohol that day,” Patterson said.

Celebrating Christmas with family takes some planning.

“We’ll either celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day when I get home,” Patterson said. “You tailor it to fit the shift.”

Patterson remembers one Christmas Day in particular when he didn’t work. He was sitting in his living room when he heard the voice of his adult son who was away in Calgary and he hadn’t seen in a year.

Patterson’s wife had secretly arranged for their son to come home so the family could spend Christmas together.

Christmas at home with family means something different for the 67 residents of Fir Park and Echo Village. And no one knows their day more than the 32 employees who work over two shifts on Dec. 24-25.

“They are like our extended family and you can’t help but feel lots of love that’s around here that day,” said Kim Madsen, who has worked every Christmas Day for the last 10 years.

“Not everyone likes working Christmas Day but I consider it a privilege.”

Keely Wagner is also working Christmas Day. She will have Christmas dinner with her family on

Christmas Eve and enjoy the morning with her children on Christmas Day before she goes to work.

Wagner remembers working her first Christmas Day when she was 21 years old.

She went to work on a bit of a downer but upon arrival “I felt like I had all of these grandparents here,” she said.

“I still feel that way today.”

Madsen agreed. “I felt the same way,” he said. “It made up for that feeling I never had growing up.”

Workers hand out presents the board bought for the residents, and serve a special Christmas meal later. Workers also serve as surrogate family members for residents, but especially for those who don’t receive visitors that day.

Staff used to get together for their own dinner years ago but the practice stopped when care requirements expanded and took away the time to do it.

Staff also work shifts, but workers will barter shifts to allow some married staff to spend the day with their families.

Brad Coates has worked most Christmas Days since he broke into the care attendant business.

Coates spends time with his girlfriend before his shift and makes time for her and other family when he gets off work.

“I choose to work on that day. But the way I look at it someone else gets a chance to stay home with their family,” he said.

“In a perfect world we’d all be with our families.”

Several lucky shoppers filling their Christmas lists at local stores have been surprised with gifts of their own this month, courtesy of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber manager Bill Collette has been gifting shoppers with special $100 certificates offered by one of 43 merchants in the Alberni Valley. In all, 48 certificates will

Have YOU got yours?

be handed out before Christmas.

It’s a reward-based way of getting the “shop local” message out, Collette said. It’s different than simply telling people to stay at home and support local businesses this holiday season.

“The idea behind this is we’re not telling anyone to shop local.

We’re just going to reward 48 people who do,” he said.

So someone could be shopping at West Coast Home Hardware and receive a $100

gift certificate to an automotive shop.

Or walk into Char’s Landing and walk away with a $100 certificate to a retail store uptown.

“It will make sure the ‘pay it forward’ part will be from a business in another part of town,” Collette said.

Social media will ideally help both businesses with such exposure, Collette added.

This is the second year for the chamber’s “shop local” program,

albeit different than last year’s inaugural campaign.

“It’s a great program,” said Sarah Jones of Walk the Coast, who designed the poster for the campaign.

“There is an incredible shopping experience here. I think if we can reward people and give them more reason to be here, that’s an exceptional program.”

The chamber’s 24 Days of Christmas ends Christmas Eve. editor@albernivalleynews.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

See page 22

reporter@albernivalleynews.com Twitter.com/AlberniNews

The 5th Annual Toy Drive: Tigh-Na-Mara General Manager Paul Drummond and Society of Organized Services Executive Director Renate Sutherland.

Tigh-Na-Mara Humanitarian Hall of Fame Award Recipients

We are pleased to welcome new Pharmacy Manager Jyoti Modhgill 3756 10th Avenue

Port Alberni • 250.723-6212

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre has been selected to receive the 2013 Hotel Association of Canada Award of Excellence in the category of Humanitarian. The property and staff receive this award in recognition of their long history and dedication as a generous supporter of many charitable campaigns and initiatives both financially and through hundreds of volunteer hours.

Recently, Tigh-Na-Mara hosted the 5th Annual Toy Drive breakfast where 49 volunteer team members enthusiastically fed over 1600 people and collected 1,827 toys; $2,175 in gift cards as well as $1,471 in cash assisting the local Society of Organized Services Christmas Campaign. They continue spreading Christmas cheer by preparing and serving a Christmas turkey dinner to hundreds at the Salvation Army Hall.

The Hall of Fame Awards Program was developed by the Hotel Association of Canada

(HAC) to recognize those of its members that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to Canada’s lodging industry. “The goal of HAC’s award program is to reward strong standards in the industry that will enable Canada to remain competitive,” said Tony Pollard, HAC President. “We are pleased to honour the 2013 award recipients, whom we feel represent some of the finest examples of professionalism, quality and excellence.”

“On behalf of Tigh-Na-Mara and all our dedicated team we are very proud and humbled to be receiving this Humanitarian Award” says, General Manager, Paul Drummond. “It’s part of our corporate culture to be engaged and give back to our communities because charity always begins at home.” Drummond will attend and receive the Humanitarian Hall of Fame Award of Excellence on February 12, 2014 in Toronto, Ontario.

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is an all season destination Resort located in Parksville, BC, offering comfort and tranquility in unique handcrafted log accommodation, with inspiring restaurants, and an award winning full service spa all surrounded by 22 acres of Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest nestled above 3 km of sandy beach overlooking the Strait of Georgia.

Open 7 am - 10 pm Daily

Visit our website at: www.safeway.ca

www.tigh-na-mara.com

www.albernivalleynews.com

A10

Thursday , Dec. 19, 2013 Alberni Valley News

Alberni Valley

NEWS

The Alberni Valley News is published every Thursday by Black Press Ltd., 4656 Margaret St., Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 6H2.

Phone: (250) 723-6399. Fax: (250) 723-6395.

Classifieds: 1-855-310-3535.

The Alberni Valley News is distributed free to 9,500 households in Port Alberni, Cherry Creek, Sproat Lake and Beaver Creek. The Alberni Valley News is Vancouver Island owned and operated.

2012 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2012

Publisher: Teresa Bird Editor: Susan Quinn

EDITORIAL

Charities need to follow tech wave Mailbag: Feedback on wish lists—for and about government This week’s plea from the Salvation Army for more bell-ringing volunteers to stand with its red kettles sounded familiar to last year’s call.

The lack of people available for kettle duty is contributing to another tough year for the campaign across the Island.

While we commend the Salvation Army’s mandate and the motivation behind its efforts, its struggles illustrate the challenges faced by organizations relying on traditional modes of gathering donations.

Ours has become largely a cashless society and less people have money on hand with which to shop or donate on the street. Some enterprising marketplace merchants have addressed that by spending a little on electronic devices that facilitate cashless transactions.

Some organizations have stepped up their social media presence in conjunction with their main website, many of which contain easy-to-find online donation options.

Even organizations which use traditional methods, such as the United Way, are getting creative in how they promote them. Challenged with the same economic downturn as everyone else, this charity funder has made strides by focusing on its workplace payroll deduction campaign that makes giving more manageable for people on limited budgets.

It’s not that we don’t have the disposable income to donate. Stories such as that of a Saanich family forced by fire from their Obed Avenue home, and the resulting outpouring of donations of lodging, household items and cash from neighbours, friends and complete strangers, proves the public will donate to causes they feel connected to.

It’s no different than in business: organizations that don’t shift with the times are destined to be left behind.

— Victoria News

Dear Santa: our PM’s wish list To the Editor,

The following Christmas wish list appeared in my Inbox, apparently due to a computer glitch. I’ve forwarded it on to the Jolly Old Elf himself, and figured your readers may be interested: “Dear Santa, Christmas will be lonely at 24, Sussex Drive, as former best friends Mike and Pamela won’t be dropping by in their Santa and Mrs. Claus costumes—on loan from some judges at the Supreme Court Of Canada.

Mike and Pamela were always so welcome, bringing huge bags of money on their sleigh.

Of course, I made them Senators to raise that money from the Conservative Party faithful, and for their broadcasting expertise about making those negative attack ads that so effectively eliminated three recent Liberal leaders.

I have a couple favours

to ask, Santa, as I’ve been really good this year; well, good is only a relative term, after all. Firstly, will you please do something about that NDP man from Montreal who makes my life an absolute misery in the parliamentary Question Period every day?

You may not be a vindictive guy, but I sure am, and would be eternally grateful if you send hornets to build a nest in that beard of his.

Surely that would slow him down a tad.

Secondly, there’s that young Liberal guy from Montreal with the movie star looks and hair.

His party made very significant gains in the popular vote in recent by-elections; so please arrange that he has a bad case of acne to temper his pretty-boy appearance that women voters love.

Except for a few more buses to throw former friends and employees under, that seems to be all I want this year. I still read from that “WannabePresident How-To Manual”

by Richard M. Nixon that you left under my tree the year we first moved in here.

Finally, Santa, there are nasty rumours that some in my own caucus want to send me packing; if that should happen before you and Red-Nosed Rudolph set out on Christmas Eve, please find me at the nearest Motel 6. I’ll be the one playing the piano, and singing these Beatles songs: I Should Have Known Better, I’m A Loser and Help!

Thanks in anticipation.

Lil’ Stevie H.”

Bernie Smith, Parksville

Beautify, don’t scarify uptown To the Editor,

One major upgrade and a necessary beautification project would be the grubby, weed encircled parking lot in the middle of our uptown core.

Is city hall that daft to not realize that simple enhancement would go a long way to transforming the overall look?

TO COMMENT …

We welcome your original comments on editorials, columns, on topics in the Alberni Valley News or any subjects important to you. Only letters that include name, address, and day and evening phone numbers and that are verified by the Alberni Valley News can be considered for publication. Letters to the editor and articles submitted to the Alberni Valley News may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.

The Alberni Valley News is a member of the B.C. Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

Start with a row of tall slender poplar trees along the rear of the lot to block that eyesore view— how easy would that be?

Garden it up a little, similar to Harbour Quay: so far not too complicated even for city hall. A little asphalt here and there and “Boom!” you’ve actually accomplished something.

Oh yeah, try not to hire a bunch of expensive consultants for such an easy no brainer.

Christopher Massop, Port Alberni

Feeding children most important To the Editor,

Re: Federal minister says child poverty not Ottawa’s problem.

In the Bible, Cain says to God “Am I my brother’s keeper?” James Moore has given us the definitive response from the Conservative government.

Hungry children can fend for themselves; the government is too busy flogging pipelines.

Larry Kazdan, Vancouver

Commitment to accuracy To report corrections and clarifications, contact editor Susan Quinn at 250-723-6399 or e-mail: editor@ albernivalleynews.com or drop by our office at 4656 Margaret St.

Alberni Valley News Thursday , Dec. 19, 2013

◆ OPINION

?

QUESTION of the week

!

Are naysayers over-reacting to the potential impact of increased oil tanker activity on the West Coast?

Yes – 45.5% No – 54.5% This week’s question: Should B.C. allow children into pubs?

Vote at: www.albernivalleynews.com See us also on Facebook.com

Mail a luxury SUSAN QUINN Quinn’s Quips

I really like my mail carrier. I confess that I haven’t asked her name, despite the fact she always has a smile and a “Good morning!” for me if I happen to see her.

I feel bad for her when she walks up our long walkway with just a pizza flyer, but she waves it off—it’s her job.

For me, door-todoor mail delivery is a luxury. I spent many years with a

post office box at the Courtenay depot or a community mailbox at the end of my rural road. So going back to a community box once Canada Post makes its changes won’t be a big deal for me. But I do worry about my mail carrier and what will happen to her.

Canada Post says most of the estimated 8,000 jobs it will downsize will be lost to attrition. But what about the others?

That’s a lot of people retiring, only to discover they will have to go pick up their own mail.

www.albernivalleynews.com

A11

Premier looks back on busy 2013 TOM FLETCHER B.C. Views After a whirlwind year that started with a come-frombehind election win, Premier Christy Clark sat down with me for the traditional yearend interview in her Victoria office. Here are excerpts from that discussion. A longer version with video can be found under the Opinion tab of this newspaper’s website.

Tom Fletcher: Premier, you surprised a few people this year. What surprised you the most about 2013?

Premier Christy Clark: I guess it was the disconnect between the pollsters and the pundits, and the public.

I did have a sense all the time that the citizens were thinking something different in the run-up to the election campaign. I wondered, am I missing something here, or are they missing something?

And I guess it turned out that it wasn’t me that was missing something.

Fletcher: The liquefied natural gas export project is going to use a lot of natural gas, especially in the early years. Will B.C.’s greenhouse gas reduction targets [20 per cent reduction by 2020, 80 per cent by 2050] have to be changed?

Clark: I don’t have a clear answer on that yet.

We are working with the companies on exactly how

SHARON TIFFIN/BLACK PRESS

Premier Christy Clark talks about the year that was with Black Press legislative writer Tom Fletcher.

we are going to structure their environmental commitments and costs, and their electricity costs versus using gas, the total royalty tax regime.

We’re looking at that as one package.

However that turns out, though, this opportunity to export natural gas to Asia is the single biggest opportunity we have ever had as a province to reduce greenhouse gas emissions around the world. In shipping this to China, we are going to help them wean themselves off some of the dirtiest coal anybody’s burning anywhere in the world.

Fletcher: If B.C. is going to get credit for displacing coal

use in Asia, shouldn’t B.C.’s coal exports, even though it’s metallurgical coal, count in our greenhouse gas total as well?

Clark: I know that the academics and pundits are going to get all mired in competing sets of numbers and studies. For me, we have a chance to do good for the world, and we’re going to take it.

Fletcher: On oil pipelines, your agreement in November with Alberta Premier Alison Redford involves B.C. supporting her effort for a national energy strategy.

What do you see it doing in the future?

Clark: The big idea that she’s trying to pursue with that is a strategy that will

connect us east to west in energy. Energy grids are much better connected north to south than they are east to west. So she’s trying to pursue a pan-Canadian strategy for the exchange of energy, whether that’s hydroelectricity or natural gas or whatever it is.

We haven’t been intimately involved with it until recently, so we’ll see where it goes.

Fletcher: There’s a perception out there, fuelled by the opposition, that you campaigned against oil pipelines and now you’re turning the tanker around, as it were, to be in support of them. What do you say to that?

Clark: It’s typical of the other guys to reinterpret and misquote. That’s what they do. They’re in opposition.

What I said was, we have five conditions that must be met in order for heavy oil to be considered to go ahead in British Columbia. That has not changed.

The five conditions remain in place. As of today, none of them have been met. The only thing that is different today, from before the election, is that now I no longer stand alone in supporting the five conditions. I have one other premier supporting me, and that’s Alison Redford.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press.

Twitter: @tomfletcherbc E-mail: tfletcher@blackpress.ca

Letters Mail: Letters, Alberni Valley News, 4656 Margaret St., Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 6H2 Fax: 250-723-6395 E-mail: editor@albernivalleynews.com Letters should be no longer than 300 words and will be edited. Include your address and phone number (although those won’t be published) and a first name or two initials. We won’t publish anonymous letters, or letters to third parties.

We regret that, due to the volume of letters we receive, not all will be printed.

CEDAR GROVE CHURCH A Christian Community of the Reformed Church in Canada Sunday Worship Service -10:30 am Wed. 9:30am - 11am Bible Study Everyone welcome to worship with us at the 7th Day Adventist Church at

4109 Kendall St. • 250.723-7080

Pastor’s Pen

Everywhere lately people are asking “are you ready for Christmas?”. Most of us will give a resounding “No”.

So much more to do. So many events to attend that will mean three more months of dieting to get back to where you need to be. If this sounds like you then you have the Christmas Crunch Blues. But rejoice, there is a cure. Try to follow these suggestions: Read the Christmas Story aloud. Sing along with Christmas carols.

The more out of tune the better, because the worse you sound, the harder you will laugh. If you are going out for the evening enjoy the food with gusto - complaining about the calories won’t help one bit. If you really can’t afford the calories - bake some, the great smell will cheer you - then give them to someone. Pray this simple prayer : Lord, help me find the wonder of Christmas as if for the first time.”

Trinity Church Anglican & Lutheran

4766 Angus Street, Port Alberni Pastor: George Pell SUNDAY 10 AM WEDNESDAY 10 AM Everyone Welcome Phone: 250.724-4921 Trinity Church Port Alberni

Seventh Day Adventist Church

4109 Kendall, Port Alberni SATURDAY (SABBATH) SERVICES 10:00 am ~ Bible Study 11:00 am ~ Family Worship Service Listen to Christian Family Radio VOAR 104.5 FM in the Alberni Valley Leave Message: 250.723-6452

Alberni Valley United Church

3747 Church Street, Port Alberni Reverend Minnie Hornidge SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE Praise Singing - 10:15 am Worship Service & Children’s Worship -10:30 am www.albernivalleyuc.com Phone: 250.723-8332

A12 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

meet the PROFESSIONALS FOR THE BEST IN QUALITY, SERVICE & PRODUCTS CALL OR VISIT THESE FINE BUSINESSES!

Maximum Protection For Your Family with Minimum Financial Impact.

Plan Ahead Now for All the Right Reasons

ALBERNI DENTURE CLINIC MOVING & STORAGE

As part of the Dignity MemorialÂŽ network of funeral providers, we offer unmatched service, benefits and care.

Full Service Denture Centre r %FOUVSFT PO *NQMBOUT r *NNFEJBUF %FOUVSFT r 1BSUJBM %FOUVSFT r 4BNF %BZ 3FMJOFT 3FQBJST

Jason Kirouac, RD 1FNCFSUPO 3E Chapel of Memories Funeral Directors 1PSU "MCFSOJ Pat Schellenberg

4JYUI "WFOVF t 1PSU "MCFSOJ 250-723-3633

Book your free denture assessment today!

SINCE 1891

BEST PRICE + BEST QUALITY + BEST SECURITY = BEST SOLUTION! www.bekins.ca Call for your FREE Estimate!

250.720.2291

250-723-1811

Tracy Berrow - “The RV Lady�

RV Sales Consultant

3 Are you a 1st time buyer looking for just the right RV? 3 Have you outgrown your RV and considering a trade?

3 Are you trying to sell your RV and tired of the time it seems to take from your life?

Whether you are a 1st time buyer, trading your current model or wanting to consign, I am qualiďŹ ed and ready when you are, to discuss your RV opportunities. Come see me today!

250-724-4648 www.arbutusrv.ca

When You Smile, We Smile

Ltd. Tom Towing Thumb Business of the Week Alberni BOBCAT SERVICES

ALBERNI Alberni Towing Ltd. DENTURE CLINIC Auto & Heavy Duty Towing & Recovery

1st MONTH 1ST MONTH FREE* FREE* HEATED & DRIVE-UP STORAGE AVAILABLE CALL 250-720-2790 For Details Alberni Denture Clinic would HEATED & DRIVE-UP STORAGE AVAILABLE like to welcome Stephen to CALL 250-720-2790 ForSizes Details *New Rentals Only/Specific *New Rentals Only / Specific Sizes

* !" * * $# & * $ * $ ' % • Lino • Tile • Carpet • Ceramic * $ )"" ""$ ! • Area Rugs •* Hardwood Flooring ! & ""$ ! • Laminate Flooring * "$ ""$ ! • Cork Flooring • Stone * ! ") % "! • Window Fashion * !& $ "$ % ! $( % • Interior Design Services * &"!

#4-287 Martindale Martindale Rd, Rd, Parksville Parksville #4-287 1-877-248-4664 1-877-248-4664 www.parksvillefloors.com oors.com www.parksvillefl

" 7 (SBOJUF %FTJHO 8PSLT -UE ,JUDIFO #BUISPPN $PVOUFSUPQT

Specializing in metal rooďŹ ng since 1997 UĂŠ{äÊÞi>Àʓ>Â˜Ă•v>VĂŒĂ•Ă€iÀʓiĂŒ>Â?ĂŠ ĂŠ ÂŤĂ€Âœ`Ă•VĂŒĂŠĂœ>ÀÀ>Â˜ĂŒĂž UÊÓäÊÞi>ÀÊ iĂŒ>Â?ĂŠ"˜Â?ĂžtĂŠÂ?>LÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠĂœ>ÀÀ>Â˜ĂŒĂž UĂŠĂŽxĂŠVÂœÂ?ÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠÂœÂŤĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜Ăƒ]ĂŠĂœÂˆĂŒÂ…ĂŠ ĂŠ “>ĂŒV…ˆ˜}ĂŠĂŒĂ€ÂˆÂ“ĂŠĂœÂœĂ€ÂŽ UĂŠ Ă€iiĂŠVÂœÂ˜ĂƒĂ•Â?ĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠiĂƒĂŒÂˆÂ“>ĂŒiĂƒ WCB Coverage and Fully Insured

(SBOJUF t .BSCMF t &OHJOFFSFE 4UPOF 4UFQIFO &XJOH 0XOFS 0QFSBUPS 250-720-7853 +P[ ,VSVD[ t

Come and visit our Facebook page for more photos and ideas www.facebook.com/MetalOnlyRoofing

Â?LiĂ€Â˜ÂˆĂŠ/ÂœĂœÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ ĂŒ`° 7HJPĂ„J 9PT +YP]PUN +YP]PUN chool

Auto & Heavy Duty Towing & Recovery Start on your road to safe driving

We Offer: • New model training vehicle Instruction • Defensive driving tips for New & UÊ£äÊ9 ,-ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ Ă•ĂƒÂˆÂ˜iĂƒĂƒĂŠEĂŠ-ĂŒÂˆÂ?Â?ĂŠ Ă€ÂœĂœÂˆÂ˜} Experienced • UĂŠ, *]ĂŠ

ĂŠEĂŠ*Ă€ÂˆĂ›>ĂŒiĂŠ Â˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€>˜ViĂŠ/ÂœĂœÂˆÂ˜} City & highway driving Drivers UĂŠ i>ÛÞÊ,iVÂœĂ›iÀÞÊ-ÂŤiVˆ>Â?ÂˆĂƒĂŒĂƒ • Collision avoidance tips UĂŠ Â?>ĂŒĂŠ iVÂŽĂŠ-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂŠUĂŠ ÂœVÂŽĂŠ"Ă•ĂŒĂƒĂŠUĂŠ ՓÊ-ĂŒ>Ă€ĂŒĂƒ • Convenient drop off and pick-up up

UĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?ĂŠ-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂŠ-ĂŒÂœĂ€>}iĂŠUĂŠ ÂœV>Â?ĂŠEĂŠ œ˜}ĂŠ ÂˆĂƒĂŒ>˜Vi Gift Certificates Ă“xä‡ÇÓ{‡{äxä Available 778-421-0272 24 Hour Service

www.pacifi crimdrivingschool.com com www.albernitowing.com

thier team. Stephen graduated from George Brown College in Toronto and decided to move to Port Alberni for the mountains.

He is an avid • 10 YEARS in Business & Still Growing outdoor enthusiast whoPrivate enjoys Insurance Towing • RCMP ICBC hiking, kayaking, back country • Heavy Recovery Specialist camping and scuba diving. • Flat Deck Service • Lock Outs Stephen is very happy to join • Jump Starts the Alberni Denture Clinic,•a Full Service Storage • Local & Long friendly practice in an exciting town.Distance He is looking forward to his time in Port Alberni pursuing his two passions dentures and adventures.

Book your free denture Jason Kirouac, RD } } today! assessment #103 - 4917 Pemberton Rd. Óxä‡ÇÓ{‡{äxä Port Alberni 250-723-1811 24 Hour Service www.albernitowing.com When You Smile, We Smile

Auto & Heavy Duty Towing & Recovery Yard Mainteneance:

ĂŽĂŠ-ÂˆĂ˘iĂƒĂ‰ ÂˆÂ˜ÂˆĂŠ Ă?V>Ă›>ĂŒÂœĂ€ĂƒĂŠEĂŠ-Žˆ`ĂƒĂŒiiĂ€ĂƒĂŠUĂŠ ÂˆĂŒV…ˆ˜} Ă•}iÀÊ ÂœÂ?iĂƒĂŠUĂŠ Ă€ÂˆĂ›iĂœ>ĂžĂƒĂŠUĂŠ*iĂ€ÂˆÂ“iĂŒiÀÊUĂŠ Ă€>ÂˆÂ˜ĂƒĂŠUĂŠ-ÂˆĂŒiĂŠ*Ă€iÂŤ >ĂœÂ˜ĂŠ*Ă€iÂŤĂŠUĂŠ iLĂ€ÂˆĂƒĂŠEĂŠ-ĂŒĂ•Â“ÂŤĂŠ,iÂ“ÂœĂ›>Â?ĂŠUĂŠ >VÂŽĂŠ >““iĂ€

œ˜VĂ€iĂŒiĂŠ,iÂ“ÂœĂ›>Â?ĂŠEĂŠ i˜iĂ€>Â?ĂŠ9>Ă€`ĂŠ Â?i>Â˜ĂŠ1ÂŤ

UÊ£äÊ9 ,-ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ Ă•ĂƒÂˆÂ˜iĂƒĂƒĂŠEĂŠ-ĂŒÂˆÂ?Â?ĂŠ Ă€ÂœĂœÂˆÂ˜} UĂŠ, *]ĂŠ

ĂŠEĂŠ*Ă€ÂˆĂ›>ĂŒiĂŠ Â˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€>˜ViĂŠ/ÂœĂœÂˆÂ˜} UĂŠ i>ÛÞÊ,iVÂœĂ›iÀÞÊ-ÂŤiVˆ>Â?ÂˆĂƒĂŒĂƒ UĂŠ Â?>ĂŒĂŠ iVÂŽĂŠ-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂŠUĂŠ ÂœVÂŽĂŠ"Ă•ĂŒĂƒĂŠUĂŠ ՓÊ-ĂŒ>Ă€ĂŒĂƒ UĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?ĂŠ-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂŠ-ĂŒÂœĂ€>}iĂŠUĂŠ ÂœV>Â?ĂŠEĂŠ œ˜}ĂŠ ÂˆĂƒĂŒ>˜Vi Free Estimates Ă“xä‡ÇÓ{‡{äxäat Call Tom Kettlewell 24 Hour Service 250-937-1455 www.albernitowing.com www.tomthumbbobcatservices.com

TKS

Hydraulics & Supply

>ÂˆĂ€Ă›ÂˆiĂœĂŠ ÂˆĂŒĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂƒĂŠUĂŠ >ĂŒiĂƒĂŠ Ăž`Ă€>Ă•Â?ˆVĂŠ ÂœĂƒiĂƒ œœ`>Â?Â?ĂŠ,Ă•LLiÀÊ*Ă€Âœ`Ă•VĂŒĂƒ ˆ˜`iĂŠ >ĂƒĂŠ iÂŤÂœĂŒĂŠUĂŠ ĂžÂ?ˆ˜`iĂ€ĂƒĂŠEĂŠ*Ă•Â“ÂŤĂƒ 7iÂ?`ˆ˜}ĂŠ-Ă•ÂŤÂŤÂ?ˆiĂƒ UĂŠ Ăž`Ă€>Ă•Â?ˆVĂŠEĂŠ ĂžÂ?ˆ˜iÀÊ,iÂŤ>ÂˆĂ€

Ă•ĂƒĂŒÂœÂ“ĂŠ Ă•ĂŒÂœÂ“ÂœĂŒÂˆĂ›iĂŠ Â?Ă•ĂŒVÂ…ĂŠEĂŠ Ă€>ÂŽiĂŠ ÂœĂƒiĂƒ

Hours:ĂŠ œ˜‡ Ă€ÂˆĂŠn>“‡x“ÊUĂŠ->ĂŒĂŠÂ™>“‡Î“

250-720-8900

ĂŽĂˆĂ“xĂŠĂŽĂ€`°Ê Ă›iÂ˜Ă•i]ĂŠ*ÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠ Â?LiĂ€Â˜Âˆ

HORNET

UĂŠ Â˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€>˜ViĂŠ Â?>ÂˆÂ“ĂƒĂŠ 8 6 / ĂŠEĂŠ/,1

UĂŠ iĂ€ĂŒÂˆwi`ĂŠ >Ă€ÂˆÂ˜iĂŠ/iV…˜ˆVˆ>Â˜Ăƒ UĂŠ->Â?iĂƒĂŠEĂŠ-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂŠ,iÂŤ>ÂˆĂ€ĂŠ/ÂœĂŠ Â?Â?ĂŠ >ÂŽiĂƒ

FOR ALL YOUR EXCAVATING NEEDS BIG & SMALL

UĂŠ*ÂˆĂŒĂŠ,Ă•Â˜ĂŠ Ă€>Ă›iÂ?ĂŠUĂŠ Ă€>ˆ˜>}i UĂŠ ÂœÂ˜ĂƒĂŒĂ€Ă•VĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠUĂŠ >˜`ĂƒV>ÂŤÂˆÂ˜} UĂŠ,ÂœVÂŽĂœ>Â?Â?Ăƒ UĂŠ ÂœĂ•Â˜`>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂƒĂŠUĂŠ-ÂˆĂŒiĂŠ*Ă€iÂŤ

Ă“xĂ¤Â‡Ă‡ĂŽĂ¤Â‡ÂŁĂˆÂ™Â™ĂŠUĂŠĂ“xä‡ÇÓ·ÓǙ™Ê {{xĂŽĂŠÂ‡ĂŠÂŁĂ¤ĂŒÂ…ĂŠ Ă›i°]ĂŠ*ÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠ Â?LiĂ€Â˜Âˆ 20 years experience 250-723-2522ĂŠUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°Â?>“>Ă€ÂˆÂ˜i°V>

This space is the This space available Alina’s Bed & Biscuit For your best way to get your REASONABLY PRICED! & Collectables Pampered Pets INSTALLATION message across!

UĂŠ Â˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€>˜ViĂŠ Â?>ÂˆÂ“ĂƒĂŠ s v + 3TYLE 'UTTER s v #OMMERCIAL 'UTTER Call Today!

UĂŠ iĂ€ĂŒÂˆwi`ĂŠ >Ă€ÂˆÂ˜iĂŠ/iV…˜ˆVˆ>Â˜Ăƒ s v 3TEP FACE &ASCIA 'UTTER

THE

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11am - 7pm Friday 11am - 8pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

Check out our wide selection of specialty games

s !LUMINUM 3TEEL #OPPER )NA !LL 3TYLES s ,EAFGUARD (ANGER 3YSTEM 2ETROlT ,EAFGUARD s &UNNELS #LEANOUT "OXES s 3OFlTS &ASCIA #OVERS s -ETAL &ABRICATION SERVICES s 0OWER WASHING s -OSS 2EMOVAL s 'UTTER 2EPAIRS s 6INYL 3IDING 'UTTER #LEANING

To advertise here call Teresa: 778 421 0141 250-730-0497 Kingsway Crossing Argyle St. To advertise hereOff call Teresa: 3168 250-723-6399 Sweet Ave, Port Alberni albernivalleynews.com albernivalleynews.com www.gordonsgutters.com 250-723-6399 www.cardcorner.ca

UĂŠ->Â?iĂƒĂŠEĂŠ-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂŠ,iÂŤ>ÂˆĂ€ĂŠ/ÂœĂŠ Â?Â?ĂŠ >ÂŽiĂƒ

BENEFITS • Socialization • Around the clock care • Family environment • Doggy day care and long term boarding • Care for animals with special needs - Diabetes, allergies etc. • Pick up, drop off and pet taxi services available Alina & Warren • 6467 Walker Road, Port Alberni {{xĂŽĂŠÂ‡ĂŠÂŁĂ¤ĂŒÂ…ĂŠ Ă›i°]ĂŠ*ÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠ Â?LiĂ€Â˜Âˆ 250-724-2369 • 250-720-7349 250-723-2522ĂŠUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°Â?>“>Ă€ÂˆÂ˜i°V> www.yourpamperedpets.ca

Alberni Valley News Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

drivewayBC.ca |

www.albernivalleynews.com

A13

Welcome to the driver’s seat

Visit our photo galleries at DrivewayBC.ca

Santa looking to swap outdated ride for super economy sleigh NORTH POLE - Driveway can exclusively reveal that Santa Claus has been visiting local dealerships kicking tires—ahem, rails—in his search for a new ride.

Ever conscious of the increasing cost of gas and effect his multi-million-kilometre Christmas flight has on the environment, Santa seems to have opted for 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon for his next sleigh.

The wagon promises a fuel economy of 7.84 L/100 kms fuel economy,which means the sleigh will be kinder to the environment than his current means of transporting gifts to the world’s children.

As an added benefit, the EcoBoost engine – which is finely tuned for high-speed performance – would offer speeds much faster than Santa ever travelled in his former 36-hoofpowered sleigh. The expected upgrade comes as a record number of children earn spots on the “nice” list, increasing the payload weight of his bag of gifts beyond the normal tow rating of his nine-reindeer team.

Santa told me that changing his mode of transportation will not compromise his ability to remain true to his mission.

“My goal is and always has been

giving presents to good the nine reindeer look girls and boys, and a new forward to some time sleigh will make that off. Every year, the process more effective,” flying animals travel he says. “Let’s face it, 200,194,557 kms and every year there are more they’d like some time to children who earn presrest, he says, explaining ents. Things are simply there are still splinters getting out of control, embedded in his hoofs and my old sleigh just from a particular wooden My goal is and isn’t going to be able to roof in northern BC. always has been hack it much longer. With “You really can’t beat giving presents to the new sleigh, I will be this new sleigh,” says able to travel faster and good girls and boys, Goddard. “It offers carry more toys.” and a new sleigh will outstanding fuel econFord engineers develomy without sacrificing oped the Transit Connect make that process power. It even offers more effective.

Wagon sleigh concept an electric windshield weeks after hearing of defroster, making short Santa Santa’s dilemma during work of icy windshields cold weather testing in in wintry conditions. So, the North Pole. if there’s a foggy Christmas Eve, we “This is a winning situation for all,” won’t need a red-nosed reindeer to says Darren Goddard, chief engineer guide Santa around the world.” for Ford Transit Connect Wagon. “The Some extras appear to have swung increased efficiency means added time Santa in the direction of the Transit for Santa to enjoy milk and cookies at Connect. SYNC with MyFord Touch stops. His new ride will offer 100 cubic offers a touch screen display with feet of cargo space and versatility to navigation so Santa can easily find haul up to 2,000 pounds, which Santa all the good children, even in more will need.” remote areas.

Reindeer spokesperson Dasher says The child observation mirror would

‘‘

’’

allow him to keep a close eye on his gifts in the second and third row.

From its 60/40 three-passenger second-row bench seat through fold-flat second- and third-row seating with third-row independent fore-and-aft sliding capability, the wagon quickly adapts to accommodate multiple combinations of elves and presents.

The MyKey programmable ignition key restricts maximum speed should a mischievous elf get behind the wheel while Claus is down a chimney leaving gifts.

With eight cupholders, Claus and his elves would have plenty of space to take along a few glasses of milk as they continue through their busy night.

Rain-sensing wipers would keep Claus on the move, as there’s always a chance he’ll encounter nasty weather.

“As always, we are busy making toys and checking long lists,” says Santa.

“That said, Merry Christmas to all!”

Of course, Mrs. Claus will have the final say on this purchase because, as any dealership owner will tell you, women make the final decision in 80 per cent of new vehicle purchases.

Keep your eyes peeled Tuesday night to see if Santa got his Christmas wish.

Question OF THE WEEK:

Santa is looking for a new ride.

Which new vehicle would you like him to deliver to you?

?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Go to drivewayBC.ca to submit your answer.

Safety Tip: If you’re travelling across our province to spend time with family this holiday season, be realistic about travel times and check out the road conditions via DriveBC.ca ahead of time so you can prepare yourself and your vehicle for any challenging weather you may encounter.

Find more online at

drivewayBC.ca

keith.morgan@drivewaybc.ca

Park in our Driveway Advertise your auto-related business in our NEW weekly Auto Section Award-Winning Stories • Relevant Information • Online and in Print Alberni Valley Limited space each week ~ Call today! 250-723-6399

NEWS

A14 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

DRIVE ONE HOME! WWW.ALBERNITOYOTA.COM

CREDIT SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY BUYER As low as

209

117

$

As low as

$

weekly for 84 mths

STK#D7647

STK#D7623

STK#D13157A

2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER S

2012 TOYOTA COROLLA 4.99% interest O.A.C. (Based on $15,059 + fees + taxes)

STK#13046A

147

$

bi-weekly for 84 mths

Weekly for 84 mths

As low as

2012 KIA SEDONA

4.99% interest O.A.C. (Based on $19,171 + fees + taxes)

4.99% interest O.A.C. (Based on $27,691 + fees + taxes)

STK#D7641A

STK#13230A

STK#D7652A

STK#D7646A

STK#D7701

2011 DODGE RAM

2010 TOYOTA SIENNA CE

2010 TOYOTA PRIUS

2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE1

2010 TOYOTA TACOMA

2008 FORD FOCUS SES

$21,797

$20,572

$20,208

$6,243

$27,229

$8,148

STK#14016A

STK#D7670

STK#12104B

STK#1323A

STK#13189A

STK#D13199B

2008 TOYOTA SIENNA CE

2010 TOYOTA RAV4

2009 TOYOTA RAV4

2008 TOYOTA COROLLA CE

2009 PONTIAC G5 SE

2010 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID

$15,459

$17,853

$16,233

$7,678

$9,186

$17,228

STK#12251A

STK#D13050A

STK#D7683

STK#13109B

STK#13155A

STK#13224A

2010 TOYOTA YARIS

2010 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER

2008 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2008 FORD RANGER SPORT

2007 FORD RANGER XL

2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

$10,754

$34,186

$10,887

$9,918

$10,449

$9,906

STK#D7690

STK#D7687

STK#13146B

STK#D13061B

STK#D7643B

STK#7664A2

2010 TOYOTA YARIS

2011 TOYOTA RAV 4 LTD.

2007 TOYOTA TACOMA

2004 INFINITI G35

2006 HONDA ACCORD EX-L

2007 FORD MUSTANG V6

$11,524

$25,392

$11,974

$12,626

$13,949

$13,734

STK#D14020A

STK#D13214C

STK#13176B

STK#13185A

STK#13215A

STK#14032A

2012 NISSAN ALTIMA

2006 BMW 325i

2005 DODGE DAKOTA SLT

2009 HYUNDAI ACCENT

2012 FORD FOCUS SEL

2010 CHEVROLET AVEO

$19,419

$14,471

$11,427

$8,165

$15,347

$9,600

Business Hours: Mon. - Sat: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Sunday: Closed www.albernitoyota.com

2555 Port Alberni Highway

Neil Compton Sales Manager

Shannon Charlesworth

Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8P2

Mike Doughty

Elliot Drew

Chris Turner

Sales: (250) 723-9448

Laurie Smillie

Les Doiron

Service: (250) 723-9448

Alberni Valley News Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com

A15

driveway

2014 GMC Acadia Denali Full on luxury

‘‘At first, I was a little sceptical about this vehicle but . . . after the first few kilometres, I found it to be a very comfortable and. a fun to drive vehicle ’’ Ian Harwood

Mitsubishi has introduced a three-cylinder fuel saving car at the smallest end of the market. This, when subcompact and even compact sales are down but sales of small SUVs and even mid-sized vehicles are up. Bold. Tight. Mad props.

Mitsubishi Mirage buying one is a solid move 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage

Even though we have high fuel prices in Canada, the trend is away from small fuel-efficient cars to larger vehicles.

Subcompact and even compact sales are down but sales of small SUVs and even mid-sized vehicles are up. There are a couple of things at play here. The first is the stronger (not so much in the last two months) Canadian dollar over the last several years has allowed carmakers to jam more content into their cars and often the retail price has dropped too.

The second is that vehicles are becoming more fuel efficient, so buying a slightly bigger car isn’t much of a hardship. With this as a backdrop, it is interesting to see that Mitsubishi has introduced a three-cylinder fuel saving car at the smallest end of the market.

Looks

The Mirage is sold in two trim levels; the base starts at $12,498 and comes pretty sparsely equipped. It’s a small car with a little price tag. The much bigger Nissan Versa is cheaper at $11,898 and has buckets more power. The car that most people will choose is the Mirage SE with many more goodies but the price jumps dramatically to $15,398 and with the automatic transmission it lands at $16,598. At this

The centerpiece features Bluetooth with streaming audio. price, there are plenty of options in the subcompact class. Styling is not what I would car eye-catching.

Cars like the Ford Fiesta or the Kia Rio have much more appeal and features for similar money to this SE Mirage.

Inside

On the plus side, the Mirage SE does come nicely equipped. The front driver’s seat has adjustment and both front seats have very good seat heaters that bring your backside up to the appropriate temperature in short order. The centre cluster is nicely finished and it features Bluetooth with streaming audio. There is an auxiliary jack but no USB jack to charge your phone. The back seat is small and the rear cargo area is what one might

expect from a little car. But this vehicle does not live in a vacuum. The Kia Rio, with more features, like satellite radio, is only a $1,000 more and is way up on space and horsepower. The Nissan Versa Note is massive in comparison and for $1,700 more has push button start and even a backup camera.

So yes, the Mirage is nicely equipped and has a good price but there are other options out there that are as good if not better.

Drive

What this little car was designed to do is deliver impressive fuel economy.

This is achieved by placing a 3-cylinder engine under the hood and matching it to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). With just 74hp, this

car is way down on power compared to the rest of the subcompact set, even the Fiat 500 has 101hp and the Nissan Versa has 109hp. This combination of small packaging and small engine deliver a rating of 5.3L/100km in the city and 4.4L on the highway.

In my mostly city driving I was achieving 7L/100km.

The problem with such a small engine is that t often needs to be pushed hard to accelerate and pass other traffic. The engine and CVT are loud, especially when the car is cold. The steering is very light for easy maneuverability but at higher speeds it feels too vague.

This car is happy cruising because the engine settles down to a lower RPM and the noise level drops. Ask this car to perform and it’s an experience filled with noise and vibration.

The 2014 GMC Acadia Denali is truly a full-size crossover vehicle.

That’s right, an eight-passenger crossover that is big enough to haul eight adults and room to store your gear.

Saturday is my usual run around day; picking up things, dropping off people, some of whom I don’t know. You know the kind of day, the one that finds me buying things that we don’t need but can’t live without, returning things that apparently we can live without, and providing hourly updates to my wife on what I have accomplished thus far. Hectic and stressful.

Well, this particular Saturday I had the Acadia Denali and with a few hours driving this vehicle I was actually relaxed. Luxurious seating and a premium Bose stereo system with steering wheel controls that drowned out all the chatter from the back seats. It also

came in handy for when they tried to include me in the conversation; with a simple push of the volume button I could yell back “sorry, I can’t hear you”.

All three rows receive the same level of luxury. French stitching on all of the leather seats with a choice of colors, Ebony or Cocoa Dune. The second row seats are a SmartSlide flat-folding 60/40 split bench while the third row is a 60/40 split bench that folds flat as well. The third row is comfortable and enough leg room for adults.

The steering wheel is leather wrapped with mahogany wood grain trim; it also features a tilt and telescopic steering column. The centre of the dash is the location for the colour touch Radio/ Navigation screen with IntelliLink. A 165 mm (6.5”) colour touch screen display, AM/FM stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio input jack, Bluetooth streaming audio, hands free calling, and a rear seat entertainment system.

If you’re excited about cup holders then hold on to yourself, this vehicle has twelve. I know because I had to clean each one.

Twelve in an eight-seater, go figure.

The Acadia comes standard with driver and front passenger airbags, seat mounted side impact bags and side curtain air bags.

Traction control and stabili-

ty control with roll stability control are also standard.

Forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, and side blind zone alert are some of the latest technologies that have gone into this vehicle.

Power: The 3.6 Litre V6 engine puts out 288 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm with 270 ft pounds of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic that can be shifted into manual mode.

Pump frequency: 13.3/ 8.8 L/100 km (City/ Highway) Warranty support: Basic 3 year/ 60,000 km Power-train 5 year/ 160,000 km Roadside assistance 5 year/ 160,000 km At first, I was a little skeptical about this vehicle but after the first few kilometres, I changed my mind and found it to be a very comfortable and a fun to drive vehicle. Although there is lots of room inside it does not give the impression of a big SUV, and it manoeuvres quite well.

With the latest technologies added, I found it easy to use and very useful. Shoulder checks are something I do by habit, but with the side blind zone alert feature it is like having someone else take a second look, which is comforting.

Sticker price: $57,695 ian.harwood@drivewaybc.ca

ing l i a t e sD ’ n o t w e N k c Ri

Verdict

With a very low starting price and potentially good fuel economy the basic Mirage has a place for a buyer who wants a basic runabout that sips gas but if the trend away from small cars is any indication, that will be a small number.

The Lowdown

Power: 1.2L 3-cylinder with 74hp Fill-up: 5.3L/4.4L/100km (city/highway) Sticker price: $12,498$15,398 zack@drivewaybc.ca

Has the perfect gift for a man or a woman Gift Certificates starting at $20 - $300 ServiceS include • Wash & Wax • interior Shampooing • cut Polishing • engine cleaning • Spray in Bedliner • undercoating Will pick up your vehicle at home or at work

3091 Nixon St., Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8S2 • 250-723-3340

A16 www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News -Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

All Mex’d Up Taco Shop’s last day of the season is Sat. Dec 21, re-opening Tues, Jan 21.

Thank you to all my wonderful customers for making Taco Shop 2 such a success!

See you in the New Year!

#6-5440 Argyle St. (Harbour Quay) 250-723-8226

Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options

at the Harbour Quay

HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm

LAST MINUTE SPECIAL % ALL CLOTHING 10 December 19 - 24, 2013 OFF

www.albernivalleynews.com A17

Shop Uptown for Last Minute Gifts

F RIENDLY , F AST S ERVICE

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

BREAKFAST OPEN: MON.- FRI.

We will be closed from Dec 24 - Jan. 2

Phone: 250-720-0050 • Harbour Quay

For the Quilter • unique stocking stuffers • gift certificates • and so much more!

For the Non-Quilter Finished Gifts for Christmas • stockings • table runners • quilts from crib to king size

We have secondhand clothing upstairs

at Ecuador and More 5417 Argyle Street

Kismet Quilts 5334 Argyle St., Port Alberni, B.C. 250-723-6605

778-421-2292

S.P.C.A. THRIFT STORE

STARTING NOW: Happy Holidays from Every Monday Seniors 60 years or &offLinda better,Sherri receive 10% purchases of

10% off Gift Certificates purchased Dec 19, 20 & 21, 2013

JEWELRY, COLLECTIBLES, CLOTHING, Closed BOOKS Dec. &23 to Jan. 6 MORE!

Holiday hours: closed Dec 22–Jan 1 inclusive

778-421-COOK (2665)

thank you for supporting our local S.P.C.A. shelter

Open at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner

4947 947 Argyle St., St. t,P Port Alberni, B.C.

#10-5440 Argyle Street, Harbour Quay Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 1T7

JANICE SHEEHAN’S WATERFRONT GALLERY

Finest Foods, BC’s Gifts & Eclectica

YOUR SHOP TO FIND UNIQUE GIFTS & STOCKING STUFFERS

3074 Kingsway Ave.

Find us on

778-421-4454

Harbour Quay 250-724-3243

“W www.thesugarshak.ca

Me ets e w S here

et”

#4-5440 Argyle Street 250-731-5507

April’s Boutique & Consignment Happy Holidays!

Happ We ar are open Christmas Eve & Boxing Day Come check out our Sale Racks!

C

3034 3rd Avenue • 250-720-8950

778-419-3474 bluefishgallery@shaw.ca

off Argyle at Kingsway Crossing

250-723-2623

ALSO WEEKLY SPECIALS 250.723.3366 250.72

Specializing in: • Brakes • Tune-ups • Clutches • General Auto Repairs KAM BINNG

All makes & models of Domestic, Imports & RV’s 3218 3rd Ave, Port Alberni • 250-723-8414 Kam Binng

• • • • •

Harbour Quay

Great gift ideas!

Sports s collectibles Board Games Bobbleheads Magic Cards All things gaming...

Talk to our gaming specialist Thane!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year MANY IN-STORE SPECIALS We have: Books, Carvings, Jewelry, Water Bomber Items and so much more…

Open every day until Christmas from 10am–5pm 5440 Argyle St. Port Alberni, BC • 250.724.5999

TUES - THURS 11 am - 7 pm HOURS FRIDAY 11 am - 8 pm SATURDAY 9 am - 5 pm

778.421.0141

Kingsway Crossing Off Argyle St.

www.cardcorner.ca

OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 9 am - 5 pm Open til 8 pm Thurs

www.kismetquilts.com Mon to Sat 10 a.m - 5 p.m.

Open: Mon. - Sat. 10 am to 4:30 pm

Open Dec 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, & 24 till 6:00 pm We have handcrafted stocking stuffers from Craft supplies Art Books

4969 Argyle St.

$5

Jewellery Candles & so much more! email: gwynne1@telus.net

250-723-3331

Great Savings Throughout the Store Closed December 25th, 26th & 27th 2945 3rd Ave. • Ph: 250.724-4244

Walk-Ins Welcome

10% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE UNTIL NEXT YEAR!

Phone/Fax: 250.724.2271 -Mon-Sat: 9:30am-5:30pm • Sunday: 12am-5pm

Extra Shopping Hours Fri, Dec 20 til 7:30pm Sun, Dec 22 12–4pm

Featuring Jewellery by Elaine McLaughlin Copper & Silver

4940 ARGYLE ST. • FREE DELIVERY

We will be closed from Dec.B25 - Jan. 1 Check Exc out our Boxing Week Cat Specials!!!

Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Holiday from Gayle’s Fashions!

REBECCA

2907-2nd Ave Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1Z3

Ph: (250) 724-3011

Much more than a candy store

GAYLE

Exquisitely hand made gifts.

Month of December Open Mon., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 11:30 am - 2:00 pm

• Handmade Belgian Chocolates • Caramel Apples • Fudge • Caramel Corn • Frozen Yogurt • Gelato

Custom made gift baskets Sugar Free Candy & Chocolate, Home Decor, Jewelry

Beautiful and unusual art.

LUNCH

1992-2013

Waxing, Ear Piercing Pedicures

Book Now for our Winter Colour/Foil Specials!

5056 Angus Street, Port Alberni, B.C. • 250-723-0515

Closed Dec 23 –Jan 2

Merry Christmas AND A

Happy New Year

5328 Argyle St., Port Alberni, B.C. (across from Train Station) (250) 723-0777 www.swalerock.com

Carmoor’s Cookery Ltd. r ry Miestmas!QUILTER Chr

FABRIC SALE

3218 3rd Ave. Port Alberni, BC V9Y 4E1

Laurie Wiley, Manager 250.723.8831

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year We will be closing at 3 pm December 24 and reopening January 6.

Call for your catering needs during our closure

Thank you for your continued patronage.

250-723-3302 • 5304 Argyle St., Port Alberni

A16 www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News -Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

All Mex’d Up Taco Shop’s last day of the season is Sat. Dec 21, re-opening Tues, Jan 21.

Thank you to all my wonderful customers for making Taco Shop 2 such a success!

See you in the New Year!

#6-5440 Argyle St. (Harbour Quay) 250-723-8226

Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options

at the Harbour Quay

HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm

LAST MINUTE SPECIAL % ALL CLOTHING 10 December 19 - 24, 2013 OFF

www.albernivalleynews.com A17

Shop Uptown for Last Minute Gifts

F RIENDLY , F AST S ERVICE

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

BREAKFAST OPEN: MON.- FRI.

We will be closed from Dec 24 - Jan. 2

Phone: 250-720-0050 • Harbour Quay

For the Quilter • unique stocking stuffers • gift certificates • and so much more!

For the Non-Quilter Finished Gifts for Christmas • stockings • table runners • quilts from crib to king size

We have secondhand clothing upstairs

at Ecuador and More 5417 Argyle Street

Kismet Quilts 5334 Argyle St., Port Alberni, B.C. 250-723-6605

778-421-2292

S.P.C.A. THRIFT STORE

STARTING NOW: Happy Holidays from Every Monday Seniors 60 years or &offLinda better,Sherri receive 10% purchases of

10% off Gift Certificates purchased Dec 19, 20 & 21, 2013

JEWELRY, COLLECTIBLES, CLOTHING, Closed BOOKS Dec. &23 to Jan. 6 MORE!

Holiday hours: closed Dec 22–Jan 1 inclusive

778-421-COOK (2665)

thank you for supporting our local S.P.C.A. shelter

Open at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner

4947 947 Argyle St., St. t,P Port Alberni, B.C.

#10-5440 Argyle Street, Harbour Quay Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 1T7

JANICE SHEEHAN’S WATERFRONT GALLERY

Finest Foods, BC’s Gifts & Eclectica

YOUR SHOP TO FIND UNIQUE GIFTS & STOCKING STUFFERS

3074 Kingsway Ave.

Find us on

778-421-4454

Harbour Quay 250-724-3243

“W www.thesugarshak.ca

Me ets e w S here

et”

#4-5440 Argyle Street 250-731-5507

April’s Boutique & Consignment Happy Holidays!

Happ We ar are open Christmas Eve & Boxing Day Come check out our Sale Racks!

C

3034 3rd Avenue • 250-720-8950

778-419-3474 bluefishgallery@shaw.ca

off Argyle at Kingsway Crossing

250-723-2623

ALSO WEEKLY SPECIALS 250.723.3366 250.72

Specializing in: • Brakes • Tune-ups • Clutches • General Auto Repairs KAM BINNG

All makes & models of Domestic, Imports & RV’s 3218 3rd Ave, Port Alberni • 250-723-8414 Kam Binng

• • • • •

Harbour Quay

Great gift ideas!

Sports s collectibles Board Games Bobbleheads Magic Cards All things gaming...

Talk to our gaming specialist Thane!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year MANY IN-STORE SPECIALS We have: Books, Carvings, Jewelry, Water Bomber Items and so much more…

Open every day until Christmas from 10am–5pm 5440 Argyle St. Port Alberni, BC • 250.724.5999

TUES - THURS 11 am - 7 pm HOURS FRIDAY 11 am - 8 pm SATURDAY 9 am - 5 pm

778.421.0141

Kingsway Crossing Off Argyle St.

www.cardcorner.ca

OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 9 am - 5 pm Open til 8 pm Thurs

www.kismetquilts.com Mon to Sat 10 a.m - 5 p.m.

Open: Mon. - Sat. 10 am to 4:30 pm

Open Dec 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, & 24 till 6:00 pm We have handcrafted stocking stuffers from Craft supplies Art Books

4969 Argyle St.

$5

Jewellery Candles & so much more! email: gwynne1@telus.net

250-723-3331

Great Savings Throughout the Store Closed December 25th, 26th & 27th 2945 3rd Ave. • Ph: 250.724-4244

Walk-Ins Welcome

10% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE UNTIL NEXT YEAR!

Phone/Fax: 250.724.2271 -Mon-Sat: 9:30am-5:30pm • Sunday: 12am-5pm

Extra Shopping Hours Fri, Dec 20 til 7:30pm Sun, Dec 22 12–4pm

Featuring Jewellery by Elaine McLaughlin Copper & Silver

4940 ARGYLE ST. • FREE DELIVERY

We will be closed from Dec.B25 - Jan. 1 Check Exc out our Boxing Week Cat Specials!!!

Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Holiday from Gayle’s Fashions!

REBECCA

2907-2nd Ave Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1Z3

Ph: (250) 724-3011

Much more than a candy store

GAYLE

Exquisitely hand made gifts.

Month of December Open Mon., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 11:30 am - 2:00 pm

• Handmade Belgian Chocolates • Caramel Apples • Fudge • Caramel Corn • Frozen Yogurt • Gelato

Custom made gift baskets Sugar Free Candy & Chocolate, Home Decor, Jewelry

Beautiful and unusual art.

LUNCH

1992-2013

Waxing, Ear Piercing Pedicures

Book Now for our Winter Colour/Foil Specials!

5056 Angus Street, Port Alberni, B.C. • 250-723-0515

Closed Dec 23 –Jan 2

Merry Christmas AND A

Happy New Year

5328 Argyle St., Port Alberni, B.C. (across from Train Station) (250) 723-0777 www.swalerock.com

Carmoor’s Cookery Ltd. r ry Miestmas!QUILTER Chr

FABRIC SALE

3218 3rd Ave. Port Alberni, BC V9Y 4E1

Laurie Wiley, Manager 250.723.8831

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year We will be closing at 3 pm December 24 and reopening January 6.

Call for your catering needs during our closure

Thank you for your continued patronage.

250-723-3302 • 5304 Argyle St., Port Alberni

www.albernivalleynews.com A18 A18 www.albernivalleynews.com

Community Events

FRI. DEC. 20 ◆ TIME OUT FOR YOU at Trinity Church, Fifth Avenue and Angus Street. Come and sing your favorite Christmas Carols accompanied by organ and piano. Cash donations welcome. ◆ WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY improv comedy. Starts: 7 p.m. At the Capitol Theatre on Argyle Street. Tix: adults $5 and children $2 with food donation.

MON. DEC. 30 ◆ PORTAL PLAYERS DRAMATIC SOCIETY

annual general meeting. At the Capitol Theatre, 4904 Argyle St. Starts 7 p.m.

TUE. DEC. 31 ◆ FIRST NIGHT Family celebration event.

Celebrate the New Year with Parks and Recreation. Events at Echo Pool, Glenwood Centre and the AV Multiplex. Events start between 5-7 p.m. and end between 8-9 p.m.

Call 250-723-2181.

WED. JAN. 1 ◆ POLAR BEAR SWIM at Canal Beach. Starts at noon. The Kiwanis are helping this year, as are the Port Alberni Fire Department and BC Ambulance Service. Some of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs

are slated to be there as well.

SAT. JAN. 18 ◆ RELAY FOR LIFE event.

From 3-4 p.m. At the Canadian Cancer Society Office, 3030 Third Ave. ◆ BREAKFAST WITH SANTA at the Hospitality Inn. From 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Cost: $11 adults, $6 children age 12 and under. Pictures with Santa (by donation) in the morning.

ONGOING ◆ COMMUNITY ARCHIVES at the Alberni Valley Museum is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Volunteers available to answer questions, help with family records and other

Have YOU got yours?

research. Phone 250723-2181.

meets Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. in the E. J. Dunn band room.

Flutes, saxophones, and brasses are needed. All instruments welcome.

◆ ALBERNI VALLEY STARFLEET CHAPTER meets the second Thursday of every month. At Echo Centre, 6 p.m.

◆ ALATEEN at the Alano Club, 3028 Second Ave. From 11 a.m. to 12 noon. For teens ages 13-17. For more info. call 250-7246826.

◆ FUN NIGHT on Friday nights at Legion Branch No. 293, 4680 Victoria Quay. Starts at 5 p.m. ◆ JAM SESSIONS every Sunday at Legion Branch No. 293. From 2-7 p.m. ◆ ALBERNI VALLEY COMMUNITY BAND

CHRISTMAS QUEST Kids Tickets: $2 with Food Donation

Fri. Dec. 20, 7pm c a p i t o l t h e at r e

$5

JOIN THE IMPROV army

PA IMPROV

STANFORD PLACE CARE CAMPUS Licensed Complex Care & Assisted Living

24 Hour Nursing Care Assisted Living Respite • Beautiful Grounds • Large Bright Rooms • Daily Activities • Entertainment • Hair Salon • Art Studio & More

FOR INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A TOUR CALL:

250.951.0811 www.stanfordplace.ca 250 Craig Street, Parksville

~ 1 Medium Pizza ~ with up to 3 toppings + 2L pop

14.95

$

~ 2 Medium Pizzas ~ with up to 3 toppings + 2L pop

24.95

$

~ Burger Special ~ Bacon Cheeseburger

3.95

$

Make it a Factory Meal with fries & pop

6.95

$

ULTIMATE 12 Days ULTIMATE of HOLIDAY Holidays HOLIDAY

Gluten-Free Crust* *Small only - $2.75 extra

and Soy Cheese available

GIFT GUIDE GIFT GUIDE

Dine In • Take Out Delivery (after 4 p.m.)

sponsored by

Free Delivery in City Limits with minimum $13 order

at

sponsored by

weekend yers at Mark’s!

Check out our Fried Chicken or stop by for pizza by the slice

See this weekend’s yer deals inside this edition of the

Gift Certificates available the perfect stocking stuffer!

Alberni Valley News

Located in the Alberni Mall 250-724-6766 www.marks.com

whose line is it alberni?

Do you have an item for our calendar? If so, please contact our newsroom at editor@ albernivalleynews.com

See page 22

Hurry in!

Sale .

9p.m l i t s ends y Open Frida & s Tuesday day Thurs Dec. 24

I M p Rov C o M E dy

◆

Residential Care the Family Way

New

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 Alberni Valley News Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

Unwrap a new offer every day!

From December 13th - 24th, you can unlock a new offer each day with our Holiday calendar!

PLUS, browse our Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide!

We have all of your gift ideas wrapped up!

Visit save.ca and check it out!

We have all ofit your ideas wrapped up!

Check out atgift save.ca/holidays Visit save.ca and check it out!

250-720-0088 • 250-720-0099 4740 Roger Street, Port Alberni, B.C.

Alberni Valley News -Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com A19

Alberni District Co-op Serving the Alberni Valley since 1928 DID YOU KNOW...

ICE

&

W A T E R

Co-op has Filtered, Reversed Osmosis Water 3.89 L jugs 99¢ refill Bagged Ice made from Reverse Osmosis Water 8 lb bags for $1.50

We have a Facebook Page “Alberni District Co-op” Draws - WIN - Daily, Weekly, Monthly

We have had a Furnace Department for 8 Years • Servicing / Furnace Protection Plan • Oil Tank / Furnace Installs • Also service the west coast

This week if you purchase a lifetime membership you will recieve a $10.00 gift card in your welcome package.

4885 Beaver Creek Road 250-723-2831 OR 4006 Johnston Road 250-724-0008

A20 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

FAMILY RESTAURANT DINING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Holiday Party menu

Join Us for our New Year’s Dinner

A Local Tradition Since 1969

Dinner Special

AFTER 4PM

.... YOUR CHOICE FOR $23.95 Open til 8:00 PM

Valid for group of 8 or more.

Includes appetizer, main, and dessert. $19.95 per person.

Many choices to ensure everyone in the group is happy.

Call 250-723 2622 for more info, or to book today #100-3550 Johnston Rd., Port Alberni, BC

Date Nite Every Wednesday

Wed –

Traditional Prime Rib dinner served with garlic mashed potatoes, glazed seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding & gravy.

Baked to perfection Garlic Lemon Halibut topped with seafood, hollandaise and crisp calamari, served with wild rice and glazed seasonal vegetables.

Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast with spinach, feta cheese, artichoke, olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

as

l a i c Spe

tm s i r h C

Get

a Reg. or Cheese

Donair 7!

$

for Only UNTIL DEC. 31, 2013 WE WILL BE CLOSED DEC. 24,25,26

OPEN 11am TO 8pm 7 DAYS A WEEK

All specials include a baby greens salad, dinner roll & choice of 3 desserts ...

Tiramisu, Cheese Cake topped with fruit or Chocolate Mousse Cake Open 7 days a week • 4785 Beaver Creek Rd. • 250.723.2474

2 can Dine for $29.00

Big Mike’s Foot Long Hot Dog & Fries $6.50 Exp: Dec 31/13

4539 Gertrude St.

778-421-1782

DRIVE-IN • TAKE-OUT • DELIVERY 3704 3rd Ave. 250.724.4454

Taste of Alberni

Date Nite Steak Fajita WINTER SPECIALS: 2 Can dine for $29.00 5-9 pm Friday & Saturday

Thurs – Dr. Pesky’s BBQ Beef Bones $13.95 $ Prime Rib & YorkshirePlatter 1895 Fri-Sat – Prime Rib $18.95 / Greek $ 95 $18.95 18 Sun – Greek Dr. Pesky’sPlatter Pork Ribs $14.95 SteakExtra andRack Seafood $6 Menu Available

Book your Christmas Party Now!

Call for Reservations 5093 Johnston Rd. 250.736.1100

Juanita and Kelly wish you & yours a very Merry Christmas

Stamps Café

Frozen Home-Cooked Meals

Senior, Single and Family Portions

Open December 23rd from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm for your Christmas orders, including the Appetizer freezer packs.

Make your New Years Eve Reservations today!

We’re serving extra-special dishes to bring in the New Year.

WE CATER To Order Call 778-421-4712 or

Cell: (Kelly) 250-720-6597 (Juanita) 250-735-0493

while supplies last

or E-mail: coastcatering@hotmail.ca

Barclay Hotel

www.coastcountrykitchen.ca Open for Pick-Up Wednesday 2-6 pm or we welcome pre-arranged pick ups for YOUR convenience at... 4712 Ires Road

4277 Stamp Ave. 250-724-7171

TURTLE BEACH

(formerly Miller’s Place)

Family Dining

4505 Gertrude St.

250.724.5050 Book your Holiday Party NOW. Our banquet room seats up to 40.

Chicken, Ribs & Spaghetti Caesar Salad Starter $ 95

18

Every day.

All day.

Your Book ies y Part Holida Us! with

Every Sunday Brunch Buffet 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Adults: $12.95 Seniors: $9.95 Children under 10 FREE

BLUE MARLIN INN

5022 Johnston Road

4833 Johnston Rd 250-724-5794

OPEN 6 am - 1 0 pm

250-723-5663

Voted Best Burgers on Vancouver Island

DECEMBER SPECIAL

Cheese BURGER

3

$ 99 each

Open: 10:45 am - 8:45 pm • 7 days a week 4422 Gertrude 250-723-6331

Prime Rib Fridays $ 4 95

1

FREE DELIVERY DEBIT AT YOUR DOOR

Reservations Recommended

Alberni Valley News Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com

SPORTS

A21

SCENE AND HEARD / What’s up in town. A23–24

Midget ‘Dogs hit the road

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Alberni Wrestling’s Eryk Cardinal, top, pins an opponent enroute to a second-place finish in the 71-kilogram division last weekend.

Wrestlers prep for war on the floor Alberni Wrestlers from EJ Dunn, AW Neill and Alberni District Secondary travelled to Duncan to compete in the Cougar Invitational last Saturday.

Wrestlers from all three schools had a strong showing at this tournament, which featured athletes from all over the Island and some schools from the lower mainland.

The tournament awards their team titles by combining standings in the male and female divisions.

At the end of the day ADSS dominated the tournament finishing 1st in the Senior Division and 9th in the Junior division.

EJ Dunn had a strong showing in the Junior Division with 5th

place.

Leading the way for Alberni with gold medals were Remi Wells (58kg), Jordan Wagner (60 kg), Jesse Wagner (58kg), Nolan Badovinac (84 kg), Christian Anderson (96kg) and Dean Leyland (76kg).

Finishing undefeated for middle school was Kylea Anderson (64kg) from EJ Dunn and Scott Couthart (60kg) from AW Neill.

Adding to the medal count for ADSS was Eryk Cardinal (2nd at 71kg), Johannes Kulich (2nd at 68kg), Michel Kurucz (2nd at 64kg), Oliver Witham (2nd at 74kg), Isabella Jones (2nd at 64kg) and Morgan Dagenais (2nd at 54kg). Neill Middle School’s medal count was increased

by Owen Spencer (3rd at 40kg), Lily Timothy (3rd at 43kg) and Spencer Lutar (3rd at 38kg). EJ Dunn had Sarah Matthews (3rd at 44kg), Phil Broadbent (2nd at 51kg), Isaac McDonald (3rd at 45kg), Jayce Clayton (3rd at 74kg), Jarrod Gagnon (3rd at 66kg) bring home medals.

Helping with team points were Austin Patten (6th at 63kg), Russell David (6th at 54kg), Jarred Beckett (4th at 58kg), David Wilson (4th at 65kg) and Jarred Beckett (4th at 58kg) for ADSS. AW Neill had Damian Meaney (4th at 35kg), Shane Leeper (4th at 51kg), Leonard Nookemis (6th at 57kg), Daniel Spencer (5th at 63kg). EJ Dunn

had Ravi Manhas (5th at 35kg), Jayden Iverson (5th at 57kgs), Austin Saluk (4th at 66kg) and Aaron Badovinac (5th at 65kg) who wrestled up in the Senior Division which provided him with a great challenge.

“Our team shows a lot of promise this year with so many dedicated athletes. It was nice to win the team title today to start of the season off strong. We are just getting our season going and still expect our peak performance in February/March.

You have to build up to get to that point.

I am happy about where we are in terms of our development,” concluded ADSS assistant Coach Chris Bodnar.

Neill coach Jen Johnson added, “There was some hard competition there this weekend and it was a great challenge for many of our wrestlers.

The Alberni team is one of the best teams I have every coached as they are kind and watch out for each other. The high school wrestlers will check in and help out the new or young Middle School athletes and it is amazing to be a part of.”

ADSS wrestlers will be training hard in preparation for the War on the Floor Tournament this week in Vancouver. On Wednesday the less experienced grade 9-12 wrestlers will compete in the Novice category.

The Van Isle Ford Alberni Valley Midget Bulldogs continued league play on Dec. 7, hosting Nanaimo’s Tier One team.

It was a disciplined team effort and the Midget Bulldogs came away with a well deserved 5 – 3 win.

With five goals from five different players; Ethan Sundstrum opened the scoring assisted by Keagun Selva. The next three goals came in a minute and a half.

James McLeod scored, assisted by Sundstrum and Codie Beecroft, then Beecroft scored, assisted by Blake Sexton and Logan Henson, next Josh Harvey scored unassisted.

With two seconds left in the game Dave Friel sealed the win with an unassisted goal.

“This is our team’s first league win of the season. We have had many one goal losses, but the boys worked very hard to get this win,” coach Korey Sundstrum said. “We had three key players out for this game which has been tough but the boys were disciplined in this game and it paid off.”

This weekend, the Midget Bulldogs travel to travel to Peninsula for an exhibition game on Saturday, and then to Duncan to Play Cowichan Tier One for another league game on Sunday.

Follow us on Facebook and Tweet us on Twitter

u Have A o Y Do rts Tip for Spo N EWS? TH E

r Sports Line u o l Cal -723-6399

2 50

ATTENTION Last Minute Shoppers!

Huge savings until Dec 24th

SOCKS

CLEARANCE RACKS

UP TO

20 %

OFF

40 - 70 % OFF

BOOTS

Thermos Reg. $2995

SALE $ 17 95

Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm; Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm

20 %

OFF

lbwoodchoppers.com 3509 3rd Avenue

250-723-5841

A22

www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 Alberni Valley News

Still time to volunteer From / A6

“We really appreciate the work Gillian does with the kettles,” Mac Kenzie said.

Shifts are two hours each, Monday through Friday at various locations around Port Alberni.

“Two of our biggest

DEMXX

days are Dec. 23 and Dec. 24, and on the 24th we only do it until 2 p.m. But we have hardly anyone booked for that day,”

9+ACRE SALES YARD

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Absolutely Everything in our Sales Yard and in our Store is on Sale Now!!

YEAR END SALE! EVERYTHING 10-50% OFF

Hudson said.

Volunteering is easy, she added.

“We have volunteer tags that you wear when you’re doing your two-hour shift.”

Only one of the locations is indoors, so people must dress for the weather.

Kettles are set up at Walmart, BuyLow Foods, the BC Liquor Store, Safeway, Fairway Market and Quality Foods. Anyone who can fill a twohour shift may call Hudson or John Cloke at 250-723-6913. editor@albernivalleynews.com

1688 Alberni Hwy., Coombs / Tel. 250-954-0296 / www.demxx.com

MON-SAT 8AM-5PM, SUN 9AM-5PM

$50,000 Lottery!

Only 999 will be sold!

SONJA DRINKWATER/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Quilting donation

Dora Farrell of Meals on Wheels, centre front is pleased to receive for the third year a donation of quilted placemats from the Sunshine Club Quilters. She received 106 placemats for new clients.

Not all seniors impacted From/ A7

NEW and Used Building Material

◆ ALBERNI APPLAUSE

The decision won’t affect the seniors who live at Pioneer Towers and Pioneer Cottages, said Ernie Bigelow, president of the Alberni Valley Senior Citizens Homes Society. “We already use box and kiosk so it won’t affect our residents.”

Some seniors also live in areas of town where they already fetch mail from a mailbox, said Arnold

and Monique Begg, who live in West Porte Place.

“We’re so used to it now that it’s really not an issue for us,” Monique said.

What is an issue for the Beggs though is the plan to boost stamp prices. “We send more than 100 Christmas cards to people every year so I don’t know what we’re going to do,” she said.

The plan isn’t expected to affect

the 120 clients who use the Port Alberni Association for Community Living, executive director Craig Summers said.

The agency provides support to people with developmental challenges and children with special needs.

“Our participants in residential settings have staff that can retrieve the mail and for our participants involved with our

other programs, they’re either quite independent or have a caregiver that can assist them,” Summers said.

Repeated calls to Canada Post and to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers about how many staff are impacted in Alberni and how they intend to work with seniors weren’t answered by deadline. reporter@albernivalleynews.com Twitter.com/AlberniNews

STORES OPEN FRIDAY & SATURDAY AT 8:00 am

DEC. 20 TO DEC. 24, 2013

Grand Prize Draw Jan. 4, 2014 at 8 p.m.

Only One $1,000 Early Bird Prize Left!

Tickets are $100 Share a ticket with friends, coworkers family teammates!

Makes a great Christmas gift Get your tickets at Chamber of Commerce 250-724-6535 Open: Mon - Fri 9-5 • Weekends 10-2 Know your limit, play within it. 19+ to play BC Gaming Event License #57547

CHRISTMAS WEEK SALE HOURS Thurs.19th: 9:30 - 11:00 Fri. 20th: 8:00 - 11:00 Sat. 21st: 8:00 - 11:00 Sun. 22nd: 9:30 - 9:00 Mon. 23rd: 8:00 - 11:00 Tues. 24th: 8:00 - 6:00 CHRISTMAS - CLOSED

Thurs. 26th:

8:00-9:00

FINAL 5 DAYS

WOODGROVE CENTRE - NANAIMO

250-390-3141

Alberni Valley News - Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com A23

Scene & Heard onja Drinkwater’s

Call: 250.723-4306 or 250-723-6399

Peter Halliwell of the Shriners and Deb Dryden-Knoll of the Order of the Eastern Star presented $2,060 worth of $20 gift vouchers as well as 16 Q Birds from the money raised at the Masonic Family Dinner to Major Bruce MacKenzie of the Salvation Army.

Tammy Babych is the winner of the 2013 Bling Your Boot contest run by Walk the Coast and was presented her prize by Sarah Jones Manager/Buyer of Walk the Coast. Tammy along with many other talented local people entered the colouring/ design contest. Her design made the top 10 designs and was then chosen by public vote. Tammy chose a pair of Cobb Hill boots as her prize. Congratulations Tammy! Submitted photo

Major Bruce MacKenzie of the Salvation Army accepts a generous gift of food from Gord Groves the manager of Quality Foods and his helper Craig Filipchuk who was Santa and the donations of photos with Santa earned this bounty.

Andy Garcia chooses the winners of the Mid-Island Kidney Association (MIKA) raffle while on dialysis. MIKA member Ed martin holds the bag of tickets and the winners are; Al Falkenberg, the food basket, Eric Schmidt, the Christmas wreath and Wally the Afghan and Gift certificates for Sugar Shak and Curious Coho.

Alessandra Ashley and Ryan Jones wed on Friday the 13th at the Bavarian Centre and were caught at Harbour Quay in the Clock Tower Gallery. The couple said that the number 13 has been very lucky in both their families so they chose the 13/13 date.

OUCH.

Studio H

I HOPE THEY HAD MACDERMOTT’S.

I want to welcome my existing and new clients to my new location on Lathom.

250.724.2240

Heather

4907 Argyle St., Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V6 Fax: 250.724.7117 • Toll Free: 1.800.830.1066

250.724.3241 • macdermott.com

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 9:00am- 5:00pm

Chapel of Memories TR

QuUaSlT SOUTHS ity P IDE FOR ART S southsideauto@shaw.ca 4906 Bute Street Open: Mon.-Fri: 7:30 am 5 pm Tel 250-724-6591 Sat: 8:00 am 4 pm Fax 250-724-5799 Port Alberni, BC

Plan ahead FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.

VALLEY TOWING &Locally SALVAGE Owned & Operated

Cash Buyer of Scrap Cars, Trucks, Vans, Etc.

Call for your Personal Planning Guide 4005-6th Avenue, Port Alberni s &AX #ELL PATRICIA SCHELLENBERG SCI US COM

“Get your roof ready before the winter really hits.�

$100 to $200 average More for some Over the phone price quotes complete or not

Pat Schellenberg

0REARRANGEMENT 3PECIALIST

250-730-1672 250-724-1672 6HUYLQJ $OEHUQL 9DOOH\ 7RÂż QR 8FOXHOHW

A24 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

Scene & Heard onja Drinkwater’s

Call: 250.723-4306 or 250-723-6399

Laura Olsen proudly holds the gingerbread men she made and said there will be more for sale this Saturday at Arrowvale Campground and Cottages.

Leslie Silverstone holds up one of her aprons at the Last Stop Craft Fair at the Rescue Hall on Saturday.

Joyce Little enjoyed some fun at the Loonie Toonie held at Maht Mahs on Saturday. She is framed by one of the lovely wreaths that she made and had for sale.

ABOVE: Kathy Robinson takes a few minutes from the Loonie Toonie at Maht Mahs to feed her great grandson Arthur, 1.

RIGHT: Emily Chaster and son Grayden Kendrick, 2, found Santa at Arrowvale Campground and Cottages on Saturday.

Weekdays 10 - 5:30 Saturdays 10 - 5:00

Last Minute Shopping Hours

OPEN

Sun., Dec. 22 11am - 4pm

5344 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 1T8

Tel: 250-723-0966 • Fax: 250-723-4114 • www.boutiquebellesamies.ca

4994 Argyle St. Port Alberni 250-723-5666

Mid-Island Realty

Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated

Buy or Sell with me,use my Truck for

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to everyone from the Collins Family!

We have fresh-frozen, grass-fed beef for sale. collins farm/ arrowvale campground

FREE

Lance Dobosz ` L ÃâJÀi >Ý° iÌÊUÊ250-731-4654

“Owning, Living, Loving Port Alberni, B.C.”

ARROWVALE CAMPGROUND & COTTAGES

5955 Hector Road • 250-723-7948 • www.arrowvale.ca

Alberni Valley News Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com

THE ARTS

A25

EXHIBITS / Photography at Clock Tower. A26 ART / Artist reaches out to others. A26

Rollin celebrates with Kurucz family generosity MELISSA MARTIN Arts Around

After a sold out concert on Nov. 10, and five years of playing at the Tea on the Terrace events, Paul, Tatyanna and Jairynn Kurucz—known as “The Travelers”—will perform again to benefit The Rollin Arts Centre.

“A Splash of Tartan—A Tribute to Robbie Burns” will undoubtedly surprise and delight many of the audience with old Scottish favourites to reminisce and sing along to.

Joining the travelers will be the PA Highland Band.

After the short intermission, guests will be led down memory lane with an interactive, sing along afternoon with the likes of Al Martina, Elvis, Peter, Paul and Mary, Journey, Don McLean - completely different material from the last concert will be performed.

With their “folk twist” to many oldies and more contemporary tunes, there will be more than enough music to satisfy everyone’s taste.

Joining the Kurucz family again by popular demand will be Katelyn Perry, a bright up and coming young performer from the Comox Valley. Together they’ll attempt to perform acoustically music from every known genre.

Join them for a fun afternoon on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at the Capitol Theatre from 1:30–3:30 p.m. Doors open at 12:30

p.m. All proceeds benefit the Rollin Arts Centre.

Advance tickets are $10, $12 at the door. Tickets are available at the Rollin Arts Centre at 250-7243412 or at Happy Soles Foot and Nail Care at 250720-0397.

Painter opens 2014 show “West Coast Composition as Expression” is the title of Rollin Art Centre’s first art exhibit of 2014. Local landscape and seascape artist Sally Walker’s exhibit of acrylic painting starts Jan. 10 and runs until Feb. 6, 2014. Come meet Walker at her artist’s reception on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 1–3 p.m. in the gallery.

Follow yellow brick road Portal Players Dramatic Society presents one of the most beloved musical journeys, The Wizard of Oz in February.

Dorothy and the entire cast of Oz characters will appear on stage at the Capitol Theatre next year, starting Feb. 21. It’ll be a spectacular production unlike anything ever mounted by Portal Players before. A delightful set and stunning costumes are just two of the elements that will engage audience members of all ages.

Portal Players’ designers and technical crew have created colourful projections, amazing sound effects and, of course, an Oz The Magnificent like no other.

Tickets are available at the Rollin Art Centre and the Capitol Theatre Box office. Advanced Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for children 12 and under.

2013 BANNER PROGRAM The Rollin Art Centre still has some of the 2013 art banners available.

People who painted their banners may come and purchase them for $25 at the centre, located at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Argyle Street.

The gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Quickfacts ◆ ROLLIN ART CENTRE is located at the corner of Argyle Street and Eighth Avenue.

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday.

Closed Mondays.

Wheelchair accessible.

Admission by donation.

FMI: 250-724-3412

Available: good home to books

Melissa Martin is the arts administrator for the community arts council.

Are you a bibliophile?

Then you’re likely expecting more books for Christmas. If you find you have too many for your shelves, the Rollin Art Centre will begin accepting donations for its spring sale on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Please drop off all your gently used books at the Rollin Art Centre in our book box under the stairs.

A reminder that the centre will be closed from Dec. 22–Jan. 6, and we cannot accept books until Jan. 7 at the earliest.

Thank you for your continued support.

students to decorate for our annual festival.

We would be grateful for any donations of washed milk cartons of any size, and glass jars from spaghetti sauce to baby food jars or jam jars.

We will be collecting them all year to have many to give to the schools to make the 2014 event even bigger. Jars and cartons may be dropped off at the Rollin Centre during regular hours.

Happy holidays; see you in Jan.

Rollin needs glass jars, milk cartons When can a door hold jam? When it is ajar.

We thought that would be a good introduction to ask for any extra glass jars or milk cartons you may have laying around.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Sally Walker’s exhibit ‘West Coast Composition as Expression’, works in acrylic, will open the 2014 season.

We would like to use them for luminaries for our Celebration of Light next

year. We will be bringing as many jars and milk cartons to classrooms for

The Rollin Art Centre will be closed for its annual winter closure as of next week. We will re-open Jan. 7, 2014.

We look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Happy Holidays!

Accident Recovery Settlements should never be as Painful as the Accident.

Speak to us before talking to, or settling with ICBC and we will make that the case. It’s never too late to talk to us for the first time.

Serving Vancouver Island claimants with Law Offices in Victoria and Courtenay.

Appointments available in Port Alberni.

We focus on representing people who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents.

We have years of experience dealing with complex medical issues and catastrophic injuries with a focus on brain injury cases and the impact on you and your family.

FREE Initial Consultation : Tel: 250-338-6747 Toll Free: 1-800-214-4520 We’ll come to you! 512 Fourth Street, Courtenay, BC • www.awslaw.ca

SMALL TOWN SERVICE

In Association with

BIG CITY EXPERTISE

A26

www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 Alberni Valley News

◆ ENTERTAINMENT

Artist seeks members for new creative circle Do you wish you were more creative?

Or perhaps you already feel you are creative, yet are unable to effectively tap into your creative dreams and make them come alive?

Sylvia Boss is such a person, and her New Year’s resolution is to work seriously with Julia Cameron’s

Have YOU got yours?

See page 22

beloved classic, The Artist’s Way, subtitled A Course in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self.

“There are various ways one can ‘do’ this 12-week course, and the way I would benefit the most is joining what [Cameron] calls a ‘creative cluster,’” Boss said.

“We would meet weekly for two to three hours, and work through the exercises in the book, in addition to the daily morning pages and weekly artist dates and personal checkins.”

Boss is looking for other like-minded artists to join her in her “adventure of creative rediscovery, as I embrace the ‘happy accidents’ that led me to call Port Alberni home.

“Drawing a Sacred

Circle creates a sphere of safety and a center of attraction for our good. By filling this form faithfully, we draw to us the best.

We draw the people we need. We attract the gifts we could best employ,” Boss said.

This circle would start in mid-January and run until midMarch.

“It is to be anticipated that despite our best efforts people will drop in and out of the group,” Boss said.

There is no cost to join the group, although Boss encourages prospective members to find a copy of Cameron’s book to have on hand.

The location of the creative circle is to be determined. For more information, please contact Boss via e-mail at <sylvia. boss@gmail.com>.

You brought new hope to breast cancer patients everywhere.

Cancer breakthroughs need you.

AMYAH LABRECHE/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

Laurence Subra-Bieusses, a photographic artist who owns Alberni Photography, is holding an exhibit of her work entitled Path... at the Clock Tower Gallery until Dec. 31.

Passion, inspiration meet in photographic process AMYAH LABRECHE SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

An exhibition of 21 of Laurence SubraBieusse’s photographs is taking place at the Clock Tower Gallery from now until Dec. 31. Besides some breathtaking photos, “Path…” also includes an exceptional and unique collaborative work of art. This three-dimensional piece amalgamates one of SubraBieusses’s photos with glass art from Todd Robinson

framed into a vintage window frame. A must see!

On Dec. 12, SubraBieusses hosted a meet and greet event at the Clock Tower Gallery. The place was crowded up to past 10 p.m. with friends, clients and photo lovers.

Subra-Bieusses takes photos, but not ordinary snapshots.

She has the talent to imprint emotions in them. She finds the angle to infuse life in her image, to draw beauty from the

News Travels

When BC Cancer Agency researchers not only discovered the genetic makeup of the deadliest form of breast cancer, but also completely re-classified breast cancer into 10 new categories based on a tumour’s genetic fingerprint, they didn’t do it alone.

With your support of the BC Cancer Foundation, you become a partner with BC’s leading cancer researchers.

As the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Agency, the BC Cancer Foundation funds more cancer research in BC than any other charitable organization.

Help BC’s cancer researchers make their next breakthrough.

Become a Partner in Discovery.

Going on

vacation?

Take us with you!

Submit a photo of you with The News while on vacation and you could win an Alberni Valley News prize package!

Email .jpg photos to editor@albernivalleynews.com

1.888.906.2873 bccancerfoundation.com

PRIZE SPONSOR: LADYBIRD ENGRAVING & WEB CREATIONS LTD.

ordinary. Her photos are works of art as they are originals and non-Photoshopped.

From her first photo taken in Germany at the age of 14, Subra-Bieusses never stopped improving her technique, challenging her passion for photography. She loves bringing us with her and sharing her unique vision of our world and the people she meets and photographs.

Subra-Bieusses doesn’t take a photo

Quickfacts ◆ PATH... is on exhibit at the Clock Tower Gallery at Harbour Quay until Dec. 31. During regular gallery hours.

but creates a photo, rendering in the image the hidden face of nature or the secret beauty of somebody.

Her work is best seen in person. I thank her for sharing her passion with us.

www.albernivalleynews.com www.albernivalleynews.comA27 A27

Alberni Alberni Valley Valley News News -Thursday, Thursday, Dec Dec.19, 19,2013 2013

Your community. Your classifieds.

TOLL FREE

1-855-310-3535

fax 250.723.6395 email classified@albernivalleynews.com

$2998 plus tax

BONUS! We will upload your ad to

SELL YOUR STUFF!

Choose any: Black Press Community Newspapers!

(99¢ extra lines) Runs till it sells, up to 8 weeks!

Add any other paper for only $9.99 each +tax

Private Party Merchandise Ad 1" PHOTO + 5 LINES

2

FREE! Ask us for more info.

LEADER PICTORIAL C

O

W

I

C

H

A

N

N

E

W

S

!LBERNIĂĽ6ALLEY .EWS 4HURSDAYĂĽ%DITIONĂĽ $EADLINES 8PSE "ET 7EDNESDAYx xAM %JTQMBZ "ET 4UESDAYx xPM -!*/2ĂĽ#!4%'/2)%3ĂĽ).ĂĽ /2$%2ĂĽ/&ĂĽ!00%!2!.#% &!-),9x!../5.#%-%.43 #/--5.)49x!../5.#%-%.43 42!6%,x #(),$2%.x%-0,/9-%.4 0%23/.!,x3%26)#%3 "53).%33x3%26)#%3x 0%43x x,)6%34/#+ -%2#(!.$)3%x&/2x3!,% 2%!,x%34!4% 2%.4!,3 !54/-/4)6% -!2).%

!'2%%-%.4

)Tx ISx AGREEDx BYx ANYx $ISPLAYx ORx #LASSIĂ&#x2122;EDx !DVERTISERx REQUESTINGx SPACEx THATx THEx LIABILITYx OFx THEx PAPERx INx THEx EVENTx OFx FAILUREx TOx PUBLISHx ANx ADVERTISEMENTx SHALLx BExLIMITEDxTOxTHExAMOUNTxPAIDxBYx THEx ADVERTISERx FORx THATx PORTIONx OFx THEx ADVERTISINGx OCCUPIEDx BYx THEx INCORRECTxITEMxONLYxANDxTHATxTHEREx SHALLx BEx NOx LIABILITYx INx ANYx EVENTx BEYONDxTHExAMOUNTxPAIDxFORxSUCHx ADVERTISEMENT x 4HEx PUBLISHERx SHALLx NOTx BEx LIABLEx FORx SLIGHTx CHANGESx ORx TYPOGRAPHICALx ERRORSx THATxDOxNOTxLESSENxTHExVALUExOFxANx ADVERTISEMENT BCCLASSIĂ&#x2122;ED COMx CANNOTx BEx RESPONSIBLEx FORx ERRORSx AFTERx THEx Ă&#x2122;RSTx DAYx OFx PUBLICATIONx OFx ANYx ADVERTISEMENT x.OTICExOFxERRORSxONx THEx Ă&#x2122;RSTx DAYx SHOULDx IMMEDIATELYx BEx CALLEDx TOx THEx ATTENTIONx OFx THEx #LASSIĂ&#x2122;EDx $EPARTMENTx TOx BEx CORRECTEDx FORx THEx FOLLOWINGx EDITION BCCLASSIĂ&#x2122;ED COMxRESERVESx THExRIGHTxTOxREVISE xEDIT xCLASSIFYxORx REJECTx ANYx ADVERTISEMENTx ANDx TOx RETAINx ANYx ANSWERSx DIRECTEDx TOx THEx BCCLASSIĂ&#x2122;ED COMx "OXx 2EPLYx 3ERVICEx ANDx TOx REPAYx THEx CUSTOMERxFORxTHExSUMxPAIDxFORxTHEx ADVERTISEMENTxANDxBOXxRENTAL

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

!DVERTISERSx AREx REMINDEDx THATx 0ROVINCIALx LEGISLATIONx FORBIDSx THEx PUBLICATIONxOFxANYxADVERTISEMENTx WHICHx DISCRIMINATESx AGAINSTx ANYx PERSONxBECAUSExOFxRACE xRELIGION x SEX x COLOUR x NATIONALITY x ANCESTRYx ORxPLACExOFxORIGIN xORxAGE xUNLESSx THEx CONDITIONx ISx JUSTIĂ&#x2122;EDx BYx Ax BONAx Ă&#x2122;DEx REQUIREMENTx FORx THEx WORKxINVOLVED

#/092)'(4

#OPYRIGHTx AND ORx PROPERTIESx SUBSISTx INx ALLx ADVERTISEMENTx ANDx INx ALLx OTHERx MATERIALx APPEARINGx INx THISx EDITIONx OFx BCCLASSIĂ&#x2122;ED COM x 0ERMISSIONx TOx REPRODUCEx WHOLLYxORxINxPARTxANDxINxANYxFORMx WHATSOEVER x PARTICULARLYx BYx Ax PHOTOGRAPHICx ORx OFFSETx PROCESSx INxAxPUBLICATIONxMUSTxBExOBTAINEDx INxWRITINGxFROMxTHExxPUBLISHER x!NYx UNAUTHORIZEDxREPRODUCTIONxWILLxBEx SUBJECTxTOxRECOURSExINxLAW

!DVERTISEĂĽACROSSĂĽ 6ANCOUVERĂĽ)SLANDĂĽ INĂĽTHEĂĽ ĂĽBEST READĂĽCOMMUNITYĂĽ NEWSPAPERS /.ĂĽ4(%ĂĽ7%"

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

CRAFT FAIRS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

HELP WANTED

OFFICE SUPPORT CLERK

HOTEL, RESTAURANT, FOOD

TRADES, TECHNICAL

Christmas Extravaganza

TRAIN TO be an apartment/condominium Manager online! Graduates get access to all jobs posted with us. 33 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

THE LEMARE GROUP is accepting resumes for the following positions: â&#x20AC;˘Heavy Duty Mechanics â&#x20AC;˘Feller Buncher â&#x20AC;˘Boom man â&#x20AC;˘Chasers â&#x20AC;˘Hooktenders â&#x20AC;˘Grapple Yarder Operators â&#x20AC;˘Off Highway Logging Truck Drivers â&#x20AC;˘Hydraulic Log Loader Operators â&#x20AC;˘Processor Operators â&#x20AC;˘Hand Buckers â&#x20AC;˘Coastal Certified Hand Fallers Fulltime camp with union rates/benefits.

Please send resumes by fax to 250-956-4888 or email to office@lemare.ca.

EVENCE Ltd is a furniture supply company and we are looking for an administrative assistant for our busy office. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail and good interpersonal skills.

Duties include but are not limited to data entry, reception and production administration. The Successful candidate will: -Have strong analytical and communication skills, -Be a self-starter who is able to work with minimal supervision, -Have a sound knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) Candidates with more than 2 years experience will be given preference.Salary is very attractive with other benefits attached. Please forward resume and cover letter to tass@offurntre.com for consideration.

WANTED F/T Cook at SUSHI DEN Rest. 609 Abbott St. Vancouver. 2 yrs. exp., high school diploma. wage: $2240/mth. 40hrs/wk. Apply: sushiden94@gmail.com duties: cook Japanese meal, plan menu, create item. Staff training.

JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Service Technician(s) in Hanna Alberta. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. offers competitive wages, relocation allowance, negotiable depending on experience. Bright, modern shop.

Full-time permanent with benefits. Friendly town just 2 hours from major urban centres. More info at: hannachrysler.ca.

Fax 403-854-2845; Email: chrysler@telusplanet.net.

Craft Fair Flea Market

Port Alberni Friendship Centre, 3555 4th Ave. Saturday Dec 21, 9-4pm.

Vendors Wanted. Tables $10.

Donation to auction appreciated. Grand prize PS4.

For more info call or text Linda (250)730-0677.

INFORMATION DID YOU KNOW? BBB provides complaint resolution services for all businesses and their customers. Look for the 2013 BBB Accredited Business Directory E-edition on your Black Press Community Newspaper website at www.blackpress.ca.

You can also go to http://vi.bbb.org/directory/ and click on the 2013 BBB Accredited Business Directory FIREARMS SAFETY Courses offered and firearms purchased by Certified Instructor Terry Lee (250)723-9768.

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks.

Weekly start dates. Job board!

Funding options.

SignUp Online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853

HELP WANTED FULL-TIME HOTEL DESK CLERK for A-1 Alberni Inn at 3805 Redford St. Port Alberni, BC. Main duties: Maintain an inventory of vacancies, reservations, room assignments; register arriving guests and assign rooms. Salary $13.25 per hour. Email resume to: h.srai@yahoo.ca

TRAVEL TIMESHARE CANCEL YOUR Timeshare.

No risk program. Stop mortgage and maintenance Payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

GENERAL LABOURERS

OIL & GAS INDUSTRY GUARANTEED Job Placement

â&#x20AC;˘ Labourers â&#x20AC;˘ Tradesmen â&#x20AC;˘ Class 1 Drivers

,OOKINGĂ&#x2013;FORĂ&#x2013;AĂ&#x2013;.%7Ă&#x2013;EMPLOYEE XXX MPDBMXPSL DB

Call 24Hr. Free Recorded Message 1-888-213-2854

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

DEATHS

Bouchard - Louis Pierre (Lou) August 19, 1938 - December 4, 2013

LouÂ

passed away peacefully in Port Alberni with his loving family by his side.

Predeceased by his 1st wife Charlotte Bouchard in 1991 and a brother Raymond.

Lou is Survived by wife Carol, son Kelly, daughter Sherri, brothers Roger and Leonard, sisters Denise and Gail, many grandchildren, nieces , nephews and a great grandson. Lou will be fondly remembered by his co-workers, friends and family as a highly skilled tradesman in the International Union of Elevators Constructors Union Local 82. Lou was an avid fisherman who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like to eat fish, loved beer, wine, song and dance and cooked a delicious pig roast for 200 of his closest friends and family.

Lou was always into building something be it a water wheel for the pond, outbuildings for his boats and enjoyed helping his family with various projects. Tragically Lou had an accident after a fabulous day of fishing that left him a quadriplegic. He faced this with not a complaint and great dignity for the last 7 years of his life. His children would like to thank the staff of Rainbow Gardens Lodge for their care and Carol for her tireless devotion to our Dad in the last years of his life. He will be missed and never forgotten.

A Celebration of Louâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life will be held at 2 p.m. January 11 at the Langley Legion, 20570 56 Ave.

Rest in Peace Mr. B. Stories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.yatesfuneral.ca

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

9/52Ă&#x2013;#/--5.)49 Ă&#x2013;9/52Ă&#x2013;#,!33)&)%$3 Ă&#x2013;$BMM

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

ALBERNI VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RETAIL OPERATIONS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RETAIL OPERATOR:

We are excited to extend our invitation to partner with an experienced retailer who would sublet space from us at the Chamber of Commerce (Visitor Centre) on a year round basis. The opportunity is excellent for the right operator.

Visit our website at: www.albernichamber.ca to find the full details of the RFP. Deadline to submit your proposal is December 20, 2013.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Alberni Valley Hospice Society is seeking a part-time

Bereavement Councilor

to be part of our already existing Grief and Bereavement Program.

Responsibilities: ¡ Providing direct bereavement care to family members and caregivers of our Hospice clients/residents. ¡ Ensuring that the services provided are in compliance with Hospice Care philosophies and procedures.

Qualifications: ¡ A bachelor degree from a recognized post-secondary facility ¡ At least 5 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience working with people at end of life, their families and the bereaved in the community ¡ Hospice Care experience in psychosocial care. ¡ Proficient with computers including MS Office Applications.

Please fax or email a cover letter and your resume to: Fax: 250-723-4471 or Email: lenore@albernihospice.ca.

Only those shortlisted will be contacted. Thank you to all others who apply.

#,%!.Ă&#x2013;/54Ă&#x2013;9/52Ă&#x2013;#,/3%4

JANITORIAL

JANITORIAL

Custodian Position at John Paul II Catholic School This position at 30 hours per week will commence on Jan. 2, 2014. Extensive school building cleaning is required.

The successful candidate should have a general knowledge of maintenance within a school facility.

A mandatory Island Catholic Schools Criminal Record Check will be conducted on the successful candidates selected following the interview.

Submit resumes before Dec. 27th to: Kathy Korman, Principal John Paul II Catholic School 4006 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 4S4

Phone: 250-723-0637

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

PORTAL PLAYERS DRAMATIC SOCIETY

is seeking a customer service oriented Administrative Assistant to provide administrative support to the Society and to the program directors for our Glee, Wee Glee and Stages Programs. Additional duties include, but are not limited to delivering in-house, telephone, email, correspondence and box office services to the public. This part time position, accountable to a PPDS Board Member Supervisor, requires a highly organized multi-tasker with experience in standard computer programs and financial transactions. Hours are from Monday through Thursday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Start date is January 6, 2014. Selected applicant must submit to a criminal record check. We thank all for applying, however only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Please email, mail or deliver your cover letter and resume by December 30, 2013 to: Portal Players Dramatic Society Attention: Hiring Committee 4904 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V7 email: capitoltheatre@shaw.ca

A28 www.albernivalleynews.com PERSONAL SERVICES

PETS AND LIVESTOCK

FINANCIAL SERVICES

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

RENTALS

TRANSPORTATION

PET CARE SERVICES

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

APARTMENT/CONDO

AUTO FINANCING

PET SITTING. 2 Children with big hearts would love to look after your pet. (250)723-4131.

CASUAL COMIC Book collector looking to sell some older comics and willing to buy as well. Call Barry (250)720-1285

PORT ALBERNI: Carmoor Building at the Harbour Quay, deluxe adult oriented 1 & 2 bdrm loft Apts for lease. 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ceilings, F/S, D/W, microwave, W/D, A/C, gas F/P. No pets, no smokers, refâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. Call (250)724-5040.

PETS CKC REGISTERED chocolate Shih-tzus $1000. For more info Call (250)956-4939 or email: tricia@ketacable.net FREE KITTENS to good home, pretty colours incl. tortoise. Call (250)723-7966.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE ANTIQUES/VINTAGE ANNACIS ISLAND Pawnbrokers open â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;till midnight 7 days a week. 604-540-1122. Cash loans for Jewellery, Computers, Smartphones, Games, Tools etc. #104-1628 Fosters Way at Cliveden. annacisislandpawnbrokers.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s That Simple.

Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

LEGAL SERVICES

VIDEO GAMES WE $Buy$ Sell Trade. Ralfs Collectibles, 182 East Island Hwy. WedSun, 11-5pm. 250-937-7200

FUEL/FIREWOOD DRY SEASONED FIREWOOD

Fir $135. /cord.

Alder $120. /cord.

Custom Cut & Delivered.

Deal on volume.

Call Nathan at (778)421-0039.

CRIMINAL RECORD? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

QUEEN MATTRESS & BOX. New in plastic. Pillowtop. Only $200. (250)713-9680

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOBBIES & CRAFTS

TELEPHONE SERVICES DISCONNECTED PHONE? National Teleconnect home phone service. No one refused! Low monthly rate! Calling features and unlimited long distance available. Call National Teleconnect today! 1866-443-4408. www.nationalteleconnect.com

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Thursday, Dec 19, 2013, Alberni Valley News

FURNITURE

GRINSHEEP FIBRE Productions. 1265 Leffler Rd. (across from the Wildlife Centre in Errington) Offering felting, spinning, knitting & weaving supplies at reasonable rates.

Open Tues - Sat., 1 - 5 or by appt. Call 250-248-6306 or email: grinsheep@gmail.com

#,!33)&)%$Ă&#x2013;!$3Ă&#x2013;7/2+ $BMM

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COMMODE, $50.

Remote control bath seat, 2 yrs old, $500. Sectional couch with pullout bed and recliner, $300.

L.R. cabinet, $30. Bed handrail, $40. 6 drawer dresser with mirror, $50. Back 5 motor seat massager with heat, $40. Upright vacuum cleaner, $40.

4-75R14 snow tires, $100. Call (250)724-2517.

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

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

LARGE JVC Cabinet TV. Will trade for firewood, fencing, bricks, etc. (250)723-2226.

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

MISCELLANEOUS WANTED SCRAP METAL; Fridges, freezers, washers, dryers, electric/wood stoves, lawn mowers & other recyclable metal, free pick up. Call Richard 250-723-0855.

NEW TO YOU 6 HP Yamaha engine. Compost tumbler. 2 incinerator/wood stove. (250)724-5504 BEAUTIFUL long length mink coat, size 14, dark colour, w/hat, $750. (250)723-0944.

COLD WAVE ATV Jacket and Reima bibs, sz S-M, $250.

1(250)706-7512.

WEST COAST Firewood.

Seasoned firewood. Volume discount. 1-877-380-9663.

SPORTING GOODS

discipline to achieve results.

We thethefollowing openings: Wecurrently currentlyhave have following openings:

HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC (North Island)

MILLWRIGHT (TQ) (Chemainus)

(Campbell River)

WOODS FOREMAN http://www.westernforest.com/business-value/our-people-employment/careers s WFP offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit package. If you believe that you have the skills and qualifications that we are looking for, please reply in confidence to: Human Resource Department Facsimile: 1.866.840.9611 Email: resumes@westernforest.com

CARS

3 BDRM rancher, completely updated. $1000/mo + utils.

N/S. Call (250)731-4898.

PORT ALBERNI- Available Jan 1. 2 bdrm house, 1 bath, F/S, W/D. $850. Refs. NS/NP, no partiers. Applications being taken. (250)724-5306.

STORAGE COVERED $1000/yr & Uncovered, $30/mo. RV/Boat/Vehicle Storage. Unlimited size.

Beaver Creek. (250)724-7240.

SUITES, LOWER NORTH NANAIMO: Attention Students/Working Professionals: semi-furn private suite.

New floors & paint. Shared lndry. FREE hydro & cable.

N/S, No Partiers. $800/mo.

Dec. 15th. 250-756-9746

TRUCKS & VANS

Carriers of the Week get Black Press merchandise and a $10 gift card from

2003 TOYOTA 4 Runner Limited Edition, 251,000 km, excellent condition inside and out, recent work, brakes, timing belt, water pump, new belts, winter & summer tires on rims, front and rear bumper re-painted. Blue. $9,750 obo.

Call (250)720-1413.

#,!33)&)%$Ă&#x2013; !$3Ă&#x2013;7/2+

TRUCKS & VANS

FOR SALE BY BID

CARRIERS

SOUTH PORT 3007 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Strathern & 6th (45) 3008 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; North Cres & 9th (54) 3012 - China Cr & 11th (55) 3013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Montrose & 11th (58) 3018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bruce & 9th (45) 3024 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bruce & 4th (64) 3028 - Scott & 11th (47) 3035 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; View & 7th (48) Call for more info!

NORTH PORT 1000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Russell & Westporte (70) 1010 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Leslie & Princess (70) 1020- Mary & Brown (58) 1026 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Burke & Gertrude (45)

250-723-6399

Routes are temporarily covered. We are looking for permanent carriers.

Sudoku

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District has the following truck available for bid:

FIREFLY

SNOWBOARD

Forum Bindings, Forum Boots (Ladies Size 6). Brand New! Used twice on the Bunny Hill! $250 obo. (250)591-8959

REAL ESTATE APARTMENT/CONDOS NANAIMO WATERFRONT 2nd floor condo. 1500 sq.ft.

LR/DR/2bdrms with view, den, gas FP, secure bldg. 2 underground parking spaces. Maintenance fee includes hot water/gas/landscaping. 1 pet OK. $339,900 (250)753-9123

2003 Dodge Dakota 4 X 4 Pick up Model â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 Door Short Box Manufactured Date: 2003 225,208 kilometers VIN 1D7HG38NX3S321669 Minimum reserve bid of $1,500.00 Offer closes January 7, 2014 @ 4:00 pm.

The truck may be viewed at the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, 3008 - 5th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC. Contact Rob Gaudreault, at 250-720-2703 or 250-720-5625 for more information.

The truck is to be sold on an â&#x20AC;&#x153;as is, where isâ&#x20AC;? basis. The truck is currently in working order but may require some engine work. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District assumes no liability whatsoever for the removal and/or future use of the truck.

Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope, titled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;2003 Dodge Dakotaâ&#x20AC;? to the ACRD at 3008 - 5th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 2E3 Attn: Rob Gaudreault

Your Community, Your ClassiďŹ eds.

Call 1-855-310-3535

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number 1 to 9 must appear in: â&#x20AC;˘ Each of the nine vertical columns â&#x20AC;˘ Each of the nine horizontal rows â&#x20AC;˘ Each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes

Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

Looking For Staff?

Start Here.

Call 1-855-678-7833 today for more details.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Solution

(Port McNeill )

Detailed job postings can be viewed at

HOMES FOR RENT

Geoffrey has been delivering his 45 papers in North Port since June 2013 with no complaints!

Geoffrey likes to spend his free time hanging out with his friends and going swimming.

His earnings are spent on books and movies. The best thing about delivering the Alberni Valley News is that he gets to go out for a walk and meet new people!

LOUIS Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AMOUR Western pocket book collection. Hard to find. As new. Great gift! 50 frontier novels. $55. Call (250)724-1059.

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

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

LEVEL ENTRY, clean, 2-bdrm open concept. Heat, hydro, laundry incldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. $750/mo.

Avail. Jan 1st. (250)724-3861.

GEOFFREY GIENI

FIREWOOD: $50 per cord.

You cut and load (at own risk).

Call 250-724-0523 after 5pm.

PVR FOR Satellite TV, only 2 months old. (250)724-0927.

NOW HIRING

DUPLEXES/4PLEXES

Carrier of the Week

Alberni Valley News Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com

A29

Sky’s the limit for Stevenson WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON

Coffee With

S

ometimes retirement from one thing is just the beginning of another.

Barb Stevenson is retiring from Fir Park/ Echo Village as only its third executive director after 25 years.

Stevenson’s last day was Wednesday. “As of Thursday I’m on vacation and, well, that’s it,” she said.

Her position has had value; she knows she’s made a contribution and there have been challenges along the way as well. “It’s very much like life. With this though, I know ‘why’ I went to work every day.”

Stevenson leaves a facility that has grown in size in 25 years, but care of residents has expanded even more—the documenting of which

has grown tedious.

But change is a thread that weaves intricately throughout Stevenson’s life.

She was born one of nine children in Los Angeles, Ca. in 1951.

There was a pecking order in the family and being the oldest girl she was foisted into a leadership role by default. “I often found myself being in charge. That being said, everything took a total team effort,” she said. “Being the oldest girl I never had to wear hand-medowns either.”

Stevenson attended a Catholic girls’ school as a child.

She had a flair for math, which she liked because it involved problem solving, and she counts it as her favourite course.

Stevenson’s late father was her role model all of her life, she said. He was an inventor who worked for NASA. “I remember we built a telescope together. He was very creative with

WAWMEESH G. HAMILTON/ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Barb Stevenson is retiring from Fir Park/Echo Village after 25 years.

electronics when they were new,” she said.

The family moved to Cape Canaveral where her father worked with the space program. But they moved back to California after the Apollo One tragedy.

Stevenson finished high school and

attended the University of San Francisco, where she took math and art.

She moved to Canada, and lived in Victoria where she worked for an ad agency first, then ran an accounting business and later a toy store.

Stevenson met her husband Don, who was a teacher, and moved to Port Alberni with him in 1984 when he got a teaching job here. The two have a son: Seamus.

She operated a toy business, worked at Gayle’s Fashions, and did set production with Portal Players Dramatic Society.

Stevenson took a job as the business manager with Fir Park in 1988, then Echo Village when it opened in 1992.

She became the acting director when the facility’s first manager Terry Whyte left after 11 years, and was subsequently replaced by Bill Clapperton, who stayed for three years.

In 1995 Stevenson took the helm permanently.

A lot has changed during Stevenson’s tenure. Care used to be more personalized but now requires more complex reporting. Residents are also arriving

with more serious health issues than in previous years.

Every staff member has a funny story or two about working with residents and Stevenson has her own. One resident tried to pay their rent with their gold card.

A female resident told her that she preferred the company of younger male residents because they don’t drool.

But her favourite story is about a resident who asked how many years’ rent he would get for $50,000. She replied 10. “He said he just wanted to know how much it would take for him to live to be 100 years old.”

There are difficult memories as well.

Residents come and go but one month during her tenure more than 16 residents died. “They all died of natural causes but there was no chance for anyone to say goodbye,” she said. The fallout

required a debriefing to help staff work through the grief.

“There’s only so much loss you can absorb,” she added.

The death of two employees, one of whom was 32 years old, was the hardest, Stevenson said. “It devastated the staff and we all grieved,” she said. “When someone dies who shouldn’t die people don’t have a defense.”

Fir Park/Echo Village has been a part of Stevenson’s life for more than two decades. But the closing of one door means the opening of another, or re-opening.

She’s been taking classes in the software program Creative Suite and wants to devote time to making animated films.

“I like to create things,” Stevenson said. “Dad used to tell me: ‘There’s no limit to what the world and universe holds.’ I’m really looking forward to this.” reporter@albernivalleynews.com

your choice

40

$

Innotab 3

#30700901/3.

each

Wrap up your list!

5996

Crayola Digital Light Designer or Melt ’n Mold Factory

each

Was 79.96

#30415962/675750. Rollback Was 54.96 – 56.96.

under 10 and

30

$

40

under $

under $

Little People Klip Klop Princess Stable #30656300.

3

$

each

Was 6.64 – 6.94

25

$

Assorted Lala-Oopsie Minis

each

#30518754/9542/691471.

your choice

30

$

Was 48.32

31"

each

Hot Wheels Triple Hot Wheels Roto-Arm Track Twister Revolution Motion Wall Tracks Spy Gear #30668438.

Rollback Was 59.92. #30668439. Rollback Was 59.92.

#30679785.

Lala-Oopsie Dolls or Lala-Oopsie Mermaid #30518749/52/688189.

5

$

each

Play-Doh Chalkboard #30776165.

10

$

each

your choice Loopin’ Louie

#30435308.

Price effective Friday, Dec. 20th, 2013.

25

$

each

31" Batman or Darth Vader

#30809848/51.

Ad Match

Guaranteed Unbeatable

2977 each

Was 34.94 – 38.44

your choice

38

97 Easy-Bake Oven each

#30801769.

Jake’s Musical Pirate Ship #30605709.

Disney Talking Sofia and Animal Friends #30662138.

Walmart® will match the advertised purchase price of any competitor for an identical product.

Ad Match is only available with proof of the current published in-store retail price for the identical product in an advertisement by a retailer in the local area. Not applicable to clearance sales, combination promotions (e.g., gift with purchase), double or triple coupons, after-sale rebate offers, preferred customer discounts or random discounts (e.g., scratch and save events) offered by other retailers, or to competitor misprints, or withdrawn or corrected advertisements. Applicable only to products currently in-stock at this store location. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Walmart’s Ad Match program may be modified or withdrawn at any time without notice.

Items and prices are available only at stores in the distribution area of this print vehicle. Effective Friday, December 20th, 2013. Rain checks are not available for Clearance or Limited Quantity items, which are available only while supplies last. We reserve the right to limit quantities to normal retail purchases. All items may not be available in all stores.

Items may be available by special order in certain locations. If the scanned price of a non-price ticketed item is higher than the shelf price or any other advertised price, you’re entitled to receive the first item at no charge, up to a $10 maximum. Prices, selection and availability may vary by store and on Walmart.ca. For terms applicable to online offers, please visit Walmart.ca.

A30 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

QUALICUM BEACH, Your One-Stop Shopping Destination EVENTS Farmers Market Every Saturday

SHOP, EAT & BE MERRY FASHION

GOOD EATS

Arbutus Emporium B. Clotheswise Uniforms Brown-Eyed Susan’s Once Again Fashions Petite Pizzazz Round The World Clothing Second Avenue Clearance Centre Vian’s Village Fashions (Shabooms) Threads & Treasures Consignments Village Clothing Men’s & Ladies Wear

Bailey’s In The Village Chester Fried Chicken Chocolates Plus Courtyard Café Gary’s Bistro Heaven On Earth Natural Foods Lefty’s Fresh Food Qualicum Beach Bakery & Euro Deli Qualicum Sushi Rawthentic Eatery Sushi To Go Yorway Yogurt

HOME & DECOR Englishman Interiors Fresh & Fabulous Flowers Rethink / Restore Revived Vintage Smithford’s Sweet Dreams Bed & Bath What’s Cooking The Frugal Parisian @ Home

Aria Salon Makin Waves Oceanside Yoga Sunny Day Spa & Esthetics Samudra Weight Loss

ARTS & HANDICRAFTS

GIFTS & ACCESSORIES

Artworx Let’s Knit The Old School House Arts Centre

Faye’s Gifts Marquis Jewellers Qualicum Beach Florist

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Make it easy, make it perfect!

Personalize your holiday shopping by giving a gift certificate.

SHOP OUTSIDE THE “BOX” Treat yourself to the uniqueness of Qualicum Beach.

All within walking distance and lots of free parking. You will be impressed!

Let Us Help You

HIRE TODAY! Call

1-855-678-7833

today for more details.

Alberni Valley News - Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com A31

INVITES YOU TO…

JOIN US CHRISTMAS DAY Always a Sell Out - RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!!

BRUNCH BUFFET DINNER BUFFET 3 seatings: 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm Adults $20.95, Children Ages 5-10 $11.95 Children under 5 FREE Carved Ham, Roast Turkey, Hot breakfast Items, Salads, Desserts & Chocolate Fountain

$20

95

Carved Roast Beef, Roast Turkey, Cedar Baked Salmon, Salads, Desserts & Chocolate Fountain

$239

5

NEW YEARS EVE DINNER

BOXING DAY

Nutcracker Brunch

Three Course with Champagne Appetizer Entrees • Creamy Tomato Basil Soup • Beef Filet with Snow Crab With Parmesan Cheese & Garlic Croutons • Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Breast • Spinach Pomegranate Salad Stuffed with herbed Cream Cheese With Feta Cheese & Pecans • Coconut Curry Seafood Hot Pot • Pan-Seared Sea Scallops With Basmati Rice and Naan Bread

$2795

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hot Breakfast & Lunch Items Salads, Desserts & lots more!

• Adults • Under 5

3 seatings: 4:00pm, 5:30pm, 7:00 pm Adults $23.95, Children Ages 5 - 10 $12.95 Children under 5 FREE

$15.95 • 5-10 Years $10.95 FREE

With baby spinach leaves

Homemade Dessert Buffet Lemon Cheesecake Hot Chocolate Fountain Chocolate with strawberries with fresh fruit Mousse

SALE ENDS DECEMBER 31

LIQUOR STORE OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEARS DAY

CHRISTMAS SCROOGE MANY ITEMS ON SALE BAILEYS • VODKA • RYE VQA WINE as low as

$9

99

GREAT SELECTION

E L SA

!

N I W

ENTER

below government liquor store prices

HURRY IN!

3835 REDFORD STREET ~ (250)723-8111

TO

a snowboard and 2 lift tickets to Mount Washington

A32 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

Toll Free

1-888-723-1800

24 hrs.

1-250-723-1800

4213 Princess Rd. Corner of Ian & Johnston

33-4935 Broughton St.

$39,900

18-4935 Broughton St.

$64,900

Lot 2 Cempthorn Ave

99,000

$

10-4110 Kendall Ave.

$99,900

102-5170 Angus St.

$108,900

SOLD 2 BD MOBILE IN 55+ PARK • close to shopping centre & casino • on bus route • quiet, well cared for park

3BD 2BTH WALK-IN CLOSET •Newer roof, hot water tank, oil tank •Detached workshop, covered patiio •Large carport with storage area

CHERRY CREEK LOT - PRICED TO SELL! • Level .9 acre lot ready to build on • Private with nice stand of trees • On no thru road w/ newer homes

Dena Wickman

Dell McConnell

W. Earl Engstrom

Lot 21 Gilbert Place

$139,999

5429 Falls Ave.

$199,900

SOLD LOT IN REDFORD ESTATES

• .23 acre lot • Peek-a-boo water views • Building scheme in place

Kat Dwolinsky 4771 Leslie Ave.

$

389,900

WEST PORT RANCHER

• 3 bedrooms • Fully updated • Nice attached shop Chris & Alease Arcus

Lot B Leslie Ave.

$425,000

GRAND CHARACTER HOME • Heritage home on 80x120 view lot • 3 bdrms, 3 baths, lg master w/ensuite • Oak kit. w/nook & lg patio off nook

• Brand new, under construction • 2 storey, main level entry, open concept • 1+3 bd, vaulted ceiling, 3 bath

W. Earl Engstrom

Pat & Gerry Hickey

BEYOND COMPARE

4037 Cedar St.

$239,900

TOWNHOME

WALK OUT CONDO • 2 bedroom & full bathroom • Open concept w/gas fireplace • Parking & storage unit included

• 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom • Wood floors • Pet and family friendly Dena Wickman 6321 Ferguson Road

$299,900

The Fenton Team 2181 Cameron Drive

$319,900

SOLD UPDATED MODERN RANCHER • 3 bd, woodstove, hardiplank siding • Fenced backyard, single garage • Newer roof, flooring

Sonja Sutton

COUNTRY CHARACTER

• 1100 sq ft cedar log home • Beautiful1.66 fertile acres •River Rock wood insert

MODERN CAMERON HEIGHTS

• Well built in 2005 • 4 bed, 3 baths - Good for suite • Double garage plus workshop

The Fenton Team

The Fenton Team

To view all Coast Realty properties for sale please visit us at: www.CoastRealty.com

Season’s Greetings from the Coast Realty Team

Holiday Special 2013

Featuring holiday stories by students & greetings from Valley businesses

Alberni Valley

NEWS

“WE WANT TO MAKE YOU Special promotion til August 31,2013: 2013: til end of ZOOM (as seen on TV) laser teeth whitening for $299.

All New Patients get a FREE polishing with their first Specialcheck conditionsup apply and hygiene

Dr. Farid Nikfar

”

At Valley Dental we deliver the highest quality family dentistr a full range of general and cosmetic procedures.

Phone for an appoinment today

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOMED Ph: 250-724-6789

101-4115 6th Ave, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 4N1

B2 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013- Alberni Valley News

The magic of snow When the Alberni Valley News asked students to consider why Olivia’s snowman might be smiling, we got a lot more than we expected!

More than 100 students from Grade 2 to Grade 12 entered our annual story contest this year. To start things off, we gave them the following sentence starter:

“As Olivia closed her bedroom curtains she looked out at the snowman she had built. He looked like he was smiling ...”

The magic swirled in a storm of creativity as Olivia’s snowman danced, sang, talked, and even played tricks on people in the stories created by the students.

The stories were funny, dramatic, scary and even a little romantic. But all were enjoyed by our judges. Picking just a few to win prizes was a tough job, but these stories stood out because they were imaginative and descriptive.

Congratulations to the winners and our thanks to all who took the time to write a story and enter. A special thanks to Barb Witte at School District 70 and to the teachers who worked with their students.

So now, sit back and enjoy a little holiday reading.

From all of us at the Alberni Valley News, thank you for letting us into your home every week as we share life in the Alberni Valley.

Our best wishes to all for a safe and happy holiday season!

Story Contest Winners K-Grade 2 1. Alisha Dykstra Grade 3-5 1. Kyla DeVito 2. Paige Miller

Grade 6-8 1. Alexander Hemminger 2. Nyla Haider Grade 9-12 1. Sylvia O’Brien 2. Ben Connell

Teresa Bird Publisher

Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas and the Alberni Valley a properous 2014 AV NEWS AD

from all of us at the

Alberni Valley News - Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com B3

First Place - Kindergarten to Grade 2

Alisha Dykstra

Grade 2 Port Alberni Christian School

The Animal’s Adventure As Olivia closed her bedroom curtains she looked out at the snowman she had built. It looked like he was smiling. Then she went outside and she looked at the snowman. Then she looked closely at the snowman. Then she laughed.

“That’s not a real smile,” she said. “That’s a rock smile,” she said and she laughed. Then she went back inside and she asked for some hot chocolate.

Then she looked out the window and she saw a little puppy.

Then she said, “Awe, that’s a little puppy. That’s a cute puppy,” she said.

“It’s time for bed. So she went to bed then she went to sleep.

Then she played with the puppy and she said to the puppy, “I can’t keep you little puppy. If my mom sees you, you will have to go away.”

So she showed her mom and her mom said, “You can keep this little puppy.”

“I can?” she said.

“Yes,” her mom said.

“Yay!” said Olivia.

But someone knocked on the door and the person said, “That’s my puppy.”

Then Olivia started to cry. Then her mom said, “You do not have to worry.”

He was my best friend and then the person said, “You can have my puppy.”

So Olivia was so happy to have the person’s little puppy. The little puppy was really happy to have Olivia back. Then Olivia went for a walk and she saw a cat and the cat was cute. Then she started to play with the cat. Then the puppy and the cat came to play and they were having tons of fun.

Then Olivia bought some new slippers and her puppy jumped in her slipper and my cat jumped in my other slipper. Then they jumped out of the slippers and they all jumped and they all played and they all had tons of fun.

They all lived happily ever after.

CATP_8214_Christmas_PortAlberniNews_ad_X1a.pdf

1

The End

12/13/2013

10:30 AM

IT’S BEST SAID ON PAPER! C

M

Y

CHRISTMAS SAVINGS

20 20 25

% off SCARVES % JEWELRY off % off

PURSES

100's in Stock

capellis

CATALYST

Happy Holidays to all of our employees,

family members, suppliers and community supporters.

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

25%off

MELISSA & DOUG Puzzles, Games & Art Supplies

Discount off Reg. Price

Duck Dynasty Glasses

2198

$

Buy 1 get 1 FREE Picture Frames & Venique Nail Polish Plus Many More Items…

25

% off

Christmas Items!

4505 Victoria Quay • 250-723-2478

B4 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

First Place -Grade 3 to Grade 5

Kyla DeVito

Grade 3 Maquinna Elementary

My Friend is a Snowman As Olivia closed her bedroom curtains she looked out at the snowman she had built. He looked like he was smiling at a jelly bean she dropped earlier that day. She closed her curtains, slipped on her snow parka and her boots and whent outside. She then hid behind a bush and saw him bend down and eat the jelly bean!

“Could it be true?” she said. “Could I have made an alive snowman?”

Then all of a sudden her snowman made his way to Olivia. “Hi there, little chap! How ya doin’? My name is Clyde. How do you do?

What’s your name?”

“My name is Olivia. Nice to meet you.”

“Oh, nice to meet you too!”

“Well, I’ve got to go to bed now,” said Olivia.

“No, no, I’ll only be alive at night. In the morning all I will be is a snowman.”

“Well then,” said Olivia, “what do you want to do first?”

“How about we go see my BFF?” said Clyde.

“Well,” said Olivia. “I’m always up to make a new friend.”

But what Clyde and Olivia did not know was that Clyde’s BFF was not a nice snowman, he was EVIL. They walked to Bradly’s house (that

✴

was his name) and they hurd Bradly say…”Ma ha ha ha ha! Christmas will be mine, MINE!” “BRADLY!” yelled Clyde.

“Oh no,” said Bradly to hisself. He walked to see Clyde.

“Bradly, what are you doing,” said Clyde.

“OK,” said Bradly. “You caught me. I want to take over Christmas.”

“But why?” said Clyde.

“Well, it’s been a dream of mine to take over Christmas since, well, I was not even made yet.”

“But it’s still not right,” said Clyde. “I’m sorry, but we can’t be BFFs anymore. Sorry.”

Olivia and Clyde went home and called Frosty the Snowman. Frosty came and said, “what’s the problem?”

“Well,” said Clyde, “Bradly the snowman is trying to take over Christmas!”

“Oh my,” said Frosty. “Well, let’s go get him and bring him to Good School.”

So they all went and brought Bradly to Good School. Olivia went to bed and they all had an awesome Christmas and lived happily ever after.

The End.

❆

Season’s Greetings

❅

❆

The Team at

❆ ✴

Advisor/Owner

❆

❆

PARKER FINANCIAL

❄ Sean Parker*

✴

sends our

✴

✴❆

Warmest of Wishes to you and yours for growth, SEAN PARKER prosperity and joy this Christmas and in the New Year!

Sean is proud to call Vancouver Island home and serves clients in many communities here. After joining Sun Life Financial in 1999, he has dedicated his time to providing the best possible service by advancing his education and keeping up with the latest trends in the financial services industry. Since forming Parker Financial Services Inc., he has committed himself to listening to each client’s unique situation and building lasting solutions to help them achieve lifetime financial security.

Damien Burleigh CFP®, CLU® Director, Estate and Financial Planning Services

PARKER FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. 4650 Margaret Street • 250.723.7723 www.sunlife.ca/sean.parker

As part of the team, Damien serves clients who have specialized needs for estate and financial planning. After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University in 2002, Damien has spent the past decade in the banking and financial services industry. He helps clients build a sound financial plan by providing expertise on investment strategies, wealth management and estate planning.

Danielle Parker, CGA Client Service Assistant

❄

Danielle was raised in Qualicum Beach and began her career in 2002 as a Certified General Accountant with accounting firms around Vancouver Island. Her accounting expertise is a major benefit to clients when developing tax strategies to help them keep more of what they earn. She keeps our business running smoothly while also supporting marketing and sales. An active mother of two, Danielle spends her time enjoying the outdoors with her family.

*Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2013.

Sharlyn Huysmans Office Administrator

❆

❆ ✴

Sharlyn joined our team in 2008 and is integral in keeping our office running with maximum efficiency.

She helps with our daily operations and is always ready to greet clients with a smile. When it’s time to relax, Sharlyn enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Alberni Valley News - Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com B5

Second Place -Grade 3 to Grade 5

Paige Miller

Grade 5 Wood Elementary

The Snowman As Olivia closed her bedroom curtains she looked out at the snowman she had built. It looked like he was smiling. Olivia thought to herself that he was missing something.

Olivia asked “Mom, can I go to the attic to get something for my snowman?”

“Ok” said her mom. Olivia ran to the attic.

She looked in a box and picked up the scarf her grandmother made for her. She ran outside and put the scarf on her snowman.

Just then her mom called her for dinner.

“So have you found any friends in this city yet” asked her mom.

“Not yet. Happy valley is so small and lately there is too much snow so we can’t go anywhere” Olivia mumbled. Just then she ran outside.

“I wish you were real Snowy, then we could be best friends” Olivia sighed. Her mom then called her for bedtime. She went inside, but what Olivia did not know is that she wished on a shooting star.

Later that night, something was throwing snow balls at her window. Olivia ran outside.

“Hello?” she shouted. Then she sees her snow-

southside Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Everyone at Southside

man! She screams “monster!” and hides in the fort she made.

“Monster?” Snowy replied confused.

“Hey,” Olivia said “you’re not a monster your my snowman!” They played in the snow at the park all day. They went home.

“Where were you?” mom asked.

“I was at the park with my snowman,” Olivia whispered. Her mom laughed. “No, he came to life!”

The next day Olivia’s snowman was not there.

Olivia cried. Christmas day came, and when Olivia opened her gift it was her grandmother’s scarf with a note that said “Merry Christmas Olivia. I had to go back to the North Pole, but we will always be best friends. Love Snowy”

southsideauto@shaw.ca 4906 Bute Street, Open: Mon.-Fri: 7:30 am 5 pm Port Alberni, BC Sat: 8:00 am 4 pm

Tel 250-724-6591 Fax 250-724-5799

We’re

t!

u Closing O

Thankbarlows you to our loyal customers over the years.

Everything Must Go! Come Check Out The Great Deals!

3569 3rd Ave. • (250) 724-1257 email: barlows.ent@shaw.ca

www.barlowsavu.ca

Merry Christmas to all and may your new year be colourful and bright !

Season’s Greetings!

colour corner

From the girls at Alberni Colour Corner Holiday Hours:

Melissa, Val, Kara

Dec 16-21 10am-4pm Dec 27-28 10am-4pm Dec 23-26 CLOSED Dec 30-Jan 1 CLOSED

Alberni Colour Corner

MORE THAN

Over 2000 Be Local

Home Decorating Made Easy!

AURA EXTERIOR

finishing touches 10 OFF $

all gallons

ALL ARBORCOAT EXTERIOR STAINS

5

$

OFF all gallons MON.-SAT: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMstore • CLOSED SUNDAYS See for details Thank you to all our loyal customers and ‘Home Decorating Made Easy’ friends for your wonderful supp ort in Alberni Colour Corner • #1- 4310 10th Ave. • 250.720-0030 2013. It has been our great pleasure!

We all look forward to continue providing you with professional esthetics services and quality products in 2014!

250-723-3822 4558 Elizabeth St. www.finishingtouches.ca

www.albernicolour.net END OF THE SUMMER SALE SEPT #1- 4310 10th Ave. • 250-720-0030

Discontinued AURA EXTERIOR

Aura Exterior

5 10 OFF

$ $

EN $ Ben Moore 10 OFF COLLEC Au

OFF

105

$

first 2 gallons

all gallons

While quan

5 All PaintOFFSupplies1

all gallons MON.-SAT: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMstore • CLOSED SUNDAYS See for details

Find us on Facebook OF NANAIMO

• #1- Made 4310 10TH ‘Home Decorating Easy’

Alberni Colour Corner • #1- 4310 10th Ave. • 250.720-0030

koszegi Wishing you Happy Holidays and a New Year filled with prosperity and success!

DAVE KOSZEGI REALTOR®

JOHN CLARK

REALTOR®

VICKY SEREDICK REALTOR®

$ $

$

each additional gallon

• www.albernicolour.net •

OFF

ALL ARBORCOAT EXTERIOR gallonSTAINS

RANDI CLAYTON

REALTOR® Licensed Assistant

PAM HAGEN

Listing Coordinator (unlicensed)

Personal Real Estate Corp. 250-723-SOLD

• www

AVEN

B6 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

First Place - Grade 6 to Grade 8

Alexander Hemminger Grade 8 Ucluelet Secondary

Olivia’s Snowman As Olivia closed her bedroom curtains she looked out at the snowman she had built. It looked like he was smiling. The snowman was made from three big snowballs, had a thick orange carrot for a nose, buttons for the mouth and eyes, and was wearing a blue sweater and a white baseball hat.

After Olivia went to sleep for the night, something amazing happened outside. the snowman started to move. He walked all the way down the street to the huge hill by the garbage dump. There was snow and ice all over the hill.

The snowman said, “This would make a great snowboarding hill, but where could I get a snowboard?” As it was close to a garbage dump there was lots of junk at the top of the hill.

There were old cars, trucks, boats, and other things just lying around.

Phone Dennis or Tracy Bekker (250) 724-6617

SHOP SERVICE

Thankfully there was a snowboard leaning against an old wrecked car. It was scratched up and had some of the paint peeled off it, but it would still work. He walked over to it and picked up the snowboard.

He then walked over to the hill, got on the snowboard, and jumped. ‘This is really fun’ he thought, as he slid down the hill. He kept sliding all the way until he hit a banana peel, and tumbled to the bottom.

The snowman was even bigger then before because of all the extra snow. Unfortunately he also was completely covered in banana peels, coffee grounds, and apple cores.

It was almost morning. He then walked back to the front of the house, cleaned himself up, stood still like he had never moved, and fell asleep until the next night, when he went cross country skiing.

DAST

Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat. 8 am - 4:30 pm

100 Ton Press * Certified Welder, Repair Marine, Sawmill Mining, Farming & Logging Equipment (Trucks, Trailers etc.)

We Accept:

Ashlee, Tracy, Dennis, Chris A, Chris S, Sekinah

* Structural & Custom Fabrication * Resale in steel aluminum and fasteners * Locally owned & operated * Proud Community Sponsors * 24hr shop and portable emergency service We will be closed from Dec 21 - Jan 5 Open on Jan 6, 2014

Dennis, Tracy & Staff would like to thank you for your continued patronage. We wish you a very Merry Christmas & a Safe & Prosperous New Year! www.dastwelding.ca • 3744 - 3rd Ave. at the foot of Redford

Alberni Valley News - Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com B7

Second Place - Grade 6 to Grade 8

Nyla Haider

Grade 6 Neill Middle School

Olivia’s Guardian Angel As Olivia closed her bedroom curtains she looked out at the snowman she had built and it looked like he was smiling at her, which reminded her of her Dad. Olivia’s Dad was in the military and had not sent anything to her in months. All they had received was a letter that said he was missing in action. Olivia knew her dad might not make it home, but she still believed The next morning Olivia woke up, opened her curtains and waved at the snowman then imagined it waving back. She went downstairs and talked to her Mom. “Mom do you think Dad will make it home.” said Olivia

“I don’t think so honey it’s just so hard to believe.”

“But Mom I believe.” “you can believe.”

“I know he will come,” Olivia says crying.

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” said Olivia’s Mom. “Go away!” Olivia says, then runs off.

Olivia goes to her snowman. “ I know dad is coming” Olivia says.

She goes back inside. “I’m sorry Mom I just really think he’s coming home.”

“That’s okay.” Mom says.

That night Olivia and her Mom are sitting by the Christmas tree when Ol-

ivia runs outside and says to her snowman, “ I wish dad would be here for Christmas.” Olivia goes to bed very hopeful.

Olivia is awaken in the morning by a knock at the door. As she opens the door her Dad is smiling at her. “I love you!” she says. They go inside to open presents. Olivia goes first, she picks the one that says “love your guardian angel.”

She opens it, there is no present but a note. The note reads, your present is right beside you. She looks over at her Dad and smiles.

Celebrate the Season TREATS with CAKES BLIZZARDS

Any cake

7

$ 00

BUY ONE GET ANOTHER

Off

8”, 10”, Sheet Cake

DAIRY QUEEN for only

.99

MEAL

NOVELTIES

Buy One Get One FREE 3447 3rd Avenue 250.724.0731

¢

Cheese Burger Meal

2

$ 99

Offer ends Feb 28, 2014

Wishing everyone a Sweet Holiday

B8 www.albernivalleynews.com

Honourable Mention - Grade 3 to Grade 5

Tyson Kendrick Grade 4 Gill School

from all the elves at Coombs Country Candy

coombs

The Problem As Olivia closed her bedroom curtains she looked out at the snwoman she had built. It looked like he was smiling. Snowman winked and smiled again. Olivia wondered why the snowman was smiling. She ran out to go see why he was smiling, there was nothing there.

She noticed that she forgot to put a carrot for his nose. She ran to the kitchen and got one carrot from the fridge but she noticed there were

We have chocolate boxes, gift baskets, and other Christmas gift ideas

family and friends a Merry Christmas and a

250-724-0033

Have a beautiful Christmas!

Healthy, Happy and

Prosperous New Year.

250-720-6220

& upholstery

HOPE IT’S SPECIAL May the holiday season fill you with happiness! Thank you for making 2013 a great year!

Little Valley Deli

4309 10TH AVE. (corner of Roger & 10th) 250-724-0827

from all of us at

Furniture

none.

So she grabbed her bike and rode to the store. She bought a big carrot and came home. She saw snowman had already a carrot nose. Snowman looked at her and winked and smiled again.

Now she realized why snowman was smiling – he was playing a trick on her and Olivia started smiling too and ran upstairs to tell her parents about snowman’s trick.

Wishing clients,

Craig Filipchuk

2101 Old Nanaimo Hwy • Port Alberni, B.C.

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

Merry Christmas Gift cards available starting at $3.50

from all of us at Tireland!

Thanks for another great year!

Full mechanical services available

wynans

• Brakes • Shocks • Body Lifts • Wheel Alignments • Exhaust Systems

Reservations Accepted HOURS: 10 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week 4805 Johnston Rd, Port Alberni BC

250-720-2242

(Formerly Big O)

3680 3rd Ave. | 250-724-5774 | www.tireland.ca

Ron Lepine Lepine Ron LepineFinancial Financial Ron Financial Life Health&&Disability Disability Plans LifeInsurance Insurance •• Health Plans Life Insurance • Health & Disability Plans Investment Fund Specialist Specialist Private Equity Investment Fund Specialist

Thank you to all my customers

Thank you tomy allcustomers my support customers Th ank to all for their foryou their continued forand their continued support continued support and all the best all the best in 2011!in 2014! and all the best in 2011!

4573 Merrifield in Port Alberni

250.724.2021

Unique quality that’s yours to discover!

Phone & Fax:Make 250-723-0949 Money in

email: ron_lepine@shaw.ca Private Equity without the risk of the Stock Market!!

Phone & Fax: 250-723-0949

email: ron_lepine@shaw.ca

Ph & Fax: 250-723-0949 • www.ronlepinefinancial.com

Alberni Valley News - Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com B9

Want to share these stories with others?

Honourable Mention - Grade 6 to Grade 8

Kayden

Grade 6 Neill Middle School

James Snow As Olivia closed her bedroom curtains she looked out at the snowman she had built. It looked like he was smiling. But what she didn’t know is that he was a secret agent, James Snow. He had a partner Jackie Snow.

When Olivia went to bed James Snow had a mission to stop the evil Santa.

James Snow and Jackie Snow were running to Snow Base of Tony Frost then Roby the Reindeer came galloping and said “Want a lift?” Then James said “Sure.” And galloped off. James and Jackie went inside.

“Something terrible has happened James,” said Tony Frost. “What is it” said James Snow. “Olivia has been kidnapped” said Tony Frost. “By who?!” Said James. “Evil Santa.” Said Tony Frost. “We have to save her!”

Said Jackie Snow. “Let’s go!” Said James.

They were at Evil Santa’s Snow base and saw Olivia dangling help-

lessly over some lava. “Help me!”

Said Olivia. “Don’t worry!” Said James. As James Snow jumped across the pit of lava to save Olivia and saw Evil Santa with a ray gun about to fire. But Jackie Snow came and kicked Evil Santa in some lava and he burned. The place was collapsing they needed to get out fast and there was a big hole in the wall.

So they needed to get of there so they jumped. Now they were out and it was a beautiful hot day out and James Snow started to melt. In a couple of minutes James Snow had melted happily.

Our Holiday Special, along with all our publications, is available online at

albernivalleynews.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year rick denis

250-720-0011 3308 Kingsway Ave, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 3B6

To all our Family, Friends, Colleagues & Clients,

From all of us at

beyers

It’s the Holiday Season and We just wanted to say It’s been a pleasure working with you this past year ...

Hope you and your family have wonderful Holidays and ... A Happy New Year! from Chuck & Louise One Percent Realty VI 250-735-5758

vissia

2 Locations to serve Merry Christmas andyou a Healthy and Happy NewService Year We provide Fast & Friendly

medicine shoppe

WeMONDAY do medication reviews & Blister Packs OPEN TO FRIDAY • FREE RX Deliveries within City Limits MONDAY TO FRIDAY • FREE RX Deliveries

2 Locations to Serve You: 4833 3949 Maple Way Southgate 250-723-7270 Thank you for making our success possible Wishing you a Happy Holiday and Successful New Year Drop by and see our new expanded offices!

4855 Johnston Road • 250-724-9745

250-723-4940

4833 Southgate 3949 250-723-4940 Maple Way

B10 www.albernivalleynews.com

Walk-ins Welcome

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

First Place - Grade 9 to Grade 12

Sylvia O’Brien

Grade 9 Ucluelet Secondary School

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

A Christmas Chill

CLip 21

As Olivia closed her bedroom curtains she looked out at the snowman she had built. It looked like it was smiling. Her eyes widened when she realized that the snowman was actually smiling. She quickly grabbed her robe and ran downstairs.

Olivia pulled the door open and the cold air bit her, it sent chills up her spine. She stepped out into the wintry night and closed the door behind her.

She looked for the spot where the snowman was built, but it wasn’t there. The snowman had started to glide across the snow into the forest. Olivia quickly scrambled after it, calling out after it “Mr. Snowman, please wait for me!”

Snowflakes started to slowly fall from the night sky that was illuminated by the stars. Olivia wished she had a winter jacket, she was shivering violently. Her legs got heavier and heavier with every step.

The snowman would sometimes stop to wave her on, but he kept her at a distance. She felt no warmth left in her body; her legs wouldn’t allow her to move anymore. She soon collapsed into the snow; she gazed up at the snowflakes that dared to fall from the sky. Olivia’s eyes were half laden; they were getting too heavy for her to keep open. Olivia was scared that if she closed them; she would never open them again.

Slowly the winter wonderland that she once saw disappeared.

Olivia’s eye pried open, thinking it was all a dream. But what she saw, told her wrong. Her house stood in front of her coverd in a fluffy blanket of snow. She stood in the place where the snowman once occupied. She looked up into her window and the curtain started to open. There she stood looking down at herself.

She felt no warmth, just coldness.

Styling for the whole family

4311 10th Avenue 250-723-HAIR (4247)

Wisteria

SeaSon’S GreetinGS Best Wishes for a flooringChristmas! depot wonderful

CLOTHES CLOSET PORT ALBERNI • COURTENAY • CAMPBELL RIVER

Ph: 250-724-5677 • flooringdepot@telus.net • 2936 3rd Ave.

Merry Christmas to all!

A special thanks to my clients this holiday season.

Robes House coats Pajama pants Jims Flannel and Cotton pajamas

global Gift Cards

Mitch Gardner 250-723-4970 www.mgardner.ca email: mgardner@globalsec.com

Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund

Authentic Sheepskin Slippers

Sorel slippers

4716 Johnston Road Port Alberni

250-723-5231

Alberni Valley News - Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

www.albernivalleynews.com B11

Second Place - Grade 9 to Grade 12

Paws and d Claws woulld like to thank everyone for theirr business and wish everyone e a healthy happy New Year and very Merry Christmas

Ben Connell

Grade 9 CHOICES

The Green Circle As Olivia closed her bedroom curtains, she looked out at the snowman she had built. It looked like he was smiling.

“That’s odd”, Olivia thought as she rubbed her eyes and opened her curtains to peek outside again.

This time, the snowman’s smile just looked like the three sticks she had carefully placed there that afternoon.

The moon sparkled on the snowman’s pebbled eyes, the smooth pebbles that she had looked so hard for.

“I must be overtired,” she thought as she turned to the bathroom to brush her teeth. In the bathroom mirror, Olivia noticed that she had forgotten to close the bedroom curtains. The moon was bright and she could clearly see the snowman. She grinned at him.

“You are one of the best snowmen I have ever made”, she said. “You seem almost real.” Olivia took one last admiring look and then closed her eyes and splashed her face with water. She reached blindly for a towel to pat her face dry. Then she opened her eyes and glanced in the mirror once more. The snowman was gone.

Olivia rushed to the window. To her surprise, the snowman was still there.

“Well where did you think it had gone, she asked herself. Did you think it just got up and walked away?”

Olivia shook her head at her own foolishness and started to close her curtains again.

“The grass sure looks pretty next to the white of the snow,” she thought to herself as the curtains closed and then she paused. “Why is there grass with no snow on it?”

She carefully peeked between her curtains at the perfectly round circle of grass next to the snowman. Her glance moved up, meeting the snowman’s dark and pebbled eyes. He winked.

paws & claws

106-3550 Johnston Rd. • 250-736-1515

Have a Constructive Holiday!

Merry Christmas & a Healthy & Happy New Year

windsor

from Trends Design Team

Trends Everyone here is wishing you a most joyful and magical season. Thanks!

Andrea Anderson Photography

Windsor Plywood, Port Alberni

4663 Margaret St

778-421-HAIR (4247)

Concept Salon

4740 Tebo Avenue, 250-724-5751

Check us out on:

B12 www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 - Alberni Valley News

Happy Holidays from your local McDonald’s® located at 310 West Island Hwy, Parksville, BC.

our warm way of saying

THANKS

BUY 7 HOT McCAFÉ® BEVERAGES AND GET A MEDIUM FREE* Just peel the McCafé Rewards Card off of your first cup.

Then collect the stickers from your 7 hot beverages!

Valid at participating McDonald’s restaurants in Canada. See details in-restaurant and at McDonald’s.ca ®

©2013 McDonald’s

FREE muffin with the purchase of ® * any size hot McCafé beverage Purchase any size Espresso, Double Espresso, Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, Mocha, Premium Roast Brewed Coffee and Deluxe Hot Chocolate and receive a FREE muffin. * Product availability varies by restaurant.

PLEASE ADVISE CREW MEMBER OF COUPON PRIOR TO ORDERING. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER, PER VISIT. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. NO CASH VALUE. Valid only at the McDonald’s® located at 310 West Island Hwy, Parksville, BC., until January 31st, 2014. ©2013 McDonald’s. †®TM/ Trade-mark of PepsiCo Canada ULC Used under license.